Saints Without Halos: A Mormon History Website

Mormon History 1830-1844

Doctrine and Covenants 20 Sources (1)

April 10, 1830 Fayette, New York

This section, commonly known as the Articles and Covenants in the 1830s, was the founding document of the Church, similar in purpose to the charters, constitutions, or articles of faith of most Protestant churches of the time. Portions of it were read at the beginning of church meetings. Eight versions are arranged in a plausible chronological order as follows:

D&C 20 Sources (1): Revelation Book 1 (RB1); Manuscript (MS); and Painesville Telegraph (PT).
D&C 20 Sources (2): Evening and Morning Star (EMS); Book of Commandments, Laws and Covenants, Book A (BCA); and Book B (BCB).
D&C 20 Sources (3): Revelation Book 1 (RB1); Book of Commandments (BC); and 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (DC).

The earliest known copy of D&C 20 is in the Book of Commandments and Revelations, known as Revelation Book 1. The revelation is dated April 10, 1830. It was ratified by a conference of the Church on June 9, 1830.

In the second half of 1829, Oliver Cowdery wrote a revelation, called "the articles of the Church of Christ," which provides administrative directives, baptismal prayers, and prayers for blessing the sacrament. It draws on wording from D&C 17 (June 14–30) and D&C 18 (June 1–14, 1830). The earliest manuscript of the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ (D&C 20) is quite different from Oliver's manuscript.

The Church was organized April 6, 1830 by God's command. Joseph and Oliver were called of God, ordained apostles and first and second elders of the church. Joseph sinned, repented, and was visited by angel who gave him power to translate Book of Mormon §. We, the elders, heard and bear witness to the words of the Lord §. God is infinite, unchanging, eternal, Creator §. Fallen mankind §. The Only Begotten, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one §. Justification and sanctification §. Qualifications for baptism §. Duties of elders §, priests §, teachers §. Ordinations §, certificates §, licenses §. Years of accountability §. Procedures and prayers for baptism §, sacrament §. Conferences and membership rolls §.

Revelation Book 1
(RB1)
John Whitmer scribe

Manuscript
(MS)
[LDS Church Archives]

Painesville Telegraph
(PT)
April 19, 1831

BCR, 51–58
Redactions: Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Sidney Rigdon, Unidentified

rticles & Covenants.

Church Articles & Covenants.

"The Mormon Creed."

¶ Received in Fayette Seneca County New York April 10th 1830

(The following document was obtained from the hand of Martin Harris, one of the original proprietors of the "Gold Bible" speculation. We publish it as a one of the curiosities of the day. What use, or whether any, is made of it in this vicinity, we know not. It was probably prepared for the latitude of New York, where creeds & con[fessionals] were not quite so unpopular as in Ohio. We believe, therefore, it has been cautiously kept from the eyes of most of the followers of St. Jo. in this vicinity. In this business the commandments and revelations of Heaven, are very easily made to yield to circumstances —Ed. Tel.)

¶ Given to Joseph the Seer <& Oliver an Apostle> by the gift & power of God &c ~~soon after the Chr~~

The articles and covenants of the Church of Christ agreeable to the will and commandments of God.

[52] ¶ The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one Thousand eight Hundred & thirty years since the coming of our Lord & Saveiour Jesus Christ in the flesh it being regularly organized & established agreeable to the Laws of our Country by the will & commandments of God in the fourth Month & on the Sixth day of the Month which is called April

The rise of the church of Christ in these last days being one thousand eight hundred & thirty years since the coming of our Lord & saveiour Jesus Christ in the flesh it being regularly organized & established agreeable to the Laws of our Country by the will & commandments of god in the fourth Month & on the sixth day of the Month which is called April

The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being 1830 years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the 4th month, and on the 6th day of the same,

