LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 40
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney
Rigdon, at Fayette, New York, January 6, 1831. Preceding the record of
this revelation, the Prophet’s history states, “As James [Covel]
rejected the word of the Lord, and returned to his former principles
and people, the Lord gave unto me and Sidney Rigdon the following
revelation” (see section 39).
1–3, Fear of persecution and cares of the world cause rejection of the gospel.
1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James
Covel was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey
my word. 2 And he received the word with gladness, but straightway
Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the
world caused him to reject the word.
Note: James Covel soon realized that Joseph Smith was a fraud.
The three Book of Mormon plate witnesses own wretched moral character
makes their testimony completely dismissible. Both Whitmer and Cowdery
were later charged by their fellow Mormons as thieves and
counterfeiters, and Harris eventually admitted that he never had really
laid eyes on the plates but instead gazed upon them through his “eyes
of faith.”
3 Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen.
Note: The New Covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ.
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them,
saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance
of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup
is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19-20