| 527 On November 25, 1834, a revelation was given to W. A. Cowdery. 3
There is, in the December number of the Messenger and Advocate, a letter from Joseph Smith which is valuable for two points, at least; namely: It explains what is meant, in the early part of his history, by his reference to many vices and follies of which he was guilty; and second, that he had not claimed to be more than a man subject to error and dependent upon the grace of God. 4
final end to all evil reports and censurings which have sprung out of anything that I have said or done.
I wish still further to state for the better relief of my own feelings which you must be sensible are deeply wounded, in consequence of what has happened that I know for myself because I have received testimony from the heavens that the work of the Lord brought forth by means of the Book of Mormon in our day through the instrumentality of Bro. Joseph Smith Jr. is eternal truth and must stand though the heavens and the earth pass away.
Please give publicity to the above and oblige a lover of righteousness and truth.
Yours in the testimony of Jesus,
Sylvester Smith.
To O. Cowdery, Kirtland October 28 1834.
-Messenger and Advocate, vol. 1 pp. 10, 11.
3 1. It is my will that my Servant, Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church in the land of Freedom and the regions round about and should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn the people not only in his own place, but in the adjoining countries, and devote his whole time in this high and holy calling which I now give unto him seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness and all things necessary shall be added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.
2. And again verily I say unto you The coming of the Lord draweth nigh and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night; therefore gird up your loins that you may be the children of the light and that day shall not overtake you as s thief.
3. And again, verily I say unto you, There was joy in heaven when my servant Warren, bowed to my scepter and separated himself from the crafts of men; therefore blessed is my servant Warren for I will have mercy on him and notwithstanding the vanity of his heart I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me; and I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continues to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen.
4 Brother O. Cowdery:-Having learned from the first number of the Messenger and Advocate that you were, not only about to give a history of the rise and progress of the Church of the Latter Day Saints; but that said history would necessarily embrace my life and character I have been induced to give you the time and place of my birth; as I have learned that many of the opposers of those principles which I have held
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