Mormon History 1830-1844

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Articles and Covenants of the Church
Church organized April 6, 1830 by God's command. Joseph and Oliver called of God, ordained apostles of the church §. Joseph became entangled in sin, repented §, visited by angel who gave him power to translate Book of Mormon. We, the elders, bear record §, God is all power, understanding, through transgression man becomes devilish §. The Only Begotten §, justification and sanctification §. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one §. Qualifications for baptism §. Duties of apostle/elder §, priest §, teacher §. Ordination according to gifts of candidate §, licenses §. Duty of members §. Baptism and sacrament §. Conferences, membership rolls §.
The Articles and Covenants of the Church were ratified at the first conference of the church, in Fayette, New York in June 1830. H. Michael Marquardt's Joseph Smith Revelations, 62–66, contains a transcript of the text in Zebedee Coltrin's journal which, according to Davis Bitton's Guide to Mormon Diaries and Autobiographies, was copied into Zebedee's diary by P W [Peter Whitmer?] under the heading "Articles, Covenants and Laws of the Church" in Independence on January 12, 1832. However, except as noted in the annotations column, it follows the Evening and Morning Star.
For meetings where the Articles and Covenants were read, see ¶ Minutes of June 9, 1830, ¶ Minutes of October 25–26, 1831, ¶ Minutes of January 23, 1832, ¶ Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith, January 28, 1832.
The earliest known text was published by Eber D. Howe in the Painesville Telegraph, April 19, 1831. As the introductory paragraph indicates, it was taken from a copy in Martin Harris' possession. J. J. Moss, who married Eber's niece on November 23, 1831, wrote:
  None, however, but their members, were allowed to see their revelations. At one time a large company gathered at a public house to converse with Martin Harris, who had returned from New York with certain revelations. His hat sat upon the table in the room where we were gathered and in it I discovered a copy of the revelations. I quietly abstracted them and, whispering to Brother Jones and wife who were present, I took Brother Tanuer with me and left the house. We went directly to the home of Brother Jones and copied them entire. We then returned and I deposited the original revelations in Harris' hat without his having missed them. Soon there were copies of these revelations circulating among the people. It was always a great mystery to the Mormons how these revelations became known, and they could get no revelations to solve the mystery. I don't believe they have solved the problem to this day. Source
Even after publication of the 1835 D&C, Joseph Smith referred to the Articles and Covenants, rather than the D&C, to justify not detailing his sins. (How he made that connection, I am not sure.) ¶ Oliver's History of the Church (2)
The Evening and Morning Star reprinted the document in June 1833, "as there were, some errors which had got into them by transcribing."
Minor editing was done for Book of Commandments 24.
Several substantive changes were made for 1835 Doctrine and Covenants 2.
Some content was apparently drawn from Oliver's Articles of the Church of Christ (1829). Similar text from that document, which is closely paralleled in ¶ Book of Commandments Book A appears in small type in the Coltrin diary variants column (in regular type).

Painesville Telegraph
April 19, 1831
Source
  Evening and Morning Star
1, no. 1 (June 1832): {1–2}
Evening and Morning Star
2, no. 13 (June 1833): {1–2}
Coltrin diary variants
THE MORMON CREED. Revelations. / THE ARTICLES AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. THE ARTICLES AND COVENANTS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
(The following document was obtained from the hand of Martin Harris, one of the original proprietors of the "Gold Bible" speculation. We publish it as a one of the curiosities of the day. What use, or whether any, is made of it in this vicinity, we know not. It was probably prepared for the latitude of New York, where creeds & con[fessionals] were not quite so unpopular as in Ohio. We believe, therefore, it has been cautiously kept from the eyes of most of the followers of St. Jo. in this vicinity. In this business the commandments and revelations of Heaven, are very easily made to yield to circumstances —Ed. Tel.)  
The articles and covenants of the Church of Christ agreeable to the will and commandments of God.   Blue: dropped in 1832
  The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being 1830 years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the flesh,   The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the flesh, The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the flesh; Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
  it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the 4th month, and on the 6th day of the same,   it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April: It being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the fourth month and on the sixth day of the month which is called April:  
which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, jun. who was called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church, Which commandments were given to Joseph, who was called of God and ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ, an Elder of the Church; Which commandments were given to Joseph, who was called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ an elder of this church: Joseph the seer
who was also

Apostles

Orange: added in 1833
  and also to Oliver, who was called of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church, and ordained under his hand,   and also to Oliver, who was called of God an Apostle of Jesus Christ, an Elder of the Church, and ordained under his hand, And also to Oliver, who was also called of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of this Church, and ordained under his hand: Purple: dropped in 1833
Red: added in 1832
  and this according to the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory both now and ever—amen.   and this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to whom be all glory both now and forever. Amen. And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory both now and forever. Amen.  
For, after that it truly was manifested unto the first elder that he had received remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world,
For, after that it truly was manifested unto the first Elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world,
For, after that it truly was manifested unto this first elder, that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world;
Purple: dropped in 1833

¶ New York Offices
but after truly repenting, God visited him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all whiteness, and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high, and gave unto him power, by the means which was before prepared that he should translate a book; but after truly repenting, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all whiteness, and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high, and gave unto him power, by the means which were prepared, that he should translate a Book; But after truly repenting, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all whiteness, and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high, and gave unto him power, by the means which were before prepared, that he should translate a book; which was before prepared

Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
Orange: added in 1833
which book contains a record of a fallen people, and also the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles   which Book contained a record of a fallen people, and also the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles; Which Book contained a record of a fallen people, and also the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles;
and also to the Jews, proving unto them that the holy scriptures be true,   and also to the Jews, proving unto them, that the holy Scriptures are true; And also to the Jews, proving unto them, that the holy scriptures are true;
and also that God doth inspire men and call them to his holy work in these last days as well as in days of old, that he might be the same God forever—amen.   and also, that God doth inspire men and call them to his holy work, in these last days as well as in days of old, that he might be the same God forever. Amen. And also, that God doth inspire men and call them to his holy work, in these last days as well as in days of old, that he might be the same God forever. Amen.
Which book was given by inspiration, is called the book of Mormon, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and declared unto the world by them. Which Book was given by inspiration, and is called The Book of Mormon, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and declared unto the world by them: Which Book was given by inspiration, and is called the book of Mormon, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and declared unto the world by them:
Wherefore having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter receive this work, either to faith and righteousness, or to the hardness of heart in unbelief, to their own condemnation. Wherefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter receive this work, either to faith and righteousness, or to the hardness of heart in unbelief, to their own condemnation, Wherefore having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter receive this work, either to faith and righteousness, or to the hardness of heart in unbelief, to their own condemnation,
For the Lord God hath spoken it, for we, the elders of the church have heard and bear record to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever—Amen. for the Lord God hath spoken it, for we, the Elders of the Church, have heard and bear record to the words of the glorious Majesty on high; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. for the Lord God hath spoken it, for we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear record to the words of the glorious Majesty on high; to whom be glory forever and ever.— Amen.
Wherefore, by these things, we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the same unchangeable God, the Maker of heaven and earth, and all things that in them is, and that he is all power, and all wisdom, and all understanding, and that he created man male and female after his own image and in his own likeness created he them,
Wherefore, by these things, we know that there is a God in Heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the same unchangeable God, the Maker of heaven and earth, and all things that in them is, and that he created man male and female, after his own image, and in his own likeness created he them; Wherefore, by these things, we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the same unchangeable God, the maker of heaven and earth and all things that in them is, and that he created man male and female, after his own image, and in his own likeness created he them; & after

Blue: dropped in 1832
  and that he gave unto the children of men a commandment that they should love and serve him the only being whom they should worship; but by the transgression of these holy laws, man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man—   and that he gave unto the children of men commandments that they should love and serve him the only being whom they should worship; but by the transgression of these holy laws, man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man: And that he gave unto the children of men commandments that they should love and serve him the only being whom they should worship: but by the transgression of these holy laws, man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man: a commandment
wherefore, the Almighty God gave his only begotten Son, as is written in those scriptures which hath been given of him, that he suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them, Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his only begotten Son, as it is written in those Scriptures, which hath been given of him, that he suffered temptations, but gave no heed unto them; Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his only begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures, which hath been given of him, that he suffered temptations, but gave no heed unto them; have been given

  that he was crucified and died and rose again the third day, and that he ascended into heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father, that he was crucified, died, and rose again the third day, and that he ascended into Heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with Almighty power according to the will of the Father. That he was crucified, died, and rose again the third day, and that he ascended into heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with Almighty power according to the will of the Father. Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
  that as many as would believe and were baptized into his holy name and endured in faith to the end should be saved; Therefore, as many as would believe and were baptized in his holy name, and endured in faith to the end, should be saved; Therefore, as many as would believe and were baptized in his holy name, and endured in faith to the end, should be saved;  
yea, even as many as were before he came in the flesh, from the beginning, which believed in the words of the holy prophets, which were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, which truly testified of him in all things, as well [as] they which should come after, which should believe in the gifts and calling of God, by the Holy Ghost, yea, even as many as were before he came in the flesh, from the beginning, who believed in the words of the holy Prophets, who were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, which truly testifies of him in all things, as well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God, by the Holy Ghost, Yea even as many as were before he came in the flesh, from the beginning, who believed in the words of the holy prophets who were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, which truly testified of him in all things, as well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts & callings of God, by the Holy Ghost,

which believed
which were
truly testify

Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
Orange
: added in 1833

  which beareth record of the Father and of the Son, which Father and Son and Holy Ghost is one God, infinite and eternal, without end—Amen.   which beareth record of the Father and of the Son, which Father and Son and Holy Ghost, is one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen. which beareth record of the Father and of the Son, which Father & Son and Holy Ghost, is one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.
And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. And we know, that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the Kingdom of God: And we know, that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
  And we know, that justification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true.   And we know, that Justification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true. And we know, that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true.
  And we also know that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is just and true to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.   And we know, also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength, And we know also that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength,  
  But there is a possibility that men may fall from grace, and depart from the living God,   but there is a possibility that men may fall from grace and depart from the living God. but there is a possibility that men may fall from grace and depart from the living God. and even he

  therefore, let the church take heed, and pray always, lest they enter into temptation; Therefore let the> Therefore, let the church take heedFF0000">fall into temptation; Therefore, let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation; Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
  yea, and he that is sanctified also. yea, and he that is sanctified also: Yea, and he that is sanctified also:  
And we know that these things are true and agreeable to the revelations of Jesus Christ, which was spoken by his angel unto John, neither adding nor diminishing to the prophecy of his book; and we know, that these things are true and agreeable to the Revelation of John, neither adding to nor diminishing from the prophecy of his Book; And we know, that these things are true and agreeable to the revelation of John, neither adding to nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book; revelations of John
diminishing to

Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
  neither to the holy scriptures;   neither to the holy Scriptures; Neither to the holy scriptures;  
  neither to the revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost;   neither to the Revelations of God which shall come hereafter, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost; Neither to the revelations of God which shall come hereafter, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost;  
  neither by the voice of God;   neither by the voice of God; Neither by the voice of God;  
  neither by the ministering of angels and the Lord God hath spoken it; and honor, power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name both now and ever—Amen.   neither by the ministering of angels, and the Lord God hath spoken it; and honor, power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name both now and ever. Amen. Neither by the ministering of angels and the Lord God hath spoken it; and honor, power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name both now and ever. Amen.  
And again by way of commandment to the church concerning the matter of baptism, behold whosoever humbleth himself before God and desireth to be baptized, and comes forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnesseth unto the church that they truly repent of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him unto the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received the gift of Christ unto the remission of their sins, then shall they be received unto baptism into the church of Christ. And again, by way of commandment to the Church, concerning the matter of baptism: Behold whosoever humbleth himself before God and desireth to be baptized, and comes forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnesseth unto the Church that they have truly repented of all their sins and are willing to take upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him unto the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received the spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, then shall they be received unto baptism into the Church of Christ. And again, by way of commandment to the church, concerning the matter of baptism:* Behold whosoever humbleth himself before God and desireth to be baptized and comes forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnesseth unto the church that they have truly repented of all their sins and are willing to take upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him unto the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, then shall they be received unto baptism into the church of Christ. * Coltrin has "Book of Mormon Page 576 [Moroni 6:14]," then skips to "The Elders are to conduct …"

The requirements are drawn from Moroni 6:2–3. Oliver contested the addition of the passage about having received the gift/spirit of Christ prior to baptism. Background, D&C 28, September [5–26], 1830.
The duty of the Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, and members of the church of Christ:— The duty of the Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons and members of the church of Christ. The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, and deacons and members of the church of Christ.
An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers and deacons, and to administer the flesh and blood of Christ according to the scriptures, An Apostle is an Elder, and it is his calling to baptize and to ordain other Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and to administer the flesh and blood of Christ according to the Scriptures, An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers and deacons and to administer the flesh and blood of Christ according to the scriptures; and to baptize
of the hands
meetings &c.

