D&C 44

In preface to one of the first conferences of the Church, and the first in Kirtland, the Lord said -

"Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 44:6)

We seemed to be entering a difficult financial time in the near future. There words provide even more meaning to priesthood leaders that their responsibilities include two direct charge - the first, to "visit the poor and the needy" and then the second, "administer to their relief". This commandment would extend to spiritual, physical, and temporal needs.

D&C 43

In our day, the Lord has given us the charge to -

"Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free, saying: Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 43:20)

For those who do not heed the call of repentance and preparation, the Lord warns -

"For if I, who am a man, do lift up my voice and call upon you to repent, and ye hate me, what will ye say when the day cometh when the thunders shall utter their voices from the ends of the earth, speaking to the ears of all that live, saying—Repent, and prepare for the great day of the Lord?
22 Yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east unto the west, and shall utter forth their voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all tingle that hear, saying these words—Repent ye, for the great day of the Lord is come?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 43:21 - 22)

Does the world really want to wait until the Lord Himself will raise His voice with thunders and lightnings? The seems to provide a sequence of warning as He says again -

"...Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you.
24 O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not!
25 How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 43:23 - 25)

This suggests that this sequence of warnings will happen for -

" Behold, the day has come, when the cup of the wrath of mine indignation is full." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 43:26)

Is there not significant evidence that the voice of the Lord has began to take place. President Brigham Young said many years ago -

“Do you think there is calamity abroad now among the people? Not much. All we have yet heard and all we have experienced is scarcely a preface to the sermon that is going to be preached. When the testimony of the elders ceases to be given, and the Lord says to them, ‘Come home; I will now preach my own sermons to the nations of the earth,’ all you now know can scarcely be called a preface to the sermon that will be preached with fire and sword, tempests, earthquakes, hail, rain, thunders and lightnings, and fearful destruction. . . . You will hear of magnificent cities, now idolized by the people, sinking in the earth, entombing the inhabitants. The sea will heave itself beyond its bounds, engulphing mighty cities. Famine will spread over the nations.” (In Journal of Discourses, 8:123; see also D&C 88:88–92.)

I am confident that these promises are and will be fulfilled if we do not repent and prepare ourselves as commanded.

D&C 42

While in Fayette the Lord said to the saints -

"...that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—
32 Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:31 - 32)

As the saints obeyed His word, the Lord kept His promise. In Kirtland, the Lord revealed to twelve elders of the Church, His law. It think it is important to understand that "His law" is that which we must obey to become like Him. These are laws or requirements that by failure to follow will never allow us to develop the characteristics to live with Him or live His life. Though the Lord delivered multiple laws, my thoughts are to touch on two of them. The First, being related to the family -

"Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:22)

There are only two individuals the Lord has literally commanded to love with all our heart, 1) Him, and 2) our spouse.

Elder Spencer W. Kimball wrote -

“When the Lord says all thy heart, it allows for no sharing nor dividing nor depriving. And, to the woman it is paraphrased: ‘Thou shalt love thy husband with all thy heart and shalt cleave unto him and none else.’

The words none else eliminate everyone and everything. The spouse then becomes preeminent in the life of the husband or wife, and neither social life nor occupational life nor political life nor any other interest nor person nor thing shall ever take precedence over the companion spouse. We sometimes find women who absorb and hover over the children at the expense of the husband, sometimes even estranging them from him.

The Lord says to them: ‘Thou shalt cleave unto him and none else.’

Marriage presupposes total allegiance and total fidelity. Each spouse takes the partner with the understanding that he or she gives totally to the spouse all the heart, strength, loyalty, honor, and affection, with all dignity. Any divergence is sin; any sharing of the heart is transgression. As we should have ‘an eye single to the glory of God,’ so should we have an eye, an ear, a heart single to the marriage and the spouse and family.” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, pp. 142–43.)

