Dcotrine and Covenants Section 81

Historical Background

By March of 1832, the Church had arrived at a point where it could begin to put into place a portion of the organization that would eventually guide the restoration of the kingdom of God. The first governing quorum to be organized was the First Presidency. In January 1832, the Prophet Joseph was sustained as the “President of the High Priesthood.” This meant that he was the president of all the high priests in the Church. In March of 1832, counselors were selected to form the Presidency of the High Priesthood. By 1834, this quorum of three was known as the First Presidency of the Church. This revelation was originally intended for a man named Jesse Guase. However, he was not faithful in his duties and was replaced by Frederick G. Williams.

D&C 81:1-5 The Keys of the Kingdom

In these verses we discover two important things: first, the authority that is given a counselor in the First Presidency; second, the responsibility of a person in that office. What is the authority and what are the responsibilities of a counselor in the First Presidency? Cross-reference: Isaiah 35:3.

D&C 81:6-7 A Promise

What blessings does the Lord promise the person who faithfully serves as a counselor in the First Presidency? What words in these verses suggest that we can trust that the promise will be kept?