D&C Section Fifty Four

When the branch of the church from Colesville, New York arrived in Ohio, it had previously been agreed that they would settle on land in Thompson, Ohio near Kirtland. This land was owned in large part by Leman Copley and Ezra Thayer. The saints in Thompson had entered the law of consecration as had the members from Colesville. Soon after the Colesville saints settled in Thompson, Copley and Thayer backed out of the agreement throwing everything into confusion. Newel Knight, who was responsible for the Colesville saints went to Joseph Smith for direction and this revelation was given. The Lord in this revelation tells the saints from Colesville that they are to continue on to Missouri, appoint a leader among them for the journey, and when they arrive in Missouri earn livings and work until they receive further instructions. The saints from Colesville were among the most faithful group of saints in the early church. Probably no group of members was willing to sacrifice more than they did. They are referred to again and again throughout church history.