The second law that may seem to surprise some is the Lord's instruction -

"...I will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles unto the poor of my people who are of the house of Israel.
40 And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:39 - 40)

Elder George Albert Smith provided some great incite on the meaning of these words. Even though they were delivered almost a century ago, they still seem to apply today -

“This [verse] doesn’t refer to the time of Isaiah nor to the time of Alma, but comes right down to the day in which we live. Through His prophets He admonishes us with reference to our duties, and among the things He says are these: ‘And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands.’ What a splendid thing to contemplate in our community. . . .

Now, my brethren and sisters, I think that is worthy of our consideration. When discussing the high cost of living, examine your own household, and I am talking to myself while I talk to you. Am I increasing the cost of living by extravagance, or am I teaching my family to make the garments they wear? . . .

Let us set an example; let us live within our means; let us be lenders instead of borrowers; let us not place our homes or the lands that produce our living under mortgages, in order that we may ride in fine conveyances or keep up with the pace set by our neighbors who may be able to afford it. Let us be more concerned about the adornment of our minds that are eternal, rather than adornment of our persons with things that are of no lasting benefit.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1915, p. 97.)

D&C 41

Shortly after the Prophet Joseph Smith had gathered to the Ohio, the Lord said -

"Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:2)

This is the very purpose of priesthood meetings and priesthood leadership meetings, to be guided by the Spirit to agree upon the words of the Lord. The Lord continued with the method and additional purpose to agree upon His words -

"And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:3)

Again suggesting that we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to know or understand His will in governing the Church. Elders are to work diligently to agree without contention for -

"...he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:29)

The Savior taught of the importance of being in unity -

"...I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:27)

Elder Harold B. Lee taught -

“If we are not united, we are not his. Here unity is the test of divine ownership as thus expressed. If we would be united in love and fellowship and harmony, this Church would convert the world, who would see in us the shining example of these qualities which evidence that divine ownership. Likewise, if in that Latter-day Saint home the husband and wife are in disharmony, bickering, and divorce is threatened, there is an evidence that one or both are not keeping the commandments of God.

If we, in our wards and our branches, are divided, and there are factions not in harmony, it is but an evidence that there is something wrong. If two persons are at variance, arguing on different points of doctrine, no reasonable, thinking persons would say that both were speaking their different opinions by the Spirit of the Lord. . . .

If it is so important, then, that this people be a united people, we might well expect that upon this principle the powers of Satan would descend for their greatest attack. We might well expect, also, that if there be those of apostate mind among us, they would be inclined to ridicule and to scorn this principle of oneness and unity as being narrow-minded or as being unprogressive. We would likewise expect that those who are enemies would also seek to fight against that principle.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1950, pp. 97–98.)

As we come to understand and agree upon His word and law, the Lord said -

"He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:5)

D&C 38

The Prophet Joseph Smith was told in the early years of the Church -

"...now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:13)

The Lord knew that Satan would do all in his power to thwart the "marvelous work and a wonder" that had just begun.

President Joseph F. Smith said that -

"...the hatred of the wicked always has and always will follow the Priesthood and the Saints. The devil will not lose sight of the power of God vested in man—the Holy Priesthood. He fears it, he hates it, and will never cease to stir up the hearts of the debased and corrupt in anger and malice towards those who hold this power, and to persecute the Saints, until he is bound." (In Journal of Discourses, 19:24.)

He Lord then said -

"And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:28)

This has never changed from then to now form both the a temporal and spiritual point of view. But with that, the Lord provides this great promise -

"...but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:30)

In His preface to the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord explained -

"Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:12)

For -

"...the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:14)

To prepare is to hear or take heed to the voice of the Lord and His servants -

For He has declared -

"...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:38)

This doesn't mean the valiant saints, those that prepare by taking heed to the prophets and apostles, will not be experience affliction or persecution, but they will not fear. Elder Bruce R. McConkie said in general conference -

“Nor are the days of our greatest sorrows and our deepest sufferings all behind us. They too lie ahead. We shall yet face greater perils, we shall yet be tested with more severe trials, and we shall yet weep more tears of sorrow than we have ever known before. . . .

The way ahead is dark and dreary and dreadful. There will yet be martyrs; the doors in Carthage shall again enclose the innocent. We have not been promised that the trials and evils of the world will entirely pass us by.

