The Seventy

cIhe Seventy By RULON S. WELLS In Behalf of the First Council of the Seventies THE order of the Seventy is doubtless of ancient origin, as we may naturally con- clude from the writings of Moses, Ex. 24:1, 9, 11, and Numbers 11: 16, 17, 24, 25. These references to the Seventy, however, although very significant, are nevertheless so meager that we find difficulty in determining the nature of their duties or in connecting them with the subsequent organizations of that body, either in the meridian of time or in this latter-day dis- pensation. This much, however, is certain, that their calling was of high spiritual importance in the work of God during the adminis- tration of Moses, for we read in paragraph 25 above referred to, that "the Lord came down in a cloud * * * and took of the spirit that was upon him [Moses] and gave it unto the Seventy El- ders" and "When it rested upon them they prophesied and did not cease." "NTOR is it at all to be wondered -^ at that subsequent references in the old Testament are lacking, (unless we assume that the insti- tution of the "Sanhedrin" is an outgrowth or continuation of the order of the Seventy, which, to say the least, is purely speculative, .and extremely doubtful) for it is made known to us in modern rev- elation that the Lord in his wrath against the rebellious children of Israel "took Moses out of their midst and the Holy (Melchizedek) Priesthood also." (Doc. and Cov. 84:24, 25). This, of course, in- cluded the Seventy, but the lesser Priesthood continued among the children of Israel until John and the coming of our Lord when again the Church was established on the earth and the Melchizedek Priesthood was again restored, to- gether with the fulness of the ever- lasting Gospel with all of its gifts and blessings including its pristine authorities. This dispensation is marked by the personal ministry of our Savior among men and we read of his choosing the Twelve to be his special witnesses or Apostles and commanding them to "Go into all the world and preach the Gos- pel to every creature." (Mark 16: 15.) This was a great undertaking for twelve men and what could be more natural than again to call the Seventy to assist them? Their ministry was accompanied by won- derful spiritual manifestations so that "even the devils were subject unto them," and we are reminded of that other Seventy who were chosen to assist Moses. T ITTLE else is recorded in the ■* Scriptures regarding the Sev- enty, but this is sufficient to show the nature of their calling and the important part they had in the work of the Lord. How well the Twelve carried out the command to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" is attested in holy writ and al- though not specifically set forth it is only reasonable to suppose that the Seventy were called to assist them in this gigantic undertaking. Had the Church continued to exist upon the earth through the centuries which followed this Mes- sianic dispensation doubtless there would still be found in its organ- ization the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy, together with the other officers which Christ set in his Church. (Eph. 4:10). CHORTLY after the departure ^ of the Apostles grievous wolves made their appearance "not sparing the flock," as was predicted by the Apostle Paul, (Acts 20:29-30) and the universal apostasy or "fall- ing away" took place as further predicted by him in his Second Epistle to the Thessalonians (II Thess. 2:3). During that period when "dark- ness covered the earth and gross darkness the people," (Isa. 60:2), it is no wonder that these divinely appointed officers should be dis- carded and others substituted. But now, in these last days, the God of Heaven has set up his Church and kingdom and it shall never be des- troyed nor be left to other people but it shall stand forever. (Dan. 2.) On April 6, 1830, in fulfilment of this and many other predictions of the prophets, the Church of Jesus Christ was again "set up" on the earth. The Lord has again come down from heaven and taken of that spirit that was upon Moses and upon Christ and his Apostles and the Seventy and given it to these latter-day Apostles and Seventy and other divinely com- missioned officers of his Church, and as of old "when it rested upon them they prophesied" and "even the devils were subject unto them." "THE First Quorum of Seventy in this latter-day dispensation was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, at a meeting held in Kirtland, Ohio, on February 28, 1835, just two weeks later than the date on which the Twelve Apostles were chosen and ordained, and, as was the case with the Apos- tles so again with the Seventy, they were chosen from among those who had gone up to Zion with the Prophet in "Zion's Camp," — men who had proven their integrity and were determined, if need be, to lay down their lives in redeeming the land of Zion. The First Quorum, like all other quorums of Seventy, is, when fully organized, composed of seventy members of whom seven are chosen and set apart as presidents. The names of members of the First Quorum including the first seven presidents are given in full in the History of the Church, Vol. II, pages 203-4. HTO many this was something both new and strange, unlike all other quorums and organiza- tions where the rule was one presi- dent and two counselors; but in the case of the Seventies, there were to be seven presidents, of equal power and authority. Many people have

