RLDS Chapter Context

Intro: SECTION 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.