Talk:D&C 70:1-18

I'm a little confused by verses 5-9. I'm trying to guess what this is saying. It would seem like this is saying that because Joseph Smith, Marin Harris, Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer are commanded to manage the revelations and commandments that they are to use the "benefits" and not to give those benefits to the church or the world. The exception being (in verse 7) if they receive more than is needful for their wants and necessities. In that case they are to give the extra to the storehouse. So it sounds like publishing the Book of Commandments was expected to make money. But the thing I find surprising about this is that it would be making enough money to even take note of. Note though that D&C 72:21 also seems to support the idea that the Book of Commandments was expected to make money.

I'm curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this section. --Matthew Faulconer 15:57, 11 June 2008 (CEST)

Oliver's notes

Puzzling wording to say the least! Perhaps this from Oliver Cowdery's record of the conference where this revelation came from may help (see here):

Remarks delivered on November 12-13, 1831 at Hiram, Portage County, Ohio (Joseph's "translating room," an upstairs room at the home of John Johnson). Source: Oliver Cowdery record copied into the Far West Record

Prayer for Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer . . . Br. Joseph Smith jr. said one item he wished acted upon was that our brs. Oliver Cowdery & John Whitmer & the sacred writings which they have entrusted to them to carry to Zion be dedicated to the Lord by the prayer of faith.

Temporal Support Requested of the Church Secondly, Br. Oliver has labored with me from the beginning in writing &c Br. Martin [Harris] has labored with me from the beginning, brs. John [Whitmer] and Sidney [Rigdon] also for a considerable time, & as these sacred writings are now going to the Church for their benefit, that we may have claim on the Church for recompense, if this conference think these things worth prizing to be had on record to show hereafter I feel that it will be according to the mind of the Spirit for by it these things were put into my heart which I know to be the Spirit of truth, &c. . . .

'Importance of the Revelations - Foundation of Church [The following statement was probably given or proposed by Joseph Smith.] the book of Revelation [the Book of Commandments] now to be printed being the foundation of the Church & the salvation of the world & the Keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom & the riches of Eternity to the Church . . .

Hope this helps.--Rob Fergus 16:34, 11 June 2008 (CEST)

I finally got around to looking at this. IT is interesting . Thanks for adding. --Matthew Faulconer 02:27, 15 June 2008 (CEST)