404 The Improvement Era for April, 1930 marveled at this while admiring the move made! He always knew just was it done? He had a vision in manner in which Joseph proceeded what to do to complete this organ- which the Lord showed him his in the organization of the Church, ization which is said, even by our Church in active operation, and, With what perfect assurance and enemies, to be the most perfect although the work was necessarily unhesitating confidence was every organization in the world. How done little by little, yet, when com- REY L, PRATT The First Council of the Seventies

The Improvement Era for April, 1930 405 pleted, every part found its proper place in one harmonious whole. Nowhere do we find this vision re- corded but frequent references to it are made both in the History of the Church and in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is forcefully drawn to our attention in referring to the Seventy in the following passages: "And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to pre- side over them, chosen out of the num- ber of the seventy; "And the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six ; "And these seven presidents are to choose other seventy besides the first sev- enty to whom they belong, and are to preside over them; "And also other seventy, until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it. "And these seventy are to be traveling ministers, unto the Gentiles first and also unto the J.'ws. 'Whereas other officers of the church, who belong not unto the Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not under the re- sponsibility to travel among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church." Doc. and Cov. 107:93-98. "It must not be understood that this passage limits the number of quorums to seven times seventy, for the Prophet, at the time the quorums were being or- ganized, stated that 'If the first Seventy are all employed and there is a call for more laborers, it will be the duty of the seven presidents of the first Seventy to call and ordain other Seventy, and send them forth to labor in the vineyard, until if needs be, they set apart seven times seventy, and even until there are 144,000 thus set apart for the ministry." History of the Church, Vol. II, Page 221. 'THERE has been a strong senti- f ment against multiplying the number of quorums of Seventy. From the foregoing it would seem there is no real occasion for any such anxiety, for the responsibility placed upon them of preaching the Gospel to every creature will re- quire a mighty force. Think of it! 144,000, more than two thousand quorums if need be can be called unto this service. Among the early achievements of the First Council of the Seventy, our attention is called to a very notable event in the "Seventies Course in Theology, First Year Book, page 8, par. 11: "Perhaps the greatest work achieved by the Frist Council of the Seventies in their organized capacity, was the organization of the Kirtland Camp, and leading it from Kirtland, Ohio, to Adam-ondi- Ah- man, Missouri, a distance of 860 miles. The camp numbered 105 families, 529 sou's in all. They left the vicinity of Kirtland on the 6th day of July, 1838, and arrived at Adam-ondi-Ahman on the 4th of October, of the same year." A full history of the organization of this camp and its journey is to be found in the History of the Church, Vol. Ill, pp. 87-148. ' I 'HE Second Quorum of Seventies * was organized soon after the First. Regarding the increase of quorums in Nauvoo, I again quote the following from the First Year Book, page 8, paragraph 12: "At the October Conference, 1844, the number of the Seventy was greatly in- creased. On the third day of the con- ference, Elder George A. Smith moved that all in the Elders' quorum under the age of thirty-five should be ordained into the Seventies', if they are in good standing, and worthy, and will accept it. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Enough members were added to make in all eleven quorums, and forty more were ordained to be part of the twelfth quorum. (See minutes of Conference, Times and Seasons, Vol. V, p. 695-696.) By the first of January, 1845, the number of quorums had in- creased to fourteen, and a Seventies' li- brary was started, which caused the ed- itor of the Times and Seasons to exclaim: "Ten years ago but one Seventy, and now fourteen (quorums of) Seventies, and the foundation for the best library in the world. It looks like old times when they had 'Kirjath Sapher', the City of Books." "Meantime the Seventies had built 6 large brick hall in Nauvoo, known as the 'Seventies' Hall,' and on the 26th of December, 1844, this building was ded- icated with imposing ceremonies extending through an entire week. Most of the members of the Council of the Apostles participated in the dedicatory services. It may be of interest for the Seventies to know that the heroic hymn, 'The Seer, the Seer, Joseph the Seer,' by the late President John Taylor, was written for these services though dedicated by the author to President Brigham Young. (Times and Seasons, Vol. V, p. 767). The arrangement was made for two quo- rums to be in attendance at the dedica- tion each day with their wives and chil- dren and a number of invited guests. By this time there were fifteen quorums in existence. By the 19th of January, 1846, the number of quorums had in- creased to thirty." (Times and Seasons, Vol. VI, p. 1096.) A FTER the arrival of the Saints in Utah and for some time thereafter, the quorums of Sev- enty, being so badly scattered, were unable to meet in quorum capacity but were meeting in what was known as "mass quorums;" but in 1883, under instructions issued by the First Presidency, then consist- ing of Presidents John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, the First Council of Sev- enty effected a reorganization of the quorums by establishing quo- rum districts throughout all the stakes and wards and receiving all those residing within such districts as members, upon their presenting certificates of good standing both from their original quorum and from the bishops of the wards where they resided. New members were also added by ordination and vacancies in the Councils were filled. This move resulted in greatly increasing the number of quorums until in 1904 there were some 146 quorums and approximately 10,- 000 Seventies, including those at large who had not yet joined any of the quorums. In 1907, by permission from and with the cooperation of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve, a notable movement was undertaken by the First Council of the Seventy. A system- atic course in theology was inaugu- rated in all the quorums of the Sev- enty. Of course various lines of study had previously been conduct- ed in the quorums, with almost as many different plans as there were quorums in the Church, but in this new move a uniform progessive outline was provided covering a period of five years. This new outline was entitled "The Seven- ty's Course in Theology" and was issued in five Year Books, each one containing a sufficient number of lessons for the year's work. These Year Books were written and com- piled with great care and extensive research by Elder B. H. Roberts and provided an outline of study which, in our opinion, has never been excelled. A S a result of this move there was a general awakening of interest and enthusiasm among the Seven- ties; so much so, that in the fol- lowing year a general committee on outlines was appointed by the Church, no doubt influenced to some extent by the notable suc- cess of the Seventies, and ever since (but never prior to this move) reg- ular and uniform courses of study have been provided for all the quorums of the Priesthood. This move also brought about the ordination of more Seventies, as it was thought prospective mis- sionaries should be brought into these quorums and receive the bene- fit of this course of study; and fur- thermore, the First Presidency in their letter of July 6, 1904, in ■

406 The Improvement Era for April, 1930 order to strengthen our depleted quorums had previously sanctioned such ordinations and advised that in "selecting Elders to be ordained Seventies care should be taken to pick out young men likely to de- velop within them the qualifica- tions of becoming successful preachers of the Gospel." The maximum membership was reached on Jan. 1, 1923, when the Seventies numbered 12,068. The number of quorums likewise increased until in 1928 when the 224th quorum was organized. UOWEVER in 1927 it was thought by the presiding au- thorities of the Church that this number should be greatly reduced and another move was inaugurated in which the Twelve Apostles, un- der whose direction the Seventies are called to labor, took an active part. As a result of this move many of the Seventies who had filled one or more missions and had now grown gray in the serv- ice but were no longer available for missionary work were transferred