Revelation Dates: April – July, 1838

Revelation Places: Farr West, Missouri

Section 115 - Historical Background: The first General Conference of the church in Missouri was held at Farr West on April 6, 1838. Joseph had arrived a few weeks prior to the conference, having fled Kirtland with the saints and traveling nearly 900 miles to Farr West. Following this exodus and enduring the apostasy of many members, including 4 apostles, the Lord sends this revelation as encouragement to the stalwart saints who remained faithful in the kingdom.

• Recap: The proper name of the Savior’s church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The saints in Missouri are given a second chance to build the Lord’s temple; but are to build it according to the pattern given by the Lord and without any debt. They are encouraged to build up Farr West and establish stakes within Zion.

Section 116 - Historical Background: As the saints continued to pour into the region of Farr West, Joseph travelled north to find additional suitable areas for settlement. About 25 miles north of Farr West, the Lord revealed to Joesph that he was treading on very sacred land.

• Recap: This spot of land is named Adam-ondi-Ahman, the spot where Adam will visit his people as prophesied by the prophet Daniel.

Section 117 - Historical Background: After being forced from Kirtland, the saints scattered quickly and widely. A large group of saints, called the Kirtland Camp, were the last main group who left Kirtland on July 5, 1838. Previously, Joseph had assigned William Marks to be responsible for the church property in Kirtland, along with Bishop Newel K. Whitney who was enjoying prosperity there. But, unknown to Joseph, neither of the two men had joined the Kirtland Camp exodus and lingered in Kirtland. Meanwhile, Joseph inquired of the Lord for further instructions and received the following 4 revelations, sections 117 – 120.

• Recap: Whitney and Marks must settle their business affairs in Kirtland and go speedily to Missouri. They must sell their properties quickly and not be concerned about lost profit or opportunities. William Marks to be called as a church leader in Farr West.

Section 118 - Historical Background: This is the second revelation Joseph received on July 8, 1838. Joseph had set up his headquarters in Farr West. Due to the faint-hearted apostacy of four apostles, the Quorum of the Twelve had been diminished and needed to be replenished with faithful brethren. Joseph pleads, “Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve.” Five of the faithful apostles were present at this time, namely, Thomas B Marsh, David W Patten, Brigham Young, Parley P Pratt and William Smith.

• Recap: A conference is to be called immediately to fill the vacancies of the twelve with valiant servants. The Quorum president, Thomas B Marsh, is to stay in Farr West and supervise the publications for the church. The other apostles are to go out and continue preaching the Gospel. The Lord will provide for them and their families. The following spring, on April 26, 1839, the apostles are to gather in Farr West and leave from the temple sight and travel to England on proselyting missions. Quorum vacancies are filled with John Taylor, John E Page, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards.

Section 119 - Historical Background: This is the third revelation given on July 8, 1838. Prior to this revelation, the saints had been commanded to live the law of consecration. Because of failure on the part of the saints, the Lord withdrew this law and covenant. Tithing, as understood by the saints at that time, was merely a free-will offering or contribution to the church. Joseph asks the Lord, “O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requires of the properties of thy people for a tithing.”

• Recap: All surplus property of the saints should be paid to the bishop of the church to be used for the needs of the church. Once this contribution is made, the saints are to then contribute one-tenth of their annual interest. This law of tithing will be the standard for all the saints of Zion forever.

Section 120 - Historical Background: This is the fourth revelation given on July 8, 1838. One of the most critical issues facing Joseph was how to authorize the disposition of resources collected through tithing.

• Recap: Tithing properties should be distributed by the First Presidency, overseeing the distributions authorized by the Presiding Bishop, who will also oversee the distributions made by the high council. All distributions of tithing are to be according to the His voice.

Revelation Dates: August 1836 – April 1838

Revelation Places: Salem, Massachusetts; Kirtland, Ohio; Farr West, Missouri

Section 111 - Historical Background: In the summer of 1836, a member from Massachusetts by the name of Jonathan Burgess, came to Joseph regarding a sister member in Salem, Massachusetts who was now deceased. He explained that prior to her death she intended to give the church a large treasure of gold and silver which was stored in her basement. Seemingly true, Joseph knew this treasure would be a great blessing to help pay the significant debts taken on by the church for the building of the temple and assisting the saints in Zion. As Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney and Oliver left Kirtland on their mission to the Northeast, they stopped in Salem. Upon arrival they met with brother Burgess, but the sister’s home (and treasure) could not be found due to the tremendous changes in the growth of the city. Meanwhile, back in Zion the saints who had been driven from Jackson County were settling in Clay County. Now, they were asked to leave that county also. Amidst all this turmoil, many of the church leadership were away on this missionary effort, and Joseph received the following revelation.

• Recap: The Lord is pleased with their journey, despite their folly (for the treasure). Don’t be concerned about the debts of the church, for the Lord will give the saints power to cover these debts. Continue the missionary work in Salem and the vicinity.

Section 112 - Historical Background: As it often occurs, following marvelous and beautiful spiritual manifestations, come equally spectacular evil doings, hardships and tribulation. The saints had experienced magnificent spiritual visions and wonders at the dedication of the Kirtland temple, but were now experiencing unprecedented mobs and persecution. Little did they know the Lord was about to manifest significant sifting in the church, including its leadership. The year following the temple dedication saw a spirit of apostasy sweep through the church. In the midst of this, the Lord opened England as a focus for missionary work, which became incredibly successful. It had been nearly a year since the Lord had given Joseph a direct revelation. The Lord directs this to the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve (Thomas B Marsh is Quorum President).

• Recap: Thomas B Marsh was troubled, prayerfully seeking repentance, which was granted. Now, he must remain faithful and preach the gospel. The Lord knows his heart and he must refrain from being partial towards the brethren. Admonish the 12 Apostles for their sins, who must humble themselves, soften their hearts and repent. Marsh holds the keys to administer over the twelve. A day of desolation and lamentation will cover the earth, beginning in the church. Go with the twelve into the world and preach the Lord’s gospel. Stay faithful.

Section 113 - Historical Background: 1837 and 1838 were the saddest years in the church up to this time, with rampant apostasy and threatening murders. Armed mobs pursued Joseph constantly. In one day, Joseph was arrested, released and arrested again 6 times. Fleeing for their lives, the saints abandoned their homes and escaped into the western frontier, settling temporarily in Farr West Missouri. Upon his arrival, Joseph was asked several questions by the brethren concerning the book of Isaiah. This revelation is one of three sections in the Doctrine and Covenants that deal with scriptural interpretation (see also sections 74 and 77).

• Recap: Isaiah Ch 11: The Stem of Jesse is Jesus Christ; the Rod of Jesse describes Joseph Smith as a resurrected being; the Root of Jesse describes Joseph Smith in mortality; Ch 52: The strength of Zion is the Priesthood; To loosen the bands of her neck is in reference to scattered Israel and releasing the curse upon the Jews.

Section 114 - Historical Background: This revelation relates primarily to David W Patton. In 1835 Patton was ordained to be an apostle and was always faithful to Joseph and obedient to God. In this revelation, David W Patton is called on a mission. Note: In October, 1838, while defending the church against an angry mob at Crooked River, Apostle David W. Patton was killed, thus becoming the first martyred “Prophet, Seer and Revelator” in the last days.

• Recap: David W. Patton to settle his affairs and go into the mission field to preach the gospel. Those who hold church positions that are unfaithful will be replaced.

Revelation Dates: March 27, 1836 – April 3, 1836

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 109 - Historical Background: In December 1832, the Lord commanded the saints of Kirtland to build a temple. At that time, there were only about 100 members living in Kirtland, who lacked money, lands or knowledge to accomplish the task. Yet, at the completion and dedication of the temple in March, 1836, there were over 1,500 members, eager to receive their promised “power from on high.” Joseph had never seen a temple but through revelation he was shown the “pattern” from which to build. Through great sacrifice, from the laying of the initial cornerstone in July, 1833 to the dedicatory prayer on March 27, 1836, the temple was now complete. From January through March of 1836, the church experienced what some call a season of Pentecost. There were many open visions of angels, heavenly messengers, spiritual manifestations and even the appearance of the Savior himself. Under direct revelation, Joseph received this dedicatory prayer and read it to the one-thousand members crowded into the pews of the temple.

• Recap: The Lord is asked to accept the house, which they were commanded to build, as a house of the Lord. A request is made to the Lord for His appearance to the saints in their solemn assembly. This house is to be a house of prayer, fasting, faith and glory. He asks the Lord to deliver the saints from their enemies, that they may go in power to gather the righteous before the calamity of the wicked. Turn away thy wrath from the repentant. May the Jews, Lamanites and all Israel be redeemed. Joseph prays for the leaders of the church and the saints be crowned with power and reap eternal joy.

Section 110 - Historical Background: On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, one week following the temple dedication, 800 saints gathered in the temple to worship. Although the ordinance of endowment had not yet been revealed (that would be in 1842 in Nauvoo), the ordinances of washing and anointing and the washing of feet had been revealed. As the members worshipped and listened to sermons by church leaders, they participated in the sacrament as administered by the twelve apostles. Then curtains were drawn, or dropped, separating the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery (ordained as Assistant President) from the congregation. Here, they both knelt in prayer and the heavens were opened. Joseph and Oliver received the following glorious revelation.

• Recap: The Lord appears at the temple pulpit before Joseph and Oliver, accepting the Kirtland temple as His house. Moses then appears to them and commits the keys of the gathering of Israel; Then Elias (a messenger) appears and commits the keys of the covenant of Abraham; And lastly, Elijah appears and commits the sealing keys, which without these keys, the whole earth would be smitten with a curse. Now, the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

Revelation Dates: November 1834 – December 1835

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 106 - Historical Background: It had been 5 months since the return from Zions Camp. Joseph was engaged in the building of the Temple in Kirtland, along with visiting and strengthening each branch in the area. The previous month of March, Joseph had visited the town of Freedom, baptizing 30-40 people there, including Warren Cowdery, the brother of Oliver Cowdery. This revelation is directed to Warren Cowdery.

• Recap: Warren Cowdery to be ordained a High Priest and preside over the saints at Freedom, Ohio. He is to be humble and an example, preaching to the people.

Section 107 - Historical Background: On Feb 14, 1835, Joseph invited all those who risked their lives at Zions Camp, to attend a special meeting. From the congregation, the 12 Apostles were chosen. Shortly thereafter, the First Council of 70 was selected, presided over by a presidency of 7. On March 28, 1835, the Twelve were about to leave on various missions and desired an uplifting revelation to take with them.

• Recap: There are two priesthoods, the Melchizedek and Aaronic. All offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood. Priesthood offices are listed along with their rights and duties.
  • Melchizedek: To administer the keys in spiritual things, authority to preside over all; Offices include High Priest – organized into the First Presidency, quorum of 12 Apostles, quorums of the Seventy, Patriarch and Bishop; and all other holders of the Melchizedek priesthood are to be ordained to the office of Elder.
  • Aaronic: To administer keys of the administering of angels and the outward ordinances, to be presided over by the High Priest of the bishopric; Offices include Priest, Teacher and Deacon.
• [Note: When it comes time to translate records, such as the sealed portion of the gold plates, the book of Enoch, the brass plates, etc. the prophet will be sustained not only as prophet, seer and revelator, but also translator.] The number of quorums of the Seventy will expand as needed to travel as ministers among the gentiles.

Section 108 - Historical Background: Lyman Sherman was among those faithful brethren who answered the call to Zion’s Camp. However, upon their return to Kirtland, he wavered. Prompted by the Lord, Lyman approached Joseph to request a blessing and revelation from the Lord.

• Recap: Because of following the prompting of the Lord, Lyman is forgiven. The Lord admonishes to stop resisting the promptings of the Spirit and to be more careful in observing your vows. Be patient and faithful so the Father can bless you. Stringthen your brethren through conversation, prayers and in your doings.

Revelation Dates: May – August, 1833

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 94 - Historical Background: Ever since January, 1833, Joseph Smith had been warning the church leaders in Jackson County, Missouri to stop disputing and quarrelling among themselves. Their sinful behavior was putting the whole cause of Zion at risk. As they did not repent, the threats of mobs increased. If the saints in Missouri were not worthy to build a temple on the dedicated lot in Zion, the Lord would build an interim temple in Kirtland. There were keys to be restored and endowments to be performed. Time was of the essence. Therefore, on May 6, 1833, Joseph received this revelation.

• Recap: The Kirtland saints are to begin laying out plans for the building of a temple. 3 lots are to be purchased for the project to build the temple, a printing house, and a residence for Hyrum Smith. The dimensions of the temple and printing shop are given. But they are commanded to not begin construction until the Lord gives approval. The Lord promises to come personally to the finished, dedicated temple as long as it remains clean and sacred.

Section 95 - Historical Background: In December, 1832, the Lord had given divine directions for the building of houses of worship and for the school of the prophets. For over 6 months now, the Kirtland saints had not complied with this commandment. The Lord reprimands the saints for their lackluster effort in this matter.

• Recap: The Lord loves those whom He chastens. The saints have sinned by neglecting the building of the house of the Lord. Consequently, those who have been called and qualified to preach the gospel, go out unprepared and walk in the darkness at noon day. The Lord promises the saints that if they keep His commandments, He will give them power to build the temple, and He provides the temple dimensions and purposes.

Section 96 - Historical Background: The day following the receipt of Section 95, a council of high priests discussed the purchasing of the lots commanded by the Lord. A property owned by Pete French, referred to as the French farm, was to be purchased. However, they couldn’t decide how it should then be managed. Joseph, along with this council of High Priests, appeal to the Lord for help.

• Recap: The French farm will be administered by Bishop Newell K. Whitney. The farm is to be divided into lots, a portion for the temple, the printing house and various consecrated inheritances. The Lord then commanded John Johnson be admitted to the United Order and be provided a place of residence.

Section 97 - Historical Background: By the summer of 1833, Jackson County was becoming a stage of crisis. Meanwhile, the work in Kirtland was progressing and the temple cornerstone had been laid. Joseph was very concerned for the saints in Missouri and inquired of the Lord for their sakes. By this time, due to severe persecution, the saints in Zion had been forced to sign an agreement to vacate Jackson County under a predetermined timeline (which was ultimately violated by the mobs).

• Recap: Threatening circumstances have caused the leaders of the church in Zion to become humble and meek. This state of humility allows the Lord to show mercy towards them. The Lord wants to bless His people but needs them to be honest, with broken hearts and contrite spirits. The saints are commanded to quickly build a modest temple, similar in design to what is being built in Kirtland, through the tithing of the saints. The Lord promises to visit this temple in glory, to be seen by all the pure in heart, as long as it is undefiled and worthy. But the Lord forewarns the people that if they do not do what they have been commanded, they will be visited with sore afflictions, plagues, and with sword and vengeance. [Note: All this could have been avoided had the saints repented quickly and had the zeal to build the temple as commanded.]

Revelation Date: May 6, 1833

Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 93 - Historical Background: Many of the saints had migrated from Kirtland to Jackson County, Missouri, but there were still about 150 families remaining in Kirtland, Ohio. Still, the Lord wanted to establish a Stake there and organize the building of a temple. In anticipation of this, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith one of the most profound revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants, providing deep, spiritual truths the saints would need to know to appreciate the significance of the temple endowment.

• Recap: Every human being who keeps God’s commandments shall see His face and shall receive the Father’s fullness, grace for grace. Christ is the Firstborn, and was chosen in the beginning to be the Only Begotten of the Father, the Creator of all things and the Redeemer of mankind. Truth is defined as knowing the realities of the present, the past and as they always will be. In the beginning, all mankind were independent intelligences, or elements of light and truth, which are eternal and cannot be made. Each intelligence has agency to act for oneself. God selected those intelligences to become His children and they were given a Spirit body. He then prepared a plan for them to receive the fullness of His joy, which requires a temporal body. The glory of God is the host of intelligences who obey Him, obtaining exaltation, immortality and eternal life. We are thus commanded to set in order our house and teach our children light and truth. The First Presidency is rebuked and called to repentance. Satan is determined to destroy them, along with all of God’s children. The First Presidency must repent, set their homes in order and hasten to complete the revising of the scriptures, the learning history, countries, kingdoms and the laws of God and man.