Calls to Preach the Gospel D&C 30-35

Roundtable Discussions on the Scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants Sections 30-36

Key Concepts: Discipleship, Personal Revelation, Practical Counsel, Missionary Work, Atonement, Trust in Christ, Priestcraft, Joseph Smith Translation (JST), Elect.

Common Themes in Doctrine and Covenants Sections 30-36

• Discipleship: The sections explore various ways individuals become disciples of Christ, emphasizing hearkening to the word and acting upon it.
• Personal Revelation: Heavenly Father knows each individual personally, offering specific counsel tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This counsel is applicable to members today.
• Exhortation to Declare the Gospel: New converts are expected to share the gospel message.

Section 30: Revelation to the Whitmer Brothers (David, Peter, and John)

• Historical Context: These were originally three separate revelations combined in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants because they were all addressed to the Whitmer brothers.
• Missionary Assignments: David is to stay, Peter is to accompany Oliver Cowdery, and John is to labor with Philip Burrows.
• David Whitmer's Challenges (Verses 1-3):
  • Fearing Man: Being too worried about social perception.
  • Not Relying on God for Strength: Self-sufficiency instead of seeking divine help.
  • Mind on Earthly Things: Focusing on worldly matters more than spiritual duties.
  • Not Giving Heed to the Spirit and Leaders: Ignoring spiritual guidance and counsel.
  • Persuaded by Those Not Commanded: Listening to unauthorized influences.
• Consequences of These Challenges: David is left to inquire for himself and ponder upon what he has received.
• Parallel to Section 3: The challenges faced by David Whitmer echo those faced by Joseph Smith and Martin Harris regarding the lost 116 pages, particularly fearing man more than God (Section 3:7) and breaking sacred promises (Section 3:13).

Section 31: Revelation to Thomas B. Marsh

• Thomas B. Marsh's Conversion: He was converted by reading 16 pages of the Book of Mormon obtained from E.B. Grandin's print shop.
• Call to be a "Physician unto the Church" (Verse 10): Marsh, who had experience with herbal medicine, is called to use his skills to serve the Church, particularly in arbitrating and mediating.
• Family Afflictions (Verse 2): Marsh is experiencing challenges within his family.
• Promise and Counsel: Despite family problems, Marsh is encouraged to thrust in his sickle with all his soul, with the promise that his family will eventually believe.
• Patience and Meekness (Verse 9): Marsh is counseled to be patient in afflictions, not revile against those who revile, and govern his house in meekness. This is presented as following Christ's example (1 Peter).

Section 32: Revelation to Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson

• Mission to the Lamanites: Pratt and Peterson are called to accompany Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer Jr. on their mission to the Lamanites.
• Importance of Following Written Revelation (Verse 4): "They shall give heed to that which is written and pretend to no other revelation." This reinforces the principle from Section 28 about not paying attention to other revelations from less than credible sources.
• Not Getting Ahead of the Prophet: Relying upon the things which are written and not pretending to receive Revelations for the church that the prophet hasn't enumerated.

Section 33: Revelation to Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet

• Emphasis on the "Eleventh Hour": The time is short, and there is urgency in declaring the gospel.
• Call to Open Their Mouths (Verses 8-10): They are repeatedly told to "open your mouths" and declare the message of repentance and baptism.
• The Lord's Gospel (Verse 12): "Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in no wise be saved."
• Priestcraft (Verse 4): Avoiding priestcraft, which involves corrupt minds and setting oneself up as a light unto the world (2 Nephi 26:29).

Section 34: Revelation to Orson Pratt

• Orson Pratt's Conversion: Baptized by his brother, Parley P. Pratt, in Canaan, New York.
• Call to Preach the Gospel (Verse 5): Pratt is called to preach the gospel and lift up his voice as a trump.
• Blessed to Teach (Verse 4): "Blessed are you because you have believed; and more blessed are you because you are called to preach."
• Legacy of Service: Orson Pratt went on 18 missions.

Section 35: Revelation to Sidney Rigdon

• Sidney Rigdon's Background: Former Baptist minister and Campbellite preacher.
• Call to be the Prophet's Scribe (Verse 20): Rigdon is called to serve as Joseph Smith's scribe for the inspired revision and translation of the Bible (Joseph Smith Translation - JST).
• JST as a Seedbed for Revelation: The translation process led to questions that were answered in later revelations.
• Rigdon as a Forerunner (Verse 4): "Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold, thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare the way before me."
• Warning to Keep Focus on the Prophet (Verse 18): "I have given unto him the keys of the mysteries of those things which have been sealed... if he abide in me; and if not, another will I plant in his stead."
• Use of the Weak Things of the World (Verse 13): The Lord calls upon the weak, unlearned, and despised to "thrash the nations" by the power of His Spirit. This echoes Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
• The Elect (Verse 12): "There are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fullness of my gospel."
• Testimony of the JST (Verse 20): "The scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect."

Synthesis/Conclusion

Doctrine and Covenants sections 30-36 provide practical counsel and divine direction to early members of the Church, emphasizing discipleship, missionary work, and the importance of personal revelation. These sections highlight the Lord's personal involvement in the lives of individuals, offering tailored guidance and warnings. The revelations also underscore the significance of the Joseph Smith Translation and the role of the Prophet Joseph Smith in leading the Church. The overarching theme is a call to action, urging members to share the gospel, rely on the Lord, and remain steadfast in their faith.