Doctrine and Covenants Commentary - Section 47

by Don R. Hender

Scriptural Text [& Editorial]	Commentary & Explanation	Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
SECTION 47 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 8, 1831. HC 1:166. Prior to this time Oliver Cowdery had acted as Church historian and recorder. John Whitmer had not sought an appointment as historian, but, being asked to serve in this capacity, he had said that he would obey the will of the Lord in the matter. he had already served as a secretary to the Prophet in recording many of the revelations received in the Fayette, New York area.		John Whitmer
1-4, John Whitmer is designated to keep the history of the Church and to write for the Prophet.
1 BEHOLD, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular ^ahistory, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things which shall be given you, until he is called to further duties^a. 2 Again, verily I say unto you that he can also ^alift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient.	2^a until he is called to further duties John Whitmer acted as Church Historian and his book of that history may be found online as 'The Book of John Whitmer' or John Whitmer's history. That history's final paragraph reads: "The situation of the Church both here and in Kirtland is in an unpleasant situation in consequence of the reorganization of its authorites, which was not satisfactory to all concerned. And has terminated in the expulsion of some members, as also some temporal movements, have not proved satisfactory to all parties has also terminated in the expulsion of many members among whom is W.W. Phelps and myself. Therefore, I close the history of the Church of Latter-day Saints, hoping that I may be forgiven of my faults, and my sins be blotted out and in the last day be saved in the Kingdom of God, notwithstanding my private situation, which I hope will soon be bettered and I find favor in the eyes of God, all men and his Saints. Farewll. March 1838." The history of the Church was not closed, it continued on. W. W. Phelps sought forgiveness of Joseph Smith and returned to the faith. Sadly John Whitmer did not and is honored as a part of the 'Community of Christ' organization first began in 1860. As to the interim, John Whitmer lived in Far West after the Church's expulsion, he being a part of the 'dissenters'. After the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, one of the 'claimants' of church leadership was David Whitmer, also excommunicated among the Whitmers. He began a 'Church of Christ' (the Whitmerites) founded in a claim in the 'Three Witnesses' rather than upon the Prophet Joseph Smith. That early church quickly dissolved but later in 1870, it reorganized itself by 1870. By 1925 most all remaining members of the Whitmerites united with the Church of Christ (temple lot) headquartered in Independence, Missouri. W. W. Phelps sought forgiveness and reinstatement in 1840 and recieved such, was rebaptized and received the blessing of heaven in the Nauvoo Temple and played a future role in the leadership of the Church. John Whitmer never did and died in 1878, still disaffected.
3 And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church ^arecord and history continually; for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office. 4 Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the ^aComforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.