Many obeyed this command, selling their possessions, and helping each other to settle on the spot designated.  This place was the head-quarters of the Church and the residence of the prophets until 1838; but it does not appear that they ever regarded it as a permanent settlement; for, in the Book of Covenants, it is said, in speaking of Kirkland, “I consecrate this land unto them for a little season, until I the Lord provide for them to go home.”

In the spring of 1831, Smith, Rigdon, and others declared themselves directed by revelation to go on a journey to Missouri, and there the Lord was to show them the place of the New Jerusalem.  This journey was accordingly taken, and when they arrived, a revelation was received, pointing out the town of Independence, in Jackson County, as the central spot of the land of promise, where they were directed to build a temple, &c., &c.  Shortly after their return to Kirkland, a number of revelations were received, commanding the saints throughout the country to purchase and settle in this land of promise.  Accordingly, many went and began to build up “Zion,” as they called it.

In 1831, a consecration law was established in the church by revelation.  It was first published in the Book of Covenants, in the following words:—­“If thou lovest me, thou shalt keep my commandments, and thou shalt consecrate all thy properties onto me with a covenant and deed which cannot be broken.”  This law, however, has been altered since that time.  As modified, it reads thus:—­“If thou lovest me, thou shalt serve and keep all of my commandments, and, behold, thou shalt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.”

In April, 1832, a firm was established by revelation, ostensibly for the benefit of the church, consisting of the principal members in Kirkland and Independence.  The members of this firm were bound together by an oath and covenant to manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the church, both in Zion (Missouri) and in Shinakar (Kirkland).  In June, 1833, another revelation was received to lay off Kirkland in lots, and the proceeds of the sale were to go to this firm.  In 1834 or 1835, the firm was divided by revelation, so that those in Kirkland continued as one firm, and those in Missouri as another.  In the same revelation they are commanded to divide the consecrated property between the individuals of the firm, which each separately were to manage as stewards.

Previous to this (1833), a revelation was received to build a temple, which was to be done by the consecrated funds, which were under the control of the firm.  In erecting this building the firm involved itself in debt to a large amount; to meet which, in the revelation last mentioned, the following appears:  “Inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful, and call on my name, behold, I will give you the victory.  I give unto