D & C 78, 82, 83

Doctrine & Covenants 78

After the Amherst Conference in early 1832, this revelation was given at the John Johnson farm at Hiram, Ohio. Joseph is still translating the scriptures with Sidney Rigdon. Members of the “high priesthood” here assembled to learn how they could build the church. These instructions refer to a “united order” and an “order of Enoch.” The Lord tells us that it is only through obedience to his heavenly order that Zion will be established.

The United Order in Kirtland: An administrative structure designed to run the affairs of the Church. V. 3 originally read, “the Literary and Mercantile establishments of my church.” 2 Firms mentioned as part of the United Order: The Literary Firm: D&C 70:1-5 Elders who were to consecrate their property and talents for printing the scriptures and other Church publications.” The United Firm: later the united order V. 9 Church leaders, specified by the Lord to be His stewards, were to govern by the principles of the law of consecration. McConkie & Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration, 561.

In the early days of the restoration, the Lord revealed specific laws concerning consecration of earthly property, receiving stewardships, and payment of tithes to the Church of Jesus Christ. The Lord emphasized that the Saints must learn to obey these laws to receive an inheritance in the celestial kingdom.

“Joseph Smith stated, ‘A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary [to lead] unto life and salvation.’ (Lectures on Faith, p. 58.) “The law of consecration,” said Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85), “is that we consecrate our time, our talents, and our money and property to the cause of the Church; such are to be available to the extent they are needed to further the Lord’s interests on earth.” “Obedience, Consecration, and Sacrifice,” Ensign, May 1975, 50.

Section 82

“On the 26th a general council of the Church was called. The Prophet was acknowledged as the President of the High Priesthood, to which exalted position he had been ordained at the Conference at Amherst, Ohio, Jan. 25th, Bishop Partridge gave him the right hand of fellowship in behalf of the Church. “On this occasion a misunderstanding between Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge was cleared up, and unity and peace prevailed. The Lord then gave this Revelation [D&C 82].” (Smith and Sjodahl, Commentary, pp. 488–89.)

Elder James E. Talmage said: “‘Mormonism’ has taught me that God holds himself accountable to law even as he expects us to do. He has set us the example in obedience to law. I know that to say this would have been heresy a few decades ago. But we have the divine word for it: ‘I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.’ (Section 82:10.) He operates by law and not by arbitrariness or caprice.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1930, p. 96.) D&C 82:11–12. Why Were These Men to Covenant with God?

D&C 83

Keeping the commandment of 78:9, Joseph Smith and others traveled from Ohio to Missouri in Spring 1832 On April 27, Joseph wrote: “We transacted considerable business for the salvation of the Saints, who were settling among a ferocious set of mobbers, like lambs among wolves. It was my endeavor to so organize the Church, that the brethren might eventually be independent of every incumbrance beneath the celestial kingdom, by bonds and covenants of mutual friendship, and mutual love.” “On the 30 th, I returned to Independence, and again sat in council with the brethren, and received the following...”

The first thing a Bishop should do is to inquire if he or she is a tithe-payer. He should know whether the name is on the book of the law of the Lord... They should show by observance of the law that they are law-keepers... Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 231

We are not always called upon to live the whole law of consecration... Few of us are called upon to sacrifice much of what we possess, and at the moment there is only an occasional martyr in the cause of revealed religion. “But what the scriptural account means is that to gain celestial salvation we must be able to live these laws to the full if we are called upon to do so. Implicit in this is the reality that we must in fact live them to the extent we are called upon so to do.... “Now I think it is perfectly clear that the Lord expects far more of us than we sometimes render in response. We are not as other men. We are the saints of God and have the revelations of heaven. Where much is given much is expected. We are to put first in our lives the things of his kingdom.” (Spencer W. Kimball. Ensign, May 1975, pp. 50–51.)