1 AND again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State; [ The state is Missouri. Or keep a detailed record of the the persecution and abuse sufferred. ]

2 And also of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained, [ Make note of the material damages as well. There were 678 petitioners, 576 of those claimed a total of $2,275,789.00 was owed to them. This is back in 1838-1839. ] both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property;

3 And also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions, [ Keep track of their names as well. Why do you think that Lord would ask them to do that? 1) So they will have no way to wiggle out when it comes judgement time (see vs 7) 2) to be used for future reference; and for future generations to use - both the poeple and things to beaware of so that they do not fall trap to other like minded evil doings. 3) So that the trueth may be know at some point. (see vs 11-12) 4) What is the value to the saints for recording the names? Maybe the record of the names down on paper and then turned over to the Lord the people can begin to forgive their enemies as the Lord will deal with them by name and the saints can move on with their lives (see vs 17)... ] as far as they can get hold of them and find them out. [ As a matter of fact the church still keeps records of this today. Maybe something that will be held against them in the final judgement. ]

4 And perhaps a committee can be appointed [ This committee was made up of Almon Babbott(D&C 124), Erastus Snow(who will later in 1849 be called into the quorum of the 12 apostles) and Robert B. Thompson(who will be Joseph Smiths personal clerk). ] to find out these things, [ So this is a traveling committee and they were given the assignment to go around and gather any information that they could regarding improprieties against the saints that they could. No only talke to people but also record what is being written in the press as well. ] and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat;

5 And all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and murderous impositions that have been practiced upon this people— [ These are some very big words, remember that he is locked in Liberty jail at the time, so that is a pretty deep sentence, especially given his education. ]

6 That we may not only publish to all the world, [ The first reason for collecting all of this information. ] but present them to the heads of government [ Reason number two; to present the facts to the government; the very one's who should be protecting them. ] in all their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can fully and completely claim that promise which shall call him forth from his hiding place; and also that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm.

7 It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity.

8 It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, [ Those bound by the power of Satan because they have hardened their hearts, they are given a lesser part of the word, which causes them to harden their hearts even more - receiving even less... see Alma 12: 11 ] and shackles, and fetters of hell.

9 Therefore it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have been murdered under its iron hand;

10 Which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and palsy.

11 And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, [ In which we are included. ] and to all the pure in heart—

12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—

13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

15 Let no man count them as small things; [ Do not take this task lightly, insignificant, or petty. ] for there is much which lieth in futurity, [ The Lord has his reason which will be known at some time in the future. But it suggests that they will have some sort of bearing on the future. ] pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. [ Do we see any need for that today? We are beginning to see some of that today as different faucets tell their story's about the church we have our history with which to reference from as well; to hold light on the subject so that history is not all one-sided from those who oppose the church. ]

16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, [ A parable if you will referring to the reason why this needs to be done. (see verses 7, 15). ] by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, [ We can stand still; or rest knowing that the judgements are with God. We can let go of the hurt; let the atonement work for us as we try to forgive. ] with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.