A Book of Commandments

So what is the Book of Commandments? As many of you know, it is a basis for what we now know as the Doctrine and Covenants. It is a collection of revelations given through the Prophet Joseph Smith which the brethren determined at a special conference "were from God and should be published for the world. The Lord confirmed His approval by giving the preface (now D&C 1) and the appendix (now D&C 133) to the collection of revelations that were to be published, which would be called the Book of Commandments."(D&C Student Manual Section 70 Historical Background) "Commissioned during a November 1831 Church conference in Ohio to publish the collected revelations, John Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery carried the “Book of Commandments and Revelations” to Missouri where they, along with W. W. Phelps, set about publishing A Book of Commandments (see D&C 67)." (The Joseph Smith Papers: The Manuscript Revelation Books by Elder Marlin K. Jensen)

I can only imagine how the saints felt about these revelations being printed - it is a book of scripture we enjoy today, but likely take for granted as it is so readily available to us. Read the following story of two young Latter-day Saint girls who risked their lives to save the Book of Commandments from a mob:

"After moving with their mother to Independence, Missouri, in the fall of 1831, young sisters Mary Elizabeth and Caroline Rollins soon learned of the hardship and persecution the Saints faced there. One night an angry mob attacked their home; on another occasion, they witnessed an attack on the newly constructed printing office located on the upper floor of the William W. Phelps residence. UAdd a Note"

During the attack on the printing office, the mob forced the Phelps family from their home and threw their belongings into the street. Mobsters then went to work destroying the printing equipment upstairs and throwing unbound manuscripts from the building. Some brought out large sheets of paper and declared, “Here are the Mormon Commandments!”¹ By this time, the Prophet Joseph Smith had received many sacred revelations, some as early as 1823, when the angel Moroni appeared to the boy prophet. Joseph had recorded numerous revelations in his own handwriting, but no text had been prepared and distributed for the benefit of members of the Church. With much excitement, the Saints in Missouri anticipated the publication of these revelations as a “Book of Commandments.” This work was under way at the printing office when the mob struck. Mary Elizabeth, then 15, described what happened:

“My sister Caroline [age 13] and myself were in a corner of a fence watching them; when they spoke of the commandments I was determined to have some of them. Sister said if I went to get any of them she would go too, but said ‘they will kill us.’”²

While the mob was busy at one end of the house, the two girls ran and filled their arms with the precious sheets. The mob saw them and ordered the girls to stop. Mary Elizabeth recalled: “We ran as fast as we could. Two of them started after us. Seeing a gap in a fence, we entered into a large cornfield, laid the papers on the ground, and hid them with our persons. The corn was from five to six feet high, and very thick; they hunted around considerable, and came very near us but did not find us.”³

This courageous act by two young girls helped preserve the printed text of the Prophet Joseph’s early revelations, paving the way for the subsequent completion of the Book of Commandments, which later became the Doctrine and Covenants." (Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants by Elder Steven E. Snow)

God speaks through His prophets to us. I know that is true. We hear His words and counsel as we listen to the Prophet, and I know that as we study from the Doctrine & Covenants we draw closer to the God of Heaven who wants to guide us back to Him. This is not a book of scripture for Mormons alone...just like all scripture, it is for the benefit of all the world.

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) said the following about this book of scripture: "The Doctrine and Covenants is the binding link between the Book of Mormon and the continuing work of the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successors.” He testified, “The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ. The Doctrine and Covenants brings men to Christ’s kingdom, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … The Book of Mormon is the ‘keystone’ of our religion, and the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation." (Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants by Elder Steven E. Snow)

What have been your experiences as you have read from the Doctrine & Covenants?

What are you feelings/testimony about this sacred book?

Sidney Gilbert

Today we are learning more about Sidney Gilbert, an early member of the Church. Section 57 of the Doctrine & Covenants refers to Brother Gilbert:

6 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the office to which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an ^aagent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct.

8 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a ^astore, that he may sell goods ^bwithout fraud, that he may obtain money to buy ^clands for the good of the saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance.