by ordination to the High Priests' quorum, provided, of course, they were found worthy of this pro- motion in the Priesthood, and at the same time many Elders who were considered worthy and avail- able for missionary service were or- dained to the office of Seventy. Notwithstanding this, however, forty quorums were disorganized so that now in the beginning of this Centennial year, deducting from the maximum number of 224 the number of quorums disorgan- ized we have 184 quorums with a membership on December 3 1 , 1928 — the latest available figures — of 9,342. Thus the member- ship of the Seventies quorum has been reduced below the status of 1904, while the High Priests have increased until they now number 17,033. TN connection with this latest move in which a more active cooperation with the presidents of stakes was earnestly solicited, an extensive program of study and activity was undertaken and the auxiliaries of the Church-Sunday Schools and Mutual Improvement Associations — were brought into requisition. To the former was assigned the duty of conducting the Priesthood classes, outlines for which were to be provided by the general authorities of the Church and in connection with the latter the quorums or parts of quorums were to meet in what is called their Tuesday night "Priesthood M. I. A." meeting in which reports of all their activities were to be made and assignments for the ensuing week were given. To give a full explanation of this undertaking would require more space than I now have at my disposal. I will therefore only add that it is a well thought out plan to which much study and careful consideration has been given by the general authori- ties of the Church and particularly by the Council of the Twelve who, under instructions from the First Presidency, sponsored the move.' This plan is now, with some minor modifications and with varying degrees of success, in active operation but nevertheless may still be considered more or less as a "noble experiment," and is even now under earnest consideration by the leading councils of the Church with the confident expectation that eventually a plan will be evolved wherein the great body of the Priesthood shall qualify for its high responsibility and "every man shall learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed in all diligence," (Doc. and Cov 107:90) and as this relates to the Seventy he shall qualify himself through diligent study and right living to be a preacher of the Gos- pel, "a bearer of the glad tidings of great joy" and "an especial wit- ness for the Lord" for this is the calling of the Seventy. In this connection it is interest- ing to note that all of the First Council of the Seventy have been or are now mission presidents. B. H. Roberts, President of Southern States Mission, 1883- 1886. Eastern States Mission, 1922-1927. J. Golden Kimball, President of Southern States Mission, 1891- 1894. Rulon S. Wells, President of European Mission, 1896-1898. Joseph W. McMurrin, President of California Mission, 1919, still presiding. Chas. H. Hart, President of Ca- nadian Mission, 1927, still pre- siding. Levi Edgar Young, President of Swiss Mission, 1902-04. Temple Block Mission, 1922, still presid- ing. Rey L. Pratt, President of Mex- ican Mission, 1907, still presiding. i t 1 I Stand Upon a Mountain By ANGELYN WARNICK WISH that I could find descrip- ** tive words with which to ex- press the lift of soul I always feel when I stand upon the summit of a mountain peak and look around. I climb upon the highest rock and stretch up, but still I cannot reach the hazy blue, and an eagle circles high above my head. I breathe the pure fresh air that blows above the smoke and dust and confusion of man's abode, and I can look down upon my world, flat and insignificant, so far below. I can look away and still away to other peaks and at the edge of distance I can see a far ridge prop- ping up the sky. I can look down on the tops of towering trees, down to the sil- vered paths of tumbling waters, and on the valley full of doll hous- es, patch-work fields and ribbon roads. I can see the prickly under- brush and jagged rocks that an- noyed me on my ascent, and from the top they look so trivial, I won- der how they halted me. I wish that I could express this lift of soul but I can't. I can only let the wind play in my hair and feel a mighty urge, a high emotion. A multitude of half formulated ideas surge up into my mind, which I can never quite translate into words. TF I could, how gladly would I do it to help my neighbors down there in the city, who can- not see beyond the walls of brick and stone they have constructed; who think the world is a smudgy factory, a set of screeching wheels and whirring belts, or rows of stacked up counters, much as an ant might think the universe the suburbs of his hill.