<which> Commandments were given to Joseph ~~the seer~~ who was called of God and ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ an Elder of ~~the~~ this Church

which commandments were given to Joseph the Seer who was Called of god an apostle of Jesus Christ and <an> Elder of the Church

which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, jun. who was called of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church

seer: ~~RB1~~, MS, BCA
Smith: PT, BCA, BCB, DC
ordained: RB1, EMS, BC, DC
the: ~~RB1~~, MS, BC, DC
this: RB1, ESM, BCA, BCB, BC, DC
the: MS, BC, DC

and also to Oliver who was called of God ~~& ordained~~ an Apostle of Jesus Christ an Elders of ~~the~~ this Church & ordained under his hand

and also to Oliver who was also calld of God an apostle of Jesus Christ an Elder of the church and ordained under his hand

and also to Oliver, who was called of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church, and ordained under his hand,

also: MS, BCA, BCB, BC, DC
the: ~~RB1~~, MS, BC, DC
this: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

& this according to the grace of our Lord & saveiour Jesus Christ to whom be all glory both now and ever amen

and this according to the grace of our Lord and Saveior Jesus Christ to whome be all glory both now and for ever Amen —

and this according to the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory both now and ever—amen.

God: PT, BCB
for: MS, EMS, BCA, BC, DC

¶ For after that <it> truly was manifested unto this first Elder, that he had Received a remission of his sins he was entangled again in the vanities of the world

¶ For after that it trurey [truly] was manifested unto the first Elder that he had received a remission of his sins he was entangled again in the vanities of the wo<r>ld

For, after that it truly was manifested unto the first elder that he had received [a] remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world,

the: MS, PT

but after truly Repenting God ministered unto him by an Holy Angel whose countenance was as Lightning & whose garments were pure & white above all whiteness

but after truly repenting God ministered unto him by an holy Angel whose countenance was as lightning and whos[e] garments were pure and white above all whiteness

but after truly repenting, God visited him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all whiteness,

visited: PT, BCB

& gave unto him Commandments which inspered [sic] him from on high

and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high

and gave unto him commandments which inspired him from on high,

& gave unto him power by the means of which ~~was~~ <were> before prepared that he should translate a Book

and gave unto him power by the means of which was before prepared that he should translate a Book

and gave unto him power, by the means which was before prepared that he should translate a book;

of: ~~RB1~~, MS, BCB, BC
~~was~~: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA, BCB
were: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

which Book contained a record of a fallen People & also the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles

which Book contained a record of a fallen people and also the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles

which book contains a record of a fallen people, and also the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles

contains: PT, DC

& also to the Jews,

and also to the Jews

and also to the Jews,

Verse added in D&C

proveing unto them, that the Holy Scriptures are true

proving unto them that the holy Scriptures are true

proving unto them that the holy scriptures be true,

be: PT, BCB

& also that God doth ~~Minister~~ inspire men & call them to his Holy work in these last days as well as in days of old

and also that God doth inspire men and call them to his holy work in these last days as well as in days of old

and also that God doth inspire men and call them to his holy work in these last days as well as in days of old,

that he might be the same God forever amen

that he might be the Same God forever Amen—

that he might be the same God forever—amen.

Which Book was given by inspiration <&> is Called the Book of Mormon & is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels & declared unto the World by them

¶ Which Book was given by inspiration & is called the Book of Mormon & is confirmed to other<s> by the ministering of Angels and disclosed unto the world by them

Which book was given by inspiration, and is called the book of Mormon, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and declared unto the world by them—

disclosed: MS

Wherefore having so great witnesses by them shall the world be Judged even as many as shall hereafter receive this work

Wherefore haveing So great witness[es] by them Shall the world be Judged even as many as Shall hereafter receive this work

Wherefore having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter receive this work,

either to faith & righteousness

either to faith and {2} righteousness

either to faith and righteousness,

or to the hardness of heart in unbelief to their own condemnation

or to the heardness [sic] of heart in unbelief to their own condemnation

or to the hardness of heart in unbelief, to their own condemnation.

for the Lord God ~~hath~~ <~~has~~ hath> spoken it for We the Elders of the Church have heard & bear record to ~~his~~ the words of the glorious majesty on high to whom be glory for ever & ever amen

for the Lord god hath spoken it for we the Elders of the church have heared and bear witness to the words of the glorious majesty on high to whome be glory forever and ever Amen—

For the Lord God hath spoken it, for we, the elders of the church have heard and bear record to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever—Amen.

record: RB1, PT
witness: all but RB1, PT

[54] Wherefore by these things we know that there is a God in Heaven who is infinite & Eternal from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God the Maker of Heaven and Earth & all things that in them is

¶ Wherefore by these things we know that there is a god in heaven who is infinite and eternal from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable god the maker of Heaven and Earth and all things that in them is

Wherefore, by these things, we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the same unchangeable God, the Maker of heaven and earth, and all things that in them is, and that he is all power, and all wisdom, and all understanding,

and understanding: PT

& that he created man male & female after his own Image & in his <own> likeness created he them

and that he created man male and female after his own image and in his likeness created he them

and that he created man male and female after his own image and in his own likeness created he them,

his likeness: MS, BCA, BCB
own likeness: RB1, PT, ESM, BC, DC

& that he gave unto the Children of men a commandment<s> that they should love & serve him the only being whom they should worship

and that he gave unto the children of men a commandment that they should love and serve him the only being whome they should worship

and that he gave unto the children of men a commandment that they should love and serve him the only being whom they should worship;

a commandment: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA, BCB
commandments: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

but by the Transgression of these Holy Laws man became sensual & devlish & became fallen man

[but] by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish and became fallen man

but by the transgression of these holy laws, man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man—

Wherefore the almighty God gave his only begotten Son as is Written in those scriptures which have been given of him

wherefore the Allmighty God gave his only begotten Son as is written in the scriptures which have been given of him

wherefore, the Almighty God gave his only begotten Son, as is written in those scriptures which hath been given of him,

that he suffered temptations but gave no heed <unto> them

that he suffered temptation but gave no heed to them

that he suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them,

that he was crusified died & rose again the third day

that he was crusified and died and rose again the [canceled word] third day

that he was crucified and died and rose again the third day,

& that he ascended into Heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father to reign with almighty Power according to the will of the Father

and that he ascended into Heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father to reign with Allmighty Power according to the will of the Father

and that he ascended into heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father,

therefore as many as would believe & were baptized in his holy name & endured in faith to the end should be saved

therefore as many as would believe and were baptized in his holy name and endured in faith to the end should be saved

that as many as would believe and were baptized into his holy name and endured in faith to the end should be saved;

that: PT, DC

yea even as many as were before he came in the flesh from the beginning which believed in the words of the Holy Prophets which were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost which truly testif~~ied~~ys of him in all things

yea even as many as were before he came in the flesh, from the begin[n]ing which believed in the words of the holy prophets which were inspired by the gift of the holy ghost which truly testified of him in all things

yea, even as many as were before he came in the flesh, from the beginning, which believed in the words of the holy prophets, which were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, which truly testified of him in all things,

testified: ~~RB1~~
testifies: RB1, EMS

as well as ~~they which~~ <those who> should come after ~~which~~ <who> should believe in the gifts & callings of God by the Holy Ghost which beareth Record of the Father & of the Son

as well as they which should come after which should believe in the gifts and calling of god by the holy ghost which beareth record of the Father and of the Son

as well as they which should come after, which should believe in the gifts and calling of God, by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son,

they which: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCB
those who: RB1, EMS, BCA, BC, DC
which: ~~RB1~~, PT, BCA, BCB
who: RB1, EMS, BCA, BC, DC

which Father & Son is & ~~the~~ Holy Ghost is one God Infinite & eternal without end amen.=

which Father and Son and holy ghost is one god infinite and eternal without end Amen—

which Father and Son and Holy Ghost is one God, infinite and eternal, without end—Amen.

