The Doctrine (& Practice) of Gathering

Introduction In September 1830, about five months after the Church was organized, the Lord gave some of the early leaders and Elders of the Church this charge, "Ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts" (D&C 29:7). This was the beginning of the gathering. The location of where they were to gather and the reasons why they were to gather, however, were not yet disclosed. Only a few months later, at the end of December and the beginning of January, the Lord gave the very first command in this dispensation for his saints to gather to a specific location—Ohio (see D&C 37- 38). This command came on the heels of Joseph having just finished translating the vision and prophecy of Enoch, wherein is recorded a significant covenant the Lord made with Enoch about the latter-days. In a portion of his covenant with Enoch the Lord promised that, "in the last days," He would send forth righteousness and truth "to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, ... for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called , a New Jerusalem" (Moses 7:60, 62). The Lord explained to Enoch that this gathering of the elect and establishment of Zion was preparatory for "the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days," when he would "dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years" (Moses 7:65). This prophesied gathering of the elect was clearly relevant to the mission of Christ's Church in the latter-days. It is significant, therefore, that shortly after Moses 7 was translated the Lord declared, "A commandment I give unto the Church ... that they should assemble together at the Ohio" (D&C 37:3). In fact, the Lord introduced himself to the New York saints as, "the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom" (D&C 38:4). This was the God of Enoch who was asking them to gather! Clearly there was some connection between God's

1 call for these saints to gather and Enoch's vision of Zion being established in the latter-days. But why Ohio? Two months earlier, four missionaries left New York and stopped in the Kirtland, Ohio area for a few weeks while en route to the United States border (by Missouri) to preach to "the " (D&C 28:8). These missionaries were , Peter Whitmer, Jr., Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson. Because of his former connections with a popular preacher in the Kirtland area named , Parley P. Pratt suggested that he and his companions stop and pay Sidney a visit and share with him the message of the Restoration. Sidney, it turns out, did receive the Restored Gospel which in turn caused a wide ripple-effect of interest in the missionaries' message in the hearts of many of his current and former congregants. In the short few weeks the missionaries preached in Kirtland before moving on to Missouri, over 100 people had received the Restored Gospel and been baptized. By December 1830, the number of converts had swelled to about 300 in Kirtland compared to around 100 who lived in New York (Palmyra, Fayette, & Colesville). So the Lord's command to the New York saints at the end of December to "go to the Ohio" (D&C 37:1) would cause all of these converts to be gathered together in one geographical area. This, the Lord explained, would enable them to "escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless" (D&C 38:31). Thus the groundwork for latter-day Zion was being laid. Additionally, the Lord promised the New York saints that once they gathered "to the Ohio" he would "give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high" (D&C 38:32). Trusting the Lord's assurance, many, if not most, of them heeded the Lord's command and journeyed at great personal sacrifice to the Kirtland, Ohio area. Joseph was the first to leave with his wife Emma (who was six-months pregnant with twins) in late January 1831. The bulk of the New York saints would later follow in March-May of that year, and future converts would continue to gather there for the next several years. According to John Whitmer, some of the New York saints believed that Kirtland Ohio was to be the final "place of gathering, even the place of the New Jerusalem" (Journal of History, p. 53). In this belief, however, they were mistaken. The Lord did indeed have much to teach and bless the saints with in Ohio, but they would soon learn that their New Jerusalem would be still further West.

2 Scripture Reading & Textual Engagement Questions

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are NOT required to answer all of the questions provided at the beginning of each section. The point of these readings is to rigorously ENGAGE WITH THE TEXT and WITH ONE ANOTHER to promote understanding. The questions are simply guides to help you do so.

The Lamanite Mission

Qs: How did Parley P. Pratt come to know Sidney Rigdon? How was this relationship later crucial to the success of the missionaries in Ohio? Each of these four missionaries was young and inexperienced, yet they were anxious to go 1,500 miles (walking most of the way) to preach to the Lamanites (ie. Native Americans) just outside the border of the United States. Why do you suppose they would do this? In your opinion (after reading the "Aftermath" section above), was the "Lamanite mission" a success? Why or why not?

Doctrine and Covenants 28:8 32 8 And now, behold, I say unto you that you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my 1 And now concerning my servant Parley P. gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they Pratt, behold, I say unto him that as I live I receive thy teachings thou shalt cause my will that he shall declare my gospel and church to be established among them; and learn of me, and be meek and lowly of heart. thou shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment. 2 And that which I have appointed unto him is that he shall go with my servants, Oliver Doctrine and Covenants 30:5-6 Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, Jun., into the wilderness among the Lamanites. 5 Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take your journey with your brother 3 And Ziba Peterson also shall go with Oliver; for the time has come that it is them; and I myself will go with them and be expedient in me that you shall open your in their midst; and I am their advocate with mouth to declare my gospel; therefore, fear the Father, and nothing shall prevail against not, but give heed unto the words and advice them. of your brother, which he shall give you. 4 And they shall give heed to that which is 6 And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, written, and pretend to no other revelation; ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and they shall pray always that I may unfold and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I the same to their understanding. have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites; 5 And they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen.

