Zion’s CampZion’s CampZion’s Camp was first discussed at the home of Joseph Zion’s Camp was first discussed at the home of Joseph Smith on February 24, 1834, when the Kirtland high Smith on February 24, 1834, when the Kirtland high council met to give an audience or hearing to Lyman council met to give an audience or hearing to Lyman Wight and Parley P. Pratt, delegates from the Church in Wight and Parley P. Pratt, delegates from the Church in Missouri (Missouri (History of the Church History of the Church 2:39).2:39).

Elders Pratt and Wight, who had left their families in Elders Pratt and Wight, who had left their families in Missouri without protection from mob violence and Missouri without protection from mob violence and persecution, had come to solicit help and guidance from persecution, had come to solicit help and guidance from the leadership of the Church. Parley described his the leadership of the Church. Parley described his desperate journey from Jackson County to Kirtland: “I desperate journey from Jackson County to Kirtland: “I was at this time entirely destitute of proper clothing for was at this time entirely destitute of proper clothing for the journey; and I had neither horse, saddle, bridle, the journey; and I had neither horse, saddle, bridle, money or provisions to take with me; or to leave with my money or provisions to take with me; or to leave with my wife, who lay sick and helpless most of the time.wife, who lay sick and helpless most of the time.

Under the circumstances I knew not what to do. Nearly Under the circumstances I knew not what to do. Nearly all had been robbed and plundered, and all were poor.” A all had been robbed and plundered, and all were poor.” A man named Higbee, “moved by the Spirit,” gave him a man named Higbee, “moved by the Spirit,” gave him a horse and saddle. Sidney A. Gilbert, whose store had horse and saddle. Sidney A. Gilbert, whose store had been “broken up, and his goods plundered and destroyed been “broken up, and his goods plundered and destroyed by the mob,” gave him some material, which some by the mob,” gave him some material, which some women made into a suit, and Brother Gilbert furnished a women made into a suit, and Brother Gilbert furnished a coat.coat.

““Faith and the blessings of God had cleared up our way to Faith and the blessings of God had cleared up our way to accomplish what seemed impossible,” he continued. “We accomplish what seemed impossible,” he continued. “We were soon ready, and on the first of February we mounted were soon ready, and on the first of February we mounted our horses, and started in good cheer to ride one our horses, and started in good cheer to ride one thousand or fifteen hundred miles through wilderness thousand or fifteen hundred miles through wilderness country. We travelled every day, whether through storm country. We travelled every day, whether through storm or sunshine, mud, rain or snow” (Prattor sunshine, mud, rain or snow” (Pratt, Autobiography of , Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, Parley P. Pratt, 107-9).107-9).

Lyman Wight, Parley’s companion on this mission, also Lyman Wight, Parley’s companion on this mission, also placed his faith in the Lord. Before he left, it was reported, placed his faith in the Lord. Before he left, it was reported, “his wife lay by the side of a log in the woods, with a child “his wife lay by the side of a log in the woods, with a child three days old and he had three days’ provisions on three days old and he had three days’ provisions on hand” (hand” (Millennial Star Millennial Star 27, July 22, 1865: 455).27, July 22, 1865: 455).

After Joseph heard of the problems in Missouri, “he burst After Joseph heard of the problems in Missouri, “he burst into tears and sobbed aloud, ‘Oh my brethren….Would into tears and sobbed aloud, ‘Oh my brethren….Would that I had been with you, to have shared your fate’” (Lucy that I had been with you, to have shared your fate’” (Lucy Mack Smith, Mack Smith, History of Joseph SmithHistory of Joseph Smith, 225)., 225).

On the day Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight arrived in On the day Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight arrived in Kirtland from Missouri, Joseph Smith received a revelation Kirtland from Missouri, Joseph Smith received a revelation (D&C 103) that directed him to gather the young and (D&C 103) that directed him to gather the young and middle-aged men and lead them to Missouri. The first middle-aged men and lead them to Missouri. The first group left on May 1group left on May 1stst, the second four days later., the second four days later.

God is more concerned with growth than with God is more concerned with growth than with geography. Thus, those who marched in Zion’s geography. Thus, those who marched in Zion’s Camp were not exploring the Missouri Camp were not exploring the Missouri countryside but their own possibilities (Neal A. countryside but their own possibilities (Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, November 1976, 14)., November 1976, 14).

I don’t think God is too interested in real estate. I don’t think God is too interested in real estate. He owns it all anyway. He does seem to be He owns it all anyway. He does seem to be incredibly interested in what happens to us incredibly interested in what happens to us individually and will place us in those individually and will place us in those circumstances where we have the most circumstances where we have the most opportune chances to grow and to carry out our opportune chances to grow and to carry out our purposes (Neal A. Maxwell, “purposes (Neal A. Maxwell, “But for a Small But for a Small MomentMoment,” 451).,” 451).

Just before they left on Zion’s CampJust before they left on Zion’s Camp

Joseph approached Oliver Cowdery and Zebedee Coltrin Joseph approached Oliver Cowdery and Zebedee Coltrin while they were standing at a street corner in New while they were standing at a street corner in New Portage, Ohio (Southwest of Kirtland). Portage, Ohio (Southwest of Kirtland).

Joseph said, Joseph said,

““If you will come with me I will show you visionsIf you will come with me I will show you visions.” .”

Zebedee Coltrin said that the Prophet took them Zebedee Coltrin said that the Prophet took them outside of town on a hillside where there was an arch of outside of town on a hillside where there was an arch of wild grapes. He said that Joseph laid under the arch, wild grapes. He said that Joseph laid under the arch, stretched his arms out and said, “Here brethren, lay on stretched his arms out and said, “Here brethren, lay on my arms and use them for pillows, and I will remove my arms and use them for pillows, and I will remove the veil for you.”the veil for you.”

So they did and by his mighty faith, Joseph rolled back So they did and by his mighty faith, Joseph rolled back the veil and there in the heavens was a man and a the veil and there in the heavens was a man and a woman seated upon beautiful thrones. woman seated upon beautiful thrones.

