Episode 90: I'll pay Joseph Smith back when he gets to Missouri
Doctrine and Covenants 53-57
Section 53
Revelation given through Joseph Smith to Algernon Sidney Gilbert, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 8, 1831
A message from God to Sidney Gilbert
1 I [God] say to you, Sidney Gilbert, that I heard your prayers in these last days. 3 Become and elder and preach. 4-5 You'll also be an agent for the church, and go on a journey with Joseph Smith, Jun. and Sidney Rigdon. 6 I'll give you more instructions later. 7 Amen.
Section 54
Revelation given through Joseph Smith to Newel Knight, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 10, 1831
Newell Knight, go to Missouri and wait for me to come
1 This is what Jesus says: 2 Newell Knight, do what I told you to do.7-8 Leave this land and go to Missouri to the boundaries of the Lamanites. 9 When you get there, get a job. 10 And patiently wait for me to come again. It won't be long. I come quickly. Amen.
Section 55
Revelation given through Joseph Smith to William W. Phelps, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 14, 1831
To William [Phelps] from the Lord
1 This is what the Lord says to you, William. 2 You will be ordained by Joseph Smith, Jun. as an elder in this church. 4 You will help Oliver Cowdery print books for church schools. 5 And you will travel with Joseph Smith, Jun. and Sidney Rigdon. 6 Joseph Cole will also go with you. I'll have more to say later when I feel like telling you. Amen.
Section 56
Revelation given through Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, June 15, 1831
They shall know mine arm
1 I'm God. Listen to me. I'm angry at those who rebel. They'll get to know my arm. 2 Only my followers will be saved. 3 Those who disobey me will be cut off (in my own due time).
I've changed my mind (and commandments)
4 I command and revoke whenever I feel like it. 5 So I'm revoking the commandment I gave Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre. 6 I'm also revoking the commandment that I gave to Selah J. Griffin and Newel Knight. 7 Instead, Newel Knight will stay with the people in Thompson, Ohio, and lead them to Missouri after they repent.
I'll pay Joseph Smith back when he gets to Missouri
8 Ezra Thayre must repent of his pride and selfishness and obey the former commandment that I gave him. 9 If he does this, he'll still get to go to Missouri. 10 Otherwise, the money he gave to the church will be returned to him and he'll be cut out of my church. 11 Heaven and earth may pass away, but these words won't. 12 If Joseph Smith, Jun. returns the money to Ezra Thayre, then I, the Lord, will reimburse Joseph Smith in Missouri.
Wo to the rich who won't help the poor
14 This is what I, the Lord, say to my people: You must repent because you have decided for yourselves what to do. 16 Wo to rich men who won't help the poor. Your riches will canker your souls. 17 Wo to the poor, whose bellies aren't satisfied, and who refuse to work with their hands. 18 But blessed are the poor whose hearts are broken, for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs. 20 And that's all I have to say about that. Amen.
Section 57
Revelation given through Joseph Smith in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, July 20, 1831
Here is wisdom: Zion is Independence, Missouri
1 I, the Lord God, have gathered you elders of the church together in Missouri, a land which I have consecrated to you. 2 This is where the city of Zion will be. 3 Here is wisdom: Independence is the center place. Build the temple on the west side, near the courthouse.
Sidney Gilbert will buy land for the church (This also is wisdom)
4 It is also wisdom that the all the land to the west should be purchased by the saints - to the line that divides the Jews from the Gentiles. 5 And this also is wisdom: Buy all the land in the prairies for an everlasting inheritance. 6 I've appointed Sidney Gilbert as the church's agent to buy land in all the regions round about. 7 And I've appointed Edward Partridge to distribute the land. 8 Sidney Gilbert will establish a store to get the money to buy land. 9 And here is some more wisdom: Sidney Gilbert will get a license (let he who reads this understand) to sell things.
