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| The Kirtland Temple was under construction in 1834-335 when sections 106-108 were received |
Section 106
Background Information
Section 106 was received in late November and is directed to Warren A. Cowdery, OC's oldest brother of eight siblings who lived in Freedom, Cattaraugus, New York. Back in March 1834, JS and others traveled through western New York to preach the gospel and gather volunteers and donation for Zion's Camp. One place he stopped at was Cattaraugus County and was warmly received. Consequently he organized a branch of the Church there.
JS received this revelation as he was making effort to prepare the school of prophets. During the late November period, JS found himself busy and actively engaged in preparing the Elders to receive their endowment. To this end, JS used the school of prophets to prepare the elders for that ordinance. The Prophet wrote of this month of preparation as follows:
No month ever found me more busily engaged than November; but as my life consisted of activity and unyielding exertions, I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it. . . . I continued my labors daily, preparing for the school [of the Elders], and received the following.
Two copies of section 106, neither of which is the original, exist in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery. These both state that the revelation was received on November 25, 1834, at Kirtland, Ohio. By this time, it been roughly five months since the JS had received section 105 and disbanded Zion’s Camp. This revelation appoints Brother Cowdery to be the presiding high priest or branch president of the small branch in Freedom.
Some time after this revelation was received, Warren moved his family to Kirtland in 1836 where he served briefly as a scribe for the Church. He was one of the twenty-seven scribes that JS used. In 1837 he, along with OC, SR, and Warren Parrish, assisted in writing the prayer for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. He left the Church in 1838, as did his brother Oliver, but there is no record of his returning to the Church as did Oliver. He died February 23, 1851, in Kirtland, still out of harmony with the Church.
Section
- Verse 3: Devote His Whole Time
- One commentator explained: "Brother Cowdery’s call was to full-time service in the Church. As this would make it impossible for him to support his family through his previous occupation(s), he was from the time of this calling, to be supported by the Church."
- Verse 6: There Was Joy In Heaven
- It is often that the actions that get little to no attention of earth are given great attention in heaven. Although potentates may be lauded and celebrities adorned and celebrated by the word, enjoying the the luxuries and privileges of the world, none of this compares to the person who humbles himself before God. For it is that person over whom the choirs of heaven rejoice. For every soul is precious in the sight of God.
- Verses 7-8: Humble Himself Before Me
- Warren Cowdery is given a promise of eternal life if he obeys certain conditions. This promise then is not the promise that Warren has eternal life, but is a promise to be given if the conditions are fulfilled. What are those conditions? First, Warren is to humble himself. If he humbles himself, the Lord will give him grace to remain faithful. And if we remains faithful and is a light unto the church, then he will be exalted.
Section 107
Background Information
Surrounding the reception of this revelation was the formal organization of the Quorum of the Twelve. On January 18, 1835, in a Kirtland High Council meeting, JS accounted that the time had come to choose the Twelve Apostles. One commentary records the subsequent events:
[O]n February 8, Joseph instructed Brigham and Joseph young to call a conference the following Saturday, 14 February 1835, of all the participants of Zion's Camp who lived close enough to Kirtland to attend. At that conference, Joseph announced that the purpose of the meeting was to select twelve Apostles from the brethren who had been part of Zion's Camp. The conference sustained this proposal, and the meeting was adjourned for one hour and then reconvened, perhaps to allow the participants to gather their thoughts and prepare themselves. The First Presidency then laid hands on the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon-Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris-blessing and empowering them to select the Twelve. The first members of the Quorum of the Twelve in this dispensation were Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, William E. McLellin, Parley P. Pratt, Luke S. Johnson, William Smith, Orson Pratt, John F. Boynton, and Lyman E. Johnson. They were placed in the Quorum in order of seniority according to age. (Stephen E. Robinson, H. Dean Garrett, A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants)
In addition to calling the Twelve, we also learn
On 28 February 1835, two weeks after the selection of the Twelve, Joseph Smith called the First Quorum of the Seventies with their seven presidents. These were also chosen from among those who had participated in Zion's Camp. According to one of those selected, Joseph Young, Joseph Smith later said to the elders in Kirtland concerning the purpose of Zion's Camp, 'Brethren, some of you are angry with me, because you did not fight in Missouri; but let me tell you, God did not want you to fight. He could not organize His kingdom with twelve men to open the Gospel door to the nations of the earth, and with seventy men under their direction to follow in their tracks, unless he took them from a body of men who had offered their lives, and who had made as great a sacrifice as did Abraham. Now the Lord has got His Twelve and His Seventy, and there will be other quorums of Seventies called, who will make the sacrifice, and those who have not made their sacrifices and their offerings now, will make them hereafter.' Zion's Camp had not been about war at all (D&C 105:37-40). It had been about sacrifice, so that the highest quorums of the Church might be organized with men who had put all things in the Lord's hands.
