History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

MISSIONARY LABORS. 197
they held a conference, relaid the foundation of the
house of the Lord, 10 and ordained Wilford Woodruff
and George A. Smith as apostles in place of those
who had fallen from grace. "Thus," says Brigham,
"was this revelation fulfilled, concerning which our
enemies said, if all the other revelations of Joseph
Smith came to pass, that one should not be fulfilled."
Upon the excommunication of Thomas B. Marsh,
in 1839, the office of president of the twelve devolved
by right on Brigham by reason of his seniority of
membership. On the 14th of April, 1840, he was
publicly accepted by the council as their head, and at
the reorganization of the church councils at Nauvoo
he was appointed by revelation on the 19th of Janu-
ary, 1843, president of the twelve travelling council.
After the founding of Nauvoo, the president, together
with three others of the quorum, 11 sailed for
Liverpool, where they arrived on the 6th of April,
1840, the tenth anniversary of the organization of
the church. Here he was engaged for about a year
in missionary work, of which more hereafter. Taking
ship for New York on the 20th of April, 1841, he
reached Nauvoo on the 1st of July, and was warmly
welcomed by the prophet, who a few days afterward 12
received the following revelation: "Dear and wellbeloved
brother Brigham Young, verily thus saith
the Lord unto you, my servant Brigham, it is no more
required at your hand to leave your family as in times
past, for your offering is acceptable to me; I have
seen your labor and toil in journey ings for my name.
I therefore command you to send my word abroad,
and take special care of your family from this time
henceforth and forever. Amen."
Already the mantle of the prophet was falling upon
the president of the twelve; already the former had
10
'Elder Cutler, the master workman of the house, recommenced laying
the foundation by rolling up a large stone near the south-east corner. ' Id., 92.
11 Heber C. Kimball, George
Hedlock also accompanied them.
A. Smith, and Parley P. Pratt. Reuben
12 On July 9th. Doctrine and Covenants, 409.