Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 37-40

 

Section 37

Background Information 

As noted on in the heading for this section, this revelation was given on December 1830. Prior to this revelation, JS received a revelation in September 1830 (section 29:8) that all members of the Church of Christ (as it was called at that time) should gather into "one place." Section 29:9 further declared that a "City" would be located "among the Lamanites." A month after receiving this revelation, JS sent missionaries (those stated in section 30 -- OC, Peter Whitmer Jr, Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson) to search out the location for the New Jerusalem, which was understood to be the future gathering place. The missionaries were also to preach to the Lamanites. 

In late 1830, Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge visited JS in New York, where opposition against the church was "intensifying." Rigdon stayed with JS, becoming his scribe and close confidant. Rigdon and Partridge had hoped to convince JS that he ought to visit the newly converted saints in Kirtland. But by December 1830, they got more the the wished for as the Lord, in revelation, commanding all of the saints in New York to move to "the Ohio." At that time, Ohio was a territory, not a state, and thus was referred to as “the Ohio,” the “Ohio Reserve,” or the “Western Reserve.

Through the  winter and spring, the New York saints made their way to Kirtland in small parties. By June 1831 the bulk of the New York converts had moved, many of them having sold their property in New York at a loss, to join the saints in Kirtland.

In addition to commanding the saints to move, this revelation also directs JS and SR to temporarily stop their revisions of the Bible so they could preach and strengthen the church. 

Section 

1 Behold, I say unto you that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to the Ohio, and this because of the enemy and for your sakes.  2 And again, I say unto you that ye shall not go until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and have strengthened up the church whithersoever it is found, and more especially in Colesville; for, behold, they pray unto me in much faith [the faith of the saints in Colesville caused the Lord to instruct JS and SR to halt translation of the inspired Bible].  3 And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio ["the Ohio" because Ohio was a territory at this time], against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.  4 Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come [although the Saints were commanded to move, they had the choice of whether to heed the command or not]. Even so. Amen.

Section 38

Background Information 

This revelation was given at a quarterly conference in Fayette, New York. JS briefly described the conference: 

The year 1831 opened with a prospect great and glorious for the welfare of the kingdom; for on the 2nd of January, 1831, a conference was held in the town of Fayette, New York, at which the ordinary business of the Church was transacted; and in addition, the following revelation was received -- (HC, 1:140)

In section 38, the Lord provided reasons for why He commanded the Saints to move west. This is because the Lord's command in section 37 was upsetting and hard for some of the saints, and when they assembled for the quarterly conference in January many of them challenged JS about section 37. The command for the saints to move would require them to make many sacrifices. Many saints sold their land and homes at a loss. While JS sat and listening to the inquiries from the saints regarding the Lord's command, he dictated section 38. SR, serving as scribe, recorded the revelation. 

Although there are no official minutes of this conference, John Whitmer was in attendance and recorded his following observations: 

The time had now come for the general conference to be held. Which was the first of January 1831 and according to this appointment the saints assembled themselves together. After transacting the necessary business, Joseph the Seer addressed the congregation and exhorted them to stand fast, looking forward considering the end [i.e., the object or goal] of their salvation. The solemnities of eternity rested on the congregation, and having previously received a revelation to go to the Ohio [section 37], they desired to know somewhat more concerning the matter. Therefore, the Seer inquired of the Lord in the presence of the whole congregation, and thus came the word of the Lord saying: [D&C 38].

After the Lord had manifested the above words, through Joseph the Seer, there were some divisions among the congregations, some would not receive the above as the word of the Lord: but that Joseph had invented it himself to deceive the people that in the end he might get gain. Now this was because, their hearts were not right in the sight of the Lord, for they wanted to serve God and man; but our Savior has declared that it was impossible to do so.

The conference was now closed, and the Lord had manifested his will to his people. Therefore they made preparations to journey to the Ohio, with their wives, and children and all that they possessed, to obey the commandment of the Lord (Whitmer, Early Latter-Day Saint History, 32-34; see also Woodford, “Historical Development,” 1:491).

In addition to this background, it's also helpful to keep in the mind that, prior to receiving this revelation, JS has spent the previous months dictating revelation from the book of Enoch (Moses 6:26-through Moses 7). The book of Enoch concerns Enoch's establishment of Zion. As a reminder, section 37, which commanded the saints to move to the Ohio, dealt also with the establishment of Zion, as the saints were commanded to leave their homes to establish prepare to establish Zion for their day. 

