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PRIESTHOOD, 1841.
1841: Rebaptism introduced last year.
“In the year past the doctrine of the baptism for the dead was first introduced to the church and was almost unanimously received by the whole church, and numbers were baptized in the river for and in behalf of the dead. Also the rebaptism for the remission of sins was introduced by the example of Presidents Joseph Smith and Rigdon, who were baptized according to the first instructions they received from the Lord in the first start of the church. Their example was followed by many hundreds, who were rebaptized. Myself and wife followed the example.” (“Journal of Ethan Barrows,” Journal of History 15:70, Jan., 1922)
1 Jan.: Hyrum designated patriarch by Joseph, Sr.
“You will also have received intelligence of the death of my father, which event although painful to the family and to the church generally, yet the sealing testimony of the truth of the work of the Lord, was indeed satisfactory. Brother Hyrum succeeds him as Patriarch of the church, according to his last directions and benedictions.” (Joseph Smith to the Elders in England [The Twelve], in T&S 2(5):260, 1 Jan., 1841)
1 Jan.: B. Young & W. Richards on priesthood authority.
“Every High Priest must be ordained (Heb. v:1), and if Christ had not re eived ordination, He would not have had power to ordain others, as He did when He ordained the Twelve (Mark iii:14), to take part in the ministry which He had received of His Father; also, (John xv:16): ‘Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit; (Hebb. v:4), for no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron (v:5), so also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said unto Him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten Thee.’ No being can give that which he does not possess; consequently, no man can confer the Priesthood on another, if he has not himself first received it; and the Priesthood is of such a nature that it is impossible to investigate the principles of election, reprobation, &c., without touching upon the Priesthood also; and although some may say that Christ, as God, needed no ordination, having possessed it eternally, yet Christ says, (Matt. xxviii: 18), ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth;’ which could not have been if He was in eternal possession; and in the previously quoted verse we discover that He that said unto Him {i.e. His Father} glorified Him to be made an High Priest, or ordained Him to the work of creating the world and all things upon it, (Col. i: 16), ‘For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth,’ Yc., and of redeeming the same from the fall, and to the judging of the quick and dead, for the right of judging rests in the Priesthood, and it is through this medium that the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John v:22), referring to His administration on earth. It was necessary that Christ should receive the Priesthood to qualify Him to minister before His Father, unto the children of men, so as to redeem and save them. Does it seem reasonable that any man should take it upon him to do a part of the same work, or to assist in the same Priesthood, who has not been called by the spirit of prophecy or revelation as was Aaron, and ordained accordingly? And can it be expected that a man will be called by revelation who does not believe in revelation? Or will any man submit to ordination for the fulfillment of a revelation or call, in which he hath no faith? We think not.” (“Election and Reprobation–by Brigham Young and Willard Richards,” HC 4:257)
1 Jan.: The angel gave the priesthood to Joseph & Oliver.
“Little more than ten years has passed since the organization of the church of Christ in these last days; since the angel of the Lord said to our much esteemed brother J. Smith, and his faithful companion, O. Cowdery, ‘To you my fellow servants am I sent to confer this priesthood, that through you it may be conferred upon others.’ The morning that heavenly messenger executed this important mission is one long to be remembered by all the saints.” (Erastus Snow to Benjamin Winchester, Dec., 1840; The Gospel Reflector Vol. 1, #1, 1 Jan., 1841; Barney)
5 Jan.: All priesthood is Melchizedek.
“All priesthood is Melchizedeck; but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the Prophets had the Melchizedeck Priesthood and was ordained by God himself.” (Joseph Smith, 5 Jan., 1841, William Clayton’s Private Book. In Words of JS, p. 59)
15 Jan.: Organizational meeting of lesser priesthood.
“Those of the lesser priesthood, in the City of Nauvoo, are requested to meet at my house, on the 24th inst. at 6 o’clock P.M. for the purpose of organizing and regulating that quorum. A general attendance is requested. V. Knight, Bp.” (T&S 2(6):287, 15 Jan., 1841)
