Section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants is called “The Laws of the Church of Christ.” This section is actually made up of multiple revelations to Joseph Smith. They were given to him in February 1831. This section is a significant because it teaches us how many revelations were received, how they were transcribed, and how they were published.

            In the new “The Joseph Smith Papers: Revelations and Translations” book there are scans of the Revelation Book One and Book Two where the revelations were recorded. On these scans you can see the questions that the Prophet and Elders of the church had asked and then the answer or revelation is recorded after each question. This teaches that many revelations are received in response to a question.  God will wait for us to ask him questions. He knows what we will ask or are trying to ask but will wait for us to actually ask him. He will not force his gospel upon his children; he has given us our agency. We can receive personal revelation when we ask, just like the prophet receives revelation for the whole church when he asks.

            Also in the old scans we can see how the revelations were transcribed. They wrote the questions down. The original inscription has no punctuation. And then many of the scribes, church historians, and elders of the church including Joseph Smith revised the revelations. They added some punctuation; they crossed things out and added clarifying notes.  It is fascinating the work that was put into the recording of these revelations in a written way when they were given in visions or verbally.

            Finally, we can see in Section 42 how the revelations printed in the Doctrine and Covenants differ from the original and revised inscriptions. We can see how they questions were omitted from the printed version. Comparing the two documents you can how additional revisions were done to help clarify. You can see how some of our sections are actually a compilation of a few different revelations.

            It is amazing to see the hand of the Lord through the whole process-seeking revelation by asking questions, recording the inspiration that was received, and publishing the revelations so that all can learn from them. The Lord is there at every step guiding it so that all of his children can partake of his gospel in the best way. Joseph Smith was a poorly educated young man and yet he was able to use the talents of his friends in the church and the inspiration given to him by a loving Heavenly Father to record the revelations that he received. I know that these revelations are the word of God given through a latter day prophet.  

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