Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources: Doctrine and Covenants 6–9, Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources (2020)
Doctrine and Covenants 6–9, Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources
Doctrine and Covenants 6–9
Reconstructed setting in Harmony (now Oakland Township), Pennsylvania, USA, showing items similar to those used during the translation of the Book of Mormon. Over 70% of the Book of Mormon was translated in Joseph and Emma Smith’s Harmony home.
Texts
Historical background and the earliest manuscript of each revelation, as published in The Joseph Smith Papers
Revelation, April 1829–A [D&C 6]
This revelation was dictated for Oliver Cowdery soon after he arrived in Harmony, Pennsylvania, and began serving as Joseph Smith’s scribe for the translation of the plates. More …
Account of John, April 1829–C [D&C 7]
In April 1829, Joseph Smith dictated the following revelation, which in its first publication was described as the translation of an ancient parchment written by the apostle John. More …
Revelation, April 1829–B [D&C 8]
In April 1829, soon after Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery met and began working together on the translation of the plates, Cowdery not only wanted to write but also “became exceedingly anxious to have the power to translate bestowed upon him.” More …
Revelation, April 1829–D [D&C 9]
Earlier in April 1829, Joseph Smith had dictated one revelation granting Oliver Cowdery the gift to translate ancient records and another instructing him to rely on the Holy Ghost as he translated. More …
People
Biographical facts and historical images of individuals associated with the revelations
Historical Background
Days of Harmony
“And so, my journey to finally meet Joseph Smith began. For nearly three days his brother Samuel and I trekked in the spring rain toward his home. I planned to ask him my questions and then to offer him my help.”
Revelations in Context
Essays on the background of each revelation
Oliver Cowdery’s Gift
Translation continued for several days, and then Joseph received a revelation for his new scribe. Oliver’s lingering doubts about Joseph Smith’s prophetic gift were addressed as the words of the revelation related experiences Oliver had not shared with anyone. More …
Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days
Narrative history of events surrounding the revelations
Volume 1, Chapter 5
All Is Lost
Before long, Emma’s father demanded to see the gold plates, but Joseph said he could only show him the box where he kept them. Annoyed, Isaac picked up the lockbox and felt its weight, yet he remained skeptical. He said Joseph could not keep it in the house unless he showed him what was inside. More …
Volume 1, Chapter 6
The Gift and Power of God
Back in Manchester, a young man named Oliver Cowdery was staying with Joseph’s parents. Oliver was a year younger than Joseph, and in the fall of 1828, he had begun teaching school about a mile south of the Smiths’ farm. More …
Church History Topics
Essays on subjects related to the revelations
Book of Mormon Translation
Joseph Smith translated an ancient text “by the gift and power of God” to produce the Book of Mormon. More …
Divining Rods
Joseph Smith and his contemporaries lived in a culture steeped in biblical ideas, terminology, and practices. More …
Gold Plates
When word spread that Joseph Smith had secured the copyright for the Book of Mormon, it caused a stir in the local press. More …
Seer Stones
For millennia, many people throughout the world have accepted the idea that physical objects can be used for sacred purposes. More …
Glossary
Translate
To produce a text from one written in another language; in Joseph Smith’s usage, most often through divine means. More …
Urim and Thummim
A device used to translate and receive revelation. In the Old Testament, the high priest of Israel used a device by this name to discern God’s will for Israel. More …
Places
Maps and information about places associated with the revelations from The Joseph Smith Papers, Historic Sites, and other helpful sources
Chronology
Timeline placing each revelation in the context of key events in the Church’s first century