dccanon
Doctrine & Covenants
Section 54
Jehovah, identified as the crucified and risen Lord, speaks directly to Newel Knight, commanding him to hold his appointed office while his company in Kirtland repents, humbles itself, and flees westward to Missouri near the borders of the Lamanites. A broken covenant is declared void, with solemn warning attached to those whose transgression caused the breach, and with mercy promised to those who kept it. The saints are told to sustain themselves by ordinary labor until a place is prepared — an early signal of the staged gathering pattern — and to hold in patience until the Lord's return.
1
Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world—
2
Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you.
3
And if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite.
4
And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect.
5
And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea.
6
But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.
7
Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you.
8
And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites.
9
And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you.
10
And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.
