The duty devolved on the Prophet to assign the labors to the several elders who were to remain in the Land. Some of them were called by revelation to make their permanent settlement in Missouri, while others were instructed to return to the eastern lands, after their mission in the west was finished. William W. Phelps, who joined the Church at the time the little band of missionaries were leaving Ohio for Missouri, had previously been instructed by the Lord (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 55) to engage with Oliver Cowdery, in the work of printing and selecting and writing books for schools in the Church, that "little children also may receive instruction" which would be pleasing to the Lord. Upon his arrival in Jackson County, this commandment was repeated. Algernon Sidney Gilbert was appointed to act as agent for the Church in receiving moneys and buying lands on which the Saints might locate. Edward Partridge was to act in his calling as bishop of the Church. His great duty was to divide the inheritances of the members, severally, according to their needs. In this manner duties were assigned to each of those expected to remain as a nucleus for the building up of Zion (Doc. and Cov. Sections 57-58). Location of the City Revealed As the Lord had promised, he now fulfilled. In answer to the questions: "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?" the Lord gave the following: "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: wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion. And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom, here is wisdom: 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 court house. 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. And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance" (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 57). The Saints to Keep the Law