Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 58 -59

 

Section 58

Background Information 

Recall from section 57 of last week that JS and the elders of the church traveled to Jackson County, Missouri to proselyte.  JS recorded the first evens in Jackson County as follows: 

The first Sabbath after our arrival in Jackson County [ironically, the 24th of July], Brother W. W. Phelps preached to a western audience over the boundary of the United States, wherein were present specimens of all the families of the earth; Shem, Ham, and Japheth; several of the Lamanites or Indians—representative of Shem; quite a respectable number of Negroes—descendants of Ham; and the balance was made up of citizens of the surrounding country, and fully represented themselves as pioneers of the West. At this meeting two were baptized, who had previously believed in the fulness of the Gospel.

During this week the Colesville branch, referred to in the latter part of the last revelation [57:15], and Sidney Rigdon, Sidney Gilbert, and wife [Elizabeth], and Elders Morley and Booth, arrived. I received the following—section 58 (HC, 1:191).

We also learned that while he was there, he asked three questions of the Lord, as he was pondering about the land and the future of Zion.  They were as follows: When will the wilderness blossom as the rose (Isaiah 35:1)? When will Zion be built up in her glory (Isaiah 60:1-2)? And, where will thy temple stand unto which all nations shall come in these last days (Isaiah 2:2)?

The Lord answered the third question in section 57.  In section 58, he answers the first two question, starting with the second question. Section 58 was received on August 1, 1831.  

As one commentator explained, "On August 2, following the the reception of section 58, [JS and SR] helped members of the Colesville Branch "lay the first log, for a house, as a foundation of Zion." This house functioned both a church and a school. It was located in Kaw Township -- 12 miles west of Independence, Missouri. SR, per the Lord's command in verse 57, dedicated the land of Zion in Jackson County for the gathering of the saints. According to Cowdery, 

Brother Sidney Rigdon stood up and asked saying: Do you receive this land for the land of your inheritance with thankful hearts from the Lord? answer from all: ‘We do.’ Do you pledge yourselves to keep the laws of God on this land, which you never have kept in your own lands? ‘We do.’ Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your brethren who shall come hither do keep the laws of God? ‘We do.’ After prayer he arose and said, I now pronounce this land consecrated and dedicated to the Lord for a possession and inheritance for the saints (in the name of Jesus Christ having authority from him). And for all the faithful servants of the Lord to the remotest ages of time. Amen (cited in John Whitmer’s Early Latter Day Saint History, 79).

On August 3, two days after section 58 was given, JS laid the cornerstone of the temple in Independence -- a mile and a half west of the new brick courthouse --- and SR consecrated the ground and dedicated to the Lord. On August 4, JS dedicated the temple site. 

Section 

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land [Missouri -- Independence, specifically] unto which I have sent you. 2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. 3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes [fleshly eyes], for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things [those things = the blessings, see v. 4] which shall come hereafter [blessings follow tribulation], and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. 4 For after much tribulation come the blessings [not just slight tribulation, but much tribulation]. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory [implies that the saints will have to pass through much tribulation]; the hour is not yet [the hour of tribulation], but is nigh at hand.

• Verse 4: Faithful In Tribulation 
• The Lord states things will follow after the saints pass through "much tribulation." What are those things? They are blessings and glory. In context of the revelation, the blessings that the Lord is referring to is an inheritance in Zion and a crown of glory. 
• Zion has not been been established. The implication then is that if we want to establish Zion, we must pass through much tribulation. Why? 
• First, trials test our hearts and character: Who we truly are is who are and how we act when faced with trials. It's easy to signal our virtue, to proclaim our goodness. It's another to actually be good. To be good means that we are good without fail. Christ was good because no matter what happened to Him, he always maintained his godly character.  
• Second, trials humble us.  The degree to which we feel the Spirit is commensurate with our degree of humility. Consequently, the greater our humility, the greater our connection with the Spirit. Pride serves as a barrier to the Spirit, much like a damn that blocks the flow of water. And like water, the Spirit is energy that flows from God to us. We receive more of it as our thoughts become purer and more holy. We receive less of if our thoughts are impure and base. Trials humble us by further revealing our dependence upon God. They reveal to us what elements of life our beyond our control. They cause us to surrender, if we are willing, to God. This surrendering is an act of humility because we have elected to learn "not upon our own understanding" but to instead rely on God's wisdom.  
• Third, trials qualify us for Zion. Those who are celestial, are those who are good -- at all times and all places. Zion is the abode of the good. Of those who are of one heart and one mind. This behavior is contrary to fallen man. It is acquired, not automatic. Zion will consist of people who have passed through the fires of tribulation and the city of Enoch. They will live in harmony and peace. And only those who can show that they've adopted a celestial character will inhabit Zion.  
• I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions; Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified. (D&C 101: 2 -5) 
• Conversely, those who don't qualify are purged and removed. Those who would corrupt Zion through their selfish actions will be removed. 
• And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem shall be called holy, every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning. (2 Nephi 14: 3 -4)
• Fourth, trials cause us to know the Lord. Isaiah's prophecies declare repeatedly that despite the massive devastation that will tear through the world, the Lord's people will come to know the Lord. This is because it is through the trials that one has come the know the Lord. The trials of the last day will be so severe, that the only way to overcome is to rely fully and wholly upon the Lord (those who have taken the Holy Spirit as their guide). The trials will cause us to cry unto the Lord daily for our "daily bread" for our sustenance and health. In short, it will cause us to walk by faith. And to walk by faith requires righteousness. Combined, this lead to knowing the Lord personally, as our hearts become sufficiently broken and contrite. 
• `Consider the statements made a member of the Martin Handcart company about coming to know the Lord: I was in that Company. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? No one of that company ever apostatized or left the church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities. I have pulled my hand cart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said I can go only that far and there I must give up for I cannot pull the load through it. I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there. Was I sorry that I chose to come by hand cart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Hand Cart Company. -- Ensign, May 1979, 53.
• Those who come to Zion are those who led to Zion. In his depiction of the gathering to Zion, Isaiah likens it to the Exodus from Egypt. Except instead of us being led by angels or men, those being led out of "Egypt" are led by the Lord Himself! 
• Knowing that tribulation is a prerequisite for Zion, we can either seek for the Lord to try us now or wait until the desolation sweeps across our world. 

5 Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow. 6 Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause [what follows are the reason why the Lord sent the missionaries to Missouri] I have sent you—that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come; 7 And also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand; 8 And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail; 9 Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited [the sacrament]. 10 First, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble; 11 And after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.

• Verses 6-13: For This Cause 
• The Lord lists the reasons why he sent the elders to Missouri: 
• 1) For them to show their obedience so that their hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come; 
• 2) might be honored in laying the foundation of Zion;  
• 3) bearing record of the land of Zion; 
• 4) that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; and 
• 5) that a testimony might for forth from Zion 

12 Behold, I, the Lord, have spoken it. 13 And that the testimony might go forth from Zion, yea, from the mouth of the city of the heritage of God— 14 Yea, for this cause I have sent you [the elders] hither, and have selected my servant Edward Partridge [EP’s role is crucial for Zion], and have appointed unto him [EP] his mission in this land. 15 But if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall. 16 Behold his mission is given unto him, and it shall not be given again. 17 And whoso standeth in this mission [bishop of the church] is appointed to be a judge in Israel, like as it was in ancient days, to divide the lands of the heritage of God unto his children [bishop is like a Israel judge who divided the lands among the tribes]; 18 And to judge his people by the testimony of the just, and by the assistance of his counselors, according to the laws of the kingdom which are given by the prophets of God.

• Verse 15: Blindness of Heart 
• As one commentator explained:
• During their weeks in Missouri together, “Bishop Partridge several times strenuously opposed the measures of the Prophet, and was sharply reproved by the latter for his unbelief and hardness of heart” (Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 113). Bishop Partridge was a good man with a firm testimony of the gospel, and he eventually sacrificed all he had for the kingdom. But he also had some very firm opinions about how Zion was to be built—opinions which were at odds with the instructions he received from Joseph Smith
• Verses 16- 18: Bishop of the Church 
• Edward Partridge, at the time, was not a ward bishop.  This office did not exist during this time in the Church.  He was the bishop of the whole Church (see D&C 41:9). Soon Newell K. Whitney would be called as bishop in Kirtland, and Edward Partridge would remain as bishop in Missouri (see D&C 72). Neither will preside over the other. The office of the Presiding Bishop was not created until later (see D&C 124:41).

19 For verily I say unto you [the elders], my law [the law of consecration] shall be kept on this land. 20 Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat. 21 Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land. 22 Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet [quoting Romans 13]. 23 Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom [obedience to the law of consecration leads to wisdom].

24 And now, as I spake concerning my servant Edward Partridge, this land [Independence, Missouri] is the land of his residence, and those whom he has appointed for his counselors; and also the land of the residence of him [A. Sidney Gilbert] whom I have appointed to keep my storehouse; 25 Wherefore, let them [EP, SG, and the counselors] bring their families to this land, as they shall counsel [to deliberate] between themselves and me [discretion is given to the leaders to decide how to bring their families, with the Lord helping]. 26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 28 For the power is in them, wherein [in which thing] they are agents unto themselves [to be an agent is to have power to act]. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. 29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

• Verse 29: A Slothful Servant
• To be slothful is to be lazy or idle. A slothful servant is one who 1) doesn't do good until he is commanded; 2) when he is commanded, he receives it with doubt; and 3) then is lazy in keeping the commandment. 

30 Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments? 31 Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled? 32 I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing [if the Lord’s promise has not been fulfilled, it’s because the person/group has not obeyed the command]. 33 Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled [seeing that the promise is not fulfilled, men accuse the Lord and deny his work, despite the fact that they were responsible]. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh [hidden] beneath, and not from above.

34 And now I give unto you further directions concerning this land. 35 It is wisdom in me that my servant Martin Harris should be an example unto the church, in laying his moneys before the bishop of the church. 36 And also, this is a law [lay his monies before the bishop of the church] unto every man that cometh unto this land to receive an inheritance [consecration of all monies is the prerequisite for Zion]; and he [EP] shall do with his moneys according as the law directs. 37 And it is wisdom also that there should be lands purchased in Independence, for the place of the storehouse, and also for the house of the printing. 38 And other directions concerning my servant Martin Harris shall be given him of the Spirit, that he may receive his inheritance as seemeth him good; 39 And let him repent of his sins, for he seeketh the praise of the world.

• Verse 35: Martin Harris
• Martin Harris, a relatively wealthy man, is called to consecrate all his money to the bishop’s storehouse. Martin had previously been commanded to offer up his possessions to publish the Book of Mormon (see D&C 19:26, 34-35).  Orson Pratt remarked that “Martin Harris was the first man that the Lord called by name to consecrate his money, and lay the same at the feet of the Bishop in Jackson County, Mo., according to the order of consecration. He willingly did it; he knew the work to be true; he knew that the word of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph was just as sacred as any word that ever came from the mouth of any Prophet from the foundation of the world. He consecrated his money and his substance, according to the word of the Lord. What for? As the revelation states, as an example to the rest of the Church” (JD, 18:160-61).

40 And also let my servant William W. Phelps stand in the office [called to serve the Lord as a printer, publisher, and educator] to which I have appointed him, and receive his inheritance in the land; 41 And also he hath need to repent, for I, the Lord, am not well pleased with him, for he seeketh to excel, and he is not sufficiently meek before me. 42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. 43 By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.

44 And now, verily, I say concerning the residue of the elders of my church, the time has not yet come, for many years, for them to receive their inheritance in this land, except they desire it through the prayer of faith, only as it shall be appointed unto them of the Lord. 45 For, behold, they [the elders] shall push the people together from the ends of the earth. 46 Wherefore, assemble yourselves together; and they who are not appointed to stay in this land, let them preach the gospel in the regions round about; and after that let them return to their homes [those who are not assigned to move to Missouri are to preach the gospel and then return home]. 47 Let them [the elders not assigned to move to Missouri] preach by the way, and bear testimony of the truth in all places, and call upon the rich, the high and the low, and the poor to repent. 48 And let them [the elders] build up churches, inasmuch as the inhabitants of the earth will repent. 49 And let there be an agent [Newell K. Whitney will be called to fill this position, see also D&C 72:8] appointed by the voice of the church, unto the church in Ohio, to receive moneys to purchase lands in Zion.

• Verse 44: Appointed Unto Them of the Lord
• Many of the Ohio saints disregarded the command to remain in Ohio and instead migrated to Jackson County, Missouri before being called to do so and without having entered into the covenant of consecration. Consequently, having been spiritually unprepared, disobedient to counsel, and unwilling to live the law of consecration, they eventually caused economic, social, and spiritual problems in Missouri that contributed to the loss of Zion there.

50 And I give unto my servant Sidney Rigdon a commandment, that he shall write a description of the land of Zion, and a statement of the will of God, as it shall be made known by the Spirit unto him [Later the Lord will indicate that what Sidney Rigdon had written was unacceptable (see D&C 63:55-56, a probable reference to this assignment)]; 51 And an epistle and subscription, to be presented unto all the churches to obtain moneys, to be put into the hands of the bishop, of himself or the agent, as seemeth him good or as he shall direct, to purchase lands for an inheritance for the children of God. 52 For, behold, verily I say unto you, the Lord willeth that the disciples and the children of men should open their hearts, even to purchase this whole region of country, as soon as time will permit. 53 Behold, here is wisdom. Let them do this [purchase the lands by money in an orderly manner] lest they receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood [whose blood?].

• Verse 51: Epistle and Subscription: 
• As one commentator explained:
• The description of Zion—the “brochure”—commanded in verse 50 was to be accompanied by a cover letter to local leaders that included a sign-up sheet for the members to indicate their interest in contributing. Funds would then be received by local authorities, to be forwarded to Bishop Partridge or his agents in Missouri. The subscription, or sign-up sheet, would provide church leaders with a list of those willing to contribute or invest in the land described in the brochure.
• Verse 52: Purchase This Whole Region 
• As one commentator explained:
• If the saints had been perfectly obedient to the Lord’s commands concerning Zion, he would have prepared the way for the legal purchase of most all of the land in Independence. He would have done this by opening the hearts, or influencing his “disciples” to raise the money and purchase the lands from “the children of men.”
• Verse 53: Shedding of Blood
• Here, the Lord lays out a condition to receive an inheritance in Zion: either purchase the land of Missouri with money or through the shedding of blood. The relevant question is, of course, whose blood will be shed? The shedding of the blood is the option to receive an inheritance if the first conditions fails. The first condition failed, as Zion remains unestablished. 

54 And again, inasmuch as there is land obtained, let there be workmen sent forth of all kinds unto this land, to labor for the saints of God. 55 Let all these things be done in order; and let the privileges of the lands be made known from time to time, by the bishop or the agent of the church. 56 And let the work of the gathering be not in haste, nor by flight; but let it be done as it shall be counseled by the elders of the church at the conferences, according to the knowledge which they receive from time to time [Zion and the gathering is to be done line-by-line. If we build Zion before we're ready, then Zion becomes a hell and not heaven, as the history of the early church showed. ].

• Verse 54: Not In Haste
• One historian noted: 
• The Saints themselves may not have been totally without blame in the matter. The feelings of the Missourians, even though misplaced, were undoubtedly intensified by the rhetoric of the gathering itself. They were quick to listen to the boasting of a few overly zealous Saints who loudly declared a divine right to the land. As enthusiastic millennialists, they also proclaimed that the time of the gentiles was short, and they were perhaps too quick to quote the revelation that said ‘the Lord willeth that the disciples and the children of men should open their hearts, even to purchase this whole region of country, as soon as time will permit.’ (D&C 58:52.) Though the Saints were specifically and repeatedly commanded to be peaceful and to never shed blood, some seemed unwisely to threaten warfare if they could not fulfill the commandment peacefully. In July 1833 Church leaders reemphasized the importance of legally purchasing land, but by then a combination of factors was leading to confrontation.
• As some read Doctrine and Covenants, they may be surprised with the Lord's tone. It certainly is harsher and more direct than we are used to or comfortable with. One reason for this could be culture. But we have to keep in mind that the Lord was calling to early saints to live at a higher level than they currently were. If the saints were righteous enough, the Lord would have established Zion among them. The Lord's commands were therefore strict and his tone stern, because the saints were being held to a higher standard. 

57 And let my servant Sidney Rigdon consecrate and dedicate this land, and the spot for the temple, unto the Lord [occurred on Aug 2nd and 3rd]. 58 And let a conference meeting be called; and after that let my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., return, and also Oliver Cowdery with them, to accomplish the residue of the work which I have appointed unto them in their own land [Ohio], and the residue as shall be ruled by the conferences. 59 And let no man return from this land except he bear record by the way, of that which he knows and most assuredly believes.

60 Let that which has been bestowed upon Ziba Peterson be taken from him; and let him stand as a member in the church, and labor with his own hands, with the brethren, until he is sufficiently chastened for all his sins; for he confesseth them not, and he thinketh to hide them. 61 Let the residue of the elders of this church, who are coming to this land, some of whom are exceedingly blessed even above measure, also hold a conference upon this land. 62 And let my servant Edward Partridge direct the conference which shall be held by them. 63 And let them also return, preaching the gospel by the way, bearing record of the things which are revealed unto them. 64 For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe. 65 And behold the Son of Man cometh. Amen.

• Verse 60: Ziba Peterson
• As one commentator explained:
• Ziba Peterson was one of the missionaries called to preach to the Lamanites (see D&C 32:3). He had departed Fayette, New York, with Oliver Cowdery ten months earlier, in October 1830. In April 1831 he and Oliver Cowdery traveled to Lafayette County, Missouri, and preached to the people of Lexington, baptizing forty to fifty persons.
• Following this pointed rebuke by the Lord given August 1, 1831, Ziba confessed his sins at the conference held August 4, and he received forgiveness. One week later, on August 11, he married Rebecca Hooper, one of the Lafayette County converts. Ziba Peterson later became disaffected, and when the saints fled Jackson County in 1833, he and his family remained behind. Later Ziba moved to Dry Diggins, California, where he became the local sheiff. He never re-joined the church. 

Section 59

Background Information 

On Sunday, August 7, 1831, JS attended the funeral of sister Polly Knight -- the wife of Joseph Knight, Sr, mother of Newel Knight, and the first church member to die in the land of Zion. Prior to arriving in Missouri, Mrs. Knight's health had been in decline and she became very ill on the route from Thompson, Ohio to Missouri. Yet, according to her son, Newel, "she would not consent to stop traveling. Her greatest desire was to set her feet upon the land of Zion and to have her body interred in that land.” Despite her fast declining health, the Lord granted her desire and she died shortly after arriving in Missouri. 

JS received section 59 after the funeral. The revelation instructed the saints "how to keep the sabath & how to fast and pray.” Section 59 was specifically addressed to saints who migrated to Missouri. When the saints had arrived, much of the population of oMissouri consisted of southerns, many who, according to JS, had fled from the face of civilized society, to the frontier country to escape the hand of justice, in their midnight revels, their sabbath breaking, horseracing, and gambling." The JS' Papers suggest that "Perhaps because of the general nonobservance of the Sabbath among the inhabitants of Jackson County, the 7 August revelation emphasized the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, outlining what church members should do on that day."

In any case, section 59 fills the a gap that neither the Articles and Covenants" and "Laws of the Church of Christ" addressed -- how to honor the sabbath day. It thereby serves as a significant guide for how we can honor the sabbath day in our lives. OC served as the scribe for this revelation. 

Section

1 Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land [Independence, Missouri] with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments. 2 For those that live shall inherit the earth, and those that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father, which I have prepared for them. 3 Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion [those who live], who have obeyed my gospel; for they [those who live] shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength. 4 And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me.

5 Wherefore, I give unto them [saints in Missouri] a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him [quoting the Shema, Deut 6;4]. 6 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it. 7 Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. 8 Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world [The purpose of the sabbath is to keep us “unspotted” or separate from the world. When we obey the sabbath, we are increasing out apartness from the world], thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; 10 For verily this is a day [the sabbath] appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; 11 Nevertheless thy vows [1828: promises made to God] shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times; 12 But remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord. 13 And on this day [the sabbath] thou shalt do none other thing [Sabbath day is devoted to offering our oblations and sacraments], only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart [sole devotions  that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full [Receiving a fullness of joy is connected having a perfect fast]. 14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.

• Verse 10 Devotion: Devotion (1828): A solemn attention to the Supreme Being in worship; a yielding of the heart and affections to God, with reverence, faith and piety in religious duties, particularly in prayer and meditation; devoutness.
• Verse 12: Sacraments and Oblations: 
• Oblation (1828): An offering, a sacrifice 
• Sacrament (1828): An outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace; or more particularly, a solemn religious ceremony enjoined by Christ, the head of the christian church, to be observed by his followers, by which their special relation to him is created, or their obligations to him renewed and ratified. Thus baptism is called a sacrament for by it persons are separated from the world, brought into Christ's visible church, and laid under particular obligations to obey his precepts. The eucharist or communion of the Lord's supper, is also a sacrament for by commemorating the death and dying love of Christ, christians avow their special relation to him, and renew their obligations to be faithful to their divine Master. 
• Verse 13: Perfect Fast
• Although fasting means to abstain from food, abstaining from food is one component. In other words, to merely abstain from food, does not equate to a perfect fast. A perfect fast is achieved when we offer our our oblation and sacraments, doing all things with an eye single to God. Doing these things leads to a perfect fast, which leads to a fullness of joy. 

15 And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance— 16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; 17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; 18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; 19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. [Given that fruitful crop yield and fertile ground are the blessings of honoring the sabbath, is the lack thereof a curse?]

20 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things [animals, herbs, plants, etc] unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. 21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. 22 Behold, this is according to the law and the prophets [The Torah and the Neviim]; wherefore, trouble me no more concerning this matter . 23 But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. 24 I, the Lord, have spoken it, and the Spirit beareth record. Amen.

Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 51 - 57

 

Section 51

Background Information 

Section 51 gives specific instructions to Edward Partridge about how he should implement the law of consecration among the newly arrived Colesville members who have settled in Thompson Ohio.  

Thompson, Ohio,  was about sixteen miles east of Kirtland. The Colesville saints settled on a 759-acre plot owned by Leman Copley, a new convert, who had agreed to allow the saints to use his land. Here they would form a united order separate from the one getting started in Kirtland. This branch consisted largely of the extended family of Joseph Knight Sr., including Joseph’s son, Newel, and their friends and acquaintances. Newel Knight was appointed president of the branch at Thompson.  Newel Knight was appointed president of the branch at Thompson. 

Bishop Partridge asked for divine guidance. He and the Prophet were particularly anxious to know how to provide for them. The Prophet inquired of the Lord for him and received this revelation in May 1831.

Section 51 contains important principles upon which the law of consecration is based. The Lord was beginning to train the saints in the principle of consecration as a preparatory step before they should be permitted to journey to Zion. 

However, despite this instruction there was little opportunity to do as this revelation directed because Copley soon rescinded his agreement to permit the Colesville group to live and work on his land. This occurred after Copley’s early May mission to the Shaker settlement at North Union, Ohio, and sometime before 6 June 1831. Neither Partridge nor the Colesville church members would have another opportunity to implement the principles of consecration expressed in this and other revelations until they arrived in Missouri.

Section 

1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; for it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people [the Thompson saints, specifically]. 2 For it must needs be that they [the Thompson Saints] be organized according to my laws [referring to the law of consecration]; if otherwise [if the church is not organized according to the law of consecration], they will be cut off. 3 Wherefore, let my servant Edward Partridge [Bishop of the church], and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs. 

• Verse 3: Wants and Needs
• 1828 Dictionary defines wants in two ways: as "Deficiency; defect; the absence of that which is necessary or useful; as a want of power or knowledge fro any purpose; want of food and clothing."  It refers to a state of not having; 
• Contrast this with today's definition: "a lack of something" 
• The 1828 definition is synonymous with need.  Whereas the modern definition denotes the desire to have something that one does not currently possess.  Thus when the Lord refers to wants and needs, He is referring to "portions" that are needful for the person (and family) according to his circumstances.  Under the law of consecration, there is not absolute equality in possession, because each man has different circumstances.  But man will have what is needful for his circumstances. 

4 And let my servant Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion [the portion is secured through a deed], that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the church. 5 And if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and needy of my church; therefore, he shall not retain the gift [because the property donated to the bishop's storehouse is a gift, the donation can't be returned to the donor], but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him [he can only keep the property that was deeded to him]. 6 And thus all things shall be made sure, according to the laws of the land.

7 And let that which belongs to this people [Thompson Saints] be appointed unto this people. 8 And the money which is left unto this people—let there be an agent [Sidney Gilbert, see D&C 53:4] appointed unto this people, to take the money to provide food and raiment, according to the wants of this people [see verse 3]. 9 And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you. 10 And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another church.

• Verse 7: Another Church 
• The word “church” in these verses means branch of the Church. IT appears that the Lord wished the different branches of the Church to be financially independent and separate,. with the unit handling the consecration of properties separately.

11 Wherefore, if another church [other branch of the church] would receive money of this church [Thompson church], let them [the other branch] pay unto this church [Thompson church] again according as they shall agree; 12 And this [the payment to the Thompson church from the other church] shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the church. 13 And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop. 14 And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and for the wants of his family [see verse 3], as he [the bishop] shall be employed in doing this business [administering the law of consecration]. 15 And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my laws.

• Verse 15: Grant Unto This People A Privilege
• It is a privilege to live the law of consecration, despite the sacrifice it entails. The law of consecration is patterned off of celestial law. By living the law of consecration, we have the privilege of living a higher law. 

16 And I consecrate unto them [the Thompson saints] this land [the land in Thompson Ohio] for a little season [foreshadows the Lord's calling of the Thompson saints to migrate to Missouri], until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence [Thompson saints are to remain in Ohio until the Lord directs them migrate to Missouri]; 17 And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good [The Thompson saints are to assume that they'll be in Thompson Ohio for years. Therefore they should settle in and not think about moving]. 18 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches. 19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life. 20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.

Section 52

Background Information 

In June 1831 all elders were directed to attend a summer conference held in Kirtland, Ohio. According to Levi Hancock, many many church members gathered on 5 June “on the hill in a field whare there was a larg concours of people collected.” JS addressed the congregation and told them that “from that time the Elders would have large congregations to speak to and they must soon take there departure into the Reagions west.” The conference lasted from June 3rd to June 5th. JS received section 52 on the day after the conference, on June 6th. 

The date recorded for this revelation in the heading of the Doctrine and Covenants, June 7, 1831, is incorrect. Joseph indicated in the History of the Church (HC, 1:175-77) that this revelation was given the day after the conference closed. Since it was a three-day conference, beginning on Friday, June 3, and ending on Sunday June 5, the revelation had to have been received on Monday June 6. 

In the scope of church history, this conference is not given much attention and often elided from discussion. And if it is discussed, only brief mention is given to what occurred, with many accounts reducing the events at the conference to the conferral of the office of the High Priest. But this June Conference was a significant event. As discussed in previous posts, the June Conference was where the Melchizedek priesthood was conferred for the first time. 

Most of us believe that the Melchizedek priesthood was restored to JS through the angelic ministration of Peter, James, and John.  This belief comes from section 27 which states: 

7 And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias; 8 Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron... 12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth... 

However, two things should be noted about the section: 

First (starting in verse 12) states the Peter, James, and John ordained JS and OC to "apostles and especial witnesses of the Lord's name".  To ordain is different than to confer. To ordain is to appoint to receive the Melchizedek priesthood; it doesn't mean that one has received it. Reception of the Melchizedek priesthood occurs when it has been conferred upon the person. And this conferral of the Melchizedek priesthood comes from God's voice. In other words, ordaining merely prepares one or authorizes one to seek after the reception (conferral) of the priesthood. This principle is best illustrated in the JST of Genesis 14: 

25 And Melchizedek lifted up his voice and blessed Abram. 26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire. 27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch, 28 It [high priest after the order of the covenant -- Melchizedek ] being after the order of the Son of God; which order [Melchizedek order] came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God; 29 And it [the Melchizedek] was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name. 30 For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;

Key Points: The Verse explains that Melchizedek, through his faith and righteousness was ordained to the high priesthood. Next the passage starting in verse 28 explain how one receives the Melchizedek priesthood. One receives it through God's voice. 

According the JS, the conferral of the Melchizedek priesthood happened at this conference: 

On the 3rd of June, the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood was manifested and conferred for the first time upon several of the Elders. It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done.” (History of the Church, Vol.1, p.175).

At this Conference, JS ordains Lyman White, Lyman White sees Christ and then ordains others. White is the first person, besides JS, who received the Melchizedek priesthood. JS was also ordained a high priest. 23 other elders received the Melchizedek priesthood. 

For more information about this, see here, where I went into a greater discussion about the Melchizedek Priesthood, how it's conferred, and events at the June Conference. 

The second thing to note is that section 27 does not state that Peter, James, and John conferred the keys of the kingdom on JS and OC. Instead it states the opposite -- that Peter, James, and John possess the keys of the kingdom. 

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders whom he hath called and chosen in these last days, by the voice of his Spirit— 2 Saying: I, the Lord, will make known unto you what I will that ye shall do from this time until the next conference, which shall be held in Missouri, upon the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which are a remnant of Jacob, and those who are heirs according to the covenant [speaking about the Lamanites]. 3 Wherefore, verily I say unto you, let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations can be made to leave their homes, and journey to the land of Missouri. 4 And inasmuch as they [JS and SR] are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do; 5 And it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made known unto them the land of your inheritance. 6 And inasmuch as they [JS and SR] are not faithful, they shall be cut off, even as I will, as seemeth me good. 