17 Jan.: Ordination thru request of congregation.
“I was invited by one Mrs green to visit them on Mondy Evning. these 6 members come to gether in the Evning at Brother Bats. it was the voice of these Brethren and Sisters that John Griffith should be ordained a preast so acordenly I layd my hands on him and ordained him a preast. had a Joyfull time.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 17 Jan., 1841)
30 Jan.: Joseph becomes Trustee-in-Trust.
“On the 30th of January, 1841, Joseph Smith became Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Illinois. Similarly, the Church was legally organized in Ohio at this time with functioning trustees. Note how the meetings of the Kirtland Elders’ Quorum became the forum for handling general Church matters. This quorum was virtually the only organized, functioning priesthood quorum in Kirtland and consequently exercised broad administrative powers.” (Lyndon Cook, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, p. 54)
“At a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at Nauvoo pursuant to public notice, I was unanimously elected sole Trustee-in-Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (HC 4:286)
31 Jan.: Church court by entire congregation.
“Sunday, January 31: On this and the preceeding days conference was held at Walnut Grove, Knox county, Illinois, Elder William Smith presiding; 113 member, 14 Elders and several branches were represented, and several persons baptized.
Following are the minutes of the conference:
The Elders and members of the Walnut Grove branch met pursuant to previous notice. The meeting was called to order by Elder John Gaylord; Elder William Smith was chosen president and Samuel Burton clerk for the conference; the conference was opened by prayer by the president, remarks were made by the president appropriate to the occasion. It was moved by Elder John Gaylord, seconded by Elder Phineas Wright, that the case of Elder Stephen Kittle should be laid before this conference vor various charges which are as follows, viz, that Joseph Smith is not a prophet of the Lord, second, that self defence is not righteous, third, that the Book of Mormon is not true, fourth, that Zion is not on this land, fifth, striving to persuade men to embrace error, etc. The conference gave Stephen Kittle’s case a fair investigation and found him not worth a standing in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.”
(JH 31 Jan., 1841)
Jan.: Was MP on the earth before Christ?
“Was the kingdom of God organized on the earth before the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh? and was the Melchizedeck priesthood on the earth and in operation without the kingdom; for instance, had the Nephites this priesthood without the kingdom, before and after the coming of Christ?
Answer.–The kingdom of God is his government–wherever his government existed, there his kingdom existed, whether under the Patriarchal, Mosaic, or Christian dispensations, (as they are called) and wherever the kingdom of God existed, there the offices and ordinances existed. The priesthood of Melchizedeck was never in operation on the earth without the kingdom of God also: for the priesthood is the government, or rather the source and fountain from which springs all things pertaining to his government on the earth.
This priesthood is ‘without betginning of days or end of years.’ It was first introduced upon the earth in the days of Adam. It has not always existed on the earth; but has sometimes been ‘caught up unto God and to his throne.’ Whoso receiveth this priesthood receiveth the kingdom of God. Sometimes a herald has been raised up, (for instance, John the Baptist,) to proclaim the kingdom of God at hand. Such instances occur of necessity, because it has been sometimes lost, or taken from the earth. This was the case in the days of John, and it has been the case in our own day. John said it was at hand in his day, and Jesus Christ says it will be again at hand, when we see the sings of his coming, (see Luke xxi. 31.) But after all that can be said on this subject, the kingdom of God, which is to finally prevail over all things, and govern the earth, is the one most dwelt upon by the sacred writers.” (“QUESTIONS–By Elder Joseph Fielding, and ANSWERS by the Editor [Parley P. Pratt],” Jan., 1841; in MS 1(10):257, Feb., 1841)
Jan.: May all men receive higher priesthood in this life?
“Ques. 2nd.–May all men who come into the new covenant, obtain the higher priesthood in this life, if they seek after, and live for it?
