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"I gave unto you the commandment, that you should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law;"

INTRODUCTION	SEVENTY	ELDER	CONFERENCES
DEFINITIONS	PATRIARCH	PRIEST	COUNCILS
PRESIDENCY	BISHOP	TEACHER	STAKES
TWELVE	HIGH PRIEST	DEACON	UNORGANIZED AREAS

Volume II is The Book of Names, which is a record of the names of all those who agree to follow the laws of God to the best of their understanding and ability. The book of Names will be maintained by the Church Recorder in the church archives .

Any member of the church, after reading the Book of the Law, who agrees with the scriptural requirements contained therein, may at their own request, have their name enrolled in the Book of Names. The Church Recorder will enroll their name.

If anyone, after having their name enrolled in the Book of Names should leave the church, or if anyone is expelled from the church for cause by a church court, their name shall be blotted out of the Book of Names.

“Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my Scriptures for a law, to be my law, to govern my church; and he that doeth according to these things, shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned, if he continues.” D&C 42:16a, b

“And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, Go ye, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that is written concerning us.” 2 Kings 22:11-13

“Verily I say unto you, The keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come; nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to another; yea, even unto the church.” And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them, lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby; and stumble and fall, when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.” D&C 87:2a, b

The oracles spoken of are the revelations given through the Prophet containing the pattern for re-establishing God’s Church and Kingdom upon the earth.

To the faithful toilers on an incessantly changing manuscript as new insight emerged. To the members of the First Quorum of Restoration Seventy and their wives, who spent countless hours in prayer, fasting and in numerous meetings to arm themselves with a better understanding of the pattern God has given us for the governing of his Church and Kingdom. The unity, loving patience while researching and editing all worked together to complete the work as commanded by the Lord.

The following was received in a request to God, “What should be written for an introduction or preface to the Book Of The Law Of The Lord?”

“All ye who labor and are heavy laden, come unto me and I will give you rest. For know that it is I who must build my house, for if any other build it, they build in vain.

It is yet a little while and my vineyard shall be ready. The vintage is ripe upon the vine. I will reap the harvest and I will tread the winepress, for I do not plant without hope, and the wicked shall not stand. My Saints are hope within my breast saith the Lord.

Come together and make a joyful noise, lift up your voices as one upon my hills of Zion. Step outside of your petty bigotry and stand as I have called you, as obedient sons and daughters in my law, for my word is my law, which is sharper than a two edged sword unto the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow.

Rise up, my sons and daughters of Zion, and put on clean garments. Put off your doubts, your fears and your suspicions. Embrace my word and cling to all that I have given you through my true prophets. But know that not all who say Lord, Lord are of me, but those who love me and do my will are mine, saith the Lord.

The day is drawing toward the close, and the opportunity to serve and store up treasures in heaven will have past.

Think not that you can sit idly by, heeding the fables of men who soothe your consciences, yet leave your work undone, and receive the reward of the laborer. You must serve me and my Son who is my word made flesh, who has been with me from the beginning, and whose going forth has been from eternity, if you would receive a reward from my hand. For if I do not call you to the work, for whom do you labor, and from whom do you receive your wages?

If ye desire an inheritance with my sons and daughters who have overcome the world, ye must also overcome the world. Embrace my Son, cease listening to every wind of doctrine that the enemy has spewed forth upon the earth to mislead you.

Come and drink of the waters of life freely and eat of the bread which will fill your hungry souls. My body is bread indeed and my blood is drink indeed. Sanctify yourselves by washing and cleanse yourselves by mine Holy ordinances.

Confess and forsake your sins and you may eat and drink of my word and my Spirit, saith the Lord. Do not partake unworthily as some of you are doing at this time, not discerning my body.

I will gather you if you will be gathered, saith the Lord, but if ye refuse me, Zion shall not be a place of joy and refuge for you and your inheritance will be given unto another. Amen”

The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. They may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. And Behold, if he repents not, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, and to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. Joseph Smith, Jr.

