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THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
SECTION 48

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 1831. HC 1: 166—167. The Prophet had inquired of the Lord as to the mode of procedure in procuring lands for the settlement of the saints. This was an important matter in view of the migration of members of the Church from the eastern United States, in obedience to the Lord’s command that they should assemble in Ohio. See 37: 1—3; 45: 64.

[ There was some discussion by the leaders of the church at the time as to whether Kirtland was to be the New Jerusalem, as well as how to handle all of the saints coming from New York. This is the revelation from the Lord on how they should respond to both questions.]

1—3, The saints in Ohio are to share their lands with their brethren; 4—6, The saints are to purchase lands, build a city, and follow the counsel of their presiding officers.
1 IT is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places of abode, as it shall be suitable to your circumstances.
2 And inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart to the eastern brethren; [ This is a answer to the question posed to the Lord as to what is to be done for or with all of the saints that are moving in from New York. Answer: So if you are one who has land; consecrate it to the Lord so that it can be given to those who are gathering there as well. Early adoption of the Law Of Consecration. ]
3 And inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time in those regions round about, [ And if you do not have the legal right to the land you need to purchase it; squatting on the land; or taking it by force is not an option. ] as seemeth them good, for it must needs be necessary that they have places to live for the present time.
4 It must needs be necessary 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 land for an inheritance, [ Commanded to purchase lands justly, according to the law of the lands. This is a recurring theme, and later they are forbidden from obtaining land by the shedding of blood, cp. D&C 44:4, D&C 58:52-53, D&C 63:30-31. ] even the city.
5 The place is not yet to be revealed; [ This is in answer to the second question: Is Kirtland the New Jersulam? The Lord also makes it clear to them that Kirtland is not to be the New Jerusalem. ] 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.

6 And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city; and then shall ye 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.

[ Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 48 Excerpt from History of the Church Upon inquiry how the brethren should act in regard to purchasing lands to settle upon, and where they should finally make a permanent location, I received the following: [text of D&C 48 quoted] (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, volume 1, page 166) Excerpt from the Book of John Whitmer The time drew near for the brethren from the state of New York to arrive at Kirtland, Ohio. And some had supposed that it was the place of gathering even the place of the New Jerusalem spoken of in the Book of Mormon, according to the visions and revelations received in the last days. There was no preparation made for the reception of the Saints from the East. The bishop being anxious to know something concerning the matter. Therefore the Lord spake unto Joseph Smith, Jr., as follows: [text of D&C 48 quoted] (John Whitmer, Book of John Whitmer, chapter 5, paragraph 1)]