LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
Downloaded from churchofjesuschrist.org in September 2026
The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 31
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, September
1830. The occasion was immediately following a conference of the Church
(see the heading to section 30). Thomas B. Marsh had been baptized
earlier in the month and had been ordained an elder in the Church
before this revelation was given.
1–6, Thomas B.
Marsh is called to preach the gospel and is assured of his family’s
well-being; 7–13, He is counseled to be patient, pray always, and
follow the Comforter.
1 Thomas, my
son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work. 2 Behold, you
have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will
bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh
that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my
church.
Note: Thomas Marsh left the Methodist church seeking wild revelations.
In 1829, Marsh
unexpectedly left his home in Boston and journeyed west, traveling with
Benjamin Hall, one of his friends from the Quietist sect. In his words,
"I believed the Spirit of God dictated me to make a journey west." He
stayed at Lima, New York in Livingston County for three months before
returning home. On the way home, he stopped at Lyonstown, where a woman
informed him of the golden plates that Joseph Smith was said to have
obtained. She directed him to Palmyra, New York, and told him to seek
out Martin Harris for more information.
3 Lift up your
heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your
tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy
unto this generation. 4 You shall declare the things which have been
revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach
from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already
to be burned.
Note: Thomas Marsh obeyed Joseph Smith and became a high priest.
Marsh moved
with the church to Kirtland, Ohio in the spring of 1831. He was
ordained a high priest and received a call to proselytize in Missouri
with Ezra Thayre. Thayre delayed for a long time, and so Selah J.
Griffin was appointed to take Thayre's place.
5 Therefore,
thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven
you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the
laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live. 6
Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and
declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them. 7 Yea, I will
open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will
establish a church by your hand; 8 And you shall strengthen them and
prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered.
Note: Thomas Marsh obeyed Joseph Smith and became an apostle.
According to
Marsh's autobiographical sketch, published in 1864: "In January, 1835,
in company with Bishop Partridge and agreeable to revelation, I
proceeded to Kirtland, where we arrived early in the spring, when I
learned I had been chosen one of the Twelve Apostles.
9 Be patient
in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house
in meekness and be steadfast. 10 Behold, I say unto you that you shall
be a physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for they will
not receive you.
Note: Thomas Marsh was never trained to be a doctor or was educated.
As a young
man, Marsh developed a pattern of traveling and working for various
employers. Marsh ran away at age 14 to Chester, Vermont, and worked as
a farmer for three months. Then he left for Albany, New York, working
as a waiter for 18 months. He spent two years working at the New York
City Hotel, then returned to Albany for a year, and then back at the
New York hotel for two more years. He also spent 18 months working as a
groom for Edward Griswold on Long Island, New York.
11 Go your way
whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what
you shall do and whither you shall go. 12 Pray always, lest you enter
into temptation and lose your reward. 13 Be faithful unto the end, and
lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me,
even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen.
Note: Thomas Marsh came to realize that Joseph Smith was rotten.
On October 19,
1838, the day after Gallatin was burned, Marsh and fellow apostle,
Orson Hyde, left the association of the church. Marsh drafted and
signed a legal affidavit against Smith on October 24, 1838, which Hyde
also signed. In addition to reporting on the organization of the
Danites and on the events in Daviess County, Marsh reported rumors that
the Danites had set up a "destroying company" and that "if the people
of Clay & Ray made any movement against them, this destroying
company was to burn Liberty & Richmond." He further stated his
belief that Smith planned "to take the State, & he professes to his
people to intend taking the U.S. & ultimately the whole world". The
committee that received Marsh's and Hyde's affidavit noted that Marsh
and Hyde left the church due to their "conviction of [the Mormons']
immorality and impiety."