DC 15:3c And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.
DC 103:3c and if he continues to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church, I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen.
DC 104:11a Of necessity, there are presidents, or presiding offices, growing out of, or appointed of, or from among those who are ordained to the several offices in these two priesthoods.
DC 104:11c The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ, in all the world; thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
DC 104:11d And they form a quorum equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.
DC 104:11e The seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world--thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling; and they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the twelve especial witnesses, or apostles, just named.
DC 104:11f And every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other.
DC 104:11g (A majority may form a quorum, when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise.)
DC 104:13b the Twelve being sent out, holding the keys to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and first unto the Gentiles, and then unto the Jews.
DC 104:14 The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the Presidency or to the traveling high council.
DC 104:44b He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.
DC 107:18e that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this the corner stone thereof; that he may receive also the counsel from those whom I have set to be as plants of renown, and as watchmen upon her walls.
DC 107:34a And again, verily I say unto you, If my servant Robert D. Foster will obey my voice, let him build a house for my servant Joseph, according to the contract which he has made with him, as the door shall be open to him from time to time;
DC 107:34c and hearken unto the counsel of my servants Joseph and Hyrum and William Law, and unto the authorities which I have called to lay the foundation of Zion, and it shall be well with him for ever and ever. Even so. Amen.
DC 107:35b for that which is more or less than this cometh of evil, and shall be attended with cursings, and not blessings, saith the Lord your God. Even so. Amen.
DC 107:39a I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a presiding elder over all my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet.
DC 107:41b Seymour Brunson I have taken unto myself; no man taketh his priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the same priesthood in his stead (and verily I say unto you, let my servant Aaron Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his stead), David Fulmer, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington.
DC 107:42a 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 or servants over different stakes scattered abroad, and they may travel, also, if they choose, but rather be ordained for standing presidents; this is the office of their calling, saith the Lord your God.
DC 107:42b I give unto him Amasa Lyman and Noah Packard for counselors, that they may preside over the quorum of high priests of my church, saith the Lord.
DC 107:43 And again I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse Baker, which priesthood is to preside over the quorum of elders, which quorum is instituted for standing ministers; nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers to my church, saith the Lord.
DC 107:44a And again, I give unto you Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield, Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James Foster, to preside over the quorum of seventies, which quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of my name in all the world, wherever the traveling high council, my apostles, shall send them to prepare a way before my face.
DC 115:1e Press onward, ye elders and people of my church, even my little flock, and as I have spoken to you in times past, so will I speak again to you as my friends, inasmuch as you speak in my name; and lo! I am Alpha and Omega, and will be with you unto the end. Amen.
DC 116:2b haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words their works are burned, not being profitable unto me.
DC 116:3a Loosen ye one another's hands and uphold one another, that ye who are of the Quorum of Twelve, may all labor in the vineyard, for upon you rests much responsibility;
DC 116:4b All are not acceptable unto me as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have spoken it.
DC 117:3b Let them be set apart to this office by the laying on of hands by my servants whose duty it is to ordain and set in order the officers of my church;
DC 117:3c and let my servants, the president of the high priests' quorum and the president of the lesser priesthood, also lay their hands upon these their brethren who are to be counselors, but let my servants of the Twelve be the spokesmen.
DC 117:5 Verily, I say unto you, If these my servants will henceforth magnify their calling in honor before me, they shall become men of power and excellent wisdom in the assemblies of my people.
DC 117:7b Let them diligently labor in their ministry, encouraging and directing their brethren in their labors.
DC 117:8c and let my servants Joseph Lakeman, Glaud Rodger, John T. Davies, and John S. Patterson be also appointed as witnesses of the Seventy before me.
