During the month of March the Prophet prepared for publication his translation of the Book of Abraham, which he commenced to translate while residing at Kirtland. Due to the persecutions and drivings of the Saints this matter could not be attended to before this time, but the manuscript had been carefully preserved, and was now published for the benefit of the Church and all the world. This work together with the Book of Moses, has since been received among the standard works of the Church.

The Wentworth Letter

At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, the Prophet prepared an article for publication giving a brief history of the Church. This history was published in the Times and Seasons, March 1, 1842. Mr. Wentworth stated that he wished to furnish the information to a Mr. Bastow who was writing a history of New Hampshire. This article is one of the earliest documents giving a consecutive account of the history of the Church. It is concise and comprehensive, yet covers only a few pages. The most important feature in this paper is the publication therein, for the first time, of the Articles of Faith. These articles, thirteen in number, were given by inspiration, and form a simple, comprehensive declaration of many doctrines of the Church, which have since been accepted by the vote of the Church as a standard epitome of belief. They are as follows:

“We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

“We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

“We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

“We believe that these ordinances are 1st: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2nd: Repentance; 3rd: Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th: Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“We believe that a man must be called of God by ‘prophecy and by the laying on of hands’ by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

“We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, etc.

“We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelations, visions, healing, interpretations of tongues, etc.

“We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.

“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, ‘We believe all things, we hope all things,’ we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

Organization of the Relief Society

March 17, 1842, “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Emma Smith was chosen president with Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland, as counselors. The purpose of the society is to furnish the sisters of the Church an organization through which they could actively foster the welfare of the members. The duty of the society was stated to be to aid the poor, nurse the sick and afflicted, and in a general way, under the direction and guidance of the bishop, to engage in true charitable work in behalf of all whose necessities require assistance. This was the first organization of women in the world, so far as history records. It is in keeping with the genius of the Gospel, for the Lord provides duties and labors for all the members of the Church, both men and women, wherein service may be rendered for the temporal as well as the spiritual salvation of mankind.

Inauguration of Endowments

In the revelation of January 19, 1841, the Lord promised to reveal to Joseph Smith all things pertaining to the temple and the Priesthood thereof, which revelation and knowledge were necessary before the temple was erected. Wednesday, May 4, 1842, the Prophet met with his brother, Patriarch Hyrum Smith, President Brigham Young, Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, James Adams of Springfield, Bishops Newel K. Whitney and George Miller, and instructed them in the principles and orders of the Priesthood that belong to the temple of the Lord. He made known to them the doctrines of washings and anointings and communications spoken of in the revelation. In this council, which was held in the upper room over his store, Joseph Smith also instructed these brethren in “all those plans and principles by which any one is enabled to secure the fulness of those blessings which have been prepared for the Church of the First Born.” These same blessings, the Prophet stated, would in due time be given in the temple to all the Saints who were worthy to receive them. This was the introduction of the temple ceremonies in their fulness in this dispensation, as they apply to the living and to the dead. From time to time after this, these instructions (Documentary History of the Church, vol. 5:1–2) were repeated and the other members of the council of the twelve and their wives, and a few others, received their endowments under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he was commanded to make these things known. The members of the Church at large, however, were required to wait until such time as these ordinances could be performed in the temple, the place designated by the Lord for such instructions and ordinance work to be given.

Notes

[1.] The evidence of the divine power accompanying the dedication of the land of Palestine is seen in the wonderful changes which have come over that land in recent years, and also in the changed attitude of the Jews, in relation to their return and also their belief in Jesus Christ. Nephi prophesied as follows regarding the restoration of the Jews: “And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered also shall begin to believe in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall also become a delightsome people” (2 Nephi 30:7). The Savior also referred to this in his instruction to the Nephites: “And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my people; and I have covenanted with them that I would gather them together in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the land of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the Father. And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fulness of my gospel shall be preached unto them: and they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name.” (3 Nephi 20:29–30).