7f and all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.
7g And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church, and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts, lest there be any among you professing and yet be not of God.
8a And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in spirit shall receive in spirit; that unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby:
8b he that asketh in the spirit, asketh according to the will of God, wherefore it is done even as he asketh.
9a And again I say unto you, All things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the spirit;
9b and ye must give thanks unto God in the spirit for whatever blessing ye are blessed with; and ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen.
DC 47 Intro: SECTION 47
Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., March 8, 1831, at Kirtland, Ohio, and addressed to John Whitmer. Oliver Cowdery's departure upon the mission to the West had left Joseph without a scribe who could keep an official record of the church's history. John Whitmer, who was now called to this responsibility, wrote only eighty-five pages. These included many of the revelations given prior to 1838.
1a 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.
1b Again, verily I say unto you, that he can also lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient.
2a 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.
2b Wherefore, it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things. Even so. Amen.