Teal: Unidentified

¶ And we know that all men must Repent & believe on the name of Jesus Christ & worship the father in his name & endure in faith on his name to the end or they cannot be saved in the Kingdom of God

¶ And we know [that] all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ and worship the Father in his name and endure in faith on his name to the end or they cannot be Saved in the kingdom of God

And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

& we know that Justification through the grace of our Lord & Saveiour Jesus Christ is Just & true

and we know that justification through our Lord and Saveior Jesus Christ is just and true

And we know, that justification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true.

through our: MS, BC, DC

& we ~~also~~ know <also> that Sanctification through the grace of our Lord & Saveiour Jesus Christ is Just & true to all those who love & serve God with all their mights minds & strength

and we also know that Sanctification through the grace of our Lord {3} And Saveior Jesus Christ is just and true to all those who love and serve God with all their mights minds and strength

And we also know that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is just and true to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.

also know: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA, BCB
know also: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

but there is a posibility that men may fall from grace & depart from the living [55] God

but there is a possibility that men may fall from grace and depart from the living God

But there is a possibility that men may fall from grace, and depart from the living God,

therefore let the Church take heed & pray always lest ye <they> fall into temptation

therefore let the Church take heed, and pray always lest ye fall into temptation

therefore, let the church take heed, and pray always, lest theyenter into temptation;

ye: ~~RB1~~, MS
enter: PT, BCB

yea & he that is sanctified also

yea and even he that is sanctified also

yea, and he that is sanctified also.

even: MS, BCA, BCB, BC, DC

& we know that these things are true & agreeable to the Revelations of John neither a[d]ding <to> nor diminishing to <from> the ~~Holy Scriptures~~ Prophecy of his Book

and we know that these things are just and true and agreable to the Revelations of John neither adding nor diminishing to the Prophecies of his Book

And we know that these things are true and agreeable to the [revelations] of Jesus Christ, which was [spoken] by his angel unto John, neither adding nor diminishing to the prophecy of his book;

adding/diminishing to: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA, BCB

adding to/diminishing from: RB1, MS, EMS, BC, DC

neither to the Holy Scriptures neither to the Revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift & power of the Holy Ghost neither by the voice of God neither by the ministering of ~~the Holy Ghost~~ Angels

neither to the holy Scriptures neither to the Revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the holy ghost neither by the voice of god neither by the ministering of Angels

neither to the holy scriptures; neither to the revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost; neither by the voice of God; neither by the ministering of angels

& the Lord God hath spoken it & honour Power & glory be rendered to his holy name both now & ever amen

and the lord god hath Spoken it and honor power and glory be rendered to his holy name both now and ever Amen.

and the Lord God hath spoken it; and honor, power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name both now and ever—Amen.

¶ And again by ~~the~~ way of Commandment to the Church

¶ And again by way of Commandment to the Church

And again by way of commandment to the church

¶ Concerning the manner of Baptism

concerning the manner of Baptizing

concerning the matter of baptism,

matter: PT

Behold whosoever humbleth himself before God & desireth to be Baptized & comes forth with a broken heart & a contrite spirit & witnesseth unto the Church

Behold whosoever humbleth himself before god and desireth to be baptized and comes forth with a broken heart and a contrite Spirit and witnesseth unto the Church

behold whosoever humbleth himself before God and desireth to be baptized, and comes forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnesseth unto the church

that they have truly Repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him unto the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received the gift of Christ unto the remission of their sins,

that they have truly repented of all their Sins and are willing to take upon them the name of Christ having a determination to serve him unto the end and truly manifest by their works that they have received the Spirit unto the remission of their Sins

that they truly repent of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him unto the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received the gift of Christ unto the remission of their sins,

gift of Christ : RB1, PT,
Spirit: MS

then shall they be received unto baptism into the church of Christ.

then shall they be received unto baptism into the church of Christ

then shall they be received unto baptism into the church of Christ.