Joseph than asked them, “Brethren, do you know who Joseph than asked them, “Brethren, do you know who they are?” They did not and so Joseph said, “Let me they are?” They did not and so Joseph said, “Let me introduce you to your first parents, to your father Adam introduce you to your first parents, to your father Adam and and his queenhis queen, mother Eve.” , mother Eve.”

Zebedee said that they were allowed to converse with Zebedee said that they were allowed to converse with Adam and Eve in the vision (Remember Joseph saw Adam and Eve in the vision (Remember Joseph saw Adam many times). Adam many times).

This was a marvelous experience for these two men to This was a marvelous experience for these two men to have prior to the beginning of Zion’s Camp. have prior to the beginning of Zion’s Camp.

Why Zion’s CampWhy Zion’s Camp??

The Saints had been driven out of The Saints had been driven out of Jackson County to Clay County. Jackson County to Clay County.

They settled in Clay County from They settled in Clay County from 1834-36. They purchased land in 1834-36. They purchased land in Northern Missouri and then moved Northern Missouri and then moved north.north.

D&C 103:27-28, 30-34D&C 103:27-28, 30-34

Obtain 500, this is my will.Obtain 500, this is my will.

Men do not always do my will.Men do not always do my will.

Obtain 300, but no less than 100.Obtain 300, but no less than 100.

207 men, 11 children, 11 women at 207 men, 11 children, 11 women at it’s largest point.it’s largest point.

Joseph’s ProphecyJoseph’s Prophecy

Joseph Smith declared to Brigham Young Joseph Smith declared to Brigham Young that if he would go with him in the camp that if he would go with him in the camp to Missouri and keep his counsel, “I to Missouri and keep his counsel, “I promise you, in the name of the promise you, in the name of the Almighty, that I will lead you there and Almighty, that I will lead you there and back again, and not a hair of your head, back again, and not a hair of your head, shall be harmed” (History of Brigham shall be harmed” (History of Brigham Young, Young, Millennial StarMillennial Star, 18, 18thth July, 1863, July, 1863, 455).455).

Daniel Dunklin – Governor of Daniel Dunklin – Governor of MissouriMissouri

He was somewhat responsible for Zion’s Camp because He was somewhat responsible for Zion’s Camp because when the brethren petitioned for assistance, he asked if when the brethren petitioned for assistance, he asked if they were willing to fight to get their land, homes and they were willing to fight to get their land, homes and property back. They said they were. property back. They said they were.

He then said, “If you can raise a force to come down He then said, “If you can raise a force to come down and take your land, I will guarantee you your rights.” and take your land, I will guarantee you your rights.”

When Zion’s Camp got to Missouri, he somehow didn’t When Zion’s Camp got to Missouri, he somehow didn’t remember having ever said those things. remember having ever said those things.

He gave his solemn word and then went back on it.He gave his solemn word and then went back on it.

After hearing the report, Joseph declared After hearing the report, Joseph declared that he was going to Zion to redeem the that he was going to Zion to redeem the land and called for the council's assent. land and called for the council's assent. The members agreed unanimously, The members agreed unanimously, nominating Joseph as “commander in nominating Joseph as “commander in Chief of the Armies of Israel.”Chief of the Armies of Israel.”

The prophet, it was said, had a sword The prophet, it was said, had a sword over four feet long. Some men had over four feet long. Some men had equipped themselves with four or five equipped themselves with four or five pistols.pistols.

Zion’s Camp did attempt a mild military Zion’s Camp did attempt a mild military order, but Joseph was short on military order, but Joseph was short on military discipline. discipline.

The men were organized into companies The men were organized into companies of twelve with a captain over each.of twelve with a captain over each.

Joseph chose twenty men for his Joseph chose twenty men for his bodyguards, fearing that he was a target bodyguards, fearing that he was a target for the Missouriansfor the Missourians..

The Mini - Exodus for the Great The Mini - Exodus for the Great ExodusExodus

A distance of 900 miles (Rexburg to Seattle).A distance of 900 miles (Rexburg to Seattle).

Some of the men made the journey without Some of the men made the journey without shoes (Martin Harris), and some without socks shoes (Martin Harris), and some without socks (Lyman Wight).(Lyman Wight).

They did not travel on Sunday. They did not travel on Sunday.

Sundays were for preaching.Sundays were for preaching.

Morning reveille was at 4:00 a.m.Morning reveille was at 4:00 a.m.

They traveled on the average each day They traveled on the average each day about 25 miles. Some journals record as about 25 miles. Some journals record as much as 30-40 miles per day.much as 30-40 miles per day.

They left on May 1They left on May 1stst, 1834 and disbanded , 1834 and disbanded on June 24on June 24thth, 1834., 1834.

The average age was 29, the youngest being 16 The average age was 29, the youngest being 16 ((George A. SmithGeorge A. Smith), and the oldest 79 (), and the oldest 79 (Samuel BakerSamuel Baker).).

Joseph Smith said, “Joseph Smith said, “We know that angels were our We know that angels were our companions, for we saw themcompanions, for we saw them” (” (HCHC, 273)., 273).

Heber C. Kimball mentioned that his boots would often Heber C. Kimball mentioned that his boots would often fill with blood.fill with blood.

There was one non-member on the trip named There was one non-member on the trip named Dean Dean GouldGould. He was baptized before the journey was over by . He was baptized before the journey was over by Lyman Wight.Lyman Wight.

Elders, Parley P. Pratt and Lyman WightElders, Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight were sent from were sent from Missouri to Kirtland to inform the prophet about the Missouri to Kirtland to inform the prophet about the troubles in Missouri. troubles in Missouri.

Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon were left in Kirtland Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon were left in Kirtland to supervise the construction of the temple (both to supervise the construction of the temple (both eventually left the Church.eventually left the Church.

