August 6, 1836 – D&C 111 was received

[Hemidakota]

August 6, 1836— Salem, Massachusetts. Joseph Smith received D&C 111, a revelation concerning his journey to Salem with Sidney Rigdon, his brother Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery. (History of the Church, 2:465–66)

Historical Setting: Robert L. Millet/Kent P. Jackson - In order to understand the Salem revelation (D&C 111), one must have some knowledge of the financial situation of the Church in 1836. The Church in that period was in debt, or at least had severe shortages of capital. Some of the debt had been incurred in the construction of the Kirtland Temple.

This expensive building had taxed the resources of the members. Another source of financial distress was the aid rendered to the Saints in Missouri—both in direct aid and in paying for Zion's Camp.

Given this situation, Church leaders were anxious to find ways to relieve the debt and increase the amount of usable money. When Jonathan Burgess came to Kirtland telling of treasure located in Salem, he found believing listeners. Ebenezer Robinson recalled it this way:

A brother in the church by the name of Burgess, had come to Kirtland and stated that a large amount of money had been secreted in the cellar of a certain house in Salem, Massachussetts, which had belonged to a widow, and he thought he was the only person now living who had knowledge of it, or to the location of the house. We saw the brother Burgess, but Don Carlos Smith told us with regard to the hidden treasure. His statement was credited by the brethren, and steps were taken to try and secure the treasure.

Concerning the matter of treasure hunting, two points warrant consideration. First, Salem was a prosperous seaport with a world trade. The possibility of treasure being located in Salem was very likely. Second, treasure hunting was widespread among Americans in that era. Consider, for example, the following story from a Salem newspaper during the time when Joseph Smith and his party were in Salem:

MONEY DIGGING. There are many spots in Long Island where tradition holds that Capt Kidd buried sums of money. A number of men are now engaged making excavations about a ledge of rocks in the vicinity of Sand's Point. The ledge is called "Kidd's Rock," and the men are adventures from Boston. More labor has been expended on Long Island in following the delusions of men in regard to buried gold, than if properly bestowed would have sufficed to make many fortunes.—Long Island Star.

In addition to treasure seeking in Salem, there is another financial element in the story. En route to Massachussets, the Prophet and his companions visited New York City, where they consulted with creditors concerning their debt. (Studies in Scripture, Vol. 1: The Doctrine and Covenants by Robert L. Millet, Kent P. Jackson, P.432-433)

Joseph Smith, Jun. – On Monday afternoon, July 25th, in company with Sidney Rigdon, Brother Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery, I left Kirtland . . . and the next evening, about ten o'clock we arrived at Buffalo, New York. . . . we took passages on a line boat for Utica, where we arrived about eight o'clock A.M. of the 29th, just in time to take the railroad car for Schenectady, the first passenger car on the new road. . . .On the 30th, at seven o'clock A.M., we went on board the steamer John Mason, which took us to the Erie, lying over the bar. . . .From New York we continued our journey to Providence, on board a steamer; from thence to Boston, by steam cars, and arrived in Salem, Massachusetts, early in August, where we hired a house, and occupied the same during the month, teaching the people from house to house, and preaching publicly, as opportunity presented; visiting occasionally, sections of the surrounding country, which are rich in the history of the Pilgrim Fathers of New England, in Indian warfare, religious superstition, bigotry, persecution, and learned ignorance. . . .I received the following: [section 111, follows.] (HC 2:463-65, July 25-August 6, 1836; Salem, Massachusetts.)

Background Narration:

Joseph Smith letter to Emma Smith:

Salem, Mass., August 19th, 1836.

My beloved Wife:—Bro. Hyrum is about to start for home before the rest of us, which seems wisdom in God, as our business here can not be determined as soon as we could wish to have it. I thought a line from me by him would be acceptable toyou, even if it did not contain but little, that you may know that you and the children are much on my mind. With regard to thegreat object of our mission, you will be anxious to know. We have found the house since Bro. Burgess left us, very luckily and providentially, as we had one spell been most discouraged. The house is occupied, and it will require much care and patience to rent or buy it. We think we shall be able to effect it; if not now within the course of a few months. We think we shall be at home about the middle of September. I can think of many things concerning our business, but can only pray that you may have wisdom to manage the concerns that involve on you, and want you should believe me that I am your sincere friend and husband. In haste. Yours &c.,

Joseph Smith, Jr.

(Jessee, Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, pp. 349-50.)

Steven C. Harper

Just as the Saints in Missouri were being forced from yet another county, (Clay County), Joseph and the Saints in Ohio finished the house of the Lord in Kirtland at great expense. The resulting blessings far surpassed the value of every penny, but the process left Joseph in debt approximately thirteen thousand dollars, with more expenses looming. Under these circumstances Joseph took a risk. "A convert named Burgess had persuaded Church leaders that a large sum of money was hidden in the cellar" of a house in Salem, Massachusetts. Joseph, his brother Hyrum, Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon set out for Salem in July to meet Burgess and hopefully find the treasure. They searched in frustration for the house. On August 6, 1836, the Lord gave Doctrine and Covenants 111. (Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants by Steven C. Harper)

Section Header Notes:Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, 6 August 1836 (see History of the Church, 2:465–66). At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. Several of the factors prominent in the background are reflected in the wording of this revelation.

1–5, The Lord looks to the temporal needs of his servants; 6–11, He will deal mercifully with Zion and arrange all things for the good of his servants.

Versus amount: 11

Suggested link:

Summary and Conclusion: So many mistakes fall into the category of follies. The ability to recognize a folly is Christlike.

A positive approach to protect the ego of the individual might include a review of priorities, the acknowledgment of a sincere intent, and the implementation of the kind of action that becomes helpful and useful. (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell, p.255)

[Hemidakota]

What is a folly? It could be described as an honest mistake, an unwise decision, or a sincere error in judgment.

So many misunderstandings that occur among families, friends, associates, etc. are the result of follies. Normally, there is no intention to hurt or offend. However, honest mistakes are made. The major problem isn't the folly, or unwise behavior, itself, but the lack of spiritual maturity to recognize a folly and deal with it properly.

When a folly is committed and not recognized as such, the general result is the ego or self-esteem of the individual, as well as his personal dignity, suffers abuse.

From the first verse of this revelation, we may begin to see the wisdom and perfection of the Savior:

I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies. (D&C 111:1)

The recognition of follies by weak mortals is a giant step forward along the path of spirituality. The following is an illustration of such growth and advancement.

A father had a new windshield installed in his automobile. As he arrived home and drove into the driveway, he noticed his daughter playing on the lawn with the family dog. She was throwing rocks for the dog to retrieve. She threw a rock in the direction of the driveway and mistakenly hit the windshield of the car. The new windshield was shattered. What might be the usual reaction of the parent? Verbal or physical abuse would be the norm. However, this father was sensitive as to how the Lord would have him respond to this unintentional mistake and proceeded to assess the situation spiritually. "Folly," said he. "This behavior was not intended to do harm." The spiritual maturity here portrayed demonstrates that this father had the ability to recognize a folly. It seems such a simple thing, yet many people fail to separate the intent of the deed from the result of the act and the accompanying emotional climate. Hence, they launch forth on a course that is detrimental to the individual as well as to themselves.

The Handling of Follies

What is the mental or emotional condition of the child of God at the time he or she commits a folly? In most cases, their self-esteem plummets to a low level and their embarrassment is obvious. It is important to observe, in the case of Joseph Smith, how the Lord, after assessing the behavior to be a folly, moved to protect the ego of His youthful prophet; to salvage as much as possible from a difficult situation. We note His positive course of action:

I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.

Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you. . . .

Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them. . . .

. . . And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;

For there are more treasures than one for you in this city. (D&C 111:2-3, 5, 9-10)

We would call attention to three important principles:

1. The most valuable treasure on this earth is the soul of a man. Apparently, Joseph Smith had allowed his concern for the church's financial needs to, momentarily, take precedence. Priorities were reestablished by the Savior.

2. The sincerity of the prophet's intent was recognized and help was assured.

3. The Lord helped Joseph to make the best of the situation. With reference to the Lord's direction for Joseph to "inquire . . . concerning the . . . ancient inhabitants. . . . ," (D&C 111:9) we quote the following:

. . "ancient inhabitants" refers more particularly to the ancestors of the Prophet. The Revelation was given at Salem, the county seat of Essex County, Massachusetts. It was in that county that Robert Smith, the first of the Smith family in America, settled. It was the residence of many more of the pioneer immigrants to America, whose descendants joined the Church. At Salem, the county seat, the records for all the towns in the county were kept, and the Smiths' record, among others, were there. The matter of genealogy evidently entered into the inquiry concerning the "ancient inhabitants". . . . (DCC, p. 729) (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell, p.253-255)