¶ The duty of the Elders Priests Teachers Deacons & Members of the Church of Christ

The duty of the Elders Priests Teachers Deacons and Members of the church of Christ

The duty of the Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, and members of the church of Christ:—

an apostle is an Elder & it is his calling to Baptize

an Apostle is an Elder and it is his calling to baptize

An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize

& to ordain other Elders Priests Teachers & Deacons

and to ordain other Elders Priests Teachers and Deacons

and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers and deacons,

and to administer~~ing~~ the flesh and blood of Christ according to the scriptures

and to administer the flesh and blood of Christ according to the scriptures

and to administer the flesh and blood of Christ according to the scriptures,

[Verse added in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants]

¶ D&C 20:41

& to teach expound exhort ~~& to~~ Baptize & to watch over the Church,

and to teach and expound exhort and to Baptize and to watch over the Church

and to teach, expound, and exhort, and to baptize and watch over the church,

& to confirm the Church by the laying on of the hands & the giving of the Holy Ghost

and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands and the giving of the holy ghost

and to confirm the church by the laying on of hands and the giving of the Holy Ghost,

& to take the lead of all Meetings &c

and to take the lead of all meetings &C

and to take the lead of all meetings, &c

¶ The Elders are to conduct the Meetings ~~according~~ as they are led by the Holy Ghost

¶ The Elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the holy ghost

The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost.

according: ~~RB1~~, DC

¶ The Priests duty is to preach teach expound exhort & baptize & administer the Sacrement

¶ The Priests duty is to preach teach expound exhort and Baptize and administer the sacrament

The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, and exhort and baptize, and administer the sacrament,

& visit the House of each member & exhort them to pray vocally & in seecret [sic] & also to attend <to> all family duties

and visit the house of each member and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and also to attend all family duties

and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and also to attend all family duties,

& ordain other Priests Teachers & Deacons

and to ordain Priests Teachers and Deacons

to ordain priests, teachers and deacons,

& take the lead in <of> meetings but none of these offices is <is ~~are~~ he> ~~they~~ to do when there is an Elder present

and take the {4} lead in meetings but none of these offices is he to do when there is an Elder present

and take the lead in meetings; but none of these offices is he to do when there is an elder present,

but in all cases ~~are~~ <is> [56] <to> assist the Elder~~s &c~~

but in all cases is to assist the Elder &C

but in all cases is to assist the elder, &c.

&c: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT

[Verses added in the Doctrine and Covenants]

¶ The Teachers duty is to watch over the Church always & be with them strengthen them

¶ The teachers duty is to watch over the Church always and be with them and strengthen them

The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with them and strengthen them,

& see that there is no iniquity in the Church ~~nor no~~ <neither> hardness with each other ~~nor no~~ <neither> lying nor backbiteing nor evil speaking

and see there is no iniquity in the Church nor no hardness with each other nor no lying nor backbiting nor evil speaking

and see that there is no iniquity in the church, nor no hardness with each other, nor no lying nor backbiting, nor evil speaking;

nor no: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA. BCB
neither: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

& see that the church meets together oft and also <see> that ~~evry member does his~~ <all the members do their> duty

and see that the Church meets together oft also that every member does his duty

and see that the church meets together oft, and also see that every member does his duty,

every member: ~~RB1~~, MS, BCA, BCB
all members: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

& he is to take the lead of Meetings in the absence of the Elder or Priest

and he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the Elder or Priest

and he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest,

& is to be assisted always & in all his duties in the Church by the Deacons

and is to be assisted always and in all his duties in the Church by the Deacons

and is to be assisted always and in all his duties in the church by the deacons.

but neither the Teachers nor ~~the~~ Deacons have authority to Baptize nor administer the Sacrement

but neither the Teachers nor the Deacons has authority to Baptize nor administer the Sacrament

But neither the teacher nor the deacon has authority to baptize nor administer the sacrament,

<But are> to warn expound exhort &" valign="top">~~nor to~~ <But are> to warn expound exhort & teach & invite all to come to <unto> Christ

but are to warn expound exhort and teach and invite all to come unto Christ

but are to warn, expound, exhort and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.

