Prince’s Research Excerpts: Priesthood & Mormonism – 1878

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PRIESTHOOD, 1878

1878: 1 Jan.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

Farmington, U.T.,

Jany. 1, 1878.

This certifies that, Lars P. Anderson, Christina Anderson, Alfred Wharton, Margaret Wharton, and Thomas Hunt have been cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for Apostasy.

John W. Hess, Bishop,

Arthur Stayner,

Jacob Miller, Counselors.”

(DN 26(49):775, 9 Jan., 1878)

5 Jan.: Reports from home missionaries encouraging.

“The reports from the Home Missionaries were encouraging, and there seemed to be a disposition among them to discountenance everything that tends to sin, and to urge the Saints to a faithful performance of the duties of to-day.” (Salt Lake Stake Conference minutes, 5 Jan., 1878; DN 26(50):790, 16 Jan., 1878)

5 Jan.: Young men and AP quorums.

“He [Angus M. Cannon] trusted the Bishops would se to make the meetings of the quorums interesting, so that there would be more inducement to the young men to attend them than places of amusement or vice.” (Salt Lake Stake Conference minutes, 5 Jan., 1878; DN 26(50):790, 16 Jan., 1878)

6 Jan.: Difficulties to be settled by teachers.

“After the opening exercises, remarks were made by Elder Wilford Woodruff on the necessity of being united in faith and practice. When difficulties occur they should be settled between the parties or by the teachers.” (Salt Lake Stake Conference minutes, 6 Jan., 1878; DN 26(50):791, 16 Jan., 1878)

7 Jan.: Home missionaries set apart.

“Home Missionaries.–The home missionaries of this Stake called at the late Quarterly Conference, and who have not yet been set apart, are requested to meet at seven o’clock this evening at the house of President A. M. Cannon, in the 14th Ward.” (Reprint of report of 7 Jan.; DN 26(49):777, 9 Jan., 1878)

10 Jan.: Regular monthly meeting of priests.

“The regular monthly meeting of the Priests residing in Salt Lake City, will be held at the Council House, on Saturday, the 12th inst., at half past six p.m.

A punctual attendance is requested.

Andrew Burt, President.” (Reprint of report of 10 Jan.; DN 26(50):792, 16 Jan., 1878)

14 Jan.: Excommunication notices.

“Excommunicated.

Editors Deseret News:

This certifies that Joseph W. Cook and Hyrum Taylor were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 9th inst.

Wm. Bringhurst, Bishop.

J. M. Pierce, Clerk.

Springville, Jan. 12, 1878.

This certifies that Peter Christian Christensen, Jens Christiansen and William Yeamans, were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for apostacy.

F. A. Hammond, Bishop.

Wm. Halls,

N. C. Mortensen, Counsellors.

Wm. Halls, Clerk.

Grantsville Ward, Jan. 9, 1878.”

(Reprint of report of 14 Jan.; DN 26(50):796, 16 Jan., 1878)

20 Jan.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

Granite Ward, Jan. 20, 1878.

Editors Deseret News:

This is to certify that John Coffield was cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 20th inst., by unanimous vote of the Ward, for apostacy.

S. J. Despain, Bishop.

David Archable, Clerk.”

(Reprint of report of 25 Jan.; DN 26(52):825, 30 Jan., 1878)

24 Jan.: Agent bishops.

“Business of the Church.–At the Bishops’ meeting on Thursday evening, Jan. 24th, President John Taylor gave some vaulable instruction and information in relation to the priesthood and the duties pertaining to it and its various offices. He spoke of the two priesthoods the Melchisedec and the Aaronic the latter being an appendage to the former, the first comprehending and presiding over the other.

The leading point of the remarks of President Taylor was in his explanation of a clear, comprehesive and systematic method of keeping and rendering the accounts of the Church. He had laid his views before the council of the Twelve Apostles, who unanimously coincided with him.

Bishop Hunter, being the Presiding Bishop of the Church, with his Counselors presides over all the other Bishops. The Church being now very extensive, comprising 20 different Stakes, in which are 240 Bishops, renders it impracticable for the whole business to be conducted in its details under the immediate direction of the Presiding Bishop and his Counselors. This causes the question to arise as to who shall attend to tithing and other business in the several Stakes. Bishop Hunter being unable to give it personal supervision, it can be done by his having an authorized agent in each of the Stakes of Zion, that agent to be a Bishop, whose duty will not be to preside over the other Bishops of the Stake, but to make himself familiar with the Church books, accounts and business, and make reports or schedules at stated periods. A copy of this report he will forward to Bishop Hunter and another he will submit to the President of the Stake, and it will be the duty of the latter, with his Counselors, to carefully examine and check the same, correcting any errors or wrongs that may exist. This is the duty of the President of the Stake, as he presides over all the Bishops in the Stake by virtue of his office. After examining, and, when necessary, correcting the report he will forward a duplicate to the Trustee-in-Trust. Bishop Hunter will then be able to render a report of the business of the temporal department of this Church to the Trustee-in-Trust, who will also have, as before explained, reports from the Presidents of Stakes. By this method each priesthood, the Melchesidec and Aaronic, will pursue its particular direct line, the one not interfering with the other, further than is legitimate and in order, and connect finally at one point, the head, the Trustee-in-Trust, who presides over both departments.

By this method the clerk of the Trustee-in-Trust will be able to meet with Bishop Hunter’s clerk and a system of balances arranged that will enable the Trustee-in-Trust to lay before the whole Church a statement of the business. It will not be practicable to make a full and complete report oftener than once a year, and an approximate one in the interim. The Trustee-in-Trust purposes submitting his reports to an auditing committee.

Bishop Hunter, who had met with the Council of the Twelve, with whom he is in full accord in those matters, has submitted the names of some persons he had suggested for Bishops to act as his agents in some of the Stakes, some of whom have been approved.

As Bishop Hunter and his Counselors reside in and are most of their time in this Stake [Salt Lake], they will be able to personally attend to the business pertaining to it, in their department, and consequently will need no agent here.

In the course of his remarks President Taylor showed, with great clearness, that there was no conflict between this system and anything contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. The Church was growing and extending, and the priesthood, in its operations had to enlarge the methods of conducting its affairs accordingly. If every man seeks to learn his duty and to do it in his calling and office, having the Spirit of God to influence and direct him, no conflict will arise, and the Kingdom of God will develop and advance step by step and fill the high position it is destined to assume.” (DN 26(52):828, 30 Jan., 1878)

26 Jan.: Tooele Stake priesthood numbers.

“The Stake comprises 6 Wards; the total number of families in the Stake, 580; Seventies, 110; High Priests, 97; Elders, 218; Priests, 23; Teachers, 53; Deacons, 73; Lay Members, 1,658; Children under eight years of age, 784; . . . Total souls in the Stake, 2,958.” (Tooele Stake Conference minutes, 26 Jan., 1878; DN 27(1):16, 6 Feb., 1878)

27 Jan.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

This is to certify that Joseph Collins and Henry Sagers were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for apostacy.

R. H. Williams, Bishop.

D. B. Brown,

H. H. Peck, Counsellors.

W. W. Sterrett, Clerk.

Mound Valley Ward,

Oneida County, Idaho Territory.

January 27th, 1878.”

(DN 27(2):17, 13 Feb., 1878)

2 Feb.: Wasatch Stake priesthood numbers.

“The statistical reports of the several wards were then read, showing in the aggregate, 40 Seventies, 90 High Priests, 162 Elders, 16 Priests, 33 Teachers, 34 Deacons, 1141 members, 1516 officers and members, 780 children under eight years of age, and 2296 total number of souls.” (Wasatch Stake conference minutes, 2 Feb., 1878; DN 27(3):39, 20 Feb., 1878)

2 Feb.: Cache Valley Stake priesthood numbers.

“Prest. Thatcher read the statistical report of Cache Valley Stake, shoing 5 Patriarchs, 361 Seventies, 380 High Priests, 1,214 Elders, 257 Priests, 275 Teachers, 414 Deacons, 5,135 members, 8,038 members and officers, 3,984 under eight years; 2,155 families, total number of souls 12,022.” (Cache Valley Stake conference minutes, 2 Feb., 1878; DN 27(3):39, 20 Feb., 1878)

7 Feb.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

This certifies that James Toms and Richard Fowler have been cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for apostacy.

E. F. Sheets, Bishop.

J. McMurrin,

I. Brockbank, Counselors.

S. H. Leaver, Clerk.

8th Ward, Salt Lake City,

February 7, 1878.”

(DN 27(2):25, 13 Feb., 1878)

9 Feb.: Bear Lake Stake priesthood numbers.

“President Wm. Budge read the statistical report of the Stake, showing 1 Apostle, 3 Patriarchs, 97 Seventies, 82 High Priest, 346 Elders, 14 Priests, 14 Teachers, 89 Deacons, 1,628 Members, 2,274 total officers and members; children under eight years 1,144, families 592; total of souls 3,418.” (Bear Lake Stake conference minutes, 9 Feb., 1878; DN 27(3):41, 20 Feb., 1878)

10 Feb.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunication.

Bloomington, Feb. 7, 1878.

Editors Deseret News:

This is to certify that James H. Nelson and Emma G. Nelson were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, January 19, 1878, for unchristianlike conduct.

Wm. Hulme, Bishop.

J. Jarvis, Clerk.”

(DN 27(2):29, 13 Feb., 1878)

10 Feb.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

Joseph Beckstead was cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for unchristianlike conduct.

W. A. Biels, Bishop.

J. Vincent, Clerk.

South Jordan, Feb. 10, 1878.”

(DN 27(3):33, 20 Feb., 1878)

10 Feb.: We bestow priesthood on many young men.

“We bestow the Priesthood on many young men, to bring them up and qualify them for future usefulness.” (Charles C. Rich, 10 Feb., 1878; JD 19:253)

17 Feb.: Short-term Home Missionaries.

“The following are home missionaries called to labor till the ensuing Conference: . . . [18 names.]” (DN 27(5):70, 6 Mar., 1878)

23 Feb.: Duties of Stake Presidents.

“I attended a Meeting of the Twelve & Presidents of Stakes at Prest Taylors office much good instruct[ion] was given by Prest Taylor in regard to the duties of the Priesthood & the Latter-day-saints. . . . said the Presidents are required to take a general oversight of their stake & regulate & control in righteousness all persons & matters therein.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 23 Feb., 1878)

24 Feb.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

This is to certify that Paul Larsen, and his wife Catherine were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for apostacy, by a unanimous vote of this people.

John Jardine, Bishop.

Richard Godfrey, Clerk.

Clarkston, Cache County,

Feb. 24, 1878.”

(DN 27(5):76;, 6 Mar., 1878)

25 Feb.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

To whom it may concern, this certifies that Jorgen Christensen and his wife Mariane Christensen were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on the 7th of February, for apostasy.

Tarlton Lewis, Bishop 2nd Ward, Richfield.

Simon Christensen, 1st Counselor,

Andrew N. Jensen, 2nd Counselor.

Simon Christensen, Clerk.

Richfield, Feb. 25, 1878.”

(DN 27(6):89, 13 Mar., 1878)

3 Mar.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunications.

This certifies that Joseph S. Bohney, his wife Elizabeth J. Bohney, Emily S. Edwards and George McKenzie were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 1st inst.

Wm. Bringhurst, Bishop.

J. M. Peirce, Clerk.

Springville Ward,

March 3rd, 1878.”

(DN 27(5):76, 6 Mar., 1878)

4 Mar.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunication.

Millville, Cache County, Utah,

March 4th, 1878.

This is to certify that John Kimber ws cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, January 20th, 1878.

