Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, May 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:170–73). The Prophet states that some of the elders did not understand the manifestations of different spirits abroad in the earth and that this revelation was given in response to his special inquiry on the matter. So-called spiritual phenomena were not uncommon among the members, some of whom claimed to be receiving visions and revelations.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Thompson, Ohio, May 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:173–74). At this time the Saints migrating from the eastern states began to arrive in Ohio, and it became necessary to make definite arrangements for their settlement. As this undertaking belonged particularly to the bishop’s office, Bishop Edward Partridge sought instruction on the matter, and the Prophet inquired of the Lord.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the elders of the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, 7 June 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:175–79). A conference had been held at Kirtland, beginning on the 3rd and closing on the 6th of June. At this conference the first distinctive ordinations to the office of high priest were made, and certain manifestations of false and deceiving spirits were discerned and rebuked.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Algernon Sidney Gilbert, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:179–80). At Sidney Gilbert’s request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord as to Brother Gilbert’s work and appointment in the Church.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Newel Knight, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:180–81). Members of the Church in the branch at Thompson, Ohio, were divided on questions having to do with the consecration of properties. Selfishness and greed were manifest, and Leman Copley had broken his covenant to consecrate his large farm as a place of inheritance for the Saints arriving from Colesville, New York. Ezra Thayre was also involved in the controversy. As a consequence, Newel Knight (president of the branch at Thompson) and other elders had come to the Prophet asking how to proceed. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation. (See also section 56, which is a continuation of the matter.)

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to William W. Phelps, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:184–86). William W. Phelps, a printer, and his family had just arrived at Kirtland, and the Prophet sought the Lord for information concerning him.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:186–88). Ezra Thayre, who had been appointed to travel to Missouri with Thomas B. Marsh (see section 52:22), was unable to start on his mission when the latter was ready. Elder Thayre was not ready to depart on his journey because of his involvement in the problems at Thompson, Ohio (see the heading to section 54). The Lord answered the Prophet’s inquiry on the matter by giving this revelation.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, 20 July 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:189–90). In compliance with the Lord’s command (section 52), the elders had journeyed from Kirtland to Missouri with many varied experiences and some opposition. In contemplating the state of the Lamanites and the lack of civilization, refinement, and religion among the people generally, the Prophet exclaimed: “When will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will Thy temple stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?” (History of the Church, 1:189). Subsequently he received this revelation.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, 1 August 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:190–95). On the first Sabbath after the arrival of the Prophet and his party in Jackson County, Missouri, a religious service was held, and two members were received by baptism. During that week, some of the Colesville Saints from the Thompson Branch and others arrived (see section 54). Many were eager to learn the will of the Lord concerning them in the new place of gathering.

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, 7 August 1831 (see History of the Church, 1:196–201). Preceding his record of this revelation, the Prophet writes descriptively of the land of Zion, wherein the people were then assembled. The land was consecrated, as the Lord had directed, and the site for the future temple was dedicated. The Lord makes these commandments especially applicable to the Saints in Zion.