In first Nephi chapter one verse one of the Book of Mormon, Nephi begins by saying “…therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days”. The very first verse in the Book of Mormon makes reference to record-keeping. Later on, Nephi makes two sets of records with an important distinction between the two.

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an…

At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith offered a prayer he received by revelation, “Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee, concerning the revelations and commandments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified…