Abstract
The first verse of the famous Latter-day Saint hymn “The Spirit of God” says, “The Spirit
of God like a fire is burning! The latter-day glory begins to come forth; The visions and
blessings of old are returning, And angels are coming to visit the earth” 1 The latter-day glory is
truly coming forth in our day. The purpose of this portfolio was to gain more knowledge and
understanding concerning the people, events, and revelations that laid the foundation for the
restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. As we prepare to teach Doctrine and
Covenants and Church History this coming school year in the Seminary program, my desire was
to gain as much insight as possible from the instructor and my colleagues in an effort to teach
more effectively and strengthen my own testimony, enabling me to teach my students with more
passion and conviction. I also wanted to learn how to better weave Church History into my
lessons in the Doctrine and Covenants.
I attended the Doctrine and Covenants/Church History class entitled "The Latter-Day
Glory Begins to Come Forth” which was taught at the Logan Institute by Kirt Rees. This
portfolio is a compilation of written papers from each class discussing principles and ideas
gained from class each week, along with my personal thoughts and testimony. This class began
on June 10, 2014 and the final class was held August 19, 2014. The scriptures were the text for
the course.
Jesus Christ declared in the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants that “the voice of
the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see,
neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated” (see verse 2). He also
W. W. Phelps, Hymns (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985),
no. 2.
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taught that the “voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I
have chosen in these last days” (see verse 4, emphasis added). As we studied the events that
unfolded from Joseph Smith’s first vision to the exodus from Nauvoo, it is quite evident that the
heavens are open once again and that the Lord truly is speaking to all the world through His
anointed servants. The kingdom of God has been established and His Saints are preparing for the
Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the world.
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Table of Contents
Introduction and Purpose Statement………………………………………………………………4
“I Have Learned for Myself:” Historical Context and Content of the Ten Accounts of the First
Vision”…………………………………………………………………………………………….6
A Voice From the Dust: Folklore, Seer Stones, Angels and Plates: Joseph Smith’s Conversion
and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon……………………………………………...……7
Joseph Smith as a Prophet: Restoration of the Priesthood, the Church, and the Revelations.........9
“Go to the Ohio:” Development of the Kingdom of God in Kirtland…………..…………….…11
The Land of Zion: From paradise to Conflict in Jackson County……………………….………12
“There You Shall Be Endowed With Power:” The Kirtland Temple and the Pentecostal
Season…………………………………………………………………………………………....13
“There You Shall Be Endowed With Power:” The Kirtland Temple and the Pentecostal Season
(part 2)……………………………………………………………………………………….…...15
The Church in Northern Missouri…..……………………………………………………………17
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….19
Annotated Bibliography………………………………………………………….………………21
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Introduction and Purpose Statement
If another person offered me something that was more valuable than gold, and this offer
was free, I would definitely take that person up on their offer. I imagine most people on this
planet would do the same thing! The Lord Jesus Christ has made this exact offer to every person
in this world. While serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Joseph Fielding
Smith taught why Latter-day Saints across the earth should feel an urgency to study the word of
the Lord found in the Doctrine and Covenants. He said, “The Bible is a history containing the
doctrine and commandments given to the people anciently. That applies also to the Book of
Mormon. It is the doctrine and the history and the commandments of the people who dwelt upon
this continent anciently. But this Doctrine and Covenants contains the word of God to those who
dwell here now. It is our book. It belongs to the Latter-day Saints. More precious than gold, the
Prophet [Joseph Smith] says we should treasure it more than the riches of the whole earth. I
wonder if we do? If we value it, understand it, and know what it contains, we will value it more
than wealth; it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth.” 2
President Smith’s statement sums up my purpose for compiling this portfolio. I desire to
value, understand, and know what is contained in the Doctrine and Covenants. By attending this
class and completing the papers from each class, I hope to increase the depth of my testimony of
the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration. I also want to increase my effectiveness in the
classroom and my ability to guide students on their journey to discover the truths of the Gospel
and understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ better. As educators in Seminaries and Institutes,
we have been charged to help the youth understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of
2
Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 3:199.
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Jesus Christ. Since the voice of the Savior is heard throughout the Doctrine and Covenants and
that is our course of study this year in Seminary, the students will have a perfect opportunity to
come to know the Master.
