3b Verily this is fasting and prayer; or, in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
4a And inasmuch as ye do these things, with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts, and countenances; not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance;
4b verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this the fullness of the earth is yours: the beasts of the fields, and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees, and walketh upon the earth;
4c yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;
4d yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye, and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body, and to enliven the soul.
5a And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made, to be used with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion:
5b and in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
5c Behold, this is according to the law and the prophets: wherefore trouble me no more concerning this matter, but learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness, shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.
5d I, the Lord, have spoken it and the Spirit beareth record. Amen.
DC 60 Intro: SECTION 60
This is the last of four revelations given through Joseph Smith, Jr., during the first visit of the leading elders of the church to the land of Zion. It was received August 8, 1831. During their stay in Independence the Center Place and "the spot for the temple" had been pointed out, and some sound basic instruction had been given. Now the work in Kirtland demanded Joseph's attention, and he and some of his immediate associates prepared to return. This message is addressed to those who were returning, and to the elders who were known to be on their way but had not yet reached Independence.
1a Behold, thus saith, the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came.
