Strang, The Prophet
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Prophets of God have three things in common.  First, they are called by a direct revelation from God. Second, they are ordained at the hands men that held that office in the flesh (with the exception of Adam and Jesus).  Jesus was ordained under the hands of the Father (Heb. 5:4).  Third, their teachings on the same subject are consistently the same.

Joseph Smith left four revelations from God stating that in the event of his impending death he would appoint "another" to stand in his place (Doctrine and Covenants, 28:7, 35:18, 43:4-7, 90:4).  Joseph Smith wrote this Letter of Appointment on June 18, 1844; and was mailed in Nauvoo June 19.  It is not in Yale University Library.  On July 27, 1844, Joseph was murdered by a mob in Carthage Jail, Illinois; where he was being held under the protective custody of the Governor.  At the same hour of his death, James J. Strang claimed to have been ordained under the hands of angels; although he was 400 miles away and had no way of knowing of the death of Joseph.  The Letter of Appointment arrived at Burlington, Wisconsin on July 9.  This was the first news of the death of Joseph Smith.

James taught the same as every prophet of God before him.  He wrote, “As prophet, I have foretold in the name of God, the ills that were coming on men, and directed all who received the word of the Lord how and where to come out from among the wicked, that they receive not of their plagues.
   
“I have obtained covenants and promises of God and at his hand obtained an everlasting inheritance for the Saints, which I have divided among them by lot, without cost or price.  God is our God and we are his people forevermore.
   
“As a Seer, I have seen the visions of the Almighty, and as a Revelator have received knowledge of his purposes and commandments, and made them known among the children of men.  As a translator, I have brought forth hidden treasures, and re­vealed the old record to all who love the truth, and seek unto it.  The visions of the past and the hidden lore of future ages are laid by the side of present hopes and future knowledge.
   
“As an apostle I have borne a faithful testimony of the kingdom and the coming of the Lord Jesus.  I have fought a good fight. I have kept the faith.  I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God.  In the treasure-house of the Almighty there is laid up for me a crown of glory richer than all diadems of earthly kings.
   
“Of all that dwell on earth, God has made me the most happy.  From men I fear no evil.  May God bless you abundantly with the same blessings, and especially with the love of the truth."

Prophets
Vision of James J. Strang on June 18, 1844.
Letter of Appointment from Joseph Smith.
Ordination of James J. Strang on June 27, 1844
Delivery of the Letter of Appointment.
James J. Strang the Prophet
 Pastoral Letters
Prophecies Fulfilled
Prophecies Yet Future
Brigham Young and the Twelve
Sidney Rigdon
Testimonies For James

Prophets

Many different words were translated as prophet in the Bible.  “A prophet may be a minister, a singer, a priest, or some other person. In short, a prophet is anyone who presents the Word of God to his fellowmen, or who praises the works of God.” (Young’s Analytical Concordance To The Bible)  Webster’s Dictionary gives three primary definitions for the word prophet: (1) a person who speaks for God, (2) a religious teacher or leader regarded as, or claiming to be, divinely inspired, and (3) a person who predicts future events in any way.  James fulfilled all three definitions of the term prophet.

The Spirit of Truth received when a person is born of the Spirit includes a gift of prophesy.  “13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16)  One of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is the gift of prophesy.  The Apostle Paul placed great value on this gift.  “1 Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” (1 Cor. 14)

Generally, the higher a person progresses in the priesthood, the greater this gift is manifested; until a person is ordained to the Prophetic Office and enjoys a fullness of this gift.  Prophets often see various times like rows of hills at different distances.  Seeing both the near times and the far times, they often speak of different times in the same verse.

High Priests are often referred to as prophets in the Bible.  James wrote, “They who are faithful in the calling, have the gift of prophecy.  Hence High Priests are frequently spoken of under the name of Prophets.” (Book of the Law, p. 225)

There is also the Prophetic Office.  This is the highest order of the Melchisedec Priesthood and presides as First President over the people of God.  The superior office is that of first degree Apostle; and is a Lawgiver, Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator.  “This Degree is sole, and gives the word of God as from his own mouth.” (Book of the Law, p. 214) James fulfilled all of these duties. He stood as First President having communion with God; and offered many Revelations from God giving the people guidance on the will of God.  Communication with God is limited only by the faithfulness and obedience of the people.  When men turn from the will of God to the commandments of men and delights of the world, they lose communication with God. Eventually the Spirit is completely withdrawn.  The command that the people should gather, have all things in common, and be as one, was broken both under Joseph and James.

James provided numerous revelations from God to the people.  These are addressed in the chapter, James the Revelator.  James also continually offered the people guidance on the will of God through various tracts; and through his teachings in the official church journals.  He published four Pastoral Letters to the church that are included in this chapter.  The prophecies which he gave (up to this generation) have been perfectly fulfilled.  His prophecies of events yet future, agree with those in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.

As a translator he provided the Voree Record and The Book of the Law of the Lord.  The latter remains the most valuable document given through James to the people of God.  It was the most sacred of all the books of Scripture.  It is noted by name over twenty times in the Bible; and as the law of God hundreds of times.  The teachings of James bring a wealth of information on doctrinal subjects.  They are included in the chapter, James the Teacher.

After the loss of the Melchisedec Priesthood in Israel , during the Egyptian captivity, Moses was called to the office of Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver; and received the Book of the Law of the Lord on tables of stone—written by the finger of God. Before the death of Moses, God commanded Moses to call Joshua to the second order of the Prophetic Office.  “18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.” (Num. 27)

This office if that of second degree Apostle; and is Counselor, Prophet, Seer, and King. In the absence of a Lawgiver, this lower office can stand at the head of the people; when specifically given that commission; as was Joshua.  James explained the possible succession in the office of second degree Apostle, “If there was an interregnum in the Priesthood of Lawgiver, the oldest Apostle of this Degree… would stand at the head till the place was filled.” (Book of the Law, p. 219)

Only those who have been properly called to the Prophetic Office have authority to stand at the head of the Church of Christ .  After the death of Joseph, Sidney Rigdon, a second degree Apostle, attempted to stand at the head.  His claim could have been valid if he had been specifically ordained as head the people.  But, James had already been ordained as a first degree Apostle above him.  The lesser is always blessed by the greater.  The office of First President, and head of the people, requires a specific ordination by one holding greater authority.  Moses stood above Joshua in the priesthood.  Joseph and James stood above Sidney Rigdon.

Although Joshua stood at the head of the people, and held the keys of mysteries and revelation, his office was that of an interpreter and administrator (of existing laws)—he could not give new commandments to the people.  After Joshua, Prophet Judges, and Prophets stood at the head of the people of God; and provided communication with God.  The inferior Kings in Israel [e.g. David and Solomon] were subject to the Prophets; as they held the lower office of High Priest.

