Minutes of the Committee for Unity

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Storehouse Revelation received through Elder Peter P. Gould during a season of prayer seeking direction from the Lord - Feb. 13, 1999. Delivered in the sermon Feb 14, 1999 by direction of the Lord.

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Message as Delivered:

Taken from the missionary journal of Elder Peter P. Gould:

Feb. 13, 1999

"Instruction given to me in part during the Afternoon season of prayer. At the evening teaching service, I was instructed by the Spirit to write these things as follows:

"Behold, these counsels are of me and this wisdom is for your salvation, saith your Lord:

"You are of one faith, one hope, one baptism. You are of one church – but not one body, because of the divisions which have and will arise among my people; and this, because you have not obeyed my voice , saying: ye must be one in temporal things and I will make you one in spiritual things.

"Do you not know my sons, that without the consecration of all that you have, and are, and desire to be, you cannot obtain the fullness of my glory? And except ye consecrate all, even ALL, unto me, the land of Zion cannot be redeemed.

"You ask why the weakness and death and decay – both physical and spiritual – have entered into the body. You ask why the work does not progress. Is it not because you are weak? You receive into your bodies the recompense of your deeds. I have called you unto wisdom and strength – but my wisdom you have neglected to heed, and the recompense of sorrow and weakness both in mind and body you receive by pollution of your bodies with the meats of wickedness and death.

"Hear now, saith the Lord – If you would prosper it must be according to the counsel I have given.

"If you would have wisdom and strength to stand in the face of judgment and adversity – gird up your loins – even the loins of your minds. Put away the evil imaginations from your hearts and take hold of wisdom – even the Word of Wisdom which I have given. Keep my sabbaths also, and in doing these things you shall receive of the promise of the blessings of strength and wisdom and intelligence beyond the veil – yea, even the mysteries of the kingdom shall be made known unto you.

"I have warned and forewarned you of the perils of meats in the last days how that all tables would be full of vomits and pollutions of wickedness.

"If you would be one – appoint a storehouse in the land of Zion and my servant Randall Porrett shall be ordained as bishop and keeper thereof and ordained as a judge in the land of Zion. Let him take with him two counselors in whom is found the spirit of revelation with humility and meekness.

"And now I say, inasmuch as my servant Randall shall receive these things, he shall cleanse his house of all that offends my Spirit and devote his whole heart to the service of my people, and covenant before me to faithfully execute this office and calling, and to abide in wisdom according to my commands. And these things shall he do or he shall not be accepted by my people.

"Now I say unto you, my servant Randall: Behold, thou shalt receive the consecrations and offerings from among my scattered sheep – as many as will heed these things and consecrate all unto me with a covenant and deed – even as I commanded my servant Edward. And thus he shall be thy example in all things – for he was faithful, but my people rebelled.

"And now, I say unto you my servants – heed these things and take up the work where the first elders did begin – but my people in Zion did rebel, and thus they were driven off – because they were not worthy of an inheritance in Zion. And because charity was found lacking in them – behold the laborers in Zion did cease.

"Take heed to pray always that you may be delivered from temptation and adversity.

"Keep these sayings and the destroyer shall pass over the homes of the faithful – but if not, the desolation of thy houses shall be great.

"Learn the parable of the lilies, and so shall the laborers in Zion be restored and the things of this world be turned upside-down.

"Even so, Amen."

Message Chiastically Diagrammed:

Taken from the missionary journal of Elder Peter P. Gould:

Feb. 13, 1999

"Instruction given to me in part during the Afternoon season of prayer. At the evening teaching service, I was instructed by the Spirit to write these things as follows:

A-- Counsel Given for our "SALVATION":
"Behold, these counsels are of me and this wisdom is for your salvation, saith your Lord:"

B-- We are not "ONE" because we have not "CONSECRATED" all:
"You are of one faith, one hope, one baptism. You are of one church – but not one body, because of the divisions which have and will arise among my people; and this, because you have not obeyed my voice , saying: ye must be one in temporal things and I will make you one in spiritual things. Do you not know my sons, that without the consecration of all that you have, and are, and desire to be, you cannot obtain the fullness of my glory? And except ye consecrate all, even ALL, unto me, the land of Zion cannot be redeemed."

