David W. Patten's Mission: A Prophecy Derailed by Death

Prophecy: On April 17, 1838, Joseph Smith prophesied that David W. Patten would go on a mission the following spring, saying, "It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten that he settle up all his business...that he may perform a mission unto me next spring in company with others" (Doctrine & Covenants 114:1).

Failure: David W. Patten died in October 1838, before the spring mission could take place. This prophecy, which is canonized in LDS scripture, did not come to pass, making it a notable failed prophecy.

In the annals of Latter-day Saint history, Joseph Smith’s prophecies play a central role in establishing his authority as a prophet. However, not all of his predictions came to fruition. One of the most notable failed prophecies concerns David W. Patten, an early leader of the Church, whose prophesied mission never materialized due to his untimely death. This article will explore the prophecy in detail, its failure, and the implications it holds for Joseph Smith’s prophetic credibility.

The Prophecy: A Divine Mandate for David W. Patten’s Mission

On April 17, 1838, Joseph Smith received a revelation concerning David W. Patten, a prominent figure in the early LDS Church and one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The prophecy, which is canonized in LDS scripture, is found in 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 the world." (Doctrine & Covenants 114:1)

In this revelation, Joseph Smith declared that it was God’s will for Patten to embark on a mission the following spring, along with eleven others, to spread the gospel. This prophecy is specific, time-bound, and involves a clear directive from God.

The Untimely Death: A Prophecy Unfulfilled

Despite the clear instruction from the prophecy, David W. Patten never embarked on the mission that Joseph Smith prophesied. On October 25, 1838, just months after the prophecy was given, Patten was killed during the Battle of Crooked River, a skirmish between Mormon settlers and Missouri state militia members. This battle occurred in the context of the escalating tensions and conflicts between the Mormons and local residents in Missouri, which eventually led to the infamous Mormon War.

Patten's death before the spring of 1839 meant that the prophecy concerning his mission could not be fulfilled. This makes the prophecy a significant failure, especially since it is enshrined in LDS scripture.

Implications of the Failed Prophecy

The failure of this prophecy raises several important questions about Joseph Smith’s role as a prophet:

Accuracy of Divine Revelation: According to LDS belief, Joseph Smith’s prophecies were received directly from God. The prophecy about David W. Patten’s mission is presented as a divine directive. If this prophecy failed, it calls into question the accuracy and reliability of Smith’s revelations. As outlined in Deuteronomy 18:21-22, a true prophet’s predictions must come to pass; otherwise, the prophet is not speaking for God.

Inerrancy of LDS Scripture: The inclusion of this failed prophecy in LDS scripture (Doctrine & Covenants 114:1) challenges the belief in the inerrancy of modern revelation. If a prophecy recorded in scripture fails to come to pass, it raises concerns about the validity of other revelations found in the Doctrine & Covenants.

Apologetic Responses: Some LDS apologists attempt to explain this failed prophecy by arguing that it was conditional or that Patten’s death was an unforeseen event that altered God’s plan. However, the prophecy itself contains no conditions, and it presents Patten’s mission as a definitive event that was to take place. This explanation does not fully address the discrepancy between the prophecy and the historical outcome.

LDS members will always blame the individual for whom the blessing or prophecy did not come true.  They will claim some moral failure or unworthiness on the part of the individual for whom the blessing or prophecy failed.   This is simply blame shifting, away from the church or the church leader onto the individual in an attempt to avoid facing uncomfortable truths. 

Historical and Scriptural Context

To further understand the significance of this prophecy, it is important to examine the context in which it was given. David W. Patten was a well-respected leader within the early church, and his role as one of the Twelve Apostles made him a key figure in the church’s missionary efforts. Joseph Smith’s prophecy directed him to prioritize his spiritual mission over his business affairs, reflecting the church’s emphasis on missionary work during this period.

The Doctrine & Covenants, which contains this prophecy, is a collection of revelations and declarations given by Joseph Smith and subsequent church leaders. It is considered scripture by the LDS Church and is viewed as an essential part of God’s ongoing communication with His people. The failed prophecy concerning David W. Patten thus stands out as a significant issue within the context of LDS theology and the belief in continuing revelation.

Journal Entries and Historical Records

David W. Patten’s death and the circumstances surrounding the Battle of Crooked River are well-documented in historical records. The journal entry of Joseph Young, a participant in the battle, provides a firsthand account of the events leading up to Patten’s death:

"Brother David Patten, who was mortally wounded in the conflict, was carried to a house near the battlefield. He suffered greatly but remained steadfast in the faith until his passing." (Joseph Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 5, p. 79)

Patten’s sacrifice and dedication to the cause of the church are often highlighted in church history, but his death also serves as a reminder of the failed prophecy that preceded it.

Conclusion: A Notable Failed Prophecy

The prophecy regarding David W. Patten’s mission is a clear example of a failed prophecy from Joseph Smith. Despite the specific and time-bound nature of the revelation, Patten’s untimely death prevented its fulfillment. This failure has significant implications for Joseph Smith’s prophetic authority and raises important questions about the reliability of modern revelation in the LDS tradition.

While some may attempt to rationalize or reinterpret this prophecy, the fact remains that it did not come to pass as foretold. According to the biblical standard for prophets, this failure casts doubt on Joseph Smith’s claim to prophetic status.

References:

Doctrine & Covenants 114:1.

History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 171.

Joseph Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 5, p. 79.

Deuteronomy 18:21-22 (Biblical standard for prophets).

Joseph Smith Papers (for context on the prophecy and its historical implications).