But our feelings can be better imagined than described, when we, found ourselves upon the Western frontiers. The country itself presented a pleasant aspect with its rich forests bordering its beautiful streams, and its deep rolling prairies spreading far and wide, inviting the hand of industry to establish for itself homes upon its broad bosom. And this was the place, where the Lord had promised to reveal unto us where be built up, established—where the New Jerusalem should Zion should be and our hearts went forth unto the Lord desiring the fulfillment, that we might know where to bestow our labors profit-ably. We had not long to wait, for during the month the Lord gave a revelation to Brother Joseph, designating the spot.
Being no longer at a loss to know where the exact spot for the building of the temple and the city of Zion was, we immediately prepared for our labors. On the 2nd day of August, Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., the prophet of God, assisted the Colesville branch to lay the first log as a foundation for Zion in Kaw township, twelve miles west of Independence. The log was carried by twelve men, in honor of the twelve tribes of Israel. At the same time, through prayer, Sidney Rigdon consecrated and dedicated the land of Zion for the gathering of the Saints. This was truly a season of joy and rejoicing to all the Saints, who took part in, or witnessed the proceedings.
On the 3rd of August the spot for the temple, a little west of Independence, was dedicated in the presence of Joseph Smith, Jun., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, Martin Harris, Joseph Coe, and myself.
On the 4th, the first conference held in the land of Zion, convened at the house of Brother Joshua Lewis, in Kaw township. The Colesville branch was present, and much good instruction was given, and we felt to give thanks to that God who had brought us out of the land of our nativity and planted us in the land of Zion.
On the 6th, my mother died. She quietly fell asleep rejoicing in the new and everlasting gospel, and praising God that she had lived to see the land of Zion and that her body would rest in peace, after all the suffering she had endured from the persecutions of the wicked.
On the 7th, Brother Joseph attended the funeral, and addressed us in an impressive and consoling manner. This was the first death that had occurred in this Church in this land.
On the 9th, in company with several Elders, Brother Joseph Smith Jun., left Independence to return to Kirtland. They went down the river in canoes.
CHAPTER VII.
MY APPOINTMENT—A VISIT FROM JOSEPH—ACCORDING TO JOSEPH'S PROMISE, MY WIFE BEARS ME A SON—NEW REVELATIONS—MY AUNT OVERCOME BY THE EVIL ONE—SHE MISLEADS MANY—HER ANGUISH AND RESTORATION.