Historical Background
The Lord, in Section 103, instructed the Saints in Ohio to gather together to form what would be called Zion’s Camp. With about 200 armed men, Joseph Smith came to Missouri, a march of about 1,000 miles. Their understanding was that the governor would allow the Mormons who had been forcibly removed from their property to return. This promise was made on the condition that the Saints could provide help for the local militia to provide security for the members when they returned to their homes. Six months later, the governor, Daniel Dunklin, refused to honor his promise. He believed that if the Saints were allowed to return to their lands that civil war would break out in Missouri. He would not allow the state militia to help the Saints. Since Zion’s Camp had come with the understanding that they would be working with the state militia, their hopes of being able to help the Saints in Missouri were destroyed. The only course of action available to them was to try to offer comfort and return to their homes in Ohio.
D&C 105:1-5 Building Zion
What reason did the Lord give for stopping the effort to help the Saints in Missouri return to their own lands? What laws do Saints have to be willing to live before they can be part of the Celestial Kingdom?
D&C 105:6-13 Wait for the Endowment
Why didn’t the Lord deliver the people of Missouri Himself? What preparations do the Saints have to make before the Lord will allow them to return to the land where Zion is to be built? How prepared are you for such an experience? What preparations do you need to make in your heart to live in the presence of God?
D&C 105:14-19 A Message to the Warriors
There were 200 men who abandoned their families and the farms to help Church members in Missouri reclaim their stolen property. What message did the Lord have for them? Why were they asked to travel so far without doing what the Lord asked them to do? Have you ever received a calling and been released shortly thereafter? Have you ever wondered why the Lord would place you in certain circumstances and not allow you to be successful? How does this revelation help you understand the mind of the Lord?
D&C 105:20-32 The Lord Will Give Counsel
What counsel did the Lord give to Joseph Smith and Zion’s Camp concerning his plans for the lands that had been stolen from the Saints in Missouri? How long were they supposed to wait until they tried to reclaim the land again?
D&C 105:33-41 Sue for Peace
What do you think the Lord meant when He said, “There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing?” How many people did the Lord say should be called to go to Jackson County, Missouri? (see D&C 103:30) How many actually made the journey? Many were called. Few responded. What did the Lord discover about those who responded? What do priesthood leaders learn about men and women who accept calls after they have served for a period of time? What promises does the Lord make to the Saints if they will use their power to restore peace to Missouri and to all the world?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants Section 104
Historical Background
The concept of the United Firm, or the United Order, was established in March of 1832. Its purpose was to united men who were in private business. The profits from their businesses would be brought together to assist the Church in various capacities but most especially with publishing Church literature (see D&C 78). On 10 April 1834, members of the United Firm met to dissolve the group and distribute the funds that had been accumulated. This action was taken because of the great debts that were owed by the Church and by the United Firm. Great efforts were made to circulate among the members to get donations, but the condition of the members was desperate. Many were in debt. Members living in Missouri were in impossibly difficult circumstances financially and in every other way. The Church, it can be safely said, was hanging by a thread. This revelation explains how the United Firm was to be dissolved and how the assets connected to it were to be distributed.
D&C 104:1-10 The End of the United Order
What reasons did the Lord give for ending the united order? How does this help us understand why blessings we have been promised might be withheld? What can we do to retain the blessings the Lord has promised?
D&C 104:11-18 The Lord’s Way of Providing for the Poor
If the Church was not to follow the united order, what were they to do? What does the Lord mean when He says, “organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship?” How is this idea different from the concept of the united order? If the Church organizes itself in this way, what blessings are promised? How is it possible that the poor can be cared for when there are so many?
D&C 104:19-46 Assignment of Stewardships
In these verses, the Lord explains what each member of the former united order would be responsible for as an individual. What was Sidney Rigdon’s responsibility? (verses 20-23) Martin Harris? (24-26) Frederick G. Williams and Oliver Cowdery? (27-33) John Johnson? (34-38) Newel K. Whitney? (39-42) Joseph Smith, Jr.? (43-46).
D&C 104:47-53 A New United Order
The previous united order, or united firm, grouped men and their resources together. The new united order would separate men and make them accountable as individuals before the Lord. Yet, they would be able to combine their resources to help the poor. Find the words “commandment,” “business,” and “covenant,” in these verses. How has the Lord tried to bless those who have businesses through covenants and commandments?
