LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 32
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, in Manchester, New York, early
October 1830. Great interest and desires were felt by the elders
respecting the Lamanites, of whose predicted blessings the Church had
learned from the Book of Mormon. In consequence, supplication was made
that the Lord would indicate His will as to whether elders should be
sent at that time to the Indian tribes in the West. The revelation
followed.
1–3, Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson are called to preach to the
Lamanites and to accompany Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer Jr.; 4–5,
They are to pray for an understanding of the scriptures.
1 And now concerning my servant Parley P. Pratt, behold, I say unto him
that as I live I will that he shall declare my gospel and learn of me,
and be meek and lowly of heart.
Note: Parley Pratt was agreeable to wild revelations.
During his youth, Pratt had difficulty accepting prevailing Christian
doctrines being taught by various churches. In early 1830 while seeking
religious truth through prayer and study, Pratt declared that "the
prophecies of the holy prophets were open to my view" and he sensed a
strong prompting to preach what he had learned.
2 And that which I have appointed unto him is that he shall go with my
servants, Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jun., into the wilderness
among the Lamanites.
Note: The mission to the Indians failed but they visited Sidney Rigdon.
The young couple migrated west, where they settled near Cleveland,
Ohio, where Pratt purchased land and constructed a home. In Ohio, Pratt
became a member of the Reformed Baptist Society, also called "Disciples
of Christ", influenced by the preaching of Sidney Rigdon. Pratt soon
left his property to take up the ministry as a profession.
3 And Ziba Peterson also shall go with them; and I myself will go with
them and be in their midst; and I am their advocate with the Father,
and nothing shall prevail against them.
Note: Ziba Peterson came to realize that Joseph Smith was rotten.
Peterson was reordained an elder by Lyman Wight on October 2, 1832, but
when the church was driven out of Jackson County in 1833, Peterson
stayed and left the Church.
4 And they shall give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no
other revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same
to their understanding. 5 And they shall give heed unto these words and
trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen.
Note: Parley Pratt obeyed Joseph Smith and became a murderer.
After serving as a missionary in New York City, Pratt returned to
church headquarters in Missouri in 1838. He was arrested in November
1838 for the murder of Missouri Militiaman Moses Rowland and the
mutilation of Missouri Militiaman Samuel Tarwater at the Battle of
Crooked River. Imprisoned alongside Joseph Smith, he was held in prison
in Richmond and then Columbia until escaping on July 4, 1839.
Note: What goes out comes around.
Pratt practiced plural marriage. He was murdered in 1857 by the estranged husband of his twelfth wife.