Section 107 consists of a compilation of different revelation given on different at times, some consisting of revelation that JS had dictated in November 1831. The JS Papers explains:
According to some observers, JS dictated other parts of the instruction as an 1835 revelation. Some of the instruction also elaborated on ideas first presented in a September 1832 revelation, indicating that JS was gaining new understanding into concepts of priesthood and leadership. Oliver Cowdery, who assisted in calling the Twelve and giving them their “charge” as apostles, was probably involved in the instruction’s preparation; Brigham Young later remembered JS spending “two hours laboring with Elder Cowdery to get him to write” what Young called a “Revelation on Priesthood”—probably this instruction.
Although it is unclear when what is now labeled section 107 appeared in its "complete form."
Section
1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. 2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. 3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. 4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. 5 All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood [Melchizedek priesthood].
- Verse 5: Appendages to This Priesthood
- [T]he highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning of the creation of the earth, and through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which He will make known his purposes to the end of time (TPJS, 167)
6 But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood. 7 The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchizedek. 8 The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things. 9 The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church. 10 High priests after the order of the Melchizedek Priesthood have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member. 11 An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest is not present. 12 The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present.
13 The second priesthood is called the Priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations. 14 Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances. 15 The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood [Aaronic], and holds the keys or authority of the same. 16 No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron. 17 But as a high priest of the Melchizedek Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood [A high priest can serve as a bishop when there is not a literal descendant of Aaron, which exists today. However, as the gathering increases during the end times, we should except Aaronic Levites to come forth].
18 The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— 19 To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. 20 The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments.
- Verses 18 - 20: The Power and Authority
- Concerning the privilege of the Melchizedek Priesthood, Orson Pratt taught:
- The higher Priesthood after the order of the Son of God, we are told, in a modern revelation, holds the power to commune with the Church of the First-born that are in heaven, and that too not in a spiritual sense alone; or, as some would infer, to commune with them without receiving any revelation, to commune with them without beholding their personages; but in the literal sense, even the same as one man communes with another. It holds not only the power of the ministration of holy angels to be seen personally, but also the power of beholding the face of God the Father, that through the power and manifestations of the spirit of God and of his angels we may be prepared to enter into the presence of God the Father in the world to come, and enjoy continual communion with him, and be crowned with the glory of the celestial kingdom, to stand in our place and calling to all eternity, in connection with all those who hold the Priesthood in the eternal worlds. (JD, 18: 363 - 364.)
- Bruce R. McConkie also explained:
- Clearly no spiritual blessing is available to mortal man on earth that can compare with personal communion and converse with the Gods of heaven. Such attainments on the part of the prophets of old are the very things that set them apart above all their fellows. Keys open doors; keys are the directing and controlling power where priestly things are concerned. Thus, through the priesthood the door may be opened and the way provided for men to see the Father and the Son. From all of this it follows, automatically and axiomatically, that if and when the holy priesthood operates to the full in the life of any man, he will receive its great and full blessings, which are that rending of the heavens and that parting of the veil of which we now speak. (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ, 588.)
- The privilege of the Aaronic priesthood.
- The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels, such as the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Under the auspices of the lesser priesthood, Israel as a nation was entitled to be visited by angels and to live a preparatory gospel that lacked the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood and its keys.
- Angels are the sentinels that guard God's throne. In order to come into the presence of God requires angels to minister to us and teach us the knowledge to ascend into God's presence. This is why the Lord left the Aaronic priesthood with the Israelites in order to provide them means by which they could enter into God's presence, despite the Lord having removed the Melchizedek priesthood from the people as a whole.
