D&C 123

While unjustly imprisoned in the Liberty jail while also living under the most heartless conditions of living, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote -

"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..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:7)

And -

"...not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:9)

"And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:11)

The duty -

"...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—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:13)

Because -

"...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—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:12)

As one comes to know the conditions that the Prophet lived under in the Libery jail, these words of compassion are in themselves evidence of his divine calling and willingness to do the Lords will. These duties -

"...should then be attended to with great earnestness." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:14)

"...Let no man count them as small things..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:15)

The Prophet explains -

"You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:16)

And then he provides this great condition and promise to those who do their duty -

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:17)