Annotated Doctrine and Covenants, 10 – 19

Continuing my series of annotated and formatted text of the Doctrine and Covenants, here are D&C 10 – D&C 19. As noted before, be aware that this is still a very rough draft based on the 1921 edition (for copyright reasons). I have a lot of work to go before I plan to look into publishing the full thing for real (e.g., further analysis of intertextuality, more literature review for the Doctrine and Covenants, etc.).

Also, for more notes on section 13 about the “keys of the ministering of angels,” check out my interview at the Latter-day Saint history blog From the Desk on the subject.

Abbreviations and notation:

BoC = Book of Commandments

RB1 = Revelation Book 1

RB2 = Revelation Book 2

D&C**** = Edition of the Doctrine and Covenants published in the year ****

CoC D&C = Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants

[n] Verse divisions in D&C1835

SECTION 10

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania. By April 1829, JS and Oliver Cowdery were working on the translation and as they approached what would become the end of the Book of Mormon, they grew concerned about whether to go back and retranslate the lost portion. The revelation Herein the Lord informs Joseph of alterations made by wicked men in the 116 manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon, which had been lost from the possession of Martin Harris, to whom the sheets had been temporarily entrusted.

This revelation was referenced in the preface to the Book of Mormon in 1830: “As many false reports have been circulated respecting the following work, and also many unlawful measures taken by evil designing persons to destroy me, and also the work, I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen pages, the which I took from the Book of Lehi, which was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi, by the hand of Mormon; which said account, some person or persons have stolen and kept from me, notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again—and being commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again, for Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God, by altering the words, that they did read contrary from that which I translated and caused to be written; and if I should bring forth the same words again, or, in other words, if I should translate the same over again, they would publish that which they had stolen, and Satan would stir up the hearts of this generation, that they might not receive this work: but behold, the Lord said unto me, I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing: therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of Nephi, until ye come to that which ye have translated, which ye have retained; and behold ye shall publish it as the record of Nephi; and thus I will confound those who have altered my words. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will shew unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the Devil. Wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, I have, through his grace and mercy, accomplished that which he hath commanded me respecting this thing.”

Determining the exact date of the document is problematic. Portions of the revelation may have been recorded in the summer of 1828 (in conjunction with section 3), though the document was likely completed in April 1829. There is intertextuality with 3 Nephi that indicates at least parts of the document were recorded in 1829 as that section of the Book of Mormon was being dictated. Further editing happened to the document before its publication in the Doctrine and Covenants in 1835. Compare Section 3. See BoC, Chapter IX; D&C1835, XXXVI; CoC D&C 3. See also Saints 1:51–61.

[1] ¹ Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those^[1] writings, which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim,^[2] into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them. ² And you also lost your gift^[3] at the same time, and your mind became darkened.^[4] ³ Nevertheless, it is now^[5] restored unto you again; therefore see that you are faithful and continue on^[6] unto the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation^[7] as you have begun. ⁴ Do not run faster or labor more^[8] than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate;^[9] but be diligent unto the end. ⁵ Pray always,^[10] that you may come off conqueror;^[11] yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan^[12] that do uphold his work.

⁶ Behold, they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man in whom you have trusted has sought to destroy you.^[13] 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. ⁸ And because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold, wicked men^[14] have taken them from you. ⁹ Therefore, you have delivered them up, yea, that which was sacred, unto wickedness. 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. 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; ¹² and, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work; 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.

[2] ¹⁴ Verily, I say unto you, that I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing. ¹⁵ For behold, he has put it into their hearts to get thee^[15] to tempt the Lord thy God, in asking to translate it over again. ¹⁶ And then, behold,^[16] they say and think in their hearts — “We will see if God has given him power to translate; if so, he will also give him power again; 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; 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; 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.”

[3] ²⁰ Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to^[17] iniquity against that which is good; 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. ²² Satan stirreth them up,^[18] that he may lead their souls to destruction. ²³ And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to^[19] 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.^[20] ²⁴ Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work. 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. 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. ²⁷ And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.

[4] 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.

[5] ²⁹ Now, behold, they have altered these words, because Satan saith unto them: “He hath deceived you.” And thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity, to get thee to^[21] tempt the Lord thy God. [6] ³⁰ Behold, I say unto you, that you shall not translate again those words which have gone forth out of your hands; ³¹ for, behold, they shall not accomplish their evil designs in lying against those words.^[22] For, behold, if you should bring forth the same words, they will^[23] say that you have lied and that you have pretended to translate, but that you have contradicted yourself.^[24] ³² And, behold, they will^[25] publish this, and Satan will^[26] harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to anger against you, that they will not believe my words. ³³ Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in^[27] this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation.

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.^[28] [7] ³⁵ Marvel not that I said unto you: “Here is wisdom, show it not unto the world” — for I said, show it not unto the world, that you may be preserved. ³⁶ Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous; 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.

