hortly after the prophet's arrival, the Lord made known the exact spot for
the city of Zion. It is where the town of Independence is located, in
Jackson County, Missouri, and the site for the temple was pointed out as
lying westward on a lot not far from the court house.

Some of the Saints now moved to Jackson county, the first to arrive being
what was called the Colesville Branch of the Church. These Saints had come
from Colesville, State of New York, having stopped but a short time near
Kirtland.

The first step towards the founding of Zion was taken on the 2nd day of
August, 1831. On that day twelve men, of which Joseph was one, carried and
placed the first log for the first house. This was in Kaw township, twelve
miles west of Independence, where the Colesville branch was locating.
Sidney Rigdon then dedicated the land. The next day eight of the brethren
went to the temple lot, and Joseph dedicated that sacred spot.

Shortly after, Joseph with some of the other brethren went to Kirtland.

The Saints were now instructed to buy land in the region around that they
might possess it for an inheritance. At that time Missouri was not thickly
settled. There was much government land which could be bought for one
dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Sidney Gilbert was appointed an
agent to receive money and purchase land, and Bishop Edward Partridge was
chosen to divide the land among the Saints. The rich were told to divide
with the poor that all might have land.

The Saints were especially warned that they must keep all the commandments
which the Lord gave to them or they would not be allowed to remain and
build up Zion at that time, but they first would have to go through much
tribulation, and be "scourged from city to city." You will see presently
how this prediction was fulfilled.

The first winter the Saints were not very comfortably housed, as they had
arrived too late to raise crops or build good houses. The next spring,
however, many Saints arrived, and they soon had growing fields and gardens.
The Prophet visited them again early in the spring, held meetings, and
greatly encouraged the Saints. In June, 1832, the first paper published by
the Latter-day Saints was begun at Independence. It was called _The Evening
and Morning Star_, and was the only paper in that part of the country.

Thus the Saints prospered; but a time of persecution, long and fierce, was
before them.

Topics.--1. The center place of Zion.