Revelation received by President John Taylor December 25, Christmas Day, 1884.
- There are some things that ought to be put right.
- Some time ago there was word given for the brethren and their families to put themselves in order before the LORD;
- And it is necessary that these things should be carried out, for there has been a negligence in some of these matters;
- And if My people and priesthood desire My blessing and guidance and protection, they must and shall be subject to My Law.
- And it is necessary that the various quorums of the Priesthood should place themselves right before Me, saith the LORD;
- And that as individuals they should place themselves in that position, for if they do not they have no claim upon My blessing or My protection.
- A day of trouble and anxiety and sorrow and judgment will soon overtake this nation, and other nations– it is nigh at hand.
- And the inhabitants of Zion must purge themselves from iniquity, folly, covetousness, and vanity, and listen to and obey My laws, or they cannot have My protection–for I the LORD will not be mocked.
- But the wrongdoer shall receive the just recompense of reward; and the sinners in Zion shall be afraid;
- And fearfulness shall also take hold of the wicked and the ungodly that are in your midst.
- And if you, My people, obey My law, and keep My commandments to do them, not in name only, but in reality,
- I will be your shield and protector, and your strong tower– and no man shall be able to hurt you, for I will be your defense.
- Therefore, humble yourselves before Me, and purify yourselves that your acts and doings may be acceptable before Me.
- For if you do not, you will share in the condemnation of the wicked.
- Therefore, listen to the counsels of those whom I have appointed, and seek not your own will and way, but the will of the Lord your God.
- For by Him only can you be sustained in the time of trouble which is fast approaching. Even so, Amen.