LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 15
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see the heading to
section 14). The message is intimately and impressively personal in
that the Lord tells of what was known only to John Whitmer and Himself.
John Whitmer later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of
Mormon.
1–2, The Lord’s arm is over all the earth; 3–6, To preach the gospel and save souls is the thing of most worth.
1 Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.
Note: John Whitmer came to realize that Joseph Smith was rotten.
Problems at church headquarters in Kirtland relating to the Kirtland
Safety Society bank caused Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to relocate
to Far West in early 1838. A brief leadership struggle ensued, which
led to the excommunication of the entire Whitmer family, as well as
Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, and others on March 10, 1838. Upon his
excommunication, John Whitmer refused to give the church the documents
and records he had worked on as Church Historian.
2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine
arm is over all the earth. 3 And I will tell you that which no man
knoweth save me and thee alone—4 For many times you have desired of me
to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
Note: The entire Smith family committed fraud.
The Smiths engaged in folk magic, a relatively common practice in that
time and place. Joseph, his father, and his older brother Alvin hunted
for treasure under the direction of a seer named Luman Walters. Before
Walters left professing he lacked sufficient power, he singled out
young Joseph Smith as the young man who might be able to find the
treasure. After Walters left, the Smiths continued using folk magic and
a seer stone to look for buried treasure.
5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words
which I have given you according to my commandments. 6 And now, behold,
I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you
will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring
souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.
Note: Believers will declare Jesus Christ.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have
handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we
have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which
was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen
and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us;
and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus
Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1
John 1:1-4