Thus, as one commentator noted, when JS received section 38 his mind was "saturated with the thoughts and expressions contained in the book of Enoch." And section 38 evinces this. "For example, the word “eternity” is found for the first time in the Doctrine and Covenants and it is mentioned nine times in section 38. Other examples include “Zion of Enoch” in verse 4 (Moses 7), “chains of darkness” in verse 5 (Moses 7:57), “wo, wo, wo” in verse 6 (Moses 7:25), and “veil of darkness” in verse 8 (Moses 7:61). Also the beginnings of the concept of the law of consecration emerge, as was practiced in the City of Enoch."

Section 

1 Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I Am, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made; 2 The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes; 3 I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me. 4 I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them [those who believed in the Lord's name]. 5 But behold, the residue of the wicked have I kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day, which shall come at the end of the earth;  6 And even so will I cause the wicked to be kept, that will not hear my voice but harden their hearts, and wo, wo, wo, is their doom.

• Verse 1: The Seraphic Hosts of Heaven 
• The word seraphim שְׂרָפִים is the plural of the word שָׂרָף saraph, which means burning or fiery serpent. The word ‘Seraphim’ is the name given to the beings singing to Lord as king in Isaiah 6:2-3 and carrying out the act of purification in vv 6-7.
• 1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.  3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
• Notice that the seraphim cover themselves to protect themselves from the Lord's consuming glory. 
• Notable is that the text of Deuteronomy has Moses describing God as a "consuming fire." (see Deut. 4:24)
• JS also explained: 
• "God Almighty Himself dwells in eternal fire; flesh and blood cannot go there, for all corruption is devoured by the fire. 'Our God is a consuming fire.' When our flesh is quickened by the Spirit, there will be no blood in this tabernacle. Some dwell in higher glory than others...[a]ll men who are immortal dwell in everlasting burnings" (TPJS, 367)
• "I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son" (Blessing Given to JS, January 23, 1833 at the School of Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio) 
• When reading this descriptions of heaven and its hosts, it's not clear whether they are to be taken literally or figuratively. We often find that the scriptures use fire to depict the presence of God. But this could be an imagery to convey the power and intensity of coming into God's presence. For instance, in Exodus, Moses sees a burning bush, but that fire did not consume it, suggesting that fire is more figurative than literal -- after all, literal fire would have burned the bush. It's also possible that God is surrounded by some type of energy, and the ancients used fire to convey that idea. In fact, this is something the Bible does -- it uses real world imagery to convey spiritual concepts -- e..g, the depth of hell is like the depths of the seas. 
•  In any case, the imagery of fire is instructive. Whether or not God dwells in actual/literal fire (or fire-esque surroundings) is not important as understanding the significance of fire in connection with God's presence. Throughout the scriptures fire represents purification. 
• Numbers 31:21 -- Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.
• 1 Peter 1: 7 -- That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...
• Revelation 3:18 -- I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
• Thus when the scriptures describe God being surrounded by fire (everlasting burnings), what could be happening with these descriptions is the writer's attempt to approximate the experience of being in God's presence. God is so great and glorious that standing before Him is akin to standing in the fire. To be near him, means that we must go through the fire of purification.  

7 But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me; 8 But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day [referring to the end times].  9 Wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared. Behold, the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome.  10 Verily I say unto you, ye are clean [according to the Leviticus, being clean is not the same as being purified], but not all; and there is none else with whom I am well pleased [why is the Lord not pleased with anyone else besides some of the members of the church? Verse 11 provides the answer]; 11 For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men [the Lord is not pleased because "flesh is corrupted" (unable to abide the Lord's presence) and the earth is covered in darkness (due to widespread sin and iniquity)], in the presence of all the hosts of heaven— 12 Which [corruption and sin] causeth silence to reign,  and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined.

• Verse 12: All Eternity is Pained
• It's possible that JS' translation Moses 6-7 was fodder for this statement. 
• “And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?” “And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?” (Moses 7:28-29)
• What these passages from Enoch reveal is that heaven is pained by sin. This a truth that JS recovered. These passages show that despite God's glory and exalted status, He is not immune for suffering feeling pain. God is intimately concerned with the well-being of all his creation. As Daniel C. Peterson remarked, "God is love...therefore, God must be thought of as emotionally passable. In fact, not only as passable, but as the most passable. God's love is more perfect than any love we could imagine. Therefore, God must feel pain and joy for his children."

13 And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not; [part of the reason the people are commanded to move out of Fayette is because evil men are conspiring to kill them -- see verse 28] 14 But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of you are guilty before me [likely referring to the saints who have complained against the Lord's command to move], but I will be merciful unto your weakness. 15 Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours [Lord provides encouragement to the doubting and struggling saints who don't want to move]. 16 And for your salvation [the commandment to move is for the saint's salvation] I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons.

