Notes
[1.] The term “Stake of Zion,” which was first used in a revelation given in November, 1831 (Sec. 68) is a comparison to the stakes which bind a tent. Isaiah says: “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities; thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken” (Ch. 33:20). Again: “Enlarge the place of thy tent and let them stretch forth the curtains” of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” (Ch. 54:2)
Zion is the tent, the settlements surrounding her, are the cords and stakes. It is as improper to speak of Zion in Missouri as the “center stake of Zion,” as it would be to call a tent a stake.
Chapter 18
Organization of the First Presidency—Important Revelations
1832–1833
Important Revelations
In the fall of 1832 and continuing through the winter and spring of 1833, a number of remarkable revelations were given for the edification and guidance of the Church. Great principles of science and philosophy, as well as of doctrine and spiritual truth, were revealed.
On the 22nd and 23rd of September, at the inquiry of a number of elders of the Church, the history and power of the Priesthood were revealed (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 84); the responsibilities taken by those who are ordained, were explained; the promises made to those who are faithful that they shall receive the fulness of the blessings of the father’s kingdom—for he had declared it “with an oath and covenant, which belongeth to the Priesthood,” with the penalty attached that “whoso breaketh this covenant . . . and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world, nor in the word to come” —were clearly defined; the place of the great temple, and when it shall be built, and many other things dealing with the gathering of the Saints, the building of Zion and its redemption, were set forth.
November 27 the Lord stated that he would send one mighty and strong to arrange the inheritances of the Saints in Zion (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 85). December 6, the parable of the wheat and the tares was explained (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 86). On Christmas day the prophecy on war, which has so far been fulfilled, was given (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 87). Two days later the remarkable revelation on scientific and doctrinal truth, known as the “Olive Leaf” (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 88), was presented to the Church. In this wonderful communication from the heavens, the following eternal principles, among many others, were revealed: