DOCTRINE and COVENANTS

Sections 4142, 44, 48, 51, 70, 72, 79

Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class

Jan. 1831: John Whitmer sent to Kirtland

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Josephs assessment of Kirtland

The branch of the Church in this part of the Lords vineyard, which had increased to nearly one hundred members, were striving to do the will of God, so far as they knew it, though some strange notions and false spirits had crept in among them. With a little caution and some wisdom, I soon assisted the brethren and sisters to overcome them. The plan of common stock, which had existed in what was called the family, whose members generally had embraced the everlasting Gospel, was readily abandoned for the more perfect law of the Lord; and the false spirits were easily discerned and rejected by the light of revelation. History of the Church 1:14647
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The first bishop

4 February 1831. D&C 41:910. Edward Partridge.

D&C 42: The law of the Lord

Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you (D&C 42:2). Previously promised: D&C 38:32; 41:35. Referred to in subsequent revelations: D&C 43:89; 44:6; 58:19, 36; 64:13, 15; 72:9, 15; 82:4. D&C 42:49. The first commandment: Preach, baptize, build up the Church.
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The law of consecration

To make or declare to be sacred, by certain ceremonies or rites; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service and worship of God (Webster, 1828). Latin consecratus, to make holy, devote.

Principles of consecration
1. The Lord created all things; therefore all things are his (D&C 104:1415). 2. God grants to us whatever ask that is right; therefore we ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another (Mosiah 4:21).

All that we have comes from God

The Lord has given to me all I possess; I have nothing in reality, not a single dime of it is mine. The coat I have on my back is not mine, and never was; the Lord put it in my possession honorably, and I wear it; but if He wishes for it, and all there is under it, He is welcome to the whole. I do not own a house, or a single foot of land, a horse, mule, carriage, or wagon, nor wife, nor child, but what the Lord gave me, and if He wants them, He can take them at His pleasure, whether He speaks for them, or takes them without speaking. Should this be the feeling to animate every bosom? It should. What have you to consecrate that is actually your own? Nothing. Brigham Young, June 1855
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Principles of consecration
3. Honesty, unity, and willing service required (D&C 51:9; 70:14). 4. Idleness is a vice (42:42). 5. Gratitude (78:19). 6. Provide for needs and just wants of the people (51:3; 82:17). 7. Accountability and stewardship (42:32; 70:34; 72:34).
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Practice of consecration
1. Inductees give all possessions to the bishop. 2. The bishop grants stewardships from all the properties received (D&C 42:3132). 3. Stewardships are private property, not communal (42:54; 51:4). 4. Surpluses kept in the bishops storehouse (42:3335, 55; 51:13). 5. Those who leave keep what they have, but no refunds (42:37; 51:5).
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Purposes of consecration
1. 2. 3. 4. Care for poor and needy (D&C 42:30; 44:6). Purchase lands, build houses of worship, build New Jerusalem (42:35). Help the Lords people overcome pride (42:40). Help the Lords people be industrious and avoid idleness (42:42). 5. Help the Lords people be united (51:9). 6. Make the Lords people equal in earthly things, receive a place in the celestial kingdom (78:3 7). 7. Help the Church stand independent above all other creatures (78:14). 8. Help the Lords people improve their talents for the good of all, seek the interest of their neighbor, and do all things with an eye single to Gods glory (82:1719).
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Duties of the bishop

D&C: bishop = presiding bishop. Presiding bishop and other general authorities are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecratedor they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services (42:71 73). Bishop Edward Partridge, 4 February 1831 (41:9). Bishop Newel K. Whitney, 4 December 1831 (72:58).
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Laws of behavior and discipline

What and how to teach (D&C 42:1214). Prohibitions against murder, theft, lying, adultery, and evil-speaking (42:1829).

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Eternal laws
Moses came down from the quaking, smoking Mount Sinai and brought to the wandering children of Israel the Ten Commandments, fundamental rules for the conduct of life. These commandments were, however, not new. They had been known to Adam and his posterity, who had been commanded to live them from the beginning and were merely reiterated by the Lord to Moses. And the commandments even antedated earth life and were part of the test for mortals established in the council of heaven. President Spencer W. Kimball, April 1975

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None else
The words none else eliminate everyone and everything. The spouse then becomes preeminent in the life of the husband or wife, and neither social life nor occupational life nor political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever take precedence over the companion spouse. . Marriage presupposes total allegiance and total fidelity. Each spouse takes the partner with the understanding that he or she gives self totally to the spouse: all the heart, strength, loyalty, honor, and affection with all dignity. Any divergence is sin any sharing the heart is transgression. Elder Spencer W. Kimball, October 1962
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Laws of behavior and discipline

Instructions on healing (D&C 42:4352). Dealing with adultery (42:7478). Murder, robbery, theft, and deceit (42:79, 8486). Cast out (42:20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 75).
Three purposes of Church discipline: 1. Save the souls of transgressors. 2. Protect the innocent. 3. Safeguard the purity, integrity, and good name of the Church.

Dealing with personal offenses (42:8892).

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DOCTRINE and COVENANTS

Next class: Sections 43, 45, 116, 133 (+29)

Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class