9 And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a license—behold here is ^awisdom, and whoso readeth let him ^bunderstand—that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service;

10 And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in ^adarkness and in the region and ^bshadow of death.

Now for some background. Sidney Gilbert was an associate of Newel Whitney, a perhaps better known figure from Church history. Newel was an intuitive businessman while Sidney struggled. Sidney was inclined to purchase large lots and build large stores, while Newel was inclined to build smaller stores. Newel worked with Sidney in one of these stores and that is how the two first met in 1820. Sidney would eventually lose that store to creditors after a succession of bad luck. In 1825 Newel was doing very well in his investments and invited Sidney Gilbert to help him capitalize on the opening of the Erie Canal, which had greatly expanded economic opportunities for businessmen in the area. Sidney accepted and with that N.K. Whitney and Company was born.

The Gospel came to the Gilbert family first through Ann Whitney, the wife of Newel. From there on the direction of Newel and Sidney’s business ventures changed drastically. Sidney was called to travel with the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to Missouri, where he was instructed, as we read above, to establish a store. This he did, purchasing a brick store at the prime intersection in Independence. However, the store constantly struggled. I think it’s important to understand more about Missouri to put Sidney’s experiences there in context:

“The Church grew, but it never flourished. Instead, the Missouri story tells of personal growth and courage for many, of despair and unfaithfulness for others, and of frustration for all. Still, we cannot understand either the theology or the history of Mormonism without understanding the role of Missouri. The concept of Zion became a distinctive part of our doctrine, while the search for Zion led to this deeply felt chapter of our history.”

Sidney was there for two years when “unrest developed in Jackson County”; “the mob came into town and started destroying things, including merchandise from his store. He joined Bishop Partridge, Isaac Morley, and others in offering themselves to the mob to spare the Church, but their offer was rejected. Brother Gilbert was allowed to sell his remaining goods before he left, although financial records suggest many items were damaged and not marketable.”

Just one year later, Sidney Gilbert contracted cholera and died of the painful disease on June 29, 1834.

While much of Sidney’s life was not dramatic, he was faithful and accepted calls as they came because he had a testimony of the Gospel. My research of different members during this course has been so enlightening! There are many well-known figures in early Church history, but there are so many others we hear little about who did their duty; their sacrifices were just as important to the establishment of the Church. The same is true for us today, we may not be known by many people or have a calling that is very “visible”, but our sacrifices and efforts are just as important to the work of the Lord. I am reminded of Elder Holland’s talk from this last Conference, Because of Your Faith: “the Church draws incomparable strength, a truly unique vitality, from the faith and devotion of every member of this church, whoever you may be. In whatever country you live, however young or inadequate you feel, or however aged or limited you see yourself as being, I testify you are individually loved of God, you are central to the meaning of His work, and you are cherished and prayed for by the presiding officers of His Church. The personal value, the sacred splendor of every one of you, is the very reason there is a plan for salvation and exaltation.” I would encourage you to read the talk in its entirety.

What are some insights you had as you read about Sidney Gilbert’s life? How do you feel about your contribution to the work of the Lord?

Information gathered from Thou Art the Man by Mark Staker, Senior Curator of Museum of Church History and Art and Missouri’s Impact on the Church by Max H. Parkin

Discerning the Spirit

My intent was to study more about the history surrounding Section 46; specifically, I wanted to know why it had become custom during that time to admit only members or earnest investigators to sacrament meeting and how the Saints felt as a result of the changes enacted by this revelation. However, as I began to research I found very little information beyond what is documented in Section 46. I did find some principles and counsel I wanted to know more about, though, and refocused for this assignment.

I am going to share what I found in connection with Section 46 – what preceded this revelation as well as some teachings in connection to it.

As we know, there was a lot of persecution in the early days of the Church. Sure there were people who reviled against the Church, those who sought to tear it down…but ultimately it was the work of Satan who was striving to keep this work from moving forward, working through these people. Each member, then, had to discern for themselves the Spirit of God and that of Satan. Each member had to seek the help of the Savior so that they might know how to follow Him and not be taken off-course by the Adversary.

