Doctrine and Covenants — 1835 Edition

GeneralAssembly 1

The text records the official minutes of the August 1835 General Assembly where the various priesthood quorums of the Latter Day Saint church unanimously voted to accept the newly compiled Book of Doctrine and Covenants as binding scripture.

Lecture 1

Lecture 1 defines faith not merely as belief, but as the fundamental cosmic principle of action and power in all intelligent beings, asserting that even God relies on faith to exist and create.

Lecture 2

Lecture 2 argues that God is the supreme object of faith, and that mankind's initial knowledge of God's existence comes exclusively through human testimony passed down from Adam, which then inspires individuals to seek their own direct, face-to-face manifestation of God.

Lecture 3

Lecture 3 asserts that saving faith requires three prerequisites: belief in God's existence, a correct understanding of His character and attributes, and an actual knowledge that one's course of life aligns with His will.

Lecture 4

Lecture 4 asserts that a correct intellectual understanding of God's six specific attributes (Knowledge, Faith/Power, Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Truth) is the absolute prerequisite for humanity to exercise saving faith.

Lecture 5

Lecture 5 defines the Godhead as consisting of exactly two personages—the Father (a personage of spirit) and the Son (a personage of tabernacle)—who share one mind, which is identified as the Holy Spirit.

Lecture 6

Lecture 6 argues that saving faith requires an absolute, experiential knowledge that one's life aligns perfectly with God's will, a knowledge that can only be obtained by the believer sacrificing all earthly possessions, relationships, and even their own life.

Lecture 7

Lecture 7 argues that faith is the ultimate principle of power by which God creates and governs, and that salvation consists of humans perfecting their faith until they attain the exact same glory, power, and dominion as God.

Section 1

This text serves as the divine preface to Joseph Smith's revelations, declaring a universal apostasy, establishing the Latter-day Saint movement as the only true church, and equating the words of LDS leaders with the voice of God.

Section 2

This text serves as the foundational 'Articles and Covenants' for the newly organized church, outlining its divine origins, core theological tenets regarding God and salvation, and detailed administrative procedures for priesthood offices and ordinances.

Section 3

This text establishes the hierarchical structure, authority, and lineage of the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods, defining the roles of the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, the Seventy, and various local offices.

Section 4

A revelation establishing the lineage, authority, and absolute necessity of the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods, commanding the construction of a temple in Missouri, and outlining strict instructions for missionary work.

Section 5

This text contains the administrative minutes from February 17, 1834, detailing the organization, procedures, and authority of the first High Council of the church to settle disciplinary and doctrinal disputes.

Section 6

A prophetic reinterpretation of the biblical parable of the wheat and tares, asserting that the early Christian church fell into total apostasy and that a literal, genealogical priesthood has been secretly preserved and restored through Joseph Smith.

Section 7

A sweeping cosmological and eschatological revelation that defines the 'Light of Christ' as the governing power of the universe, establishes laws for three degrees of heavenly glory, and institutes strict behavioral and ritual requirements for the 'School of the Prophets.'

Section 8

A revelation directed to Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith, validating Cowdery's secret prayers through internal feelings of peace, granting him a gift to translate hidden records, and establishing salvation as conditional upon lifelong obedience.

Section 9

A revelation directing Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to abandon temporal labor for full-time spiritual ministry, demanding financial support from the church under threat of divine cursing, and granting them apostolic powers including sign gifts and the authority to curse opponents.

Section 10

A revelation dictating eschatological events, the spiritual nature of creation, the pre-mortal rebellion of Satan, the Fall of Adam, and the conditional nature of forgiveness.

Section 11

A December 1830 revelation directed to Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, establishing Smith's exclusive possession of the 'keys of the mystery' and commanding Rigdon to serve as his scribe and to perform baptisms with the laying on of hands for the Holy Ghost.

Section 12

A revelation dictated by Joseph Smith in the voice of Jesus Christ, commanding the early church to gather to Ohio to receive God's law and power, while warning of secret enemies and demanding strict unity, purity, and care for the poor.

Section 13

This text, historically known as 'The Law' of the Church, establishes strict moral codes, introduces the communal Law of Consecration, outlines church discipline, and explicitly ties salvation to obedience to these new mandates.

Section 14

This text establishes Joseph Smith as the exclusive conduit for divine revelation to the church, commanding followers to support him temporally and spiritually while urgently preparing the world for the apocalyptic Day of the Lord.

Section 15

Section 15 (modern D&C 45) is a revelation dictating eschatological events, expanding upon the biblical Olivet Discourse, and commanding the early Latter-day Saints to gather to a physical 'New Jerusalem' in the American West.

Section 16

A revelation outlining the administration of church meetings, the inclusivity of public worship, and a detailed discourse on the distribution and hierarchical discernment of spiritual gifts.

Section 17

A revelation addressing the presence of false spirits in the early church, establishing a test of spiritual discernment based on mutual edification, and asserting the authority of the prophet's words to impart forgiveness.

Section 18

A revelation directing early Mormon elders to establish Zion in Missouri, emphasizing human agency in righteousness, defining strict parameters for repentance, and warning that God revokes promises when followers disobey.

Section 19

A revelation outlining the blessings of migrating to Zion, reiterating moral commandments, and establishing strict Sabbath observance and works-based conditions for receiving earthly abundance and eternal life.

Section 20

Section 20 is an 1831 revelation commanding the early Latter-day Saints to gather to Zion (Missouri) by purchasing land, warning against sign-seeking and sexual sin, and establishing strict obedience and financial sacrifice as prerequisites for spiritual inheritance.

Section 21

The Lord commands strict forgiveness among the brethren, establishes Joseph Smith's conditional retention of priesthood keys, mandates tithing to avoid destruction at the Second Coming, and dictates specific property and business decisions for early church leaders.

Section 22

This revelation redefines the nature of scripture by elevating the spoken words of ordained elders to canonical status, establishes a rigid priesthood hierarchy involving literal Aaronic descent, and mandates the baptism of children at age eight under the threat of imputing their sins to their parents.

Section 23

A revelation directing Bishop Edward Partridge on how to implement the Law of Consecration, manage church property, establish a storehouse, and tying eternal life to faithful economic stewardship.

Section 24

A revelation commanding followers to pray and prepare for the Second Coming, asserting that the keys of the kingdom have been restored to man and that the earthly church is the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy of the stone cut without hands.

Section 25

God rebukes the elders for doubting Joseph Smith's revelations due to his linguistic imperfections, challenges them to replicate the least of the revelations to test their divine origin, and promises that if they become perfectly humble and worthy, the veil will be rent and they will see God.

Section 26

A revelation appointing Joseph Smith and five other leaders as stewards over the church's revelations, mandating that financial proceeds be consecrated to the church, and conditioning spiritual manifestations on temporal equality.

Section 27

A revelation designating Independence, Missouri, as the physical center of Zion, commanding the saints to purchase land for an everlasting inheritance, and assigning specific men to establish a church store and printing press.

Section 28

A revelation directing John Whitmer to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri to safeguard church funds and revelation manuscripts, while continuing his duties as church historian.

Section 29

A brief administrative revelation directing Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to resume their revision of the Bible and instructing elders to continue local preaching until the upcoming church conference.

Section 30

A revelation rebuking Joseph Smith for losing the initial Book of Mormon manuscript to Martin Harris, warning him of losing his prophetic gift if he does not repent, and reaffirming God's ultimate purpose to bring salvation to the Native Americans (Lamanites) through the preserved record.

Section 31

A revelation directed to Joseph Smith Sr. calling for diligent service in a newly commencing 'marvellous work,' asserting that rigorous labor in God's harvest brings salvation to the soul.

Section 32

God denies Martin Harris's immediate request to view the gold plates, promises that three future witnesses will be chosen to testify of them, and warns Joseph Smith that his eternal life depends on strict obedience and repentance.

Section 33

A revelation claiming to be a translated parchment written by John the Apostle, asserting that John was granted immortality to remain on earth to win souls, and establishing exclusive priesthood keys among Peter, James, and John.

Section 34

A revelation directed to Oliver Cowdery defining the Spirit of Revelation as God speaking to the mind and heart, and validating Cowdery's physical 'gift of Aaron' to translate ancient records.

Section 35

A revelation explaining Oliver Cowdery's failure to translate the Book of Mormon, establishing a subjective, feeling-based epistemology ('burning in the bosom') for discerning divine truth, and reassigning him as Joseph Smith's scribe.

Section 36

A revelation explaining that the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript were altered by wicked men, commanding Joseph Smith not to retranslate them but to translate the Plates of Nephi instead.

Section 37

A revelation directed to Hyrum Smith instructing him to delay preaching until he has thoroughly studied both the Bible and the forthcoming Book of Mormon, emphasizing reliance on the Spirit and commandment-keeping.

Section 38

A revelation directed to Joseph Knight Sr., commanding him to labor in the emerging 'great and marvelous work' of the LDS restoration in order to earn everlasting salvation.

Section 39

A revelation dictated by Joseph Smith directed to David Whitmer, calling him to assist in the emerging Latter-day Saint movement and promising eternal life conditional upon his strict obedience and endurance.

Section 40

A brief revelation directed to John Whitmer, claiming to be the voice of Jesus Christ, which asserts that the most valuable pursuit for a believer is to preach repentance and bring souls to Christ in order to secure rest in the Father's kingdom.

Section 41

A brief revelation directed to Peter Whitmer Jr., asserting that his greatest worth and means of securing rest in the Father's kingdom is to declare repentance and bring souls to Jesus Christ.

Section 42

A revelation directed to the Three Witnesses promising them a visionary experience of the golden plates and other Nephite artifacts conditional upon their faith, and commanding them to testify of this experience to validate Joseph Smith's translation.

Section 43

A revelation directing Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to rely on the newly translated Book of Mormon, preach repentance, and search out twelve new apostles, while warning that salvation is strictly conditional upon keeping the commandments.

Section 44

A revelation directed to Martin Harris, commanding him under threat of severe divine punishment to repent, fund the printing of the Book of Mormon, and preach, while redefining the concept of eternal punishment.

Section 45

A compilation of five short, personalized revelations given through Joseph Smith in April 1830, assigning specific ecclesiastical duties to early followers and commanding Joseph Knight Sen. to unite with the newly formed church.

Section 46

Given on the day the LDS Church was organized, this revelation establishes Joseph Smith as the supreme prophetic authority, commanding adherents to receive his words as if from God's own mouth to ensure spiritual protection.

Section 47

A revelation declaring that previous Christian baptisms are invalid 'dead works' and requiring all converts to be re-baptized into the newly established Mormon church by its exclusive authority.

Section 48

A revelation directed to Emma Smith, designating her as an 'elect lady,' outlining her duties to support Joseph Smith, compile hymns, and conditioning her eternal salvation upon her continuous obedience to commandments.

Section 49

A brief revelation directing early church leaders to study, preach, and labor, while establishing the foundational administrative principle of 'common consent' for church governance.

Section 50

A revelation stating that the specific elements used for the sacrament (communion) do not matter, followed by a sweeping eschatological vision of Christ partaking of the sacrament on earth with ancient prophets and angels who have restored specific priesthood keys to Joseph Smith.

Section 51

A revelation establishing Joseph Smith's exclusive authority to receive binding commandments for the church, directing Oliver Cowdery to preach to the Lamanites, and condemning Hiram Page's seer stone revelations as satanic deception.

Section 52

A set of three personal revelations directed to David, Peter Jr., and John Whitmer, rebuking David for disobedience while commissioning Peter and John for specific missionary labors.

Section 53

A purported revelation from Jesus Christ calling Thomas B. Marsh to missionary work, promising blessings upon his family, and explicitly linking the forgiveness of his sins to his evangelistic labor.

Section 54

A revelation dictating a missionary call for Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson to join Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer Jr. to preach to the Native Americans (identified as Lamanites), while strictly commanding them to rely on existing written revelations rather than claiming their own.

Section 55

A revelation commanding Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet to preach repentance and baptism in the 'eleventh hour' to a corrupted world, establishing the newly restored church and its ordinances as the sole authorized path to salvation.

Section 56

A revelation dictated by Joseph Smith directed to Orson Pratt, speaking in the first-person voice of Jesus Christ, calling Pratt to preach repentance and prophesy in preparation for the imminent Second Coming.

Section 57

A revelation directed to Edward Partridge, declaring his sins forgiven, calling him to preach, and establishing that the Holy Ghost and ordination must be mediated through the physical hands of designated church leaders.

Section 58

A revelation commanding Joseph Smith to pause his Bible translation, preach locally in New York, and directing the early church to gather in Ohio.

Section 59

A purported revelation from Jesus Christ to James Covill, a Methodist minister, commanding him to be baptized into the Mormon faith, receive the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, and relocate to Ohio to preach.

Section 60

A brief revelation explaining that James Covel rejected a previous divine command through Joseph Smith due to Satan's temptation, fear of persecution, and worldly cares, thereby breaking his covenant with God.

Section 61

God commands the elders to assemble to receive His law, defines true discipleship by strict obedience to that law, and appoints Edward Partridge as the first bishop of the church.

Section 62

A revelation commanding the elders of the church to gather, promising a conditional outpouring of the Spirit, and directing them to preach, organize legally for protection, and care for the poor.

Section 63

A revelation commanding John Whitmer to replace Oliver Cowdery as church historian and scribe, promising the Holy Ghost's assistance conditional upon his faithfulness.

Section 64

A revelation directing the Ohio Saints to share their land with migrating New York Saints and to save money to eventually purchase land for the yet-to-be-revealed city of Zion.

Section 65

A revelation directing missionaries to preach to the Shakers, refuting their specific doctrines on celibacy, vegetarianism, and the return of Christ as a woman, while establishing the necessity of Mormon ordinances.

Section 66a

A revelation directing Joseph Smith and numerous elders to travel two-by-two to Missouri, designating it as the land of their inheritance, while establishing a pattern for discerning true spirits based on obedience to ordinances.

Section 66b

A revelation directed to Sidney Gilbert, calling him to the office of an elder, commanding him to preach the gospel, act as a church agent, and establishing that salvation requires enduring to the end.

Section 67

A revelation directing Newel Knight and his followers to flee to Missouri after a communal covenant was broken, emphasizing that mercy is obtained through keeping commandments and covenants.

Section 68

A revelation directing William W. Phelps to be baptized for the remission of sins, receive the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, be ordained by Joseph Smith, and assist in church printing and education.

Section 69

A revelation dictating that salvation requires strict obedience to commandments, announcing God's prerogative to revoke previous commands due to human rebellion, and warning both rich and poor regarding greed and economic consecration.

Section 70

A revelation directing Mormon elders on their return journey from Missouri to Ohio, commanding them to preach the gospel, warning against hiding their talents due to the fear of man, and prescribing a secret ritual of judgment against those who reject their message.

Section 71

A revelation directing early Mormon elders to avoid traveling on the Missouri River due to divine curses and the presence of a 'destroyer' upon the waters, while providing specific logistical and preaching instructions.

Section 72

A revelation claiming to be the voice of Jesus Christ, directing traveling elders to gather in Missouri, offering forgiveness of sins based on their missionary testimonies, and providing practical travel instructions.

Section 73

Joseph Smith provides an inspired commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:14, asserting that Paul's counsel was historically directed at disputes over circumcising children in mixed marriages, and declaring that little children are inherently holy through Christ's atonement.

Section 74

A revelation directed to William E. McLellin, commanding him to preach the Mormon gospel, warning him to repent of specific sins including a temptation toward adultery, and promising eternal life conditional upon his enduring faithfulness.

Section 75

A revelation commanding the establishment of a permanent economic order to care for the poor, strictly linking earthly financial equality to the attainment of heavenly glory and celestial exaltation.

Section 76

A brief revelation claiming to be the voice of Jesus Christ, commanding Jared Carter to serve a mission in the eastern United States, promising the guidance of the Comforter and a conditional reward for his faithfulness.

Section 77

A brief revelation directing Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith to travel in any direction to preach the gospel, declaring what they have heard, believe, and know to be true.

Section 78

A revelation directing John Murdock to preach the gospel in the eastern United States, warning of divine judgment upon those who reject his message, and instructing him to provide for his children in Zion before departing.

Section 79

A revelation calling Frederick G. Williams to be a high priest and counselor to Joseph Smith, promising him eternal life conditioned upon his enduring faithfulness in his office and ministry.

Section 80

A revelation outlining a dietary code (the 'Word of Wisdom') that prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, while prescribing herbs, grains, and limited meat consumption, promising physical health, spiritual knowledge, and divine protection for obedience.

Section 82

This revelation reinterprets the Gospel of John to assert that Jesus Christ progressed to godhood, that human intelligence and physical matter are co-eternal with God, and that believers can attain the same divine fullness through strict obedience.

Section 83

A revelation commanding the construction of specific buildings in Kirtland, Ohio, for the church presidency and printing operations, promising God's conditional presence based on the strict purity of the physical space.

Section 84

A revelation establishing the First Presidency, affirming Joseph Smith's eternal possession of the keys of the kingdom, and issuing administrative and spiritual directives to early church leaders.

Section 85

A revelation providing the early Latter-day Saints with a highly systematized law of retaliation, forgiveness, and war in response to escalating persecutions, while conditioning God's protection on strict obedience to all commandments.

Section 86

A revelation establishing a financial and spiritual covenant (the United Firm) among church leaders, teaching that God's promises are strictly transactional and that forgiven sins return if a person sins again.

Section 87

A revelation directing specific early Mormon elders to undertake missionary journeys, promising eternal life as a reward for faithful labor, and granting them authority to act as eschatological judges over those who reject their message.

Section 88

This text outlines the early Mormon church's social welfare system, establishing the rights of women and children to financial support and detailing the use of the 'Lord's storehouse' for widows, orphans, and the poor.

Section 89

A revelation establishing the office and duties of a regional bishop (Newel K. Whitney), mandating strict financial consecration, and requiring members to obtain written certificates of worthiness from church leaders to receive a spiritual and physical inheritance in Zion.

Section 90

A revelation commanding Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to preach the gospel, expound mysteries, and publicly confound their critics, promising divine protection against any opposition.

Section 91

A visionary text that fundamentally redefines the afterlife into three distinct degrees of glory (Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial) and introduces the concept of human exaltation to godhood.

Section 92

A revelation instructing Joseph Smith not to translate the Apocrypha, asserting that while it contains truth, it also contains human interpolations that must be discerned subjectively by the Spirit.

Section 93

A brief revelation commanding the United Order to accept Frederick G. Williams as a member, conditioning his eternal blessing upon strict obedience to all previous commandments.

Section 94

A revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon comforting them about their families, appointing Sidney as Joseph's spokesman, and declaring that salvation is contingent upon calling on the Lord and keeping His commandments.

Section 95

A divine rebuke commanding early Mormon leaders to immediately build the Kirtland Temple to receive spiritual power, warning that failure to do so will result in the loss of the Father's love and spiritual darkness.

Section 96

A revelation directing the management of church property in Kirtland for building a temple and printing scriptures, while conditionally promising eternal life to John Johnson based on his continued obedience.

Section 97

A revelation addressing the expulsion of the Saints from Jackson County, Missouri, attributing the loss to their sins, promising future redemption of Zion, and commanding them to seek legal redress.

Section 98

A revelation dissolving the communal United Firm between Kirtland and Missouri due to transgression, reassigning specific real estate and business stewardships to church leaders, and establishing treasuries while commanding the payment of debts.

Section 99

A revelation appointing Warren A. Cowdery as a presiding high priest, warning of the imminent return of Christ, and offering conditional promises of grace and eternal reward based on his continued faithfulness.

Section 100

An apocalyptic revelation commanding the followers of Joseph Smith to gather to Zion, separate from the world, and prepare for the imminent Second Coming of Christ and the outpouring of divine judgment.

Section 101

An 1835 declaration establishing the early Latter Day Saint liturgy and regulations for marriage, notably featuring an explicit, public denial of the practice of polygamy.

Section 102

A formal declaration outlining the Latter-day Saint theology of civil government, affirming the divine institution of magistracy, the necessity of religious liberty, the separation of church and state, and controversially prohibiting the evangelization of slaves without their masters' consent.