Class Member Study Guide: Lesson 27
Doctrine & Covenants 101
Doctrine & Covenants 103
Doctrine & Covenants 105
Our Heritage: Pages 27-29
Pages 37-45
ZION'S CAMP, MISSOURI SAINTS, AND TRIALS OF FAITH
The Lord's Instructions to the Saints Driven from Jackson County
Members of the newly organized church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lived both in Kirtland and Missouri in the early to mid 1830s. The Saints were tried in both locations by external persecution and by internal dissent.
When Joseph Smith learned that the Saints had been expelled from Jackson County Missouri in Februrary of 1834, he sought answers to the problems in Missouri. The prophet prayed to know what to do. The answers he received are recorded in Section 101 of the Doctrine & Covenants.
In section the Lord explains to Joseph about principals of obedience, chastening, and sanctification.
Answers to the Missouri Saints Continue to Come to the Prophet
The problems in Missouri were complex and troubling. Because of concerns about political domination, religious beliefs--that the Book of Mormon was scripture, abolitionist sentiments on the part of a largely northeastern convert base, and sympathies with the Indians, the Missouri residents often took their frustration out on the Saints through persecution, violence, evictions, seizures, and armed massacres.
The Saints tried legal means to remedy their grievances. In the winter of 1833 Smith received word of Missouri Governor Dunklin's willingness to assist in restoring homes and providing protection.
His assistance was channeled through various government officials many of whom aided persecutors instead of assisting the Saints. Through many confrontations--the confiscation and destruction of Phelps Printing Establishment, the tarring and feathering of Bishop Partridge, the Battle at Big Blue, other significant expulsions, and the massacre further north at Hahn's Mill, the Saints were tried in ways that are hard to imagine today.
After receiving word of the about the governor's offer of assistance, Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Section 103. He was told to organize a group of men to travel to Missouri to help return lands and provide protection afterwards. This group and their journey is now referred to in church history as Zion's Camp.
The story of the gathering of the brethren is one of faith and sacrifice. It takes from February to early May to gather a group of some 80 men together. Joseph's brother Hiram goes northwest to gather men. Others go East. The size of the group swells and wains. Its largest point was just a little over 200.
There was much dissension and many difficulties in the march. There were young boys and old men. The March tried the perseverance, testimony, and commitment of Israel's army. The camp was plagued with hunger and later disease. The prophet and his followers learned much about sacrifice and obedience.
Outcome of Zion's Camp March and Insight Into What Some Viewed as a Failed Mission
As they marched, they learned what they could and could not do. When the twelve apostles and leaders of the church were later selected, most came from the ranks of those who marched with Joseph in Zion's Camp.
What did these men learn?
Understanding the Purpose of Trials
Importance of Obedience
Willingness to Sacrifice Everything
Importance of Unification in the Lord's Work
(when even a few murmur the group is weakened)
Sustaining the prophet and following counsel even in difficulty or when we don't understand.
Don't Click on These Links During Class!
Link to BYU Production about Zion's Camp: Zion's Camp: The Joseph Smith Papers
Church Movie about Zion's Camp: Zion's Camp
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