A distinguishing feature of Prophets of God is communication with God.  God does not separate Himself from man.  It is man who, through lack of faith and disobedience, separates himself from God.  “1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa. 59)  James was the only person who claimed to succeed Joseph; and who provided this essential communication with God.

Brigham Young claimed to stand at the head; as a third degree Apostle.  This lower degree is that of Ambassador and not of Prophet; and holds no royal (presiding) authority in Zion .  They can act with presiding authority only under the direction of the Presidency.  Brigham Young was never ordained according to the law of God to the Prophetic Office (See the Kirtland Council Record Book, p. 72).  He held the office of First President only by a popular vote of his followers—in rebellion to the authority established by God through James.  Having no communication with God, Brigham never fulfilled the office of Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator.  Only the last section in the Utah Doctrine and Covenants alludes to Brigham giving “The Word and Will of the Lord.”  As Brigham was never ordained to the Prophetic Office, this section is a bold usurpation of the authority of God.

About four hundred years before Jesus , Judah had become so corrupted they became separated from God; and lost the guidance of a Prophet of God.  Jesus restored the Melchisedec Priesthood and the office of Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  After the death of Jesus, Peter, James, and John were successively called at the head of the people.  Jesus told Peter, “17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?  Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?  And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.  Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21)

The first vacancy in the twelve third degree Apostles, left by Judas, was filled by Matthais (Acts 1:26 ).  The calling of Peter to the Prophetic Office left a second vacancy in the Twelve.  The vacancy left by Peter was filled by Paul.  Peter addressed his epistles to the church; where Paul addressed his only to the churches within his jurisdiction.

John was the last Prophet of God in the former Gentile dispensation.  The final book in the Bible is the book of Revelation by John.  It begins with a strong warning to the Gentile churches.  The gentiles had already begun to fall back into their pagan traditions and evil practices.  Jesus gave them one final warning.  “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Rev. 2:5)

They would not. God called no more Prophets; and no longer spoke with them.  Prophesy, ecclesiastical history, and church leaders agree that the Gentiles returned to paganism.  Constantine completed the conversion of Christianity to paganism—changing only the names.  Mosheim, the noted ecclesiastical historian, traced this apostasy during each century after Jesus.  He wrote of the fourth century under Constantine , “The rites and institutions, by which the Greeks, Romans, and other nations, had formerly testified their religious veneration for fictitious deities, were now adopted, with some slight alterations by Christian bishops, and employed in the service of the true God.” (Mosheim, Ecclesiastical History, Century 4, Part 2, chap 4:1, 4)

John saw a beast (Mystery, Babylon the Great) that was to overcome the Church of Christ , the divine authority of God, and close the door to the kingdom of heaven for 1260 years.  “5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months… 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Rev. 13)

“10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen [ Egypt , Assyria , Babylon , Persia , and Greece ], and one is [Pagan Rome], and the other is not yet come [Pagan Christian Rome]; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space [325 AD to 476AD]. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth [Papal Rome], and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Rev. 17)

The final form of the beast—Papal Rome—was established in 570 AD.  The kingdom of Satan now had complete control over the souls of man.  There were many dissenters against the doctrines and rule of the Popes.  Constantine had declared resistance to the doctrines of the Catholic Church heresy--a civil crime punishable by death.  It has been estimated the Popes were responsible for the martyrdom of 50,000,000 people.

After the 1260 years, John prophesied that divine authority and the gospel of Christ would be restored to the earth; and Jesus taught the gospel would be preached one last time as a witness against the Gentiles before their destruction.  “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6)  Jesus said, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14)

Exactly 1260 years later, on April 6, 1830 , Joseph Smith, established the Church of Christ; according to the freedom of religion provisions of the first amendment.  He had previously been ordained under the hands of Peter, James, and John as Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver.  He restored the same order to the house of God that Jesus had done almost two thousand years earlier.  “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists [High Priests]; and some, pastors [Elders] and teachers.” (Eph. 4:11)

This was to be the last time the gospel would be preached to the Gentiles.  “Wherefore, labor ye, labor ye in my vineyard for the last time--for the last time call upon the inhabitants of the earth.” (Doctrine and Covenants, 43:28)  Again, the Gentiles refused to live by the will of God.  Joseph Smith was martyred on June 27, 1844 ; and gave his blood as a witness to the truth of his calling.

Joseph Smith had left several revelations that, in the event of his impending death, he would appoint “another” in his place.  Joseph also noted the law of God provides that only one ordained at the hands of angels has a legitimate claim to the higher Prophetic Office held by Joseph.

“4 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead. 5 And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments; 6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me. 7 For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.” (Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 43; see also D&C 28:2, 6, 7; 35:17, 18; 43:3; and 90:3, 4)

James became familiar with the Church of Christ through two of his brothers-in-law. His brother-in-law, Benjamin, joined the latter day saints.  Moses Smith, a highly respected member of the church, visited Burlington , Wisconsin .  The extreme interest generated by this visit caused James to return on foot with Aaron Smith, some 400 miles in the middle of winter, in February, 1844, to Nauvoo , Illinois --the gathering place of the saints.  On February 25, he was baptized of water and the Spirit by Joseph Smith.

He was ordained an Elder by Hyrum Smith, brother of Joseph and Patriarch to the church, on March 3rd.  As Hyrum laid his hands upon James’ head, he prophesied that he would hold the same priesthood as Enoch, Moses, and Elijah.

“In February in the year eighteen hundred and forty four James J. Strang in company with Aaron Smith and under his teachings visited Nauvoo the city of the Saints and there was more fully instructed by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon, in the Gospel.

“On the twenty fifth day of February in that year he was baptized by Joseph Smith who gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and blessed him with many and great blessings and said I seal upon thy head against God's own good time the keys of the Melchisedec Priesthood and afterwards but in the same ordinance Thou shalt hold the keys of the Melchisedec Priesthood, shalt walk with Enoch, Moses and Elijah and shalt talk with God face to face.

“And on the third day of March in the same year he was ordained an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints by the laying on of hands of Hyrum Smith according to the testimony of the spirit of prophecy and the word of the Holy Ghost, and he said I perceive by the spirit which is within me that thou shalt carry the gospel with the Spirit like flaming fire to many nations and by thee shall God save the pure of his people. (Chronicles of Voree, p. 6)

On June 18th, Joseph wrote a letter appointing James as his successor in accordance with the law of God.  It was sent by regular course of mail from Nauvoo on June 19, 1844 ; and was received in Burlington , Wisconsin on July 9.  On the same day that Joseph wrote the letter, James received a vision in which he saw himself, “surrounded by wise men and counselors and priests and eloquent orators, arose and taught the people.” At the same hour that Joseph was murdered in Carthage Jail on June 27, James J. Strang claimed to have been ordained at the hands of angels to the same Prophetic Office; as Joseph’s successor; and head of the people of God.  James offered a thorough examination of the law of God on succession in the Presidency and his claims to the Prophetic Office in the tract The Prophetic Controversy.

  Vision of James J. Strang on June 18, 1844 .

   “1. On the eighteenth day of June, eighteen hundred and forty‑four, James J. Strang was in the Spirit, and he was in the grove above the stone quarry on White River, and he had a vision; and behold, he was carried away in the Spirit to the top of the hill in the west border of Racine, and Gardner's prairie was to the north, and the White River marshes to the south, and he saw in the vision; and the lands round about were covered with many houses and gardens, and there were streets, and shops, and people; even a city of many inhabitants. And the city was built of stone, and there were few houses of brick and less of wood, and the gardens were many; and a few houses were very great, and their inhabitants many.

“2. There was a change in the vision, and the people with lively pace and smiling countenances thronged the streets and passed by.

“3. There was another change, and they were all assembled in a vast hall, and James J. Strang, surrounded by wise men and counselors and priests and eloquent orators, arose and taught the people; and the Spirit of prophecy witnesseth unto him, so shall it be; and the vision ended, and he was strengthened but his faith was weak." (Voree Herald, August, 1846, p. 33)

James recommended the area around Burlington for a Stake of the church; because of its climate, water supply, farm land, manufacturing potential, and availability to the Great Lakes .  Joseph gave James a charge to search out the land around Burlington .  James wrote a report on the area; and mailed it to Joseph on May 24.  His answer was written on June 18, in which Joseph appointed him to be the next Prophet and head of the people, in accordance with the laws of God.

  Letter of Appointment from Joseph Smith.

  Nauvoo, Ill., June 18th, 1844 .
   
“My Dear Son:--Your epistle of May 24th, proposing the planting a Stake of Zion in Wisconsin , and the gathering of the Saints there, was duly received, and I, with most of the brethren whose advice I called in, were of opinion that you was deceived by a spirit not of this world, great but not good. Brother Hyrum, however, thought otherwise, and favored the project, not doubting it was of God. I, however, determined to return you an unfavorable answer for the present. But, Oh! the littleness of man in his best earthly state! Not so the will of the Almighty. God hath ruled it otherwise, and a message from the throne of grace directed me as it hath inspired you, and the faith which thou hast in the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel, hath been repaid to thee a thousand fold, and thou shalt be like unto him; but the flock shall find rest with thee, and God shall reveal to thee his will concerning them.

“I have long felt that my present work was almost done, and that I should soon be called to rule a mighty host, but something whispers me it will be in the land of spirits, where the wicked cease from troubling and the bands of the prisoner fall off.  My heart yearns for my little ones, but I know God will be a father to them, and I can claim face to face the fulfillment of promises from him who is a covenant-keeping God, and who sweareth and peformeth and faileth not to the uttermost.

“The wolves are upon the scent, and I am waiting to be offered up, if such be the will of God, knowing that though my visage be more marred than that of any, it will be unscarred and fair when archangels shall place on my brow the double crown of martyr and king in a heavenly world.

“In the midst of darkness and boding danger, the spirit of Elijah came upon me, and I went away to inquire of God how the Church should be saved.

“I was upon the hill of the Temple . The calm father of waters rolled below, changeless and eternal. I beheld a light in the heavens above, and streams of bright light illuminated the firmament, varied and beautiful as the rainbow, gentle, yet rapid as the fierce lightning.

“The Almighty came from his throne of rest. He clothed himself with light as with a garment. He appeared, and moon and stars went out. The earth dissolved in space. I trod on air and was borne on wings of Cherubims. The sweetest strains of heavenly music thrilled in my ear, but the notes were low and sad as though they sounded the requiem of martyred Prophets.

“I bowed my head to the earth and asked only wisdom and strength for the Church. The voice of God answered, My servant Joseph, thou hast been faithful over many things and thy reward is glorious; the crown and sceptre are thine, and they wait thee. But thou hast sinned in some things, and thy punishment is very bitter. The whirlwind goeth before, and its clouds are dark, but rest followeth, and to its days there shall be no end. Study the words of the vision for it tarrieth not.

And now behold my servant James J. Strang hath come to thee from far for truth when he knew it not, and hath not rejected it, but had faith in thee, the Shepherd and Stone of Israel, and to him shall the gathering of the people be, for he shall plant a stake of Zion in Wisconsin, and I will establish it; and there shall my people have peace and rest and shall not be moved, for it shall be established on the prairie on White River, in the lands of Racine and Walworth; and behold my servants James and Aaron shall plant it, for I have given them wisdom, and Daniel shall stand in his lot on the hill beside the river, looking down on the prairie, and shall instruct my people, and shall plead with them face to face.

“Behold my servant James shall lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes of Zion , and my servant Aaron shall be his counselor, for he hath wisdom in the gospel, and understandeth the doctrines, and erreth not therein.

“And I will have a house built unto me there of stone, and there will I show myself to my people by many mighty works, and the name of the city shall be called Voree, which is, being interpreted, garden of peace, for there shall my people have peace and rest and wax fat and pleasant in the presence of their enemies.

“But I will again stretch out my arm over the river of waters, and on the banks thereof shall the house of my choice be. But now the city of Voree shall be a stronghold of safety to my people, and they that are faithful and obey me I will there give them great prosperity, and such as they have not had before; and unto Voree shall be the gathering of my people, and there shall the oppressed flee for safety, and none shall hurt or molest them.

“And by this shall they know that I have spoken it; the people there and the owners of the land shall show kindness to them, for great calamities are coming on the church, and such as have not been, and if they scatter, the ungodly of the world shall swallow them up, but if they gather to my city of Voree there will I keep them under the shadow of my wings, and the cities from whence my people have been driven shall be purged with a high hand, for I will do it, and my people shall be again restored to their possession; but dark clouds are gathering, for the church is not yet wholly purged.

“And now I command my servants, the Apostles and Priests and Elders of the Church of the Saints, that they communicate and proclaim this, my word, to all the saints of God in all the world, that they may be gathered unto and round about the city of Voree and be saved from their enemies, for I will have a people to serve me.

“And I command my servant Moses Smith, that he go unto the saints with whom he is acquainted, and unto many people, and command them in my name to go unto my city of Voree, and gain inheritances therein, and he shall have an inheritance therein, for he hath left all for my sake; and I will add unto him many fold if he is faithful, for he knows the land and can testify to them that it is very good.

“So spake the Almighty God of heaven. Thy duty is made plain, and if thou lackest wisdom, ask of God, in whose hands I trust thee, and he shall give thee unsparingly, for if evil befall me thou shalt lead the flock to pleasant pastures. God sustain thee.

                   JOSEPH SMITH.”

  Ordination of James J. Strang on June 27, 1844

  “1. On the twenty‑seventh day of June, 1844, at five and a half o'clock in the afternoon, James J. Strang was in the Spirit, and the Angel of God came unto him and saluted him, saying,

“2. Fear God and be strengthened and obey him, for great is the work which he hath required at thy hand. Go on in hope and strength, and falter not, and he will sustain thee, and thou shalt triumph, for the voice of the Lord by the mouth of Joseph will he fulfill.

“3. And the Angel of the Lord stretched forth his hand unto him and touched his head, and put oil upon him and said, Grace is poured upon thy lips, and God blesseth thee with the greatness of the Everlasting Priesthood. He putteth might and glory and majesty upon thee, and in meekness and truth and righteousness will he prosper thee.

“4. Thou shalt save his people from their enemies when there is no arm to deliver, and shalt bring salvation when destruction walketh in the house of thy God. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore thy God hath anointed thee with oil and set thee above all thy fellows.

“5. Thy words shall be like sharp arrows in the heart of the wicked. Thou shalt rebuke those who pervert the word of thy God. Thou shalt preach righteousness and the sublime mysteries in the ears of many people, and shall bring the gospel to many who have not known it and to the nations afar off.

“6. Thou shalt drive backward and put to shame those that do evil, and the workers of iniquity shall fall. They shall be cast down and shall not be able to rise. With purity will the Lord thy God arm thee, and purity and truth shalt thou teach.

“7. Keep the law of the Lord thy God in thy heart, and none of thy steps shall slide. With thee is the fountain of truth. In thy light shall the people of thy God see, for thou shalt speak his word unto them, and from thy lips shall they receive it.

“8. The blessing of their God shalt thou put upon them, and his curse upon evil doers, if, after being oft rebuked, they repent not; and before my people shalt thou go to lead them into my ways, for unto thee has the Lord thy God given salvation.

“9. In righteousness shalt thou rule. Thou shalt redeem the poor and the needy from suffering and violence, and to thee God giveth judgment for them. Thou shalt deliver the prey from the spoiler, for God, thy God, hath put them in thy hand.

“10. And in weakness will he make thee strong. Thou shalt rule among his people. Thou shalt break in pieces the rod of the oppressor and the yoke of the unjust ruler. They shall flee away, but the way of peace shall they not find.

“11. While the day of the wicked abideth, shalt thou prepare a refuge for the oppressed and for the poor and needy. Unto thee shall they come, and their brethren who are scattered shall come with them, and the destruction of the ungodly shall quickly follow, for it already worketh. Go thy way and be strong.” (Voree Herald, August, 1846, p. 33)

On June 27, 1844 , Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered in Carthage Jail; while under the protective custody of the Governor.  At the same hour, some 400 miles distant, in Burlington , Wisconsin , James claimed to have been ordained under the hands of angels as an Apostle, Prophet, Lawgiver, and Joseph’s successor.

For almost three weeks James taught of this appointment, without any knowledge of the death of Joseph.  The letter of appointment arrived in Burlington on July 9, 1844 , in which Joseph prophesied of his coming death and appointing James as his successor.  Thus began the difficult and trying work of James as Apostle, Prophet, Lawgiver, Seer, Revelator, and Translator; which he sealed with his own blood on July 9, 1856 .

  Delivery of the Letter of Appointment.
By, James J. Strang.

  “This letter was received at Burlington by regular course of mail, coming through the distributing office at Chicago , and bears the Nauvoo postmark of June 19th, the day following its date.  It arrived at Burlington July 9th, and was immediately taken from the office by C. P. Barnes, Esq., a distinguished lawyer. at that place, who, in con­sequence of the rumors of persecution and civil war against the Mormons, and a general anxiety to hear the latest news, immediately carried it to Mr. Strang, with the request to be informed of any news of public interest which it might contain.  It therefore became public the same evening…

“Mrs. Emma Smith recollects well of her husband receiving a letter from Mr. Strang, and holding a council on the subject, and names Hyrum Smith, Willard Richards and John P. Green as present at that council, and also that a letter was sent to Mr. Strang in answer, but of the import of the answer she was not informed.

“Immediately after the martyrdom of Joseph, John Taylor, Willard Richards and William W. Phelps took a kind of temporary direction of the affairs of the church, instructing the saints to wait patiently the hand of the Lord; assuring them that he had not left them without a shepherd, and that all things would be made known in due season.  To every question of the saints, Who is the prophet?  replies were made, in substance, that the saints would know in due season, but that nothing could be done until the Twelve got home, because the appoint­ment of a prophet and the directions for salvation of the church from the perils they were in, was contained in sealed packages directed to them.  Orson Hyde and others of the Twelve, who were then in the east, stated in public congregations in New York, Philadelphia and other cities, that Willard Richards had written to them that the appointment of a prophet was left with him, under seal, to be opened on the return of the Twelve.  This assertion was so often made that the whole church were daily expecting to hear a new prophet pro­claimed.  On the 8th day of August, 1844, when Sidney Rigdon en­deavored to obtain authority to lead the church, John P. Green, marshal of the city of Nauvoo , told them, "They need not trouble themselves about it, for Joseph had appointed one James J Strang, who lived up north, to stand in his stead."  The sudden death of John P. Green immediately after this declaration (under very extra­ordinary circumstances) left Willard Richards and John Taylor sole repositors of all documents on this subject, except this letter.

“They had simply to suppress documents in their hands to set themselves up in power, or overthrow themselves and their preten­sions by publishing them.  These, and many other facts which we have not room to state, make an array of testimony of the strongest kind in favor of this letter.  It is worthy of consideration that no one fact has been relied on against it, but that in various quarters different false tales have been told to disparage it, which a mere inspection of the letter or of public records would prove false.  The only reason which can be given for this continual resort to falsehood is that there is no truth against it."  (The Diamond, p. 3)

  James J. Strang the Prophet

  There have always been distinctive characteristics which identify a true Prophet of God.  First, they all claim direct communication with the throne of grace.  Second, they all claim a calling and ordination at the hands of angels by a direct command of God.  Third, they all fulfill the duties of their calling.  Fourth, they teach the same as all prophets of God on the same subject.  Fifth, in many instances they seal their testimony with their own blood.

Of all the various men who claimed succession after the death of Joseph, only James J. Strang was appointed by Joseph and claimed to have been ordained at the hands of angels.  James made his claim known from the time of his ordination on June 27, by mail and by word of mouth.  Until the letter was delivered on July 9, there was no official news from Nauvoo.  The letter from Joseph proved the claim that James had made almost two weeks earlier.

James kept the letter open for public examination throughout his life.  It is now in Yale University Library.  James put all question concerning its validity to rest forever.  The validity of Mormonism actually rests upon the validity of this letter.  If Joseph failed to appoint “another” as successor, and no one came forward claiming a proper ordination as his successor, Joseph was a false prophet.

