6a And now concerning the gathering, let the bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance.
6b And unto the residue of both elders and members, further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen.
DC 58 Intro: SECTION 58
Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and seer to the church, August 1, 1831, in Jackson County, Missouri. Groups of Saints were arriving in Jackson County. The Colesville Saints from the Thompson Branch arrived under the leadership of Newel Knight. On the first Sunday after the arrival of the prophet and party, W. W. Phelps preached to a mixed audience of white pioneers, Negroes, and Indians. On this day two were baptized. The Saints were eager for the dedication of the land and to learn of God's will concerning their work. This revelation is addressed to the elders of the church in Missouri, the "Land of Promise," the place for the "City of Zion."
1a Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which I have sent you;
1b for verily I say unto you, Blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
2a Ye can not 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.
2b For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
3a Remember this which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall follow.
3b 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;
3c 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; and also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor;
3d yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail; yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited.