¶ Every elder Priest Teacher or Deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts & callings of God unto ~~them~~ <him> by the Power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains ~~them~~ <him>

¶ Every Elder Priest Teacher and Deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto them by the power of the holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains them

¶ Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and calling[s] of God unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.

them: ~~RB1~~, MS, BCA, BCA
him: RB1, PT, EMS, BC, DC

¶ The several elders composing this Church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three Month <or from time to time as they Shall direct or appoint—>

¶ The several elders composing this Church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three Month

The several elders composing this Church are to meet at each of its meetings

or…appoint: RB1, EMS, BCB, BC, DC

to <do> Church business whatsoever is necessary &c

to do Church Business church business whatsoever is necessary

to do church business, whatsoever is necessary,

[Verse added in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants]

¶ D&C 20:3

And each Priest or Teacher who is ordained by ~~any~~ <a> Priests is to take a cirtificate from him at the time which when ~~shewn~~ <presented> to an Elder he is to give him a licence which shall authorize him to perform the duty of his calling.

¶ And each Priest or Teacher who is ordained by any priest is to take a certificate from him at the time which {5} [show]n to an elder, he is to give him a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duty of his calling.

and each priest or teacher who is ordained by any priest is to take a certificate from him at the time, which, when shown to an elder, he is to give him a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duty of his calling.

any: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA, BCB
a: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

[Verses added in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants]

¶ D&C 20:65–67

¶ The Duty of the members after they are Received by Baptism

The duty of the church members after they are received by baptism:—

church: PT, BCA, BCB

the Elders or Priest<s> are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning this Church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partakeing of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on hands of the Elders

the Elders or Priests are to have a Sufficient time to expound all things concerning this Church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking [of] the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the Elders

The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning this church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament, and being confirmed by the laying [on] hands of the elders,

so that all things may be done in order

so that all things shall be done in order;

shall: PT

& the members shall manifest before the Church & also before the Elders by a godly walk & conversation that they are worthy of it that there may be works & faith agreeable to the Holy scriptures walking in holyness before the Lord.

and the members Shall manifest Before the Church and before the elders by a godly walk and conversation that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeible to the holy Scriptures, walking in holyness before the Lord

and the members shall manifest before the church and before the elders by a godly walk and conversation that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures, walking in holiness before the Lord.

¶ Every member of this Church of Christ having children ~~are~~ is to bring them unto the Elders before the Church

¶ Every member of this [Church] of Christ having Children are to bring them unto the Elders before the Church

Every member of this church of Christ having children, are to bring them unto the elders before the church

are: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCB
is: RB1, EMS, BCA, BC, DC

¶ [57] Who are to lay their hands on <upon> them in the name of the Lord & bless them in the name of Christ.

who are to lay hands their on them in the name of the Lord and bless them {6} in the name of Christ.

who are to lay hands on them in the name of the Lord, and bless them in the name of Christ.

¶ There cannot any one be received into this Church of Christ who ~~has~~ <have> not arrived to the years of accountability before God, and are not capable of repentance

¶ There cannot any one be received into this Church of Christ who have not ariven to [the] years of accountability before God and are not capable of repentance

There can not any one be received into this church of Christ who have not arrived to the years of accountability before God, and are not capable of repentance.

¶ And ~~the way of~~ Baptism is to be <ad>ministered in the following manner unto all those who Repent

¶ And the way of Baptism is to be administered [in] the following manner unto all those who repent.

And the manner of baptism & the manner of administering the sacrament are to be done as is written in the Book of Mormon.

the way of: ~~RB1~~, MS, BCA, BCB

whosoever being called of God & having authority given them of Jesus Christ Shall go down into the water with them and shall say calling them by name

whosoever being called of God and having authority given them of Jesus Christ Shall go down into the water with them and Shall Say calling them by name

Having authority given me of Jesus Christ I Baptize ~~thee~~ you in the name of the Father and of the son and of the holy Ghost amen

having authority given me of Jesus Christ I Baptize you in the name of the Father and of the son and of the holy Ghost amen

Then Shall he immerse them in the water & come forth again out of the water

then Shall he immerse them in the water and come forth again out of the water

And it is expedient that the Church meet together oft to partake <of> bread & wine in Rememberance of the Lord Jesus

