Supplemental Information on the Doctrine and Covenants

What is the “Doctrine” and “Covenants”?

• The “Doctrine” was the Lectures on Faith that formed part One of the 1835 edition
• The “Covenants” were revelations that formed part two of the 1835 edition (Revelation is knowledge given from God to man)
• It is the text by which we shall be judged
• It is a compilation of revelations, an account of the martyrdom, statements of policy, prayers (109), minutes of a high council meeting (107), and letters and epistles (124, 85)

The Doctrine and Covenants was received by:

• Personal Visitation: Heavenly messengers, angels, and resurrected beings delivered messages. The messengers included Moroni (Section 2), John the Baptist (Section 13), an angel (section 27), Moses, Elias, Elijah, and the Savior (Section 110).
• Urim and Thummim: Some of the earlier revelations such as 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
• Open Vision: Section 76 is a prime example of an open vision providing revelation
• Voice: D&C 130 was a prophecy declared by “a voice”
• Inspiration and confirmation: Through the spirit of prophecy and revelation, the “still, small voice” (D&C 85:6) and the Spirit act directly on the mind, providing inspired thoughts and ideas. This was the most frequent method by which the contents of the Doctrine and Covenants were received.

Early Editions of the Doctrine and Covenants

· The “Article and Covenants” was essentially Section 20.

· The “Book of the Law of the Lord” was a further compilation of revelations which was published in the Evening and Morning Star

· The “Book of Commandments” was compiled in 1833.

o Most copies and the printing press were destroyed by a mob

o 65 chapters—all revelations—were published in one part

o Section 1 was given by the Lord for the preface

o Some 3,000 copies were to be printed

o It measured 2.5 x 4 x 0.5 inches thick

· The Doctrine and Covenants 1835 edition was

o Printed in Kirtland, Ohio

o Divided into two parts

o Composed of 102 sections and the Lectures on Faith (theological lessons)

o Section 133 was inserted in the appendix of the book

· The Doctrine and Covenants 1844 edition:

o Printed in Nauvoo, Illinois

o Contained 111 sections as well as the Lectures on Faith

o Followed the two-part order of the 1835 edition

· The Doctrine and Covenants 1876 edition was

o Composed of 136 sections and the Lectures on Faith

§ Sections 2, 13, 77, 85, 87, 108-111, 113-118, 120-123, 125, 126, 129-132, and 136 were added after Joseph Smith’s death

o The first edition printed in Utah

o Divided by Elder Orson Pratt into short verses with footnotes and references in 1879

o The first in which Section 132 replaced Section 109 on marriage (109 was omitted)

· The Doctrine and Covenants 1908 edition

o Included the “Manifesto”, which was added to the back of the book. It officially replaced the teaching of section 132.

· The Doctrine and Covenants 1921 edition

o Removed the Lectures on Faith

o Included headings and footings by Elder James E. Talmage

· The Doctrine and Covenants 1981 edition

o Added sections 137-138

o Added the Official Declaration 2 (all worthy male members could now hold the priesthood)

o Updated the headings and enhanced the cross references

Individuals involved in receiving the revelations and visions included:

Joseph Smith, Jr.

Brigham Young—Section 136

Oliver Cowdrey—Section 134

John Taylor—Section 135

Wilford Woodruff—The “Manifesto”

Lorenzo Snow—Affirmation of the “Manifesto”

Joseph F. Smith—Section 138

Spencer W. Kimball—Official Declaration 2

The Importance of the Doctrine and Covenants is stated in the following scriptures:

• D&C 1:37. It contains commandments from the Lord
• D&C 11:22; 26:1. It tells us what we should study
• D&C 18:33-36 tells us the source of the words
• D&C 33:16 tells us why the Lord gave us the scriptures
• D&C 42:12-13 reveals the sources from which the missionaries should teach
• D&C 84:60-61 command us to receive these words
• D&C 88:66 tells us the D&C contains truth
• D&C 88:76-78 teach us what we should learn from studying the D&C
• D&C 88:118 concerns teaching and learning

Selected verses of D&C section 1:

• D&C 1:14, 38 which emphasize the Lord’s speaking and our hearing
• D&C 1:16 warns us against walking in our own way
• D&C 1:23 tells the 18-month-old, 680-member Church was told that the gospel would be proclaimed to the ends of the world
• D&C 1:17-23 contains prophecies being fulfilled in our lifetime
• D&C 1:19, 23 teach that the Lord uses weak and simple servants for great works
• D&C 1:24-28 promises that weak and simple servants become strong
• D&C 1:24-28 contains teachings about the purposes of the revelations in the D&C
• D&C 1:3, 13, 33 warn of the consequences of being rebellious and disobedient
• D&C 1:32 tells us how to find favor with the Lord
• D&C 1:37 teaches that searching the scriptures is different than reading them