3 Background and Aftermath of D&C 32 year, 1827, he returned to Canaan, Columbia (from scottwoodward.org) county, New York,—the county where much of his boyhood was spent, the home, Date: October 1830 too, of his parents—and there married Thankful Halsey, on the 9th of September, Place: Fayette, New York 1827. The same month the newly married couple returned to the wilderness home west Historical Background of Cleveland.

Parley P. Pratt (a convert of one month) and About eighteen months later Sidney Rigdon, Ziba Peterson (a convert of six months) who was connected with Alexander were among the "several ... elders" at the Campbell, Walter Scott and others in that September 1830 conference who manifested aggressive reform movement among the "a great desire ... respecting the remnants of Christian sects, which resulted in the the house of Joseph, the Lamanites, residing founding of the sect of the "Disciples" or in the west, knowing that the purposes of "Campbellites," came into Mr. Pratt's God were great to that people." They hoped neighborhood preaching the doctrines of "that the time had come when the promises faith, repentance and baptism. As his of the Almighty, in regard to that people doctrine more nearly conformed to the were about to be accomplished, and that scriptures than any other Mr. Pratt had they would receive the gospel and enjoy its heard, he accepted Sydney Rigdon's blessings. The desire being so great," Joseph teachings, joined the "Disciples," and said, "that it was agreed upon we should became a minister in that church. enquire of the Lord respecting the propriety of sending some of the elders among them, He determined to take up the ministry as his which we accordingly did, and received the life's labor, sold his possessions and started following: [see D&C 32]." (History of the first of all to call upon his relatives in New Church, 1:118; see also Millennial Star, York. En route, however, he was moved 4:168) upon by the spirit to stop off at Newark, in New York, while his wife continued her History of the Church journey to her father's home. At Newark, Mr. Pratt first heard of and saw the Book of Parley P. Pratt [born April 12, 1807 in Mormon, and, without delay, hastened to Burlington, New York] was reared to hard Palmyra to investigate the story of its work on a farm and though his opportunities coming forth. for acquiring an education were extremely limited, he was brought up in the strictest At the home of the Smiths, near Manchester, school of morals. Even in early youth he he met with Hyrum, brother of the Prophet, gave evidence of a profoundly religious and from him learned the particulars of the nature, and while yet in his teens became work. In company with Hyrum Smith he identified with the Baptist church. went to Fayette, where he met with Oliver Cowdery; and about the first of September In 1826 he left New York state and settled he was baptized by him in Seneca Lake, and some thirty miles west of the town of straightway was ordained an Elder of the Cleveland, in the state of Ohio, and laid the Church. After these events he continued his foundation of a wilderness home. The next journey to the home of his kindred in

4 Columbia county, New York, where he Mother, ed. Preston Nibley (Salt Lake City: baptized his brother Orson, then a youth of Bookcraft, 1954), p. 190) nineteen years. He returned to Fayette in time to attend the [September 1830] Susan Easton Black (LDS Scholar) conference, where he met the Prophet Joseph, and received the appointment to the [These missionaries] left for the mission Lamanite mission as related in [D&C 32]. from Fayette, New York, on 17 October (History of the Church, 1:118-119; 1830. [They] began their fifteen-hundred- paragraphing altered) mile journey on foot preaching to the Catteraugus Indians near Buffalo, New Susan Easton Black (LDS Scholar) York; the Wyandots in Sandusky, Ohio; and settlers in the Kirtland area. It is believed that Ziba Peterson was in his late teens or early twenties at the time of his Fifty miles west of Kirtland the missionaries baptism on 18 April 1830. He was ordained visited the home of Simeon Carter. When a an elder by June 1830 and was one of six warrant was served against Elder Pratt in the elders present when, as Carter home, Ziba accompanied him to the described it, "the Holy Ghost was poured courtroom. Near midnight Parley invited upon us in a miraculous manner-many of Ziba to sing the hymn "Oh How Happy Are our number prophesied, whilst others had They" with him to the judge. The the heavens opened to their view" (History exasperated judge jailed Parley but allowed of the Church, 1:85) [see Account]. (Who's Ziba to rejoin the other missionaries. Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, (1997), p.221-222) The missionaries continued their journey to the western frontier and arrived in Aftermath and Outcomes of D&C 32 Independence, Missouri, in December 1830. Ziba and Peter Whitmer preached to the Lucy Mack Smith (Mother of Joseph Smith, Indians across the Missouri River on 8 April Jr.) 1831. Ziba preached with Oliver Cowdery in Lafayette County, where Ziba met and may As soon as this revelation was received, have converted his future wife, Rebecca Emma Smith and several other sisters began Hooper. (Who's Who in the Doctrine and to make arrangements to furnish those who Covenants, (1997), p.221-222) were set apart for this mission with the necessary clothing, which was no easy task, From Revelations in as the most of it had to be manufactured out Context at history.lds.org of the raw material. Prior to leaving on this mission, Oliver Emma's health at this time was quite Cowdery signed a covenant to walk humbly delicate, yet she did not favor herself on this before God and to do “this glorious work account, but whatever her hands found to do according as he shall direct me by the Holy she did with her might, until so far beyond Ghost.” His three companions likewise her strength that she brought upon herself a signed a covenant that they would assist heavy fit of sickness, which lasted four Oliver Cowdery “faithfully in this weeks. (History of Joseph Smith by His thing.” When they departed, they carried

5 with them numerous copies of the Book of first temple. The crop of Kirtland converts Mormon to distribute among their listeners. also yielded many early church leaders. Conspicuous among these, of course, was In his autobiography, Parley P. Pratt wrote Rigdon himself, who would later serve as a that, while still in New York, the four counselor to Joseph Smith. One new convert missionaries called on “an Indian [Seneca] from the Kirtland area, Frederick G. nation at or near Buffalo; and spent part of a Williams, joined the four missionaries on day with them, instructing them in the their journey.... knowledge of the record of their forefathers.” In retrospect, the greatest Their travel in late December and through impact of their mission occurred part way the month of January was difficult because through their travels. Pratt tells how they of what has been called “the winter of the continued on their journey until they stopped deep snow.” Parley P. Pratt described how in Mentor, Ohio, to call on Sidney Rigdon, the missionaries had to halt for a few days in Pratt’s “former friend and instructor, in the Illinois on account of extended storms Reformed Baptists Society.” They presented “during which the snow fell in some places him with a copy of the Book of Mormon, near three feet deep.” With their original which he promised to read, and then taught plans frustrated by ice in the river, they the restored gospel in many homes in the renewed their journal on foot, traveling, as area. The consequence of this was that “at Pratt wrote, “for three hundred miles length Mr. Rigdon and many others … came through vast prairies and through trackless forward and were baptized by us, and wilds of snow—no beaten road; houses few received the gift of the Holy Ghost by laying and far between; and the bleak northwest on of hands.” Pratt tells how “the news of wind always blowing in our faces with a the discovery of the Book of Mormon and keenness which would almost take the skin the marvelous events connected with it” off the face. … After much fatigue and some created a general “interest and excitement … suffering we all arrived in Independence, in in Kirtland, and in all the region round the county of Jackson, on the extreme about. The people thronged us night and western frontiers of Missouri, and of the day, insomuch that we had no time for rest United States.” and retirement. Meetings were convened in different neighborhoods, and multitudes Once the group arrived in Independence, came together soliciting our attendance.… Peter Whitmer Jr. and Ziba Peterson In two or three weeks from arrival in the remained to earn money while Oliver neighborhood with the news, we had Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, and Frederick G. baptized one hundred and twenty-seven Williams went over into Indian Territory. souls.” Among those they introduced to the They first preached to the Shawnees and gospel there were Isaac Morley, John then to the Delawares. Speaking through an Murdock, , and Edward interpreter, Oliver Cowdery shared the Partridge. essential message of the Book of Mormon. Part of his message, as recorded by Parley P. This unanticipated success in Kirtland had Pratt, was that “the Lord commanded enormous consequences for the future of the Mormon and Moroni, their last wise men Church. Kirtland soon became an important and prophets, to hide the Book in the earth, early gathering place for Church members that it might be preserved in safety, and be and would later be the site of the Church's found and made known in the latter day to

6 the pale faces who should possess the land; Although the Lamanite mission thus ended, that they might again make it known to the it had helped chart the course the fledgling red man; in order to restore them to the Church would follow during the coming knowledge of the will of the Great Spirit and decade. The missionaries had established the to His favor.” Church in the Kirtland area, and they prepared the way for Joseph Smith to go to The Delaware Indians were receptive, and Ohio in early 1831, and then call for the the chief requested that the missionaries Saints in the east to move there as well. return in the spring when “you shall read to Later in 1831, Joseph himself traveled to us and teach us more concerning the Book Jackson County, where he identified the of our fathers and the will of the Great location of the New Jerusalem and, on Spirit.” However, because of an order by a August 3, 1831, near the Independence federal agent, the missionaries were expelled courthouse, laid a cornerstone for the from Indian Territory. Seeking temple. (“A Mission to the unsuccessfully to get authorization from Lamanites,” Revelations in William Clark, the superintendent of Indian Context, history.lds.org) affairs in the area, the missionaries were no longer able to proselytize in Indian Territory.

The Vision of Enoch

Qs: Why did the Lord call his people Zion? Why do you think Zion the place (vs. 19) came only after Zion the people (vs. 18)? What might this suggest for us in our day? What was Enoch shown in verses 20-27 that was hopeful? What was he shown that was awful? According to vs. 28-40, why was God weeping? Talk about why you think the suffering of the rebellious with Satan is painful to God. After Enoch saw the wickedness of man in future generations, and wept for them as well, he also saw that his great grandson Noah and his family would be saved physically from a destructive flood. However, when he saw that the remainder of the wicked would be destroyed in that flood he had bitterness of soul and wept again, refusing to be comforted (vs. 41-44). Why do you think Enoch was so saddened by the destruction of the wicked? How did the Lord comfort Enoch in vs. 44-47? In vs. 48-50 Enoch—moved with compassion for the earth and a deep concern over the descendants of Noah—pled with God that he would be merciful to Noah's seed and would never flood the earth again. God, unable to withhold, then covenanted with Enoch several things in vs. 51- 53. What exactly did he swear unto Enoch? What implications do you think these things have for the latter-days? Enoch pleads with the Lord (twice) in vs. 54-59 to tell him when the earth will finally rest from wickedness, as well as whether or not the Lord would return to the earth after his earthly mission was complete. What does the Lord promise Enoch in response to both of these

7 questions in vs. 60-69? Bonus Question: How is his answer here connected to “the oath which I … made unto you concerning the children of Noah” (vs. 60) back in vs. 51-53?

Moses 7:18-69 24 And there came generation upon generation; and Enoch was high and lifted 18 And the Lord called his people ZION, up, even in the bosom of the Father, and of because they were of one heart and one the Son of Man; and behold, the power of mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there Satan was upon all the face of the earth. was no poor among them. 25 And he saw angels descending out of 19 And Enoch continued his preaching in heaven; and he heard a loud voice saying: righteousness unto the people of God. And it Wo, wo be unto the inhabitants of the earth. came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even 26 And he beheld Satan; and he had a great ZION. chain in his hand, and it veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he 20 And it came to pass that Enoch talked looked up and laughed, and his angels with the Lord; and he said unto the Lord: rejoiced. Surely Zion shall dwell in safety forever. But the Lord said unto Enoch: Zion have I 27 And Enoch beheld angels descending out blessed, but the residue of the people have I of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father cursed. and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of 21 And it came to pass that the Lord showed heaven into Zion. unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of 28 And it came to pass that the God of time, was taken up into heaven. And the heaven looked upon the residue of the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record forever. of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain 22 And Enoch also beheld the residue of the upon the mountains? people which were the sons of Adam; and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam 29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it save it was the seed of Cain, for the seed of that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, Cain were black, and had not place among and from all eternity to all eternity? them. 30 And were it possible that man could 23 And after that Zion was taken up into number the particles of the earth, yea, heaven, Enoch beheld, and lo, all the nations millions of earths like this, it would not be a of the earth were before him; beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and

8 yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; 37 But behold, their sins shall be upon the and also thou art just; thou art merciful and heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their kind forever; father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, 31 And thou hast taken Zion to thine own even all the workmanship of mine hands; bosom, from all thy creations, from all wherefore should not the heavens weep, eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace, seeing these shall suffer? justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face 38 But behold, these which thine eyes are and have no end; how is it thou canst weep? upon shall perish in the floods; and behold, I will shut them up; a prison have I prepared 32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these for them. thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their 39 And that which I have chosen hath pled knowledge, in the day I created them; and in before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in agency; the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, and until that day they shall be in torment; 33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should 40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens love one another, and that they should weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine choose me, their Father; but behold, they are hands. without affection, and they hate their own blood; 41 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Enoch, and told Enoch all the doings of 34 And the fire of mine indignation is the children of men; wherefore Enoch knew, kindled against them; and in my hot and looked upon their wickedness, and their displeasure will I send in the floods upon misery, and wept and stretched forth his them, for my fierce anger is kindled against arms, and his heart swelled wide as eternity; them. and his bowels yearned; and all eternity shook. 35 Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and 42 And Enoch also saw Noah, and his Endless and Eternal is my name, also. family; that the posterity of all the sons of Noah should be saved with a temporal 36 Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands salvation; and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, 43 Wherefore Enoch saw that Noah built an and among all the workmanship of mine ark; and that the Lord smiled upon it, and hands there has not been so great held it in his own hand; but upon the residue wickedness as among thy brethren. of the wicked the floods came and swallowed them up.

9 44 And as Enoch saw this, he had bitterness 50 And it came to pass that Enoch continued of soul, and wept over his brethren, and said his cry unto the Lord, saying: I ask thee, O unto the heavens: I will refuse to be Lord, in the name of thine Only Begotten, comforted; but the Lord said unto Enoch: even Jesus Christ, that thou wilt have mercy Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look. upon Noah and his seed, that the earth might never more be covered by the floods. 45 And it came to pass that Enoch looked; and from Noah, he beheld all the families of 51 And the Lord could not withhold; and he the earth; and he cried unto the Lord, saying: covenanted with Enoch, and sware unto him When shall the day of the Lord come? When with an oath, that he would stay the floods; shall the blood of the Righteous be shed, that he would call upon the children of that all they that mourn may be sanctified Noah; and have eternal life? 52 And he sent forth an unalterable decree, 46 And the Lord said: It shall be in the that a remnant of his seed should always be meridian of time, in the days of wickedness found among all nations, while the earth and vengeance. should stand;

47 And behold, Enoch saw the day of the 53 And the Lord said: Blessed is he through coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; whose seed Messiah shall come; for he and his soul rejoiced, saying: The Righteous saith—I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the is lifted up, and the Lamb is slain from the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; foundation of the world; and through faith I whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, by me shall never fall; wherefore, blessed Zion is with me. are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting 48 And it came to pass that Enoch looked joy. upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowels thereof, saying: Wo, wo is me, 54 And it came to pass that Enoch cried unto the mother of men; I am pained, I am weary, the Lord, saying: When the Son of Man because of the wickedness of my children. cometh in the flesh, shall the earth rest? I When shall I rest, and be cleansed from the pray thee, show me these things. filthiness which is gone forth out of me? When will my Creator sanctify me, that I 55 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Look, and may rest, and righteousness for a season he looked and beheld the Son of Man lifted abide upon my face? up on the cross, after the manner of men;

49 And when Enoch heard the earth mourn, 56 And he heard a loud voice; and the he wept, and cried unto the Lord, saying: O heavens were veiled; and all the creations of Lord, wilt thou not have compassion upon God mourned; and the earth groaned; and the earth? Wilt thou not bless the children of the rocks were rent; and the saints arose, and Noah? were crowned at the right hand of the Son of Man, with crowns of glory;

10 57 And as many of the spirits as were in unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy prison came forth, and stood on the right City, that my people may gird up their loins, hand of God; and the remainder were and be looking forth for the time of my reserved in chains of darkness until the coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, judgment of the great day. and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.

58 And again Enoch wept and cried unto the 63 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then Lord, saying: When shall the earth rest? shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom, 59 And Enoch beheld the Son of Man and they shall see us; and we will fall upon ascend up unto the Father; and he called their necks, and they shall fall upon our unto the Lord, saying: Wilt thou not come necks, and we will kiss each other; again upon the earth? Forasmuch as thou art God, and I know thee, and thou hast sworn 64 And there shall be mine abode, and it unto me, and commanded me that I should shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of ask in the name of thine Only Begotten; thou all the creations which I have made; and for hast made me, and given unto me a right to the space of a thousand years the earth shall thy throne, and not of myself, but through rest. thine own grace; wherefore, I ask thee if thou wilt not come again on the earth. 65 And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the 60 And the Lord said unto Enoch: As I live, last days, to dwell on the earth in even so will I come in the last days, in the righteousness for the space of a thousand days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfil years; the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah; 66 But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also 61 And the day shall come that the earth saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s shall rest, but before that day the heavens hearts failing them, looking forth with fear shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness for the judgments of the Almighty God, shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall which should come upon the wicked. shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of 67 And the Lord showed Enoch all things, men, but my people will I preserve; even unto the end of the world; and he saw the day of the righteous, the hour of their 62 And righteousness will I send down out redemption, and received a fulness of joy; of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only 68 And all the days of Zion, in the days of Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; Enoch, were three hundred and sixty-five yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and years. righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine 69 And Enoch and all his people walked elect from the four quarters of the earth, with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion;

11 and it came to pass that Zion was not, for from thence went forth the saying, ZION IS God received it up into his own bosom; and FLED.

Gathering to Ohio

Qs: If you were a member of a New York branch of the Church at this time, you would likely have had some concerns and reservations about uprooting your home and family and moving to Ohio. What reasons from the Lord in D&C 38 would have persuaded you to be willing to make this sacrifice and move? Why? (Be specific ;) As you read about those who participated in the gathering to Ohio, what are you learning about the relationship between the principles of obedience and sacrifice?

