Doctrine and Covenants Section 42

Historical Background

The Saints in New York were promised that, if they would gather to Ohio, the Lord would give them His law. This law would establish the pattern they would be expected to live in anticipation of the coming of the Lord. Those who assembled to receive the law followed instructions from D&C 41 and “united in mighty prayer.” Their faith was rewarded with this revelation. Verses 1-77 were received on 9 February 1831. The remaining verses were received in two different groups, verses 74-77 and verses 78-93, on the 23rd of February 1831. The circumstances of the people involved must be kept in mind. They were poor people who had left their worldly possessions behind to follow the commandments of God given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. They had no idea how they would survive in their new location. Not only is their survival question answered, but the larger question of how the gospel would be preached in all the world is also addressed. The larger vision incorporated in the law is the idea that the members of the Church were preparing for the coming forth of the city New Jerusalem. Each law was created to help the members with that special purpose.

D&C 42:1-10 Go Forth
Several times in these verses the expression, “go forth,” appears. Who is supposed to go? What are they supposed to do? Why are they supposed to do it? How long are they supposed to do it? What does the city New Jerusalem have to do with this work? Cross-reference: Ether 13:2-11; Moses 7:62. (Remember, Joseph Smith had learned of the idea of a New Jerusalem from his translation of the Book of Mormon and from his work on the inspired revision of the King James Bible.)

D&C 42:11-17 The Order of the Church
What must happen before an elder, priest or teacher may assume responsibilities in the Church? What are they to teach? How are they to teach it? What role does the Comforter, or the Holy Ghost, have in establishing the Church? How are these important procedures followed in the Church today? What must happen before a person may exercise any authority?

D&C 42:18-29 The Commandments
In these verses, the Lord repeats many of the commandments He gave to Moses and the children of Israel. What additional council does he give concerning those who murder, lust after women, commit adultery, or speak falsely about their neighbors? Why do you suppose the Lord would repeat these commandments in our generation? How has living these commandments blessed your life?

D&C 42:30-36 The Law of Consecration
The Lord’s program for taking care of the poor is outlined in these verses. What are the Saints supposed to do with their belongings? What is the Bishop supposed to do when the members give him their property? What is supposed to happen with the portion of the property that is not essential to the families who consecrate their property to the Church? How are our current system of tithing and fast offerings like the original Law of Consecration?

D&C 42:37-55 Let All Things Be Done in Cleanliness
This portion of the law of the Lord has to do with taking care of the poor, avoiding pride, work, healing the sick, faith to be healed, honesty and integrity in business dealings, and how to use excess funds. As you read these verses, ask yourself, “How would following these commandments help me be clean? How would following these commandments prepare me to live with the Lord?”

D&C 42:56-62 Revelation upon Revelation
Joseph Smith is given instructions concerning “my scriptures” (the inspired revision of the King James Bible). What council does the Lord give Joseph concerning the revelations that have been received and additional revelation?

D&C 42:63-69 Blessings upon the Servants of the Lord
What power and authority are given to those who will serve as missionaries for the Church? What additional blessings await them if they will be faithful in following the commandments that the Lord has revealed in His law?

D&C 42:70-73 Support for Missionary Families
Many of the missionaries who were called were married men with families. What did the Lord say should be done for the families while the husbands and fathers were separated? How was the Bishop to be able to support himself?

D&C 42:74-93 Dealing with Difficult Problems
In these final verses the Lord explains how the Church should deal with problems within the Church among Church members. For example, verses 74-78 explain how to deal with adultery and fornication. Verse 79 explains what should happen when a member commits murder. Verses 80-83 give directions on how to deal with women who commit adultery. Additional verses deal with those who steal from Church members or do anything to offend other members. Why do you think these laws would be necessary among people who were preparing to live with the Lord in the New Jerusalem? How should members handle problems among themselves in this generation?

Doctrine and Covenants Section 41

Historical Background

This is the first revelation given to the Church in Ohio. It establishes the pattern of worship for the Church. Many new converts had come into the Church from different worship traditions. The question became, what practices do we keep and what practices do we discontinue? This revelation is the beginning of the answer to that question.

D&C 41:1-6 I Will Be Your Ruler
Find the words “my law” in these verses. What comments does the Lord make about His law? Why should those who hear the law of the Lord receive it? What laws has the Lord given you in this generation?