Joseph Smith said this of the matter: “A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances endured, and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliaments in which it has been clothed.” ( History of the Church, 4:573.)

A powerful statement. “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God.” People, at their core, are good. Most have a belief in the need to be kind to others, to give service and love to those around them, and whether or not they believe in Jesus Christ, they are striving to live good lives. It is not the intention of many who walk this earth to be evil and to destroy the peace and faith of others. So Satan has to cloak his plans and tactics in something that most closely resembles the Spirit of God. He is incredibly sneaky and skilled in his efforts to deceive. Those early Church members who apostatized would not have done so if they felt that they were being lead by Satan. The same is true today. In fact, I dare say that it likely becomes more difficult to discern as time moves forward because Satan has had more time to perfect his deception.

How, then, do we discern? How do we know by whom we are being lead? The answers are found in Section 46 where we are told the Gifts of the Spirit. It is through the Spirit that truth will be revealed. I love this section and encourage you to read it, to really ponder on it. If you don’t already know, ask what Gift of the Spirit you have been given. If there is a gift that we desire to obtain, we are encouraged to pray and work for it. I think it is poignant that we are each given at least one gift, but that there are others surrounding us who have the gifts we are lacking. We must share our gifts, as well as rely on the gifts of others, to make it through this life and to not be deceived by the powers of Satan.

I know that as we stay close to our Father in Heaven and as we make use of the Atonement in our lives, that we can be given the power to discern God from Satan. I know that we must rely on the wisdom and faith of others at times until we can obtain that knowledge for ourselves. I am grateful for the power of God, which will always overpowers that of Satan.

Please share your thoughts on this subject. I would love any additional insights you might have!

Second Conference of the Church

Coming away from General Conference a few weeks ago, it is interesting to read about the first conferences of the Church. The very first conference was held in June, just a few months after the Church was officially organized. There were only about 30 members of the Church at the time and they all found great comfort in meeting together; it was a time of revelation and incredible spiritual experiences for each person in attendance.

A few months later, on 26 September 1830, the second conference of the church was to be held. Just prior to the conference, though, there was a matter of great concern for the Prophet to attend to. Hiram Page had been professing to receive revelation through a stone and had several pages of these revelations. Some members of the Church, including Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family, believed Hiram Page and his revelations. This was a difficult thing for Joseph Smith, as you can imagine. He felt at first that he should wait until the scheduled conference to address it with all of the members of the Church. However, as Joseph realized that Oliver and the Whitmer family were being swayed as they were, he determined that he should address the situation immediately. He prayed and then met with those with involved: “After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing the revelations as not being of God, but acknowledged that Satan had conspired to overthrow their belief in the true plan of salvation.” (Newel Knight, Section 28 Historical Background, D&C Student Manual).

As a result of this experience, Joseph Smith received the revelations found in Sections 28-29 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In light of the situation with Hiram Page, I think D&C 28:2-7 are especially profound:

2 But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, ^ano one shall be appointed to receive commandments and ^brevelations in this church excepting my servant ^cJoseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as ^dMoses.

3 And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as ^aAaron, to ^bdeclare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and ^cauthority unto the church.

4 And if thou art ^aled at any time by the Comforter to ^bspeak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.

5 But thou shalt not write by way of ^acommandment, but by wisdom;

6 And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;

7 For I have given him the ^akeys of the ^bmysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.

The Lord is so thoughtful in this instruction – while He is clear that the Prophet of the Church is the only one who receives instruction for the Church, He does not discourage any of us from teaching or sharing our testimonies through the Spirit.

The professed revelations of Hiram Page were the first order of business at the conference: “At length our conference assembled. The subject of the stone previously was discussed, and after considerable investigation, Brother Page, as well as the whole Church who were present, renounced the said stone, and all things connected therewith, much to our mutual satisfaction and happiness” (Joseph Smith, Section 30 Historical Background, D&C Student Manual)

Afterward, they went on with other matters of church business (passing the sacrament, setting apart and ordaining many, receiving further revelation). Peace was restored to the members of the Church and I think it is rather amazing that they were able to move past this issue so quickly.