Doctrine and Covenants 37 and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made; 1 Behold, I say unto you that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate any 2 The same which knoweth all things, for all more until ye shall go to the Ohio, and this things are present before mine eyes; because of the enemy and for your sakes. 3 I am the same which spake, and the world 2 And again, I say unto you that ye shall not was made, and all things came by me. go until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and have strengthened up the 4 I am the same which have taken the Zion church whithersoever it is found, and more of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I especially in Colesville; for, behold, they say, even as many as have believed in my pray unto me in much faith. name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I 3 And again, a commandment I give unto have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father the church, that it is expedient in me that for them. they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver 5 But behold, the residue of the wicked have Cowdery shall return unto them. I kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day, which shall come 4 Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man at the end of the earth; choose for himself until I come. Even so. Amen. 6 And even so will I cause the wicked to be kept, that will not hear my voice but harden Doctrine and Covenants 38 their hearts, and wo, wo, wo, is their doom.

1 Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus 7 But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your the beginning and the end, the same which midst and ye cannot see me; looked upon the wide expanse of eternity,

12 8 But the day soon cometh that ye shall see flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of me, and know that I am; for the veil of persons. darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day. 17 And I have made the earth rich, and behold it is my footstool, wherefore, again I 9 Wherefore, gird up your loins and be will stand upon it. prepared. Behold, the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome. 18 And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise, a 10 Verily I say unto you, ye are clean, but land flowing with milk and honey, upon not all; and there is none else with whom I which there shall be no curse when the Lord am well pleased; cometh;

11 For all flesh is corrupted before me; and 19 And I will give it unto you for the land of the powers of darkness prevail upon the your inheritance, if you seek it with all your earth, among the children of men, in the hearts. presence of all the hosts of heaven— 20 And this shall be my covenant with you, 12 Which causeth silence to reign, and all ye shall have it for the land of your eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting inheritance, and for the inheritance of your the great command to reap down the earth, children forever, while the earth shall stand, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no and, behold, the enemy is combined. more to pass away.

13 And now I show unto you a mystery, a 21 But, verily I say unto you that in time ye thing which is had in secret chambers, to shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be bring to pass even your destruction in your king and watch over you. process of time, and ye knew it not; 22 Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, 14 But now I tell it unto you, and ye are and you shall be a free people, and ye shall blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither have no laws but my laws when I come, for your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my you are guilty before me, but I will be hand? merciful unto your weakness. 23 But, verily I say unto you, teach one 15 Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; another according to the office wherewith I fear not, for the kingdom is yours. have appointed you;

16 And for your salvation I give unto you a 24 And let every man esteem his brother as commandment, for I have heard your himself, and practise virtue and holiness prayers, and the poor have complained before me. before me, and the rich have I made, and all

13 25 And again I say unto you, let every man 33 And from thence, whosoever I will shall esteem his brother as himself. go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a 26 For what man among you having twelve great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be sons, and is no respecter of them, and they saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I serve him obediently, and he saith unto the will, and no power shall stay my hand. one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other: Be thou clothed in 34 And now, I give unto the church in these rags and sit thou there—and looketh upon parts a commandment, that certain men his sons and saith I am just? among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of the 27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a church; parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not 35 And they shall look to the poor and the mine. needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the 28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy place which I have commanded them; in the secret chambers seeketh your lives. 36 And this shall be their work, to govern 29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you the affairs of the property of this church. say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men 37 And they that have farms that cannot be in your own land. sold, let them be left or rented as seemeth them good. 30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in 38 See that all things are preserved; and your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men when men are endowed with power from on reveal these things unto you by their high and sent forth, all these things shall be wickedness, in a manner which shall speak gathered unto the bosom of the church. in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are 39 And if ye seek the riches which it is the prepared ye shall not fear. will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have 31 And that ye might escape the power of the riches of eternity; and it must needs be the enemy, and be gathered unto me a that the riches of the earth are mine to give; righteous people, without spot and but beware of pride, lest ye become as the blameless— Nephites of old.

