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Show 275 The gathering was also prophesied to be a haven from the calmities and destructions the Lord had decreed in his wrath upon the wicked inhabitants of the earth prior to the day of his coming. The Latter-day Saints considered the invading army of General Johnston a threat to their millennial hopes and aspirations, as well as to their own mortal lives. The prevention of another bloodly confrontation was only one consideration. The introduction of a corrupt and wanton soldier into Zion was seen as equally destructive. Great progress had been achieved in purifying tbe Saints in preparation for the promised day of deliverance, and the church was determined to elliminate all evil influences which might thwart their millennial designs. Tbe soldiers were sure to be an evil, demoralizing influence should they be al«- lowed to to take up residence in the kingdom that "Brigham Young was so carefully nurturing. The gathering of Israel mast remain intact and unpolluted. The salvation of the kingdom was of supreme importance. In their millennial point of view, it was as necessary to preserve their society as it was to preserve their own lives. The preservation of the gathering became even more important when it was perceived that the impending collision with tbe United States troops was the beginning of the great wars prophesied to preceed the coming of the Savior. Many even welcomed the fight as a means to hasten the Lord's work. With God's help, Zion could fall to no enemy. As millennial hopes reached new heights during the early "war" period, many were even predicting independence for Zion. The kingdom was about to roll forth, as prophesied by Daniel, and crush all the other kingdoms of the earth. But despite all the separatist rhetoric, the Saints could not really be considered rebels in the true sense of the word* they were simply pro-kingdom of God. As Brigham Young declared on October 18, 1857: "With us it is the kingdom of God or nothing; and we will maintain it, or die in trying."" |
