The duty devolved on the Prophet to assign the labors to the several elders who were to remain in the Land. Some of them were called by revelation to make their permanent settlement in Missouri, while others were instructed to return to the eastern lands, after their mission in the west was finished. William W. Phelps, who joined the Church at the time the little band of missionaries were leaving Ohio for Missouri, had previously been instructed by the Lord (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 55) to engage with Oliver Cowdery, in the work of printing and selecting and writing books for schools in the Church, that “little children also may receive instruction” which would be pleasing to the Lord. Upon his arrival in Jackson County, this commandment was repeated.
Algernon Sidney Gilbert was appointed to act as agent for the Church in receiving moneys and buying lands on which the Saints might locate. Edward Partridge was to act in his calling as bishop of the Church. His great duty was to divide the inheritances of the members, severally, according to their needs. In this manner duties were assigned to each of those expected to remain as a nucleus for the building up of Zion (Doc. and Cov. Sections 57–58).
Location of the City Revealed
As the Lord had promised, he now fulfilled. In answer to the questions: “When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will thy temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?” the Lord gave the following:
“Hearken, O ye elders of my Church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the Saints: wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion. And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom, here is wisdom: behold, the place which is now called Independence, is the center place, and the spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court house. Wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the Saints; and also every tract lying westward even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile. And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance” (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 57).
The Saints to Keep the Law
In another revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 58) given at this time, the members of the Church were commanded to keep the law the Lord had given them, as well as to observe the laws of the land. “Let no man think he is ruler,” it read, “but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will; or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat. Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land: wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.”
After Much Tribulation, the Blessings
That Zion was to be established and the city built at once, was evidently the idea possessed by some of the Saints; moreover, that they were at liberty to establish their own laws, independent of all else. Hence the instructions as here given by the Lord regarding the keeping of the law. The Lord had warned them previously and given instruction in regard to their duties and requirements in that land. That the city was not to be built at that time is indicated in his word: “Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation cometh the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand. Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall follow. Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come and also that you might be honored of laying the foundation, and of bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand” (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 58).
From this we see that the glory and greatness of the city Zion was reserved for the future; although in the scriptural sense, the time “is nigh at hand.” These early settlers were to lay the foundation, and prepare the way for the Saints, who were yet to come, after the preaching of the Gospel “to the uttermost parts of the earth;” for the elders were to “push the people together from the ends of the earth.” It was a great honor conferred upon the first laborers in the vineyard, if they would be faithful to every command.