Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
What if you were asked to drop everything and travel over 800 miles to assist some saints in their hour of need, would you go? And what if when you got there, there wasn’t any need for you? That is one way to look at Zion's camp. But a more insightful way to see this camp is to focus on the journey as it prepared the future leaders of the Church to be successful.
Church Councils:
“Councils help us seek the Lord’s will in unity and faith. Councils function in all levels of the Church, including general, area, stake, ward, quorum, and other leadership councils.
“The purpose of Church councils is to seek and obtain divine revelation. Church councils are an environment where we can receive inspiration to make decisions, better serve individuals and families, and plan and coordinate the work of the Church.
“Councils operate differently in the Church than they do in other decision-making bodies. They are not governed by majority rule or best practice, and the leader does not make decisions on his or her own. When a question or need is brought to the council for consideration, “council members are encouraged to speak honestly, both from their personal experience and from their positions as organization leaders” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [ChurchofJesusChrist.org], 4.6.1).” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/church-councils?lang=eng).
High Council
“The stake presidency calls 12 high priests to form the stake high council (see Doctrine and Covenants 102:1; 124:131). If an elder is called to serve on the high council, he is ordained a high priest before he is set apart.
“Under the direction of the stake presidency, high councilors help with the work of salvation and exaltation in the stake.” (General Handbook, 6.5.1)
“All high councilors serve on the stake council.” (General Handbook, 6.5.2)
Section 102 organizes the first high council and outlines their responsibilities.
The General Handbook further explains the current responsibilities of high councils in section 6.5.
Lorenzo Dow Young: “On that occasion I committed a grave error, and desire to leave a record of it for a lesson to others. The Prophet requested me to take a seat with the brethren who had been selected for this Council. Instead of doing so I arose and plead my inability to fill so responsible a position, manifesting I think, considerable earnestness in the matter. He then said he really desired I should take the place; but as I still excused myself he appointed another to fill it. I think that was the reason he never again called me to fill any important position in the Priesthood. I have since learned to go where I am called, and not set up my judgment against that of those who are called to guide in this kingdom.” (https://issuu.com/utah10/docs/volume_14_1946/s/69523)
Events Leading up to Section 103 - What has happened?
July 20, 1833
Mob has:
Oct 31, 1833
Nov 4, 1833
Parley P. Pratt: “Hundreds of people were seen in every direction, some in tents and some in the open air around their fires, while the rain descended in torrents.
Husbands were inquiring for their wives, wives for their husbands; parents for children, and children for parents. …
“The scene was indescribable, and, I am sure, would have melted the hearts of any people on the earth, except our blind oppressors, and a blind and ignorant community.” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. [1938], 102)
Two reasons why Zion was scattered:
President James E. Faust: “For most of us, … what is required is not to die for the Church but to live for it. For many, living a Christlike life every day may be even more difficult than laying down one’s life” (“Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 22).
Zion's Camp
Stories and lessons learned from Zion’s Camp
1. If you go and keep the Lord's council, you will not be harmed.
Many able-bodied priesthood holders in Kirtland volunteered to march to Zion. Thirty-two-year-old Brigham Young stepped forward and tried to convince his older brother Joseph to go too.
Joseph Smith declared to the two brothers, “Brother Brigham and brother Joseph, if you will go with me in the camp to Missouri and keep my counsel, I promise you, in the name of the Almighty, that I will lead you there and back again, and not a hair of your heads shall be harmed.” Hearing this Joseph Young agreed to participate, and the three men clasped hands in confirmation of this promise. (History of Brigham Young Millennial Star 18 July 1863)
2. Vision of Adam and Eve
"Let's take a walk." They went to a place where there was some beautiful grass and grapevines and swampbeech interlaced. President Joseph Smith then said, "Let us pray."
They all three prayed in turn--Joseph, Oliver, and Zebedee.
Brother Joseph then said, "Now brethren, we will see some visions." Joseph lay down on the ground on his back and stretched out his arms and the two brethren lay on them.