Reuben McBride’s JournalReuben McBride’s Journal

Almost every day they sang the following song Almost every day they sang the following song about the Trumpetersabout the Trumpeters::

Mormon Church History - LDS Zion's Camp - 1/3Mormon Church History - LDS Zion's Camp - 1/3

Hark listen to the trumpeters, they call for volunteers,Hark listen to the trumpeters, they call for volunteers,

On Zion’s bright and flowery mount, behold the officers.On Zion’s bright and flowery mount, behold the officers.

Their horses white, their armor's bright, with courage bold they standTheir horses white, their armor's bright, with courage bold they stand

Enlisting soldiers for their king, To march to Zion’s land.Enlisting soldiers for their king, To march to Zion’s land.

It set my heart all in flame, a soldier for to beIt set my heart all in flame, a soldier for to be

I will enlist, gird on my arms and fight for libertyI will enlist, gird on my arms and fight for liberty

We want no cowards in our bands, that well our colors flyWe want no cowards in our bands, that well our colors fly

We call for valiant hearted men who are not We call for valiant hearted men who are not afraid to die.afraid to die.

To see our armies on parade, how marshaled To see our armies on parade, how marshaled they appear,they appear,

All armed and dressed in uniform, they look like All armed and dressed in uniform, they look like men of war.men of war.

They follow their great General, the great They follow their great General, the great eternal Lamb,eternal Lamb,

His garments stained in his own blood, King His garments stained in his own blood, King Jesus is his name.Jesus is his name.

Cool StoriesCool Stories!!

John the BelovedJohn the Beloved::

Campbell and OwensCampbell and Owens: :

Campbell prophesied that turkey Campbell prophesied that turkey buzzards would eat his hide if he buzzards would eat his hide if he did not kill Joseph (I guess wicked did not kill Joseph (I guess wicked people can prophecy).people can prophecy).

Sylvester Smith’s constant Sylvester Smith’s constant murmuringmurmuring: :

(the horse and the dog) Joseph later (the horse and the dog) Joseph later said that Sylvester had the same said that Sylvester had the same spirit as the dog.spirit as the dog.

Don’t kill the snakesDon’t kill the snakes: :

Snakes would never lose their Snakes would never lose their venom, until we lost ours. Solomon venom, until we lost ours. Solomon Humphries woke up from a nap with Humphries woke up from a nap with a rattle snake curled up with him.a rattle snake curled up with him.

The squirrel and Orson Hyde’s The squirrel and Orson Hyde’s riflerifle::

Turtle or snake eggsTurtle or snake eggs??

Martin Harris and his snake Martin Harris and his snake handling abilitieshandling abilities (Mark 16:18). (Mark 16:18).

Fishing RiverFishing River and a mob of 300, and a mob of 300, water raised 40 feet in one night. water raised 40 feet in one night. God was in that storm! God was in that storm!

Joseph providing waterJoseph providing water: Joseph with a : Joseph with a spade dug a hole in the middle of the spade dug a hole in the middle of the prairie at their campsite.prairie at their campsite.

Parley P. Pratt while scouting was Parley P. Pratt while scouting was awakened by an angel after he had fallen awakened by an angel after he had fallen asleepasleep. Joseph told him that was one of . Joseph told him that was one of the angels that was assigned to protect the angels that was assigned to protect the camp.the camp.

““We don’t eat stinking meatWe don’t eat stinking meat! (Zebedee ! (Zebedee Coltrin was the cook).Coltrin was the cook).

ZelphZelphAs a group of Church members, mostly men, were As a group of Church members, mostly men, were camped on the Illinois River, Joseph and some of the camped on the Illinois River, Joseph and some of the brethren discovered an ancient burial ground. brethren discovered an ancient burial ground.

Joseph wrote in his journal: “The brethren procured a Joseph wrote in his journal: “The brethren procured a shovel and a hoe, and removing the earth to the depth shovel and a hoe, and removing the earth to the depth of about one foot, discovered the skeleton of a man, of about one foot, discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire, and between his ribs the stone point of a almost entire, and between his ribs the stone point of a Lamanitish arrow, which evidently produced his death. Lamanitish arrow, which evidently produced his death.

Elder Burr Riggs retained the arrow. The contemplation Elder Burr Riggs retained the arrow. The contemplation of the scenery around us produced peculiar sensations of the scenery around us produced peculiar sensations in our bosoms; and subsequently the visions of the past in our bosoms; and subsequently the visions of the past being opened to my understanding by the Spirit of the being opened to my understanding by the Spirit of the Almighty.Almighty.

I discovered that the person whose skeleton was before I discovered that the person whose skeleton was before us was a white Lamanite, a large, thick set man, and a us was a white Lamanite, a large, thick set man, and a man of God. His name was man of God. His name was ZelphZelph. .

He was a warrior and chieftain under the great prophetHe was a warrior and chieftain under the great prophet Onandagus, who was known from the Hill Cumorah, or Onandagus, who was known from the Hill Cumorah, or eastern sea to the Rocky Mountainseastern sea to the Rocky Mountains. The curse was . The curse was taken from Zelph, or, at least, in part one of his thigh taken from Zelph, or, at least, in part one of his thigh bones was broken by a stone flung from a sling, while bones was broken by a stone flung from a sling, while in battle, years before his death. He was killed in battle in battle, years before his death. He was killed in battle by the arrow found among his ribs, during the last great by the arrow found among his ribs, during the last great struggle of the Lamanites and Nephites” (struggle of the Lamanites and Nephites” (HCHC, 2:79-80)., 2:79-80).

Joseph Smith taught that whenever a righteous man is Joseph Smith taught that whenever a righteous man is in a place where blood has been shed, he will become in a place where blood has been shed, he will become depresseddepressed..

Levi Hancock recorded the following in his journal relative to Zelph Levi Hancock recorded the following in his journal relative to Zelph (The following is as found in his journal).(The following is as found in his journal).

