Doctrine and Covenants | MP3 | ENGLISH

Title, Introduction, Testimony of the Twelve Apostles

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, during a special conference of elders of the Church, held at Hiram, Ohio, 1 November 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:221–24). 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.

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 21 September 1823 (see History of the Church, 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; also sections 27:9; 110:13–16; and 128:18.)

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. (See History of the Church, 1:21–23; see also section 10.)

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his father, Joseph Smith, Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829 (see History of the Church, 1:28).

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, March 1829, at the request of Martin Harris (see History of the Church, 1:28–31).

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829 (see History of the Church, 1:32–35). Oliver Cowdery began his labors as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon, 7 April 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.

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 (see History of the Church, 1:35–36).

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829 (see History of the Church, 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829 (see History of the Church, 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.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1828 (see History of the Church, 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 the 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 (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7).

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

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Joseph Knight, Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829 (see History of the Church, 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.

The ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood along the bank of the Susquehanna River, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, 15 May 1829 (see History of the Church, 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 section 27:7, 8, 12.)

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see History of the Church, 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, Sr., where he dwelt until the work of translation was carried to completion and the copyright on the forthcoming book was 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 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see History of the Church, 1:50; see also the 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Peter Whitmer, Jr., at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see History of the Church, 1:51; see also the heading to section 14). Peter Whitmer, Jr., later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

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 (see History of the Church, 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; 2 Nephi 11:3; 27:12). Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, 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.

Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, given at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see History of the Church, 1:60–64). When the Aaronic Priesthood was conferred, the bestowal of the Melchizedek Priesthood was promised (see the heading to section 13). In response to supplication for knowledge on the matter, the Lord gave this revelation.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith, at Manchester, New York, March 1830 (see History of the Church, 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” (History of the Church, 1:72).

Revelation on Church organization and government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, April 1830 (see History of the Church, 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” (History of the Church, 1:64).

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, 6 April 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:74–79). This revelation was given at the organization of the Church, on the date named, in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr. 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, Jr., 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830 (see History of the Church, 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830, to Oliver Cowdery; Hyrum Smith; Samuel H. Smith; Joseph Smith, Sr.; and Joseph Knight, Sr. (see History of the Church, 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.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:101–3). 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:103–4; see also the heading to section 24). This revelation manifests the will of the Lord to Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:104). (See also the heading to section 24.)

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, August 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:106–8). In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine. 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Fayette, New York, September 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:109–11). 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 members 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the presence of six elders, at Fayette, New York, September 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:111–15). This revelation was given some days prior to the conference, beginning 26 September 1830.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr., 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 (see History of the Church, 1:115–16). 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, September 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:115–17). The occasion was immediately following a conference of the Church (see the 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, October 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:118–20). 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.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, New York, October 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:126–27). In recording this revelation, the Prophet affirmed that “the … Lord is ever ready to instruct such as diligently seek in faith” (History of the Church, 1:126).

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Orson Pratt, at Fayette, New York, 4 November 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:127–28). 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, Sr., home.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at or near Fayette, New York, December 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:128–31). 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 (see 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” (History of the Church, 1:128).

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Edward Partridge, near Fayette, New York, December 1830 (see History of the Church, 1:131; see also the heading to section 35). The Prophet said that Edward Partridge “was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord’s great men” (History of the Church, 1:128).

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

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, 2 January 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:140–43). The occasion was a conference of the Church.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to James Covill, at Fayette, New York, 5 January 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:143–45). 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.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Fayette, New York, January 1831 (see History of the Church, 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” (History of the Church, 1:145).

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, 4 February 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:146–47). 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” (History of the Church, 1:146–47).