SECTION
150
On
April 14, 1972, the World Conference adopted this message given
through W. Wallace Smith “as embodying the word of God to the
church at this time, authorizing the ordinations called for and
directing its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants in its
appropriate place.” It provides for one change in the Council of
Twelve and the reorganization of the Presiding Bishopric.
Other
inspired instruction is related to the church’s response to
opportunities for evangelism in several national and cultural
situations developed during the decade of the 1960’s. Continued
studies of Temple functions are commanded and funding is seen in
expanded dimensions. The stewardship of conservation in the use of
natural resources is emphasized. The role of prophetic leadership by
church officers is noted.
The
Saints are admonished to bear the burdens of those whose pre-
Christian way of life is expressed in unfamiliar social structures
while the work of redemptive grace goes on among them.
The
prophet introduced his message with this preamble:
“After
seeking diligently for light regarding the welfare and needs of the
church, I present the following as the will of the Lord for his
church, interpreted and brought to you through the spirit of
inspiration and wisdom. In explanation and for clarity, I awoke
extremely early on the morning of February 16, 1972, and wrote as the
Spirit directed me.
“Now
by virtue of my position I am permitted to bring this inspired
message to you as guidance to the church in these latter days. Your
prayerful consideration and acceptance are sought in the spirit of
humility and goodwill.”
1a. To
my servant, Donald O. Chesworth: Your services as an apostle have
been acceptable unto me. You are now to be relieved of your duties as
a member of the Council of Twelve.
1b.
You are called to continue to minister to the Saints in the capacity
of an evangelist-patriarch with the emphasis on revival preaching. If
willing, you should be set apart in this office as soon as
practicable and take up your ministry with your brethren in the Order
of Evangelists.
2a. To
fill the vacancy thus created, my servant, John C. Stuart, is called
to be an apostle and should be set apart as a member of the Council
of Twelve so that his ministry as a high priest can be extended into
apostleship.
2b. As
a special witness he will take his place with his brethren of the
council as soon as ordination can be provided for in order that there
shall be no interruption of the work of spreading the gospel in this
and other lands where my name must be known.
3a. In
times of stress and under trying circumstances my servant, Walter N.
Johnson, has served to capacity in discharging his duties as a
bishop. As Presiding Bishop for the past six years he has done much
to promote the work of the church and to advance the cause of the
kingdom.
3b. He
is now to be relieved of his onerous task and is to take his place
among the high priests as a bishop. He will serve in this capacity in
various geographic locations as time and circumstances permit but
without specific assignment.
4a. To
fill a need thus created and in harmony with my will now revealed
through my servant, the prophet, Francis E. Hansen is called and
should be set apart as Presiding Bishop of my church in these latter
days.
4b. As
such he will be charged with the responsibility to act as president
of the Aaronic priesthood in matters of teaching and training in
harmony with provisions in the law of the church.
5a.
Further in harmony with my will and in order to give continuity in
office, Harold W. Cackler is called to remain in the Presiding
Bishopric as a counselor.
5b. To
complete the organization in the Presiding bishopric my servant, Gene
M. Hummel, is called as a counselor to the Presiding Bishop and
should be set apart to this office.
The
spirit prompts me to reveal further words of advice and direction.
6.
Collectively and individually you, my people, are commended for your
excellent response to the needs of my church, both in sharing the
gospel and bringing new members into the body of Christ, and also for
making your accounting and paying your tithing. By compliance you
have furnished the funds necessary to finance projects which have
brought ministry to many in need of spiritual and physical
assistance.
7.
These are portentous times. The lives of many are being sacrificed
unnecessarily to the gods of war, greed, and avarice. The land is
being desecrated by the thoughtless waste of vital resources. You
must obey my commandments and be in the forefront of those who would
mediate this needless destruction while there is yet day.
8.
Continue your study toward defining the purpose and selecting a place
for erecting a temple in my name for the teaching of my priesthood.
If you will be faithful in this, continuing to raise funds, even if
for a time it may seem a sacrifice, you will be blessed with enough
and to spare.
9. You
are admonished to support your officers whom I have chosen to be set
apart that I may honor them by my Spirit also. In this manner
instructions given to you regarding membership participation and
priesthood training may go forward at an accelerated rate and
according to instruction given in previous commandments.
10a.
Monogamy is the basic principle on which Christian married life is
built. Yet, as I have said before, there are also those who are not
of this fold to whom the saving grace of the gospel must go.
10b.
When this is done the church must be willing to bear the burden of
their sin, nurturing them in the faith, accepting that degree of
repentance which it is possible for them to achieve, looking forward
to the day when through patience and love they can be free as a
people from the sins of the years of their ignorance.
11a.
To this end and for this purpose, continue your ministry to those
nations of people yet unaware of the joy freedom from sin can bring
into their lives. In this way they will be brought to a knowledge of
the teachings of my gospel and be made ready and willing to help
spread the message of reconciliation and restoration to other worthy
souls.
11b.
In this ministry and apostolic council, as the chief witnesses of the
gospel, are directed to interpret and administer the doctrines and
ordinances of the gospel in a manner appropriate to the circumstances
in which they find such persons.
12a.
The spirit of unity must prevail if my church is to survive these
perilous times and continue as a viable force in the world,
fulfilling its destiny. You, my people, have been called apart to
assist in this great work in these last days.
12b.
Put aside petty differences and join together as never before that
all may labor together according to the gifts with which I have
endowed you, and my Spirit will be with you now and forever more.
Amen.
Your
servant in Christ,
W.
Wallace Smith
President
of the Church
Independence,
Missouri
April
11, 1972
