| 437 the work, and an effort was made to place them more immediately under the impulses of the Spirit of God and the direction of the Presidency of the Church. We can all see that this accords with our understanding of the law; and no fears ought to be entertained that the Spirit will direct to be done that which is not in keeping with the law and the revelations heretofore received.
"The day has now come when the dread demons of distrust and suspicion must be exorcised by the efficient prayers of the faithful saints, for there are many lo heres, and lo theres, and few shall be able to stand.
"Let every one then go to with his might to purge the evil from his own heart, and united, stand for the bulwarks of our liberty in the gospel.
"The Seventy are a body of elders set apart for the work of the ministry as a traveling quorum, working under the more immediate call of the Twelve, to preach the word, build up churches, officiate in the various directions necessary in the spreading the gospel, and all acts that an elder may do by virtue of his office as such elder, a seventy may do. But there are certain conditions which require a seventy to travel, as especial witnesses, that are not binding upon the body of elders.
"There can be by the law seven quorums of Seventy seemingly too small a number for evangelization purposes; and yet when we consider the number of elders there may be in the church, we are forced to acknowledge that God is wiser than man, and does not wish to cumber the legislative bodies of the church with too great numbers.
"The Seventy then are to be men of action; ready to go and to come, full of energy and zeal; prepared at a moment's warning to follow the lead of the Spirit, to the north, east, south, or west: proclaiming the gospel as they go, baptizing all who come unto them, laying their hands upon the sick in common with their brethren of the Twelve; under no responsibility of presiding, but when the Spirit so directs, or exigency requires, they may preside by virtue of their right to officiate as elders in the church
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