James wrote in a letter to Mrs. Corey, which was later incorporated into The Prophetic Controversy, “It is seldom that any one having a letter in possession, if its genuineness was disputed, could absolutely show it.  No matter how perfect the handwriting or post stamp, it may be said, ‘they might have been forged.’ I ask you, which one of the written revelations is surrounded by as much evidence of genuineness as this?

“First of all, the letter is prophetic.  Many things were predicted in it so improbable, the Brighamites formerly appealed to them as evidence that it was not genuine.  Among these is the prediction of the necessity of a refuge for the saints out of Nauvoo.  You know how fearfully this has been fulfilled.

“It was received at Voree before any notice of Joseph's death or arrest reached there, and nothing is more certain than that that fearful tragedy struck the whole country with astonishment.  To suppose that such a letter would have been forged at that time, is merely ridiculous.  In the chapter of accidents it would not stand one chance in a million of making a genuine hit.

“Moreover, if a forgery, the crime must have been committed by some person having no conceivable interest in it, and who has never come forward to claim or seek any advantage growing out of it, and must have been worked through the postoffice somewhere by official connivance and criminal contrivance.

“For it is beyond contradiction, and has been proved by an abun­dance of witnesses, now living, that this letter did reach Burlington in the mail, duly enveloped and billed as from Chicago, and was taken from the office and carried to me, and read, and its contents made public the same day.

“To believe that it is a forgery, you must believe that all these difficulties were encountered and overcome by some persons un­known, and not yet suspected, and for what purpose?  None, within man's imagination.  So much more credulous is unbelief than the strongest faith.

“A fact worth all the rest is, that in the many thousand places in which this letter has been exibited, its genuineness has never been questioned, except at Florence, Michigan; and among the quarter of a million of people who have examined it, nearly all interested in discrediting it, Brighamites, because it was evidence of my calling, and Gentiles, because it was evidence of the truth of Mormonism, nobody ever questioned its genuineness, except less than a half dozen Brighamite elders.  All the rest who call it a forgery are persons who never saw it.

“No other fact goes further in support of the divine institution of Mormonism; no other fact in its support is so universally credited.  What an infatuation on the part of Mormons to seek to discredit it.  It quite equals the perversity with which several leading Mormons have long sought to destroy the credibility of the original witnesses to the Book of Mormon; a blunder and a crime of which Mr. Ferris, late Secretary of Utah, in his book against Mormonism, took advan­tage with most telling force.

“When nearly all the world were interested in impeaching this letter, out of a quarter of a million who have examined it, less than a half dozen have questioned its genuineness.  This fact alone raises about as strong a case of human evidence as the mind of man can conceive.

“But, pressing the inquiry, on what ground did they dispute it?  Not that the postmark was made of black ink, or was made with too large letters; for no such fact existed, and no such was ever suggested till it was stated at Nauvoo, as a kind of sweep all, to silence inquiry, not expecting it would ever reach me, to be con­tradicted.

“The only objection made to it then, was, that the postmark, or stamp, had a dot at the left of the top of the J in "June," which ought not to be there.  This is conceded.  My answer to it then was, that there were so many chances by which such a dot could be made without design, that its presence proved nothing.

“The question was discussed at length, as well as every other objection made to the appointment of a prophet in that manner, and the result was that I was sustained by the Conference.  Thirteen elders were present, and after a majority had expressed themselves in my favor, Green, Dunn and Jacob counseled caution and pru­dence, and proposed cautious and prudent resolutions, to the effect that "those of the elders who were satisfied with the evidence of my calling, might proclaim it, taking themselves the responsibility in case it should prove an error, and those who were not satisfied should say nothing on the subject, till further directions."  Such was the compromise which my opponents were glad to make, to avoid my being fully recognized by the Conference at Florence ; facts which fully appear by the original records of the Conference.

“After the adjournment of the Conference these men began a most assiduous effort to change the face of matters, assuming author­ity as I have often seen Brighamites do since then; and by threatening and cajoling, partly silencing those who had been disposed to hear me, and then called them together again and assumed to lecture me, as ill bred old women lecture disobedient children of washing days.

“Being told that I was to hear and not reply, and satisfied that I could not get a hearing without a quarrel, I left with one of the brethren who received me at his house, even after which I was received as a prophet by most of the Saints who attended that Conference.

“My license was demanded as I left the house, but not under­standing that Elders could exercise discipline over the First President, I did not deliver it. Dunn says I had none.  But if he will call on me, I will show it to him.  Possibly he will say that is a forgery also.  I have a good many papers that Brighamites would like to have forg­eries.

“So much stress was laid on the fact of the dot before the J in the mailing stamp, that a more thorough investigation was had than the subject called for, and the result was that every letter that could be found mailed at Nauvoo the 19th June, had the same dot before the J.  Here then sprung up an unlooked for evidence of the genuine­ness of the letter of appointment, the strongest which the human mind can conceive.

“However corrupt the heart, or skillful the head, how could the forger know that on that particular day for the first time since the office was established, a little splinter would get into the mailing stamp, and mark every letter with one dot which ought not to be there?  He could not have known it.  It was impossible.  Thus the proof that this letter was duly mailed at Nauvoo the 19th of June, 1844 , is astounding; actually overwhelming.

“The single fact of this dot, once the sole ground of impeachment of this letter of appointment, has thus established its genuineness by the most singularly strong combination of facts ever presented in human evidence.

“This very strength of evidence is so great as to be repugnant to the human mind.  It struggles for something on which to hang a doubt, unwilling that that which rests in testimony should be ab­solutely beyond a doubt.”

“Upon this I shall rest the evidence that I did receive a genuine letter of appointment to the prophetic office from Joseph Smith, written a few days previous to his death.  But in preferring to rest the evidence here, I wish to notify you that there is also a mass of evidence showing the writing and sending of that letter, quite as satisfactory as this of its reception.  This evidence is now in a scat­tered state, and the task of arraying it so as to do justice to the subject is more than I have time now to undertake.  But when it is needed it will be forthcoming, and will show that some of the Brighamite leaders are just as well assured of my calling to the prophetic office as of their own to any priesthood they really and legally hold.

“Such is the mode in which I came to the prophetic office, and such are the evidences that I did so come in.  That these evidences are satisfactory, I believe no one will dispute or question, but such as are predetermined that this truth shall not be true.” (Prophetic Controversy, pp. 32-34)

James wrote of the critical importance of every Prophet of God being properly called and ordained at the hands of angels.  “1. In the general infidelity of the times the doctrine of Angelic ordinations strikes the ear as a discarded old superstition.  Though the half converted disciples of Joseph assented to that truth in his case, it was with such a savor of unwilling faith as would not believe that the like would ever again occur.  So unwilling are men to believe that God works now, as he did in the ages past.

“2. Jesus commenced his ministry after John the Baptist, the forerunner or porter, opened the door of that dispensation; being inducted into the Church by baptism, and the Priesthood by a call by the voice of God, and by the ministration of an Angel.”

“5. Moses was called by the voice of God, (Ex. iii, 4, 10,) and sent by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him when God spoke from the flame. (Acts vii, 35.)  Joseph was likewise called by the voice of God, (D. & C. i, 4,) and sent by the hand of Angels. (D. & C. 1, 2, 3.)  And in the same manner was James called and sent. (Post xx, 6, p. 169.)

“6. In the calling of Joseph there was a necessity that he be called by the direct revelation of the word of God to himself; for there was no Prophet or Priest of God on earth, by whom God should speak and minister in calling and ordaining him to the Prophetic and Apostolic office.  Consequently God called him by his own voice, and sent Peter, James and John to ordain him to the Priesthood, because they, having been duly called and set apart, and filled an acceptable ministry on earth, had entered into life, capable of ministering in heaven and on earth, as God should send them.

“7. The necessity was equally strong that the successor of Joseph should be ordained by the hand of an Angel.  He could not be ordained by any of the surviving Priesthood; because none were equal to Joseph in authority, and the less is blessed of the greater. Moreover, the keys of David, given him and his house forever, by the oath of God, had to be bestowed on the heir of David on earth, before the Kingdom could prevail and exercise dominion.  They could only be bestowed by him who held them.” (Book of the Law, p. 165)

Shortly after the death of Joseph, James and Aaron Smith left to intercept the Twelve who were returning from missions in the East.  After they reached Sandusky , Ohio , without making contact, James had become sick with a fever and returned to Voree.   Moses Smith was sent to Nauvoo to present the claims of James to the church.  Moses Smith had been honored among the saints.  He had helped saints flee from Missouri ; and was a Nauvoo merchant and highly respected High Priest.  He was not permitted to present the claims of James.  See the Chronicles of Voree, page 13.

The family of Joseph Smith did make their beliefs concerning the claims of James known; as did Apostles, the church Patriarch, and others.  A few of these testimonies are included at the end of this chapter.

I would strongly recommend that you read the notes of James concerning the office of Prophet and Lawgiver on pages 214 to 219 in the Book of the Law.  I will quote only the last paragraph.  “21. In the last days Joseph Smith, of the tribe of Ephraim, was called to the Prophetick office, the Shepherd and Stone of Israel, according to the prophecy of Jacob; (Gen. xlix, 24;) and after him James, of the tribe of Judah, and of the lineage of David, was called according to the prophecy of Jacob, (id. 10,) the prediction of Joseph in Egypt , (B. of M. 2d Nephi ii, 2,) and the covenant of God with David, (2d Sam. vii, 12, 15, 16. Ps. lxxxix, 19, 20, 25, 27-29, 36, 37,) and stands in the office of Lawgiver, having translated most of the Law given to Moses, organized and established the Kingdom of God, and established the Law of God in it.”

James wrote two tracts which addressed the law of God on prophetic succession:  The Diamond and The Prophetic Controversy.  He also wrote many articles on the true order of the priesthood and prophetic succession.  He wrote to Mrs. Corey (included in The Prophetic Controversy) in September, 1854, “Either Joseph has given the word of God appoint­ing another in his stead, or those revelations have fallen to the ground, and Joseph has proved himself a false prophet, and Mor­monism an imposture.

“Neither you nor I can take the latter alternate.  We are both obliged, by our faith in Joseph as a true prophet, to say that ‘through him God has appointed another in his stead.’

“Who has been so appointed?  It is needless to say that there is not a person on earth who pretends to have received such an ap­pointment except myself.  During the ten years since the martyrdom of Joseph, I, and I alone, have stood up as a prophet of God, claim­ing to have been appointed by revelation of God through Joseph, and to have been sent by the hands of Angels, as he was.

“Therefore there is no escaping the conclusion that either I am a true prophet, and his lawful successor, or Joseph is a false prophet, and Mormonism an imposture.  This is the only alternate with you.  With me there is none.  Called by the voice of God, and ordained by the hand of Angels, since the day of his death I have known my calling, as he did his in the days of his ministry.

“So forcible is the position I have above stated, that for years after Brigham Young assumed to stand at the head of the church, the promise was held out continually that a prophet was yet to rise, who had been appointed by Joseph.” (Prophetic Controversy, p. 3)

It should not be necessary to answer all the claims of men who established themselves as presumed heads of the church.  We have only to verify whether their claims are legitimate according to the law of God.  Any successor to Joseph had to be directly appointed by Joseph and ordained at the hands of angels.  Only James claimed communication with God and offered prophecies, revelations, and translations.

At the death of Joseph there were three degrees in the office of Apostle.  Joseph was a first degree Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver; and stood above all other officers in the church.  He was First President over the entire church.  Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams were second degree Apostles, Prophets, and Counselors to Joseph in the First Presidency.  Their priesthood was inferior to that of Joseph. 

“1 Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given. 2 But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses… 6 And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; 7 For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.” (Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 28)

The Twelve were third degree Apostles and Ambassadors of the gospel to the world.  They did not hold the office of Prophet; and held no jurisdiction in Zion .

 “33 The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations, first unto the Gentiles and secondly unto the Jews.”

“91 And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses--

“92 Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.” (Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 107)

James fulfilled the office of Prophet in five ways:  (1) as First President of the church, (2) as one who speaks for God [offers communication from God], (3) as one who predicts future events, (4) as a translator, and (5) as a teacher divinely inspired.  This chapter will address the truth of his mission by showing that he fulfilled the first three duties.  The fulfillment of his duty as a Revelator, Translator, and teacher are the subjects in separate chapters.

James wrote, concerning the fulfillment of his duties, “As First President, I have regularly presided over the Church and took the direction of its affairs in all the world, according to the law of God.

“As prophet, I have foretold in the name of God, the ills that were coming on men, and directed all who received the word of the Lord how and where to come out from among the wicked, that they receive not of their plagues.

“I have obtained covenants and promises of God and at his hand obtained an everlasting inheritance for the Saints, which I have divided among them by lot, without cost or price.  God is our God and we are his people forevermore.

“As a Seer, I have seen the visions of the Almighty, and as a Revelator have received knowledge of his purposes and commandments, and made them known among the children of men.  As a translator, I have brought forth hidden treasures, and re­vealed the old record to all who love the truth, and seek unto it.  The visions of the past and the hidden lore of future ages are laid by the side of present hopes and future knowledge.

“As an apostle I have borne a faithful testimony of the kingdom and the coming of the Lord Jesus.  I have fought a good fight. I have kept the faith.  I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God.  In the treasure-house of the Almighty there is laid up for me a crown of glory richer than all diadems of earthly kings.

“Of all that dwell on earth, God has made me the most happy.  From men I fear no evil.  May God bless you abundantly with the same blessings, and especially with the love of the truth.

