Section 19 - Doctrine and Covenants Project

Summary Information

Date allocated to Revelation

June 1829 / March 1830 (see below)

First Date Revelation Recorded

1831, Revelation Book 1

First Date Revelation Published

1833, Book of Commandments

First Date Revelation Canonized

1835, Doctrine & Covenants

Period Between Revelation and First Record

One to two years

Previous Versions

Revelation Book 1 – Some of the pages upon which this revelation was recorded have been excised from Revelation Book 1, but there is copy from verse 20. The hand written index to the revelations lists it as “A Revelation to Martin” and being on page 25. Note that the hand-written index dates the revelation as 1829.
Book of Commandments (1833) – As Section 16
Doctrine and Covenants 1835 – as Section 44

Commentary

There is a question over the dating of the revelation. The first copy in Revelation Book 1 marks this as 1829, but the 1833 and 1835 publications place it clearly as March 1830 (when the Book of Mormon was printed and published). The content of the revelation is focused on encouraging Martin Harris to pay the printer what he is owed, so suggests that the 1830 date is correct and that therefore the current date allocated in the 2013 D&C (which states 1829) is incorrect. D&C 1844 dates it as 1830, as does the 1876 edition and the 1921 edition. It is the 1981 edition that moves the date to “likely in the summer of 1829”.

Whilst the negotiations for the printing of the Book of Mormon began in the summer of 1829 and we have some examples of test prints, though Martin Harris gave a guarantee for the printing costs at some point, it does appear that the $3000 were not paid until 1830. See for example, the agreement between Smith and Harris on January 16th 1830:

I hereby agree that Martin Harris shall have an equal privilege with me & my friends of selling the Book of Mormon of the Edition now printing by Egbert B Grandin until enough of them shall be sold to pay for the printing of the same or until such times as the said Grandin shall be paid for the printing the aforesaid Books or copies
Joseph Smith Jr
Manchester January the 16th 1830
Witness Oliver HP Cowdery

At this point Grandin had not been paid, so the revelation to Harris to get him to pay the $3000 must be after this point (or if before, it was ignored by Harris) and therefore dated 1830, not 1829.

In terms of redactions of the text, we note the following:

Movement of text in verse 1 between 1833 and 1835
Insertion of material in verse 13 in 1835
Insertion of the idea that Harris contracted with the printer (verse 35). Either this refers to the aforementioned agreement for Harris to pay off the cost (which again supports the idea of the date of the revelation being 1830, not 1829) or it is an attempt to indicate that Harris was the original contractor / payee for the printing (which is likely fallacious). We do not have a copy of the original contract for printing, but it cannot have been signed by Harris because if he did then the January 16th 1830 agreement would be unnecessary (as he would be already legally obligated to pay the costs). All the evidence, including the copyright statement on the 1830 edition, is that the contract with Grandin the printer was with Joseph Smith Jr.

Bold Text indicates material excised in next edition
Italicised Text indicates material added in this edition

	Revelation Book 1 (1831)	BoC (1833)	D&C (1835)	D&C (2013)
		A commandment of God and not of man to you, Martin [Harris], given (Manchester, New-York, March, 1830,) by him who is eternal:	A commandment of God and not of man to Martin Harris, given (Manchester, New York, March. 1830,) by him who is eternal:	Revelation given through Joseph Smith, at Manchester, New York, likely in the summer of 1829. In his history, the Prophet introduces it as “a commandment of God and not of man, to Martin Harris, given by him who is Eternal.”
1		YEA, even I, I am he, the beginning and the end: Yea, Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord, the Redeemer of the world:	I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; *yea, even I am He, the beginning and the end,* the Redeemer of the world:	I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.
2		I having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father: Having done this, that I might subdue all things unto myself:	I having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father *concerning me:* having done this, that I might subdue all things unto myself:	I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me—having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself—
3		Retaining all power, even to the destroying of satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, every man according to his works, and the deeds which he hath done.	retaining all power, even to the destroying of satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works, and the deeds which he hath done.	Retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.
4		And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I God am endless:	And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I God am endless:	And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.
5		Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth: Yea, to those who are found on my left hand,	wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth: yea, to those who are found on my left hand;	Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.
6		nevertheless, it is not written, that there shall be no end to this torment; but it is written endless torment.	nevertheless it is not written, that there shall be no end to this torment; but it is written endless torment.	Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment.
7		Again, it is written eternal damnation: wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory:	Again, it is written eternal damnation: wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory:	Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory.
8		Wherefore, I will explain unto you, this mystery, for it is mete unto you, to know even as mine apostles.	wherefore, I will explain unto you, this mystery, for it is meet unto you, to know even as mine apostles.	Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles.
9		I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.	I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.	I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.
10		For behold, the mystery of Godliness how great is it? for behold I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is endless punishment, for endless is my name: Wherefore—	For behold, the mystery of Godliness, how great is it? for behold I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is endless punishment, for endless is my name; wherefore—	For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore
11		Eternal punishment is God’s punishment:	Eternal punishment is God’s punishment:	Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.
12		Endless punishment is God’s punishment:	Endless punishment is God’s punishment:	Endless punishment is God’s punishment.
13		Wherefore, I command you by my name,	wherefore, I command you *to repent, and keep the commandments which you have received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. in* my name:	Wherefore, I command you to repent, and keep the commandments which you have received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., in my name;
14		and by my Almighty power,	and *it is* by my almighty power *that you have received them:*	And it is by my almighty power that you have received them;
15		that you repent: repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore: How sore you know not! How exquisite you know not! Yea, how hard to bear you know not!	*therefore I command you to* repent, repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore: how sore you know not! how exquisite you know not! yea, how hard to bear you know not!	Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.
16		For behold, I God have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer, if they would repent,	For behold, I God have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer, if they would repent,	For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17		but if they would not repent, they must suffer even as I:	but if they would not repent, they must suffer even as I:	But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18		Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, both body and spirit: And would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink:	which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit: and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink:	Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink
19		Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men:	nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men:	Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
20	By my Almighty power that ye confess your sins lest ye suffer these punishments of which I have spoken of which in the smalest yea in the least decree ye have tasted at a time I withdrew my spirit	Wherefore, I command you again by my Almighty power, that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least *degree* you have tasted at *the* time I withdrew my Spirit.	wherefore, I command you again to repent lest I humble you by my almighty power, and that you confess your sins lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit.	Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you *with* my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit.
21	I command you that ye preach naught but repentance & shew not these things neither speak these things unto the World.	*And* I command you, that you preach nought but repentance; and show not these things, neither speak these things unto the world,	And I command you, that you preach nought but repentance; and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me;	And I command you that you preach naught but repentance, and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me.
22	for they cannot bear meat but milk they must receive. Wherefore, they must not know these things lest they perish	for they can not bear meat, but milk they must receive: Wherefore, they must not know these things lest they perish:	for they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive: wherefore, they must not know these things lest they perish:	For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish.
23	Wherefore learn of me & listen to my words walk in the meekness of my spirit & ye shall have peace in me	Wherefore, learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me,	learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me:	Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.
24	(Jesus Christ) by the will of the Father	Jesus Christ by the will of the Father.	*I am* Jesus Christ: *I came* by the will of the Father, *and I do his will.*	I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.
25	& again I command you that thou shalt not covet thy Neibours wife. nor seek thy Neibours life.	And again: I command you, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. Nor seek thy neighbor’s life	And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. Nor seek thy neighbor’s life.	And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife; nor seek thy neighbor’s life.
26	& again I command you that thou shalt not covet thine own Property but impart it freely to the printing of the Books of Mormon which contains of the word of God	And again: I command you, that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the book of Mormon, which contains *the truth and* the word of God,	And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God,	And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God
27	which is my word to Gentile that soon it may go to the Jew of which the Lamanites of are a Remnant that they may Believe the Gospel & look not for a Masiah to come which has already come	which is my word to Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of which the Lamanites are a remnant; that they may believe the gospel, and look not for a Messiah to come which has already come.	which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a remnant: that they may believe the gospel, and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come.	Which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a remnant, that they may believe the gospel, and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come.
28	& again I command you that thou shalt pray vocally as well as to thyself yea before the World as well as in seecret in Publick as well as in private	And again: I command you, that thou shalt pray vocally as well as to thyself: Yea, before the world as well as in secret; in public as well as in private.	And again. I command thee, that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart: yea, before the world as well as in secret; in public as well as in private.	And again, I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.
29	& thou shalt declare glad tidings yea Publish it upon the Mountains & upon evry high place & among evry People which thou shalt be permited to see	And thou shalt declare glad tidings; yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people which thou shalt be permitted to see.	And thou shalt declare glad tidings; yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.	And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.
30	& thou shalt do it with all humility trusting in me Reviling not against Revilers	And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.	And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.	And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.
31	& of tenets thou shalt not talk talk but thou shalt declare Repentance & faith on the Saveiour & Remissions of Sins by Baptism & by fire yea even the Holy Ghost	And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior and remission of sins by baptism and by fire; yea, even the Holy Ghost.	And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism and by fire; yea, even the Holy Ghost.	And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.
32	Behold this is a great & last commandment which I shall give unto you for this shall suffice for thy daily walk even unto the end of thy life	Behold this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you: For this shall suffice for thy daily walk even unto the end of thy life.	Behold, this is a great, and the last commandment which I shall give unto you *concerning this matter*: for this shall suffice for thy daily walk even unto the end of thy life.	Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life.
33	& misery shalt thou Receive if thou wilt sleight these Councils yea even distruction of thyself & Property.	And misery thou shalt receive, if thou wilt slight these counsels: Yea, even destruction of thyself and property.	And misery thou shalt receive, if thou wilt slight these counsels; yea, even destruction of thyself and property.	And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt slight these counsels, yea, even the destruction of thyself and property.
34	Impart a portion of thy Property yea even a part of thy lands & all save the support of thy family	Impart a portion of thy property; Yea, even a part of thy lands and all save the support of thy family.	Impart a portion of thy property; yea, even part of thy lands and all save the support of thy family.	Impart a portion of thy property, yea, even part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family.
35	Pay the Printers debt Release thyself from Bondage	Pay the printer’s debt. Release thyself from bondage.	Pay the debt *thou hast contracted with the printer.* Release thyself from bondage.	Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage.
36	Leave thy House & home except when thou shalt desire to see them	Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see them.	Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see *thy family.*	Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see thy family;
37	& speak freely to all yea Preach exhort declare the truth even With a loud voice with a sound of rejoiceing crying Hozannah Hozannah blesed be the name of the Lord God	And speak freely to all: Yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice; with a sound of rejoicing, crying hosanna! hosanna! blessed be the name of the Lord God.	And speak freely to all: yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice; with a sound of rejoicing, crying hosanna! hosanna! blessed be the name of the Lord God.	And speak freely to all; yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound of rejoicing, crying—Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!
38	pray always & I will pour out my spirit upon you & great shall be your Blessing yea even more then if you should Obtain treasures of Earth & corruptableness to the extent thereof	Pray always and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing: Yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth, and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.	Pray always and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing: yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth, and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.	Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.