- All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself." (TPJS, 181)
- Clearly no spiritual blessing is available to mortal man on earth that can compare with personal communion and converse with the Gods of heaven. Such attainments on the part of the prophets of old are the very things that set them apart above all their fellows. Keys open doors; keys are the directing and controlling power where priestly things are concerned. Thus, through the priesthood the door may be opened and the way provided for men to see the Father and the Son. From all of this it follows, automatically and axiomatically, that if and when the holy priesthood operates to the full in the life of any man, he will receive its great and full blessings, which are that rending of the heavens and that parting of the veil of which we now speak. (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ, 588.)
21 Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding officers growing out of, or appointed of or from among those who are ordained to the several offices in these two priesthoods. 22 Of the Melchizedek Priesthood [what follows are the offices of the Melchizedek priesthood], three Presiding High Priests [this forms the First Presidency], chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church.
23 The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. 24 And they [the Twelve] form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned. 25 The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world —thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. 26 And they form a quorum, equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or Apostles just named.
- Verse 23: Special Witnesses
- When the Twelve were ordained, OC gave a charge. What follows are excepts from it.
- You have been indebted to other men, in the first instance, for evidence; on that you have acted; but it is necessary that you receive a testimony from heaven for yourselves; so that you can bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you have seen the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an angel. When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear you out; although many will not give heed, yet others will. You will therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven.
- Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face. Strengthen your faith; cast off you doubts, your sins, and all your unbelief; and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid His hand upon you. We require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us; God is the same. If the Savior in former days laid His hands upon His disciples, why not in latter days?
- You can read the entire charge here.
27 And every decision made by either of these quorums [Twelve or Seventy] must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other— 28 A majority may form a quorum when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise— 29 Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchizedek, and were righteous and holy men.
30 The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long-suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity; 31 Because the promise is, if these things [decisions are made in all righteousness, holiness, lowliness of heart, meekness, long-suffering, etc] abound in them they [the members of the quorum] shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. 32 And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums, which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church; otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision.
33 The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and secondly unto the Jews. 34 The Seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the traveling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews— 35 The Twelve being sent out, holding the keys, to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and first unto the Gentiles and then unto the Jews.
36 The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion [Kirtland], form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council. 37 The high council in Zion [Missouri] form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the Twelve at the stakes of Zion. 38 It is the duty of the traveling high council to call upon the Seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel, instead of any others.
- Verse 36: Standing High Councils
- As a reminder, when this revelation was received, the church organization involved two "standing" high councils that were over the entire church. The one in Kirtland was presided over by Joseph Smith and the First Presidency. The other in Missouri, was presided over by what was called “the Presidency of the Church in Zion,” consisting of David Whitmer, William W. Phelps, and John Whitmer. Those in the two high councils were considered at that time to be general authorities presiding over domestic affairs of the two main bodies of the saints, while the Twelve and the Seventy focused on the preaching of the gospel to the world.
39 It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers [Patriarch, see comment below], as they shall be designated unto them by revelation— 40 The order of this priesthood [the Patriarchal priesthood, which we don't fully possess] was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. 41 This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the following manner: 42 From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by Adam at the age of sixty-nine years, and was blessed by him three years previous to his (Adam’s) death, and received the promise of God by his father, that his posterity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they should be preserved unto the end of the earth; 43 Because he (Seth) was a perfect [note: perfection is possible] man, and his likeness was the express likeness of his father, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things, and could be distinguished from him only by his age. 44 Enos was ordained at the age of one hundred and thirty-four years and four months, by the hand of Adam.
- Verse 39: Evangelical Ministers
- JS taught: An Evangelist is a Patriarch, even the oldest man of the blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints, as it was with Jacob in giving his patriarchal blessing unto his sons, etc. (History of the Church, 3:381.)
- Jospeh Fielding Smith further explained that the office of a patriarch it not an administrative office or an executive office, but is a spiritual office.
- Furthermore, there is the office of patriarch and there is the patriarchal order (see verse 40). These are not necessarily one and the same, as we have the office today, but we don't have the patriarchal priesthood.
