During the spring and summer of 1831, a number of important revelations were received. On March 7, the Lord made known many things (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 45) pertaining to his second coming and the signs of the times. After revealing in clearness the teachings given to his disciples in Jerusalem, relative to the destruction of the temple, the scattering of the Jews, and the signs which should precede his second coming, he made known many things which should take place in the day in which we live. He spoke of the signs and wonders; of the gathering of the Jews; the darkening of the sun and the bathing of the moon in blood; of his second coming and his judgments upon the nations; the redemption of the Jews, who shall look upon him whom they have pierced; the binding of Satan; the millennial reign, and the redemption of heathen nations and those who knew no law. Zion a Place of Refuge Zion, the New Jerusalem, shall be built and there the righteous shall come to Zion from among all nations, singing songs of everlasting joy. They will be the only people who will not be at war, and every man who will not take up his sword against his neighbor, must flee to Zion for safety. Such is to be the condition of the world before the coming of the Lord. John Whitmer, Historian In another revelation John Whitmer was appointed to keep the records of the Church, and assist Joseph Smith in transcribing all things given for the history. "For," said the revelation, "Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office. Wherefore it shall be given him (Whitmer) in as much as he is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things." The Purchase of Lands As the Saints in New York had been commanded to settle in Ohio, the residents in that place were instructed to impart of their lands, as they were able to do, for the benefit of their brethren from the east for it was needful that they should remain in Ohio for a time. Eventually, however, it was expected that they would move farther westward, and the members of the Church were to save their money for the purpose of buying lands for an inheritance in the city Zion, when the location of that place should be revealed. This information should be made known when the brethren arrived from the east, for to them it was to be revealed. "And they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city, and then shall you begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family--as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the Church." Equality Among the Families