Sacred Texts: Mormons

Mormon Doctrine & Covenants 58. Revelation through Joseph Smith, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, August 1, 1831.

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This is a Latter-day Saint (Mormon) canonical scripture — a revelation recorded as divine speech directed through Joseph Smith, classified as Doctrine and Covenants Section 58 — belonging to the tradition of modern prophetic revelation that characterizes early 19th-century Mormonism. Its central content concerns the establishment of Zion in Jackson County, Missouri, providing practical and spiritual instructions to early church leaders about their roles, land acquisition, governance, and missionary duties in this newly designated sacred territory. A theologically distinctive passage argues that God does not wish to "command in all things," explicitly valorizing human moral agency and self-directed righteousness over passive obedience — a nuanced position on free will unusual in a revelatory text that elsewhere issues direct commands. The revelation also delivers pointed personal rebukes to named individuals (Edward Partridge, Martin Harris, William W. Phelps, Ziba Peterson), charging each with specific sins such as unbelief, seeking worldly praise, or insufficient meekness. Eschatologically, it frames Zion as a preparatory gathering place for the Second Coming, with a millennial banquet open ultimately to all nations, prioritizing the poor and marginalized after an initial invitation to the rich and learned. Readers considering the full text will find it a mix of theological principle, ecclesiastical administration, land-purchase logistics, and prophetic warning — essential primary source material for understanding early Mormon theology of Zion and human agency.

Mormon Doctrine & Covenants 58. Revelation through Joseph Smith, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, August 1, 1831.

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