RLDS Church History Context

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Source: Church History Vol. 3 Chapter 23 Page: 436 (~1867)

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436 Elder Charles Hickery to labor at Abertillery and Aberbeeg.

"Resolved, that the Restorer be published in the two languages as before, and that every effort must be made by all desirous to see the work prosper to get it out every month; all branches and subscribers to the Restorer are requested to send in their donations by the first of every month, let it be ever so small; and all the officers and saints are requested to strive to increase the subscribers to the same, so that it may become cheaper."-The Restorer, vol. 2, p. 67.

On May 1, 1866, President Joseph Smith published over his own signature a document defining the duties of the Twelve and Seventy. This document is well worth preservation, both because of its merit, and because it treats of the duties of two of the chief quorums of the church. It is as follows:-

"The duties of the Twelve, as a quorum, are to sit in council upon matters appertaining to the spread of the work abroad, and the firm continuation of it in the land of Zion; and upon this is based the recognition of their right to ordain and set in order all other officers in the church.

"Now, it seems to follow, that as they are to be representatives of the church while the gospel is being carried to the ends of the earth, and the church is to become as a light set upon a hill, this quorum of men should travel under the special direction of the spirit of their calling, and should live as it becomes righteous men to live. This being the case, the former requirements are seen to be essential, either inherent or in the process of acquirement.

"Their decisions (if unanimous) are of high importance, equal in authority to those of the First Presidency and are to be made in righteousness; how carefully then ought this band of especial witnesses to walk as a quorum and as individuals.

"At our April conference, just passed, the Spirit seemed to indicate that the establishment of lines and boundaries, over which the Twelve as integral parts were set to preside, was a contraction of duty inconsistent with the character of

(page 436)

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