Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 98-101

 

Section 98

Background Information 

Section 98 was received on August 6, 1833 addressed to the presidency of the high priesthood.  However, because JS neither explained the immediate background of this revelation nor offered any interpretation, it is uncertain what prompted this revelation.  We do know that by the time this revelation was received, JS would have had some knowledge about the condition of the Missouri saints, but he did not have specific knowledge pertaining to the specifics, as OC did not arrive to Kirtland until August 9, relaying the bad news that the saints had been expelled from Jackson County with "no realistic prospect of returning." (Rough Stone Rolling, 222).  

It is possible, according to the JS Papers, that growing opposition to the church prompted JS to inquire of the Lord.  On July 9, 1833, JS received a letter from OC and the participants in the Missouri school of the prophets, which prompted JS to respond in August 6.  The letter that OC wrote on July 9 is no longer extant, but it may have included details about the "sporadic violence" against church members in Jackson County and the Missouri saints seeking guidance from JS.  

Moreover,  on 15 July, only days after OC wrote his letter, an influential faction in Jackson County issued a manifesto declaring their intent “to rid our society” of Mormons “peacably if we can, forcibly if we must.”  A later article printed in Kirtland in an extra to The Evening and the Morning Star noted that some Jackson County residents had long made “every effort to fan the flames” of opposition “till this demoniac spirit became general.”

Section 98 speaks to all of the saints, both in Missouri and in Kirtland, calmly, sensibly, and mercifully. It is a beautiful and important revelation on the laws of retribution, war, and forgiveness. As the Lord counsels the persecuted saints, he counsels us as well, for we share their quest. We too must establish Zion.

In this difficult period, the Lord counsels: “Fear not . . . rejoice . . . and give thanks” (verse 1).  Wait “patiently on the Lord” (verse 2).  These afflictions eventually “shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory” (verse 3).  Obey the laws of the land.  Don’t break the law and try not to retaliate against the Missourians (verses 4-7).  The law will make you free (verse 8). Seek to elect good and wise men to rule and uphold the laws (verse 10).  Whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall be exalted (verse 13).  Do not fear your enemies even unto death (verse 14).  Even in difficult and stressful situations “renounce war and proclaim peace” (verse 16).  If you are obedient, evil shall not prevail against you (verse 22).

Section 

1 Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; 2 Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth [Because the Lord has received and heard their prayers, the saints can patiently wait based on the assurance they've been given], and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they [the prayers] shall be granted. 3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they [the prayers] shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord [The promise by the Lord is that the prayers of the saints will be fulfilled and all things they have been afflicted with shall work towards their glory and the Lord's].

4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them. 5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me [The Constitution is justifiable before the Lord because it maintains the rights and privileges of men]. 6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land; 7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil [The Constitution is the secular barometer of a good law] .

• Verse 5: The Law of the Land Which is Constitutional 
• President Ezra Taft Benson Taught explained why the Constitution is an esteemable document that enshrines basic principles that had their beginning "in the premortal councils of heaven."  What follows are excerpts from his talk, titled The Constitution -- A Glorious Standard. 
• The first basic principle is agency. The central issue in that premortal council was: Shall the children of God have untrammeled agency to choose the course they should follow, whether good or evil, or shall they be coerced and forced to be obedient? Christ and all who followed Him stood for the former proposition—freedom of choice; Satan stood for the latter—coercion and force. The war that began in heaven over this issue is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of mortality. And one of Lucifer’s primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments.
• The second basic principle concerns the function and proper role of government. These are the principles that, in my opinion, proclaim the proper role of government in the domestic affairs of the nation...the most important single function of government is to secure the rights and freedoms of individual citizens.
• The third important principle pertains to the source of basic human rights. Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan.
• The fourth basic principle we must understand is that people are superior to the governments they form. Since God created people with certain inalienable rights, and they, in turn, created government to help secure and safeguard those rights, it follows that the people are superior to the creature they created.
• The fifth and final principle that is basic to our understanding of the Constitution is that governments should have only limited powers. The important thing to keep in mind is that the people who have created their government can give to that government only such powers as they, themselves, have in the first place. Obviously, they cannot give that which they do not possess.  By deriving its just powers from the governed, government becomes primarily a mechanism for defense against bodily harm, theft, and involuntary servitude. It cannot claim the power to redistribute money or property nor to force reluctant citizens to perform acts of charity against their will. Government is created by the people. The creature cannot exceed the creator.
• President Benson also discusses the major provisions of the constituion: 
• First: Sovereignty lies in the people themselves. Every governmental system has a sovereign, one or several who possess all the executive, legislative, and judicial powers. That sovereign may be an individual, a group, or the people themselves.
• Second: To safeguard these rights, the Founding Fathers provided for the separation of powers among the three branches of government—the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each was to be independent of the other, yet each was to work in a unified relationship.
• Third: The powers the people granted to the three branches of government were specifically limited. The Founding Fathers well understood human nature and its tendency to exercise unrighteous dominion when given authority. A Constitution was therefore designed to limit government to certain enumerated functions, beyond which was tyranny.
• Fourth: Our Constitutional government is based on the principle of representation. The principle of representation means that we have delegated to an elected official the power to represent us. The Constitution provides for both direct representation and indirect representation. Both forms of representation provide a tempering influence on pure democracy. The intent was to protect the individual’s and the minority’s rights to life, liberty, and the fruits of their labors—property. These rights were not to be subject to majority vote.
• Fifth: The Constitution was designed to work with only a moral and righteous people. “Our constitution,” said John Adams (first vice-president and second president of the United States), “was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law [Constitution] also maketh you free. 9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. 10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil [Because the wicked cause the people to mourn, we should seek to uphold honest and wise men]. 

