LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 75
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Amherst, Ohio, January 25, 1832. This section comprises two separate
revelations (the first in verses 1 through 22 and the second in verses
23 through 36) given on the same day. The occasion was a conference at
which Joseph Smith was sustained and ordained President of the High
Priesthood. Certain elders desired to learn more about their immediate
duties. These revelations followed.
1–5, Faithful elders who preach the gospel will gain eternal life;
6–12, Pray to receive the Comforter, who teaches all things; 13–22,
Elders will sit in judgment on those who reject their message; 23–36,
Families of missionaries are to receive help from the Church.
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I who speak even by the voice of my Spirit, even Alpha and Omega, your Lord and your God—
Note: Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega not the Holy Spirit.
I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom
and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos
for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the
Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a
trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the
Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven
churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to
Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” Then I turned
to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven
golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like
the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded
about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like
wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet
were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the
sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His
mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the
sun shining in its strength. Revelation 1:9-16
2 Hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard.
Note: The Christian Gospel is Jesus Christ.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to
you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you
are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless
you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I
also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the
Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third
day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
3 Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might—
Note: The will of God is for everyone to sincerely believe in Jesus Christ.
“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the
Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him
up at the last day.” John 6:40
4 Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the
truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given
you.
Note: The New Covenant eliminated the office of prophet.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the
fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His
Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He
made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express
image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power,
when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of
the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as
He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews
1:1-4
5 And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and
crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life.
Note: Believers have eternal life through sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
6 Therefore, verily I say unto my servant William E. McLellin, I revoke
the commission which I gave unto him to go unto the eastern countries;
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
Section 66:7 Go unto the eastern lands, bear testimony in every place,
unto every people and in their synagogues, reasoning with the people.
7 And I give unto him a new commission and a new commandment, in the
which I, the Lord, chasten him for the murmurings of his heart; 8 And
he sinned; nevertheless, I forgive him and say unto him again, Go ye
into the south countries.
Note: William McLellin realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
McLellin was excommunicated for the first time in December of that year
but was restored to full fellowship by 1833. McLellin's association
with the Latter Day Saint church came to an abrupt halt in 1838, when
he declared that he had no confidence in the presidency of the
church.[11] This may have been due to the mismanagement of the church's
financial institution, the Kirtland Safety Society. McLellin was
excommunicated on May 11, 1838, and subsequently actively worked
against the Latter Day Saints.
9 And let my servant Luke Johnson go with him, and proclaim the things
which I have commanded them—10 Calling on the name of the Lord for the
Comforter, which shall teach them all things that are expedient for
them—11 Praying always that they faint not; and inasmuch as they do
this, I will be with them even unto the end. 12 Behold, this is the
will of the Lord your God concerning you. Even so. Amen.
Note: Luke Johnson realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
Johnson defended Smith from criticism on several occasions. But, in
1837, he became alienated from Smith, in part because of financial
losses suffered in the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society. He was
disfellowshipped at Kirtland on September 3, 1837. Johnson was later
received back into fellowship for a short time, but in December 1837,
he denounced Smith and resigned from the church.
13 And again, verily thus saith the Lord, let my servant Orson Hyde and
my servant Samuel H. Smith take their journey into the eastern
countries, and proclaim the things which I have commanded them; and
inasmuch as they are faithful, lo, I will be with them even unto the
end.
Note: Orson Hyde followed Joseph Smith into polygamy.
Hyde married Marinda Nancy Johnson, in Kirtland, Ohio, on September 4,
1834. Joseph Smith was sealed to Marinda as a plural wife either in
April 1842, or in May 1843. Marinda signed an affidavit saying that her
sealing to Joseph Smith occurred in May 1843. However, one of Smith's
scribes, Thomas Bullock, later wrote a list of plural marriage dates in
the back of one of Smith's journals and noted a sealing date of April
1842. It is not clear when or if Hyde learned about his wife's sealing
to Smith, however, John D. Lee, in his book Mormonism Unveiled,
reported that Hyde may have given his consent. Three months after his
return from his mission, Hyde learned about plural marriage and married
two additional wives. He ultimately took eight wives and fathered 32
children. He and Johnson divorced in 1870.
