SECTION
48
[Book
of Commandments 50, Kirtland D&C 64, LDS D&C 48]
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith, Jr., March 8, 1831, at Kirtland, Ohio.
This is addressed to the Saints in Kirtland who needed guidance
concerning the manner of locating members of the church arriving from
the East (D. and C. 45:12). They were uncertain about the
advisability of purchasing land in view of the projected move farther
west, and about the Zionic principles on which lands should be
allocated.
1a. It
is necessary that ye should remain, for the present time, in your
places of abode, as it shall be suitable to your circumstances;
1b.
and inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart to the eastern
brethren;
1c.
and inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time
in those regions round about as seemeth them good, for it must needs
be that they have places to live for the present time.
2a. It
must needs be, that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye
obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be
enabled to purchase lands for an inheritance, even the city.
2b.
The place is not yet to be revealed, but after your brethren come
from the east, there are to be certain men appointed, and to them it
shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed;
2c.
and they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a
commencement, to lay the foundation of the city;
2d.
and then ye shall begin to be gathered with your families, every man
according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is
appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church,
according to the laws and commandments, which ye have received, and
which ye shall hereafter receive. Even so. Amen.
