ftp.xmission.com

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ ftp.xmission.com / 2014.06.ftp.xmission.com.tar / ftp.xmission.com / pub / lists / gdm / archive / v01.n001 < prev next >

Wrap

Internet Message Format | 1997-01-04 | 55KB

From: gdm-owner@xmission.com To: gdm-digest@xmission.com Subject: gdm Digest V1 #1 Reply-To: gdm@xmission.com Errors-To: gdm-owner@xmission.com Precedence: gdm Digest Sunday, 5 January 1997 Volume 01 : Number 001 In this issue: [none] [none] [none] [none] [none] [none] [none] ---> Lesson 1 Jan 5th 1997 (long) See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the gdm or gdm-digest mailing lists and on how to retrieve back issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: owner-gdm@xmission.com Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 23:02:36 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] Since this is (c) material and sold for $.10, I will just summarize what it says. Sender: owner-gdm Precedence: bulk Reply-To: gdm During 1997 Church members will commemorate the 150th arrival of the pioneers into the SLC Valley July 24 (22) 1847. "In 1997 Sunday School Gospel Doctrine Classes will study the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History, with more emphasis being given to Church History than in the past." I think this is a good thing. The idea is to combine some lessons during the years to allow time to study more recent events such as those mentioned in chapter 14 of Truth Restored and 9-11 of Our Heritage,: A Brief History of the CoJCoLdS. I can't believe I own over 158 hard back books on Church History and I don't own these two, so I will be getting those tomorrow. This flyer describes additional course material that bother teachers and students are encouraged to read. Truth Restored (33411) is a concise single volume history, first published in 1979 and updated in 1996. It can be bought at a local distribution center for $.75, WOW! Our Heritage: a Brief History of the CoJCoLdS (35448) single volume published in 1996, emphasizes the spiritual heritage of all members and is suitable for children. Also at Distribution center for $1.25. So here you have the 1996 authoritative, and approved version of church history for $2.00 U.S. D&C and CH Video (DCVP) (53912) contains 11 presentation on CH and Doctrine, that have been extracted from historical sources, and last 5 to 10 minutes and can be had for $5.00 U.S. Church Magazines are also approved as valuable in increasing appreciation of understanding CH. Meetinghouse Library Picture Kit (34730) can reduce boredom, for those that are not very good teachers. This supplement concludes with this imperative. "This supplement should be kept with the Doctrine and Covenants teacher's Manual. Teachers may wish to tape it into the book or use it as a bookmark." 1996 TCJCoLdS All rights reserved. Printed in USA. English Approval: 4/96 35612 accept not imitations. Reverse side showed Lessons 1 - 43 and 3 columns "Truth Restored", "Our Heritage" and "Video Presentations" With the specific pages, chapters and video's that correspond with those lessons. Since this is privileged information I will pass it out only a few lines at a time at the a month before each lesson. Ciao Perry <plporter@pobox.com> http://pobox.com/~plporter (Homepage) ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) http://www.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) ------------------------------ From: owner-gdm@xmission.com Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 23:19:12 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] This should be the fist line and the subject should say: Ok a test, the header looked messed up and no subject. Sender: owner-gdm Precedence: bulk Reply-To: gdm and their should be no signature. ------------------------------ From: owner-gdm@xmission.com Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 23:34:37 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] blank line after aproval. Sender: owner-gdm Reply-To: gdm Ciao Perry <plporter@pobox.com> http://pobox.com/~plporter (Homepage) ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) http://www.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) ------------------------------ From: owner-gdm@xmission.com Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 23:40:52 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] 2 blank lines after aproval. Sender: owner-gdm Reply-To: gdm ------------------------------ From: gdm-owner@xmission.com Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 23:48:30 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] NO blank line after aproval. Sender: gdm-owner Ciao Perry <plporter@pobox.com> http://pobox.com/~plporter (Homepage) ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) http://www.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) ------------------------------ From: owner-gdm@xmission.com Date: Sat, 2 Nov 1996 23:57:00 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] NO blank line after aproval. Sender: owner-gdm Reply-To: gdm Hey DAve did you get this? Ciao Perry <plporter@pobox.com> http://pobox.com/~plporter (Homepage) ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) http://www.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download) ------------------------------ From: owner-gdm@xmission.com Date: Tue, 5 Nov 1996 20:27:08 -0700 (MST) Subject: [none] Gospel Doctrine Manual - list. gdm@xmission.com Sender: owner-gdm Reply-To: gdm Since this is (c) material and sold for $.10, I will just summarize what it says. During 1997 Church members will commemorate the 150th arrival of the pioneers into the SLC Valley July 24 (22) 1847. "In 1997 Sunday School Gospel Doctrine Classes will study the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History, with more emphasis being given to Church History than in the past." I think this is a good thing. The idea is to combine some lessons during the years to allow time to study more recent events such as those mentioned in chapter 14 of Truth Restored and 9-11 of Our Heritage,: A Brief History of the CoJCoLdS. I can't believe I own over 158 hard back books on Church History and I don't own these two, so I will be getting those tomorrow. This flyer describes additional course material that bother teachers and students are encouraged to read. Truth Restored (33411) is a concise single volume history, first published in 1979 and updated in 1996. It can be bought at a local distribution center for $.75, WOW! Our Heritage: a Brief History of the CoJCoLdS (35448) single volume published in 1996, emphasizes the spiritual heritage of all members and is suitable for children. Also at Distribution center for $1.25. So here you have the 1996 authoritative, and approved version of church history for $2.00 U.S. D&C and CH Video (DCVP) (53912) contains 11 presentation on CH and Doctrine, that have been extracted from historical sources, and last 5 to 10 minutes and can be had for $5.00 U.S. Church Magazines are also approved as valuable in increasing appreciation of understanding CH. Meetinghouse Library Picture Kit (34730) can reduce boredom, for those that are not very good teachers. This supplement concludes with this imperative. "This supplement should be kept with the Doctrine and Covenants teacher's Manual. Teachers may wish to tape it into the book or use it as a bookmark." 