LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 16
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Peter Whitmer Jr., at Fayette, New York, June 1829 (see the heading to
section 14). Peter Whitmer Jr. 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 Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.
Note: Peter Whitmer died before realizing Joseph Smith was rotten.
Whitmer subsequently moved to Jackson County, Missouri, where he
married Vashti Higley on October 14, 1832, with whom he had three
children. By 1835, Whitmer and his family had relocated to the new
Latter Day Saint settlement of Far West, Missouri, where he sat on the
church's high council. He was almost 27 years old when he died of
tuberculosis in Liberty, Missouri.
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. 5 Behold,
blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have
given unto you according to my commandments.
Note: This revelation was identical to John Whitmer’s revelation.
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. 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. Amen.
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