D&C 104:54-86 A New Privilege to Organize Yourselves
The United Order was the highest of laws under which the Lord’s people could live. It is the law of the Celestial Kingdom (see D&C 78:3-7). The Church was not ready to live this law. A new form of the United Order was put into place. It made individuals rather than groups of people accountable before the Lord for funding the Church and caring for the poor. These verses explain the new order of things. What is the purpose of this new organization? (see verses 54-59) How shall the money that is collected be secured? (60-66) Who determines how the money is supposed to be used? (67-71) What if there is someone in need? How does he receive the money? (72-77) Some Church leaders were in debt because they had tried to help the Church financially. How were they do get out of debt? (78-85) What promise does the Lord give to those who are faithful to this new counsel? (86)
The concept of the United Firm, or the United Order, was established in March of 1832. Its purpose was to united men who were in private business. The profits from their businesses would be brought together to assist the Church in various capacities but most especially with publishing Church literature (see D&C 78). On 10 April 1834, members of the United Firm met to dissolve the group and distribute the funds that had been accumulated. This action was taken because of the great debts that were owed by the Church and by the United Firm. Great efforts were made to circulate among the members to get donations, but the condition of the members was desperate. Many were in debt. Members living in Missouri were in impossibly difficult circumstances financially and in every other way. The Church, it can be safely said, was hanging by a thread. This revelation explains how the United Firm was to be dissolved and how the assets connected to it were to be distributed.
D&C 104:1-10 The End of the United Order
What reasons did the Lord give for ending the united order? How does this help us understand why blessings we have been promised might be withheld? What can we do to retain the blessings the Lord has promised?
D&C 104:11-18 The Lord’s Way of Providing for the Poor
If the Church was not to follow the united order, what were they to do? What does the Lord mean when He says, “organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship?” How is this idea different from the concept of the united order? If the Church organizes itself in this way, what blessings are promised? How is it possible that the poor can be cared for when there are so many?
D&C 104:19-46 Assignment of Stewardships
In these verses, the Lord explains what each member of the former united order would be responsible for as an individual. What was Sidney Rigdon’s responsibility? (verses 20-23) Martin Harris? (24-26) Frederick G. Williams and Oliver Cowdery? (27-33) John Johnson? (34-38) Newel K. Whitney? (39-42) Joseph Smith, Jr.? (43-46).
D&C 104:47-53 A New United Order
The previous united order, or united firm, grouped men and their resources together. The new united order would separate men and make them accountable as individuals before the Lord. Yet, they would be able to combine their resources to help the poor. Find the words “commandment,” “business,” and “covenant,” in these verses. How has the Lord tried to bless those who have businesses through covenants and commandments?
D&C 104:54-86 A New Privilege to Organize Yourselves
The United Order was the highest of laws under which the Lord’s people could live. It is the law of the Celestial Kingdom (see D&C 78:3-7). The Church was not ready to live this law. A new form of the United Order was put into place. It made individuals rather than groups of people accountable before the Lord for funding the Church and caring for the poor. These verses explain the new order of things. What is the purpose of this new organization? (see verses 54-59) How shall the money that is collected be secured? (60-66) Who determines how the money is supposed to be used? (67-71) What if there is someone in need? How does he receive the money? (72-77) Some Church leaders were in debt because they had tried to help the Church financially. How were they do get out of debt? (78-85) What promise does the Lord give to those who are faithful to this new counsel? (86)
Doctrine and Covenants Section 103
Historical Background
On February 22, 1834, Joseph Smith received an eye-witness report from Church officers concerning the conditions of Church members in Missouri. He learned of the persecution of the members and of their terrible circumstances. They had been robbed and beaten and, in some instances, killed. After receiving this report, Joseph received a revelation. Heber C. Kimball wrote, “Brother Joseph received a revelation concerning the redemption of Zion, part of which remains yet to be fulfilled. He sent messengers to the east and to the north, to the west and to the south, to gather up the elders. And, he gathered together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, with what means they could spare, to go up to Zion to render all the assistance that we could to our afflicted brethren. We gathered clothing and other necessaries to carry up to our brethren and sisters who had been plundered. And putting our horses to the wagons and taking our firelocks and ammunition, we started on our journey, leaving only Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and a few aged workmen who were engaged at the Temple. So that there were very few men left in Kirtland” (Heber C. Kimball Journal, February 1834, Church Archives).
