Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-10-11
PRESIDENCY or THE CHURCH

The news Of the death of President
Lorenzo Snow has been received with
sorrow by all classes OF the community
1t oocasioned severe shock TO the Lat
ter-day Saints, and great regret among
people who knew him but were not be-
lievers In the faith Of which he was so
prominent a representative Even the
strenuous opponents Of the Church
speak of him in terms Of respect for his
eminent abilities, kindly disposition and
firm and upright character
The funeral services VIII be held in
the Tabernacle In this city on sunday
morning al io;aO. There viii be a large
assembly, as visitors VIII come from
many points. and those who wish to
attend should take their seats early,
The interment win take place at Brig
ham City. to which place the remains OF
our departed President will be con-
veyed by special train, leaving the Ore
gon Short Line depot at 1880. only per-
sons holding special tickets will be con-
veyed on that train.
In order to satisfy many Inquiries,
we win state that until the obsequies
are over, and the body OF our lamented
leader is consigned to its last resting
place, the Counseors In the First Pres
idency will remain In charge Of the
Church OF Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints and all Its affairs. This has
been the course pursued on former sim
liar occasions. After that. the Council
OF the Twelve Apostles will be the pre-
siding quorum, until the First Presi-
dency is recognized.
This Is In accordance with the pro-
cedure OF the past, and the revelations
Of God 20 the Church when fully organ
ICED as to its general authorities. In
section l07 OF the Doctrine and Cove
nants. the power and authority Of the
two grand divisions Of the Priesthood
the Melchisedec and Aaronic or Levitt
cal, are definitely explained. and II Is
shown that;
"Of necessity there are presidents, or
presiding offices growing out Of or ap-
pointed OF or from among those who are
ordained 20 the several offices In these
two prlesthoods.
'Of the Melchisedek Priesthood. three
presiding High Priests, chosen by the
body, appointed and ordained 10 that
office. and upheld by the confidence,
faith and prayer Of the Church, form a
quorum Of the Presidency Of the
Church.
THE Twelve travelling counsel0rs are
called 70 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 du-
ties of their calling
And they form quorum, equal In
authority and power TO the three Presi-
dents previously mentioned"
1t is further revealed in relation to
the Twelve Apostles and their func-
tons
THE Twelve are a travelling presiding
High Council, to offciate in the name
OF the Lord. under the direction OF the
Presidency OF the Church, agreeable t.
the Institution OF heaven; 70 build up
the Church. and regulate all the affairs
OF the same In all nations; first unto
the Gentiles, and secondly unto the
Jews"
II is clear that when the First Presl.
dency as a Council or Quorum, IL dis.
solved by the death OF the President,
the Quorum next IN order Is then
clothed with equal authority and power
TO the First Presidency and is to regu-
late all the affairs Of the Church In all
nations Under the inspiration OF the
Lord the Twelve may reorganize the
First Presidency when expedlent. as It
shah be manifested to the head and up
held by the confidence. prayer and faith
Of the Church.
The Quorum or Council OF the Twelve
has its President who Is the senior
member OF that body. This seniority Is
that Of ordination into the Quorum.
The Oldest ordained member thereof Is
the President, when 50 sustained by
the body and by the Church, all things
therein being done "by common con-
sent" There may be and have been men
Apostles. bearing the power
and authority Of that calling which Is
the fulness Of the Priesthood and yet
not having a place In the Council Of
the Twelve. II Is not seniority of age
nor Of ordination TO the Aposilaship
that brings the Presidency OF the
Quroum, but Of ordination or reception
into that body.
This win answer to some inqulrera the
question, who Is the present President
Of the Twelve. President Joseph F.
Smith occupies that position. being the
Oldest member OF the Quorum. Apostle
brigham Young stands next In order,
for, though he was ordained an Apostle
under the hands OF his lllustrious faith
er, President Brigham Young. at an
earlier date than was President Joseph
f. Smith. he was not a member Of the
Quorum Of the Twelve until a later
date than when President Smith was
ordained into that body
President Joseph +. Smith. then. now
stands at the head Of the Twelve ana
at the bead Of the Church. ana his as
sociate Counselor in the First rresi.
dency, Apostle Rudger ciawson, will
return to his place and standing IN the
Council Of the APOSTLES, when he
Twelve taks their place as the presid.
Ing Quorum Of the Church. II VIII res,