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“I Have Learned for Myself:” Historical Context and Content of the Ten Accounts of the First
Vision
The very first thing our instructor, Kirt Rees, said on the very first day of class was this
(paraphrasing): “We need to find eternal principles as we study the life of Joseph Smith and the
early Saints of this Church. If we just tell larger-than-life pioneer stories or criticize the faults of
the early Saints, we’re missing the mark. What can we learn and apply that will make us better
disciples of Jesus Christ?” After studying the main criticisms of the First Vision in class, there
are three main principles that really stood out to me.
Principle #1: If we pray always we can conquer Satan and his servants (see Doctrine and
Covenants 10:5). When Joseph entered the grove of trees, the adversary did everything he could
to stop what was about to take place. But instead of giving up, Joseph “exerted all [his] powers to
call upon God” for deliverance (Joseph Smith-History 16). Sometimes we don’t feel like praying
and we can be sure exactly where that feeling comes from (see 2 Nephi 32:8). The Prophet set an
excellent example for us by continuing in earnest prayer despite the opposition he was facing.
Despite all of Satan’s efforts, Joseph continued to call upon God.
Principle #2: Scripture study never was about the words on the page- it is about being
taught by the Holy Ghost. Today there are plenty of different ways to study the scriptures, both
the old fashioned paper way or a variety of electronic ways. The most important thing is that we
are “feasting upon the words of Christ” in an effort to gain the Holy Ghost, which will “show
unto [us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Nephi 32:3, 5). Once again Joseph set an example
for us both by “serious reflection” (JSH 8) and by learning from the scriptures and applying them
in his life (see JSH 11-12). It was a powerful experience with the word of God, specifically
James 1:5, which caused the young Joseph to enter the grove of trees.
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Principle #3: The only way to know the truth of Joseph’s experiences is to ask of God.
Since the beginning of the restoration of the gospel until this day there have been detractors to
the truth. And there will always be “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). We learned in class
about everything from the “Anachronism Critique” to Fawn Brodie. We need to do as Dieter F.
Uchtdorf taught: “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” 3 With the advance of
technology and social media, the members of this Church will continue to have more and more
access to information concerning the early days of the Church. Some of it is true, much of it is
not. Moroni has given us the correct pattern to find “the truth of all things” by the power of the
Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:3-5). As members of the Church study the lives and events of the
opening of this dispensation, particularly the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the only true way
to know truth is to ask of God in faith and with real intent.
A Voice From the Dust: Folklore, Seer Stones, Angels and Plates: Joseph Smith’s Conversion
and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
One of the main ideas I have been pondering from this class was the fact that Joseph
Smith was a convert. I feel that members and non-members alike often overlook that fact when
we learn about and discuss the life of the Prophet. Although he was a prophet of God, he made
mistakes and experienced many growing pains, just like the rest of us, especially during the
teenage years. Joseph acknowledged his faults in his own history when he wrote, “I frequently
fell into many foolish errors, and displayed the weakness of youth, and the foibles of human
nature; which, I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive in the sight of God… I
was guilty of levity, and sometimes associated with jovial company, etc., not consistent with that
3
“Come, Join With Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2013.
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character which ought to be maintained by one who was called of God as I had been (Joseph
Smith-History 28, emphasis added). We discussed in class how Joseph WAS a money digger and
he DID fight and drink (obviously the Word of Wisdom had not been introduced yet). Joseph
also said he was a hard worker (see Joseph Smith-History 23) and I believe him. I find it
refreshing that he so willingly and openly admitted his faults and was so honest in his efforts to
become a better human being and servant of the Lord. Instead of casting doubt upon my
testimony of his divine calling, this knowledge strengthens my belief that the Lord really does
use “the weak and the simple” to accomplish his work (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:23). It also
gives me hope that I can be an instrument in the Lord’s hands to bring souls to Christ (see Alma
29:9). The point was driven home to me that in the Church today we need to let a convert be a
convert. It isn’t fair to expert perfection from Joseph Smith, especially in his younger years. We
need to allow others to change, just like all of us are changing throughout our lives.
Brother Brent Evanson made a profound comment in class that I haven’t thought about
before. He said that it is “no coincidence that Joseph AND Emma went to get the plates in 1827.
God waited until a family was formed to proceed with the work. That is the major purpose of the
Book of Mormon: to bring families to Christ.” It is hard to even gauge the impact that the Book
of Mormon has had on my family and what our lives would be without it. Not every family
scripture study session is a little slice of heaven, but I know the Book of Mormon is the best tool
we have to teach my young children about the Savior and His Atonement. Brother Evanson also
made the comment that if Joseph was a liar and really didn’t have the plates, why were there so
many who tried to steal the plates from him and why was there so much opposition to him at
such a young age (see the end of Joseph Smith-History 20)? This is what we know: Joseph had
the plates, he translated them by the gift and power of God, the Nephites truly lived upon this
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continent, and all mankind may know the truth of these things by the power of the Holy Ghost
(Moroni 10:3-5).
