Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839–C, as Reported by Willard Richards
Source Note
JS, Discourse, [, Lee Co., Iowa Territory, or , Hancock Co., IL], [between ca. 26 June and ca. 4 Aug. 1839]. Featured version copied [between 13 Jan. 1840 and 20 Apr. 1841] in Willard Richards, “W. Richards Pocket Companion Written in England,” pp. 75–79; handwriting of ; Willard Richards, Journals and Papers, CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Discourse, between ca. 26 June and ca. 4 Aug. 1839–A, as Reported by Willard Richards.
Historical Introduction
In summer 1839, likely between late June and early August, JS delivered a discourse on John, chapter 14. Between 1840 and 1841, copied an account of the discourse into his “Pocket Companion” notebook. Richards did not ascribe this discourse to JS, but the majority of the entries in the pocket notebook are JS revelations and discourses that Richards copied without including attribution. At the time JS delivered the discourse to members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Quorums of the , Richards was proselytizing in . After the apostles and seventies began arriving in England in December 1839 to proselytize, Richards likely copied one of their accounts of the discourse. He copied this discourse after two other undated discourses in his “Pocket Companion” notebook, likely between January 1840 and April 1841.
The discourse expounds upon the roles of the two Comforters and the steps necessary to gain salvation and eternal life. ’s copy captures key points in JS’s discourse rather than the full text, and the wording of some portions of the account suggests that JS asked questions and then provided answers for the audience. The topics in the discourse are similar to those in a discourse that JS gave in late June or early July 1839 and that recorded. It is unclear whether JS discussed these topics in multiple discourses or whether the Richards and Woodruff accounts are of the same discourse.
rather Better than common. It is the privilege of the sons of God to inherit the same Mansion &c. When any person receives a vision of Heaven, he Sees things that he never thought of before. if we should tell of different glories as Paul did. in my fathers house are many Mansions. every man that receives the Gospel receives that inheritance that the Apostles did. Every one that hath seen me hath Seen the Father. He that believeth, any person that believs the works that I do shall he do also & greater works. The Father could not be glorified in the Son on any other principle than we coming to God. asking. receiving. heavens open visions &c.— they are done away because of unbelief— I will pray the Father & he shall send you another Comforter. There is one Comforter & another Comforter to abide with you forever, reach to things within the vail. know that you are . If you get it, it will stand [p. 76]