dccanon
Doctrine & Covenants
Section 106
Jehovah appoints Warren A. Cowdery as presiding high priest over the Freedom, New York region, calling him to preach, warn the surrounding counties, and give his whole time to the work — with the laborer's-hire promise as assurance of temporal provision. The Lord then sets the eschatological frame: His coming draws near and overtakes the unprepared as a thief, but those who gird their loins are children of light whom that day will not catch unaware. Warren's separation from the crafts of men drew heaven's joy; his vanity is named plainly, yet conditional mercy and grace are promised if he remains humble, faithful, and a light to the church.
1
It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions round about;
2
And should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his own place, but in the adjoining counties;
3
And devote his whole time to this high and holy calling, which I now give unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all things necessary shall be added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.
4
And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—
5
Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.
6
And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;
7
Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I will have mercy on him; and, notwithstanding the vanity of his heart, I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me.
8
And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continue to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen.
