| 645 questions. Also giving other important instruction pertaining to the further organization of the church. 1
The quorums being called upon, the following responded as having unanimously approved the revelation prior to its being presented to the body: The Quorum of Twelve, the High Priests, the Seventy, the various Quorums of Elders, the Bishopric, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons. After this it was presented to the body, and adopted by a unanimous rising vote.
The Quorum of High Priests was asked if it still recommended for ordination those heretofore named; and the quorum reported that one had been dropped, and another had stated that he did not at present see the matter clearly
1 Unto My Servants, the First Presidency and the Traveling High Council of my Church;
Thus Saith the Spirit:
1. The Epistle is to be left without approval, or disapproval by the conference, as the judgment of the Quorum of the Twelve, until further experience shall have tested the matters therein stated. 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. When branches and districts are organized; they should be so organized by direction of the conferences, or by the personal presence and direction of the Twelve, or some member of that quorum who may be in charge, if practicable; or, if a branch, by the president of the district with the consent, knowledge and direction of the missionary in charge, when circumstances prevent the missionary in charge being present.
2. A branch may be presided over by a high priest, an elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, chosen and sustained by the vote of the branch. Districts may be presided over by a high priest, or an elder, who shall be received and sustained in his office by the vote of the district. If a branch, or district be large he who is chosen to preside should be an high priest, if there be one possessed of the spirit of wisdom to administer in the office of president; or if an elder be chosen who may by experience be found qualified to preside, as soon as practicable thereafter he should be ordained an high priest by the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the one ordaining, and by direction of a high council, or general conference, as required in the law.
3. There should be no conflict or jealousy of authority between the quorums of the church; all are necessary and equally honorable, each in its place. The Twelve and Seventy are traveling ministers and preachers of the gospel, to persuade men to obey the truth; the high priests and elders holding the same priesthood are the standing ministers to the church, having the watchcare of the membership and nurturing and sustaining them, under the direction and instruction of the Presidency and the Twelve. The Seventy when traveling by the voice of the church, or sent by the Twelve to minister the word where the Twelve can not go, are in the powers of their ministration apostles-those sent-and in meetings where no organization exists should preside, if no member of the Twelve or Presidency be present.
4. In both branches and districts the presiding officers should be considered and respected in their offices; nevertheless, the traveling presiding councils of the church being made by the law, their calling and the voice of the church the directing, regulating and advising authorities of the church, and representing it abroad, should when present in either district or branch be regarded and considered as the leading representative
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