| 12 The president of the Twelve soon after wrote an epistle congratulating the church on improved conditions: 5
5 Brethren and Sisters: Peace be unto you in all your habitations. Prompted by a sense of duty and strong desire are these lines indited.
The events of the late General Conference warrant the interchange of mutual congratulations among the Saints. I offer you mine upon the fact, that for the first time in the history of the Reorganization, the Quorum of the First Presidency of the church is filled; we need not say by good and faithful men; they are known to all Saints; how many of whom are their living epistles known and read of all men.
The Quorum of the Twelve, also, being more nearly filled than heretofore by the young and middle-aged, whose faith and zeal, with the vigor of manhood to sustain them in hardships, much labor accomplished and much fruit gathered may confidently be looked for at their hands.
The Seventy also received some additions of constant laborers In the extended vineyard of the Lord. These things, together with the good news from all parts where labor has been bestowed, ought to encourage us to renewed efforts in the great work before us. Twenty years have elapsed since the first steps were taken to reorganize the quorums, that had been shattered to fragments when the old ship, Zion, losing her chief officers, and the understanding of her chart and compass, struck a hidden rock and went to pieces on a foreign coast.
The first years of this period were spent in the humane and sacred duty toward the missing crew, afloat upon many waters, in frail human contrivances for present relief. Some, however, speedily made to themselves leaders and followed them-in their infatuation-right or wrong; while others still more numerous, tried either to forget, or stood aloof waiting. The only parallel to this sudden change in history, may be found in the case of Israel when deprived of the leader God had appointed them, for the space of only forty days, had made-not another Moses-but another God.
From the numerous organizations have the pure in heart come to identify themselves with the church, until those organizations have, one by one, passed away; and to-day virtually but one remains, with name and form to deceive and destroy, viz: the latter-day organized apostasy, with polygamy its specialty; while its elder sister, the former-day organized apostasy remains, with celibacy its specialty; the two forming (where unfortunately for mankind they have the dominion) the upper and nether millstones, between which they fain would grind to powder the messengers of truth, their natural enemy. But God holds the reins in his own hands.
But the time is past for the elders to seek exclusively after backsliding Israel. For, as in former times, after an exclusive mission to such, the world was declared their mission; so now is the mission of apostles and elders to all the world. Hence, missions stand first in the catalogue of things to be done. The true policy in subdividing the great mission into fields of labor, no doubt will be found to consist in "striking while the iron is hot;" or, in other words, to preach where there are ears to hear; where doors are open to enter in rather than seek to open new ones.
Brethren of the Seventy; you, as especial witnesses to all nations, whether the Twelve shall first lead, you are the essential strength of the church, exerted in missionary labor. Will you, with the elders, take it kindly, if we advise with you and suggest some thoughts upon several subjects?
Among the qualifications of an evangelist is, that he be "apt to teach;" to this we would add, be also apt to be taught.
Preach what you know and believe; but mainly what you believe. In private conversation avoid talking to people, but rather talk with them-do not dogmatize. In administering we suggest the formula, "We lay our hands upon thee," etc.; instead of "upon thy head;" and avoid using the words, "the holy priesthood;" but use the name of Jesus Christ alone. Lay down no new rules for the branches. While on your missions, if you need assistance in temporal things, apply to presidents of branches, and not to the members. Finally, as the exponents of the faith of the church, seek to make every act a fit precedent for others to follow.
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