[8] 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^[29] engraven upon the plates of Nephi; 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.^[30] [9] 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 account — 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;^[31] ⁴² and behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi; and thus I will confound those who have altered my words. 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.

[10] ⁴⁴ Behold, they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account of Nephi.^[32]

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.

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. ⁴⁷ And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers; ⁴⁸ yea, and this was their faith — that 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.^[33]

[11] ⁴⁹ Now, this is not all — their faith in their prayers was^[34] that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land; 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; ⁵¹ yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be.^[35]

[12] 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.

[13] ⁵³ And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.^[36] ⁵⁴ Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church; ⁵⁵ therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.^[37] 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 devil^[38] — yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center.

[14] ⁵⁷ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. ⁵⁸ I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.^[39] ⁵⁹ I am he who said — “Other sheep have I which are not of this fold” — unto my disciples, and many there were that understood me not.^[40] [15] ⁶⁰ And I will show unto this people that I had other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house of Jacob; ⁶¹ and I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my name; 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,^[41] yea, and the only doctrine which is in me. 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;^[42] and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.

⁶⁴ Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery; ⁶⁵ for, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts;^[43] ⁶⁶ yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely.

[16] ⁶⁷ Behold, this is my doctrine — whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.^[44] 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. [17] 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.^[45]

[18] 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 10 notes:

^[1] BoC reads “so many” instead of “those”.

^[2] BoC lacks “by means of the Urim and Thummim.” This was likely added in D&C1835 for similar reasons to the adjustments in D&C 8:6–7, where references to divining rods or witching rods as “the sprout” or “thing of nature” were replaced with “the rod” or “the gift of Aaron.” Under pressure from the 1834 publication of E.B. Howe’s Mormonism Unvailed, which depict the Smith family and early converts as ignorant and superstitious by using their involvement in “money digging” and the associated practices of folk magic (including seer stones and witching rods) to make the point, direct references to these folk magic practices were changed to focus on objects in the Bible (the Rod of Aaron and the Urim and Thummim) to dignify the methods through which JS and Oliver Cowdery worked.

^[3] Joseph Smith’s ability to translate.

^[4] BoC lacks “and your mind became darkened.”

^[5] BoC reads “has been” rather than “is now”.

^[6] BoC reads “go on” instead of “continue on”.

^[7] BoC lacks “of translation”.

^[8] BoC lacks “or labor more”.

^[9] Mosiah 4:27. Commenters have noted that JS would likely be tempted to accelerate efforts to make up for lost time, but the counsel here was a corrective to hastiness.

^[10] BoC lacks “pray always”, reading “be diligent unto the end, that you may come off conqueror”.

^[11] See Mosiah 4:27.

^[12] BoC reads “and those that do uphold his work” instead of “and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.”

^[13] BoC lacks “has sought to destroy you.”

^[14] BoC reads “they” instead of “wicked men”.

^[15] BoC lacks “to get thee”.

^[16] BoC reads “for behold,” instead of, “in asking to translate it over again. And then, behold”.

^[17] BoC reads “to do” instead of “to”.

^[18] BoC lacks “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. Satan stirreth them up”.

^[19] BoC lacks “thinking to”.

^[20] BoC lacks “but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment.”

^[21] BoC lacks “get thee to”.

^[22] BoC reads “they shall not lie any more against those words” instead of “they shall not accomplish their evil designs in lying against those words.”

^[23] BoC reads “would” instead of “will”.

^[24] BoC reads “your words” instead of “yourself”.

^[25] BoC reads “would” instead of “will”.

^[26] BoC reads “would” instead of “will”.

^[27] BoC lacks “you testimony in”.

^[28] BoC lacks “of translation”.

^[29] BoC reads “are” instead of “is”.

^[30] The “plates of Nephi” are what are referred to as the “small plates” in Jacob 1:1. The text referred to as “those things that you have written, which have gone out of your hands” was the Book of Lehi, which was an abridgement of another record known as the “large plates” of Nephi that was created by Mormon. See 1 Nephi 9:2–4 and “Brief Explanation about the Book of Mormon” in the version of the Book of Mormon currently published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints for a more detailed explanation. See also Grant Hardy, Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Guide (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010).

^[31] While the 116 lost pages have been called the Book of Lehi, it is possible that there was also a small part of the Book of Mosiah that was also lost. For example, the first verse of the book today starts in the middle of a narrative, stating that “now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla,” and there is history about King Benjamin shared in Words of Mormon 12–18 that would likely have been covered in the early chapters of that book before reaching the end of his reign (which is where the Book of Mosiah starts in its current form). It is also possible that information was found in the conclusion to the Book of Lehi.

^[32] The “account of Nephi” here refers to the large plates of Nephi.

^[33] See Alma 43:13; Helaman 4:1–8; 11:24.

