LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 96
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, June 4, 1833. The
occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of
consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French
farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could
not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of
the Lord concerning the matter.
1, The Kirtland Stake of Zion is to be made strong; 2–5, The bishop is
to divide the inheritances for the Saints; 6–9, John Johnson is to be a
member of the united order.
1 Behold, I say unto you, here is wisdom, whereby ye may know how to
act concerning this matter, for it is expedient in me that this stake
that I have set for the strength of Zion should be made strong.
Note: Believers who have the wisdom of God in Jesus Christ will glory in Yahweh.
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from
God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is
written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” 1 Corinthians
1:30-31
2 Therefore, let my servant Newel K. Whitney take charge of the place
which is named among you, upon which I design to build mine holy house.
3 And again, let it be divided into lots, according to wisdom, for the
benefit of those who seek inheritances, as it shall be determined in
council among you.
Note: Newel Whitney was a successful businessman that Joseph Smith needed.
On June 1, 1822, Whitney purchased an apple orchard at the intersection
of two main roads in northern Ohio, and by 1824 had built the Red Store
there. Whitney bought the lot diagonally opposite the Red Store lot in
September 1822, where he made an ashery. The combined businesses helped
Kirtland's local economy. Sometimes customers at his store would pay
him in wood at the ashery. Wool carders would buy the potash to process
their wool. In June 1824 Whitney expanded the ashery and built a home
behind the Red Store. After the Erie Canal was constructed in 1825, it
decreased the price of transportation of goods to Kirtland. In April
1826, Whitney bought the lot east of the Red Store and built a
medium-sized store on, which the family called the White Store.
4 Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, and that portion
that is necessary to benefit mine order, for the purpose of bringing
forth my word to the children of men. 5 For behold, verily I say unto
you, this is the most expedient in me, that my word should go forth
unto the children of men, for the purpose of subduing the hearts of the
children of men for your good. Even so. Amen.
Note: Joseph Smith tried communism and failed.
United Order: Based on the Law of Consecration, individuals deeded
their property to the Church voluntarily, and then stewardship of
property was returned to individuals according to their family,
circumstances, and needs.
6 And again, verily I say unto you, it is wisdom and expedient in me,
that my servant John Johnson whose offering I have accepted, and whose
prayers I have heard, unto whom I give a promise of eternal life
inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth—7 For he is a
descendant of Joseph and a partaker of the blessings of the promise
made unto his fathers—8 Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me
that he should become a member of the order, that he may assist in
bringing forth my word unto the children of men.
Note: John Johnson was a successful farmer that Joseph Smith needed.
As a result of a healing, Johnson, his wife, and Booth were converted
to Mormonism and became members of the Church of Christ. Johnson was
baptized by Smith. Johnson invited Smith and his wife and children to
live at the Johnson farm, which served as the headquarters of the
church from September 1831 to March 1832. While living at the farm,
Smith recorded a number of revelations which are included in the
Doctrine and Covenants and continued his translation of the Bible.
9 Therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing, and he shall seek
diligently to take away incumbrances that are upon the house named
among you, that he may dwell therein. Even so. Amen.
Note: Joseph Smith needed John Johnson to solve money problems.
In 1833, Johnson and his wife moved to Kirtland where they opened an
inn next to the store owned by Newel K. Whitney. Johnson was ordained
as an elder in the church on February 17, 1833, and as a high priest on
June 4, 1833. On February 17, 1834, Johnson was appointed as one of the
founding members of the church's first high council in Kirtland.