Hyrum Smith

Hyrum Smith would eventually replace Joseph Smith as the prophet of the church. However, in 1829 he was given a revelation through his younger brother, Joseph. This was given before the Book of Mormon was published, before a church was organized, and while the work of the new Dispensation was in its very first stages. The content, however, is important. Not just for Hyrum, but for all of us.

Just like others, Hyrum was reminded of what it took to be called to the work: "whosoever will thrust in his sicle and reap, the same is called of God." (D&C 11: 4, see 3 also.) It wasn't an extensive application and approval process, but it was based on the willingness to do what God wanted that created "the call of God" to the laborer. Without ordination, or setting apart, the relationship was between the individual and God. It is an interesting series of revelations at the beginning of the work which uniformly leave God's calling to the individual, based on their desire. (See, e.g., D&C 4: 3; D&C 12: 4; among others.)

The first stage, however, was limited to crying repentance. Hyrum was to "say nothing but reptentance unto this generation." (D&C 11: 9.) The potential for Hyrum doing more later was certain, provided he would follow the Lord's counsel. (D&C 11: 10.)

Hyrum was instructed on how to know he was proceeding in the right way: "put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good--yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit." (D&C 11: 12.)

Then, despite his desire and the call, Hyrum was told to temporarily stand down. The Lord instructs him: "Behold, I command you that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called. Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine." (D&C 11: 15-16.)

The Lord told Hyrum essentially to 'stand down' and not do anything, even if he were "called" to the work. There was more needed before he could be of use to the Lord. He needed to accomplish one work: "Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength." (D&C 11: 20.)

Then, one of the great voices of the Restoration was told: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and they shall your tongue be loosed." (D&C 11: 21.) Hyrum needed to study. He needed to fill himself with information before he began his work. "Hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto." (D&C 11: 22.) Hyrum had homework to do. He needed to "study" things.

Hyrum would become the church prophet and Patriarch. He would be co-president and co-testator with his younger brother, Joseph. Joseph had several other brothers, but it was Hyrum who followed the forumla given him by the Lord. It was Hyrum who qualified himself to the work by his diligence and heed.

Hyrum was the designated successor to Joseph as the head of the church. But Hyrum fell first, and he and his younger brother died martyrs.