I answered as follows:
KIRTLAND, November 16, 1835.
Brother Harvey Whitlock—I have received your letter of the 28th of September, 1835, and I have read it twice, and it gave me sensations that are better imagined than described, let it suffice that I say that the very flood gates of my heart were broken up—I could not refrain from weeping. I thank God that it has entered into your heart to try to return to the Lord, and to this people, if it so be that He will have mercy upon you. I have inquired of the Lord concerning your case; these words came to me:
Revelation to Harvey Whitlock.
"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—Let him who was my servant Harvey, return unto me, and unto the bosom of my Church, and forsake all the sins wherewith he has offended against me, and pursue from henceforth a virtuous and upright life, and remain under the direction of those whom I have appointed to be pillars and heads of my Church. And behold, saith the Lord your God, his sins shall be blotted out from under heaven, and shall be forgotten from among men, and shall not come up in mine ears, nor be recorded as a memorial against him, but I will lift him up, as out of deep mire, and he shall be exalted upon the high places, and shall be counted worthy to stand among princes, and shall yet be made a polished shaft in my quiver for bringing down the strongholds of wickedness among those who set themselves up on high, that they may take counsel against me, and against my anointed ones in the last days. Therefore, let him prepare himself speedily and come unto you, even to Kirtland. And inasmuch as he shall hearken unto all your counsel from henceforth, he shall be restored unto his former state, and shall be saved unto the uttermost, even as the Lord your God liveth. Amen."
Thus you see, my dear brother, the willingness of our heavenly Father to forgive sins, and restore to favor all those who are willing to humble themselves before Him, and confess their sins, and forsake them, and return to Him with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy, to serve Him to the end.
Marvel not that the Lord has condescended to speak from the heavens, and give you instructions whereby you may learn your duty. He has heard your prayers and witnessed your humility, and holds forth the hand of paternal affection for your return; the angels rejoice over you, while the Saints are willing to receive you again into fellowship.
I hope, on the receipt of this, you will lose no time in coming to Kirtland, for if you get here in season, you will have the privilege of attending the school of the Prophets, which has already commenced, and also receive instructions in doctrine and principle, from those whom God has appointed, whereby you may be qualified to go forth, and declare the true doctrines of the Kingdom, according to the mind and will of God; and when you come to Kirtland, it will be explained to you why God has condescended to give you a revelation according to your request.
Please give my respects to your family, and be assured I am yours in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant,
Joseph Smith, Jun.
Council Concerning Brethren Going to Missouri.
In the course of the day, Father Beaman, Elder Strong, and others, called to counsel with me. In the evening a council was called at my house to counsel with Alva Beaman on the subject of his moving to Missouri. I had previously told him that the Lord had said that he had better go to Missouri next spring; however, he wished a council called. The council met, and President David Whitmer arose and said, the Spirit manifested to him that it was Brother Beaman's duty to go. Others bore the same testimony.
The Word of the Lord as to Mr. Holmes' Baptism.
The same night, I received the word of the Lord on Mr. Holmes' case. He had desired that I would inquire at the hand of the Lord, whether it was his duty to be baptized here, or wait until he returned home. The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Mr. Holmes had better not be baptized here; that he had better not return by water; also that there were three men seeking his destruction; he must beware of his enemies.
Tuesday 17.—Exhibited the alphabet of the ancient records, to Mr. Holmes, and some others. Went with him to Frederick G. Williams', to see the mummies. We then took the parting hand, and he started for home, being strong in the faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and determined to obey its requirements. I returned home and spent the day in dictating and comparing letters. A fine, pleasant day, although cool.
This evening, at early candle light, I preached at the schoolhouse.
Wednesday, 18.—At home in the forenoon, until about eleven o'clock. I then went to Preserved Harris', to preach his father's funeral sermon, by the request of his family. I preached on the subject of the resurrection. The congregation were very attentive. My wife, my mother, and my scribe, accompanied me to the funeral. Pleasant outing, but cool and cloudy on our return.
Minutes of a Council Meeting at New Portage.
This day a Council of High Priests and Elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints, was held at New Portage, to hear the complaint of Sister Clarissa Matthews, against Elder Reuben Keeler, for prosecuting in a court of law, and taking her property on execution, (notwithstanding he had received his pay, or the most part of it) and refusing to allow her for what she had paid to him; also forfeiting his word, as he had frequently stated to her that he would not take her property in such a manner; and also for oppressing her family in an unchristian-like manner.
Elder Keeler pleaded not guilty, but the Council decided that he was guilty of the first and last charges; and gave judgment accordingly; with which Elder Keeler refused to comply, and said he would appeal to the High Council at Kirtland.
Ambrose Palmer, Presiding Elder.
Joseph B. Bosworth, Clerk.