If we, as a people, keep the commandments of God; if we take the side of the Church on all issues, both religious and political; if we take the Holy Spirit for our guide; if we give heed to the words of the apostles and prophets who minister among us—then, from an eternal standpoint, all things will work together for our good.

Our view of the future shall be undimmed, and, whether in life or in death, we shall see our blessed Lord return to reign on earth. We shall see the New Jerusalem coming down from God in heaven to join with the Holy City we have built. We shall mingle with those of Enoch’s city while together we worship and serve the Lord forever.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1980, pp. 98–100; or Ensign, May 1980, pp. 71, 73.)

The Lord concludes this revelation with -

"...I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded.
41 And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.
42 And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:40 - 42)

D&C 36

One single scripture seemed to jump out to me this morning. In a revelation given to Edward Partridge in preaching the repentance, the Lord said for him to say to all people -

"...Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 36:6)

We know that in the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt, they were to burn their close when spotted with the residual of diseases. Spiritually, we have the same charge, to repent and burn our garments from the residual of sin. But not only burn but "hate" the sin. In other words, hate or lose any desire to sin. Jude taught the same thing -

"...others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (New Testament Jude 1:23)

Nephi feared the same and prayed -

"...Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?" (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 4:31)

In modern day the Lord has commanded -

"Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 133:14)

"Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 133:5)

The Lord commanded Lot and his wife to move forward and not look back -

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
(Old Testament Genesis 19:26)

When we repent, we not only must keep His commandments but not look back or long for Babylon. We must come to hate the garments that are spotted with flesh.

D&C 35

In the previous blog, I wrote of the elect and those that -

"...are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:7)

In a revelation to Sidney Rigdon, the Lord said much the same thing -

"...there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:12)

It becomes apparent that the Lord knows his children, those that are the elect, those that are ready to receive of His fulness, those that he sent forth unto this generation. He commands His elect to seek out those who are ready to receive of His fulness. In doing so, He said -

"...I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:13)

In my mind, the weak things of the world is the poor and meek or in other words those that are humble that have a constant need of the Spirit. We better understand "to thrash the nations" as we contemplate the threshing work required to seperate the wheat kernel from the straw. It is the weak things of the world that tread though the nations of the earth such that -

"...the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:15)

The great promise of the Lord to those that seek out the poor and the meek is -

"...their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:14)

Where the sword is -

"...the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:18)

D&C 33

In a previous revelation, the Lord taught -

"...ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:7)

Again the Lord said -

"...even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken unto my voice." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 33:6)

The Savior in His mortal ministry prophesied that in the last days -

"...there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (New Testament Matthew 24:24)

"Mine elect" suggests that these are they who will hear, take heed, and obey the word of the Lord. I'm sure there was an "election" or foreordination that took place in our pre-mortal existence. Even in this life, those that live worthily, are also elected or anointed for great blessings in the the hereafter if they continue to hear His voice and not harden their hearts.

Elder Bruce R. McConkies taught -

“The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fulness of the gospel law in this life so that they can become inheritors of the fulness of gospel rewards in the life to come.” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 217.)

D&C 30

After a conference held in September 1830, David Whitmer received a mild rebuke as the Lord said -

"...David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.
2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 30:1 - 2)

As a result of his failure to be deligent in that which he was charged, the Lord then provides this loving council -

"Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 30:3)

It seems the Lord is saying that for the time being, by His own hand, David is goint to be left to inquire for himself or to reflect, ponder, and meditate upon the his failures and the consequences including and all the blessings he has received. Just like David Whitmer, we all fail or fall short at times in that which we should be doing. The Lord has instructed us to stop, think and repent. The Lord said much the same to Israel saying -

"Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." (Old Testament Haggai 1:5)

We need to take time regularly to ponder, meditate, and "consider our ways". President Monson recently wrote -

"President David O. McKay would frequently suggest the need for us to turn from the hectic day-to-day schedule filled with letters to answer, calls to be made, people to see, meetings to attend, and take time to meditate, to ponder, and to reflect on the eternal truths and the sources of the joy and happiness which comprise each person’s quest.

When we do, the mundane, the mechanical, the repetitious patterns of our lives yield to the spiritual qualities, and we acquire a much-needed dimension which inspires our daily living. When I follow this counsel, thoughts of family, experiences with friends, and treasured memories of special days and quiet nights course through my mind and bring a sweet repose to my being." (Thomas S. Monson, “Gifts,” Ensign, May 1993, 59)

D&C 29

During His mortal ministry, the Savior said to those at Jerusalem -

"...how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (New Testament Matthew 23:37)

He repeated the same analogy to those in ancient America and again in modern day -

"LISTEN to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;
2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:1 - 2)

But with the following condition -

"...even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:2)

As I ponder the meaning of this analogy, I cannot help but picturev in my mind a mother hen who, when danger appears to threaten her chicks, begins to flap her wings and clucking excitedly. The young chickens, although they may be scattered all over the yard, instantly obey the call of the hen and scurry, with little pride, under the protection of her wings. The Lord's analogy is the same for us. He has warned us with His voice -

"HEARKEN, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.
2 For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:1 - 2)

He has told us of His voice -

"...I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.
34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;
35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;
36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:33 - 36)

All He asks is that we hearken to His voice, we humbly gather for protection, and we continually call on Him in mighty prayer. He explains the gathering of His chicks under His wings for protection as -

"...ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;
8 Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:7 - 8)

We learn in later revelations -

"...that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 115:6)

It is then stakes, wards and branches where to Lord gather saints under His wings where the humble call upon the Lord in mighty prayer.

D&C 28

It is a common understanding is many Christian churches that anyone has the right to proclaim doctrine if the rest of the congregation concurs. It was probably much the same in the days of a new convert, Hiram Page, and it may not have seemed unusual to the other saints when he began to dictate revelations to the Church. The Prophet had already received the revelation that -

"...commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:2)

Suggesting there was a prescribed order to things and that the commandments he did receive was not to move forward -

"...without the vote of that church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:65)

The Lord then makes it very clear to Oliver Cowdery and all saints in His order of things -

"...verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.
3 And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:2 - 3)

"For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:7)

And with that -

"...thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:6)

We see much the same in our day as members want to counsel the Church in hopes that all will concur. This is not the will of the Lord for he has said -

"I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:14)

The Prophet taught -

“it is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in authority, higher than themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to them; but if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom.” (History of the Church, 1:338.)

In 1913, the First Presidency provided this official statement on the matter -

“From the days of Hiram Page (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 28), at different periods there have been manifestations from delusive spirits to members of the Church. Sometimes these have come to the men and women who because of transgression became easy prey to the Arch-Deceiver. At other times people who pride themselves on their strict observance of the rules and ordinances and ceremonies of the Church are led astray by false spirits, who exercise an influence so imitative of that which proceeds from a Divine source that even these persons, who think they are ‘the very elect,’ find it difficult to discern the essential difference. Satan himself has transformed himself to be apparently ‘an angel of light.’

When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration, convey something out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, demonstrated truths, or good common sense. . . .

Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority and contradicts true scientific principles and discoveries, or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, O! ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning.” (Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose, “A Warning Voice,” Improvement Era, Sept. 1913, pp. 1148–49.)

D&C 27

The Lord tells the Prophet that the time would come when -

"...I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:5)

And then continues that not only him but, Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John, Elijah, Joseph, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Adam, and others to which keys or blessings of dispensations have been given. And then with them -

"...all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:14)

and also -

"...Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 27:6)

It seems at first that it would be a individual by the name of Elias that would restore keys of restoration of all things. Why then would you need the others?

