Discourse, 27 February 1835–A, as Reported by Oliver Cowdery
Source Note
JS, Discourse, , Geauga Co., OH, 27 Feb. 1835. Featured version copied [not before 25 Feb. 1836] in Minute Book 1, pp. 86–88; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.
and glorious manifestations which have been made to us, with that degree of power and authority, we otherwise could, if we now had these things to publish abroad. Since the are now chosen, I wish to tell them a course <which> they may pursue, and be benefitted hereafter, in a point of light of which they are not now aware. If they will, on every time they assemble, appoint a person to preside <over> of over them during the meeting and one or more to keep a record of their proceedings, and on the decision of every question or item, let it be what it may, let such decision be noted down, such decision will forever remain upon record, and appear an item of covenant or doctrine. An item thus decided may appear at the time of little or no worth, but should it be published, and one of you lay hands on it after you will find of infinite worth, not only to your brethren, but it will be a feast to your own souls.
Here is another important item. If you assemble from time to time, and proceed to discuss important questions, and pass decisions upon the same, and fail to note them down, by & by you will be driven to straits, from which, you will not be able to extricate yourselves. because you may be in a situation not to bring your faith to bear with sufficient perfection or power to obtain the desired information, or perhaps, for neglecting to write these things, when God revealed them, not esteeming them of sufficient worth the spirit may withdraw and God may be angry, and here is or was a vast knowledge of infinite importance, which is now lost. What was the cause of this? It came in consequence of Slothfulness, or a neglect to appoint a man to occupy a few moments in writing all these decisions. Here let me prophesy. The time will come, when, if you neglect to do this thing, you will fall by the hands of unrighteous men. Were you to be brought before the authorities, and, be accused of any crime or Misdemeanor, and be as innocent as [p. 87]