• Verse 8: When the Wicked Rule
• The Scriptures provide abundant evidence of the ramifications of upholding a wicked ruler.  The Book of Mormon account of king Noah is a striking example of the impact wicked leaders have on the people.  In this post, I extensively discuss these effects by looking at the account of King Noah
• But besides King Noah, we also see that the afflictions of the Jaredite nation were due to their wicked leaders who supported wickedness. We also read how the wicked leaders caused their people to sin.  Conversely, we also see in Ether how righteous leaders bring about peace.  Furthermore, when wicked persists in a society, the wickedness deepens causing the people to not only indulge themselves in wicked act, but to reject and kill the righteous who seek to call them to repentance.  We also read how wickedness leads to wars, famine, and disease. 
• Turning to the Old Testament, it also teaches us this importance.  This is especially true when we compare the outcomes of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah. Notably, Israel fell into captivity much earlier than Judah. It's also worth pointing out that during the divided kingdom period, the kingdom of Israel did not have one righteous king!  All of her kings were wicked and that wickedness spread, causing the people to ripen in iniquity much quicker, and not surprisingly kill the prophets.  Conversely, the kingdom of Judah had a mix of wicked and righteous kings.  And the righteous kings were influential in setting the course straight. 
• Because of what is at stake when we elect and uphold wicked leaders, President Benson understood the Lord's direction to uphold wise and honest men to be a commandment, stating "[t]o me it means that we have a responsibility as Latter-day Saints to use our influence so honest men and wise men and good men will be elected to public office in the community, in the county, in the state, and in the nation.  To me this commandment of God is just as binding upon the Latter-day Saints as is the law of tithing, or the Word of Wisdom, or any other commandment which the God of heaven has given us. (Conference Report, October 1954, Afternoon Meeting 121)
• President Benson at another time as been quoted as teaching: Note the qualities that the Lord demands in those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and unvirtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities. (Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 207)

11 And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God. 12 For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith. 13 And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal. 14 Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy. 15 For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me. 16 Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children; 17 And again, the hearts of the Jews unto the prophets, and the prophets unto the Jews; lest I come and smite the whole earth with a curse, and all flesh be consumed before me. 18 Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also.

• Verse 12: He Will Give Unto the Faithful
• As we've learned at other places in the Doctrine and Covenants, and other scriptures, the Lord teaches us line upon line, precept upon precept.  A precept is a commandment or order intended as authoritative rule of action.  Precepts are particularly applied to command respecting moral conduct.  Until we are obedient in everything the Lord has already revealed to us, he will not teach anymore, otherwise it will condemn us because we will have greater knowledge that we're unable to obey. 
•  In my opinon, this is what Jacob meant when he said that the Jews looked beyond the mark.  
•   14 But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble.
• The Jews desired deeper knowledge, ignoring the plainness that was taught to them, and in turn sought for "things they could not understand." Because God awards according to our desires, he gave the Jews what they sought, but it turned to their condemnation and they stumbled. 
• If we are given too much light and any one time, the light will not make sense to us and we'll misapply it.  After all, there is a reason why we don't give a teenager the keycode to a nuclear reactor.  They are not at the stage where they can appreciate the gravity of maintaining a nuclear reactor.  Same reason we don't let 10 year olds drive cars.  They don't have the predicate knowledge to know how to responsible operate that kind of machinery. 
• In our quest to seek the face of God, we should be learning new information.  If our gospel knowledge has become static, it's a strong sign that we are regressing.  After all, there is no middle ground.  We are either progressing or regressing.  The choice is up to us. 
• And each new packet of light the Lord gives us will be accompanied with a test to see if we are worthy to receive the more light.  Reading and learning about the world will give us truth, but the truth we really want is truth that saves and allows us to save others.  That only comes by revelation.  And that revelation is only given to those who prove their faithfulness, unless, of course, God gives it to the person because of their desire. 
• Verse 16: Renounce War and Proclaim Peace
• To be found worthy in the Lord's covenant requires us to be tested.  It does not come from attending church, reading scriptures, or serving our callings.  Those things are resources the Lord provides for us to successful endure the testing.  The real measure of someone's loyalty to their covenants is their faithfulness to the Lord during trials.  That's where real transformation of the person occurs.  
• But how does this have to do with renouncing war and proclaiming peace?  Because the conflicts of life are testing grounds and they are not excuses to fight against our neighbor.  After all, the Lord taught us to "turn the other cheek." It will be in the injustices where we prove to God that we have adopted his character by not retaliating.  It will be those times of persecution, where we show to God they we'll be obedient to him no matter what.  It's where we show that we care about his will over ours.  
• Yet, as I say this, there is an exception and that is when we are defending the lives of our families and protecting our rights (Alma 43:46-47) and/or under the law of retaliation (outlined in verses 28 -48).   When it comes to defending the lives of our families and protecting our rights, this seems to only be allowed when there is no other option since the Lord instructs the Missouri saints to use the legal channels to defend their rights, and when the Lord commands it (see verse  
• However, what I've outlined is a general rule and is subject to the Spirit's direction.   

19 Behold, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with many who are in the church at Kirtland; 20 For they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the pride of their hearts, and their covetousness, and all their detestable things, and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto them. 21 Verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will chasten them and will do whatsoever I list, if they [Kirtland saints] do not repent and observe all things whatsoever I have said unto them. 22 And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn away all wrath and indignation from you, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

The Law of Retribution  

23 Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite [To strike; to throw, drive or force against] you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; 24 But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you. 25 And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred-fold. 26 And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold; 27 And these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out. 28 And now, verily I say unto you, if that enemy shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into judgment before me, then ye shall see to it that ye warn him in my name, that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation. 29 And then, if he shall come upon you or your children, or your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation, I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands; 30 And then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness; and also thy children and thy children’s children unto the third and fourth generation. 31 Nevertheless, thine enemy is in thine hands; and if thou rewardest him according to his works thou art justified; if he has sought thy life, and thy life is endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and thou art justified.

