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THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
SECTION 128
An epistle from Joseph Smith the Prophet to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing further directions on baptism for the dead; dated at Nauvoo, Illinois, September 6, 1842. HC 5: 148—153.
1—5, Local and general recorders must certify to the fact of baptisms for the dead; 6—9, Their records are binding and recorded on earth and in heaven; 10—14, The baptismal font is a similitude of the grave; 15—17, Elijah restored power relative to baptism for the dead; 18—21, All of the keys, powers, and authorities of past dispensations have been restored; 22—25, Glad and glorious tidings acclaimed for the living and the dead.
1 AS I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, [ (D&C 127:10) The prophet wrote this revelation while in seclusion in Edward Hunter's home Edward Hunter will become a Presiding Bishop of the church in salt lake city at the death of Bishop Newell K Whitney in 1851. He serves as Presiding Bishop from 1851 to 1883 32 years as Presiding Bishop. President young called him to be Presiding Bishop he said to him now Bishop Hunter you need to get the two best men you can find in the church to serve as your counselors. Then asked him do you need time to think about it or can you tell me right now. Edward Hunter said if I can have the two best men I can tell you right now. He said who would you like, he said I'll take you(Brigham Young) for first counselor and Heber C Kimball for the second and that made President Young laugh a little and President Young said we accept and they served. Those two where members of the first Presidency they served in the Presiding Bishopric for six months at which time President Young approached Bishop hunter and he said I really think you understand your responsibilities you need to get two other counselors President Kimball and are are extremely busy right now. ] that I would write to you from time to time and give you information in relation to many subjects, I now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead, as that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies.
2 I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. I have had a few additional views in relation to this matter, which I now certify. That is, it was declared in my former letter that there should be a recorder, who should be eye-witness, and also to hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a truth before the Lord. [ Or that he may testify to the Lord what has happened, that the ordinance has been completed. (D&C 127:6) ]
3 Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one recorder to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To obviate this difficulty, [ The difficulty or the responsibility of just one person being there all of the time to record what he witnessed with his own eyes and ears. ] there can be a recorder appointed in each ward [ At this time there are 3 wards. At that October 1839 conference they called or organized three wards here they are there was the Middle Ward Bishop Newell K Whitney presided there was the Upper Ward Bishop Edward Partridge presided there was the Lower Ward and Bishop Vincent Knight presided. (History of the Church volume 4 page 12). ] of the city, who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes; and let him be very particular and precise in taking the whole proceedings, certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes, and heard with his ears, giving the date, and names, and so forth, and the history of the whole transaction; naming also some three individuals that are present, if there be any present, who can at any time when called upon certify to the same, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [ So we also need to have two witnesses present at all times as well. ]
4 Then, let there be a general recorder, [ Willard Richards is the general recorder, the one to whom the other recorders will turn over their records too. ] to whom these other records can be handed, being attended with certificates over their own signatures, certifying that the record they have made is true. Then the general church recorder can enter the record on the general church book, with the certificates and all the attending witnesses, with his own statement that he verily believes the above statement and records to be true, from his knowledge of the general character and appointment of those men by the church. And when this is done on the general church book, the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as if he had seen with his eyes and heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on the general church book. [ So the idea is that there are those assigned to record the activities done locally (the ward clerk so to speak) the local recorders then pass their information up to the general church recorder who combines the records together in to one bigger record of what has been happening. ]
5 You may think this order of things to be very particular; but let me tell you that it is only to answer the will of God, by conforming to the ordinance and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared before the foundation of the world, [ We need to note hear that Baptism for the dead was part of the plan from the very beginning in the preparation of the world. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that "he God knows the situation of both the living and the dead and has made ample provision for the redemption according to their several circumstances in the laws of the kingdom of God whether in this world or in the world to come all will be given an opportunity to be part of the work if they so choose". (Teachings of Joseph Smith page 220) ] for the salvation of the dead who should die without a knowledge of the gospel.
6 And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject [ How is it that Joseph Smith could possible know what John The Revelator was contemplating at the time that he wrote this? There is only one person who could know that thoughts that John the Revelator had at that time and that is God himself. So the only way that Joseph Smith could know that is by it being revealed to Joseph Smith from God. ] in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find recorded in Revelation 20:12 — And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
7 You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; [ These are books that are kept on earth. ] and another book was opened, which was the book of life; [ This book is kept in heaven. "Now, who is the keeper of that record kept in heaven? I ask you to think about that. Here is an explanation one of the brethren made about this phrase “sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Elder Melvin J. Ballard, in his Three Degrees of Glory pamphlet, said: We may deceive men but we cannot deceive the Holy Ghost, and our blessings will not be eternal until they are also sealed by the holy spirit of promise, the Holy Ghost, one who reads the thoughts and hearts of men and gives his sealing approval to the blessings pronounced upon their heads. Then it is binding, and of full force, (Sermons and Missionary Service of Melvin J. Ballard, Deseret Book Co., 1949, p. 237.)" Born Of The Spirit Harold B. Lee - Stand Ye in Holy Places: Selected Sermons and Writings of President Harold B. Lee. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1975), p. p.47-65 see also D&C 132:19] but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, [ Kept on earth. ] according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven; [ So when an ordinance is performed here on earth there is a recorder on the other side that is recording that ordinance as well. This also suggests to us the the gospel on the other side is functioning the same as it does here. That you cannot enter the temple there without a recommend, and to get that recommend you need it from your Bishop and Stake President. ] the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place—that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven. [ The reason why records are kept - this follows the teachings on record keeping contained in D&C 127:7 that records are kept on earth and in heaven. ]
8 Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead.
9 It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. [ The sealing power has been present in every dispensation where there has been a head of that dispensation. ] Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, [ Whatever was done with priesthood power by those who held that power and the keys was binding on earth and in heaven. (Moses 6:7) ] in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?
10 And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
11 Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.
12 Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, [ The reason for immersion in baptism. ] this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead. [ Joseph Smith said baptism is like a burial. We are immersed or buried. The old person is considered as being dead and is buried (symbolically) in the water. When he rises out (born of the water), he is covenanting to be obedient. Our own baptism in mortality is connected to the baptism for the dead, as it is in the likeness of those who have died, been buried, and then resurrected from the grave. Baptism for the living and for the dead is a symbol of death, not cleansing. ]
13  Consequently, [ The reason that. ] the baptismal font was instituted as a similitude of the grave, [ So this is the reason why the baptismal font is set up the way that it is. Which is so that a person can be immersed. The reason stated here is it is in similitude if death. It is the death of the old character of a person who is changing toward a new character. Symbolic of death - death of the old character, life for the new character. ] and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, [ The reason why the baptismal font is placed in the basement of the temple as well. It is below where the living assemble in order to represent a burial(similitude of the grave as is stated here). Baptism is not a symbolic washing; it is a burial. In addition; symbolic that each ordiance moves you closer to God; also that the living ordinances are above baptism for the dead. ] to show forth the living and the dead, and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another— that which is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, [ All things point to Christ (Moses 6:63; Romans 6:3-6) ] as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 48:
14 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man [ Adam. ] is of the earth, earthy; the second man [ Christ. ] is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [ Or that which is natural will become spiritual because of Christ. We are of the earth because we come from the loins of Adam, we become mortal, physical beings. Because of Christ who overcame the earth both spiritual death and mortal death, we too can become resurrected and spiritual individuals. ] And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This, therefore, is the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the keys of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge.
15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect [ (Hebrews 11:40) This phrase right here also teaches us, against the teachings of many scholars that Paul did indeed write the book of Hebrews, as Joseph Smith is quoting Paul from Hebrews and he says such right here. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary volume 3 page 133) (Teachings of Joseph Smith page 59-60; 158,168,308) ] —neither can we without our dead be made perfect.
16 And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:29: Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?
17 And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: [ Which was fulfilled in section 110. The prophet now puts those verses in context for us so that we can understand them verse 18. ] And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
18 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, [ Why? Because this earth is was created to become a celestial planet, it must die it must be resurrected and it'll become a celestial planet. (D&C 88:17-20) So if it is a celestial planet then one day and exalted family will live on it. Orson F Whitney a member of the quorum of the 12 said this "the prophet says there must be a welding link between the fathers and the children. The fathers in heaven yearning over their children on earth and therefore was Elijah sent his keys empowered the living to do saving work for the dead to seal them up to come forth in the first resurrection to seal those who dwell on earth to those who dwell in heaven for we without them cannot be made perfect neither can they without us be made perfect this is the power of Elijah in the keys of the kingdom of Jehovah the welding link is baptism for the dead with other very vicarious work now going on in temples that God's people have erected. You brethren and sisters who labor in these temples may cherish in your souls the sweet conviction that you're helping to bind together the gospel dispensations and assisting to advance the mighty purposes of God (Conference Report October 1920 page 35) ] upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times.
[ 19-21 acts as a summary of what has been done by the Prophet Joseph Smith as part of the restoration. ] 19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; [ Referring to the first vision, the appearance of God the Father and His Son to Joseph Smith in 1820. ] and a voice of truth out of the earth; [ The coming forth of the Book Of Mormon. (Ps. 85:11; Moses 7:62; Isaiah 29:4 ) ] glad tidings for the dead; [ This is a reference to how the restoration of the gospel here on earth impacts those who are already dead and are in the world of spirits. ] a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, [ (1 Ne. 13:37 Isaiah 52:7-8) ] and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!