- Verse 40: The Order of this Priesthood
- As we learn at the beginning of the revelation, all priesthood falls under the Melchizedek priesthood. However, there are degrees to the Melchizedek priesthood: 1) The Melchizedek; 2) The Patriarchal priesthood; and 3) the Levitical Priesthood. (see TPJS, 322). The patriarchal priesthood is the one being discussed in verses 40 - 52. The true operation of this priesthood is the passing down from father to son. The establishment of the priesthood is marker of the ushering in of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times.
- Consider the follow passage:
- According to Joseph Smith, the divine patriarchal order which the Saints were required to build in the last days was instituted on earth in the days of Adam, the Ancient of Days, and came down to later generations by lineage through a chosen seed. Being an eternal order in which regenerated men were made priests and kings unto God, it [the patriarchal order] functioned as a divine system of government among the people of God in the early ages of the world. After the flood, the same order centered in Abraham and continued through his family to the house of Israel among whom God again endeavored to establish the divine family order. But when Israel failed in her divine calling and crucified her king, the gentiles were grafted into the eternal family. However, they [The Gentiles] too departed from the gospel plan, and the purposes of God waited until the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, when all things would be gathered together in Christ-in the divine patriarchal order. (Hyrum L. Andrus, Doctrines of the Kingdom, 490) (annotations added).
- Notice that the patriarchal order of the Melchizedek priesthood "functioned as the divine system of government." We learn that the function of the Aaronic priesthood is to administer in outward ordinances, such as baptism. Here, it appears, assuming that this statement is accurate, that the function of the patriarchal priesthood is political. That is, it is used to operate and govern the Kingdom of God.
- Could it be that the reason the patriarchal priesthood is required to be established (in order for the Dispensation of the Fulness of Time to be ushered in) is because it contains the rights to officiate in the Kingdom of God government that will be established on the earth? In others words, the Kingdom of God (which is a theo-political organization) can't be established until the there is an order established to operate the kingdom. And because it can't is that why its required to be established? Is the absence of that priesthood one reason why we don't have Zion to day? Put differently, will the revealing of that priesthood lead to the establishment of Zion? Could this have be he reason the Lord wanted the Missouri saints to build a temple, so he could bestow this priesthood to them, giving them authority to organize and govern Zion?
45 God called upon Cainan in the wilderness in the fortieth year of his age; and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was eighty-seven years old when he received his ordination. 46 Mahalaleel was four hundred and ninety-six years and seven days old when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him. 47 Jared was two hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, who also blessed him. 48 Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him. 49 And he [Enoch] saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated. 50 Methuselah was one hundred years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam. 51 Lamech was thirty-two years old when he was ordained under the hand of Seth. 52 Noah was ten years old when he was ordained under the hand of Methuselah.
53 Three years previous to the death of Adam, he [Adam] called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. 54 And the Lord appeared unto them [this group of high priests], and they [this group of high priests] rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel. 55 And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him: I have set thee [Adam] to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever. 56 And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation; and, notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation. 57 These things were all written in the book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time.
- Verse 53: He Called...[The] Righteous
- Explaining the significance of this meeting in Adam-ondi-Ahman (Adam with God), JS taught:
- Christ is the Great High Priest; Adam next... I saw Adam in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. He called together his children and blessed them with a patriarchal blessing. The Lord appeared in their midst, and he (Adam) blessed them all, and foretold what should befall them to the latest generation.
- This is why Adam blessed his posterity; he wanted to bring them into the presence of God. They looked for a city, etc., "whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10.) Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Priesthood, but he could not. In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same thing; and there were Eliases raised up who tried to restore these very glories, but did not obtain them; but they prophesied of a day when this glory would be revealed. Paul spoke of the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God would gather together all things in one, etc.; and those men to whom these keys have been given, will have to be there; and they without us cannot be made perfect.
- These men are in heaven, but their children are on the earth. Their bowels yearn over us. God sends down men for this reason. "And the Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that give offense and them that do iniquity." (Matt. 13:41) All these authoritative characters will come down and join hand in hand in bringing about this work. (TPJS, 158-159)
58 It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the church, agreeable to the revelation which says: 59 To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church laws respecting church business— 60 Verily, I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder; 61 And also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest; 62 And also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner, and also the deacons— 63 Wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from priest to elder, severally as they are appointed, according to the covenants and commandments of the church.
64 Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all. 65 Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church; 66 Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church. 67 From the same [the President of the High Priesthood] comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands. 68 Wherefore, the office of a bishop is not equal unto it [the President of the High Priesthood]; for the office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things; 69 Nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the High Priesthood, unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron; 70 For unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys of that priesthood [This seems to say that only a literal descendant can hold the "keys" of the Aaronic priesthood, which is the priesthood the Bishop falls under]. 71 Nevertheless, a high priest, that is, after the order of Melchizedek, may be set apart unto the ministering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them [temporal things] by the Spirit of truth [Although the Bishop does not possess the keys of Aaronic priesthood, he does have the Spirit the guide and direct him in the ministering of temporal things] ; 72 And also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgressors upon testimony as it shall be laid before him according to the laws, by the assistance of his counselors, whom he has chosen or will choose among the elders of the church.
73 This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of Aaron, but has been ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. 74 Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart unto this ministry, until the borders of Zion are enlarged and it becomes necessary to have other bishops or judges in Zion or elsewhere. 75 And inasmuch as there are other bishops appointed they shall act in the same office. 76 But a literal descendant of Aaron [Referring to a person who comes from the literal line of Aaron, not Levi] has a legal right [based on the conditions outlined in D&C 68:20] to the presidency of this priesthood [Aaronic], to the keys of this ministry, to act in the office of bishop independently, without counselors, except in a case where a President of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, is tried, to sit as a judge in Israel.
- Verse 76: Sit as a Judge in Israel
- A person who is from the literal lineage of Aaron and who is "designated" by the Presidency and who is "anointed" and "ordained" may act independently without counselors unless the issue before him concerns the trying of the President of the High Priesthood.
82 And inasmuch as a President of the High Priesthood [The President of the Church] shall transgress, he [The President of the Church] shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church [see comment below], who shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood; 83 And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him. 84 Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness.
- Verse 82: President of the High Priesthood Shall Transgress
- There is a general belief among members, which might be based on Wilford Woodruff statements, that the Lord would never permit the President to lead the church astray (transgress). However, we must ask ourselves: if that is true, then why would the Lord institute a mechanism to judge him?
- Moreover, this system was not implemented symbolically either. In other words, it has been put into practice. For instance, JS was tried before this common council of the church based on charges made against him by Elder Sylvester Smith after the return of Zion’s Camp. Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Frederick G. Williams were each tried by this tribunal.
- Finally, verse 84 is telling. There, the Lord explains that he has established the mechanism of the common council to ensure that no person is exempted from God's justice. Thus all offices are the church are held accountable. Thus this systems was designed to be used.
- This fact then reminds of the Nephi's admonishing to never trust the arm of flesh. In fact, we learn from the Old Testament that the Lord sometimes used prophets to test the faith of his people -- to see how they would rely on. In short, there is no guarantee that the president of the church can't lead us astray. Hence why we should seek guidance from the Lord and his spirit.
85 And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the office of a deacon is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another, as it is given according to the covenants. 86 And also the duty of the president over the office of the teachers is to preside over twenty-four of the teachers, and to sit in council with them, teaching them the duties of their office, as given in the covenants. 87 Also the duty of the president over the Priesthood of Aaron [the bishop] is to preside over forty-eight priests, and sit in council with them, to teach them the duties of their office, as is given in the covenants— 88 This president is to be a bishop; for this is one of the duties of this priesthood. 89 Again, the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside over ninety-six elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them according to the covenants. 90 This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into all the world. 91 And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses— 92 Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.
93 And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy; 94 And the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six; 95 And these seven presidents are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy to whom they belong, and are to preside over them; 96 And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it. 97 And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the Gentiles first and also unto the Jews.
98 Whereas other officers of the church, who belong not unto the Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not under the responsibility to travel among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church. 99 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence [This revelation was given so each man holding an office and priesthood may know his duty and act properly]. 100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.
