LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 82
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in
Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, April 26, 1832. The occasion
was a council of high priests and elders of the Church. At the council,
Joseph Smith was sustained as the President of the High Priesthood, to
which office he had previously been ordained at a conference of high
priests, elders, and members, at Amherst, Ohio, January 25, 1832 (see
the heading to section 75). This revelation reiterates instructions
given in an earlier revelation (section 78) to establish a firm—known
as the United Firm (under Joseph Smith’s direction, the term “order”
later replaced “firm”)—to govern the Church’s mercantile and publishing
endeavors.
1–4, Where much is given, much is required; 5–7, Darkness reigns in the
world; 8–13, The Lord is bound when we do what He says; 14–18, Zion
must increase in beauty and holiness; 19–24, Every man should seek the
interest of his neighbor.
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you
have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive
you. 2 Nevertheless, there are those among you who have sinned
exceedingly; yea, even all of you have sinned; but verily I say unto
you, beware from henceforth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments
fall upon your heads.
Note: The judgment of Missourians would soon fall on the LDS fanatics.
Under the auspice of Mormon leaders in Kirtland, settlers trickled to
the county during the following months. By 1833, Mormons numbered over
a thousand, representing about a third and as much as half of the
county's population. The Mormon settlers' religious, cultural, and
political differences, economic cohesion, their perceived affinity for
neighboring Native American tribes, and their divine claims to the land
of "Zion" contributed to growing animosity.
3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins
against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation. 4 Ye
call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and
inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become
transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is
affixed unto my law.
Note: The judgment of Missourians would soon fall on the LDS fanatics.
Most Latter Day Saint settlers were originally from New England and the
Ohio Valley and, unlike their southern neighbors, generally opposed
slavery. In July 1833, a local meeting was held by non-Mormon residents
in Independence after an article titled "Free People of Color" was
published in the Mormon newspaper, The Evening and Morning Star. The
article's mention of the potential arrival of free black converts was
particularly controversial. Attendees contended that the Mormons
threatened civil society, and that local laws were insufficient to
address the perceived dangers. They resolved to remove the Mormons,
"peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must." The group then agreed to
destroy the newspaper's printing press and demanded that Mormon leaders
pledge to halt their activities and leave the county.
5 Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the
adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth; 6 And the
anger of God kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth; and none
doeth good, for all have gone out of the way. 7 And now, verily I say
unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your
ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former
sins return, saith the Lord your God.
Note: The judgment of Missourians would soon fall on the LDS fanatics.
When the Mormons refused, they then targeted and ransacked the Mormon
storehouse in Independence. Mormon settlements in the outskirts of the
city were increasingly harassed and raided throughout the summer and
fall of 1833. By November 1833, vigilantes had forcefully expelled the
Mormons from Jackson County.
8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that
you may understand my will concerning you; 9 Or, in other words, I give
unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you
for your salvation. 10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but
when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
Note: Joseph Smith did not trust Jesus Christ.
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined
according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the
counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to
the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:11-12
11 Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is expedient for my
servants Edward Partridge and Newel K. Whitney, A. Sidney Gilbert and
Sidney Rigdon, and my servant Joseph Smith, and John Whitmer and Oliver
Cowdery, and W. W. Phelps and Martin Harris to be bound together by a
bond and covenant that cannot be broken by transgression, except
judgment shall immediately follow, in your several stewardships—12 To
manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the
bishopric both in the land of Zion and in the land of Kirtland; 13 For
I have consecrated the land of Kirtland in mine own due time for the
benefit of the saints of the Most High, and for a stake to Zion.
Note: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were exposed as frauds in Kirtland.
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon faced multiple arrest warrants and legal
actions in Kirtland, Ohio, primarily due to the collapse and illegal
operation of the Kirtland Safety Society anti-banking institution
during the Panic of 1837.
14 For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must
be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto
you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments. 15 Therefore, I
give unto you this commandment, that ye bind yourselves by this
covenant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord.
Note: Joseph Smith did not love God.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
16 Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good. 17 And you are to
be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the
properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your
stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch
as his wants are just—18 And all this for the benefit of the church of
the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every
man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into
the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole
church—19 Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all
things with an eye single to the glory of God.
Note: The United Firm or communism failed since church leaders didn’t work.
Covenant Breaches: Church leaders noted that individual members failed
to live up to the communal and stewardship principles of the firm,
leading to internal friction.
20 This order I have appointed to be an everlasting order unto you, and
unto your successors, inasmuch as you sin not. 21 And the soul that
sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall
be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be
delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption.
Note: The United Firm or communism failed since church leaders didn’t work.
Mounting Debt: Two years of mercantile activity in Kirtland, Ohio, and
Independence, Missouri, accumulated heavy financial obligations,
aggravated by the costs of building the Kirtland Temple.
22 And now, verily I say unto you, and this is wisdom, make unto
yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, and they will
not destroy you.
Note: The United Firm or communism failed since church leaders didn’t work.
Lack of Legal Protection: Operating as an unincorporated joint-stock
company, the firm provided no limited liability or corporate
protections, making personal and church finances vulnerable.
23 Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace
be with you; my blessings continue with you. 24 For even yet the
kingdom is yours, and shall be forever, if you fall not from your
steadfastness. Even so. Amen.
Note: The LDS fanatics failed everywhere within the United States.
During the 1830s and 1840s, early members of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints (LDS) faced repeated forced expulsions and violent
mob persecution as they moved westward across the United States.