Dzhozef Smit considered himself first and foremost a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore his behavior often seemed unusual for the people of this world. Several revelations that came to Joseph Smith, especially in the 1829-31 years, have caused this behavior. It was a very important revelation. They concerned the creation and management of the kingdom of God, restored to earth. In the second half of 1831, Joseph called the conference to which the brethren of the priesthood assembled in the Dzhona Dzhonsona home in Hiram, Ohio. The Prophet Dzhozef Smit gave the audience a series of revelations and asked them to consider and approve for publication as the scriptures for Latter-day Saints, called “The Book of Commandments.” The participants were skeptical and asked the Prophet: “How do we know that this revelation from God? They are very similar to the language of Dzhozefa Smita. ”
This is a great opportunity for us to see now historically famous event that can help us understand what kind of person was Dzhozef Smit. He was not offended. He took it calmly. I think he was genuinely puzzled. He knew that these revelations from God. I have often wondered whether he thought ever why they sounded exactly as they sound. He did not defend himself. He did not condemn them for what they made questioning God’s Prophet. He simply asked them to approach to the problem, which he had used many times before. In fact, his answer to the question was simply “I do not know”, which was followed by the words: “Let us ask the Lord.” They knelt down with him, and he turned to God. The answer to this question was obtained by an effective, efficient, but the easiest way. They are not an angel appeared, they did not hear the voice. The Prophet simply said to his scribe: “Please record the following.” And then, slowly stretching the proposal enough to write it by hand, Joseph dictated a revelation as given to him by the Lord. This was part of a comprehensive response to the revelation of this as a warning and a hope for the whole earth – the revelation that became known as a preface to the Book of Commandments and today is the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Verses 24-27 are a direct response to the question that Joseph asked God: “Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness and in their language, that they may come to understand. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made manifest; and if they sought wisdom they might be instructed; and if they have sinned, you would be punished, that they might repent …. ”
One can imagine that such a reasonable and satisfactory answer had to solve any doubt. But this has not happened, at least not for everyone. We of William J. McLellan had more formal education than in all the rest. He was a very impressive man. And he kept asking Joseph. Again the prophet asked for help to God. He received a revelation that is a classic example of the principle stated by the Lord in the first revelation given that day His servant. The Lord wants to communicate with their children, so that they can understand and, if necessary, to change their behavior. The second revelation is also in the Doctrine and Covenants, and sounds very simple: “Your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., and his tongue is known to you, and you know its imperfections; and in their hearts you are looking for the knowledge that you might express in the language of surpassing his tongue; and you know it too. Now look in the Book of Commandments least one of them, and assign the wisest of you; and if there is someone among you that can give like that, then you will be justified, if you say that you do not know whether they are true. But if you can not make like it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not indicate that they are true. ”
William J. McLellan has been selected by the world’s standards, “the wisest” in the group, and his task was to write a revelation that would sound as well, and made the same contribution as the most simple revelation of Joseph Smith provided. Brother McLellan attempt was a complete failure, he could not write anything that sounded like a revelation. The next day, he humbly acknowledged it, apologized to the young prophet and offered his vote of support. Now, with the consent of the members of the priesthood, they quickly planned the publication of a new book of scripture.
Publication of books detained attacks by the riot of the crowd. By the time the work on it has been renewed, new revelations have been received, and it was decided that the name of the “Doctrine and Covenants” the best fit for this modern Scripture. The humility Dzhozefa Smita amazing. His submissive attitude is also reflected in a letter to members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which at that time served as a missionary in England:
“How pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. Let the Saints of the Most High always grow in this principle, and then the most wonderful blessings will come not only to him personally but to the whole Church. There are so many important things that we need to ask for advice, but I think you could do well to take a decision, as you are more familiar with a number of circumstances than I am. I’m sure in your unity and wisdom, so I’m sorry that I do not write all the details. If I see that something is wrong, I mail it a privilege to let you know and point out the evil.
Dear Brothers, you have been in some way to know how I feel when I think about this great work that is happening now, and of the role assigned to me, as long as this work extends to distant lands, and thousands are taking the gospel. I’m only in some measure understand my responsibility and the need to support and wisdom from above, so that I could teach these people, who have now become a great people, the principles of righteousness, and lead them to the will of heaven, so that they can become perfect and prepare to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, when He shall appear in great glory. Can I count on your prayers to our Heavenly Father for the sake of me and on all the prayers of my brothers and sisters in England (which I have not seen, but I love), so I can avoid all the tricks of Satan, to overcome all difficulties and lead the people to the blessings are in store for the righteous for? I leave the matter in your hands in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. ”
In conclusion, the Prophet said: “… Let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but annihilated, and let love to God and man predominate … I hope we all realize that we should not live for themselves, but for God, then the greatest blessing is given to us at the time and in eternity … Give my love to all the brothers and sisters and tell them that I would be happy to come to England to see them, but I’m afraid that I have to stay here for some time, so I invite you to come to me. Your loving, dear brothers and sisters,
Dzhozef Smit. ”
Because of Dzhozefa Smita uncomplaining person of the Holy Spirit was with him, and he enjoyed the blessings of this communication.