Ans.–God divideth the gifts severally as he will. All men cannot obtain the same office: if so, where would be the body? Yet the whole church, both male and female, are partakers of the priesthood, as so many branches of the tree, or so many members of one body. But each in their own place. Hence they are all one.” (“QUESTIONS–By Elder Joseph Fielding, and ANSWERS by the Editor [Parley P. Pratt],” Jan., 1841; in MS 1(10):257, Feb., 1841)
15 Feb.: Angel was sent to restore authority.
“God does not send his angels to act as priests on earth, but to bear his messages to men; also to make known his covenants to them. It is not said that this angel in person should preach the gospel to all nations [referring to the angel prophecied of in Rev. 14:6, 7]; but that he should come with it, or have it to preach to all nations. It is the work of the servants of God, to preach the gospel to all nations. Indeed, in consequence of apostacy, the Lord has taken the priesthood or authority from the church; therefore, this angel was to be sent to restore this authority, or commission men to preach the gospel to all nations.” (The Gospel Reflector 1(4):89, 15 Feb., 1841; Barney)
15 Feb.: Authority may be restored by angel or by revelation.
THE OBJECT OF A CONTINUATION OF REVELATION.
“…When the authority, or holy priesthood is taken away, and men are deprived of the privilege to administer the ordinances, it may be restored by revelation, or the administration of an angel.” (Winchester, Benjamin, “Presiding Elder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Philadelphia, The Gospel Reflector, 1(4):90, 15 Feb 1841)
1 Mar.: Nauvoo divided into wards.
“An Ordinance dividing the city into wards.
Sec. 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Nauvoo, That the city be, and the same hereby is, divided into four wards, as follows; to wit: all that district of country, within the city limits, north of the center of Knight Street, and west of the center of Wells Street, shall constitute the first ward–all north of the center of Knight Street, and east of the center of Wells Street, the third ward–and all south of the center of Knight Street, and west of the center of Wells Street, the fourth ward of said city.
Sec. 2. Each ward shall be entitled to the following representation in the City Council; to wit: one Alderman, and two Councillors; Provided, that the fourth ward shall be entitled to three Councillors;–and the Mayor for the city at large.
Sec. 3. The Aldermen, and Councillors already elected by the general ticket system, shall be assigned as follows, for the first term; to wit: Samuel H. Smith, Alderman, and John P. Greene, and Vinson Knight, Councillors, for the first ward–N. K. Whitney, Alderman, and Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith, Councillors, for the second ward–Daniel H. Wells. Alderman, and John T. Barnett, and Charles C. Rich, Councillors, for the third ward–and William Marks, Alderman, and Joseph Smith, kWilson Law, and D. C. Smith, Councillors, for the fourth ward of said city.
Sec. 4. This ordinance to take effect, and be in force, from and after its passage.
Passed, March 1st, A. D. 1841.
John C. Bennett, Mayor.
James Sloan, Recorder.”
(T&S 2(9):337-338, 1 Mar., 1841)
9 Mar.: Priesthood and the Holy Ghost.
“However there is a prist-Hood with the Holy Ghost & Key–the Holy Ghost over shadows you & witness unto you of the authority & the Gifts of the Holly Ghost.” (Joseph Smith, 9 Mar., 1841, McIntire Minute Book. In Words of JS, p. 64)
21 Mar.: Levitical priesthood.
“Joseph Smith read the 3 chap Malachi dwelt with emphasis upon the Levitical priesthood and the promise concerning them
Took up John shewed him to be a Levite and proceed The voice of one crying in the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight Now it was written that the priests lips should keep knowledge and to them should the people seek for understanding and above all the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites therefore John being Lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood the people were bound to receive his testimony. Hence the saying the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force after John had been testifying of Jesus for some time Jesus came unto him for baptism John felt that the honor of baptizing his master was too great a thing grater than he could claim and said I have need to be baptized thee and comest thou to me Jesus replied thus it behooveth us to fulfill all righteousness thus signifying to John the claim of the Aronic priesthood which holds the Keys of entrance into the Kingdom. . . .
Jesus as I said could not enter except by the administration of John. Although John was not a restorer but a forerunner It was not the Lawful priests who rejected jesus but the self made priests Those who were priests lawfully received the Saviour in his station which was given him by the Law All the Authority that we have is from John The Law is not changed nor the ordinances The keys of ushering into the Kingdom were given to Peter James & John.” (Joseph Smith, 21 Mar., 1841, Howard and Martha Coray Notebook. In Words of JS, pp. 65-66)
“Sabath Meeting–Joseph Read the 2 & 3d Chapters of Malichi & stated that there was a preistHood Confered upon the sons of Levi throughout the Jenerations of the Jews, & he also said they was born heirs to that prestHood By Linage or Decent & held the Keys of the first principles of the Gospel–for this–he quoted concerning Jesus coming to John to be Baptized of John that he (Jesus) Might Enter into the Kingdom as John held the Keys, suffer it to be so now &c he also Brought up Zacharias pleading with the Lord in the temple that he might have seed so that the preistHood might be preserved.” (Joseph Smith, 21 Mar., 1841, McIntire Minute Book. In Words of JS, p. 67)
“The Lesser Priesthood was organized in the City of Nauvoo, March 21, 1841, by Bishops Whitney, Miller, Higbee, and Knight. Samuel Rolf was chosen president of the Priests’ quorum, and Stephen Markham and Hezekiah Peck, his counselors. Elisha Everett was chosen president of Teachers, and James W. Huntsman and James Hendricks, counselors. Phinehas R. Bird was chosen president of Deacons, and David Wood and William W. Lane counselors.” (HC 4:312)
22 Mar.: List of priesthood officers in England.
“I also met with the Froom’s Hill conference, on the 22nd March, at Stanley Hill, Herefordshire, there being present one of the traveling High Council, 2 High Priests, 20 Elders, 30 Priests, 9 Teachers, two Deacons. Elder Levi Richards was chosen president, and Elder Woodruff, clerk. On this occasion I heard represented 30 branches, containing 997 members, 24 Elders, 66 Priests, 27 Teachers, 7 Deacons, and 6 were ordained to the ministry. The sum total represented at these conferences was 1,539 members, 36 Elders, 103 Priests, 41 Teachers, 7 Deacons; all of whom have embraced the work in that part of the vineyard in one year, besides many members and officers who have emigrated to America.” (Wilford Woodruff to Don C. Smith, 29 Mar., 1841; in HC 4:324)
Mar.: Pres. of Nauvoo Priests not a bishop.
“On the first day of March of that year [1841], Nauvoo was divided into four wards, presided over severally by Bishops N. K. Whitney, George Miller, Isaac Higbee and Vinson Knight. The same month these Bishops organized the Lesser Priesthood of Nauvoo, as follows: Samuel Rolfe was made president of the Priests’ quorum, with Stephen Markham and Hezekiah Peck as his counselors; Elisha Everett, president of the Teachers’ quorum, with James Hendricks and James W. Huntsman as counselors; and Phineas R. Bird, president of the Deacons’ quorum, with David Wood and William W. Lane for counselors.” (Orson F. Whitney, “The Aaronic Priesthood,” Contributor 6(11):405, Aug., 1885)
1 Apr.: Priesthood restored as soon as BoM translated.
“As soon as the Book of Mormon was translated, the Lord sent his holy angel with the holy priesthood, which was conferred upon men; thus fulfilling the saying of John: ‘I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, &c.’ . . . The Book of Mormon has come forth on this land and the Lord has sent his angel to confer the holy priesthood upon his servants once more, or renewed the gospel dispensation, and organized his kingdom, &c . . . the Lord has sent forth the Book of Mormon, also his angel to confer the holy priesthood and organized his church.” (The Gospel Reflector 1(7):177, 183, 187, 1 Apr., 1841; Barney)
6 Apr.: Summary of priesthood officers in Britain.
Total members: 5,814
Elders: 136
Priests: 303
Teachers: 169
Deacons: 68
(Wilford Woodruff diary, 6 Apr., 1841)
8 Apr.: Quorum leaders rejected by popular vote.
“The presidents and counselors belonging to the several quorums were then presented to each quorum separately, for approval or rejection, when the following persons were objected to, viz., John A. Hicks, president of the Elders’ quorum; Alanson Ripley, Bishop; Elder John E. Page, one of the Twelve Apostles; and Noah Packard, High Priest. Bishop Newel K. Whitney moved their cases be laid over, to be tried before the several quorums.” (Minutes of the General Conference at Nauvoo, 8 Apr., 1841; in HC 4:341)
11 Apr.: Institution of rebaptism.
“April 11th 1841 Joseph and Sidney baptized each other for the remission of their sins as this order was then instituted in the church According on the 27th of April I was baptized for the remission of my sins also on the same day was baptised for my Brother Hyrum Huntington May 23d was baptised for my mothers father John Lathrop and her grandfather Gray . . .
May 29th 1841 was baptised for my Mothers mother and and [sic] also for my mothers Grandmother Gray
June 13th was baptized for my Grandfather Junting and His wife and also for _____ Huntington who signed the declaration independence of the United States . . . (William Huntington Diary, Huntington Library)
15 Apr.: Deacon and teacher come under Aaronic Priesthood.
ON PRIESTHOOD.
“…The office of an elder comes under the Melchizedek; that of a teacher, and deacon under the Aaronic, or lesser priesthood.” (Winchester, Benjamin, “Presiding Elder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Philadelphia,” The Gospel Reflector, E. Snow, 1(8):204, 15 Apr 1841)
15 Apr.: Organization of priesthood quorums in Nauvoo.
“We are glad to hear of the organization of the different quorums in this city, and hope that the organization will be attended to in every stake and branch of the church, for the Almighty is a lover of order and good government.” (Report of the First Presidency, T&S 2(12):386, 15 Apr., 1841)
15 Apr.: Bishop in New York without ward or stake.
“John M. Bernhisel was elected Bishop, and Richard Burge and William Acker his counselors.” (Minutes of a Conference in New York City, 15 Apr., 1841; in HC 4:344)
18 Apr.: Joseph Smith was ordained by holy angels.
“Monday 18th [Apr., 1841] . . . as soon as I got home I discovered that Mr Brabazon Ellis, Incumbent of St Pauls Church Burslem, had sent desiring to hold a little conversation with one or more of the Latter Day Saints, immediately I went Elder Wm Lloyd accompanied me we found another Minister with him, and after the usual compliments he said let us pray we kneeled down and he prayed that the Lord would enlighten both our hearts that we might be blessed with wisdom and Intelligence, and I felt in my heart to say–Amen–After Prayer He asked me who ordained me in the Church of Latter Day Saints I told him Wm Clayton. I then said and Sir, Who ordained you He answered the Bishop. He then asked me who Ordained Wm Clayton I answered Heber C. Kimbal. I then asked him who Ordained the Bishop He answered; another Bishop; He then asked me who ordained Heber C. Kimball; I answered Joseph Smith and said I: Joseph Smith was Ordained by Holy Angels that were sent by commandment from the Most High God.” (Alfred Cordon, 18 Apr., 1841, “Reminiscences and Journals, 1839-1868; LDS Archives, Ms 1831; Barney)
22 May: Bishop and Branch President in the same branch.
“At a conference held this day in the branch of Moroni (formerly called Zoar), in Brown county, Ill., Priddy Meeks was set apart as Bishop, instead of James Brown, who was gone to Nauvoo; William Bickmore was ordained a High Priest and set apart as a counselor to Bishop Meeks; Stephen Abbott was the other counselor. Thomas Briggs was then ordained a High Priest and set apart as a counselor to the President of the branch, instead of Priddy Meeks.” (JH 22 May, 1841)
May: Prolonged baptism for disciplinary reasons.
ANDREW HENRY DIARY, 1840-1843 (Huntington Library)
[May, 1841–Southern Illinois] “This week in company with Brother Holden went to Mr. Greens and preached twice, while at prayr in the evening a young man who was present undertok to make some noise by groaning and saying amen for which he was sharply rebuked by Mr. Green but this would not satisfy his sons they said as he was under conviction he must be baptised but as the morning was rather cold he was unwilling to go into the water, but as they were going to compel him he thought it best to submit quietly so they went off and plunged him into the mill pond which was near at hand and kept him under longer than is customary with those that baptise for the remission of sin but as it was for bad behaviur they thought he must stay under a little longer, and to use the administrators own words he kept him under until the bubles began to rise. but as they had no authority to lay on hands they would not administer that ordinance so they let him go with the admonition to behave better next time he came to meeting.” (Andrew Henry diary, May, 1841)
