Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836. At this time, the Church and its leaders were heavily in debt due to the construction of the Kirtland Temple and persecutions in Missouri. Hearing that a large amount of money might be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland.

1–5, The Lord looks to the temporal needs of His servants; 6–11, He will deal mercifully with Zion and arrange all things for the good of His servants.

1 I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies. 2 I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
The church leaders sought money to pay off severe debts accumulated from building the Kirtland Temple and supporting displaced members in Missouri. They acted on a tip from a man named Burgess regarding a large sum of hidden treasure in Salem. No physical treasure or hidden money was ever found.

3 Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you. 4 And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
Jonathan Burgess informed Joseph Smith that a deceased widow in Salem, Massachusetts, had hidden a large treasure chest (gold, silver, and jewels) in her cellar intended for the church, and claimed to know its location. No physical treasure or hidden money was ever found.

5 Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon escaped from Kirtland, Ohio, on the night of January 12, 1838, riding out on horseback around 10:00 PM to flee warrants for their arrest following the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society.

6 Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
In LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) theology and history, the physical redemption of Zion—specifically the return of the Saints to Jackson County, Missouri, and the rebuilding of the city and temple there—has not yet occurred.

7 Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about; 8 And the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow unto you.
Note: The will of God is for everyone to sincerely believe in Jesus Christ.
“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

9 This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city; 10 For there are more treasures than one for you in this city. 11 Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
On August 19, two weeks later, JS wrote to Emma that they finally found the house, but luck and providence, but the house was occupied. “With regard to the graat[great] object of our mishion[sic] you will be anxiou [anxious] to know, we have found the house since Brother Burjece[sic] left us, very luckily and providentialy, as we had one spell been most discouraged, but the house is ocupied and it will require much care and patience to rent or b[u]y it, we think shall be able to effect it if not now within the course of a few months, we think we shall be home about the middle of septtember". No physical treasure or hidden money was ever found.