““on the way to illinois river where we camped on the west side in on the way to illinois river where we camped on the west side in the morning many went to see the big mound about a mile below the morning many went to see the big mound about a mile below the crossing I did not go on it but saw some bones that was the crossing I did not go on it but saw some bones that was brought with a broken arrow they was layed down by our camp brought with a broken arrow they was layed down by our camp joseph addressed himself to sylvester Smith this is what I told you joseph addressed himself to sylvester Smith this is what I told you and now I want to tell you that you may know what I meant this and now I want to tell you that you may know what I meant this land was called the land of desolation and onendagus was the king land was called the land of desolation and onendagus was the king and a good man was he there in that mound did he bury his dead and a good man was he there in that mound did he bury his dead and did not dig holes as the people do now but they brought there and did not dig holes as the people do now but they brought there dirt and covered them until you see they have raised it to be about dirt and covered them until you see they have raised it to be about one hundred feet high the last man buried was zelf he was a white one hundred feet high the last man buried was zelf he was a white lamanite who fought with the people of onendagus for freedom lamanite who fought with the people of onendagus for freedom when he was young he was a great warrior and had his thigh when he was young he was a great warrior and had his thigh broken and never was set it knitted together as you see on the broken and never was set it knitted together as you see on the side. side.

He fought after it and got strength until he lost He fought after it and got strength until he lost every tooth in his head save one when the lord every tooth in his head save one when the lord said he had done enough and suffered him to said he had done enough and suffered him to be killed by that arrow you took from his brest be killed by that arrow you took from his brest these words he said as the camp was moving these words he said as the camp was moving off the ground as near as I could learn he had off the ground as near as I could learn he had told them something about the mound and got told them something about the mound and got them to go and see for themselves I then them to go and see for themselves I then remembered what he had said a few days remembered what he had said a few days before while passing many mounds on our way before while passing many mounds on our way that was left of us said he there are the bodies that was left of us said he there are the bodies of wicked men who have died and are angry at of wicked men who have died and are angry at us if they can take the advantage of us they will us if they can take the advantage of us they will for if we live they will have no hope I could not for if we live they will have no hope I could not comprehend it but supposed it was all right” comprehend it but supposed it was all right” ((Levi Hancock JournalLevi Hancock Journal).).

CholeraCholeraOn June 3On June 3rdrd, 1834 the Lord revealed to , 1834 the Lord revealed to Joseph that a scourge would come upon Joseph that a scourge would come upon the camp in consequence of the fractious the camp in consequence of the fractious and unruly spirits that appeared among and unruly spirits that appeared among the brethren, and they should die like the brethren, and they should die like sheep with the rot; still, if they would sheep with the rot; still, if they would repent and humble themselves before the repent and humble themselves before the Lord, the scourge, in a great measure, Lord, the scourge, in a great measure, might be turned away; but, as the Lord might be turned away; but, as the Lord lives, the members of the camp will suffer lives, the members of the camp will suffer for giving way to their unruly temper” for giving way to their unruly temper” ((HCHC, 2:80)., 2:80).

Twenty-one days later the prophecy was Twenty-one days later the prophecy was fulfilled. Joseph recorded: “June 24, --- This fulfilled. Joseph recorded: “June 24, --- This night the cholera burst forth among us, and night the cholera burst forth among us, and about midnight it was manifested in its most about midnight it was manifested in its most virulent form. Our ears were saluted with cries virulent form. Our ears were saluted with cries and moaning, and lamentations on every hand; and moaning, and lamentations on every hand; even those on guard fell to earth with their even those on guard fell to earth with their guns in their hands, so sudden and powerful guns in their hands, so sudden and powerful was the attack of this terrible disease. At the was the attack of this terrible disease. At the commencement, I attempted to lay on hands commencement, I attempted to lay on hands for their recovery, but I quickly learned by for their recovery, but I quickly learned by painful experience, painful experience, that when the great Jehovah that when the great Jehovah decrees destruction upon any people and decrees destruction upon any people and makes known His determination, man must not makes known His determination, man must not attempt to stay His handattempt to stay His hand. .

The moment I attempted to The moment I attempted to rebuke the disease I was rebuke the disease I was attacked, and had I not desisted attacked, and had I not desisted in my attempt to save the life of in my attempt to save the life of a brother, I would have sacrificed a brother, I would have sacrificed my own. my own. The disease seized The disease seized upon me like the talons of a upon me like the talons of a hawkhawk, and I said to the brethren: , and I said to the brethren: ““If my work were done, you If my work were done, you would have to put me in the would have to put me in the ground without a coffinground without a coffin.”.”

When the cholera made its appearance, When the cholera made its appearance, Elder John S. Carter was the first man Elder John S. Carter was the first man who stepped forward to rebuke it, and who stepped forward to rebuke it, and upon this, was instantly seized, and upon this, was instantly seized, and became the first victim in the camp. He became the first victim in the camp. He died about six o’clock in the afternoon; died about six o’clock in the afternoon; and Seth Hancock died about thirty and Seth Hancock died about thirty minutes afterwards. Erastus Rudd died minutes afterwards. Erastus Rudd died about the same moment, although a half about the same moment, although a half a mile distant. He was buried by Jesse a mile distant. He was buried by Jesse Smith, George A. Smith and two or three Smith, George A. Smith and two or three others, and while burying him, Jessie others, and while burying him, Jessie Smith was attacked with the cholera.Smith was attacked with the cholera.

As it was impossible to obtain coffins, the As it was impossible to obtain coffins, the brethren rolled the corpses in blankets, carried brethren rolled the corpses in blankets, carried them on a horse-sled about half a mile, buried them on a horse-sled about half a mile, buried them on the bank of a small stream, which them on the bank of a small stream, which emptied into Rush Creek, all of which was emptied into Rush Creek, all of which was accomplished by dark. When they had returned accomplished by dark. When they had returned from the burial, the brethren unitedly from the burial, the brethren unitedly covenanted and prayed, hoping the disease covenanted and prayed, hoping the disease would be stayed; but in vain. While thus would be stayed; but in vain. While thus covenanting, Eber Wilcox died; and while some covenanting, Eber Wilcox died; and while some were digging the grave, others stood sentry were digging the grave, others stood sentry with their fire arms, watching their enemies” with their fire arms, watching their enemies” ((HCHC, 2:114-16)., 2:114-16).

