Doctrine and Covenants Sections 14-16

Historical Background

Joseph Smith received the plates from the angel Moroni in September 1823. Joseph made annual visits to the Hill Cumorah until Moroni gave him the plates in 1827. The preliminary work of translation, involving Emma Smith, her brother Reuben Hale, and Martin Harris continued until the loss of the 116 pages of the translation. The work of translation halted for a time. Then, with the arrival of Oliver Cowdery in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in April 1828, the translation began again.

The translation of the Book of Mormon which we have today was essentially completed between April-June 1828. Toward the end of the translation effort, tensions mounted in the Harmony area. Rumors were spreading about Joseph and the work he was doing. He and Oliver began to look of alternative places to complete the translation. Oliver had established a friendship with David Whitmer of Fayette, New York. He had been in contact with David during the translation process. When David was asked if Joseph, Emma and Oliver might come to their home to complete the translation of the ancient record, David traveled the 135 miles from Fayette to Harmony and brought them to the Whitmer home. On June 1, 1829, they arrived.

During the next several days, David and his brothers, John and Peter, Jr., approached Joseph Smith to receive the will of the Lord concerning their involvement in the restoration of the gospel.

At this time, Joseph Smith was 23; David Whitmer, 24; John Whitmer, 26: and Peter Whitmer, Jr., 19.

D&C 14:1-5 A Work about to Come Forth

Remind students that this is the way other revelations have begun (see Sections 6, 11, 12). Why does the Lord give the same answer to all persons who want to become a part of this great and marvelous work? Explain to students that this is the last time the phrase “about to come forth” is used in the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. With the organization of the Church in April 1830, the work was no longer “about to come forth.”

D&C 14:6-11 Thou Art David

Have students substitute their own names in these verses and answer the question, “What does the Lord want you to do to help build up the Church today?” What does he want you to know about the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost in your own life?

D&C 15:1-6 (16:1-6)

What do these revelations tell us about the Lord? What do these revelations tell us about all people who are seeking to know the will of God? Why would the Lord give revelations to two people and have the wording be exactly the same? Substitute your own name into these revelations and see if the principles spoken of apply to you.