"The Law"
Background and Reflections on Doctrine and Covenants 42
I shared most of the background for Section 42 in the Doctrine and Covenants in my previous post, but let’s fill in the gaps with the help of some of our supplementary resources.
In Lyndon W. Cook’s The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith we learn the following details about D&C Section 42:
Date. 9 February 1831 (9 February and 23 February. The Book of John Whitmer records that verses 1-73 were received 9 February 1831. According to the “Kirtland Revelations Book,” verses 74-77 were received 23 February 1831. Verses 78-93 were received 23 February 1831, as per the Evening and Morning Star [October 1832].).
Place. Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.
Historical Note. Sections 38 and 41 both promised that the Lord would shortly give “his law” unto the Church. In accordance with the instructions of D&C 41:2-3, the elders “united in mighty prayer,” and by their faith section 42 was received. On 9 February 1831, when part of section 42 was received, twelve elders joined in prayer; and on 23 February 1831, when the final portions of section 42 were received, seven elders met together to inquire of the Lord.
Comparison of extant manuscript copies of section 42 reveals variation in the text, suggesting that portions, if not all, of what is now section 42 were responses to specific questions. Because this revelation was received in portions on two different days, it appears that specific inquiries were made on both days. Consider the following questions and answers:
Verses 70-73 appear to be a response to the question, “How [are the Elders] to dispose of their families while they are proclaiming repentance or are otherwise engaged in the service of the Church?”
Part of section 42, as found in the Book of Commandments, appears to be a response to the question, “What preparation shall we make for our Brethren from the East & where & how?” The answer: “There shall be as many appointed as must needs be necessary to assist the bishop in obtaining places for the brethren from New York, that they may be together as much as can be, and as they are directed by the Holy Spirit.”
Question: “Shall the Church come together into one place or remain as they are in separate bodies?” Answer: “And every Church shall be organized in as close bodies as they can be [because of the enemy] and this for a wise purpose- even so. Aman.”
Question: “How far is it the will of the Lord that we should have dealings with the world & how we should conduct our dealings with them?” Answer: “Thou shalt contract no debts with them & again the Elders & Bishop shall council together & they shall do by the direction of the Spirit as it must be necessary.”
Question: “[What is the] law regulating the church in her present situation till the time of her gathering[?]” Answer: “The first commandment in the law teaches that all the Elders shall go into the regions westward and labour to build up Churches unto Christ wheresoever they shall find any to [teach] them [to] obey the gospel of Jesus Christ except Joseph & Sidney and Edward and such as the Bishop shall appoint to assist him in his duties according to the Law which we have received this commandment as far as it respects these Elders to be sent to the west is a special one for the time being incumbent on the present Elders who shall return when directed by the Holy Spirit.”
The preface to verse 74-77 was “How to act in Cases of Adultery,” and
Verses 78-93 were entitled “Points of the Law.”
Known simply as “The Law,” or “The Law of the Church,” section 42 contains instructions relative to the law of consecration and stewardship, the Decalogue, and the law of discipline with regard to members who violate Church rules.
Although the Prophet wrote to Martin Harris on 22 February 1831 that the Saints had “received the laws of the Kingdom since we came here and the Disciples in these parts have received them gladly,” John Whitmer indicated that there were “some that would not receive the Law.” Whitmer explained:
“The time has not yet come that the law can be fully established, for the disciples live scattered and are not organized, our numbers are small, and the disciples untaught, consequently they understand not the things of the Kingdom.”
Publication Note. Verses 12-77, or variations thereof, were first published in the Evening and Morning Star (July 1832). Verses 78-93, or variations thereof, were first published in the Evening and Morning Star (October 1832). Verses 1-77, or variations thereof, were included as chapter 44 in the Book of Commandments. Verses 78-93, or variations thereof, were included as chapter 47 of the Book of Commandments. (pp. 59-61)
The circumstances, questions, and answers in this section are even more relevant today than they were in the time that the revelation was given. The Church seems scattered and the Saints untaught. Should we gather into one body again? To what extent should we have dealings with the world and how should we conduct those dealings? What is the law regulating the Church in her present situation until the time of her gathering? Why do we give lip-service to the law of consecration in the Church when it is quite obvious that we don’t obey it? Is this not one of the problems of the last days that Isaiah lamented in his revelation?
In his chapter “The Law” in Revelations in Context, Steven C. Harper explains the background for D&C 42 in much greater detail, and I commend this chapter to the attention of my readers. Harper concludes this chapter with an excellent summary of the meaning and the importance of D&C 42:
The law, together with the Church’s founding “Articles and Covenants” (now Doctrine and Covenants 20), organized the rapidly growing Church under one set of regulations and unified the various budding congregations in their teaching and practice. It shows how the Lord has revealed, does reveal, and will yet reveal His will to the Saints. From clarifying parts of the law given to Moses and specifying how the Saints in 1831 should apply it in their circumstances, to promising further revelation as sought and needed in the future, this living document continues to serve as a law of the Church of Jesus Christ. (p. 97)
The authors of the first volume of Saints describe the background for the same section as follows:
Joseph remained optimistic about the Indian mission, even as he turned his attention to strengthening the church in Kirtland. Shortly after meeting the Saints there, he received a revelation for them. “By the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law,” the Lord again promised, “that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me.”8
From his study of the Bible, Joseph knew that God had given Moses a law as he led his people to the promised land. He also knew that Jesus Christ had come to earth and clarified the meaning of His law throughout His ministry. Now He would once more reveal the law to His covenant people.
In the new revelation, the Lord praised Edward Partridge for his pure heart and called him to be the first bishop of the church. The Lord did not describe a bishop’s duties in detail, but He said Edward was to devote his time completely to the church and help the Saints obey the law the Lord would give them.9
A week later, on February 9, Edward met with Joseph and other elders of the church to pray to receive the law. The elders asked Joseph a series of questions about the law, and the Lord revealed answers through him.10 Some of these answers repeated familiar truths, affirming the principles of the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus. Others gave the Saints new insights into how to keep the commandments and help those who transgressed them.11
The Lord also gave commandments to help the Saints become like Enoch’s people. Rather than share common property, as the people on the Morleys’ farm did, they were to think of all their land and wealth as a sacred stewardship from God, given to them so they could care for their families, relieve the poor, and build Zion.
Saints who chose to obey the law were to consecrate their property to the church by deeding it to the bishop. He would then return land and goods to them as an inheritance in Zion, according to the needs of their families. Saints who obtained inheritances were to act as God’s stewards, using the land and tools they had received and returning whatever was unused to help the needy and build Zion and the temple.12
The Lord urged the Saints to obey this law and continue seeking truth. “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge,” He promised, “that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”13
Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord gradually organized and ordered His Church. The first part of D&C reveals the Lord’s law and the Prophet Joseph Smith specified this revelation as “embracing the law of the Church.”
Hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together in my name, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, the Savior of the world; inasmuch as ye believe on my name and keep my commandments.
Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you.
For verily I say, as ye have assembled yourselves together according to the commandment wherewith I commanded you, and are agreed as touching this one thing, and have asked the Father in my name, even so ye shall receive. (D&C 42:1-3)
Like many great revelations, this revelation was given in response to the united prayers and faith of a group of disciples of Jesus Christ. The Lord reveals His will to individuals with regard to their individual and personal stewardship, and He reveals His will to His Church with regard to the laws, ordinances, and commandments that govern His Church. This revelation is in some ways similar to D&C 20 because it contains direction for the entire Church that is binding throughout time.
Regarding these verses, Smith and Sjodahl observe in their commentary:
In the Revelation given at Fayette, January 2nd, 1831, our Lord promised the Saints that He would give to them His law, if they would gather in Ohio (Sec. 38:32). On the 4th of February following, He added that they should receive the Law in answer to prayer. On the 9th of February these promises were fulfilled in this Revelation, which was given in the presence of twelve Elders and which is called the Law (v. 2). It is the Law of the Gospel. It may conveniently be studied under the following divisions: (1) Introduction (1-3); (2) the law of propaganda (4-10); (3) the law of ordination (11-17); (4) the law of moral conduct (18-29); (5) the law of charity (30-34); (6) the law of consecration (35-36); (7) the law of discipline (37-39); (8) the law of sundry duties (40-69); (9) the law of remuneration for services (70-73); (10) the law concerning new members (74-77); and (11) the law concerning transgressors (78-93).
1-3. This is the introduction to the Law. “Hearken, O ye Elders of my Church.” They had gathered to hear the word of God; they had prayed for it; their the duty was to obey. (pp. 218-219)
The revelation on the Lord’s law continues:
Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you this first commandment, that ye shall go forth in my name, every one of you, excepting my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon.
And I give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when they shall return.
And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God.
And ye shall go forth baptizing with water, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
And from this place ye shall go forth into the regions westward; and inasmuch as ye shall find them that will receive you ye shall build up my church in every region—
Until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you from on high, when the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will be your God.
And again, I say unto you, that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand in the office whereunto I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass, that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead. Even so. Amen. (D&C 42:4-10)
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that
After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel (History of the Church, 2:478).
Thus it makes sense that the first part of the law of the Gospel is to preach the Gospel and to build up the Lord’s Church. The order of the law makes sense because the gathering into Zion and the building up of the New Jerusalem first requires the preaching of the Gospel by missionaries. This preparatory preaching of the Gospel aimed at the gathering into the New Jerusalem, the time and place of which the Lord had yet to reveal. Although the Lord called and ordained Edward Partridge to the noble office of the first bishop of His Church, the Lord also made it clear that His work would proceed with or without Edward Partridge. As with the Prophet Joseph Smith and others, the Lord was prepared to appoint others if the primary leaders proved unfaithful.
4-10. This is the law concerning the preaching of the gospel. It was given for the instruction of the elders present when the Revelation came, but the principles it embodies are of general interest and application.
Ye shall go forth in my name] Those who go out to preach the gospel must go in the name of Jesus Christ; that is, on his behalf, in his stead. They are His ambassadors.
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In the power of my Spirit] They must have the Spirit of God. That is the first requisite.
Lifting up your voices as *** a trump] They must make themselves heard, in order that the world may have no excuse.
Repent ye *** the kingdom of heaven is at hand] This is the gospel message. A true messenger of the Lord may be put to this test. He preaches repentance and proclaims the coming of the kingdom of heaven. He knows something about this kingdom. A pretender may preach philosophical or ethical discourses. He may read essays on civic or political problems, but he does not deliver the all-important message of the gospel.
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Until the time *** of the New Jerusalem] When Oliver Cowdery was called to go on a mission to the Lamanites, our Lord told him that “the City” would be built on the western border of the Country (Sec. 28:9). The Saints, therefore, knew that they were to build the New Jerusalem, but the place had not yet been revealed. In the meantime, the Elders were to build up “my Church in every region,” until the time for the preparation of the City should come. The author of the 102nd Psalm had this City of Zion in view, when he said, “The people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For he hath looked down from the heights of his sanctuary *** to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem (Ps. 102:18-21). This Zion is a place where those who have been “loosed” from death shall declare the name of the Lord. And it is necessary for the Lord to reveal where it shall be located and when it shall be built.
Edward Partridge shall stand in his office] He too, shall go on a mission (v. 4), but retain his office (Sec. 41:9).
If he transgresses *** another shall be appointed] The office was to be permanent. Note the almost identical expression regarding a successor to the Prophet Joseph (Sec. 35:18). The law of succession is the same. (pp. 219-220)
The Lord has since revealed where the New Jerusalem shall be located and when it was supposed to be built, but because of both internal and external problems, the Church has failed thus far in its mission and purpose.
The revelation on the Lord’s law continues:
Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.
And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.
And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.
And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.
And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given.
And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good;
For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son. (D&C 42:11-17)
Who can preach, what is preached, and how to preach are clearly delineated. Ultimately, it is the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that teaches, testifies, prophesies, sanctifies, and converts souls to Jesus Christ. Among other things, Smith and Sjodahl note that other scriptures, namely the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the inspired translation of the Bible, were added to the cannon that contains the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (see p. 221)
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues:
And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.
And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.
Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast out.
Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.
Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.
And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.
But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;
But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.
Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.
Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out.
If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments. (D&C 42:18-29)
Simple. This is the law of moral conduct. It is reminiscent of the law that Moses received on Sinai and the Lord’s sermons on the Mount and at the Temple in Bountiful. Smith and Sjodahl add many interesting details to consider in relation to these verses, and I commend them to my readers’ attention.
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues:
And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.
And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose.
And it shall come to pass, that after they are laid before the bishop of my church, and after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church, agreeable to my commandments, every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which he has received by consecration, as much as is sufficient for himself and family.
