SECTION
145
President
W. Wallace Smith introduced the following revelation to the World
Conference of 1958 with an explanatory document which said, in part:
“Since
it became apparent that the burden of its prophetic leadership would
be mine, I have given additional prayerful consideration to the needs
of the church, and have sought earnestly for light with such powers
of mind and body as are at my command. As a result of this, and other
experiences which I deem inspirational, I bring this word to the
Saints as being the mind and will of God unto his people.
“It
is now almost seven weeks since the initial experience took place. As
I write, these things are confirmed unto me.”
After
consideration by the councils, quorums, and orders of the priesthood,
the revelation was presented to the Conference and there endorsed as
an expression of the mind and will of God and ordered to be published
in the Doctrine and Covenants.
To
the Elders of the Church and the General Conference:
1. I
have taken unto myself my own. It was wisdom that my servant Israel
A. Smith be released from his onerous duties. He has found his reward
with the faithful.
2. It
is my will that F. Henry Edwards be sustained as a counselor to the
President of the High Priesthood and the Church, and as a member of
the quorum of the First Presidency. He is called to this office by
reason of his preparation through long years of faithful service and
should be ordained for the strength and support he can give to his
associates and in the councils of my church.
3. To
fill the other vacancy in the quorum of the First Presidency Maurice
L. Draper is called from among his brethren. His apostleship is
extended in presidency as he takes his place as a counselor to the
President of the Church and a member of the quorum of the First
Presidency.
4a.
Due to the infirmities of the flesh, my beloved and faithful servant
Elbert A. Smith has responded to the direction of the Spirit in
resigning his office as Presiding Patriarch of the church.
4b. To
fill this position in my church Roy A. Cheville is called and should
be chosen and set apart to this high and holy office, and be given
the responsibility of presiding over the brethren of the patriarchal
order as Presiding Patriarch. This is in harmony with my instructions
to the Saints at an early date.
5a.
The wisdom of changes in the Council of Twelve was a continuing
question in the mind of my servant who has gone to his reward. It is
a continuing grave concern of the one whom I have designated to lead
you as his successor and, while I am not yet ready to reveal all that
shall be, the following changes should be made.
5b.
Few in my church have served as long and as faithfully as my servant,
Paul M. Hanson. He is honorably released from his responsibilities as
a member of the Council of Twelve, but is free to labor as a member
of the high priesthood wherever and whenever the opportunity is
present and his strength will permit.
5c.
Likewise my servants, Daniel T. Williams and Edmund J. Gleazer, who
have also served in the councils of the church over a long period and
with evident distinction, are honorably released from their
responsibilities in the Council of Twelve.
6a.
While there is but one office in the patriarchal order, there are
multiple functions. All my servants who have been called to this
office will not be equally proficient in each of the separate
functions.
6b. My
servant Daniel T. Williams has ability to counsel, advise, and give
blessings. If faithful, my servant Edmund J. Gleazer will be
especially blessed in the ministry of the preached word while he
maintains his health and vigor.
6c.
These, my sons, are now called to be patriarchs, and should be
ordained pursuant to and in harmony with my will revealed through the
spirit of wisdom. This should be done as soon as practicable in order
that not one jot or tittle of their ministerial effectiveness be lost
to me.
7. In
harmony with my will now revealed to you, Charles D. Neff and
Clifford A. Cole should be ordained apostles and take their places in
the Council of Twelve along with their brethren whose duty it is to
spread the gospel into all the world as especial witnesses.
8. It
is my will that the day shall soon come when the provisions within
the law may be sufficiently understood to enable the bonds of
indecision to be loosed and the fulfillment of my purposes to be
accomplished.
9.
There are others of my priesthood who are called to the apostleship
who, if faithful, will find their places in due course. Though it is
desirable for the quorums to be filled it is not expedient that it
shall be done at this time. As I have made known to my servant, the
time is yet a little while until all shall be made clear. Amen.
Your
servant in Christ,
W.
Wallace Smith
Independence,
Missouri
October
8, 1958
