The Lord Says Joseph Smith Will Fall Unless He Learns to Be Obedient
Doctrine and Covenants 3:9–11
9 Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
10 But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work;
11 Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said:
“I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded me to declare unto this generation, remembering that the eyes of my Maker are upon me, and that to Him I am accountable for every word I say.”
(Letter to N. C. Saxton, Esq., Kirtland, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1833, in “Letterbook 1,” page 18, josephsmithpapers.org; also in History of the Church, 1:315.)
