Revelation Dates: December 1831 – January 1832

Revelation Places: Ohio (Kirtland, Hiram and Amherst)

Section 71 - Historical Background: Joseph was engaged in translating the bible with Sidney Rigdon as scribe, but was interrupted by the Lord due to a wave of bitter feelings toward the church, partially because of a series of articles published in the Ohio Star newspaper, written by apostate Ezra Booth. Joseph and Sidney were called to cease translating and preach the restored gospel to the public and to the saints.

• Recap: Joseph and Sidney are called to stop translating and preach the gospel for a season to the world and the mysteries of the kingdom to the saints. The church needs to be prepared to receive the Book of Commandments. No weapon that is formed against them will prosper.

Section 72 - Historical Background: As Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon set out to preach the gospel among the public and the church (in fulfillment of the commandment given them in Section 71) they arrived in Kirtland, Ohio. Here, several members of the church assembled to learn their duty in the church and asked Joseph to inquire of the Lord.

• Recap: It is expedient that a bishop be appointed in Kirtland, as there was appointed in Independence Missouri (Edward Partridge). Newel K. Whitney is called as the Kirtland bishop. Each steward in Kirtland will be accountable to their bishop. The duties of a bishop are outlined: to keep the storehouse, to receive funds, to administer to the saints – especially the poor and needy, and to pay church debts.

Section 73 - Historical Background: In an effort to accomplish the commandment to preach the gospel (see section 71), Joseph became restless needing to know if they were doing what the Lord expected, especially in light of the upcoming church conference to be held 2 weeks later on January 25, 1832.

• Recap: Joseph and Sidney are to continue preaching and exhorting to the saints whenever possible, but should also resume translating the Bible. As they had set the example of preaching and exhorting, the elders of the church should continue preaching and exhorting as they had seen what Joseph and Sidney had done.

Section 74 - Historical Background: As Joseph continues translating the Bible, they came across 1 Corinthians 7:14 where Paul counseled married couples when one was a member and the spouse was not. Did this make the children unworthy, as was traditional in the Jewish faith?

• Recap: The unbelieving spouse is sanctified by the believing spouse. Children should not be raised outside of the faith and should not follow the law of Moses or the wicked traditions of the unbelieving spouse. Little children are holy and come under the atonement of Christ.

Section 75 - Historical Background: As the church conference began on January 25, 1832 in Amherst, Ohio, this revelation was given. Joseph was to be sustained and ordained President of the High Priesthood and many of the elders who had been previously called on missions were to be given their assignments.

• Recap: The elders that were called to preach must do so with all their might and they will receive great blessings. William E. McLellin is reprimanded and reassigned. Other elders are called on various missions with promises and assurances from the Lord. They are to bless or curse those they encounter. It is the duty of the church, as needed, to provide for the families of those serving missions.

Revelation Dates: November 1 – 12, 1831

Revelation Places: Hiram and Kirtland Ohio

Section 67 - Historical Background: It was time to compile the revelations received through Joseph Smith thus far and print them in a Book of Commandments. Joseph called a special church conference and after the meeting convened, the Lord revealed the Preface to the Book of Commandments which is now section 1 of the Doctrine & Covenants. The Elders present were asked to bear testimony of the divinity of the revelations. Meanwhile, William E. McLellin and a few others criticized some of the language used in the revelations and wanted it improved. The Lord provided this revelation as a result.

• Recap: Because of fear, the Elders did not receive the blessing God had offered them. The Lord testifies of the truthfulness and divinity of these revelations. The Lord challenges those scoffers in the church to take the least of these revelations and attempt to write one like unto it. If they cannot, they must sign their testimony to its divinity or else be condemned. They must strip themselves of jealousy and fear.

Section 68 - Historical Background: Following the experience as discussed in section 67, Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson and William E. McLellin each requested a personal revelation from the Lord. Rather than granting individual counsel, the Lord reveals His word toward all the faithful elders of His church.

• Recap: When speaking as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, it is as if the Lord were speaking it. Be of good cheer and do not fear, for the Lord will stand by you. Preach the gospel to all the world that the believers may be saved. The Lord then turns to Joseph and gives administrative counsel. All bishops must be worthy high priests, appointed by the First Presidency. Parents are to teach their children prayer and the principles and ordinances of the gospel and baptize them at the age of 8. Be not idle!

Section 69 - Historical Background: After the Elders agreed to serve as witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Commandments, Joseph dedicated the Book of Commandments unto the Lord. Oliver Cowdery was assigned to take the manuscript to Independence, Missouri for printing.

• Recap: Oliver should not go to Independence alone but should have a companion, namely John Whitmer, the church historian, so that he can record this history.

Section 70 - Historical Background: From November 1 to November 12, 1831, Joseph needed to hold 4 church conferences. At the close of the 4th conference, Joseph completed reviewing the Book of Commandments and Oliver Cowdery with John Whitmer were about to embark on their 800 mile journey to Independence, Missouri.

• Recap: The specific stewardship of publishing and distributing the Book of Commandments is appointed to Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Martin Harris, Sidney Rigdon and W.W. Phelps. They are to use the monies from the publication of the Book of Commandments for their needs but are to donate excess monies to the church, as commanded under the law of consecration and in accordance with the Spirit.

Revelation Dates: September – October 1831

Revelation Places: Various places in Ohio

Section 64 - Historical Background: Joseph Smith was living on the Morley farm which was now being sold for monies to purchase land in Missouri. John Johnson offered Joseph and Emma to share his home in Hiram, Ohio which they gratefully accepted. Meanwhile, a company of brethren were preparing to go to Missouri, as commanded, and this revelation was received.

• Recap: The saints are to forgive one another. If unrepentant, members are to be judged in church court. The importance of paying an honest tithe. Get out of debt and be not rebellious.

Section 65 - Historical Background: Ezra Booth, a converted Methodist minister, apostatized and made accusations against Joseph Smith. As apostasy grew among the ranks of the church, Joseph receives this revelation. He labeled this revelation as a prayer.

• Recap: The keys of the kingdom have been restored and the church will roll forth and fill the earth.

Section 66 - Historical Background: Prior to receiving section 66, a recent convert named William E. McLellin had privately asked the Lord 5 specific questions. At the beginning of the third church conference, McLellin asks Joseph for a personal revelation. Unbeknownst to Joseph, in this revelation the Lord answers all of McLellin’s 5 questions. A historical note on William E. McLellin is given after this section.

• Recap: McLellin is counseled to repent of his iniquities, particularly adultery. He is told not to go to Missouri, but is called to go on a mission to the Eastern states with Samual Smith as his companion.

Revelation Dates: August 1831

Revelation Places: Jackson County, Missouri; Banks of the Missouri River; Kirtland Ohio

Section 60 - Historical Background: After being in Jackson County, Missouri for only 3 weeks, Joseph Smith and other church leaders had accomplished much, including holding a church conference, the settlement of newly arriving saints, identified the site of the New Jerusalem and dedicated the new temple site, dedicated the land for the inheritance of the saints, and received several new revelations. Now, the Lord asks Joseph and the leaders of the church to return to Kirtland, Ohio.

• Recap: The leaders of the church are instructed to return to Kirtland, Ohio. They are reprimanded for not preaching the gospel on their journey from Kirtland, because of the fear of wicked men. They are commanded to preach along the journey back, some by St. Louis and others by Cincinnati. Don’t idle away time nor bury your talents.

Section 61 - Historical Background: As Joseph and 10 others returned to Kirtland, they travelled the Missouri River by canoe. Near tragedy struck on day 3 when one canoe capsized and Sidney Rigdon nearly drowned. W. W. Phelps witnessed the destroyer upon the waters while the others heard the awful, satanic noises but did not witness it with their eyes. This greatly troubled the group and Joseph sought counsel from the Lord.

• Recap: The brethren are chastened for trying to return home too swiftly rather than preaching along the way. Sidney Gilbert and WW Phelps are excused to return immediately home [so they can fulfil their calling to purchase a printing press and transfer it to Independence]. In these last days, the waters are cursed by John the Beloved, and the land is blessed by the Lord. The saints are to journey by land unless the canal is available. Be of good cheer, I am in your midst.

Section 62 - Historical Background: On the journey to Cincinnati, Joseph met some of the Elders on their way to Independence which was joyous to everyone.

• Recap: The Lord is watching the elders on their trek to Zion and is pleased with their testimonies. They are to continue to Zion and then return home, preaching along the way.

Section 63 - Historical Background: Upon the return to Kirtland, Joseph, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery were immediately engulfed by many questions by the saints and new converts. Joseph inquired of the Lord regarding the purchase of lands and many other concerns and questions.