About sixty-eight of the Saints suffered from About sixty-eight of the Saints suffered from this disease, of which fourteen diedthis disease, of which fourteen died ( (HCHC, 2:119-, 2:119-20).20).

The disease instantly fastened itself upon us and in a few The disease instantly fastened itself upon us and in a few minutes we were in awful distress….We were scarcely minutes we were in awful distress….We were scarcely able to stand upon our feet…and we were greatly able to stand upon our feet…and we were greatly alarmed fearing that we should die in this western alarmed fearing that we should die in this western wilderness…The cramp seized the calves of my legs…wilderness…The cramp seized the calves of my legs…gathering the cords into bunches and then the operation gathering the cords into bunches and then the operation extended in like manner all over my system. I cried extended in like manner all over my system. I cried heartily unto God but the Heavens seemed sealed heartily unto God but the Heavens seemed sealed against us and every power that could render us any against us and every power that could render us any assistance shut within its gates….In short time afterwards assistance shut within its gates….In short time afterwards Hyrum sprung to his feet and exclaimed Joseph we shall Hyrum sprung to his feet and exclaimed Joseph we shall return for I have seen an open vision in which I saw return for I have seen an open vision in which I saw Mother on her knees under an apple tree praying for us Mother on her knees under an apple tree praying for us and she is even now in tears asking God to spare our and she is even now in tears asking God to spare our lives that she may behold us again in the flesh and the lives that she may behold us again in the flesh and the spirit testifies to me that her prayers and ours shall be spirit testifies to me that her prayers and ours shall be heard – and from that moment we were healed and went heard – and from that moment we were healed and went on our way rejoicing (Lucy Mack Smith, MS., 151-52, LDS on our way rejoicing (Lucy Mack Smith, MS., 151-52, LDS Archives).Archives).

Joseph’s Vision on those who died of Joseph’s Vision on those who died of the Cholerathe Cholera

Joseph later related a vision he had received of Joseph later related a vision he had received of “the state and condition of those men who died “the state and condition of those men who died in Zion’s Camp. in Zion’s Camp.

Brethren, I have seen those men who died of Brethren, I have seen those men who died of the cholera in our camp, and the Lord knows, the cholera in our camp, and the Lord knows, if if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no moremore.” .”

As he related the details of the vision he wept, As he related the details of the vision he wept, and at times could not speak.and at times could not speak.

The Prophet Joseph Smith told The Prophet Joseph Smith told the brethren of Zion’s Campthe brethren of Zion’s Camp: :

““Brethren, some of you are angry with me, Brethren, some of you are angry with me, because you did not fight in Missouri; but let me because you did not fight in Missouri; but let me tell you, God did not want you to fight. He tell you, God did not want you to fight. He could not organize His kingdom with twelve could not organize His kingdom with twelve men to open the Gospel door to the nations of men to open the Gospel door to the nations of the earth, and with seventy men under their the earth, and with seventy men under their direction to follow in their tracks, direction to follow in their tracks, unless He unless He took them from a body of men who had offered took them from a body of men who had offered their lives, and who had made as great a their lives, and who had made as great a sacrifice as did Abrahamsacrifice as did Abraham” (” (HCHC, 2:182)., 2:182).

Joseph Suffered TooJoseph Suffered Too!!

““The Prophet Joseph took a full share of the The Prophet Joseph took a full share of the fatigues of the entire journey. In addition to the fatigues of the entire journey. In addition to the care of providing for the Camp and presiding care of providing for the Camp and presiding over it, he walked most of the time and had a over it, he walked most of the time and had a full proportion of blistered, bloody, and sore full proportion of blistered, bloody, and sore feet, which was the natural result of walking feet, which was the natural result of walking from 25 to 40 miles a day in a hot season of the from 25 to 40 miles a day in a hot season of the year. But during the entire trip he never year. But during the entire trip he never uttered a murmur or complaint, while most of uttered a murmur or complaint, while most of the men in the Camp complained to him of sore the men in the Camp complained to him of sore toes, blistered feet, long drives, scanty supply toes, blistered feet, long drives, scanty supply of provisions, poor quality of bread, bad corn of provisions, poor quality of bread, bad corn dodger, frowzy butter, strong honey, maggoty dodger, frowzy butter, strong honey, maggoty bacon and cheese, etc. bacon and cheese, etc.

Even a dog could not bark at Even a dog could not bark at some men without their some men without their murmuring at Joseph. murmuring at Joseph. Joseph Joseph had to bear with us and tutor us had to bear with us and tutor us like childrenlike children. . There were many, There were many, however, in the Camp who never however, in the Camp who never murmured and who were always murmured and who were always ready and willing to do as our ready and willing to do as our leaders desiredleaders desired” (George A. ” (George A. Smith, “Smith, “My JournalMy Journal,” ,” InstructorInstructor, , May 1946, 217).May 1946, 217).

Lessons Learned From Zion's CampLessons Learned From Zion's Camp::

SacrificeSacrifice

ObedienceObedience

Preparation for the Great ExodusPreparation for the Great Exodus

Mentoring for nine of the Twelve future ApostlesMentoring for nine of the Twelve future Apostles

Mentoring for all of the future Mentoring for all of the future Presidents of the SeventyPresidents of the Seventy..

Mentoring for 63 of the 70 called Mentoring for 63 of the 70 called to be in the Quorum of the to be in the Quorum of the SeventySeventy..

Helped the men learn to handle Helped the men learn to handle contention. contention.