C-- He has called us to "WISDOM AND STRENGTH" but we do not follow the "WISDOM" given by the Lord:
"You ask why the weakness and death and decay – both physical and spiritual – have entered into the body. You ask why the work does not progress. Is it not because you are weak? You receive into your bodies the recompense of your deeds. I have called you unto wisdom and strength – but my wisdom you have neglected to heed, and the recompense of sorrow and weakness both in mind and body you receive by pollution of your bodies with the meats of wickedness and death."

Center -- Hear now, saith the Lord – If you would prosper it must be according to the counsel I have given.

C-- If we desire "WISDOM AND STENGTH" follow his counsel, the "WORD OF WISDOM":
"If you would have wisdom and strength to stand in the face of judgment and adversity – gird up your loins – even the loins of your minds. Put away the evil imaginations from your hearts and take hold of wisdom – even the Word of Wisdom which I have given. Keep my sabbaths also, and in doing these things you shall receive of the promise of the blessings of strength and wisdom and intelligence beyond the veil – yea, even the mysteries of the kingdom shall be made known unto you. I have warned and forewarned you of the perils of meats in the last days how that all tables would be full of vomits and pollutions of wickedness."

B--If we would be "ONE" appoint a bishop to receive our "CONSECRATIONS" [Note: this section is also internally chiastic]:
a-- Randall ordained as bishop: "If you would be one – appoint a storehouse in the land of Zion and my servant Randall Porrett shall be ordained as bishop and keeper thereof and ordained as a judge in the land of Zion. Let him take with him two counselors in whom is found the spirit of revelation with humility and meekness."

b-- What he must do to be acceptable: "And now I say, inasmuch as my servant Randall shall receive these things, he shall cleanse his house of all that offends my Spirit and devote his whole heart to the service of my people, and covenant before me to faithfully execute this office and calling, and to abide in wisdom according to my commands."

b-- Unless these thing he is not to be accepted: "And these things shall he do or he shall not be accepted by my people."

a-- Randall to recieve the consecrations: "Now I say unto you, my servant Randall: Behold, thou shalt receive the consecrations and offerings from among my scattered sheep – as many as will heed these things and consecrate all unto me with a covenant and deed – even as I commanded my servant Edward. And thus he shall be thy example in all things – for he was faithful, but my people rebelled."

A-- If We heed these things, we will be "DELIVERED" "DESTROYER SHALL PASS OVER" [Note: this section is also internally chiastic]:
a-- Why the Laborers in Zion ceased: "And now, I say unto you my servants – heed these things and take up the work where the first elders did begin – but my people in Zion did rebel, and thus they were driven off – because they were not worthy of an inheritance in Zion. And because charity was found lacking in them – behold the laborers in Zion did cease."

b-- Take heed and we will be delivered: "Take heed to pray always that you may be delivered from temptation and adversity."

b -- Keep these saying and the destroyer will pass over: "Keep these sayings and the destroyer shall pass over the homes of the faithful – but if not, the desolation of thy houses shall be great."

a-- How the Laborers in Zion will be restored: "Learn the parable of the lilies, and so shall the laborers in Zion be restored and the things of this world be turned upside-down. Even so, Amen."

Comments:

"Behold, these counsels are of me and this wisdom is for your salvation, saith your Lord:

"You are of one faith, one hope, one baptism. You are of one church – but not one body, because of the divisions which have and will arise among my people;

[3 Ne 5:29] And there shall be no disputations among you, as there hath hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there hath hitherto been; [3 Ne 5:30] For verily, verily I say unto you, He that hath the spirit of contention, is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger one with another; [3 Ne 5:31] Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away. [3 Ne 5:32] Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; [3 Ne 5:33] And I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me, and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me; [3 Ne 5:34] And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

and this, because you have not obeyed my voice , saying: ye must be one in temporal things and I will make you one in spiritual things.

[Sec 70:3a] Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed, or shall hereafter appoint unto any man. [Sec 70:3b] And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God; yea, neither the bishop, neither the agent, who keepeth the Lord's storehouse; neither he who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things; [Sec 70:3c] he who is appointed to administer spiritual things, the same is worthy of his hire, even as those who are appointed to a stewardship, to administer in temporal things; yea, even more abundantly, which abundance is multiplied unto them through the manifestations of the Spirit; [Sec 70:3d] nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld.

[Sec 77:1a] The Lord spake unto Enoch, saying, Hearken unto me saith the Lord your God, who are ordained unto the high priesthood of my church, who have assembled yourselves together, [Sec 77:1b] and listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you, from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words of wisdom, that salvation may be unto you in that thing which you have presented before me, saith the Lord God; [Sec 77:1c] for verily I say unto you, The time has come, and is now at hand; and, behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion, or in other words, the city of Enoch, [Sec 77:1d] for a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to advance the cause which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven, that you may be equal in the bands of heavenly things; [Sec 77:1e] yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things; [Sec 77:1f] for if ye are not equal in earthly things, ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; [Sec 77:1g] for if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.

[Sec 97:4a] And now I give unto you a word concerning Zion: Zion shall be redeemed, although she is chastened for a little season.

[Sec 45:12c] and with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, and it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the most high God; [Sec 45:12d] and the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it; and it shall be called Zion. [Sec 45:13a] And it shall come to pass, among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee unto Zion for safety. [Sec 45:13b] And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another. [Sec 45:13c] And it shall be said among the wicked, Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible, wherefore we can not stand.

[Sec 48:2a] It must needs be, that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase lands for an inheritance, even the city. [Sec 48:2b] The place is not yet to be revealed, but after your brethren come from the east, there are to be certain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed; [Sec 48:2c] and they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement, to lay the foundation of the city; [Sec 48:2d] and then ye shall begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and commandments, which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive. Even so. Amen.

[Sec 58:10] And let there be an agent appointed by the voice of the church, unto the church in Ohio, to receive moneys to purchase lands in Zion. [Sec 58:11a] And I give unto my servant Sidney Rigdon a commandment that he shall write a description of the land of Zion, and a statement of the will of God, as it shall be made known by the Spirit, unto him; [Sec 58:11b] and an epistle and subscription, to be presented unto all the churches, to obtain moneys, to be put into the hands of the bishop, to purchase lands for an inheritance for the children of God, of himself or the agent, as seemeth him good, or as he shall direct. [Sec 58:11c] For, behold, verily I say unto you, The Lord willeth that the disciples, and the children of men, should open their hearts even to purchase this whole region of country, as soon as time will permit. [Sec 58:11d] Behold, here is wisdom; let them do this lest they receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood.

[Sec 63:8c] wherefore, I, the Lord, willeth, that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger; [Sec 63:8d] for Satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood; wherefore the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase, or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you. [Sec 63:8e] And if by purchase, behold, you are blessed; and if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, and but few shall stand to receive an inheritance.

[Sec 98:9f] and in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandments which I have given concerning these things, which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands by money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my Saints; [Sec 98:9g] all the land which can be purchased in Jackson County, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand. [Sec 98:10a] Now, verily I say unto you, Let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, be not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you. [Sec 98:10b] And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion. [Sec 98:10c] There is even now already in store a sufficient, yea, even abundance to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to hearken to my voice.

[Sec 100:5b] and let all the churches send up wise men, with their moneys, and purchase lands even as I have commanded them; and inasmuch as mine enemies come against you to drive you from my goodly land, which I have consecrated to be the land of Zion;

[Sec 86:1a] Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation,

"Hear now, saith the Lord – If you would prosper it must be according to the counsel I have given.