20 And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. [ Including Enoch, Isaiah as did Ezekiel, as well as Joseph who was sold into Egypt. ] A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! [ (D&C 17) Witnesses who heard the voice os the Son of God. ] The voice of Michael [ Adam. ] on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light! [ This is the only reference to this event. It must have been pretty bad for Michael to come and interact with what was going on. Michael had done this before when Satan came against Moses. (Jude 1:9) ] The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times! [ These are the specific keys that were given to Joseph Smith. The keys to preside over the dispensation of the fulness of times. Not only was the Melchizedek priesthood restored at the time, but Peter held the keys of the dispensation of the meridian of times, so he needed to extend those keys to Joseph(and Oliver as joint president D&C 124:94-95) to preside over the dispensation for the fulness of times. (Doctrines Of Salvation volume 3 146-148; D&C 27:12-13)]
21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, [ (HOC volume 1 page 60-61) ] in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, [ Means who is like God. ] the archangel; [ Adam. Means chief or preeminent he presides over all angels dealing with this earth and remember what the word angel means messenger. Which can be resurrected just men made perfect, or mortals, or missionaries. We don't put that on their name "Angel" because all we'd get is mockery because the world doesn't understand. ] the voice of Gabriel, [ Noah. Gabriel means man of God. Joseph Smith said that he was second in authority to Adam. ] and of Raphael, [ Elder McConkie suggests that this may be Enoch. (Mormon Doctrine pg 618). If that is correct then it is possible that Joseph Smith received the keys of translated beings. If not then it may just be a reference that at least Enoch taught Joseph Smith about translated beings their work and what they are doing. Joseph Smith does provide us with limited details of translated beings in other places. “the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this [the Melchizedek] 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” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 170) ] and of divers angels, [ So many that he does not even list them here - but he does list what each of them does to help him (Joseph understand the powers of the priesthood. ] from Michael or Adam down to the present time, [ Starting with the one who was first given the keys during the creation, and all that maintained the keys after him (Adam). ] [1)] all declaring their dispensation, [2)] their rights, [3)] their keys, [4)] their honors, their majesty and glory, [5)] and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; [ One building upon the knowledge, power and understanding of the other which leads us into the second part of the use of the term keys as defined by Elder McConkie - "which is the means provided whereby something is revealed, discovered or made manifest." Section 28:7 provides an example of the second definition for the use of keys. The first usesage for the term keys was the directive powers. ] giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope! [ This verse is giving a summary from Joseph Smith as to all of the prophets that he has had the opportunity to know. He knew all of them from Adam to the Apostles of the New Testament times. ]
22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? [ So after we have beheld so many of the great prophets and their doing from the foundation, is it not important that we move forward, there is so much to be done, so many great and marvelous things to take place going forward. ] Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! [ Victory will go to the house of Israel. (Gen 22:17) ] Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.
23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars [ Or the nobel and great ones. ] sing together, [ Be united as in music. All parts have their role to bring forth beautiful music. ] and let all the sons of God [ (D&C 25:1) God here is Jesus the Christ. We are his sons and daughters through baptism. ] shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers! [ (Isaiah 55:10-13; Revelation 22:16; Job 38:7; McConkie The Mortal Messiah volume 1 pg 24-25) ]
24 Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, [ We need to be able to anser this question. It is put forth so that we can test our knowledge. So we need to take the time to make sure that we can answer the question posed here. The answer is: Those who are righteous will be able to abide with him. Joel 2:11, “who can abide” the great and terrible day of the Lord, is that no one can who does not “turn . . . to [the Lord] with all your heart. . . . And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious” (Joel 2:12–13). (3 Ne. 24:2; Mal 3:2-12; Joel 2:31; Malachi 4:5). The expression “the great and dreadful day of the Lord” does not mean “the day of the Lord” will be great for the righteous but dreadful for the wicked. Latter-day Saints should appreciate that the prophets who first used this phrase were warning all people that conditions just prior to and at the “day of the Lord” will be very dreadful indeed, filled with turmoil and calamity. The Lord himself encourages and commands, “Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord” (D&C 133:10), because of the challenges associated with this day. Fear will pervade the wicked at this significantly terrible day. However, the righteous, whether physical calamity befalls them or not, need not fear. Righteous or wicked, all people will witness and know the extraordinary magnitude of this culminating, dreadful day. It is the subsequent, great millennial day that will be wonderful for the righteous. (https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/the-great-and-dreadful-day-of-the-lord-the-anatomy-of-an-expression/)] and who can stand when he appeareth? [ ] For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. [ The next part of this verse explains that one of the offerring that are offerred up to the Lord is the work that we have done for the dead. (Teachings of Spencer W Kimball page 542; The Message of the Doctrine and Covenants page 159-160) ] Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.
25 Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another time. I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend,

JOSEPH SMITH.

[ Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 128 Excerpt from Key to the Science of Theology In the world of spirits there are Apostles, Prophets, Elders, and members of the Church of the Saints, holding keys of Priesthood, and power to teach, comfort, instruct, and proclaim the Gospel to their fellow spirits, after the pattern of Jesus Christ. In the same world there are also the spirits of Catholics and Protestants of every sect, who have all need to be taught and to come to the knowledge of the true unchangeable Gospel in its fullness and simplicity, that they may be judged the same as if they had been privileged with the same in the flesh. [1 Peter 4:6.] There is also the Jew, the Mahomedan, the infidel, who did not believe in Christ while in the flesh. All these must be taught, must come to the knowledge of the crucified and risen Redeemer, and hear the glad tidings of the Gospel. There are also all the varieties of the heathen spirits; the noble and refined philosopher, poet, patriot or statesmen of Rome or Greece, the enlightened socrates and Plato, and their like, together with every grade of spirits down to the most uncultivated of the savage world. All these must be taught, enlightened, and must bow the knee to the eternal King, for the decree hath gone forth that unto Him every knee shall bow and every tongue confess. [Sec. 76:110-11; 88:104.] O, what a field of labor, of benevolence, of missionary enterprise now opens to the Apostles and Elders of the Church of the Saints! As this field opens they will begin to realize more fully the extent of their divine mission, and the meaning of the great command to "preach the gospel to every creature." [Mark 16:15.] In this vast field of labor the Priesthood are, in a great measure, occupied during their sojourn in the world of spirits, while awaiting the resurrection of the body, and at the same time they themselves are edified, improved and greatly advanced and matured in the science of divine Theology. (Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, pages 127-28) Excerpt from Journal of Discourses Taking all these passages of Scripture together [Daniel 128.7  7:9-13; Revelation 20] , we may look for a general reckoning with all the inhabitants of this earth, both the righteous and the wicked. How long this day, called the day of judgment, will be, is not revealed. It may be vastly longer than what many suppose. It seems to me that unless there were a great number engaged in judging the dead, it would require a long period of time; for, for one being to personally investigate all the idle thoughts and words of the children of men from the days of Adam down until that time [Mosiah 4:30], it would require a great many millions of years, and therefore I come to another conclusion, namely, that God has his agents, and that through those agents the dead will be judged. (Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, volume 17, page 182) Excerpt from Millennial Star When I returned from England in 1841 and heard Joseph Smith give this revelation, that we had power to redeem our dead, one of the first things I thought was, "I have a mother in the spirit world." My father was in the flesh. I baptized and ordained him and brought him up to Zion where he is buried. But I never saw my mother to know her. She died when I was an infant. I had power to seal my mother to my father. Was not that a satisfaction? It was to me. I have gone to work with the assistance of my friends and redeemed my father's and my mother's house. When I inquired of the Lord how I could redeem my dead, while I was in St. George, not having any of my family there, the Lord told me to call upon the Saints in St. George and let them officiate for me in that temple, and it should be acceptable unto Him.... This is a revelation to us. We can help one another in these matters, if we have not relatives sufficient to carry this on, and it will be acceptable unto the Lord. (Wilford Woodruff, Millennial Star, volume 56, page 341) Excerpt from Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith See Historical Note for section 127. Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal the difficulties that the Prophet was encountering at the time he authored sections 127 and 128. Although the "spirit of persecution" prevailed, said Elder Woodruff, "yet the Lord is with him." President Joseph Smith has been much persecuted of late by being hunted & sought for by Sheriffs & 128.8  officers from Missouri & Illinois by the orders of Governors Reynolds & Carlin under pretense of taking him to Missouri to try him for being accessory to the shooting of ex Gov Bogg but it is no more or less than the spirit of persecution But though Joseph has been deprived of the privilege of appearing openly & deprived of the society of his own family Because Sheriffs are hunting him to destroy him without cause Yet the Lord is with him as he was upon the Isle of Patmos with John. Joseph has presented the Church of late with some glorious principles from the Lord concerning Baptism for the dead & other interesting subjects, he has appeared occasionally in the midst of the Saints which has been a great comfort to the Saints. (Lyndon W. Cook, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith) ]