by George W. Pace

Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants is called the "Preface." It was a revelation received by Joseph Smith between sessions of a conference in Hiram, Ohio, on November 1, 1831. The conference had been convened to consider publishing sixty-three of the revelations Joseph Smith had received (see Book of Commandments). The conference voted unanimously to publish them as the word of the Lord. In accordance with the Lord's declaration, this section was published as "my preface unto the book of my commandments" (D&C 1:6). It sets an urgent tone for the entire Doctrine and Covenants.

Like the revelations it introduces, section 1 is written predominantly in the first person as the word of the Lord: "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken" (verse 38). It proclaims to the world that through the restoration of his Church, God has set his hand the last time to redeem his children and prepare the earth for the Savior's return.

Section 1 is a bold declaration that God sees all things and speaks to all people, that his words will go to all nations through his chosen disciples, that every person eventually will hear the gospel in his or her own language so that each may understand, and that weak things of the world will break down the mighty and strong and the Church will be brought out of obscurity by the power of God (see also the revelation given two days later, D&C 133).

Section 1 balances judgment and relief. It is a voice of warning of impending judgments: "Prepare ye, prepare ye" (verse 12). It warns that those who do not repent will suffer much sorrow, for worldwide sin has kindled the "anger of the Lord" and people "have strayed from [his] ordinances and have broken [his] everlasting covenant" (verses 13-15). Those who hearken, however, are promised instruction, chastening, correction, knowledge, and blessings from God.

The section ends with the certification of the Lord that all his prophecies and promises, though given to men in their weakness, are true and will be fulfilled.

(See Basic Beliefs home page; Doctrines of the Gospel home page; Scriptual Writings home page; Doctrine and Covenants home page; Overview of the Doctrine and Covenents home page)

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 1, Doctrine and Covenants Section 1

Copyright © 1992 by Macmillan Publishing Company