DC 114 1a In order to place the church in a position to carry on the promulgation of the gospel, and as a means of fulfilling the law, the Twelve will take measures in connection with the Bishop, to execute the law of tithing;
DC 114 1b and let them before God see to it, that the temporal means so obtained is truly used for the purposes of the church, and not as a weapon of power in the hands of one man for the oppression of others, or for the purposes of self-aggrandizement by anyone, be he whomsoever he may be.
2 As I live, saith the Lord, in the manner ye execute this matter, so shall ye be judged in the day of judgment.
DC 115 Intro: SECTION 115
Revelation given through Joseph Smith III in March 1863. It is addressed to the elders of the church. The revelation was approved by the 1863 annual conference and inserted in the Doctrine and Covenants by authority of the semiannual conference of 1878.
1a Hearken unto me, O ye elders of my church. Lo! I have seen your efforts in my cause, and they are pleasing unto me.
1b I declare unto you, It is my will that you ordain and set apart my servant William Marks to be a counselor to my servant Joseph, even the president of my church, that the first presidency of my church may be more perfectly filled.
1c And moreover it is expedient in me that my elders in going to declare my gospel to the nations, shall observe the pattern which I have given.
1d Two by two let them be sent, that they may be a help and a support to each other in their ministry.
1e Press onward, ye elders and people of my church, even my little flock, and as I have spoken to you in times past, so will I speak again to you as my friends, inasmuch as you speak in my name; and lo! I am Alpha and Omega, and will be with you unto the end. Amen.
DC 116 Intro: SECTION 116
Revelation given through President Joseph Smith III, May 4, 1865.
A council of the first Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve was in session at the home of Bishop Israel L. Rogers in Kendall County, Illinois, May 1-5, 1865. Among other things the council was concerned about "the ordination of men of the Negro race." President Joseph Smith was asked to seek divine guidance in this connection, and the revelation was received in response to the fasting and prayers of the members of the council. It should be studied against the background of the American Civil War and with the social and educational status of the American Negro of that period in mind.
The revelation was presented to the Quorum of Twelve, who voted unanimously to approve it. The semiannual conference of 1878 authorized its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
1a Hearken! Ye elders of my church, I am he who hath called you friends. Concerning the matter you have asked of me:
