Doctrine and Covenants 54 — Overview
Date & Setting
Date: June 1831
Location: Kirtland, Ohio
Recipient: Newel Knight and the Colesville Branch of Saints
This revelation was given as a direct response to the collapse of a consecration arrangement between the Colesville Saints and Leman Copley, a former Shaker who revoked his promise to let them settle on his land in Thompson, Ohio.
Historical Background
The Colesville Saints had been faithfully trying to live the law of consecration. They had relocated from New York to Ohio and were temporarily settled on land belonging to Leman Copley. When Copley withdrew his support—breaking his covenant with the Church—the Saints were suddenly homeless and confused.
This revelation is the Lord’s instruction to them through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It outlines their next steps and addresses the seriousness of broken covenants, while encouraging the Saints to continue in obedience despite this disappointment.
🔗 Related reading:
Purpose of the Revelation
To instruct the Colesville Saints to relocate again, this time to Missouri.
To reaffirm the Lord’s guidance despite human failure and betrayal.
To warn against covenant-breaking, and comfort those who remain faithful.
Significance
The section demonstrates the reality of setbacks in covenant living.
It emphasizes that obedience and endurance, even when things fall apart, are part of the Lord’s refining pattern.
The Lord does not condemn the Colesville Saints for the broken agreement—but calls them forward with new instructions and renewed hope.
Verses | Main Theme | Summary |
1–2 | A New Journey Begins | The Lord commands Newel Knight and the Colesville Saints to leave Thompson and travel to Missouri. |
3–4 | Covenant-Breaking and Consequences | The Lord denounces Leman Copley’s broken covenant, warning that those who fail to keep their covenants will face judgment. |
5–6 | Endurance in Obedience | The faithful are promised that if they continue in obedience, they will be blessed and exalted, even amid trials. |
7–8 | The Lord’s Pattern of Governance | The command to act is reaffirmed. The Saints are to journey and obey, and their example will teach others to follow the Lord’s order. |
9–10 | Walk Uprightly and Trust the Lord | The Saints are encouraged to walk uprightly and avoid hypocrisy; the Lord is watching over them and will judge with justice. |
Section Summary
Disappointment and Direction: The Colesville Saints faced a major disruption, but the Lord quickly provided new direction and comfort.
Covenants Matter: The Lord speaks with sharp clarity about the spiritual consequences of covenant-breaking, emphasizing the importance of integrity and follow-through.
Faith in the Midst of Trials: The Lord encourages the Saints to persevere in obedience, with the promise that blessings will come if they endure faithfully.
Zion Is Still the Goal: Despite the setback, Missouri remains the destination. The pattern of gathering, testing, and refining continues as part of building Zion.