The Doctrine and Covenants 7

Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jun,, and Oliver Cowdery, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when they desired to know whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parchment, written and hid up by himself,

And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if ye shall ask, what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

And I said unto him. Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

And the Lord said unto me. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindred, tongues and people.

And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.

I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done;

Yea, he has undertaken a greater work, therefore I will make him as flaming Are and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shallbe heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth:

And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come.

Verily, I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.