Prophetic Discource to Canonized Scripture

Early in Joseph's time as prophet of the church, his main work was establishing the fullness of the gospel on earth. Because there was little to nothing to work with, most scripture was direct revelation from God, giving instruction to His children. He reestablished priesthood, baptism, and sacrament. The order of church was laid out. Joseph had very little knowledge of what he needed to do, and had to rely entirely on the Lord for direction.

As persecution increased, the church struggled to stay together. They constantly moved, and had to basically start over all the time. Having written instruction of the basics was vital in the early months of the church. The early records helped the members know what to do and where they were going.

Coming into the Nauvoo period, the saints were feeling like they finally had a home where they could stay. Nauvoo was their Zion and they didn't forsee anything making them leave. A feeling of home and settling came over their culture. Because the church was well established in Missouri, more and more missionaries were being sent out. The basic pricinciples of the gospel were established, and the temple ordinacnes were in the process of being so. Joseph better understood the fullness of the plan and how important it was that the saints understand the plan as well. To fascilitate this, he began more often to preach. Partly due to the outward growth of the church, it became important for Joseph's sermons to be recorded. His teachings were able to benefit new and seasoned members alike. The record of his preaching was carried out into the mission field and used within the church at Nauvoo.

In this time, many of the teachings that are now scripture were being created. Later, they were canonized and are now in the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants. Each piece was added for a different reason, and often times slowly, but they were all considered beneficial to the church as a whole. Many of Joseph's sermons fell into this category. His teachings on temple ordinaces especially. Now we read as scripture what was once a letter, a missionary lesson, or a discourse. Although we don't now publish prophetic council in our D&C or other standard works, we continue to take our leaders' teachings as guidence that should be followed. This follows the tradition started by Joseph's teachings in Nauvoo.