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A Revelation to Reynolds Cahoon
Stephen O. Smoot and Brian C. Passantino, ed., "A Revelation to Reynolds Cahoon," Joseph Smith's Uncanonized Revelations (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book), 70鈥71.
November 1, 1835
On June 6, 1833, Reynolds Cahoon was appointed to a committee to build the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio.[1] Cahoon was a veteran of the War of 1812 and a faithful counselor to Bishop Newel K. Whitney.[2] However, two years after his appointment, he was chastised by the Kirtland High Council for 鈥渇ail[ing] to do his duty in correcting his children, and instructing them in the way of truth and righteousness.鈥 The minutes of that council meeting do not make it entirely clear what he had done to warrant such a rebuke. Whatever the case, Cahoon 鈥渃onfessed the correctness of the decision, and promised to make public acknowledgment before the church.鈥[3]
The issue seems to have persisted, however. A few months later Joseph Smith received the present revelation castigating Cahoon 鈥渂ecause of his iniquities, his covetous, and dishonest principles in himself and family; and [because] he doth not purge them away and set his house in order.鈥 It was a strong rebuke that superseded the admonition of the Kirtland high council and made Cahoon confront the displeasure of the Lord. To his credit, Cahoon went to the Prophet鈥檚 home and listened to the revelation. Joseph recorded in his journal that Cahoon 鈥渁cknowledged that it was verily so and expressed much humility.鈥[4] After this incident, Cahoon retained his spot on the temple building committee and continued serving in the bishopric. Although the rebuke was harsh, this revelation demonstrates the depth of Cahoon鈥檚 faith. He would go on to emigrate to Utah with the Saints and die in full fellowship with them.[5]
鉂 鉂 鉂
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto me, his servant Joseph Smith Jr., mine anger is kindled against my servant Reynolds Cahoon because of his iniquities, his covetous, and dishonest principles in himself and family; and he doth not purge them away and set his house in order. Therefore, if he repents not, chastisement awaiteth him, even as it seemeth good in my sight. Therefore, go and declare unto him these words.
Notes
[1] Minute Book 1, June 6, 1833, 21, The Joseph Smith Papers, https://
-summary/
[2] Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985), 73.
[3] JSP, D4:382.
[4] JSP, J1:81.
[5] Cook, Revelations, 73.
