The Washington herald., 1917-12-30

shortly before He ascension: %
YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AID
PREACH TnE GOSPEL TO EVERY
CREATURE" The Apostles labor
ed with devoted energy, AND THEY
WENT FORTH, AND PREACHED
EVERYWHERE, THE LORD WORK
ING WITH THEM. AND CONFIRM
ING THE WORD WITH SIGNS
FOLLOWING" CSee Mark B:I5-30.
The Apostles clearly understood that
though the Master had passed from
earth He had left with them author
ity and commandment to build up the
Church as an established OrgEniEs-
ton. One of their early ofhcial acts
was to hlI the vacancy In their own
body, which had been created b.
the spostRsy and death az JUdBs
Iscariot. II is evident that they con-
sidered the apostolic body 10 comprise
twelve members and that the needs
of the Church required the Organize
ton to be made complete. BY official
action Matthias was added 70 the
eleven. (See Acts 1915.
Under the administration OF the
Apostles and others who ofhciated by
/ their direction in positions Of lesser
authority. the Church Of Jesus
I Christ grew in membership and In
/ fuence. For ten years or more fol-
( lowing our Lords ascension, Jerusa-
, lem was the headquarters Of the
Church but branches were established
/ in the outlying provinces, and these
| branches, or local churches" were
Differed by bishops. deseonS, aud
other ministers. who were chosen anu
ordained by apostolic authority.
! We fnd operating in their sacred
| CaIlings in the Primitive Church.
/ apostles. prophets, evEngelists, pss.
tors. teachers, elders. bishops, priests
and dsacons. The purpose OF these
several Offices is declared 10 be FOR
/ THE PERFECTING OF THE
SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE
MINISTRY. FOR THE EDIFYINo
OF THE BODY OF CHRIST" CEph-.
4:l2).
Every Office so established Ia neccs-
! sary 10 the development OF the
| Church. which has been Rptly COM
pared to a perfect body with its sew
eral members, each adapted 70 par
ticuIar function and all co-ordinsted
for the common good. In an organ
ization planned and established
through Divine wisdom, there are
neither superhuities nor parts want
ing. Eye. ear. hand, and foot, each
is essential 10 the symmetry and
physical perfection OF the body; in
the Church no one in authority car
rightly say to his fellow I have nc
need OF thee" (See Cor, 12:l2-2D.
As we shall see in the next articls
OF this series, the primitive church
was of comparatively short duration
The world fell into spiritual dark
ness, and O restoration OF power and
commission from the heavens be-
came necessary to the re-estAbltsh'
menI OF the Church with its ancient
blessings and privileges. The Church
of Jesus Christ Of Latter-dAy Saint,
proclaImE the imperative need "Or
THE SAME ORGANIZATION THAT
EXISTED IN THE PRIMITIVE
CHURCH" and solemniy AYERS thP'
through the ministrRtion OF heaven
ly beings the Church OF Jesus Chris
is again operative on earth, for ths
salvation OF mankind both living
and dead. The plan OF organization
, and government in the restored
Church is that OF olden time, eom'
, prising the functions of apostles
prophets, high priests, evGngelists
seventies, elders, bishops. priests
teachers and deacons and member
ship open to all who shall come
believing In the Lord Jesus Chris
and willing TO obey His command'
ments. (See Doctrine and Coven'
ants, SEQ. 1913
, For the Book OF Mormon, Doc
. triue and Covenants. Articles o.
Faith. and other literature OF IN
, Church OF Jesus Christ OF L.attfr
: day Saints, much of which lie ois
> tributed without cost, apply TO AM
? of the missions of the church, amonI
: which are: Eastern States Aissien
. llIO Bedford avenue. Brooklyn, n
? v, aud Ruresu OF Information. sal
. Lake City. Utah