The first few sections of the Doctrine and Covenants can be maddeningly tantalizing.  Many of those sections talk about the translation of the Nephite record, a portion of which we now have as the Book of Mormon.  But those same sections also make much mention of scriptures that we still don’t have.

First there is the “Book of Lehi” (see footnote to D&C 10:42) which we almost got, but which was lost by Martin Harris when wicked and designing men stole the 116 pages of manuscript from him.  (There is also the 2/3 of the gold plates that Joseph was not permitted to translate).

There are other ancient records mentioned in the first 10 sections of the Doctrine and Covenants which the Lord seemed ready to bring forth, but which we still don’t have.  We have a small quotation from one of them, but not the full record.  The quotation was given to Joseph and Oliver through the Urim and Thummim and is from the writings of John the Beloved, a record made on parchment and hidden up by John.  (See introductory explanation to section 7).

Oliver wanted to be able to translate like Joseph.  Permission was granted.  The Lord told him that there were “old records, which are ancient” (D&C 8:1, 11) that he would be permitted to translate.  (See also 6:25-27; 9:1-2; 10:59-62).  Oliver hesitated and doubted until it was no longer expedient that he translate, and the gift was taken from him.  If Oliver had exercised more faith, we would perhaps have more scriptures, and more light and knowledge, than we have today.