Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 18 and 19

Section 18

Background Information 

Chronologically speaking, this revelation comes before section 15. It was given in the early days of June. And while some of the revelation is addressed specifically to OC, the revelation as whole is directed to OC, DW, and MH, calling them to find 12 disciples. 

Section

1 Now, behold, because of the thing which you, my servant Oliver Cowdery, have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words: 2 Behold, I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written [referring to the Book of Mormon] are true; wherefore you know that they are true. 3 And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written [Book of Mormon]; 4 For in them [Book of Mormon] are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock [OC is commanded to rely upon the truths concerning the building up of the Church of Christ as they are written in the Book of Mormon]. 5 Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you [in turn, the study of the Book of Mormon, will give us power over Satan].

• Foundation of my Church: It was important for the Lord that the Church be founded upon correct principles, unique to the restoration, and not gathered from other sources. In turn, OC produced a document called the "Articles of the Church of Christ" to serve as guidance for organizing the church. This church would have priests, teachers, and elders. 

6 Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel. 7 Wherefore, as thou hast been baptized by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., according to that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled the thing which I commanded him. 8 And now, marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me; wherefore, if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments he shall be blessed unto eternal life; and his name is Joseph.

9 [Lord now addresses the three witnesses] And now, Oliver Cowdery, I speak unto you, and also unto David Whitmer, by the way of commandment; for, behold, I command all men everywhere to repent, and I speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with that same calling with which he was called. 10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; 11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. 13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! 14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father [joy comes from having people repent]! 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! 17 Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.

• Joy Comes From Calling People to Repentance: The account of the Sons of Mosiah shows the joy that comes from having people repent. As Ammon proclaims:
• 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. 36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land. 37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen. (Alma 26) 

18 Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men [the Holy Ghost teaches us what is necessary for us to learn, teaching us step-by-step as quick as we're able to bear]. 19 And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing. 20 Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil. 21 Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness. 22 And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.

23 Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved; 24 Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day; 25 Wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father.

• To take up the Lord's name is to take upon His essence. 
• In ancient times, names were thought to contain the essence of the person. When a man received his name, he was considered complete. Moreover, the Old Testament associates the presence of the God by his name. Notably, ancient kings received new names at the time of their coronation. For instance, the pharaohs of Egypt received five "great names". Similarly, Sumerian, Hittite, and Iranian kings each received new names at the time of their coronation. In 2 Kings 23, the pharaoh, who appoints a vassal king to replace the Judahite king Jehoahaz, changes the vassal's name from Eliakim to Jehoiakim.
• Likewise, the Nephites, in order to remember Nephi, called their subsequent kings by the name of Nephi (the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name. And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings... (see Jacob 1:11))
• While Christ is the Savior of the world, we are expected to be mini-saviors, using our works to move the work of God along. The primary we do this is by calling people to repentance by the sharing of the principles they need to repent. By doing "what Jesus would do" we become like Him and thus "take upon His name." 
• The Lectures on Faith (lecture 7) summarizes the whole matter perfectly. Speaking of what is expected of followers of Jesus, it states: "The works that Jesus done they were to do, and greater works than those which he done among them should they do." 

26 And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew; 27 Yea, even twelve; and the Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart. 28 And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature. 29 And they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according to that which is written; 30 And you have that which is written before you; wherefore, you must perform it according to the words which are written.

31 And now I speak unto you, the Twelve—Behold, my grace is sufficient for you; you must walk uprightly before me and sin not. 32 And, behold, you [the three witnesses] are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men; 33 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. 34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man; 35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; 36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

37 And now, behold, I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken; 38 And by their desires and their works you shall know them. 39 And when you have found them you shall show these things unto them. 40 And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name. 41 And you must preach unto the world, saying: You must repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ; 42 For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who have arrived at the years of accountability.

• In February 1825, when the twelve apostles were called, OC stated in the meeting, "our mind have been on a constant stretch to find who these Twelve were." The calling of the twelve occurred about 7 months after the events of Zion's Camp. Those who were called to the twelve were: 
  • “1. Lyman E. Johnson
  • “2. Brigham Young
  • “3. Heber C. Kimball
  • “4. Orson Hyde
  • “5. David W. Patten
  • “6. Luke S. Johnson
  • “7. William E. M’Lellin
  • “8. John F. Boynton
  • “9. Orson Pratt
  • “10. William Smith
  • “11. Thomas B. Marsh
  • “12. Parley P. Pratt”

43 And now, after that you have received this [referring to section 18 revelation], you must keep my commandments in all things; 44 And by your [OC and DW] hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance, and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father. 45 Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you are above all things. 46 And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father. 47 Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it. Amen.

