31366

Letter to Church Officers in Missouri, 31 August 1835

 
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When the children of Zion are in stranger[s]  in a strange land their harps must be hu[n]g  upon the willows: and they cannot sing the  songs of Zion: but should mourn and not  dance. Therefore brethren, it remains for all  such to be exercised with prayer, and contin ual suplication, until Zion is redeemed

In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the work JS was called to do. However, the term Zion was soon used more specifically to describe a community of believers who live in harmony and equality. The Book of Mormon explained...

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. We  realize the situation that all the brethren and  sisters must be in, being deprived of their spir itual privileges, which are enjoyed by those  who sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus;  where there are no mobs to rise up and  bind their consciences. Nevertheless, it is  wisdom that the church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

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 should make but little  or no stir in that region, and cause as little  excitement as posible and endure their affli ctions patiently until the time appointed—  and the Governor

14 Jan. 1790–25 July 1844. Farmer, tavern owner, businessman, investor, lawyer, politician. Born near Greenville, Greenville District, South Carolina. Son of Joseph Dunklin Jr. and Sarah Margaret Sullivan. Moved to what became Caldwell Co., Kentucky, 1806...

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 of Mo. fulfils his  promise in setting the church over upon  their own lands. We would suggest an idea  that it would be wisdom for all the mem bers of the church on the return of the Bish op

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, he functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

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 [Edward Partridge]

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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, to make known to him their names  places of residince &c. that it may be known  where they all are when the Governor

14 Jan. 1790–25 July 1844. Farmer, tavern owner, businessman, investor, lawyer, politician. Born near Greenville, Greenville District, South Carolina. Son of Joseph Dunklin Jr. and Sarah Margaret Sullivan. Moved to what became Caldwell Co., Kentucky, 1806...

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  shall give directions for you to be set over  on your lands
Again it is the will of the Lord,  that the church should attend to their com munion

Primarily referred to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, as opposed to other religious sacraments. The articles and covenants of the church directed “that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord...

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 on the sabbath day, and let  them remember the commandment

Generally, a divine mandate that church members were expected to obey; more specifically, a text dictated by JS in the first-person voice of deity that served to communicate knowledge and instruction to JS and his followers. Occasionally, other inspired texts...

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 which  says “talk not of Judgment” we are com manded not to give the childrens bread  unto the dogs; neither cast our pearl[s] before [p. 79]

Facts

Editorial Title
Letter to Church Officers in Missouri, 31 August 1835
ID #
268