The first high council in this dispensation was organized at the home of Joseph Smith in Kirtland, February 17, 1834. The First Presidency presided in this council and the following brethren were chosen as its members: Joseph Smith, Sen., John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith and Luke S. Johnson.[2] Several days before this action was taken the Prophet had explained the manner in which councils should be conducted. “No man,” said he, “is capable of judging a matter in council unless his own heart is pure.” Ancient councils were conducted with strict propriety; no one was permitted to whisper, leave the room, or think of anything but the matter before them for consideration. If the presiding officer could stay, others were expected to do the same, until the Spirit was obtained and a righteous decision was reached.

There were a number of cases awaiting the action of the high council as soon as it was organized, and within a day or two several trials were held and matters of discipline passed upon. One question considered was as follows: “Whether disobedience to the word of wisdom was a transgression sufficient to deprive an official member from holding office in the Church, after having it sufficiently taught him?” After a free and full discussion Joseph Smith, who presided, gave his decision as follows: “No official member in this Church is worthy to hold an office after having the word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the official member, neglecting to comply with or obey it.” This decision was confirmed by unanimous vote.

Zion Shall Not be Removed

A revelation was given to Joseph Smith December 16, 1833, giving the reason for the expulsion of the members of the Church from Jackson County (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 101). Nevertheless the Lord declared that Zion should “not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.” In his own due time he would redeem Zion, and let fall the sword of his indignation in behalf of his people. The cup of his wrath was to be poured out without measure upon all nations, when the cup of their iniquity is full. The Saints were instructed to “Importune for redress and redemption” before the judge, and if he should fail, then before the governor, and if they could not obtain redress from him they were to importune the president of the United States, and if he heeded them not, then the Lord would “vex the nation.” The Church was instructed to purchase lands in Jackson and neighboring counties, for inheritances for the Saints. Moreover, they were instructed in a parable to gather together the strength of the Lord’s house, “My young men and they that are middle aged also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry,” said the Lord, “and go straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I have bought it with money.” February 24, 1834, the Lord further declared that if his Saints would, from that time forth, repent and keep his commandments, they should “begin to prevail” against his enemies from that very hour; but if they polluted their inheritances they were to be thrown down, for he would not spare them if they polluted their inheritances. “The redemption of Zion must needs come by power,” he declared, therefore the Saints were to collect money and purchase lands, as they had been commanded, and the young and middle aged were to gather to Zion and seek its redemption.

Zion’s Camp

According to this instruction, a call went forth asking for volunteers to go to Zion. Five hundred men were wanted; yet, said the Lord: “If you cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure ye may obtain one hundred;” for with less than one hundred they were not to go. The first of May (1834) a part of these volunteers left Kirtland, and on the fifth Joseph Smith and the remainder took up their journey. At West Portage, about fifty miles west of Kirtland, they met and were organized in companies for the journey. Each company was divided as follows: a captain, two cooks, two firemen, two tent-men, two water-men, one runner, two wagoners and horsemen, and one commissary, twelve men in all. Every night before retiring, at the sound of the bugle they bowed before the Lord in prayer in their several tents, and every morning, at the trumpet’s call about four o’clock, every man again knelt in prayer, imploring the blessings of the Lord for the day. As they traveled they endeavored to keep their identity unknown so as not to arouse opposition in the country through which they passed. As it was they were followed by enemies and spies, and delegations approached them from time to time to learn the meaning of their journey. The following questions were frequently put and answered in this manner:

“Where are you from?”

“From the East.”

“Where are you going?”

“To the West.”