Section 19 

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to Martin Harris, who prior, pleaded with JS for the Lord to give him a commandments concerning whether he should mortgage his farm to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon. 

In June 1829, before what is now section 19 was given, JS and MH had arranged for E.B. Grandin to print the Book of Mormon. MH had negotied with Grandin about the price, but Gradnin would not begin printing until MH issued a promissory note, promising to "insure the payment for the printing." Gradin's price for printing 5,000 copies was $3,000, which required MH to mortgage his farm to pay for the cost. This was a huge ask for MH and he struggled with the decision. Joseph Knight recorded in his diary the discussion between MH and JS, nothing MH's worry about his property and the success of the Book of Mormon. In his words, Knight records: 

“In the Spring of 1830 I went with my Team and took Joseph out to Manchester to his Father. When we was on our way he told me that there must be a Church formed But did not tell when. Now when we got near to his fathers we saw a man some Eighty Rods Before us run acros the street with a Bundle in his hand. ‘There,’ says Joseph, ‘there is Martin going a Cros the road with some thing in his hand.’ Says I, ‘how Could you know him so far? Says he, ‘I Believe it is him,’ and when we Came up it was Martin with a Bunch of morman Books. He Came to us and after Compliments he says, ‘The Books will not sell for no Body wants them.’ Joseph says, ‘I think they will sell well.’ Says he, ‘I want a Commandment.’ ‘Why,’ says Joseph, ‘fullfill what you have got.’ ‘But,’ says he, ‘I must have a Commandment.’ Joseph put him off. But he insisted three or four times he must have a Commandment.

“We went home to his fathers and Martin with us. Martin stayed at his Fathers and slept in a Bed on the flor with me. Martin awoke me in the nite and asked me if I felt any thing on the Bed. I told him no. Says I, ‘Did you?’ ‘Yes, I felt some thing as Big as a grat Dog Sprang upon my Brest.’ Says I, ‘Was you not mistekened.’ ‘No,’ says he. ‘It was so.’ I Sprang up and felt, But I Could see nor feal nothing. In the morning he got up and said he must have a Commandment to Joseph and went home. And along in the after part of the Day Joseph and Oliver Received a Commandmant which is in Book of Covenants Page 174 [D&C 19]”

What follows is the Lord's command to MH regarding his mortgaging of his farm. 

Section

1 I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world. 2 I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me—having done this [the atonement] that I might subdue all things unto myself— 3 Retaining all power , even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment [there's something about the atonement that allows Christ to subdue everything, which in turn gives him power to destroy Satan and his works at the end of the world, for more study, see Mosiah 15: 7-9], which [referring to judgment at the end of the world] I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done [we are not judged based on our loyalty to the a religious institution, but the words we perform on this earth].

• Interesting that the Lord begins the revelation to MH in this manner. It seems that the Lord is bearing his bona fides to MH for the purpose of proving that He is reliable. 

4 And surely every man must repent or suffer [we have two options on this earth -- repent or suffer], for I, God, am endless. 5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass [at the end of the world], but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand [the hand of justice/judgment]. 6 Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment.

• In reiterating His commandment to MH to mortgage his farm, the Lord offers greater context as to the significance of keeping His commandments. Those who disobey the Lord must suffer as God suffered. MH appears to be facing that possibility. This is especially true given that he had seen the plates and an angel, but was not obeying the Lord. Nevertheless, the Lord explain that the suffering is not endless. 

7 Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory. 8 Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery [the meaning of eternal damnation], for it is meet [proper] unto you to know even as mine apostles. 9 I speak unto you [seems to refer to other besides MH] that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest. 10 For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore— 11 Eternal punishment is God’s punishment. 12 Endless punishment is God’s punishment.

• Through JS (as seer and revelator), we learn a mystery about God's punishment that has been lost. Here, God explains that punishment (or hell) does not last forever. To reach this conclusion, we must read the terms "eternal" and "endless" not as nouns, but as proper nouns, that is "eternal" and "endless" are names for God. In other words, Eternal punishment is "Eternal's punishment". Endless punishment is "Endless' punishment." What this ultimately means is that punishment is God's punishment and that the punishment of the sinner will last long enough until the person has changed. 
• To better understand what this looks like, consider what James E. Talmage has said about this subject: 
• During this hundred years many other great truths not known before, have been declared to the people, and one of the greatest is that to hell there is an exit as well as an entrance. Hell is no place to which a vindictive judge sends prisoners to suffer and to be punished principally for his glory; but it is a place prepared for the teaching, the disciplining of those who failed to learn here upon the earth what they should have learned. True, we read of everlasting punishment, unending suffering, eternal damnation. That is a direful expression; but in his mercy the Lord has made plain what those words mean. “Eternal punishment,” he says, is God’s punishment, for he is eternal; and that condition or state or possibility will ever exist for the sinner who deserves and really needs such condemnation; but this does not mean that the individual sufferer or sinner is to be eternally and everlastingly made to endure and suffer. No man will be kept in hell longer than is necessary to bring him to a fitness for something better. When he reaches that stage the prison doors will open and there will be rejoicing among the hosts who welcome him into a better state. The Lord has not abated in the least what he has said in earlier dispensations concerning the operation of his law and his gospel, but he has made clear unto us his goodness and mercy through it all, for it is his glory and his work to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man. -- Elder James E. Talmage, Conference Report, April 1930, 97
• This concept aligns with Peter's statement about where Christ went after his resurrection:
• 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (1 Peter 3) 
• Christ visited those who were disobedient in Noah's day to relieve them of their punishment by teaching them the gospel, so they would have a chance to repent and thereby reduce their suffering. 
• Ultimately, what this revelation reveals is that God's punishment is restorative, not vindictive. God does not punish people because he is mad. People are punished because they violated the laws of justice and thus must receive of its consequences. But once the person repents, the punishment ceases. God's intent is to teach people His ways -- we are the only ones standing in His way. 
• But why the use of additional names? God explain the reason in verse 7. God uses these terms as a way to "work upon the hearts of the children of men." I interpret this to mean that God uses these terms (endless and eternal) as a tactic to wake sinners up to the reality of what awaits them if they don't repent. It's a scare tactic of sorts, which is often what's required to "stir" people unto repentance. 

13 Wherefore, I command you [MH] to repent, and keep the commandments which you have received [to mortgage his farm] by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., in my name; 14 And it is by my almighty power that you [MH] have received them; 15 Therefore I command you [MH] to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not [MH can either suffering through is sacrifice or suffer through his punishment, which suffering is worse than he could imagine].

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; 17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; 18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— 19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father [Christ suffered in order to glorify God], and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

20 Wherefore, I command [again, this is the second time in this revelation where the Lord has commanded MH to repent, thereby emphasizing the severity of MH's transgression] you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit [MH's delay in mortgaging his farm resulted in him losing the Spirit, which caused him suffering]. 21 And I command you that you preach naught but repentance, and show not these things [referring to section 19] unto the world until it is wisdom in me. 22 For they [the world] cannot bear meat [deeper doctrines] now, but milk they must receive [the simpler stuff]; wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish. 23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. 24 I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.

25 And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife; nor seek thy neighbor’s life. 26 And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God— 27 Which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel, and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come. 28 And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private. 

• Coveting: It appears that MH's transgression was due to his valuing His property over the Lord. But lest we view MH harshly, we should ask if we are like MH? Are there things that we value of God? 
• The sad fact of the matter is that MH's mortgaging of his farm was a sacrifice. Although MH relented and mortgaged his farm, the Book of Mormon, as a result of a boycott in Palmyra, did not sell enough copies for him to make up the difference. As a result, he lost the farm and his family, as his wife left with his children, and "never again returned to live with Martin Harris." Therefore, as we read this accounts, we should do so with humility and perspective. MH gave up everything. Are we willing to do the same? 
• Often when we read the scriptures, we like to see ourselves as the righteous figures, instead of the wicked ones. But we'd learn more about ourselves if we read ourselves as the villain, instead of the hero. 

29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see. 30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers. 31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost. 32 Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.

33 And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels [command to mortgage his farm], yea, even the destruction of thyself and property [seems that either MH can give up his property freely or the Lord will take it from him]. 34 Impart a portion of thy property, yea, even part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family. 35 Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage. 36 Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see thy family; 37 And speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying—Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!

38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof [the Lord's assures MH that he has more to receive through he Spirit, than through earthly treasures]. 39 Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness? 40 Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide? 41 Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen.