Dcotrine and Covenants Section 83

Historical Background

The visit of the First Presidency to Independence, Missouri, in April 1832, was to accomplish three things:

• To establish the United Firm in Missouri and coordinate its activities with the Saints in Ohio. This commandment was given in Section 78, and accomplished in Section 82.
• To coordinate the printing projects approved by the Literary Firm (which printed hymnals and periodicals).
• To help local leaders understand and establish the law of consecration and stewardship.

After the revelation was received, there were some questions among the Brethren concerning verse 3. Joseph offered this clarification: “You are bound by the law of the Lord to give a deed, securing to him . . . his own property. . . . If [a member] is found in transgression and should be cut off, out of the church, his inheritance [or his personal property] is his still, and he is delivered over to the buffetings of Satan” (Letter from Joseph Smith to Edward Partridge, 2 May 1833; Joseph Smith Collection, Church Archives).

D&C 83:1-6 Care of Women and Children

Find the words “women,” “children,” “widows,” and “orphans,” in these verses. What does the Lord expect of husbands and priesthood leaders in their relationships with women, children, widows, and orphans? Cross-reference: JST James 1:27.