Doctrine and Covenants 60

Doctrine and Covenants 60

Historical Context

With the land of Zion dedicated and the emigrants from the Church building their homes, it was time for the majority of the elders in Missouri to return home. Some elders, including Edward Partridge, would stay behind to assist the Saints in gathering and building the city. The Lord commanded most of the elders to return to Ohio and provided instructions for how to carry out the journey. In his history, Joseph Smith introduced the revelation by simply noting, “On the 8th, as there had been some inquiry among the elders, what they were to do, I received the following” (Joseph Smith—History, vol. A-1, 141, JSP).

See “Historical Introduction,” Revelation, 8 August 1831 [D&C 60]

Verse-by-Verse Commentary

D&C 60:1–4

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came: Behold, it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither;

2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

3 And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.

4 For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and among the armies of the earth; and in the day when I shall make up my jewels, all men shall know what it is that bespeaketh the power of God.

Here the Lord references the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14–30. In the parable, three servants are given talents, a large monetary measure that equaled about twenty years’ wages for the average day laborer (“Talent,” Lexham Bible Dictionary). Two of the servants wisely utilized their talents, doubling their investment. The third servant took his talent “and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money” (Matthew 25:18). When the master of the parable held an accounting of the three servants, he commended the first two for their wise stewardship. He then chastised the servant who hoarded his talent, and the master took the talent back.

Likewise, the Savior chastened a number of the missionaries in Missouri who were withholding their gifts and refusing to share the gospel with others. As with all of His servants, the Lord wants us to use the gifts and knowledge we have been given to bless and help others.

D&C 60:5–9

5 But, verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis.

6 And from thence let my servants, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, take their journey for Cincinnati;

7 And in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you.

8 And let the residue take their journey from St. Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among the congregations of the wicked, until they return to the churches from whence they came.

9 And all this for the good of the churches; for this intent have I sent them.

Part of the elders’ petition to the Lord apparently included a question about how to travel home to Kirtland. Some of the missionaries proposed traveling by canoe or by some other method. The Lord told the missionaries that their method of travel did not matter to Him and that they could decide for themselves. While the Lord is deeply involved in the details of our lives, there are many times when He desires us to use our own wisdom and agency to make decisions. Seeking personal revelation or guidance from a priesthood leader in every decision is not necessary and may impede our personal growth. In these verses, the Lord gives counsel to the elders about preaching the gospel during their journey, but He leaves the method of travel open to their judgment.

President Dallin H. Oaks spoke of two lines of communication to God. The first is the personal line, which is “of paramount importance in personal decisions and in the governance of the family.” The second is “the priesthood line, which operates principally to govern heavenly communications on Church matters.” President Oaks counseled, “We must use both the personal line and the priesthood line in proper balance to achieve the growth that is the purpose of mortal life. If personal religious practice relies too much on the personal line, individualism erases the importance of divine authority. If personal religious practice relies too much on the priesthood line, individual growth suffers. The children of God need both lines to achieve their eternal destiny. The restored gospel teaches both, and the restored Church provides both” (“Two Lines of Communication,” Ensign, November 2010, 83–86).

D&C 60:10–14

10 And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of the money which I have given him, a portion unto mine elders who are commanded to return;

11 And he that is able, let him return it by the way of the agent; and he that is not, of him it is not required.

12 And now I speak of the residue who are to come unto this land.

13 Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known.

14 And after thou hast come up unto the land of Zion, and hast proclaimed my word, thou shalt speedily return, proclaiming my word among the congregations of the wicked, not in haste, neither in wrath nor with strife.

The Lord provided a warning against idleness and hiding away talents to those who were coming to Zion. Often the work of the Lord is hindered not only by those who are afraid to share their witness but also by those who refuse to actively engage in the work. The Lord’s counsel continues the theme that the members of the Church must be “anxiously engaged” and use their own free will and judgment to move the work forward (D&C 58:26–27). While the way may not always be clear, it is imperative that members of the Church continue to move forward. Idleness was one of the sure ways to create contention and strife among the Saints. The Lord commanded in an earlier revelation, “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer” (D&C 42:42).

D&C 60:15–17

15 And shake off the dust of thy feet against those who receive thee not, not in their presence, lest thou provoke them, but in secret; and wash thy feet, as a testimony against them in the day of judgment.

16 Behold, this is sufficient for you, and the will of him who hath sent you.

17 And by the mouth of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., it shall be made known concerning Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery. The residue hereafter. Even so. Amen.

Shake off the dust of thy feet. See commentary for Doctrine and Covenants 24:15–19.