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The Doctrine and Covenants (1922 RLDS)/Section 116

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Book of Doctrine and Covenants (1922)
by Joseph Smith, Jr., Joseph Smith III and Frederick M. Smith
Section 116
4630094Book of Doctrine and Covenants — Section 1161922Joseph Smith, Jr., Joseph Smith III and Frederick M. Smith

SECTION 116.

Revelation given May 4, 1865.

1. Hearken! Ye elders of my church, I am he who hath called you friends. Concerning the matter you have asked of me: Lo! It is my will that my gospel shall be preached to all nations in every land, and that men of every tongue shall minister before me: Therefore it is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of every race who receive the teachings of my law, and become heirs according to the promise.

2. Be ye very careful, for many elders have been ordained unto me, and are come under my condemnation, by reason of neglecting to lift up their voices in my cause, and for such there is tribulation and anguish: haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words their works are burned, not being profitable unto me.

3. Loosen ye one another's hands and uphold one another, that ye who are of the quorum of the twelve, may all labor in the vineyard, for upon you rests much responsibility; and if ye labor diligently the time is soon when others shall be added to your number till the quorum be full, even twelve.

4. Be not hasty in ordaining men of the negro race to offices in my church, for verily I say unto you, All are not acceptable unto me as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have spoken it.