17 And I have made the earth rich, and behold it is my footstool, wherefore, again I will stand upon it. 18 And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; [although the Saints will give up their property at this time, greater blessings await them in Zion] 19 And I will give it [the land flowing with "milk and honey" -- i.e., Zion] unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts.  20 And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away.

• Verse 20:  Shall Be My Covenant
• The covenant the Lord had made with the saints is a conditional one: if the saints move and seek for Zion with all their hearts, then the Lord will give it to them and to their posterity. 
• But how do we reconcile this with the fact that the saints did not receive Zion? The answer is simple: although the saints were privileged to establish Zion, they failed to do so because of their disobedience. In other words, they did not seek after Zion with all their hearts, as for many, their hearts were set upon the things of the world. 
• Having failed the condition required for the covenant, the Lord was not bound to honor His side of the covenant. 
• We'll learn more about the saints failure in later sections 

21 But, verily I say unto you that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you. 22 Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand? [true freedom comes from following the Lord] 23 But, verily I say unto you, teach one another according to the office wherewith I have appointed you; 24 And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me. 25 And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself. 26 For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there—and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just? 27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine [establishing Zion requires that we are one -- thus it requires us to put in the labor to love all of humanity and for humanity to be united].

28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.  29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land [in other words, the wars that you hear in distant countries will also come upon the United States due to the evil hearts of men]. 30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. 31 And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless [Lord is drawing from the ritual imagery and rites in Leviticus -- the offering was to be spotless and blameless. Likewise as we are the offering, we are to be spotless and blameless in order that Zion is established]— 32 Wherefore, for this cause [to protect you] I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high (see also verse 38); 33 And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.

• Verse 30: Lest the Wickedness of Men...
• The Lord is warning the destruction that will fall upon the United States due to their evil hears of men (part of this likely refers to the Civil War). In verse 30, He states that because the saints prayed (seemingly to know about these occurrences) the Lord revealed these to them. However, the implication of the remainder of the verse is that if the saints did not pray for this understanding, they would have learned about it by experiencing it. In other words, the acts of wicked men would've "revealed" the hearts of men to the saints. In short, the Lord can teach us about what it is to come or we can learn about the hard way -- by experiencing it without prior preparation. 
• In verse 32, the Lord then explains that because what men will do to each others, He has called to saints to gather 
• Verse 32: Endowed With Power on High 
• Before the Saints could establish Zion, they had to be united and also have to be endowed with power from on high. This endowment does not refer to the temple endowment that we have today. Instead, this endowment was reserved for those whom the Lord would send out to gather Israel through missionary work. In order to do the work they were called to do, they had to endowed with power from heaven. 
• When JS arrived the Kirtland with the Saints many of his correspondences and journal entries show how anxious and concerned he was about preparing the some of the saints to receive their "endowment from on high." To reach this end, JS established a School of Prophets so that they might be better instructed in the principles of godliness. 
• This endowment (distinct from our current temple endowment) took place on January 21, 1836 in the "west school room of the temple." The following are excerpts from what transpired (source is History of the Church, Vol.2, pp. 379,): 
• The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long since slept, and marvelled as that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set His hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.
• Many of my brethren who received the ordinance with me saw glorious visions also. Angels ministered unto them as well as to myself, and the power of the Highest rested upon us, the house was filled with the glory of God, and we shouted Hosanna to God and the Lamb. My scribe also received his anointing with us, and saw, in a vision, the armies of heaven protecting the Saints in their return to Zion, and many things which I saw. 
• We then invited the High Councilors of Kirtland and Zion into our room, and President Hyrum Smith anointed the head of the President of the Councilors in Kirtland, and President David Whitmer the head of the President of the Councilors of Zion. The President of each quorum then anointed the heads of his colleagues, each in his turn, beginning at the oldest.
• The visions of heaven were opened to them also. Some of them saw the face of the Savior, and others were ministered unto by holy angels, and the spirit of prophecy and revelation was poured out in mighty power; and loud hosannas, and glory to God in the highest, saluted the heavens, for we all communed with the heavenly host. And I saw in my vision all of the Presidency in the celestial kingdom of God, and many others that were present. Our meeting was opened by singing, and prayer was offered up by the head of each quorum; and closed by singing, and invoking the benediction of heaven, with uplifted hands. Retired between one and two o'clock in the morning. 

34 And now, I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of the church; 35 And they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the place which I have commanded them; 36 And this shall be their work, to govern the affairs of the property of this church. 37 And they that have farms that cannot be sold, let them be left or rented as seemeth them good. 38 See that all things are preserved; and when men are endowed with power from on high and sent forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the church. 39 And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.

40 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. 41 And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. 42 And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.

