1835 Edition
This lecture defines faith as the governing principle of power by which God created the universe and by which humanity may ascend to godhood. It argues that salvation consists of becoming a 'saved being' exactly like Jesus Christ—possessing the same glory, power, and dominion through the perfection of faith.
Articles and Covenants
The foundational constitution of the early Latter-day Saint church, establishing its history, theological creed, priesthood hierarchy, and ordinances.
General Assembly Minutes, August 17, 1835
Minutes of a general assembly in Kirtland, Ohio, where the Church formally accepted and canonized the Doctrine and Covenants as binding scripture through a process of hierarchical voting.
Index
A topical index organizing the revelations, commandments, and lectures of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, codifying the administrative, liturgical, and theological framework of the early Latter-day Saint movement.
Lecture 1 (Lectures on Faith)
This lecture redefines faith not merely as belief or trust, but as the fundamental 'principle of power' and 'action' governing all intelligent beings, including God Himself.
Lecture 2
This lecture argues that faith in God is founded initially upon human testimony transmitted through unbroken patriarchal lineages (Adam to Noah to Abraham), rather than solely through creation or independent reason.
Lecture 3
This lecture outlines three absolute prerequisites for rational beings to exercise saving faith: the idea that God exists, a correct understanding of His character/attributes, and actual knowledge that one's life aligns with God's will.
Lecture 4
This lecture argues that a correct intellectual understanding of six specific attributes of God is the necessary prerequisite for exercising the faith required for salvation.
Lecture 5
A theological discourse defining the Godhead as consisting of two personages—the Father (spirit) and the Son (tabernacle)—united by the Holy Spirit, which is defined as their shared 'mind' rather than a distinct person.
Lecture 6
This lecture asserts that saving faith can only be obtained through the 'sacrifice of all things,' claiming that actual knowledge of divine acceptance—derived solely from such sacrifice—is a prerequisite for eternal life.
Postface (Notes to the Reader)
An errata sheet for the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants clarifying ecclesiastical titles and modifying the 'Article on Marriage' to assert that heads of households commit sin if they prevent dependents from joining the Mormon faith.
Preface
The 1835 Preface establishes the Doctrine and Covenants as a compilation of theological lectures and divine revelations intended to clarify church beliefs and counter public accusations of heresy.
Section 1 (Preface)
This text serves as the divine 'Preface' to Joseph Smith's revelations, declaring a universal apostasy of Christianity, the necessity of a restoration through Smith, and the establishment of the 'only true and living church.'
Section 3 (Modern D&C 107)
Establishes the dual priesthood hierarchy (Melchizedek and Aaronic) and the governing quorums of the LDS Church, tracing their authority back to Adam.
Section 4
A revelation establishing the necessity of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods for salvation, mandating the construction of a temple in Missouri within that generation, and commissioning missionaries with promises of miraculous signs.
Section 5 (Modern D&C 102)
Minutes detailing the organization and procedural laws of the first High Council of the Church, established to settle important difficulties and doctrinal disputes via hierarchical deliberation and presidential revelation.
Section 7
A comprehensive revelation outlining the cosmology of the 'Light of Christ,' the three degrees of glory based on adherence to law, eschatological events, and the establishment of the School of the Prophets.
Section 8
A revelation addressed to Oliver Cowdery confirming his role as scribe, validating his private prayers as proof of Joseph Smith's prophetic calling, and offering him the gift to translate hidden ancient records.
Section 9 (Modern D&C 24)
A revelation directing Joseph Smith to cease temporal labor to focus entirely on ministry, while authorizing him and Oliver Cowdery to pronounce divine cursings upon those who reject their message or offer violence.
Section 10 (Modern D&C 29)
A revelation outlining the eschatological gathering of the elect to America, the nature of the Millennium, and the theological necessity of the Fall and human agency.
Section 11 (Modern D&C 35)
A revelation addressing Sidney Rigdon, invalidating his previous Christian ministry as preparatory but lacking authority, and commissioning him to serve as a scribe for Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible.
Section 12 (Modern D&C 38)
A revelation directing the Saints to gather geographically to 'the Ohio' to escape secret enemies and receive a divine law and endowment of power.
Section 13 (Modern D&C 42)
Known as 'The Law of the Church,' this revelation establishes the moral, ecclesiastical, and economic code (Law of Consecration) for the early Latter-day Saints, explicitly conditioning salvation upon obedience to these new commandments.
Section 14 (Modern D&C 43)
A revelation establishing Joseph Smith as the sole channel for divine commandments to the church, rejecting rival claimants, and mandating material support for the prophet as a condition for receiving spiritual mysteries.
Section 15 (Modern D&C 45)
A revelation framing itself as a direct continuation of the Olivet Discourse, commanding the Saints to gather to the western United States to build a physical New Jerusalem as a refuge from imminent apocalyptic destruction.
Section 16
A revelation outlining the conduct of church meetings, emphasizing the inclusion of earnest seekers, warning against deception, and cataloging spiritual gifts which are to be discerned by the Bishop.
Section 17 (Modern D&C 50)
A revelation addressing spiritual excesses among early converts, establishing 'edification' as the primary test for discerning spirits and asserting the authority of ordained elders to rebuke darkness.
Section 18
A revelation designating Independence, Missouri, as the center of Zion, establishing the role of the Bishop as a judge in Israel, and defining righteousness as proactive engagement in good works without needing specific command.
Section 19
A revelation given to Joseph Smith in Missouri outlining the requirements for the Saints to inherit the land of Zion, emphasizing strict Sabbath observance, moral behavior, and the necessity of works for eternal life.
Section 20 (Modern Section 63)
A revelation warning against sign-seeking and moral impurity while commanding the Saints to purchase land for the establishment of Zion in Missouri.
Section 21 (Modern D&C 64)
A revelation addressing internal church dissent and property management in Kirtland, establishing the doctrine that tithing protects against eschatological burning and that refusal to forgive others constitutes a 'greater sin' than the original offense.
Section 22
This revelation defines the words of priesthood elders as 'scripture' when inspired, establishes the lineage rights of the Aaronic priesthood, and mandates the baptism of children at age eight under penalty of parental sin.
Section 23 (Modern Section 51)
A revelation directing Bishop Edward Partridge on the implementation of the Law of Consecration, mandating the distribution of property based on family needs and establishing stewardship as a requirement for eternal life.
Section 24 (Modern D&C 65)
A revelation declaring that the 'keys of the kingdom' have been restored to earth, identifying the nascent Mormon church as the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy regarding the stone cut without hands.
Section 25 (Modern Section 67)
A revelation challenging critics to replicate the language of Joseph Smith's revelations and promising that sufficiently humble elders may see God.
Section 26 (Modern D&C 70)
A revelation appointing six men as stewards over the publication and sales of church revelations, establishing a system where profits support their families and the church storehouse.
Section 27 (Modern D&C 57)
A revelation designating Independence, Missouri, as the biblical Zion and the site for a future temple, while commanding specific church leaders to purchase land and establish mercantile and printing operations.
Section 28 (Modern D&C 69)
A revelation instructing John Whitmer to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Zion to safeguard church funds and manuscripts, while also commanding Whitmer to record a history of the church.
Section 29 (Modern Section 73)
A revelation directing Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to resume their revision of the Bible and instructing elders to continue preaching until the next conference.
Section 30 (Modern Section 3)
A revelation rebuking Joseph Smith for fearing man more than God regarding the loss of the 116 manuscript pages, while affirming his call and the unstoppable nature of God's work.
Section 31
A revelation given to Joseph Smith Sr. calling for total devotion to the emerging 'marvellous work' of the Restoration, explicitly linking the effort of missionary labor to the security of the worker's own salvation.
Section 32
A revelation addressing Martin Harris's demand for empirical proof of the Golden Plates, establishing Joseph Smith as the exclusive revelatory channel and outlining the conditional requirements for three future witnesses.
Section 33
Joseph Smith claims to translate a hidden parchment written by John the Apostle, revealing that John asked to remain on earth as a 'translated being' to perform missionary work until the Second Coming.
