Scripture Search Results

DC 6:Intro SECTION 6 Oliver 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.

DC 7:Intro SECTION 7 Revelation 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)."

DC 8:Intro SECTION 8 Revelation 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.

DC 9:Intro SECTION 9 Revelation 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.

DC 17:Intro SECTION 17 This 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 the organization of the church was given prior to April 6, 1830. Joseph wrote in "Times and Seasons" (3:928): "In this manner did the Lord continue to give us instructions from time to time concerning the duties which now devolved upon us, and among many other things of the kind, we obtained of him the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation, which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his church once again, here upon the earth." All editions of the Doctrine and Covenants include paragraphs 16 and 17 of this section, which did not appear in the "Book of Commandments." This further instruction was probably received after July 20, 1833, and selected for inclusion with related material in this section on the same principle as other material received at different times.

DC 17:1a The rise of the church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeably to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April;

DC 19:Intro SECTION 19 Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet, on the day the church was organized, April 6, 1830, at Fayette, Seneca County, New York, before or, possibly, during the organization meeting, and is addressed to both Joseph and the church. It refers to the organization in the past tense and gives instruction concerning the ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as though this were yet to be consummated. The ordinations did take place at the organization meeting, after the other brethren participating had indicated their willingness to accept Joseph and Oliver as their teachers and leaders.

DC 19:1c which church was organized and established, in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month, which is called April.

DC 20:Intro SECTION 20 Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and seer to the church, April 1830, at Manchester, New York. This instruction came in answer to Joseph Smith's inquiry concerning the status of those who desired to unite with the church and who had already been baptized.

DC 21:Intro SECTION 21 This section is a composite of five revelations given through Joseph Smith, Jr., at Manchester, New York, April 1830, and addressed to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sr., and Joseph Knight, Sr. They were given in answer to the prayers of these brethren concerning their relation to the work of the church. Each paragraph in Doctrine and Covenants 21 was printed as a separate chapter in the "Book of Commandments," but the chapters were combined in the 1835 (first) edition of the Doctrine and Covenants and have been published in this form ever since. They were received on the day the church was organized.

DC 81:Intro SECTION 81 Joseph Smith left Hiram, Ohio, April 1, 1832, and he and his party reached Independence, Missouri, on April 24. A general council of the church was immediately called to convene April 26, 1832. At this council more inspired instruction was received through Joseph concerning the poor and the enlargement of Zion. More unusual names are used in this revelation (see D. and C. 77). Their meanings are interpreted as follows: "Alam and Ahashdah" "Mahalaleel and Pelagoram" "Gazelam" "Horah and Olihah" "Shalemanasseh and Mehemson" "Land of Shinehah" Newel K. Whitney Sidney Rigdon Joseph Smith Oliver Cowdery Martin Harris Kirtland

DC 82:Intro SECTION 82 Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., April 30, 1832, at Independence, Missouri. It was received following council discussion concerning the security of widows and orphans under the stewardship arrangements being worked out.

DC 96:Intro SECTION 96 Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., to Elder John Murdock, on august 1832, at Kirtland, Ohio. Murdock's wife Julia had died on April 30, 1831, after giving birth that day to twins, Julia and Joseph. Joseph and Emma Smith soon adopted these twins. In 1832 Murdock sent his older three children (with means for their support) to Bishop Edward Partridge in Missouri, and in April 1833 left for a mission to the eastern part of the United States. Through an oversight the date "August 1833" was assigned to this revelation in the 1864 edition; hence the number "96," when it should have been "83."

DC 101:Intro SECTION 101 Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., April 23, 1834, at Kirtland, Ohio. A "United Order of Enoch" had been established to manage the temporal affairs of the church in Kirtland and in Zion. The Order was now in financial difficulties, largely because of losses sustained through mob action. In accordance with this revelation, the Order was now dissolved, its properties being divided among the members of the Order in such fashion as to constitute their individual stewardships. For an explanation of the unusual names used in this revelation, consult the introduction to Doctrine and Covenants 77. The probable significance of these names is as follows: The "Order" "Pelagoram" "Tahhanes" "Mahemson" "Zombre" "Gazelam" "Shederlaomach" "Olihah" The United Order of Enoch Sidney Rigdon Tannery Martin Harris John Johnson Joseph Smith Frederick G. Williams Oliver Cowdery "Lane-shine-house" "Ahashdah" "Ozondah" "Shinehah" "Shinelah" "Shinelane" "Cainhannoch" "Shule" Printing Office Newel K. Whitney Store Kirtland Print Printing New York Ashery