Apostles

Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
  and to teach, expound, and exhort, and to baptize and watch over the church, and to confirm the church by the laying on of hands and the giving of the Holy Ghost, and to take the lead of all meetings, &c. and to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church, and to confirm the Church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost, and to take the lead of all meetings. and to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, & the giving of the Holy Ghost, and to take the lead of all meetings. according as
The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost. The Elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost. The Elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost.
The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, and exhort and baptize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and also to attend all family duties, The Priests' duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort and baptize, and administer the Sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and also to attend all family duties; The priests' duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort and baptize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and also to attend all family duties;
to ordain priests, teachers and deacons, and take the lead in meetings; but none of these offices is he to do when there is an elder present, but in all cases is to assist the elder, &c. and ordain other Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and take the lead in meetings; but none of these offices is he to do when there is an elder present, but in all cases is to assist the Elder. And ordain other priests teachers and deacons, and take the lead of meetings; but none of these offices is he to do when there is an elder present, but in all cases is to assist the elder.  
The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with them and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the church, nor no hardness with each other, nor no lying nor backbiting, nor evil speaking; The Teachers' duty is to watch over the Church always, and be with them, and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the Church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying nor back-biting nor evil speaking; The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with them, and strengthen them, and see that their is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying nor back-biting, nor evil speaking; together often
every member does his
and see that the church meets together oft, and also see that every member does his duty, and he is to take the lead of meetings 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. and see that the Church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty, and he is to take the lead of meetings 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. And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty, and he is to take the lead of meetings 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; nor the Deacons

Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832

callings of God
But neither the teacher nor the deacon has authority to baptize nor administer the sacrament, but are to warn, expound, exhort and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ. But neither the Teacher nor Deacons have authority to baptize nor administer the Sacrament, but are to warn, expound, exhort and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ. But neither the teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize nor administer the sacrament, but are to warn, expound, exhort and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and calling of God unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him. Every Elder, Priest, Teacher, or Deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and calling of God unto him, by the power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains him. Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and calling of God unto him, by the power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains him.
  The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet at each of its meetings to do church business, whatsoever is necessary, &c. The several Elders composing this Church of Christ, are to meet in Conference once in three months, to do Church business, whatsoever is necessary. The several elders composing this church of Christ, are to meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time as they shall direct or appoint to do church business whatsoever is necessary. one in three month

