Specific duties outlined for presidency
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In the Doctrine and Covenants Compendium, Sidney B. Sperry wrote of some of the duties of the original members of the First Presidency:
"The Prophet was to continue or proceed in his ministry and presidency. The translation of the Old Testament prophets was first to be completed by Joseph. . . . He had completed Genesis and the New Testament (Feb. 23, 1833) as far as the Lord had seen fit. As soon as the revision was completed, he was to preside thenceforth over the affairs of the Church and the School of the Prophets."From time to time, as manifested by the Comforter or Holy Ghost, he was to receive revelations unfolding the mysteries of the kingdom. Not only that, but also he, assisted by his counselors in these matters, was to set in order the branches of the Church, study and learn, and `become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and people.' (D&C 90:15.)
"It is very significant that this early in the history of the Church the Lord sets up a plan of education. Not only is spiritual learning required, but also a broad knowledge of secular affairs. The Lord wants His people to be well informed and enlightened. People of the Church have definite intellectual responsibilities; they are not to be kept in ignorance."
The Prophet's counselors were told that through the divine call to the presidency they were to perfect themselves for their ministry for the salvation of Zion. (D&C 90:8.)
The duties and cares of the members of the First Presidency were to teach them to preside and to become qualified by their experience to labor for the salvation of Zion, reported Elder Joseph Fielding Smith. Through the direction of the First Presidency, the members of the Church were to receive the word of the Lord that the message of the gospel should go forth "to the ends of the earth, unto the Gentiles first, and then, behold and lo, they shall turn unto the Jews." (D&C 90:9.)