The heavens gradually opened, and they saw a golden throne, on a circular foundation, something like a light house, and on the throne were two aged personages, having white hair, and clothed in white garments. They were the two most beautiful and perfect specimens of mankind he ever saw. Joseph said, "They are our first parents, Adam and Eve." Adam was a large, broad-shouldered man, and Eve as a woman, was as large in proportion.(Minutes, Salt Lake City School of the Prophets, October 11, 1883.)
3. Playing with Rattlesnakes.
Joseph Smith: "We crossed the Embarras river and encamped on a small branch of the same about one mile west. In pitching my tent we found three massasaugas or prairie rattlesnakes, which the brethren were about to kill, but I said, "Let them alone—don't hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it?
“Men must become harmless, before the brute creation; and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety." The brethren took the serpents carefully on sticks and carried them across the creek. I exhorted the brethren not to kill a serpent, bird, or an animal of any kind during our journey unless it became necessary in order to preserve ourselves from hunger.
“I had frequently spoken on this subject, when on a certain occasion I came up to the brethren who were watching a squirrel on a tree, and to prove them and to know if they would heed my counsel, I took one of their guns, shot the squirrel and passed on, leaving the squirrel on the ground. Brother Orson Hyde, who was just behind, picked up the squirrel, and said, "We will cook this, that nothing may be lost." I perceived that the brethren understood what I did it for, and in their practice gave more heed to my precept than to my example, which was right." (History of the Church Vol 2, p. 71-72, 82)
4. Visitation of John the Beloved
“While "the camp of Zion" was on the way to Missouri in 1834 Joseph was some ways ahead of the company one day, when there was seen talking with him by the roadside a man, a stranger. When the company came up there was no person with him. When at camp that night, Heber asked the Prophet who that man was; Joseph replied it was the beloved Disciple, John, who was then on his way to the ten tribes in the north.” (In Remembering Joseph; Oliver B. Huntington, "History of the Life of Oliver B. Huntington, Written by Himself 1878-1990 76.)
5. Snake eggs
"Some of the brethren went on to the sand bar and got a quantity of turtles' eggs, as they supposed. I told them they were snakes' eggs, and they must not eat them; but some of them thought they knew more about it than I did, and still persisted they were turtles' eggs. I said they were snakes' eggs—eat snakes' eggs, will you? The man that eats them will be sorry for it; you will be sick. Notwithstanding all I said, several brethren ate them, and were sick all the day after it.” (History of the Church, 2:71)
6. Complainers in Zions Camp
During Zions Camp, “the Prophet was reassuring, correcting, and pacifying many of the men. On Saturday, May 17, the Prophet warned that “they would meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances as the certain result of giving way to such a [rebellious and contentious] spirit and said, ‘you will know it before you leave this place.’ He exhorted them to humble themselves before the Lord and become united, that they might not be scourged.”
When the camp awakened the next morning, they discovered that almost every horse in the camp was foundered, a debilitating condition often caused by overfeeding. The condition hindered movement by the animal, but movement was essential to the animal’s survival. When the Prophet Joseph realized the condition of their horses, he said to the men “that for a witness that God overruled and had His eye upon them, …
“… all those who would humble themselves before the Lord, should know that the hand of God was in this misfortune, and their horses should be restored to health immediately.”
“Most of the men complied, and “by noon the same day, the horses were as nimble as ever.” One man who had a “rebellious spirit” and would not be humbled found his horse dead soon afterward.” (https://rsc.byu.edu/sperry-symposium-classics-doctrine-covenants/zions-camp)
7. Follow the Prophet's Council
“At dinner time some of the brethren expressed considerable fear on account of milk sickness, with which the people were troubled along our route. Many were afraid to use milk or butter, and appealed to me to know if it was not dangerous. I told them to use all they could get, unless they were told it was ‘sick.’ Some expressed fears that it might be sold to us by our enemies for the purpose of doing us injury. I told them not to fear; that if they would follow my counsel, and use all they could get from friend or enemy, it should do them good, and none be sick in consequence of it.” (Smith, History of the Church, 2:114.)
