D&C 3
As the Lord gives the Prophet Joseph Smith somewhat of a chastisement through the Urim and Thummim, He teaches -
"THE works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.
2 For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:1 - 3)
In my mind, "one eternal round" suggests that over and over, in any circumstance, the Lord and His doctrine is consistent. And then the Lord provides this warning which I believe applies to any priesthood or Church leaders -
"...although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:4)
Referring to Martin Harris, the Lord calls him a wicked man. The Lord then describes His definition of a wicked man in regards to this revelation as one -
"Who has set at naught the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred promises which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment and boasted in his own wisdom." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:13)
These are great warnings to all. But at the same time, we learn the compassion and love of the Savior, as He reminds us -
"...remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:10)
We have all errored in our callings. Thanks be to God for His tenders mercies.
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