Section 39

Background Information 

JS received this revelation in Fayette, New York, for James Covill (surname was actually Covel, but it is spelled Covill in the majority of the church’s documents and materials), a Protestant minister. JS received this revelation three days after the quarterly conference. When John Whitmer originally recorded this revelation, he wrote that Covel “covenanted with the Lord that he would obey any commandment that the Lord would give through his servent (sic) Joseph.”

In this revelation, Covill was called to be baptized into the Lord's church and preach the gospel. As being a minister, accepting this call and command would require him to sacrifice his employment as a minister, requiring him to leave the ministry of which we have been involved for 40 years. Unfortunately, unlike Sidney Rigdon, Covill rejected the Lord's call and forfeited his future blessings. 

Section 

1 Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I Am, even Jesus Christ— 2 The light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not; 3 The same which came in the meridian of time unto mine own, and mine own received me not; [many at the time of the Lord's ministry did not receive the Lord (accept His gospel) because His teachings challenged and contradicted their established traditions] 4 But to as many as received me [by accepting His gospel, which gospel is accepted through the baptism of fire (see verse 6)], gave I power to become my sons; and even so will I give unto as many as will receive me, power to become my sons.  5 And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me. 

• Verse 5: Receiveth Not Me 
• To receive the Lord is simple: accept the gospel by repenting and being born again. Those who have not been born again have not received the Lord.  

6 And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which [Holy Ghost/Comforter] showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. 7 And now, behold, I say unto you, my servant James [James Covill], I have looked upon thy works and I know thee. 8 And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now right before me at this time; and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head; 9 Nevertheless, thou hast seen great sorrow, for [because] thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and the cares of the world [Covill added to his sufferings because of his pride and fixation upon the things of the world. Notwithstanding Covill's rejection of the Lord, the Lord was still willing to receive and bless him]. 10 But, behold, the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee: Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name, and you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known [is the reception of the Spirit the great blessing? Or is the Lord referring to something else -- missionary work perhaps?]. 11 And if thou do this [be baptize and call upon the Lord's name], I have prepared thee for a greater work [the greater work = preaching of the gospel]. Thou shalt preach the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth in these last days, the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel.

12 And it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee; thou shalt have great faith, and I will be with thee and go before thy face. 13 Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish. 14 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou art not called to go into the eastern countries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio. 15 And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves at the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from thence men shall go forth into all nations.

• Verse 14: Go to The Ohio
• Not only would Covill be required to give up his ministry, but he would have to give up his associations. This was the sacrifice the Lord required Covill to make. It was the sacrifice that the Lord required of Him. It was how he could make a sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit. 
• The price for receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost is the sacrifice of something. We don't choose the sacrifice; the Lord does. The purpose of the sacrifice is to remove the thing that is keeping us from the Lord, and thus preventing us from being fully imbued with the Spirit. Until we make that sacrifice, we'll forfeit the greater blessings. 
• As we learn from this section, Covill's weakness was his pride and his interest in the things of the world. The Lord's call for him to give up his ministry and association, which was the cause of his pride, was likely designed to cause him to give up the very sources of his pride. This is how sacrifice works. 
• Is it possible that Abraham, who finally received a son after many years, placed too much of his attention on his son instead of God? And doing so was this very thing kept Abraham from experiencing God more? And thus the command to sacrifice his son was the Lord's way of testing his loyalty? 

16 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the people in Ohio call upon me in much faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations, but I cannot deny my word. 17 Wherefore lay to with your might and call faithful laborers into my vineyard, that it may be pruned for the last time. 18 And inasmuch as they [the nations] do repent and receive the fulness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in judgment. 19 Wherefore, go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand; crying: Hosanna! blessed be the name of the Most High God. 20 Go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face for the time of my coming; 21 For the time is at hand; the day or the hour no man knoweth; but it surely shall come. 22 And he that receiveth these things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered unto me in time and in eternity. 23 And again, it shall come to pass that on as many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming, and shall know me. 24 Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

Section 40 

Background Information 

By January 6, 1831, the day after receiving section 39, JS and SR received this revelation explaining why James Covill did not obey the word. 

Section 

1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covel was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word. 2 And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word. 3 Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen.

• Verse 2: Satan Tempted Him 
• Satan temptation of Covill wasn't that he do anything bad, per se. Instead, he tempted Covill by causing him to fear the possibility of persecution and to get him to focus on the cares of the world. Likewise, Satan's temptation does not deal with getting us to do something bad -- like view pornography, commit adultery, steal, or kill. He can also tempt us by causing us to forgo a higher responsibility and commitment. This means that temptations can be more subtle than we realize. Hence why we are to watch and pray always, as doing so connects us with the Spirit, which will guide us away from temptation.