Church History & D&C - Day10

Thought: "There is a big difference between 20 years experience and 1 years experience repeated 20 times."

Book of the Week-"The Doctrine & Covenants by Themes" John & Jeannie Welch.

Corrections from last week: Lewis Bidamon outlived Emma. He re-married and died in 1891

"You may think I was not a very good Saint not to go West, but I had a home here and I did not go because I did not know what I should have there. It is important to note that she had young children to care for, so having a home was important. p. 63

Section 29- "About the same time that the second conference of the Church was held as Fayette, New York, in Sept. 1930, 6 elders and 3 members differed concerning the transgression of Adam. The discussions may have come about through the work Joseph had begun on the translation of the 1st chapters in Genesis. They united in prayer with Joseph that they might see eye to eye on the matter. As a result, the revelation recorded in section 29 was received, and it included much more than a response to their question-information was given on the gathering of Israel, apocalyptic judgments upon the wicked, and the ultimate triumph of the Saints in the last days. Since it is not known what specific differences these people had concerning the transgression of Adam, it is not known what specific verses in this revelation addressed the issues in question." (D&C Reference Companion, p. 737)

D&C 28:10 - Oliver, don't leave on your mission until the conference of September with the information in D&C 29.

              Vs. 1-8-Gathereing- A first

Vs. 2- Three requirements to be gathered.

Vs. 5 - One of my favorite titles for the Savior.  See also 45:3

Vs. 7 - "The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of the Church. they are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fullness of the gospel law in this life so they can become inheritors of the fulness of the gospel rewards in the life to come." (BRM, Mormon Doctrine p. 217; see also Abraham 3:22-23; Alma 13; Jer. 1:5- the elect as the foreordained

Vs. 8- "The Lord gathers His people in the last days to build unto the Lord a house to prepare them for the ordinances & endowments, washings and anointings, etc."  (HC 5:423-4)

              Vs. 9-21 - Second Coming

Vs. 9 - Similar to what Moroni said to Joseph in JSH 1:37 and Malachi 4 or 3 Nephi 25 or Isaiah 9 or 24.

Vs. 11- A great summary verse

Vs. 12- The Twelve will judge the righteous and none else at 2nd coming. Preside and govern may be synonyms for judge. Remember, the kingdoms of the earth will no longer have power. "There will be a great hierarchy of judges in that great day, of whom Adam, under Christ, will be the chief of all. those judges will judge the righteous ones under their jurisdiction, but Christ himself, he alone, will judge the wicked" (Millennial Messiah, 584)

Vs. 15 - See 3 Nephi 8:24-25

Vs. 18 - See Zechariah 14:12

Vs. 21- I love the phrase, "abominations shall not reign!"

Vs. 23 - See TPJS p. 181 and JD 17:143 and D&C 88:18-20.

Vs. 26 - The role of Adam as the archangel is a key doctrine of the restoration. See D&C 78:16

Vs. 30-33- Spiritual and temporal creations - Moses 2-3

Vs. 36-38- Rebellion of Satan in Council in Heaven - Moses 4

Vs. 39-41 - Agency & temptations leading to Fall - Moses 4

Vs. 42-45- Gospel taught to Adam and family after Fall - Moses 5

              "It is my conclusion, from examining these documents and carefully observing their contents, and comparing them with D&C 29, that the translation of the early chapters of Genesis came first, in the summer of 1830, during which these fundamental doctrinal principles concerning the creation, agency, Satan, Council of Heaven, the Fall of Mann, and the preaching of the gospel to and Adam and his seed after the Fall, were revealed and enlarged upon over anything that had yet been received in any of the scriptures, then, shortly thereafter, the revelation known to us as D&C 29 was received by the prophet, part of which reviewed or restated in condensed form, the same fundamental concepts... This observation lays down a pattern repeated many times over in later revelations. The pattern shows that many of the concepts contained in the D&C were first presented to the mind of the prophet during his translation of the Bible. (Robert J. Matthews, Sperry Symposium, 1979 p. 5)

Vs. 47-48 - Little children redeemed by atonement of Christ.

Vs. 50 - Mentally disable not accountable. (See ATGQ - 3:20)

Section 30 - In Book of Commandments was chapters 31-33)

David Whitmer's problems; 1)Struggled with everything except the Book of Mormon, 2) Chose the seer-stone over Joseph, 3) Bible and Book of Mormon are all we need, 4) Revelations in D&C personal, not general, 5) Denied coming of John the Baptist, Peter, James and John, Moses, Elias & Elijah, 6)placed the things of the world ahead of those of the Spirit-therefore-Vs. 3

Peter Whitmer is call to go on the mission with Oliver

John is call to preach at Phillip Burrough's. (Philip born 1795. Appears to have joined Church but stayed in New York. Parley taught in his home on Sept. 5, 1830 &4 heads of family came forth & were baptized.

Section 31 -

              Thomas B. Marsh lived in Boston where he worked for a type foundry. He followed the Spirit to New York. He stayed for 3 months. On his return to Boston a lady asked if he had heard of the Gold Bible. He was interested. She referred him to Martin Harris. He found Martin at the Grandin building. Martin took Thomas to Oliver Cowdery who was at the Smith house. Thomas took 16 pages of the Book of Mormon home to Massachusetts. He and his wife believed the Book. Thomas wrote to Joseph and Oliver back and forth. When he heard the Church had been organized he moved his family to Palmyra in Sept. of 1830.

Vs. 2- Many afflictions? He did have 3 children, aged 9, 7 & 3 when the revelation was received and a wife with a propensity to covet milk.

Vs. 3 - This verse hangs on many a missionary plaque.

Vs. 4- Story of missionary returning from mission to Scotland.

Vs. 9-13- Great council for all of us.

Section 32 - Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Petersen called to go on Lamanite Mission.

"After Joseph Smith & Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt was the most influential figure in early Mormon history and culture." (Parley P. Pratt-The Apostle Paul of Mormonism)

Ziba Petersen-Baptized April 18-1830- Met Rebecca Hooper on this missionary journey who he married on Aug. 11, 1831. Ex'd 1833. Sheriff in California at Dry Diggins in 1848 performed the first legal hangings. (City re-named Hangtown)  Died himself shortly thereafter. Widow bought land from Lilburn  W. Boggs.

I noticed a dozen things the Lord tells Parley and Ziba in this 5 verse section; 1)Declare gospel, 2)Learn of Jesus, 3) Be meek & lowly 4)Go on Lamanite Mission,  5) Jesus Himself will go with them, 6)He is their Advocate, 7) Nothing shall prevail against them. 8) Give heed to that which is written, 9) Pretend to no other revelation, 10) Pray always to increase in understanding, 11) Give heed to the words of this revelation and 12)*trifle not = God will bless them.

* Something of little importance or value. 2. A small amount; a jot. 3. A dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake soaked in sherry ...

Section 33 -

Ezra Thayer -(born 1791) A bridge, dam and mill builder in Palmyra, New York area. "When Hyrum began to speak, every work touched me to the inmost soul. I though every word was pointed to me...The tears rolled won my cheeks...When Hyrum got through, he picked up a book and said, Her is the Book of Mormon. I said Let me see it. I then opened the book, and I received a shock with such exquisite joy that no pen can write and no tongue can express. I shut the book and said, what is the price of it? 14 shillings, was the reply. I said, I'll take the book. I opened it again, and I felt a double portion of the Spirit, that I did not know whether I was in the world or not. I felt as though I was truly in heaven. "Baptized Oct. 1830 by PPP (See D&C 33; 52:22; 54: Introduction; 56:5, 8-9; 75:31.)

Northrop Sweet- Baptized Oct. 1830 - Finished mission to Kirtland. Had the honor of (along with Wycom Clark and 4 others) organizing the first splinter church in our Church History  called, "The Pure Church of Christ. (JD 11:4)

Church History By The Year- Thomas B. Marsh -

1799-Nov. 1	Born in Acton, Mass.	Possibly 1800
1814	Ran away from home	Age 14
1820-Nov. 1	Married Elizabeth Godking	1 1/2 years in grocery business-unsuccessful
1822-30	In foundry Business-Boston	Joined Methodist -but comparison w/ Bible failed. Became a seeker- Felt impressed to go West
1830-Sept. 3	Baptized in Cayuga Lake, NY	By David Whitmer
1830-Sept.	Ordained Elder
1830-Sept.	D&C 31 given to Thomas-Called Physician to Church - vs. 10	1st of many missions (D&C 52:22; 56:5; 75:30-31)
1831-Spring	Moved with Church to Kirtland
1831-June 6	Ordained High Priest by Lyman Wight	Called to Missouri w/ Ezra Thayer, who delayed so I went to Joseph, who appointed Selah J. Griffin in Thayer's stead, with whom I journeyed to Missouri, preaching by the way;
1832-Jan.	Returned to Kirtland	With Cyrus Daniels
1832-Fall	Moved to Jackson County, MO.
1833-Sept.	Branch Pres. of Big Blue Branch	Jackson County, Missouri-Driven out w/ Saints
1834	Clay County High Council
1835-Apr. 26	Pres. of Quorum of 12	Kirtland
1835-Summer	Mission to East with 12
1835-6-Winter	School in Kirtland	Learning Hebrew and English classes
1836	Back to Clay County	Represented Church in finding new place for Saints
1836	Traveled to Kentucky	Borrowing $ from Church members to buy land in Far West- then moved to Far West
1837	Went to Kirtland	In support of Joseph & other Church leaders
1837-July-Aug	D&C 112	Mission to Canada w/ Joseph and Sidney
1837-Sept	3 Apostles excommunicated	Lyman & Lyman Johnson &  John Boynton
1837	Back to Missouri
1838-Oct.	Signed affidavit vs. Joseph
1839-Mar. 17	Excommunicated	Remained in Missouri 18 years
1857-Sept. 6	Rebaptized in Florence, Nebraska	After death of wife
1857-Nov.	Wrote history of self
1859	Settled in Spanish Fork	Taught school
1862-Nov. 1	Sealed to Hanna Adams	In Endowment House
1866	Died & buried in Ogden, Utah	Pauper & invalid

I have frequently wanted to know how my apostasy began, and I have come to the conclusion that I must have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of my heart.

The next question is, 'How and when did you lose the Spirit?' I became jealous of the Prophet, and then I saw double, and overlooked everything that was right, and spent all my time in looking for the evil; and then, when the Devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy, and wrath. I could feel it within me; I felt angry and wrathful; and the Spirit of the Lord being gone, as the Scriptures say, I was blinded, and I thought I saw a beam in brother Joseph's eye, but it was nothing but a mote, and my own eye was filled with the beam. ( Journal of Discourses, 5:206–7)

The Strippings of Milk [story not mentioned in the History of the Church] George A. Smith  (JD 3:283–84)

Gordon B. Hinckley  (in Conference Report, Apr. 1984, 111; or Ensign, May 1984, 83

Church History & D&C - Day 9

Thought: Conversely, there are some members who engage in temple work but fail to do family history research on their own family lines. Although they perform a divine service in assisting others, they lose a blessing by not seeking their own kindred dead as divinely directed by latter-day prophets. …“I have learned that those who engage in family history research and then perform the temple ordinance work for those whose names they have found will know the additional joy of receiving both halves of the blessing.” (Richard G. Scott,  Ensign, Nov. 2012

Book of the Week: Teachings and Commentaries on the Doctrine and Covenants," Ed J. Pinegar-Richard J. Allen & Karl R. Anderson- [$19.95 at Costco in paperback]

Remember John Reid from last week's lesson? He and James Davidson defended Joseph in the Colesville trial. Though he never joined the Church, he did go to Nauvoo about a month before the martyrdom of Joseph and tell the story of the spiritual experience that led to his defending the prophet. He was the father of Amos  Reed (Reid) who later became acting governor of Utah Territory and often referred with pride to the part his father had taken on behalf of the Prophet Joseph 35 years before.

Section 25- Note vs. 16- "A woman may read section 25 of the D&C and say, How wonderful for Emma. but if that same woman substitutes her name for Emma's and her husband's name for Joseph's, the scripture take on a new world of meaning. And if she takes the time to list the instructions given and the blessings mention, the section becomes a personal guide for living. Thus it is with other portions of scripture applied to us and our times (Carlos Asay in Teachings and Commentaries on the D&C)

Vs. 1- We become sons and daughters of Christ by accepting of His offering of spiritual rebirth.

Vs. 3- Emma RS President nominated by Elizabeth Ann Whitney & elected by other19 present. Counselors Elizabeth and Sarah Cleveland. Eliza R. Snow secretary.

Vs. 4-Murmur not because of what you have not seen

Vs. 5-Comfort

Vs. 6-Emma the scribe

Vs. 7-Ordained (set apart) to expound scriptures

Vs. 8 - "Children may not recover from the ignorance of their mothers. (SWK)

Vs. 10- Home and Temple

Vs. 11 & 12-Hymns

Vs. 15-Keep Commandments or else (Leaving Missouri)

Vs. 16- D&C 61:18, 36; 82:5; 92:1; 93:49; Mark 13:37; Alma 12:5; D&C 112:14; JS-M 1:46.