Section 34
A revelation addressed to Oliver Cowdery defining the 'Spirit of Revelation' as intellectual and emotional impressions and authorizing him to use the 'gift of Aaron' to translate ancient records.
Section 35
A revelation explaining Oliver Cowdery's failure to translate the Book of Mormon, establishing the 'burning in the bosom' as the primary epistemological method for discerning truth.
Section 36 (Modern Section 10)
A revelation addressing the loss of the 116 manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon, instructing Joseph Smith not to re-translate them due to a conspiracy by wicked men to alter the original text.
Section 37
A revelation given to Hyrum Smith commanding him to wait to preach until the Book of Mormon translation is complete, while emphasizing commandment-keeping and subjective spiritual confirmation.
Section 38 (Modern D&C 12)
A revelation dictated by Joseph Smith to Joseph Knight Sr., commanding him to assist in the 'marvelous work' of the Restoration to secure his own salvation.
Section 39 (Modern D&C 14)
A revelation directed to David Whitmer, commanding him to assist in the 'marvelous work' of the Restoration and conditioning eternal life upon strict obedience and missionary labor.
Section 40
A personal revelation addressed to John Whitmer, identifying missionary work ('declaring repentance') as the single most valuable activity for his life.
Section 41
A personal revelation addressed to Peter Whitmer Jr., wherein Jesus Christ (through Joseph Smith) validates Peter's secret desires and commands him to focus exclusively on missionary work.
Section 43 (Modern D&C 18)
A revelation given to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer establishing the foundational authority of the Book of Mormon, commissioning the search for the Twelve Apostles, and defining salvation as conditional upon strict obedience and baptism.
Section 44 (Modern D&C 19)
A revelation directed to Martin Harris commanding him to mortgage his farm to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon, under threat of divine retribution.
Section 45 (Modern D&C 23)
A collection of five short revelations given in April 1830 to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr., clarifying their spiritual standing and specific ministerial duties.
Section 46 (Modern D&C 21)
A foundational revelation given at the organization of the Church, designating Joseph Smith as Seer, Translator, Prophet, and Apostle, and commanding the Church to obey his words as if they came directly from God's mouth.
Section 47 (Modern D&C 22)
A revelation mandating that converts from other Christian denominations must be re-baptized to join the Church, declaring all previous Christian baptisms to be 'dead works' and devoid of authority.
Section 48 (Modern D&C 25)
A personal revelation addressed to Emma Smith, designating her as an 'elect lady,' outlining her duties to comfort and scribe for her husband Joseph, commissioning her to compile a hymnal, and establishing strict conditional obedience as the prerequisite for her salvation.
Section 49 (Modern D&C 26)
A revelation instructing Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer to balance spiritual ministry with temporal labor and establishing the principle of common consent.
Section 50 (Modern D&C 27)
A revelation outlining instructions for the sacrament, asserting the restoration of priesthood keys through angelic visitation, and commanding the use of spiritual armor tied to this restoration.
Section 51 (Modern D&C 28)
A revelation establishing Joseph Smith's exclusive authority to receive commandments for the Church, rebuking Hiram Page's use of a seer stone, and commissioning a mission to the Lamanites.
Section 52
A series of three revelations rebuking David Whitmer for misplaced trust and commissioning Peter and John Whitmer to specific missionary labors under strict hierarchical authority.
Section 53 (Modern D&C 31)
A revelation calling Thomas B. Marsh to missionary service, promising the eventual conversion of his family, and explicitly linking the forgiveness of his sins to his diligent labor in the harvest.
Section 54 (Modern Section 32)
A revelation directing Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson to join Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer Jr. on a mission to preach to the 'Lamanites' (Native Americans).
Section 55 (Modern D&C 33)
A revelation calling Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet to preach repentance to a 'corrupted' generation, declaring the restoration of the church and the urgency of the 'eleventh hour.'
Section 56 (Modern D&C 34)
A revelation given through Joseph Smith to Orson Pratt, commanding him to preach repentance and prophesy in preparation for the imminent Second Coming of Christ.
