Thus was the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants" accepted by the Church as a divinely inspired work. And what is the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants"? First, there appears in the book a series of seven "Lectures on Faith," prepared during the year 1835. "They are not to be regarded," we are told, "as of equal authority in matters of doctrine with the revelations of God in the Doctrine and Covenants," but as judiciously written and compiled, and as profitable doctrine.[N] There follow one hundred thirty-six sections, or chapters, of the book proper. One of these, section 136, is a revelation to Brigham Young. Nine others, sections 102, 121, 123, 127, 128, 130, 131, 134, and 135--are not direct revelations in the usually accepted sense, but are minutes of important meetings, prayers and prophecies, addresses to the Saints, letters, instructions, and so forth, containing important doctrines. The rest--one hundred twenty-six sections in all--are revelations from the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith to the Church, or to individuals in the Church. In these one hundred thirty-six sections may be found instructions that pertain to the organization of the Church and to the doctrines of the Church. While there have been many revelations received since the first Book of Doctrine and Covenants was published--while, indeed, the Church leaders today are prophets, seers, and revelators--yet the early revelations are so replete with doctrinal instruction, that we may find there sufficient directions for the establishment and the building up of the Church of Christ. [Footnote N: "History of the Church," Vol. II, p. 176. footnote.] The Doctrine and Covenants meets conditions, not of two thousand years or more before Christ, but of the present day. It gives specific directions for the establishing and the maintaining of the Church of Christ, not among an oriental people in a primitive age, but among an active people in a progressive age. The living oracle of God is of far more value than the breathless letter. The living prophet is the oracle of God; and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants--the Sacred Book of today--is the record of the revelations received today for the people of today. XV. THE KEYS OF GATHERING.