History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 2

by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Jr. Joseph Smith

Footnotes

[1]. The use of the term "organized" here means merely that the various councils and quorums were arranged by their respective presidencies in the order proper for that assembly, not that they were then organized in the sense of bringing them into existence.

[2]. In this testimony of the Twelve to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, as published in the History of Joseph Smith in the Millennial Star, the names of the Apostles were not appended, but it is thought proper that they should be inserted here in the order in which they stood in the quorum. The document was undoubtedly prepared before the departure of the Twelve for the east, as it was well known that the work of the committee on selection and compilation would present the Doctrine and Covenants to a general assembly before the Twelve would return.

[3]. It should be observed that this "Article on Marriage" presented by W. W. Phelps, and also the one on "Government and Laws in General," presented by Oliver Cowdery, were not presented as revelations and were not published as such at the time, but were expressions of course, of the belief of the Saints at that period on those subjects. It should also be noted that these two articles were presented and acted upon in the absence of the Prophet who was at the time visiting Saints and preaching in Michigan.

[4]. Following is the title page and preface of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS:

CAREFULLY SELECTED

FROM THE REVELATIONS OF GOD,

AND COMPILED BY

Joseph Smith, Junior.

Oliver Cowdery,

Sidney Rigdon,

Frederick G. Williams,

(Presiding Elders of the Church,)

Proprietors.

Kirtland, Ohio,

Printed By F.G. Williams and Company.,

For the Proprietors.

1835.

Preface.

To the Members of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints,

DEAR BRETHREN:—We deem it to be unnecessary to entertain you with a lengthy preface to the following volume, but merely to say that it contains in short the leading items of the religion which we have professed to believe.

The first part of the book will be found to contain a series of lectures as delivered before a theological class in this place, and in consequence of their embracing the important doctrine of salvation, we have arranged them in the following work.

The second part contains items or principles for the regulation of the Church as taken from the revelations which have been given since its organization, as well as from former ones.

There may be an aversion in the minds of some against receiving anything purporting to be articles of religious faith, in consequence of there being so many now extant; but if men believe a system, and profess that it was given by inspiration, certainly the more intelligibly they can present it, the better. It does not make a principle untrue to print it, neither does it make it true not to print it.

The Church, viewing this subject to be of importance, appointed, through their servants and delegates the High Council, your servants to select and compile this work. Several reasons might be adduced in favor of this move of the Council, but we only add a few words. They knew that the Church was evil spoken of in many places, its faith and belief misrepresented, and the way of truth thus subverted. By some it was represented as disbelieving the Bible; by others as being an enemy to all good order and uprightness; and by others as being injurious to the peace of all governments, civil and political.

We have, therefore, endeavored to present, though in few words, our belief, and when we say this, humbly trust, the faith and principles of this society as a body.

We do not present this little volume with any other expectation than that we are to be called to answer to every principle advanced, in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed, and the reward of every man's labor be given him.

With sentiments of esteem and sincere respect, we subscribe ourselves your brethren in the bonds of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,

JOSEPH SMITH, Jun.,

OLIVER COWDERY,

SIDNEY RIGDON,

FREDERICK G. WILLIAMS.

KIRTLAND, OHIO, February 17, 1835.