John Smith Diary[1]

Sabath 9 Joseph & Hyrum [2] commenced delivering a course of lectures to the Church in Iowa upon the first Principles of the gospel. [3] More particularly the Ressurrection from the dead & eternal Judgement also the Doom of Murderers & Adulterers &c. [4]

—9 August 1840

Notes

[1] The following report is here published for the first time.

[2] Hyrum Smith (1800-44). The Prophet's elder brother Hyrum was baptized in 1830 and was appointed Church Patriarch and Assistant President of the Church in 1841.

[3] The first principles of the Gospel are defined as faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. As demonstrated in this discourse, the Prophet Joseph said it is necessary that the doctrines of resurrection and eternal judgment be preached as part of the first principles (Hebrews 6:1-2; see also 27 June 1839, note 5).

[4] While this is the first explicit reference to the Prophet's teaching the doctrine of eternal judgment regarding murderers and adulterers, no text is provided. Undoubtedly, he taught on this occasion what he taught the Saints in Nauvoo on 16 May 1841 (see Times and Seasons report in this volume). See also 27 June 1839, note 5.