There are many references to Elias in scripture and translated scripture including Christ, John the Revelator, and Gabriel. So who is this Elias? Elder Bruce R. McConkie provides an answer to these questions -

“By finding answer to the question, by whom has the restoration been effected, we shall find who Elias is and find there is no problem in harmonizing these apparently contradictory revelations. Who has restored all things? Was it one man? Certainly not. Many angelic ministrants have been sent from the courts of glory to confer keys and powers, to commit their dispensations and glories again to men on earth. At least the following have come: Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John, Moses, Elijah, Elias, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael. (D. & C. 13; 110; 128:19–21.) Since it is apparent that no one messenger has carried the whole burden of the restoration, but rather that each has come with a specific endowment from on high, it becomes clear that Elias is a composite personage. The expression must be understood to be a name and a title for those whose mission it was to commit keys and powers to men in this final dispensation.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 221; see also D&C 110:12–16.)

D&C 26

It is while in the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery were in Harmony studying and translating the scriptures that the Lord revealed a new simple law -

"...all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 26:2)

With this law of common consent the Lord uses some synomynous terms as vote and sustain. The Savior had several months before taught the Prophet that -

"No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:65)

Even -

"The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the voice of the church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:9)

It is clear that the voice, vote, or consent of the Church is to be done "by much prayer and faith". Not whether we like the person or think some other would better serve. We do not propose or call. That is the responsibility of those who preside. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote the -

“...administrative affairs of the Church are handled in accordance with the law of common consent. This law is that in God’s earthly kingdom, the King counsels what should be done, but then he allows his subjects to accept or reject his proposals. Unless the principle of free agency is operated in righteousness men do not progress to ultimate salvation in the heavenly kingdom hereafter. Accordingly, church officers are selected by the spirit of revelation in those appointed to choose them, but before the officers may serve in their positions, they must receive a formal sustaining vote of the people over whom they are to preside. (D. & C. 20:60–67; 26:2; 28; 38:34–35; 41:9–11; 42:11; 102:9; 124:124–145.)” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 149–50.)

This also applies to new scripture and many other things that affect the lives of the members. Can a person hold an office without the consent of the Church? Joseph Fielding Smith answered -

“No man can preside in this Church in any capacity without the consent of the people. The Lord has placed upon us the responsibility of sustaining by vote those who are called to various positions of responsibility. No man, should the people decide to the contrary, could preside over any body of Latter-day Saints in this Church, and yet it is not the right of the people to nominate, to choose, for that is the right of the priesthood.” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:123; see also D&C 20:65.)

Are there instances where a member should not consent? Again, Joseph Fielding Smith answered -

“I have no right to raise my hand in opposition to a man who is appointed to any position in this Church, simply because I may not like him, or because of some personal disagreement or feeling I may have, but only on the grounds that he is guilty of wrong doing, of transgression of the laws of the Church which would disqualify him for the position which he is called to hold.” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:124.)

With the law of commom consent, we not only provide a vote of approval but also provide a solemn sustaining to the individual. We are all human and need the support of all members even in our weaknesses. Harold B. Lee said -

“When you vote affirmatively you make a solemn covenant with the Lord that you will sustain, that is, give your full loyalty and support, without equivocation or reservation, to the officer for whom you vote” (Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Apr. 1970, p. 103).

D&C 25

Paul wrote to the Corinthians -

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 14:34 - 35)

These words may seem quite troublesome to many Christians. As the Prophet Joseph Smith received inspiration in a revised translation, the Prophet replaced "speak" with "rule". This simple mistranslation of sacred writ now makes much more sense as the it has been given to the priesthood (not men) to preside or rule in meetings. It has always been given for women the same opportunity to speak, pray, testify, and teach spiritual matters. Referencing the Prophet, the Lord said to Emma Smith -

"...thou shalt be ordained [or set apart] under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.
8 For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 25:7 - 8)

Even saying -

"...thou art an elect lady, whom I have called." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 25:3)

She was called to be the first president of a Society of Relief. She was called -

"...to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 25:11)

And even to -

"...the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness.
6 And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 25:5 - 6)

Though the Lord called her to specific callings, the calling to exhort, study, write, and learn much was given to all women as the Lord concludes -

"...verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 25:16)

Of women, Elder Neal A. Maxwell said -

“We know so little, brothers and sisters, about the reasons for the division of duties between womanhood and manhood as well as between motherhood and priesthood. These were divinely determined in another time and another place. We are accustomed to focusing on the men of God because theirs is the priesthood and leadership line. But paralleling that authority line is a stream of righteous influence reflecting the remarkable women of God who have existed in all ages and dispensations, including our own. Greatness is not measured by coverage in column inches, either in newspapers or in the scriptures. The story of the women of God, therefore, is, for now, an untold drama within a drama. . . .