With this promise and others that he gave the camp, the Prophet warned men not to trifle with the principle or to tempt the Lord. The Prophet recorded, “Although we passed through neighborhoods where many of the people and cattle were infected with the sickness, yet my words were fulfilled.” (Smith, History of the Church, 2:66–67.)
8. Murmurers
“During the entire trip he [Joseph] never uttered a murmur or complaint, while most of the men in the Camp complained to him of sore toes, blistered feet, long drives, scanty supply of provisions, poor quality of bread, bad corn dodger, frouzy butter, strong honey, maggoty bacon and cheese, &c., even a dog could not bark at some men without their murmuring at Joseph. If they had to camp with bad water it would nearly cause rebellion, yet we were the Camp of Zion, and many of us were prayerless, thoughtless, careless, heedless, foolish or devilish and yet we did not know it. Joseph had to bear with us and tutor us, like children. There were many, however, in the Camp who never murmured and who were always ready and willing to do as our leaders desired.” (George Albert Smith’s History of Zion’s Camp,” June 25, 1834, 23–24.)
9. God’s protection of Zion’s Camp
“One of the best examples of divine intervention came in mid-June on the banks of the Big and Little Fishing Rivers. The camp had been under constant threat of attack from Missourians who had assembled to destroy the Mormon marchers. On the morning of Thursday, June 19, an agitated black woman warned Luke Johnson that a large company was planning to destroy the Mormon camp. A farmer confirmed the report later that day. The camp hastily moved forward, believing that they could receive assistance from Latter-day Saints in Clay County, Missouri, but several incidents hindered their progress: a wagon broke down and had to be repaired before the camp could proceed, and the wheels ran off at least two others. None of the delays was particularly significant in itself, but combined, they hampered progress significantly.
“Zion’s Camp was forced to stop “on an elevated piece of land between the forks of the Big and Little Fishing Rivers.” While the main group pitched their tents, five members of the mob rode across the river and threatened the Saints that they would “see hell before morning.” Shortly thereafter it began raining. It rained in torrents throughout the night, “the thunder and lightning exceeded all description.” Heber C. Kimball related that there was continual lightning throughout the night, bright enough to see to pick up a pin. Another account suggests that small hail fell in the camp; many others indicate that hail the size of eggs fell only outside camp. Many of the brethren took refuge in a local church house, but others remained in their tents. Their enemies hid under wagons. One of the mob was reportedly killed by lightning, and another’s hand was torn off by a fractious horse frightened by the storm.
“Tree limbs as large as four inches in diameter were torn from trees. The storm disorganized the Missourians, which curtailed their achieving their destructive objectives. They left, having failed in their intent to destroy Zion’s Camp.
Many of the camp members perceived the terrible storm to be providential intervention. Nathan B. Baldwin recorded: “The Lord had previously said He would fight the battles of His Saints; and it seemed as though the mandate of heaven had gone forth from his presence to apply the artillery of heaven in defense of his servants. Some small hail fell in the camp but from a half mile to one mile around, we were told by inhabitants that the hail stones were as big as tumblers; and the appearance of their destructiveness showed that their size was not overestimated…
“… Limbs of trees were broken off, fence rails were marred and splintered, and the growing corn was cut down into shreds. But the casualties were all on the side of our enemies.”
“Elder George A. Smith further declared: “I have ever felt thankful to my Heavenly Father that He by this storm and sudden rise of the streams prevented our having a bloody conflict with our enemies, who were thereby prevented from attacking us.” The stream rose to a depth of between thirty and forty feet. After leaving camp and seeing the destruction caused by the severe hailstorm, the brethren once again prayerfully expressed gratitude for their divine preservation. (https://rsc.byu.edu/sperry-symposium-classics-doctrine-covenants/zions-camp)
10. A leader of the Mob’s Prophecy
“Campbell swore, as he adjusted his pistols in his holsters, "The eagles and turkey buzzards shall eat my flesh if I do not fix Joe Smith and his army so that their skins will not hold shucks, before two days are passed." They went to the ferry and undertook to cross the Missouri river after dusk, and the angel of God saw fit to sink the boat about the middle of the river, and seven out of twelve that attempted to cross, were drowned. Thus, suddenly and justly, went they to their own place. Campbell was among the missing. He floated down the river some four or five miles, and lodged upon a pile of drift wood, where the eagles, buzzards, ravens, crows, and wild animals ate his flesh from his bones, to fulfill his own words, and left him a horrible example of God's vengeance. He was discovered about three weeks after by one Mr. Purtle. Owens saved his life only, after floating four miles down the stream, where he lodged upon an island, "swam off naked about day light, borrowed a mantle to hide his shame, and slipped home rather shy of the vengeance of God.” (History of the Church, Vol.2, Ch.7, p.99)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Those who marched in Zion’s Camp were not exploring the Missouri countryside but their own possibilities” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 16; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, 14).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Episodes [such as Zion’s Camp], however, had nothing to do with real estate but everything to do with our second estate!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1984, 29; or Ensign, May 1984, 22).
Elder George A. Smith: “Even a dog could not bark at some men without their murmuring at Joseph. Joseph had to bear with us and tutor us like children. There were many, however, in the Camp who never murmured and who were always ready and willing to do as our leaders desired” (“My Journal,” Instructor, May 1946, 217).
Elder Loren C. Dunn: “I don’t know all the reasons the Lord tries us in this life, but there are two or three that come to mind.
“I think he wants to know who he can trust…
“Many thought Zion’s Camp was a tragic waste of time, until it was later demonstrated that the Lord used the ordeal to find whom he could trust.
“He wanted to know who had roots of faith and testimony that reached deep into the ground and who had such swallow roots that the first wind would blow them over. (Conference Report, April 1974, 37-38)
Elder Loren C. Dunn: "Secondly, the Lord tells us in the Doctrine and Covenants section 122 that adversity came to Joseph Smith to give him experience. There is something about the eternal purpose of life that requires us to meet and experience trial and sorrow as we seek to overcome, for the Lord has told us also, “… for if they never should have biter they could not know the sweet. …” (D&C 29:39. ("Hanging On," April 1, 1974)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: I don’t think God is too interested in real estate. He owns it all anyway. He does seem to be incredibly interested in what happens to us individually and will place us in those circumstances where we have the most opportune chances to grow and to carry out our purposes." (“But for a Small Moment,” 451).
Joseph Smith later related a vision he had received of “the state and condition of those men who died in Zion’s Camp.
Brethren, I have seen those men who died of cholera in our camp, and the Lord knows if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I could ask no more.”
As he related the details of the vision he wept, and at times could not speak (History of the Church, 2:181n).
Teaching Thoughts:
Church Councils:
“Councils help us seek the Lord’s will in unity and faith. Councils function in all levels of the Church, including general, area, stake, ward, quorum, and other leadership councils.
“The purpose of Church councils is to seek and obtain divine revelation. Church councils are an environment where we can receive inspiration to make decisions, better serve individuals and families, and plan and coordinate the work of the Church.
“Councils operate differently in the Church than they do in other decision-making bodies. They are not governed by majority rule or best practice, and the leader does not make decisions on his or her own. When a question or need is brought to the council for consideration, “council members are encouraged to speak honestly, both from their personal experience and from their positions as organization leaders” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [ChurchofJesusChrist.org], 4.6.1).” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/church-councils?lang=eng).
High Council
“The stake presidency calls 12 high priests to form the stake high council (see Doctrine and Covenants 102:1; 124:131). If an elder is called to serve on the high council, he is ordained a high priest before he is set apart.
“Under the direction of the stake presidency, high councilors help with the work of salvation and exaltation in the stake.” (General Handbook, 6.5.1)
“All high councilors serve on the stake council.” (General Handbook, 6.5.2)
Section 102 organizes the first high council and outlines their responsibilities.
The General Handbook further explains the current responsibilities of high councils in section 6.5.
Lorenzo Dow Young: “On that occasion I committed a grave error, and desire to leave a record of it for a lesson to others. The Prophet requested me to take a seat with the brethren who had been selected for this Council. Instead of doing so I arose and plead my inability to fill so responsible a position, manifesting I think, considerable earnestness in the matter. He then said he really desired I should take the place; but as I still excused myself he appointed another to fill it. I think that was the reason he never again called me to fill any important position in the Priesthood. I have since learned to go where I am called, and not set up my judgment against that of those who are called to guide in this kingdom.” (https://issuu.com/utah10/docs/volume_14_1946/s/69523)
Events Leading up to Section 103 - What has happened?
July 20, 1833
- Secret Constitution to kick out saints.
- W.W. Phelps printing office and press destroyed.
- Type scattered.
- Destroyed printing of Book of Commandments.
- Leveled the 2nd story building – printing office.
- Bishop Partridge & Charles Allen have been tarred and feathered.
- Petition to Governor Dunklin.
- Also directed to Samuel Lucas (county judge).
- Hire attorney’s Alexander Doniphan & David Atchison.
Mob has:
- Burned crops.
- Destroyed homes, barns and businesses.
- Threatened to whip every man, woman and child unless they leave the county.
Oct 31, 1833
- Attack on Whitmer Settlement.
- Unroofed 13 homes.
- Nearly whipped to death several men including Hiram Page.
Nov 4, 1833
- Mob captures Mormon ferry.
- Philo Dibble shot in stomach.
- Andrew Barber mortally wounded.
- Lieutenant Governor Boggs confronts 200 Mormon men with weapons.
- Mormons surrender weapons.
- Mormons forced to cross Missouri River.
Parley P. Pratt: “Hundreds of people were seen in every direction, some in tents and some in the open air around their fires, while the rain descended in torrents.
Husbands were inquiring for their wives, wives for their husbands; parents for children, and children for parents. …
“The scene was indescribable, and, I am sure, would have melted the hearts of any people on the earth, except our blind oppressors, and a blind and ignorant community.” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. [1938], 102)
Two reasons why Zion was scattered:
- “That they [the mob] might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their cup might be full;” (103:3)
- “And that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season … because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them.” (103:4)
President James E. Faust: “For most of us, … what is required is not to die for the Church but to live for it. For many, living a Christlike life every day may be even more difficult than laying down one’s life” (“Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 22).
Zion's Camp
- A distance of 900 miles
- Some made the journey without shoes, (Martin Harris) and some without socks, (Lyman Wight).
- Most records agree that there were 204 men, 11 women, and 7 children.
- They did not travel on Sunday.
- The morning reveille was at 4:00 a.m.
- Youngest – George A. Smith (16).
- Oldest – Samuel Baker (79).
- Only two of the 204 men deserted and one left without discharge.
- They traveled 25-40 miles per day.
- It began on May 1st, 1834 and disbanded on June 24th, 1834.
- It takes 45 days to cross 4 states.
- Joseph Smith said, “We know that angels were our companions, for we saw them (HC, 273).
- The Missouri governor promised support to the saints in November 1833 waffled because of public outcry. Governor Dunklin ultimately withdrew his support for involving any state military force.
- After Governor Dunklin withdrawal of support, Joseph received Section 105 which disbanded Zions camp.
Stories and lessons learned from Zion’s Camp
1. If you go and keep the Lord's council, you will not be harmed.
Many able-bodied priesthood holders in Kirtland volunteered to march to Zion. Thirty-two-year-old Brigham Young stepped forward and tried to convince his older brother Joseph to go too.
