Doctrine and Covenants Section 40

Historical Background

James Covell, a Baptist minister, was given the privilege of receiving baptism. He rejected that privilege. He went back to his former faith. He was 75 years old, a man of many years’ experience in life and in his chosen profession. It would have been a difficult thing for any man to do. This revelation was the last revelation given to the Latter-day Saints in New York. It is the Lord’s final word to James Covell, to the New York Saints, and to all people who were invited to gather to Zion in the early days of the Church.

D&C 39:1-3 He Was Right before the Lord
What caused James Covell to reject the opportunity to be baptized into the Church? How does this same concern affect people who are investigating the Church today? How does it affect people who have joined the Church?