because it was God's work

About the time the Church of Jesus Christ was founded in the United States, Mr. Edward Irving, a gifted minister in London, constructed his church. He, too, appointed apostles, prophets, evangelists, “angels” or bishops, elders, and deacons. He, too, claimed that the spiritual gifts had been restored. He, too, preached the second coming of our Lord. The Irvingites gained adherents in Great Britain, the United States, and the European continent, and there was every prospect that they would bring forth a great and marvelous work. But where is that church today? Irving called it the Catholic Apostolic Church. Even the name is unknown to most Christians, while that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, to a still greater extent, that of the Prophet Joseph, have become famous throughout the world. Mr. Irving was a clergyman, learned, eloquent and earnest. Joseph Smith was an unlettered, unknown youth, but his work stood the test, because it was God’s work. It has become great indeed.


Doctrine and Covenants Commentary by Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl. Deseret Book. 1965. p.33