[Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 70 This section was received during the same conference as D&C 69 was received, and addresses those who were involved with the Literary Firm. Excerpt from History of the Church My time was occupied closely in reviewing the commandments and sitting in conference, for nearly two weeks; for from the first to the twelfth of November we held four special conferences. In the last which was held at Brother Johnson's, in Hiram, after deliberate consideration, in consequence of the book of revelations, now to be printed, being the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man; and the riches of eternity within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God-therefore the conference voted that they prize the revelations to be worth to the Church the riches of the whole earth, speaking temporally. The great benefits to the world which result from the Book of Mormon and the revelations which the Lord has seen fit in His infinite wisdom to grant unto us for our salvation, and for the salvation of all that will believe, were duly appreciated; and in answer to an inquiry, I received the following: [text of D&C 70 quoted] (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, volume 1, pages 235-236) Excerpt from Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith Section 70 is a revelation directed specifically to members of the Literary Firm. This firm, organized in November 1831, concerned itself with the printing of official Church literature. On 12 November 1831, the last day of the Hiram, Ohio conferences, it was decided that inasmuch as Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, John Whitmer, and Martin Harris had played such a conspicuous role in recording, preserving, and preparing the revelations for publication, they should “have claim on the Church for recompense.” It was therefore voted by those present that the above-named brethren “be appointed to manage [the sacred writings] according to the Laws of the Church and the Commandments of the Lord.” These men who were to “manage” the revelations constituted the membership of the Literary Firm. Members of the partnership were consecrated in their respective responsibilities, and the profits from the sale of the Church publications were to benefit both the individual members as well as the Church at large. Items of specific concern for the Literary Firm were the printing and distribution of - the New Translation of the Bible - the Church hymnal - a Church almanac - children’s literature - Church newspapers At the organization of the Literary Firm (mid-November 1831), William W. Phelps was included as a member, and shortly thereafter Jesse Gause was added. In 1833 Frederick G. Williams, who had replaced Gause in the presidency of the High Priesthood, also became a member. Phelps‘s appointment was natural because he was an experienced newspaper editor and earlier had been designated as a “printer unto the Church.” Harris’s selection as a charter member of the firm appears to have stemmed from his earlier financial assistance in the printing of the Book of Mormon, but his role in the Literary Firm cannot be determined, though, no doubt, his contribution was monetary, not literary. The appointments of Gause and Williams were related to their position in the presidency.]