• Verses 23 - 31: Actions To Take When When Force Is Exerted Against Us or Our Families
• First time: 
• If we bear it patiently and not retaliate or find fault against them, we'll be rewarded (recall our conversation on the law of justice in section 97)
• If we don't do anything of these things, then the smiting of our animals will be counted as a just action against us.  We will not be vindicated.
• Second Time
•  If we bear it patiently and not retaliate or find fault against them, we'll be rewarded a 100x (Again, recall our conversation on the law of justice in section 97.  Greater injustice, greater compensation, which comes via blessings) 
• Third Time
• If we bear it patiently and not retaliate or find fault against them, we'll be rewarded a 400x (Again, recall our conversation on the law of justice in section 97.  Greater injustice, greater compensation, which comes via blessings) 
• If the person has escaped the Lord's vengeance, avoiding his judgment:  
• Warn in the Lord's name not to afflict our family anymore and if he comes upon us or our children up until the 3rd or 4th generation and the enemy has sought to take our life or our life is in danger, then the Lord has delivered him into our hands and it seems we are justified in rewarding him according to this works.  If he sought to kill us, it seems that we are permitted to take his life. 

32 Behold, this is the law [the law of retribution] I gave unto my servant Nephi [perhaps this was the law Nephi operated under causing him to be justified in killing Laban], and thy fathers, Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets and apostles. 33 And again, this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them. 34 And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue; 35 And if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should bring these testimonies before the Lord; 36 Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people. 37 And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children’s, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.

• Verse 36: Justify Them Going Into Battle 
• During World War II, President David O. McKay reminded the Saints that they were to renounce war and proclaim peace.  He taught: 
• “There are, however, two conditions which may justify a truly Christian man to enter—mind you, I say enter, not begin— a war: (1) An attempt to dominate and to deprive another of his free agency, and, (2) Loyalty to his country. Possibly there is a third, viz., Defense of a weak nation that is being unjustly crushed by a strong, ruthless one... So fundamental in man’s eternal progress is his inherent right to choose, that the Lord would defend it even at the price of war. Without freedom of thought, freedom of choice, freedom of action within lawful bounds, man cannot progress. . . . 
• As a Church: ‘We believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to laws, and relief afforded’ (D&C 134:11). Even though we sense the hellish origin of war, even though we feel confident that war will never end war, yet under existing conditions we find ourselves as a body committed to combat this evil thing. With other loyal citizens we serve our country as bearers of arms, rather than to stand aloof to enjoy a freedom for which others have fought and died.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, April 1942, 72-73). 
• LaRae Clarke, associate dean of student life, Ricks College.  Taught: 
• "Though there are clearly some cases in which we should defend ourselves and our families, particularly when our lives are endangered, the Lord wants us to do all we can to preserve peace. In fact, the Book of Mormon tells us that when the Nephites began to seek vengeance, the Nephite army began to lose battles and was eventually destroyed. Even when disputes are solved peacefully, we may find it difficult to forgive those who have injured us. “We are all prone to brood on the evil done us,” says President Gordon B. Hinckley. “That brooding becomes a gnawing and destructive canker. Is there a virtue more in need of application in our time than the virtue of forgiving and forgetting?” he asks. We must constantly strive to forgive those who persecute us; in fact, the Lord says that we should not only forgive those who persecute us, but also love and pray for them. (See Matt. 5:44; see also Luke 6:27–28, 35; 3 Ne. 12:44.)
• Learning to forgive and to endure persecution can actually strengthen us, as Elder Paul H. Dunn points out. “The way to deal with trouble,” he says, “is not just to bear it strongly, but to use it. Let us think of it as a problem to solve, let us use it as a hill to climb. It may seem difficult, it may be hard to endure. … But what would life be like if we never climbed any physical hills and never solved any mental and spiritual problems? No wonder the Savior told us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad in the presence of persecution!” (Meaningful Living, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968, p. 84.) A true follower of Christ does not simply “turn the other cheek” unceasingly, but, when necessary, seeks reconciliation and solutions to problems peacefully, in genuine friendship. If we are unable to solve a particular problem ourselves, we may appeal to others to help us. Only when absolutely necessary should we defend ourselves by other than peaceful means." ("I Have a Question," Ensign, Feb. 1989, 59-6)

38 Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. 39 And again, verily I say unto you, if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy— 40 And so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven. 41 And if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him. 42 And if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him. 43 And if he trespass against thee the third time, and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him. 44 But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testimonies before the Lord; and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against thee. 45 And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold; 46 And upon his children, and upon his children’s children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation. 47 But if the children shall repent, or the children’s children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers’ fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away; 48 And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen.

• Verses 38: 43: Law of Retribution Regarding Action Our Enemy Has Done to Us 
• If enemy comes upon you the first time 
• If repents, then forgive him and don't hold it against him 
• If doesn't repent, forgive him 
• If enemy comes upon you the second time and third time
• If repents, forgive him 
• If he doesn't, forgive him 
• If enemy comes upon you the fourth time 
• Then bring the actions of the enemy before the Lord and the Lord will keep them in remembrance until the enemy repents and remedy the victim three-fold in all things.  
• If these two things are satisfied, then we are to forgive him. with our whole heart. 
• If they are not, then the Lord will avenge our enemy for us unto the enemy's third and fourth generation unless the children of the subsequent generation repent and remedy the injustice. 

Section 99

Background Information 

Chronologically speaking, section 99 is out of sequence.  Editions of the D&C since 1876 have section marked section 99 as having been given in August 1833, but earlier editions and other historical records indicate that it was actually given in Kirtland in August 1832. 

This revelation is directed to John Murdock, calling him to preach a mission to the "eastern countries."  The story and example of John Murdock exemplifies a man devoted to God and who had found the pearl of great price, willing to give up everything for it.  

Murdock was converted and baptized in Kirtland, Ohio, on November 30, 1830.  Afterwards, he spent most of his time as a traveling missionary and baptized around 70 people in four months in Orange, Cuyahoga Country, Ohio, and Warrensville, Ohio.  By 1831, Murdock elected to commit himself "full time to the ministry."  As a consequence, he moved his family in with another family so he could do so.  

In June 1831, Murdock was called to preach in Missouri and obeyed this instruction despite the recent death of his wife, Julia Capp Murdock, during childbirth, which left him with two twin that JS and Emma later adopted, and his five children under the age of seven.  For the remainder of 1831 and the first 6 months of 1832, he preached in the Michigan Territory, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, among other places.  

When he returned home in June 1832, he learned that that one of his twins had died in March.  In addition, those with whom he had left his three older children demanded payment for their help.  And he was also suffering from ague.  Yet, despite this challenges, which might have caused a person to reject God,  Murdock persevered, recording in his journal that he “continued with the church in Cuyahoga & Geauga Co’s confirming & strengthning the church & regaining my health.” 

Section 99 instructed him to continue preaching, but this time in the eastern United States.  The revelation also told him to continue preaching until his death, unless he desired to go to Zion “after a few years.” As the JS Paper observes

This revelation’s call for Murdock to continue as a missionary until his death, notwithstanding his family responsibilities, was an unusual sacrifice apparently not expected of other early church members and may have resulted from his earlier determination to devote himself “full time to the ministry.”

And he discharged his duties faithfully, by proving for his children and leaving on his mission on September 24, 1832.  

Given Murdock's faithfulness and devotion to God, it is not surprising that his journal entry records his encounter with the Savior where in wrote: 

I saw the form of a man [the Savior], most lovely, the visage of his face was sound and fair as the sun. His hair a bright silver grey, curled in most majestic form, his eyes a keen penetrating blue, and the skin of his neck a most beautiful white and he was covered from the neck to the feet with a loose garment, pure white, whiter than any garment I have ever before seen. His countenance was most penetrating, and yet most lovely” (John Murdock Journal, as cited in Black, Who’s Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, 202)

He served faithfully in many other callings, including Zion’s Camp.  He remarried and moved to Missouri in the summer of 1836.  Eventually, he moved with the Church to the valleys of the West where he had a major role in founding Beaver, Utah.  He was ordained a patriarch and died in Beaver in 1871 at the age of seventy-nine. 

Section 

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant John Murdock—thou art called to go into the eastern countries from house to house, from village to village, and from city to city, to proclaim mine everlasting gospel unto the inhabitants thereof, in the midst of persecution and wickedness. 2 And who receiveth you receiveth me; and you shall have power to declare my word in the demonstration of my Holy Spirit. 3 And who receiveth you as a little child, receiveth my kingdom; and blessed are they, for they shall obtain mercy.

• Verse 99: In the Demonstration of My Holy Spirit 
• The language here was not without special significance for John Murdock, for as a child he had had a vision which had caused him to seek for the true church of Christ until he found it in November 1830.  One thing that had particularly caused him to lose patience with one church after another was their lack of, or even denial of, the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit.  Now in this second mission call, this visionary man was promised that he would preach the gospel in power and in the demonstration of the very Holy Spirit he had sought all his life and had only recently received as a gift after his baptism (Black, Who’s Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, 201-202).

4 And whoso rejecteth you shall be rejected of my Father and his house; and you shall cleanse your feet in the secret places by the way for a testimony against them. 5 And behold, and lo, I come quickly to judgment, to convince all of their ungodly deeds which they have committed against me, as it is written of me in the volume of the book [The book” referred to here could be (1) the book of Jude, in which the quotation appears (Jude 1:14-15), (2) the book of Enoch (in Jude 1:14-15, Jude was quoting the prophet Enoch), or (3) the Bible itself, which contains the book of Jude]. 6 And now, verily I say unto you, that it is not expedient that you should go until your children are provided for, and sent up kindly unto the bishop of Zion. 7 And after a few years, if thou desirest of me, thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess thine inheritance; 8 Otherwise thou shalt continue proclaiming my gospel until thou be taken. Amen.

Section 100

Background Information 

When JS learn about the plight of the Missouri saints, he immediately sent Orson Hyde and John Gould to Independence with advice and words of support, carrying with them sections 94, 97, and 98.  About six weeks later, on Oct 5, 1833, JS, SR, and Freeman and Huldah Nickerson (recent converts) left on a short term mission to upstate New York and Canada, at the request of Freeman and Huldah to visit their family who were interested in the gospel.  

According to JS Papers, the regions around Lake Erie and southwestern Lake Ontario were the "most fruitful areas for proselytizing in the early years of the Church of Christ."  And according to the minutes from a church conference, that regions was primed for the “salvation of souls.”  Gideon Carter and Sylvester Smith, who both served missions in that area, wrote about the success they had, with Carter recording that “in all the regions round about, especially east, much addition is made to several churches, and new ones are springing up."   Sylvester Smith reported on fifteen churches established between Kirtland and Chenango, New York, some of which were composed of almost one hundred members, and “in nearly all of them, the work is still going on.

This revelation was received as JS was traveling as Perrysburg, New York, where they had stopped for a time.  Joseph recorded in his journal that all was well with them, and the Lord was with them.  However, he expressed anxiety about his family and the saints in Zion. Thus, on October 12 he inquired of the Lord and received this revelation. 

Section 

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power. 2 Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you. 3 Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place [Northeastern United States area], in the regions round about; and an effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about in this eastern land. 4 Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place [Northeastern United States area]; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls [The Northeastern United States and Canada is ripe for missionary work] 5 Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; 6 For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say [The Lord repeats to Joseph and Sidney the same promise he made when he sent out his New Testament disciples: “Take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak” (see Matthew 10:19; compare D&C 84:85)]

• Verse 3: Effectual Door Shall Be Opened 
• For something be "effectual" it mean to product a desired effect.  In this case, the effect is for people to be converted in the Northeaster United States and Canada region.  Although JS and SR did have success in the one month proselytizing efforts, their main purpose was to "plant seeds" in the hears of the people in that region.  Indeed, the real fruits of their labor were borne when Parley P. Pratt returned to that area.  During his mission to that area, Pratt preached to thousands and baptized hundreds.  Among those converts was John Taylor and Mary Fielding who would marry Hyrum Smith and become the mother of President Joseph F. Smith and grandmother of President Joseph Fielding Smith. 
• It were these conversion among that many other hundreds that served as the effectual for that JS and SR opened up their preaching. 