• Verses 4-6: Inasmuch As They Are Faithful
• Revelation comes to us line-upon-line, percept-upon-percept, in small increments over time. Faithfulness to the Lord is the key to receiving more revelation. The more we show our obedience to the Lord, the more He can trust and and in turn will give us more instruction. 
• Elder Bender taught: 
• Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently ‘distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven’ (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare and is evident in the experiences of Nephi as he tried several different approaches before successfully obtaining the plates of brass from Laban (see 1 Nephi 3–4). Ultimately, he was led by the Spirit to Jerusalem, “not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do” (1 Nephi 4:6). And he did not learn how to build a ship of curious workmanship all at one time; rather, Nephi was shown by the Lord “from time to time after what manner [he] should work the timbers of the ship” (1 Nephi 18:1)."
• Eventually the obedience to revelation will lead to greater light until one is brought into the presence of the Lord. 

7 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Lyman Wight and my servant John Corrill take their journey speedily; 8 And also my servant John Murdock, and my servant Hyrum Smith, take their journey unto the same place by the way of Detroit. 9 And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written, and that which is taught them by the Comforter through the prayer of faith. 10 Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the laying on of the hands by the water’s side. 11 For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days come that I will send forth judgment unto victory.

12 And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for Satan desireth to sift him as chaff. 13 And behold, he that is faithful shall be made ruler over many things. 14 And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations— 15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances [commands, or what has been appointed or "ordained" to the man]. 16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances [commands]. 17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. 18 And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me. 19 Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.

• Verse 15: Accepted Of Me
• The  implication of this verse is that there will be some who pray and appear to be contrite, yet their prayers are insincere and they only feign contrition. They are also hypocritical in their appearance of obedience—they do not obey or they obey for the wrong reasons. These may be found in and out of the Church. This people are the deceivers.
• Verse 16: He That Speaketh 
• Again, just as in the previous verse, we find here an implication that the deceiver will feign contrition and meekness in his speaking and teaching, yet he is disobedient to the Lord’s commands and he lacks the spiritual character of an obedient servant.
• Verse 17: Trembleth Under My Power
• As one commentator notes: "This expression refers to the genuine contrition and submissiveness of man. He who feels his frailties, inadequacies, and weaknesses compared to God is likely to obey—though it be difficult—and consequently grow spiritually (“bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom”)." 

20 And the days have come; according to men’s faith it shall be done unto them. 21 Behold, this commandment is given unto all the elders whom I have chosen. 22 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Thomas B. Marsh and my servant Ezra Thayre take their journey also, preaching the word by the way unto this same land. 23 And again, let my servant Isaac Morley and my servant Ezra Booth take their journey, also preaching the word by the way unto this same land. 24 And again, let my servants Edward Partridge and Martin Harris take their journey with my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun. 25 Let my servants David Whitmer and Harvey Whitlock also take their journey, and preach by the way unto this same land. 26 And let my servants Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt take their journey, and preach by the way, even unto this same land. 27 And let my servants Solomon Hancock and Simeon Carter also take their journey unto this same land, and preach by the way. 28 Let my servants Edson Fuller and Jacob Scott also take their journey. 29 Let my servants Levi W. Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin also take their journey. 30 Let my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Samuel H. Smith also take their journey. 31 Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William Carter also take their journey. 32 And let my servants Newel Knight and Selah J. Griffin both be ordained, and also take their journey.

33 Yea, verily I say, let all these take their journey unto one place, in their several courses, and one man shall not build upon another’s foundation, neither journey in another’s track. 34 He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit. 35 And again, I say unto you, let my servants Joseph Wakefield and Solomon Humphrey take their journey into the eastern lands; 36 Let them labor with their families, declaring none other things than the prophets and apostles, that which they have seen and heard and most assuredly believe, that the prophecies may be fulfilled.

37 In consequence of transgression, let that which was bestowed upon Heman Basset be taken from him, and placed upon the head of Simonds Ryder. 38 And again, verily I say unto you, let Jared Carter be ordained a priest, and also George James be ordained a priest. 39 Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practiced. 40 And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.

41 And again, let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge take with them a recommend from the church. And let there be one obtained for my servant Oliver Cowdery also. 42 And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies. 43 But, behold, I, the Lord, will hasten the city in its time, and will crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing. 44 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and I will lift them up at the last day. Even so. Amen.

Section 53

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to Sidney Gilbert. Gilbert was a business partner of Newel K. Whitney and an early convert of the church in the fall of 1830. The revelation given in section 52 was directed to the elders to serve missions in the Missouri area. However, Sidney Gilbert was not named in the revelation. Accordingly, he asked JS to ask the Lord what he should do. In response, JS received this revelation that gave Gilbert assignments in the church, including the instruction to travel to Missouri with JS and SR. 

B. H. Roberts said of Sidney Gilbert that the Lord had “few more devoted servants in this dispensation.” In Missouri he was appointed keeper of the Lord’s storehouse and also had responsibility for purchasing lands for the saints. He assisted Edward Partridge in managing the temporal affairs of the Church in Missouri. He opened another small store (see D&C 57:6-8), which was also named Gilbert and Whitney. This store also served as a bishop’s storehouse. In the persecution that came upon the saints in Jackson County, he sacrificed all his worldly goods to the cause. On July 23, 1833 he offered himself as a ransom for the saints. Shortly after the saints were forced out of Independence, he contracted cholera and died April 29, 1834, at the age of 45.

Although we don't know the exact date of this revelation, it's likely that it was given before the June 6, since this revelation references Gilbert's ordination, which ordination he received on June 6th. 

Section 

1 Behold, I say unto you, my servant Sidney Gilbert, that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and election in the church [referring to Gilbert's calling -- assignment by God], which I, the Lord, have raised up in these last days. 2 Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world. 3 Take upon you mine ordination, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance and remission of sins, according to my word, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands [see section 54:; 4 And also to be an agent unto this church in the place which shall be appointed by the bishop, according to commandments which shall be given hereafter.

• Verse 2: Forsake the Word
• To forsake the world means to set relinquish our worldly ambitions for the things of God. Concerning Brother Gilbert, it meant leaving his business in Kirtland to attend to his assignment by God.
•  Elder George Q. Cannon taught:
• We need to be born again, and have new hearts put in us. There is too much of the old leaven about us. We are not born again as we should be. Do you not believe that we ought to be born again? Do you not believe that we should become new creatures in Christ Jesus, under the influence of the gospel? All will say, yes, who understand the gospel. You must be born again. You must have new desires, new hearts. But what do we see? We see men following the ways of the world just as much as though they made no pretensions to being Latter-day Saints. Hundreds of people who are called Latter-day Saints you could not distinguish from the world. They have the same desires, the same feelings, the same aspirations, the same passions as the rest of the world. Is this how God wants us to be? No. He wants us to have new hearts, new desires. He wants us to be a changed people when we embrace his gospel (CR, October 1899, 50).

5 And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon. 6 Behold, these are the first ordinances which you shall receive; and the residue shall be made known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard. 7 And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen.

Section 54

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to the Thompson saints. 

As you will recall in section 51, the Thompson saints (who consisted of the Colesville saints who have moved to Thompson, Ohio) were commanded to live the law of consecration under the direction of Newel Knight.  They moved onto the 759 acre farm of Leman Copley, a new convert and former Shaker. The agreement entered into with Leman Copley was that he would consecrate half of his farm to the Church and sell the other half to the Church at a fair price.

However, problems arose after Copley (who was called to preach to the Shaker, along with Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt) questioned his conversion to the church. He later left the church and rejoined his old congregation, the Shakers. While this was going on, Bishop Partridge was dividing up the land that Copley deeded to the Church under the law of consecration and on behalf of the Colesville Saints. Leman, who had not legally conveyed his property to the Church, withdrew his transfer of property and ordered the Colesville saints off his land. He also charged them rent for the time they had lived there, despite the fact that they had planted his fields, built fences, and made other major improvements to the property.

Initially, Newel Knight was called on a mission to Missouri with Selah J. Griffin as his companion. In this section, however, the Lord reassigns Knight to serving as the branch president. Colesville saints are also commanded in this revelation to move to Missouri to begin to build up Zion. 

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world— 2 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you [Knight is decommissioned from missionary work and reassigned to branch president]. 3 And if your brethren [unclear if the Lord is referring to the Thompson saints or someone else] desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite [If the Lord is referring to the Thompson saints, then the Thompson saints have sins to repent off.  Section 56 suggests that the Thompson saints were being disobedient].

4 And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken [the agreement between the Thompson saints and Copley that he would deed the land to them], even so it has become void and of none effect. 5 And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea. 6 But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy. 7 Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you.

8 And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites. 9 And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you. 10 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

Section 55

Background Information 

This revelation is directed to William W. Phelps. At some time during the June conference, a man arrived to Kirtland from Canandaigua, New York with his family. Phelps was born in New Jersey and was almost 14 years older than prophet. He was 39 when he joined the Church. Prior to joining the church, he was the publisher of an anti-Masonic newspaper, the Ontario Phoenix in Canandaigua, New York. Phelps was soon ordained an elder and later served as a printer for The Evening and the Morning Star -- the first newspaper publication by the Church. The first edition was published at Independence in June 1832. He was in the process of publishing the Book of Commandments when interrupted by a mob that destroyed the press in July of 1833, but the following December another printing office was established in Kirtland, and the publication of the Star resumed there.

Besides his contribution to journalism for the Church, he composed several hymns that are popular among the saint, including “Gently Raise the Sacred Strain,” “O God, the Eternal Father,” “Now Let us Rejoice,” “Redeemer of Israel,” and “Earth with Her Ten Thousand Flowers.” He also wrote “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning” and “The Earth Was Once a Garden Place” for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Following the martyrdom of the Prophet, Brother Phelps wrote “Praise to the Man” as a tribute to Joseph.

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant William, yea, even the Lord of the whole earth, thou art called and chosen; and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands [reception of the Holy Spirit does come automatically when hands are laid, the person must first be consecrated to the Lord]; 2 And then thou [William Phelps] shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. 3 And on whomsoever you shall lay your hands, if they are contrite before me, you shall have power to give the Holy Spirit [In order for the person to receive the Holy Ghost, he had to be contrite before the Lord].