G. O. Pitkin, Bishop.

Joseph Humphreys, Clerk.”

(DN 27(6):89, 13 Mar., 1878)

“Excommunicated.

Charles P. Bird and his wife Amanda Bird, and Allen Tanner were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for apostacy.

John R. Murdock, Bishop.

Richard S. Horne, Clerk.

Beaver City, March 4, 1878.”

(DN 27(6):92, 13 Mar., 1878)

4 Mar.: Excommunicated at Teachers’ Meeting.

“Excommunication.

This is to certify that Alva A. Tanner has been cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his own request, at a Teachers’ meeting, by the Bishop and his counselors and a unanimous vote of the Teachers.

I. Phillips, Bishop.

M. H. Brady, 1st Counselor.

O. L. Terry, 2nd Counselor.

John Oborn, Asst. Clerk.

Union Ward, Utah,

March 4th, 1878.”

(DN 27(6):92, 13 Mar., 1878)

7 Mar.: Authority of Bishops.

“A Bishops Meeting was held in the Council House, Salt Lake City commencing at 6:30 p.m. . . . Prest. John Taylor remarked on the priesthood and authority of bishops. They could confer on others the same blessings and priesthood they held themselves.” (JH 7 Mar., 1878)

9 Mar.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunication.

This is to certify that Ole Hansen and his wife Anna Hansen were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for apostacy on the 3d inst.

William S. Seely, Bishop.

T. Larsen, Clerk.

South Ward, Mount Pleasant,

March 9, 1878.”

(DN 27(7):110, 20 Mar., 1878)

15 Mar.: Authority of the apostleship.

“While Jesus was on the earth, all will admit, He was the President of the Church He had organized; and after His death His Apostles took the lead in all matters pertaining to the Church. As that was not a gathering dispensation, it is probable there was not any local first presidency organized. The Twelve Apostles, with Peter, James and John as the foremost, took the lead, Peter being the President. The highest office in the CHurch was that of an Apostle. Jesus, the Redeemer of the world, was an Apostle. Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, says, ‘Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.’

We read that Melchisedek is called a great High Priest, and it is probable that Paul alludes to jesus as the great High Priest after the order of Melchisedek. Melchisedek lived cotemporary with, or at the same time as, Abraham, and was probably Shem, the oldest son of Noah, who lived until one hundred and fifty years after Abraham was born, being almost a second Adam. He was the oldest living man, and, from the blessing given him by his father, must have been the greatest and best of his sons. Being the oldest, he also held the birthright over all others. Canaan (or the descendants of his brother Ham) was to be his servant, and Japheth, the other brother, was to dwell in his tents. Or, in other words, be a renter or sojourner, having only a temporary residence, while the eternal and permanent inheritance was that of Shem. He would naturally be the ‘righteous king,’ or ‘king of righteousness,’ which the name Melchisedek signifies, and would be the most proper Patriarch to bless Abraham, whose father forfeited that right by being a worshiper of idols. If this conclusion be correct you can readily see how this man could be such a great High Priest, having the presidency over all the earth.’

As to the equality of authority among the Apostles, Paul said he was the least of all the Apostles; yet there was nothing Peter could do but what he could do so far as priesthood went.

I said that the Apostleship was the highest grade of priesthood. Paul, the Apostle, says: ‘And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.’

This same Apostle understood that wherever the Church of Christ was this same Apostleship should take the lead until the Church should all be united and become perfect. He says, speaking of Christ: ‘And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.’

How plain this is! Not only is the Apostleship the first office in the Church, but must remain until all Saints are united and perfected. In fact, it continues forever, and presides in the eternal world. Jesus being in His glorified condition the ‘great Apostle and High Priest of our profession.’

Jesus also said, ‘You twelve shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’ Again, John saw the names of the Twelve Apostles written on the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem during the great millennium, thus showing that next to Jesus they presided over the holy city.

It was quite proper, then, that when Joseph Smith ordained the first Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he should reprove Elders who took him to task for not first ordaining them High Priests. He supposed that ‘Elders in Israel’ ought to understand so plain a proposition of scripture as that the Apostleship embraced every other authority of the Church.” (Daniel Tyler, “Priesthood,” JI 13(6):71, 15 Mar., 1878)

18 Mar.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

This is to certify that James T. Cochran was cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for unchristianlike conduct and apostacy, on March 17, 1878.

Henry Ballard, Bishop 2nd Ward, Logan City, Cache Co.

C. J. Larsen,

Ralph Smith, Counselors.

Logan City, March 18, 1878.”

(DN 27(8):113, 27 Mar., 1878)

18 Mar.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunication.

This is to certify that William Henry Stevens and his wife, Eliza Stevens, have been cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for apostacy.

A. Marchant, Bishop.

O. F. Lyons, Clerk.

Peoa, March 18th, 1878.”

(DN 27(8):121, 27 Mar., 1878)

21 Mar.: Teachers to disburse Fast Offerings.

“A Bishops’ Meeting was held in the Council House in Salt Lake City, commencing at 6.30 p.m. . . .

Counselor Burton also spoke of the privilege of paying fast offerings for the benefit of the poor, and suggested the propriety of the Bishops appointing one of the teachers in their respective wards to disburse those funds, and keep a regular account of receipts and disbursements, and report the same to the bishops and priesthood of the ward when required. This system had been adopted on some wards with good effect.” (JH 21 Mar., 1878)

22 Mar.: Excommunication notice: Adultery.

“Excommunication.

This is to certify that Mrs. Mary Jane Salesbury (nee Gould) was cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for adultery, in the Richfield 1st Ward, March 13th, 1878.

P. Poulsen, Bishop.

Chs. I. Kempe, Clerk.

Richfield, March 22nd, 1878.”

(DN 27(9):129, 3 Apr., 1878)

25 Mar.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunication.

This is to certify that George Gale was cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for unchristian like conduct, on March 22d, 1878.

John D. Burt, Bishop, 3d wd.

Auton A. Jensen,

Peter F. Madsen, Counselors.

Brigham City, March 25, 1878.”

(DN 27(9):135, 3 Apr., 1878)

27 Mar.: The blessing of children.

Outside of the all-important fact that this is a direct commande of Jehovah, and as such should be studiously complied with without hesitancy or objection, we think quite a number of excellent reasons can be adduced to prove that this command is attended with beneficial results, to babe and to parents. In the first place the parents by bringing their child before the Church menifest their faith in the sight of their brethren and sisters in God’s word and in His promises, as well as their thankfulness to Him for increasing their posterity and for the safe delivery of His handmaiden. The child is also benefited by the united faith and responsive prayers of the assembled Saints, which faith seals the ‘more sure word of prophecy’ pronounced upon the head of the child, as it also give more abundant power to the officiating High Priest or Elder to manifest the good pleasure of the Lord with regard to it. And again the blessing is thus given in the presence of the Church recorder, and there is much less likelihood of the record being omitted or errors entering therein, than there would be should the rite be attended to at home. In this, as in all other things the path of revelation is the path of safety. The nature of the work of the Lord, the spirit and genius of His Church, founded upon the rock of His revealed word, compels us to admonish the brethren to have great care, lest in giving expression to their private opinions they advance theories opposed to the revealed word and will of the Lord. In this is no man justified. No man is authorized to teach to the Church new or advanced doctrines except the presidency thereof. Light comes from the head, and to that point must the members of the Church look for knowledge and wisdom and doctrine and principle. Did every man holding a portion of the Priesthood have the right to advance doctrines for the acceptance of the Church, it would bring chaos, our name would be Babylon, and it could no longer be said that God’s house is a house of order; we should be like the rest of the world, one man’s opinion would be as good as that of another; there would be no rallying point, nor recognized authority, no head; on the contrary we should be weak indeed.

Then let us not stray from well-defined landmarks. If, in the providence of God and the growth, increase and development of His kingdom, we need further light and intelligence on doctrine, it will be given to us, and it will come through the proper and duly appointed authority.

John Taylor,

In behalf of the Council of the Apostles.”

(“The Blessing of Children,” DN 27(8):120, 27 Mar., 1878)

1 Apr.: Duties of priesthood offices.

“Although the New Testament informs us what officers were in the Church, it says but little as to their duties or callings. Paul does say, in the 4th chapter of the Ephesians, that, from the Apostles down, they were ‘for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,’ etc., ’till we all come in the unity of the faith;’ but what the special duty of each was is left for modern revelation to determine, so far as we are concerned. The ancient disciples were, of course, posted in all these matters, but they never committed them to writing, or, if so, their manuscripts were either lost or destroyed through persecution of the church.

The book of Doctrine and Covenants, commencing on page 115, new edition, says,

‘An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, and to administer bread and wine–the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ–and to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures; and to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; and to confirm the church by the laying on of hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost, and to take the lead of all meetings. The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.

‘The priest’s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties; and he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons. And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present; but when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties. In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.’

Next in order is the duty of the teachers, who are standing ministers to the Church. The office of a teacher, although in the grade of priesthood reckoned as one of the lesser, is, nevertheless, one of the most important callings in the Church; and, above all men, those who hold this office should be exemplary. On the other hand, if there is any preference to be shown, I think the teachers should have it as they visit among the Saints. Their duties are so important to the general welfare. I trust our aged and venerable Presiding Bishop, Brother Edward Hunter, will pardon me for quoting a few words which I once heard fall from his lips in a Bishops’ meeting, in Salt Lake City, on this subject. After telling the Bishops to instruct the Saints to set their homes in order when the teachers came to visit them, he said, ‘The teachers are the only men who can preside in my house when I am at home. I call my house to order and give the presidency to them during their visit.’

Those words fell upon my heart like ‘apples of gold in pictures of silver,’ and, although thirty years have passed, they are as fresh in my mind as when first spoken. I can recommend them to all Latter-day Saints, not only as falling from the lips of a great and good man, but for their intrinsic value.

Of course the offices are all of vital importance to the Saints. The will of God cannot ‘be done on earth as it is in heaven’ unless they are all in the Church and all magnified. And without them all it would not be the ‘kingdom of God.’

Jesus said of John the Baptist, ‘Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.’ Hence we see that John, although a great prophet, holding only the lesser priesthood, could not establish the kingdom. But after the Savior had ordained twelve to the higher priesthood, he said to them, ‘the kingdom of heaven is within you.’ That is as much as to say that they held all authority necessary to build up the kingdom of God on the earth.

We will now come to the duties of teachers, and you will see I have not attached too much importance to the calling. We will quote from page 116 in the book of Doctrine and Covenants:

‘The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the church–neither hardness with each other–neither lying, back-biting, nor evil speaking; and see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty; and he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest–and is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires; but neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands: they are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ. Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.'”

(Daniel Tyler, “Priesthood,” JI 13(7):77, 1 Apr., 1878)

2 Apr.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.

This is to certify that the following persons were cut off the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by the unanimous vote of the members of this Ward:

John S. Barnes, for apostacy, Sept. 15, 1877.

Adam Patterson, by his own request, Nov. 22, 1877.

Thomas Golightly, by his own request, March 14, 1878.

Cad Elvers, for apostasy, March 23, 1878.

Mary Elvers, for apostasy, March 23, 1878.

Amelia White, for apostasy, March 23, 1878.

E. F. Sheets, Bishop.

Jos. McMurrin,

Isaac Brockbank, Counselors.

S. H. Leaver, Clerk.

Salt Lake City, April 2, 1878.”

(DN 27(10):147, 10 Apr., 1878)

3 Apr.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunication.

This is to certify that Alfred Brown was cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the unanimous vote of the 19th Ward, on March 31, 1878, for apostacy.

R. V. Morris, Bishop.

Wm. Asper,

Hy. Arnold, Counselors.

