month. You will find it in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 89, and
every one of you should read it.

On March 18th a very important meeting was held in Kirtland. On that date
Joseph ordained Sidney Rigdon to be his first counselor, and Frederick G.
Williams to be his second counselor, and these three now became the First
Presidency, which is the highest authority in the Church. You have been
told something of Sidney Rigdon. Elder Williams held his position nearly
five years, when he apostatized, and Hyrum Smith was chosen in his stead.
At the death of Joseph Smith, Sen., who was patriarch of the Church, Hyrum
was chosen to fill his position and William Law was called to the office of
second counselor to Joseph. Law held this position until about two months
before the Prophet's death when he was cut off from the Church.

February 17, 1834, the first high council of the Church was organized. This
body consists of twelve men who must be high priests, over which the stake
presidency presides. It is a kind of court. When members of the Church have
trouble one with another which neither they, nor the teachers, nor the
bishop can settle, it is brought before the high council to be adjusted.

Each stake of Zion now has a high council. Here are the names of the first
one organized: besides the First Presidency, Joseph Smith, Sen., John
Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared
Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith and
Luke Johnson.

It was shortly after this that Zion's Camp was organized and made the trip
to Missouri, of which you were told in the last chapter.

After his return Joseph was again busy performing his many duties as