Refers to the Book of Mormon. It is a divine promise that, by means of this volume, although its words are simple (v. 20) and weak (v. 21) the descendants of Joseph will be converted to the covenants God made with their fathers. Among the millions of Indians now inhabiting the Americas there are many children of Manasseh and Ephraim. The promise concerns them first. As for all others, they become the seed of Abraham, when they embrace the Gospel.
"If a pure gentile firmly believes the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yields obedience to it, in such a case I will give you the words of the Prophet Joseph: 'The effect of the Holy Ghost upon a gentile is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham.' " (Discourses of Brigham Young, Selected by Dr. John A. Widtsoe, p. 669.)