DC 115 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.
DC 115 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.
DC 115 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.
DC 115 1d Two by two let them be sent, that they may be a help and a support to each other in their ministry.
DC 115 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:
1b Lo! It is my will that my gospel shall be preached to all nations in every land, and that men of every tongue shall minister before me:
1c Therefore it is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of every race who receive the teachings of my law, and become heirs according to the promise.
2a Be ye very careful, for many elders have been ordained unto me, and are come under my condemnation, by reason of neglecting to lift up their voices in my cause, and for such there is tribulation and anguish:
2b haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words their works are burned, not being profitable unto me.