Section 57 (Modern D&C 36)
A revelation calling Edward Partridge to the ministry, explicitly tying the reception of the Holy Ghost and priesthood authority to the physical laying on of hands by Sidney Rigdon.
Section 58
A revelation directing Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to pause their Bible translation work and commanding the early Church to relocate from New York to Ohio.
Section 59 (Modern Section 39)
A revelation directing Methodist minister James Covill to be baptized into the restored church and move to Ohio to receive greater blessings.
Section 60
A revelation explaining the sudden apostasy of Methodist minister James Covel, attributing his rejection of Joseph Smith's previous command to satanic temptation, fear of persecution, and worldly cares.
Section 61 (Modern Section 41)
A revelation establishing the first Bishop of the church, commanding the construction of a home for Joseph Smith to facilitate his translation work, and defining discipleship through strict obedience to a forthcoming 'law.'
Section 62
A revelation commanding elders to gather for a conference, promising the outpouring of the Spirit conditional upon their faithfulness, and instructing them to organize legally for protection against enemies while caring for the poor.
Section 63
A revelation appointing John Whitmer as the official Church Historian and scribe to Joseph Smith, replacing Oliver Cowdery.
Section 64
A revelation directing the settlement of Latter-day Saints arriving from the East, mandating the sharing of land and the accumulation of financial resources to purchase a future city of Zion.
Section 66a (Modern D&C 52)
A revelation directing specific elders to travel to Missouri for a conference, establishing a 'pattern' for discerning spirits based on obedience to ordinances, and emphasizing that divine acceptance is conditional upon faithfulness.
Section 66b (Modern D&C 53)
A revelation addressing Sidney Gilbert regarding his specific duties as an Elder and church agent, conditioning future knowledge and salvation on his labor and endurance.
Section 67 (Modern D&C 54)
A revelation directing Newel Knight and the Colesville Saints to flee Ohio for Missouri after the 'United Order' covenant was broken by a member.
Section 68 (Modern D&C 55)
A revelation directing William W. Phelps to be baptized for the remission of sins, ordained by Joseph Smith to preach, and commissioned to assist Oliver Cowdery in printing educational materials for the church in Zion.
Section 69
A revelation issued in June 1831 rebuking specific elders for refusing to travel to Missouri, asserting God's prerogative to revoke commandments based on human disobedience, and condemning both the greedy rich and the envious poor.
Section 70
A revelation rebuking elders for failing to preach due to fear, commanding them to proclaim the gospel to the 'wicked' while returning to Ohio, and instituting a ritual of judgment against those who reject them.
Section 71 (Modern Section 61)
A revelation declaring that God has cursed the waters in the last days, instructing elders to travel by land to avoid the 'destroyer,' and commanding them to preach to 'rid their garments' of the people's sins.
Section 72 (Modern D&C 62)
A revelation given to elders traveling to Missouri, assuring them of forgiveness based on their missionary testimonies and providing logistical instructions for their gathering in Zion.
Section 73 (Modern Section 74)
A revelatory explanation of 1 Corinthians 7:14, asserting that the biblical passage refers to the conflict over circumcision and the Law of Moses, declaring children holy through the Atonement.
Section 74 (Modern D&C 66)
A personal revelation addressed to William E. McLellin, commending his acceptance of the restored gospel while issuing specific warnings against adultery and commands to preach.
Section 75 (Modern D&C 78)
A revelation establishing the 'United Firm' to manage church assets and care for the poor, asserting that economic equality among saints is a prerequisite for obtaining a place in the celestial world.
Section 76 (Modern D&C 79)
A revelation directing Jared Carter to undertake a mission to the eastern United States, promising the Holy Spirit's guidance and spiritual rewards contingent upon his faithfulness.
Section 77
A revelation commissioning Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith to preach the gospel, emphasizing the urgency of the message over the specific geographical location of their mission.
Section 78 (Modern Section 99)
A revelation directing John Murdock to preach in the eastern United States, establishing the authority of missionaries to pronounce judgment on those who reject them, and providing instructions for the care of his motherless children in Zion.