"If you would have wisdom and strength to stand in the face of judgment and adversity – gird up your loins – even the loins of your minds. Put away the evil imaginations from your hearts and take hold of wisdom – even the Word of Wisdom which I have given. Keep my sabbaths also, and in doing these things you shall receive of the promise of the blessings of strength and wisdom and intelligence beyond the veil – yea, even the mysteries of the kingdom shall be made known unto you.

[Sec 86:1a] Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation, … [Sec 86:2a] And again, verily I say unto you, All wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man, every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof. All these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. [Sec 86:2b] Yea, flesh also, of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, hath ordained for the use of man, with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine… [Sec 86:3c] And all Saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel, and marrow to their bones, and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; [Sec 86:3d] and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint; and I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

[Sec 59:1a] Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments; for they that live shall inherit the earth, and they that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them, and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them; [Sec 59:1b] yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth; [Sec 59:1c] and it shall bring forth in its strength; and they shall also be crowned with blessings from above; yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time; they that are faithful and diligent before me. [Sec 59:2a] Wherefore I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him. [Sec 59:2b] Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself… [Sec 59:2f] And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; for verily this is a day appointed unto thee to rest from thy labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; [Sec 59:2g] nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days, and at all times; [Sec 59:2h] but remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations, and thy sacraments, unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord. [Sec 59:3a] And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart, that thy fasting may be perfect; or in other words, that thy joy may be full. [Sec 59:3b] Verily this is fasting and prayer; or, in other words, rejoicing and prayer. [Sec 59:4a] And inasmuch as ye do these things, with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts, and countenances; not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance; [Sec 59:4b] verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this the fullness of the earth is yours: the beasts of the fields, and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees, and walketh upon the earth; [Sec 59:4c] yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; [Sec 59:4d] yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye, and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body, and to enliven the soul. [Sec 59:5a] And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made, to be used with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion: [Sec 59:5b] and in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. [Sec 59:5c] Behold, this is according to the law and the prophets: wherefore trouble me no more concerning this matter, but learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness, shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. [Sec 59:5d] I, the Lord, have spoken it and the Spirit beareth record. Amen.

[Isa 58:13] If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; [Isa 58:14] Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

"I have warned and forewarned you of the perils of meats in the last days how that all tables would be full of vomits and pollutions of wickedness.

[Isa 28:7] But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. [Isa 28:8] For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.

"If you would be one – appoint a storehouse in the land of Zion

[Gen 7:23] And the Lord called his people, Zion, because they were of one heart and of one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there were no poor among them.

[Jer 32:37] Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely; [Jer 32:38] And they shall be my people, and I will be their God; [Jer 32:39] And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them;

[Ezek 11:17] Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. [Ezek 11:18] And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. [Ezek 11:19] And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh; [Ezek 11:20] That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. [Ezek 11:21] But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their destestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.

[Acts 2:44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [Acts 2:45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [Acts 2:46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, [Acts 2:47] Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

[Acts 4:32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. [Acts 4:33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and great grace was upon them all. [Acts 4:34] Neither was there any among them that lacked; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [Acts 4:35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

[Sec 45:12c] and with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, and it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the most high God; [Sec 45:12d] and the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it; and it shall be called Zion.

Book of Commandments Chapter 44:

26 If thou lovest me, thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments; and behold, thou shalt consecrate all thy properties, that which thou hast unto me, with a covenant and a deed which can not be broken; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church, and two of the elders, such as he shall appoint and set apart for that purpose. 27 And it shall come to pass, that the bishop of my church, after that he has received the properties of my church, that it can not be taken from the church, he shall appoint every man a steward over his own property, or that which he has received, inasmuch as is sufficient for himself and family: 28 And the residue shall be kept to administer to him who has not, that every man may receive according as he stands in need: 29 And the residue shall be kept in my storehouse to administer to the poor and needy, as shall be appointed by the elders of the church and the bishop; and for the purpose of purchasing lands, and the building up of the New Jerusalem, which is hereafter to be revealed, that my covenant people may be gathered in one, in the day that I shall come to my temple: 30 And this I do for the salvation of my people.

