Doctrine and Covenants Revelation Sites

By Missouri River (Chariton, Missouri)

Site of Chariton at the confluence of the Chariton and Missouri Rivers

Section 62

August 1831

Scripture

"Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.

". . . ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you."

Doctrine and Covenants 62:1, 3

Chariton was located on the eastern bank of the Missouri River, along a main trail between Independence and St. Louis.

Key Events

Revelation received by the Prophet for those who had missed important events in Jackson County because they preached the gospel while traveling instead of hurrying to Zion.

At Chariton, Joseph rejoiced to find his brother Hyrum and several elders en route to Independence. Rather than traveling speedily to Independence from Kirtland as Joseph and his companions had done to dedicate the land of Zion, the latter group had stopped along the way to preach the gospel.

Words of Joseph Smith

"You remember the testimony which I bore in the name of the Lord Jesus, concerning the great work which He has brought forth in the last days. You know my manner of communication, how that in weakness and simplicity, I declared to you what the Lord had brought forth by the ministering of His holy angels to me for this generation. I pray that the Lord may enable you to treasure these things in your mind, for I know that His Spirit will bear testimony to all who seek diligently after knowledge from Him. I hope you will search the Scriptures to see whether these things are not also consistent with those things which the ancient Prophets and Apostles have written." (History of the Church 1:442)

"When the Twelve or any other witnesses stand before the congregations of the earth, and they preach in the power and demonstration of the Spirit of God, and the people are astonished and confounded at the doctrine, and say, 'That man has preached a powerful discourse, a great sermon,' then let that man or those men take care that they do not ascribe the glory unto themselves, but be careful that they are humble, and ascribe the praise and glory to God and the Lamb; for it is by the power of the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Ghost that they have power thus to speak. What art thou, O man, but dust? And from whom receivest thou thy power and blessings, but from God?" (History of the Church 3:384)

The confluence of the Missouri and Chariton Rivers. The Prophet and his companions arrived here on foot the evening of 12 August 1831.