This group would be known as Zion’s Camp. Eventually, 205 people would join up with this group. Their plan was to arm the men who were in it and join with local government officials to help the Saints reclaim their property and bring justice to those who had broken the law.
D&C 103:1-5 Why Have They Suffered?
Why had the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, suffered so much? How could they prevent this suffering in the future? How has hearkening to the counsel of the Lord prevented suffering in your own life?
D&C 103:6-14 The Salt of the Earth
When are Church members like good salt? When are they like salt that is not good for anything? What promise does the Lord make to those who obey? What promise does he make to those who do not obey?
D&C 103:15-21 A Promise to the Faithful
Who shall lead the members of the Church back to Jackson County to help Church members? What promise does the Lord make to those who follow this man?
D&C 103:22-28 Gather Together in Zion
What did the Lord instruct Joseph to do in order that the people in Jackson County could have their property and possessions given back to them? Why would it be important to gather wise men? Why would they need money? Why should these men not be afraid?
D&C 103:29-35 Gather Hundreds
What direction did the Lord give Joseph concerning the number of men who should go to Jackson County? Cross-reference: D&C 136:1-3; Exodus 18:21, 25-26.
D&C 103:36-40 The Conditions of Victory
What were the Lord’s conditions of victory? What did the men who were going to Missouri have to do in order to receive the Lord’s blessings and triumph over their enemies? What must Church members do to have freedom today?
On February 22, 1834, Joseph Smith received an eye-witness report from Church officers concerning the conditions of Church members in Missouri. He learned of the persecution of the members and of their terrible circumstances. They had been robbed and beaten and, in some instances, killed. After receiving this report, Joseph received a revelation. Heber C. Kimball wrote, “Brother Joseph received a revelation concerning the redemption of Zion, part of which remains yet to be fulfilled. He sent messengers to the east and to the north, to the west and to the south, to gather up the elders. And, he gathered together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, with what means they could spare, to go up to Zion to render all the assistance that we could to our afflicted brethren. We gathered clothing and other necessaries to carry up to our brethren and sisters who had been plundered. And putting our horses to the wagons and taking our firelocks and ammunition, we started on our journey, leaving only Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and a few aged workmen who were engaged at the Temple. So that there were very few men left in Kirtland” (Heber C. Kimball Journal, February 1834, Church Archives).
This group would be known as Zion’s Camp. Eventually, 205 people would join up with this group. Their plan was to arm the men who were in it and join with local government officials to help the Saints reclaim their property and bring justice to those who had broken the law.
D&C 103:1-5 Why Have They Suffered?
Why had the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, suffered so much? How could they prevent this suffering in the future? How has hearkening to the counsel of the Lord prevented suffering in your own life?
D&C 103:6-14 The Salt of the Earth
When are Church members like good salt? When are they like salt that is not good for anything? What promise does the Lord make to those who obey? What promise does he make to those who do not obey?
D&C 103:15-21 A Promise to the Faithful
Who shall lead the members of the Church back to Jackson County to help Church members? What promise does the Lord make to those who follow this man?
D&C 103:22-28 Gather Together in Zion
What did the Lord instruct Joseph to do in order that the people in Jackson County could have their property and possessions given back to them? Why would it be important to gather wise men? Why would they need money? Why should these men not be afraid?
D&C 103:29-35 Gather Hundreds
What direction did the Lord give Joseph concerning the number of men who should go to Jackson County? Cross-reference: D&C 136:1-3; Exodus 18:21, 25-26.
D&C 103:36-40 The Conditions of Victory
What were the Lord’s conditions of victory? What did the men who were going to Missouri have to do in order to receive the Lord’s blessings and triumph over their enemies? What must Church members do to have freedom today?
Doctrine and Covenants Section 102
Historical Background
This section is different from the majority of the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is not a “revelation” in the traditional sense. It consists of the minutes of a meeting. It shows the decisions that were made in the meeting and the rules that would govern the actions of the high council. February 17, 1834, is the date of the organization of the Kirtland high council. Another high council, in Missouri, would be organized on July 7, 1834. These councils rarely came together to hear criminal cases. However, they did convene to hear matters that would be settled today by civil courts. Of these councils the Prophet Joseph wrote, “It was not the order of heaven in ancient councils to plead for or against the guilty, as in our judicial courts (so called); but that every councilor, when he arose to speak, should speak precisely according to the evidence, and according to the teaching of the Spirit of the Lord, that no councilor should attempt to screen the guilty when his guilt was manifest” (Kirtland Council Minute Book, p. 30).