Joseph Smith as a Prophet: Restoration of the Priesthood, the Church, and the Revelations
During this class session we looked at four different models for the date/time/location of
the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. The bottom line is: the priesthood of God has
been restored to the earth, and I have seen it work in my life. I have seen evidence of God’s
power on this earth through the power of the priesthood hundreds and hundreds of times over the
years, and I don’t believe that is an exaggeration. I have not only been the recipient of the
blessings of the priesthood, I have been able to use it countless times to bless my family and
others. President David O. McKay once said that the most distinguishing feature of the Church is
“divine authority by direct revelation.” 4 A correct understanding and testimony of the priesthood
and priesthood keys is a vital part of any testimony. As President James E. Faust once said,
“[The priesthood] activates and governs all activities of the Church. Without priesthood keys and
authority, there would be no Church.” 5
Some people get caught up in why the Prophet Joseph didn’t record the exact date and
location of the restoration of the Melchizedek and spend a great deal of time trying to research
the matter. Perhaps a better use of time would be spent understanding the Melchizedek
Priesthood and how we can use it bless God’s children. President Gordon B. Hinckley testified,
“[The priesthood] is a delegation of divine authority, different from all other powers and
authorities on the face of the earth… It is the only power on the earth that reaches beyond the
veil of death… Without it there could be a church in name only, [a church] lacking authority to
4
5
In Conference Report, Apr. 1937, 121.
“Where is the Church?” devotional address, Brigham Young University, Mar. 1, 2005, 8.
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administer in the things of God.” 6 We are blessed to live at a time where there are more
priesthood holders on the earth than at any other time in history.
We also focused on the law of witnesses in this class session. The Lord establishes his
word “in the mouth of two or three witnesses” (see 2 Corinthians 13:1). The Savior provided
many more witnesses to the gold plates than “two or three.” These witnesses “saw,” “hefted,”
“handle[d],” and heard the voice of God declaring that the plates were translated by His gift and
power (see The Testimony of Three Witnesses and The Testimony of Eight Witnesses at the
beginning of the Book of Mormon). The Lord chose witnesses, often without impressive
resumes, to testify of the plates and the truth of the “marvelous work and a wonder” that was
coming forth (see Isaiah 29:14).
Another principle that was discussed is found in the fifth Article of Faith: “We believe
that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are
in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” Mission presidents
serve where they do not because they are great businessmen or eloquent speakers or because they
have superpowers, but because they are called of God. The same goes for stake presidents and
any other leader in this Church- the Lord is at the helm and He chooses whom he would like to
lead the building of His kingdom in the latter days. Joseph Smith is a prophet, seer and revelator,
and every man who has served as President of the Church following Joseph Smith is as well.
Quite simply, when we follow the living prophet we will escape darkness and be preserved.
When we don’t follow the prophet the gates of hell will prevail against us (see Doctrine and
Covenants 21:1, 4-6).
6
“Priesthood Restoration,” Ensign, Oct. 1988, 71.
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“Go to the Ohio:” Development of the Kingdom of God in Kirtland
In Doctrine and Covenants 6, Oliver Cowdery had begun serving as scribe to Joseph
Smith on the translation of the Book of Mormon. In verses 22-23, the Lord reminds Oliver of an
experience he previously had with the Holy Ghost: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a
further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you
might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning
the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” We learned a vital principle
today in class that goes right along with this section of scripture: We must have integrity and stay
true to our testimonies. Despite all the current criticism and objections to the Church, we must
stay true to what we have felt in the past and what we already know to be true. Many of the early
brethren had so many reasons not to embrace the Restoration, but they had experiences with the
Holy Ghost that they couldn’t deny. Although not all stayed completely faithful throughout their
lives, they played important roles in the early days of the building of the kingdom. John
Murdock, Edward Partridge, Orson Hyde and John Whitmer are a few examples of the brethren
who helped build the kingdom in Kirtland, Ohio. Whether it was serving missions or working
alongside the Prophet Joseph, they worked to establish the Church and stay true to their
testimonies during difficult times. One of the Lord’s main messages in the Doctrine and
Covenants is for his servants to be faithful: “Be faithful until I come, for I come quickly”
(Doctrine and Covenants 112:34); “therefore, be faithful; and behold, and lo, I am with you even
unto the end” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:41); “wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office
which I have appointed unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5).
We also discussed in class the two main purposes of the Law of Consecration and
Stewardship: 1) to care for the poor, and, 2) to build the kingdom of God. We shouldn’t ever
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think like this: “When we start living this law again, I can confiscate my neighbor’s snow
blower.” The Lord outlines the principles governing this law in Doctrine and Covenants 42:3039 and verses 70-73. He counsels us specifically about the poor in verse 30: “And behold, thou
wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to
impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.” And why is this law so
important? “That my covenant people may be gathered in one…And this I do for the salvation of
my people. For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me” (see Doctrine and
Covenants 42:36, 38; emphasis added).
The Land of Zion: From Paradise to Conflict in Jackson County
Sometimes in Gospel Doctrine classes, and even classes in Seminaries and Institutes, we
spend more time than we should trying to determine the exact location of the Garden of Eden.
Brother Rees made the comment today, quoting lds.org, that “the exact location is not important,
just like knowing the exact number of animals on the ark is not important. What IS important is a
testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In section 116 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the
Lord names Spring Hill (in Daviess County, Missouri) Adam-ondi-Ahman. The Lord also
teaches us that this is where Adam “shall come to visit his people.” Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
taught us the purpose of this council: it will be “of the greatest importance to this world. At that
time there will be a transfer of authority from the usurper and imposter, Lucifer to the rightful
King, Jesus Christ. Judgment will be set and all who have held keys will make their reports and
deliver their stewardship, as they shall be required.” 7 This meeting will not be made known to
the world and will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in power and glory. Our focus and
7
Way to Perfection, pp. 290-91; quoted in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, pp. 288.
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desires should be focused on continual repentance and preparing for the Lord’s coming and less
on the exact location of Eden.
I really felt the truth of a principle we discussed in class because of my current calling.
We must sustain our Church leaders and accept that they are called of God, even though they are
not perfect. William E. McLellin felt he could write a revelation comparable to Joseph’s, and
failed miserably in his attempt. The Lord was aware of Joseph’s imperfections (see Doctrine and
Covenants 67:5-8) but he was still the Lord’s chosen Prophet. We might agree with our leaders
or even like them, but we must still follow the Lord’s direction given through them to stay on the
safe path. In Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 we learn that the First Presidency is upheld “by the
confidence, faith, and prayer of the church.” To summarize Brother Rees, when we look at our
Bishop as “Steve” or just some guy in the ward, that’s often all we’ll get from him. When we
esteem him as God’s servant, God will be able to make revelation flow through him in our
behalf. The fact that sustaining the Brethren AND local leaders is part of the temple recommend
interview helps us understand how the Lord feels about it.
“There You Shall Be Endowed With Power:” The Kirtland Temple and the Pentecostal Season
During the Ohio period in Church history one of the most powerful testimonies of Jesus
Christ that we have was recorded was received in February 1832. In fact, the Prophet Joseph
stated that is was the testimony last of all: “And now, after the many testimonies which have
been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” (see
Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24). The Lord teaches in section 107, verse 23 that the Apostles
are “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world.” That is exactly what Joseph Smith
was.
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As we studied the Lord’s counsel to the First Presidency in Doctrine and Covenants 81,
an idea came to my mind more than once: we are all replaceable. I will explain. In March 1832
Jesse Gause was called to serve in the First Presidency and then later replaced by Frederick G.
Williams because of apostasy. The Lord has opportunities available to us, along with blessings in
store if we’re faithful. However, if we’re not faithful, nothing is guaranteed. Patriarchal blessings
are an example of this principle. They contain wonderful blessings that can be ours if we keep
the commandments as we should. Another example: Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Quorum
of Twelve and Joseph’s successor, apostatized. Brigham Young took his place and led the Saints
to the Salt Lake Valley. The Lord reminds us in the next section: “I the Lord am bound when ye
do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (Doctrine and Covenants
82:10).
As mentioned in previous classes, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and Joseph Smith
was not perfect. He had his “weaknesses” and “foibles” (see Joseph Smith-History 28) just like
anybody else. Because of this, we must gain a witness of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God by
the Holy Ghost. That way, when we hear of or study incidents when his behavior is not
consistent with a prophet of God, we may conclude:
1) These reports are false,
2) These reports have been distorted or are inaccurate (which is generally the case), or,
3) These reports are true, and God just didn’t care about that behavior.
