David W. Patten's Mission Call and God's Justice
Date of Revelation: April 11, 1838
Location: Far West, Missouri
Recipient: The Church (through Joseph Smith the Prophet)
Historical Context: Period of apostasy among Church leadership; David W. Patten called to mission
Format: Two-verse revelation addressing apostasy and missionary calling
Key Theme: Church positions held by unfaithful will be given to faithful servants
Section Summary: In a brief but powerful revelation, the Lord addresses the serious problem of apostasy among Church leadership while simultaneously calling David W. Patten, a faithful apostle, to prepare for a crucial mission. Verse 1 instructs Patten to settle his temporal affairs in preparation to serve with the Twelve Apostles in testifying of Christ to the world. Verse 2 declares that those who deny the Lord's name will be replaced—their positions given to others who will remain faithful. This revelation demonstrates God's intolerance of apostasy while showing His trust in faithful servants like Patten, who would die as a martyr six months later defending the Saints.
Spring 1838 marked a critical period in early Church history. The Church had recently relocated from Kirtland, Ohio to Far West, Missouri following severe apostasy and persecution. Several prominent Church leaders, including some of the Twelve Apostles, had fallen away or were wavering in their faith. The Kirtland Safety Society failure, internal conflicts, and accusations against Joseph Smith had created a crisis of leadership.
David W. Patten stood in stark contrast to those who were apostatizing. As the senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Patten remained unwaveringly faithful. His loyalty and devotion made him the ideal choice to receive this mission call, while verse 2's warning about replacements carried immediate relevance.
The "Bishopric" Reference in verse 2 refers to positions of priesthood authority and stewardship. The Lord was making clear that Church positions are not held by right, but by faithfulness—and those who deny Him would lose their callings.
Primary Doctrinal Principle: Priesthood positions and Church callings are held conditionally upon faithfulness; those who deny Christ or fall into apostasy will have their positions given to others who remain true to their covenants. God works through faithful servants who are willing to sacrifice for His kingdom.
Secondary Principle: Preparing for significant Church service requires both temporal and spiritual readiness. David W. Patten was instructed to "settle up all his business" and "make a disposition of his merchandise" before serving his mission, demonstrating that faithful stewardship over temporal affairs enables wholehearted spiritual service.
Application Principle: Even when circumstances change unexpectedly (as they did with Patten's death before the mission could be fulfilled), God's purposes are not thwarted. Faithful servants who die in His service complete their mortal mission with honor, and the Lord raises up others to continue the work. Our responsibility is faithfulness in our callings, trusting God with the outcomes.
Three Months Later: On July 8, 1838, the Lord gave D&C 118, which provided additional direction about the British Mission and specifically named the apostles who should go (including a replacement for apostates who had fallen away).
Fulfillment Through Others: Though D&C 114 called Patten to lead the mission, D&C 118 and later revelations showed how the mission would proceed even after his death. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson Hyde, and others departed for Britain in 1839 and achieved remarkable success.
Accepting Callings with Faith: When called to serve, we may not understand all that lies ahead or how it will work out. David W. Patten accepted his calling faithfully, prepared diligently, and trusted the Lord with outcomes. We should accept callings with similar faith, even when circumstances are uncertain or challenging.
Temporal Preparation for Spiritual Service: Before accepting significant Church service, we should "settle our affairs"—ensuring family needs are met, financial obligations handled, employment arrangements made, and temporal stewardship in order. This enables wholehearted focus on spiritual service without distraction.
Faithfulness in Apostasy's Presence: When others around us fall away or criticize the Church, we can remain faithful like David W. Patten. Apostasy of others doesn't excuse our own unfaithfulness or diminish our covenants. We stand true regardless of others' choices.
Date: April 11, 1838
Location: Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri
Far West had recently become Church headquarters following the Saints' exodus from Kirtland, Ohio in early 1838. The city was laid out with typical Mormon efficiency—wide streets, central public square for the temple, and residential plots surrounding the center. By April 1838, approximately 4,000-5,000 Saints had gathered there, building homes and attempting to establish a secure refuge from persecution.
The revelation came during a period of intense organizational activity. The First Presidency had relocated to Far West. The Saints were planning construction of a temple. New converts were arriving regularly. Yet beneath this apparent prosperity lay serious problems that D&C 114 addressed directly: apostasy among Church leadership and rising tensions with Missouri's older settlers.
January 1837 saw the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society, a financial institution founded by Church leaders to provide economic stability for the Saints. When the institution failed during the nationwide Panic of 1837, many Church members lost significant investments.
The financial disaster triggered a faith crisis. Some prominent members blamed Joseph Smith for their losses, questioning his prophetic judgment and even his calling as prophet. Internal dissension exploded into open apostasy. The winter of 1837-1838 saw some of the Church's darkest days as respected leaders turned against Joseph Smith and the restored gospel.
Among those who fell away during this period were members of high standing:
These weren't minor members or recent converts—these were apostles, men called to be special witnesses of Christ's name. Their apostasy created a leadership crisis and tested the faith of ordinary members.
Born: November 14, 1799, in Theresa, Oswego County, New York
Family: Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole; raised in modest circumstances
1832: Life-Changing Discovery: David's brother John encountered Mormon missionaries and was baptized. John shared the Book of Mormon with David, urging him to read and pray. David later recounted his experience: He read the book, prayed earnestly, and received powerful spiritual confirmation of its truth.
June 1832: David W. Patten was baptized by his brother John in Indiana. His wife Phoebe was baptized shortly thereafter. This marked the beginning of David's extraordinary ministry—a ministry that would last only six years but leave indelible impact.
February 15, 1835: David W. Patten was ordained an apostle at age 35, becoming one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation. He was ordained by Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris—the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
Contemporary accounts consistently describe Patten with these characteristics:
October 24, 1838: Three Latter-day Saint prisoners were taken by Missouri militia captain Samuel Bogart and held at Crooked River in Ray County. The prisoners were Nathan Pinkham Jr., William Seeley, and Addison Green.
False Report: Word reached Far West that Bogart's men were preparing to attack the city and that the three prisoners might be killed. The report proved exaggerated, but in the tense atmosphere of October 1838, Church leaders believed action was necessary to rescue the captives.
Late October 24: A rescue party was hastily organized with approximately 60-75 Latter-day Saint men, led by David W. Patten as senior apostle and experienced frontiersman. They rode through the night toward the Crooked River camp.
Dawn, October 25, 1838: The battle began when one of Bogart's sentries spotted the approaching Saints and opened fire. What was intended as a surprise rescue became a confused skirmish in the pre-dawn darkness.
The fighting was intense but brief. Bogart's militia retreated after fierce combat, and the three prisoners were successfully freed. However, the cost was catastrophic.
Casualties Among the Saints:
During the battle, David W. Patten was shot in the abdomen—a devastating injury in an era before modern surgery or antibiotics. The wound was clearly mortal. Patten knew immediately he was dying.
His companions made a makeshift stretcher and began the agonizing journey back to Far West. Each bump, each movement caused excruciating pain. Patten bore it with remarkable courage, occasionally speaking words of faith to those carrying him.
October 25, 1838—That Evening: The rescue party arrived in Far West with Patten dying. He was carried to the home of Brother Winchester, where his wife Phoebe, Church leaders, and friends gathered around his bedside.
Patten's last words included this powerful plea:
"Whatever you do else, O! do not deny the faith."
This plea—his dying counsel—reflected his understanding that apostasy, not death, was the true tragedy. Physical death meant nothing compared to spiritual death.
"I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith."
These words echo Paul's testimony in 2 Timothy 4:7. Patten died knowing he had been faithful, had kept his covenants, and had completed his mortal mission with honor.