D&C 102:1-5 A Standing Council for the Church
In these verses, the following questions are answered: Who made these decisions? What decisions did they make? Who was voted to become part of the first high council? What were their duties? Notice that the council was not able to meet without at least one member of the presidency present (see verse 1).
D&C 102:6-7 Voted
The word “voted” appears in this section frequently. It marks a point of decision in the council. It means that the majority of the members present voted to approve a proposal. The details of the proposal follow after the word “voted.” In verses 6 and 7 the proposal has to do with the number of council members who must be present in order to conduct the business of the council.
D&C 102:8 Filling Vacancies in the Council
What were the procedures for filling vacancies in the high council? How are these procedures carried out today?
D&C 102:9-18 Council Procedures
According to verses 9-11, who presides when the high council meets? Verses 12-14 explain how order is kept. How would this procedure insure that there would be reverence and respect in the council? In verses 15-18, a system is presented to protect the Church and the person who is being judged by the council. How is this system different from civil courts today? What is the value of conducting the affairs of the council in this manner?
D&C 102:19-23 A Decision According to Understanding
What procedure is followed to make a correct decision? What is built into the procedure to make sure that the decisions are right? How does this procedure protect the person being judged and the Church?
D&C 102:24-29 Establishing Councils in Distant Locations
Who has authority to create new high councils (according to the revelation)? How are new high councils created today? Keep in mind that this revelation was given when there were only two organized stakes of the Church. Most members lived far from other Church units in branches.
D&C 102:30-34 Appeals
Suppose a person is judged by a high council and wants to appeal the decision. What can they do? Who may a person appeal to today, if he does not agree with the decision of the local high council? Invite a member of a stake presidency to speak about these procedures today and the feelings he has as he participates in such councils.
This section is different from the majority of the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is not a “revelation” in the traditional sense. It consists of the minutes of a meeting. It shows the decisions that were made in the meeting and the rules that would govern the actions of the high council. February 17, 1834, is the date of the organization of the Kirtland high council. Another high council, in Missouri, would be organized on July 7, 1834. These councils rarely came together to hear criminal cases. However, they did convene to hear matters that would be settled today by civil courts. Of these councils the Prophet Joseph wrote, “It was not the order of heaven in ancient councils to plead for or against the guilty, as in our judicial courts (so called); but that every councilor, when he arose to speak, should speak precisely according to the evidence, and according to the teaching of the Spirit of the Lord, that no councilor should attempt to screen the guilty when his guilt was manifest” (Kirtland Council Minute Book, p. 30).
D&C 102:1-5 A Standing Council for the Church
In these verses, the following questions are answered: Who made these decisions? What decisions did they make? Who was voted to become part of the first high council? What were their duties? Notice that the council was not able to meet without at least one member of the presidency present (see verse 1).
D&C 102:6-7 Voted
The word “voted” appears in this section frequently. It marks a point of decision in the council. It means that the majority of the members present voted to approve a proposal. The details of the proposal follow after the word “voted.” In verses 6 and 7 the proposal has to do with the number of council members who must be present in order to conduct the business of the council.
D&C 102:8 Filling Vacancies in the Council
What were the procedures for filling vacancies in the high council? How are these procedures carried out today?
D&C 102:9-18 Council Procedures
According to verses 9-11, who presides when the high council meets? Verses 12-14 explain how order is kept. How would this procedure insure that there would be reverence and respect in the council? In verses 15-18, a system is presented to protect the Church and the person who is being judged by the council. How is this system different from civil courts today? What is the value of conducting the affairs of the council in this manner?
D&C 102:19-23 A Decision According to Understanding
What procedure is followed to make a correct decision? What is built into the procedure to make sure that the decisions are right? How does this procedure protect the person being judged and the Church?
D&C 102:24-29 Establishing Councils in Distant Locations
Who has authority to create new high councils (according to the revelation)? How are new high councils created today? Keep in mind that this revelation was given when there were only two organized stakes of the Church. Most members lived far from other Church units in branches.
D&C 102:30-34 Appeals
Suppose a person is judged by a high council and wants to appeal the decision. What can they do? Who may a person appeal to today, if he does not agree with the decision of the local high council? Invite a member of a stake presidency to speak about these procedures today and the feelings he has as he participates in such councils.
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