Just as certain men were foreordained from before the foundations of the world, so were certain women appointed to certain tasks. Divine design—not chance—brought Mary forward to be the mother of Jesus. The boy prophet, Joseph Smith, was blessed not only with a great father but also with a superb mother, Lucy Mack, who influenced a whole dispensation.

In our modern kingdom, it is no accident that women were, through the Relief Society, assigned compassionate service. So often the service of women seems instinctive, while that of some men seems more labored. It is precisely because the daughters of Zion are so uncommon that the adversary will not leave them alone. . . .

So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted. That quality is like the generosity of Jesus on the cross. Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity!

When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this.

No wonder the men of God support and sustain you sisters in your unique roles, for the act of deserting home in order to shape society is like thoughtlessly removing crucial fingers from an imperiled dike in order to teach people to swim. . . .

Finally, remember: When we return to our real home, it will be with the ‘mutual approbation’ of those who reign in the ‘royal courts on high.’ There we will find beauty such as mortal ‘eye hath not seen’; we will hear sounds of surpassing music which mortal ‘ear hath not heard.’ Could such a regal homecoming be possible without the anticipatory arrangements of a Heavenly Mother?” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1978, pp. 13–15; or Ensign, May 1978, pp. 10–11.)

D&C 24

After having spent some time with the Colesville saints, the preface to this section suggests the Prophet had experienced increase opposition and persecution from the people of that area. Having returned to Harmony, the Prophet receives this revelation. He doesn't really explain why, but I sense from the revelation, that the Prophet may have been somewhat discouraged and melancholy as he pondered the direction of his life. Maybe as he humbly knelt in prayer placing his burdens on the Lord, the word of the Lord came. The Lord consoles him at first saying -

"BEHOLD, thou wast called and chosen to write the Book of Mormon, and to my ministry; and I have lifted thee up out of thine afflictions, and have counseled thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies, and thou hast been delivered from the powers of Satan and from darkness!" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:1)

The Lord them follows with this charge -

"Magnify thine office..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:3)

And -

"...thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:5)

And in doing so, he promises -

"...it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:6)

It becomes even more clear that the Prophet had a great work to perform as the Lord said -

"For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion; and in this thou shalt have strength." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:7)

For many people, these words may not necessairly be what they would like to hear. That is to devote all there service to Zion. The Lord then becomes very specific in what this means to the Prophet -

"... in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:9)

And -

"Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:8)

These words do not sound like the type words that would be given to one seeking power, authority, or gain, but rather, words to a humble servant of the Lord willing to do whatever is asked of him.

The Lord then concludes -

"...Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in laying on of the hands and confirming the churches." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 24:9)

What great sacrifices the Prophet Joseph Smith made to bring forth this marvleous work.

D&C 23

The Savior during His mortal ministry said -

"...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (New Testament Matthew 16:24)

Luke suggests this was an every day occurrance as he records -

"...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (New Testament Luke 9:23)

It is apparent that the Savior not only knew that He would die, but the manner in which he was to die suggesting the "cross". The Prophet Joseph Smith provided greater incite in the Savior's meaning as he translated -

“...for a man to take up his cross, is to deny himself all ungodliness,and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.”(Matthew 16:26, Inspired Version.)

This correction helps us better understand the meaning to take up ones cross daily. It is to bear the burden to deny oneself of ungodliness and worldly lust by keeping the commandments. Many today excuse their behavior because of their natural desires. The Lord recognized this burden and called it "our personal cross". In modern day revelation, the Lord said again to Joseph Knight, Sen. -

"...I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:6)

His cross being -

"...in the which you must pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places.
7 And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 23:6 - 7)

Each of us have our own weakness and challenges, our own cross. Moroni concluded his works with much the same message -

"...come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:32)