June 12, 1831 - D&C 54 was received

[Hemidakota]

June 12, 1831— Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received D&C 54, a revelation directed to Newel Knight concerning difficulties in the branch at Thompson, Ohio. (History of the Church, 1:180–81)

Historical Setting: Both these sections deal with the Colesville, New York Branch of the Church (also known as the Thompson, Ohio Branch) in their attempt to live the Law of Consecration as revealed through the Prophet. This group of Saints was given the special privilege of gaining the experience of living the principles of this law. (See D&C 51:15-18) Later, the entire Church would be required to live this law. Because of the common nature of these revelations we will discuss them together in this chapter. (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1, by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell)

Joseph Smith: "The branch of the Church in Thompson, on account of breaking the covenant, and not knowing what to do, they sent in Newel Knight and other Elders, to ask me to inquire of the Lord for them; which I did, and received the following." (HC, Vol. 1, p. 180)

Background Narration:

B. H. Roberts - It is difficult to determine with exactness in what the transgressions of the Saints at Thompson consisted, but it is evident that selfishness and rebellion were at the bottom of their trouble, and that Leman Copley and Ezra Thayre were immediately concerned in it. The Saints comprising the Colesville branch, when they arrived at the gathering place in Ohio, were advised to remain together and were settled at Thompson, a place in the vicinity of Kirtland. On their arrival Bishop Edward Partridge urged the Prophet Joseph to inquire of the Lord concerning the manner of settling them, and providing for them. Whereupon the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation [D&C Section 51] found on page 173. [HC, Vol. 1] It will be seen from that revelation that the Saints of the Colesville branch were to be organized under the law of consecration and stewardship. That is, in brief, the Saints were to make a consecration of whatsoever things they possessed unto the Bishop, and then each man receive from the Bishop a stewardship. Every man was to be equal in his stewardship, according to his family, his circumstances, and his needs. For details in the matter the reader is referred to the revelation itself. It is evident that some of the brethren already living at Thompson, had agreed to enter into the law of consecration and stewardship with the Saints from Colesville; and that afterwards they broke this covenant. Among these were Leman Copley and Ezra Thayre." A man by the name of Copley," says Newel Knight in his journal, "had a considerable tract of land there [in Thompson] which he offered to let the Saints occupy. Consequently a contract was agreed upon, and we commenced work in good faith. But in a short time Copley broke the engagement, and I went to Kirtland to see Brother Joseph," etc . . . (HC, Vol. 1, p. 180, Footnote)

Joseph Fielding Smith - . . . it appears that Copley, who had not been fully converted, and some others in Thompson, violated their covenants which caused confusion among the Colesville Saints and placed them at the mercy of their enemies. In their distress they sent Newel Knight, who was in charge of this branch, to the Prophet to learn what they should do. The Lord spoke to them by revelation (Sec. 54) saying since their covenant was broken and of no effect, they would have to flee to Missouri or their enemies would be upon them. . . (CHMR, Vol. 1, pp. 187-188)

Section Header Notes: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Newel Knight, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831. HC 1: 180–181. 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. See also Section 56, which is a continuation of the matter.

Versus amount: 10

Suggested link: D&C 51, 56

Summary and Conclusion: The spirit of the law of consecration is available to us today. We have opportunity to give of our selves and our resources through contributions of time, talent and material means to the building of the kingdom of God. Such opportunities come through the welfare program, living the law of tithing, contributing to building programs, etc. The principles are still the same. The Lord's mercy will be extended to those who make and keep covenants with Him. The decisions to be made are still the same. Will we choose to have the Lord's mercy or choose, instead, the consequences of violating covenants made with the Lord? (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell):

Edited June 13, 2010 by Hemidakota