Section 60
Background Information
This revelation was given on August 8, 1831. Having fulfilled their mission in Missouri, those missionaries not called to remain in Independence were instructed to return home. This revelation was given in response to JS's inquiry about what the elders were to do after having dedicated and consecrated the land and how they should do their missionary work along the way.
Section
1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither; 2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them. 3 And it shall come to pass, if they [the ones who fear man] are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have. 4 For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and among the armies of the earth; and in the day when I shall make up my jewels, all men shall know what it is that bespeaketh the power of God.
- Verse 2: Some I Am Not Well Pleased
- To offer some illumination to why the Lord was displeased with the elders who did not "open their mouths", consider Brigham Young's remark about the benefit from preaching the gospel: “A man who wishes to receive light and knowledge, to increase in the faith of the holy gospel, and to grow in knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, will find that when he imparts knowledge to others he will also grow and increase” (Brigham Young, JD, 2: 267)
- Of course, the other reason is that failure to share the truth leaves people in darkness, as many people are kept from the truth because they don't know where to find it. Thus it's the moral duty of those who hold truth to impart that truth with those who lack it.
5 But, verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made [craft or boat], or bought, as seemeth you good [the elders have discretion], it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis. 6 And from thence let my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, take their journey for Cincinnati; 7 And in this place [Cincinnati] let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you. 8 And let the residue [those elders not commanded to travel to Cincinnati] take their journey from St. Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among the congregations of the wicked, until they return to the churches from whence they came [until they reach Ohio]. 9 And all this for the good of the churches; for this intent have I sent them [the residue of elders].
- Verse 5: Let There Be A Craft
- The Lord instructs the returning missionaries (those not called to reside in Missouri) to either make or purchase boats and travel the Missouri River to St. Louis. The elders ended up buying large canoes, capable of holding several men. This command teaches us an important principle: sometimes the Lord does not care how we accomplish the command, as long as we accomplish it -- or least try out best to accomplish it. What we lack, the Lord will make up -- as was the case with Nephi and obtaining the brass plates.
- When the Lord gives us a command but he has not provided the specifics, then we can know that He expects us to fill in the gaps and figure the rest out. He does this so we can learn wisdom. Wisdom comes from experience. It means to properly apply knowledge in order to achieve one's desired outcome. We gain wisdom through trial and error -- learning the mistakes first-hand (hence why we came to mortality). Wisdom gained be gained in the abstract. It is not theoretically applied. It is gained through practical application through daily living.
- Sometimes (perhaps even often), then, the Lord will give us the big picture. He wants us to use our judgment to fill in the details.
- Elder Oaks also explained that the Spirit will not give us revelation on trivial matters:
- ...the Spirit of the Lord is not likely to give us revelations on matters that are trivial. I once heard a young woman in a testimony meeting praise the spirituality of her husband, indicating that he submitted every question to the Lord. She told how he accompanied her shopping and would not even choose between different brands of canned vegetables without making his selection a matter of prayer. That strikes me as improper. I believe the Lord expects us to use the intelligence and experience He has given us to make these kind of choices. When a member asked the Prophet Joseph Smith for advice on a particular matter, the Prophet stated: ‘It is a great thing to inquire at the hands of God, or to come into His presence: and we feel fearful to approach Him on subjects that are of little or no consequence.’”
10 And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of the money which I have given him, a portion unto mine elders who are commanded to return; 11 And he that is able, let him return it by the way of the agent; and he that is not, of him it is not required. 12 And now I speak of the residue who are to come unto this land. 13 Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known. 14 And after thou hast come up unto the land of Zion, and hast proclaimed my word, thou shalt speedily return, proclaiming my word among the congregations of the wicked, not in haste, neither in wrath nor with strife. 15 And shake off the dust of thy feet against those who receive thee not, not in their presence, lest thou provoke them, but in secret; and wash thy feet, as a testimony against them in the day of judgment.
- Verse 10: Impart of the Money
- As one commentator explained: "This phrase refers to the assets Bishop Partridge has received as bishop and agent for the Church. He is to use some of these church funds to help the elders get home to Kirtland. Those elders who are able are then expected to pay the money back when they arrive in Kirtland, but those who are financially unable to pay it back are not required to do so (see verse 11)"
- Verse 12: The Residue
- As one commentator explained: "This phrase refers to those missionaries who were called to travel to Zion on a mission who are delayed in arriving in Jackson County until after the receiving of this revelation on August 8. They had missed the conference of elders held on August 4 and will thus attend a second conference to be held for the late arrivers on August 24. Among these are Hyrum Smith and John Murdock, who are coming by way of Detroit (see D&C 52:8), also David Whitmer, Harvey Whitlock, Levi Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin (see verse 14). The Lord gives specific instructions to this group."
Section 61
Background
JS received this revelation on August 12, after prayer, in response to a vision that W.W. Phelps saw of Satan riding across the waters. Phelps saw this visions during his travel with elders in canoes on the Missouri river. The first known text of section 61 appeared in The Evening and the Morning Star for December 1832, about sixteen months after the revelation had first been received. This was published in Missouri by W. W. Phelps, editor of the Star, who had himself received the vision that preceded section 61.
Although this revelation is addressed to the elders, the Lord has specific instruction for different groups of elders. Some are to move in haste. Others do not have that command. Some are commanded to preach along their way, while others are not. Thus one important principle illustrated by this section is that Lord's commandments for people may (and often are) different from different groups of people. For instance, Lehi, a prophet, was commanded to flee. Jeremiah, who was a contemporary of Lehi, was not given that command. Ultimately then, we learn that we ought to seek out from the Lord what he would have us do and co-opt what the Lord has commanded unto others as commands for us.
As section 60 taught us the principle that the Lord will often leave fulfilling his command up to us, this section teaches us that
Section
1 Behold, and hearken unto the voice of him who has all power, who is from everlasting to everlasting, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. 2 Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, O ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this spot, whose sins are now forgiven you [likely referring to the murmurings and contention among the elders], for I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts [must approach the Lord in humility to receive forgiveness]; 3 But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief. 4 Nevertheless, I suffered it [traveling upon the Missouri river] that ye might bear record; behold, there are many dangers upon the waters, and more especially hereafter; 5 For I, the Lord, have decreed in mine anger many destructions upon the waters; yea, and especially upon these waters [Missouri river, in particular?]. 6 Nevertheless, all flesh is in mine hand, and he that is faithful among you shall not perish by the waters.
- Verse 2: Sin Are Now Forgiven
- During their journey on the Missouri river, disagreement and contention broke out among some of the elders. Part of the discord among the elders was caused by mishaps that happened in the course of their journey. For instance, Three days into their journey, on August 11, JS and SR hit a partially submerged tree and were nearly overturned. Other elders also experienced difficulties on the river.
- Another reason for the discord was the ill feelings expressed by some of the elders about the prospect of Missouri. Some elders expected great miracles to take place in Missouri and for great things to happen, only to be disappointed when these expectations did not pan-out. The ill-feelings were so displeasing to OC that on the second day after the elders left Independence, Missouri, OC warned the elders that if they did not behave better, some accident would befall them.
- The tensions reach its peak when JS issued some orders and commands about that some of the brethren disobeyed, leading to a group in a canoe becoming tangled in a bush and almost capsizing. JS issued ordered them ashore -- some disagreed. When the arrived on shore tempers flared as some of the elders accused JS and OC of being "highly imperious and quite dictatorial." JS was also called a coward.
- However, after an emotional discussion among the elders, each apologized and reconciled with each other.
- Verses 3 and 4: Nevertheless, I Suffered It
- Here, the Lord explains that although He would have preferred for the elders to not travel on the Missouri river (as it kept them from preaching the gospel), he instructed them to travel it so that they would gain knowledge about the dangers of the waters. The purpose of receiving that knowledge was for the elders to bear testimony about the many dangers of the waters. This knowledge was communicated to Phelps, who saw Satan, in a vision, riding up the water. It would also communicated to other elders who heard noises but did not see a vision.
- What we learn from this event, is that sometimes the Lord will command us to do something to give us experience. We may not understand the purpose, but the Lord does. Thus we should trust him and not rely upon our own understanding.
7 Wherefore, it is expedient that my servant Sidney Gilbert and my servant William W. Phelps be in haste upon their errand and mission. 8 Nevertheless, I would not suffer that ye should part until you were chastened for all your sins, that you might be one, that you might not perish in wickedness [lack of chastening and lack of unity = wickedness]; 9 But now, verily I say, it behooveth me that ye should part. Wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert and William W. Phelps take their former company, and let them take their journey in haste that they may fill their mission [second time Lord has said for them to hasten their journey], and through faith they shall overcome; 10 And inasmuch as they [SG and WP] are faithful they shall be preserved, and I, the Lord, will be with them.
11 And let the residue [everyone except Phelps and Gilbert] take that which is needful for clothing. 12 Let my servant Sidney Gilbert take that which is not needful with him, as you shall agree. 13 And now, behold, for your good I gave unto you a commandment concerning these things; and I, the Lord, will reason with you as with men in days of old. 14 Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed the waters; but in the last days, by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the waters [has given the waters over to Satan’s domain]. 15 Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters. 16 And it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the land of Zion upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart. [in the future only the upright in hears will be able to travel upon the waters] 17 And, as I, the Lord, in the beginning cursed the land, even so in the last days have I blessed it, in its time, for the use of my saints, that they may partake the fatness thereof.
- Verse 11: Needful For Clothing
- One commentator explained "the group is commanded to simplify their luggage so that they carry with them only that clothing which is needful and thus travel “lighter.” The rest of the group’s belongings will be carried back to Kirtland by Sidney Gilbert (and William W. Phelps)."
- Verse 14: Cursed the Waters
- Meaning of Cursing the Waters: One meaning of "to curse" is to "devote to evil." (see Webster 1828 Dictionary). Moreover, to devote is to give up wholly to something or someone else (Id.) Thus in this context, to curse the waters means that the Lord gave up the waters to Satan's dominion. In Ephesians, for instance, Paul declares that Satan's dominion is over the air.
- 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience... (Eph 2)
- By referring to Satan as the price of the air, Paul could be referring to this literally or metaphorically. If the later, the metaphorical meaning simply refers to the space between earth and heaven, as the ancients believed that heaven was above the air, thus air (or the sky) served as the realm separating heaven from earth.
- When Did The Cursing Occur?: The Lord says that John (likely referring to John the Revelator) cursed the water in the last days. The terms "last days" is ambiguous. Last days could refer to a specific or general time period. For instance, "last days" could refer to events following Christ's ascension into heaven following his crucification. It could, conversely, refer to the events that initiate the end times. Thus last days are literally the last times -- the last days (time periods) of Babylonian's reign. Isaiah refers to these last days as the "birth pangs", while Christ divides them into two phrases: the day or sorrow and the day of tribulation. However, because the waters during the elder's travels appears dominated by Satan, then it appears that John has already pronounced the curse. Notably, Revelations does provide an account of John cursing the waters. John may have cursed the water without recording the event.
23 And now, concerning my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, let them come not again upon the waters, save it be upon the canal [the Ohio canal], while journeying unto their homes ; or in other words they shall not come upon the waters to journey, save upon the canal [the Ohio canal]. 24 Behold, I, the Lord, have appointed a way for the journeying of my saints; and behold, this is the way—that after they leave the canal [the Ohio canal] they shall journey by land, inasmuch as they are commanded to journey and go up unto the land of Zion; 25 And they shall do like unto the children of Israel, pitching their tents by the way. 26 And, behold, this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren [see v. 24].
27 Nevertheless, unto whom is given power to command the waters, unto him it is given by the Spirit to know all his ways [all the Spirit's ways]; 28 Wherefore, let him do as the Spirit of the living God commandeth him, whether upon the land or upon the waters, as it remaineth with me to do hereafter [The Lord 's command about traveling upon the waters (verses 23 - 26) does't apply to him who has power to command the waters. For that individual, he will do what the Spirit directs]. 29 And unto you is given the course for the saints, or the way for the saints of the camp of the Lord, to journey. 30 And again, verily I say unto you, my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, shall not open their mouths in the congregations of the wicked until they arrive at Cincinnati [SR, JS, and OC are not to preach until they reach Cincinnati. Compare this command to the that of the remaining elders in verses 33 - 34]; 31 And in that place [Cincinnati] they shall lift up their voices unto God against that people [the residents of Cincinnati], yea, unto him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness, a people who are well-nigh ripened for destruction. 32 And from thence [from Cincinnati] let them [SR, OC, JS] journey for the congregations of their brethren [Kirtland], for their labors [the labors/efforts of SR, OC, JS] even now are wanted more abundantly among them than among the congregations of the wicked [after Cincinnati, head back to Kirtland].
- Verse 31: People Who Are Ripe For Destruction
- One commentator explained: "At that time Cincinnati was only a frontier village like Independence and, like other western towns, it was the gathering place of many who had been forced to flee from the larger cities because of violations of the law. In all the border towns in that day wickedness and lawlessness prevailed."
- Verse 32: Their Labors Are Wanted More Abundantly
- John Whitmer recorded that while Joseph and the other leaders were in Missouri, a number of the saints had apostatized in Kirtland, though of these many were reclaimed when their leaders returned (Early Latter Day Saint History, 80).
33 And now, concerning the residue [the remaining elders who are not SR, JS, OC, Gilbert, or Phelps], let them journey and declare the word among the congregations of the wicked, inasmuch as it is given [as the Spirit directs them to speak]; 34 And inasmuch as they do this they shall rid their garments, and they shall be spotless before me. 35 And let them journey together, or two by two, as seemeth them good, only let my servant Reynolds Cahoon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom I am well pleased, be not separated until they return to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me [Although the remaining elders have discretion of how to journey in companionships, this doesn't apply to Cahoon and Smith for whom the Lord has particular instructions]. 36 And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you; 37 And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. 38 Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. 39 Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death. Even so. Amen.
Section 62
August 1st, traveled 28 miles and crossed the Illinois River. 2nd, 30 miles to Mississippi River Louise—Ana [Louisiana] Ferry and got my feet wet by which I took a violent cold by which I suffered near unto death. 3rd, crossed the river into Missouri. Traveled 25 miles to New London, found it a very wicked place. As we slept in a tavern, in the night Brother Hyrum lay on the far side of the bed with his hand out on our clothes, which hung on a chair by the bedside, and a person seized his wrist. Brother H. [Hyrum] cried out, “Who is there,” and at the same time broke his hold, which awoke me. We heard the bedstead in the other room creak which notified us that he had gone to bed. Thursday 4th, arrived at Salt River where we preached next day, but I was sick and went to bed, and we continued there near one week and then I gave my watch in pay to Wm. [William] Ivy to carry me in a wagon to Charidon [Chariton] 70 miles. We stayed there 2 days. Met Brother J. [Joseph] Smith, Jr., S. [Sidney] Rigdon and others, and received the revelation recorded in the Book of Covenants [Doctrine and Covenants] on page 202 or 308 [section 62]. We also fell in company with Brother Harvey Whitlock and David Whitmore [Whitmer], and we four put our money together and bought a pony. I rode him to Lexington, 60 miles, and on the way we four slept one night in a chamber where one half of the floor was laid, and the other not and a window being open, on the opposite side of the chamber from me, and I had a raging fever and had occasion to go to the window; it being dark, I stepped off the floor and fell across the joints.
- Verse 3: Ye Are Blessed
- These missionaries who were late to arriving in Zion were very successful in their missionary efforts. For instance, Levi Hancock, Zebedee Coltrin, Solomon Hancock, and Simeon Carter, for example baptized over 120 persons between them on the way to Zion, and Parley P. Pratt recorded having established branches of the Church in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.
- Moreover, the Lord declares that the testimony these missionaries bore has been recorded in heaven. The implication of this is that our deeds are being recorded by the angels. When we do good, it is written down and heaven rejoices. And when we do evil, it is written down and heaven mourns.
- Verse 4: Assemble Yourselves
- As a reminder, the Lord commanded Edward Partridge in section 58 to hold a special conference in Kaw Township. Here, the Lord tells these missionaries traveling to Zion that they'll be part of that meeting. The meeting was held on August 24, 1831.
- Verse 7: If Any Among You Desire
- One commentator explained: "as described in the background information for this section, one reason these brethren had been so slow in traveling to Zion was that John Murdock was very ill with an illness that was thought to have been malaria. In his journal he reported that he was so sick that he didn’t even have the strength to close his mouth to keep the flies from buzzing around inside. The question was raised with Joseph as to whether or not the missionary group should use their meager funds to provide transportation for Elder Murdock. Once they had Joseph’s permission, they bought a horse, and he rode the rest of the way to Zion. Even so, he periodically fell off his horse and was so weak that he had to lie on the ground until the other missionaries caught up with him and placed him back in the saddle."
- Verse 8: These Things Remain With You
- One commentator explained:
- It was up to the missionaries to decide how to administer their resources to best magnify their callings. Some people might have objected to the purchase of a horse for John Murdock as an unnecessary extravagance. After all, the elders probably would have made it to Independence eventually even without such a purchase. But it is up to individual stewards to manage their stewardships wisely for the long-term good of the kingdom. As long as our primary goal is to build the kingdom of God, we are justified in our expenditure of the Lord’s resources to that end, even though we may also benefit indirectly from such a decision. Should church leaders today spend sacred tithing funds for airplane tickets, renting vehicles, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants when they travel on the Lord’s errand? If these measures make them more effective in building up the kingdom of God, then yes, of course they should.
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