The bottom line is this: either Joseph Smith is a prophet or he isn’t. And when we know he is by
the power of the Holy Ghost, we can accept all the stories and reports that we come across
throughout his life.
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The truth that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (see Alma
37:6) really stood out to me while we were studying the Kirtland time period. There were so
many great men and missionaries that “laid the foundations of the great latter-day work”
(Doctrine and Covenants 138:53). Some of these men were: Wilford Woodruff, David W. Patten,
Parley P. Pratt, John E. Page, and John F. Boynton. Because of the efforts, sacrifice, and
dedication of these and many other men and women, the kingdom of God grew and grew. During
the early years of the Kirtland era, there were fewer than 10,000 members. Today, there are over
15 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“There You Shall Be Endowed With Power:” The Kirtland Temple and the Pentecostal Season
(part 2)
Many of the temples in the Church contain the inscription “Holiness to the Lord, House
of the Lord” above the entrance. As we studied in class today, the temple is literally the house of
God, not just symbolically. In Joseph Smith’s dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple on
March 27, 1836, he specifically prayed that “out of our poverty we have given of our substance
to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his
people” (see Doctrine and Covenants 109:5; emphasis added). He also prayed, “That thy glory
may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house, which we now dedicate to thee, that it
may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in
this house” (verse 12). When the Savior says He will be in our midst repeatedly throughout the
Doctrine and Covenants, He means what He says. The fact that He makes this promise to His
Saints on so many occasions is evidence of this:

Doctrine and Covenants 29:5= “For I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the
Father.”
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
Doctrine and Covenants 38:7= “I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your
midst and ye cannot see me.”

Doctrine and Covenants 49:27= “I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be
in your midst, and you shall not be confounded.”

Doctrine and Covenants 50:44= “Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good
shepherd, and the stone of Israel.”

Doctrine and Covenants 61:36= “Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst,
and I have not forsake you.”
In the hymn “The Spirit of God” by W.W. Phelps are the following lines: “The visions and
blessings of old are returning, and angels are coming to visit the earth” (verse 1), “the veil o’er
the earth is beginning to burst” (verse 2), and “that we through our faith may begin to inherit, the
visions and blessings and glories of God” (verse 3). We are blessed to live in a day when the
glories of the Lord are coming forth and the arm of the Lord is being revealed. The Lord truly is
hastening his work (Doctrine and Covenants 88:73) in so many ways in the last days. In section
66 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord teaches that His “glories are to be revealed in the last
days” (verse 2) and also that “the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the
nations, the heather nations, the house of Joseph, of the gospel of their salvation” (see Doctrine
and Covenants 90:10). Despite the ever-increasing wickedness of the world, I feel that there has
never been a more exciting time to be alive and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. I remember President Hinckley sharing this thought so many times, and I feel
the exact same way. It is a humbling thing to be a part of the Gospel and be able to participate in
building the Kingdom of God.
The Church in Northern Missouri
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One of the main focuses of this class period was the Kirtland apostasy of 1837. During
this time period, 15% of general membership left the Church, including 1/3 of the General
Authorities of the Church. We looked at four main causes for this occurrence:
1. Economic trials: rapid growth of the Church, the false stimulus of the economy caused by the
building of the temple, and the failure of the Kirtland anti-banking safety society.
2. Backbiting against Joseph Smith: he struggled at various business dealings, which cause
murmuring among some members. Brigham Young was his more loyal defender during this
time.
3. Vexatious lawsuits and accusations: an example of this is when Oliver Cowdery, W.W.
Phelps, and John Whitmer sue the saints to get their money back.
4. Charges of immorality: the Prophet dealt with these accusations over the years regarding
plural marriage.
Studying these reasons for apostasy caused me to think about why people leave the
Church in our day, and many of the reasons are the same. Many people struggle to make ends
meet, stop paying their tithing (resulting in a loss of blessings), and lose their faith. Other
members are offended by the actions or words of others. Some may not like their Bishop and
focus on his failings and become critical of their leaders, so they quit attending. Some members
get caught up in groups (i.e. “Ordain Women”) that lead them off the gospel path. Some
members, including the youth, search for answers to their questions in the wrong places, either
on the internet or speaking with others that have lost their testimonies, resulting in a crisis of
faith. The Lord has counseled us over and over again to “be not deceived, but continue in
steadfastness” (Doctrine and Covenants 49:23). I gained a new appreciation for Brigham Young,
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Heber C. Kimball and others who remained true to the Prophet Joseph in not only the good times
but also the bad. I hope that I can be true at all times, in all things and in all places just like these
early brethren were.