^[34] BoC reads “were” instead of “was”.

^[35] 2 Nephi 1:9; Ether 2:12.

^[36] 3 Nephi 21:22; D&C 5:18.

^[37] As mentioned in the footnote for D&C 1:30, in the early sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, there are references to two churches of the Lord. One is the institution that we’re most likely to think of when we hear the term—the one we call The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. The second is what has been loosely termed the “church without walls” or the “invisible church”—the collective group of people who are in tune with the Holy Spirit and do God’s work in the world. In this paradigm, the “church without walls” is the church that God is referring to when the text states, “I do not say this to destroy my church” and “whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear.”

^[38] The kingdom of the devil described here may be equivalent to the “great and abominable church” or “church of the devil” described in Nephi’s vision of the Tree of Life (see 1 Nephi 13:26–32; 14:10), while the “church of the Lamb of God” would be equivalent to the group described as “my church” in D&C 10:67.

^[39] John 1:15; D&C 6:21.

^[40] John 10:16; 3 Nephi 15:17–24.

^[41] 1 Nephi 13:20–41.

^[42] 3 Nephi 11:28.

^[43] Matt. 23:37; 3 Nephi 10:4–6; D&C 29:2; 43:24.

^[44] The institutional church had not yet been established, but this phrase makes repentance and discipleship foundational for authentic membership in the anticipated movement or for being considered part of the “church without walls”.

^[45] Matt. 16:18; D&C 33:13.

SECTION 11

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to his brother, Hyrum Smith, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, sometime between May 15 and May 29, 1829. According to JS in his 1838/39 history, shortly after he and Oliver Cowdery were ordained by John the Baptist and baptized each other, “my brother, Samuel, H. Smith came to visit us. We informed him of what the Lord was about to do for the children of men.” Although they worked convince him, “He was not, however, very easily persuaded of these things, but after much enquiry and explanation, he retired to the woods, in order that by secret and fervent prayer he might obtain of a merciful God, wisdom to enable him to judge for himself. The result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to convince him of the truth of our assertions to him. And … Oliver Cowdery baptized him. And he returned to his father’s house greatly glorifying and praising God, being filled with the Holy Spirit.” This sparked an interest on the part of JS’s brother Hyrum, and “Not many days afterwards, my brother Hyrum Smith came to us to enquire concerning these things.” At Hyrum’s request, this revelation was received during that visit through the Urim and Thummim in answer to Joseph’s supplication and inquiry. See BoC, Chapter X; D&C 1835, XXXVII; CoC D&C 10.

[1] ¹ A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. 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.

[2] 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. ⁴ Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God. ⁵ Therefore, if you will ask of me, you shall receive; if you will knock, it shall be opened unto you.

[3] 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.^[1] 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.

[4] 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. 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.

[5] 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; ¹¹ for, behold, it is I that speak;^[2] behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee. [6] ¹² And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good — yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.^[3] [7] 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; ¹⁴ and then shall ye^[4] know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are^[5] pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith, believing in me that you shall receive.

[8] ¹⁵ Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called. 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.^[6] ¹⁷ And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith, shall it be done unto you.

[9] ¹⁸ Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit; ¹⁹ yea, cleave^[7] unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which has been spoken — yea, the translation of my work; be patient until you shall accomplish it. [10] ²⁰ Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength. ²¹ Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue^[8] be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. 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^[9] 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.

[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.^[10] ²⁴ Build upon my Rock, which is my gospel;^[11] ²⁵ deny not the Spirit of revelation, nor the Spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things;^[12] ²⁶ therefore, treasure up in your heart^[13] until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth. ²⁷ Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap.

[12] ²⁸ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world. ²⁹ I am the same who came unto mine own and mine own received me not;^[14] 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.^[15]

Amen.

Section 11 notes:

^[1] Compare D&C 6:1–6; 12:1–6; 14:1–6. See also Hebrews 4:12.

^[2] BoC reads “speaketh” instead of “speak.”

^[3] Micah 6:8.

^[4] BoC reads “you” instead of “ye”.

^[5] BoC reads “is” instead of “are”.

^[6] This passage was likely referencing the Book of Mormon.

^[7] Cleave means “To stick; to adhere; to hold to,” or “to unite or be united closely in interest or affection; to adhere with strong attachment.” See Romans 12:9. The word also has a contradictory meaning of “To part or divide by force; to split or rive; to open or serve the cohering parts of a body, by cutting or by the application of force; as, to cleave wood.” Given the context of the section, the first definition seems most likely the intended use.

^[8] BoC reads “tongues” instead of “tongue”.

^[9] BoC reads “you are” instead of “is now”.

^[10] Matt. 6:33.

^[11] Matt. 7:24, 26; Helaman 5:12.

^[12] See Alma 17:3; Helaman 4:23; 3 Nephi 29:6.

^[13] BoC reads “hearts” instead of “heart”.

^[14] BoC reads “I am the same which came unto my own, and my own received me not.”

^[15] John 1:11–12.

SECTION 12

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to Joseph Knight, Sen., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May, 1829, informing him how he must do, to be worthy to assist in the work of the Lord. 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 had given material assistance to the translator and his scribe. As JS recalled in his 1838/39 history, “About the same time” as Hyrum Smith visited and received the revelation that is now section 11, “came an old Gentleman to visit us, of whose name I wish to make honorable mention; Mr. Joseph Knight Senior of Colesville, Broome County, New York; who having heard of the manner in which we were occupying our time, very kindly and considerately brought us, a quantity of provisions, in order that we might not be interrupted in the work of translation, by the want of such necessaries of life … he several times brought us supplies (a distance of at least thirty miles) which enabled us to continue the work when otherwise we must have relinquished it for a season.”

Joseph Knight recorded in his reminiscences that “Joseph and Oliver came up to see me if I could help him to some provisions, having no way to buy any. But I was at Catskill. But when I came home, my folks told me what Joseph wanted. … I went again and I bought a barrel of mackerel and some lined paper for writing and when I came home I bought some nine or ten bushels of grain and five or six bushels taters and a pound of tea and I went down to see him and they were in want … and they were glad. … Then they went to work and had provisions enough to last ‘till the translation was done.” See BoC, Chapter XI; D&C1835, XVIII; CoC D&C 11.

[1] ¹ A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. ² Behold, I am God; give heed^[1] 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.

[2] 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. ⁴ Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God. ⁵ Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

[3] 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.^[2] [4] ⁷ Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work; 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.^[3]

[5] ⁹ Behold, I am the light and the life of the world,^[4] that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called.

Amen.

Section 12 notes:

^[1] BoC reads “and give heed”.

^[2] Compare D&C 6:1–6; 11:1–6; 14:1–6.

^[3] Compare D&C 4:5–6.

^[4] John 8:12 and 3 Nephi 11:11.

SECTION 13

“Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.” This document is a recollection of the ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1829, under the hands of an Angel, who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, which JS recorded in 1838. This section is an excerpt from Joseph Smith’s official history of the Church and was added to the 1876 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. The text itself seems to be an amalgamation of the history of the Church that Oliver Cowdery wrote in 1834 (included as a footnote to JS—H 1:71) and D&C 84:26. This section was included in its entirety in Latter-day Revelation. See Joseph Smith—History 1:68–74; History, 1838–1856, volume A-1. See also Saints, 1:65–68.

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,^[1] 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.^[2]

Section 13 notes:

^[1] It is not entirely clear what constitutes “the keys of the ministering of angels”. Church leaders have suggested that they could be a special right to receive the ministry of angels, the opportunity to serve as angels in ministering to God’s children, or the opportunity to empower others to receive the ministering of angels through the purification and sanctification that priesthood ordinances like baptism, confirmation, and the sacrament of the Lord’s supper enable. It is also possible that they were key pieces of information about how to receive the ministering of angels, such as the “three grand keys where you may know whether any administration is from God” taught in section 129.

^[2] Malachi 3:3.

SECTION 14

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to David Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June, 1829. The Whitmer family were acquaintances of Oliver Cowdery and had become greatly interested in the translating of the Book of Mormon. As JS recalled in his 1838/39 history, “In the beginning of the month of June, … David Whitmer came to the place where we were residing, and brought with him a two horse wagon, for the purpose of having us accompany him to his father’s place and there remain until we should finish the work. He proposed that we should have our board free of charge, and the assistance of one of his brothers to write for me, as also his own assistance when convenient. Having much need of such timely aid in an undertaking so arduous, and being informed that the people of the neighborhood were anxiously the awaiting the opportunity to enquire into these things; we accepted the invitation and accompanied Mr Whitmer to his father’s house, and there resided until the translation was finished, and the copyright secured.” Each of the three sons in the family, having received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, became “anxious to know their respective duties, and having desired with much earnestness that I should enquire of the Lord concerning them”; and the Prophet inquired of the Lord respecting the matter. This revelation and the two next following (Sections 15 and 16) were given in answer, through the Urim and Thummim. See BoC, Chapter XII; D&C 1835, XXXIX; CoC D&C 12. See also Saints 1:68–73.

David Whitmer later became one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, a founding member of the Church of Christ, and president of the church in Missouri, before separating from the Church in 1838.

[1] ¹ A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men. 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.

[3] ⁶ Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion.^[1] Keep my commandments in all things, 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.^[2] [4] ⁸ And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name,^[3] in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost,^[4] which giveth utterance,^[5] that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see,^[6] and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

[5] ⁹ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God,^[7] who^[8] created the heavens and the earth,^[9] a light which cannot be hid in darkness;^[10] ¹⁰ wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel^[11] from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel. 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.^[12]

Amen.