Joseph Smith declared to the two brothers, “Brother Brigham and brother Joseph, if you will go with me in the camp to Missouri and keep my counsel, I promise you, in the name of the Almighty, that I will lead you there and back again, and not a hair of your heads shall be harmed.” Hearing this Joseph Young agreed to participate, and the three men clasped hands in confirmation of this promise. (History of Brigham Young Millennial Star 18 July 1863)
2. Vision of Adam and Eve
"Let's take a walk." They went to a place where there was some beautiful grass and grapevines and swampbeech interlaced. President Joseph Smith then said, "Let us pray."
They all three prayed in turn--Joseph, Oliver, and Zebedee.
Brother Joseph then said, "Now brethren, we will see some visions." Joseph lay down on the ground on his back and stretched out his arms and the two brethren lay on them.
The heavens gradually opened, and they saw a golden throne, on a circular foundation, something like a light house, and on the throne were two aged personages, having white hair, and clothed in white garments. They were the two most beautiful and perfect specimens of mankind he ever saw. Joseph said, "They are our first parents, Adam and Eve." Adam was a large, broad-shouldered man, and Eve as a woman, was as large in proportion.(Minutes, Salt Lake City School of the Prophets, October 11, 1883.)
3. Playing with Rattlesnakes.
Joseph Smith: "We crossed the Embarras river and encamped on a small branch of the same about one mile west. In pitching my tent we found three massasaugas or prairie rattlesnakes, which the brethren were about to kill, but I said, "Let them alone—don't hurt them! How will the serpent ever lose his venom, while the servants of God possess the same disposition, and continue to make war upon it?
“Men must become harmless, before the brute creation; and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety." The brethren took the serpents carefully on sticks and carried them across the creek. I exhorted the brethren not to kill a serpent, bird, or an animal of any kind during our journey unless it became necessary in order to preserve ourselves from hunger.
“I had frequently spoken on this subject, when on a certain occasion I came up to the brethren who were watching a squirrel on a tree, and to prove them and to know if they would heed my counsel, I took one of their guns, shot the squirrel and passed on, leaving the squirrel on the ground. Brother Orson Hyde, who was just behind, picked up the squirrel, and said, "We will cook this, that nothing may be lost." I perceived that the brethren understood what I did it for, and in their practice gave more heed to my precept than to my example, which was right." (History of the Church Vol 2, p. 71-72, 82)
4. Visitation of John the Beloved
“While "the camp of Zion" was on the way to Missouri in 1834 Joseph was some ways ahead of the company one day, when there was seen talking with him by the roadside a man, a stranger. When the company came up there was no person with him. When at camp that night, Heber asked the Prophet who that man was; Joseph replied it was the beloved Disciple, John, who was then on his way to the ten tribes in the north.” (In Remembering Joseph; Oliver B. Huntington, "History of the Life of Oliver B. Huntington, Written by Himself 1878-1990 76.)
5. Snake eggs
"Some of the brethren went on to the sand bar and got a quantity of turtles' eggs, as they supposed. I told them they were snakes' eggs, and they must not eat them; but some of them thought they knew more about it than I did, and still persisted they were turtles' eggs. I said they were snakes' eggs—eat snakes' eggs, will you? The man that eats them will be sorry for it; you will be sick. Notwithstanding all I said, several brethren ate them, and were sick all the day after it.” (History of the Church, 2:71)
6. Complainers in Zions Camp
During Zions Camp, “the Prophet was reassuring, correcting, and pacifying many of the men. On Saturday, May 17, the Prophet warned that “they would meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances as the certain result of giving way to such a [rebellious and contentious] spirit and said, ‘you will know it before you leave this place.’ He exhorted them to humble themselves before the Lord and become united, that they might not be scourged.”
When the camp awakened the next morning, they discovered that almost every horse in the camp was foundered, a debilitating condition often caused by overfeeding. The condition hindered movement by the animal, but movement was essential to the animal’s survival. When the Prophet Joseph realized the condition of their horses, he said to the men “that for a witness that God overruled and had His eye upon them, …
“… all those who would humble themselves before the Lord, should know that the hand of God was in this misfortune, and their horses should be restored to health immediately.”