Death: David W. Patten died that evening, October 25, 1838, at approximately age 38 years, 11 months. He became the first apostle martyred in this dispensation.
Burial: He was buried in Far West the next day, October 26, 1838. Joseph Smith preached the funeral sermon, praising Patten's faithfulness and mourning the loss of a beloved apostle and friend.
Despite Patten's death and the Missouri disaster, the British Mission went forward as commanded in D&C 114 and 118. In April 1839, faithful apostles departed for Britain: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff.
The British Mission (1839-1841) baptized thousands, established strong branches throughout England and Scotland, and provided crucial support to Nauvoo through both converts and financial aid. The mission succeeded beyond expectations, fulfilling D&C 114's commission to "bear glad tidings unto all the world."
Just as verse 2 promised, apostates were replaced by faithful servants:
The quorum was purified, reorganized, and strengthened. Those who denied the Lord's name were replaced by those who would remain faithful.
Doctrine and Covenants 114 is one of the shortest revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, yet its brevity belies its profound significance. Received on April 11, 1838 in Far West, Missouri during one of the Church's darkest periods, this two-verse revelation addresses two critical themes: the preparation of faithful servants for important missions, and the inevitable replacement of unfaithful leaders who deny Christ.
As we study these two verses, we must understand both their immediate context and their enduring principles. The revelation teaches about temporal preparation for spiritual service, apostolic commission to testify of Christ worldwide, conditional nature of Church callings, divine justice in replacing unfaithful leaders, God's purposes continuing despite individual limitations, and faithful service unto death.
Doctrine & Covenants 114:1 — "Verily thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto all the world."
"Verily thus saith the Lord" establishes divine authority for everything that follows. This isn't Joseph Smith's opinion or suggestion—this is direct communication from the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Verily" (truly, certainly) emphasizes the truthfulness and reliability of the message. When God says "verily," He is affirming the absolute certainty of His words. There is no equivocation, no uncertainty, no possibility of error in what follows.
"It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten" introduces a remarkable concept: God guiding temporal decisions through revelation. The phrase "it is wisdom" appears throughout the Doctrine and Covenants when the Lord provides divine counsel on practical matters.
The Lord could have simply commanded: "David W. Patten, settle your business." Instead, He frames it as wisdom—divine counsel about the prudent course of action. This suggests several important principles:
"Settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can"
This phrase requires careful examination of what "settling business" meant in 1838:
"As soon as he possibly can" indicates urgency. Patten had approximately one year (until spring 1839) to complete these arrangements. The Lord wanted him diligent but thorough—not rushing carelessly but also not delaying unnecessarily.
"Make a disposition of his merchandise"
"Merchandise" could include stock in trade, raw materials, farm produce and livestock, tools and equipment, and commercial inventory. "Disposition" means arrangement or settlement—not necessarily permanent sale, but proper organization so temporal concerns wouldn't distract from spiritual service.
"That he may perform a mission unto me next spring"
"Mission unto me" emphasizes that Patten would serve the Lord directly, not merely going on a trip. This was sacred service commissioned by God Himself.
"Next spring" (spring 1839) gave specific timeline—approximately one year to prepare. Spring sailing was safest for Atlantic crossing. Though Patten would die before "next spring," the timing remained correct for the other apostles who departed April 1839.
"In company with others, even twelve including himself" specifically identifies that Patten and eleven other apostles (twelve total) would comprise the missionary company. This was the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles serving together in their divinely appointed role as special witnesses.
"To testify of my name"
"Testify" is legal terminology—bearing formal witness under oath. When apostles "testify," they're bearing official, authoritative witness as ordained special witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Greek Connection: The Greek word for "witness" is martys (μάρτυς), from which we derive the English word "martyr." To be a witness of Christ meant being willing to testify even unto death. David W. Patten literally fulfilled both meanings—he was a witness of Christ who became a martyr, dying in faithful service just six months after receiving this commission.
