THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

SECTION 1

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, during a special conference of elders of the Church, held at Hiram, Ohio, November 1, 1831. HC 1: 221-224. Many revelations had been received from the Lord prior to this time, and the compilation of these for publication in book form was one of the principal subjects passed upon at the conference. This section constitutes the Lord's Preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation.

1-7, The voice of warning is to all people; 8-16, Apostasy and wickedness precede the Second Coming; 17-23, Joseph Smith called to restore to earth the Lord's truths and powers; 24-33, The Book of Mormon brought forth and true Church established; 34-36, Peace shall be taken from the earth; 37-79, Search these commandments.

D & C 1:1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.

D & C 1:2 For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

D & C 1:3 And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.

D & C 1:4 And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.

D & C 1:5 And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them.

D & C 1:6 Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.

D & C 1:7 Wherefore, fear and tremble, O ye people, for what I the Lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled.

D & C 1:8 And verily I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious;

D & C 1:9 Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measureÐ

D & C 1:10 Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man.

D & C 1:11 Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:

D & C 1:12 Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;

D & C 1:13 And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth.

D & C 1:14 And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;

D & C 1:15 For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;

D & C 1:16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own God, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.

D & C 1:17 Wherefore, 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;

D & C 1:18 And 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 prophetsÐ

D & C 1:19 The 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 fleshÐ

D & C 1:20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

D & C 1:21 That faith also might increase in the earth;

D & C 1:22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

D & C 1:23 That 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.

D & C 1:24 Behold, 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.

D & C 1:25 And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;

D & C 1:26 And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;

D & C 1:27 And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;

D & C 1:28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.

D & C 1:29 And 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.

D & C 1:30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individuallyÐ

D & C 1:31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;

D & C 1:32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;

D & C 1:33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.

D & C 1:34 And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh;

D & C 1:35 For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.

D & C 1:36 And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world.

D & C 1:37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

D & C 1:38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

D & C 1:39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.

SECTION 2 

An extract from the words of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while in the house of the Prophet's father at Manchester, New York, on the evening of September 21, 1823.  HC 1: 12.  Moroni was the last of a long line of historians who had made the record that is now before the world as the Book of Mormon. Compare Malachi 4: 5-6.  See also Sections 27: 9; 110: 13-16; and 128: 18.

1, Elijah is to reveal the priesthood; 2-3, Promises of fathers are planted in hearts of children.

D & C 2:1 Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

D & C 2:2 And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.

D & C 2:3 If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.

SECTION 3 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1828, relating to the loss of 116 pages of manuscript translated from the first part of the Book of Mormon, which was called the "Book of Lehi." The Prophet had reluctantly allowed these pages to pass from his custody to that of Martin Harris, who had served for a brief period as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon.  The revelation was given through the Urim and Thummim.  HC 1: 21-23.  See also Section 10.

1-4, The Lord's course is one eternal round; 5-15, Joseph Smith must repent or lose the gift to translate, 16-20, The Book of Mormon comes forth to save the seed of Lehi.

D & C 3:1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.

D & C 3:2 For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.

D & C 3:3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;

D & C 3:4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.

D & C 3:5 Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them.

D & C 3:6 And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.

D & C 3:7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his wordsÐ

D & C 3:8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

D & C 3:9 Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.

D & C 3:10 But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work;

D & C 3:11 Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.

D & C 3:12 And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man,

D & C 3:13 Who has set at naught the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred promises which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment and boasted in his own wisdom.

D & C 3:14 And this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a seasonÐ

D & C 3:15 For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning.

D & C 3:16 Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my peopleÐ

D & C 3:17 And to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fathersÐ

D & C 3:18 And this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations.

D & C 3:19 And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these recordsÐthat the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people;

D & C 3:20 And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen.

SECTION 4 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his father, Joseph Smith, Sen., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829. HC 1: 28.

1-4, Valiant service saves the Lord's ministers; 5-6, Godly attributes qualify them for the ministry; 7, Things of God must be sought after.

D & C 4:1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

D & C 4:2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

D & C 4:3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

D & C 4:4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

D & C 4:5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

D & C 4:6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

D & C 4:7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

SECTION 5 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, March 1829, at the request of Martin Harris. HC 1: 28-31.

1-10, This generation shall receive the Lord's word through Joseph Smith; 11-18, Three witnesses shall testify of the Book of Mormon; 19-20, The word of the Lord will be verified as in previous times; 21-35, Martin Harris may repent and be one of the witnesses.

D & C 5:1 Behold, I say unto you, that as my servant Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., have got the plates of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me;

D & C 5:2 And now, behold, this shall you say unto himÐhe who spake unto you, said unto you: I, the Lord, am God, and have given these things unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things;

D & C 5:3 And I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me, that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you.

D & C 5:4 And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.

D & C 5:5 Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words;

D & C 5:6 For hereafter you shall be ordained and go forth and deliver my words unto the children of men.

D & C 5:7 Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you.

D & C 5:8 Oh, this unbelieving and stiffnecked generationÐmine anger is kindled against them.

D & C 5:9 Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations;

D & C 5:10 But this generation shall have my word through you;

D & C 5:11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.

D & C 5:12 Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them.

D & C 5:13 I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are;

D & C 5:14 And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wildernessÐclear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.

D & C 5:15 And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word.

D & C 5:16 And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the SpiritÐ

D & C 5:17 And you must wait yet a little while, for ye are not yet ordainedÐ

D & C 5:18 And their testimony shall also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them;

D & C 5:19 For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming.

D & C 5:20 Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified.

D & C 5:21 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;

D & C 5:22 And that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain.

D & C 5:23 And now, again, I speak unto you, my servant Joseph, concerning the man that desires the witnessÐ

D & C 5:24 Behold, I say unto him, he exalts himself and does not humble himself sufficiently before me; but if he will bow down before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of his heart, then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see.

D & C 5:25 And then he shall say unto the people of this generation: Behold, I have seen the things which the Lord hath shown unto Joseph Smith, Jun., and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them, for they have been shown unto me by the power of God and not of man.

D & C 5:26 And I the Lord command him, my servant Martin Harris, that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things, except he shall say: I have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God; and these are the words which he shall say.

D & C 5:27 But if he deny this he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted with me, and behold, he is condemned.

D & C 5:28 And now, except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things that he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I say unto him, he shall have no such views, for I will grant unto him no views of the things of which I have spoken.

D & C 5:29 And if this be the case, I command you, my servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him, that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter.

D & C 5:30 And if this be the case, behold, I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again; then thou mayest translate again.

D & C 5:31 And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the things which I have entrusted with thee.

D & C 5:32 And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee, yea, I foresee that if my servant Martin Harris humbleth not himself and receive a witness from my hand, that he will fall into transgression;

D & C 5:33 And there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth; and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandments.

D & C 5:34 Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee.

D & C 5:35 And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day. Amen.

SECTION 6

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. HC 1: 32-35. Oliver Cowdery began his labors as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon, April 7, 1829. He had already received a divine manifestation of the truth of the Prophet's testimony respecting the plates on which was engraved the Book of Mormon record. The Prophet inquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim and received this response.

1-6, Laborers in the Lord's field gain salvation; 7-13, There is no gift greater than the gift of salvation; 14-27, Witness of truth comes by the power of the Spirit; 28-37, Look unto Christ, and do good continually.

D & C 6:1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

D & C 6:2 Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words.

D & C 6:3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

D & C 6:4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

D & C 6:5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

D & C 6:6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;

D & C 6:7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

D & C 6:8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.

D & C 6:9 Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.

D & C 6:10 Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from aboveÐ

D & C 6:11 And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways.

D & C 6:12 Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things.

D & C 6:13 If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.

D & C 6:14 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.

D & C 6:15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth;

D & C 6:16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.

D & C 6:17 I tell thee these things as a witness unto theeÐthat the words or the work which thou hast been writing are true.

D & C 6:18 Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.

D & C 6:19 Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

D & C 6:20 Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

D & C 6:21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

D & C 6:22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.

D & C 6:23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?

D & C 6:24 And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?

D & C 6:25 And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate, even as my servant Joseph.

D & C 6:26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people;

D & C 6:27 And now I command you, that if you have good desiresÐa desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heavenÐthen shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity.

D & C 6:28 And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

D & C 6:29 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me.

D & C 6:30 And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory.

D & C 6:31 But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.

D & C 6:32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of themÐeven so am I in the midst of you.

D & C 6:33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

D & C 6:34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

D & C 6:35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

D & C 6:36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

D & C 6:37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

SECTION 7 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died.  The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself. HC 1: 35-36.

1-3, John the Beloved shall live until the Lord comes; 4-8, Peter, James, and John hold gospel keys.

D & C 7:1 And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.

D & C 7:2 And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.

D & C 7:3 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, kindreds, tongues and people.

D & C 7:4 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.

D & C 7:5 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.

D & C 7:6 Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.

D & C 7:7 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.

D & C 7:8 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.

SECTION 8 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. HC 1: 36-37. In the course of the translation of the Book of Mormon, Oliver, who continued to serve as scribe, writing at the Prophet's dictation, desired to be endowed with the gift of translation. The Lord responded to his supplication by granting this revelation.

1-5, Revelation comes by the power of the Holy Ghost; 6-12, Mysteries of God and the power to translate ancient records come by faith.

D & C 8:1 Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit.

D & C 8:2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

D & C 8:3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

D & C 8:4 Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction.

D & C 8:5 Oh, remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember, this is your gift.

D & C 8:6 Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron; behold, it has told you many things;

D & C 8:7 Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you.

D & C 8:8 Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God; and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God.

D & C 8:9 And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it.

D & C 8:10 Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not.

D & C 8:11 Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

D & C 8:12 Behold, it is I that have spoken it; and I am the same that spake unto you from the beginning. Amen.

SECTION 9 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. HC 1: 37-38. Oliver is admonished to be patient, and is urged to be content to write, for the time being, at the dictation of the translator, rather than to attempt to translate.

1-6, Other ancient records are yet to be translated; 7-14, The Book of Mormon is translated by study and by spiritual confirmation.

D & C 9:1 Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even so I would that ye should continue until you have finished this record, which I have entrusted unto him.