In an address to the Saints in the Salt Lake In an address to the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley nineteen years later, Brigham Young Valley nineteen years later, Brigham Young summarized his feelings about his summarized his feelings about his experience in Zion’s Camp: “When I experience in Zion’s Camp: “When I returned from that mission…a brother said returned from that mission…a brother said to me, ‘Brigham, what have you gained by to me, ‘Brigham, what have you gained by this journey?’ I relied, “Just what we went this journey?’ I relied, “Just what we went for; but I would not exchange the for; but I would not exchange the knowledge I have received this season for knowledge I have received this season for the whole of Geauga County; for property the whole of Geauga County; for property and mines of wealth are not to be and mines of wealth are not to be compared to the worth of knowledge” (compared to the worth of knowledge” (JDJD 2:10)2:10)

In 1869, Elder Wilford Woodruff declared: In 1869, Elder Wilford Woodruff declared: “We gained an experience that we never “We gained an experience that we never could have gained in any other way. We could have gained in any other way. We had the privilege of beholding the face of had the privilege of beholding the face of the prophet, and we had the privilege of the prophet, and we had the privilege of travelling a thousand miles with him, and travelling a thousand miles with him, and seeing the workings of the Spirit of God seeing the workings of the Spirit of God with him, and the revelations of Jesus with him, and the revelations of Jesus Christ unto him and the fulfillment of those Christ unto him and the fulfillment of those revelations…Had I not gone up with Zion’s revelations…Had I not gone up with Zion’s Camp I should not have been here today” Camp I should not have been here today” ((JDJD, 13:158), 13:158)

Doctrinal Content involved in Doctrinal Content involved in Missouri during Zion’s CampMissouri during Zion’s Camp

There was a lot of complaining and backbiting involved There was a lot of complaining and backbiting involved with the Saints in Missouri.with the Saints in Missouri.

Some members claimed that all doctrine had to come Some members claimed that all doctrine had to come through the gift of tonguesthrough the gift of tongues. . This included all This included all revelationsrevelations. . They said that if Joseph Smith himself They said that if Joseph Smith himself came amongst them, they were not bound by him came amongst them, they were not bound by him unless he gave the revelation in tonguesunless he gave the revelation in tongues..

One of their doctrines was that those destined to One of their doctrines was that those destined to perdition, including Satan and his followers could perdition, including Satan and his followers could dissolve back into primeval intelligence and then God dissolve back into primeval intelligence and then God would return them back through the program again as would return them back through the program again as spirits, then as mortals, and so forthspirits, then as mortals, and so forth. There are still . There are still some today who have such thoughts in the Church some today who have such thoughts in the Church (Oliver Cowdery denounced it as doctrine from the (Oliver Cowdery denounced it as doctrine from the Devil).Devil).

Joseph’s journal that he kept on the trip was Joseph’s journal that he kept on the trip was lost on the journeylost on the journey. .

A brief account prepared during Joseph’ lifetime A brief account prepared during Joseph’ lifetime was not printed until after his death. Heber C. was not printed until after his death. Heber C. Kimball, George Albert Smith and Wilford Kimball, George Albert Smith and Wilford Woodruff all helped with the notes from their Woodruff all helped with the notes from their own journals.own journals.

George A. Smith who was seventeen years old George A. Smith who was seventeen years old was forced on one hot day to drink slough was forced on one hot day to drink slough water, he learned to “strain wigglers” with his water, he learned to “strain wigglers” with his teeth.teeth.

A revelation had said an angel would go A revelation had said an angel would go before them like Israel in the wilderness, before them like Israel in the wilderness, and one camp member, Heber C. Kimball, and one camp member, Heber C. Kimball, said angels were seen. said angels were seen. When Joseph When Joseph turned over a spade full of earth and turned over a spade full of earth and found water, some exclaimed that “it was found water, some exclaimed that “it was as much a miracle as when Moses smote as much a miracle as when Moses smote the rock and water came outthe rock and water came out.” .”

Happenings like this led Levi Hancock to Happenings like this led Levi Hancock to say, “Truly we had seen the hand of God say, “Truly we had seen the hand of God in our favor all the way.”in our favor all the way.”

Like everyone else, Joseph wanted evidence of God’s Like everyone else, Joseph wanted evidence of God’s backing. The expulsion from Zion had shaken his backing. The expulsion from Zion had shaken his confidence.confidence.

The story of Zelph perplexed Levi Hancock, who later The story of Zelph perplexed Levi Hancock, who later noted, “I could not comprehend it, but supposed it was noted, “I could not comprehend it, but supposed it was alright.”alright.”

A shouting match between Sylvester and Joseph A shouting match between Sylvester and Joseph resulted in Joseph’s throwing the camp bugle at himresulted in Joseph’s throwing the camp bugle at him. .

Several of the men apostatized because they did not Several of the men apostatized because they did not have the privilege of fighting.have the privilege of fighting.

Zion’s Camp broke up on July 9Zion’s Camp broke up on July 9thth, 1834. , 1834. Joseph started home with fifteen brethren Joseph started home with fifteen brethren which included George A. Smith.which included George A. Smith.

The expedition to Missouri in 1834 was The expedition to Missouri in 1834 was called Joseph Smith’s first major failure. called Joseph Smith’s first major failure. Nothing that Joseph aimed to accomplish Nothing that Joseph aimed to accomplish came about. Several hundred men spent came about. Several hundred men spent three months walking two thousand three months walking two thousand miles; fourteen of them never went miles; fourteen of them never went home. home.

Nothing the camp did improved the situation in Nothing the camp did improved the situation in Jackson CountyJackson County..

However, most camp members felt more loyal However, most camp members felt more loyal to Joseph than ever, bonded by their hardships. to Joseph than ever, bonded by their hardships. The future leadership of the Church came from The future leadership of the Church came from this groupthis group. .

After experiencing Jackson County’s anger and After experiencing Jackson County’s anger and backing off, Joseph still predicted a return backing off, Joseph still predicted a return within two years.within two years.

