Revelation Dates: March – April, 1832

Revelation Places: Hiram Ohio and Jackson County, Missouri

Section 81 - Historical Background: This revelation was given originally to a relatively unknown person named Jesse Gause, to be a counsellor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood. However, Gause was unfaithful so he was replaced by Fredrick G. Williams. This Presidency was a forerunner to the “First Presidency” which was formally organized a year later, on March 18, 1833. When these revelations were published in 1835, section 81 was changed to omit the name of Jesse Gause and replace it with Frederick G. Williams. This section is more relevant to the calling of counsellor to the Prophet, his duties and the designation of priesthood keys to the First Presidency, than it is to an individual at the time the revelation was given; hence the name change to Gause’s replacement, Frederick G. Williams.

• Recap: Frederick G. Williams to be called as a High Priest and counsellor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, which Presidency shares the keys to the kingdom. Pray always, proclaim the gospel, promote Jesus Christ, be faithful, strengthen the weak.

Section 82 - Historical Background: The mobs were so troublesome, that Joseph and Sidney left Hiram Ohio and travelled to Independence, Missouri where Joseph was joyfully welcomed by the saints in Zion. On April 26, 1832, Joseph held a church conference where he was sustained as the President of the High Priesthood. During the conference, Joseph received this revelation.

• Recap: The congregation is commanded to repent, for where much is given much is required. The Lord explains that the people ask for revelations and receive them, but then trample on their new knowledge. The Lord is bound to bless them when they are obedient, but when they are disobedient they have no promise. Zion must strengthen and enlarge her stakes. Every family leader is to be given a stewardship to improve the welfare of family and church. The Law of Consecration is a permanent and everlasting law of God. Make friends with your enemies and let God be their judge.

Section 83 - Historical Background: After closing church conference in Independence, Joseph went to visit the settlement of the Colesville saints. They rejoiced with Joseph and expressed great love and support. Returning to Independence, Joseph received this revelation dealing with the responsibility in the church over women, children and the poor.

• Recap: All faithful women of the church have claim on their husband to provide for their needs. If the woman becomes unfaithful, she will not be included in the congregation, but she will still have legal rights to her stewardship. All children have claim upon their parents until they are of age. The bishop’s storehouse will provide for the needs of widows, orphans and the poor.

Revelation Dates: March, 1832

Revelation Places: Hiram, Ohio

Section 77 - Historical Background: As Joseph Smith resumed revising the Bible, he came to the book of Revelation. Rather than translating or revising the revelation of John, Joseph was only allowed to inquire specific questions from the revelation.

• Recap: Some of the symbols used by John are explained:
  • Sea of glass: The sanctified Earth
  • The four beasts: Figurative expressions of happiness in heaven by all creatures created by God in their paradisical glory.
  • Are the beasts individuals or classes: They are Individual beasts, in their glory and enjoyment.
  • The eyes and wings of beasts: The remarkable powers in the next life of light, knowledge and capacity to move throughout the heavens.
  • 24 Elders: Faithful ministers during John’s time, who are now in paradise.
  • Sealed book: A history of God’s work during earth’s 7,000 year history.
  • 7 seals: Each seal contains a 1,000 year history of each period.
  • 4 angels: Powerful angels sent by God to each quarter of the earth.
  • Angel from the east: An angel to preside over the 4 angels over the earth.
  • Timing: All to be accomplished by the end of the 6th seal (around 2000 AD)
  • 144,000: Virtuous high priests under the direction of the 4 angels to preach the gospel throughout the nations without threat of death.
  • Trumpet sounding: Happens when the seventh seal is opened, ushering in the return of Christ and the beginning of the millennium.
  • Timing of Revelation, chapter 9: After opening the 7th seal, just prior to Christ’s coming.
  • Little book: John’s mission to gather the tribes of Israel.
  • 2 Witnesses: 2 prophets, who will hold off Gog and Magog from destroying Jerusalem just prior to the return of Christ the Messiah.

Section 78 - Historical Background: Having already received the Law of Consecration in February, 1831, the saints had yet to properly establish storehouses for the poor. This was especially needed now that many new converts were pouring into the kingdom, many of whom were poor. Joseph was troubled over this and received this revelation.

• Recap: There must be organized storehouses among the saints for the poor. The Lord had referred to this need many times in prior revelations. Newel K Whitney, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are to covenant with each other to form a council in order to establish these affairs.

Section 79 - Historical Background: This revelation was given at the Johnson home in Hiram, Ohio. Jared Carter had been a successful missionary who was again called and sent back on another mission, promising him many converts.

• Recap: Jared Carter is called on another mission, again to the eastern states. The comforter will inspire him and guide him to gather many converts.

Section 80 - Historical Background: Revelation was given at the Johnson home at the request of Stephen Burnett.

• Recap: Stephen Burnett is called on a mission, and is to go with Eden Smith as a companion. Their mission destination is to go anywhere they desire, for they cannot go amiss.

Many Americans today often fail to realize the supreme importance which the Founding Fathers originally attached to the role of religion in the structure of the unique civilization which they hoped would emerge as the first free people in modern times.

This speech uses extensive references to a booklet written by Dr. W. Cleon Skousen with the same title as the speech, Secret to America's Strength. It will be very helpful to the listener to refer to the booklet and follow along with Dr. Skousen.

To obtain a free copy of the booklet, either submit a request by email to: wcleonskousenlibrary@gmail.com or visit the Skousen online bookstore at www.skousen2000.com or follow this URL: W. CLEON SKOUSEN LIBRARY – skousen2000

Once online, type the word "Secret" in the search box and select the free download option.