D & C 9:2 And then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate.

D & C 9:3 Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.

D & C 9:4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph.

D & C 9:5 And, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.

D & C 9:6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.

D & C 9:7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

D & C 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

D & C 9:9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

D & C 9:10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.

D & C 9:11 Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past, and it is not expedient now;

D & C 9:12 For, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? And neither of you have I condemned.

D & C 9:13 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation.

D & C 9:14 Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.

SECTION 10 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1828. HC 1: 20-23. Herein the Lord informs Joseph of alterations made by wicked men in the 116 manuscript pages from the translation of the "Book of Lehi," in the Book of Mormon. These manuscript pages had been lost from the possession of Martin Harris, to whom the sheets had been temporarily entrusted. See heading to Section 3. The evil design was to await the expected retranslation of the matter covered by the stolen pages, and then to discredit the translator by showing discrepancies created by the alterations. That this wicked purpose had been conceived by the evil one, and was known to the Lord even while Mormon, the ancient Nephite historian, was making his abridgment of the accumulated plates, is shown in the Book of Mormon (The Words of Mormon 1: 3-7).

1-26, Satan stirs up wicked men to oppose the Lord's work; 27-33, He seeketh to destroy the souls of men; 34-52, The gospel is to go to Lamanites and all nations through Book of Mormon; 53-63, The Lord will establish his Church and his gospel among men; 64-70, He will gather the repentant into his Church and will save the obedient.

D & C 10:1 Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them.

D & C 10:2 And you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened.

D & C 10:3 Nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again; therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation as you have begun.

D & C 10:4 Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end.

D & C 10:5 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.

D & C 10:6 Behold, they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man in whom you have trusted has sought to destroy you.

D & C 10:7 And for this cause I said that he is a wicked man, for he has sought to take away the things wherewith you have been entrusted; and he has also sought to destroy your gift.

D & C 10:8 And because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them from you.

D & C 10:9 Therefore, you have delivered them up, yea, that which was sacred, unto wickedness.

D & C 10:10 And, behold, Satan hath put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have gone out of your hands.

D & C 10:11 And behold, I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written;

D & C 10:12 And, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work;

D & C 10:13 For he hath put into their hearts to do this, that by lying they may say they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to translate.

D & C 10:14 Verily, I say unto you, that I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing.

D & C 10:15 For behold, he has put it into their hearts to get thee to tempt the Lord thy God, in asking to translate it over again.

D & C 10:16 And then, behold, they say and think in their heartsÐWe will see if God has given him power to translate; if so, he will also give him power again;

D & C 10:17 And if God giveth him power again, or if he translates again, or, in other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with us, and we have altered them;

D & C 10:18 Therefore they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power;

D & C 10:19 Therefore we will destroy him, and also the work; and we will do this that we may not be ashamed in the end, and that we may get glory of the world.

D & C 10:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good;

D & C 10:21 And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me.

D & C 10:22 Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction.

D & C 10:23 And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment.

D & C 10:24 Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work.

D & C 10:25 Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him.

D & C 10:26 And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare.

D & C 10:27 And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.

D & C 10:28 Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God.

D & C 10:29 Now, behold, they have altered these words, because Satan saith unto them: He hath deceived youÐand thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity, to get thee to tempt the Lord thy God.

D & C 10:30 Behold, I say unto you, that you shall not translate again those words which have gone forth out of your hands;

D & C 10:31 For, behold, they shall not accomplish their evil designs in lying against those words. For, behold, if you should bring forth the same words they will say that you have lied and that you have pretended to translate, but that you have contradicted yourself.

D & C 10:32 And, behold, they will publish this, and Satan will harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to anger against you, that they will not believe my words.

D & C 10:33 Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation.

D & C 10:34 But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation.

D & C 10:35 Marvel not that I said unto you: Here is wisdom, show it not unto the worldÐfor I said, show it not unto the world, that you may be preserved.

D & C 10:36 Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous;

D & C 10:37 But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter.

D & C 10:38 And now, verily I say unto you, that an account of those things that you have written, which have gone out of your hands, is engraven upon the plates of Nephi;

D & C 10:39 Yea, and you remember it was said in those writings that a more particular account was given of these things upon the plates of Nephi.

D & C 10:40 And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi is more particular concerning the things which, in my wisdom, I would bring to the knowledge of the people in this accountÐ

D & C 10:41 Therefore, you shall translate the engravings which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained;

D & C 10:42 And behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi; and thus I will confound those who have altered my words.

D & C 10:43 I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.

D & C 10:44 Behold, they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account of Nephi.

D & C 10:45 Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work.

D & C 10:46 And, behold, all the remainder of this work does contain all those parts of my gospel which my holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, desired in their prayers should come forth unto this people.

D & C 10:47 And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers;

D & C 10:48 Yea, and this was their faithÐthat my gospel, which I gave unto them that they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren the Lamanites, and also all that had become Lamanites because of their dissensions.

D & C 10:49 Now, this is not allÐtheir faith in their prayers was that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land;

D & C 10:50 And thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal life;

D & C 10:51 Yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be.

D & C 10:52 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up.

D & C 10:53 And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.

D & C 10:54 Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church;

D & C 10:55 Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.

D & C 10:56 But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devilÐyea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center.

D & C 10:57 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not.

D & C 10:58 I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

D & C 10:59 I am he who saidÐOther sheep have I which are not of this foldÐunto my disciples, and many there were that understood me not.

D & C 10:60 And I will show unto this people that I had other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house of Jacob;

D & C 10:61 And I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my name;

D & C 10:62 Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.

D & C 10:63 And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.

D & C 10:64 Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery;

D & C 10:65 For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts;

D & C 10:66 Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely.

D & C 10:67 Behold, this is my doctrineÐwhosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.

D & C 10:68 Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church.

D & C 10:69 And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

D & C 10:70 And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen.

SECTION 11 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his brother Hyrum Smith, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829. HC 1: 39-46. This revelation was received through the Urim and Thummim in answer to Joseph's supplication and inquiry. "History of the Church" suggests that this revelation was received after the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.

1-6, Laborers in the vineyard will gain salvation; 7-14, Seek wisdom, cry repentance, trust in the Spirit; 15-22, Keep the commandments and study the Lord's word; 23-27, Deny not the spirit of revelation and of prophecy; 28-30, Those who receive Christ become the sons of God.

D & C 11:1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

D & C 11:2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

D & C 11:3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

D & C 11:4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

D & C 11:5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

D & C 11:6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

D & C 11:7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

D & C 11:8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.

D & C 11:9 Say nothing but repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.

D & C 11:10 Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which speaketh unto thee;

D & C 11:11 For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee.

D & C 11:12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do goodÐyea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

D & C 11:13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

D & C 11:14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.

D & C 11:15 Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called.

D & C 11:16 Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine.

D & C 11:17 And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

D & C 11:18 Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit;

D & C 11:19 Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which has been spokenÐyea, the translation of my work; be patient until you shall accomplish it.

D & C 11:20 Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.

D & C 11:21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.

D & C 11:22 But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto.

D & C 11:23 Behold thou art Hyrum, my son; seek the kingdom of God, and all things shall be added according to that which is just.

D & C 11:24 Build upon my rock, which is my gospel;

D & C 11:25 Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things;

D & C 11:26 Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth.

D & C 11:27 Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap.

D & C 11:28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world.

D & C 11:29 I am the same who came unto mine own and mine own received me not;

D & C 11:30 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name. Amen.

SECTION 12 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Joseph Knight, Sen., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829. HC 1: 47-48. Joseph Knight believed the declarations of Joseph Smith concerning his possession of the Book of Mormon plates and the work of translation then in progress, and several times had given material assistance to Joseph Smith and his scribe, which enabled them to continue translating. At Joseph Knight's request the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation.

1-6, Laborers in the vineyard are to gain salvation; 7-9, All who desire and are qualified may assist in the Lord's work.

D & C 12:1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

D & C 12:2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore, give heed unto my word.

D & C 12:3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

D & C 12:4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

D & C 12:5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

D & C 12:6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

D & C 12:7 Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work;

D & C 12:8 And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.

D & C 12:9 Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen.

SECTION 13 

Ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood along the bank of the Susquehanna River, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1829. HC 1: 39-42. The ordination was done by the hands of an angel, who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time the Priesthood of Melchizedek would be conferred upon them. See also Section 27: 7, 9, 12.

Keys and powers of Aaronic Priesthood are set forth.

D & C 13:1 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

SECTION 14 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. HC 1: 48-50. The Whitmer family had become greatly interested in the translating of the Book of Mormon. The Prophet established his residence at the home of Peter Whitmer, Sen., where he dwelt until the work of translation was carried to completion and the copyright on the forth-coming book secured. Three of the Whitmer sons, each having received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, became deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty. This revelation and the two next following (Sections 15 and 16) were given in answer to an inquiry through the Urim and Thummim. David Whitmer later became one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1-6, Laborers in the vineyard will gain salvation; 7-8, Eternal life is the greatest of God's gifts; 9-11, Christ created the heavens and the earth.

D & C 14:1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

D & C 14:2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

D & C 14:3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

D & C 14:4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

D & C 14:5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

D & C 14:6 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.

D & C 14:7 And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

D & C 14:8 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

D & C 14:9 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness;

D & C 14:10 Wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.

D & C 14:11 And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.

SECTION 15 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. HC 1: 50; see also heading to Section 14. The message is intimately and impressively personal, in that the Lord tells of what was known only to John Whitmer and himself. John Whitmer later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1-2, The Lord's arm is over all the earth; 3-6, To preach the gospel and save souls is the thing of most worth.

D & C 15:1 Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

D & C 15:2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

D & C 15:3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee aloneÐ

D & C 15:4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

D & C 15:5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

D & C 15:6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

SECTION 16 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Peter Whitmer, Jun., at Fayette, New York, June 1829. HC 1: 51; see also heading to Section 14. Peter Whitmer, Jun., later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

1-2, The Lord's arm is over all the earth; 3-6, To preach the gospel and save souls is the thing of most worth.

D & C 16:1 Hearken, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

D & C 16:2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

D & C 16:3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee aloneÐ

D & C 16:4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

D & C 16:5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given unto you according to my commandments.

D & C 16:6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

SECTION 17 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, at Fayette, New York, June 1829, prior to their viewing the engraved plates that contained the Book of Mormon record. HC 1: 52-57. Joseph and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, had learned from the translation of the Book of Mormon plates that three special witnesses would be designated. See Ether 5: 2-4; also 2 Nephi 11: 3 and 27: 12. Oliver Cowdery, David Whitemer, and Martin Harris were moved upon by an inspired desire to be the three special witnesses. The Prophet inquired of the Lord, and this revelation was given in answer, through the Urim and Thummim.

1-4, By faith the Three Witnesses shall see the plates and other sacred items; 5-9, Christ bears testimony to the divinity of the Book of Mormon.

D & C 17:1 Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea.

D & C 17:2 And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old.

D & C 17:3 And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God;

D & C 17:4 And this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work.

D & C 17:5 And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them; for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith.

D & C 17:6 And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.

D & C 17:7 Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him;

D & C 17:8 And if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you, and you shall be lifted up at the last day.

D & C 17:9 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.

SECTION 18 

Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, given to Fayette, New York, June 1829. HC 1: 60-64. When the Aaronic Priesthood was conferred, the bestowal of the Melchizedek Priesthood was promised. See heading to Section 13. In response to supplication for knowledge on the matter, the Lord gave this revelation.

1-5, Scriptures show how to build up the Church; 6-8, The world is ripening in iniquity; 9-16, The worth of souls is great; 17-25, To gain salvation, men must take upon them the name of Christ; 26-36, The calling and mission of the Twelve are revealed; 37-39, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer are to search out the Twelve; 40-47, To gain salvation, men must repent, be baptized, and keep the commandments.

D & C 18:1 Now, behold, because of the thing which you, my servant Oliver Cowdery, have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words:

D & C 18:2 Behold, I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true; wherefore you know that they are true.

D & C 18:3 And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written;

D & C 18:4 For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock.

D & C 18:5 Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

D & C 18:6 Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel.

D & C 18:7 Wherefore, as thou hast been baptized by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., according to that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled the thing which I commanded him.

D & C 18:8 And now, marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me; wherefore, if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments he shall be blessed unto eternal life; and his name is Joseph.

D & C 18:9 And now, Oliver Cowdery, I speak unto you, and also unto David Whitmer, by the way of commandment; for, behold, I command all men everywhere to repent, and I speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with that same calling with which he was called.

D & C 18:10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

D & C 18:11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

D & C 18:12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

D & C 18:13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

D & C 18:14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

D & C 18:15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

D & C 18:16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

D & C 18:17 Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.

D & C 18:18 Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.

D & C 18:19 And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.

D & C 18:20 Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.

D & C 18:21 Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.

D & C 18:22 And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.

D & C 18:23 Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved;

D & C 18:24 Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day;

D & C 18:25 Wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father.

D & C 18:26 And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew;

D & C 18:27 Yea, even twelve; and the Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart.

D & C 18:28 And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature.

D & C 18:29 And they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according to that which is written;

D & C 18:30 And you have that which is written before you; wherefore, you must perform it according to the words which are written.

D & C 18:31 And now I speak unto you, the TwelveÐBehold, my grace is sufficient for you; you must walk uprightly before me and sin not.

D & C 18:32 And, behold, you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men;

D & C 18:33 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.

D & C 18:34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;

D & C 18:35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;

D & C 18:36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

D & C 18:37 And now, behold, I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken;

D & C 18:38 And by their desires and their works you shall know them.

D & C 18:39 And when you have found them you shall show these things unto them.

D & C 18:40 And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name.

D & C 18:41 And you must preach unto the world, saying: You must repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ;

D & C 18:42 For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who have arrived at the years of accountability.

D & C 18:43 And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things;

D & C 18:44 And by your hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance, and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father.

D & C 18:45 Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you are above all things.

D & C 18:46 And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father.

D & C 18:47 Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it. Amen.

SECTION 19 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith, at Manchester, New York, March 1830. HC 1: 72-74. In his history the Prophet introduced it as "a commandment of God and not of man, to Martin Harris, given by him who is Eternal."

1-3, Christ has all power; 4-5, All men must repent or suffer; 6-12, Eternal punishment is God's punishment; 13-20, Christ suffered for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; 21-28, Preach the gospel of repentance; 29-41, Declare glad tidings.

D & C 19:1 I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.

D & C 19:2 I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning meÐhaving done this that I might subdue all things unto myselfÐ

D & C 19:3 Retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.

D & C 19:4 And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.

D & C 19:5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.

D & C 19:6 Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment.

D & C 19:7 Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name's glory.

D & C 19:8 Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles.

D & C 19:9 I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.

D & C 19:10 For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. WhereforeÐ

D & C 19:11 Eternal punishment is God's punishment.

D & C 19:12 Endless punishment is God's punishment.

D & C 19:13 Wherefore, I command you to repent, and keep the commandments which you have received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., in my name;

D & C 19:14 And it is by my almighty power that you have received them;

D & C 19:15 Therefore I command you to repentÐrepent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be soreÐhow sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.

D & C 19:16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

D & C 19:17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

D & C 19:18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spiritÐand would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrinkÐ

D & C 19:19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

D & C 19:20 Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit.

D & C 19:21 And I command you that you preach naught but repentance, and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me.

D & C 19:22 For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish.

D & C 19:23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

D & C 19:24 I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.

D & C 19:25 And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife; nor seek thy neighbor's life.

D & C 19:26 And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of GodÐ

D & C 19:27 Which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel, and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come.

D & C 19:28 And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.

D & C 19:29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.

D & C 19:30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.

D & C 19:31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.

D & C 19:32 Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.

D & C 19:33 And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels, yea, even the destruction of thyself and property.

D & C 19:34 Impart a portion of thy property, yea, even part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family.

D & C 19:35 Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage.

D & C 19:36 Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see thy family;

D & C 19:37 And speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, cryingÐHosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!

D & C 19:38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessingÐyea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.

D & C 19:39 Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness?

D & C 19:40 Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide?

D & C 19:41 Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me thy Savior. Amen.

SECTION 20 

Revelation on Church Organization and Government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, April 1830. HC 1: 64-70. Preceding his record of this revelation the Prophet wrote: "We obtained of him (Jesus Christ) the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth."

1-16, The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the latter-day work; 17-29, The doctrines of creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed; 29-37, Laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth; 38-67, Duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons are summarized; 68-74, Duties of members, blessing of children, and mode of baptism are revealed; 75-84, Sacramental prayers and regulations governing church membership are given.

D & C 20:1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called AprilÐ

D & C 20:2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

D & C 20:3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;

D & C 20:4 And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.

D & C 20:5 After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world;

D & C 20:6 But after repenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness;

D & C 20:7 And gave unto him commandments which inspired him;

D & C 20:8 And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;

D & C 20:9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;

D & C 20:10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by themÐ

D & C 20:11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;

D & C 20:12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

D & C 20:13 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work.

D & C 20:14 And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;

D & C 20:15 But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnationÐ

D & C 20:16 For the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear witness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

D & C 20:17 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;

D & C 20:18 And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;

D & C 20:19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship.

D & C 20:20 But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man.

D & C 20:21 Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.

D & C 20:22 He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.

D & C 20:23 He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;

D & C 20:24 And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;

D & C 20:25 That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be savedÐ

D & C 20:26 Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life,

D & C 20:27 As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son;

D & C 20:28 Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.

D & C 20:29 And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

D & C 20:30 And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;

D & C 20:31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.

D & C 20:32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God;

D & C 20:33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation;

D & C 20:34 Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also.

D & C 20:35 And we know that these things are true and according to the revelations of John, neither adding to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book, the holy scriptures, or the revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the voice of God, or the ministering of angels.

D & C 20:36 And the Lord God has spoken it; and honor, power and glory be rendered to his holy name, both now and ever. Amen.

D & C 20:37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptismÐAll those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

D & C 20:38 The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of ChristÐAn apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;

D & C 20:39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;

D & C 20:40 And to administer bread and wineÐthe emblems of the flesh and blood of ChristÐ

D & C 20:41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

D & C 20:42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

D & C 20:43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;

D & C 20:44 And to take the lead of all meetings.

D & C 20:45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.

D & C 20:46 The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,

D & C 20:47 And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.

D & C 20:48 And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.

D & C 20:49 And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present;

D & C 20:50 But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,

D & C 20:51 And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.

D & C 20:52 In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.

D & C 20:53 The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them;

D & C 20:54 And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking;

D & C 20:55 And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty.

D & C 20:56 And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priestÐ

D & C 20:57 And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires.

D & C 20:58 But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands;

D & C 20:59 They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.

D & C 20:60 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.

D & C 20:61 The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint;

D & C 20:62 And said conferences are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time.

D & C 20:63 The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the conferences.

D & C 20:64 Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may take a certificate from him at the time, which certificate, when presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it from a conference.

D & C 20:65 No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;

D & C 20:66 But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called.

D & C 20:67 Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council or general conference.

D & C 20:68 The duty of the members after they are received by baptism.ÐThe elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders, so that all things may be done in order.

D & C 20:69 And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scripturesÐwalking in holiness before the Lord.

D & C 20:70 Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name.

D & C 20:71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.

D & C 20:72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repentÐ

D & C 20:73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

D & C 20:74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

D & C 20:75 It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;

D & C 20:76 And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer itÐhe shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:

D & C 20:77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

D & C 20:78 The manner of administering the wineÐhe shall take the cup also, and say:

D & C 20:79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

D & C 20:80 Any member of the church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct.

D & C 20:81 It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church,

D & C 20:82 With a list of the names of the several members uniting themselves with the church since the last conference; or send by the hand of some priest; so that a regular list of all the names of the whole church may be kept in a book by one of the elders, whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time;

D & C 20:83 And also, if any have been expelled from the church, so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names.

D & C 20:84 All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a church where they are not known, may take a letter certifying that they are regular members and in good standing, which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church.

SECTION 21

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. HC 1: 74-79. This revelation was given at the organization of the Church, on the date named, in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sen. Six men, who had previously been baptized, participated. By unanimous vote these persons expressed their desire and determination to organize, according to the commandment of God; see Section 20. They also voted to accept and sustain Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery as the presiding officers of the Church. With the laying on of hands, Joseph then ordained Oliver an elder of the Church; and Oliver similarly ordained Joseph. After administration of the sacrament, Joseph and Oliver laid hands upon the participants individually, for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost and for the confirmation of each as a member of the Church.

1-3, Joseph Smith is called to be a seer, translator, prophet, apostle, and elder; 4-8, His word shall guide the cause of Zion; 9-12, The saints shall believe his words as he speaks by the Comforter.

D & C 21:1 Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,

D & C 21:2 Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith.

D & C 21:3 Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.

D & C 21:4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

D & C 21:5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

D & C 21:6 For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.

D & C 21:7 For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.

D & C 21:8 Yea, his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that he shall mourn for her no longer; for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works.

D & C 21:9 For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.

D & C 21:10 Wherefore it behooveth me that he should be ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery mine apostle;

D & C 21:11 This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my nameÐ

D & C 21:12 And the first preacher of this church unto the church, and before the world, yea, before the Gentiles; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo! to the Jews also. Amen.

SECTION 22 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830. HC 1: 79-80. This revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.

1, Baptism is a new and everlasting covenant; 2-4, Authoritative baptism is required.

D & C 22:1 Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.

D & C 22:2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works.

D & C 22:3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.

D & C 22:4 Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.

SECTION 23 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Mancherster, New York, April 1830, to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sen., and Joseph Knight, Sen. HC 1: 80. As the result of earnest desire on the part of the five persons named to know of their respective duties, the Prophet inquired of the Lord, and received this revelation.

1-7, These early disciples are called to preach, exhort, and strengthen the Church.

D & C 23:1 Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation.

D & C 23:2 Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world, and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever. Amen.

D & C 23:3 Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever, and this because of thy family. Amen.

D & C 23:4 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. Amen.

D & C 23:5 Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church; and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever. Amen.

D & C 23:6 Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.

D & C 23:7 And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer. Amen.

SECTION 24 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830. HC 1: 101-103. Though less than four months had elapsed since the Church was organized, persecution had become intense, and the leaders had to seek safety in partial seclusion. The following three revelations were given at this time to strengthen, encourage, and instruct them.

1-9, Joseph Smith is called to translate, preach, and expound scriptures; 10-12, Oliver Cowdery is called to preach the gospel; 13-19, Law is revealed relative to miracles, cursings, casting off the dust of one's feet, and going without purse or scrip.

D & C 24:1 Behold, thou wast called and chosen to write the Book of Mormon, and to my ministry; and I have lifted thee up out of thine afflictions, and have counseled thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies, and thou hast been delivered from the powers of Satan and from darkness!

D & C 24:2 Nevertheless, thou art not excusable in thy transgressions; nevertheless, go thy way and sin no more.

D & C 24:3 Magnify thine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester, and they shall support thee; and I will bless them both spiritually and temporally;

D & C 24:4 But if they receive thee not, I will send upon them a cursing instead of a blessing.

D & C 24:5 And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church.

D & C 24:6 And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, or I will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing.

D & C 24:7 For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt have strength.

D & C 24:8 Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.

D & C 24:9 And in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling. Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the churches.

D & C 24:10 And thy brother Oliver shall continue in bearing my name before the world, and also to the church. And he shall not suppose that he can say enough in my cause; and lo, I am with him to the end.

D & C 24:11 In me he shall have glory, and not of himself, whether in weakness or in strength, whether in bonds or free;

D & C 24:12 And at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men.

D & C 24:13 Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons;

D & C 24:14 And these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written.

D & C 24:15 And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and they receive you not in my name, ye shall leave a cursing instead of a blessing, by casting off the dust of your feet against them as a testimony, and cleansing your feet by the wayside.

D & C 24:16 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall lay their hands upon you by violence, ye shall command to be smitten in my name; and, behold, I will smite them according to your words, in mine own due time.

D & C 24:17 And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall be cursed by the law.

D & C 24:18 And thou shalt take no purse nor scrip, neither staves, neither two coats, for the church shall give unto thee in the very hour what thou needest for food and for raiment, and for shoes and for money, and for scrip.

D & C 24:19 For thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time; yea, and also all those whom thou hast ordained, and they shall do even according to this pattern. Amen.

SECTION 25 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830. See HC 1: 103-104; see also heading to Section 24. This revelation manifests the will of the Lord to Emma Smith, the Prophet's wife.

1-6, Emma Smith, an elect lady, is called to aid and comfort her husband; 7-11, She is also called to write, to expound scriptures, and to select hymns; 12-14, The song of the righteous is a prayer unto the Lord; 15-16, Principles of obedience in this revelation are applicable to all.

D & C 25:1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.

D & C 25:2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.

D & C 25:3 Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.

D & C 25:4 Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.

D & C 25:5 And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness.

D & C 25:6 And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will.

D & C 25:7 And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.

D & C 25:8 For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much.

D & C 25:9 And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith.

D & C 25:10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.

D & C 25:11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.

D & C 25:12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

D & C 25:13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

D & C 25:14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him.

D & C 25:15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.

D & C 25:16 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen.

SECTION 26 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830. See HC 1: 104; see also heading to Section 24.

1, They are instructed to study the scriptures and to preach; 2, The law of common consent is affirmed.

D & C 26:1 Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church at Colesville, and to performing your labors on the land, such as is required, until after you shall go to the west to hold the next conference; and then it shall be made known what you shall do.

D & C 26:2 And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen.

SECTION 27 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, August 1830. HC 1: 106-108. In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine for the occasion. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received this revelation, a portion of which was written at the time, and the remainder in the September following. Water is now used instead of wine in the sacramental services of the Church.

1-4, The emblems to be used in partaking of the sacrament are set forth; 5-14, Christ and his servants from all dispensations are to partake of the sacrament; 15-18, Put on the whole armor of God.

D & C 27:1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful.

D & C 27:2 For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my gloryÐremembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.

D & C 27:3 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine neither strong drink of your enemies;

D & C 27:4 Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.

D & C 27:5 Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim;

D & C 27:6 And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;

D & C 27:7 And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias;

D & C 27:8 Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron;

D & C 27:9 And also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse;

D & C 27:10 And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain;

D & C 27:11 And also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days;

D & C 27:12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them;

D & C 27:13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;

D & C 27:14 And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world.

D & C 27:15 Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.

D & C 27:16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

D & C 27:17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

D & C 27:18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.

SECTION 28 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. HC 1: 109-111. Hiram Page, a member of the Church, had a certain stone, and professed to be receiving revelations by its aid concerning the upbuilding of Zion and the order of the Church. Several member had been deceived by these claims, and even Oliver Cowdery was wrongly influenced thereby. Just prior to an appointed conference, the Prophet inquired earnestly of the Lord concerning the matter, and this revelation followed.

1-7, Joseph Smith holds keys of the mysteries, and only he receives revelations for the Church; 8-10, Oliver Cowdery is to preach to the Lamanites; 11-16, Satan deceived Hiram Page and gave him false revelations.

D & C 28:1 Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given.

D & C 28:2 But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.

D & C 28:3 And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church.

D & C 28:4 And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.

D & C 28:5 But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom;

D & C 28:6 And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;

D & C 28:7 For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.

D & C 28:8 And now, behold, I say unto you that you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them; and thou shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment.

D & C 28:9 And now, behold, I say unto you that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites.

D & C 28:10 Thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference; and my servant Joseph shall be appointed to preside over the conference by the voice of it, and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell.

D & C 28:11 And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me, and that Satan deceiveth him;

D & C 28:12 For, behold, these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants.

D & C 28:13 For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.

D & C 28:14 And thou shalt assist to settle all these things, according to the covenants of the church, before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites.

D & C 28:15 And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return, what thou shalt do.

D & C 28:16 And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen.

SECTION 29 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the presence of six elders, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. HC 1: 111-115. This revelation was given some days prior to the conference beginning September 26, 1830.

1-8, Christ gathers his elect; 9-11, His coming ushers in the Millennium; 12-13, The twelve shall judge all Israel; 14-21, Signs, plagues, and desolations will precede the Second Coming; 22-28, The last resurrection and final judgment follow the Millennium; 29-35, All things are spiritual unto the Lord; 36-39, The devil and his hosts were cast out of heaven to tempt man; 40-45, Fall and atonement bring salvation; 46-50, Little children are redeemed through the atonement

D & C 29:1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;

D & C 29:2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.

D & C 29:3 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.

D & C 29:4 Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.

D & C 29:5 Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.

D & C 29:6 And, as it is writtenÐWhatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

D & C 29:7 And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

D & C 29:8 Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.

D & C 29:9 For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;

D & C 29:10 For the hour is nigh, and that which was spoken by mine apostles must be fulfilled; for as they spoke so shall it come to pass;

D & C 29:11 For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand.

D & C 29:12 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

D & C 29:13 For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forthÐyea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one.

D & C 29:14 But, behold, I say unto you that before this great day shall come the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath;

D & C 29:15 And there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men;

D & C 29:16 And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.

D & C 29:17 And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.

D & C 29:18 Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them;

D & C 29:19 And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets;

D & C 29:20 And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up.

D & C 29:21 And the great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, who spoke of these things, which have not come to pass but surely must, as I live, for abominations shall not reign.

D & C 29:22 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you that when the thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but for a little season;

D & C 29:23 And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth.

D & C 29:24 For all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea;

D & C 29:25 And not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand.

D & C 29:26 But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forthÐyea, even all.

D & C 29:27 And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father;

D & C 29:28 Wherefore I will say unto themÐDepart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

D & C 29:29 And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any time have I declared from mine own mouth that they should return, for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power.

D & C 29:30 But remember that all my judgments are not given unto men; and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my Spirit.

D & C 29:31 For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporalÐ

D & C 29:32 First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my workÐ

D & C 29:33 Speaking unto you that you may naturally understand; but unto myself my works have no end, neither beginning; but it is given unto you that ye may understand, because ye have asked it of me and are agreed.

