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Revelation, 4 December 1831–B [D&C 72:9–23]

administering the gospel and the things of the kingdom unto the church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

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and unto the world shall answer the debt unto the Bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, he functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

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27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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in Zion

In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the work JS was called to do. However, the term Zion was soon used more specifically to describe a community of believers who live in harmony and equality. The Book of Mormon explained...

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thus it cometh out of the church for according to the law every man who cometh up to Zion must lay all things before the Bishop

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in Zion. And now verily I say unto you that as every Elder

An administrative and ecclesiastical office not associated with age. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church.” The articles and covenants of the church directed...

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in this part of the vinyard must give an account of his stewardship

One who managed property and goods under the law of consecration; also someone given a specific ecclesiastical responsibility. According to the “Laws of the Church of Christ,” members of the church were to make donations to the bishop, who would record the...

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unto the Bishop

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

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in this part of the vinyard a certifi cate from the judge or Bishop

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in this part of the vinyard unto the Bishop

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in Zion rendereth every man acceptable and answereth all things for an inheritence

Generally referred to land promised by or received from God for the church and its members. A January 1831 revelation promised church members a land of inheritance. In March and May 1831, JS dictated revelations commanding members “to purchase lands for an...

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and to be received as a wise steward and as a faithfull labourer otherwise shall not be accepted of the Bishop

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in Zion. And now verily I say unto you let every Elder who shall give an account unto the Bishop

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of the church in this part of the vinyard be recommended by the church or churches in which he labours that he may render himself and his accounts approved in all things

And again let my servents who are appointed as stewards over the litterary concerns of my church have claim for assistence in all things upon the Bishop

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or Bishops in all things that the revelations may be published and go forth unto the ends of the earth that they also may obtain funds which shall benefit the church in all things that they also may render themselves approved in all things and be accounted as wise stewards. And behold this shall be an ensample for all the extensive branches

The ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to...

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of my church in whatsoever land they shall be established and now I make an end of my sayings Amen [p. [2]]

Source Note

Facts

Editorial Title: Revelation, 4 December 1831–B [D&C 72:9–23]
ID #: 7519