Historical Background
On the 25th of August, 1829, Martin Harris signed a mortgage that committed him to pay $3,000 to E.B. Grandin (age 24) for 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. The stipulation was that Harris would give Grandin the cash within 18 months or that he would sell as much of his 240 acre farm as was needed to obtain that amount. Martin agreed to such a deal because he felt that the sale of the books would bring the $3,000 to cover the printing costs and therefore he was not at risk. In March of 1830, a delegation of Palmyra, New York, citizens came to Grandin’s print shop and informed him that no one in town would buy the book. Grandin became fearful and demanded that the $3,000 be produced immediately. Joseph Smith went to Martin Harris and explained the situation and requested that Martin sell off his farm as he had agreed in August. Martin was stunned and demanded that Joseph produce a revelation from the Lord concerning the matter. Section 19 is the Lord’s reply to Martin Harris for guidance.
D&C 19:1-12 God’s Punishment
In these verses the Lord gives Joseph Smith a perspective on the judgment of God. Have students list the power of God spoken of in these verses. What does the Lord say specifically about His judgment? What does He say about His punishment? How do these things help us understand the words Eternal and Endless? Why is it important for Martin Harris to understand these things about the judgment of God? Why is it important for us all to remember these principles about judgment?
D&C 19:13-20 Repent
The Lord tries to help Martin Harris understand why he should repent and pay the money he promised to pay the printer. How does he help Martin understand that he must do what he committed to do? What did the Lord commit to do that he did not want to do? Are there things we have committed to do in our lives that are hard to do? Are there things we think would be worthy of our sacrifice and effort, but, when the time comes to make the sacrifice we change our minds because it is too difficult. How can the Savior’s example help us move forward with the hard things we have committed to do?
D&C 19:21-38 Commandments for Martin Harris
Find the words “I command” in these verses. What commandments did the Lord give to Martin Harris that have application in our lives today? What other commandments are listed in these verses?
D&C 19:38-41 Rejoice and Be Glad
Remember, Martin Harris was reluctant to keep the commitment he had made. According to these verses, Martin should rejoice and lift up his heart with gladness. What is there in Section 19 that should cause all of us to feel joy and gladness in our hearts? Why should we not depend on our own abilities? Why should we be humble and meek? Why should we come to Christ? Cross-reference: Moroni 10:30-33.
On the 25th of August, 1829, Martin Harris signed a mortgage that committed him to pay $3,000 to E.B. Grandin (age 24) for 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. The stipulation was that Harris would give Grandin the cash within 18 months or that he would sell as much of his 240 acre farm as was needed to obtain that amount. Martin agreed to such a deal because he felt that the sale of the books would bring the $3,000 to cover the printing costs and therefore he was not at risk. In March of 1830, a delegation of Palmyra, New York, citizens came to Grandin’s print shop and informed him that no one in town would buy the book. Grandin became fearful and demanded that the $3,000 be produced immediately. Joseph Smith went to Martin Harris and explained the situation and requested that Martin sell off his farm as he had agreed in August. Martin was stunned and demanded that Joseph produce a revelation from the Lord concerning the matter. Section 19 is the Lord’s reply to Martin Harris for guidance.
D&C 19:1-12 God’s Punishment
In these verses the Lord gives Joseph Smith a perspective on the judgment of God. Have students list the power of God spoken of in these verses. What does the Lord say specifically about His judgment? What does He say about His punishment? How do these things help us understand the words Eternal and Endless? Why is it important for Martin Harris to understand these things about the judgment of God? Why is it important for us all to remember these principles about judgment?
D&C 19:13-20 Repent
The Lord tries to help Martin Harris understand why he should repent and pay the money he promised to pay the printer. How does he help Martin understand that he must do what he committed to do? What did the Lord commit to do that he did not want to do? Are there things we have committed to do in our lives that are hard to do? Are there things we think would be worthy of our sacrifice and effort, but, when the time comes to make the sacrifice we change our minds because it is too difficult. How can the Savior’s example help us move forward with the hard things we have committed to do?
D&C 19:21-38 Commandments for Martin Harris
Find the words “I command” in these verses. What commandments did the Lord give to Martin Harris that have application in our lives today? What other commandments are listed in these verses?
D&C 19:38-41 Rejoice and Be Glad
Remember, Martin Harris was reluctant to keep the commitment he had made. According to these verses, Martin should rejoice and lift up his heart with gladness. What is there in Section 19 that should cause all of us to feel joy and gladness in our hearts? Why should we not depend on our own abilities? Why should we be humble and meek? Why should we come to Christ? Cross-reference: Moroni 10:30-33.