Section 26 -

Vs. 1 - Next Conference Sept. 26 & 27 in Fayette

Vs. 2- "When you vote affirmatively you make a solemn covenant with the Lord that you will sustain, that is, give your full loyalty and support, without equivocation or reservation, to the officer for whom you vote." (GBL. CR, Apr. 1970)

Section 27 - HC 1:106-108- Sally Knight and Emma Smith were baptized on June 28, but not yet confirmed in August. This is to be their confirmation meeting

Vs. 2- Pure wine, prepared by the Saints, was acceptable, and was not completely and officially abandoned until July 1906. (The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 127)

Vs. 5-18- Sept. 4, 1930-

Vs. 1-4, half of vs. 5 and parts of vs. 14 & 18 1st published in Painesville Telegraph by Eber D. Howe and then Evening and Morning Star (March 1833) & in the book of Commandments. Entire revelation was published in the 1835 D&C. "This section of the D&C is a prime example of Joseph enriching original revelation with later insights also gained by revelation. ( Companion p. 736)

Vs. 6-7 “Correcting the Bible by the spirit of revelation, the Prophet restored a statement of John the Baptist which says that Christ is the Elias who was to restore all things. ([JST], John 1:21–28.) By revelation we are also informed that the Elias who was to restore all things is the angel Gabriel who was known in mortality as Noah. (D. & C. 27:6–7; Luke 1:5–25; Teachings, p. 157.) From the same authentic source we also learn that the promised Elias is John the Revelator. (D. & C. 77:9, 14.) Thus there are three different revelations which name Elias as being three different persons. What are we to conclude? “By finding answer to the question, by whom has the restoration been effected, we shall find who Elias is and find there is no problem in harmonizing these apparently contradictory revelations. Who has restored all things? Was it one man? Certainly not. Many angelic ministrants have been sent from the courts of glory to confer keys and powers, to commit their dispensations and glories again to men on earth. At least the following have come: Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John, Moses, Elijah, Elias, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael. (D. & C. 13; 110; 128:19–21.) Since it is apparent that no one messenger has carried the whole burden of the restoration, but rather that each has come with a specific endowment from on high, it becomes clear that Elias is a composite personage. The expression must be understood to be a name and a title for those whose mission it was to commit keys and powers to men in this final dispensation.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 221; see also D&C 110:12–16.)

Vs. 15-18- Gospel principle and righteous practices are compared to items of armor which Saints are to take upon themselves as a protection against the fiery darts of the wicked.  The physical armor of a man protects areas of the body that, if wounded, could result in death. In like manner, the symbolic armor of God protects spiritual areas that, if wounded, could result in spiritual death.  See Eph 6:11-18 -  Loins-chastity. Heart-desires. Head-thoughts. Feet-movement or direction.

Section 28 - (September 1830- Fayette-BC-30; 1835-51) Newell Knight moved Joseph to Fayette for safety. Joseph received this revelation prior to the Sept. Conference.

We have here a Numbers 12 and a D&C 21 (20:37) situation.

Newel Knight's account, "[Page} had managed to get us some discussions of feeling among the brethren by giving revelations concerning the upbuilding of Zion, government of the Church and other matters, which he claimed to have received through the medium of a stone he possessed...Even Oliver and the Whitmer family had given heed to them...Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency. That night I occupied the same room that he did and the greater part of the night was spent in prayer and supplication. After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing Page's revelations as not being of God." (The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Cook p. 39-40)

Vs.  2, 6

Vs. 8-9; 15-16 - Major missionary call

Vs. 11-14- How to solve the problem

Church History By The Year- Hyrum Page -

1800	Born-Vermont
	Studied Medicine	Traveled in New York & Canada as physician
1825-Nov. 10	Married Catherine Whitmer- children	John, Elizabeth, Philander, Mary, Peter, Nancy, Hiram, Oliver and Kate.
1829-June	One of 8 witnesses	to Book of Mormon
1830-April 11	Baptized by Oliver Cowdery
1830-June 9	Ordained Teacher
1830-Fall	Received false revelations	Using seer stone
1831	Moved to Kirtland, Ohio
1832	Moved-Jackson County Missouri
1833	Moved-Clay County Missouri
1836	Moved to Far West, Missouri	Owned 120 acres
1838	Severed connection with Church	With others of Whitmer family
1852-Aug. 12	Died near Excelsior Springs	Ray County, Missouri. Had farmed there for years