Section 14 notes:

^[1] Compare D&C 6:1–6; 11:1–6; 12:1–6.

^[2] D&C 6:13.

^[3] John 16:23; 3 Nephi 18:30.

^[4] Matt. 3:11–16; Acts 1:5; 2:38; 2 Nephi 31:8–17.

^[5] Acts 2:4; 2 Nephi 28:4.

^[6] D&C 5:11–14; 17:1–

^[7] Matt. 16:16.

^[8] BoC reads “which” instead of “who”.

^[9] Genesis 1:1; 3 Nephi 9:15.

^[10] Matt. 5:14; 1 Tim. 5:25; 3 Nephi 12:14; D&C 6:12; 11:11.

^[11] “Fulness of my gospel” is a non-biblical phrase found in the Book of Mormon. See 3 Nephi 16:10, 12; 20:28.

^[12] Luke 6:35; 3 Nephi 12:12.

SECTION 15

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June, 1829. See heading to Section 14. John Whitmer was highly involved in the translation of the Book of Mormon after JS moved to the Whitmer home, acting as scribe for around 60 pages of text. He later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon and was appointed church historian in March 1831 (see D&C 47).

Traditionally, it has been noted that the message is intimately and impressively personal, in that the Lord tells of what was known only to John Whitmer and himself, even though the following revelation to John’s brother Peter is almost identical. See BoC, Chapter XIII; D&C 1835, XXXX; CoC D&C 13. See also Saints 1:68–73.

[1] ¹ Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer. ² For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth. ³ And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone — ⁴ for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you. [2] ⁵ Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

[3] 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.^[1]

Amen.

Section 15 note:

^[1] 3 Nephi 28:8–10.

SECTION 16

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to Peter Whitmer, Jun., at Fayette, New York, June, 1829. See headings to section 14 and section 15. This revelation is virtually identical to section 15. Peter Whitmer, Jun., later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. See BoC, Chapter XIV; D&C 1835, XXXXI; CoC D&C 14. See also Saints 1:68–73.

[1] ¹ Hearken, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer. ² For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth. ³ And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone — ⁴ for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you. [2] ⁵ Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given unto you according to my commandments.

Amen.

Section 16 note:

^[1] 3 Nephi 28:8–10.

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. Joseph and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, had learned from the translation of certain passages on the Book of Mormon plates that “three special witnesses were to be provided by the Lord, to whom he would grant, that they should see the plates from which this work (the Book of Mormon) should be translated, and that these witnesses should bear record of the same.” See Ether 5:2-4; also 2 Nephi 11:3, and 27:12; D&C 5:11–14. JS recalled in his 1838/39 history that “Almost immediately after we had made this discovery, it occurred to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and the aforementioned Martin Harris (who had came to enquire after our progress in the work) that they would have me enquire of the Lord, to know if they might not obtain of him to be these three special witnesses; and finally they became so very solicitous, and teased me so much, that at length I complied, and through the Urim and Thummim, I obtained of the Lord for them the following Revelation.” This may have been the final revelation to have been received through the seer stone or Urim and Thummim. See RB2, 119–120; D&C 1835, XXXXII; CoC D&C 15. See also Saints 1:73–75.

[1] ¹ Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart,^[1] you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate,^[2] the sword of Laban,^[3] the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face,^[4] and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea.^[5] 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.^[6]

[2] 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; ⁴ and this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may not be destroyed,^[7] that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work. 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. ⁶ And he has translated the book,^[8] even that part which I have commanded him,^[9] and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true. [3] ⁷ Wherefore, you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him; ⁸ and if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you;^[10] for my grace is sufficient for you,^[11] and you shall be lifted up at the last day.^[12]

⁹ And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God,^[13] have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men.

Amen.

Section 17 notes:

^[1] D&C 18:3, 27.

^[2] See JS—H, 1:52. Lucy Mack Smith recalled in 1845 that “Upon meeting him, he handed me the breastplate spoken of in his history. It was wrapped in a thin muslin handkerchief; so thin that I could feel? its proportions without any difficulty: It was concave on one side and convex on the other; and extended from the neck downwards as far as the centre of the stomach of a man of extraordinary size. It had four straps of the same material for the purpose of fastening it to the breast: two of which ran back to go over the shoulders, and the other two were designed to fasten to the hips.”

^[3] 1 Nephi 4:8–9; 2 Nephi 5:14..

^[4] Ether 3.

^[5] The Liahona. See 1 Nephi 16:10; 18:12–21; Alma 37:38–40.

