Doctrine and Covenants 30

 
1 BEHOLD, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.
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2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.
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3 Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received.
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4 And your home shall be at your father's house, until I give unto you further commandments. And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the world, and in the regions round about. Amen.
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5 Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take your journey with your brother Oliver; for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear not, but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you.
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6 And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites;
Lamanites Identified
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Peter Whitmer is told in the preceding verse that he is to go on a mission with Oliver Cowdery, and this mission is to preach to the Lamanites. (See D&C 28:8-9,14 about Oliver’s mission call)

This is supposed to be a direct revelation from God, and “Lamanites” means “Native Americans.” The Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual confirms this saying, “By ‘Lamanites’ Joseph Smith had reference to the Indians, and to go out to the ‘borders by the Lamanites’ meant to go to the frontier.”

This was the consensus among the prophets and apostles ... until it wasn’t, in recent decades. Though God was quite clear in the Doctrine and Covenants who the Lamanites were, though the prophets and apostles were unambiguous in teaching that by “Lamanites” the scriptures mean “Native Americans,” the current leaders of the Church do not seem to know who the Lamanites are, even though the Book of Mormon was “Written to the Lamanites” (Book of Mormon Introduction) and the Book of Mormon has many references to how its writings are to be preserved for the Lamanites.

(See also, “Who is Moroni writing to? ”)

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7 And none have I appointed to be his counselor over him in the church, concerning church matters, except it is his brother, Joseph Smith, Jun.
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8 Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life. Amen.
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9 Behold, I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt commence from this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump.
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10 And your labor shall be at your brother Philip Burroughs', and in that region round about, yea, wherever you can be heard, until I command you to go from hence.
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11 And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen.
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