“Truly and sincerely,
   
“JAMES J. STRANG.” (Prophetic Controversy, p. 38)

As First President of the Church of Christ, James received revelations and commandments for the church, provided Pastoral Letters to the church, was given visions from God, set the house of God in order, established the High Council, was given a safe gathering place for the saints, directed missionary work, translated ancient records, and maintained order according to the law of God.  The revelations and commandments which he received are the subject of the next chapter.  His Pastoral Letters to the church follow.

  Pastoral Letters

Pastoral Letter, December 25, 1845
Pastoral Letter, January 21, 1847
Pastoral Letter, February 3, 1848
Pastoral Letter, May 1, 1848.

Pastoral Letter, December 25, 1845

JAMES J. STRANG, a Prophet of the Most High God, and an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, unto the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:

1. I am in continual remembrance of your past work in the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God and of the evils done at the hands of ungodly men, and I would that ye remain no longer ignorant of the refuge that God has appointed you, and follow not after any who usurp the authority of God in the Holy City.

2. Be not unmindful of the flock who know not the true Shepherd, but are following hirelings, among whom are grievous wolves, and they bleat like sheep by day and devour by night.  God be praised that some of you have escaped them.  I would that none of you go astray but that you all unitedly might follow after the true Shepherd:  lest coming short after escaping the first perils you enter not into your rest.

3. I beseech you, brethren, that you be not unmindful of the words of the Lord by the mouth of the prophet Joseph; that you be not deceived; that you receive not the teachings of any that come before you as revelations and commandments, except they come in at the gate and be ordained according to the command of God. (1835 D.C. 14:2; Utah D.C. 43:5‑7;  Reor. D.C. 43:2b)

4. I wist ye are not ignorant of the office and place of the prophet Joseph, that he was an Elder and an Apostle, (1835 D.C. 46:1; Utah D.C. 21:1; Reor. D.C. 19:1a.) a Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Translator, called to go before the church as Moses went before Israel . (1835 D.C. 3:42 ; Utah D.C. 107:91‑92; Reor. D.C. 104:42a‑b)

5. Suffer me in all patience to remind you of the law of the Lord which he revealed unto us aforetime that the place of the prophet Joseph should be fill­ed by another; (1835 D.C. 14:1‑2; 11:4 last clause; 51:2 last clause; 84:2; Utah D.C. 43:4; 35:18; 28:7; 90:4; Reor. D.C. 43:2a; 34:41; 27:ld; 87:2a); that the appointment of his successor is by revelation from God; (1835 D.C. 5:6; 11:4; Utah D.C. 102:9; 35:18; Reor. D.C. 99:6a; 34:4f); and that through Joseph only could that appointment be made. (1835 D.C. 14:2; 84:2; Utah D.C. 43:4; 90:4; Reor. D.C. 43:2a; 87:2a)

6. For it is said in one place that if his gift be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead; and in another place it is said, if he abide not in me another will I plant in his stead. And at the organization of the High Council of the church it was written that the President of the church, who is also President of the council, is appointed by revelation.  Finally it is said, I have given unto him the keys of mysteries and revelations which are sealed until I appoint unto them (the church) another in his stead.

7. By these testimonies and by many more it doth clearly appear that it was the duty of the prophet Joseph before his martyrdom to appoint another to fill his place when he should be removed.  If he has not done so then we have no evidence that he was a prophet for what he hath spoken hath not come to pass.

8. The only rational conclusion which any man can arrive at in view of these testimonies is that in the order of this church the Presidency, with its several gifts, offices, and duties, is perpetual. God having thus organized the church, and the power of the devil having accomplished the martyrdom of two of the chief of­ficers, will any saint teach that satan has changed the order of the church and abolished those offices which God instituted, and by the martyrdom of prophets established a new and better order?  I trust not.

9. I am well aware that Sidney Rigdon claimed his place above the Twelve, and that he sought to do some acts by virtue of his office as one of the First Presidency which were generally very much disapproved of, but though he had a perfect right to officiate in his place he had no right to place himself at the head of the church.

10. His office as an associate or member of the First Presidency does not constitute him a regular successor to Joseph Smith, the claim in his favor to suc­ceed as the highest surviving officer of the church, not being a claim of an ap­pointment of God by revelation through Joseph Smith to fill his place, which is the only form of appointment known to the law of God.

11. I am aware, also, that the Twelve claim in their first Apostolic letter after the death of Joseph (Letter of Brigham Young, Aug. 15, 1844, in the Times and Seasons of that date) to preside over and dictate all the affairs of the church in all the world. And they emphatically charge us, Let no man presume for a moment that his place (Joseph's) will be filled by another.  Thus they assumed to abolish the First Presidency of the church and usurp its duties to themselves.

12. This claim, however, is not only utterly unsupported by any one testimony, but is in many points directly contrary to the word of God.  The Twelve are a traveling and not a local or general, high council, and though they are required to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs thereof in all nations, they are to do so expressly under the direction of the Presidency of the church, agreeable to the institution of Heaven. (1835 D.C. 3:12 ; Utah D.C. 107:33; Reor. D.C. 104:12) They hold the keys of the opening of the gospel to the nations, (1835 D.C. 3:13 ; Utah D.C. 107:34; Reor. D.C. 104:13a), but the keys of mysteries and revelations belong to Joseph as First President, Prophet, Seer, and so forth, and to his successors regularly appointed by revela­tion through him. (1835 D.C. 5:6; 11:4; 14:1‑2; Utah D.C. 102:9‑11: 35:17‑18; 43:1‑7; Reor. D.C. 99:6a‑c: 34:4e‑f; 14:la‑2c).  The keys of the kingdom belong to Joseph, for time and eternity, but still with a regular succession as to the oracles or gift of receiving revelation for the church. (1835 D.C. 84:2; Utah D.C. 90:3‑5; Reor. D.C. 87:2a‑b)  The Melchizedek priesthood, by its presidency, holds the keys of ordinances and spiritual blessings.  (1835 D.C. 3:9 & 31; Utah D.C. 107:18‑19 & 60‑67; Reor. D.C. 104:9a‑b & 31b‑f) And in all these things the Twelve are without power, their duties being to open the preaching of the gospel.

13. Moreover, it cannot be that the Twelve should dictate all the affairs of the church in all the world, because they not only are under the direction of the First Presidency, but the high council is above them, and they are amenable to it. "The most important business of the church, and the most difficult cases of the church, in as much as there is not satisfaction upon the decision of the Bishop or Judges, it shall be handed over and carried up to the council of the church before the Presidency of the high priesthood; and the Presidency of the council of the high priesthood shall have power to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as counselors; and thus the Presidency of the high priesthood and its counselors shall have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the church.  And after this decision it shall be had in remembrance no more before the Lord, for this is the highest council of the church of God , and a final decision upon controversies, in spiritual matters. (1835 D.C. 3:35 ; Utah D.C. 107:78‑80; Reor. D.C. 104:35a‑c)  There is not any person belonging to the church, who is exempt from this council of the church. (1835 D.C. 3:36 ; 5:13 ; Utah D.C. 107:81; 102:30‑32; Reor. D.C. 104:36; 99:13a‑b)

14. Upon what pretense is this claim of the Twelve founded?  Upon the trial of Sidney Rigdon, they took pains to state it as strongly as possible, and they make out no more than this, that when Joseph Smith was candidate for President of the United States, and knew by the Spirit that some great thing was to happen, but did not know what it was, he gave them an endowment of ordinances (not the oracles), and told them that on their shoulders would rest the responsibility. (See trial of S. Rigdon, Times and Seasons, Sept. 15, 1844, page 647, remarks of Orson Hyde).  These ordinances are intended for the whole church ‑ men, women and children.  Will they all have power to dictate all the affairs of the church in all the world then? If not, how do these ordinances give the Apostles that power now? If these ordinances gave certain power to some men, why not to others?

15. All the Twelve were not present and did not receive these ordinances.  Whence their claim of power?  Several persons, not of the Twelve, were present and received all these ordinances with such of the Twelve as were there.  Why are not they included in the favored number?  Joseph survived this meeting some months.  Why did not they find out that he had resigned his office and devolved its duties on them, till after he was dead? If his giving an endowment of ordinances, and rolling the responsibility of giving counsel, etc., upon some twenty‑five men with their wives, as he commenced a political career vacated his office and those of his counselors, and superseded the First Presidency and an entire quorum of the church, it is certainly most extraordinary.  A very moderate share of common sense, or any acquaintance whatever with the laws of the church, accompanied with integrity of heart, will reject so preposterous a claim at first blush.  The respon­sibility of leading the church by good counsel in proper order would devolve on a few of its most influential members, necessarily, whenever Joseph's attention was turned from them, by any means whatever, not in virtue of any offices they might hold, but as leading men.  Since the death of Joseph, they have used that responsibility to lead the church from the rock of revelation, out of the true order, and from the place of refuge God has appointed unto them.  Thus have a few led, sanctioned by the votes of Conferences instead of the voice of God, till the destruc­tion which not only lurks in midnight darkness, but stalks boldly at noonday, is upon them.

16. The Twelve have never, in any known publication, claimed, either for themselves or any one of their number, to be First President of the church, or President of the high priesthood.  Their claim is to supersede the First Presiden­cy, put the high council which God has made the highest council of the church, (1835 D.C. 3:35; Utah D.C. 107:78‑80; Reor. D.C. 104:35a‑c), below themselves, and put a bishop over it, where God placed a President, (1835 D.C. 3:9; Utah D.C. 107:18‑19; Reor. D.C. 104:9a‑b), and finally, that ex officio, as Apostles and not as Presidents of the high priesthood, they are to hold the keys and powers which devolved on the First Presidency and its counselors, and to discontinue the offices of Seer, Revelator and Translator in the church.

17. Nothing is more certain than that no law was made at the death of Joseph, or for some years previous, changing the order of the church, or abolishing any of its offices or quorums.  Down to the time of his death, it was properly understood by the whole of the church that he alone received revelations from God to be taught by way of commandment in the church; that he and his two associates in the Presidency had the chief administration of the affairs of the church, and that they, with the twelve high counselors, were a court or judicatory of final resort in all important cases, and that the Twelve Apostles were the chief travel­ing elders and under the direction of the Presidency.  And the man who, during the life‑time of Joseph, had said that the Twelve were at the head of the church, would have been looked upon either as a reckless and hair‑brained liar, or utterly insane.  To have held this then was unblushing apostacy.  To hold now that they are not so is equally apostacy with the leaders in Nauvoo.  Whence is the change?  In God or man?  Does truth thus belie itself?

18. Why should not the place of Joseph be filled by another?  Says Brigham Young, "Because he stands in his own place and always will." (Apostolic Let­ter, Aug. 15, 1844).  But in the same paragraph he also says the Twelve Apostles of this dispensation stand in their own places and always will.  Brother Young, will not their places be filled by others when they fill the measure of their days?  Then why was Brother Patten's place filled?  Again:  Who will be at the head of the church when the Twelve are all fallen asleep?  Will not the High Priests and the Seventies all hold their own places? If so, shall anyone succeed them?  Then where will the priesthood be when the present generation is dead?

19. But, says someone, God promised Joseph that the keys of the kingdom should never be taken from him in this world, neither in the world to come.  Very well.  They were never taken from Christ, but his holding them did not prevent Joseph, and in the eternal worlds all who are joint heirs with Jesus Christ will hold them at one and the same time.

20. Brethren, I exhort you as you look for the coming of the Lord Jesus, follow not after these blinding fables.  Set up no more the work of men's hand against the voice of God.  Trust not in your own wisdom to improve or alter the law of God.  You that have gone astray return to the order of God's house.  Let all the quorums take their proper order as God has established them.  Let the Presi­dent who has wandered in darkness return to his proper place which God gave, nor covet that which men may offer.  Let the Twelve take their place as a travel­ing high council with the keys of the opening of the gospel to the nations. Let the high counselors give counsel and assistance to the Presidency, which has been called to the high and responsible calling of leading the church to peace and hap­piness and preparing a people for the coming of the Son of God.  Let the high priests teach the law of God unto the people.  Let all the elders learn not to put their faith in some great man and say all is well, but let them buckle on the whole armor of God and stand up, bold defenders of truth, rather than men.

21. Now in my weakness and in the infancy of my ministry I call upon you to assist me.  It hath pleased God to put it into the heart of Joseph to appoint me to receive mysteries and revelations unto this church.  And he has been faithful unto the vision and voice of God by sending me his epistle containing the revela­tion which God gave him, the Lord God confirming the same by sending his angels unto me to charge me with this ministry in the same hour that Joseph was taken away, and by witnessing the same to the brethren in those wonderful works which the brethren here are ready to testify unto you.

22. Let not my call to you be in vain.  The destroyer has gone forth among you and has prevailed.  You are preparing to resign country and houses and lands to him.  Many of you are about to leave the haunts of civilization and of men to go into an unexplored wilderness among savages, and in trackless deserts, to seek a home in the wilds where the foot‑print of the white man is not found.  The voice of God has not called you to this.  His promise has not gone before to prepare a habitation for you.  The hearts of the Lamanites are not turned unto you, and they will not regard you.  When the herd comes the savages shall pursue.  The cloud which surrounds by day shall bewilder, and the pillar of fire by night shall consume and reveal you to the destroyer; and the men in whom you trusted when you rejected the promises of God shall leave you early and not be found of you in your greatest need.

23. Let the oppressed flee for safety unto Voree, and let the gathering of the people be there.  Let the evil who have gone to the holy city be rejected and given to the law.