Section 79 (Modern Section 81)
A revelation appointing Frederick G. Williams as a counselor to Joseph Smith, establishing the authority of the First Presidency and conditioning eternal life upon faithfulness in this ecclesiastical office.
Section 80 (Modern Section 89)
A revelation outlining a dietary code known as the 'Word of Wisdom,' prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks while prescribing herbs, grains, and sparing meat consumption, promising physical health and spiritual wisdom as rewards.
Section 81 (Modern D&C 97)
A revelation commanding the Saints in Missouri to build a temple for their salvation and instruction, promising divine presence for purity but threatening severe judgment and expulsion for disobedience.
Section 82
A revelation redefining the nature of Christ as a progressive being who attained fullness over time, asserting the co-eternal, uncreated nature of human intelligence, and commanding church leaders to set their families in order.
Section 83
A revelation instructing the layout of the city of Kirtland as a 'Stake of Zion,' specifically designating lots for a presidency office and a printing house.
Section 84 (Modern Section 90)
A revelation establishing the First Presidency, affirming Joseph Smith's permanent possession of the keys of the kingdom, and providing instructions for the School of the Prophets and temporal church management.
Section 85 (Modern D&C 98)
A revelation addressing the persecution of Saints in Missouri, establishing a 'Law of Retaliation' regarding war and forgiveness, and affirming the US Constitution.
Section 86
A revelation establishing the 'United Firm' (United Order) to manage church assets and the poor, introducing the doctrine that God is bound by human obedience and that recurring sin revokes prior forgiveness.
Section 87
A revelation assigning missionary companionships and outlining the duties, blessings, and severe judgments associated with their labor.
Section 88 [Modern D&C 83]
A revelation delineating the economic responsibilities of husbands and parents, and establishing the Church's obligation to support widows and orphans through the 'Lord's storehouse' and the Law of Consecration.
Section 89 (Modern D&C 72)
A revelation appointing Newel K. Whitney as bishop in Kirtland and establishing a strict system of financial accountability and certification for members moving to Zion.
Section 90 (Modern D&C 71)
A revelation directing Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to temporarily pause Bible translation to preach and publicly debate critics.
Section 91 (Modern Section 76)
A vision recounting the three degrees of glory (Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial) and the Sons of Perdition, establishing a tiered afterlife based on merit, ordinances, and valiancy.
Section 92 (Modern D&C 91)
A revelation instructing Joseph Smith that the Apocrypha contains both truth and human interpolations, making its translation unnecessary while emphasizing spiritual discernment for the reader.
Section 93 (Modern D&C 92)
A brief administrative revelation instructing the United Firm to accept Frederick G. Williams as a member, conditioning his eternal blessings on his active participation and obedience to commandments.
Section 94 (Modern Section 100)
A revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon regarding their missionary labors, the welfare of their families, and the conditional nature of salvation based on obedience.
Section 96
A revelation designating the Kirtland 'French Farm' for the building of the Temple and admitting John Johnson into the United Firm.
Section 97 (Modern D&C 101)
A revelation explaining the expulsion of Saints from Jackson County, Missouri, attributing their suffering to internal transgression while promising future redemption of the land through obedience and political petition.
Section 98 (Modern D&C 104)
A revelation reorganizing the 'United Order' in Kirtland, assigning specific properties (stewardships) to church leaders, and establishing strict laws regarding treasuries and debt under threat of divine cursing.
Section 99 (Modern D&C 106)
A revelation appointing Warren A. Cowdery as a presiding high priest, instructing him to preach the gospel, and offering conditional promises of mercy and eternal reward based on his humility and continued faithfulness.
Section 100 (Modern D&C 133)
An apocalyptic revelation serving as the 'Appendix' to the Doctrine and Covenants, commanding the gathering of the Saints to Zion (America) to escape imminent global destruction and preparing for the Second Coming.
Section 102 (Modern Section 134)
A declaration of belief regarding the relationship between the church and civil government, emphasizing religious liberty, the divine institution of secular authority, and a policy of non-interference regarding slavery.