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
While the camp was on Fishing River the word of the Lord came to Joseph
Smith (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 105) stating that it was not required of
the camp to continue the journey for the redemption of Zion. The camp
had been brought to the borders of Jackson County, "for a trial of
their faith." However, if it had not been for transgression of the
people, the Lord declared, "they might have been redeemed even now.
But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which
I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and
do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor
and afflicted among them, and are not united according to the union
required by the law of the celestial kingdom. And Zion cannot be built
up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom,
otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself; and my people must needs be
chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be by the things
which they suffer. I speak not concerning those who are appointed to
lead my people, who are the first elders of my church, for they are
not all under this condemnation; but I speak concerning my churches
abroad--there are many who will say, Where is their God? Behold, he
will deliver them in time of trouble, otherwise we will not go up
unto Zion, and will keep our moneys. Therefore, in consequence of the
transgression of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders
should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion."[4] The
elders were to be endowed with power from on high in the house of the
Lord at Kirtland, and be taught more perfectly in doctrine and have
experience and a better knowledge of their duties, before Zion could
be redeemed. This was one reason for the building of the temple in
Kirtland.
Disbanding of the Camp
On the 23rd of June (1834), the camp continued its march and the next
day arrived near the home of Algernon Sidney Gilbert on Rush Creek,
where, on the morning of the 25th, in compliance with the revelation
of the 22nd, the camp was separated into small groups to quiet the
feelings of the people, and dispersed among the brethren who were
residing in Clay County.
The Prophecy Fulfilled
As soon as the camp arrived on Rush Creek, the cholera broke out among
the members and continued for several days. The victims were seized
suddenly and so powerful was the disease that within a few minutes some
of the brethren were dead. About sixty-eight members were attacked
and fourteen died. Among the number who succumbed was Algernon Sidney
Gilbert, keeper of the Lord's storehouse in Zion, and one of the
stalwart leaders who had stood in defense of the liberty and lives of
the Saints in Jackson County.
Organization of the High Council in Missouri
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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