The Latter-Day Prophet: History of Joseph Smith Written for Young PeopleCannon, George Q. (George Quayle)
History
The Latter-Day Prophet: History of Joseph Smith Written for Young People
Cannon, George Q. (George Quayle)
Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844 -- Juvenile literature
The Saints voted for them to do it. Each one prayed that God would pour
down His Spirit upon them that they might know and do His will. Then
they named these twelve men: Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten, Brigham
Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, William E. McLellin, Parley P.
Pratt, Luke Johnson, William Smith, Orson Pratt, John F. Boynton and
Lyman E. Johnson. This was not the order at the time, but the Prophet
arranged them later according to age, the eldest being first. Now, you
know, the Apostles stand in the quorum according to the time they were
appointed and the president is the one who has been longest an Apostle.
The Church had been organized nearly five years now, but as you have
seen in other matters the Lord was in no hurry to fill up all the
offices at once. He in His wisdom chose the time. And yet the calling
of the Apostles was no new thought with the Prophet. Even before the
Church was organized it was revealed that there should be twelve like
the Apostles that were with Jesus.
There was a greater need for the Twelve at this time than there had
been before, because now the great missionary movement was beginning,
and the work of the Apostles is to direct this. Besides there were now
in the Church men who could be trusted with this office, and though six
of the first twelve were not faithful, the other half remained true
and held their positions when they died and will hold them throughout
eternity.
On the last day of this same month of February, forty-five members
of Zion's Camp were chosen as the beginning of the first quorum of
Seventy. Among these were George A. Smith, Jedediah M. Grant, Joseph
Young and Levi W. Hancock. Brother Smith became later an Apostle,
Brother Grant a counselor to President Young, and the other two were
presidents of the Seventy quorums throughout the Church.
The Seventies were called to go out and preach the Gospel under the
direction of the Twelve Apostles, just as the Seventy in ancient times
were sent out by Jesus. When this degree of the Priesthood was begun
the organization of the Church was almost completed, and so when you
say that the Church was organized April 6, 1830, remember that it was
only partly organized then.
In the early days of May the Apostles started on their missions. They
were absent half a year and not only preached but gave much attention
to forming conferences. As time passed by they learned their duties and
responsibilities. The Prophet Joseph said shortly after their return:
"The Twelve are not subject to any other than the First Presidency,
and where I am not there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." This
is one of the most important doctrines in the Church; when Joseph died
Sidney Rigdon was not the rightful leader; the Twelve Apostles stood at
the head of the Church.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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