Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 27 (D&C 71–75)
June 26–July 2
INSTRUCTIONS AND STEWARDSHIPS TO SPECIFIC BRETHREN (D&C 69–70)
● D&C 69:1–2 It is not wisdom that Oliver Cowdery should be solely entrusted with the commandments and monies being sent to the land of Zion. John Whitmer is called to accompany him.
● D&C 69:3–4 John Whitmer is to continue in writing a history of the Church and is to receive counsel and assistance from Oliver Cowdery.
● D&C 69:5–8 All of the surrounding branches of the Church are to report their stewardships to the land of Zion, and John Whitmer is to travel from place to place and from church to church “that he may more easily obtain the necessary knowledge of their doings, and preaching, expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church.”
● D&C 70:1–4 Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Sidney Rigdon, and William W. Phelps are appointed to be stewards of the revelations and commandments given to the Church at that time and into the future. They will be held accountable for this stewardship in the day of judgment.
● D&C 70:7–11 In temporal matters, if they “receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants” it is to be given to the storehouse for the “benefit of the inhabitants of Zion.” This law of stewardship is required of every one who belongs to the church of the living God, including the bishop who is the one responsible for the management of the storehouse and of stewardships.
● D&C 70:12–13 Those who are “appointed to administer spiritual things” are “worthy of [their] hire” and may receive from the storehouse for their needs and wants according to the “manifestations of the Spirit.”
● D&C 70:14 In temporal things the Saints were to be “equal.” This did not mean identical, but that every steward has all that he needs and desires in righteousness. If any of this is done with a grudging attitude “the manifestations of the Spirit will be withheld.”
“NO WEAPON . . . FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER” (D&C 71)
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were busily working on the new edition of the Bible when the Lord commanded them to set aside their work in order to defend the church against its enemies.
● D&C 71:1–3 Their mission “for a season” is to “proclaim my gospel and the things of the kingdom” out of the scriptures, as guided by the Spirit. This is to be done in the regions surrounding Hiram, Ohio, as well as in the church.
● D&C 71:7 “Confound your enemies” by “call[ing] upon them to meet you both in public and private.” They are promised that if they are faithful the shame of their accusers will be made manifest.
● D&C 71:8–10 “Let them bring their strong reasons against the Lord,” because “no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper” and they shall be confounded in the Lord’s own due time.
A SECOND BISHOP IS CALLED IN KIRTLAND
● D&C 72:1–4 Received in Kirtland, this revelation announces the calling of Newel K. Whitney as a bishop “in this part of the vineyard” (v. 2). This became necessary since communication with Bishop Edward Partridge in Missouri was difficult.
● D&C 72:5–16 The elders of the church “shall render an account of their stewardship unto the bishop.”
● D&C 72:17–19 This is not only for their temporal stewardships but also “in all things.” The first recommends, called “certificates” were initiated at this time, to be issued concerning the faithfulness of each elder. These recommends could then be carried to the other bishop in Zion (Missouri), attesting to his standing in the church (see also vv. 20–26).
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:
“I carry in my heart a deep appreciation for our bishops. I am profoundly grateful for the revelation of the Almighty under which this office was created and functions. . . .
“. . . We expect you to stand as the presiding high priest of the ward, a counselor to the people, a defender and helper of those in trouble, a comfort to those in sorrow, a supplier to those in need. We expect you to stand as a guardian and protector of the doctrine that is taught in your ward, of the quality of the teaching, of the filling of the many offices which are necessary. . . .
“. . . You are to see that none goes hungry or without clothing or shelter. You must know the circumstances of all over whom you preside.
“You must be a comforter and a guide to your people. Your door must be ever open to any cries of distress. Your back must be strong I sharing their burdens. You must reach out in love even to the wrongdoer.”1
CLARIFICATIONS OF BIBLE SCRIPTURES (D&C 74)
Little Children Are Holy
● D&C 74:1 This verse from Paul’s writings refers to the holiness of little children, but it is not clear what he means or why he associates it with
1 Cor. 7:14 clean or unclean spouses.
● D&C 74:2–7 Revelation to Joseph Smith clarifies the historical context out of which Paul was speaking. The Jews were teaching the un-circumcised children were unclean and that marriage to a non-Jew would render their children unholy as a result. Paul emphasizes that all children (Jewish or Gentile) are holy, “being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ” and have no need of circumcision (or of baptism until they become accountable).
JOSEPH SMITH SUSTAINED AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD (D&C 75)
“On the 25th day of January 1832, a very important conference was held by the elders at Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio. Much business was transacted, but the most important thing was the fact that Joseph Smith was sustained and ordained . . . as President of the High Priesthood.”2
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO MISSIONARIES (D&C 75)
● D&C 75 Instructions to the early brethren who were sent out two by two to preach the gospel.
— vv. 1–5 Faithful elders must go forth and “not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might.” Those who do so will be “laden with many sheaves, and be crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life.”who preach the gospel will gain eternal life.
— vv. 6–12 William McLellin is chastised for murmuring (which eventually destroyed him). The Lord forgives him and send him out on another mission.
— vv. 13–22 Specific missionary assignments are given to various elders.
— vv. 23–36 Families of missionaries are to receive help from the Church while they are in the mission field.
Notes:
1. “The Shepherds of the Flock,” Ensign, May 1999, 52–53.
2. Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:274.