DC 107:Intro SECTION 107 This statement was removed from the main body of the book by the action of the 1970 World Conference. Its subject is primarily concerned with arrangements for the construction of a boardinghouse in Nauvoo and with the practice of the ordinance of baptism for the dead. It will be noted that several paragraphs are devoted to references to such practices as "washings," "anointings," and "memorials for your sacrifices" and matters which "have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world" (paragraphs 10, 11, 12, 13). Concerning such esoteric practices the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints declared as early as April 9, 1886, that "we know of no temple building, except as edifices wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early saints on Pentecost Day." And also, "that 'baptism for the dead' belongs to those local questions of which the body has said by resolution: 'That the commandments of a local character, given to the first organization of the church, are binding on the Reorganization only so far as they are either reiterated or referred to as binding by commandments to this church.' And that principle has neither been reiterated nor referred to as a commandment" (Conference Resolution 308, paragraphs 2, 3). Instruction to the church bearing on this matter is contained in a revelation through W. Wallace Smith on April 5, 1968, referring to temple building in which the church is told that "there is no provision for secret ordinances now or ever" and that one temple function is priesthood education (Doctrine and Covenants 149A:6). This section is retained in the Appendix for its historical value in relation to the development of ordinances for the dead and other ordinances for which the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints finds no justification either in the historical scriptures or in the documents approved by the church as latter--day revelation. A series of messages given by Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and seer to the church, January 19, 1841, at Nauvoo, Illinois. A portion of it was published in "Times and Seasons," June 1, 1841, vol. 2, page 424. It was first included in the 1844 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants as Section 103. It has been included in every succeeding edition since that date. With other sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, it came under the blanket motion passed in the General Conference of 1878. GENERAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTION NO. 215 "That this body, representing the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, recognize the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Mormon, the revelations of God contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and all other revelations which have been or shall be revealed through God's appointed prophet, which have been or may be hereafter accepted by the church as the standard of authority on all matters of church government and doctrine, and the final standard of reference on appeal in all controversies arising, or which may arise in this Church of Christ." Under this recognition it has been included in all editions of the Reorganization.

DC 117:Intro SECTION 117 As he approached the annual conference of 1873, President Smith was deeply concerned that he was again the only member of the First Presidency (Counselor William Marks had died in May 1872) and that the death of Apostle Samuel Powers in February 1873 had left the Quorum of Twelve with but five members. This concern was shared by the remaining members of the Twelve, and these were joined by a number of the Seventy in requesting that the prophet seek divine guidance. In presenting the following revelation to the elders of the church, President Smith stated that it had been received "in answer to long and continued and earnest prayer to God upon the condition of the Quorums of the Church." The revelation was approved by the available apostles and, on April 10, 1873, was endorsed by the conference. With the ordination of William Wallace Blair and David H. Smith, as provided for in this instruction, the quorum of the First Presidency was now complete for the first time since the reorganization of the church. This was also the first time in the Reorganization that members of the Twelve had been called by revelation through the President of the Church. Prior to this time, and on occasions in the early church, members of the Twelve had been selected by committees.

DC 118:2 Continue the mission in Chicago until the April conference, when if it be found expedient it may be left in the charge of the authorities of the Northern Illinois District.

DC 119:Intro SECTION 119 Revelation given through Joseph Smith III, April 11, 1887, at Kirtland, Ohio. This inspired instruction was received after the General Conference had observed Saturday, April 9, as a day of fasting and prayer for light concerning "the depleted condition of the Quorum of the Twelve." To the Elders of the Church: Thus saith the Spirit:

DC 119:9c Bear the burdens of body of which the Spirit of healing from the Lord in faith, or the use of that which wisdom directs does not relieve or remove, and in cheerfulness do whatever may be permitted you to perform that the blessing of peace may be upon all. Amen. KIRTLAND, OHIO, April 11, 1887

DC 120:Intro SECTION 120 The members of the Quorum of Twelve who were present at the General Conference of 1887 remained in Kirtland and on April 21, 1887, issued an "Epistle" which discussed the duties of branch and district presidents and other matters. The Quorum revised this "Epistle" in 1888 and then asked the General Conference to endorse it. Action was postponed until 1889 and then until 1890. Under these circumstances the Quorum of Twelve asked the President of the Church to seek divine guidance, and in response to their prayers the following revelation was received through President Joseph Smith. It is dated April 8, 1890, at Lamoni, Iowa, and is addressed to "The First Presidency and Traveling High Council" (the Council of Twelve). Unto my servants, the First Presidency and the traveling High Council of my church; thus saith the Spirit:

DC 121:1a At the April session of conference of 1885, during the consideration of the sustaining of the officers of the church made the special order for the 11th, when David H. Smith, second counselor to the President, was presented, the question was asked whether any communication had been received in regard to it.

DC 122:Intro SECTION 122 During the General Conference of 1894 the First Presidency, the Quorum of Twelve, and the Quorum of High Priests held a joint meeting at which they discussed their respective callings and responsibilities. A report of this Council was submitted to the Conference, but since the Twelve felt that the report did not cover all the issues under consideration they adopted a resolution requesting President Smith to "ask for further revelation in explanation of the authority and duties of the several quorums and their members, also for instruction providing for filling the vacancies in the leading quorums, including a designation of the Patriarch, if it shall be the pleasure of our heavenly Father to so enlighten us." The revelation given to President Smith, April 15, 1894, at Lamoni, Iowa, in answer to the petitions of the Saints, was endorsed by the quorums and the Conference, but it was not until the General Conference of 1897 that its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants was authorized. I was, on the fifteenth day of the fourth month, of the year 1894, in fasting and prayer before the Lord, and being commanded of the Spirit I arose from my praying and wrote: Thus saith the Spirit unto the elders and the church:

DC 123:1a In compliance with the requirement of paragraph thirteen of the revelation received during conference and by agreement between the quorums affected, the First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Bishopric met in joint council in the editor's room of the Herald Office at nine a.m., Friday, April 20, 1894.

DC 123:7 Resolved that it is the opinion of this council that there is nothing in the resolution of April, 1893, on church history, that should in any way interfere with the preparation and publication of an authentic church history by the church.

DC 123:24a Resolved that paragraph 5 of the revelation of April 15, 1894, relating to the duty of the Twelve under the authority of the revelation of 1861 (Doctrine and Covenants, section 114), teaches that said revelation is still in force;

DC 123:24b but that whatever duty the Twelve might have felt rested upon them in "looking after the disbursements of the moneys in the treasury, or the management of the properties of the church," more than what is set forth in the agreement between the Twelve and the Bishopric, as effected in April, 1878, and reaffirmed in April, 1888, or indicated in the revelation of April, 1894, "they are now absolved from, the end designed by it having been reached." REQUEST FOR ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION

DC 124:Intro SECTION 124 Revelation given through Joseph Smith III at Lamoni, Iowa, April 1897. The Twelve had renewed their request of 1894 for direction concerning the calling and responsibilities of patriarch-evangelists. They and the church in general were also anxious that the presiding quorums should be more nearly filled. Temporary completion of the First Presidency and more permanent completion of the Quorum of Twelve were authorized in this revelation. This was the first time that the Twelve had been filled since the Reorganization.

DC 125:Intro SECTION 125 Revelation given through Joseph Smith III, April 15, 1901, at Independence, Missouri. This revelation was unusual in that --- for the first time --- the inspired message was presented to the General Conference without prior consideration by the quorums. Joseph explained that he was "bidden" to follow this procedure. The Conference referred the document to the quorums. After the quorums had reported favorably, it was approved by the body. At the same time it was ordered to be included in the Doctrine and Covenants. STATEMENT AND REVELATION

DC 126:Intro SECTION 126 This section is an account of an open vision received by President Joseph Smith at Lamoni, April 16, 1902. It was accepted by the quorums and the General Conference as inspired guidance to meet the existing needs of the church. To the Officers and Members of the Conference:

DC 126:1 On the night of April 16 I made the condition of the church a subject of prayer, intensely desirous of receiving light and information in relation thereto and my duty. I awoke at the hour of three and had in presentation the following vision:

DC 126:13 It will be seen that there is an apparent invasion of the rule which has been supposed to govern the selection of evangelical ministers, but for this I am not responsible; and the whole matter is hereby submitted for the approval or disapproval of the church. JOSEPH SMITH. LAMONI, IOWA April 18, 1902