[3 Ne 4:55] And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto the people, and all the people did hear, and did witness of it saying, O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob; yea, who are of the house of Israel, O, ye people of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you. [3 Ne 4:56] And again, how oft would I have gathered you, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; [3 Ne 4:57] Yea, O ye people of the house of Israel; ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not. [3 Ne 4:58] O ye house of Israel, whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. [3 Ne 4:59] But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall become desolate, until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to your fathers.

and my servant Randall Porrett shall be ordained as bishop and keeper thereof and ordained as a judge in the land of Zion. Let him take with him two counselors in whom is found the spirit of revelation with humility and meekness.

[Sec 42:8c] and inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me, and it shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall or has appointed and set apart for that purpose.

Book of Commandments Chapter 44:

26 If thou lovest me, thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments; and behold, thou shalt consecrate all thy properties, that which thou hast unto me, with a covenant and a deed which can not be broken; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church, and two of the elders, such as he shall appoint and set apart for that purpose. 27 And it shall come to pass, that the bishop of my church, after that he has received the properties of my church, that it can not be taken from the church, he shall appoint every man a steward over his own property, or that which he has received, inasmuch as is sufficient for himself and family: 28 And the residue shall be kept to administer to him who has not, that every man may receive according as he stands in need:

[Sec 58:4a] And that the testimony might go forth from Zion; yea, from the mouth of the city of the heritage of God; yea, for this cause I have sent you hither, and have selected my servant Edward Partridge, and have appointed unto him his mission in this land; [Sec 58:4b] but if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall. [Sec 58:4c] Behold, his mission is given unto him, and it shall not be given again. [Sec 58:4d] And whoso standeth in this mission is appointed to be a judge in Israel, like as it was in ancient days, to divide the lands of the heritage of God unto his children, and to judge his people by the testimony of the just, and by the assistance of his counselors, according to the laws of the kingdom which are given by the prophets of God; [Sec 58:4e] for verily I say unto you, My law shall be kept on this land. [Sec 58:5a] Let no man think that he is ruler, but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will; or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.

[Sec 64:7b] and the rebellious shall be cut off out of the land of Zion, and shall be sent away, and shall not inherit the land; for, verily, I say that the rebellious are not of the blood of Ephraim, wherefore they shall be plucked out. [Sec 64:7c] Behold, I, the Lord, have made my church in these last days, like unto a judge sitting on a hill, or in a high place, to judge the nations; for it shall come to pass, that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion; [Sec 64:7d] and liars, and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. [Sec 64:8a] And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships, shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead; for, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her, and she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven. [Sec 64:8b] And the day shall come, when the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. Amen.

[Sec 104:32c] Nevertheless, a high priest, that is after the order of Melchisedec, may be set apart unto the ministering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth, and also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgressors, upon testimony, as it shall be laid before him, according to the laws, by the assistance of his counselors, whom he has chosen, or will choose among the elders of the church. [Sec 104:32d] This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of Aaron, but has been ordained to the high priesthood after the order of Melchisedec. [Sec 104:33a] Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart unto this ministry, [Sec 104:33b] until the borders of Zion are enlarged, and it becomes necessary to have other bishops, or judges in Zion, or elsewhere: [Sec 104:33c] and inasmuch as there are other bishops appointed they shall act in the same office.

[Sec 52:4b] And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations; [Sec 52:4c] wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me, if he obey mine ordinances. [Sec 52:4d] He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek, and edifieth, the same is of God, if he obey mine ordinances. [Sec 52:4e] And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. [Sec 52:5a] And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me; wherefore by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases, under the whole heavens.

[Sec 68:1a] My servant, Orson Hyde, was called by his ordinance to proclaim the everlasting gospel by the Spirit of the living God, from people to people and from land to land, in the congregations of the wicked, in their synagogues, reasoning with and expounding all Scriptures unto them. [Sec 68:1b] And, behold and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth; and this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost; [Sec 68:1c] and whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be Scripture; shall be the will of the Lord; shall be the mind of the Lord; shall be the word of the Lord; shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation: [Sec 68:1d] behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants: wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I, the Lord, am with you and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.

