DC 57 Intro: SECTION 57
Revelation addressed to the elders who had come to Independence, Missouri, in fulfillment of the instructions given them in Kirtland. It was given through Joseph Smith, Jr., in July 1831. In it the Center Place and "the spot for the temple" are designated, and the instructions previously given to Edward Partridge, Sidney Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, and Oliver Cowdery are confirmed.
1a 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:
1b wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.
1c And thus saith the Lord your God, If you will receive wisdom here is wisdom.
1d 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 courthouse;
1e 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.
1f And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands.
1g Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance.
2 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert, stand in the office which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an agent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct.
3 And let my servant Edward Partridge, stand in the office which I have appointed him, to divide the Saints their inheritance, even as I have commanded; and also those whom he has appointed to assist him.
4a And again, verily I say unto you, Let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a store, that he may sell goods without fraud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the Saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance.