DC 117:9a Until such time as the quorum of the Twelve shall be filled, the decision of that quorum, a unanimous decision, shall be accounted final, as if such quorum were filled, according to my law as given in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
DC 118:4c Even now I am not well pleased with some, but space is granted for repentance and a renewal of diligence. Let no one deceive himself that he shall not account for his stewardship unto me. JOSEPH SMITH By command of the Spirit
DC 119:Intro SECTION 119
Revelation given through Joseph Smith III, April 11, 1887, at Kirtland, Ohio. This inspired instruction was received after the General Conference had observed Saturday, April 9, as a day of fasting and prayer for light concerning "the depleted condition of the Quorum of the Twelve."
To the Elders of the Church:
Thus saith the Spirit:
DC 119:9c Bear the burdens of body of which the Spirit of healing from the Lord in faith, or the use of that which wisdom directs does not relieve or remove, and in cheerfulness do whatever may be permitted you to perform that the blessing of peace may be upon all. Amen. KIRTLAND, OHIO, April 11, 1887
DC 120:Intro SECTION 120
The members of the Quorum of Twelve who were present at the General Conference of 1887 remained in Kirtland and on April 21, 1887, issued an "Epistle" which discussed the duties of branch and district presidents and other matters. The Quorum revised this "Epistle" in 1888 and then asked the General Conference to endorse it. Action was postponed until 1889 and then until 1890. Under these circumstances the Quorum of Twelve asked the President of the Church to seek divine guidance, and in response to their prayers the following revelation was received through President Joseph Smith. It is dated April 8, 1890, at Lamoni, Iowa, and is addressed to "The First Presidency and Traveling High Council" (the Council of Twelve).
Unto my servants, the First Presidency and the traveling High Council of my church; thus saith the Spirit:
DC 120:1b In the meantime, branches and their officers, and districts and their officers are to be considered as provided for by my law to carry on the work of the ministry in caring for the membership of the church, and to relieve the Twelve and Seventy from the vexation and anxiety of looking after local organizations when effected.
DC 120:7c Where cases of difficulty are of long standing, the council may require local authorities to adjust them; and in case of failure to do so, may regulate them as required by their office and duty; and this that the work and church may not be put to shame and the preaching of the word be hindered.
DC 120:9d And this committee shall make these selections according to the spirit of wisdom and revelation that shall be given unto them, to provide that such council may be convened at any General Conference when emergency may demand, by reason of their residing at or near to places where conferences may be held.
DC 121:1b The President of the church replied: "The voice of the Spirit is that David H. Smith be released. He is in mine hand."
DC 121:6b It is given here as having been acquiesced in by all, in answer to prayer and decisive upon the matters referred to.
DC 122:3b They are called and set apart to this duty; and are to travel and preach, under the direction and counsel of the Presidency.
DC 122:5a When I said unto mine apostles, "The Twelve will take measures in connection with the bishop, to execute the law of tithing; and let them before God see to it, that the temporal means so obtained is truly used for the purposes of the church, and not as a weapon of power in the hands of one man for the oppression of others, or for purposes of self-aggrandizement by anyone, be he whomsoever he may be";
DC 122:5e except as it may be at times necessary to do so in council with the Presidency, the high council in case of exigency, the Bishopric, bishops, or bishop's agents abroad, or the conferences; and in accordance with the agreement hitherto made.
DC 122:5f Whatever burden the quorum may have felt rested upon them in this regard, they are now absolved from, the end designed by it having been reached;
DC 122:6f nor was it designed that the high council should dictate in the matter of purchasing lands, building houses of worship, building up the New Jerusalem, and the gathering of the people,
DC 122:14 For the same reasons in me that it is not expedient to fill the quorums of the First Presidency and the Twelve, who are apostles and high priests, it is not expedient that a patriarch for the church should be indicated and appointed.
DC 123:13b From this decision President W.W. Blair dissented.
DOCTRINAL TRACTS
DC 123:22b and that it is the duty of the Saints to honor more fully the counsel and advice of the First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Seventy in spiritual things.
PRESIDENCY OF THE TWELVE AND MEANING OF THE WORD "ABROAD"
DC 123:23a The following opinion of the First Presidency, as communicated to the Quorum of the Twelve, in 1890, was adopted as the opinion of this joint council:
DC 123:31b May our renewed consecration under the better conditions his mercy has brought about, bring to him added glory and to his church prosperity and peace. JOSEPH SMITH, President. JOSEPH LUFF, Secretary
DC 124:2c he to sit in council with his brethren of the Presidency and act with and for them and the church; though he shall still be and act in the office of his calling of Bishop of the church with his brethren of the Bishopric.
DC 124:3 The Quorum of Twelve, my servants, may choose and appoint one of their number to take the place of my servant Alexander H. Smith, and if they shall choose William H. Kelley, from among them for this place it will be pleasing unto me; nevertheless, if directed by the spirit of revelation and wisdom they may choose another.
DC 124:4a And, that the quorum may be filled and be prepared to stand as a unit in the councils of the church, in equality with the Presidency and the Seventy, choose and set apart to act as apostles in the Quorum of Twelve, my servants I. N. White, J. W. Wight, and R. C. Evans, for they are called unto this office and calling.
DC 124:4b And, if these will accept this appointment and remain humble, faithful, and diligent, they shall with their brethren be greatly blessed in ministering the word and bringing souls unto me. Let the quorum be not doubting but believing and I, the Lord, will bless them.
DC 124:6b the senior, or chosen president of the seven presidents shall preside over the six other presidents in their councils as presidents of the Seventy;
DC 124:6c and when either quorum is sitting in council, as a quorum, then its chosen president shall preside over its sittings.
DC 125:5a The Presiding Patriarch is to be considered the first, and when patriarchs meet in council, is to preside.
DC 126:2a I saw the assembly of the Saints and the general authorities, the latter being arranged upon a platform with the seats arranged in lines, each line from the front of the platform slightly raised to the rear.
DC 126:2b On that platform I saw the quorum of the Presidency, the Bishopric, the Twelve, and a line above the Twelve on the seat behind them, a number of the brethren, including four of the present members of the Twelve and the patriarchs now ordained and recognized in the church.
DC 126:6 I then asked what was meant by the choosing of members for the presidency so young in years. I was informed that it was for the purpose that before the Presidency should be invaded by death these younger men should be prepared by association to be of assistance to whosoever should be chosen as the President upon the emergency which should occur.
DC 126:7a The names of those of the present Quorum of Twelve whom I saw upon the upper tier of seats were James Caffall, John H. Lake, Edmund C. Briggs, and Joseph R. Lambert. These were sitting with the other evangelical ministers.
DC 126:13 It will be seen that there is an apparent invasion of the rule which has been supposed to govern the selection of evangelical ministers, but for this I am not responsible; and the whole matter is hereby submitted for the approval or disapproval of the church. JOSEPH SMITH. LAMONI, IOWA April 18, 1902
DC 129:1b therefore it is expedient that he be released from this responsibility and another be chosen to the office. He has been earnest and faithful in service and his reward is sure.
DC 129:2a My servant Joseph Luff cannot fulfill the duties of a member of the Quorum of Twelve in actively looking after and caring for the missionary work in the field and discharge the duties of his calling as a physician ministering to the many seeking his advice and aid with safety to himself and others.
DC 129:2b It is wise therefore that the church release him from the responsibilities of the active apostleship as a member of the quorum, that he may act unreservedly in his calling.
DC 129:2c Another may be chosen to the office in the quorum. He has been faithful, and his record and reward are in my hand.
DC 129:3b He has been long in the service, has done his duties well in the spirit of self-sacrifice, and his reward is with me. He will be blessed in diligent service in his calling as historian when relieved of the double responsibility.
DC 129:5 The Spirit saith further to me: To fill the vacancy caused by the releasing of Counselor R. C. Evans, present the name of my servant Elbert A. Smith, the son of my servant David H. Smith, who was taken and who awaits his reward, to be chosen, appointed, and ordained as counselor to my servant Joseph Smith and to be one of the Presidency.
DC 129:7a Those who are holding the office of patriarchs are to be enrolled with the high priests, the same as the bishops, who are acting in their office by virtue of their being high priests.
