Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Section Two (1834-1837) | The Net Cast in the Sea

1"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind, which when it was full they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." For the work of this pattern, behold the seed of Joseph, spreading forth the Gospel net upon the face of the earth, gathering of every kind, that the good may be saved in vessels prepared for that purpose, and the angels will take care of the bad.

2So shall it be at the end of the world--the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things?

3They say unto Him, Yea, Lord." And we say, yea, Lord; and well might they say, yea, Lord; for these things are so plain and so glorious, that every Saint in that last days must respond with a hearty Amen to them. "Then said He unto them, therefore every scribe which is instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old." For the works of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart.

4Also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints, also the translation of the Bible--thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal undergoing the purifying touch by a revelation of Jesus Christ, and the ministering of angels, who have already commenced this work in the last days, which will answer to the leaven which leavened the whole lump. Amen. So I close, but shall continue the subject in another number.

5In the bonds of the New and Everlasting Covenant, JOSEPH SMITH, JUN. --Messenger and Advocate, Dec. 1835, also DHC 2:264-272.