SECTION
51
[Book
of Commandments 53, Kirtland D&C 23, LDS D&C 51]
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith, Jr., to Edward Partridge at Kirtland,
Ohio, May 1831. This revelation has the same background as Doctrine
and Covenants 48, both being concerned with locating the Saints from
the East in harmony with Zionic principles. Edward Partridge was the
only bishop in the church at this time.
1a.
Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my
servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; for it must
needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people; for
it must needs be that they are organized according to my laws; if
otherwise, they will be cut off;
1b.
wherefore let my servant Edward Partridge, and those whom he has
chosen, in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto this people their
portion, every man equal according to their families, according to
their circumstances, and their wants and needs;
1c.
and let my servant Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his
portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his
portion, that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance
in the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by
the voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the
church, to belong to the church;
1d.
and if he shall transgress, and is not accounted worthy to belong in
the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he
has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and the needy of my
church;
1e.
therefore he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on
that portion that is deeded unto him. And thus all things shall be
made sure according to the laws of the land.
2a.
And let that which belongs to this people be appointed unto this
people; and the money which is left unto his people, let there be an
agent appointed unto this people to take the money, to provide food
and raiment, according to the wants of this people.
2b.
And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and
receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.
3a.
And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given
unto that of another church;
3b.
wherefore, if another church would receive money of this church, let
them pay unto this church again, according as they shall agree;
3c.
and this shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall
be appointed by the voice of the church.
4a.
And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church, and
let all things, both in money and in meat, which is more than is
needful for the want of this people, be kept in the hands of the
bishop.
4b.
And let him also reserve unto himself, for his own wants, and for the
wants of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this business.
4c.
And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing
themselves according to my laws; and I consecrate unto them this land
for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them
otherwise, and command them to go hence; and the hour and the day is
not given unto them;
4d.
wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall
turn unto them for their good.
5a.
Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in
other places, in all churches.
5b.
And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward, shall
enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
5c.
Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an
hour you think not. Even so. Amen.
