| 564 important work, which seems so essential to the present and future safety and prosperity of the cause. We earnestly call your attention to the present condition of our quorum. We have but seven members, one of whom is in a distant land. Thus you will see that the second quorum of the church, as a quorum, does not exist in the land of America. Will your honorable body adopt such measures as you may deem proper, with a view to bettering our condition. We deem this as important a matter as can engage the attention of the conference; and we believe that God is willing to hear our prayer, and relieve us from this embarrassment.
JAMES CAFFALL, Acting Secretary.
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 34, p. 293.
Based upon the above report, the following preambles and resolution were adopted on the 8th.
Whereas, The depleted condition of the Quorum of the Twelve, and the important character of work needing to be done by it, has led the present members thereof to request this body to take some action regarding it, and
Whereas, They have expressed a belief that God is willing to hear and answer our prayers at this time regarding the matter, and
Whereas, The Quorum of Seventy have expressed anxiety in the same direction; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we unitedly ask the President of the church to present the case again before the Lord, and that we, also, go before the Lord in earnest, humble prayer and fasting, that he may give instruction regarding this matter, and all other matters representing present need for further revelation to his church.-The Saints' Herald, vol. 34, p. 294.
Subsequently a resolution was passed setting apart Saturday, April 9, as a day of fasting and prayer for the purposes named. This day was so observed; and in answer to prayers offered a revelation was given on the 11th, in which James W. Gillen, Heman C. Smith, Joseph Luff, and Gomer T. Griffiths, were called to the office of apostles. Elders Gillen, Luff, and Griffiths were ordained at this conference; Elder Smith not being present did not receive ordination until a year later. This revelation also gave important instructions upon other subjects.
The revelation was presented to the several quorums. The First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Seventy, each reported that they had received the revelation by unanimous vote. It was also indorsed [endorsed] by First, Second, Fourth, and Fifth Quorums of Elders; and by the body of elders not enrolled, or whose quorum was not
(page 564) |
