Historical Background
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had moved their place of residence from Kirtland to Hiram, Ohio, so that they might dedicate a greater portion of their time to the inspired revision of the King James Bible. See D&C 64: section heading. As they were engaged in this activity, two men who had left the Church, Ezra Booth and Simonds Ryder, were publishing derogatory comments about Mormonism and causing people to wonder about the character of Joseph Smith. Thus, the leaders of the Church were faced with a dilemma: do they continue to work on the inspired revision; or, do they deal with the false statements that are being circulated about them by enemies of the Church? Section 71 contains the Lord’s answer to that question.
D&C 71:1-4 Proclaim the Gospel
As you read through these verses, notice what the Lord commands Joseph and Sidney to do. What are they to say? Where are they to go? How long are they to do this? What lesson do these verses teach us to do when we are confronted with two good things that must be done?
D&C 71:5-11 Receiving More of the Lord’s Word
Compare what the Lord says about those who receive his words (verses 5-7, 11) to those who are the enemies of the Church (verses 8-10). What blessings have come to you because you have been willing to receive the Lord’s words?
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