- Verse 99: Every Man Learn His Duty
- President Thomas S. Monson explained:
- Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. Brethren, let us who have responsibility with the Aaronic Priesthood young men not only provide them opportunities to learn but also set before them examples worthy of emulation. For those of us who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, our privilege to magnify our callings is ever present. We are shepherds watching over Israel. The hungry sheep look up, ready to be fed the bread of life. Are we prepared to feed the flock of God? It is imperative that we recognize the worth of a human soul, that we never give up on one of His precious sons
Section 108
Background Information
Lyman R. Sherman is perhaps one of the lesser-known figures of early church history during the Ohio and Missouri periods. But this doesn't make him any less of a spiritual giant. According to his brother-in-law, Benjamin Johnson, Sherman was the person “first known to have spoken in the gift of tongues by the power of God in this dispensation” (Black, Who’s Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, 261).
Sherman was also a faithful participant in Zion’s Camp and, consequently, selected and set apart as one of the seven presidents of the Quorum of the Seventy on February 28, 1835. In his ordination blessing, Sherman was told, “Your ministry shall be great and you shall proclaim to various nations. Your faith shall be unshaken and you shall be delivered from great afflictions.” And at a May 1835 conference, church leaders voted that Sherman, along with the other presidents of the Seventy, should “hold himself in readiness to go at the call of the Twelve, when the Lord opens the way.” On January 16, 1839, Joseph Smith wrote to Sherman from Liberty Jail, calling him to become a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Brother Sherman died, however, at the age of thirty-four at Far West on January 27, 1839 before receiving Joseph’s letter. He died not knowing he had been called to be an apostle.
This revelation was received on December 26, 1835, when he felt inspired to go to Joseph and ask for a revelation, that he might better know his duty in the kingdom. JS recorded the circumstances of Sherman’s visit to him in Kirtland and the reception of section 108 as follows: “Commenced again studying the Hebrew language, in company with Brothers Parrish and Williams. In the meantime, Brother Lyman Sherman came in, and requested to have the word of the Lord through me; ‘for,’ said he, ‘I have been wrought upon to make known to you my feelings and desires, and was promised that I should have a revelation which should make known my duty” (HC, 2:345).
Section
1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Lyman: Your sins are forgiven you, because you have obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to receive counsel of him whom I have appointed. 2 Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing, and resist no more my voice [Suggests perhaps the Sherman did not always heed the Lord's voice]. 3 And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.
- Verse 3: Be More Careful Henceforth in Observing Your Vows
- At this point in time, Brother Sherman had entered into the covenant of baptism and had also accepted and received the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood (D&C 84:33-42). One commentator explained: "He had also accepted a divine calling as one of the presidents of the First Quorum of Seventy. The exhortation to observe the vows which he had made and would yet make included those vows Brother Sherman was shortly to make in the Kirtland Temple (verse 4)."
- Sherman is promised that if he obeys these vows, then he will be blessed with great blessings.
4 Wait patiently until the solemn assembly shall be called of my servants, then you shall be remembered with the first of mine elders, and receive right by ordination with the rest of mine elders whom I have chosen. 5 Behold, this is the promise of the Father unto you if you continue faithful. 6 And it shall be fulfilled upon you in that day that you shall have right to preach my gospel wheresoever I shall send you, from henceforth from that time.
- Verse 4: Solemn Assembly
- A little less than one month following the reception of section 108, on January 22, 1836, Brother Sherman attended a special meeting in the temple with the leading councils and general authorities of the Church to receive initiatory ordinances of washing and anointing. It is likely, however, that the solemn assembly referred to here—if only one is intended—was the twenty-four hour meeting held on Wednesday, March 30, 1836, three days after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. On that occasion, most of the priesthood holders in Kirtland received initiatory ordinances in the temple. Lyman Sherman had by then been presented and sustained by the Church as one of the presidents of the Seventy and on March 29 had, with other general authorities, also received the ordinance of washing of the feet in the temple.
- Verse 6: Right to Preach My Gospel
- One commentator explained:
- After the dedication of the Kirtland Temple and its associated assemblies, Sherman had been called, ordained, sustained, and given the initial elements of the endowment. He was equipped as a president of the Seventy to preach the gospel and build up the kingdom wherever the Lord directed him to go in the world.
7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings. 8 And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen.
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