The Council of Fifty
The LDS Church is led be a First Presidency, Council of the Twelve, and Council of the Seventies. But not much was known by the general membership about the Council of 50. Joseph Smith was not only the President of the LDS Church but also Mayor of the City of Nauvoo. The Council of 50 was focused on more political and logistical issues of running a vibrant city.
After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Council of 50 continued to meet. When it became apparent that the state of Illinois was unwilling to protect the LDS and we were going to need to abandon Nauvoo, the Council of 50 discussed and explored potential locations.
Several fascinating lessons that can be learned from the Council of 50. Joseph Smith had prophesied that the latter-day would become a great people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains. However, when it came to making the decision to flee Nauvoo and settle in the barren Salt Lake Valley, all other options were considered. The Council of 50 explored settling in Texas, Oregon, California, and even with certain Native American tribes. However, after all alternatives were exhaustively explored, the Council formed a unanimous consensus around the will of God and the prophetic words of the Prophet.
Settling in the barren Salt Lake Valley next to a dead sea was the most unlikely and ill-advisable option. There were so many more attractive options. But the consensus of the Saints to leave the United States and settle next to the Great Salt Lake and thoughout the Rocky Mountains demonstrates the inspired operation of the Council of 50 and evidence of the divine providence of God. Had God not revealed His will through the prophet Joseph Smith, the Saints would have never seriously considered it. Yet, modern Israel made the deserts of the Great Basin blossom as the rose.
Sometimes God may allow us to briefly go down a couple of wrong roads so that when we eventually start down the right road we know it's the right one; especially is the right on is bumpy.
Another major policy issue that was considered by the Council of 50, was a discussion on proper civil government. Free discussion on these sensitive matters is believed to be a reason why the proceedings of the Council were not publicized. Like the discussion on where the LDS should settle, the Council of 50 discussed vsrious aspects of goverment from theocracy and democracy to socialism and communalism.
The LDS had been betrayed by the United States government. The US and several state governments had denied them their freedom of religion and failed to protect life, liberty, and property. So, in the end of extensive deliberations, it seems the most unlikely result that the Council of 50 formed a unanimous consensus that the US Constitution was an inspired document and that the LDS Church should defend the US Constitution; even if its leaders were desecrating it through their evil policies of Manifest Destiny, slavery and a Mormon extermination order in Missouri.
The prophet Joseph Smith had taught that God had raised up the founders and inspired them to establish this nation and its constitution which would serve as a model of constitutional goverment thoughout the world. It is because of the revelations of God through Joseph Smith that it was decided for Joseph Smith to champion the constitution and run for POTUS instead of abandoning it or opposing it. Unfortunately, Joseph Smith was killed not long thereafter.
Joseph's influence and the consensus of the Council of 50 led Joseph's predecessor Brigham Young to heed the call of the US goverment in supplying the US Army with men during the Mexican-American war (Mormon Battalion) while fleeing Illinois and walking with their wives and children to the Utah Territory. Instead of forming their own nation, the LDS eventually sought statehood. In spite of the many abuses, the LDS have remained fearlessly patriotic and devoted to the US Constitution and standing up for the liberty and freedom.
No comments:
Post a Comment