1–5, Scriptures show how to build up the Church;6–8, The world is ripening in iniquity;9–16, The worth of souls is great;17–25, To gain salvation, men must take upon themselves the name of Christ;26–36, The calling and mission of the Twelve are revealed;37–39, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer are to search out the Twelve;40–47, To gain salvation, men must repent, be baptized, and keep the commandments.