The Lord’s Counsel to Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr.
Doctrine and Covenants 23:4–7
4 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. Amen.
5 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever. Amen.
6 Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.
7 And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer. Amen.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:
“To Samuel Smith the Lord said it was his duty also to strengthen the Church, although he was not yet called to preach before the world. It will be recalled that Samuel was the third person baptized in this dispensation. He was one of the first to be ordained to the office of elder, and it was not long after this revelation when he was sent forth to teach, which he did with marked success, far beyond his own realization.
“To Joseph Smith Sr., who was so faithful and devoted to his son in the commencement of this marvelous work, the Lord said: He was not under any condemnation, and he also was called to exhort, and to strengthen the Church, and this was his duty from henceforth and forever.
“To Joseph Knight [Sr.], the faithful servant who came to the aid of the Prophet many times in the hour of his need, the Lord said: ‘Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight [Sr.], by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.’ It is quite possible that Joseph Knight [Sr.], before he joined the Church, was not given to prayer to any great extent. He was a Universalist with very liberal views. This revelation was given before he had united himself with the Church. He was baptized at the time the enemies destroyed the dam in Colesville, following the first conference of the Church.”
(Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:121–22.)
