Revelation, , Ontario Co., NY, to , [Apr.] 1830. Featured version, titled “20th Commandment AD 1830,” copied [ca. Mar. 1831] in Revelation Book 1, pp. 29–30; handwriting of ; CHL. Includes redactions. For more complete source information, see the source note for Revelation Book 1.
Historical Introduction
JS dictated this revelation for his brother shortly after the formal organization of the on 6 April 1830. It was one of five revelations that came after Samuel Smith, , , , and showed an eagerness to learn their respective responsibilities as members of the newly founded church. In May 1829, Samuel was the third believer to be , and he later held and examined the and testified of their existence.
Behold I speak a few words unto you for thou also art under no condemnation & thy calling is to Exhortation to strengthen the & thou art not <as> yet called to prea[c]h before the world Amen [p. 30]
Compare Revelation, May 1829–A [D&C 11:15]. By the end of June 1830, however, Samuel Smith took copies of the Book of Mormon and set out on a preaching mission after he “had been set apart by Joseph.” (Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1845, 169–172.)