Revelation Dates: May 1831

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 49 - Historical Background: A man named Leman Copley was a recent convert from a religious group called the Shakers, or the Shaking Quakers. He was so excited about the gospel that he wanted to present it to his former church members located near Cleveland, Ohio. The founder of the Shakers was a woman named Ann Lee, who had once been involved in a miserable marriage. Much of her religion was built around her opposition to marriage and the relations that went with it. “Mother Lee” was regarded as the returned Christ, meat was forbidden to eat, baptism was unnecessary and a celibate life was required. Before sending missionaries to this group, Joseph asked the Lord how to approach the concepts of these people.

• Recap: The Lord calls Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt to teach the Shakers, including Leman Copley, so Leman can convince his former congregation the truths of the Gospel. If they accept it, they shall be saved. Otherwise they shall be damned. The Lord specifies true gospel concepts to be taught: The Lord has not yet come the second time; Believe on Jesus Christ; Repent; Be Baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; Marriage is ordained of God; Meat is ordained for the use of man if not wasted; and Christ will return in the heavens – not as a woman or a man walking the earth. [Note: This missionary effort was completely rejected by the Shakers, and even Leman Copley abandoned the church, breaking promises and covenants he made previously.]

Section 50 - Historical Background: Numerous converts were flooding into the church, making it difficult to manage the many new branches spreading abroad. Especially troublesome were the perverted beliefs many converts brought into the church from their former religion. A false and lying spirit was beginning to infiltrate the church, including false visions, prophesies and manifestations of spiritual possession. Some church leaders became concerned and approached Joseph to inquire of the Lord. Together, they all knelt in prayer and Joseph received this revelation.

• Recap: There are many false spirits in the world, intending to deceive the world and especially the saints. Within the church there are some hypocrites (pretenders) who have deceived some, but they will be detected and cut off. The Elders are to preach according to the Spirit of God – if by any other means it is not of God. If the Spirit they receive does not edify, it is a false spirit. That which is of God is light, to chase away the darkness. If one cannot discern whether the spirit be good or evil, ask God. If it is evil, humbly but firmly denounce that spirit.

Revelation Dates: March 8, 1831

Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 46 - Historical Background: New converts were now pouring into Kirtland, Ohio. Many had preconceived ideas from their former churches how weekly services should be held. Joseph inquires of the Lord how He wants it done.

• Recap: The elders attending the meeting should preside and conduct the meeting according to the Spirit. All people should be welcomed to attend, but only worthy members should partake of the sacrament. All members should seek earnestly the best gifts of the Spirit. Some of these gifts are to witness of Jesus Christ, having a believing heart, strong leadership, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, healing, faith, prophecy, and tongues. All gifts come from God for the benefit of mankind.

Section 47 - Historical Background: Up to this time, Oliver Cowdery had been acting as Church historian. Joseph Smith called John Whitmer to replace Oliver and John agreed to do it, but only if Joseph Smith received divine guidance from the Lord to call him to the work.

• Recap: John Whitmer is called to be the recorder of church history and additionally to replace Sidney Rigdon to transcribe revelations and future revisions of the scriptures.

Section 48 - Historical Background: A large number of new converts were about to arrive from New York. A member named Leman Copley made a covenant allowing the arriving saints to occupy a piece of his land. Copley apostatized and broke his covenant, forcing these weary saints off of his land. Other saints were occupying a piece of land owned by Isaac Morley. Joseph inquired of the Lord how to acquire lands for the many incoming Saints.

• Recap: Temporary quarters are necessary for the incoming Saints until the church moves west. If necessary, purchase or lease some land, but conserve funds for purchasing land in Zion. The Elders will be sent to Missouri and it will be revealed to them where Zion will be established and these lands should be purchased, laying the foundation for the City of Zion. The bishop will have the responsibility to assign properties to each family as their needs require.

Revelation Date: March 7, 1831

Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 45 - Historical Background: The Lord was well aware of the perils that were pouring out upon the Saints. Joseph lamented, “Many false reports, lies, and foolish stories were published and circulated in every direction, to prevent people from investigating the work.” During these times of slander and abuse, the Lord provided revelations of comfort and peace, including section 45, which was received, as Joseph wrote, “to the joy of the Saints who had to struggle against every thing that prejudice and wickedness could invent.”.

• Recap: Addressed to the entire church, the Lord encourages the Saints to retain their repentance so they qualify for the mercy of forgiveness through the atonement. Soften your heart that the following revelations will be a light in the darkness. All of God’s prophecies must be fulfilled, just as the destruction of the temple in old Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews was fulfilled.
• There will be coming wars, commotions, fear, hate and desolating plagues that will cover the land. There will be earthquakes, desolations and warfare. The wicked will curse God and die, but the righteous will not be moved.
• Be not troubled because the promises to the righteous shall all be fulfilled. Christ’s coming will cleanse the earth from evil. Gog and Magog will be destroyed. The Jews will see and accept Him as their Messiah. The righteous will be resurrected and Satan will be bound.
• The Lord prophesies of imminent war, probably the Civil War. Gather the Saints and assemble to the New Jerusalem – Zion, and sing the songs of everlasting joy.