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.
[Sec 57:1a] 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:
[Sec 57:1b] wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.
[Sec 57:1c] And thus saith the Lord your God, If you will receive wisdom here is wisdom.
[Sec 57:1d] 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;
[Sec 57:1e] 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.
[Sec 57:1f] And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands.
[Sec 57:1g] Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance.
[Sec 57:2] 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.
[Sec 57:3] 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.
[Sec 57:4a] 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.
[Sec 57:4b] And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a license (behold, here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand), that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks, employed in his service, and thus provide for my Saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death.
[Sec 57:5a] And again, verily I say unto you, Let my servant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and be established as a printer unto the church; and lo, if the world receiveth his writings (behold, here is wisdom), let him obtain whatsoever he can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the Saints.
[Sec 57:5b] And let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select, that all things may be right before me, as it shall be proved by the Spirit through him.
[Sec 57:5c] And thus let those of whom I have spoken, be planted in the land of Zion, as speedily as can be, with their families, to do those things even as I have spoken.
[Sec 57:6a] 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.
[Sec 57:6b] And unto the residue of both elders and members, further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen.