Section 17 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 9 minutesThis section is a compilation of instructions received from time to time in connection with the organization of the church. The “Book of Commandments” describes the section as “the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ, given in Fayette, New York, June, 1830,” but that part of the instruction which set the date for…
Section 15 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesIn June, 1829, Martin Harris visited Fayette, New York, to inquire concerning the progress being made in the translation of the Book of Mormon. During this visit he joined Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer in asking that they might be chosen as the three special witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon, mentioned…
Section 14 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr. to Peter Whitmer, Jr. It is identical with the message to John, Peter’s brother, and was received at the same time and place, June 1829, at Fayette, Seneca County, New York. 1 A. Hearken, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer;…
Section 13 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet, to John Whitmer, June 1829, at the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., John’s father, at Fayette, Seneca County, New York. John Whitmer became one of the eight witnesses whose testimony is published with all editions of the Book of Mormon. 1 A. Hearken, my servant John, and listen…
Section 12 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesAt the invitation of the Whitmer family, Joseph Smith, and Oliver Cowdery went from Harmony, Pennsylvania, to Fayette, Seneca County, New York, where they stayed in the Whitmer home until the translation of the Book of Mormon was completed. The following revelation, addressed to David Whitmer, was received in June 1829, while the prophet was…
Section 11 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet, in response to the earnest prayers of Joseph Knight, Sr. On several occasions Mr. Knight bought provisions to Joseph and Oliver so they could continue their work of translation without interruption. This revelation was given in May 1829, at Harmony, Pennsylvania. Note the similarity between the opening…
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…
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…
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…
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,…