And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more than is necessary for their support after this first consecration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who have not, from time to time, that every man who has need may be amply supplied and receive according to his wants.
Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my storehouse, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the high council of the church, and the bishop and his council; (D&C 42:30-34)
It is evident that relatively few among the modern Saints or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints obey the Law of the Gospel. In particular, there are very few who remember the poor, and even fewer who truly consecrate of their properties for the support of the poor. Modern American society is perhaps the most selfish and materialistic society that has ever existed on the face of the earth, and perhaps upon the face of any planet in the galaxy or vast expanse of space. Ironically, it is often the poorest among us who are the most generous and charitable, while the wealthiest among us are too often greedy, complacent, and money-grubbing. There are exceptions, but this is just one of many things that must change if we ever hope to build the New Jerusalem.
The Lord has clearly instructed the Saints regarding the manner in which the poor are to be lifted out of poverty, and the manner in which every man shall be made accountable unto Lord as a steward over his own property. In short, the Lord has revealed His law of consecration. If the Saints had lived this law, poverty among us would have been eliminated a long time ago. If the Saints now lived this law, poverty among us would be quickly eliminated. Notice that the Lord desires to amply supply the Saints and to bless them according to their wants. I’ve seen first hand how the Church continues to fail in this most basic duty. We have justly incurred not only the displeasure, but the wrath of God.
Smith and Sjodahl observe:
30-34. The true law of charity is stated here. These paragraphs should be read in connection with the preceding one, “If thou lovest me *** behold, thou wilt remember the poor.” Christ’s poor should be remembered for His sake.
Consecrate of thy properties] The ultimate aim our Lord had in view was the abolition of poverty among His children, but in the meantime it was a duty of the Church members to consecrate some of their property for the support of the poor and needy. Property so consecrated was turned over to the Presiding Bishop and his counselors (v. 31) by legal instruments (“testimonies,” v. 32) so that the title to it would be good.
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Steward over his own property] A man might turn his property over to the Bishop, but then he should receive back enough for the support of himself and family, and use it as the Lord’s steward.
Any surplus should be kept for the poor and needy. (pp. 227-228)
It is abundantly apparent that the lack of charity and the lack of the fruits of charity continue to plague even the Latter-day Saints or the Gentile Church. Moroni foresaw this, and prayed that the Lord would grant charity unto the Gentiles. The Lord’s response to Moroni’s prayer indicates that it is unlikely that the Gentiles, and even the Gentile church, will repent.
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues:
And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed—
That my covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when I shall come to my temple. And this I do for the salvation of my people. (D&C 42:35-36)
This revelation was given almost two hundred years ago. The Lord came to His Temple in Kirtland, and He will come to His Temple again. The Church owns lands in the center place of Zion, the place of the New Jerusalem. Why the delay? The world is certainly wicked enough. Why aren’t we gathering? Some will say that we gather into branches and wards and stakes and Temples, but there’s obviously something amiss about the present state of the Brighamite Church, and the lack of fulfilling what the Lord originally commanded.
The Lord gave these commandments and this direction for the salvation of His people. Has the Church lost interest in the salvation of the Lord’s people? Or does the modern Church think that there is a better plan than that which the Lord already established? If Joseph Smith immediately began gathering, in Ohio, and then in Missouri, why do decades and even centuries pass without similar efforts? I’ve heard all the LDS justifications for two centuries of delay, and they don’t make sense.
Smith and Sjodahl observe:
35-36. The law of charity is, in the kingdom of God, connected with the law of consecration, for the building up of the New Jerusalem, the gathering of Israel, and the coming of the Lord.
A word may be said here of the religio-social system by which the temporal salvation of the world is to be accomplished. According to the Revelations on the subject, each individual is to deed to the Bishop, his, or her, property, in toto. It would then belong to the Bishop. After all property has been thus “consecrated,” all members are equal in ownership. Then the Bishop deeds back to each individual a portion of the common property. A man would probably receive back the same farm, or the same factory, that he owned before. Whatever he needs for himself and family is his, and the surplus toes back into the common treasury (See Whitney’s History of Utah, Vol. I. p. 84). These are the main outlines of the “United Order,” or “Order of Enoch.” In all probability further revelations as to details are needed, before the Order can be established on a practical basis.
“Those who are inspired by the Holy Spirit to comprehend the dealings of God with His people, both ancient and modern, may be able to look forward to the future and behold a prosperous and happy people that should be one in temporal things, and rich in the enjoyment of heavenly things, and among whom there will be no poor or rich, having all things common, so far as property is concerned, when no one will say, ‘this is mine, and I have a right to do just as I please with it’” (Erastus Snow, Jour. of Dis., Vol. XIX., p. 179).
For the salvation of my people] The prevalent idea seems to be that “salvation” means happiness hereafter. Salvation should begin here, and one of the evils from which the gospel will save men, is poverty and destitution. (p. 228)
The modern Church has obviously failed to live the law of charity and of consecration because we have not even begun to build the New Jerusalem and there are many poor and destitute Saints who fight just to survive from day to day. I agree with Smith and Sjodahl that the process of salvation begins here on earth and is not merely something that we anticipate or for which we hope in the life to come.
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues:
And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out of the church, and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and the needy of my church, or in other words, unto me—
For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me.
For it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets shall be fulfilled; for I will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles unto the poor of my people who are of the house of Israel. (D&C 42:37-39)
Jesus obviously yearns to help and bless the poor and the needy, and He is serious about doing just that. We might recall that the Lord’s declaration in verse 38 points directly to His parables in Matthew 25:
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matt. 25:31-46)
The Lord is the King of all the earth, and all things belong to Him to dispose of as He wills. As prophesied, the Lord will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace His gospel among the Gentiles unto the poor of His people who are of the house of Israel.
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues:
And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands;
And let all things be done in cleanliness before me.
Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.
And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy.
And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me.
Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection.
And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them;
And they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter.
And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.
He who hath faith to see shall see.
He who hath faith to hear shall hear.
The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities.
Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship.
Thou shalt not take thy brother’s garment; thou shalt pay for that which thou shalt receive of thy brother.
And if thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my storehouse, that all things may be done according to that which I have said.
Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety;
And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full.
And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church;
And he that doeth according to these things shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned if he so continue.
If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time where the New Jerusalem shall be built.
And behold, it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west, to the north and to the south.
And even now, let him that goeth to the east teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of secret combinations.
Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them.
Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful.
And ye shall hereafter receive church covenants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you, both here and in the New Jerusalem.
Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church have been given. Even so. Amen. (D&C 42:40-69)
This is a remarkable revelation, with too much in it to do justice to it with commentary. I’ll simply point out a few things that stand out to me at this time. The Lord expands His definition of the Law of the Gospel to include all of the scriptures, some of which were still in process of being revealed. This is a very practical revelation on the one hand, but it is also a revelation that aims to lift the Saints up to the Prophet Joseph Smith’s level of inspiration and spiritual capacity.
In other words, although this revelation on the Law of the Gospel contains much practical counsel about daily living, work, financial and social matters, and so forth, it also contains much practical counsel about learning how to commune with God with the same consistency and power that the Prophet Joseph Smith did. Joseph Smith was not trying to run a multi-level-marketing scheme or to create a cult in which he was the unassailable dictator. He was more like Moses who wished that “all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) In his own words, Joseph Smith taught:
God hath not revealed any thing to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve & even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them.
The Lord did not want His early Saints to remain as little children in understanding, blindly following the dictates of their enlightened leader, nor does He want us, His modern latter-day Saints to blindly “follow the prophet” without obtaining wisdom, knowledge, and revelation for ourselves. The Apostle Paul put it simply:
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (1 Corinthians 14:20)
Toward the end of this portion of the revelation on the Law of the Gospel, the Lord invites us to ask, and He will give liberally, just as He did to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Revelation begets revelation, knowledge begets knowledge, and if we ask in faith, the Lord will reveal the mysteries and the peaceable things of His Kingdom, leading us to joy and eternal life. The Lord even promised to reveal, in His own due time, the exact location of the New Jerusalem.
It is important to note that one of the purposes for the westward migration of the Church was to protect the Saints from that which was coming on the earth. It is not a coincidence that the Saints migrated westward not long before the United States Civil War. The Lord also moved His people westward to protect them from secret combinations. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time that the Lord warned of secret combinations.
The Lord also encouraged the Saints to look forward to receiving covenants. The Lord was preparing His people for His Temple which would soon be built, first in Kirtland, Ohio. This Law of the Gospel and the covenants that had yet to be revealed were sufficient to establish the early Saints, and us if we choose, wherever we are and also in the New Jerusalem. The Lord inspired His Saints to rejoice because the kingdom of heaven was theirs. In verse 69 the Lord defines His Kingdom as they to whom the keys of the church have been given. Wherever the keys of the church are (and we modern Saints may rightly wonder where they are), there is the Kingdom of God.
Another brief observation on these verses pertains to the difference between the Lord’s manner of healing the sick and the afflicted, in opposition to the deception and lies of the modern medical system and the psycho-pharmaceutical industrial complex. The Lord is the Great Physician and the Master Healer, and He doesn’t need doctors, drugs, vaccines, or masks to heal His followers.
The Smith and Sjodahl commentary on these verses contains interesting supporting statements from leaders of the Church such as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and I commend their commentary to my readers’ attention.
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues:
The priests and teachers shall have their stewardships, even as the members.
And the elders or high priests who are appointed to assist the bishop as counselors in all things, are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned;
Or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop.
And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services in the church. (D&C 42:70-73)
Smith and Sjodahl comment on these verses as follows:
70-73. The law of remuneration is that those who administer in spiritual affairs must have their stewardships and labor for their living, “even as the members.” This is wisdom. For in that position they are absolutely independent and can preach the truth without fear. Those who administer in temporal affairs and give their entire time to public business are to have a just remuneration. If they were to earn a living for themselves, they could not give all their time and energy to the community. (p. 234)
The revelation on the Law of the Gospel continues and concludes by clarifying the law concerning fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, confession of sins, and so forth:
Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever persons among you, having put away their companions for the cause of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you;
But if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the sake of adultery, and they themselves are the offenders, and their companions are living, they shall be cast out from among you.
And again, I say unto you, that ye shall be watchful and careful, with all inquiry, that ye receive none such among you if they are married;
And if they are not married, they shall repent of all their sins or ye shall not receive them.
And again, every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church.
And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.
And if any man or woman shall commit adultery, he or she shall be tried before two elders of the church, or more, and every word shall be established against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and not of the enemy; but if there are more than two witnesses it is better.
But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses; and the elders shall lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with according to the law of God.
And if it can be, it is necessary that the bishop be present also.
And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come before you.
And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
And if he or she do any manner of iniquity, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that of God.
And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess thou shalt be reconciled.
And if he or she confess not thou shalt deliver him or her up unto the church, not to the members, but to the elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not before the world.
And if thy brother or sister offend many, he or she shall be chastened before many.
And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.
If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended, and to God, that the church may not speak reproachfully of him or her.
And thus shall ye conduct in all things. (D&C 42:74-93)
This law is straightforward and clear. The Smith and Sjodahl commentary on these verses includes an interesting observation by George Q. Cannon:
I remember hearing related Brother Parley P. Pratt’s first interview with the Saints at Fayette, Seneca County, where the Church was organized *** on that occasion he was called upon to speak; the Prophet Joseph was not present at the time. He brought forth from the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets, abundant proofs concerning the work which the Lord had established through His servant Joseph. A great many of the Latter-day Saints were surprised that there were so many evidences existing in the bible concerning this work. The Church had then been organized some five months, but the members had never heard from any of the Elders these proofs and evidences which existed in the Bible. And, if I remember correctly, he told me that Oliver Cowdery and the Prophet Joseph himself were surprised at the great amount of evidence there was in the Bible concerning these things. The Prophet Joseph was inspired of God to teach the doctrines of life and salvation, and he did so without reference to what the ancient prophets had said. I have heard President Young make the same remarks” (Jour. of Dis., Vol. XIX, p. 105) (pp. 238-239)
This revelation is a great manifestation of the Lord’s love for us, and His desire to bless and protect us. What are some of the “peaceable things” and joyful things that we have received from the Lord through His Spirit? For many years the Saints simply called this revelation “the law.” Why were these principles and commandments important for the newly restored Church? Why are they important for us today? Why do the modern Saints of the Brighamite Church covenant to live the law of consecration when it is obvious that we don’t live it? These are some questions to keep in mind as we continue our study of the Doctrine and Covenants.