[Ezek 11:17] Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. [Ezek 11:18] And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. [Ezek 11:19] And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh;

[John 8:7] So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

[Alma 10:1] Now as I said concerning the holy order of this high priesthood: there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; [Alma 10:2] And it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness, rather than to perish; [Alma 10:3] Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white, through the blood of the Lamb. [Alma 10:4] Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin, save it were with abhorrence; [Alma 10:5] And there were many, exceeding great many, who were made pure, and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

[1 Tim 3:2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; [1 Tim 3:3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; [1 Tim 3:4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [1 Tim 3:5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) [1 Tim 3:6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. [1 Tim 3:7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

[Titus 1:7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self- willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; [Titus 1:8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; [Titus 1:9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

[1 Cor 8:13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

[Sec 83:8a] And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received, which vanity and unbelief hath brought the whole church under condemnation. [Sec 83:8b] And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all; and they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written, [Sec 83:8c] that they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom, otherwise there remaineth a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion; for, shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I say unto you, Nay… [Sec 83:12c] But verily I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given, From you it must be preached unto them that they shall repent of their former evil works: [Sec 83:12d] for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief: and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion against you at the time I sent you.

[Sec 98:2] Therefore, they must needs be chastened, and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son; for all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, can not be sanctified. [Sec 98:3a] Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. [Sec 98:3b] They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. [Sec 98:3c] In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.

[2 Ne 11:108] And except they should have charity, they were nothing: wherefore, if they should have charity, they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish. [2 Ne 11:109] But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money, they shall perish.

"Take heed to pray always that you may be delivered from temptation and adversity.

[3 Ne 8:46] Therefore blessed are ye if ye shall keep my commandments, which the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you. [3 Ne 8:47] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye are led away captive by him. [3 Ne 8:48] And as I have prayed among you, even so shall ye pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name. [3 Ne 8:49] Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you. [3 Ne 8:50] And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto his disciples, he turned again unto the multitude, and said unto them, Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye must watch and pray always, lest ye enter into temptation; [3 Ne 8:51] For Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; and whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you. [3 Ne 8:52] Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed. [3 Ne 8:53] And behold, ye shall meet together oft, and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you, and forbid them not; [3 Ne 8:54] But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if it so be that they come unto you oft, ye shall pray for them unto the Father, in my name; therefore hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.

"Keep these sayings and the destroyer shall pass over the homes of the faithful – but if not, the desolation of thy houses shall be great.

[3 Ne 4:58] O ye house of Israel, whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. [3 Ne 4:59] But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall become desolate, until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to your fathers.

[Sec 86:3c] And all Saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel, and marrow to their bones, and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; [Sec 86:3d] and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint; and I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

"Learn the parable of the lilies, and so shall the laborers in Zion be restored and the things of this world be turned upside-down.

[3 Ne 6:6] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; [3 Ne 6:7] And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these. [3 Ne 6:8] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith. [3 Ne 6:9] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [3 Ne 6:10] For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [3 Ne 6:11] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

[Sec 83:13a] And again I say unto you my friends (for from henceforth I shall call you friends), It is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them traveling to preach this gospel in my power: [Sec 83:13b] for I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats; behold, I send you out to prove the world, and the laborer is worthy of his hire. [Sec 83:13c] And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb or joint; and an hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst. [Sec 83:14a] Therefore, take no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed; [Sec 83:14b] for consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these; for your Father who art in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things. [Sec 83:14c] Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. [Sec 83:14d] Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man. [Sec 83:15a] Therefore, let no man among you (for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church, unto the ministry,) from this hour, take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom. [Sec 83:15b] Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a judgment which is to come. [Sec 83:15c] And whoso receiveth you, there will I be also; for I will go before your face: I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and my angels round about you, to bear you up. [Sec 83:16a] Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will feed you, and clothe you, and give you money. [Sec 83:16b] And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in no wise lose his reward: and he that doeth not these things is not my disciple: by this you may know my disciples. [Sec 83:16c] He that receiveth you not, go away from him alone by yourselves, and cleanse your feet, even with water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and bear testimony of it unto your Father which is in heaven, and return not again unto that man.[Sec 83:16d] And into whatsoever village or city ye enter, do likewise. Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not; and woe unto that house, or that village, or city, that rejecteth you, or your words, or testimony concerning me.

[Luke 12:24] And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. [Luke 12:25] For the life is more than meat, and the body than raiment. [Luke 12:26] Consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; nevertheless God feedeth them. Are ye not better than the fowls? [Luke 12:27] And who of you by taking thought, can add to his stature one cubit? [Luke 12:28] If ye then be not able to do that which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? [Luke 12:29] Consider the lilies, how they grow; they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [Luke 12:30] If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast in the oven; how much more will he provide for you, if ye are not of little faith? [Luke 12:31] Therefore, seek not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind; [Luke 12:32] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after; and your Father who is in heaven knoweth that ye have need of these things. [Luke 12:33] And ye are sent unto them to be their ministers, and the laborer is worthy of his hire; for the law saith, That a man shall not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. [Luke 12:34] Therefore seek ye to bring forth the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.

"Even so, Amen."

Testimonies:

Lora Deitrick--

Dear Friends,

Since brother Peter shared his message with us on Feb 14, there has been much contention and division over the subject matter of his message. What I have to say will probably not ease this contention, but because of some of the things that I have heard, I want to share with you what I wrote down on February 15:

February 15, 1999

I don't know why I have experienced this. It seems it would be more helpful and appropriate to have been given to a priesthood member. Maybe it was because I have sincerely and faithfully been in prayer daily for the priesthood retreat and for Peter Gould, knowing he had the Sunday service. In my prayers I've been praying for God to give these men a greater portion of His Holy Spirit that they may have changed lives. I prayed for a greater experience that it might help them go forth and do a greater work. I even prayed and asked God for a special blessing for these men as I cleaned the lodge and church just before the weekend.

I wish all my experiences, trials, and choices that have to be made would be accompanied by such a sweet spirit. I will be steadfast in my testimony and stand firm in the truth which I have received.

I was made aware that Peter never went through the food line during the times that I was in the kitchen serving, and this included Sunday morning. I felt in my heart that he was fasting and preparing. I was aware of this and it was even on my mind Sunday before the service began. We came out of a very good prayer service. There were testimonies of very special experiences received through the Holy Spirit during the priesthood retreat. There were men that stood and repented and others claimed the weekend was a spiritual highlight for them.

Dwight Deitrick, who is my father-in-law, presided over the eleven o'clock hour. He stood to read the scripture reading, to call us to worship and shared with us a testimony on how the scripture he had chosen to read was the exact one that Peter Gould had also chosen to use.

My father-in-law is not an emotional man, anyway not where public crying is concerned. His family has mentioned this on several occasions. The only times we have seen him with tears has been when the Holy Spirit has touched him, and this was such a time. I felt that sweet spirit in my heart as Dwight was introducing Peter and sharing the scripture.

As Peter stood and began sharing the message and scriptures, I continued to feel that sweet spirit. There has been very few occasions in my life where I have been allowed to feel God's Holy Spirit with such love and sweetness. There are no words I can find to explain that type of feeling. It's as if that love and assurance totally surrounded me and did not allow any doubts, or fears, or questions to come into my mind and heart. It was given to me to know that this was the peace that passeth all understanding which the Lord gives. Philippians 4:7.

As the day progressed I heard concerns and questions arise over the message given. I felt once again the spirit of truth coming to me with the words deep in my heart, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," saith the Lord. Isaiah 55:8.

I have since read and read again the message given and on both occasions experienced the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit. I do not understand why I have received this testimony in such strong assurance. I don't claim to have understanding on the whole content, but I have moved out in faith to begin my study and search in prayer and fasting.

I pray that God will continue to unfold His ways unto us and that we may receive them, for His purposes will not fail.

Your sister in Christ,

Lora Deitrick