Historical Background
Section 61 instructed those traveling with Joseph Smith to travel quickly but to preach along the way and spread the glad tidings of the Restoration. This the men did. When they arrived in Chariton, Missouri, that were delighted to find members of the Church who had been in Independence: Hyrum Smith, John Murdock, David Whitmer, and Harvey Whitlock, who were on their way to Independence. Joseph sought for and received additional guidance for the brethren headed toward Western Missouri. That guidance is contained in this revelation. The group Joseph was with, consisting of himself and ten other men, continued on to Kirtland, Ohio, arriving on the 27th of August 1831. Thus, the trip Joseph and his associates took from Kirtland to Independence and back, with conferences in July to reveal the location of the New Jerusalem and other important matters, took three months.
D&C 62:1-3 The Testimony You Have Borne
What did the Lord tell the brethren headed for the land of Zion (Independence, Missouri), concerning the testimonies they had borne along the way as they traveled? What blessings should we expect from the Lord whenever we share our testimonies?
D&C 62:4-5 Continue Your Journey
What were the brethren supposed to do when they arrived in Zion? After they had completed their journey there, what were they to do as they returned home? Why would it be important for these elders to follow these instructions?
D&C 62:6-9 The Lord Promises and Cannot Lie
What blessings were available to the elders if they received the blessings with a thankful heart? What blessings are available to you from God if you are grateful? Cross-reference: D&C 59:21; D&C 14:6-7.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 61
Historical Background
The missionaries who had been called from Ohio to preach the gospel in Missouri had received instructions concerning their return to Ohio (see D&C 60). They did not all return together. The Prophet Joseph led a group of ten men (Ezra Booth, Reynolds Cahoon, Joseph Coe, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Gilbert, William W. Phelps, Sidney Rigdon, Samuel H. Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jr., and Frederick G. Williams) back to Kirtland. They traveled by canoe. After two days in the Missouri River there was an accident. The canoe Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were riding in ran into a tree that had become lodged in the river. The canoe was tipped over and those riding in it were nearly drowned. The party elected to camp for a time at a place called McIlwaine’s Bend, about 100 miles from Independence, Missouri. As they were camped, the Lord gave the Prophet Joseph a revelation concerning “the waters.”
D&C 61:1-6 Destructions upon the Waters
Remember that the Lord directed the elders returning to Ohio to travel “two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among the congregations of the wicked” (D&C 60:8). What word does the Lord use to describe how the elders were returning to their homes in Ohio? See verse 3. What does the Lord say about the waters? What comfort does he give to those who travel upon the waters?
D&C 61:7-19 A Curse upon the Waters
What does the Lord say about “the waters” in verses 14-19? What does he say about “the land” in verse 17? According to these verses, who will be able to travel to Zion safely upon the waters?
D&C 61:20-22 Fulfill the Mission
What is of greatest concern to the Lord concerning the missionaries he called from Ohio? What is the greatest concern that the Lord has for missionaries called today?
D&C 61:23-35 Do as the Spirit Commands
Find the word “Spirit” in verses 27-28. What power is given by the Spirit? What are we to do when the Spirit gives direction?
D&C 61:36-39 A Message to All
What does the Lord say in these verses that should bring us good cheer?
The missionaries who had been called from Ohio to preach the gospel in Missouri had received instructions concerning their return to Ohio (see D&C 60). They did not all return together. The Prophet Joseph led a group of ten men (Ezra Booth, Reynolds Cahoon, Joseph Coe, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Gilbert, William W. Phelps, Sidney Rigdon, Samuel H. Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jr., and Frederick G. Williams) back to Kirtland. They traveled by canoe. After two days in the Missouri River there was an accident. The canoe Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were riding in ran into a tree that had become lodged in the river. The canoe was tipped over and those riding in it were nearly drowned. The party elected to camp for a time at a place called McIlwaine’s Bend, about 100 miles from Independence, Missouri. As they were camped, the Lord gave the Prophet Joseph a revelation concerning “the waters.”
D&C 61:1-6 Destructions upon the Waters
Remember that the Lord directed the elders returning to Ohio to travel “two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among the congregations of the wicked” (D&C 60:8). What word does the Lord use to describe how the elders were returning to their homes in Ohio? See verse 3. What does the Lord say about the waters? What comfort does he give to those who travel upon the waters?
D&C 61:7-19 A Curse upon the Waters
What does the Lord say about “the waters” in verses 14-19? What does he say about “the land” in verse 17? According to these verses, who will be able to travel to Zion safely upon the waters?
D&C 61:20-22 Fulfill the Mission
What is of greatest concern to the Lord concerning the missionaries he called from Ohio? What is the greatest concern that the Lord has for missionaries called today?
D&C 61:23-35 Do as the Spirit Commands
Find the word “Spirit” in verses 27-28. What power is given by the Spirit? What are we to do when the Spirit gives direction?
D&C 61:36-39 A Message to All
What does the Lord say in these verses that should bring us good cheer?
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