Jos. Irwin, Clerk.

Salt Lake City, April 3, 1878.”

(DN 27(10):145, 10 Apr., 1878)

3 Apr.: Women and Priesthood.

“‘The man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man, in the Lord;’ so said Paul the ancient Apostle, and so say the modern ministers of gospel truth who hold similar authority to his. There is a great deal comprehended in this sentence, and eternity alone will unfold its full import. Suffice it to say that no person will, or can, pass through the strait gate into the glory of eternal lives, separate, single and alone.

In this Church the relative positions of the sexes are clearly defined, and the necessity of their union is indisputably established. Woman’s rights are freely accorded, and man’s rights are at the same time maintained. Neither can properly infringe upon the other; really they are mutual and dependent. Woman is not viewed by the ‘Mormons’ as an inferior, as some suppose. On the contrary she is made one with the man, ‘bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh.’

But each sex has distinct functions and capabilities. These, when properly exercised are equally honorable and productive of happiness to the other. ‘Mormonism’ throws no barrier in the way of woman to the attainment of anything suitable to her sex, or for which she is adapted by natural constitution. Any position which she is physically or mentally capable of filling is open to her, so far as the influence of the Church can smooth the way. It is a significant fact that all the opposition to woman’s occupation of any place in politics, comes from those who pretend that ‘Mormonism’ is her tyrant. A ‘Mormon’ Legislature gives here equal voting privileges with man; anti-‘Mormon’ agitators and Congressmen seek to deprive her of the suffrage. ‘Mormon’ law-makers pass a bill to make women eligible to certain offices for which they are competent, but a non-‘Mormon’ Governor, under anti-‘Mormon’ pressure, refuses to sign it.

The Church gives her the same right to vote as a male member, and such powers as a minister as are suited to her peculiar organization and qualities. But she is not placed at the head nor appointed for official positions, in the same sphere as man. God has not set her at the head. Nature has not designed her for a ruler. Women may fight this but the struggle will be vain. The masculine and the feminine, each essential to the other, is yet distinct in nature, and has a sphere of its own. Jehovah puts man at the head. But he does not place woman at the foot. She stands by the side of her lord as his partner and ‘helpmeet.’

There is no need for any quarrel as to who is the greatest. The question should never be raised. They twain should be one in sentiment, desire and object. The wife is not necessarily inferior because the husband is the head of the household. The position she occupies, if properly filled, is just as honorable as his. She cannot occupy his place, but he cannot occupy hers.

A great deal has been said about Paul’s instructions in regard to woman’s right to preach. It is all summed up in his remark, ‘I suffer not a woman to usurp authority over the man.’ When he said, ‘Let your women keep silence in the churches,’ he clearly had reference to authoritative preaching, which is one of the functions of the priesthood. There were in the early Christian church, as now, women who spoke in tongues, interpreted, prophesied, ministered to the sick, relieved the poor, and aided the servants of Christ in their ministry, in those ways which are natural to woman as an angel of mercy and peace. But to prevent confusion, and maintain that order in the Church which is said to be ‘heaven’s first law,’ there are and must of necessity be presiding and directing authorities, and they are always masculine, for the feminine part of humanity was not designed by the Allwise Creator to exercise dictation, although the influence of woman, used in the manner natural to her gentler nature, is frequently far more potent than the positive dominion of the man.

There are a thousand ways in which ‘Mormon’ women can develop the powers with which the Father has endowed them, without stepping a hair’s breadth over the bounds of their legitimate sphere, or impinging in the smallest degree upon the authority of their brethren of the priesthood. They can labor in their own rightful domain without seeking, like some of the unwomanly shriekers for woman’s rights abroad, to unsex themselves in appearance and manner, or strive to do that which is not appointed to them by the Almighty nor adapted to their natural capacities.

We are pleased to note the growing desire of ‘Mormon’ women to live for something higher than daily drudgery and the common concerns of mere earthly existence. While woman’s sphere is home and her chief labor belongs to her family, she is not required to make her house a prison nor her domestic duties slavery. Humanity at large has claims upon her sympathy and her interest, and the great work commenced on the earth by the Almighty for the redemption of the race is of equal importance to her as to man. And God has designed her to share the glory of her partner in life as well as to ‘bear the souls of men in eternity’ that He may be glorified. And let her remember that in all this, on earth or in heaven, her true position is not in antagonism to man, but as his partner, helpmeet and co-worker, the sharer of his trials as well as his joys in this life, and the participator in all the power, and glory and exaltation that eternity shall bring and endless increase shall make possible, in a kingdom after the pattern of the dominion of the Gods in regions of immortality and bliss unspeakable.” (Editorial, “Relative Positions of the Sexes,” DN 27(9):134, 3 Apr., 1878)

5 Apr.: Salt Lake Stake priesthood numbers.

“The statistical report of the Priesthood of the Stake was read, showing as follows: Apostles, 7; Patriarchs, 6; Seventies, 1,134; High Priests, 496; Elders, 1,623; Priests, 149; Teachers, 172; Deacons, 653. Total number of officers, 4,240. . . .

He [Jos. E. Taylor] then presented the authorities of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, who were unanimously sustained, as follows:

. . . .

The Presidents and Counselors of the fifteen Elders’ Quorums; the Bishops and Counselors of the thirty-five Wards; the Presidents of the two Quorums of Priests, the three Quorums of Teachers and the forty-three Quorums of Deacons.”

(Salt Lake City Stake conference minutes, 5 Apr., 1878; DN 27(10):160, 10 Apr., 1878)

7 Apr.: Duties of MP officers.

“[John Taylor speaking.] The duty of the Apostleship was to build up and guard and protect the interests of Zion, not to build up themselves with filthy lucre and seek after self aggrandizement. He then defined the duties of High Priests. This quorum was a kind of normal school to prepare them for presiding positions in the various Stakes of Zion. Many more Stakes have yet to be organized, and he hoped the brethren would qualify themselves to fill responsibilities they would soon be required to assume. He next spoke of the field of labor now opening up in the vineyard of the Lord for the Seventies. He called upon the Presidents of Seventies to teach the members of their respective quorums their duties. He next addressed himself to the Elders and Presidents of Stakes, giving each their special instructions, to look well after the poor, and find employment for the people.” (General Conference Minutes, 7 Apr., 1878; DN 27(10):149, 10 Apr., 1878)

7 Apr.: Duties of priesthood offices.

“Thus you see our Heavenly Father has been at work among this people, and with this people, for almost one half of a century, bringing together, gathering the branches of the wild olive tree from the distant nations of the earth and grafting them in and making them, as it were, one body, on this great western hemisphere.

You may ask, what great purpose the Lord has in thus organizing his people, year after year. The answer is, to accomplish a very important object, namely to make them unto one body, that there may be a most perfect union from the highest officer in the Church down to the lowest member; that there may be no disunion, no division of feeling or sentiment in regard to doctrine or ordinances or in any of the principles pertaining to the Gospel of the Son of God; and that there may be no division in our political ideas and sentiments, but that a perfect oneness may exist in the heart of every male and female, from the gray headed old man down to the little child, that one feeling and one spirit may pervade the whole body, that they may be equal and bring forth the natural fruit again. That is the object; that is the reason why you behold the organization such as now exists throughout all these mountain regions. When has the Church, from its commencement exhibited what we now behold in all parts of our land–stakes of Zion having jurisdiction over every branch in the Church in these mountains, and over every family and every individual. And every one of these stakes has its presiding officer with his two councelors; and is also composed of numbers of wards over which bishops, with their counselors are appointed to preside.

What is the duty of the presiding officers of these stakes? To see that all things under their watchcare are conducted according to the order of God, to look to the spiritual concerns first, that pertain to their stake, and to see that the high priests, the seventies, the elders, the priests, the teachers, and the deacons are all doing their respective duties, according to the requirements of the Most High; and then they act as the presiding authority and power over the bishops that may be in the several wards of their stakes, seeing also that they are in the performance of their duty, in relation to temporal matters. And then all the other authorities under these presiding officers of stakes are to see that those, under their immediate watch-care, are performing their duties, according to the laws of heaven which have been revealed for our guidance.

When all things are in proper working order, and when every bishop is living his religion, and has the spirit of his bishopric resting upon him, and he fully understands the nature of his tudies, everything in regard to temporal affairs will move like clockwork, and there will be no running down, as it were, of the clock, no deranging of the machinery, but every part will fulfil that which is required of it in relation to its particular calling, and all these various quorums of priesthood will strive to stir up the people to a oneness in regard to spiritual things; thus we keep spiritual and temporal things running parallel to each other, connected more or less together. So that the whole church becomes like unto one body, they become equal. ‘And the root, and the top thereof is equal.’ Indicating, when these thing[s] are car[r]ied out strictly, that the branches will not have power to overrun and grow beyond the strength of the root; neither would the roots have power to outgrow the branches. The husbandmen trimmed up the trees of the vineyard, and they pruned them; or in other words, the servants of the Lord teach the people, and instruct them, so that they may become one in all things.” (Orson Pratt, 7 Apr., 1878; JD 19:331-332)

8 Apr.: Stakes, Wards in the eternal worlds.

“The examples that you heard referred to here, of our Stakes, with their Presidencies, together with the Bishops and their Council, etc., is a part of the system of heaven, as it exists in the eternal worlds; and the Priesthood that we hold is the everlasting Priesthood, and it administers in time, and it will administer in eternity; and a knowledge of the works that we are now engaged in, in regard to the building of Temples and administering therein, all came from God, and are a part of the eternal system.” (John Taylor, 8 Apr., 1878; JD 19:304)

8 Apr.: Duties of priesthood offices.

“And what of these other brethren, the High Priests? They have a mission to perform, and that is to make themselves acquainted with the laws, doctrines, ordinances and government of the Church of God upon the earth, that they may be prepared, when called upon, to fulfil the duties and responsibilities devolving upon them. I will here read part of a revelation which indicates the nature of these duties. ‘And again I give unto you, Don C. Smith, to be a President over a Quorum of High Priests, which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those who shall be appointed standing Presidents over the different stakes scattered abroad.’ Hear it, O ye High Priests! This is the prominent duty devolving upon you. The position you occupy is a sort of a normal school, if you please, to prepare those who are in it and are taught in it, that when they shall be called to hold official places in the various stakes of Zion, they may be prepared to magnify them. How was it when we were engaged organizing these stakes, were these brethren prepared? No, many of them were not by any means. One was engaged on his farm, another was tied up in his merchandising, another had bought five yoke of oxen and had to prove them, and another had married a wife and he could not come. And we, therefore, had to go outside of the High Priests, whose legitimate business it was to occupy these positions, and call other men and ordain them High Priests, and set them apart to preside in these stakes, as Presidents and Bishops and Councilors, having to take them from among the Seventies’ and Elders’ Quorums, because the High Priets were not prepared to magnify their legitimate calling; whereas, if they had been doing their duty, living their religion, and meeting together in prayer, and examining the doctrine of Christ, instead of being engaged almost exclusively in many of these other matters, they would have been prepared to step forward and magnify their calling. There are many other stakes to be organized. Prepare yourselves, you High Priests, for the duties and responsibilities that may devolve upon you, that the Church of God may be strengthened in all its parts, and every man in his place, all prepared to magnify their calling.