DC 127:Intro SECTION 127 In the first decade of the twentieth century, the establishment of the Independence and Lamoni stakes (1901) and the kingdom concern of President Frederick M. Smith combined with other favorable factors to quicken church-wide interest in the Gathering. The building of Zionic institutions is vital to any significant gathering. By 1906 Graceland College had weathered her fist ten difficult years, the Saints' Home was giving good ministry, and leading women were showing interest in a children's home. At the pre-Conference sessions of April 1906, the First Presidency recommended to the Quorum of Twelve that a sanitarium be established with Dr. Joseph Luff of that quorum as its presiding officer. The Twelve favored the basic proposal, but expressed concern regarding the assignment of an apostle to the responsibilities proposed for Dr. Luff. The Quorum stated that they would "gladly engage in an effort to learn the Master's will" in this matter. The prayerful inquiries resulting from this action prepared the way for the following revelation given through President Joseph Smith. It was presented to the General Conference, April 14, 1906, at Independence, Missouri, and accepted by unanimous vote. Thus saith the Spirit unto the Church:

DC 127:8c Should my servant Frederick M. Smith prove unstable and unfaithful, another may be chosen, according to the law already given. Independence, Missouri, April 14, 1906

DC 128:Intro SECTION 128 At the annual Conference of 1909, Presiding Bishop E. L. Kelley requested that a meeting of the eldership be called to consider organizations and procedures in connection with the Gathering and the care of the poor. At the meeting called in this connection the elders asked the First Presidency for instruction. At a subsequent meeting President Smith asked for the support and prayers of the ministry as he sought divine guidance, and accordingly April 18, was observed by the eldership as a day of fasting and prayer for such guidance. The following revelation through President Joseph Smith was presented to the elders April 19, 1909, and by them referred to the quorums. After receiving their approval, the elders adopted a resolution "that the document be accepted as a whole," and their action was reported to the Conference. The revelation is dated April 18, 1909, at Lamoni, Iowa. It was accepted by the Conference and ordered included in the Doctrine and Covenants. To the Eldership; Brethren: So far as the burden of the conference and its peculiar conditions have enabled me to do I have steadfastly presented the matter stated by the Bishop for our consideration to the Lord for instruction. Whether that which has come to me will bring relief to the situation, I know not; but such as it is, I hereby present it.

DC 128:9 The Bishop should be directed and authorized to proceed as soon as it shall be found practicable by consultation with the general authorities of the church who are made the proper counselors in spiritual and temporal things to carry out the provisions of the law of organization which are by the law made the duty of the Bishop. Joseph Smith.Lamoni, Iowa, April 18, 1909

DC 129:Intro SECTION 129 The General Conference of 1909 observed Thursday, April 15, as a day of fasting and prayer for divine direction. The following revelation was given through the prophet Joseph Smith III at Lamoni, Iowa, and dated April 18, 1909. It was endorsed by the Conference, and provision was made for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. To the Church: After constant meditation and prayer, both before and after coming to conference and during the sessions, so far as the peculiar conditions obtaining in our sittings had permitted, I was in the Spirit during the nights of the 15th and 16th of the month and the day passing between at such times during the calm that occasionally ensued and the quiet of the night when the burden of my care forbade sleep. My dreams also have been enlightening and encouraging.

DC 129:9c So be ye encouraged and press on to the consummation designed of God for his people--unity, honor, sanctification, and glory. Amen. JOSEPH SMITH. LAMONI, IOWA, April 18, 1909

DC 130:Intro SECTION 130 Instruction given through President Joseph Smith III, April 14, 1913, at Lamoni, Iowa. It was endorsed by the quorums and the assembly as a revelation from God, and the Conference authorized its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. Elder Joseph R. Lambert had been acting as Presiding Evangelist since the death of Elder Alexander H. Smith in 1909. There was widespread concern that a more permanent successor should be selected. Bishop E. L. Kelley and Apostles W. H. Kelley, I. N. White, and J. W. Wight were also finding the burdens of their several responsibilities arduous. These, and other needs of the church, undoubtedly found a prominent place in the petitions of the prophet and of the Saints in general prior to the convening of the Conference and while it was yet in session.