D & C 29:34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

D & C 29:35 Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual.

D & C 29:36 And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devilÐfor, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;

D & C 29:37 And they were thrust down, and thus came the devil and his angels;

D & C 29:38 And, behold, there is a place prepared for them from the beginning, which place is hell.

D & C 29:39 And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweetÐ

D & C 29:40 Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook of the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation.

D & C 29:41 Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same death which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say: Depart, ye cursed.

D & C 29:42 But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God, gave unto Adam and unto his seed, that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son.

D & C 29:43 And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probationÐthat by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe;

D & C 29:44 And they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not;

D & C 29:45 For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey.

D & C 29:46 But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten;

D & C 29:47 Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;

D & C 29:48 For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.

D & C 29:49 And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having knowledge, have I not commanded to repent?

D & C 29:50 And he that hath no understanding, it remaineth in me to do according as it is written. And now I declare no more unto you at this time. Amen.

SECTION 30 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jun., and John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, September 1830, following the three-day conference at Fayette, but before the elders of the Church had separated. HC 1: 115-116. Originally this material was published as three revelations; it was combined into one section by the Prophet for the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

1-4, David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently; 5-8, Peter Whitmer, Jun., is to accompany Oliver Cowdery on a mission to the Lamanites; 9-11, John Whitmer is called to preach the gospel.

D & C 30:1 Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

D & C 30:2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.

D & C 30:3 Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received.

D & C 30:4 And your home shall be at your father's house, until I give unto you further commandments. And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the world, and in the regions round about. Amen.

D & C 30:5 Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take your journey with your brother Oliver; for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear not, but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you.

D & C 30:6 And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites;

D & C 30:7 And none have I appointed to be his counselor over him in the church, concerning church matters, except it is his brother, Joseph Smith, Jun.

D & C 30:8 Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life. Amen.

D & C 30:9 Behold, I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt commence from this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump.

D & C 30:10 And your labor shall be at your brother Philip Burroughs', and in that region round about, yea, wherever you can be heard, until I command you to go from hence.

D & C 30:11 And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen.

SECTION 31 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, September 1830. HC 1: 115-117. The occasion was immediately following a conference of the Church. See heading to Section 30. Thomas B. Marsh had been baptized earlier in the month, and had been ordained an elder in the Church before this revelation was given.

1-6, Thomas B. Marsh is called to preach the gospel and is assured of his family's well-being; 7-13, He is counseled to be patient, pray always, and follow the Comforter.

D & C 31:1 Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work.

D & C 31:2 Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.

D & C 31:3 Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.

D & C 31:4 You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.

D & C 31:5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

D & C 31:6 Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them.

D & C 31:7 Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand;

D & C 31:8 And you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered.

D & C 31:9 Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

D & C 31:10 Behold, I say unto you that you shall be a physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for they will not receive you.

D & C 31:11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

D & C 31:12 Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

D & C 31:13 Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen.

SECTION 32 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, October 1830. HC 1: 118-120. Great interest and desires were felt by the elders respecting the Lamanites, of whose predicted blessings the Church had learned from the Book of Mormon. In consequence, supplication was made that the Lord would indicate his will as to whether elders should be sent at that time to the Indian tribes in the West. The revelation followed.

1-3, Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson are called to preach to the Lamanites and to accompany Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jun.; 4-5, They are to pray for an understanding of the scriptures.

D & C 32:1 And now concerning my servant Parley P. Pratt, behold, I say unto him that as I live I will that he shall declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek and lowly of heart.

D & C 32:2 And that which I have appointed unto him is that he shall go with my servants, Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jun., into the wilderness among the Lamanites.

D & C 32:3 And Ziba Peterson also shall go with them; and I myself will go with them and be in their midst; and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing shall prevail against them.

D & C 32:4 And they shall give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no other revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding.

D & C 32:5 And they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen.

SECTION 33 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, New York, October 1830. HC 1: 126-127. In recording this revelation the Prophet affirmed that "the Lord is ever ready to instruct such as diligently seek in faith."

1-4, Laborers are called to declare the gospel in the eleventh hour; 5-6, The Church is established and the elect are to be gathered; 7-10, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; 11-15, The Church is built upon the gospel rock; 16-18, Prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom.

D & C 33:1 Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

D & C 33:2 For verily, verily, I say unto you that ye are called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a trump, to declare my gospel unto a crooked and perverse generation.

D & C 33:3 For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard.

D & C 33:4 And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds.

D & C 33:5 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness.

D & C 33:6 And even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken unto my voice.

D & C 33:7 Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength.

D & C 33:8 Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness.

D & C 33:9 Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you.

D & C 33:10 Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand;

D & C 33:11 Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.

D & C 33:12 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved;

D & C 33:13 And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

D & C 33:14 And ye shall remember the church articles and covenants to keep them.

D & C 33:15 And whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them.

D & C 33:16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.

D & C 33:17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the BridegroomÐ

D & C 33:18 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 34 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Orson Pratt, at Fayette, New York, November 4, 1830. HC 1: 127-128. Brother Pratt was nineteen years old at the time. He had been converted and baptized when he first heard the preaching of the restored gospel by his older brother, Parley P. Pratt, six weeks before. This revelation was received in the Peter Whitmer, Sen., home.

1-4, The faithful become the sons of God through the atonement; 5-9, Preaching of the gospel prepares the way for the Second Coming; 10-12, Prophecy comes by the power of the Holy Ghost.

D & C 34:1 My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer;

D & C 34:2 The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;

D & C 34:3 Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son;

D & C 34:4 And blessed are you because you have believed;

D & C 34:5 And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospelÐ

D & C 34:6 To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.

D & C 34:7 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory.

D & C 34:8 And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble.

D & C 34:9 But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked.

D & C 34:10 Wherefore, lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken; therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

D & C 34:11 And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you until I comeÐ

D & C 34:12 And verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 35 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at or near Fayette, New York, December 1830. HC 1: 128-131. At this time the Prophet was engaged almost daily in making a translation of the Bible. The translation was begun as early as June 1830, and both Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer had served as scribes. Since they had now been called to other duties, Sidney Rigdon was called by divine appointment to serve as the Prophet's scribe in this work (verse 20). As a preface to his record of this revelation the Prophet wrote: "In December Sidney Rigdon came from Ohio to inquire of the Lord, and with him came Edward Partridge....Shortly after the arrival of these two brethren, thus spake the Lord."

1-2, How men may become the sons of God; 3-7, Sidney Rigdon is called to baptize and confer the Holy Ghost; 8-12, Signs and miracles are wrought by faith; 13-16, The Lord's servants shall thrash the nations by the power of the Spirit; 17-19, Joseph Smith holds the keys of the mysteries; 20-21, The elect shall abide the day of the Lord's coming; 22-27, Israel shall be saved.

D & C 35:1 Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever.

D & C 35:2 I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.

D & C 35:3 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. I have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a greater work.

D & C 35:4 Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare the way before me, and before Elijah which should come, and thou knewest it not.

D & C 35:5 Thou didst baptize by water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost;

D & C 35:6 But now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old.

D & C 35:7 And it shall come to pass that there shall be a great work in the land, even among the Gentiles, for their folly and their abominations shall be made manifest in the eyes of all people.

D & C 35:8 For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name.

D & C 35:9 And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk.

D & C 35:10 And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men;

D & C 35:11 But without faith shall not anything be shown forth except desolations upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

D & C 35:12 And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation.

D & C 35:13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my Spirit;

D & C 35:14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them.

D & C 35:15 And the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at handÐ

D & C 35:16 And they shall learn the parable of the fig-tree, for even now already summer is nigh.

D & C 35:17 And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him;

D & C 35:18 And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead.

D & C 35:19 Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.

D & C 35:20 And a commandment I give unto theeÐthat thou shalt write for him; and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect;

D & C 35:21 For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure.

D & C 35:22 And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and he shall journey with you; forsake him not, and surely these things shall be fulfilled.

D & C 35:23 And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold, it shall be given unto him to prophesy; and thou shalt preach my gospel and call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him.

D & C 35:24 Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound; and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish;

D & C 35:25 And Israel shall be saved in mine own due time; and by the keys which I have given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all.

D & C 35:26 Lift up your hearts and be glad, your redemption draweth nigh.

D & C 35:27 Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 36 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Edward Partridge, near Fayette, New York, December 1830. HC 1: 131. See heading to Section 35. The Prophet said that Edward Partridge "was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord's great men."

1-3, The Lord lays his hand upon Edward Partridge by the hand of Sidney Rigdon; 4-8, Every man who receives the gospel and the priesthood to be called to go forth and preach.

D & C 36:1 Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump;

D & C 36:2 And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;

D & C 36:3 And you shall declare it with a loud voice, saying: Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high God.

D & C 36:4 And now this calling and commandment give I unto you concerning all menÐ

D & C 36:5 That as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nationsÐ

D & C 36:6 Crying repentance, saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh.

D & C 36:7 And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have spoken.

D & C 36:8 I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 37 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, near Fayette, New York, December 1830. HC 1: 139. Herein is given the first commandment concerning a gathering in this dispensation.

1-4, The saints are called to gather at the Ohio.

D & C 37:1 Behold, I say unto you that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to the Ohio, and this because of the enemy and for your sakes.

D & C 37:2 And again, I say unto you that ye shall not go until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and have strengthened up the church whithersoever it is found, and more especially in Colesville; for, behold, they pray unto me in much faith.

D & C 37:3 And again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.

D & C 37:4 Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 38 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, January 2, 1831. HC 1: 140-143. The occasion was a conference of the Church.

1-6, Christ created all things; 7-8, He is in the midst of his saints, who shall soon see him; 9-12, All flesh is corrupted before him; 13-22, He has reserved a land of promise for his saints in time and in eternity; 23-27, The saints are commanded to be one and esteem each other as brethren; 28-29, Wars are predicted; 30-33, The saints are to be given power from on high and go forth among all nations.

D & C 38:1 Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made;

D & C 38:2 The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes;

D & C 38:3 I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me.

D & C 38:4 I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them.

D & C 38:5 But behold, the residue of the wicked have I kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day, which shall come at the end of the earth;

D & C 38:6 And even so will I cause the wicked to be kept, that will not hear my voice but harden their hearts, and wo, wo, wo, is their doom.

D & C 38:7 But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me;

D & C 38:8 But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day.

D & C 38:9 Wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared. Behold, the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome.

D & C 38:10 Verily I say unto you, ye are clean, but not all; and there is none else with whom I am well pleased;

D & C 38:11 For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heavenÐ

D & C 38:12 Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined.

D & C 38:13 And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not;

D & C 38:14 But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but I will be merciful unto your weakness.

D & C 38:15 Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours.

D & C 38:16 And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons.

D & C 38:17 And I have made the earth rich, and behold it is my footstool, wherefore, again I will stand upon it.

D & C 38:18 And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh;

D & C 38:19 And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts.

D & C 38:20 And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away.

D & C 38:21 But, verily I say unto you that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you.

D & C 38:22 Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand?

D & C 38:23 But, verily I say unto you, teach one another according to the office wherewith I have appointed you;

D & C 38:24 And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practise virtue and holiness before me.

D & C 38:25 And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself.

D & C 38:26 For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou thereÐand looketh upon his sons and saith I am just?

D & C 38:27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.

D & C 38:28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.

D & C 38:29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.

D & C 38:30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

D & C 38:31 And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blamelessÐ

D & C 38:32 Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high;

D & C 38:33 And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.

D & C 38:34 And now, I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of the church;

D & C 38:35 And they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the place which I have commanded them;

D & C 38:36 And this shall be their work, to govern the affairs of the property of this church.

D & C 38:37 And they that have farms that cannot be sold, let them be left or rented as seemeth them good.

D & C 38:38 See that all things are preserved; and when men are endowed with power from on high and sent forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the church.

D & C 38:39 And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.

D & C 38:40 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded.

D & C 38:41 And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.

D & C 38:42 And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 39 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to James Covill, at Fayette, New York, January 5, 1831. HC 1: 143-145. James Covill, who had been a Baptist minister for about forty years, covenanted with the Lord that he would obey any command that the Lord would give to him through Joseph the Prophet.

1-4, The saints have power to become the sons of God; 5-6, To receive the gospel is to receive Christ; 7-14, James Covill is commanded to be baptized and labor in the Lord's vineyard; 15-21, The Lord's servants are to preach the gospel before Second Coming; 22-24, Those who receive the gospel shall be gathered in time and in eternity.

D & C 39:1 Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, even Jesus ChristÐ

D & C 39:2 The light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;

D & C 39:3 The same which came in the meridian of time unto mine own, and mine own received me not;

D & C 39:4 But to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons; and even so will I give unto as many as will receive me, power to become my sons.

D & C 39:5 And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me.

D & C 39:6 And this is my gospelÐrepentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.

D & C 39:7 And now, behold, I say unto you, my servant James, I have looked upon thy works and I know thee.

D & C 39:8 And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now right before me at this time; and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head;

D & C 39:9 Nevertheless, thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and the cares of the world.

D & C 39:10 But, behold, the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee: Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name, and you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known.

D & C 39:11 And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for a greater work. Thou shalt preach the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth in these last days, the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel.

D & C 39:12 And it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee; thou shalt have great faith, and I will be with thee and go before thy face.

D & C 39:13 Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish.

D & C 39:14 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou art not called to go into the eastern countries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio.

D & C 39:15 And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves at the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from thence men shall go forth into all nations.

D & C 39:16 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the people in Ohio call upon me in much faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations, but I cannot deny my word.

D & C 39:17 Wherefore lay to with your might and call faithful laborers into my vineyard, that it may be pruned for the last time.

D & C 39:18 And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fulness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in judgment.

D & C 39:19 Wherefore, go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand; crying: Hosanna! blessed be the name of the Most High God.

D & C 39:20 Go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face for the time of my coming;

D & C 39:21 For the time is at hand; the day or the hour no man knoweth; but it surely shall come.

D & C 39:22 And he that receiveth these things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered unto me in time and in eternity.

D & C 39:23 And again, it shall come to pass that on as many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming, and shall know me.

D & C 39:24 Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 40 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Fayette, New York, January 1831. HC 1: 145. Preceding the record of this revelation, the Prophet wrote: "As James Covill rejected the word of the Lord, and returned to his former principles and people, the Lord gave unto me and Sidney Rigdon the following revelation."

1-3, Fear of persecution and cares of the world cause rejection of the gospel.

D & C 40:1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covill was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word.

D & C 40:2 And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word.

D & C 40:3 Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen.

SECTION 41 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 4, 1831. HC 1: 146-147. The Kirtland Branch of the Church at this time was rapidly increasing in numbers. Prefacing this revelation the Prophet wrote: "The members were striving to do the will of God, so far as they knew it, though some strange notions and false spirits had crept in among them...and the Lord gave unto the Church the following."

1-3, The elders shall govern the Church by the spirit of revelation; 4-6, True disciples will receive and keep the Lord's law; 7-12, Edward Partridge is named as a bishop unto the Church.

D & C 41:1 Hearken and hear, O ye my people, saith the Lord and your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me; and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings.

D & C 41:2 Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word;

D & C 41:3 And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me.

D & C 41:4 And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is kept.

D & C 41:5 He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you;

D & C 41:6 For it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to be cast before swine.

D & C 41:7 And again, it is meet that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., should have a house built, in which to live and translate.

D & C 41:8 And again, it is meet that my servant Sidney Rigdon should live as seemeth him good, inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments.

D & C 41:9 And again, I have called my servant Edward Partridge; and I give a commandment, that he should be appointed by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church;

D & C 41:10 To see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him in my laws in the day that I shall give them.

D & C 41:11 And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile.

D & C 41:12 These words are given unto you, and they are pure before me; wherefore, beware how you hold them, for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day of judgment. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 42 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 9, 1931. HC 1: 148-154. It was received in the presence of twelve elders, and in fulfillment of the Lord's promise previously made that the "law" would be given in Ohio; see Section 38: 32. The Prophet specifies this revelation as "embracing the law of the Church."

1-10, The elders are called to preach the gospel, baptize converts, and build up the Church; 11-12, They must be called and ordained, and are to teach the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures; 13-17, They are to teach and prophesy by the power of the Spirit; 18-29, The saints are commanded not to kill, steal, lie, lust, commit adultery, or speak evil against others; 30-39, Laws governing the consecration of properties are set forth; 40-52, The sick are to be healed through administrations and by faith; 53-60, Scriptures govern the Church and are to be proclaimed to the world; 61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed; 70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support Church officers; 74-93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.

D & C 42:1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together in my name, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, the Savior of the world; inasmuch as ye believe on my name and keep my commandments.

D & C 42:2 Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you.

D & C 42:3 For verily I say, as ye have assembled yourselves together according to the commandment wherewith I commanded you, and are agreed as touching this one thing, and have asked the Father in my name, even so ye shall receive.

D & C 42:4 Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you this first commandment, that ye shall go forth in my name, every one of you, excepting my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon.

D & C 42:5 And I give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when they shall return.

D & C 42:6 And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God.

D & C 42:7 And ye shall go forth baptizing with water, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

D & C 42:8 And from this place ye shall go forth into the regions westward; and inasmuch as ye shall find them that will receive you ye shall build up my church in every regionÐ

D & C 42:9 Until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you from on high, when the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will be your God.

D & C 42:10 And again, I say unto you, that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand in the office whereunto I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass, that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead. Even so. Amen.

D & C 42:11 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.

D & C 42:12 And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.

D & C 42:13 And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.

D & C 42:14 And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.

D & C 42:15 And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given.

D & C 42:16 And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good;

D & C 42:17 For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son.

D & C 42:18 And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.

D & C 42:19 And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.

D & C 42:20 Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast out.

D & C 42:21 Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.

D & C 42:22 Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.

D & C 42:23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.

D & C 42:24 Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.

D & C 42:25 But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;

D & C 42:26 But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.

D & C 42:27 Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.

D & C 42:28 Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out.

D & C 42:29 If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments.

D & C 42:30 And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.

D & C 42:31 And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose.

D & C 42:32 And it shall come to pass, that after they are laid before the bishop of my church, and after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church, agreeable to my commandments, every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which he has received by consecration, as much as is sufficient for himself and family.

D & C 42:33 And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more than is necessary for their support after this first consecration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who have not, from time to time, that every man who has need may be amply supplied and receive according to his wants.

D & C 42:34 Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my storehouse, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the high council of the church, and the bishop and his council;

D & C 42:35 And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealedÐ

D & C 42:36 That my covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when I shall come to my temple. And this I do for the salvation of my people.

D & C 42:37 And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out of the church, and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and the needy of my church, or in other words, unto meÐ

D & C 42:38 For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me.

D & C 42:39 For it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets shall be fulfilled; for I will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles unto the poor of my people who are of the house of Israel.

D & C 42:40 And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands;

D & C 42:41 And let all things be done in cleanliness before me.

D & C 42:42 Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.

D & C 42:43 And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy.

D & C 42:44 And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me.

D & C 42:45 Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection.

D & C 42:46 And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them;

D & C 42:47 And they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter.

D & C 42:48 And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.

D & C 42:49 He who hath faith to see shall see.

D & C 42:50 He who hath faith to hear shall hear.

D & C 42:51 The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.

D & C 42:52 And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities.

D & C 42:53 Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship.

D & C 42:54 Thou shalt not take thy brother's garment; thou shalt pay for that which thou shalt receive of thy brother.

D & C 42:55 And if thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my storehouse, that all things may be done according to that which I have said.

D & C 42:56 Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety;

D & C 42:57 And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full.

D & C 42:58 And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

D & C 42:59 Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church;

D & C 42:60 And he that doeth according to these things shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned if he so continue.

D & C 42:61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable thingsÐthat which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.

D & C 42:62 Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time where the New Jerusalem shall be built.

D & C 42:63 And behold, it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west, to the north and to the south.

D & C 42:64 And even now, let him that goeth to the east teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of secret combinations.

D & C 42:65 Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them.

D & C 42:66 Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful.

D & C 42:67 And ye shall hereafter receive church covenants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you, both here and in the New Jerusalem.

D & C 42:68 Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.

D & C 42:69 Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church have been given. Even so. Amen.

D & C 42:70 The priests and teachers shall have their stewardships, even as the members.

D & C 42:71 And the elders or high priests who are appointed to assist the bishop as counselors in all things, are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned;

D & C 42:72 Or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop.

D & C 42:73 And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services in the church.

D & C 42:74 Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever persons among you, having put away their companions for the cause of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you;

D & C 42:75 But if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the sake of adultery, and they themselves are the offenders, and their companions are living, they shall be cast out from among you.

D & C 42:76 And again, I say unto you, that ye shall be watchful and careful, with all inquiry, that ye receive none such among you if they are married;

D & C 42:77 And if they are not married, they shall repent of all their sins or ye shall not receive them.

D & C 42:78 And again, every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church.

D & C 42:79 And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.

D & C 42:80 And if any man or woman shall commit adultery, he or she shall be tried before two elders of the church, or more, and every word shall be established against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and not of the enemy; but if there are more than two witnesses it is better.

D & C 42:81 But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses; and the elders shall lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with according to the law of God.

D & C 42:82 And if it can be, it is necessary that the bishop be present also.

D & C 42:83 And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come before you.

D & C 42:84 And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.

D & C 42:85 And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.

D & C 42:86 And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.

D & C 42:87 And if he or she do any manner of iniquity, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that of God.

D & C 42:88 And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess thou shalt be reconciled.

D & C 42:89 And if he or she confess not thou shalt deliver him or her up unto the church, not to the members, but to the elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not before the world.

D & C 42:90 And if thy brother or sister offend many, he or she shall be chastened before many.

D & C 42:91 And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.

D & C 42:92 If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended, and to God, that the church may not speak reproachfully of him or her.

D & C 42:93 And thus shall ye conduct in all things.

SECTION 43 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, in February 1831. HC 1: 154-156. At this time some members of the Church were disturbed by people making false claims as revelators. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this commmunication addressed to the elders of the Church. The first part deals with matters of Church polity; the latter part contains a warning that the elders are to give to the nations of the earth.

1-7, Revelations and commandments come only through the one appointed; 8-14, The saints are sanctified by acting in all holiness before the Lord; 15-22, Elders are sent forth to cry repentance and prepare men for the great day of the Lord; 23-28, The Lord calls upon men by his own voice and through the forces of nature; 29-35, The Millennium and the binding of Satan shall come.

D & C 43:1 O hearken, ye elders of my church, and give ear to the words which I shall speak unto you.

D & C 43:2 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations from my hand.

D & C 43:3 And this ye shall know assuredlyÐthat there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me.

D & C 43:4 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead.

D & C 43:5 And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments;

D & C 43:6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me.

D & C 43:7 For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.

D & C 43:8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.

D & C 43:9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before meÐ

D & C 43:10 That inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which ye have received. Inasmuch as ye do it not, it shall be taken, even that which ye have received.

D & C 43:11 Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you; sanctify yourselves before me;

D & C 43:12 And if ye desire the glories of the kingdom, appoint ye my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and uphold him before me by the prayer of faith.

D & C 43:13 And again, I say unto you, that if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom, provide for him food and raiment, and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish the work wherewith I have commanded him;

D & C 43:14 And if ye do it not he shall remain unto them that have received him, that I may reserve unto myself a pure people before me.

D & C 43:15 Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;

D & C 43:16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.

D & C 43:17 Hearken ye, for, behold, the great day of the Lord is nigh at hand.

D & C 43:18 For the day cometh that the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven; the heavens shall shake and the earth shall tremble, and the trump of God shall sound both long and loud, and shall say to the sleeping nations: Ye saints arise and live; ye sinners stay and sleep until I shall call again.

D & C 43:19 Wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found among the wicked.

D & C 43:20 Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free, saying: Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord;

D & C 43:21 For if I, who am a man, do lift up my voice and call upon you to repent, and ye hate me, what will ye say when the day cometh when the thunders shall utter their voices from the ends of the earth, speaking to the ears of all that live, sayingÐRepent, and prepare for the great day of the Lord?

D & C 43:22 Yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east unto the west, and shall utter forth their voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all tingle that hear, saying these wordsÐRepent ye, for the great day of the Lord is come?

D & C 43:23 And again, the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven, saying: Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you.

D & C 43:24 O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not!

D & C 43:25 How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!

D & C 43:26 Behold, the day has come, when the cup of the wrath of mine indignation is full.

D & C 43:27 Behold, verily I say unto you, that these are the words of the Lord your God.

D & C 43:28 Wherefore, labor ye, labor ye in my vineyard for the last timeÐfor the last time call upon the inhabitants of the earth.

D & C 43:29 For in mine own due time will I come upon the earth in judgment, and my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on earth.

D & C 43:30 For the great Millennium, of which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come.

D & C 43:31 For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth.

D & C 43:32 And he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire.

D & C 43:33 And the wicked shall go away into unquenchable fire, and their end no man knoweth on earth, nor ever shall know, until they come before me in judgment.

D & C 43:34 Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

D & C 43:35 Be sober. Keep all my commandments. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 44 

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Kirtland, Ohio, in the latter part of February 1831. HC 1: 157. In compliance with the requirement herein set forth, the Church appointed a conference to be held early in the month of June following.

1-3, Elders are to assemble in conference; 4-6, They are to organize according to the laws of the land and to care for the poor.

D & C 44:1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is expedient in me that the elders of my church should be called together, from the east and from the west, and from the north and from the south, by letter or some other way.

D & C 44:2 And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together.

D & C 44:3 And it shall come to pass that they shall go forth into the regions round about, and preach repentance unto the people.

D & C 44:4 And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man;

D & C 44:5 That your enemies may not have power over you; that you may be preserved in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws; that every bond may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people.

D & C 44:6 Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received. Amen.

SECTION 45 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 7, 1831. HC 1: 158-163. Prefacing his record of his revelation, the Prophet states that "at this age of the Church many false reports and foolish stories were published and circulated, to prevent people from investigating the work or embracing the faith; but to the joy of the saints...I received the following."

1-5, Christ is our Advocate with the Father; 6-10, The gospel is a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord; 11-15, Enoch and his brethren received by the Lord unto himself; 16-23, Christ revealed signs of his coming as given on the Mount of Olives; 24-38, The gospel shall be restored, the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness cover the land; 39-47, Signs, wonders, and the resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 48-53, Christ shall stand on the Mount of Olives, and Jews shall see the wounds in his hands and feet; 54-59, The Lord shall reign during the Millennium; 60-62, The Prophet is instructed to begin the translation of the New Testament, through which important information would be made known; 63-75, The saints are commanded to gather and build the New Jerusalem, to which people from all nations will come.

D & C 45:1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

D & C 45:2 And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved.

D & C 45:3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before himÐ

D & C 45:4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

D & C 45:5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.

D & C 45:6 Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts;

D & C 45:7 For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the worldÐa light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

D & C 45:8 I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.

D & C 45:9 And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me.

D & C 45:10 Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning.

D & C 45:11 Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my wisdomÐthe wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren,

D & C 45:12 Who were separated from the earth, and were received unto myselfÐa city reserved until a day of righteousness shall comeÐa day which was sought for by all holy men, and they found it not because of wickedness and abominations;

D & C 45:13 And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth;

D & C 45:14 But obtained a promise that they should find it and see it in their flesh.

D & C 45:15 Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old.

D & C 45:16 And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood before them in the flesh, and spake unto them, saying: As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises that I have made unto your fathers,

D & C 45:17 For as ye have looked upon the long absence of your spirits from your bodies to be a bondage, I will show unto you how the day of redemption shall come, and also the restoration of the scattered Israel.

D & C 45:18 And now ye behold this temple which is in Jerusalem, which ye call the house of God, and your enemies say that this house shall never fall.

D & C 45:19 But, verily I say unto you, that desolation shall come upon this generation as a thief in the night, and this people shall be destroyed and scattered among all nations.

D & C 45:20 And this temple which ye now see shall be thrown down that there shall not be left one stone upon another.

D & C 45:21 And it shall come to pass, that this generation of Jews shall not pass away until every desolation which I have told you concerning them shall come to pass.

D & C 45:22 Ye say that ye know that the end of the world cometh; ye say also that ye know that the heavens and the earth shall pass away;

D & C 45:23 And in this ye say truly, for so it is; but these things which I have told you shall not pass away until all shall be fulfilled.

D & C 45:24 And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations;

D & C 45:25 But they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

D & C 45:26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.

D & C 45:27 And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.

D & C 45:28 And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;

D & C 45:29 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.

D & C 45:30 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

D & C 45:31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.

D & C 45:32 But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.

D & C 45:33 And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another.

D & C 45:34 And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they were troubled.

D & C 45:35 And I said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.

D & C 45:36 And when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like unto a parable which I will show youÐ

D & C 45:37 Ye look and behold the figtrees, and ye see them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender, that summer is now nigh at hand;

D & C 45:38 Even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh.

D & C 45:39 And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.

D & C 45:40 And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

D & C 45:41 And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

D & C 45:42 And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.

D & C 45:43 And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place;

D & C 45:44 And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.

D & C 45:45 But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud.

D & C 45:46 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you; for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.

D & C 45:47 Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon the nations.

D & C 45:48 And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake.

D & C 45:49 And the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it; and the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly.

D & C 45:50 And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the scorner shall be consumed; and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire.

D & C 45:51 And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?

D & C 45:52 Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God.

D & C 45:53 And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.

D & C 45:54 And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them.

D & C 45:55 And Satan shall be bound, that he shall have no place in the hearts of the children of men.

D & C 45:56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

D & C 45:57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceivedÐverily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

D & C 45:58 And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.

D & C 45:59 For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver.

D & C 45:60 And now, behold, I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know any further concerning this chapter, until the New Testament be translated, and in it all these things shall be made known;

D & C 45:61 Wherefore I give unto you that ye may now translate it, that ye may be prepared for the things to come.

D & C 45:62 For verily I say unto you that great things await you;

D & C 45:63 Ye hear of wars in foreign lands; but, behold, I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands.

D & C 45:64 Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, gather ye out from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves together ye elders of my church; go ye forth into the western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent, and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches unto me.

D & C 45:65 And with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you.

D & C 45:66 And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;

D & C 45:67 And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

D & C 45:68 And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.

D & C 45:69 And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.

D & C 45:70 And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.

D & C 45:71 And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.

D & C 45:72 And now I say unto you, keep these things from going abroad unto the world until it is expedient in me, that ye may accomplish this work in the eyes of the people, and in the eyes of your enemies, that they may not know your works until ye have accomplished the thing which I have commanded you;

D & C 45:73 That when they shall know it, that they may consider these things.

D & C 45:74 For when the Lord shall appear he shall be terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them, and they shall stand afar off and tremble.

D & C 45:75 And all nations shall be afraid because of the terror of the Lord, and the power of his might. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 46 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 8, 1831. HC 1: 163-165. In this early time of the Church, there had not yet developed a unified pattern of the conducting of Church services. However, a custom of admitting only members and earnest investigators to the sacrament meetings and other assemblies of the Church had become somewhat general. This revelation expresses the will of the Lord relative to governing and conducting meetings.

1-2, Elders are to conduct meetings as guided by the Holy Spirit; 3-6, Truth seekers should not be excluded from sacramental services; 7-12, Ask of God and seek the gifts of the Spirit; 13-26, An enumeration of some of these gifts; 27-33 Church leaders are given power to discern the gifts of the Spirit.

D & C 46:1 Hearken, O ye people of my church; for verily I say unto you that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning.

D & C 46:2 But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

D & C 46:3 Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world.

D & C 46:4 Ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation.

D & C 46:5 And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings who are earnestly seeking the kingdomÐI speak this concerning those who are not of the church.

D & C 46:6 And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of the church, that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast them out.

D & C 46:7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

D & C 46:8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;

D & C 46:9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

D & C 46:10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.

D & C 46:11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

D & C 46:12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

D & C 46:13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

D & C 46:14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

D & C 46:15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

D & C 46:16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.

D & C 46:17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.

D & C 46:18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

D & C 46:19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;

D & C 46:20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

D & C 46:21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles;

D & C 46:22 And to others it is given to prophesy;

D & C 46:23 And to others the discerning of spirits.

D & C 46:24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;

D & C 46:25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.

D & C 46:26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.

D & C 46:27 And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God.

D & C 46:28 And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit;

D & C 46:29 That unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.

D & C 46:30 He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.

D & C 46:31 And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit;

D & C 46:32 And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.

D & C 46:33 And ye must practise virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 47 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 8, 1831. HC 1: 166. Prior to this time Oliver Cowdery had acted as Church historian and recorder. John Whitmer had not sought an appointment as historian, but, being asked to serve in this capacity, he had said that he would obey the will of the Lord in the matter. He had already served as a secretary to the Prophet in recording many of the revelations received in the Fayette, New York, area.

1-4, John Whitmer is designated to keep the history of the Church and to write for the Prophet.

D & C 47:1 Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular history, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things which shall be given you, until he is called to further duties.

D & C 47:2 Again, verily I say unto you that he can also lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient.

D & C 47:3 And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office.

D & C 47:4 Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 48 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 1831. HC 1: 166-67. The Prophet had inquired of the Lord as to the mode of procedure in procuring lands for the settlement of the saints. This was an important matter in view of the migration of members of the Church from the eastern United States, in obedience to the Lord's command that they should assemble in Ohio. See 37: 1-3; 45: 64.

1-3, The saints in Ohio are to share their lands with their brethren; 4-6, The saints are to purchase lands, build a city, and follow the counsel of their presiding officers.

D & C 48:1 It is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places of abode, as it shall be suitable to your circumstances.

D & C 48:2 And inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart to the eastern brethren;

D & C 48:3 And inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time in those regions round about, as seemeth them good, for it must needs be necessary that they have places to live for the present time.

D & C 48:4 It must needs be necessary that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase land for an inheritance, even the city.

D & C 48:5 The place is not yet to be revealed; but after your brethren come from the east there are to be certain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed.

D & C 48:6 And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city; and then shall ye begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and commandments which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 49 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 1831. HC 1: 167-169. (Some historical sources give the date of this revelation as May 1831.) Leman Copley had embraced the gospel, but still held to some of the teachings of the Shakers (United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing) to which he had formerly belonged. Some of the beliefs of the Shakers were that Christ's second coming had already occurred and he had appeared in the form of a woman, Ann Lee; baptism by water was not considered essential; the eating of pork was specifically forbidden, and many did not eat any meat; and a celibate life was considered higher than marriage. In prefacing this revelation, the Prophet wrote, "In order to have a more perfect understanding on the subject, I inquired of the Lord, and received the following." The revelation refuted some of the basic concepts of the Shaker group. The aforementioned brethren took a copy of the revelation to the Shaker community (near Cleveland, Ohio) and read it to them in its entirety, but it was rejected

1-7, Day and hour of Christ's coming shall remain unknown until he comes; 8-14, Men must repent, believe the gospel, and obey the ordinances to gain salvation; 15-16, Marriage is ordained of God; 17-21, Eating of meat is approved; 22-28, Zion shall flourish and the Lamanites blossom as the rose before the Second Coming.

D & C 49:1 Hearken unto my word, my servants Sidney, and Parley, and Leman; for behold, verily I say unto you, that I give unto you a commandment that you shall go and preach my gospel which ye have received, even as ye have received it, unto the Shakers.

D & C 49:2 Behold, I say unto you, that they desire to know the truth in part, but not all, for they are not right before me and must needs repent.

D & C 49:3 Wherefore, I send you, my servants Sidney and Parley, to preach the gospel unto them.

D & C 49:4 And my servant Leman shall be ordained unto this work, that he may reason with them, not according to that which he has received of them, but according to that which shall be taught him by you my servants; and by so doing I will bless him, otherwise he shall not prosper.

D & C 49:5 Thus saith the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damnedÐ

D & C 49:6 And they have done unto the Son of Man even as they listed; and he has taken his power on the right hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he descends on the earth to put all enemies under his feet, which time is nigh at handÐ

D & C 49:7 I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes.

D & C 49:8 Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of.

D & C 49:9 Wherefore, I say unto you that I have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.

D & C 49:10 And that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the nations of the earth shall bow to it; and, if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of power.

D & C 49:11 Wherefore, I give unto you a commandment that ye go among this people, and say unto them, like unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter:

D & C 49:12 Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end;

D & C 49:13 Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins;

D & C 49:14 And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church.

D & C 49:15 And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man.

D & C 49:16 Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation;

D & C 49:17 And that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made.

D & C 49:18 And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God;

D & C 49:19 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

D & C 49:20 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin.

D & C 49:21 And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need.

D & C 49:22 And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son of Man cometh not in the form of a woman, neither of a man traveling on the earth.

D & C 49:23 Wherefore, be not deceived, but continue in steadfastness, looking forth for the heavens to be shaken, and the earth to tremble and to reel to and fro as a drunken man, and for the valleys to be exalted, and for the mountains to be made low, and for the rough places to become smoothÐand all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet.

D & C 49:24 But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose.

D & C 49:25 Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed.

D & C 49:26 Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you.

D & C 49:27 Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded.

D & C 49:28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

SECTION 50 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, May 1831. HC 1: 170-173. The Prophet states that some of the elders did not understand the manifestations of different spirits abroad in the earth, and that this revelation was given in response to his special inquiry on the matter. So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving vision and revelations.

1-5, Many false spirits are abroad in the earth; 6-9, Wo unto the hypocrites and those who are cut off from the Church; 10-14, Elders are to preach the gospel by the Spirit; 15-22, Both preachers and hearers need to be enlightened by the Spirit; 23-25, That which doth not edify is not of God; 26-28, The faithful are possessors of all things; 29-36, Prayers of the purified are answered; 37-46, Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel.

D & C 50:1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to the voice of the living God; and attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, according as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth.

D & C 50:2 Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world.

D & C 50:3 And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.

D & C 50:4 Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name.

D & C 50:5 But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life.

D & C 50:6 But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment.

D & C 50:7 Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed;

D & C 50:8 But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world.

D & C 50:9 Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me.

D & C 50:10 And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together, that ye may understand;

D & C 50:11 Let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with another face to face.

D & C 50:12 Now, when a man reasoneth he is understood of man, because he reasoneth as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you that you may understand.

D & C 50:13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this questionÐunto what were ye ordained?

D & C 50:14 To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.

D & C 50:15 And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified?

D & C 50:16 Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong.

D & C 50:17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

D & C 50:18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God.

D & C 50:19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

D & C 50:20 If it be some other way it is not of God.

D & C 50:21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?

D & C 50:22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.

D & C 50:23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

D & C 50:24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

D & C 50:25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;

D & C 50:26 He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.

D & C 50:27 Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.

D & C 50:28 But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.

D & C 50:29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.

D & C 50:30 But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask; and as ye are appointed to the head, the spirits shall be subject unto you.

D & C 50:31 Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God.

D & C 50:32 And it shall be given unto you, power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of GodÐ

D & C 50:33 Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith.

D & C 50:34 He that receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive.

D & C 50:35 And by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receiveÐand the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of himÐ

D & C 50:36 And behold, verily I say unto you, blessed are you who are now hearing these words of mine from the mouth of my servant, for your sins are forgiven you.

D & C 50:37 Let my servant Joseph Wakefield, in whom I am well pleased, and my servant Parley P. Pratt go forth among the churches and strengthen them by the word of exhortation;

D & C 50:38 And also my servant John Corrill, or as many of my servants as are ordained unto this office, and let them labor in the vineyard; and let no man hinder them doing that which I have appointed unto themÐ

D & C 50:39 Wherefore, in this thing my servant Edward Partridge is not justified; nevertheless let him repent and he shall be forgiven.

D & C 50:40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

D & C 50:41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;

D & C 50:42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.

D & C 50:43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.

D & C 50:44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.

D & C 50:45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am.

D & C 50:46 Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even so. Amen.