"This is the work of God," Joseph Smith declared to the small group gathered for the organization of the Church on Tuesday, April 6, 1830 in Fayette, New York. That day those assembled received "glorious manifestations of the powers of the Priesthood." Many were "brought to repentance, were immersed in the water and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands."
Thus began the "marvelous work" of the latter days to bring souls to a knowledge and testimony of the Savior.
As the Saints matured in gospel understanding, the Prophet Joseph advised, "Let every man, woman and child realize the importance of the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion alone." The Prophet Joseph called for each member to exert "fresh zeal and energy in the cause of truth" and to push forward "the interests of the Church and Kingdom of God." "For, behold," the Lord revealed, "I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing."
priesthood
The authority and power that God gives to man to act in all things for the salvation of man (see D&C 50:26–27). Male members of the Church who hold the priesthood are organized into quorums and are authorized to perform ordinances and certain administrative functions in the Church (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Priesthood," 199).
Holy Ghost
The third member of the Godhead (1 John 5: 7; D&C 20: 28). He is a personage of Spirit, not having a body of flesh and bones (D&C 130: 22). The Holy Ghost is often referred to as the Spirit, or the Spirit of God. The power of the Holy Ghost can come upon a person before baptism and witness that the gospel is true. But the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, whenever one is worthy, is a gift that can be received only by the laying on of hands by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder after authorized baptism into the true Church of Jesus Christ (Guide to the Scriptures, Holy Ghost).
latter days
The time in which we now live. The days (or dispensation of time) just before the Second Coming of the Lord (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Last Days, Latter Days," 145–46).
Saints
A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Saint," 215–16).
kingdom of God
The kingdom of God on earth is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 65). The purpose of the Church is to prepare its members to live forever in the celestial kingdom or kingdom of heaven (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven," 142).
