CHAPTER VI.
During the absence of the young Prophet in Missouri, the believers had not been doing as well as he expected. He was, therefore, immediately armed with a revelation reproving them for seeking "signs." In that revelation (August, 1831) occurs this singularly explicit statement:—"with whom God is angry, he is not well pleased."[1] Uninspired persons would probably consider such a declaration somewhat unnecessary; it almost requires a second revelation to explain its meaning.
Even at that early day a few of the new converts appear to have exhibited loose notions of morality. Of these, some, charged with being "adulterers and adulteresses," were stated to have "turned away," and the others were warned to "beware and repent speedily." All through the history of the Church during the life-time of Joseph may be noticed a disposition to free-loveism. The new spirit was very affectionate, and required to be strictly guarded. It is, however, due to Joseph to add that his revelations were severe in condemnation of the lack of chastity.
Some idea may be formed of the zeal with which Joseph was building up the- kingdom and preparing for the future, when it is stated that, during the year 1831, he received no less than thirty-seven revelations. In addition to the cares of the Church, preaching, testifying, and administering, he had collected the New York and Pennsylvania Saints in Ohio, had
- ↑ "Covenants and Commandments," p. 149.