One other principle really stood out to me from this lesson: If we want the Lord’s will to
be accomplished in our lives, we need to do something about it. We need to act. In other words,
just because my patriarchal blessing contains great blessings the Lord has in store for me, I can’t
just sit on the couch and wait for the blessings to be poured upon my head. Nothing is
guaranteed, and those blessings are dependent upon me acting and being faithful to secure the
rewards. An example of this principle is found in Doctrine and Covenants 118:4-6. John Taylor,
John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards were appointed to fill the vacancies in
the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. These vacancies existed because other men were not faithful to
their appointments (see Doctrine and Covenants 114:2). I know the Lord needs me and can use
me in the building of His kingdom. I have a wonderful opportunity to participate in this work.
But, if I’m stupid and do things that I know aren’t right, I am very replaceable. The Lord will put
someone else in my stead and the work will roll on. I love what He teaches in section 3: “The
works and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to
naught … Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of
men … my work shall go forth” (see verses 1-3, 16).
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Conclusion
President Ezra Taft Benson once testified, “The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ.
The Doctrine and Covenants brings men to Christ’s kingdom, even the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, ‘the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth’ (D&C 1:30).
I know that. The Book of Mormon is the ‘keystone’ of our religion and the Doctrine and
Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation. The Lord has placed His stamp
of approval on both the keystone and the capstone.” 8 In this class we have studied the
establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in this last dispensation, commencing with the
first vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith. From this vision in 1820 until the Prophet’s death in
1844, the foundation was laid for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The heavens
were once again opened, angels were visiting the earth, and revelation was flowing from God to
His chosen servants on the earth. Joseph Smith taught that “[the Doctrine and Covenants is] the
foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of
the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.” 9
Students in Seminaries and Institutes who earnestly study the Doctrine and Covenants
will gain a stronger testimony of the divinity of this Church. The will come to know the “tender
but firm voice of the Lord” as they study his revelations to the early leaders of the Church (see
Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants). And perhaps the most important
lesson that can be learned from a study of this book of scripture is this: what James taught is true.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). The revelations found in Doctrine and Covenants
8
9
“The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, May 1987.
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 194.
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came in answer to a sincere, honest prayer and desire for answers and guidance from a loving
Heavenly Father and Savior. This same pattern can also be followed by each of us in our day.
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Annotated Bibliography
Benson, Ezra Taft, “The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, May 1987.
Ezra Taft Benson was the 13th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Benson described the roles of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants in
bringing souls to Christ and His Church.
Church Educational System, Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual (Religion 324-25) (Salt
Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981). Faust, James E., “Where is
the Church?” devotional address, Brigham Young University, Mar. 1, 2005. President Faust
taught of the absolute necessity of priesthood keys in governing God’s Church.
Hinckley, Gordon B., “Priesthood Restoration,” Ensign, Oct. 1988. Gordon B. Hinckley was the
15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this quote, President
Hinckley gives a succinct definition of priesthood authority.
McKay, David O., Conference Report, Apr. 1937. David O. McKay was the 9thth President of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This whole class session was dedicated on the
restoration of the priesthood, and President McKay clarifies that this is the one feature that
distinguished the Church of Jesus Christ from any other church on earth.
Smith, Joseph, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007]. Joseph Smith was
the 1st President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet explained the
purpose of the Doctrine and Covenants and its role in the world.
Smith, Joseph Fielding, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56],
3:199. Joseph Fielding Smith was the 10th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. This quote perfectly summarized the reason for putting together this portfolio.
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Smith, Joseph Fielding, Way to Perfection, pp. 290-91. Joseph Fielding Smith was the 10th
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This quote helps us understand an
important event that will take place in Adam-ondi-Ahman preceding the Second Coming of
Christ.
Uchtdorf, Dieter F., “Come, Join With Us,” Ensign, Nov. 2013. Dieter F. Uchtdorf is currently
serving as the 2nd counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. President Uchtdorf’s teaches perfectly a principle discussed in class in terms of gaining a
testimony of the gospel and staying true to that testimony.
William W. Phelps, “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning,” Hymns (Salt Lake City: The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985), no. 2. W. W. Phelps was an early leader in
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is widely known for his contributions to the
LDS hymnal. This reference was used because the name of this class came from a hymn penned
by W. W. Phelps.
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