^[6] Years later, David Whitmer recalled that “I was plowing in the field one morning, and Joseph and Oliver came along with a revelation stating that I was to be one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. I got over the fence and we went out into the woods, near by, and sat down on a log and talked awhile. We then kneeled down and prayed. Joseph prayed. We then got up and sat on the log and were talking, when all at once a light came down from above us and encircled us for quite a little distance around; and the angel stood before us. He was dressed in white, and spoke and called me by name and said, ‘Blessed is he that keepeth His commandments.’ This is all that I heard the angel say. A table was set before us and on it the records were placed. The records of the Nephites, from which the Book of Mormon was translated, the brass plates, the Ball of Directors, the sword of Laban and other plates. While we were viewing them the voice of God spoke out of heaven saying that the book was true and the translation correct.” (“Letter From Elder W. H. Kelley,” The Saints’ Herald, 19, no. 5 (March 1, 1882), 68.)

^[7] D&C 5:25–26, 32–33; Ether 5:2–4.

^[8] RB2 reads “them” instead of “the book”.

^[9] 2 Nephi 27:7–11; Ether 5:1.

^[10] Matt. 16:18; D&C 10:69; 18:5.

^[11] 2 Cor. 12:9; Ether 12:26–27; Moroni 10:32; D&C 18:31.

^[12] 1 Nephi 13:37; 3 Nephi 27:22; D&C 5:25; 9:14.

^[13] John 20:28.

SECTION 18

“Calling of the Twelve Directed.” Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, given at Fayette, New York, early June, 1829: Making known the calling of Twelve Apostles in these last days; and also containing instructions relative to building up the Church of Christ according to the fulness of the Gospel. According to John Whitmer, this was the second of five revelations that were dictated in June 1829, meaning this likely chronologically preceded sections 14–16.

When the Aaronic Priesthood was conferred, the bestowal of the Melchizedek Priesthood was promised. See heading to Section 13. JS recalled in his 1838/39 history that “We had for some time made this matter a subject of humble prayer, and at length we got together in the Chamber of Mr. Whitmer’s house in order more particularly to seek of the Lord what we now so earnestly desired: and here to our unspeakable satisfaction did we realize the truth of the Saviour’s promise; “Ask, and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you;” for we had not long been engaged in solemn and fervent prayer, when the word of the Lord, came unto us in the Chamber, commanding us; that I should ordain Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ, and that he also should ordain me to the same office, and then to ordain others as it should be made known unto us, from time to time: we were however commanded to defer this our ordination until, such times, as it should be practicable to have our brethren, who had been and who should be baptized, assembled together … The following commandment will further illustrate the nature of our calling to this Priesthood as well as that of others who were yet to be sought after.”See BoC, Chapter XV; D&C 1835, XXXXIII; CoC D&C 16. Portions of this section were included in Latter-day Revelation, consisting of verses 10–47.

Instructions to Oliver Cowdery

[1] ¹ Now, behold, because of the thing which you, my servant Oliver Cowdery,^[1] have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words: 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. 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;^[2] ⁴ for in them are all things written concerning the foundation of^[3] my church, my gospel, and my rock. ⁵ Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock,^[4] the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.^[5]

[2] 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. ⁷ Wherefore, as thou hast been baptized by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.,^[6] according to that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled^[7] the thing which I commanded him. 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.

Instructions to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer

[3] ⁹ And now, Oliver Cowdery, I speak unto you, and also unto David Whitmer,^[8] 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. ¹⁰ Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; 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.^[9] ¹² And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. ¹³ And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! ¹⁴ Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. ¹⁵ And if it so be that you should labor all your days^[10] 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? [4] 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?

¹⁷ Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation. 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^[11] which are expedient unto the children of men. ¹⁹ And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.

²⁰ Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.^[12]

²¹ Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness. 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. 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;^[13] 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; ²⁵ wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father.^[14]

[5] ²⁶ And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew; ²⁷ yea, even twelve;^[15] and the Twelve shall be my disciples,^[16] 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. 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.^[17] ²⁹ And they are they who are ordained of me to baptize in my name, according to that which is written; ³⁰ and you have that which is written before you; wherefore, you must perform it according to the words which are written.^[18]

Instructions to the Twelve

³¹ And now I speak unto you, the Twelve — Behold, my grace is sufficient for you.^[19] You must walk uprightly before me and sin not. 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;^[20] ³³ and I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. 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; 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;^[21] ³⁶ wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

Instructions to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer

[6] ³⁷ And now, behold, I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer,^[22] that you shall search out the Twelve, who^[23] shall have the desires of which I have spoken;^[24] ³⁸ and by their desires and their works you shall know them. ³⁹ And when you have found them you shall show these things unto them. ⁴⁰ And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name. ⁴¹ And you must preach unto the world, saying: You must repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ; ⁴² for all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who^[25] have arrived at the years of accountability.^[26]

[7] ⁴³ And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things; 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. ⁴⁵ Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you are above all things. ⁴⁶ And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father.

⁴⁷ Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it.

Amen.

Section 18 notes:

^[1] BoC lacks “my servant Oliver Cowdery.”

^[2] This likely refers to the Book of Mormon and early revelations. Oliver Cowdery’s effort at creating a constitution or handbook for the Church that was superseded by section 20 was heavily influenced by the Book of Mormon.

^[3] BoC lacks “the foundation of”.

^[4] D&C 11:16.

^[5] Matt. 16:18.

^[6] BoC lacks “Joseph Smith, Jun.”

^[7] BoC reads “wherefore he hath fulfilled”.

^[8] Both surnames (“Cowdery” and “Whitmer”) are not present in BoC.

^[9] Mosiah 3:5–13.

^[10] BoC reads “in all your days”.

^[11] D&C 14:8.

^[12] See discussion about the church of the devil in the footnotes for D&C 10:53–56. Dale E. Luffman interpreted this verse to mean “the church ought to grow out of virtues sustained by the Holy Spirit: ‘faith, hope, and charity’. The church was not defined by its discrediting of others, but rather, on its proclamation of the gospel of Christ.” (Dale E. Luffman, Commentary on the Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants, Volume 1: The Joseph Smith Jr. Era [Independance, Missouri: Herald Publishing House, 2019], 77.)

^[13] Acts 4:12.

^[14] Mosiah 5:7–12.

^[15] BoC reads “even unto twelve”.

^[16] See 3 Nephi 15:11–12.

^[17] Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15; D&C 58:64; 68:6, 8–9; 112:28–29.

^[18] 3 Nephi 11:23–27.

^[19] 2 Cor. 12:19.

^[20] Compare Moroni 3.

^[21] D&C 11:11.

^[22] Both surnames (“Cowdery” and “Whitmer”) are not present in BoC.

^[23] BoC reads “which” instead of “who”.

^[24] The efforts that went into calling Twelve Apostles are not entirely clear. In October 1831, Oliver Cowdery informed a conference that he and David Whitmer had received “directions … this morning respecting the choice of the twelve, was that they would be ordained and sent forth from the Land of Zion.” (Minute Book 2, 25–26 Oct. 1831.) A Quorum of the Twelve was not organized, however, until February 1835, at which time Cowdery stated, “The Lord gave us a revelation, that in process of time there should be Twelve chosen to preach his gospel to Jew and Gentile. Our minds have been on a constant stretch to find who these Twelve were. When the time should come, we could not tell, but we sought the Lord by fasting and prayer, to have our lives prolonged to see this day, to see you, and to take a retrospect of the difficulties through which we have passed.” (Minute Book 1, 14 and 21 Feb. 1835.)

One possible cause for the delay was an evolving understanding of what it meant to be an apostle. The term “apostle” in the strictest sense means a messenger commissioned to be sent out (i.e., a missionary) and the term seems to have been interchangeable with the term “elder” in the early days of the Latter Day Saint movement. For example, John Whitmer’s 1830 license to preach stated that “he is an Apostle of Jesus Christ, an Elder of this Church of Christ.” Gregory A. Prince has indicated that there is evidence that there may have been a group of twelve apostles selected in 1830, including Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Ziba Peterson, Samuel H. Smith, and Orson Pratt, who each were referred to as apostles during that year. Hyrum Smith, Parley Pratt, Thomas Marsh, and Joseph Smith, Sr. were also ordained elders before November 1830 and may have rounded out a proto-Quorum of the Twelve that was referenced in a November 25 article in The Cleveland Herald, which noted that leaders of the new Church of Christ “have therefore sent out twelve Apostles to promulgate its doctrines, several of whom are in this vicinity expounding its mysteries and baptising converts to its principles.” By December 1830, however, elders were no longer referred to as apostles. No group of twelve apostles seems to have held an administrative role in the Church before 1835. (See Gregory A. Prince Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1995], 10–12.)

^[25] BoC reads “which” instead of “who”.

^[26] See Moroni 8:8–22; D&C 68:27.

SECTION 19

“Christ Victorious and Omnipotent.” A Commandment of God, and not of man, revealed through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to Martin Harris, at Manchester, New York. The immediate purpose of the text was to assure payment to printer E. B. Grandin by commanding Harris to “not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon.” The BoC and D&C1835 both indicate that this was recorded in March 1830, though the JSP indicates that it is likely to have been dictated in the summer of 1829, when Harris and JS were investigating options for printing the Book of Mormon and before Harris mortgaged his property to E. B. Grandin as payment for the publication on August 25, 1829. See RB1, 27 (partial, beginning halfway through verse 20); BoC, Chapter XVI; D&C 1835, XXXXIV; CoC D&C 18. Portions of this section were included in Latter-day Revelation, consisting of verses 1–19. See also Saints 1:76–78.

[1] ¹ I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.^[1] ² I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me^[2] — having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself — 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.^[3]

⁴ And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless. ⁵ Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth,^[4] yea, to those who are found on my left hand.^[5] ⁶ Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. [2] 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.

⁸ Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles. ⁹ I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest. ¹⁰ For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it!^[6] For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore — ¹¹ eternal punishment is God’s punishment.^[7] ¹² Endless punishment is God’s punishment.^[8]

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; ¹⁴ and it is by my almighty power that you have received them; ¹⁵ therefore I command you to repent^[9] — repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth,^[10] and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore — how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. ¹⁶ For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; ¹⁷ but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; 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^[11] both body and spirit — and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink — ¹⁹ nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.^[12] ²⁰ Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with^[13] my almighty power; and that you confess your sins,^[14] 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.

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.^[15] ²² For they cannot bear meat now,^[16] but milk they must receive;^[17] wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish. ²³ Learn of me,^[18] and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. ²⁴ I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.^[19]

[3] ²⁵ And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife;^[20] nor seek thy neighbor’s life.

[4] 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 God^[21] — ²⁷ which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom^[22] the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel, and look not for a Messiah to come who^[23] has already come.

²⁸ And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart;^[24] yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.

²⁹ And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that^[25] thou shalt be permitted to see.^[26] ³⁰ And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers. 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.^[27] [5] ³² Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter;^[28] for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life. ³³ And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels, yea, even the destruction of thyself and property.

³⁴ Impart a portion of thy property, yea, even part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family. ³⁵ Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer.^[29] Release thyself from bondage. ³⁶ Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see thy family;^[30] ³⁷ and speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying — Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!^[31] [6] ³⁸ Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing — yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.

³⁹ Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness? ⁴⁰ Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide?^[32] ⁴¹ Or canst thou be humble and meek, and conduct thyself wisely before me? Yea, come unto me, thy Savior.

Amen.

Section 19 notes:

^[1] Rev. 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13. See also Isaiah 44:6. BoC reads “YEA, even I, I am he, the beginning and the end: Yea, Alpha and Omega,1 Christ the Lord, the Redeemer of the world.”

^[2] BoC lacks “concerning me”.

^[3] Rev. 20:12–13.

^[4] Matt. 8:12; D&C 101:91.

^[5] Matt. 25:41.

^[6] BoC reads “how great is it?”

^[7] Matt. 25:46.

^[8] This section reflects a universalist understanding of salvation—that God would not punish the wicked forever, but would eventually redeem them. The wordplay of endless and eternal in this revelation may reflect the influence of a universalist preacher named John Murray on the Smith family, who taught that “It is one thing to be punished with everlasting destruction, and another to be everlastingly punished with destruction.” The comparison he used was that, “If your candle were to burn to endless ages, and you put your finger into that candle, but for a moment, you would suffer, for that moment, the pain of everlasting fire.” (John Murray, Letters and Sketches of Sermons [Boston: Joshua Belcher, 1812], 2:253.) More recently, Mark A. Wrathall noted that in the Book of Mormon, “when something is described as eternal in the book of Alma, it means that the eternal thing is incapable of being diminished by time. In other words, not that it actually does exist forever, but it could exist forever without changing in any essential respect,” which also seems to be the case here (Mark A. Wrathall, Alma 30–63: a brief theological introduction (Provo: Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, 2020), 80).

^[9] BoC reads “Wherefore, I command you by my name, and by my Almighty power, that you repent” instead of “Wherefore … to repent.”.

^[10] Isaiah 11:4.

^[11] BoC lacks “and to suffer”.

^[12] Luke 22:43–44.

^[13] RB1 reads “by” instead of “with”.

^[14] BoC reads “I command you again by my Almighty power, that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments…”

^[15] RB1 and BoC read, “show not these things neither speak these things unto the world, for they cannot bear meat, but milk they must receive”. Compare D&C 10:35–37; 133:60; Moses 1:42.

^[16] RB1 lacks “now”

^[17] 1 Cor. 3:1–3; Heb. 5:11–14.

^[18] RB1 and BoC read, “Wherefore learn of me…”

^[19] RB1 reads “ye shall have peace in me (Jesus Christ) by the will of the Father.” BoC is similar to RB1.

^[20] Exodus 20:17. Martin Harris’s estranged wife Lucy accused Martin of having an illicit relationship with the wife of Daniel Haggard, who was living on his property at the time.

^[21] RB1 reads “which contains of the word of God which is my word…”

^[22] BoC reads “which” instead of “whom”.

^[23] BoC reads “which” instead of “who”.

^[24] RB1and BoC read, “vocally as well as to thyself” instead of “vocally as well as in thy heart”.

^[25] RB1 read “which” instead of “that”.

^[26] Isaiah 52:7.

^[27] Luke 3:16.

^[28] BoC lacks “concerning this matter”.

^[29] RB1 and BoC read, “Pay the printer’s debt” instead of “Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer.”

^[30] RB1 and BoC read “them” instead of “thy family.”

^[31] Luke 19:38.

^[32] Matt. 23:16.