D&C 73

THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

SECTION 73

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, January 10, 1832. HC 1: 241—242. Since the early part of the preceding December, the Prophet and Sidney had been engaged in preaching, and by this means much was accomplished in diminishing the unfavorable feelings that had arisen against the Church (see heading to Section 71).

1—2, Elders are to continue to preach; 3—6, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are to continue to translate the Bible until it is finished.

1 FOR verily, thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me that they should continue preaching the gospel, and in exhortation to the churches in the regions round about, until conference;

2 And then, behold, it shall be made known unto them, by the voice of the conference, their several missions.

3 Now, verily I say unto you my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, saith the Lord, it is expedient to translate again;[Return to the work of translation of the Bible as their primary work. they have been diverted from the work of the translation by Ezra Booth and other apostates who have been causing trouble for the saints. See section 71.]

4 And, inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach [they are also to preach as time permits] in the regions round about until conference; and after that it is expedient to continue the work of translation until it be finished.

5 And let this be a pattern unto the elders until further knowledge, [until the next conference as per verse 4 ] even as it is written.

6 Now I give no more unto you at this time. Gird up your loins [be diligent about the work here required. ] and be sober. [ In Greek, it means - free from illusion, free from the intoxicating influences of sin. It means to have one's wits about them and be rational. Websters 1828 dictionary:"Regular; calm; not under the influence of passion; as sober judgment; a man in his sober senses." ] Even so. Amen.

[Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 73 Excerpt from History of the Church From this time until the 8th or 10th of January, 1832, myself and Elder Rigdon continued to preach in Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places, setting forth the truth, vindicating the cause of our Redeemer; showing that the day of vengeance was coming upon this generation like a thief in the night; that prejudice, blindness and darkness filled the minds of many, and caused them to persecute the true Church, and reject the true light; by which means we did much towards allaying the excited feelings which were growing out of the scandalous letters then being published in the Ohio Star, at Ravenna, by the before-mentioned apostate, Ezra Booth. On the 10th of January, I received the following revelation making known the will of the Lord concerning the Elders of the Church until the convening of the next conference. [text of D&C 73 quoted] Upon the reception of the foregoing word of the Lord, I recommenced the translation of the Scriptures, and labored diligently until just before the conference, which was to convene on the 25th of January. (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, volume 1, pages 241-242)]