LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 62
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on
the bank of the Missouri River at Chariton, Missouri, August 13, 1831.
On this day the Prophet and his group, who were on their way from
Independence to Kirtland, met several elders who were on their way to
the land of Zion, and, after joyful salutations, received this
revelation.
1–3, Testimonies are recorded in heaven; 4–9, The elders are to travel
and preach according to judgment and as directed by the Spirit.
1 Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your
God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man
and how to succor them who are tempted. 2 And verily mine eyes are upon
those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion; wherefore your
mission is not yet full.
Note: Zion is Jerusalem not Independence Missouri.
Now Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the
tribes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel, to King Solomon in
Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD
from the City of David, which is Zion. 1 Kings 8:1
3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne
is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice
over you, and your sins are forgiven you.
Note: Believers will have a testimony of Jesus Christ.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His
prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according
to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy
calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose
and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but
has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who
has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through
the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a
teacher of the Gentiles. 2 Timothy 1:8-11
4 And now continue your journey. Assemble yourselves upon the land of
Zion; and hold a meeting and rejoice together and offer a sacrament
unto the Most High.
Note: Zion is Jerusalem not Independence Missouri.
Now Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the
tribes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel, in Jerusalem, that
they might bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD up from the City
of David, which is Zion. 2 Chronicles 5:2
5 And then you may return to bear record, yea, even altogether, or two
by two, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me; only be
faithful, and declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth,
or among the congregations of the wicked.
Note: Jesus Christ is glad tidings.
“Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you
who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. For
those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not
know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every
Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. And though they found
no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to
death. Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him,
they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised
Him from the dead. He was seen for many days by those who came up with
Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. And
we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the
fathers. God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has
raised up Jesus. Acts 13:26-33
6 Behold, I, the Lord, have brought you together that the promise might
be fulfilled, that the faithful among you should be preserved and
rejoice together in the land of Missouri. I, the Lord, promise the
faithful and cannot lie.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
General Clark cited Executive Order 44 soon after the Mormon settlers
surrendered in November 1838, saying that violence would have been used
had they chosen not to surrender. General Clark explicitly stated that
the Mormons should expect no mercy and that their leaders would not be
returned to them. Clark furthermore stated: I do not say you shall go
now, but you must not think of staying here another season, or of
putting in crops, for the moment you do this, the citizens will be upon
you; and if I am called here again, in a case of a non-compliance of a
treaty made, do not think I will do as I have now. You need not expect
any mercy, but extermination, for I am determined the governor's orders
be executed. As for your leaders, do not think, do not imagine for a
moment, do not let it enter into your mind, that they will be delivered
and restored to you again, for their fate is fixed, their die is cast,
their doom is sealed. Consequently, approximately 15,000 Mormons
promptly fled to Illinois, enduring the harsh winter conditions.
7 I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you desire to ride upon horses,
or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he
receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in all
things.
Note: Chariots were not used for transportation in 19th century America.
Transportation in early America encompassed various methods, including walking, horse and wagon travel, and water navigation.
8 These things remain with you to do according to judgment and the directions of the Spirit.
Note: Joseph Smith did not have the Holy Spirit.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but
which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with
spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the
Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them,
because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges
all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has
known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the
mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16
9 Behold, the kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful always. Even so. Amen.
Note: The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received
all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one
forbidding him. Acts 28:30-31