dccanon
Doctrine & Covenants
Section 47
John Whitmer receives a specific appointment: to keep the official record and history of the restored church, assisting Joseph in transcription until further duties are assigned, while Oliver Cowdery moves to a separate office. The charge is conditional — the Comforter, here the Holy Ghost operating in the son-of-the-son function bearing the Father's name, will enable the writing inasmuch as John is faithful. The record-keeping office is not administrative bureaucracy; in the Holy Order pattern, the faithful scribe preserves the covenant narrative by which future generations may trace the unfolding restoration.
1
Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular history, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things which shall be given you, until he is called to further duties.
2
Again, verily I say unto you that he can also lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient.
3
And again, I say unto you that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record 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 Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.