D&C 41:7-12 These Words Are Given unto You
What direction did the Lord give to the Church concerning Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge? Notice that the Lord directs that Edward Partridge be called as a Bishop (the first in the Church). Then, he directs that the Bishop should be “appointed by the voice of the church.” Then, he shall be “ordained a bishop.” What is the procedure for calling a Bishop in the Church today? Why do you think the Lord instructed us to follow this pattern?

Doctrine and Covenants Section 40

Historical Background

James Covell, a Baptist minister, was given the privilege of receiving baptism. He rejected that privilege. He went back to his former faith. He was 75 years old, a man of many years’ experience in life and in his chosen profession. It would have been a difficult thing for any man to do. This revelation was the last revelation given to the Latter-day Saints in New York. It is the Lord’s final word to James Covell, to the New York Saints, and to all people who were invited to gather to Zion in the early days of the Church.

D&C 39:1-3 He Was Right before the Lord
What caused James Covell to reject the opportunity to be baptized into the Church? How does this same concern affect people who are investigating the Church today? How does it affect people who have joined the Church?

Doctrine and Covenants Section 39

Historical Background

This revelation was given to a Baptist minister, James Covell. He had served in this capacity for forty years. Upon meeting Joseph Smith he promised that he would do anything the Prophet asked him to do.

D&C 39:1-6 This Is My Gospel
The words in verses 1 through 5 have been repeated to many others in the revelations received by the Prophet Joseph. They have been given to rich and poor and now they are given to James Covell (Covill), a Baptist minister. What conclusion do you draw from the fact that the Lord gives the same witness to everyone?

D&C 39:7-12 I Know Thee
The words of this revelation may rightly be looked upon as a message to ministers of other faiths. What is the Lord’s message to sincere ministers of other religions? What promises has the Lord made to them if they will be baptized into the Church?

D&C 39:13-24 Thou Art Called to Labor
James Covell was called to labor in the kingdom of God. What specific assignments did he receive from the Lord? What blessings were promised if he fulfilled these assignments? Why is the Lord anxious to call missionaries to serve among his children in this generation?

Doctrine and Covenants Section 38

Historical Background

In December 1830, the members of the Church living east of Ohio were commanded to move to Ohio. The Saints were startled by this revelation and many were reluctant to comply. It meant that they must sell their property, if they could, and start over again. A conference was announced for the Whitmer farm home in Fayette, New York, for the 2nd of January, 1831. Orson Pratt wrote, “In one small room of a log house nearly all the Latter Day Saints east of Ohio were collected together. They desired the Prophet of the Lord to inquire of God and receive a revelation to guide and instruct the church that were present.” (Deseret News, 22 February 1860.) Section 38 is the Lord’s answer to the concerns of the New York Saints.

D&C 38:1-6 I Am Christ

List all the qualities that the Lord uses to describe Himself. Why should these qualities inspire members of the Church to trust Him? Notice in verse 4 that the Lord makes reference to “the Zion of Enoch.” Keep in mind that Joseph Smith had been working on the inspired revision of the King James Bible. Cross-reference: Moses 7.

D&C 38:7-12 I Am in Your Midst

Find those statements that would give hope to members of the Church. What phrases would cause members to be afraid. What can you do to make sure you “abide the day” when the Lord comes again?

D&C 38:13-22 A Land of Promise

In verse 22, the Lord says, “Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me.” Read verses 13-22 and find reasons the Lord gives for following Him.

D&C 38:23-27 Esteem Your Brother as Yourself

In this revelation the Lord has promised a land that would belong to the Saints forever. These verses tell the members of the Church the conditions of that promise. How would living according to these conditions bless a family, community, or nation?

D&C 38:28-33 If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear

The enemies of the kingdom of God have a plan to destroy that kingdom. What is there plan? How will they accomplish it? What are the blessings of the Lord that will help to overthrow the plans of the enemy? How will receiving the law of the Lord and being endowed with power from on high bless Latter-day Saints today?

D&C 38:34-42 Go Ye Out from the Wicked

How would the words in these verses bring peace to the souls of those who would be leaving their lands behind? These people thought they were going to lose all that they had worked for throughout their lives to gain. What riches did the Lord promise them if they would be faithful? What promises has the Lord given to the faithful in every generation? Cross-reference: D&C 6:7; 93:1.