“Most of the men complied, and “by noon the same day, the horses were as nimble as ever.” One man who had a “rebellious spirit” and would not be humbled found his horse dead soon afterward.” (https://rsc.byu.edu/sperry-symposium-classics-doctrine-covenants/zions-camp)
7. Follow the Prophet's Council
“At dinner time some of the brethren expressed considerable fear on account of milk sickness, with which the people were troubled along our route. Many were afraid to use milk or butter, and appealed to me to know if it was not dangerous. I told them to use all they could get, unless they were told it was ‘sick.’ Some expressed fears that it might be sold to us by our enemies for the purpose of doing us injury. I told them not to fear; that if they would follow my counsel, and use all they could get from friend or enemy, it should do them good, and none be sick in consequence of it.” (Smith, History of the Church, 2:114.)
With this promise and others that he gave the camp, the Prophet warned men not to trifle with the principle or to tempt the Lord. The Prophet recorded, “Although we passed through neighborhoods where many of the people and cattle were infected with the sickness, yet my words were fulfilled.” (Smith, History of the Church, 2:66–67.)
8. Murmurers
“During the entire trip he [Joseph] never uttered a murmur or complaint, while most of the men in the Camp complained to him of sore toes, blistered feet, long drives, scanty supply of provisions, poor quality of bread, bad corn dodger, frouzy butter, strong honey, maggoty bacon and cheese, &c., even a dog could not bark at some men without their murmuring at Joseph. If they had to camp with bad water it would nearly cause rebellion, yet we were the Camp of Zion, and many of us were prayerless, thoughtless, careless, heedless, foolish or devilish and yet we did not know it. Joseph had to bear with us and tutor us, like children. There were many, however, in the Camp who never murmured and who were always ready and willing to do as our leaders desired.” (George Albert Smith’s History of Zion’s Camp,” June 25, 1834, 23–24.)
9. God’s protection of Zion’s Camp
“One of the best examples of divine intervention came in mid-June on the banks of the Big and Little Fishing Rivers. The camp had been under constant threat of attack from Missourians who had assembled to destroy the Mormon marchers. On the morning of Thursday, June 19, an agitated black woman warned Luke Johnson that a large company was planning to destroy the Mormon camp. A farmer confirmed the report later that day. The camp hastily moved forward, believing that they could receive assistance from Latter-day Saints in Clay County, Missouri, but several incidents hindered their progress: a wagon broke down and had to be repaired before the camp could proceed, and the wheels ran off at least two others. None of the delays was particularly significant in itself, but combined, they hampered progress significantly.
“Zion’s Camp was forced to stop “on an elevated piece of land between the forks of the Big and Little Fishing Rivers.” While the main group pitched their tents, five members of the mob rode across the river and threatened the Saints that they would “see hell before morning.” Shortly thereafter it began raining. It rained in torrents throughout the night, “the thunder and lightning exceeded all description.” Heber C. Kimball related that there was continual lightning throughout the night, bright enough to see to pick up a pin. Another account suggests that small hail fell in the camp; many others indicate that hail the size of eggs fell only outside camp. Many of the brethren took refuge in a local church house, but others remained in their tents. Their enemies hid under wagons. One of the mob was reportedly killed by lightning, and another’s hand was torn off by a fractious horse frightened by the storm.
“Tree limbs as large as four inches in diameter were torn from trees. The storm disorganized the Missourians, which curtailed their achieving their destructive objectives. They left, having failed in their intent to destroy Zion’s Camp.
Many of the camp members perceived the terrible storm to be providential intervention. Nathan B. Baldwin recorded: “The Lord had previously said He would fight the battles of His Saints; and it seemed as though the mandate of heaven had gone forth from his presence to apply the artillery of heaven in defense of his servants. Some small hail fell in the camp but from a half mile to one mile around, we were told by inhabitants that the hail stones were as big as tumblers; and the appearance of their destructiveness showed that their size was not overestimated…
“… Limbs of trees were broken off, fence rails were marred and splintered, and the growing corn was cut down into shreds. But the casualties were all on the side of our enemies.”
