LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 30
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer Jr., and John Whitmer, at Fayette, New
York, September 1830, following the three-day conference at Fayette,
but before the elders of the Church had separated. Originally this
material was published as three revelations; it was combined into one
section by the Prophet for the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and
Covenants.
1–4, David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently; 5–8,
Peter Whitmer Jr. is to accompany Oliver Cowdery on a mission to the
Lamanites; 9–11, John Whitmer is called to preach the gospel.
1 Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.
Note: David Whitmer came to realize that Joseph Smith was rotten.
Whitmer continued to live in Kirtland, Ohio, and his counselors, W. W.
Phelps and John Whitmer (Whitmer's brother) presided over the church in
Missouri until the summer of 1837. After the collapse of the Kirtland
Safety Society bank, Smith and his counselor Sidney Rigdon, battered by
creditors, moved to Far West, Missouri, to evade arrest.[16] The
ensuing leadership struggle led to the dissolution of the presidency of
the church in Missouri. Whitmer resigned and separated from the
church.[17] He was formally excommunicated from the church on the
grounds of breaking the Word of Wisdom, neglecting his leadership
duties, meeting with the other "Kirtland apostates", and circulating
unfavorable information about Joseph Smith.
2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the
things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been
called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who
were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not
commanded.
Note: Joseph Smith rarely worked an honest job.
Treasure Seeking: Historical documentation, including an 1826 court
record from South Bainbridge, New York, shows that Smith was involved
in "glass looking"—using seer stones to look for buried treasure or
lost items—for which he was occasionally paid by local landowners or
even arrested as a disorderly person.
3 Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and
ponder upon the things which you have received. 4 And your home shall
be at your father’s house, until I give unto you further commandments.
And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the
world, and in the regions round about. Amen.
Note: David Whitmer obeyed Joseph Smith and became a high priest.
Whitmer had been ordained an elder of the church by June 9, 1830, and
he was ordained to the office of high priest by Cowdery on October 5,
1831.
5 Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take your journey with
your brother Oliver; for the time has come that it is expedient in me
that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear
not, but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he
shall give you. 6 And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever
lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your
deliverance; for I have given unto him power to build up my church
among the Lamanites;
Note: The mission to the Indians failed but Parley Pratt led them to Sidney Rigdon.
Shortly thereafter, Whitmer was called to travel with Oliver Cowdery,
Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson on a special mission to preach the
faith to the Native Americans. This mission led to the conversion of
former Campbellite minister Sidney Rigdon.
7 And none have I appointed to be his counselor over him in the church,
concerning church matters, except it is his brother, Joseph Smith, Jun.
8 Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my
commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life. Amen.
Note: Joseph Smith exerted control contrary to Scripture.
But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise
authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever
desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever
desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son
of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a
ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28
9 Behold, I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt commence
from this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a
trump. 10 And your labor shall be at your brother Philip Burroughs’,
and in that region round about, yea, wherever you can be heard, until I
command you to go from hence. 11 And your whole labor shall be in Zion,
with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your
mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen.
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.