Doctrine and Covenants Section 6

Historical Background

On the 5th of April, 1828, Oliver Cowdery came to the home of Joseph and Emma Smith in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Brother Cowdery was a school teacher. He had been hired by the community of Palmyra to teach. As was the custom of the day, the teacher boarded with a family in town, usually one of the families whose children were being taught. Oliver boarded with the Joseph Smith, Sr., family. As the family sat around the dinner table the talk would inevitably lead to the visions of Joseph Smith and the work of the restoration of the church of Christ to the earth. After school finished, Oliver determined that he would learn for himself if the claims of the Smith family were true. Two days after his arrival, on the 7th of April, he began his labors as a scribe for Joseph Smith. Joseph spoke the words of the translation and Oliver wrote.

D&C 6:1-5 The Field is White
Help students define the following words: two-edged sword, field, harvest, reap, sickle. What do the sword and the sickle have to do with the harvest?

D&C 6:6-7 What a Believer Should Do
What questions are being answered by these verses? How would the world be blessed if people followed this counsel?

D&C 6:8-13 The Gift of Salvation
What do these verses say about Oliver Cowdery’s gift? How do these words apply to the gifts you have?

D&C 6:14-20 The Knowledge of God
Oliver Cowdery was called by the Lord to help Joseph Smith in his divine mission to translate the gold plates. How do the words in these verses apply to all members as they strive to fulfill their callings in the Church?

D&C 6:21-28 The Gift to Translate
Oliver Cowdery is told by the Lord that he will be able to translate. What are the conditions that he has to meet in order to exercise this gift?

D&C 6:29-32 Rejecting the Lord’s Words
Describe the consequences that will fall upon Joseph and Oliver if people reject their words. Describe the consequences that will fall upon the people if they reject the words of Joseph Smith.

D&C 6:33-37 The Little Flock
Ask students how large the Church was when this revelation was received. Explain that there was no Church at this time. The Church was not organized officially until April 6, 1830. Who is the “little flock” the Lord is speaking to in this revelation? How do these words apply to the little flocks of members all over the world?