Doctrine and Covenants Sections 1-20

Doctrine and Covenants Section 1

When: November 1, 1831
Where: Hiram, Portage County, Ohio
Who: Joseph Smith
What: Voice of warning to all people. Apostasy and wickedness precede the Second Coming. Joseph Smith called to restore truth to the world. Peace will be taken from the earth. Search the commandments.
First published in the The Evening and the Morning Star (March 1833). Included in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Portrait by unknown artist, nineteenth century

Doctrine and Covenants Section 2

When: September 21–22, 1823
Where: Manchester, Ontario County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith
What: Elijah is to reveal the priesthood. Promises of fathers are planted in the hearts of children.
First published in the Times and Seasons (April 15, 1842). First included in the 1876 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 3

When: July 1828
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith
What: The Lord's course is one eternal round. The Book of Mormon is meant to save the seed of Lehi. Joseph must repent or lose the gift of translation (relating to the loss of the 116 pages of manuscript—the "Book of Lehi").
First published as chapter 2 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 4

When: February 1829
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith to Joseph Smith Sr.
What: Lord's ministers are saved through valiant service. The godly attributes qualify men for ministry. The things of God must be sought after.
First published as chapter 3 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 5

When:

Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith at the request of Martin Harris
What: The words of the Lord come through Joseph Smith. Three witnesses to testify of the Book of Mormon. The Lord's word will be verified as in previous times. Martin Harris may repent and become a witness.
First published as chapter 4 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Martin Harris

Doctrine and Covenants Section 6

When: April 1829 (on or after April 7)
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
What: Oliver had begun working as scribe for Joseph and desired another witness of the truthfulness of the Prophet's testimony of the plates.
First published as chapter 5 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Oliver Cowdery

Section 6 Highlighted Verses

Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above—And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways (D&C 6:10–11).

Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth; Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart. I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee—that the words or the work which thou hast been writing are true (D&C 6:15–17).

Historical Notes on Section 6

While Joseph Smith was living in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Oliver Cowdery was teaching school in Palmyra and boarding at the Smith home.
Oliver learned of Moroni's visit to the Prophet Joseph, and when school closed in the spring, Oliver traveled to Harmony with Samuel Smith to meet Joseph.
Oliver arrived in Harmony on April 5 and began serving as Joseph's scribe on April 7.

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery translating the Book of Mormon

Doctrine and Covenants Section 7

When: April 1829 (after April 7)
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
What: John the Beloved will live until the Lord comes. Peter, James, and John hold the gospel keys.
First published as chapter 6 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 8

When: April 1829 (after April 7)
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery
What: Oliver Cowdery desired the gift of translation.
First published as chapter 7 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Section 8 Highlighted Verses

Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction (D&C 8:2–4).

Historical Notes on Section 8

In the Book of Commandments verses 6 and 7 read differently:

1833 Book of Commandments

Now this is not all, for you have another gift, which is the gift of working with the rod: behold, it has told you things; behold there is no other power save God, that can cause this rod of nature, to work in your hands.

1981 Edition

6. Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron; behold, it has told you many things;

7. Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you.

8. Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God; and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 9

When: April 1829 (after April 7)
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery
What: Oliver admonished to be patient and wait to attempt translating.
First published as chapter 8 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Section 9 Highlighted Verses

Behold, I say unto you , my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even so I would that ye should continue until you have finished this record, which I have entrusted unto him. And then, behold, other records have I that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate (D&C 9:1–2).

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me (D&C 9:8–9).

Historical Notes on Section 9

According to Oliver's desire, the Lord granted him the privilege of translating the Book of Mormon.
Oliver began to fear, however, and could not exercise enough faith to receive inspiration.
As a result, the Lord instructed Oliver to continue his work as scribe and wait to assist in future translations.

After a few days, however, feeling it to be our duty, we commenced to reason out the Scriptures with our acquaintances and friends, as we happened to meet with them. About this time my brother Samuel H. Smith came to visit us. We informed him of what the Lord was about to do for the children of men, and began to reason with him out of the Bible. We also showed him that part of the work which we had translated, and labored to persuade him concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was now about to be revealed in its fullness. He was not, however, very easily persuaded of these things, but after much inquiry and explanation he retired to the woods, in order that by secret and fervent prayer he might obtain of a merciful God, wisdom to enable him to judge for himself. The result was that he obtained revelation for himself sufficient to convince him of the truth of our assertions to him; and on the twenty-fifth day of that same month in which he had been baptized and ordained, Oliver Cowdery baptized him; and he returned to his father's house, greatly glorified and praising God, being healed with the Holy Spirit(Smith, History of the Church, 1:44).

Doctrine and Covenants Section 10

When: Summer 1828
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith
What: Satan stirs up men to oppose the work of the Lord and seeks to destroy the souls of men. The gospel will go to Lamanites and all nations because of the Book of Mormon. The Lord will gather the repentant and save the obedient.
First published as chapter 9 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 11

When: May 1829 (after May 25)
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith to Hyrum Smith
What: Hyrum commanded not to preach until he is called.
First published as chapter 10 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Hyrum Smith

Section 11 Highlighted Verses

Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called. Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine. And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith shall it be done unto you (D&C 11: 15–17).

Historical Notes on Section 11

Following Samuel Smith's visit to his brother, Joseph, in Harmony (as well as his subsequent baptism), Hyrum determined to travel to Harmony.
At Hyrum's request, Joseph used the Urim and Thummim and received this revelation on his behalf.

