RLDS Verse Context

7w This is the end of the vision which we saw, which we were commanded to write while we were yet in the Spirit.

8a But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpasses all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion, which he commanded us we should not write, while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter,

8b neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him and purify themselves before him; to whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves;

8c that through the power and manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory. And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Intro: SECTION 77 Revelation addressed to the high priests, given through Joseph Smith, Jr., at Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, March 1832. It is concerned with the establishment of a storehouse and the care of the poor, both in the Kirtland area and in Zion. The unusual names found in this and other revelations were probably used to hide the identity of the men and places mentioned from the enemies of the church. Identifications are suggested as follows: "City of Enoch" City of Joseph "Ahashdah" Newel K. Whitney "Gazelam" or "Enoch" Joseph Smith "Pelagoram" Sidney Rigdon

1a The Lord spake unto Enoch, saying, Hearken unto me saith the Lord your God, who are ordained unto the high priesthood of my church, who have assembled yourselves together,

1b and listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you, from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words of wisdom, that salvation may be unto you in that thing which you have presented before me, saith the Lord God;

1c for verily I say unto you, The time has come, and is now at hand; and, behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion, or in other words, the city of Enoch,

1d for a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to advance the cause which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven, that you may be equal in the bands of heavenly things;

1e yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things;

1f for if ye are not equal in earthly things, ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things;