¶ And it is expedient that the Church meet together oft to partake of Bread & wine in rememberance of the Lord Jesus

and the Elder or Priest shall <ad>minister it & after this manner shall he do

and the Elders or Priests Shall minister it & after this manner Shall he do

minister: ~~RB1~~, MS, BCA, BCB
administer: RB1, EMS, BC, DC

he shall kneel with the Church & call upon the Father in mighty prayer saying

he Shall kneel with the Church & call upon the Father in mighty Prayer Saying

O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy son Jesus Christ to Bless & sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it that they may eat in Rememberance of the body of thy son & witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy son & always Remember him & keep his commandments which he ~~hath~~ has given them that they may always have his spirit to be with them amen

¶ O god the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy son Jesus Christ to bless & sanctify this bread to the Souls of all those who partake of it that they may eat in rememberance of the Body of thy son & witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy son & always remember him & keep his commandments which he hath given them that they may always have his Spirit <to be> with them amen

hath: ~~RB1~~, ESM, BCA, BCB
has: RB1, BC, DC

¶ The manner of administering the wine

¶ The manner of administering the wine,

Behold they shall take the cup & say

Behold they Shall take the cup and say

O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ to bless & sanctify this wine to the Souls of all <those> who drink of it that they <may> do it in Rememberance of the blood of thy son which was shed for them that they may witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they do always Remember him that they may have his spirit to be with them amen

¶ O God the Eternal Father we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ to Bless and Sanctify this wine to the Souls of all those who drink of it that they may do it in rememberance of the blood of thy Son which <was> Shed for them that they may witness unto thee O God the Eternal Father that they do always remember him that they may have his Spirit to be with them Amen.—

¶ Any member of this Church of Christ transgressing or being overtaken in a fault shall be dealt with according as the scriptures directs &c

¶ Any member of this Church of Christ transgressing or being overtaken in a fault {6} Shall be dealt with according as the Scriptures direct &C

Any member of this church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with according as the scriptures direct, &c.

¶ [58] It shall be the duty of the several churches composing this Church of Christ to send one or more of their Teachers to attend the several conferences held by the Elders of this Church

¶ ~~Any member of this Church of Christ transgressing~~ It shall be the duty of the Several churches compozing this Church of Christ to send one or [more] of their Teachers to attend the Several Conferences held by the Elders of this Church

It shall be the duty of the several churches composing this church of Christ to send one of their priests or teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church

with a list of names of the several members uniting themselves to the Church since the last conference or send by the hand of some Priest so that ~~they~~ there can be kept a regular list of all the names of the members of thei whole church in a book kept by one of the Elders whomesoever the other Elders s<h>all appoint from time to time

with a list of the names of the Several members uniting them selves to the church Since the last Conference or Send by the hand of Some Priest so that there can be kept a regular list of all the names of the members of the whole Church in a Book Kept by one of the Elders whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time

with a list of the names the several persons uniting themselves to the church since the last conference, or send by the hand of some elder, so that there can be kept a regular list of all the names of the members of the whole church in a book kept by one of the elders whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time,

& also if any have been expelled from the Church so that there names may be blotted out of the general Church record of names—

and also if any have been expelled from the Church so that there names may be blotted out of the general Church record of names

and also if any have been expelled from the church so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names;

¶ Any member member removeing from the Church where he ~~belongs~~ <resides> if going to a Church where he is not known may take a letter certifying that he is a regular member & in good Standing which cirtificate may be signed by any Elder or Priest if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the Elder or Priest or <it> may be signed by the Teachers or Deacons of the Church

¶ Any member remoeving from the Church where he belongs if going to a church where <he> is not known may take a letter certifying that he is a regular member and in good standing which certificate may <be> signed by any Elder or Priest if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the Elder or Priest or may be signed by the Teachers or Deacons of the Church

any member removing from the church where he belongs, if going to a church where he is not known, may take letter certifying that he is a regular member and in good standing, which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest—if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church.

belongs: ~~RB1~~, MS, PT, BCA, BCB
resides: RB1, ESM, BC
it: RB1, PT, BC, DC

D&C 21
D&C 20 Sources (1)
D&C 20 Sources (2)
D&C 19
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