Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"Smith, Joseph Fielding
History
Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"
Smith, Joseph Fielding
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- History
The Colesville Saints were located in Kaw township. The Prophet
assisted them in laying the first log, "for a house, as a foundation of
Zion" in that place. The log was carried by twelve men representing the
twelve tribes of Israel. At the same time it was made manifest through
prayer that the land should be consecrated and dedicated by Sidney
Rigdon. "It was a season of joy," the Prophet said, "to those present,
and afforded a glimpse of the future, which time will yet unfold to the
satisfaction of the faithful." All this took place on the second day of
August, 1831.
Sidney Rigdon, according to his appointment, stood up and asked:
"Do you receive this land for the land of your inheritance, with
thankful hearts, from the Lord?"
"We do."
"Do you pledge yourselves to keep the law of God on this land, which
you never have kept in your own lands?"
"We do."
"Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your brethren who shall
come hither do keep the laws of God?"
"We do."
After prayer, Elder Rigdon arose and said: "I now pronounce this
land consecrated and dedicated unto the Lord for a possession and
inheritance for the Saints, and for all the faithful servants of the
Lord, to the uttermost ages of time, in the name of Jesus Christ,
having authority from him. Amen" (_Documentary History of the Church_,
vol. 1:196).
Description of the Land
In addition to the appointment to dedicate the land, Sidney Rigdon was
also called by revelation to write a description of it, to be sent
"unto all the churches." One object of this description was to stir up
the Saints to donate for the purchase of the lands, by placing in the
hands of the bishop money for that purpose. Those who would do this
should be given an inheritance, for Zion was to be built by purchase;
otherwise they could not obtain it except by the shedding of blood,
which was forbidden. The first description written was rejected by the
Lord, and Sidney Rigdon was commanded to write another.
The Future Glory of Zion
Many of the ancient prophets spoke of Zion and her glory. Isaiah
declared that in the latter days "out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem," in that day when swords will
be made into plowshares, and spears into pruning-hooks."[1] Moreover,
again he prophesied, saying:
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