32 Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you 40 And again, I say unto you, I give unto the commandment that ye should go to the you a commandment, that every man, both Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to and there you shall be endowed with power with his might, with the labor of his hands, from on high;

14 to prepare and accomplish the things which I [see D&C 37]. (“Go to the have commanded. Ohio,” Revelations in Context, history.lds.org) 41 And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in John Whitmer (Church Historian) mildness and in meekness. Now after the Lord had made known what 42 And go ye out from among the wicked. he wanted that his servant Sidney should Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the do [specifically in D&C 35:20], he went to vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen. writing the things which the Lord showed unto his servant the Seer. The Lord made Background and Aftermath of D&C 37- known, some of the hidden things of his 38 (from scottwoodward.org) kingdom; for he unfolded, the prophecy of Enoch the seventh from Adam [see Moses 7]. After they had written this prophecy, Date: December 30, 1830; and January 2, the Lord spoke to them again and gave 1831 further directions: [see D&C 37]. ("Book of John Whitmer," Community of Christ Place: Near Fayette, New York Archives, Independence, Missouri; see online version) From Revelations in Context at history.lds.org D&C 38 is Received

[Sidney] Rigdon and [Edward] Partridge’s From Revelations in arrival in New York brought with it word Context at history.lds.org of how deeply the restored gospel had taken root in Ohio. And even as the Three days later, the third conference of number of converts in Ohio rapidly grew, the Church convened in Fayette, and the Church in New York faced increasing Joseph announced to the members the opposition. A few months previously, Lord’s charge to leave their homes and Joseph Smith had received a revelation gather in Ohio. In connection with the declaring that the Church should be announcement, Joseph dictated another gathered in one place, though that location revelation [see D&C 38] that elaborated had not yet been revealed (see D&C 29:7- on the command to gather and promised 8). members that, in Ohio, they would receive God’s “law & there you shall be endowed D&C 37 is Received with power from on high” (see D&C 38:32). (“Go to the Ohio,” Revelations in Joseph's mother, Lucy, later remembered Context, history.lds.org) that Joseph had received word that the fledgling congregations in Ohio were John Whitmer (Church Historian) badly in need of direction, as the number of converts had ballooned to 300. Then, as The time had now come for the general Joseph and Sidney Rigdon traveled from conference to be held, which was the first Fayette to Canandaigua, New York, in late of January 1831, and according to this December, they received a revelation appointment the Saints assembled

15 themselves together. After transacting the Outcome of D&C 37:2 necessary business, Joseph the Seer addressed the congregation and exhorted In D&C 37 the Lord told Joseph and them to stand fast, looking forward Sidney that they should not leave for Ohio considering the end of their salvation. The "until ye have preached my gospel in those solemnities of eternity rested on the parts, and have strengthened up the church congregation and having previously whithersoever it is found and more received a revelation to go to Ohio especially in Colesville," he said, because [see D&C 37:1], they desired to know "they pray unto me in much faith" (D&C somewhat more concerning this matter. 37:2). John Whitmer recorded the Therefore, the Seer enquired of the Lord in fulfillment of this verse in these words: the presence of the whole congregation, and thus came the word of the Lord After these things were done [that is, after saying: [see D&C 38]. ("Book of John the January 1831 conference in Fayette] Whitmer," Community of Christ Archives, Joseph and Sidney went to Colesville to do Independence, Missouri; punctuation the will of the Lord in that part of the land modernized; see online version) and to strengthen the disciples in that part of the vineyard, and preach the gospel to a Aftermath and Outcomes of D&C 37-38 hardened and a wicked people; and it is fearful that they are all [except the John Whitmer (Church Historian) disciples] delivered over to hardness of heart and blindness of (mind), so that they After the Lord had manifested the above cannot be brought to repentance. For when words [see D&C 38], through Joseph the Sidney and the revelator arrived there, Seer, there were some divisions among the they held prayer meetings among the congregations, some would not receive the disciples, and they also held public above as the word of the Lord: but [said] meetings, but it was all in vain; they that Joseph had invented it himself to threatened to kill them. Therefore, they deceive the people that in the end he might knew that they were not fit for the get gain. Now this was because, their kingdom of God, and well nigh ripe for hearts were not right in the sight of the destruction. The Spirit of the Lord fell Lord, for they wanted to serve God and upon Sidney, and he spoke with boldness, man; but our Savior has declared that it and he preached the gospel in its purity; was impossible to do so. but they laughed him to scorn, he being filled, with the Holy Spirit, he cried aloud, The conference was now closed, and the "O ye heavens give ear and ye angels Lord had manifested his will to his people. attend, I bear witness in the name of Jesus Therefore they made preparations to Christ that this people is sealed up to journey to the Ohio, with their wives, and everlasting destruction." And immediately children and all that they possessed, to he left them and escaped out of their obey the commandment of the hands. And his enemies were astonished Lord. ("Book of John Whitmer," and amazed at the doctrines which he Community of Christ Archives, preached, for they taught as men having Independence, Missouri; see online authority and not as hireling version) priests. ("Book of John Whitmer," Community of Christ Archives,

16 Independence, Missouri; see online his coming to Kirtland. "Mother Whitney" version) also tells how on a certain night prior to the advent of Elder Cowdery and his Joseph Smith (President) companions, while she and her husband were praying to the Lord to know how The latter part of January, in company they might obtain the gift of the Holy with Brothers Sidney Rigdon and Edward Ghost, which of all things they desired, Partridge, I started with my wife* for they saw a vision as of a cloud of glory Kirtland, Ohio, where we arrived about the resting upon their house, and heard a voice first of February, and were kindly received from heaven saying, "Prepare to receive and welcomed into the house of Brother the word of the Lord, for it is coming." Newel K. Whitney. My wife and I lived in Shortly afterwards Oliver Cowdery and his the family of Brother Whitney several associates came with the Book of weeks, and received every kindness and Mormon, and with the message of the attention which could be expected, and restored Gospel. Moreover, in further especially from Sister Whitney. (History fulfilment of this vision, under the rooftree of the Church, 1:145-146) of the Whitneys the Prophet received a number of the revelations contained in [the *Emma Smith was 6 months pregnant with Doctrine and Covenants]. (History of the twins at this time, and after this move she Church, 1:146) never sees her parents again in her life. Steven C. Harper (LDS Scholar) History of the Church From Ohio Joseph sent for his father and In the Whitney family folk lore the his brother Hyrum, and they came quickly incident of the Prophet's arrival at Kirtland in March. That left his capable mother, is thus related: "About the first of Lucy Mack Smith, to lead the rest of her February, 1831, a sleigh containing four family and others, about fifty in all, from persons drove through the streets of Waterloo, New York.... Having recently Kirtland and drew up in front of the store joined the Saints in New York from his of Gilbert and Whitney. One of the men, a home in Boston, Thomas Marsh led a young and stalwart personage alighted, group of about thirty, including the and springing up the steps walked into the Whitmers, from Fayette. Martin Harris led store and to where the junior partner was perhaps fifty more from Palmyra to standing. 'Newel K. Whitney! Thou art the Kirtland in May. The Saints from man!' he exclaimed, extending his hand Colesville, Waterloo, and Fayette all cordially, as if to an old and familiar converged at Buffalo, where the harbor acquaintance. 'You have the advantage of was frozen. Places to stay while waiting me,' replied the merchant, as he for a sufficient thaw were at a premium. mechanically took the proffered hand, 'I Prices were high, supplies low. Conditions could not call you by name as you have tested the patience, faith, and will of the me.' 'I am Joseph the Prophet,' said the covenant makers.... stranger smiling. 'You've prayed me here, now what do you want of me?'; The Prophet, it is said, while in the East had seen the Whitneys, in vision, praying for

17 [See Lucy Mack Smith's Account for than it was really worth for the sake of fascinating details about their departure living with the church and obeying the from this harbor.] word of God as given to Joseph Smith." When the Church's financial situation [Upon their arrival] the immigrants from looked particularly bleak in the mid 1830s, New York were embraced by the Ohio Joseph Smith and others joined in a Saints. Caroline Crosby joined many other solemn prayer meeting, asking the Lord to gathered Saints in foregoing comforts to send them a benefactor who could pay the house the immigrants. "The idea of mortgage on the Peter French farm the accommodating friends," she wrote, Church had purchased for the temple, "stimulated me to make the sacrifice."... housing, and other buildings. On Christmas day, 1835, a wealthy owner of By fall 1831, antagonists ordered Joseph considerable property in eastern New Smith and other Mormon families York, John Tanner, left his home to "immediately to depart the gather. His family journeyed five hundred Township." The Saints continued to gather miles in the dead of winter. His timely anyway.... Brigham Young "had traveled arrival in Kirtland led to the first of many and preached until I had nothing left to generous gifts to the Church and enabled gather with; but Joseph said 'come up;' and the Saints to continue building the temple I went up the best I could," a widower, in anticipation of the promised with two young children. Amasa Lyman endowment. "Kirtland history is filled with received baptism in New Hampshire in examples of Saints who willingly 1832 and walked most of the seven sacrificed their worldly possessions to hundred miles to gather with the Saints. gather to Kirtland." Like her future husband, Wilford Woodruff, Phoebe Carter left loved ones Why did they do it? Because sections 37 to gather to Kirtland in 1835. "I left the and 38 commanded them to. What did beloved home of my childhood to link my they get in return? Everything the life with the Saints of God," she later revelation promised [in D&C 38:32]. wrote. Joseph Smith Sr. asked Oliver (Making Sense of the Doctrine and Huntington, a convert from upstate New Covenants, p.127-130, (2008), © Deseret York, to sell his farm and gather to Book Company. Used by Permission.) Kirtland in 1835. He sold it for "much less

Supplemental Material (not required) "A Mission to the Lamanites," on LDS.org

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