Revelation, , Susquehanna Co., PA, to , Apr. 1829. Featured version, titled “Chapter VIII,” typeset [between 1 Nov. and 31 Dec. 1832] for Book of Commandments, 20–21. copied this revelation [ca. Mar. 1831] into Revelation Book 1, but the page on which the final portion of the revelation was copied was removed at some point from that volume and is no longer extant. The version found in the Book of Commandments and featured below is the earliest complete, extant version. For more complete source information, see the source note for the Book of Commandments.
Earlier in April 1829, JS had dictated one revelation granting the gift to ancient records and another instructing him to rely on the as he translated. When Cowdery attempted to translate, however, he was unsuccessful. The revelation featured here explained Cowdery’s failure and promised that he would translate at another time. Likely dictated in the second half of April, this revelation informed Cowdery that he “could have translated” if he had proceeded correctly. He had apparently begun well but did not continue in the same manner, having “not understood” the process: “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought, save it was to ask me.” While suspending for the present Cowdery’s gift to translate, the revelation underscored his ongoing current responsibility: “Behold the work which you are called to do, is to write for my servant Joseph.”
The previous revelations promising that Cowdery could translate had stated that he would be able to assist in bringing to light “parts of my scriptures which have been hidden,” “records which contain much of my gospel,” and “the engraveings of old Records,” but did not specify the Book of Mormon in particular. (Revelation, Apr. 1829–A [D&C 6:26–27]; Revelation, Apr. 1829–B [D&C 8:1].)
no thought, save it was to ask me; but behold I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you: therefore, you shall feel that it is right; but if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought, that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong: therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred, save it be given you from me.
4 Now if you had known this, you could have : nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now. Behold it was expedient when you commenced, but you feared and the time is past, that it is not expedient now: for, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? and neither of you have I condemned.
5 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation. Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day: Amen. [p. 21]