“Elder George A. Smith further declared: “I have ever felt thankful to my Heavenly Father that He by this storm and sudden rise of the streams prevented our having a bloody conflict with our enemies, who were thereby prevented from attacking us.” The stream rose to a depth of between thirty and forty feet. After leaving camp and seeing the destruction caused by the severe hailstorm, the brethren once again prayerfully expressed gratitude for their divine preservation. (https://rsc.byu.edu/sperry-symposium-classics-doctrine-covenants/zions-camp)
10. A leader of the Mob’s Prophecy
“Campbell swore, as he adjusted his pistols in his holsters, "The eagles and turkey buzzards shall eat my flesh if I do not fix Joe Smith and his army so that their skins will not hold shucks, before two days are passed." They went to the ferry and undertook to cross the Missouri river after dusk, and the angel of God saw fit to sink the boat about the middle of the river, and seven out of twelve that attempted to cross, were drowned. Thus, suddenly and justly, went they to their own place. Campbell was among the missing. He floated down the river some four or five miles, and lodged upon a pile of drift wood, where the eagles, buzzards, ravens, crows, and wild animals ate his flesh from his bones, to fulfill his own words, and left him a horrible example of God's vengeance. He was discovered about three weeks after by one Mr. Purtle. Owens saved his life only, after floating four miles down the stream, where he lodged upon an island, "swam off naked about day light, borrowed a mantle to hide his shame, and slipped home rather shy of the vengeance of God.” (History of the Church, Vol.2, Ch.7, p.99)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Those who marched in Zion’s Camp were not exploring the Missouri countryside but their own possibilities” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 16; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, 14).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Episodes [such as Zion’s Camp], however, had nothing to do with real estate but everything to do with our second estate!” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1984, 29; or Ensign, May 1984, 22).
Elder George A. Smith: “Even a dog could not bark at some men without their murmuring at Joseph. Joseph had to bear with us and tutor us like children. There were many, however, in the Camp who never murmured and who were always ready and willing to do as our leaders desired” (“My Journal,” Instructor, May 1946, 217).
Elder Loren C. Dunn: “I don’t know all the reasons the Lord tries us in this life, but there are two or three that come to mind.
“I think he wants to know who he can trust…
“Many thought Zion’s Camp was a tragic waste of time, until it was later demonstrated that the Lord used the ordeal to find whom he could trust.
“He wanted to know who had roots of faith and testimony that reached deep into the ground and who had such swallow roots that the first wind would blow them over. (Conference Report, April 1974, 37-38)
Elder Loren C. Dunn: "Secondly, the Lord tells us in the Doctrine and Covenants section 122 that adversity came to Joseph Smith to give him experience. There is something about the eternal purpose of life that requires us to meet and experience trial and sorrow as we seek to overcome, for the Lord has told us also, “… for if they never should have biter they could not know the sweet. …” (D&C 29:39. ("Hanging On," April 1, 1974)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: I don’t think God is too interested in real estate. He owns it all anyway. He does seem to be incredibly interested in what happens to us individually and will place us in those circumstances where we have the most opportune chances to grow and to carry out our purposes." (“But for a Small Moment,” 451).
Joseph Smith later related a vision he had received of “the state and condition of those men who died in Zion’s Camp.
Brethren, I have seen those men who died of cholera in our camp, and the Lord knows if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I could ask no more.”
As he related the details of the vision he wept, and at times could not speak (History of the Church, 2:181n).
Teaching Thoughts:
- How can today’s difficulties be like a Zions Camp for us?
- Why do we experience trials of our faith (105:19)? What are your current trial teaching you?
- How are we doing in sustaining prophets even when it is difficult?
- God always vindicates His prophets.