14 And again, verily I say unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and unto my
servant Orson Pratt, they shall also take their journey into the
eastern countries; and behold, and lo, I am with them also, even unto
the end.
Note: Lyman Johnson followed Joseph Smith into polygamy.
In April 1844, Smith taught Lyman the principle of plural marriage. "As
he warmly grasped my hand for the last time," Lyman later recalled,
"[Smith said] brother Amasa, go and practice on the principles I have
taught you, and God bless you."[6] Soon Lyman married his first and
second plural wives, Diontha Walker and Caroline Partridge. In 1846,
Lyman married four additional wives: Eliza Maria Partridge (one of
numerous widows of Smith and the 25-year-old sister of Lyman's wife
Caroline), Paulina Eliza Phelps, Priscilla Turley, and Cornelia
Leavitt. In 1851, Lyman married his eighth and final wife, Lydia
Partridge, a sister of his wives Caroline and Eliza.
Note: Orson Pratt was excommunicated by believing his wife but he loved power.
On his return to America in 1841, Pratt found the church membership in
contention over several issues. Rumors and gossip were rife in Nauvoo,
Illinois, and Pratt found the religious principle of plural marriage
difficult to accept. He rebelled against Joseph Smith when a report by
disaffected Mormon John C. Bennett accused Smith of proposing marriage
to Pratt's wife, Sarah Pratt, which Smith denied. Sarah also claimed
that Smith had proposed, and Pratt believed his wife. After days of
Smith and the other members of the Twelve remonstrating with Pratt,
they decided that he would not yield, and thus Pratt was excommunicated
on August 20, 1842. Bennett claimed that Joseph approached Sarah while
Orson was on a mission and solicited her to be one of his "spiritual
wives." To counteract these allegations, Joseph Smith compiled a
pamphlet of affidavits, certificates, and letters which proved his
innocence and Bennett's guilt concerning sexual misconduct. This
included affidavits produced by non-Mormon Sheriff Jacob B. Backenstoes
and Sarah's erstwhile landlords, Stephen Goddard and Zeruiah Goddard.
Pratt reconciled with Smith a few months after their falling out and
requested rebaptism. Pratt was reinstated in the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles on January 20, 1843.
15 And again, I say unto my servant Asa Dodds, and unto my servant
Calves Wilson, that they also shall take their journey unto the western
countries, and proclaim my gospel, even as I have commanded them. 16
And he who is faithful shall overcome all things and shall be lifted up
at the last day.
Note: Asa Dodds realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
Eight days after the Amherst Conference, Asa was ordained a high priest
by Hyrum Smith. As to his faithfulness and whereabouts after the
ordination, little is known. It is presumed that he no longer
affiliated with the Church.
Note: Calves Wilson realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
It is unknown whether either of these brethren fulfilled the assigned
mission to the western countries. In spring of 1832 Calves accompanied
Lyman Wight on a mission to Cincinnati, Ohio. From this point on, the
whereabouts of Calves Wilson is unknown.
17 And again, I say unto my servant Major N. Ashley, and my servant
Burr Riggs, let them take their journey also into the south country.
Note: Major N. Ashley realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
In 1838 Major left the main body of the Church and moved to Tallmadge,
Ohio where he operated a tannery. In addition to being a tanner, Major
took up mining and was listed on a census record as a “learned
professional and engineer.”
Note: Burr Riggs realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
By March 1839 Burr had lost faith in the Restoration and joined with
apostates in defaming Joseph Smith and The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
18 Yea, let all those take their journey, as I have commanded them,
going from house to house, and from village to village, and from city
to city. 19 And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they receive you,
leave your blessing upon that house.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and
stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it.
