The Hiram Page revelation

Section 28 of the Doctrine and Covenants has been frequently mis-used to smother the faith and privileges of members.  This revelation given to Oliver in reality affirms we all have the right to revelations, visions, etc, and that we should use these to influence our fellow man.

"But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses." (v. 2)

This was not an unqualified statement regarding anyone who should follow, but an endorsement of Joseph himself.

What is meant by "no one" is clarified later in the revelation.  Joseph by his faith, works and righteousness has been appointed to his rightful place, however this does not preclude others from receiving revelations.

"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;" (v. 6)

Christ is always the head of the church, but this revelation seems to make clear he's talking about Joseph as the head.

"For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead." (v. 7)

We all are to seek the mysteries, all have equal privilege.  This is thoroughly proved in other places of scripture.  There is a question as to whether another besides Hyrum Smith was appointed in Joseph's stead, and whether the church was rejected by the Lord "with our dead".  Do we still await that appointment?

"But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom... And now, behold, I say unto you that you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them; and thou shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment." (v. 5, 8)

Oliver was to receive more revelations, to have more great and glorious visions than he already had, and was commanded to teach and write them, influencing the church, even enlightening the head, for the only stipulation the Lord made, was to not command others including the head, to obey them.  When any man speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost, that is the ultimate authority, and if men refuse to obey what it dictates, they do so at their own peril.

"...these things [the revelation on Zion] have not been appointed unto him [Hiram Page], neither shall anything [revelations, policies, etc] be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants. For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith." (v. 12-13)

The Lord clarifies that the church covenants He's talking about, is the previous commandment given to have all things done by common consent.  Joseph many times showed the example of humbly submitting to the will of the church when he asked if they still desired to have him lead or if they would have another, the members at the conference unanimously approved of Joseph, but had another been appointed, it would have been according to church covenants.