Revelation Dates: March 1841 – September, 1842

Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 125 - Historical Background: As the saints from around the world gathered to Nauvoo, many of them settled on the west side of the Mississippi River (Iowa) where the land was more affordable. Two stakes were organized there. With the increasing emphasis on the gathering place in Nauvoo, the question was raised whether the saints in the Iowa Territory should relocate to Nauvoo. Joseph inquired of the Lord.

• Recap: The saints are to settle in the areas according to where Joseph Smith will be inspired to designate, including those areas west of the Mississippi.

Section 126 - Historical Background: Brigham Young was baptized a member of the church in 1832 and has been one of the chief supports of Joseph. For 9 years he served many missions including the eastern states, Canada and England. Joseph predicted in 1832, “A time will come when Brother Brigham will preside over this Church.” Upon Brigham’s return from his successful mission to England in 1841, he reported, “Through the mercy of God we have gained many friends, established churches in almost every noted town and city in Great Britain, baptized between seven and eight thousand souls, printed 5,000 Books of Mormon, 3,000 hymn books, 2,500 volumes of the Millennial Star, and 50,000 tracts.” Joesph received this revelation for Brigham in his own home.

• Recap: Brigham’s offering is accepted by the Lord and he is told to stay in Nauvoo with his family, to “send” rather than “take” the Lord’s word to the world.

Section 127 - Historical Background: After Joseph’s escape from Missouri into Illinois, Missouri Governor Boggs petitioned the Illinois Governor to arrest Joseph and extradite him back to Missouri for trial. To Joseph’s surprise, and alarm, the Illinois Governor granted this request of extradition. Joseph’s only protection was to stay out of sight until the sheriff, sent from Missouri, became discouraged and returned home. This section is an epistle to the saints by Joseph Smith while in hiding, explaining why he would be out of sight for a while.

• Recap: Joseph has left Nauvoo temporarily for the safety of the saints and himself. These “perils” Joseph is called to pass through are a small thing to him. Like Paul, Joseph glories in tribulation. The saints should be glad, even in persecution, for God will prevail. Meanwhile, when baptized for the dead, keep good records to show the legitimacy of the ordinances, for what is bound on earth is also bound in heaven. He promises more information will be sent by him shortly.

Section 128 - Historical Background: Five days following section 127, Joseph sends this new epistle to the saints, expounding further instructions on the ordinance to baptize their dead. These baptisms were occurring in the Mississippi River until the baptismal font within the unfinished temple could be completed and dedicated. Joseph was anxious to share all the sacred ordinances to be performed inside the temple, but began with baptisms for the dead. Only 6 others, all of whom were apostles, had received their temple endowment earlier in May, in the upper room of the improvised temple of Joseph’s store. This was necessary because the temple was only about half completed.

• Recap: Joseph reiterates the importance of a recorder to provide a witness and a very precise record of each ordinance. Whatever is recorded on earth is recorded in heaven, and likewise whatever is not recorded on earth is not recognized in heaven. The baptismal font in the temple is in similitude of the grave, being immersed in the water and then coming forth, as in the resurrection. All priesthood keys of past dispensations have been restored. Take courage and be glad, rejoice for the redemption of both the living and the dead.