Then, again, there are seventies; I think there are some seventy-six quorums of seventies. Does their duty consist merely in making their own plans and calculations, such as to go on a farm and live there all their life time, attending to their own individual affairs, or pursue any other avocation without considering the obligations they are under by virtue of their Priesthood, and calling? I tell you nay. We have something else to do. I read in the revelation touching this matter, when the seventies were ordained, ‘they were to ordain more seventies until there should be seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard required it.’ They were to do this if the labor in the vineyard required it. In whose vineyard? Their orchards and farms? I do not read it so. Does this refer to their merchandizing? It does not so read. In looking after their own affairs or emoluments? That is not what I read; but for the labor of the vineyard. Whose vineyard, then? The vineyard of the Lord. But it seems that a great many of the Seventies have no more idea of going into the vineyard of the Lord, than if they held no such Priesthood or calling; they do not seem to comprehend their duties, nor their responsibilities. Hear it, O ye Seventies! you are called and set apart by the Priesthood, to act under the direction of the Twelve, to go forth as His messengers to the nations of the earth. Do you believe it? This is your calling. Prepare yourselves for it. I do not want Elders coming to me, as some have been diong, after having been called upon missions saying, I pray thee have me excused. And I call upon the first President of the Seventies to instruct the various Presidents of Seventies, and they in turn the members of their several quorums, in regard to their duties; and to live themselves to that the spirit of the living God may rest down upon them, that they may indeed be qualified to teach their brethren what their duties are, that they may prepare themselves to magnify them. Instead, therefore, of every one seeking his own individual gain from his own quarter, let every man feel that he is a servant of the living God, a messenger to the nations of the earth, and that when the Lord calls upon him, through the proper authority, to do a certain work, he must obey, and that readily and willingly! These are the duties and responsibilities that devolve upon you, my brethren of the Seventies.

And it is the duty of the Elders also to magnify their callings; to feel after God and to seek instruction from Him, and to magnify their calling and Priesthood at home or abroad, being governed by the Holy Priesthood, in regard to their duties, that they may be acceptable to the Lord, and magnify their callings with all diligence and fidelity, and then it is the duty of the Presidents of Stakes to look after the interest and welfare of their own people under their Presidency, not in a formal manner, but as interested in their welfare, having a lively desire to benefit and build them up, both spiritually and temporally, and perfect them in righteousness, purging out when necessary the ungodly, lifting up and exalting the poor, and blessing and benefiting everybody according to the principles of righteousness and truth, guarding their virtue and their honor, and see that men are honorable, that they regard their word of more value than their bond, that all people may rely on them; men who, in the language of the Prophet, will swerve to their own hurt and change not, and who will do that which is right and equitable before God. It is their duty, and the duty of the Bishops and also that of the High Priests and Seventies and Elders operating with them, to look after the poor and see that they are provided for. Do not let us have anybody crying for bread, or suffering for the want of employment. Let us furnish employment for all, divide up our farms and plan and devise liberally that all who need work, and want to be employed, may find labor. And I now call upon the Presidents of Stakes throughout Zion to give this matter their serious and earnest attention. We have land in abundance, water in abundance, and means in abundance; let us utilise them for the common weal. Talk about financiering! Financier for the poor, for the working man, who requires labor and is willing to do it, and act in the interest of the community, for the welfare of Zion, and in the building up of the kingdom of God upon the earth. This is your calling; it is not to build up yourselves, but to build up the Church and kingdom of God; and see that there is no cause for complaining in all your villages and cities and neighborhoods. Let us take hold together for the accomplishment of this object, and pray God to give us wisdom to carry it out, and he will pour upon us blessings that there will not be room enough to contain.” (John Taylor, 8 Apr., 1878; JD 19:306-308)

10 Apr.: Editorial on Excommunication: Don’t be hasty.

“In a revelation, given May, 1831, the Lord says: ‘Woe unto them who are cut off my church, for the same are overcome of the world; wherefore let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me.’ (D&C, new edition, p. 184.)

Every healthy, living body eliminates from its organism effete matter and particles which are obnoxious or injurious to it. When this process of ejectment is not effected, the body is in an unhealthy condition, and must remain so until the natural work of purification is renewed.

The Church, as a living organization, is, in many respects, analogous to the human system. Each part of the body must be in harmony with the other parts, and that which is not in accord and cannot be brought into affinity with it must be ejected, or the whole will become diseased. The form must be animated by a living spirit, or, no matter how symmetrically it may be arranged, it will be nothing but a carcass. Vitality must flow to every atom incorporated therein, and if any particle becomes callous or dead and does not fall away of its own inadhesion, it must be excised or the body will suffer injury. On the other hand, no vitalized portion of the organism can be cut off without affecting the whole. Suffering and perhaps material harm may be the consequence. Such severance is mutilation, not elimination. Portions of the body may become temporarily paralyzed, or so conditioned that the general circulation is impaired and a numbness supervene that may be mistaken for death. Medical, not surgical treatment is then required, and the physician who can restore the parts to healthy action is worth far more, under such circumstances, than the surgeon whose remedy is comprehended in the knife, the saw and the scalpel.

Excommunication from the true Church of Christ is a very serious matter. It is spiritual death to those who are rightfully cut off, and condemnation to those who wilfully exercise the power of excision wrongfully. The caution given in the quotation we have made above has evidently a two-fold application. First, those who practice anything contrary to truth and righteousness must beware, for except they repent they will be cut off. As shown in the Savior’s parable of the vine: ‘If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them in the fire and they are burned.’ The tree must be pruned of its dead branches and they are thenceforth only fit for destruction; but they are in the Master’s hands to do with as seemeth Him good, the laborers in the garden or vineyard have nothing further to do with them when they are cast out.

Second, those who are entrusted with power to excommunicate must act in truth and righteousness in their official duties. They are not authorized to cut off any live limb, or any inactive particle of the body which may be warmed or quickened or encouraged into life. Sin and transgression, or positive discord with the system, must exist before excommunication is justifiable. Wo unto those who are cut off the Church! And wo unto them who cut men or women off the Church for private pique, or to exercise undue dominion or for any reason not prompted by truth and righteousness! And the acts of men, official or otherwise, will be reviewed and passed upon in the Great Day. Well may the caution embodied above be given to both offending member and executive officer. It is better to save than to destroy. There is more glory in winning the erring to repentence than in severing the last thread that holds them to the arteries of life.

But the work of excommunication is necessary, if disagreeable. The wicked and corrupt, the stubborn and rebellious who love strife and hate harmony, the slanderer of the good, the promulgator of heresy who will not desist, all who work iniquity must be disfellowshipped by the saints, or the Church will not flourish under the favor of God. And when it becomes a duty to cast out the evildoer, it should be done without hesitation or compunction and accomplished by common consent.

The Church is so organized that no one need submit to or suffer the consequences of improper excommunication. If one of the weakest of those who are called Saints is cut off unlawfully, easy redress is provided, and those who do not avail themselves of the means of restoration cannot reasonably complain if they suffer the consequences of their own supineness. Appeals are allowed in all cases tried before a Bishop’s Court to the High Council of the Stake in which the trial took place. No fees are charged nor expenses incurred by the appellant. The Council is composed of men of character, sustained by the vote of the people in their position and presided over by the presidency of the Stake. These councils are probably the most equitable, inexpensive, patient and impartial tribunals in the world. And should any of their decisions be given in unrighteousness an appeal is provided from their verdicts, as may be seen by reference to the Doctrine and Covenants. Thus the transgressor, or the excommunicant who complains at being dealt with, is left without excuse, and darkness of mind, atrophy of the spirit, and ultimate exclusion from the presence of the Fountain of Eternal Life, will be the consequence of being cut off. There is no need for any member of this Church incurring these penalties. Sin, and sin only, is the cause of real disfellowship. Where that abounds in any branch of the Church the fruits of the gospel will not appear, and therefore the work of purification must go on, but it must be conducted in wisdom, patience, brotherly kindness and charity. ‘Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth, that it may bring forth more fruit.’ So said He who ‘spake as never man spake.'” (Editorial, “Excommunication,” DN 27(10):150, 10 Apr., 1878)

15 Apr.: More than one quorum of Apostles?

“The fact that there was anciently a quorum of Twelve Apostles did not necessarily imply that there should be no more than tht number, any more than the fact that there were at least two quorums of Seventies implied that there should be no more of that grade of priesthood. This will be clearly seen by reference to one example. Although Matthias had been called to fill the vacancy caused by the fall of Judas Iscariot, Paul was afterwards called to the Apostleship, when the quorum was full. There was also a full quorum on this continent, while there were at least thirteen Apostles in the old world; for, as already quoted, when Jesus ‘ascended upon high . . . he gave some apostles,’ with other authorities. The quorum was full long before his ascension, except the place of Judas, and that one vacancy was filled soon after. Those that he gave when he ascended were not numbered with the Twelve, Matthias being chosen afterwards.

These remarks are to show our young readers that the statement of religious teachers in the world, (with whom many of them may have to cope in a few years) that there were but twelve, and never to be any more, is incorrect and unscriptural.” (Daniel Tyler, “Priesthood,” JI 13(8):86, 15 Apr., 1878)

15 Apr.: Patriarchal priesthood.

“The patriarchal priesthood, although equal in importance with the other grades, is not so much written about. It seems to have been more of a family than a general church government, although the President of the church held this as well as all other grades of priesthood. Thus, Adam governed the righteous portion of his posterity by this priesthood as long as he lived; and several of his descendents did the same thing.

If children who have good, faithful Latter-day Saints for their parents understood this principle they would never wish to get beyond their control in time nor in eternity. The law of celestial marriage is connected with this priesthood. Not only are men and women sealed for time and all eternity, but the results or offspring of that marriage are just as eternal as the covenant itself. I will say further that it was no more designed in the economy of heaven that children should break off and be independent of their parents than it was that the woman should forsake and be independent of her husband after having been sealed for time and all eternity. It not only places the man at the head of the woman, but constitutes him a father or patriarch to his posterity forever. Of course, he is expected to prove himself worthy to retain his wife or wives and children.

This does not take any blessing from the children, although at first sight it may so seem. It is, in fact, a great blessing to them to have a father to look up to; not only for the short space of eighteen or twenty-one years, but to all eternity. The children, when they become men and women, and have families, will stand at their head the same as their parents stand to them.

Now, children, is not this lovely? Who would want a better heaven than this?” (Daniel Tyler, “Priesthood,” JI 13(8):86, 15 Apr., 1878)

15 Apr.: The blessing of children.

“It has been intimated to us that some of the Elders have been teaching ideas concerning the blessing of children that we deem to be incorrect. If we are not misinformed it has been taught that there was no need of parents bringing their infants before the Church to be blessed by the Elders, but it were better for the father to attend to this rite at home, for if he did not he lost a very great privilege as well as a right to, and power over his children that he might otherwise retain. This is not so. We have nothing to say against a father blessing his children, the genius of the Priesthood being primarily patriarchal, with God himself the great Father of us all at the head. Indeed we claim that every man holding the Melchisedec Priesthood is a patriarch in his own home, with the right to bless all his children and grandchildren, even all the fruits of his loins. Nor do we object to the father taking his babe on the eighth day and giving it a father’s blessing. But we do not think that this privilege whether exercised or unimproved, should interfere with our obedience to that law of the Lord wherein it is stated (New Edition Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 20, verse 70, page 117) ‘Every member of the Church of Christ having children, is to bring them unto the Elders before the Church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ and bless them in his name.’ Outside of the all important fact that this is a direct command of Jehovah, and as such should be studiously complied with without hesitancy or objection, we think quite a number of excellent reasons can be adduced to prove that this command is attended with beneficial results to babe and to parents, who by bringing their child before the Church manifest their faith in the sight of their brethren and sisters, in God’s word and in his promises, as well as their thankfulness to him for increasing their posterity and for the safe delivery of his handmaiden. The child is also benefited by the united faith and responsive prayers of the assembled Saints, which faith seals the ‘more sure word of prophecy’ pronounced upon the head of the child, as it also gives more abundant power to the officiating High Priest or Elder to manifest the good pleasure of the Lord with regard to it. And again the blessing is thus given in the presence of the Church recorder, and there is much less likelihood of the record being omitted or errors entering therein, then there would be should the rite be attended to at home. In this as in all other things the path of revelation is the path of safety. The nature of the work of the Lord, the spirit and genius of his Church, founded upon the rock of his revealed word, compels us to admonish the brethren to have great care, lest in giving expression to their private opinions they advance theories opposed to the revealed word and will of the Lord. In this is no man justified. No man is authorized to teach to the Church new or advanced doctrines except the Presidency thereof. Light comes from the head, and to that point must the members of the Church look for knowledge and wisdom and doctrine and principle. Did every man holding a portion of the Priesthood have the right to advance doctrines for the acceptance of the Church, it would bring chaos, our name would be Babylon, and it could no longer be said that ‘God’s house is a house of Order;’ we should be like the rest of the world, one man’s opinion would be as good as that of another; there would be no rallying point, no recognized authority, no head; on the contrary we should be weak indeed. Then let us not stray from well defined landmarks. If, in the providence of God, and the growth, increase and development of his kingdom, we need further light and intelligence on doctrine, it will be given to us, and it will come through the proper and duly appointed authority.” (John Taylor in behalf of the Council of the Apostles, 15 Apr., 1878, MS 40:235-236)

17 Apr.: Excommunication notices not to be published.

“EXCOMMUNICATIONS.

When it has been found necessary for the wellbeing of the Church of Christ to withdraw fellowship from any of its members, on account of their misdoings or apostasy, and such members have been duly tried by the Bishop and his counselors and the case decided upon, and no appeal taken, then such action should be made public by announcement at a meeting of the Saints in the ward in which the offending parties reside. This public announcement will in the great majority of cases satisfy the demands of justice and the law of the Lord, and it is only in extraordinary cases where the public weal makes it necessary, that there is any need of publishing such excommunications in the Deseret News or other newspaper. In such cases only where the Church generally is interested through the extensive acquaintance of the offender, or where injury is likely to be done to its members at large through their ignorance of the action of the local authorities is idt desirable that these matters be published to the world through the columns of the public journals.

John Taylor,

President of the Council of the Apostles.”

(DN 27(11):168, 17 Apr., 1878)

27 Apr.: Tooele Stake priesthood numbers.

“The clerk of the Stake presented the statistical report of the Satke, for the quarter ending March 31, 1878, as follows: 1 Patriarch, 110 Seventies, 100 High Priests, 230 Elders, 28 Priests, 67 Teachers, 98 Deacons, 1,656 members, 2300 total officers and members, 850 children under 8 years of age, total souls 3,150.” (Tooele Stake conference minutes, 27 Apr., 1878; DN 27(15):231, 15 May, 1878)

4 May: “Persons wishing to join the High Priests quorum.”

“a list of names of persons wishing to join the High Priests quorum was presented, on Mot[ion] of E Snow it was decided that Bro Warrell has the approval of the Council to receive into the H.P. quorum those persons on the list who now belong to the Elders quorum but not to interfere with those who are Seventies.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 4 May, 1878)

4 May: Cache Valley Stake priesthood numbers.

“Prest. M. Thatcher read the statistical report of the Stake, which showed 8 Patriarchs, 358 Seventies, 383 High Priests, 1,234 Elders, 269 Priests, 319 Teachers, 405 Deacons, 5,194 Members, 8,170 members and officers, 3,988 children under 8 years, total of souls, 12,158.” (Cache Valley Stake conference minutes, 4 May, 1878; DN 27(15):234, 15 May, 1878)

5 May: Indifference of 70s toward missionary work.

“President John Taylor . . . spoke of the various stake organizations throughout the Territory in connection with the quorums of the church, and set forth the order and vitality that should exist therein; spoke of the indifference that existed among the Seventies in regard to going on missions, and of the duties and responsibilities of the priesthood.” (Cache Valley Stake conference minutes, 5 May, 1878; DN 27(15):234, 15 May, 1878)

11 May: Failure to realize full priesthood blessings.

“This failure to realize all the blessings and powers of the Priesthood does not apply to the elders and lesser Priesthood only; but it applies to the higher quorums, and comes home to ourselves, who are Apostles of Jesus Christ. We are presented before the Church, and sustained as prophets, seers and revelators, and we have received oftentimes the gift of prophecy and revelation, and have received many great and glorious gifts. But have we received the fullness of the blessings to which we are entitled? No, we have not. Who, among the Apostles have become seers, and enjoy all the gifts and powers pertaining to that calling? Still it is our privilege to become prophets, seers and revelators, for these blessings were promised us through the Prophet Joseph, in the year 1836. Now I don’t think many of us have attained to these gifts, but it is not the fault of the Almighty, but the fault is in ourselves. And can they be realized by us? Certainly they can, if we are faithful in seeking for them. The Prophet Joseph would not have attained to these glorious gifts if he had not lived for them, and he would not have held out these inducements to us, unless they could have been obtained. These things were renewed at our last fall Conference, and they are brought home to us, and it is our privilege to live for them and enjoy them in their fullness, according to our faith. Brother Charles C. Rich has had visions from the Lord, and revelations through which he has been forewarned of dangers that threatened him; by which means his life has been preserved from time to time. And these are some of the gifts of God, and should be cultivated in our feelings and in our faith, for God is no respecter of persons, but is willing to give to all men liberally, and upbraid not. But all cannot be Apostles. Some have to take the presidency in different ages. Enoch was chosen in his day, and Abraham and Moses in theirs, and Joseph in our day, and unto him was given the power to translate the ancient records, and to bring forth abundance of revelations. And those who are called to perform special missions in opening up dispensations of the Gospel to the children of men, as Joseph and others were called of the Lord, He endows more fully with these gifts; but this does not hinder others from enjoying similar gifts according to His promises, and according to our faithfulness. And I have thought the reason why we have not enjoyed these gifts more fully is, because we have not sought for them as diligently as we ought. I speak for one, I have not sought as diligently as I might have done. More than forty years have passed away since these promises were made. I have been blessed with some revelations and prophecies, and with dreams of things that have come to pass; but as to seeing things as a seer, and beholding heavenly things in open vision, I have not attained to these things. And who is to blame for this? Not the Lord; not brother Joseph–they are not to blame. And so it is with the promises made to you in your confirmations and endowments, and by the patriarchs, in your patriarchal blessings; we do not live up to our privileges as saints of God and elders of Israel; for though we receive many blessings that are promised to us, we do not receive them in their fullness, because we do not seek for them as diligently and faithfully as we should.” (Orson Pratt, 11 May, 1878; JD 25:145-146)

11 May: Summit Stake priesthood numbers.

“The quarterly statistical report was read, and showed that there were 64 Seventies, 107 High Priests, 250 Elders, 25 Priests, 69 Teachers, 68 Deacons, 1,294 Members, 1,877 officers and members, 982 children under 8 years of age, 577 families; total 2,859 souls.” (Summit Stake conference minutes, 11 May, 1878; DN 27(16):245, 22 May, 1878)

15 May: Ancient patriarchal blessings.

“Of the office of patriarch, as we understand that important position in the priesthood, we know but little that occurred in the days of the ancient apostles. There is no doubt the records of their blessings and most of their other gospel writings were destroyed during the apostacy and persecution of the church.” (Daniel Tyler, “Priesthood,” JI 8(10):112, 15 May, 1878)

1 Jun.: Priesthood qualifies us for all positions of life

“Some persons in the Church think that an Apostle or a Bishop has no right to interfere in temporal things; that their business alone is to look after the spiritual affairs, and their temporal affairs they can attend to themselvs. It is very possible some of these men understand financial matters better than the servants of the Lord; but it should not be forgotten that the spirit of God and the Holy Priesthood will qualify men for all positions of life. People can, through these agencies, acquire superior intelligence to administer in the things of the world, and it must be done before the eternal riches are conferred upon this people, because the light of heaven is superior to that of the world. The kingdoms of this earth are to become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. I look for this government to come through the Holy Priesthood, and to exercise power in temporal, political and all others things,–a government that will extend to all men their rights and privileges.” (Daniel H. Wells, 1 Jun., 1878; JD 19:369)

1 Jun.: Pleasure gardens and excommunication.

“A Priesthood Meeting of the Salt Lake Stake was held in the 14th Ward Assembly Rooms at 11 a.m. Counselor David O. Calder remarked upon the determination to require all keepers of pleasure gardens to have them closed at dark on pain of excommunication.” (JH 1 Jun., 1878)

13 Jun.: Deacons as doorkeepers.

“A Bishops’ Meeting was held in the Council House, Salt Lake City at 7 p.m. Elder C. J. Thomas, who had charge of the Tabernacle, complained of a lack of deacons for doorkeepers last Sunday. Bishop E. Hunter hoped the brethren would appreciate the privilege of attending to this duty.” (JH 13 Jun., 1878)

30 Jun.: What is priesthood for?

“What is priesthood for? It is to administer the ordinances of the Gospel, even the Gospel of our Father in heaven, the eternal God, the Eloheim of the Jes and the God of the Gentiles, and all he has ever done from the beginning has been performed by and through the power of that Priesthood, which is ‘Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life,’ and the administration of his servants holding this priesthood is binding, being the savor of life unto life or death unto death. It was by virtue of this pries[t]hood the twelve apostles anciently went into the world to preach the Gospel, and it was because of this priesthood which they held that men, in rejecting them, rejected Him who send [sic] them and consequently brought upon themselves condemnation. Light has again come into the world; but men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. Hence condemnation rests down upon the world, for the consequences of rejecting the Gospel must overtake the world in this the last dispensation, just as much as they did in former ones, in the days of Noah and Lot and those of the Savior.” (Wilford Woodruff, 30 Jun., 1878; JD 19:360)

30 Jun.: The keys which Joseph received.

“By way of concluding my remarks I wish to bear testimony to this congregation and to the strangers present, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the living God; he was raised up by the Lord, and laid the foundation of this Church. He lived to accomplish the work he was raised up to do. He received the keys of the Priesthood from under the hands of Peter, James and John, and those pertaining to the gathering of scattered Israel, from under the hands of Moses, the leader of ancient Israel. Elijah, or Elias, also visited him and bestowed upon him the keys to ‘turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers,’ which was in fulfilment of a prediction by the Prophet Malachi. He also received the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood under the hands of John the Baptist, which Priesthood pertains to the temporal government of the Church. After performing his work, he sealed his testimony with his blood, passed behind the vail, and he with his brethren who have also gone, is still engaged in carrying on the same great work. He still labors by virtue of this Priesthood which he received on earth, and which he will continue to hold, worlds without end. And this will be the case with every faithful man of God who magnified his calling and Priesthood here below.” (Wilford Woodruff, 30 Jun., 1878; JD 19:362-363)

6 Jul.: Bishop resigns.

“Bishop Lorenzo D. Young, of the 18th Ward, having resigned, the position was left vacant, to be filled hereafter.” (Salt Lake Stake Conference minutes, 6 Jul., 1878; DN 27(23):364, 10 Jul., 1878)

7 Jul.: Cooperation among heavenly & earthly priesthoods.

“The Lord has a work to perform upon the earth; and the ancient Priesthood who have lived upon the earth, and who now live in heaven, have also a work to perform. And this Gospel and this kingdom has been introduced that there might be a Priesthood upon the earth to operate with God and with the Priesthood in the heavens, for the accomplishment of his purposes, for the redemption of the living, even all who desire to love the truth and work righteousness, and for the salvation and redemption of the dead; that the purposes of God from before the foundation of the world may be carried out, and that the laws, principles, rules and government as they exist in heaven, may be taught to man upon the earth; and that through the operation and co-operation of the heavenly Priesthood and the earthly Priesthood, and God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, an organization may take place, a union be formed, truth developed, and a kingdom established that the will of God may be done upon the earth as it is done in heaven. And this is what Jesus taught his disciples to pray for. ‘Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.’ But we cannot do the will of God as it is done in heaven, until he reveales it; we cannot know the will of God in heaven, until he reveals it to man on the earth. And then, as it requires the powers and the spirit and wisdom of God to manage and direct and control the affairs in the heavenly worlds, and to regulate his kingdom there, so it requires the same power, the same wisdom, the same light and intelligence to carry on his purposes here, and to establish his kingdom on the earth. And hence, for this very purpose, he has commenced to reveal himself to the human family, and also for the purpose of organizing the everlasting Priesthood. Do we know what that means? A Priesthood that administers in time and through all eternity; a Priesthood that is under the guidance, direction and control of the Almighty; a Priesthood to whom he will communicate his will, make known his designs, through whom he will accomplish his purposes, build up his Zion and establish the kingdom of God on the earth. And it is for this purpose that the kingdom of God is established; it is for this purpose that the various organizations of the Priesthood are put in order; it is for this purpose that men are ordained and set apart to fulfill the various duties and responsibilities devolving upon them, at home or abroad as the case may be. It is not to seek after our own gain, or interest, or emolument, or to satisfy the devices and desires of our hearts; we are here as Jesus was here, not to do our own will, but the will of him who sent us–not to speak our own words, but the words of life, under the inspiration of the Most High, so that Zion may be instructed in the principles of righteousness, and that she may comprehend the laws of life, and be able to fulfill her destiny on the earth.

Ye Latter-day Saints, this is why this Church was organized; this is why the Priesthood was organized; this is why messengers have been sent, and are now being sent, and will continue to be sent more abundantly to the nations of the earth. And it is proper and right, in our Conferences, to reflect upon these things, and upon the duties and responsibilities devolving upon us, and to ask ourselves, Are we fulfilling the requirements of the great Eloheim? It has been asked here by brother Brigham, who has just spoken, whether this kingdom will fail. I tell you in the name of Israel’s God it will not fail. I tell you in the name of Israel’s God it will roll forth, and that the things spoken of by the holy Prophets in relation to it will receive their fulfillment. But in connection with this I will tell you another thing: A great many of the Latter-day Saints will fail, a gret many of them are not now and never have been living up to their privileges, and mangifying their callings and their Priesthood, and God will have a reckoning with such people, unless they speedily repent. There is a carelessness, a deadness, an apathy, a listlessness that exists to a great extent among the Latter-day Saints, and there never was a stronger proof of this than that which was exhibited here yesterday. I asked myself, as I looked over the empty benches, Where are all the Bishops? Have they not time to attend the Quarterly Conference? Oh, shame on such men! are they worthy to hold a place in the Bishopric, and associate with the Holy Priesthood of God? They are desecrating the holy principles by which they ought to be governed. Where are their Conselors, I asked myself, and where are the Priests and Teachers and Deacons? Is there no interest manifested in the Church and kingdom of God, or in the Zion he is about to establish? Not much with many of them. Where were these thousands of Seventies and High Priests and Elders? The great majority of them were not here; but to-day they are, and I thought I would talk to them while here, and not when absent. Are the things of God of so small importance–are the issues of life, the destinies of the world, and the salvation of the living and the dead of so small importance, that we can not afford time to spend a day once a quarter in attending to the duties of our office, in representing our different districts, and in fulfilling the duties of our priesthood and the obligations God has placed upon us? I tell you, ye Elders of Israel, who neglect these things and who shirk your duties, God will remove your candlestick out of its place, and that speed[i]ly, unless you repent. And I say so to the Bishops, and I say so to all Israel who hold the Priesthood. We are not here to do our own will, but the will of our Heavenly Father who sent us. God has placed an important mission upon us; he expects us to fulfill it. If we treat it lightly and neglect our duties, he will remove us and others will take our crown. But he is not going to allow His kingdom to be overthrown, for it will roll forth and spread and increase until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ and he will rule for ever and ever.” (John Taylor, 7 Jul., 1878; JD 20:19-21)

7 Jul.: Many priesthood leaders neglect their callings.

“How is it with our various quorums and authorities, and how is it with many of the Bishops? They do not care much about things whichever way they go. They have time to attend to their merchandizing and trading and business operations and pleasures, but they have not time to attend to the cause of God nor the interests of the flock, over whom he has placed them. But if they cannot find time, God will find a people that will find time to attend to his affairs. We have been engaged for years, but more especially of late years, in organizing the church more perfectly. And we have been ordaining men in the various quorums for the last 40 years; and what for? Merely to give them a place and position and the priesthood? No, I tell you nay; but that holding the holy priesthood you may magnify it and become the saviors of men. But is it not the case with a great many of our Elders and Seventies, that they are trying how little they can do to save themselves and preserve a standing in the church; instead of how much they can do? Why, all the heavens are waiting for our operations; the Gods in the eternal worlds and the fathers of the departed spirits–the holy priesthood behind the vail, all are waiting for our operations, to see what we will do. And we are found slumbering and careless and indifferent, willing that anybody should perform the work of the Lord, if we will be left out. I tell you, in the name of God, that he will give you your wish; he will leave you out, unless you speedily repent. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ But what are the duties of these Seventies, so many of whom are before me to-day? As I read it, it is to be under the direction of the Twelve, and to be on hand to go to the nations of the earth, as messengers, and to prepare themselves for that purpose. We sometimes talk about the work we have done. A very few men, comparatively, have done this work, and the great majority have done next to nothing. How many nations are yet unwarned, and know nothing about the principles of salvation? Our fathers are anxious about them, looking to us to carry the word to them. O shame upon the Elders of Israel, expecially upon the Seventies who are called specially to this work. I received a letter from one of our Elders a short time ago, who is out laboring in the ministry, faithfully and diligently, in which he writes something like this: ‘If you can send me two or three Elders here, I shall be very much obliged; if the Seventies or Elders would not consider it too much trouble to come here.’ What? Too much trouble for the Elders of Israel to proclaim the words of life and salvation to their fellowmen, and to magnify their calling and priesthood? O shame on such Elders and such Seventies and such High Priests; shame on them. God, I tell you in the name of God, will hold you responsible for these things. And yet that man’s statement was pretty nearly true. If a man goes on a mission, he things he is accomplishing a wonderful thing. We used, in former uears, to think it our duty, regarding it as one of the things which God required at our hands. We held ourselves in readiness all the time. And some of us who have never been abroad will begin to talk of the great work we have performed. How we apples swim, don’t we? To tell what we have done, when perhaps hundreds and thousands of brethren who have never been abroad on a mission in their lifetime would consider it a great calamity to be called to go on a foreign mission.

I am talking plainly, but it is true before God, and you know it is true, and I know it is true. And I say to you Seventies and you Elders, Awaken up! God has placed the priesthood upon you, and he expects you to magnify it, and not be all the day long, and year after year, singing,

‘Lullaby baby on the tree top,

When the wind blows the cradle will rock.’

We want something else; we want some manhood, and some priesthood and power of God to be manifested in Israel, and the Spirit of God to be poured out upon Israel and upon the Elders thereof. And I pray God, the Eternal Father, to waken up these Elders, that the spirit of their mission may rest upon them, and that they may comprehend their true position before God.

Now, I would not have said these things before a public congregation, if I had not said them before you frequently in your priesthood meetings. But it is time we were waking up to a sense of the position we occupy before God; for the day is not far distant when we will hear of wars and rumors of wars; not only rumors of wars, but wars themselves–nation arrayed against nation and seizing one another by the throat, and blood will flow, and general carnage will spread through the lands, and if you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty. How many of you can say, My garments are clean from the blood of this generation? I speak in behalf of the nations and the people thereof, and the honest in heart who are ignorant of God and his laws. He has called upon us to enlighten them, and to spread forth the truth, and send forth the principles of the Gospel, and point out the way of life. And it is for us to attend to these things, that we may secure the smiles and approvation of God.” (John Taylor, 7 Jul., 1878; JD 20:22-23)

21 Jul.: Church today same as in Nephite times.

“In regard to the church, our ideas perhaps are not very much confused or mixed. On this point, the ideas of the Latter-day Saints, are, that it was something introduced by revelation through Joseph Smith the Prophet; that the Church as it was introduced was the same as that which existed among the ancient Nephites on this continent, as well as among the apostles and prophets that lived on the Asiatic continent, at the time when Jesus was upon the earth. And our idea is that the organization that we have, in which are set forth the various offices of the priesthood, is also given unto us by revelation.” (John Taylor, 21 Jul., 1878; DN 27(31):482, 4 Sep., 1878)

21 Jul.: Priesthood here pattern of priesthood in heaven.

“It was necessary for God to again communicate with man and to reveal unto him the order of the holy priesthood, and to show him how to organize his church upon the earth. And hence the various revelations that have been given on this subject, and which are very clear and pointed pertaining to this matter. And hence apostles were chosen, of whom Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were the two first; and afterwards there was a quorum of twelve apostles chosen and elected. Others holding the Holy Priesthood, have been chosen to preside over the organized stake of Zion. Then, there were high priests, and seventies, and elders, all having their separate organization and quorums. Patriarchs were also chosen, as well as bishops, with a presiding bishop and his two counselors, to preside over them; and there were also priests, teachers and deacons schosen, and all these officers, to fulfil the various duties which you have heard explained to you from time to time, and one which, therefore, it is not necessary for me now to speak in detail. Then, for the trying of small offences, there were introduced’ courts, the bishops themselves being called and denominated by the Lord as common judges in Israel, who, in connection with their counselors, are called to sit upon and adjudicate such cases as may come before them. Then, there were the high councils, whose members were chosen from the high priests’ quorum, who were set apart according to the revelation given to regulate this matter, who were to hear cases that might be appealed from the bishops’ court. Now all these are in the church authorities, as I understand it, and have to do with the management of church affairs, and as a whole, are, in fact, what may be called the church. And furthermore, we have thought, and still think, that these organizations, thus instituted, are patterns of like organizations, as they exist in heaven. And we understand that the priesthood is eternal, and that a person holding it here upon the earth, if faithful to it, will administer by virtue of the selfsame priesthood hereafter, and also under the same kind of organization; for it emanates from God, and hence it is of the greatest importance that we comprehend its true position, and our relationship thereunto, and that we reflect with a view of reaching an understanding among ourselves, as to how far we are fulfilling the duties and obligations devolving upon us.” (John Taylor, 21 Jul., 1878; DN 27(31):482, 4 Sep., 1878)

21 Jul.: Duties of priesthood offices.

“There are one or two things I would speak of in connection with this, namely, the duties of some portions of the Priesthood. I would refer more especially to the seventies, embracing also with them the high priests and elders. It is especially the duty of the Seventies to go forth, under the direction of the Twelve, to all nations, and to prepare themselves for this work. For when they were ordained and set apart to this priesthood, they took upon themselves this responsibility, to go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature, as the Lord has made it known unto us through the prophet Joseph. What, with power, even to the forgiveness of sins? Yes, with power to baptize believers in Christ for the remission of their sins, and then lay their hands upon their heads, saying unto them, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost.’ And as God lives, and you are faithful, whenever you go forth and men comply with the conditions and requirements of the Gospel, God will back you up in your ministry, fulfilling to the entire satisfaction of the honest in heart the promises that you, as his servants, make unto them. And I would remark, that it is not consistent with the calling of a Seventy for a man to sit down all the time as though he has nothing to do. For God has given unto us a mission, and he will require at our hands the blood of the nations of the earth, unless we fulfil our missions and prepare ourselves to go forth as his servants, carrying to all peoples the message of glad tidings intrusted to us. And then it is expected of the Elders also that when they shall be called upon to perform missions that they will be prepared to go forth; for they are ordained to the Melchisedec priesthood, and so are the high priests, who also ought to hold themselves in readiness at all times to be under the direction of the Priesthood in carrying the Gospel of live and salvation to a fallen and corrupt generation.” (John Taylor, 21 Jul., 1878; DN 27(31):482, 4 Sep., 1878)

21 Jul.: Authority of ordained Teachers.

“It is not for every individual to take his own course, but it is for every one to sustain him, whoever he may be, who presides over him, by his faith and prayers, being directed by his presiding officer, and if need be, seek together for the mind and will of God, and then trace it from one to another until we get to the Lord. That is the way I understand these things. We do not expect, for instance, that every individual member will take his own way and follow his own course. That is not the order of the church and kingdom of God; it is not the order of the Church of God to begin with. In the first place it is right that we should listen to the voice of our teacher. What, should a seventy or a high priest listen to the voice of their teacher? Yes. Should an Apostle? Yes. Whenever the teachers come to my house, I am always glad to see them. I say to them, Brethren, come in, take seats. I then call my folks together to hear what they have to say to us; and while they wait upon us, acting in that capacity, it is their duty to teach, and ours to listen. But he cannot come to me in the character of an Apostle; he comes to me as a teacher, and I listen to him as a teacher, and should I in turn talk to him, he would listen to me as an Apostle. He listens to his bishop, and to those who preside over him, and so the principle may be continued. And does the president of the teachers need counsel? Yes. To whom does he go to get it? To his bishop. And does his bishop need counsel? Yes. And from whom does he obtain it? From the President of the Stake. And to whom does he seek for counsel? From the Twelve. And do the Twelve need counsel? Yes. From what source do they get it? They get it from the Lord, through his ministering agencies. And thus communication is opened up from one to the other, until it reaches the uttermost extent of Zion and all her stakes.” (John Taylor, 21 Jul., 1878; DN 27(31):482, 4 Sep., 1878)

25 Jul.: Requirements for recommend/priesthood.

“A Bishops’ Meeting was held in the Council House at 7 p.m. . . .

Bishop E. D. Woolley endorsed the sentiments of Brother Taylor and also referred to the habit of many of applying for recommends who had never done the first thing towards building up Zion, either in tithing or in offerings, and he could not conscientiously give one under such circumstances, neither did he consider it honest in any bishop to do so.

Bishop E. Hunter approved of the sentiments of Bishop Woolley. He that did the will of the Lord was entitled to the blessings.

Counselor J. E. Taylor said in regard to the remarks of Bishop Woolley, that in a private conversation with Prest. B. Young, a short time before his death, he said the time had now come to throw proper safe guards around the Melchisedec priesthood and not permit those to receive it whose habits in life were such as would tarnish rather than honor it.” (JH 25 Jul., 1878)

4 Aug.: Duties of priesthood officers.

“We have an organization of our priesthood; we have our stakes organized with President, with High Council, with Bishops and their Counselors, and Priests, Teachers and Deacons; and we have our Seventies’ quorums, our High Priests’ Quorums, and our Elders’ Quorums; all of which are in accordance with the order that exists in heaven. But how little many of us think of this. Yet we are doing pretty well, as has been remarked here. I have no feeling of complaint in my mind about the doings of the people generally. I think that you have manifested a zeal, liberality and generosity in the building of this house, that is praiseworthy and commendable; and I think you have manifested the same in the progress that is exhibited in the building of your temple here. But these are only very small parts of the duties of this priesthood which we have taken upon us; very little parts indeed. How many of our Bishops are there who do not comprehend really and truly that they hold their priesthood from God? that they administer in the cities of Zion, or ought to, by virtue of that priesthood and therefore ought to be fathers over the people over whom they preside, having self and its interest in abeyance, laboring as good hsepherds in the interests of their flocks, and thus operating in it according to their ability; but a great many do not comprehend the position of things in relation to these matters. If a man is appointed a Bishop, is it that he may aggrandize himself? No. Is it that through his position he may monopolize certain interests? No. It is expected of him that he will operate in the interest of the church of God, and more especially in the interests of the community over whom he presides. That is the way I understand this matter, and these are some leading features, by which a Bishop ought to be governed. And in our Bishop’s Courts, when cases are brought before them, they ought to be as free from partiality in their judgments as the Gods in the Eternal worlds are, and feel to administer justice and righteousness, and seek for the Spirit of God to actuate and govern them in all of their decisions. And the same spirit and feeling ought to actuate in the High Council. They are making a record of which there is a record kept in heaven; and so are the Bishops. And when you are administering in any of these offices, God will hold you to an account, and the priesthood on the earth will hold you to an account; and you are now writing a history in indelible characters that never can be erased. If for every word and secret act all men shall be brought to judgment, how much more will the public acts of public men be brought into account before God and before the holy priesthood.

Here, for instance, is the President and his Counselors, who preside over this Stake. They ought to feel interested in the welfare of every man, woman and child in the Stake, so far as they come under their observation; and these men, by virtue of their high calling, ought to be full of life and the Spirit and revelations of God, to comprehend things as they are presented to them and that they may administer justice in righteousness, and rule over the people in that way and manner that will secure the favor and approbation of the Most High; always seeking first the interests of the kingdom of God and the flock that God has given them the oversight of.” (John Taylor, 4 Aug., 1878; JD 20:42-43)

4 Aug.: Concerning Elders, Seventies, High Priests.

“We have here Seventies and Elders. I wish to talk a little upon some things associated with their callings, for there are a great many of them present to-day. I suppose the great majority of the brethren here are either Seventies, High Priests, or Elders–three prominent quorums in the church and kingdom of God. Now then, what are we called to do? What, for an instance, is the duty of an Apostle? We used to understand it to be our duty to go to the ends of the earth and preach the Gospel; and I may say we have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to accomplish that object. But some of us are getting white-headed. As I was saying to one of my wives a little while ago, Your head is getting a little grey, but mine is not (it is white). And it is so with many of the Twelve; they have got past that some time ago. But the Twelve went out, and were always ready to go out, and are to-day if required. And I will say of my brethren who are around me, I do not know of a better set of men in existence, nor could I tell where they can be found. I will bear this testimony concerning my brethren of the Twelve. They are ready to do what God requires of them at any time. Now, we have had a great many honorable men among our Seventies, our High Priests and Elders, who have gone forth with alacrity, as have the Twelve, filled with the spirit and power of their calling, feeling to rejoice all the day long, and sing, hallelujah, the Lord is our God; they have been the means of gathering the House of Israel, as they are to-day in these mountains. Shall they have credit among Israel? Yes, and so will they have credit before God and the holy angels. But the Presidency or the Twelve, or the Seventies, or the High Priests, or the Elders, never could have done it, unless God had been with them. They went forth in the name of God, bearing precious seed; and they returned again rejoicing, bringing many sheaves with them. And God will hold all such men in honorable remembrance in time and through all eternity. But a great many are getting like myself, they are getting old; and we cannot expect them always to be going. But the, they have a lot of boys growing up, and we expect the boys to step forward and take the place of their fathers, and try to do something in the interests of the church and kingdom of God upon the earth.” (John Taylor, 4 Aug., 1878; JD 20:45-46)

8 Aug.: Home missionaries impeding work of MP?

“A Bishops’ Meeting was held in the Council House, commencing at 7 p.m. . . .

Counselor L. W. Hardy thought that men holding the priesthood in the various wards were somewhat curtailed in the exercise of it by the frequent visits of the missionaries.” (JH 8 Aug., 1878)

14 Aug.: To the Seventies.

“The Seventies throughout the Territory are hereby notified that wherever there is an organized Quorum, they will please bear in mind that it is necessary they should keep up their meetings for missionary and other business transactions. They will please give the masses the freedom of their meetings the same as those who are members of their Quorums.

We would also suggest to the Presidents of Quorums that, as we are called upon from time to time, by the Apostles, for missionaries, they have the liberty, and we respectfully invite them, to call upon their brethren for volunteers, and make their reports in person or by letter, of those who are accepted and are prepared for such missions, to our Council meetings, held in the Council House, in this city, on the first Wednesday in each month, at 7 o’clock p.m., or at our weekly meetings held at the same place, on each Saturday, at 11 o’clock a.m.

We are, your fellow-laborers in the New and Everlasting Covenant,

Joseph Young, Sen.

A. P. Rockwood,

John Van Cott.

Robert Campbell, Clerk.”

(DN 27(28):441, 14 Aug., 1878)

16 Aug.: Excommunication and warning.

“EXCOMMUNICATION AND WARNING.

To whom it may concern:

This is to certify that Robert William Herald was this day cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for unchristian-like conduct.

We deem it necessary to publish this notice, as the individual alluded to has not only proven himself unworthy of the fellowship, buit of the confidence of the Latter-day Saints, and we warn others to beware of him.

George W. Ward, Bishop.

George Facer,

Abraham Zundel, Counselors.

James J. Chandler, Clerk.

Willard, Box Elder County,

August 16, 1878.”

(DN 27(30):467, 28 Aug., 1878)

2 Sep.: OP & JFS set apart to obtain Whitmer History.

“Elder Orson Pratt was set apart by President John Taylor and Joseph F. Smith by Wilford Woodruff in the President’s Office this morning for a mission to the States.” (JH 2 Sep., 1878)

5 Sep.: Don’t criticize the Home Missionaries.

“A Bishops’ Meeting was held in the Council House at 7 o’clock p.m. . . . [Bishop Edward Hunter] did not think it right to reflect on the labors of home missionaries. THey had been selected by the presidency of the Stake and were amenable to them. He hoped the spirit of faultfinding would cease through all the grades of the priesthood.” (JH 5 Sep., 1878)

6 Sep.: McLellin on priesthood restoration.

“[6 Sep.] At Independence we met with Wm. E. McLellin, one of the first Council of the Twelve. He seemed very much pleased to see us, and urged very strongly for us to prolong our visit. He pointed out to us the spot on which stood the fine two story brick printing office, which was demolished by the mob in the summer of 1833, also the dwellings of several families of the followers of ‘Young Joseph,’ and of a family named Humphreys, who still claimed to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. . . .

McLellin himself was very eccentric and opinionated. He plainly evinced that his spirituality died and his growth ceased at the time of his apostacy in 1836.

While he claimed to hold to his faith in the Book of Mormon and its inspired translation by the Prophet Joseph, with the pertinacity of absolute knowledge, he denounced in toto all the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants and the idea of the restoration of the priesthood of Melchisedek or of the Aaron[ic] to man, but believes in the Apostleship, which he thinks comprises everything, although he had no faith in the ordination of the first Twelve.” (“Report of Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith,” 17 Sep., 1878; DN 27(43):674, 27 Nov., 1878)

7 Sep.: David Whitmer on Priesthood Restoration.

“At Richmond we put up at the Shaw House before the cyclone, a three-story brick bulding, but has restored, since the tempest, only two stories, now kept by Mr. Warren Ewing, son-in-law to the original proprietor Mr. S. Shaw, once a freighter to Utah, now dead. On Saturday morning, Sept. 7th, we met Mr. David Whitmer, the last remaining one of the three witneses to the Book of Mormon. He is a good-sized man, 73 years of age last January, and well preserved, (He was born Jan. 7, 1805), he is close shaven, his hair perfectly white and rather thin, he has a large head and a very pleasant, manly countenance that one would readily perceive to be an index to a conscientious, honest heart. He seemed wonderfully pleased as well as surprised at seeing Elder Orson Pratt. . . .

In the presence of these the following, in substance, as noticed in brother Joseph F. Smith’s journal, is the account of the interview.

Elder O. Pratt to D. Whitmer. Can you tell the date of the gestowal of the Apostleship upon Joseph, by Peter, James and John?

D. W. I do not know, Joseph never told me. I can only tell you what I know, for I will not testify to anything I do not know. . . .

Another reason why they cling to this relic is that David Whitmer has reorganized the ‘Church of Christ’ with six Elders and two priests, after the pattern of the 1st organization, the two priests as we suppose representing Joseph and Oliver as holding the Aaronic priesthood from the hand of John the Baptist. David and John Whitmer were two of these six elders, four others, viz. John C. Whitmer, W. W. Warner, Philander Page, and John Short, having been ordained by David and John. And as the recent death of John has diminished the number to five Elders it would be interesting to know if, according to their strict construction the vacancy can be filled.

Their creed is to preach nothing but the Bible and the Book of Mormon.” (“Report of Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith,” 17 Sep., 1878; DN 27(43):674-675, 27 Nov., 1878)

15 Sep.: St. George Stake priesthood #s.

“According to Statistical Report read at the September Conference of St. George Stake we had the following: 16 Wards; 1 Apostle, 6 Patriarchs, 224 Seventies, 168 High Priests, 530 Elders, 28 Priests, 31 Teachers, 190 Deacons, 2,675 Members, making, total Officers and Members, 3,853. Children under 8 years of age, 1,459. Total population, 5,312. Number of families 879, average per family, 6.0434.” (JH 15 Sep., 1878)

22 Sep.: Wake up the quorums of the Higher Priesthood.

“We want everybody to perform their duties, in all the various branches of the Priesthood, every man to operate for God, and not in his individual interests. This is what we ought to strive for, and to be on the side of Zion and operate for the welfare of Israel and for the establishment of righteousness. We want our Seventies and High Priests to wake up, and our young Elders and middle-aged Elders to feel the responsibilities of the mission that rests upon them. The world has to be evangelized, the Gospel has to be proclaimed to all nations. God has laid it especially upon the Seventies, with the others to assist them. And we call upon the Seventies and High Priests to wake up, to assume the responsibilities that devolve upon them, and prepare themselves to do the work of God. For instead of being through and having finished our work we are only just beginning to prepare ourselves for the conflict. Wars and rumors of wars are beginning to sound in our ears; the terrible day is fast approaching, and God requires it at our hands that we prepare to go forth to the nations of the earth to proclaim to them the words of life. Never mind what people can do among us, we ask no odds of them. God is with Israel if Israel will only be with God. And if the world will only treat us fifty per cent as well as we have treated them, it is all we ask of them; and if they won’t, we will still continue to do them good. And when the day comes that all men will be brought to justice, we want to feel conscientiously free from the blood of this generation. Do we want the aged and infirm to go and preach the Gospel. No. Had there been time yesterday, I would have very much liked to have heard the brethren of the priesthood express their feelings; but I would say to you, High Priests, get together and humble yourselves before God, seek unto Him for wisdom to guide you in all your operations, and prepare yourselves to magnify your offices in the various duties of your calling, which is really that of presiding, that when changes may take place in the present Stakes, or other Stakes may be organized, you may be prepared as President and council, as Bishops and council, as High Councils, or whatever office you may be called to fill. And I would say the same to the Seventies and also to the Elders, prepare to magnify your callings. Let us humble ourselves before God, and purify ourselves and walk in uprightness before him and live our religion and magnify our calling, and be quick and active and diligent and energetic in the performance of our duties, and the power of God will rest upon the Priesthood, and they will be prepared to go to the nations to proclaim the Gospel message to all peoples.” (John Taylor, 22 Sep., 1878; JD 20:61)

3 Oct.: Deacons to act as doorkeepers for Conference.

“A Bishops’ Meeting was held in the Council House, Salt Lake City commencing at 7 p.m. . . .

One deacon from each ward was wanted, they to act as door keepers during conference.” (JH 3 Oct., 1878)

5 Oct.: Salt Lake Stake priesthood numbers.

“After the usual opening exercises, the following reports were read:

A statistical report of the Stake for the quarter ending August 31st, 1878. Showing as follows: Apostles, 8; Patriarchs, 7; Seventies, 1,136; High Priests, 489; Elders, 1,601; Priests, 148; Teachers, 170; Deacons, 662; Members, 10,299; total officers and members, 14,520. Children under eight years, 5,529; total of souls, 20,049; families, 4,043 . . . excommunicated, 8.” (Salt Lake Stake Conference minutes, 5 Oct., 1878; DN 27(36):572, 9 Oct., 1878)

5 Oct.: Presidents of 70s to select missionaries.

“President Joseph Young made a few remarks in regard to the duties of the Seventies. Inasmuch as the duty of selecting missionaries devolved upon the Presidents of Seventies, he desired that they should seek the approval of their bishops, that the most suitable men might be selected; men of good character and standing, and capable of properly representing the Saints and the principles of the Gospel to the nations of the earth. He spoke of the joy and consolation afforded the Saints through their obedience to the principles of the Gospel; in the enjoyment of each other’s society and the communion of the Holy Spirit, and the prospect, fallen beings as we are, of our obtaining an inheritance in the presence and kingdom of God.” (Salt Lake Stake Conference minutes, 5 Oct., 1878; DN 27(36):572, 9 Oct., 1878)

8 Oct.: Enough 70s for now.

“In the evening a Seventies meeting was held in the 14th Ward Assembly Rooms at 6 o’clock, Presidents Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock and John Van Cott, and Elders W. Woodruff and C. H. Wheelock preached. Pres. Joseph Young remarked that the Seventies were in status quo as to numbers. President Taylor and the Twelve thinking that as there were four or five thousand of them there were enough for the purposes for which they were needed at present.” (JH 8 Oct., 1878)

4 Nov.: 70s to serve as home missionaries.

“Logan, Nov. 4, 1878.

Editors Deseret News:

The Seventies of Cache County met with the 64th Quorum to hold their general meeting, in Logan Tabernacle, November 1st, 1878, President Eli Bell presiding. . . .

Prest. Francis Gunnell suggested the propriety of the Seventies having home missions, which would qualify them to go on foreign missions when called on.” (DN 27(41):651, 13 Nov., 1878)

10 Nov.: Summit Stake priesthood numbers.

“The statistical report of the Stake was presented, which showed there were in the Stake 69 Seventies, 111 High Priests, 283 Elders, 29 Priests, 58 Teachers, 75 Deacons, 1490 members, 2115 total officers and members, 1,161 children under eight years old; total of souls, 3,276; families, 621.” (Summit Stake Conference minutes, 10 Nov., 1878; DN 27(43):679, 27 Nov., 1878)

16 Nov.: Rebaptism of Hebron congregation.

“On Sat. afternoon, in obediance to Counsel from head Quarters, most of the Hebron people renewed their covenants by baptism.” (John Pulsipher diary, 16 Nov., 1878; LC Collection)

25 Nov.: Sunday Tabernacle meetings discontinued.

“Until further notice, the meetings in the Tabernacle will be discontinued.

The Bishops in the several wards, will therefore please make arrangements accordingly.

Angus M. Cannon,

Prest. of Salt Lake Stake.”

(Reprint of report of 25 Nov.; DN 27(43):681, 27 Nov., 1878)

7 Dec.: Acting Teachers.

“[Stake Conference] The several quorums – the acting Teachers – Deacons – Young Mens & Young Ladies Socities. Sunday Schools – Relief Societies & Day Schools were on the improve & doing better.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 7 Dec., 1878)

7 Dec.: Duties of Bishops.

“suggested that the Bishops make lists of items from time to time to aid the local Teachers in carrying to the Saints his wishes in their behalf. that the Bps also meet with the Relief Societies & encourage them in their duties.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 7 Dec., 1878)

7 Dec.: Call for reformation.

“The regular monthly meeting of the Priesthood of this [SL] Stake, was held on Saturday [7 Dec.], in the Fourteenth Ward assembly rooms. A most excellent spirit was manifest and much valuable instruction given, by President A. M. Cannon and others.’The necessity for reformation among the saints, and the proper and complete discharge of duties, by those holding office in the Church, were dwelt on to some length. The time had come when the tree must be pruned, and all dead branches cut off, and those who wished to be numbered with the Saints, officers and members, must be alive to their duties or God would move them out of their places. The wicked must not be allowed to remain in the church to corrupt others. God was no respecter of persons. No system of favoritism should be supported; but all, irrespective of name or position, who persisted in a wicked course and refused to repent, should be stricken off. The Bishops, teachers, etc., were instructed to search out hidden iniquity, expose it, and root it out from the midst of the people of God. The meeting will be long remembered by all who were present.” (Report of 9 Dec.; DN 27(45):713, 11 Dec., 1878)

“A Priesthood Meeting of the Salt Lake Stake was held in the 14th Ward Meeting house. Reformation and pruning of the vineyard were the subjects dwelt upon.” (JH 7 Dec., 1878)

8 Dec.: Proper order of resolving disputes.

“But then, supposing after being so waited on, your brother would not hear you, it would then be proper to wait on him again, taking with you another brother; and if he still persisted to manifest hard feelings, it would then be proper to report him to the Church, and let the matter be brought to the notice of the Teachers or the Priests, as the case might be. If he refuse to hearken to their counsel, let a charge be preferred against him to his Bishop who, with his counselors, should hear and decide the case according to the evidence, with all long-suffering and humility and justice and prayer before God, to guide him in his decision. And when they operate together in this way, such things will be disposed of aright. And if either party should be dissatisfied with the decision, an appeal could be taken to a higher court–the High Council. And when that body of men sit upon the case and render their decision in the matter, and if the brother refuse to hear them, what then? He is cut off the Church. ‘But (a man may say) it is a matter of dollars and cents, and if a man owe me $5,000, I cannot afford to lose it, and what recourse have I?’ Bring him up before the Church, and if he will not listen to the counsel of the Church authorities, let him be dealt with by this council. And what will be the result? He will be severed from the Church. ‘And am I to lose my money?’ No, not necessarily so; he is outside of the Church, and now you can ‘pop him through’ by the law, if that be the term you use. And this is why we take such pains in electing our representatives to our legislature. We try to select good men in order that we may have good laws enacted, and then we try to get good Probate Judges.” (John Taylor, 8 Dec., 1878; JD 20:104-105)

15 Dec.: Keys of baptism, Holy Ghost, gathering.

“The Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery baptized each other. Why? Because John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon them this priesthood, and they went and administered in it. Why did Joseph Smith and others lay hands upon men for the reception of the Holy Ghost? because Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the priesthood and of this Gospel in former days conferred that power upon them and they operated in it. Why did the people feel inclined to gather? because Moses who was at the head of the gathering dispensation and to whom the keys of this dispensation were given, came and conferred upon them the power to gather the house of Israel and the ten tribes from their dispersion; and when you received this Gospel you received this as a part. This dispensation of the fulness of times embraces all other dispensations that have ever existed upon the earth, with all their powers. That is the reason you desired to so gather together, and for these peculiar impulses which many of you could not account for.” (John Taylor, 15 Dec., 1878; JD 20:227)

31 Dec.: Rebaptisms in St. George Temple.

“The ceremonial work done in St. George Temple during the year ending Tuesday the 31st. December, 1878 was as follows:

Baptisms: Renewal of Covenants, 86; for health 356; for the Dead, 23,197.”

(JH 31 Dec., 1878)