Section 29 - Historical Background: After Joseph and Emma arrived in Fayette from Harmony, the saints were anxious for the upcoming second conference of the church. Many of the new members had questions. Six elders were in the presence of Joseph when he received this new magnificent revelation. This was not a revelation of simple concepts like received in previous revelations, but was instead a complex, layer upon layer, doctrinal and apocalyptic revelation.

Recap: It is through Christ’s mercy that our sins are atoned. The elect - or foreordained - of Christ will be gathered in America for safety. There will be a day of tribulation and desolation prior to Christ’s second coming. Many great signs in heaven and earth will precede His coming. Terrible plagues will pour down on the gentiles to humble them unto repentance, otherwise they will be burned by fire. At the end of the millennium, after the resurrection of all the dead, wickedness will return again and the earth will be consumed and become a new, paradisical earth.

These doctrines are given in response to questions in the minds of the six elders present.

All of God’s commands are spiritual. Satan rebelled against God by attempting to destroy our agency and was therefore cast down, spending his days tempting God’s children to prevent them from returning to God. They who resist temptation and believe in Christ will be raised in immortality unto eternal life.

Section 27 - Historical Background: It had been four months since the organization of the church and the saints had been partaking of the sacrament using bread and wine. After the baptism of Emma Smith along with others, a meeting was held for the confirmation to take place followed by the partaking of the sacrament. However, there was no wine available for the sacrament so Joseph set out to obtain some. He had not gone far when he was met by a Heavenly messenger who gave him this revelation directly from the Savior.

Recap: The emblems used in the Lord’s sacrament can be something other than bread and wine as long as they are partaken with an eye single to the glory of God and done in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ.

Section 28 - Historical Background: August of 1830 was a challenging time for both Joseph and Emma. The lies and persecution toward Joseph in Harmony reached the heart of Emma’s father who now refused any further refuge for Joseph and Emma. Harsh persecution forced Joseph and Emma to flee Harmony and move into the residence of the Whitmer’s home in Fayette. No sooner had they arrived when they learned that Hyrum Page, one of the eight witnesses, had claimed to be receiving revelations through a certain stone. Some members, including Oliver Cowdery, had been deceived by these claims. Joseph inquired of the Lord and received this revelation, directed to the deceived Oliver Cowdery.

Recap: The Lord declares that only His appointed prophet has the keys to receive revelation for His church, for all things must be done in order. He commands Oliver Cowdery to remedy the deceit which has spread due to the stone used by Hiram Page, and to counsel with Hiram privately. Once this Satanic deceit has been settled, Oliver is to go on a mission to the Lamanites

Section 23 - Historical Background: Shortly after the organization of the church, probably between April 6 to 11, 1830, Joseph was approached by five faithful men desiring to know their respective duties in the new church. These five individuals included Joseph’s father, Joseph Smith Sr, two brothers, Hyrum and Samuel Smith, Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Knight, Sr. Joseph inquired of the Lord and received this revelation.

• Recap: Oliver Cowdery was addressed first and warned against pride; urged to witness to others the truth; Hyrum was called to strengthen the church; Samuel was to work within the church for strengthening the members but not yet to preach outside the church; Joseph Knight Sr was also called to serve in the Kingdom forever and pray vocally and encouraged to join the church and take up his cross.

Section 24 - Historical Background: Immediately following the organization of the church, persecution came quickly and became intense. Joseph was harassed with arrests and had to evade mobs for safety. Joseph had begun to receive revelations concerning the book of Genesis which is recorded in the Pearl of Great Price, book of Moses. During these times of persecution and revelation, Joseph received the following revelation.

• Recap: Joseph is encouraged to magnify his office and to be patient in his afflictions; he is to seek safety among the members of the church; Oliver Cowdery is to be diligent in declaring the gospel, thinking nothing of himself, and he will receive strength.

Section 25 - Historical Background: The persecutions spewing against her husband Joseph had been a great trial for Emma Smith. Her uncle was a minister responsible for much of the persecution against Joseph, especially during the translation of the plates. This persecution drove Joseph and Emma from Harmony to Fayette, NY. Arrested and nearly mobbed several times, Joseph had to constantly flee. During this time, Emma had been faithful and supportive despite trials and hardships. Never had Emma seen the Gold Plates yet she didn’t complain. Now, however, Mary Whitmore had the privilege of seeing the plates. Feeling slighted, the Lord gave Emma this strengthening and comforting revelation calling Emma an “elect lady.”

• Recap: Emma is forgiven for her sins and is called an elect lady; she is to be Joseph’s scribe and to compile a hymnbook for the members. All members are called to beware of pride and to keep the commandments.

Section 26 - Historical Background: During the weeks since the publication of the Book of Mormon, Samuel Smith had been diligently trying to get people to buy the sacred book. Since there was nothing but hostility around Palmyra, he went 15 miles to the town of Mendon. Finally he returned home with all but 2 of the original books. He gave one of the books to a widow and the other went to a respected minister John Green. Reverend Green read the book, believed it and eagerly passed it on to Phineas Young and then to Brigham Young and Heber C Kimball, all reading and finding belief and conversion. This resulted in the uniting of converts and a strong branch of the church near Mendon. Meanwhile, Joseph, Oliver and John Whitmer were in Harmony wondering what they could do to exert themselves, and the following short revelation was given.

• Recap: The Lord tells Joseph, Oliver and John Whitmer to get involved in 4 things, namely the fervent study of the scriptures, the organization of the branch in Colesville, perform the essential work on their farmland and then to prepare for the next church conference. The importance of common consent is given.