Who wrote down Christ’s words to Joseph Smith spoken in the Doctrine & Covenants?

Question

Gramps,

We know Oliver Cowdery wrote the words of the Book of Mormon as Joseph Smith translated them. Who wrote down Christ’s words that were spoken to Joseph Smith in the Doctrine & Covenants?

Yvonne

Answer

Yvonne,

The establishment of systematic record-keeping within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was divinely mandated. In Doctrine and Covenants 21:1, the Lord commanded the Saints to maintain written records of their activities, underscoring the importance of preserving the Church’s history and revelations for future generations. This directive ensured that the spiritual and organizational developments of the Church were meticulously documented, providing a foundation for its growth and doctrinal consistency.

Oliver Cowdery, one of the earliest members and a close associate of Joseph Smith, initially assumed the responsibility of keeping these records. His dedication to this task was pivotal in the Church’s formative years. However, Cowdery’s missionary call soon diverted his focus, prompting the need for others to continue this essential work.

John Whitmer, another prominent early member, returned from his mission and was appointed by the Elders’ voice to maintain the Church record. His role was further solidified when Joseph Smith entrusted him with the responsibility of writing and preserving the Church’s history. Despite Whitmer’s initial reluctance—expressed through his humble declaration, “I would rather not do it”—his commitment to the Church’s mission prevailed, ensuring that the records continued to be diligently maintained.

The meticulous preservation of revelations extended beyond mere record-keeping to the very process by which these divine messages were captured. A notable example is the creation of the preface found in the Doctrine and Covenants. As documented in Doctrine & Covenants 1, Joseph Smith dictated the preface by the spirit while seated by a window, initiating a collaborative process with Sidney Rigdon.

Sidney Rigdon played a crucial role in transcribing Joseph Smith’s dictated revelations. The process was iterative and sacred: Joseph would deliver a few sentences, Rigdon would write them down, read them aloud, and upon Joseph’s confirmation of their accuracy, the process would continue. This method ensured that the written records faithfully reflected the divine inspiration Joseph Smith received, preserving the integrity and authenticity of the revelations.

This collaborative effort between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon was instrumental in the creation of the Doctrine & Covenants. Rigdon’s obedience and attentiveness to Joseph’s dictation were vital in capturing the exact words spoken by Christ, thereby safeguarding the Church’s doctrinal foundations.

The dedication of early Church leaders like John Whitmer and Sidney Rigdon in preserving revelations and Church history has had a lasting impact on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their commitment ensured that vital documents like the Doctrine & Covenants were accurately compiled and maintained, providing a continuous link between the Church’s inception and its current global presence.

Moreover, the establishment of a robust record-keeping system fostered transparency and accountability within the Church’s leadership and membership. It allowed for the accurate transmission of teachings, ordinances, and prophetic guidance, which are essential for the spiritual growth and unity of the Saints.

The early efforts in documentation also set a precedent for future generations, emphasizing the importance of preserving divine revelation and Church history. This legacy continues to influence the Church’s approach to record-keeping, ensuring that sacred teachings remain accessible and uncontaminated by time.

The preservation of Christ’s words in the Doctrine & Covenants stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of early Church leaders like John Whitmer and Sidney Rigdon. Their collaborative efforts with Joseph Smith ensured that divine revelations were meticulously recorded, providing a cornerstone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As the Church continues to grow and evolve, the foundational work of these early record-keepers remains a guiding light, exemplifying the importance of faithful documentation in sustaining religious heritage and doctrine.

Gramps