Doctrine and Covenants Section 104

Historical Background

The concept of the United Firm, or the United Order, was established in March of 1832. Its purpose was to united men who were in private business. The profits from their businesses would be brought together to assist the Church in various capacities but most especially with publishing Church literature (see D&C 78). On 10 April 1834, members of the United Firm met to dissolve the group and distribute the funds that had been accumulated. This action was taken because of the great debts that were owed by the Church and by the United Firm. Great efforts were made to circulate among the members to get donations, but the condition of the members was desperate. Many were in debt. Members living in Missouri were in impossibly difficult circumstances financially and in every other way. The Church, it can be safely said, was hanging by a thread. This revelation explains how the United Firm was to be dissolved and how the assets connected to it were to be distributed.

D&C 104:1-10 The End of the United Order

What reasons did the Lord give for ending the united order? How does this help us understand why blessings we have been promised might be withheld? What can we do to retain the blessings the Lord has promised?

D&C 104:11-18 The Lord’s Way of Providing for the Poor

If the Church was not to follow the united order, what were they to do? What does the Lord mean when He says, “organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship?” How is this idea different from the concept of the united order? If the Church organizes itself in this way, what blessings are promised? How is it possible that the poor can be cared for when there are so many?

D&C 104:19-46 Assignment of Stewardships

In these verses, the Lord explains what each member of the former united order would be responsible for as an individual. What was Sidney Rigdon’s responsibility? (verses 20-23) Martin Harris? (24-26) Frederick G. Williams and Oliver Cowdery? (27-33) John Johnson? (34-38) Newel K. Whitney? (39-42) Joseph Smith, Jr.? (43-46).

D&C 104:47-53 A New United Order

The previous united order, or united firm, grouped men and their resources together. The new united order would separate men and make them accountable as individuals before the Lord. Yet, they would be able to combine their resources to help the poor. Find the words “commandment,” “business,” and “covenant,” in these verses. How has the Lord tried to bless those who have businesses through covenants and commandments?

D&C 104:54-86 A New Privilege to Organize Yourselves

The United Order was the highest of laws under which the Lord’s people could live. It is the law of the Celestial Kingdom (see D&C 78:3-7). The Church was not ready to live this law. A new form of the United Order was put into place. It made individuals rather than groups of people accountable before the Lord for funding the Church and caring for the poor. These verses explain the new order of things. What is the purpose of this new organization? (see verses 54-59) How shall the money that is collected be secured? (60-66) Who determines how the money is supposed to be used? (67-71) What if there is someone in need? How does he receive the money? (72-77) Some Church leaders were in debt because they had tried to help the Church financially. How were they do get out of debt? (78-85) What promise does the Lord give to those who are faithful to this new counsel? (86)