This Book of the Law of the Lord is written so that each Latter Day Saint, who believes in the fullness of the gospel of the Kingdom, as proclaimed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which gospel was restored through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., may be able to understand and follow the laws of God.

All civilized peoples have adopted and accepted rules of law in order that they might enjoy the days of their probation upon the face of the earth in relative peace and security.

The Church and Kingdom of God are governed by laws which are contained in the Word of God and in His Commandments. Of necessity there must be resolutions, policies and procedures concerning the application of these laws, to provide for an orderly and just administration by church leadership.

When administrative authorities, down through the history of the church, have neglected their duty to guarantee the rights of individual members, the membership lost control of the Church. This allowed further abuses and misuse of members’ contributions of time, talents, and resources. Often when members sought redress for these wrongs, they were cast out, or politically pressured to leave the Church, and their rights to redress denied by the leadership.

Failure of church leadership in the past to develop scripture based rules, resolutions, and church policy in a clear understandable written form for acceptance by the body, has encouraged this abuse of power. This misuse of power has driven many of God’s Saints away from the Church they loved.

All previous attempts of administrations by Latter Day Saint organizations to bring to pass the fulfillment of the kingdom in righteousness, throughout history have ended in failure. This cannot be attributed to any flaw in the word of God, his laws or commandments, but was due in a major part to administrative errors and abuses.

It is our hope that this compilation and presentation of laws that were given to govern God’s people, will assist them in understanding more fully God’s plan to redeem his people and to bring to pass the cause of Zion.

All general church officers, all priesthood, and all members of the Church of Jesus Christ must be accountable to each other for their individual stewardships.

Most civilized governments are organized with an Executive Head, a Legislature and a Judiciary Body. When we observe the government of the greatest and most powerful nation on earth, The United States of America, we see those bodies interacting to represent the people, to formulate legislation or laws, to scrutinize their laws for conformity to the Constitution, and for workability. Those parts of government, framed by the founding fathers, were set up to protect the rights of the people from despotism and other abuses that are common to governments that do not govern by common consent. They form checks and balances for each other. It was our God that inspired the framers of this Constitution and to provide for the separation of powers. Checks and balances were necessary to ward off abuse of power and provide a representative government for the citizens. See D&C 98: 10 e-g

We of the Church of Jesus Christ do not think that God would grant his beloved church any less protection than he has provided in the above mentioned constitution. The church, has at times, been called a “Theocratic Democracy” (governed by God, but providing for the consent of those who are governed). Our God, in respect for the agency of mankind, has made provision to allow his Saints the privilege to vote for or against even the very commandments he gives through his Prophet.

In compiling this work, we have not attempted to cover all of the laws of the church. We have rather attempted to shed light on some of the tenets of law we think have been unknowingly or purposely ignored in the past. One only has to look at the many different Latter Day Saint movements that have sprung up over the years, to realize that there is a great amount of confusion concerning the way the church is to be governed.

We of the First Quorum of the Restoration Seventy, have been led to take a new approach in an effort to bring some understanding to this confusion:

We have broken down the role of church officers into Priesthood, Legislative, Administrative, and Judicial functions. We believe that failure to separate these functions in the past has caused confusion by applying the wrong or improper law to a particular function. We hold fast to the truth that God does not change nor do His words fail. What comes to us in prophecy now, must agree with that which has been given before. Scriptural references have been furnished in those areas that might seem controversial. The Lord himself said, “The scripture cannot be broken”

We also submit that when church history, tradition, rules, resolutions , policies, or procedures, are in conflict with the canonized (accepted and approved scripture), it is imperative that we accept the scripture, the word of God, over the minds of men.

Although this work has come forth by many hours of study, fasting and prayer, it is not infallible. We humbly request the reader bring to our attention anything they feel may be in error. We will give it our consideration and if needed, make appropriate corrections prior to any additional printing.

We would also ask you to give this work your prayerful consideration and challenge you to seek the truth that it contains with that same challenge that was given to confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon.