• Recap: The wicked and rebellious in the church must repent and become humble or will otherwise be destroyed. Seek not for signs, for they only come by faith. Those guilty of sexual sin must repent or will not be worthy of the Spirit and be destroyed. The obedient will have God’s Spirit. The saints are to assemble in Zion, but not in haste lest the inhabitants there become overwhelmed. The Lord prophesies the persecution that will come and war and bloodshed. The Morley farm should be sold and the money sent to Zion. Whitney should keep his store in Kirtland for now. Glorious times are to come, yet the wicked will be plucked from the church. God will not be mocked.

Revelation Dates: August 1-7, 1831

Revelation Places: Jackson County, Missouri

Section 58 - Historical Background: In a previous revelation, contained in section 57, the Lord set up the prospect for a Zion society. To achieve the promises from a Zion society the saints were required to achieve sufficient righteousness. However, the Lord knew what would ultimately happen and tried to prepare the saints for the trials and harsh reality that would soon come upon them. Joseph Smith had recently arrived in Jackson County and received this revelation.

• Recap: After many great tribulations come many great blessings. The saints are laying the foundation for a future Zion society. They must be loyal citizens and obey the laws of the land. Members of the Lord’s church must be diligent and anxiously engaged in good, without being compelled or commanded in every detail. Several church leaders are counselled and reprimanded. The saints are commanded to raise the needed funds to purchase lands round about (which unfortunately was not sufficiently obeyed); otherwise there will be bloodshed. A temple spot will be dedicated.

Section 59 - Historical Background: As the saints poured into Jackson County from Ohio and elsewhere, they were anxious for counsel from the Lord in the building of Zion. With the convenience of the Prophet Joseph, many had questions for the Lord that could have been answered directly from the scriptures.

• Recap: Faithful saints will be blessed by the Lord, whether in life or in death. Love the Lord by obeying His commandments. The Lord emphasizes obedience to basic commandments, with special emphasis on the Sabbath day. Obey with cheerfulness and a glad heart. Nothing offends God more than disobedience and not confessing God’s hand in all things.

Revelation Dates: May – July 1831

Revelation Places: Ohio and Missouri

Section 51 - Historical Background: As the many converts from New York came to Kirtland Ohio, Bishop Partridge had been assigned to organize and care for them according to the law of consecration, described in section 42. Needing assistance from the Lord, the bishop asked Joseph to seek further guidance from the Lord.

• Recap: The bishop is to appoint each family an appropriate portion of property according to his specific needs. Once appointed, a deed of ownership must be given him. A storehouse of money and goods should be kept by the bishop for the needs and wants of the people.

Section 52 - Historical Background: A church conference was called in Kirtland which about 2,000 members attended. The events included ordaining several High Priests. During the conference, Joseph Smith rebuked evil spirits residing in 2 men.

• Recap: The next conference is announced to be held in Missouri, which must be consecrated for the faithful. 28 Elders are called on missions to Missouri, two by two. The Lord gives the pattern necessary to be a righteous missionary.

Section 53 - Historical Background: After calling all the elders on missions in the previous section, Sidney Gilbert was not included. Hurt by this, Gilbert approached the Lord in prayer and then to Joseph for a revelation of what work he can do while the others went to Missouri.

• Recap: Sidney Gilbert's prayers have been heard. He is to forsake the world, become an Elder and preach repentance. He is to accompany Joseph Smith to Missouri.

Section 54 - Historical Background: The saints from Colesville, New York contracted with Leman Copley to stay on his property. Copley was to consecrate his property to the church, but he apostatized and broke his covenant. Joseph sought counsel from the Lord.

• Recap: It would be better for those Saints who break covenants with the Lord to have been drowned in the sea. But those who honor their covenants will be rewarded. The saints are to flee Ohio and move to Missouri. Be patient in tribulation.

Section 55 - Historical Background: William W. Phelps was converted through the Book of Mormon and sought a revelation from the Lord as to what work he should do.

• Recap: Phelps is commanded to be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and be ordained an Elder to preach repentance. He is assigned to Missouri to assist Oliver Cowdery as printer.

Section 56 - Historical Background: As Thomas B. Marsh was preparing to go to Missouri as commanded, his indolent companion, Ezra Thayre, was not enthusiastic. Joseph inquires what the Lord would have him do.

• Recap: Those who pretend to be saints but are rebellious will not be saved but will be cut off from the church. Marsh is given a new companion. All members are called to repentance.