ChargesCharges

Within two weeks after getting back from Missouri in Within two weeks after getting back from Missouri in early August of 1834, Joseph was brought before a high early August of 1834, Joseph was brought before a high council by the quarrelsome Sylvester Smith. Smith council by the quarrelsome Sylvester Smith. Smith brought charges of “criminal conduct.” brought charges of “criminal conduct.”

As Sylvester Smith learned, As Sylvester Smith learned, Joseph did not like to be Joseph did not like to be crossed. His own followers were sometimes shocked by crossed. His own followers were sometimes shocked by his flashes of angerhis flashes of anger. But in the end they backed him.. But in the end they backed him.

Their dismay at his anger was balanced by their love of Their dismay at his anger was balanced by their love of his good nature. his good nature. His warm-hearted friendship more His warm-hearted friendship more than compensated for the occasional tiradesthan compensated for the occasional tirades..

Priesthood and Church Government Priesthood and Church Government 1834-351834-35

During the course of Sylvester Smith’s hearings, During the course of Sylvester Smith’s hearings, twenty-eight men spoke their minds, some as members twenty-eight men spoke their minds, some as members of the council, others as observers in the meeting. By of the council, others as observers in the meeting. By the end of the hearings Joseph could say, “the end of the hearings Joseph could say, “I now swim I now swim in good clean water, with my head outin good clean water, with my head out.”.”

Joseph did not attend to details the way Brigham did, Joseph did not attend to details the way Brigham did, but he could certainly organize.but he could certainly organize.

Joseph thought institutionally more than any other Joseph thought institutionally more than any other visionary men of his time, and the survival of his visionary men of his time, and the survival of his movement can largely be attributed to this gift.movement can largely be attributed to this gift.

Soon after the Church was organized Joseph adopted Soon after the Church was organized Joseph adopted the practice of bringing councils togetherthe practice of bringing councils together..

The Character of a ProphetThe Character of a Prophet - - 18341834

His own followers were sometimes disappointed. His own followers were sometimes disappointed. He was a “lubbery fellow,” one said. “He looked He was a “lubbery fellow,” one said. “He looked green and not very intelligent,” wrote another. green and not very intelligent,” wrote another.

Others were struck by his charisma. Mary Hales Others were struck by his charisma. Mary Hales said that “on shaking hands with Joseph Smith, I said that “on shaking hands with Joseph Smith, I received the Holy Spirit in such great abundance received the Holy Spirit in such great abundance that I felt it thrill my whole system, from the that I felt it thrill my whole system, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I thought I had never beheld so lovely a thought I had never beheld so lovely a countenance. countenance.

Nobility and goodness were in every Nobility and goodness were in every feature. feature.

Some doubted his capacities: one Some doubted his capacities: one visitor to Nauvoo found “his visitor to Nauvoo found “his language and manner were the language and manner were the coarsest possible.” coarsest possible.”

A few skeptics found his personal A few skeptics found his personal power surprising.power surprising.

By 1834, Joseph’s character became the subject of By 1834, Joseph’s character became the subject of public debate. Doctor Philastus Hurlbut, the man who public debate. Doctor Philastus Hurlbut, the man who discovered the Spaulding manuscript, had joined the discovered the Spaulding manuscript, had joined the Mormons in 1833, at the age of twenty-four. Three Mormons in 1833, at the age of twenty-four. Three months later he was excommunicated for immorality. months later he was excommunicated for immorality. Furious, he returned to Pennsylvania and spent his time Furious, he returned to Pennsylvania and spent his time hoping to discredit Joseph.hoping to discredit Joseph.

Joseph said Hurlbut was “lying in a wonderful manner Joseph said Hurlbut was “lying in a wonderful manner and the people are running after him and giving him and the people are running after him and giving him money to break down Mormonism.” money to break down Mormonism.”

In the ensuing battle of words, the impassioned Hurlbut In the ensuing battle of words, the impassioned Hurlbut threatened to wash his hands in Joseph’s blood.threatened to wash his hands in Joseph’s blood.

Hurlbut after being discredited gave up his Hurlbut after being discredited gave up his campaign and sold the depositions to Eber D. campaign and sold the depositions to Eber D. Howe, who included them in the history of the Howe, who included them in the history of the Mormons published in November 1834. Mormons published in November 1834. Mormonism Unveiled Mormonism Unveiled presented Hurlbut’s presented Hurlbut’s speculation about Solomon Spaulding’s speculation about Solomon Spaulding’s authorship of the Book of Mormon.authorship of the Book of Mormon.

To improve records in the future, Joseph began To improve records in the future, Joseph began a diary in November 1832. By 1835 clerks were a diary in November 1832. By 1835 clerks were recording his day-by-day activities, and these recording his day-by-day activities, and these raw materials helped him compile a history, raw materials helped him compile a history, beginning in 1838 and published serially during beginning in 1838 and published serially during his lifetime.his lifetime.

A sharp memory that Joseph had A sharp memory that Joseph had was his inability to get the plates was his inability to get the plates from the hill on the first try. from the hill on the first try.

Joseph spent more time Joseph spent more time recounting Martin Harris’s loss of recounting Martin Harris’s loss of the first translated pages than he the first translated pages than he did describing the translation did describing the translation itself.itself.

In a time when Protestant In a time when Protestant churches had lost interest in churches had lost interest in organizational forms, save to organizational forms, save to democratize them as far as democratize them as far as possible, Joseph built an ever possible, Joseph built an ever more elaborate structure in more elaborate structure in emulation of the ancient church emulation of the ancient church as he understood it. as he understood it.

While other churches were While other churches were simplifying and flattening their simplifying and flattening their structures, he erected structures, he erected complicated hierarchies.complicated hierarchies.

LayersLayers

Section 107 is best understood as an Section 107 is best understood as an archeological site, containing layers of archeological site, containing layers of organizational forms, each layer created for a organizational forms, each layer created for a purpose at one time and then overlaid by other purpose at one time and then overlaid by other forms established for other purposes later.forms established for other purposes later.

Nothing in this initial organization would have Nothing in this initial organization would have surprised a Methodist, save for the absence of a surprised a Methodist, save for the absence of a bishop to superintend the whole.bishop to superintend the whole.

Each new “city of a stake of Zion” would have Each new “city of a stake of Zion” would have its high council of twelve high priests and a its high council of twelve high priests and a presidency of three members.presidency of three members.

PriesthoodPriesthood

The “great revelation” of March 1835 The “great revelation” of March 1835 actually combined two revelations. actually combined two revelations. The latter half, comprising verses 59-The latter half, comprising verses 59-100 in the Doctrine and Covenants 100 in the Doctrine and Covenants section 107 was received in section 107 was received in November 1831, and the first half, November 1831, and the first half, verses 1-58, three and a half years verses 1-58, three and a half years later, in connection with organizing later, in connection with organizing the Twelve in February 1835.the Twelve in February 1835.

Not until the spring of 1833 did the presidency Not until the spring of 1833 did the presidency of the High Priesthood register as a notable of the High Priesthood register as a notable office in church government. Every priesthood office in church government. Every priesthood holder, virtually every male member, held holder, virtually every male member, held membership in a “quorum,” a word meaning a membership in a “quorum,” a word meaning a ““select companyselect company.”.”

With little chance of actually installing With little chance of actually installing descendants of Aaron as bishops, since none descendants of Aaron as bishops, since none were known in the Church, Joseph seemed to be were known in the Church, Joseph seemed to be highlighting the general principle of descent highlighting the general principle of descent through blood lines, as if that had some through blood lines, as if that had some importance in itself.importance in itself.

In late 1833 or 1834, Joseph ordained his father In late 1833 or 1834, Joseph ordained his father as patriarch (there is a dispute over whether it as patriarch (there is a dispute over whether it was December 1833 or December 1834). was December 1833 or December 1834). Joseph’s blessing on Joseph Sr. expressed the Joseph’s blessing on Joseph Sr. expressed the feelings of a son for a father who had suffered feelings of a son for a father who had suffered repeated defeats.repeated defeats.

Joseph Sr. was back in tenancy, with no house Joseph Sr. was back in tenancy, with no house or land to call his own. Defeated by the rigors of or land to call his own. Defeated by the rigors of the economic order, he was told by his son he the economic order, he was told by his son he would be a prince over his posterity.would be a prince over his posterity.

Joseph Sr. seemed to understand that his sons Joseph Sr. seemed to understand that his sons had redeemed his lifehad redeemed his life. .

When he blessed Joseph and Hyrum in December 1834When he blessed Joseph and Hyrum in December 1834, , he thanked them for enduring the hardships of their he thanked them for enduring the hardships of their early lives. Hyrum, Joseph Sr. said, had “borne the early lives. Hyrum, Joseph Sr. said, had “borne the burden and heat of the day” and “labored much for the burden and heat of the day” and “labored much for the good of thy father’s family.” The father was grateful for good of thy father’s family.” The father was grateful for Hyrum’s kindness in tolerating his weakness. “Thou Hyrum’s kindness in tolerating his weakness. “Thou hast always stood by thy father, and reached forth the hast always stood by thy father, and reached forth the helping hand to lift him up, when he was in affliction, helping hand to lift him up, when he was in affliction, and though he has been out of the way through wineand though he has been out of the way through wine,, thou has never forsaken him, nor laughed him to thou has never forsaken him, nor laughed him to scornscorn.” Joseph Sr.’s candid words speak the sorrows of .” Joseph Sr.’s candid words speak the sorrows of a failing father in a cruel time. a failing father in a cruel time.

Besides his business failures, his weakness for wine Besides his business failures, his weakness for wine brought him down and opened him to the scorn of his brought him down and opened him to the scorn of his own childrenown children..

He could not give his son wealth, but he could say “thy He could not give his son wealth, but he could say “thy posterity shall be numbered with the house of Ephraim, posterity shall be numbered with the house of Ephraim, and with them thou shalt stand up to crown the tribes and with them thou shalt stand up to crown the tribes of Israel.”of Israel.”

Joseph Jr. had mourned his family’s humiliations and Joseph Jr. had mourned his family’s humiliations and assumed responsibility for lifting them from their low assumed responsibility for lifting them from their low state. state. There must have been times when Joseph Jr. There must have been times when Joseph Jr. supported his father through public humiliationsupported his father through public humiliation..

Joseph Sr. had given his son nothing for a worldly Joseph Sr. had given his son nothing for a worldly inheritance, and Joseph Jr. had met this by giving his inheritance, and Joseph Jr. had met this by giving his father the power to bless his sons. In the seating in the father the power to bless his sons. In the seating in the Kirkland temple, Joseph Sr. sat in the highest pulpit Kirkland temple, Joseph Sr. sat in the highest pulpit above his son.above his son.

In restoring priesthood, Joseph restored In restoring priesthood, Joseph restored fatherhood.fatherhood.

By early 1831, the Zion layer of bishops By early 1831, the Zion layer of bishops were added and then, in 1834, high were added and then, in 1834, high councils to regulate the Church.councils to regulate the Church.

People did not “submit” to the priesthood People did not “submit” to the priesthood in the sense of yielding their wills to in the sense of yielding their wills to higher authority. They “received” it.higher authority. They “received” it.

Joseph Smith was famous for saying that Joseph Smith was famous for saying that he governed his people by a thread. he governed his people by a thread.

““I teach them correct principles, and they I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselvesgovern themselves.”.”

Joseph’s plan of church government Joseph’s plan of church government assumed the opposite; priesthood holders assumed the opposite; priesthood holders could be trusted the power. They would could be trusted the power. They would constitute a government that blessed and constitute a government that blessed and redeemed people and were received with redeemed people and were received with gladness rather than fear and suspicion.gladness rather than fear and suspicion.