1996 TCJCoLdS All rights reserved. Printed in USA. English Approval: 4/96 35612 accept not imitations. Reverse side showed Lessons 1 - 43 and 3 columns "Truth Restored", "Our Heritage" and "Video Presentations" With the specific pages, chapters and video's that correspond with those lessons. Since this is privileged information I will pass it out only a few lines at a time at the a month before each lesson. ------------------------------ From: "Perry L. Porter" <plporter@pobox.com> Date: Sun, 05 Jan 1997 01:08:39 -0700 Subject: ---> Lesson 1 Jan 5th 1997 (long) Gospel Doctrine Manual - list. gdm@xmission.com I have not had as many people sign up or contribute as I has hoped, but here is the first lesson, if you have added references to add, send it to the list, it will bounce, but I will get a copy, and I will include references in future updates. I would prefer a more summary list with references, but due to lack of time, I include this time include the full text. =========================================================== Explanatory Introduction; Doctrine and Covenants 1 Lesson 1 Scriptural Highlights 1. The importance of the Doctrine and Covenants 2. The Lord's voice of warning 3. "Search these commandments." Several useful resources are included at the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Explanatory Introduction reviews some of the background and themes of the book. The Chronological Order of Contents shows the date and place of each revelation. Section 1, which the Lord revealed in 1831 at the conference where the decision was made to publish selected revelations, serves as the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 1 :6). Give each person a Class Member Study Guide the week before this lesson. The study guide provides historical background and questions that should help class members desire to study the scriptures and come prepared to class. Discussion and Application Questions * The Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants states, "In the revelations one hears the . . .voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times" (see also D&C18:34-35). What can we learn about the Savior from the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants? How have these revelations enriched your testimony of the Savior? * Why is it important to understand that most of the Lord's revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants came as answers to prayers? (See the Explanatory Introduction and D&C 4:7.) How have your own experiencesconfirmed that the Lord hears and answers prayers? * What are some main themes in the Doctrine and Covenants? (See the Explanatory Introduction and D&C 1.) How have you benefited from the revelations about one of these themes? * How is the Doctrine and Covenants different from other books of scripture? How is it similar to other scriptures?(See the Explanatory Introduction.) * In what setting and circumstances was D&C 1 revealed?(See the Class Member Study Guide for this lesson.) What is the purpose of D&C 1? (See D&C 1:6 and the quotation from Elder Widtsoe.) Which of the main themes in the Doctrine and Covenants are summarized in D&C 1? * In D&C 1, why do you think there is so much emphasis on the Lord's speaking and our hearing? How does the Lord communicate with us? (D&C 1:14, 38; 8:1 -2.) How can we improve our ability to communicate with him? * Why is revelation through living prophets important for us today? How have the Lord's revelations to living prophets helped you? * In what ways do many people, including some Church members, walk in their own way and follow their own god? (D&C 1:16.) How is this a form of idolatry? Why do people become idolatrous? How can we avoid or over come idolatry? * When the Lord revealed D&C 1, the Church was only1 1/2 years old and had only 680 members. If you had been a Church member then, how do you think you would have felt to hear the prophecy that the gospel would be proclaimed "unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers"? (D&C 1 :23). How are these prophecies being fulfilled in your lifetime? * In D&C 1 the Lord emphasizes that he uses weak and simple servants to accomplish great works. (D&C 1:19,23; see also 1 Corinthians 1 :27-28.) Why do you think he does this? How do weak and simple servants become strong? (D&C 1 :24-28; Ether 12:27.) How have you felt the Lord strengthen you to do his work when you have been weak and humble? * What does D&C 1 :24-28 teach about the purposes of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants? * In D&C 1, what does the Lord say are the consequences of being rebellious and disobedient? (D&C 1 :3, 13, 33.)Since we all sin, and since "the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance" (D&C 1 :31), how can we find favor with him? (D&C 1 :32). * How is searching the scriptures different from readingthem? (D&C 1 :37.) How have you benefited from searching the scriptures? How can we "liken all scriptures" to ourselves? (1 Nephi 19:23). * Why is it important to have the Spirit guide us as we studyand discuss the Doctrine and Covenants? (2 Nephi 33:1;Moroni 10:5; D&C 18:34-36; 42:14.) What can we do as individuals and as a class to obtain the Spirit? (Alma 5:45-47; 17:2-3; 26:21 -22.) Quotation Elder John A. Widtsoe: "A good preface should prepare the reader for the contents of the book. It should help him understand the book. It should display in a concentrated manner the full content of the book. Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the great prefaces in the possession of mankind" (The Message of the Doctrine and Covenants, pp. 11 -12). Next Week's Reading Assignment Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26 Class Member Study Guide Lesson 1 You and your family can benefit greatly from studying the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. To learn how these revelations can help you, read the Explanatory Introduction at the beginning of the book, including the"Testimony of the Twelve Apostles to the Truth of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants." The Chronological Order of Contents at the beginning of the book shows when and where each revelation was given. Note how many revelations were given in 1830 and1831. Why do you think so many revelations were received during this time? Church members wanted to have copies of these revelations for personal study. During a conference at Hiram, Ohio, in November 1831, the elders of the Church decided to publish some of the revelations. At this conference, the Lord gave through the Prophet Joseph Smith a marvelous revelation that he called "my preface unto the book of my commandments" (D&C 1:6). This revelation is section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants. As you study D&C 1, consider the following: * Review the prophecies recorded in D&C 1 :17-23. How are these prophecies being fulfilled in your lifetime? * What does D&C 1:24-28 teach about the purposes of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants? * How is searching the scriptures different from reading them? (D&C 1:37.) What can you do to search the scriptures more effectively? A BOOK of COMMANDMENTS, FOR THE GOVERMENT OF THE Church of Christ, ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO LAW, ON THE 6th of April, 1830 ================================= ZION: PUBLISHED BY W.W. PHELPS & co. ......... 1833. The title page of the Book of Commandments, the first compilation of revelations given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. These revelations later became part of the Doctrine and Covenants. Courtesy LDS Historical Department Archives. =============================================== From infobase LDS Collectors library 1997: Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 1, p.63 John Whitmer In November of that year he was called by revelation to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Jackson County, Mo., with the revelations of the "Book of Commandments," as the Lord desired that Oliver Cowdery should have a companion for protection on that journey. - ------------------------------------ And from some manual, sorry but I couls not tell the reference on this one: Lesson Forty-Eight: The Book of Commandments Topics 1. The Important Conference of November 1831. Note 1. a. Reason for the conference. b. Mission of Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer. c. The compilation of revelations to be published. d. Size of the edition. e. Important revelations given at the conference. f. The Lord's acceptance of the revelations. 2. Testimonies of the Elders. Note 2. a. Brethren bear testimony that the revelations are true. b. Criticism by some of the brethren. c. The Lord's Challenge. D. & C. Sec. 67. d. William E. McLellin's folly. 3. Preparation for the Publication of the Revelations. Note 3. a. Personal supervision given by the Prophet. b. Some revelations not included in the collection. c. The revelations dedicated by prayer. d. Esteem in which the conference held the revelations. References D. H. C. Vol. 1:221-236. - ----------------------------------------- Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 2, p.19 "Now seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; - ----------------------------------------- Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 2, p.18 1. For some months before the Prophet moved to Hiram he was inspired by the Lord to prepare the important revelations from the beginning for publication. This selection was well under way at the close of the conference of October 25th. As Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer were making preparations to go to Missouri to attend to the duties assigned them at an earlier date, a conference was called to assemble November 1, 1831, to consider matters as might need attention before their departure. The most important matter to be considered was the publishing of, "The Book of Commandments," as it had been decided that the compilation of revelations should be called. On the first day of the conference (November 1st) the Lord gave his endorsement to the publication by giving one of the greatest revelations ever received by man as his Preface to the Book of his Commandments. This will be treated as a separate lesson. In this great revelation he proclaimed to the whole world his message of repentance and the restoration of the Gospel for the salvation of mankind. The conference decided that ten thousand copies of the book should be printed by the brethren when they arrived in Missouri. This was later changed because of the opposition by enemies and the difficulties in relation to the publication, to three thousand copies. Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 2, p.18 2. On the second day of the conference, [page 19] the Prophet said that "inasmuch as the Lord had bestowed a great blessing upon us in giving commandments and revelations," he asked the conference what testimony they were willing to attach to these commandments which would shortly be sent to the world. A number of the brethren arose and said that they were willing to testify to the world that they knew that they (the commandments) "were of the Lord." The minutes of the second day also records: "The revelation of last evening were read by the moderator, (Oliver Cowdery). The brethren then arose in turn and bore witness to the truth of the Book of Commandments; after which Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., arose and expressed his feelings and gratitude concerning the commandments and preface received yesterday." - ---------------------------------- Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 2, p.20 It is an erroneous thought to believe that the Prophet selected all of the revelations he had received and placed them in the collection which was to become The Book of Commandments. Each of the revelations selected for that volume was placed there because the Prophet considered that it had some value to the Church in regard to its teachings. There are some revelations still in possession of the Church which were not included. Some of these we can readily believe were not included because the inspiration of the Prophet was that it was not necessary, or because some of them had an application which was not intended for publication and to be sent to an unbelieving world. - ------------------------------------------ Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 6. This volume of Scripture was published in Kirtland by Frederick G. Williams and Company. It contained all the revelations prepared for publication in the first collection to be known as the Book of Commandments. The title Doctrine and Covenants expresses more clearly the nature of the book than did that first proposed for the former publication. This book is verily the Doctrines and the Covenants of the Church. In large measure it fulfills the promise of the Lord to his ancient prophets in relation to his covenants which he would make with Israel in the last days. To Jeremiah he said: Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 "Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 "And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jer. 31:31-34.) Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 Through Ezekiel he said: "Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them: it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 "My tabernacle also shall be with them, yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Ezek. 37:26-27.) Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 These covenants and doctrines in great part have been revealed and are here for Israel when the tribes come to receive their blessings at the hands of Ephraim. (D. and C. 133:26-35.) Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol 3, p.65 These lectures on Faith which were published in the first edition and all subsequent editions up to the year 1921, were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants when that book was published in the double columns. The question is frequently asked why these lectures were taken out of the book. It was not because these lectures are unsound in principle, for they are just as valuable today as they were when presented before the school of the elders in Kirtland, under the guiding hand of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They are, in fact, too valuable in the study of the principle of faith to be lost. They were removed because they were not revelations, and it was felt that they should not be continued in the book with the revelations, but could be published separately where they would not be considered by so many as on a [page 66] par with the direct revelations from the Lord. When in August 1835, the publication of the revelations was being considered and the question of including these lectures, Elder John Smith voiced the sentiment of the assembly in these words: "John Smith, taking the lead of the high council in Kirtland, bore record that the revelations in said book were true, and that the lectures were judiciously arranged and compiled, and were profitable for doctrine," but not to be received on an equality with the revelations. [page 67] - ----------------------------------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.3 In the first of five sessions, "[Oliver Cowdery] made a request desiring the mind of the Lord through this conference of Elders to know how many copies of the Book of Commandments, it was the will of the Lord should be published in the first edition of that work. [p.4] Voted that there be ten thousand copies struck."1 1. "Far West Record," p. 15. At a special conference of the Literary Firm, convened in Independence, Missouri, 30 April 1832, it was decided that the proposed number of the first edition be reduced to three thousand copies ("Far West Record," p. 25). - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.4 Section 1, first published in the Evening and Morning Star (March 1833), was included in the Book of Commandments in 1833. - ----------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.34 In the Book of Commandments section 23 was printed as five separate revelations (i.e., chapters 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21). - ------------------------------------- William Wines Phelps Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.87 Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Born 17 February 1792 at Hanover, Morris County, New Jersey. Moved to Canandaigua, New York, by 1828; there published anti-Masonic Ontario Phoenix. Purchased copy of Book of Mormon from Parley P. Pratt 1830. Met Joseph Smith 21 December 1830. Baptized 1831. Moved to Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831. Appointed by revelation to assist Oliver Cowdery in printing Church literature June 1831. Prominent Church leader 1831-38. Traveled to Jackson County, Missouri, in summer of 1831. Directed to reside in Jackson County, Missouri, August 1831. Edited Evening and Morning Star. Member of Literary Firm. Printed Book of Commandments 1833. Moved to Clay County, Missouri, late 1833. Chosen counselor in presidency of Church in Missouri 8 July 1834. Directed to return to Kirtland temporarily to assist in Church printing affairs. Left Clay County 25 April 1835. Arrived in Kirtland 16 May 1835. Assisted in compiling 1835 edition of Doctrine and Covenants. Assisted in compiling and printing first Church hymnbook 1836. Participated in dedication of Kirtland Temple. Left Kirtland for Missouri 9 April 1836. During 1836-37, with John Whitmer, began to administer affairs of Church in Missouri independent of high council. Actions created much confusion; excommunicated 10 March 1838. - ------------------------------------------ Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.113 In September 1831, nearly two months before the creation of the Literary Firm, Phelps had been directed to purchase a printing press and type in Cincinnati on his return to Independence. Leaving Kirtland about mid-October, he obtained the printing apparatus and reached western Missouri no later than December 1831. In late November 1831. Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer also left for Missouri taking manuscript copies of the revelations for printing. It had been decided at the Hiram, Ohio, conferences that 10,000 copies of the Book of Commandments would be printed in Independence. The cost of such an undertaking, however, later proved prohibitive, and the number was reduced to 3,000 to be sold unbound.12 The first product of the Literary Firm was The Evening and the Morning Star, printed under the firm name of W.W. Phelps & Co. In February 1832 Phelps issued the prospectus of the monthly, which commenced in June 1832. Just weeks before issuing the first number, the Independence printing office had been dedicated by Edward Partridge for the purpose of spreading divine "truths & revelations in these last days to the inhabitants of the earth."13 13. "Far West Record," pp. 27-28. The dedication occurred on 29 May 1832. Phelps and his family occupied the lower story of the printing office at Independence. The office was located on lot 76, which had been purchased by Edward Partridge from James Gray on 8 August 1831 for $50. It was a two-story brick structure. - ---------------------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.114 Although by December 1832 the Book of Commandments was in the press, the May 1833 Evening and Morning Star lamented the delay in its completion: [It] will be published in the course of the present year, at from 25, to 50 cents a copy. We regret that in consequence of circumstances not within our control, this book will not be offered to our brethren as soon as was anticipated. We beg their forebearance, and solicit an interest in their prayers, promising to use our exertions with all our means to accomplish the work.15 It will be remembered, of course, that the Church press in Missouri was destroyed by a mob on 20 July 1833 (during the printing of the Book of Commandments), but members of the firm were determined to start again. Nine days after the printing office had been razed, W. W. Phelps affirmed, "Although the enemy has accomplished his design in demolishing the Printing establishment They cannot demolish the design of our God, for his decrees will stand & his purposes must be accomplished."16 16. William W. Phelps to "Dear Brethren," 20 July 1833, Joseph Smith Collection, Church Archives. - --------------------------------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.361 Revelation concerning the purchase of paper for the Book of Commandments and also the work of the Inspired Translation of the Bible. Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, 20 March 1832. (Newel K. Whitney Collection, Brigham Young University Library, Manuscripts) - -------------------------------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.367 Petersen, Melvin J. "A Study of the Nature of and the Significance of the Changes in the revelations as Found in a Comparison of the Book of Commandments and Subsequent Editions of the Doctrine and Covenants." M.A. thesis, Brigham Young University, 1955. - --------------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.368 Rasmussen, Ellis T. "Textual Parallels to the Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Commandments as Found in the Bible." M.A. thesis, Brigham Young University, 1951. - ---------------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.17, p.225 6. Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; - ---------------------------------- Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.104 As was noted in the Historical Note for section 1, the printing of the Book of Commandments was not completed. A mob destroyed the Church printing press on 20 July 1833, just as the project neared completion. Prior to the destruction of the press, the printer had set type for all of section 64 as we now have it, save the last seven verses which would have followed on the next page. Consequently, salvaged copies of this first compilation of revelations (roughly sections 1-64) did not contain a complete text of section 64. They were indued, however, in the 1835 edition printed in Kirtland. - -------------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.19, p.270 Our council was continued on the 1st of May, when it was ordered that three thousand copies of the Book of Commandments be printed in the first edition; that William W. Phelps, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer, be appointed to review and prepare such revelations for the press as shall be deemed proper for publication, and print them as soon as possible at Independence, Missouri; the announcement to be made that they are "Published by W. W. Phelps & Co." It was also ordered that W. W. Phelps correct and print the hymns which had been selected by Emma Smith in fulfillment of the revelation. - ---------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.26, p.362 First, as respects getting the Book of Commandments bound, we think it is not necessary. They will be sold well without binding, and there is no bookbinder to be had that we know of, nor are there materials to be had for binding, without keeping the books too long from circulation. - ------------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.1, p.173, Footnotes Elder Parley P. Pratt; in his Autobiography, referring to this revelation for he was present when it was given--indeed it was obtained chiefly at his own and Elder John Murdock's solicitation--takes occasion to relate how this and other revelations were given through the Prophet. "Each sentence," says he, "was uttered slowly and very distinctly, and with a pause between each sufficiently long for it to be recorded by an ordinary writer in long hand. This was the manner in which all his written revelations were dictated and written. There was never any hesitation, reviewing, or reading back in order to keep the run of the subject neither did any of these communications undergo revisions, interlinings or corrections. As he dictated them so they stood, so far as I have witnessed: and I was present to witness the dictation of several communications of several pages each."--Aut. Parley P. Pratt, pp. 63-66. This statement of Elder Pratt's is true in a general way, and valuable as a description of the manner in which revelations were dictated by the Prophet: and needs modifying only to the extent of saying that some of the early revelations first published in the Book of Commandments in 1833, were revised by the Prophet himself in the way of correcting errors made by the scribes and publishers: and some additional clauses were inserted to throw increased light upon the subjects treated in the revelations and paragraphs added, to make the principles or instructions 'apply to officers not in the Church at the time some of the earlier revelations were given. The addition of verses, 65, 66 and 67 in sec. xx of the Doctrine and Covenants is an example. - ----------------------------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.1, p.222, Footnotes This special conference at Hiram on November 1st, should receive larger notice. The number of copies in the edition of the Book of Commandments to be printed was considered and the decision reached that ten thousand should be published. The conference lasted two days. In the afternoon of the first day of the conference, according to the minutes of the meeting, the preface to the Book of Commandments was "received by inspiration." The same afternoon the following occurred: "Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., said that inasmuch as the Lord had bestowed a great blessing upon us in giving commandments and revelations, he asked the conference what testimony they were willing to attach to these commandments which would shortly be sent to the world. A number of the brethren arose and said that they were willing to testify to the world that they knew that they were of the Lord." (Far West Record, p. 16.) In the second day's proceedings of the conference it is recorded; "The revelation of last evening read by the moderator [this was Oliver Cowdery]. The brethren then arose in turn and bore witness to the truth of the Book of Commandments, after which Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., arose and expressed his feelings and gratitude concerning the commandments and preface received yesterday.' (Far West Record, p. 16.) - --------------------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.1, p.226, Footnotes This "Testimony" to the truth of the "Book of Commandments" was doubtless drawn up with the intention of having it signed by the Elders present at the conference; but whether that was done or not does not appear in the Ms. of the Prophet's history. The testimony itself, however, is in the manuscript History. This is remarked because it has not been published heretofore in the History of the Prophet. The matter appears to stand thus; Each of the Elders present at the conference testified to the truth of the revelations then about to be published; and, as already seen (p. 222 note), expressed a willingness to testify to the truth of the revelations to all the world. Accordingly this testimony was prepared with the intention of having it signed and published in the "Book of Commandments." It may have been signed, too, and carried to Missouri, but owing to the fact that the printing press was destroyed by a mob before the "Book of Commandments" was all printed, the "Testimony" does not appear in the part of it that was printed. The names of the Elders present at this special conference, according to the minutes of it in the Far West Record (p. 15), are as follows: Joseph Smith, Jun., Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, William B. M'Lellin, Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson. - ----------------------------------------------------- History of the Church, Vol.2, Introduction, p.21 The events which make up the first volume of the History of the Church moved forward from the back ground of successive dispensations of the Gospel which preceded the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. That volume covered the period from the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1805, to the close of the year 1833, and included as its chief events: the birth of the Prophet his first vision of the father and the Son; the coming forth of the Book of Mormon; the organization of the Church, April 6th, 1830; the mission to the Lamanites; the gathering of the people from the state of New York, first to Kirtland, Ohio, and subsequently the gathering of many of them to Jackson county, Missouri; the location of the site of the future city of Zion and its temple; the introduction of the doctrine of consecration and stewardship; the experience of the Elders of Israel in their movements back and forth between Kirtland and Zion; the spread of the work throughout the states of the American Union and Canada; the Prophet's own mission to the latter place; the founding of the first Church periodical, The Evening and Morning Star; the selection of a number of the revelations of God for publication under the title, "The Book of Commandments;" the establishment of the Mercantile and Literary firms of Zion and Kirtland; the laying of the corner stones of the Kirtland Temple; the planting of a number of settlements in Jackson county, Missouri; the awakening jealousy of the old settlers against the more progressive Saints; the fanning of these flames of jealousy by sectarian priests; the rise of that religio-political persecution which culminated in the terrible suffering of the Saints--the destruction of their printing establishment, the burning of their homes, their final expulsion from Jackson county; also the negotiations between the Saints and the civil authorities of the state of Missouri for reinstatement of the exiles upon their lands. The first volume closed with the narration in their efforts to establish Zion in Missouri. - ------------------------------------------------------ History of the Church, Vol.2, Ch.34, p.481 Seymour Brunson, George P. Dykes, and others, testified that Lyman Wight said that we (the Church) were under a telestial law, because God does not whip under a celestial law, therefore He took us (the Church) out of doors to whip us, as a parent took his children out of doors to chastise them; and that the book of Doctrine and Covenants was a telestial law; and the Book of Commandments (a part of revelations printed in Jackson county) was a celestial law. The Presidency decided, with the approbation of the Council, that Lyman Wight had taught erroneous doctrine, and that he be required to make an acknowledgment to the Council; also that he go and acknowledge to the churches where he had preached such abominable doctrine. NATHAN WEST, Clerk. - --------------------------------------------------- B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.23, p.285 - p.286 The council ordered that a three thousand edition of the Book of Commandments be printed instead of an edition of ten thousand, as at first contemplated; also that the selection of hymns that had been made by Emma Smith in fulfillment of her appointment be corrected and published by W. W. Phelps. - ----------------------------------------------------- B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.30, p.370 4. One hundred and sixty page--ten form--of a three thousand edition of the Book of Commandments had been printed at Independence when the printing office was destroyed. These forms were scattered about the streets and otherwise destroyed, except a few copies saved by individuals, one of which is now on file in the Historian's Office at Salt Lake City. - -------------------------------------------------- Historical Atlas of Mormonism p.22 Approximately eight Church conferences were conducted in Hiram. The decision to print some of the Revelation of Joseph Smith (HC 1:222) was made in the Johnson home. This work was known as the Book of Commandments, but today is called the Doctrine and Covenants. Currently the farm is part of the Latter-day Saint Church welfare services system and has been restored as a home and visitors' center. - -------------------------------------------------- Andrew Jenson, Encyclopedic History of the Church, p.239 EVENING AND MORNING STAR (The) was the first periodical published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the early Elders of the Church progressed with their missionary labors in different parts of the United States, holding meetings, baptising and organizing branches, they soon discovered the need of suitable Church literature in the shape of books, pamphlets, tracts etc., not to speak of modern revelations in printed form, in addition to the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Hence, the authorities of the Church decided to establish a printing office and publish a periodical in the interest of the Church, and William W. Phelps, one of the early converts to the restored gospel who possessed literary ability, was called by the Prophet Joseph Smith to purchase a press and the necessary printing material in Cincinnati, Ohio, as he traveled from Kirtland, Ohio, to Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri, which place had been chosen the previous year as a gathering place for the saints. Elder Phelps made the necessary purchases, continued his journey to Missouri, and established himself as a printer in a two story brick building near the center of Independence, where he at once commenced to print sheets of the intended Book of Commandments, or the revelations which the young Prophet up to that time had received; and in June, 1832, William W. Phelps issued from the printing office in Independence the first number of the Evening and Morning Star. This first number consisted of an 8-page sheet, quarto size, the printing matter on each page measuring 8 1/4 by 11 inches. Thirteen other numbers of the periodical were published in Independence, the last number being dated June, 1833. The following month the printing office was destroyed by a mob, which with brutal force entered the building, broke the press, scattered the type and destroyed most of the printed matter. Thus ended the first attempt to publish a periodical advocating the principles of the gospel as preached by the Latter-day Saints. - ---------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Van Orden W. W. Phelps, p.48 W. W. Phelps was a natural choice to assist with this special committee. First, he was one of the "presidents" in the Church, as were the other committee members. Second, he was a printer by trade and he could appropriately direct the actual typesetting and printing of the Doctrine and Covenants. Third, Phelps had been part of the original committee to compile and print the revelations into 'The Book of Commandments" when the Lord first commanded this task in November 1831. (The printing was nearly finished when Jackson County mobs scattered the unbound page proofs in July 1833.) - --------------------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.91 The decision to publish the revelations in the newspaper was made in relation to a larger decision: the leadership of the Church desired to publish the revelations in book form. At a conference held at Hiram, Ohio, in early November, 1831, the decision was made to publish ten thousand copies (later adjusted to three thousand) of the Book of Commandments. The quality of the revelations and the language that should be used in the revelations was then discussed. A revelation challenged the elders present to improve the language or to find any unrighteousness in the revelation (D&C 67). After an unsuccessful attempt by William E. McLellin to improve the revelations, the decision to publish the book was confirmed. - --------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.91 Shortly after this conference, another decision was made to organize the Literary Firm as the publishing arm of the Church.5 The proceeds from the printing were to compensate Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, John Whitmer, and Martin Harris for the "diligence of our brethren... in bringing to light by grace of God these sacred things."6 The Lord indicated that those appointed stewards over the literary concerns of the Church have claim for assistance upon the Church for their temporal needs, so "that the revelations may be published, and go forth unto the ends of the earth; that they also may obtain funds which shall benefit the church in all things" (D&C 72:20-21). The Firm was not only to publish the Book of Commandments, but also the New Translation of the Bible, the church hymnal, children's literature, a church almanac, as well as the newspapers. - -------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.92 At the conclusion of the November conference, the elders present bore testimonies that "they were willing to attach to these commandments which should shortly be sent to the world... that they knew that they were of the Lord."7 Sidney Rigdon raised concerns about "the errors or mistakes which are in commandments and revelations, made either by the translation in consequence of the slow way of the scribe at the time of receiving or by the scribes themselves."8 The conference decided that "Br. Joseph Smith Jr. correct those errors or mistakes which he may discover by the holy Spirit while reviewing the revelations & commandments & also the fullness of the scriptures."9 The Prophet indicated that his time was occupied closely in reviewing the commandments and sitting in the conference, for nearly two weeks.10 Some of that time might have been spent making copies of the revelations. The copying work needed to be done quickly, since Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer had been called to take the manuscripts and money to Missouri in the middle of November. After the Book of Commandments containing revelations had been dedicated to the Lord by the Prophet, Cowdery and Whitmer left Kirtland about 20 November 1831 and arrived in Independence about 5 January 1832. - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.93 By December 1832, the Book of Commandments was in press. The fact that the proofs had to be sent back to Kirtland for the approval of the Prophet complicated the editing and printing process. Joseph Smith reported that he spent the day writing and correcting revelations.17 Also, because of the unavailability of facilities for binding the books in Independence, plans were made to distribute them unbound.18 - -------------------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.93-94 During this time, W. W. Phelps deposited a copy of the title with the U.S. District Court for Missouri, and on 13 February 1833, the copyright of the Book of Commandments was secured. The editors of The Evening and the Morning Star expressed frustration concerning the slowness of the printing process. The May 1833 edition stated the Book of Commandments "will be published in the course of the present year, at 25 to 50 cents a copy. [p.94] We regret that in consequence of circumstances not within our control, this book will not be offered to our brethren as soon as was anticipated. We beg their forbearance, and solicit an interest in their prayers, promising to use our exertions with all our means to accomplish the work." It appears that they were close to completion of the work by the middle of June. Sidney Rigdon wrote a letter to W. W. Phelps on 25 June 1833, followed by another one a week later, instructing Phelps not to bind the books in Missouri but rather to ship them to Kirtland, to N. K. Whitney & Co.19 - ---------------------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.94 The delay in the completion of the printing of the Book of Commandments proved quite costly to the Saints. This period of time was marked by growing tension between the Mormons and the old settlers. Economic, political, social, as well as religious differences let to conflict between these groups, including mob action. In this atmosphere, a Reverend Pixley had written several articles to eastern newspapers attacking the Mormons' relationship with the Indians. On the first of July he wrote Beware of False Prophets referred to by the Saints as a "slanderous tract .... which he carried from house to house, to incense the inhabitants against the Church, to mob them and drive them away."20 The editor of The Evening and the Morning Star responded to the tract in the July issue. The mob reacted to this editorial by drawing up a manifesto attacking the Mormons and affirming that they would use any means to remove the Mormons from the county. The mob met on Saturday, 20 July 1833, and demanded that the Saints discontinue using the printing establishment in Jackson County and as well close the store and discontinue all mechanical labors. When the Saints refused to concede to these demands, the mob attacked the W. W. Phelps printing establishment and destroyed the majority of the copies of the Book of Commandments that had been printed, along with the printing press.21 - ---------------------------------------------------- Contents of Doctrine and Covenants Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.98 The content of this new Doctrine and Covenants differed from the Book of Commandments. While the Book of Commandments contained only revelations, the Doctrine and Covenants was divided into two parts: a section on theology and a section containing the revelations. The seven lectures called the "Lectures on Faith", given by the Prophet Joseph Smith to the School of the Prophets, made up the section on theology. The "PART SECOND Covenants and Commandments" also differed from the Book of Commandments. Some of the revelations in the Book of Commandments were combined into one section in the Doctrine and Covenants. For example, Chapters XVII-XXI in the Book of Commandments were combined into what is now Section 23 of the Doctrine and Covenants.39 The Doctrine and Covenants also contained additional revelations, many of which had been received since the compilation of the Book of Commandments. The Book of Commandments contained 66 revelation, while the new Doctrine and Covenants contained 102 sections.40 - -------------------------------------------- Reactions to the Book Regional Studies, Ohio, Garrett The Doctrine and Covenants, p.99 Not everyone viewed the publication of the Doctrine and Covenants as a positive step. For example, Lyman Wight was brought before the high council in Missouri for teaching false doctrine. Part of what he taught included the idea that "The Book of Covenants and Doctrine was a telestial law and the Book of Commandments (a part of the Revelations which were printed in Jackson County) were a Celestial law".42 The high council corrected him. - -------------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Missouri, Porter Colesville Branch, p.296-297 These events culminated on 20 July 1833, when the mob, numbering some 400, met at the courthouse in Independence to coordinate their demands. Their stipulations were then laid before the leading brethren consisting of Bishop Edward Partridge, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, John Corrill, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, and William W. Phelps. When the Saints would not concede to the written requirements, the mob moved on the William W. Phelps printing establishment (Star Printing Office, Fig. 3) and demolished the structure. The unbound sheets of the Book of Commandments were dumped in the street, the type pied, and the press hauled [p.297] away. Bishop Edward Partridge and Charles Allen were tarred and feathered.61 - ------------------------------------------- Regional Studies, Missouri, Van Orden Jackson County, p.345 The same day the committee approached Mormon leaders and demanded that the Saints leave Jackson County. However, the Mormons were resolved not to leave their consecrated lands. When negotiations proved fruitless, the committee returned to the courthouse, and those in meeting quickly turned into a mob and decided to destroy the nearby Mormon printing office and storehouse. They surrounded the "W. W. Phelps & Co." building, which also served as Phelps' family residence, threw the furniture into the street and garden, broke the press and hauled it away, scattered the type, and destroyed nearly all the unbound sheets of the Book of Commandments. Phelps and his family miraculously escaped into the country unharmed. - --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ End of gdm Digest V1 #1 *********************** To subscribe to gdm Digest, send the command: subscribe gdm-digest in the body of a message to "majordomo@xmission.com". If you want to subscribe something other than the account the mail is coming from, such as a local redistribution list, then append that address to the "subscribe" command; for example, to subscribe "local-gdm": subscribe gdm-digest local-gdm@your.domain.net A non-digest (direct mail) version of this list is also available; to subscribe to that instead, replace all instances of "gdm-digest" in the commands above with "gdm". Back issues are available for anonymous FTP from ftp.xmission.com, in pub/lists/gdm/archive. These are organized by date.