DC 59:Intro SECTION 59
Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and seer to the church, August 7, 1831, in Missouri. Events were happening very rapidly during the week of August 1 to August 7. Monday, August 2, Joseph
assisted the Colesville Saints to lay the first log for a house as the foundation for Zion. It was consecrated and dedicated by Elder Rigdon for the gathering of the Saints. August 3, the spot for the Temple, a little west of the center of Independence, was dedicated. August 4, the first conference in the land of Zion was held in the home of Joshua Lewis in Kaw township. August 7 was the funeral of Polly Knight, mother of Newel Knight. This was the first death in the church in the land of Zion. These important events constitute the background for this revelation.
DC 99:6b and it is according to the dignity of his office, that he should preside over the high council of the church; and it is his privilege to be
assisted by two other presidents, appointed after the same manner that he himself was appointed;
DC 104:37a And inasmuch as a president of the high priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be
assisted by twelve councilors of the high priesthood; and their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him.
DC 127:2a It is also expedient that these should be
assisted by the advice and counsel of one of my servants who is acquainted with the laws of health and the practice of medicine, and who may have charge when the institution is established.
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