“God accepted our works as He did the works of Abraham.” — Wilford Woodruff1
In 1834, while a part of Zion's Camp, Joseph Smith tried to work with local officials to peacefully resolve the tensions between the Saints and Missouri residents. Joseph wanted peaceful coexistence with Missourians, but he said there needed to be equal rights in place. Despite assurances from the local officials that they would help mitigate hostilities, these same officials advised against entering Jackson County because of potential violence.2
On June 22 while in Missouri, Joseph received a revelation while in Missouri (now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 105) that disbanded Zion's Camp and refocused the mission from immediate conflict to a need for spiritual preparation. The revelation acknowledged the sacrifices of the camp members, emphasized that Zion could not be established without adherence to celestial law, and mentioned an "endowment in the house of the Lord."3
The camp's response to the revelation was mixed, with some accepting it as divine will, while others felt disillusioned, having hoped to actively contribute to the restoration of the Missouri Saints. Despite these divisions, the camp disbanded, distributing its remaining funds among its members. Some chose to stay in Missouri to continue supporting the local Saints, while leaders like Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball prepared to return home, focusing on the completion of the Kirtland Temple and the anticipated endowments.4
