Doctrine and Covenants Section 52

Historical Background

In February 1831, the Lord gave a revelation to Joseph Smith instructing him to have a conference of the Church (see Section 44). To comply with that revelation, Joseph held a conference in Kirtland, Ohio in June 1831. During this conference, 22 elders were ordained to the office of high priest, making this the first time in this dispensation when such an ordination took place. Also, 14 pairs of elders, including Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon, were called to serve missions. They were called to go to Missouri, taking different routes, and to “preach by the way” to any who would listen. The 22 who were called were:

Wheeler Baldwin, single, age 39.
Heman Bassett, single, age 18
Ezra Booth, married, age 28
Reynolds Cahoon, married, age 42
Jared Carter, married, age 31
Simeon Carter, married, age 38
William Carter, unknown
Zebedee Coltrin, married, age 28
John Corrill, married, age 38
Edson Fuller, married, age 21
Selah J. Griffin, married, age 40
Levi W. Hancock, single, age 29
Solomon Hancock, married, age 39
Solomon Humphrey, married, age 57
George F. James, married, age 35
Newel Knight, married, age 31
Isaac Morley, married, age 46
John Murdock, married, age 40
Simonds Ryder, married, age 40
Jacob Scott, unknown
Joseph Smith, married, age 25
Sidney Rigdon, married, age 39
Harvey G. Whitlock, single, age 21
Lyman Wight, married, age 36

These men were instructed to take different routes from Kirtland to Missouri. There expectation upon arriving was that the location of the New Jerusalem would be announced.

D&C 52:1-6 A Mission for Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon

What was to happen to these men if they faithfully fulfilled their mission? What promises are made to missionaries in every generation? See D&C 49:26-27.

D&C 52:7-11 Preach by the Way

Look through these verses to find specific instructions that applied to all missionaries called to serve by this revelation. How do the instructions given to these early missionaries apply to modern missionaries?

D&C 52:12-21 A Pattern by which Ye Shall Know Spirits

How are missionaries to receive blessings that will give them power to be successful in preaching the word? Why is it essential, even in our day, that missionaries have these traits?

D&C 52:22-34 Do Not Journey in Another’s Track

According to verses 33-34, should the missionaries travel together in a large group or go in separate routes to arrive in Missouri? What would happen if they followed this counsel?

D&C 52:35-36 Journey to the Eastern Lands

All missionaries are not given the same calling. How is the calling of Joseph Wakefield and Solomon Humphrey different from that of the other elders? What does this help us understand about missionary work?

D&C 52:37-44 The Land of Missouri

What important things does the Lord say concerning the land of Missouri, which is to be where the City of Zion is located? Why would all who are faithful want to go there? Cross-reference: Moses 7:18.