If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it.” Matthew
10:11-13
20 And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they receive you not, ye shall
depart speedily from that house, and shake off the dust of your feet as
a testimony against them.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart
from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.” Matthew
10:14
21 And you shall be filled with joy and gladness; and know this, that
in the day of judgment you shall be judges of that house, and condemn
them; 22 And it shall be more tolerable for the heathen in the day of
judgment, than for that house; therefore, gird up your loins and be
faithful, and ye shall overcome all things, and be lifted up at the
last day. Even so. Amen.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of
Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” Matthew
10:15
23 And again, thus saith the Lord unto you, O ye elders of my church,
who have given your names that you might know his will concerning you—
24 Behold, I say unto you, that it is the duty of the church to assist
in supporting the families of those, and also to support the families
of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to
proclaim the gospel unto the world.
Note: The apostles took their wives along on missionary journeys.
My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we have no right to eat
and drink? Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do
also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas 1
Corinthians 9:3-5
25 Wherefore, I, the Lord, give unto you this commandment, that ye
obtain places for your families, inasmuch as your brethren are willing
to open their hearts. 26 And let all such as can obtain places for
their families, and support of the church for them, not fail to go into
the world, whether to the east or to the west, or to the north, or to
the south.
Note: Paul and Barnabas supported themselves initially.
Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?
Whoever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does
not eat its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink the milk of
the flock? 1 Corinthians 9:6-7
27 Let them ask and they shall receive, knock and it shall be opened
unto them, and be made known from on high, even by the Comforter,
whither they shall go. 28 And again, verily I say unto you, that every
man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide, and
he shall in nowise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church. 29
Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have
place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways.
Note: Housing is not considered an necessity.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
30 Wherefore, let my servant Simeon Carter and my servant Emer Harris be united in the ministry;
Note: Simeon Carter lost everything believing Joseph Smith.
Simeon was a prosperous farmer. One day while returning from a trip,
Simeon was confronted by a mob that threatened to burn everything he
owned if he did not denounce Joseph Smith. When Simeon refused, the mob
set fire to his house, barns, sheds, hay and grain. When they left,
Simeon’s only possessions were the wagon he was riding in and money
from the sale of hogs earlier in the day.
Note: Emer Harris followed Joseph Smith into polygamy.
By the end of 1818, Emer filed for a divorce from Roxanna, seeking to
end their marriage of seventeen years. The divorce decree was dated
January 4, 1819. On January 16, 1819, Emer married Deborah Lott but she
died in 1825. A year later, on March 29, 1826, Emer married for the
third time Parna Chaapell. Emer and Parna had each received patriarchal
blessings in 1845, given by Patriarch John Smith, the Prophet’s uncle.
Parna’s was given in the Fall, not long before Emer's 2nd wife, Polly’s
child Rebecca, was to be born. There seems to be some sorrow or problem
in her life that Patriarch Smith is aware of, for it is a healing
blessing as well. Parna was known as a woman of much courage. Perhaps
Emer’s taking another wife was her struggle.
31 And also my servant Ezra Thayre and my servant Thomas B. Marsh;
Note: Ezra Thayre was spiritually confused.
After the death of Joseph Smith in June 1844, Thayre was part of the
minority of Latter Day Saints who refused to follow the leadership of
Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve. When the majority of Saints
departed Nauvoo for the Salt Lake Valley, Thayer remained behind in
Nauvoo. In 1849, Thayre moved to Michigan. Affiliated briefly with
James J. Strang at Voree, Walworth Co., Wisconsin, but soon returned to
New York where he was rebaptized into the LDS Church in September 1854.
He became a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints in at Galien, Berrien Co., Michigan on August 24, 1860.
Note: Thomas Marsh realized Joseph Smith was a fraud.
On October 19, 1838, the day after Gallatin was burned, Marsh and
fellow apostle, Orson Hyde, left the association of the church.[13]
Marsh drafted and signed a legal affidavit against Smith on October 24,
1838, which Hyde also signed. In addition to reporting on the
organization of the Danites and on the events in Daviess County, Marsh
reported rumors that the Danites had set up a "destroying company" and
that "if the people of Clay & Ray made any movement against them,
this destroying company was to burn Liberty & Richmond."
32 Also my servant Hyrum Smith and my servant Reynolds Cahoon;
Note: Reynolds Cahoon followed Joseph Smith into polygamy.
He later practiced plural marriage, marrying Lucina Roberts in 1843 and Mary Hildrath in 1846 while living in Nauvoo, Illinois.
33 And also my servant Daniel Stanton and my servant Seymour Brunson;
Note: Daniel Stanton lost everything following Joseph Smith.
Daniel Stanton, a veteran of the War of 1812 and a farmer and
carpenter, migrated to Ohio in 1819. By 1830 he was a respected
resident of Kirtland. When Daniel completed the mission, he was
recommended to be a counselor to Bishop John Corrill by the Prophet
Joseph Smith and appointed to watch over branch “Number 2” in
Independence, Jackson County. He served in that capacity until
religious persecution forced him to abandon his home and fields and
flee to Clay County for safety. Although much of what he had once owned
remained in Jackson County, Daniel did not forsake his faith or
religion.
Note: Seymour Brunson died for Joseph Smith.
Brunson was baptized a member of Church of Christ in January 1831 in
Strongsville, Ohio. He served as a missionary in both Ohio and Virginia
and then moved to Daviess County, Missouri, just south of Far West.
After a year he moved into the town. It was Brunson who, in April 1838,
brought the charges against Oliver Cowdery that led to Cowdery's
excommunication. During that fall, Brunson served as a major in the
Daviess County militia. After this, he moved to Quincy, Illinois, for a
short time and then on to Nauvoo, Illinois. At Nauvoo, Brunson served
as a member of the High Council and as a lieutenant colonel in the
Hancock County Militia. He also served as one of Joseph Smith's
bodyguards. He died on August 10, 1840.
34 And also my servant Sylvester Smith and my servant Gideon Carter;
Note: Sylvester Smith realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
George A. Smith later reported that by 1837 Sylvester was numbered
among the dissenters from Joseph Smith and the church.[13] By 1838,
Smith had left the church.[4] At this time, many Latter Day Saints had
left Kirtland, leaving Smith behind in the city until 1853, when he
sold his land and moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Note: Gideon Carter died for Joseph Smith.
By 1837 he had settled in Far West, Missouri. In the evening of October
24, 1838, news reached Latter-day Saints in Far West that a mob had
captured two or possibly three of the brethren. David W. Patten
resolved to rescue the imprisoned men and asked for volunteers to help
him. Gideon was one of the first to volunteer. In the morning of
October 25, 1838, the Battle at Crooked River ensued between the
Latter-day Saints and the Missourians. Gideon Carter was killed in the
battle.
35 And also my servant Ruggles Eames and my servant Stephen Burnett;
Note: Ruggles Eames realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
After 1832 Ruggles Eames’s name does not appear on Church records. It
is assumed that he voluntarily withdrew from Church fellowship. By 1840
Ruggles and his family were residing in Van Buren County, Iowa.
Note: Stephen Burnett realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
By the time Stephen returned to his parental home in Ohio, he had not
only had lost his missionary zeal but had become disaffected from the
Church. In 1837 he leagued himself with apostate Warren Parrish in
opposition against the Prophet Joseph Smith, claiming that Joseph had
departed from the true order of things by calling the church ‘The
Church of the Latter-day Saints.’” Stephen “rejected the Prophet and
denounced those who adhered to him as heretics.”
36 And also my servant Micah B. Welton and also my servant Eden Smith. Even so. Amen.
Note: Micah Welton did not follow Brigham Young into polygamy.
When the Saints fled from Nauvoo in 1846 to the Territory of Iowa,
Micah remained in Illinois and voluntarily withdrew from Church
fellowship.
Note: Eden Smith did not follow Brigham Young into polygamy.
Eden was disfellowshipped on July 2, 1833. He repented of his sins and
was rebaptized on August 27, 1834 in Eugene, Indiana by William E.
McLellin. Eden joined other Latter-day Saints in Missouri and later in
Nauvoo, Illinois. In April 1843 he was called to serve a mission with
Benjamin Leland to Erie County, Pennsylvania. When the Saints went
West, Eden returned to Indiana