The overwhelming message I took from this experience of the early saints was summed up by Newel Knight: “Here was a chance for Satan to work among the little flock, and he sought by this means to accomplish what persecution failed to do.”

Satan is ever aware of goodness and will seek to thwart it every possible way. He had been working through persecution, but seeing that it was not having the desired effect, Satan knew that he needed to try something else. What a lesson to all of us - Satan will work until he finds a way in, but with the power of God we can overcome every deception.

I am grateful for the strength that General Conference lends. I love the unity I feel to Saints all over the world and the inspired instruction of Church leaders. I like to think that the strength I gain and love I feel during conference is similar to what those early Saints experienced with the first conferences of the Church.

What was your greatest insight from this account? What are your feelings about General Conference? Do share!

Delayed, but not destroyed

We all know that the early Church members were persecuted. But when exactly did it start? And why? In the section heading for Doctrine & Covenants 24, it reads: "Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830. HC 1: 101–103. Though less than four months had elapsed since the Church was organized, persecution had become intense, and the leaders had to seek safety in partial seclusion. The following three revelations were given at this time to strengthen, encourage, and instruct them." I wanted to know more about this persecution since it was just after the Church was established. As I researched, I was humbled and felt increased gratitude for those early pioneers of this great work; I hope you feel the same.

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had traveled to Colesville, NY,in April of 1830. While they were there, Joseph was able, by the power of God, to cast an evil spirit out of Newel Knight. This was considered the first miracle of the Church. Several people who had been in attendance and heard of this miracle desired to be baptized; a few months later, in June of 1830, Joseph and Oliver returned to Colesville to perform the baptisms.

The large number of people who wanted to be baptized brought a lot of attention to the new Church...with that attention came persecution. A dam which had been built for the baptisms was destroyed by a mob. This could not deter the saints who rebuilt the dam and continued with the baptisms as planned. The work was delayed but could not be destroyed. The mob followed the Prophet after the baptisms, threatening to harm the new members as well as hurling insults at the Prophet and those who were with him.

That evening a meeting was to be held in which the new converts were going to be confirmed and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Before that meeting took place, Joseph Smith was arrested on charges of being a 'disorderly person'. The constable who arrested Joseph was able to protect him from the mobs that tried to intercept him on the way to prison. After a day of trial, Joseph was acquitted of those charges .

However, the relief was short-lived because directly following Joseph's acquittal, a constable from another county served up another warrant on the same charges, immediately taking Joseph into custody and escorting him the 15 miles to Broome County. This constable was abusive and accompanied the Prophet to a tavern where a group of men spit on Joseph, pointing fingers at him and demanding, "Prophesy! Prophesy!", unknowingly imitating those who crucified the Savior. The second trial, which came the next morning, bore the same results: Joseph was acquitted. Mobs still followed and harassed the Prophet until, as the section heading indicates, he was able to "seek safety in partial seclusion" at his sister's home and then his own in Harmony, PA.

The saints in Colesville who had been baptized, remember, had still not been confirmed. Mighty prayers were offered, both by the Colesville saints and the leaders of the Church, that the Prophet might be able to return for that purpose. The Lord protected the Prophet and those who traveled with him on his return to Colesville where the saints were confirmed and the sacrament administered. As you can imagine, this was a time of joy and rejoicing among this small group. The work was delayed but could not be destroyed

This was a time of great persecution, to be sure, but also great revelation. It was during these months that Joseph received the first chapter of the Pearl of Great Price and also began his "inspired translation of the Bible" (i.e. Joseph Smith Translation). Indeed, Satan may delay some aspects of growth, but he cannot destroy the work from moving forward!

I absolutely know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that this is God's work and His church. I know that there is an Adversary who would like to destroy the work of God, but he will never be permitted. The power of God is greater than that of Satan.

What are some of your impressions as you read this account?

How would you have felt as a new converts in Colesville? Would the persecution have destroyed or strengthened your faith?

You can read more about this period here (pages 71-73), here, and here.