Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"Smith, Joseph Fielding
History
Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"
Smith, Joseph Fielding
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- History
There were a number of cases awaiting the action of the high council as
soon as it was organized, and within a day or two several trials were
held and matters of discipline passed upon. One question considered
was as follows: "Whether disobedience to the word of wisdom was a
transgression sufficient to deprive an official member from holding
office in the Church, after having it sufficiently taught him?" After a
free and full discussion Joseph Smith, who presided, gave his decision
as follows: "No official member in this Church is worthy to hold an
office after having the word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the
official member, neglecting to comply with or obey it." This decision
was confirmed by unanimous vote.
Zion Shall Not be Removed
A revelation was given to Joseph Smith December 16, 1833, giving the
reason for the expulsion of the members of the Church from Jackson
County (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 101). Nevertheless the Lord declared that
Zion should "not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her
children are scattered." In his own due time he would redeem Zion, and
let fall the sword of his indignation in behalf of his people. The cup
of his wrath was to be poured out without measure upon all nations,
when the cup of their iniquity is full. The Saints were instructed to
"Importune for redress and redemption" before the judge, and if he
should fail, then before the governor, and if they could not obtain
redress from him they were to importune the president of the United
States, and if he heeded them not, then the Lord would "vex the
nation." The Church was instructed to purchase lands in Jackson and
neighboring counties, for inheritances for the Saints. Moreover, they
were instructed in a parable to gather together the strength of the
Lord's house, "My young men and they that are middle aged also among
all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only
whom I have appointed to tarry," said the Lord, "and go straightway
unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine,
I have bought it with money." February 24, 1834, the Lord further
declared that if his Saints would, from that time forth, repent and
keep his commandments, they should "begin to prevail" against his
enemies from that very hour; but if they polluted their inheritances
they were to be thrown down, for he would not spare them if they
polluted their inheritances. "The redemption of Zion must needs come
by power," he declared, therefore the Saints were to collect money and
purchase lands, as they had been commanded, and the young and middle
aged were to gather to Zion and seek its redemption.
Zion's Camp
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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