DC 130:1 In obedience to the spirit and design of the day of fasting and prayer, I observed the day with the church. I have hitherto made supplication to the God whom we serve and renewed my supplication in the spirit of the desire of the church, for instruction and light, and I am now prepared to lay before the church what has come to me as the presiding officer, through whom the Master may speak to his people.
DC 130:2a Thus saith the voice of the Spirit: In order that the Quorum of Twelve may be placed in better condition to carry on the work of the ministry in various fields of occupation,
DC 130:2c and stand with their associates among the high priests and patriarchs of the church for such special service as may be open to them, according to wisdom and the call of the Spirit.
DC 130:3b According to the tradition of the elders he should be chosen and ordained to this office, thus releasing Elder Joseph R. Lambert from the onerous duties in which he has faithfully served since the death of the Presiding Patriarch.
DC 130:4a To fill the vacancies caused by the release of these elders from the apostolic quorum, Elders James E. Kelley, William M. Aylor, Paul M. Hanson, and James A. Gillen may be chosen and ordained as apostles to take with others of the quorum active oversight of the labors in the ministerial field.
DC 132:4 Everywhere the demand for great activity exists, and for the accomplishment of our work the great essential is fraternal cooperation in service to man and devoted consecration to God and his work. Your servant, Frederick M. Smith. Independence, Missouri, April 5, 1916
DC 133:Intro SECTION 133
Revelation given through President Frederick Madison Smith at Independence, Missouri, April 7, 1920. This message was submitted first to the General Conference and then presented to the various quorums. After it was approved by the quorums and the Conference, provision was made for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
To the Church: Having given to the general missionary needs of the church and the condition of the Quorum of Twelve much thought and prayer, I am permitted to say to the church by way of instruction, through inspiration received:
DC 133:1 Let Francis M. Sheehy and Peter Andersen be released from the Quorum of Twelve; and to fill the vacancies created by these releases let Myron A. McConley and Thomas W. Williams be ordained apostles.
DC 134:2 Let Gomer T. Griffiths, Ulysses W. Greene, Cornelius A. Butterworth, and Robert C. Russell be released from further responsibility as apostles, to devote their activities as their strength and opportunity might permit, to local work or as evangelical ministers as might be determined by subsequent procedure.
DC 134:3 To fill the vacancies in the Quorum of Twelve let the following be ordained apostles: Clyde F. Ellis, John F. Garver, Daniel T. Williams, F. Henry Edwards, Edmund J. Gleazer, Roy S. Budd.
DC 134:5b Let the missionary work be prosecuted with great vigor, and if the Twelve will devote themselves wholeheartedly to this work the church will be greatly blessed through their ministration.
DC 135:4 The authorities of the church whose duty it is to appoint men to missionary tasks should remember the previously given instructions to send out by twos; and so far as practicable let the missionaries be so sent. There is wisdom and safety in this.
DC 136:1c In the work of the office Bishop G. Leslie DeLapp should be associated as counselor, and one other be named by Bishop Curry, as wisdom and the voice of inspiration may indicate, the selection to be ratified by the conference.
DC 136:3c Only in the peace of fraternity and the unity of those caught up in the spirit of Zionic redemption can the work of the Lord be accomplished. To this task let the church devote its energies.
DC 137:Intro SECTION 137
Revelation given through President Frederick M. Smith at Independence, Missouri, April 7, 1938. The conference adopted this "communication with its provisions as the voice of divine inspiration to the church."
To the Church: Since the creation of two vacancies in the Quorum of Twelve I have been quite concerned about the condition of that quorum, as well as other bodies in the church, and after due meditation and prayer for divine light, I am permitted to present the following for the consideration and action of the conference members:
DC 137:1 Let J. Frank Curtis, of the Twelve, who has long and faithfully served in that quorum, be honorably released from further responsibility as an apostle, and take place in the ranks of the order of evangelists.
DC 138:Intro SECTION 138
After Elder Elbert A. Smith was ordained Presiding Evangelist at the Conference of 1938, the First Presidency continued with Elder F. M. McDowell as the sole remaining counselor to President Frederick M. Smith. President McDowell resigned in October 1938. With the approval of the Council of Twelve, acting under the inspiration given to him at the time, President Frederick M. Smith associated Elders Israel A. Smith and L. F. P. Curry with himself in the Presidency. In the following revelation this arrangement is confirmed. The revelation was received by unanimous action of the Conference and was ordered included in the Doctrine and Covenants.
To the Saints in General Conference Assembled:
DC 138:1a As a result of the conditions existing when the Joint Council of First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve and Presiding Bishopric, met in October, 1938, Brother Floyd M. McDowell, Second Counselor, presented his resignation to me to take effect immediately.
DC 138:3e Great blessings are in store for the church if it will in faith and saintly devotion go forward in its tasks.
DC 139:Intro SECTION 139
President Frederick Madison Smith died March 20, 1946, and was succeeded as prophet, seer, and revelator by his brother, Elder Israel A. Smith. The need to fill the quorum of the First Presidency was urgent, and the newly ordained president gave this his immediate and prayerful attention. The following revelation was presented to the quorums and to the Conference by President Israel A. Smith early in the Conference sessions. After it had been approved in the usual manner, and those named had been ordained to their respective offices, the work of the Conference proceeded under the direction of the newly constituted Presidency.
To the Quorums and to the General Conference; Beloved Brethren:
Realizing our urgent need to receive light and instruction in order that the quorums might be filled, I have wrestled in prayer to God in my weakness, on behalf and in the interest of the church, sensing deeply that it has been but a few hours ago when the burden of the church was laid upon me, yet in confidence and faith that God will not fail the church when called upon.
In the early hours of yesterday and today I was blessed by the Spirit in power and assurance such as I have never before experienced. The mind of the Lord was manifested to me, and in the order named my brethren have been presented to me, as follows, and accordingly I have written:
DC 139:1b "They are my chosen vessels and are qualified by experience. Their apostleship is extended in presidency and if they will go forward in loving service, their ministry will be very effective.
DC 140:1b If those of the priesthood will perform their responsibilities in good fellowship, and sustain each other, they will be supported by the faith and prayers of the church and the work will go forward with increasing power.
DC 140:2 To fill vacancies already existing, let Roscoe E. Davey and Maurice L. Draper, now serving as Seventies, be ordained Apostles and occupy with their brethren in the Quorum of Twelve.
DC 141:2 My servant Myron A. McConley is honorably released from further duty as an Apostle, and he should be ordained to the office of evangelist and labor as a member of that order.
DC 141:5 The hastening time is upon us; the period until the next General Conference, as already provided, must be one of unusual preparation for my church as an organization, for my people, and especially for my priesthood if there shall be those who will be qualified to assume and to carry the responsibilities of those who fall or fail or who are released.
DC 141:8b Properly and equally borne, this responsibility will insure success, and the consummation will be glorious, and all will share in that glory.
DC 142:1a It is wisdom that the leading quorums should be filled. Therefore, to take the place of my servant John F. Garver, whose sacrifices and labor were acceptable to me,
DC 142:1b it is my will that William Wallace Smith be ordained and set apart to take his place as counselor to the president of the high priesthood and as a member of the Quorum of the First Presidency, to which office he is now called.
DC 142:5b It is yet day when all can work. The night will come when for many of my people opportunity to assist will have passed.
DC 144:Intro SECTION 144
On May 28, 1952, President Israel A. Smith prepared and signed the following statement and placed it in the hands of his counselor, Elder F. Henry Edwards. After the death of President Smith on June 14, 1958, this document was brought to the attention of the Council of Twelve and other general church officers, and at the World Conference of 1958 it was unanimously approved by the quorums and orders of the priesthood and by the Conference assembly. The Conference ordered its insertion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Elder William Wallace Smith was ordained as President of the High Priesthood and prophet, seer, and revelator to the church at the Auditorium at Independence, Missouri, on October 6, 1958.
To the church and to the Council of Twelve Apostles:
