D&C 1:17-29

17Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;

18And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—

19The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—

20But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

21That faith also might increase in the earth;

22That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

23That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.

24Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.

25And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;

26And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;

27And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;

28And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.

29And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon.