Revelation Dates: November 1 – 12, 1831

Revelation Places: Hiram and Kirtland Ohio

Section 67 - Historical Background: It was time to compile the revelations received through Joseph Smith thus far and print them in a Book of Commandments. Joseph called a special church conference and after the meeting convened, the Lord revealed the Preface to the Book of Commandments which is now section 1 of the Doctrine & Covenants. The Elders present were asked to bear testimony of the divinity of the revelations. Meanwhile, William E. McLellin and a few others criticized some of the language used in the revelations and wanted it improved. The Lord provided this revelation as a result.

• Recap: Because of fear, the Elders did not receive the blessing God had offered them. The Lord testifies of the truthfulness and divinity of these revelations. The Lord challenges those scoffers in the church to take the least of these revelations and attempt to write one like unto it. If they cannot, they must sign their testimony to its divinity or else be condemned. They must strip themselves of jealousy and fear.

Section 68 - Historical Background: Following the experience as discussed in section 67, Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson and William E. McLellin each requested a personal revelation from the Lord. Rather than granting individual counsel, the Lord reveals His word toward all the faithful elders of His church.

• Recap: When speaking as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, it is as if the Lord were speaking it. Be of good cheer and do not fear, for the Lord will stand by you. Preach the gospel to all the world that the believers may be saved. The Lord then turns to Joseph and gives administrative counsel. All bishops must be worthy high priests, appointed by the First Presidency. Parents are to teach their children prayer and the principles and ordinances of the gospel and baptize them at the age of 8. Be not idle!

Section 69 - Historical Background: After the Elders agreed to serve as witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Commandments, Joseph dedicated the Book of Commandments unto the Lord. Oliver Cowdery was assigned to take the manuscript to Independence, Missouri for printing.

• Recap: Oliver should not go to Independence alone but should have a companion, namely John Whitmer, the church historian, so that he can record this history.

Section 70 - Historical Background: From November 1 to November 12, 1831, Joseph needed to hold 4 church conferences. At the close of the 4th conference, Joseph completed reviewing the Book of Commandments and Oliver Cowdery with John Whitmer were about to embark on their 800 mile journey to Independence, Missouri.

• Recap: The specific stewardship of publishing and distributing the Book of Commandments is appointed to Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Martin Harris, Sidney Rigdon and W.W. Phelps. They are to use the monies from the publication of the Book of Commandments for their needs but are to donate excess monies to the church, as commanded under the law of consecration and in accordance with the Spirit.

Revelation Dates: September – October 1831

Revelation Places: Various places in Ohio

Section 64 - Historical Background: Joseph Smith was living on the Morley farm which was now being sold for monies to purchase land in Missouri. John Johnson offered Joseph and Emma to share his home in Hiram, Ohio which they gratefully accepted. Meanwhile, a company of brethren were preparing to go to Missouri, as commanded, and this revelation was received.

• Recap: The saints are to forgive one another. If unrepentant, members are to be judged in church court. The importance of paying an honest tithe. Get out of debt and be not rebellious.

Section 65 - Historical Background: Ezra Booth, a converted Methodist minister, apostatized and made accusations against Joseph Smith. As apostasy grew among the ranks of the church, Joseph receives this revelation. He labeled this revelation as a prayer.

• Recap: The keys of the kingdom have been restored and the church will roll forth and fill the earth.

Section 66 - Historical Background: Prior to receiving section 66, a recent convert named William E. McLellin had privately asked the Lord 5 specific questions. At the beginning of the third church conference, McLellin asks Joseph for a personal revelation. Unbeknownst to Joseph, in this revelation the Lord answers all of McLellin’s 5 questions. A historical note on William E. McLellin is given after this section.

• Recap: McLellin is counseled to repent of his iniquities, particularly adultery. He is told not to go to Missouri, but is called to go on a mission to the Eastern states with Samual Smith as his companion.

Revelation Dates: August 1831

Revelation Places: Jackson County, Missouri; Banks of the Missouri River; Kirtland Ohio

Section 60 - Historical Background: After being in Jackson County, Missouri for only 3 weeks, Joseph Smith and other church leaders had accomplished much, including holding a church conference, the settlement of newly arriving saints, identified the site of the New Jerusalem and dedicated the new temple site, dedicated the land for the inheritance of the saints, and received several new revelations. Now, the Lord asks Joseph and the leaders of the church to return to Kirtland, Ohio.

• Recap: The leaders of the church are instructed to return to Kirtland, Ohio. They are reprimanded for not preaching the gospel on their journey from Kirtland, because of the fear of wicked men. They are commanded to preach along the journey back, some by St. Louis and others by Cincinnati. Don’t idle away time nor bury your talents.

Section 61 - Historical Background: As Joseph and 10 others returned to Kirtland, they travelled the Missouri River by canoe. Near tragedy struck on day 3 when one canoe capsized and Sidney Rigdon nearly drowned. W. W. Phelps witnessed the destroyer upon the waters while the others heard the awful, satanic noises but did not witness it with their eyes. This greatly troubled the group and Joseph sought counsel from the Lord.

• Recap: The brethren are chastened for trying to return home too swiftly rather than preaching along the way. Sidney Gilbert and WW Phelps are excused to return immediately home [so they can fulfil their calling to purchase a printing press and transfer it to Independence]. In these last days, the waters are cursed by John the Beloved, and the land is blessed by the Lord. The saints are to journey by land unless the canal is available. Be of good cheer, I am in your midst.

Section 62 - Historical Background: On the journey to Cincinnati, Joseph met some of the Elders on their way to Independence which was joyous to everyone.

• Recap: The Lord is watching the elders on their trek to Zion and is pleased with their testimonies. They are to continue to Zion and then return home, preaching along the way.

Section 63 - Historical Background: Upon the return to Kirtland, Joseph, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery were immediately engulfed by many questions by the saints and new converts. Joseph inquired of the Lord regarding the purchase of lands and many other concerns and questions.

• Recap: The wicked and rebellious in the church must repent and become humble or will otherwise be destroyed. Seek not for signs, for they only come by faith. Those guilty of sexual sin must repent or will not be worthy of the Spirit and be destroyed. The obedient will have God’s Spirit. The saints are to assemble in Zion, but not in haste lest the inhabitants there become overwhelmed. The Lord prophesies the persecution that will come and war and bloodshed. The Morley farm should be sold and the money sent to Zion. Whitney should keep his store in Kirtland for now. Glorious times are to come, yet the wicked will be plucked from the church. God will not be mocked.