June 1829

Meantime we continued to translate, at intervals, when not under the necessity of attending to the numerous inquirers who now began to visit us—some for the sake of finding the truth others for the purpose of putting hard questions, and trying to confound us. Among the latter class were several learned priests, who generally came for the purpose of disputation. However, the Lord continued to pour out upon us his Holy Spirit, and as often as we had need, He gave us in that moment what to say; so that although unlearned and inexperienced in religious controversies, yet we were able to confound those learned priests of the day; whilst at the same time we were enabled to convince the honest in heart that we had obtained, through the mercy of God, the true and everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ; and occasionally we administered the ordinance of baptism for the remission of sins to such as believed (Smith, History of the Church, 1:59).

June 9, 1830

Minutes of the first Conference held in the Township of Fayette Seneca County, State of New York. by the Elders of this Church, June 9th 1830. according to the Church Articles and Covenants

Elders Present:

Joseph Smith, junior David Whitmer

Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer

Peter Whitmer, Ziba Peterson

Ezekiel 14th read by Joseph Smith jr. and prayer by the same Articles and Covenants read by Joseph Smith jr. and received by unanimous voice of the whole congregation, which consisted of most of male members of the Church. Samuel H. Smith was then ordained an Elder under the hand of Oliver Cowdery, & Joseph Smith seignior and Hyrum Smith were ordained Priests.

Donald Q. Cannon, Lyndon W. Cook, eds., Far West Record (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983)

June 9, 1830

The following persons were then seated respectively & received their licences, Viz:

Elders of this church Priests of this Church

David Whitmer Martin Harris

John Whitmer Hyrum Smith

Peter Whitmer Joseph Smith sen

Ziba Peterson

Samuel H. Smith Teachers of this Church

Hiram Page and

Christian Whitmer

Exhortation by Joseph Smith jr. and Oliver Cowdery, conference adjourned to the 26th September 1830, to be held in the same place. Br. Oliver Cowdery appointed to keep the Church record and Conference minutes until the next conference. Prayer by all the Brethren present and dismissed by Br. Oliver Cowdery. The above minutes were taken at the time of this conference by Oliver Cowdery. Clerk.

Donald Q. Cannon, Lyndon W. Cook, eds., Far West Record (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983)

Doctrine and Covenants Section 12

When: May 1829
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith to Joseph Knight
What: Those who labor in the vineyard gain salvation. Those who desire and are qualified may help with the Lord's work.
First published as chapter 11 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Joseph Knight Sr. owned a farm on this site. In 1826, the Prophet Joseph Smith stayed here with the Knight family while he labored as a hired hand for them. The Prophet courted Emma Hale while living here.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 13

When: May 15, 1829
Where: Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Who: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
What: John the Baptist confers the Aaronic Priesthood and keys to Oliver and Joseph.
First published in the Times and Seasons (August 1, 1842) and later included in the 1876 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

This monument commemorates the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. John the Baptist conferred this priesthood upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on May 15, 1829. The monument seen here is located near the site of that historic event, on the banks of the Susquehanna River at what was once Harmony, Pennsylvania.

Section 13 Highlighted Verse

Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels and of the gosepl of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness (D&C 13:1).

Historical Notes on Section 13

Section 13 contains part of the instructions and prayer of ordination given by John the Baptist.
John the Baptist informed Joseph and Oliver that he ministered under the direction of Peter, James, and John.
A short time following John the Baptist's appearance, these three ancient Apostles came and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood on Joseph and Oliver.
Several accounts of the restoration of both priesthoods were written and published less than six years after the actual events.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 14

When: June 1829
Where: Fayette, Seneca County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith to David Whitmer
What: Laborers in the vineyard shall gain salvation. Eternal life is the greatest gift. Christ created the heavens and the earth.
First published as chapter 12 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

David Whitmer

Doctrine and Covenants Section 15

When: June 1829
Where: Fayette, Seneca County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith to John Whitmer
What: The Lord's arm is over all the earth. Preaching the gospel and saving souls are things of the most worth.
First published as chapter 13 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 16

When: June 1829
Where: Fayette, Seneca County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith to Peter Whitmer
What: The Lord's arm is over all the earth. Preaching the gospel and saving souls are things of the most worth.
First published as chapter 14 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 17

When: June 1829
Where: Fayette, Seneca County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris.
What: Oliver, David, and Martin asked if Joseph would inquire of the Lord if they would have the privilege to be the Three Witnesses. Christ testifies of the divinity of the Book of Mormon.
First published in the Messenger and Advocate (September 1835) and was included as section 42 in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 18

When: June 1829 (before 14 June)
Where: Fayette, Seneca County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer
What: The Lord's arm is over all the earth. Preaching the gospel and saving souls are things of the most worth.
First published as chapter 16 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 19

When: March 1830
Where: Manchester, Ontario County, New York
Who: Joseph Smith
What: Christ has all power. Christ suffered for all that they might not suffer. Men must repent or suffer. Eternal punishment is the punishment of God. Preach repentance, and declare glad tidings.
First published as chapter 14 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 20

When: April 1830 (June according to the Book of Commandments)
Where: Fayette, Seneca County, New York, according to the Book of Commandments
Who: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
What: Church organization and government
First published in the The Evening and the Morning Star (June 1832) and was included as chapter 24 in the 1833 edition of the Book of Commandments.

Historical Notes on Section 20

This section known as the "Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ"
Constitution of the restored Church
Joseph and Oliver began writing this section in 1829 but did not complete it until after April 6, 1830.
Presented to Church membership for sustaining vote on June 9, 1830, at the first conference of the Church in Fayette, New York.
"Articles and Covenants" read aloud to the congregation as a routine requirement at all early Church conferences.
Continual reference to it and repetition of it helped to teach the early Saints the policies and procedures of the Church.