Visit of the Prophet to Ramus.
Tuesday, 16.—At eleven o'clock, with George Miller, William Clayton, Eliza and Lydia Partridge and J. M. Smith, I started for Carthage, where we tarried about half-an-hour conversing with different individuals, when we started for Ramus; arrived about half-past three, p.m., and stayed at William G. Perkins for the evening; then went to Benjamin F. Johnson's with William Clayton to sleep. Before retiring, I gave Brother and Sister Johnson some instructions on the priesthood; and putting my hand on the knee of William Clayton, I said:
Remarks of the Prophet at Ramus—Lives that are Hid with God in Christ—Importance of the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant.
Your life is hid with Christ in God, and so are many others. Nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent you from inheriting eternal life for you are sealed up by the power of the Priesthood unto eternal life, having taken the step necessary for that purpose.
Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. But those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood, or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgment in the flesh, and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of Satan until the day of the Lord Jesus.
The way I know in whom to confide—God tells me in whom I may place confidence.
In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood, [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage;] and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom: he cannot have an increase.[B]
[Footnote B: The last paragraph is found in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 131: 1-4.]
The Twelve met in the office to see Mr. Brown, but he did not appear; and they voted that John E. Page be requested to repair immediately to Cincinnati and preach till they arrive.
Wednesday, 17.—Partook of breakfast at Brother Perkins'; after which we took a pleasure ride through Fountain Green.
At ten a.m. preached from 2nd Peter, 1st chapter and showed that knowledge is power; and the man who has the most knowledge has the greatest power.
Items of Doctrine by the Prophet.
Salvation means a man's being placed beyond the power of all his enemies.
The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up into eternal life by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the holy priesthood. It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.[C]
[Footnote C: This paragraph is also included in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 131: 5,6.]
Paul saw the third heavens, and I more. Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles.
In the afternoon attended council, and afterwards rode with Benjamin F. Johnson's family.
In the evening went to hear a Methodist preacher lecture. After he got through, offered some corrections as follows: