Doctrine and Covenants Section 101

Historical Background

A “secret constitution” was established by enemies of the Church in Missouri. It promoted violence against the Church and its members and ordered that the printing office, the general store operated by Church members and all other business enterprises be discontinued. When the members refused, mob violence broke out. Church-owned businesses were destroyed and men were tarred and feathered. Church members were forced to sign an agreement that they would leave Jackson County by 1 January 1834. Mormons applied for help from the government. When the enemies of the Church became aware of this, the violence against the Church intensified. Yet nothing was done by the government to defend them. The ultimate demonstration of violence came on 4 November 1833, when a fight between the members and the mobsters resulted in death on both sides. In the face of all this danger and confusion, the Lord gave instruction to the Church, assuring them that if they would obey His word, all would turn out well.

D&C 101:1-10 They Must Needs Be Chastened

What reasons did the Lord give for the terrible persecution that the members of the Church were suffering? What assurances did He give them if they would remain faithful? What lesson for modern Church members is to be learned from the experience of the Saints in Missouri?

D&C 101:11-23 The Lord’s Will Concerning Zion

Zion, in the context of these verses, is Jackson County, Missouri. What promises does the Lord make to those who live there, those whom he calls “all mine Israel”? Despite all that has happened, the Lord still holds out great promises to the Saints if they will remain faithful. What lesson should you learn in your own circumstances when you face times of trial?

D&C 101:24-36 Blessings in the Millennial Reign of Christ

These verses refer to conditions that will exist during the Millennium, or the time when Christ will reign personally upon the earth. What questions will be answered during that time? Why would this be a glorious time to be upon the earth? How would this vision of the future make the present easier to bear?

D&C 101:37-42 The Salt of the Earth

What must a person do to be considered by the Lord to be the salt of the earth? How does a member of the Church become as “salt that has lost its savor”? What message is the Lord giving to the persecuted Saints in Jackson County, Missouri?

D&C 101:43-62 A Parable: the Watchman on the Tower

As you read this parable, try to determine what the meaning of the symbols might be. Who is the nobleman? What is the spot of ground? What are the twelve olive trees? Who are the watchmen? What is the tower? What is the hedge? What did the servants do that caused the kingdom to be lost? How does this parable apply to the Saints in Zion? How does it apply to the Latter-day Saints today?

D&C 101:63-75 Gather to Zion

Remember the extreme hardships and terror that have been inflicted upon the Saints in Jackson County. As you read these verses, ask yourself how you would respond. What is the Lord asking the Saints to do? What promise does He make if the Saints will believe Him and trust that what He asks them to do will result in good things? What commandments has the Lord given through His prophets that you may not have kept? Why should we trust the Lord?

D&C 101:76-80 The Constitution of the United States

What important principles does the Lord reveal about the U. S. Constitution and the framers of that document? Why should we have reverence for that Document today?

D&C 101:81-95 Ask Government Leaders for Help

Who did the Lord say the Saints should “importune” for help? What was the order? Why that order? What would happen if the leaders of governments did not help according to the law? What did the Lord promise the Saints He would do if they followed this pattern?

D&C 101:96-101 Hold On to What You Have

Remember, the mobs in Jackson County had forced the Saints to sign an agreement that they would leave the area, together with their possessions. What did the Lord say concerning that agreement? What was His expectation concerning the lands and holdings of the Saints in Jackson County? What important principles does this revelation teach us about the Lord? What is He willing to do in behalf of those who keep His commandments? Cross-reference: D&C 58:30-33.