D&C 42 Annotated With Commentary: Joseph Smith Edition (D&C Annotated With Commentary by the Early Brethren)

While D&C 42 boasts a broad array of topics ranging from the pragmatics of the gathering to a review of basic Christian principles, it also represents the inception of the ever-evolving law of consecration. When the early brethren spoke about the law of consecration’s introduction, they frequently lamented its rejection by the saints and their continued inability to adopt these principles - for decades afterward. Indeed, the brethren often noted that the saints continued to struggle with subsequent, revised versions of the law, including the law of tithing.

Some modern saints have suspected that this controversial reception was behind Oliver Cowdery's numerous and substantive revisions to section 42. However, a careful textual analysis largely suggests that isn't true - most changes reflected administrative developments revealed in later sections of the D&C. However, a few clearly expound upon the meaning of the original text and offer the reader much to ponder and consider. These revisions are carefully annotated in the footnotes.

Part of a much larger series, D&C 42 Annotated with Commentary features the original text (as revised by Joseph and with numerous notations surrounding the revisions), hand selected footnotes, and commentary by brethren who heard Joseph reveal the several revelations represented in this section. By far, it represents the best contemporary sources available so you can study at the feet of the prophets as they explain this sweeping and pivotal revelation.