Revelation, 3 January 1833 [D&C 88:127–137]

  • Kirtland January 3d. 1833. Revelation given to organize for a patern &c

    The order of the house, of God prepared for the presedency,  and instruction, in all things, that is expedient for the  officers; or in other words, them who are called to the ministry  in the Church, begining at the high Priests, even down to  the deacon, and this shall be the order of the house, he  that is appointed, to be a teacher, shall be found  standing in his place, which shall be appointed pre pared for him, in the house of God, in a place that  the congregation, in the house may hear his word, correctly  and distinctly; not with loud speach; and [when] he cometh  into the house of God, (for he should be first in the  house, behold this is beautiful, that he may be an  example) let him offer himself in prayer upon his  knees, before God, in token of the everlasting covenant,  and when any shall, come in after him, let the teacher  arise, and with uplifted hands to heaven, yea even  directly, salute his brother, or brethren, with these words  saying, art thou a brother, or brethren, I salute you in  the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in tocen [token] of the ever lasting covenant, in which covenant, I receive you  to fellowship, in a determination, that is fixed  immovable, and unchangable, to be your friend  and brother, through the grace of God, in the bonds  of Love, to walk in all the commandments, of God,  blameless, in thanks giving for ever, and ever; Amen.  and he that cometh, in, and is a brother, or brethren  shall salute the teacher with uplifted hands to  heaven, with this same prayer, and covenant  or by saying amen; in token of the same, Behold  verily I say unto you, this [is] a sample, unto you  for a salutation, to one another, in the house of  God, and ye are called to do this by prayer, and  thanksgiving, as the spirit shall give utterance [p. 47]

On 27-28 December 1832, ten high priests assembled in the upstairs of the Kirtland, Ohio, store owned by Bishop Newel K. Whitney. JS’s practice at the time was to meet in conference with groups of high priests to conduct church business. According to the meeting’s minutes, those in attendance united in praying that the Lord would “reveal his will unto us concerning the upbuilding of Zion, & for the benefit of the saints and for the duty and employment of the Elders”. JS subsequently dictated a lengthy revelation designated the “Olive Leaf.” An addition to the revelation, dictated on 3 January 1833, instructed priesthood members to purify themselves and to organize a “school of the prophets” to instruct those called to the ministry. This second segment gave additional directives regarding the conduct and protocols to be observed in these sessions.

JS and Frederick G. Williams recorded this text in Revelation Book 2 perhaps as early as January 1833 and designated it “Revelation given to organize for a pattern &c the order of the house of God.” A closing notation indicates that it was “Given by Joseph the seer, and writen by Frederick assistant scribe and councellor.” John Whitmer recorded the text in Revelation Book 1, where it is identified as “A Revelation given Jany 3. 1833 Kirtland.” The 1835 Doctrine and Covenants included this revelation with a date of 27 December 1832 but no location.

Facts

Editorial Title
Revelation, 3 January 1833 [D&C 88:127–137]
ID #
5375