Discourse, 29 July 1838

  • Source Note
  • Historical Introduction
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Brother Joseph Smith then preached, and took his text in 1 Tessalonians, 5:15 to 23d verse. He preached on prophecy, and said that the Spirit of God had appeared to him, with wonderful light and mystery—in such a manner that we would not believe him, were he to tell us what he had seen; and that he could not say what God did these things for. “But,” said he, “I cannot help it. I know that all the world is threatening my life; but I regard it not, for I am willing to die at any time when God calls for me. I have been beaten, abused, stoned, persecuted, and have had to escape by day and by night. I have been sued at law, and have always proved myself innocent. I have had twenty-one law-suits. I am of age; and care not how long I live. Not my will be done, but thine, O Lord!” [p. 27]
Brother Joseph Smith then preached, and took his text in 1 Tessalonians, 5:15 to 23d verse. He preached on prophecy, and said that the Spirit of God had appeared to him, with wonderful light and mystery—in such a manner that we would not believe him, were he to tell us what he had seen; and that he could not say what God did these things for. “But,” said he, “I cannot help it. I know that all the world is threatening my life; but I regard it not, for I am willing to die at any time when God calls for me. I have been beaten, abused, stoned, persecuted, and have had to escape by day and by night. I have been sued at law, and have always proved myself innocent. I have had twenty-one law-suits. I am of age; and care not how long I live. Not my will be done, but thine, O Lord!” [p. 27]
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