Casey Paul Griffiths (LDS Scholar)

Edward Partridge is called, along with the other new converts named in these revelations, to preach the gospel. In calling Edward to the ministry, the Lord paraphrases an expression found in the Epistle of Jude that instructs disciples to “of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 1:22–23). Speaking of this passage, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith explained,

This is symbolic language yet is plain to understand. This is an untoward generation, walking in spiritual darkness and the punishment for sin is spoke of as punishment in fire. Garments spotted with flesh are garments defiled by the practices of carnal desires and disobedience to the commandments of the Lord. We are commanded to keep our garments unspotted from all sin, from every practice that defiles. We are therefore commanded to come out of the world of wickedness and forsake the things of this world. Every man who will embrace the truth and receive it in humility of heart was entitled to be ordained and set forth, to teach the truth.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1947, 1:150)

(Doctrine and Covenants Minute)