Prophets of our Day: Wilford Woodruff

“The Church of God could not live twenty four hours without revelation.”

As a young boy, Wilford Woodruff saw the Lord’s hand in his life.  He searched for the confirmation of the Spirit to confirm which church to join.  When President Woodruff heard the discussions from the missionaries he believed with conviction that this was the true church of God.  He was baptized and shortly after accompanied Joseph Smith to Zion’s Camp. 

Wilford Woodruff served several missions for the church.   During his mission in England 1844-1846, is called back to Nauvoo and helps the Saints evacuate.  In 1847, Wilford leaves Winter Quarters with the 1^st group of Saints and heads West.  President Brigham Young falls ill and Wilford Woodruff puts him in his wagon and transports him.  When they arrived to Salt Lake, he saw the prophet stand and survey the area.  He heard the words from the prophet’s mouth that Salt Lake Valley was the place where the church would grow and find peace.

In April 1889, President Wilford Woodruff is sustained as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.  One year later, President Woodruff revealed the revelation called The Manifesto.  He saw what would become of the church if this practice continued and since then polygamy has been against our beliefs.  While some still criticize us for such practice in the beginning of the church, the Lord saw need of the principle of polygamy and when that need was fulfilled there was no more reason to continue its practice.  For any that have concerns with this still, remember these words from the prophet…

“The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.  It is not in the programme.  It is no the mind of God.  If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty.”  Wilford Woodruff Oct 6, 1890