Joseph Smith Jr. Era

The Joseph Smith Jr. Era Doctrine and Covenants contains foundational revelations that shaped early Community of Christ beliefs. Covering theology, church organization, and spiritual guidance, these sections reflect the challenges and hopes of a growing movement in the 19th century.

  2. Joseph Smith Jr. Era

Section 1 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 5 minutesRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., at a special conference held at Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, November 1, 1831. It was to serve as a preference to the “Book of Commandments.” W. W. Phelps and Company began the printing of the “Book of Commandments” at Independence, Missouri, but the plant was destroyed by a mob…

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Section 2 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 3 minutesBy July 1828 a total of 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript has been translated. Martin Harris served as Joseph’s scribe at this time and wrote most of the translation. To quiet the ridicule of some of his relatives, Martin borrowed the manuscript, promising to preserve it with the utmost care, but the…

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Section 3 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 7 minutesAfter the loss of that portion of the Book of Mormon manuscript, which had been translated before July 1828, the mind of Joseph was “darkened” (D. and C. 3:1b). After humbling himself, Joseph was again enlightened, and was permitted to resume this work. Instruction received in this connection is recorded in the following revelation, which…

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Section 4 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: < 1 minuteRevelation given to Joseph Smith, Sr., through his son, the prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829. 1 A. Now, behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men, B. therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength,…

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Section 5 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 4 minutesRevelation given to Joseph Smith and Martin Harris in Harmony, Pennsylvania, March 1829. It was called forth by Martin’s insistent desire to know whether Joseph has the records of the Nephites in his possession. 1 A. Behold, I say unto you, that as my servant Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that you,…

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Section 6 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 4 minutesOliver Cowdery met Joseph Smith on April 5, 1829. Two days later he began to write for Joseph as the prophet dictated the translation of the Book of Mormon. The following inspired instruction was received at Harmony, Pennsylvania, during the latter part of the month. It was addressed to Oliver Cowdery. 1 A. A great and…

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Section 7 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given to Joseph Smith, Jr. and Oliver Cowdery in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, in response to their prayers concerning the meaning of John 21:20-24. The 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants states that this was “translated from parchment, written and hid up by himself [John].” 1 A. And the Lord said unto me, John,…

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Section 8 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr. to Oliver Cowdery, April 1829, at Harmony, Pennsylvania. It was occasioned by Oliver’s questions and concerns as he entered into more intimate association with Joseph during this first month of their acquaintance. 1 A. Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is…

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Section 9 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr. to Oliver Cowdery in Harmony, Pennsylvania, during April 1829. It followed and explained Oliver’s failure as a translator and encouraged him to continue as Joseph’s scribe, which he did. 1 A. Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired…

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Section 10 (Community of Christ)

Reading Time: 3 minutesRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., to his brother, Hyrum Smith, May 1829, at Harmony, Pennsylvania. The first four paragraphs contain the same assurances and counsel as had been given to Oliver Cowdery during the proceeding months (D. and C. 6). 1 A. A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children…

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