D&C 51

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 51

Received in May 1831 in Thompson, Ohio. This revelation gave Bishop Edward Partridge specific instructions on how to implement the law of consecration by assigning stewardships to the Saints. It addressed the practical challenge of organizing an equitable community among the gathering members.

Scripture

Assigning Stewardships by Need

Study note

Edward Partridge is instructed to appoint portions and stewardships according to each family's needs and circumstances.

1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; for it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people.

2 For it must needs be that they be organized according to my laws; if otherwise, they will be cut off.

3 Wherefore, let my servant Edward Partridge, and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs.

4 And let my servant Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion, that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the church.

5 And if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and needy of my church; therefore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him.

6 And thus all things shall be made sure, according to the laws of the land.

7 And let that which belongs to this people be appointed unto this people.

8 And the money which is left unto this people—let there be an agent appointed unto this people, to take the money to provide food and raiment, according to the wants of this people.

Accountability and the Lord's Storehouse

Study note

A system of written stewardship certificates and a storehouse for surplus is established to maintain order and equity.

9 And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.

10 And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another church.

11 Wherefore, if another church would receive money of this church, let them pay unto this church again according as they shall agree;

12 And this shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the church.

13 And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop.

14 And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and for the wants of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this business.

15 And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my laws.

Faithfulness and an Agent in the Land

Study note

An agent is to be appointed to handle temporal affairs, and the Saints are promised blessings in exchange for faithfulness.

16 And I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence;

17 And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good.

18 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches.

19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.

20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 51

Practical implementation of the law of consecrationStewardship based on need and circumstanceAccountability through written records and transparencyThe Lord's storehouse for caring for the communityEquity does not mean identical—each receives according to need

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 51 1-5 Acts 4:34-35

The apostles distributed to each as they had need, the same principle Bishop Partridge was instructed to follow in assigning stewardships.

D&C 51 9-12 Luke 16:10-12

Jesus taught that faithfulness in small stewardships leads to greater trust, the same principle of accountability emphasized in this revelation.

D&C 51 3-4 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

Paul's teaching that equality comes from the abundance of one supplying the lack of another reflects the stewardship model described here.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 51

The law of consecration as implemented here is not communism but covenant-based stewardship. Each family received what they needed, surplus went to help others, and written records ensured accountability. This model teaches profound lessons about generosity, trust, and community. In our own lives, we practice these principles through tithing, fast offerings, and service. The key insight is that stewardship means we are managers of God's resources, not owners. When we view our blessings as responsibilities to be shared, we build the kind of community God envisions.

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