SECTION
129
The
General Conference of 1909 observed Thursday, April 15, as a day of
fasting and prayer for divine direction. The following revelation was
given through the prophet Joseph Smith III at Lamoni, Iowa, and dated
April 18, 1909. It was endorsed by the Conference, and provision was
made for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
1a.
The voice of the Spirit to me is: Under conditions which have
occurred it is no longer wise that my servant R. C. Evans be
continued as counselor in the Presidency;
1b.
therefore it is expedient that he be released from this
responsibility and another be chosen to the office. He has been
earnest and faithful in service and his reward is sure.
2a. My
servant Joseph Luff cannot fulfill the duties of a member of the
Quorum of Twelve in actively looking after and caring for the
missionary work in the field and discharge the duties of his calling
as a physician ministering to the many seeking his advice and aid
with safety to himself and others.
2b. It
is wise therefore that the church release him from the
responsibilities of the active apostleship as a member of the quorum,
that he may act unreservedly in his calling.
2c.
Another may be chosen to the office in the quorum. He has been
faithful, and his record and reward are in my hand.
3a.
That the historian of the church, my servant Heman C. Smith, may more
freely and efficiently pursue his duties and privileges as historian,
the church may release him from the burden attendant upon him as an
apostle in the quorum and choose another to occupy therein.
3b. He
has been long in the service, has done his duties well in the spirit
of self-sacrifice, and his reward is with me. He will be blessed in
diligent service in his calling as historian when relieved of the
double responsibility.
4.
These my servants who are relieved from their responsibilities of the
quorum work have wrought well in their service with their
fellow-servants, and must retain their right to labor in the
ministry, holding the high priesthood and entitled to all that
appertains to that calling when need requires or wisdom directs.
5. The
Spirit saith further to me: To fill the vacancy caused by the
releasing of Counselor R. C. Evans, present the name of my servant
Elbert A. Smith, the son of my servant David H. Smith, who was taken
and who awaits his reward, to be chosen, appointed, and ordained as
counselor to my servant Joseph Smith and to be one of the Presidency.
6a.
The Spirit saith further: In order that the places of those taken
from the Twelve may be supplied and the quorum filled that it may act
as a whole, my servants J. F. Curtis and Robert C. Russell may be
chosen and set apart to the office of apostles and be enrolled and
sustained in the quorum.
6b.
Other servants there are who will be called and appointed ere long,
but not now.
7a.
Those who are holding the office of patriarchs are to be enrolled
with the high priests, the same as the bishops, who are acting in
their office by virtue of their being high priests.
7b.
These men in their office are an order in the priesthood, the same as
the high councils of the church and the stakes and as the bishops who
hold as high priests, as the quorum of the twelve, and as the
presidency are but orders in the priesthood, there being but two
priesthoods; and these are orders in the Melchisedec priesthood.
7c.
There is no difference in the priesthood, though there may be and is
in the office in which the several orders may occupy and act.
8a.
The Spirit saith further: The attention of the church is called to
the consideration of the revelation, given in answer to earnest
supplication, with regard to temporal things.
8b.
The word has been already given in agreement with revelations long
since delivered to the church, that the temporalities of the church
were to be under the charge and care of the Bishopric, men holding
the office of bishop under a presiding head acting for the church in
the gathering, caring for, and disbursing the contributions gathered
from the Saints of moneys and properties under the terms of tithing,
surplus, free will offerings, and consecrations.
8c.
The word which has been given at a late period should not have been
so soon forgotten and disregarded by the church or any of its
members.
8d. “I
am God; I change not”; has been known to the church and the
eldership since the coming of the angel with the message of
restoration.
8e.
Under it the church has sought the Lord and received from time to
time that which was deemed sufficient for the time to govern the
church and its ministers, both of the spiritual and the temporal
divisions of the work.
8f.
The church has been directed to accede to the rendition of the
Bishopric with respect to the temporal law;
8g.
and until such heed is paid to the word which has been given, and
which is in accordance with other revelations given to the church,
which had been before given, the church can not receive and enjoy the
blessings which have been looked for when Zion should be fully
redeemed.
8h.
Therefore, hearken once again unto the voice of inspiration, in
warning and instruction, and conform to that which is given and
receive what is awaiting the upright and the pure in heart.
9a.
The Spirit saith further unto the church: The Lord is well pleased
with the advancement which has been made in approaching unity during
the conference year;
9b.
and though there may have been differences of opinion, these
differences have been held in unity of purpose and desire for the
good of my people, and will result in helping to bring to pass a
unity of understanding.
9c. So
be ye encouraged and press on to the consummation designed of God for
his people—unity, honor, sanctification, and glory. Amen.
Joseph
Smith
Lamoni,
Iowa,
April
18, 1909