Section 57 - Historical Background: The focus of the saints was on gathering to Zion in Jackson County, Missouri. The town of Independence Missouri was a backward, frontier town of about 3,000 people. The Lord announces the place for Zion and the temple.

• Recap: The land of Missouri is appointed as the center place of Zion and the New Jerusalem. The exact place of the temple is appointed. The saints are to purchase all the regions of the land. Assignments are made to various church leaders. Speed is of the essence. Gathering saints will be granted land according to the law of consecration.

Revelation Dates: May 1831

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 49 - Historical Background: A man named Leman Copley was a recent convert from a religious group called the Shakers, or the Shaking Quakers. He was so excited about the gospel that he wanted to present it to his former church members located near Cleveland, Ohio. The founder of the Shakers was a woman named Ann Lee, who had once been involved in a miserable marriage. Much of her religion was built around her opposition to marriage and the relations that went with it. “Mother Lee” was regarded as the returned Christ, meat was forbidden to eat, baptism was unnecessary and a celibate life was required. Before sending missionaries to this group, Joseph asked the Lord how to approach the concepts of these people.

• Recap: The Lord calls Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt to teach the Shakers, including Leman Copley, so Leman can convince his former congregation the truths of the Gospel. If they accept it, they shall be saved. Otherwise they shall be damned. The Lord specifies true gospel concepts to be taught: The Lord has not yet come the second time; Believe on Jesus Christ; Repent; Be Baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; Marriage is ordained of God; Meat is ordained for the use of man if not wasted; and Christ will return in the heavens – not as a woman or a man walking the earth. [Note: This missionary effort was completely rejected by the Shakers, and even Leman Copley abandoned the church, breaking promises and covenants he made previously.]

Section 50 - Historical Background: Numerous converts were flooding into the church, making it difficult to manage the many new branches spreading abroad. Especially troublesome were the perverted beliefs many converts brought into the church from their former religion. A false and lying spirit was beginning to infiltrate the church, including false visions, prophesies and manifestations of spiritual possession. Some church leaders became concerned and approached Joseph to inquire of the Lord. Together, they all knelt in prayer and Joseph received this revelation.

• Recap: There are many false spirits in the world, intending to deceive the world and especially the saints. Within the church there are some hypocrites (pretenders) who have deceived some, but they will be detected and cut off. The Elders are to preach according to the Spirit of God – if by any other means it is not of God. If the Spirit they receive does not edify, it is a false spirit. That which is of God is light, to chase away the darkness. If one cannot discern whether the spirit be good or evil, ask God. If it is evil, humbly but firmly denounce that spirit.

Revelation Dates: March 8, 1831

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 46 - Historical Background: New converts were now pouring into Kirtland, Ohio. Many had preconceived ideas from their former churches how weekly services should be held. Joseph inquires of the Lord how He wants it done.

• Recap: The elders attending the meeting should preside and conduct the meeting according to the Spirit. All people should be welcomed to attend, but only worthy members should partake of the sacrament. All members should seek earnestly the best gifts of the Spirit. Some of these gifts are to witness of Jesus Christ, having a believing heart, strong leadership, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, healing, faith, prophecy, and tongues. All gifts come from God for the benefit of mankind.

Section 47 - Historical Background: Up to this time, Oliver Cowdery had been acting as Church historian. Joseph Smith called John Whitmer to replace Oliver and John agreed to do it, but only if Joseph Smith received divine guidance from the Lord to call him to the work.

• Recap: John Whitmer is called to be the recorder of church history and additionally to replace Sidney Rigdon to transcribe revelations and future revisions of the scriptures.

Section 48 - Historical Background: A large number of new converts were about to arrive from New York. A member named Leman Copley made a covenant allowing the arriving saints to occupy a piece of his land. Copley apostatized and broke his covenant, forcing these weary saints off of his land. Other saints were occupying a piece of land owned by Isaac Morley. Joseph inquired of the Lord how to acquire lands for the many incoming Saints.

• Recap: Temporary quarters are necessary for the incoming Saints until the church moves west. If necessary, purchase or lease some land, but conserve funds for purchasing land in Zion. The Elders will be sent to Missouri and it will be revealed to them where Zion will be established and these lands should be purchased, laying the foundation for the City of Zion. The bishop will have the responsibility to assign properties to each family as their needs require.