D&C 107:23 clarifies: "The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord... to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
"And bear glad tidings unto all the world"
"Glad tidings" is gospel language—the "good news" of Jesus Christ. This connects to Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings."
Doctrine & Covenants 114:2 — "Amen. And verily I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders continue in the ministry wherewith they are set apart; and let my servant David W. Patten appoint one of my servants of the Twelve to take his place in the presidency of the stake at Far West. Amen. And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place."
Note: The scripture text above is D&C 114:2 as it appears in current editions. The historical context discussion below addresses the interpretation and application of verse 2's principles.
Verse 2 establishes one of the most important—and sometimes uncomfortable—principles in Church governance: positions of priesthood authority are held conditionally upon faithfulness. Those who deny the Lord's name will lose their positions, and others will be appointed in their place.
This wasn't theoretical theology in April 1838. It was being fulfilled in real-time as prominent Church leaders apostatized:
This principle applies to all Church callings today:
This isn't meant to create fear, but to emphasize that Church positions are sacred trusts requiring ongoing faithfulness, not achievements we earn and keep permanently.
"Standing" in scriptural language means remaining firm, faithful, and committed. It implies:
The apostasy of 1837-1838 demonstrated who was truly "standing." When the Kirtland Safety Society failed, when persecution intensified, when prophets were criticized—some stood firm while others fell away. David W. Patten stood. Brigham Young stood. Heber C. Kimball stood. Others did not.
"Whoso is not found standing in his place" describes those who abandon their callings through:
It's crucial to understand what this does NOT mean:
The difference is between trying to be faithful (with struggles) versus giving up on faithfulness (apostasy).
This phrase demonstrates that God's work continues regardless of individual failures. When one servant falls away, the Lord raises up another. The work of salvation cannot be stopped by human unfaithfulness.
Historical examples from 1838-1839:
This principle provides both warning and comfort:
Verse 2 specifically mentions two individuals whose situations illustrate the revelation's principles:
Elias Higbee - A faithful Church member who would later serve important missions for the Church, including traveling to Washington D.C. to seek redress for Missouri persecution.
Martin Harris - One of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. By 1838, Harris had separated from the Church due to financial and personal conflicts. The revelation notes that these men were "in my hands"—suggesting God's continued care for them despite their struggles, and the possibility of redemption if they chose faithfulness ("if they will").
The phrase "if they will" is profoundly important. It shows that:
Martin Harris eventually returned to the Church and died in full fellowship in 1875, testifying of the Book of Mormon until his final breath. His return demonstrates that God's mercy extends to those who return, even after years of estrangement.
This study analyzes nine significant terms from the two-verse revelation. Though D&C 114 is brief, these terms carry rich theological meaning that compensates for the section's brevity through depth of analysis. The linguistic study focuses on English language development since D&C 114 is modern revelation. However, understanding Latin roots illuminates how these English words developed their theological meanings.
Scripture Context: Verse 1 - "It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten..."
Sapientia - From Latin sapere (to taste, to be wise, to have good taste). The root suggests wisdom as the ability to distinguish good from bad, appropriate from inappropriate—like tasting food to judge its quality. In Latin literature, sapientia represented not just knowledge but the practical application of knowledge to live virtuously.
Wisdom - Old English wisdom (knowledge, learning, experience, good judgment). From wis (wise) + -dom (suffix indicating state or condition). The word evolved from meaning simply "knowledge" to encompassing practical discernment and moral judgment. By Joseph Smith's era, wisdom implied both intellectual understanding and spiritual insight.
Wisdom - "The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect or practice... In Scripture, human learning; erudition; knowledge of arts and sciences... A particular branch of knowledge... The Scriptures, or Word of God."
Webster's definition emphasizes that wisdom isn't mere knowledge—it's the right use of knowledge toward laudable ends. This perfectly describes the Lord's counsel in D&C 114:1. Settling temporal affairs before missionary service isn't just smart—it's divine wisdom guiding toward the best means of accomplishing sacred ends.