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” Book of Mormon Moroni 10: 4,5

“In the last days the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains. . . all nations shall flow unto it” See Isaiah 2:2

“Joseph Smith, Jr. was given to preside in the midst of my people, and ORGANIZE MY KINGDOM upon the consecrated land; and establish the children of Zion, upon the laws and commandments which have been, and which shall be given, unto you.” D&C 100:6g

The keys of the Kingdom were given to Joseph Smith, Jr. and his assistant presidents to set the whole Church and Kingdom of God on earth in order.

They accomplished this task and magnified their callings by bringing into being the Latter Day Restoration.

The ORACLES OF GOD were the product of this labor. These oracles are contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, The Book of Mormon, and the Inspired version of the Bible. The task given to Joseph Smith of bringing forth the oracles was completed and they were given to the Church.

“And all they who receive the ORACLES OF GOD, let them beware how they hold them, lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby; and stumble and fall, when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.” D&C 87:2b

The Keys of the Kingdom were never to be taken from Joseph in this world and will not be taken from him in the world to come. He was faithful in accomplishing all the work that was required of him by the Lord. See D&C 87: 2 a

The Restored Church was set in order in its fullness by Joseph Smith as he followed the pattern that was received. This resulted in the restoration of the ordinances and priesthood, both the Aaronic and Melchisedec orders. From these two orders, men were chosen or set apart to preside, (as presidents), over the various quorums and functions of the Church. These men were appointed from the two priesthoods, according to the commandments, discernment of Spirit, wisdom, and according to the gifts and talents of God given to men. After this initial “Setting in Order”, the commandment came directing that those officers are to be given full authority and the responsibility to function in their offices and callings.

Full order for the Church and Kingdom is achieved when all the quorums are formed with presiding officers installed for the General Church Administration and for Stake Administrations.

“And when those officers are ordained and set in their order, in the church, they should be left to administer in the things unto which they were ordained, having charge of the affairs over which they are called and set apart to preside;” D&C 122:8 b

Until full order is achieved, it is the duty and responsibility of the First Presidency, the Twelve, the Seventy, or in case of emergency, a council of High Priests, to set the Church in order. See D&C 122:10a

The following work was first published in America, in 1837. By Apostle Parley P. Pratt, taken from a pamphlet entitled, “A Voice of Warning”

"Before we proceed any further in our research, let us agree upon the meaning of the term, the Kingdom of God, or the sense in which we will use it; for some apply this term to the kingdom of glory above, and some to the individual enjoyments of their own souls, while others apply it to his organized government on the earth. Now, when we speak of the kingdom of God, we wish it to be understood that we mean his organized government on the earth.

Now, reader, we launch forth into the wide field before us in search of a kingdom. But, stop, let us consider—What is a kingdom? I reply that four things are required in order to constitute any kingdom in heaven or on earth, namely: first, a king; secondly, commissioned officers duly qualified to execute his ordinances and laws; thirdly, a code of laws by which the subjects are governed; and fourthly, subjects who are governed. Where these exist in their proper order and regular authority, there is a kingdom, but were either of these to cease to exist, there would be a disorganization of the kingdom; consequently an end of it until reorganized after the same manner as before.

In this respect the kingdom of God is like other kingdoms; whenever we find officers duly commissioned and qualified by the Lord Jesus, together with his ordinances and laws existing in purity, unmixed with any precepts or commandments of men, there the kingdom of God exists, and there his power is manifest and his blessings are enjoyed as in days of old."

This Book is an overview of the Laws of the Lord and is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of all church laws. It is our hope, however, that it will lead to further study by his Saints.

We do not believe that God has abandoned his people, but that he will still raise up those who will accept his word and law and respond to those requirements to enlist in the cause to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

The following pages contain carefully selected terms that clarify the various offices and functions contained within the organization and structure of the Church and Kingdom.

In order to understand the government of the Church and Kingdom of God, we must first understand some basic terms.

The General Authorities are responsible for and to the whole church. These men devote their time, resources and efforts toward the Lord’s church and Kingdom. They are comprised of the following

Traveling ministry, (Missionaries), consist of the following priesthood offices:

The church is the Body of Christ and when gathered in General Assembly it is the highest administrative authority of the church. D&C 104:11. The Assembly format was used to approve the Doctrine and Covenants in 1835. The General Assembly is organized into the following church quorums:

Note: Patriarchs, Bishops, and High Councilors are enrolled in the High Priests Quorum.. D&C 129:7a, b

There are two scheduled conferences addressed in scripture and history. They are Elders Conferences and General Conferences.

The Joint Council as an official church council that is comprised of the First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Seventy.

There are a number of High Councils. Each Stake has one; There is a High Council at the seat of the First Presidency; The Twelve are a Traveling High Council; and there are Temporary High Councils. These councils are the church courts for the organized and unorganized areas of the church.

The location of the Center Place has been designated by prophecy as Independence, Missouri. This is the central location for the city New Jerusalem. We are promised that it will not be moved out of its place.

As early as August 1830, Joseph Smith, Jr., was given a revelation that decreed the elect would be gathered to one place on the face of this land of America. This was months before he received a further revelation in February of 1831 stating that a New Jerusalem would be built that God’s people may be gathered into one. Then in July of 1831 the Center Place location was designated at Independence, Jackson County, Missouri.

Stakes are fully organized units of church government and society that provide a physical and spiritual environment for nurturing its citizens in the “Good News of the Kingdom”, and in sanctification, from birth to the grave.

Districts are geographic areas designated for missionary development. The church missionary corps is responsible for developing leadership, and temporary organization in districts and undeveloped areas of the world until fully organized stakes can be set in order. The standing ministry then directs the affairs of the stake.

A conference was held at Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio, January 25, 1832. Some of the elders asked Joseph to "inquire of the Lord that they might know his will, or learn what would be most pleasing to him for them to do, in order to bring men to a sense of their condition." Joseph made inquiry of the Lord and received the following message. The conference is also noteworthy because here Joseph Smith was ordained President of the High Priesthood.

We are informed in the Doctrine and Covenants, the President of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church.

“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.” D&C 104:42a

It is understood that all priesthood with valid claims must be called of God, as Aaron was called. Men ordained to the presidency of the church must be high priests. The body chooses from the high priests quorum those who will be their three presidents.

“President W.W. Phelps then read the written testimony of the Twelve, as follows: "The testimony of the witnesses to the book of the Lord's commandments, which he gave to his church through Joseph Smith, Jr., who was appointed by the voice of the church for this purpose:” D&C Introduction: 5 a

“Of the Melchisedec priesthood, three presiding high priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the church.” D&C 104:11b

Should the president of the high priesthood lose his ability to function in his office and calling through transgression or incapacity, he will only have the power to select from the remaining two presidents, the one who will succeed him.

“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 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; and this I give unto you, that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me.” D&C 43:2a, b

“Then comes the high priesthood, which is the greatest of all; wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed, of the high priesthood, to preside over the priesthood; and he shall be called president of the high priesthood of the church, or, in other words, the presiding high priest over the high priesthood of the church.” D&C 104:31e

The First President of the Church is President of the high priesthood and called to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet.

“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. 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.” D&C 104:42 a, b

The presidency has authority to ordain and set in order all other officers in the church:

…..(Addressing the Presidency), “And this shall be your business and mission in all your lives to preside in council and set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom.” D&C 87:5c

“And again, verily I say unto thy brethren Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also,...

…..and they are accounted as equal with thee (Joseph Smith, Jr.), in holding the keys of this last kingdom; as also through your administration the keys of the school of the prophets, which I have commanded to be organized, that thereby they may be perfected in their ministry for the salvation of Zion, and of the nations of Israel, and of the Gentiles, as many as will believe,” D&C 87:3a, b

The Quorum of First Presidency forms an equal part of The Joint Council when sitting as Legislative Bodies:

The Presidency sits in Joint Council with the Twelve, the Seventy, and at times include the Presiding Patriarch and the Presiding Bishop for council in order to legislate important requirements of the church: to formulate, debate, and perfect the implementation of Rules, Resolutions, Policies, and Procedures, that will be a standard guide in governing the Church. These Policies, Procedures, Rules, Resolutions, when perfected, will go to the various quorums in General Assembly for final acceptance and approval.

