Interior of the Liberty Jail, restored. Joseph Smith and his companions were held in the dark, low-ceilinged basement of this building from December 1838 to April 1839. D&C 121- 123 were written in March, beginning with the prayer, "O God, where art thou?"

by Susan Howe

These sections are selections from a long letter written by Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, Missouri, on March 20, 1839, addressed "To the Church of Latter-day Saints at Quincy, Illinois and scattered abroad and to Bishop Partridge in particular" (Hc 3:289). The power and richness of the letter, both its doctrinal content and its literary images, may have resulted from the Prophet's personal suffering.

Section 121 begins with a prayer, a cry of "O God, where art thou?" a plea that God will recognize the sufferings of the Saints, punish their enemies, and avenge their wrongs (verses 1-6). In the next verse, the Prophet hears the consoling voice of inspiration saying, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment" (verse 7). He is reminded "Thy friends do stand by thee," and promised "They shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands" (verse 9). "Thou art not yet as Job" (verse 10). The righteousness of the Saints' actions is confirmed; in the Lord's time those who have afflicted the Saints will be punished (verses 11-25).

Verses 26-33 promise blessings of knowledge that will soon be poured out upon the Latter-day Saints by the Holy Spirit, including a knowledge of all God's dominions and the laws by which they operate. The last part of section 121 includes some of the most sensitive and powerful verses in LDS scripture. Here the Prophet teaches against all forms of unrighteous dominion. True authority, he writes, is always linked to love. "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned" (verse 41).

Section 122 is a revelation directed specifically to Joseph Smith, to help him understand the trials he is suffering. It assures him that he will be known for good among the noble and virtuous of the earth, and that his own people will never be turned against him by "the testimony of traitors" (verse 3). The verses graphically name perils and betrayals he has suffered or has yet to suffer, and then continues "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (verse 7). The section ends by reminding the young prophet that "the Son of Man hath descended below them all" (verse 8).

Section 123 instructs the Saints in the steps they should take to seek redress for their persecution and losses in Missouri. They are admonished to compile lists of property damages and character and personal injuries, to take affidavits, and to gather libelous publications so that they may present their case before government officials. This course of action is explained as the last duty they owe to God, to their families, and to the rising generation. The section ends by assuring the Saints that these efforts, although they may not understand their value, will be important to the Church in the future (verse 15).

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Bibliography

Christianson, James R. "A Ray of Light in an Hour of Darkness." In Studies in Scripture, ed. R. Millett and K. Jackson 1:463-75. Salt Lake City, 1984.

Maxwell, Neal A. But for a Small Moment. Salt Lake City, 1986.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 1, Doctrine and Covenants Section 121-123

Copyright © 1992 by Macmillan Publishing Company