The Lord's use of "wisdom" rather than "command" reveals His teaching method. He could have simply ordered Patten to settle his business, but instead provided wisdom—divine insight about the prudent course. This honors agency while providing clear guidance. It demonstrates that God's wisdom encompasses both temporal and spiritual realms. The phrase "it is wisdom" appears repeatedly in D&C (63:40, 90.15) when the Lord guides practical decisions through revelation, teaching that temporal stewardship enables spiritual service.
Scripture Context: Verse 1 - "...that he settle up all his business..."
Stabilis (stable, firm, steadfast) - Related to stare (to stand). The concept of settling derives from making something stable or fixed. Latin stabilire meant to make firm or establish securely. This connects to the broader scriptural theme of "standing" in one's place (verse 2).
Settle - Old English setlan (to seat, place, put in order). From Proto-Germanic *satjan (to set). The word evolved from physical placement to metaphorical arrangement of affairs. By 1838, "settle" commonly meant to resolve debts, arrange business matters, and put things in proper order—exactly the sense used in D&C 114:1.
Settle - "To fix; to establish... To determine what is uncertain; to establish... To adjust, as something in discussion; to free from uncertainty or wavering; to confirm... To liquidate; to pay; as, to settle an account or a bill."
The command to "settle up all his business" required Patten to establish order in temporal affairs—pay debts, arrange property management, ensure family provisions. This principle applies to all significant Church service: missionaries must settle affairs before departing, temple workers arrange responsibilities, mission presidents organize professional sabbaticals. Temporal disorder creates spiritual distraction; settling business enables wholehearted consecration to sacred assignments.
Scripture Context: Verse 1 - "...and make a disposition of his merchandise..."
Dispositio - From disponere (to arrange, distribute, dispose). Root: dis- (apart) + ponere (to place). The term implied orderly arrangement, distribution according to plan, or settlement of affairs. In Roman legal contexts, dispositio referred to the arrangement of property or estate matters.
Disposition - Late 14c., from Old French disposicion (arrangement, ordering). The word carried meanings of both physical arrangement and the settlement or transfer of property. By 1838, "make a disposition of" commonly meant to arrange for transfer, sale, or management of property or goods.
Disposition - "Distribution; the act of distributing or disposing... The act of disposing or giving away; alienation; as the disposition of an estate... Power of disposing or of transferring to another's possession; right of bestowment."
Making "disposition" of merchandise didn't necessarily mean permanent sale—it meant proper arrangement so business wouldn't be neglected during Patten's absence. This teaches that temporal consecration involves wise stewardship, not careless abandonment. Whether selling, delegating management, or storing safely, the principle is ensuring temporal affairs don't hinder spiritual service.
Scripture Context: Verse 1 - "...make a disposition of his merchandise..."
Merx (merchandise, goods, wares) - Root of English "merchant" and "commerce." In Latin, merx encompassed all goods bought and sold in trade. The related verb mercari meant to trade or do business.
Merchandise - Mid-13c., from Old French marchandise (goods, wares, merchandise). The word specifically referred to goods bought and sold in trade, distinguishing commercial inventory from personal possessions.
Merchandise - "The objects of commerce; wares, goods and commodities, bought and sold in business; whatever is usually bought or sold for profit."
Many Saints in 1838 were farmers, craftsmen, or merchants. "Merchandise" represented their livelihood and means of supporting families. The Lord's instruction to arrange this merchandise demonstrated that He understands practical realities of mortality. Missionaries cannot serve effectively while worried about unsold inventory, unpaid suppliers, or family financial needs. Proper temporal preparation enables spiritual focus.
Scripture Context: Verse 1 - "...to testify of my name..."
Testificari - From testis (witness) + facere (to make). The compound verb meant "to bear witness, to testify, to give evidence." In Roman legal proceedings, testificari was formal legal testimony under oath. False testimony carried severe penalties, making testificari a solemn, binding declaration.
Testify - Late 14c., from Latin testificari. Initially used primarily in legal contexts, the word gradually extended to religious testimony. By 1838, "testify" carried both legal weight (formal witness under oath) and religious significance (bearing witness of spiritual truth).
Testify - "To make a solemn declaration, verbal or written, to establish some fact... To affirm or declare solemnly, for the purpose of establishing a fact... To bear witness; to give testimony; to declare to prove some fact."
Apostolic testimony isn't casual sharing—it's formal witness as ordained special witnesses of Christ. D&C 107:23 clarifies that the Twelve are "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world." Their testimony carries unique authority and weight. When apostles testify, they bear solemn witness of Christ's divinity, atonement, resurrection, and continuing ministry—declaration backed by apostolic authority and spiritual knowledge.
Scripture Context: "...and bear glad tidings unto all the world"
Etymology: "Glad" from Old English glæd (bright, shining, joyous). "Tidings" from Old English tidung (news, message, announcement). Together they translate the biblical concept of "gospel" (good news).
Doctrinal Significance: The gospel is inherently joyful—forgiveness through Christ, eternal families, purpose in life, hope beyond death. Missionaries bear "glad tidings," not condemnation. The message apostles carry is fundamentally good news of great joy.
Scripture Context: Verse 2 - "...whoso is not found standing in his place shall have his bishopric taken from him"
Etymology: From Latin denegare (refuse, reject, say no). To deny Christ's name means to refuse, reject, or renounce Him.
Doctrinal Significance: Apostasy—denying Christ or His restored gospel—results in loss of Church positions. This isn't about having doubts or struggles, but active rejection or abandonment of faith. The 1838 context saw prominent members explicitly denying Joseph Smith's prophetic calling and Christ's restored Church.
Scripture Context: Verse 2 - "...shall have his bishopric taken from him, and another shall be appointed in his stead"
Etymology: From Greek episkopos (overseer, bishop) via Latin episcopus. In 1838, "bishopric" referred broadly to positions of priesthood stewardship and authority, not just the office of bishop specifically.
Doctrinal Significance: Church positions are stewardships held conditionally upon faithfulness. Those who deny Christ lose their "bishopric"—whatever position they held. God replaces unfaithful stewards with faithful ones, ensuring His work continues.
Scripture Context: Verse 2 - "...and another shall be appointed in his stead"
Etymology: From Latin ad- (to) + punctum (point). Original sense: to fix or determine a point, to designate. Evolved to mean selecting someone for a position or purpose.
Doctrinal Significance: God appoints (designates, calls, selects) faithful servants to fill positions vacated by apostates. This demonstrates divine sovereignty—God's work continues through those He raises up. The principle was fulfilled historically as new apostles were called to replace those who fell away in 1838.
Doctrine and Covenants 114 presents unique teaching challenges and opportunities. This brief two-verse revelation addresses profound themes: preparation for service, apostolic authority, apostasy, and God's justice. More poignantly, it involves David W. Patten's martyrdom six months after receiving a mission call he would never fulfill.
Materials: Large paper, colored markers, copy of D&C 114 text
Process:
Setup: Place suitcase in center with various items (some helpful for mission, some not)
Activity: Family members take turns selecting items and discussing: "Would this help on a mission? What does it represent spiritually?"
Connection: David W. Patten had to "settle his business" before serving. What do we need to prepare spiritually and temporally?
Materials: Flower pot, soil, seeds, watering can
Teaching: Plant seeds together, then ask: "What if we had to move away tomorrow before these seeds grow? Should we have planted them?" Discuss how David W. Patten prepared faithfully for a mission he never completed, but his preparation mattered—the British Mission succeeded through others, fulfilling God's purposes.
"Imagine you've been called to serve an 18-month mission starting in six months. What would you need to do to prepare? Make a list of temporal things (job, apartment, finances) and spiritual things (scripture study, testimony). Which would be harder to 'settle up'?"
Core Principle: Faithful stewardship over temporal affairs demonstrates readiness for significant spiritual assignments.
Teaching Method: Create "Stewardship Inventory" on board listing temporal responsibilities (employment, finances, family, home, health, time). Discuss how managing each area affects readiness to serve.
Scripture Cross-References:
Focus Verse: D&C 114:1 (first half) - Settling business and making disposition of merchandise
Teaching: Share David W. Patten's story—his faithful preparation despite never serving the mission. Discuss what "settling business" means for youth today (school, job, family duties, worthiness).
Challenge: Make a list of 3-5 areas where you need to "settle up business" to be prepared for future service (mission, temple marriage, callings).
Focus: Patten's death six months after revelation, before "next spring"
Teaching: Tell story of Battle of Crooked River and Patten's final testimony: "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith." Though he never completed the anticipated mission, his faithfulness mattered eternally. The British Mission succeeded through other apostles.
Youth Application: Mission calls to unexpected places, not making sports team, friendship disappointments—how do we maintain faith when plans change?
Opening Question: "Think about callings you've held. What preparation—temporal or spiritual—did you need before accepting?"
Teaching: David W. Patten was commanded to "settle up all his business" before mission. Many members struggle to balance temporal demands with spiritual service: work schedules vs. callings, financial stress vs. tithing, family needs vs. ward responsibilities.
Challenge: Consider one temporal area hindering your spiritual service. Make a plan this month to "settle" that business.
Idea: Ward organizes workshops to help members prepare for current or future Church service
Workshop Topics: Financial Literacy, Home Organization, Time Management, Career Planning, Family Preparedness
Purpose: Help members "settle their business" so they're temporally prepared for spiritual assignments, removing barriers to service.
Connection: David W. Patten WAS called on a mission. He was excited and prepared faithfully!
Activity: Teach/review song, discuss each verse's meaning. Ask: "What can you do NOW to prepare for future mission?" Make list on board of children's ideas. Have children draw pictures of themselves as future missionaries.
Materials: Small suitcase with both useful items (scriptures, journal) and junk (trash, broken items)
Presentation: "Is this suitcase ready for a mission?" (Show messy suitcase) Children respond: "No! It's messy!" Clean it together, organizing proper items.
Lesson: When God calls us to serve, we need to be PREPARED. That means living worthy (spiritual) and taking care of responsibilities (temporal).
Materials: Paper, markers/crayons, stickers
Instructions: Children create "My Mission Preparation" checklist with categories: Spiritual (scripture study, prayer), Physical (health, fitness), Temporal (saving money, responsibility), Social (kindness, sharing). Under each category, list 2-3 things they can do NOW.
For Investigators: Before joining the Church through baptism (which is a covenant to serve God), prepare your life. This includes resolving financial debts where possible, strengthening family relationships, leaving behind habits incompatible with discipleship, developing patterns of prayer and scripture study, committing to live commandments.
Application: Help investigators identify temporal and spiritual areas to "settle" before baptism—not as requirements they must achieve perfectly, but as commitments to growth and change.
Concept: Look for people who exhibit Patten's qualities: unwavering commitment despite difficulties, willingness to sacrifice for truth, spiritual strength in challenging times.
Process:
Target: Members who feel they "failed" God—returned missionaries who struggled, those released from callings due to unworthiness, people who left Church but are reconsidering.
Approach: Share how Patten never completed his mission yet is one of the Church's greatest heroes. His faithfulness mattered even though outcomes differed from expectations. Help inactive members see that returning isn't failure—it's continuation of faithfulness.
These questions are designed for personal reflection, journal writing, family discussion, and group study. They progress from understanding the historical and textual details to applying eternal principles in modern life.