Quotes from Joseph Smith
Topics by the Letters M-R
God purposed in himself that there should not be an eternal fulness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and gathered together in one and that all things whatsoever that should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto the same fulness and eternal glory should be in Christ Jesus, therefore he set the ordinances to be the same for Ever and ever and set Adam to watch over them to reveal them from heaven to man or to send Angels to reveal them
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
The Lord called unto Adam and said unto him where art thou, and he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and hid myself. Adam received commandments and instruction from God. this was the order from the begining: that he received revelations, Commandments, and ordinances at the begining is beyond the power of controversy, else, how did they begin to offer Sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination.
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
The power, glory, and blessings of the priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued, for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice but not offering it in righteousness, therefore he was cursed. It signifies then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed, otherwise their priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing.
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz the Melchisadeck and the Aaronic or Levitical Altho there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchisadeck Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood and is the Grand head, and holds the highest Authority which pertains to the Priesthood the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
It [the Melchizedek priesthood] is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth and through which he has continued to reveal himself to the children of men to the present time and through which he will make known his purposes to the end of time
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this priesthood, there are many things which belong to the powers of the priesthood and the keys thereof that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world. they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the last times.
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
We behold the Keys of this priesthood consisted in obtaining the voice of Jehovah that he talked with him [Noah] in a familiar and friendly manner, that he continued to him the Keys, the Covenants, the power and the glory with which he blessed Adam at the beginning and the offering of Sacrifice which also shall be continued at the last time, for all the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the priesthood under the direction and commandments of the Almighty in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation at the end thereof.
Source: Original manuscript written by Robert Thomson as dictated by Joseph Smith on October 5, 1840. Source: “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842] [addenda],” p. 16 [addenda], The Joseph Smith Papers
Now if any man has the testimony of Jesus has he not the spirit of prophecy and if he has the spirit of prophecy I ask is he not a prophet and if a prophet will he can receive revelation And any man that does not receive revelation for himself must be damned for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy for Christ says ask and you shall receive. And if he happens to receive anything I ask will it not be a revelation.
Source: James Burgess Notebook, July 9,1843. Source: Ehat, A.F. and Cook, L. W. (1980). The Words of Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City, UT: Religious Studies Center BYU
What are we to understand by a Prophet It is his character to predict things that are in the future. I ask what right has any man or set of men or priest or set of priests to say if a man will not do so and so he shall be damn’d. Is he not taking upon himself or assuming the character of a Prophet consequently he must either be a true or false Prophet.
Source: James Burgess Notebook, July 9,1843. Source: Ehat, A.F. and Cook, L. W. (1980). The Words of Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City, UT: Religious Studies Center BYU
My enemies say that I have been a true prophet— & I had rather be a fallen true prophet, than a false prophet; when a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet— false prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones
Source: Discourse given at Nauvoo on May 12, 1844 as recorded by Thomas Bullock. Thomas Bullock Report, May 12, 1844. Source: “Discourse, 12 May 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock,” p. [4], The Joseph Smith Papers
Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the kingdom of god or the kingdom that god inhabits But the flesh without the blood and the spirit of god flowing in the veins in the stead of the blood for blood is the part of the body that causes corruption therefore we must be changed in the twinkling of an Eye or have to lay down these tabernacles and leave the blood vanish away therefore Jesus Christ left his blood to atone for the sins of the world that he might ascend into the presents of the father for god dwells in flaming flames and he is a consuming fire he will consume all that is unclean and unholy and we could not abide his presents unless pure spirits in us— for the Blood is the corruptible part of the tabernacles—— for the resurrection of the dead is devised to take away corruption and make man perfect or in the glory which he was created for the body is sowen in corruption & raised in Incorruption then we will be able to goe in the presents of God.
Source: Recorded by George Laub, May 12, 1844. Source: “Discourse, 12 May 1844, as Reported by George Laub,” The Joseph Smith Papers
Verily brethren there are things in the bosom of the Father, that have been hid from the foundation of the world. that are not known neither can be except by direct Revelation.
Source: Recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, May 21, 1843. Source: Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray,” The Joseph Smith Papers
Knowledge is necessary to life and Godliness. wo unto you Priest & divines, who preach that knowledge is not necessary unto life & Salvation. take away Apostles &c take away knowledge and you will find yourselves worthy of the damnation of hell. Knowledge is revelation hear all ye brethren, this grand Key Knowledge is the power of God unto Salvation.
Source: Recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, May 21, 1843. Source: Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray,” The Joseph Smith Papers
Righteousness is not that which men esteem holiness. That which the world call righteousness I have not any regard for. To be righteous is to be just and merciful. if a man fails in kindness justice and mercy he will be damned for many will say in that day Lord. have we not Prophesied in thy name and in thy name done many wonderful works but he will say unto them ye workers of iniquity
Source: Recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, May 21, 1843. Source: Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray,” The Joseph Smith Papers
NOTE: Where possible, quotes and discourses come from original sources found on the Joseph Smith Papers website and other locations. The only changes to these documents I have made were obvious correcting spelling errors for the ease of reading.