7 But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. 8 And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this [declaring things in solemnity of heart and in meekness] the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say. 9 And it is expedient in me that you, my servant Sidney, should be a spokesman unto this people; yea, verily, I will ordain you unto this calling, even to be a spokesman unto my servant Joseph. 10 And I will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony.

11 And I will give unto thee [SR] power to be mighty in expounding all scriptures, that thou mayest be a spokesman unto him [JS], and he [JS] shall be a revelator unto thee [SR], that thou [SR] mayest know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth. 12 Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end.

• Verse 11: Might in Expounding Scriptures 
• Sidney’s calling is to use his knowledge of the scriptures and his gifts of explanation and oratory to preach the truths of the restored gospel as they are revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith. 
• Verse 11: Spokesman Unto Him 
• George Q Canon stated the following about the talents of SR.  “Those who knew Sidney Rigdon, know how wonderfully God inspired him, and with what wonderful eloquence he declared the word of God to the people. He was a mighty man in the hands of God, as a spokesmen, as long as the Prophet lived, or up to a short time before his death” (JD, 25:126).
• Notably the appointment of SR as JS' spokesman parallels that of Aaron and Moses.  It also falls in line with prophecy that Jospeh of Egypt received and was recorded in 2 Nephi 3, wherein Jospeh of Egypt sees that the Lord will raise a seer out his his lineage who will be like a Moses.  
• 6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer [referring to JS] shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. 7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him [JS] will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. 8 And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him [JS] great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work. 9 And he [JS] shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel... 15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation....
• 18 And the Lord said unto me also: I will raise up unto the fruit of thy loins; and I will make for him [JS] a spokesman. And I, behold, I will give unto him that he shall write the writing of the fruit of thy loins, unto the fruit of thy loins; and the spokesman of thy loins shall declare it. 19 And the words which he shall write shall be the words which are expedient in my wisdom should go forth unto the fruit of thy loins. And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith.
• Jospeh of Egypt ("JOE") saw that out of his lineage, the Lord would raise a Moses-type figure.  This was JS.  And just as Moses delivered his people out of their physical captivity, JS delivered his people out of spiritual captivity by translation the Book of Mormon which taught about the covenants which the Lord made with Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.  The failure of having the Book of Mormon meant that Satan had power over the people because the plain and precious things were taken from the Bible. (see ).  JS' role was to restore the truth so people could be free from Satan's grasp. 
• However, the fulfillment of 2 Nephi 3:17-18 and the role of the modern Aaron cannot be confined to Sidney Rigdon alone.  In D&C 8:6-7, the Lord had previously told Oliver Cowdery that he had the gift of Aaron, while D&C 28:2-3 explicitly stated that Oliver was to be as Aaron to Joseph, who was to be to him as Moses.  When Oliver Cowdery subsequently left the Church, Hyrum Smith received all the blessings, honors, gifts, and positions that Oliver had formerly held (see D&C 124:95).  

13 And now I give unto you a word concerning Zion. Zion shall be redeemed, although she [Zion] is chastened for a little season. 14 Thy brethren, my servants Orson Hyde and John Gould, are in my hands; and inasmuch as they keep my commandments they shall be saved. 15 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church. 16 For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness; 17 And all that call upon the name of the Lord, and keep his commandments, shall be saved. Even so. Amen.

• Verses 13- 16: Raise Up Unto Myself a Pure People
• The reason the Lord allowed the mob to overrun the saints was because they had not become a pure people and instead had forgotten about the Lord (as we'll learn more about in section 101).  Zion must consist of pure people, otherwise it will be a hell instead of heaven on earth, as the wicked would exploit the righteous who are meek and humble.  Moreover, Zion represents the society and associations of the celestial kingdom.  If Zion is anything less than this, it is a corruption and counterfeit of the celestial kingdom and can not stand as a sign to the nations, which leads to the next point.  Zion is to serve as an "ensign" or sign to the nations for where to seek.  It can only serve as a sign if it is distinct and separate from the world. 
• 12 And he shall set up an ensign [sign of Zion] for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. 13 The envy of Ephraim also shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. 14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines towards the west; they shall spoil them of the east together; they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. 15 And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind he shall shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry shod. 16 And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people which shall be left, from Assyria, like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt. 
• When Zion is established it will serve as a light unto the world amidst the darkness.  It will be a light that people will seek.  

Section 101

Background Information 

This revelation was received on 16-17 of December 1833, which addressed the November 1833 expulsion of the church members from Jackson Country, Missouri.  As we learned in section 97, the Missouri saints were forced to sign an agreement to leave Jackson Country.  However, the agreement provided slight leniency by not requiring the saints to leave until January 1, 1834.  In response, JS sent to OC and John Gould to Jackson County to advise the saints to seek a redress against the mob.  

On October 30, 1833, the Missouri saints retained the firm of Wood, Reese, Doniphan, and Atchison to receive remedy from the courts.  Within hours the mob was aware of this action and interpreted it as a repudiation by the saints of their illegally coerced promise to leave Jackson County by January 1.  Unfortunately, the mob interpreted this move as a repudiation of of their agreement, and descended upon the saints on October 31, 1833 -- the night of Halloween: 

Thursday night, the 31st day of October [1833], gave the saints in Zion abundant proof that no pledge on the part of their enemies, written or verbal, was longer to be regarded; for on that night, between forty and fifty persons in number, many of whom were armed with guns, proceeded against a branch of the Church, west of the Big Blue [River, west of Independence], and unroofed and partly demolished ten dwelling houses; and amid the shrieks and screams of the women and children, whipped and beat in a savage and brutal manner, several of the men: while their horrid threats frightened women and children into the wilderness. . . . On Friday, the first of November, women and children sallied forth from their gloomy retreats, to contemplate with heartrending anguish the ravages of a ruthless mob, in the lacerated and bruised bodies of their husbands, and in the destruction of their houses, and their furniture. Houseless and unprotected by the arm of the civil law in Jackson County, the dreary month of November staring them in the face and loudly proclaiming an inclement season at hand; the continual threats of the mob that they would drive every “Mormon” from the county; and the inability of many to move, because of their poverty, caused an anguish of heart indescribable. (HC: 1:426) 

For the next two weeks mobs attacked the saints' homes and farms between Independence and the Indian Territory with almost virtual impunity.  On November 5, Lieutenant Governor Lilburn Boggs called out the militia with the stated purpose of a "cease-fire" and disarmament to both sides.  However, because the militia was partial to the mob, only the guns of the saints were confiscated, leaving the saints defenseless.  The only recourse left was to flee for their lives.  And the end of the siege by the mob, more than two hundred homes were burned and cost of damages inflicted upon the saints reached an estimated $175,000 (equivalent to $5,687, 562.50 today!).  

News of the full expulsion of the Missouri saints tickled to JS, drop by drop.  Finally on December 10, the full story reached Joseph from Bishop Partridge and the brethren in Clay County, Missouri. Joseph grieved, “Oh my brethren! my brethren. . . . [W]ould that I had been with you, to have shared your fate. Oh my God, what shall I do in such a trial as this!” (Smith, History of Joseph Smith, 225).  Five days later he again wrote to the elders in Missouri, reiterating his instructions to Bishop Partridge to hold on to their property and to appeal to the courts, the governor of the state, and the president of the United States for redress.  However, despite reaching out to Missouri governor Daniel Dunklin for assistance, the promises and guarantees of Dunklin were hollow  and they saints were left without any viable recourse through state legal and political channels. 

Due to the expulsion of the saints and their subsequent suffering, JS inquired of the Lord about the future of Zion and when would it be redeemed.  Section 101 is the Lord's answer. 

Section 

1 Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance— 2 I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions [The Lord permitted their affliction because of the transgression of many of the Missouri saints]; 3 Yet I will own them [the saints], and they [the saints] shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. 4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. 5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified [Chastening and trying serve to turn us into "jewels".  All who seek to be like God must go through the same path that all holy people have trod. ].

• Verse 3: My Jewels 
• The reference to Jewels might refer to Revelation 21, where John describes Zion as being decorated and arrayed in 12 different types of Jewels.  The 12 obviously serving as a symbol for the 12 tribes of Israel.  
• 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 
• Moreover, Biblical scholar Margret Barker, in discussing the significance of the imagery of jewels explained
• ...[T]he stones of the city were its people. Zechariah had spoken of the Day of the LORD, when he would save his flock and they would shine like jewels on his land (Zech. 9.16). The names of the apostles on the foundation stones (21.14) and the faithful priests as pillars (3.12) are but details of a wider picture. The community of saints were living stones built into a spiritual house (1 Pet. 2.5) whose foundation was the apostles and the prophets (Eph. 2.20-22). The Qumran Community described themselves in the same way: ‘May the LORD bless you … and set you as a splendid jewel in the midst of the congregation of the saints … may you be as an angel of the presence’ was the blessing for the sons of Zadok (IQSb IV). Ezekiel’s fallen high priest was expelled from Eden, the garden of God where he had ‘walked among the stones of fire’ (Ezek. 28.14). Isaiah’s jewelled city was interpreted as a description of the community: the sapphire foundations were the congregation of the elect and ‘the ruby pinnacles the twelve [high priests] who gave judgement by Urim and Thummim’. The jewelled gates were the chiefs of the tribes of Israel (4Q164). Most remarkable of all are the Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice, fragmented texts in which the holy of holies seems to be alive, literally a living temple. The pillars of the holy of holies sing praises (4Q403 I), the engraved tiles are the ‘elohim and holy angels of the innermost chamber (4Q405 19) and the doors and gates proclaim the glory of the King (4Q405 23)
• Jewels then represent people.  But more than just people, they represent people who have become fined and purified.  It's not surprise that in the Mosaic law the High Priest wore an ephod that had 12 gems in it.  Moreover, the 12 jewels mentions din Revelation 21 are the same jewels that the High Priests wore. Thus when the Lord says that he will make his jewels, he is referring to establishing a people and the city Zion. (Margaret Barker, The Revelation of Jesus Christ,  p. 324-325.)
• Verse 4: Chastened and Tried, Even As Abraham 
• The Prophet Joseph further explained the principle of an “Abrahamic test’ in these words:
• Principle 1: For a man to lay down his all—his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ [compare Philippians 3:8-9]— requires more than mere belief or supposition that he doing the will of God. . . . 
• Principle 2: Let us here observe that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. For from the first existence of men, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It is through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life.
• Principle 3: It is vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him (cited in Dahl and Tate, eds., Lectures on Faith in Historical Perspective, 92-93).
• Principle 4: Those who cannot endure persecution, and stand in the day of affliction, cannot stand in the day when the Son of God shall burst the veil, and appear in all the glory of His Father, with all the holy angels (TPJS, 42)

6 [Reasons why the Lord has chastened the saints in this manner] Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them [the Missouri saints]; therefore by these things [that is, by jarrings, contentions, envying, strifes, etc] they [the Missouri saints] polluted their inheritances. 7 They [the Missouri saints] were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. 8 In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me. 9 Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy. 

• Verse 6: Jarring, Contentions, Envyings...
• In describing the sins of the Missouri saints, George A Smith explained: 
• There were… at that period, professed Latter-day Saints, who did not see proper to abide by [the] law of consecration; they thought it was their privilege to look after “number one,” and some of them, believing that Zion was to become a very great city, and that being the Center Stake of it, they purchased tracts of land in the vicinity with the intention of keeping them until Zion became the beauty and joy of the whole earth, when they thought they could sell their lands and make themselves very rich. It was probably owing to this, in part, that the Lord suffered the enemies of Zion to rise against her. (Journal of Discourses, 17:59) (emphasis added)
• Orson Pratt also explained:  
• Did the people carry out this law (the law of consecration)? No. Why? Because they had imbibed the notions which had prevailed among the people of the whole earth, and these notions were in direct opposition to the order of heaven. The notions and traditions of the world were that every man must be for himself, every family for themselves, and they must labor with their might, mind and strength to gain all they possibly could gain, and use it only for themselves and their generations after them, caring nothing at all about their neighbors. These traditions had been instilled into our minds, and we were too full of covetousness and of false notions about property to carry out the law of God, and hence many, when they came up to Zion, looked abroad upon that beautiful, rich soil, and the excellent groves of timber, and the fine prairies and meadows, with springs breaking forth in numerous places, as they do in Jackson County, and their souls lusted after these things, and the rich man said, "No, I will not consecrate all my property, I will go to the General Land Office and purchase for myself, and I will buy largely in order that I may sell to my poor brethren when they come up here. I will buy land and speculate upon it, and make my fortune." That was the feeling which existed in the hearts of some of the Latter-day Saints. God saw this, and reproved us by revelation, and he said to the people in Jackson County, by the mouth of his servant Joseph, that if they did not repent of this covetousness he would pluck them up and send them out of Zion. (Journal of Discourses, 16:5) (emphasis added) 
• In light of these, we ought to ask the following questions: 
• Are we free from all covetousness? 
• Do we refrain from desiring to possess unjustly the property of others? 
• Have we permitted the lusts of the flesh and the desire to possess that which is not our honest due, to canker our souls? (see Jospeh Fielding Smith, Conference Report, April 1943, First Day-Morning Meeting 14.)
• Verse 7: Slow to Hearken 
• The attitude we take to the Lord will redound to us.  It is one of the laws of the universe.  What you put out, you receive.  The Hindu conception of Karma reflects this eternal truth, albeit not fully.  And this applies to all aspects of our lives.  If we send out love, we receive more of it.  If we send out hate, we receive more of it.  If we pray to God and only hearken to him when it is convenient, then God will do the same.  It is how justice operates.  However, the Lord is merciful and will respond in time, if we are repentant and contrite.  But, like the people of king Noah, who compounded their suffering due to incorrect choices, we make things harder for us because we are left without his guidance and providence.  It is through the Lord's mercy that he responds and does not "utterly cast" us off. 
• But this idea of being slow to hearken to the Lord is often the symptom of prosperity.  As the Book of Mormon illustrates time and time again, when the Lord blesses a people, they tend to forget about him and unless they are tried, their eyes will become blind and their ears deaf.  In comparing the prosperity of the saints during his time to that of Missouri, James E. Talmage observed: "Many of us can't stand prosperity. We forget the Lord until we find ourselves in distress, and thereby we demonstrate that we are yet not wholly what we profess to be. "(Conference Report, October 1921, Closing Session 189-190)

10 I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass. 11 Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full [The Lord judges (that is turns a nation over to the consequences of their action) when they are ripe in iniquity]. 12 And in that day [day of judgment --i.e., when the Lord pours out his wrath] all who are found upon the watch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved. 13 And they that have been scattered shall be gathered. 14 And all they who have mourned shall be comforted. 15 And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned.

16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. 17 Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered. 18 They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion— 19 And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled. 20 And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints— 21 Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion.

22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places; 23 And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together. 24 And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of the heavens, or of the fish of the sea, that dwells upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed; 25 And also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new [New Heaven and Earth], that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth.

• Verse 25: Things Shall Become New
• The scriptures refer to a phase refered to as a New Heaven and Earth.  Isaiah states: 
• 17 ¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
• It is what Peter told his followers to seek after: 
• 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
• It is not clear when the New Heaven and New Earth occur.  Revelations suggests that its occurrence transpires after the Millennium, where Satan has been defeated and no longer has power over the earth.  Moses 7, suggests that it happens before/during.  Moreover, verses 26-36 suggest that it happens before.  In any case, Revelation indicates that it will occur when the continents of the earth have been rejoined ("these was no more sea.", see Rev 21: 1).  This phase of a New Heaven and Earth signals the union of earth and heaven.  For the holy city will come down from heaven and unite with the earth (see Revelation 21: 2; Moses 7: 63).  It is the unification that transforms the earth into a celestial kingdom, a place where God himself will dwell. 

26 And in that day [New Heaven and Earth] the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face. 27 And in that day [New Heaven and Earth] whatsoever any man shall ask, it shall be given unto him. 28 And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man [Satan will be bound because he has no power over the hearts of the people.  He can't tempt them.]  29 And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. 30 In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree; 31 And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious [see Isaiah 65-20 25]. 

32 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day [New Heaven and Earth] when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things— [He will reveal all things. because the people of Zion are worth to receive and able to bear it] 33 Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof— 34 Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven. 35 And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory. 36 Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full [We shouldn't fear death because if we are faithful even through death, we can partake of the same glory that the living inhabitants of Zion partake of]. 

37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul. 38 And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.

• Verse 37: Care Not for the Body
• When the Lord says not to care for the body, he doesn't mean that we shouldn't care about proper hygiene and health.  After all, he gave the word of wisdom for our temporal benefit. Moreover, soul, as we learn from section 88 refers to both the body and the spirit.  Taking care of the soul requires taking care of the body.  The point is that we should not be preoccupied with the things pertaining to the material over the spiritual.  No matter what we do on earth.  No matter our successes.  None of that will achieve the glory of living in Zion with the Lord.  Our primarily focus on this earth is to seek the Lord's face so we can receive the blessings of eternal life and a life in Zion. 
• Verse 38: In Patience Ye May Possess Your Souls
• One commentor pointed out: "This statement likely alludes to Luke 21:19 where the word patience in Greek is hupomone, which can mean “patience” and is so translated in the King James Version, but probably would better be rendered “endurance” or “steadfastness.” The familiar phrase “the patience of Job” (James 5:11) is another place in the King James Version where the Greek hupomone was clearly meant to refer to Job’s power of endurance rather than to his patiently waiting for anything."

39 When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant [through the baptism of fire and reception of the Holy Ghost], they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men; 40 They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 41 Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion, even many, but not all; they were found transgressors, therefore they must needs be chastened [Because they are not salt that has lost its savor]— 42 He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted [This principle applies to the Missouri saints who exalted themselves due to their status and promised blessings].

• Verse 39: Salt of the Earth 
• In ancient times, the principal purposes of salt were for seasoning and preserving food.  If salt should somehow lose its ability to do those things, if food should lose its salt-ness, it would become worthless and be thrown out in the street with everything else discarded as worthless or unclean.  Village streets and alleys were the collective dumps and sewers where all such refuse was trodden into the mud by pedestrian and other traffic.

43 And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion. 44 A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees; 45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard. 46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower. 47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower? 48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace? 49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things. 

• Verses 43 - 49: Show Unto You A Parable 
• Given that the Lord is addressing his the Missouri saints, this parable is clearly a reference to the Missouri saints and their situation.  It also gives insight to the attitude of the Missouri saints in regard to their assignment to establish Zion.  nThe following is a break-down of the parable. 
• The Nobleman: The Lord
• Choice Land, Vineyard: Zion 
• Twelve Olive Trees: Israel -- who is to inhabit Zion. 
• Servants: The Missouri saints 
• Watchmen: officers or leaders of the Church in Missouri
• Watchman: the one keeping watch from upon the temple
• Tower: the temple the church leaders were commanded to build.
• what need hath my lord of this tower: The Missouri saints did not take building the temple seriously.  They figured that there would be not need during the relative peace in Missouri -- prior to their persecution. 

50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord [Contention and fighting distracts us from what matters]. 51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees. 52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil? 53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you? 54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.

• Verses 50 -54: Show Unto You A Parable 
• Enemy: The mob, Satan
• the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees: The mob were able to remove the Missouri saints from their land, which prevented establishment of Zion and in consequence the full gathering of Israel. 
• Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you: The Lord reprimands the saints for neglecting to do what he commanded them to do.  And because they were unable to establish a temple, they were vulnerable to attacks from the mob. 

55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry; 56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money. 57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen. 58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land. 59 And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be? 60 And he said unto his servant: When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you; 61 And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you—a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom. 62 And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled. 

• Verses 55 - 62: Show Unto You A Parable
• One of his servants: Refers to either JS (who the Lord used to establish Zion, either through Zion's camp or again in Nauvoo, or could refer to a future servant who will finally redeem Zion that was lost)
• go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine: At some point, the Lord will call one his servants to redeem Zion 
• his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled: Zion will be redeemed through the Lord's servant (In other posts, I refer to this servant as the Davidic Servant) 

63 Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they [the churches] are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their [the churches] salvation—64 That [the churches -- both Kirtland and Missouri must be guided in the right and proper way for the gathering to take place] the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.  65 Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be; 66 While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire [Zion serves as a place of refuge to protect the righteous from destruction.  That's why it is imperative that it be established before the Lord returns otherwise the righteous would be destroyed].

67 Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed. 68 Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you. 69 And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things— 70 Which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands with money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints; 71 All the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.

72 Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you. 73 And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands. 74 And the churches in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel they may buy lands and gather together upon them; and in this way they may establish Zion. 75 There is even now already in store sufficient, yea, even an abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to hearken to my voice.

76 And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you— 77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; 78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. 79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. 80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men [founding fathers] whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed [To purchase back; to ransom; to liberate or rescue from captivity or bondage] the land by the shedding of blood. 

• Verse 80: For This Purpose
• The Lord confirms that his hand was involved in the establishment of the Constitution of the United States of America.
•  Lynn D. Wardle has outlined how the Lord’s hand began to move over the earth well before the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Dr. Wardle points out that in the seventeenth century pilgrim immigrants brought with them to this country a strong tradition of “covenant theology.”  Covenant theology is essentially the idea that in the eyes of God the only proper civil government for man on earth is that which guarantees the freedom of the individual, limited governmental control over the people, and popular sovereignty or the right of the people to govern themselves. Man enters into a covenant with God and with his fellow man to guarantee this form of government.  These early settlers also brought with them a spirit of divine destiny—the sense that God was about to move upon the earth and do something momentous and far-reaching.  They felt that the new world was a special land prepared and reserved by God for his special purposes, and that they had been brought to the new world by the hand of God to bring to pass his purposes in this chosen land.  (“The Constitution as Covenant,” BYU Studies 27:3)
• The concepts of covenant theology were firmly established in the religious teachings of these early inhabitants of the thirteen colonies.  When the constitution of the United States was drawn up, it was natural that these ideas be written into that document. 

81 Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge, for men ought always to pray and not to faint, which saith— 82 There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man. 83 And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying: Avenge me of mine adversary. 84 And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 85 Thus will I liken the children of Zion.

• Verses 81 - 85: Liken Them Unto the Parable of the Woman....
• In this modern revelation, given through Joseph Smith to the infant Church at a time of great persecution, the parable’s widow is likened to the latter-day Church.  Mobs had driven the saints from their homes.  Threats of death against individuals of the Church were many. The people had lost household furniture, clothing, livestock, and other personal property, and many of their crops had been destroyed.  The Lord’s application of this parable to our dispensation is that the saints ought to importune at the feet of all appropriate government officials in sequence.  And, by this patient process, if they do not obtain redress for what they have lost, then the Lord will intercede and in his hot displeasure he will cut off all of these unjust stewards and judge them harshly and immediately.

86 Let them importune at the feet of the judge; 87 And if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor; 88 And if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president; 89 And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation; 90 And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers; 91 Even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. 92 Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be opened unto your cries, that I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not come upon them. 93 What I have said unto you must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; 94 That wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; 95 That I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work, that men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God.

96 And again, I say unto you, it is contrary to my commandment and my will that my servant Sidney Gilbert should sell my storehouse, which I have appointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies. 97 Let not that which I have appointed be polluted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name; 98 For this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people, in consequence of those things which I have decreed and which are soon to befall the nations. 99 Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold claim upon that which I have appointed unto them, though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon. 100 Nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell thereon; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom they shall dwell thereon. 101 They shall build, and another shall not inherit it; they shall plant vineyards, and they shall eat the fruit thereof. Even so. Amen.