SECTION
142
Revelation
presented by President Israel A. Smith to the General Conference on
April 2, 1950. It was considered and approved by the quorums and the
Conference and accepted as the word of God to the church. Provision
was made for its inclusion in future editions of the Doctrine and
Covenants. In an introductory paragraph, the prophet said:
“We
approach the general Conference with a vacancy in our official
circle. The death of President Garver left the Quorum of the First
Presidency incomplete. This and other conditions have given me grave
concern for the church.
“I
have earnestly sought divine guidance, and it is with gratitude that
I am able to transmit through the appointed channels that which the
voice of inspiration directs me to say:”
To
the Elders and to the Church:
1a. It
is wisdom that the leading quorums should be filled. Therefore, to
take the place of my servant John F. Garver, whose sacrifices and
labor were acceptable to me,
1b. it
is my will that William Wallace Smith be ordained and set apart to
take his place as counselor to the president of the high priesthood
and as a member of the Quorum of the First Presidency, to which
office he is now called.
2. To
fill the vacancy thus created in the Quorum of Twelve, Donald O.
Chesworth is called. He should be ordained to the office of an
apostle, and be relieved of his present bishopric, and assume the
duties of a special witness in that council.
3. My
servants of the Joint Council are commended for the spirit of
moderation which they have shown in their deliberations. I have
accordingly blessed their efforts, and the Cause has been measurably
enriched.
4a.
The church as a whole is commended for the spiritual growth and the
preparation of the priesthood during the conference period, and this
necessary work should proceed.
4b. It
will be profitable for my servants of the eldership to meet often for
study, under the direction of those having responsibility to teach,
at such times and places as may be practicable, in preparation for
the greater endowment of spiritual power which has been promised and
which awaits the time when they can receive it.
5a.
The hopes of my people and the goals of my church, while not yet
fully realized, and at times and to many seemingly distant, are
closer to realization than many recognize.
5b. It
is yet day when all can work. The night will come when for many of my
people opportunity to assist will have passed.
Your
servant,
Israel
A. Smith
Independence,
Missouri
April
2, 1950
