Preface
Overview
This Preface to the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants serves as a critical historical and theological manifesto for the early Latter Day Saint movement. Written by the First Presidency (Smith, Cowdery, Rigdon, Williams), it formally presents two distinct sections of scripture: the 'Lectures on Faith' (theology) and the 'Covenants and Commandments' (revelation). The authors articulate a defensive apologetic strategy, explicitly aiming to counter accusations that the church disbelieved the Bible or opposed civil government. By publishing these 'leading items of the religion,' the authors attempt to standardize doctrine and subject themselves to public scrutiny, while simultaneously claiming these writings are 'Revelations of God.' The text reveals a church in transition from a loose charismatic movement to a structured institution with a codified, open canon that stands alongside the Bible. It emphasizes accountability to God for the principles taught, framing the publication as a solemn duty performed under the direction of the High Council.
Key Figures
- Joseph Smith Jr.
- Oliver Cowdery
- Sidney Rigdon
- Frederick G. Williams
- The High Council
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Open Canon / Continuing Revelation
Assertion
The text asserts that the volume contains 'Revelations of God' given since the church's organization, implying the Bible is not the final authority.
Evidence from Text
Carefully selected from the revelations of God... items or principles for the regulation of the church, as taken from the revelations which have been given since its organization
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical Christianity adheres to Sola Scriptura, holding that the canon is closed and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Jude 1:3). This text explicitly introduces a new volume of scripture, asserting that God is currently giving new 'items or principles' for church regulation that are equal in authority to biblical texts. This fundamentally alters the authority structure of the faith, moving from a fixed text to a fluid, prophetic stream.
Theological Importance of the Lectures on Faith
Assertion
The 'Lectures on Faith' are described as embracing the 'important doctrine of salvation.'
Evidence from Text
The first part of the book will be found to contain a series of Lectures... in consequence of their embracing the important doctrine of salvation
Evangelical Comparison
In 1835, these lectures were considered the 'Doctrine' portion of the 'Doctrine and Covenants.' Evangelicals view salvation doctrine as fully contained in the Bible. A critical historical note is that the LDS Church later decanonized these lectures in 1921, creating a theological tension: if they contained the 'important doctrine of salvation' in 1835, their removal suggests a shift in what constitutes essential doctrine.
Eschatological Accountability for Works
Assertion
The authors expect to be judged based on their labor and the principles they advance.
Evidence from Text
We are to be called to answer to every principle advanced... and the reward of every man’s labor be given him.
Evangelical Comparison
While Evangelicals believe believers will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ, salvation itself is secured by Christ's finished work, not the 'reward of every man's labor.' The phrasing here suggests that the authors' standing before God is contingent upon the correctness of their 'labor' and the principles they teach, reflecting a works-heavy view of final judgment common in Mormon theology.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
The fundamental gap lies in the source of authority. By publishing a book titled 'Doctrine and Covenants... from the Revelations of God,' the authors assert that the Bible is insufficient for the regulation of the church and the salvation of man. This violates the Evangelical tenet of Sola Scriptura. Furthermore, the inclusion of the 'Lectures on Faith' as essential doctrine (later removed) highlights the instability of this open canon compared to the immutable nature of the Biblical text in Evangelical theology.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
The text presents new, binding scripture ('Revelations') alongside the Bible.
Sola Fide
Suggests final standing is based on the 'reward of every man's labor' and adherence to new regulations.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Revelations of God"
In This Text
New, modern communications from God to Joseph Smith, written as scripture.
In Evangelicalism
The closed canon of the Old and New Testaments (Hebrews 1:1-2).
"Salvation"
In This Text
In this context, a state attained through understanding the 'Lectures on Faith' and obeying the 'Covenants.'
In Evangelicalism
Deliverance from sin and death through faith in Christ alone.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Implied as a future reward based on labor and adherence to the principles in the book.
How Attained: Through belief in the 'items of religion' and the 'reward of labor.'
Basis of Assurance: Confidence in the 'High Council' and the 'Revelations.'
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text focuses on 'labor' and 'principles for regulation,' moving away from the passive reception of grace found in Romans 4:5.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- None explicitly directed at the reader in the Preface, other than to receive the volume.
Implicit Obligations
- Accept the 'Doctrine and Covenants' as the word of God.
- Recognize the authority of the High Council and the First Presidency.
- Reject the 'misrepresentations' of the church by outsiders.
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- The Preface states that the 'Lectures on Faith' embrace the 'important doctrine of salvation.' Since they were removed from the D&C in 1921, does that mean the doctrine of salvation changed?
- The authors mention receiving the 'reward of every man's labor.' How do you reconcile this with the Bible's teaching that salvation is a gift, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9)?
- If the Bible is the word of God, why was it necessary to add 'items or principles for the regulation of the church' that go beyond it?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
Desire for Intelligibility
Just as the authors desired to make their faith clear to avoid misunderstanding, God made His love perfectly intelligible in the person of Jesus Christ.
Accountability/Judgment
The text correctly identifies a coming judgment where secrets are revealed. The Gospel offers a solution to this fear: Christ's righteousness covers our secrets.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer must accept that 'doctrine' can change (e.g., Lectures on Faith being added then removed), creating instability in what is required for salvation.
The focus on the 'reward of every man's labor' places the burden of final justification on the believer's performance rather than Christ's finished work.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Institutional Revelation (The High Council/Presidency compiling revelations).
Verification Method: Implicitly, the verification is the intelligibility of the printed principles and the future judgment of God.
Evangelical Contrast: Evangelicals verify truth by testing it against the closed canon of Scripture (Acts 17:11). This text asks for verification based on the authority of the compilers and the claim of inspiration.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: February 17, 1835
Authorship: Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams
Textual Issues: This Preface introduces the 1835 edition, which significantly revised earlier revelations found in the 1833 Book of Commandments. It also canonized the 'Lectures on Faith,' which were later decanonized.