Articles and Covenants, circa April 1830, Harry Brown Copy [D&C 20]
Source Note
“Articles and Covenants,” [, Seneca Co., NY, ca. Apr. 1830, though parts may have been received as early as ca. summer 1829]. Version copied [ca. 1834]; handwriting of ; docket in unidentified handwriting; six pages; Emma Smith Woodruff, Collection, CHL.
The lead of all meetings, The Elders are to conduct the meetings As they are led by the holy Ghost,— The priests duty; is to Preach; teach; Expound Exhort and baptise; and adminisTer the sacrament and visit the house of each member and Exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and also attend to All family duties; And ordain other priests; teachers and Deacons; and take the lead of meetings; but none of these Of these offices is he to do when there is an Elder present But in all cases is to assist the Elder; the teachers duty is to Watch over the church always and be with them and strengthEn them and see there is no iniquity in the church neither Hardness with each other, neither lying nor backbiting Nor evil speaking; And see that the church meet Together often and see that all the members do their duty And he is to take the lead of meeting in the absence of the Elder or priest, and is to be assisted always and in all his Duties in the church by the deacons; But neither the Teachers nor deacons have authority to baptise nor Administer the sacrament, but are to warn expound And teach and invite all to come unto Christ; Every elder, Priest; teacher; or Deacon; is to be ordained according to the Gifts and callings of god unto him. by the power of the Holy Ghost wich is in the one who ordains him;— the several Elders composing this church of christ are to meet in conferEnce once in three months or from time to time as they shal Direct or appoint to do church business, whatsoever is Necessary; And each priest or teacher who is ordained By a priest is to take a certificate from him at the time, Which when presented to an elder he is to give him a licence Which shall authorize him perform the duty of his calling, It shall be the duty of the members after they are received By the Elders; or priests to take sufficient time to expound All things to their understanding concerning the church Previous to their partaking of the sacrament, and being Confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the Elders; So that all things may be done in order; And the members [p. [4]]