• Verse 3: Contrite Before Me
• Having a contrite (and broken heart) are prerequisites for receiving the new and everlasting covenant. 
• 19 And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled... 20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, (3 Nephi 12; 9) 
• This is the sacrifice that is required of us to enter into the new and everlasting covenants 
• 8 Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. (D&C 59) 
• And it is only through this sacrifice can man be redeemed 
• 7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. (2 Nephi 2) 

4 And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oliver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting and writing books for schools in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me. 5 And again, verily I say unto you, for this cause you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that you may be planted in the land of your inheritance to do this work [Missouri]. 6 And again, let my servant Joseph Coe also take his journey with them. The residue shall be made known hereafter, even as I will. Amen.

Section 56

Background Information 

This revelation ties in to Lord's missionary instruction to the elders in section 52. Originally Ezra Thayre and Thomas Marsh were to be companions (22 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Thomas B. Marsh and my servant Ezra Thayre take their journey also, preaching the word by the way unto this same land. ) However, after section 52 was received, Thayre had some disagreements concerning land interest he was promised. 

Ezra Thayre was one of the New York Saints who went to Kirtland with a fair amount of cash, presumably from selling his New York property. It appears that he had agreed to consecrate his holdings to the Lord and had received in return a promised interest in the Williams farm. But when Thayre was called to Missouri, he wanted to secure his financial interest in Kirtland by receiving some kind of consideration: either by getting his money back or by receiving legal title to a portion of the Williams farm (see verses 9-10). Thayre would not go until his personal interests were secured.

As a result, the Lord reassigned Thomas B Marsh (Thayre's original companion) to Selah Griffin to accompany Marsh to Missouri. 

Section 

1 Hearken, O ye people who profess my name, saith the Lord your God; for behold, mine anger is kindled against the rebellious, and they shall know mine arm and mine indignation, in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations. 2 And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved [All of us are required to make sacrifices to follow the Lord. If we don't do this, we are cut off from the Lord]. 3 Behold, I, the Lord, command; and he that will not obey shall be cut off in mine own due time [the cutting off won't always happen immediately], after I have commanded and the commandment is broken. 4 Wherefore I, the Lord, command and revoke, as it seemeth me good [the Lord will cut off the rebellious (those refusing to sacrifice for him) according to his will]; and all this to be answered upon the heads of the rebellious, saith the Lord.

5 Wherefore, I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my servant Thomas, that he shall take up his journey speedily to the land of Missouri, and my servant Selah J. Griffin shall also go with him. 6 For behold, I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Selah J. Griffin and Newel Knight, in consequence of the stiffneckedness of my people which are in Thompson, and their rebellions. 7 Wherefore, let my servant Newel Knight remain with them; and as many as will go may go, that are contrite before me, and be led by him to the land which I have appointed. 

8 And again, verily I say unto you, that my servant Ezra Thayre must repent of his pride, and of his selfishness, and obey the former commandment which I have given him concerning the place upon which he lives. 9 And if he [Thayre] will do this, as there shall be no divisions made upon the land, he shall be appointed still to go to the land of Missouri; 10 Otherwise he shall receive the money which he has paid, and shall leave the place, and shall be cut off out of my church, saith the Lord God of hosts; 11 And though the heaven and the earth pass away, these words shall not pass away, but shall be fulfilled. 

• Verse 9: Divisions Made Upon the Land 
• As one commentator explained: "Ezra Thayre had proposed that the Frederick G. Williams farm be divided up among the three families now occupying the farm. He further proposed that he be deeded that part of the farm designated to be his. Thayre’s proposals violated the spirit of the law of consecration. In this verse the Lord says that if Ezra Thayre will repent and obey spirit of the law of consecration and stewardship, then it will not be necessary to divide the farm and deed part of it to Ezra Thayre."
• Verse 10: Shall Be Cut Off
• As one commentator explained: "In this verse, the Lord outlines for Ezra Thayre the alternatives should he not repent. If Thayre continues to insist on dividing the land and having a part of it deeded to him, then the Church would return the money that he had consecrated, he would have to move off of the land, and he would lose his membership in the Church— he would be excommunicated!"
• Fortunately, it appears that Thayre did repent because the land was not divided, he was not paid back, and he was not excommunicated. He was again called to fill a mission in Missouri seven months later, on January 25, 1832.

12 And if my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., must needs pay the money, behold, I, the Lord, will pay it unto him again in the land of Missouri, that those of whom he shall receive may be rewarded again according to that which they do; 13 For according to that which they do they shall receive, even in lands for their inheritance. 14 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people—you have many things to do and to repent of; for behold, your sins have come up unto me, and are not pardoned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways.

• Verse 12: Pay The Money 
• Here, the Lord speaks hypothetically to JS addressing the event if Thayre insists on being paid back the money he consecrated. According to the Lord, if Thayre insists on being paid back his consecrated money, and that money is returned to him from church funds, then the Lord will make it up to Joseph and the Church through the productivity of the church activities in Missouri. Monies will be consecrated by church members in Missouri to make up the short fall, and those who contribute that money will be blessed.

15 And your [speaking to the church members -- and more specifically those in Thompson, Ohio] hearts are not satisfied. And ye [the church members] obey not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 16 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! 17 Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! 18 But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.

• Verses 16-18: Wo Unto the Rich and Poor Men 
• The Lord rebukes both the rich and the poor. The rich are obligated to give their substance to the those in need. Otherwise their riches will condemn them in the day of judgment. This is because the Lord use those who are wealthy to relieve the burdens of the poor. If the wealthy would heed this responsibility, much poverty and suffering (due to poverty) could be relieved.  
• At the same time, the poor are under condemnation if they refuse to allow their circumstances to humble them and who are idle. Although the Lord prefers that there be no poor among his people, poverty can serve to bring about the requisite degree of humility in order for a person to repent. Alma's mission to the Zoramites touches upon this principle: 
• 6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word... 12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble. 13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
• Poverty can drive one to humility bringing about repentance. However, the Lord condemns that poor that despite their poverty covet after their neighbor's possessions and "whose bellies are not satisfied." In other words, the poor are the Lord's people only if they repent and humble themselves. 

19 For behold, the Lord shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice; 20 And their generations shall inherit the earth from generation to generation, forever and ever. And now I make an end of speaking unto you. Even so. Amen.

Section 57 

Background Information 

JS received this revelation after he arrived in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, on July 14th. JS dictated this revelation on 20 July 1831 identifying “the land of Missorie” as the “land of promise.” 

The elders who had been called to Missouri began leaving Kirtland in pairs in the middle of June, 1831. At the time the Church was only fourteen months old. Joseph Smith, accompanied by seven others (Martin Harris, W.W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, Sidney Rigdon, Sidney Gilbert, Brother Gilbert’s wife Elizabeth, and Joseph Coe), started west on June 19 and went as far as Cincinnati by wagon, canal boat, and stage coach. From Cincinnati they proceeded by river boat to Saint Louis, Missouri, and from there Joseph and four others walked the 240 miles across the state to Jackson County. The rest came up the Missouri River by boat. In Jackson County, they met up with Oliver Cowdery, Ziba Peterson, Peter Whitmer, Jr., and Frederick G. Williams who had previously traveled to Missouri on their mission to the Lamanites. Joseph and his traveling company had traveled about one thousand miles in less than a month, and they arrived in Independence July 17, 1831. Together in Missouri, then, were the presidential party, the Lamanite missionaries (minus Parley P. Pratt), and some elders who had already arrived from Kirtland. The saints from the Colesville Branch arrived a few days later.

In July 1831 in Jackson County, the Prophet Joseph surveyed the degenerate condition of the place and was discouraged. He wrote:

The meeting of our brethren [Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, Jr., Ziba Peterson, and Frederick G. Williams], who had long awaited our arrival, was a glorious one, and moistened with many tears. It seemed good and pleasant for brethren to meet together in unity. But our reflections were many, coming as we had from a highly cultivated state of society in the east, and standing now upon the confines or western limits of the United States, and looking into the vast wilderness of those that sat in darkness; how natural it was to observe the degradation, leanness of intellect, ferocity, and jealousy of a people that were nearly a century behind the times, and to feel for those who roamed about without the benefit of civilization, refinement, or religion (HC, 1:189).

According to the history JS initiated in 1838, JS spent time upon his arrival in Independence ruminating on the situation of the American Indians living in the “wilderness” across the border. It's possible, as suggested by the Joseph Smith Papers, that earlier revelation about the future of Missouri prompted JS to ask questions about when and where Zion would be built. In another account, JS remembered “viewing the country” before “seeking diligently at the hand of God”; according to that account, God “manifested himself unto me, and designated to me and others, the very spot upon which he designed to commence the work of the gathering, and the upbuilding of an holy city, which should be called Zion.”

Section 57 designates Missouri as the "Land of Zion", establishing Independence as the place where the city of Zion was to be built, while also designating the spot on which to build the temple.  

Section 

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints. 2 Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion [Independence, Jackson Country, Missouri].

3 And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse. 4 Wherefore, it is wisdom that the land [the plot of land] should be purchased by the saints, and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile [A parcel of land containing the temple site—the 63 1/4 acres—was purchased by the Church on December 19, 1831 from Jones H. Flournoy for $130.]; 5 And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance [The Lord repeats his instruction to the saints to buy the land between Independence and the Indian frontier].

• Verse 3: Land Should Be Purchased 
• The site is just west of the courthouse in Independence and consists of 63 1/4 acres. It was dedicated as a site for the temple on August 3, 1831 by Joseph Smith. Actually, Joseph eventually laid out plans for a complex of twenty-four temples that would some day be built on the site.
• As one commentator explained: "Today this plot of land is owned by three separate churches. Our Church owns about 20 acres. The Hedrickites—the Church of Christ, Temple Lot—owns the small plot where Joseph placed corner stones to mark the site of the center temple. This group was organized by Granville Hedrick as a splinter group from the Utah church. They quietly purchased the center part of the temple lot after the saints departed Independence, and they located their headquarters there. Today this is a small group of friendly people who still live and worship in Independence. The Reorganized LDS Church owns the remainder, which is the largest part of the property."

6 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the office to which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an agent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct. 7 And let my servant Edward Partridge stand in the office to which I have appointed him, and divide unto the saints their inheritance, even as I have commanded; and also those whom he has appointed to assist him. 

8 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a store, that he may sell goods without fraud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance [Sidney Gilbert’s retail store would also provide goods needed by the saints in the area and eventually also serve as a bishop’s storehouse. Managing this store was Sidney Gilbert’s personal stewardship in Missouri.]. 9 And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a license—behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand—that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service [The two earliest manuscript copies of section 57 read in the latter part of verse 9 and all of verse 10: “That he may send goods also unto the Lamanites, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service and then the gospel may be proclaimed unto them”] 10 And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death [Given the context of verses 8-10, this phrase refeers to the Indians who live in Indian territory]. 

• Verse 8: Sell Goods Without Fraud
• It was a common practice at trading posts to cheat the Indians out of their barterable items. Sidney Gilbert’s store was to be a place where the Indians would get a fair exchange for their goods—“without fraud”. This would hopefully accomplish two things: (1) First, it would bring the Indians to the saints, and, (2) once the Indians saw that the saints dealt honestly with them, they would be converted to the gospel.

11 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and be established as a printer unto the church. 12 And lo, if the world receive his writings—behold here is wisdom—let him obtain whatsoever he can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the saints. 13 And let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select, that all things may be right before me, as it shall be proved by the Spirit through him. 14 And thus let those of whom I have spoken be planted in the land of Zion, as speedily as can be, with their families, to do those things even as I have spoken. 15 And now concerning the gathering—Let the bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance. 16 And unto the residue of both elders and members further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen.

• Verse 16: Unto the Residue of Elders
• As one commentator explained:
• By the end of 1831, Bishop Partridge had established a storehouse for the reception and distribution of consecrated goods, and one year after the gathering had commenced in Missouri most of the three to four hundred converts living there had consecrated their property to the bishop and were living on inheritances. But the implementation of this law was impeded by problems. Wherever the law of consecration and stewardship was attempted, there was a tendency for poor people to be attracted to the movement and for the wealthy to shun such an undertaking. 
• Some members did not comply or did not learn of the recommendations of the leaders in Kirtland, who instructed the saints not to gather in Missouri unless they took with them money, seeds, cattle, or other contributions to the system. Evidently, there was not sufficient property to give every family an adequate inheritance. 
• A number of families crowded into homes that were meant to support a single family. Some became lazy while they were waiting for an inheritance or the anticipated second coming of the Lord. Others left the Church taking with them their inheritances. As early as the fall of 1832, Bishop Edward Partridge began leasing land (rather than conveying deeds) to the saints. Under the provision of these contracts, stewards were not permitted to transfer their inheritances to their wives, children, or heirs, or to sell their property.
• The failure of the Missouri saints to achieve Zion will be discussed in later sections. 

Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 49 - 50

 

Section 49

Background Information 

This revelations directs Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley to visit the Shakers in North Union, Ohio. Copley was a former member of the Shakers but "still retained ideas that the Shakers were right in some particulars of their faith", according to JS' history. This visit was not the first contact between the the Mormon and the Shakers. In the previous fall, Oliver Cowdery and his missionary companions made initial contact with the Shakers. Although there was some uneasiness between the leadership of the Shakers and the Church of Christ, the Shakers and the Mormons "continued on friendly terms." 

Upon receiving the revelation, Rigdon, Pratt, and Copley immediately departed for the Shaker settlement at North Union -- approximately 18 miles from Kirtland, Ohio. 

Section

1 Hearken unto my word, my servants Sidney, and Parley, and Leman; for behold, verily I say unto you, that I give unto you a commandment that you shall go and preach my gospel which ye have received, even as ye have received it, unto the Shakers [the knowledge Rigdon, Pratt, and Leman obtained is to be imparted to the Shakers]. 2 Behold, I say unto you, that they [the Shakers] desire to know the truth in part, but not all, for they are not right before me and must needs repent. 3 Wherefore [because the Shakers don't desire to know the full truth, the Lord sent Rigdon, Pratt, and Copley], I send you, my servants Sidney and Parley, to preach the gospel unto them.

• Verse 1: The Shakers

One commentator provided the following overview about The Shakers: 

• The following is a brief review of this interesting people: The Shakers began as a break-off from the Quakers. The Quakers, or Society of Friends, had been founded in England in the 1640s, the founders believing that the scriptures were only a portion of God’s revelation and that new revelation was to be expected. Two English Quakers, James and Jane Wardley, stated that God’s spirit of revelation was frequently manifest to them in Quaker meetings by means of a violent shaking of their bodies. They broke off from the Quakers, and their group became nicknamed the Shaking Quakers.
• The Shaking Quakers or Shakers gave equal place to women and men in church organization and predicted that since Christ had first appeared in the form of a man, his second appearance would be in the form of a woman. When a woman named Ann Lee (married name Ann Stanley) joined their group, the Wardleys became convinced that she fulfilled this prediction. She was a pious woman who had suffered greatly, especially in childbearing, since all four of her children died as infants. She also had suffered as a wife, as her husband eventually deserted her. Because of this suffering, many in this small sect, in addition to the Wardleys, came to believe that Ann Lee was the Messiah whose return they were awaiting.
• They actually believed that God was both male and female. The scriptural basis for this belief was Genesis 1:27, “In his own image . . . created he them” (both male and female). God, they believed, first made his appearance in the form of a male, Jesus Christ. In Ann Lee, the female principle of God was made manifest, and in her the promise of the Second Coming was fulfilled. The Shakers also believed that even angels and spirits are both male and female—that is, have dual natures.
• They believed that Christ’s kingdom upon the earth began with the establishment of the Shaker Church. From the days of the ancient apostles the Lord had sent no one to preach until the Shakers were raised up to call in the elect in a new dispensation. Thus, they believed that the Millennium had begun with the ministry of Ann Lee.
• Mother Ann, as she came to be called, believed that sexual relations were at the root of most all the evils in the world. She therefore advocated celibacy for both men and women, even though she herself had been married and given birth to four children (who had all died at birth).
• After severe persecution in England, Mother Ann claimed to have received a revelation directing her to America in 1774 to establish the Church of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing—the Shakers’ official name. By 1831 their membership had peaked at between five and ten thousand. There were about eighteen Shaker communities in the United States, and all were known for their piety, order, and industry. Their numbers remained this strong, due to a few converts and hundreds of civil war orphans whom they claimed, until 1874, and then it began to decline. Today only a handful of very old Shakers remain. The only active community that exists is located at Sabbath day Lake, Maine.
• Practices and Beliefs of the Shakers
• The ruling authority of the Shakers was vested in a committee—usually four persons, two females and two males.
• Private ownership of property was eliminated, and several communal groups (called united orders) were established throughout the United States. They believed in separation from the world and group ownership of possessions. Ostentation, luxury, and private ownership of property were regarded as sinful and un-Christian.
• Confession was all that was necessary for forgiveness of sins. Thus the outward ordinances, baptism and the laying on of hands, were unnecessary and had ceased with the apostolic age. Their confessions were given openly.
• It was possible for people to live without sin.
• Although the Shakers did not forbid marriage, they believed that those who lived a celibate life abided a higher law. They referred to celibacy as “the cross,” probably having metaphorical reference to the cross some chose to bear.
• Pork was forbidden in their diet, and many ate no meat.
• The resurrection consisted of the restoration or raising of the spirit but not the physical body.
• Their dress and manners remained similar to those of the Society of Friends, the Quakers. They were also hard working farmers reminiscent of the Amish. They made beautiful furniture which is highly prized even today. In general they believed in a strong work ethic. They invented many useful industrial tools.
• They were called Shakers because of their ceremonies. They would sing, dance, clap their hands in regular time, hold hands, embrace, form circles, shake, and shout peculiar things. The women would spin around for minutes without stopping. Men would touch only other men, and women would touch only other women.
• They lived in dormitories and ate in a dining hall. Men were kept strictly separate from the women, however.
• They were pacifists.
• They believed that the need for physical ordinances such as baptism had ceased with the ancient apostles.
• Sickness and disease were regarded as sins against God.
• There are some interesting parallels between the Shakers’ beliefs and Mormonism: They believed in continuous revelation, and they had a Book of Moses. They denied the doctrine of the trinity. Ann Lee had spiritual spectacles that she put on so she could read documents. They had holy anointings, a united order, Melchizedek priesthood, and Aaronic priesthood. Important men in U.S. history allegedly appeared to Ann Lee including John Adams, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. They believed in a mother in heaven. They believed that the time had come for the New Jerusalem to be built, and they laid out the ground where the temple would stand. They collected and printed their own hymns. They were temperance people and avoided tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee. They had a roll of parchment of John the Revelator
• Verse 2: Know the Truth in Part 
• As seen above, some of the Shakers beliefs were true, others were false. This fact teaches an important principle -- truth is found everywhere. It is foolish for us to disregard the teaching of someone simply because they are not a member of the LDS faith. Although the person may possess false beliefs, it doesn't mean that all his beliefs are false. It's very possible that admits the false beliefs, the person possesses truth. Our responsibility is to test the putative truth. The scriptures have outlined how we can test whether something is from God or not
• Alma: Does the teaching cause your bosom to swell? Is the teaching delicious. 
• Moroni: Does the teaching lead you to do good? That is, does it lead to your improvement. Does it make a you a better person -- more humble, patient, kind, loving, righteous, etc
• Doctrine and Covenants Section 50: Do the teaching edify you? 
• Although those who have received the full gift of the Holy Ghost are in a greater position to discern truth, we all, regardless if we've been baptized of fire, possess the light of Christ. The Light of Christ is given to everyone that they may discern good from evil. The advice above is therefore applicable to all. 
• As we listen to putative truth, we should weigh that truth with the light that is within us. We should evaluate whether the truth edifies, whether we become better because of it, or whether the putative truth is delicious and causes our bosom to swell. As we engage in this practice, we'll be able to sift through the false and true -- preserving the true aspects to ourselves. 
• Truth is everywhere and possess by everyone -- albeit in degrees. Some possess very little others possess an abundance -- some of whom are holy men that we aren't aware of (see verse 8) Our liberty is to collect all the truth we can so that we may be benefited and that others, though our imparting, may be benefited as well. 

4 And my servant Leman shall be ordained unto this work [to preach the gospel to the Shakers], that he may reason with them, not according to that which he has received of them, but according to that which shall be taught him by you my servants; and by so doing I will bless him, otherwise he shall not prosper [The Lord commands Copley to teach (or reason) his former congregation from what he's learned from the elders of the church and what he learned from the Shakers]. 

• Verse 4: Reason With Them
• Although we don't need to logicians or theologians to share the gospel, we are to employe reason when we share the gospel. According to the 1828 Webster's Dictionary, "to reason" means to "convince or persuade by argument." The Lord will often teach by reasoning with us. In fact, in section 50, we'll read the Lord's reasoning for how we avoid deception from false spirits. The Lord's servants also employ reasoning to teach gospel truth. Paul's letters to the church members employ reasoning to persuade the church to correct teachings. Likewise, the Lord in his ministry reasoned with the scribes as well as the prophets in the Old Testament. 
• Verse 4: Prosper
• The word prosper is a bit vague. When referring to the individual, it refers to spiritual growth. When referring to a group, it refers to spiritual growth but also the growth in its numbers. 
• 24 And it came to pass that in this same year there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance. 25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure. 26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands.

5 Thus saith the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world [the Father is speaking], and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned— 6 And they have done unto the Son of Man even as they listed; and he has taken his power on the right hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he descends on the earth to put all enemies under his feet, which time is nigh at hand— 7 I, the Lord God, have spoken it; but the hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes.

8 Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of. 9 Wherefore, I say unto you that I have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning [the everlasting covenant was around in the beginning, starting from Adam]. 10 And that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the nations of the earth shall bow to it [the everlasting covenant]; and, if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of power. [The nations can either except the everlasting covenant freely or will accept after being humbled by the end times destruction] 11 Wherefore, I give unto you a commandment that ye go among this people [the Shakers], and say unto them, like unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter: 12 Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end; 13 Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins; 14 And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church.

• Verse 8: Holy Men Ye Know Not Of
• Interestingly enough, it appears that there are holy men in the world who are not members of the Mormon church -- if they were, then JS would've known about them. The LDS church is the Lord's temporal church used to spread His gospel message to the world. But the LDS church is separate and distinct from the heavenly church -- called the Church of the Firstborn. The encyclopedia on Mormonism states: 
• Even as the first principles and ordinances, including baptism in water and the reception of the Holy Ghost, constitute the gate into the earthly Church of Jesus Christ, so higher ordinances of the priesthood constitute the gate into the Church of the Firstborn. To secure the blessings that pertain to the Church of the Firstborn, one must obey the gospel from the heart, receive all of the ordinances that pertain to the house of the Lord, and be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise in the Celestial Kingdom of God (D&C 76:67, 71, 94;77:11;78:21;88:1-5; TPJS, p. 237).
• When persons have proved themselves faithful in all things required by the Lord, it is their privilege to receive covenants and obligations that will enable them to be heirs of God as members of the Church of the Firstborn. They are "sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise" and are those "into whose hands the Father has given all things" (D&C 76:51-55). They will be priests and priestesses, kings and queens, receiving the Father's glory, having the fulness of knowledge, wisdom, power, and dominion (D&C 76:56-62; cf. 107:19). At the second coming of Jesus Christ, the "general assembly of the Church of the Firstborn" will descend with him (Heb. 12:22-23; JST Gen. 9:23; D&C 76:54, 63).
• One interpretation of this verse, then, is that there are holy men on the earth who are not formal members of the LDS Church (i.e., their names are not on the membership records), but who are members of the Church of the Firstborn. However, other church leaders have provided their interpretations: 
• Orson F. Whitney: 
• The Lord needs such men on the outside of his Church, to help it along. They are among its auxiliaries, and can do more good for the cause where the Lord has placed them, than anywhere else. And the same is true of the priesthood and its auxiliaries inside the Church. Hence, some are drawn into the fold and receive a testimony of the Truth; while others remain unconverted—for the present; the beauties and glories of the gospel being veiled temporarily from their view, for a wise purpose. The Lord will open their eyes in his own due time. God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.
• Bruce R. McConkie: 
• During his mortal ministry Christ said, “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27). Commenting on this verse, Bruce R. McConkie said: “It is apparent that on a previous occasion, of which we have no present scriptural record, Jesus taught his disciples the truths about the doctrine of translation and promised that some of them would continue to live on earth until his Second Coming. John the Beloved is the only known one of these disciples who has continued to live without tasting death (John 21:20-24). Until the identity of any others is revealed, we have no way of knowing who they are or what mission they have been able to perform because of their translation.”
•  This ties into the point I made in verse 2 about truth being found everywhere. Throughout our life we may interact with these holy men, who possess greater truth than we, and not even know it. As the writer of Hebrews teaches: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13: 2). And as explained in last week's post, the working of God are mysterious and vast. Who is on "his-side" might not be readily discernible to the naked eye. The apostles learned this lesson when the encountered a man, who not not formally associated with their group, doing healing and miracles in Jesus' name (see Mark 9:39: And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.)

15 And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man [The Lord directly addresses the Shaker's false teaching regarding celibacy]. 16 Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation [the end of creation if fulfilled through marriage]; 17 And that it [creation] might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made. 18 And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God [referring to those who teach that meat is forbidden to eat, does not refer to those who prefer not to eat meat]; 19 For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man for food and for raiment, and that he might have in abundance.

20 But it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin. 21 And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wasteth flesh and hath no need [It is a sin to kill animals for mere sport] 22 And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son of Man cometh not in the form of a woman, neither of a man traveling on the earth [Lord corrects another false teaching of the Shakers about how the Lord will appear]. 23 Wherefore, be not deceived [the teaching that Christ will come in the form of a woman is a deception], but continue in steadfastness, looking forth for the heavens to be shaken, and the earth to tremble and to reel to and fro as a drunken man, and for the valleys to be exalted, and for the mountains to be made low, and for the rough places to become smooth—and all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet [Christ's second coming won't occur until the heavens are earth are shaken "to and fro", causing the terrain of the land to be radically transformed].

• Verse 20: Possess That Which is Above Another
• As one commentator pointed out: 
• "It was never intended by God that one human being should have more of the earth’s bounty than another. The celestial law is equality through consecration and stewardship. Division into rich and poor classes is the result of living in the fallen world -- the world in which Satan rules. The result is that the rich believe that they are superior to the poor and deserve better treatment simply because they are rich. And the poor experience trials of poverty, starvation, exposure, disease, while being classed as inferior to other more economically prosperous groups.  One reason why the “world lieth in sin” is that we generally prefer and sustain Babylon’s economic systems based on competition motivated by self-interest rather than Zion’s economic system based on cooperation motivated by compassion. The law of consecration is a higher law that will remove poverty and promote the welfare for those who abide by it. 
• But what of the inevitable consequence that those who labor diligently in this life tend to accumulate more material riches than those who lack the same industry? Do those who work hard and accumulate more commit sin? Should they give away all of their “extra” accumulations? It seems likely that among a people not practicing the law of consecration, the Lord tolerates the disparity because we live at a lower law. But before He comes, those who expect to inherit Zion will have to live the higher law or be cast out." 

24 But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose. 25 Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed. 26 Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you. 27 Behold, I will go before you and be your rearward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded. 28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

• Verse 24: Before the Great Day of the Lord Shall Come
• Three events must occur before the Lord comes:
• Jacob (possibly referring to the Jews) will flourish in the wilderness 
• This has couple of different interpretations. Wilderness could be used metaphorically or literally. If the former, then Jacob could refer to the remnant of the house of Israel who are thriving wherever they are at (wilderness referring to places outside of Zion, the promised land) . However, if the latter meaning (the literal one), then the meaning could refer to Jews who are thriving in the land of Palestine. 
• One commentator made the following observation: In less than 25 years, the actual development of Palestine, agriculturally, commercially and intellectually, is the marvel of history. The Jews in Palestine, as the Latter-day Saints in America, have, literally, turned a desert into a garden. They have brought money, knowledge, idealism, and the type of people settled there is the best human material available for the building up of a country. Of the 400,000 Jews in Palestine about 10,000 are said to be immigrants from America. They have contributed much, particularly through investments, toward development of the orange groves, shipping and commercial companies and industries.
• Lamanites will blossom as a rose
• Who are the Lamanites? There are varying classification. But it is clear that JS and the early church understood this term to refer to the Native Americans. 
• In speaking to the Thompson saints (i.e., those from Coleville living in Thompson, Ohio), the Lord instructs them to travel to Missouri, "unto the boarders of the Lamanites." 
• 7 Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you. 8 And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites. 9 And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you. (Doctrine and Covenants 54) 
• Given that the Lord is communicating to the Saints through their understanding of their terms and knowledge, then the term Lamanites would refer to the Native Americans. Thus before the Lord comes, the Lamanites are to "blossom as a rose" And just as a rose needs to grow from a seed into a blooming and beautiful flower, so too will be the trajectory of the Lamanites. 
• How and when this happens is left to the wisdom and timing of the Lord, but it's something that we should be looking for -- as it is a sign, among many others, of the Lord's second coming. 
• Zion will flourish upon the hills 
• Notable is that Lord uses the same term (flourish) to describe the Jacob and Zion. As explained in other posts, SLC is not Zion. Zion has not yet been established. But when it does, it will flourish and then will the Lord come. Thus Zion precedes the coming of the Lord to the world (not to be confused with the Lord appearing in Adam-ondi-Ahman (which is a deep rabbit hole I would get into -- yet). 

Afterward

The presiding elder of the Shakers, Ashbel Kitchell, recorded the the missionary efforts in great detail. The following is an excerpt taken from the Joseph Smith Papers explaining what transpired: 

"[Kitchell] reported that the group “tarried all night, and in the course of the evening, the doctrines of the cross and the Mormon faith were both investigated.” The next day, 8 May, Pratt arrived from Kirtland, and the Mormon delegation spoke to congregated Shakers after their morning Sabbath meeting. Rigdon reportedly declared to the congregation that “he had a message from the Lord Jesus Christ to this people” and explained to his hearers that it was a written message. When he obtained leave of the Shakers, he commenced to read aloud, apparently verbatim, this revelation (section 49). 

According to Kitchell, the Mormon preachers—Rigdon, Pratt, and Copley—asked permission to hear how the congregated Shakers felt about their message. Kitchell wrote that his people indicated “they were fully satisfied with what they had, and wished to have nothing to do with either them or their Christ.— On hearing this Rigdon professed to be satisfied, and put his paper by; but Parley Pratt arose and commenced shakeing his coattail; he said he shook the dust from his garments as a testimony against us, that we had rejected the word of the Lord Jesus.” 

After this contentious exchange, Pratt departed immediately for Kirtland, while Rigdon stayed for supper before departing and Copley spent the night in North Union. This encounter apparently fulfilled Pratt’s commission to preach to the Shakers because a revelation dated the following Monday assigned Pratt a different missionary companion and directed him to “go forth among the Churches & strengthen them by the word of exhortation. 

Copley returned shortly thereafter to North Union and asked to be readmitted into the Shaker society. Kitchell and Copley then went to Copley’s farm in Thompson and confronted the Mormons who had recently settled there from Colesville, New York, at Copley’s invitation. Copley reportedly ordered the Mormons off of his land. Following the failed attempt to convert the Shakers at North Union, Mormon missionary interactions with Shakers were apparently rare.  

Section 50 

Background Information 

As we learned in section 30, Oliver Cowdery and his companions converted members of the Campbellite congregation, led by Sidney Rigdon. After the converts were baptized into the Church, several leaders, such as Edward Partridge and Sidney Rigdon, departed Ohio to visit JS in New York. Thus the new converted church members in Ohio were left without an experienced leader until John Whitmer arrived in January 1831. Upon his arrival, Whitmer noted with dismay that “the enemy of all righteous had got hold of some of those who profesed to be his followers, because they had not sufficent knowledge to detect him in all his devices.” 

Likewise, when Parley P. Pratt returned from his missionary work in Missouri in Spril 1831, he was also concerned with the "new and strange" behavior her saw in the church, remarking that "As I went forth among the different branches, some very strange spiritual operations were manifested, which were disgusting, rather than edifying. Some persons would seem to swoon away, and make unseemly gestures, and be drawn or disfigured in their countenances. Others would fall into ecstacies, and be drawn into contortions, cramp, fits, etc. Others would seem to have visions and revelations, which were not edifying, and which were not congenial to the doctrine and spirit of the gospel. In short, a false and lying spirit seemed to be creeping into the Church.”

Such displays did not go unnoticed in the surrounding community. The Painesville Telegraph reported, “Immediately after Mr. R[igdon] and the four pretended prophets left Kirtland, a scene of the wildest enthusiasm was exhibited, chiefly, however, among the young people; they would fall, as without strength, roll upon the floor, and, so mad were they that even the females were seen in a cold winter day, lying under the bare canopy of heaven, with no couch or pillow but the fleecy snow.”

After JS arrived in Ohio in February 1831, he worked to curtail what he perceived to be excessive  spiritual behaviors among the believers. In early March he wrote to his brother Hyrum that he had been “ingageed in regulating the Churches here as the deciples are numerous and the devil had made many attempts to over throw them it has been a Serious job but the Lord is with us and we have overcome and have all things regular.”5 A revelation a few days later urged church members to walk “uprightly before me . . . that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits or doctrines of Devils or the commandments of men for some are of men & others of Devils Wherefore beware lest ye are deceived.”

The problem of discerning between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors apparently continued for several months. When John Whitmer described the 9 May revelation featured here in his later history, he provided this setting for it:

Some had visions and could not tell what they saw, Some would fancy to themselves that they had the sword of Laban, and would wield it as expert as a light dragoon, some would act like an Indian in the act of scalping, some would slide or scoot and [on] the floor, with the rapidity of a serpent, which the[y] termed sailing in the boat to the Lamanites, preaching the gospel. And many other vain and foolish manoeuvers that are unseeming, and unprofitable to mention. Thus the devil blinded the eyes of some good and honest disciples. . . . These things grievd the servants of the Lord, and some conversed together on this subject, and otheers came in and we were at Joseph Smith Jr. the seers, and made it a matter of consultation, for many would not turn from their folly, unless God would give a revelation, therfore the Lord spake to Joseph

Consequently this revelation was given to church to instruct the elders of the church how they could discern between true and false spirits. 

Section

1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church [this revelation is addressed to the elders], and give ear to the voice of the living God; and attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, according as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth [this revelation comes on the heels of the elders asking the Lord for wisdom concerning the false spirits abounding]. 2 Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world. 3 And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.

4 Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name. 5 But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life. 6 But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them [the hypocrites] to judgment. 7 Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such [those who were deceived by the hypocrites] shall be reclaimed [the Lord will call back from error those members who were deceived]; 8 But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off [the Lord will identify and remove the hypocrites who are causing the members to stumble], either in life or in death [the Lord will cut the hypocrites off either while they are alive or dead], even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world.

9 Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me [Receiving false spirit will lead to deception, which leads to accepting falsehood. Falsehoods are antithetical to truth]. 10 And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together, that ye may understand; 11 Let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with another face to face. 12 Now, when a man reasoneth he is understood of man, because he reasoneth as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you that you may understand [The Lord reasons so the elders can understand the instruction].

13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained? 14 To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth . 15 And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified? 16 Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong.

17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God [The Lord lays out an important principle: when teaching the gospel, one is either teaching by the Spirit or not]. 19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 20 If it be some other way it is not of God. 21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? 22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. 

• Verses 17-23: Some Other Way
• Truth is conveyed through teaching and hearing. The person teaching has the obligation of teaching by the Spirit, otherwise the teaching is not of God. The hearer also has the obligation to use the Spirit to discern truth from falsehood. When the teacher and hearer are teaching by and receiving the Spirit, will 1) understand each others; 2) be edified; and 3) rejoice. 
• Both components are required for truth to be disseminated. The teacher must teach by the Spirit and the hearer must receive by the Spirit. If one of these components is lacking, there is a greater likelihood of deception. 

 23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. 24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. 25 And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you; 26 He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.

• Verse 23: That Which Does Not Edify
• JS taught: A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon. Those things that were presented unto your mind by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus. (TPJS, 151) 
• Verse 23: Darkness and Light 
• John 3: 16-21 -- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
• Doctrine and Covenants 93: 29-31; 36-37 -- Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.... The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one.

27 Wherefore, he [He that is ordained of God and sent forth] is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son. 28 But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified [sanctified] and cleansed [justified] from all sin. 29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done [Because the person's will is aligned with God's]. 30 But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask; and as ye are appointed to the head, the spirits shall be subject unto you.

• Verse 28: Purified and Cleansed 
• Scholars have pointed out that the Levitical law addresses with three spiritual conditions: 1) unclean, 2) clean, and 3) holy (sanctified). Due to the fall, we come into the world unclean. Although as infants and children, we sin ignorantly, we are still unclean -- because we acculturate the false teachings of the world in our lives. The Levitical law used ritual to teach the Israelites what they were to do in their inner lives. The Lord, in his mercy, used physical symbols to teach them what He required of them to receive salvation. 
• These symbols represent the stages all must pass through in order to receive all the Father has -- and to become a possessor of all things. Cleansing occurs through repentance. Purification occurs through refinement. 
• While we may have been ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood, the operative power of the priesthood does not have power until we have been cleansed and purified. This is the state that Enoch or Nephi, along with some elders of the early church (during the June Conference at Issac Morley's farm, where the office of the High Priest was revealed) reached, which gave them the sealing power to bind heaven and earth. 

31 Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God. 32 And it shall be given unto you, power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God— 33 Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith. 34 He that receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive. 35 And by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive—and the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of him— 36 And behold, verily I say unto you, blessed are you who are now hearing these words of mine from the mouth of my servant, for your sins are forgiven you.

• Verse 31: Spirit Manifested That You Cannot Understand 
• Although unclear what the Lord mean by "spirit manifesting", the Lord is likely referring to instances where spirits, in some form or another, reveal themselves. This revelation was received due to the spiritual behaviors witnessed by elders of the church. Thus the likely meaning, given this context, refers to spiritual encounters -- often referred to as the paranormal. 
• As we learn in verse 2, many false spirits have gone forth through the world deceiving people. These false spirits are everywhere. As we engage in the acquisition of truth, we are bound to encounter a variety of experiences since truth is often paired with falsehood (see Moses 1). Some of those experiences will be within the spiritual realm, where we'll have to discern whether the spiritual experiences are from God or not. This can occur in dreams, visions, and experiences with others. But as we learn in this section, not all spiritual experiences are from God. 
• For instance, the devil appeared to Korihor has an angel of light. The members in Kirtland were visited by false spirits which caused confusion and disorder. But just because we don't understand the experience, doesn't mean that it's not from God. For instance, Nephi did not understand his father's dream. The prophets likely would not have understood their visions if not for an interpretation. 
• When we experience a spirit, we should ask the Lord whether or not the Spirit that been manifested to us if from Him or not. 
• On this, JS taught: 
• We may look for angels and receive their ministrations, but we are to try the spirits and prove them, for it is often the case that men make a mistake in regard to these things. God has so ordained that when He has communicated, no vision is to be taken but what you see by the seeing of the eye, or what you hear by the hearing of the ear. When you see a vision, pray for the interpretation; if you get not this, shut it up; there must be certainty in this matter. An open vision will manifest that which is more important. Lying spirits are going forth in the earth. There will be great manifestations of spirits, both false and true. (TPJS, 161) 

37 Let my servant Joseph Wakefield, in whom I am well pleased, and my servant Parley P. Pratt go forth among the churches and strengthen them by the word of exhortation; 38 And also my servant John Corrill, or as many of my servants as are ordained unto this office, and let them labor in the vineyard; and let no man hinder them doing that which I have appointed unto them— 39 Wherefore, in this thing my servant Edward Partridge is not justified; nevertheless let him repent and he shall be forgiven. 40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. 41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.

43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am. 46 Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even so. Amen.