LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 54
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to
Newel Knight, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 10, 1831. Members of the Church
living in Thompson, Ohio, were divided on questions having to do with
the consecration of properties. Selfishness and greed were manifest.
Following his mission to the Shakers (see the heading to section 49),
Leman Copley had broken his covenant to consecrate his large farm as a
place of inheritance for the Saints arriving from Colesville, New York.
As a consequence, Newel Knight (leader of the members living in
Thompson) and other elders had come to the Prophet asking how to
proceed. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation,
which commands the members in Thompson to leave Leman Copley’s farm and
journey to Missouri.
1–6, The Saints must keep the gospel covenant to gain mercy; 7–10, They must be patient in tribulation.
1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world— 2 Behold,
verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel Knight, you shall
stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you.
Note: Joseph Smith was friends with demon possessed Newel Knight for four years before the demon was exorcised.
Newel Knight (1800–1847) was a close and loyal friend of Joseph Smith
Jr. from 1826, when Joseph became a hired hand for the Knight family,
until Joseph’s death in 1844. Joseph Smith organized the Church in
April 1830. In May 1830, Newel Knight was the first of the extended
Knight family network to be baptized. Before this, Joseph Smith cast
out an evil spirit from Knight. That moment has often been lauded as
the first miracle performed in Latter-day Saint history, thanks to
Joseph Smith’s resounding interest in the event, which he described in
detail in his history. Upon regaining himself, Knight experienced a
vision of heaven and other revelations, according to his own history.
3 And if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent
of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite. 4
And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken, even so it
has become void and of none effect.
Note: The New Covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ for remission of sins.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and
gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then
He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink
from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is
shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:26-28
5 And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” Matthew 18:7
“and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
6 But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.
Note: Jesus Christ gave the commandment to love one another.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
7 Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon
you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your
leader, and to pay moneys for you. 8 And thus you shall take your
journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the
borders of the Lamanites.
Note: The people of Colesville did not care about religious fanatism.
In late June 1830, Smith, Emma, Cowdery, and John and David Whitmer
visited Colesville and baptized Joseph Knight Sr., many of his family,
and several others in the area. This activity, and the recent exorcism
of Newel Knight, aroused the animosity of a group of local residents,
leading to Smith's arrest by the local constable on "disorderly person"
(vagrancy) charges.
9 And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you.
Note: Following a false prophet led to problems in both Missouri and Illinois.
With the baptism of Knight's parents, siblings, and aunts and uncles in
July 1830, the Colesville Branch of the church was organized with
Knight as its presiding authority. He continued to preside over this
branch through its relocation to Ohio and then to Jackson County,
Missouri. In both Missouri and later at Nauvoo, Illinois, Knight
constructed mills.
10 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I
come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me
early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.
Note: Newel Knight found early death trying to follow Brigham Young.
While in Nebraska preparing to travel west, Knight grew sick and
received a blessing at the hands of his wife Lydia. Knight died at
Ponca (in what is today Knox County, Nebraska) from lung inflammation,
probably pneumonia.