Many of the revelations are the same in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) and the Teachings and Commandments (T&C). But some of the revelations are almost completely different. D&C 107, for example, is not really a revelation but an amalgamation of a variety of things tied together with commentary. It reads as if it were a revelation.
I read language in D&C Section 107 for 40 years without realizing how big a mess that document actually is. Today as I read T&C 59 in the new scriptures, I came across familiar words from D&C 107. But an actual November 1831 revelation is in the T&C.
As I looked into the changes there is a whole different meaning that the T&C provides which is lost in the D&C narrative.
T&C 59 paragraphs 10-12 state the following:
10 And again, the duty of the president of the office of the high priesthood is to preside over the whole church and to be like unto Moses.
11 Behold, here is wisdom — yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.
12 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so, amen.
Under T&C 59 Paragraph 10, the president over the whole church is required to be “like unto Moses.” This obligation is then defined in Paragraph 11: “to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.”
But the heart of this matter is states in Paragraph 12: “let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed in all diligence.” Making it clear that the president is required to learn to do the duty of seership, to learn to be a revelator, learn to be a translator, and learn to be a prophet. These are not automatic. These are responsibilities to be undertaken.
But Paragraph 12 continues to caution anyone with a duty that if they are slothful and fail to perform their duty he is to be “not counted worthy to stand.” Meaning that if they can’t accomplish what is required of the office, they are not worthy to remain in that office.
This is a very different text than what is found in D&C 107. The D&C language appears to make holding the office alone enough to establish the office-holder’s status as a seer, revelator, translator, and prophet. T&C instead imposes an obligation that the office-holder may fail to discharge. If the office-holder fails to accomplish the requirements, then he is not worthy to remain in office.
The new scriptures continue to amaze and enlighten me.