“And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith; for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen.” D&C 25:1b

“Neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants, for all things must be done in order and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.” D&C 27:4c

“The Scriptures and the church articles and covenants, with the rules adopted by the church, shall govern in procedure..” D&C 122:10c

“The decisions of these quorums, (Presidency, Twelve and Seventy), or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness and lowliness of heart, meekness and long-suffering, and in faith and virtue and knowledge; temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity, because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church, otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision.” D&C 104:11i-j

The power and authority of the higher, or Melchisedec, priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church; to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; to have the heavens opened unto them; to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn; and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant” D&C 104:9a, b

Note: Appeal cannot be made to the High Council from the decisions of the Joint Council. The High Council does not have jurisdiction over the legislative decisions of these three quorums. However the High Council can try all church officers for transgression, with the exception of the First Presidency, who is the presidency of the High Council. The Presidency is tried in a special High Council with the Bishopric as Presidency.

“And inasmuch as a president of the high priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be assisted by twelve councilors of the high priesthood; and their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him.” D&C 104:37 a

“In case the Presidency is in transgression, the Bishop and his council of high priests, as provided in the law; and the Presidency and high council if the bishop, or his counselors, if high priests, are in transgression.” D&C 122:10b

The first presidency will generally be chosen to preside at a General Assembly. In case of disorganization of the church however, any one of the three presidencies, or in case of emergency a council of High Priests, have the authority to call the remaining quorums together in General Assembly to set the church in order.

The leading quorum having authority such as: Presidency, Twelve, Seventy or Council of High Priests, will set the agenda for the General Assembly, after submitting it for the scrutiny and approval of the remaining General Church Authorities.

The First Presidency will generally be chosen to preside at the General Conference.

The First Presidency is granted by the Lord and by the common consent of the membership, full authority to enforce all laws given of the Lord. and to implement and enforce all Laws, Rules, Resolutions, Policies, and Procedures that have been properly legislated and approved by the quorums of the Church.

The Presidency of the Church, due to the dignity of the office should be chosen to sit as the presider or as presiders on the STANDING High Council of the General Church. See D&C 99

The Twelve leaders of Israel in the Old Testament were chosen, one from each of the tribes of Israel, and were considered princes of the people.

“These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.” Numbers 1:44

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth.” Rev 5:10

“BEHOLD, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment”. Isaiah 32:1

There is a reference in the old testament to certain Princes that are established to be pillars.

“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.” 1 Samuel 2:8

“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”

The Lord Jesus Christ called and ordained Twelve disciples whom he called apostles.

“And when it was day, he called his disciples; and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.” Luke 6:13

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.” Mark 3:13

The Twelve that were with him in his ministry shall sit upon twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, shall, in the resurrection, when the Son of Man shall come sitting on the throne of his glory, ye shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” Mat 19:28

“And before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth sheep from the goats; the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. And he shall sit upon his throne, and the twelve apostles with him”. Mat 25:33-34

“Mine apostles, the twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand, at the day of my coming, in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else;” D&C 28:3b

“And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others, and they were ordained of God, and chosen. And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister unto thy seed. And he said unto me, Thou remembereth the twelve apostles of the Lamb? Behold they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel: Wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them; for ye are of the house of Israel; and these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest, shall judge thy seed.” 1 Nephi 3:113-116

The Lord empowered the Twelve in America to baptize with water and the Holy Ghost.

“And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called and received power and authority to baptize, were twelve,) And behold he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying, Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, ...

…….and to be your servants; And unto them I have given power, that they may baptize you with water, and after that ye are baptized with water, behold I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost;” 3 Nephi 5:44-46