This argument set forth in the "Successor" and by Alexander H. Smith, which has been quite universal in the "Reorganized" Church, would not be quite so bad if it was not for a number of insurmountable difficulties and objections that stand in the way. In the first place the objectors fail to state that the powers of the high council and stake presidency at Nauvoo, were limited to the affairs of the stake, and outside of that they held no jurisdiction. Following the martyrdom, the Church was considering matters that affected the whole Church and not merely the stake at Nauvoo. The Twelve Apostles, therefore, assumed by legal right their proper place as the presiding quorum of the Church, and were so sustained. The revelation on Priesthood (sec. 107) says the Twelve Apostles, form a quorum equal in authority with the First Presidency (verse 24) and it was the duty of the Apostles, not only to ordain evangelical ministers (Patriarchs) but also to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the Church, (verse 58). We read that "God hath set some in the Church, _first_ apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," etc. (I. Cor. 12:28) not _first_ high councils and presidents of Stakes. Neither are the duties of the Apostles confined to their labors out side of the Stakes of Zion. 3. If Jason W. Briggs joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints June 6, 1841, and resided in Wisconsin from that time till 1854, he cannot be considered a faithful member of the Church, "who desired to do the will of heaven;" for in remaining at Beloit during all these years he was going contrary to the word of the Lord given to the Prophet in 1841. On January 15th of that year, the Lord said through the Presidency, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, and on divers other occasions, that the Saints scattered abroad should come to Nauvoo and Hancock county. Here is the command: "Let all those who _appreciate the blessings of the Gospel_, and realize the importance of _obeying the commandments of heaven_ * * * first prepare for the general gathering. _Let them dispose of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit_, without making too great sacrifice, and _remove to our city and county_. * * * _This cannot be too forcibly impressed_ on the _minds of all_, and the elders are hereby instructed to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside in their public ministrations, _for this is according to the instructions we have received from the Lord_. (My italics.)