Orange: added in 1833
  and each priest or teacher who is ordained by any priest is to take a certificate from him at the time, which, when shown to an elder, he is to give him a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duty of his calling.   And each Priest or Teacher who is ordained by a Priest is to take a cirtificate from him at the time, which when presented to an Elder, he is to give him a License, which shall authorize him to perform the duty of his calling. And each priest or teacher, who is ordained by a priest, is to take a cirtificate from him at the time, which when presented to an elder, he is to give him a license which shall authorize him to perform the duty of his calling. when shown
  The duty of the church members after they are received by baptism:— The duty of the members after they are received by baptism The duty of the members after they are received by baptism
  The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning this church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament, and being confirmed by the laying hands of the elders,   The Elders or Priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning this Church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the Sacrament, and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the Elders; The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning this church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament, and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders:
  so that all things shall be done in order;   so that all things may be done in order; So that all things may be done in order;  
  and the members shall manifest before the church and before the elders a godly walk and conversation that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures, walking in holiness before the Lord.   and the members shall manifest before the Church, and also before the Elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures, walking in holiness before the Lord. And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures, walking in holiness before the Lord.  
Every member of this church of Christ having children, are to bring them unto the elders before the church who are to lay hands on them in the name of the Lord, and bless them in the name of Christ. Every member of this Church of Christ having children,  are to bring them unto the Elders before the Church, who  are to lay hands on them in the name of the Lord, and bless them in the name of Christ. Every member of this church of Christ having children,  are to bring them unto the elders before the church, who  are to lay hands on them in the name of the Lord, and bless them in the name of Christ. is to bring
is to lay
  There can not any one be received into this church of Christ who have not arrived to the years of accountability before God, and are not capable of repentance.   There cannot any one be received into this Church of Christ, who has not arrived to the years of accountability before God, and is not capable of repentance. There cannot any one be received into this church of Christ, who has not arrived to the years of accountability before God, and is not capable of repentance. ariven
And the manner of baptism & the manner of administering the sacrament are to be done as is written in the Book of Mormon. And baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent: And baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent:
      Whosoever being called of God and having authority given them of Jesus Christ, shall go down into the water with them, and shall say, calling them by name: Whosoever being called of God & having authority given them of Jesus Christ, shall go down into the water with them and shall say, calling them by name: Green: Zebedee Coltrin diary qtd. in JS revelations.
      Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.  
      Then shall he immerse them in the water and come forth again out of the water. Then shall he immerse them in the water and come forth again out of the water.  
      And it is expedient that the Church meet together oft to partake of Bread and Wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus; And it is expedient that the church meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus;  
      and the Elder or Priest shall administer it, and after this manner shall he do, And the elder or priest shall administer it, and after this manner shall he do,  
          Book of Mormon Page 175 [575]
      he shall kneel with the Church, and call upon the Father in mighty prayer saying:
he shall kneel with the church, and call upon the Father in mighty prayer saying:
      O God the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, & witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
      The manner of administering the Wine: The manner of administering the Wine:
      Behold they shall take the Cup and say: Behold they shall take the Cup and say,
      O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this Wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them, that they may witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them, that they may witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Any member of this church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with according as the scriptures direct, &c. Any member of this church of Christ, transgressing or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with according as the Scriptures direct. Any member of this church of Christ, transgressing or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with according as the scriptures direct.
It shall be the duty of the several churches composing this church of Christ to send one of their priests or teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church with a list of the names the several persons uniting themselves to the church since the last conference, or send by the hand of some elder, so that there can be kept a regular list of all the names of the members of the whole church in a book kept by one of the elders It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing this Church of Christ, to send one or more of their Teachers to attend the several Conferences, held by the Elders of this Church, with a list of the names of the several members, uniting themselves to the Church since the last Conference, or send by the hand of some Priest, so that there can be kept a regular list of all the names of the members of the whole Church, in a Book kept by one of the Elders; It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing this church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences, held by the elders of this church, with a list of the names of the several members, uniting themselves to the church since the last conference, or send by the hand of some priest, so that there can be kept a regular list of all the names of the members of the whole church, in a book kept by one of the elders; Blue: dropped in 1832
Red: added in 1832
  whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time, whosoever the other Elders shall appoint from time to time: Whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time:
and also if any have been expelled from the church so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names; and also, if any have been expelled from the Church, so that their names may be blotted out of the general Church Record of names. And also, if any have been expelled from the church, so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names.
any member removing from the church where he belongs, if going to a church where he is not known, may take letter certifying that he is a regular member and in good standing, which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest— if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church. Any member removing from the Church where he resides, if going to a Church where he is not known, may take a letter certifying that he is a regular member and in good standing; which certificate may be signed by any Elder or Priest, if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the Elder or Priest, or it may be signed by the Teachers or Deacons of the Church. Any member removing from the church where he resides, if going to a church where he is not known, may take a letter certifying that he is a regular member and in good standing; which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest, if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church. Teacher
 A commandment unto the church of Christ which was established in these last days A. D. 1830, on the 4th month and the 6th day of the month, which is called April: — The text beginning here is BC 23. Cf. D&C 22.
Behold I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and everlasting covenant; wherefore, although a man should be baptized a hundred times it availeth him nothing, for ye cannot enter in to the straight gait by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works, for it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me; wherefore enter ye in at the gate as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Behold, I say unto you, that all old Covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and everlasting Covenant: even that which was from the beginning. Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it availeth him nothing, for ye cannot enter in at the straight gate by the law of Moses; neither by your dead works; for it is because of your dead works, that I have caused this last Covenant, and this Church to be built up unto me; even as in days of old. Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.   Not in 1833 EMS or Coltrin.
Purple: moved from the Articles and Covenants to Book of Commandments 23 // D&C 22 in June 1833

A commandment given unto Joseph concerning the government [of the church], saying       The text from here to the end is BC 28. Cf. D&C 27.
  listen unto Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful,    
for behold I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory,      
  remembering unto the Father my body which is laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins,      
where, a commandment I give unto you that ye shall not purchase wine, neither strong drink of your enemies,      
  wherefore you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father's kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.      
Behold this is wisdom in me; wherefore marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world:      
  wherefore lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and be faithful until I come,— even so— Amen.      

D&C 20
Articles of the Church of Christ
Doctrine and Covenants




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