[14]. Ib. 41:9; 72:8
[15]. D. & C. 45:64-71.
[16]. Ib. 101 :6.
[17]. Hist. Ch. Vol. 1, pp. 390, 426.
[18]. D. & C. 101:17, 18, 0, 1; 115:6.
[19]. Zion, in sacred writ, is symbolized by a tent or portable tabernacle, such as the Israelites carried with them in the Wilderness. Evidently it was the custom then, as it is now, when setting up a tent, to drive stakes and fasten cords thereto—cords stretched from the tent, to make it firm and secure. Hence the phrase: "Lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes," a metaphor applied to Zion by the Prophet Isaiah. (54:2; 33:20). When a tent is erected, no center stake is driven; it would be in the way—an obstacle to stumble over. Figuratively and in a larger sense, the same would be true of a Center Stake of Zion. There is no need for such a thing, and it would spoil the symbolism of the picture.
[20]. D. & C. 119.
ARTICLE TWENTY-FOUR.
Redemption by Power.
To Redeem Zion.—The failure of the Latter-day Saints, through lack of unity and obedience, to build up Zion in Jackson County, has been dwelt upon. It remains to tell of an effort to "redeem Zion," to reinstate the plundered people upon the lands of which they had been unlawfully and violently dispossessed. This effort was put forth early in the year 1834, when an expendition was organized in Ohio for that purpose.