1 Jun.: Rigdon ordained Prophet, Seer and Revelator.
“We have to announce that Sidney Rigdon has been ordained a Prophet, Seer and Revelator.” (T&S 2(15):431, 1 Jun., 1841)
31 Aug.: Increased responsibility of Quorum of Twelve.
“At a council of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the house of President Brigham Young, Nauvoo, August 31, 1841, for the purpose of taking into consideration the situation of the Church, it was resolved unanimously, that as we {the Twelve} have been called upon by the voice of the conference to attend to the business of the Church, assist the Trustee in Trust in his arduous duties, attend to the settling of immigrants, &c.; we sensibly feel the great responsibility that is resting upon us, and will do all in our power to carry out the wishes of the Church, and prove ourselves worthy of the trust imposed in us by the brethren.” (HC 4:412)
2 Oct.: 1 Cor. 12:28–One Priesthood office to another.
“Pres. Joseph Smith then made some corrections of doctrine in quoting a passage from 1 Cor. 12,28 showing it to be a principle of order or gradation in rising from one office to another in the Priesthood.” (Joseph Smith, 2 Oct., 1841, Times and Seasons 2(24):576-577, 15 Oct., 1841))
1 Nov.: Schedule for patriarchal blessings.
“The brethren are hereby notified, that our well beloved brother, Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the church, has erected a comfortable office, opposite his dwelling house, where himself together with his scribe and recorder (James Sloan,) will attend regular[l]y every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, during the entire day, or upon any other day, if urgent circumstances require it, to perform the duties of his high and holy calling.
A copy of the blessings can be received immediately after being pronounced, so that the brethren who live at a distance can have it to take with them.” (T&S 3(1):1 Nov., 1841)
Dec.: Instruction on ordinations.
“The officers composing the several conferences in the United Kingdom of Great Britain are hereby instructed that it is not wisdom for the Elders in general to ordain officers independent of the Council and advice of the Presiding Elders of conferences, high priests, &c.
All ordinations should be by the voice of the Church or conference, and should be under the advice and council of the presiding officers.
Even the conferences, when assembled, should exercise wisdom and prudence in confering offices, and should be careful not to run too fast. A few men of faith and humility, who are of a teachable and governable disposition are better calculated to advance the cause of truth than a multitude who are wise in their own eyes, and who neither understand nor respect the authorities of God.” (Parley P. Pratt, MS 2(8):123, Dec., 1841)
Priesthood came from an angel.
“immediately after it was translated God sent an holy angel from the midst of heaven, with the Priesthood and authority of Jesus Christ, to preach the everlasting Gospel unto them who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, saying, with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgement is come; and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water. And this Priesthood and authority has been conferred upon many men, (and will be conferred upon many more) . . .” (Charles Thompson, Evidence in Proof of the Book of Mormon Being a Divinely Inspired Record . . ., Batavia, N.Y.: D. D. Waite, 1841, p. 144; Barney)
Apostleship by the ministering of angels.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was first organized in the state of New York, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, on the sixth day of April. At its first organization, it consisted of six members. The first instruments of its organization were Joseph Smith, Jun. and Oliver Cowdery, who received their authority and priesthood, or apostleship, by direct revelation from God–by the voice of God–by the ministering of angels–and by the Holy Ghost.” (George J. Adams, “A Few Plain Facts, Shewing the Folly, Wickedness, and Imposition of the Rev. Timothy R. Matthews; also a Short Sketch of the Rise, Faith and Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” Bedford, England: C. B. Merry, 1841; p. 12; Barney)
Sent his angel to commission men.
“We also believe and testify, that the Lord has renewed the gospel dispensation and in fulfillment of numerous predictions of the prophets and apostles, sent his holy angel to commission men to preach the fulness of the everlasting gospel to all nations.” (Erastus Snow and Benjamin Winchester, “And Address to the Citizens of Salem and Vicinity,” n.p., 1841; Barney)