Doctrine and Covenants 16

 

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If section 16 was a deeply personal revelation (given to Peter Whitmer), why is it almost exactly the same as section 15 (given to John Whitmer)? If the Lord had such amazing insight into the mind and heart of Peter Whitmer, why can't the Lord give a more unique revelation to him? This is similar to patriarchal blessings given to different people by the same patriarch that are almost exactly the same.

1 HEARKEN, my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.
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2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.
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3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone--
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In verse 3, Jesus says he'll tell Peter Whitmer something only Jesus and Peter know.

That which no one knows except Peter Whitmer and Jesus is that Peter desired to know what would be of most worth to him. Who hasn't wondered what in life would be most important for them to do? The section heading for section 14 says the three Whitmer sons "received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, [and] became deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty." Of course they would be thinking something along the lines of "What would be of most worth for me to do." This seems like a mediocre example of cold reading.

(Google "cold reading" or see this video "Derren Brown Cold Technique")

-a-bom
4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
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In verse 3, Jesus says he'll tell Peter Whitmer something only Jesus and Peter know. That which no one knows except Peter Whitmer and Jesus is that Peter desired to know what would be of most worth to him. Who hasn't wondered what in life would be most important for them to do? [The section heading for section 14](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14?lang=eng) says the three Whitmer sons "received a testimony as to the genuineness of the work, [and] became deeply concerned over the matter of their individual duty." Of course they would be thinking something along the lines of "What would be of most worth for me to do." This seems like a mediocre example of cold reading. (Google "cold reading" or see this video ["Derren Brown Cold Technique"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13YaVfpjGL4))
5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given unto you according to my commandments.
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6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
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