LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 51
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Thompson, Ohio, May 20, 1831. At this time the Saints migrating from
the eastern states began to arrive in Ohio, and it became necessary to
make definite arrangements for their settlement. As this undertaking
belonged particularly to the bishop’s office, Bishop Edward Partridge
sought instruction on the matter, and the Prophet inquired of the Lord.
1–8, Edward Partridge is appointed to regulate stewardships and
properties; 9–12, The Saints are to deal honestly and receive alike;
13–15, They are to have a bishop’s storehouse and to organize
properties according to the Lord’s law; 16–20, Ohio is to be a
temporary gathering place.
1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my
servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions; for it must
needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people. 2 For
it must needs be that they be organized according to my laws; if
otherwise, they will be cut off. 3 Wherefore, let my servant Edward
Partridge, and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well pleased,
appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to
his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs. 4
And let my servant Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his
portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his
portion, that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance in
the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the
voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the church,
to belong to the church.
Note: Edward Partridge was worked to death by Joseph Smith.
Partridge died on May 27, 1840, in Nauvoo, Illinois, at the age of 46.
Partridge expended much of his wealth in support of the movement before
he died.
5 And if he shall transgress and is not accounted worthy to belong to
the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has
consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and needy of my church;
therefore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on
that portion that is deeded unto him. 6 And thus all things shall be
made sure, according to the laws of the land.
Note: Joseph Smith tried to establish communism.
In the Latter Day Saint movement, the United Order (also called the
United Order of Enoch) was one of several 19th-century church
collectivist programs. Early versions of the Order beginning in 1831
attempted to fully implement the law of consecration, a form of
Christian communism or communalism.
7 And let that which belongs to this people be appointed unto this
people. 8 And the money which is left unto this people—let there be an
agent appointed unto this people, to take the money to provide food and
raiment, according to the wants of this people. 9 And let every man
deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that
ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.
Note: Communism has never succeeded in any society.
Originally, the United Order was intended to be "an everlasting order
for the benefit of my church, and for the salvation of men until I
come". In practice, however, the Order was relatively short-lived
during Smith's life.
10 And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given
unto that of another church. 11 Wherefore, if another church would
receive money of this church, let them pay unto this church again
according as they shall agree; 12 And this shall be done through the
bishop or the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the
church.
Note: Communism has never succeeded in any society.
Partridge attempted to implement the United Order in Thompson; however,
disagreements broke out and he was unsuccessful. Shortly after, Smith
announced a revelation directing Newel Knight to lead the saints on the
Copley farm to settle in Missouri.
13 And again, let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church; and
let all things both in money and in meat, which are more than is
needful for the wants of this people, be kept in the hands of the
bishop. 14 And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and
for the wants of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this
business.
Note: Communism has never succeeded in any society.
Under Smith, members attempted to implement the law of consecration
through the establishment of the United Order, but it was never fully
instituted due to conflict and disagreements.
15 And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing
themselves according to my laws. 16 And I consecrate unto them this
land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them
otherwise, and command them to go hence; 17 And the hour and the day is
not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for
years, and this shall turn unto them for their good.
Note: LDS experience in Kirtland Ohio did not turn out good.
The Kirtland era ended in 1838 after the failure of a church-sponsored
anti-bank caused widespread defections, and Smith regrouped with the
remaining church in Far West, Missouri.
18 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches.
Note: Edward Partridge should have realized Joseph Smith was a fraud.
He was tarred and feathered by an anti-Mormon mob on July 20, 1833, in
front of the courthouse in Independence, Missouri, where he had been
assigned to preside as bishop, then forced to move to Clay County,
Missouri, followed by Caldwell County in 1836.
19 And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall
enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.
Note: Believers will receive an eternal inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ.
“And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to
me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you
persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I
said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are
persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to
you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the
things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to
you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the
Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn
them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who
are sanctified by faith in Me.’” Acts 26:14-18
20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“Assuredly, I say to you,” Matthew 5:26
“Behold, I am coming quickly!” Revelation 22:7
“at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44