History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 2Smith, Joseph, Jr.
History
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 2
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
5. These "Lectures on Theology" here referred to were afterwards
prepared by the Prophet, (see page 180) and published in the Doctrine
and Covenants under the title "Lectures on Faith." They are seven in
number, and occupy the first seventy-five pages in the current editions
of the Doctrine and Covenants. They are not to be regarded as of equal
authority in matters of doctrine with the revelations of God in the
Doctrine and Covenants, but as stated by Elder John Smith, who, when
the book of Doctrine and Covenants was submitted to the several quorums
of the Priesthood for acceptance, (August 17, 1835,) speaking in behalf
of the Kirtland High Council, "bore record that the revelations in
said book were true, and that the lectures judicially were written
and compiled, and were profitable for doctrine." The distinction
which Elder John Smith here makes should be observed as a marking the
difference between the Lectures on Faith and the revelations of God in
the Doctrine and Covenants.
6. This meeting of the 5th of December was a most interesting occasion.
The minutes of it are found in the hand writing of Oliver Cowdery in
the back of Record A, Ms. It would appear, according to these minutes,
that the express purpose of the meeting of the brethren named in the
Prophet's history was to recognize Oliver Cowdery in his station as
the second Elder in the Church, a position for which he was designated
in the revelations of God, and to which he was ordained under the
hand of the Prophet, (Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 20:3, 4). It is
explained in the minutes that the reason why he had not been able
to officiate in his calling as said second Elder in the Church was
because of his necessary absence in Zion (Missouri) to assist W. W.
Phelps in conducting the printing business of the Church, etc.; hence
Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams had been ordained as assistant
presidents in the Church during this necessary absence of Elder
Cowdery. Another item of interest recorded in these minutes is the
word of the Lord by way of reproof through the Spirit concerning the
failure of the brethren and the Church in general to properly recognize
each other by their official titles in the Church. This item appears
in the minutes as follows: "After assembling we received a rebuke for
our former uncultivated and disrespectful manner of communication and
salutation with and unto each other by the voice of the Spirit, saying
unto us: 'Verily, condemnation resteth upon you, who are appointed to
lead my Church, and to be saviors of men; and also upon the Church;
and there must needs be a repentance and a reformation among you, in
all things, in your examples before the Church and before the world,
in all your manners, habits and customs, and salutations one toward
another; rendering unto every man the respect due the office, calling,
and priesthood whereunto I, the Lord, have appointed and ordained you.
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