Instruction on Priesthood, between circa 1 March and circa 4 May 1835, as Recorded in Kimball, History [D&C 107]
Source Note
Instruction on Priesthood, , Geauga Co., OH, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835. Version copied [between 31 May 1843 and 31 Dec. 1856] in Kimball, History, pp. 28–33; in handwriting of ; CHL.
world; thus differing from other officers in the in the duties of their calling. And they form a , equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned. The are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the and in all the world. Thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling; and they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the twelve special witnesses or apostles just named. And every decision made by either of these quorums, must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other. (a majority may form a quorum, when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise.) Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchidesek and were righteous and holy men. The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity; because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums, which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church, otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision.
12. The twelve are a travelling presiding , to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the presidency of the church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations; first unto the Gentiles and secondly unto the Jews.
13. The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the twelve or the travelling high council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations— first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews; the twelve being sent out, holding the , to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ— and first unto the Gentiles and then unto the Jews.
14. The standing high councils, at the of , form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the , or to the travelling high council.
15. The high council in Zion, forms a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the twelve at the stakes of Zion.
16. It is the duty of the travelling high council to call upon the seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel, instead of any others.
17. It is the duty of the twelve, in all large branches of the church, to evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation.
18. The order of this was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the following manner:— [p. 30]