Revelation Dates: November – December, 1832

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 85 - Historical Background: Since receiving the previous section 84, Joseph had continued with the revision of the bible. Disturbing reports from the saints in Missouri reached Joseph, apparently related to the failure of vital points of obedience under the Law of Consecration. Influenced by the Spirit of the Lord, Joesph replied in a letter to W. W. Phelps, a portion of which became section 85.

• Recap: Deficiencies within the leadership of the church in Missouri are discussed. Clerk John Whitmer was delinquent in keeping adequate records of the affairs of the church and of properties consecrated to and from the Bishop. Also, previous warning to Bishop Edward Partridge regarding consecrated property was still being neglected. Apostates should have their names and linage stricken from the records of the church. If Bishop Partridge does not correct his failed actions, he will be struck down. One mighty and strong will arise to set up Zion in righteousness and assign the saints their inheritances.

Section 86 - Historical Background: While revising the New Testament, Joseph and Sidney Rigdon came across the parable of the wheat and the tares found in Matthew 13. Joseph was prompted that this parable was especially relevant within the restoration of the kingdom. He made a plea to the Lord for further clarification.

• Recap: The field is the world, the apostles are the sowers of the wheat seed, and the adversary sowed the seeds of tares. The restored priesthood will remain until the restoration of all things. Continue to be the light and the savior of people through the priesthood.

Section 87 - Historical Background: This section predicts the Civil War 28 years before it occurred and 81 years before World War I. Slavery was a toxic topic among the people, including the saints. In 1832, Congress passed a law requiring tariffs on exports to be paid to the Federal Government. The southern states objected to these tariffs and South Carolina passed a state law abolishing all Federal tariffs, citing them as unconstitutional. They also threatened to secede from the Union. This act of rebellion nearly resulted in war, until South Carolina backed down. Reflecting on slavery and these crucial issues, Joseph received this revelation and future prophecy.

• Recap: War will begin in South Carolina and will result in the death of many souls. The states will be divided, northern against southern. The time will come that war will be waged among all nations worldwide. There will be bloodshed and mourning in all the earth, with famines, plagues, earthquakes and thunderings. The saints will plead with the Lord for protection. The Lord proclaims to the righteous, “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved” until the Lord comes, who comes quickly.

Revelation Date: September 22 – 23, 1832

Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 84 - Historical Background: In the summer months of 1832, Joseph and Sidney moved their residence to Kirtland, Ohio. They resumed revising the Bible and getting the first edition of the Evening and Morning Star published. By Fall, the missionaries sent to the Eastern states began returning from their missions and reported on their successes. It was while they were rejoicing together that Joseph received this revelation on the Priesthood.

• Recap: The heart of the city of the New Jerusalem will be the temple. The genealogy of the Priesthood is given from Adam to Moses. The lesser priesthood, as given to Aaron, administers in the temporal ordinances. The higher priesthood sets forth the mysteries of the gospel and the keys to a spiritual knowledge of the nature and power of God. When the Israelites failed in their faithfulness, the higher priesthood was taken from them and only the lesser priesthood remained. The bishop, holding the higher priesthood, presides over the lesser priesthood.
• Those who obtain both priesthoods and magnify their calling are sanctified by the Spirit.
• Every person born on the earth has the Spirit of light and truth. Those who hearken to the Spirit will be redeemed but those who reject the Spirit will be under the bondage of sin and will not be aquainted with Christ.
• Because of the saints’ unbelief and treating lightly the Book of Mormon and the commandments, the whole church is under condemnation and will remain so until they repent.
• The signs that follow those who receive the Holy Ghost are given.
• The Elders are to proclaim the gospel, warning and teaching the people. They are to trust in God and go without purse or script. The Lord goes before their face. Those who receive them receive the Lord and will be blessed. The Lord describes the righteousness of those during the millennium. Therefore, strengthen one another, take care of the poor, offer up excesses to the Bishops for the building up of Zion.

Revelation Dates: March – April, 1832

Revelation Places: Hiram Ohio and Jackson County, Missouri

Section 81 - Historical Background: This revelation was given originally to a relatively unknown person named Jesse Gause, to be a counsellor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood. However, Gause was unfaithful so he was replaced by Fredrick G. Williams. This Presidency was a forerunner to the “First Presidency” which was formally organized a year later, on March 18, 1833. When these revelations were published in 1835, section 81 was changed to omit the name of Jesse Gause and replace it with Frederick G. Williams. This section is more relevant to the calling of counsellor to the Prophet, his duties and the designation of priesthood keys to the First Presidency, than it is to an individual at the time the revelation was given; hence the name change to Gause’s replacement, Frederick G. Williams.

• Recap: Frederick G. Williams to be called as a High Priest and counsellor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood, which Presidency shares the keys to the kingdom. Pray always, proclaim the gospel, promote Jesus Christ, be faithful, strengthen the weak.

Section 82 - Historical Background: The mobs were so troublesome, that Joseph and Sidney left Hiram Ohio and travelled to Independence, Missouri where Joseph was joyfully welcomed by the saints in Zion. On April 26, 1832, Joseph held a church conference where he was sustained as the President of the High Priesthood. During the conference, Joseph received this revelation.

• Recap: The congregation is commanded to repent, for where much is given much is required. The Lord explains that the people ask for revelations and receive them, but then trample on their new knowledge. The Lord is bound to bless them when they are obedient, but when they are disobedient they have no promise. Zion must strengthen and enlarge her stakes. Every family leader is to be given a stewardship to improve the welfare of family and church. The Law of Consecration is a permanent and everlasting law of God. Make friends with your enemies and let God be their judge.

Section 83 - Historical Background: After closing church conference in Independence, Joseph went to visit the settlement of the Colesville saints. They rejoiced with Joseph and expressed great love and support. Returning to Independence, Joseph received this revelation dealing with the responsibility in the church over women, children and the poor.

• Recap: All faithful women of the church have claim on their husband to provide for their needs. If the woman becomes unfaithful, she will not be included in the congregation, but she will still have legal rights to her stewardship. All children have claim upon their parents until they are of age. The bishop’s storehouse will provide for the needs of widows, orphans and the poor.