D&C 62

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on the bank of the Missouri River at Chariton, Missouri, August 13, 1831. On this day the Prophet and his group, who were on their way from Independence to Kirtland, met several elders who were on their way to the land of Zion, and, after joyful salutations, received this revelation.

Testimonies are recorded in heaven; The elders are to travel and preach according to judgment and as directed by the Spirit.

D&C 61

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on the bank of the Missouri River, McIlwaine’s Bend, August 12, 1831. On their return trip to Kirtland the Prophet and ten elders had traveled down the Missouri River in canoes. On the third day of the journey many dangers were experienced. Elder William W. Phelps, in daylight vision, saw the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters.

The Lord has decreed many destructions upon the waters; The waters were cursed by John, and the destroyer rideth upon their face; Some have power to command the waters; Elders are to journey two by two and preach the gospel; They are to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man.

D&C 60

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Jackson County, Missouri, August 8, 1831. On this occasion the elders who had been appointed to return to the East desired to know how they should proceed, and by what route and manner they should travel.

The elders are to preach the gospel in the congregations of the wicked; They should not idle away their time, nor bury their talents; They may wash their feet as a testimony against those who reject the gospel.

D&C 59

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, August 7, 1831. Preceding his record of this revelation, the Prophet writes descriptively of the land of Zion wherein the people were then assembled. The land was consecrated, as the Lord had directed, and the site for the future temple was dedicated. The Lord makes these commandments especially applicable to the saints in Zion.

The faithful saints in Zion shall be blessed; They are to love and serve the Lord and keep his commandments; By keeping the Lord’s day holy, the saints are blessed temporally and spiritually; The righteous are promised peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come.

D&C 58

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, August 1, 1831. On the first Sabbath after the arrival of the Prophet and party in Jackson County, Missouri, a religious service was held and two members were received by baptism. During that week, members of the Colesville saints from the Thompson Branch and others arrived. Many were eager to learn the will of the Lord concerning them in the new place of gathering.


Those who endure tribulation shall be crowned with glory; The saints are to prepare for the marriage of the Lamb and the Supper of the Lord; Bishops are judges in Israel; The saints are to obey the laws of the land; Men should use their agency to do good; The Lord commands and revokes; To repent, men must confess and forsake their sins; The saints are to purchase their inheritance and gather in Missouri; The gospel must be preached unto every creature.

D&C 57

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, July 20, 1831. In compliance with the Lord’s command, the elders had journeyed from Kirtland to Missouri with many varied experiences and some opposition. In contemplating the state of the Lamanites and the lack of civilization, refinement, and religion among the people generally, the Prophet exclaimed in yearning prayer: “When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will thy Temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?” Subsequently he received this revelation.

Independence, Missouri, is the place for the City of Zion and the temple; The saints are to purchase lands and receive inheritances in that area; Sidney Gilbert is to establish a store, W. W. Phelps is to be a printer, and Oliver Cowdery is to edit material for publication.

Gifts of the Spirit

“If you will obey the Gospel with hinest hearts, I promise you in the name of the Lord, that the gifts as promised by our Saviour will follow you.”

D&C 56

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831. Ezra Thayre, who had been appointed to travel to Missouri with Thomas B. Marsh was unable to start on his mission when the latter was ready. Elder Thayre was not ready to depart on his journey because of his involvement in the problems at Thompson, Ohio. The Lord answered the Prophet’s inquiry on the matter by giving this revelation.

The saints must take up their cross and follow the Lord to gain salvation; The Lord commands and revokes, and the disobedient are cast off; Wo unto the rich who will not help the poor, and wo unto the poor whose hearts are not broken; Blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, for they shall inherit the earth.

D&C 55

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to William W. Phelps, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831. William W. Phelps, a printer, and his family had just arrived at Kirtland, and the Prophet sought the Lord for information concerning him.

W. W. Phelps is called and chosen to be baptized, ordained an elder, and preach the gospel; He is also to write books for children in church schools; He is to travel to Missouri, which will be the area of his labors.

D&C 54

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Newel Knight, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831. Members of the Church in the branch at Thompson, Ohio, were divided on questions having to do with the consecration of properties. Selfishness and greed were manifest, and Leman Copley had broken his covenant to consecrate his large farm as a place of inheritance for the saints arriving from Colesville, New York. Ezra Thayre was also involved in the controversy. As a consequence, Newel Knight (president of the branch at Thompson) and other elders had come to the Prophet asking how to proceed. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation.

The saints must keep the gospel covenant to gain mercy; They must be patient in tribulation.