| 282 rendered it also necessary for them to give these matters much direct and personal attention. In this sense is the revelation of 1837 to be understood which says: "For on them have I laid [past tense] the burden of all the churches for a little season." In our opinion this cannot, for manifest reasons, mean that after that little season all their primary rights and prerogatives in this connection were to be transferred to others, but to us it is evident that the import of this language is that as the little season had now passed, they were to be measurably relieved of the burden of the churches by those who had been appointed to assist in this work under their watchcare and direction. The reader will excuse us for this explanation, for in our opinion if the true philosophy of the organization receives no notice, the history of the church will be of little practical benefit.
When in translating Joseph came to that part of the Old Testament called the Apocrypha, he received instruction concerning it. 5
On the fifteenth a revelation was given. 6
On Monday, March 18, the school of the prophets was organized, in which the counselors to the President of the High Priesthood were ordained.
On Saturday, the 23d, a council was held to consider the purchasing of lands.
Of these two events Joseph writes:-
"On the eighteenth of March the high priests assembled in the schoolroom of the prophets and were organized according
5 1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, concerning the Apocrypha, There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly; there are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men. Verily I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated. Therefore, whoso readeth it let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; and whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom; and whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited; therefore, It is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.
6 1. Verily thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Shederlaomach, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all.
2. And again, I say unto you, my servant Shederlaomach, You shall be a lively member in this order; and inasmuch as you are faithful in keeping all former commandments, you shall be blessed forever. Amen.
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