I think it must be conceded that the Apostles could not be equal in authority with the Presidency when the First Presidency is fully and properly organized. There could not be two heads--or three heads--of equal authority at the same time, for such a thing would lead to confusion. Hence the Apostles are equal, as has been stated in that they have power to assume control of the affairs of the Church when the Presidency is dissolved by the death of the President. This idea was clearly in the mind of the Prophet when on the 16th day of January, 1836, in a special council of the Presidency and the Twelve, he said--This is in the History of the Church, vol. 2, page 374; also the 'Reorganite' history, vol. 2, pages 11-12: "I next proceeded to explain the duty of the Twelve, and their authority, which is next to the present Presidency, and that the arrangement of the assembly in this place on the 15th instant, in placing the High Council of Kirtland next the Presidency, was because the business to be transacted was business relating to that body in particular, which was to fill the several quorums in Kirtland, not because they were first in office, and that the arrangements were the most judicious that could be made on the occasion; also the Twelve are not subject to any other than the First Presidency; viz., myself, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, who are now my counselors; and where I am not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." If in such a case, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve, then the Twelve must be the presiding quorum of the Church when the First Presidency is disorganized. Again, at a special conference of the Church held August 16, 1841, we are informed in the minutes that the Prophet addressed the Saints as follows--(T. S., 2. 521.): "President Joseph Smith now arriving proceeded to state to the conference at considerable length, the object of their present meeting, and in addition to what President Young had stated in the morning, said that the time had come when the Twelve should be called upon to stand in their place next to the First Presidency, and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of the Church at the stakes and assist to bear off the kingdom victorious to the nations; and as they had been faithful and had borne the burden in the heat of the day that it was right that they should have an opportunity of providing something for themselves and families, and at the same time relieve him so that he might attend to the business of translating. "Motioned, seconded and carried, that the conference approve of the instructions of President Smith, in relation to the Twelve, and that they proceed accordingly, to attend to the duties of their office."