On the fourth of February, the Lord gave direction by revelation that the elders of the Church should assemble together to agree on his word; for he would give them his law by which the Church was to be governed. Instructions were also given that Joseph Smith should have a house built wherein he could live and translate, and receive the ancient scriptures from the Lord. Edward Partridge was to receive the office of bishop in the Church and to spend all his time in that ministry, leaving his merchandise, to labor in the interests of the members of the Church.
At Kirtland, on the 9th of February, in the presence of twelve elders, the Lord revealed his law by which the Church was to be governed, according to the promise given in Fayette. This important revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 42) may be termed a code of laws for the government and guidance of the members of the Church. Their attitude towards the law of the land as well as the moral law was clearly established. As members of the Church they were to keep the Church covenants and articles, and the Lord would reveal unto them, from time to time, other covenants sufficient to establish them in Ohio and later in the New Jerusalem, or city of Zion, the site of which would presently be revealed. The duties of the bishop and other officers in the Church were defined. Idlers were condemned; for, said the Lord, “the idler shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.” The Bible and the Book or Mormon were to be the standards on doctrine, and they who have not the Spirit were not to teach. The manner of administering to the sick was explained, and the Saints instructed to live together in love. This is one of the very important revelations given to the Church.
A Woman’s “Revelation”
Soon after this revelation was given a woman named Hubble came among the people pretending to have revelations, and professing to be a prophetess of the Lord. By declaring that the Book of Mormon was the word of the Lord, and appearing to be very righteous, she deceived some of the Saints.
For the benefit of the members a revelation was received by Joseph Smith in which the Church was instructed to hearken to him, for there was none other appointed to receive revelations for the Church, and none other should be appointed while he lived, if he remained true to his trust. This commandment had previously been given, when Hiram Page was led into error; but it seemed the Lord must speak again on this point before the Saints could understand. The members of the Church were instructed to purge themselves from all iniquity, and the Lord would give them knowledge, even the mysteries of his kingdom would be revealed, if they would sustain and assist Joseph Smith. The elders were instructed to go forth and preach the Gospel, laboring in the vineyard for the last time, for the Lord would shortly come upon the earth in judgment.
Important Revelations to The Church
During the spring and summer of 1831, a number of important revelations were received. On March 7, the Lord made known many things (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 45) pertaining to his second coming and the signs of the times. After revealing in clearness the teachings given to his disciples in Jerusalem, relative to the destruction of the temple, the scattering of the Jews, and the signs which should precede his second coming, he made known many things which should take place in the day in which we live. He spoke of the signs and wonders; of the gathering of the Jews; the darkening of the sun and the bathing of the moon in blood; of his second coming and his judgments upon the nations; the redemption of the Jews, who shall look upon him whom they have pierced; the binding of Satan; the millennial reign, and the redemption of heathen nations and those who knew no law.
Zion a Place of Refuge
Zion, the New Jerusalem, shall be built and there the righteous shall come to Zion from among all nations, singing songs of everlasting joy. They will be the only people who will not be at war, and every man who will not take up his sword against his neighbor, must flee to Zion for safety. Such is to be the condition of the world before the coming of the Lord.