DC 130:9c There are others still in reserve who are fitted through the testimony that Jesus is the Christ and the doctrine is true to serve as those who are sent as apostles of peace, life, and salvation to those who are laboring in the valleys of humiliation and distress of spirit. LAMONI, IOWA, April 14, 1913

DC 131:Intro SECTION 131 Revelation given through Joseph Smith III, prophet and seer to the church, April 14, 1914, at Independence, Missouri. It was addressed to the officers, delegates, and members of the church. It was first presented to the various quorums of the church and endorsed by them. Later it was placed before the assembly of delegates to the Conference and endorsed by standing vote. Provision was made for its incorporation in the Doctrine and Covenants. It was the last revelation given to the church through Joseph Smith III, who died December 10, 1914. He had served the church as President of the High Priesthood for more than fifty-four years.

DC 131:1a In agreement with the notice for the general fast of the church to be observed on the first Sunday, being the fifth day of April, 1914, I, Joseph Smith, President of the church, in common with the custom of the brotherhood, observed the rule requiring the fast, and spent that day in meditation and prayer upon the work of God and our present duty in the affairs intrusted to our care.

DC 131:5 In witness whereof I, Joseph Smith, president and servant of the church, hereto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, 1914. JOSEPH SMITH

DC 132:4 Everywhere the demand for great activity exists, and for the accomplishment of our work the great essential is fraternal cooperation in service to man and devoted consecration to God and his work. Your servant, Frederick M. Smith. Independence, Missouri, April 5, 1916

DC 133:Intro SECTION 133 Revelation given through President Frederick Madison Smith at Independence, Missouri, April 7, 1920. This message was submitted first to the General Conference and then presented to the various quorums. After it was approved by the quorums and the Conference, provision was made for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. To the Church: Having given to the general missionary needs of the church and the condition of the Quorum of Twelve much thought and prayer, I am permitted to say to the church by way of instruction, through inspiration received:

DC 135:Intro SECTION 135 In the years prior to 1925 the Reorganization was passing through a period which brought to the fore problems of administrative prerogatives. These involved the leading quorums of the church. A climax was reached in the General Conference of 1925. A conflict of views between the First Presidency and the Presiding Bishopric occurred. The Order of Bishops presented a motion to the Conference recommending the honorable release from their positions of members of the Presiding Bishopric. The General Conference by motion deferred action and approved an appeal to the Lord through the prophet, in fasting and prayer. In response to the plea of the church the following revelation was received through President Frederick M. Smith, prophet and seer to the church, April 18, 1925. To the Church: Before and since the decision of the conference to have a season of prayer for divine direction in the matter before the conference I have presented to the Lord the needs of the people; and through the voice of inspiration I am directed to say to the church:

DC 135:2a It is well that the documents from the joint council of April, 1924, have been approved; and the church is admonished once again that the great task laid upon it can not be accomplished if contention continues.

DC 137:Intro SECTION 137 Revelation given through President Frederick M. Smith at Independence, Missouri, April 7, 1938. The conference adopted this "communication with its provisions as the voice of divine inspiration to the church." To the Church: Since the creation of two vacancies in the Quorum of Twelve I have been quite concerned about the condition of that quorum, as well as other bodies in the church, and after due meditation and prayer for divine light, I am permitted to present the following for the consideration and action of the conference members:

DC 140:Intro SECTION 140 Revelation given through President Israel A. Smith, April 7, 1947, at Independence, Missouri. It was approved by the various councils and quorums of the church and then endorsed by the Conference as an expression of the divine will and ordered to be published in the Doctrine and Covenants. To the Quorums and Councils of the Church and to the General Conference: For some time I have given prayerful consideration to the church and its present needs, in harmony with the call for prayer, and I am directed to present the following as the will of the Lord:

DC 142:Intro SECTION 142 Revelation presented by President Israel A. Smith to the General Conference on April 2, 1950. It was considered and approved by the quorums and the Conference and accepted as the word of God to the church. Provision was made for its inclusion in future editions of the Doctrine and Covenants. In an introductory paragraph, the prophet said: "We approach the general Conference with a vacancy in our official circle. The death of President Garver left the Quorum of the First Presidency incomplete. This and other conditions have given me grave concern for the church. "I have earnestly sought divine guidance, and it is with gratitude that I am able to transmit through the appointed channels that which the voice of inspiration directs me to say:" To the Elders and to the Church: