D&C 102

In 1834, in Kirtland, Ohio -

"...a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, Jun., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the high council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high priests, and one or three presidents as the case might require." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:1)

The Lord describes one of the purposes of this organization was that -

"The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church or the bishop's council to the satisfaction of the parties." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:2)

These men were to -

"...after the evidence is examined, in its true light before the council; and every man is to speak according to equity and justice." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:16)

This was not to be like a civil trial were there is prosecution and a defense. All members were to speak according to equity and justice. In my mind, equity and justice would suggest justice according to natural law or right, with freedom from bias or favoritism. That in itself requires good and honest individuals striving to do the will of the Lord.

As stakes in Zion were organized, so were high councils organized in each stake with much the same purpose. But this was not to be the sole purpose of stake high councils. Through modern instruction, we learn of stake high councils -

“High councilors play a vital role in the administration of the stake. Figuratively speaking, they constitute the right arm of the stake presidency. The degree to which they are faithful, efficient, and willing to work determines their value to the stake presidency and goes far in determining the progress made by the stake and ward organizations in which they have been called to serve.

The duties and assignments of high councilors are very extensive and varied. Such assignments absorb much time in stakes where the stake presidencies fully utilize their high councilors in carrying forward the Church program. Experience has shown that it is wisdom for stake presidencies to make very extensive use of their high councilors, because the progress of the work of the Lord within a stake and the efficiency with which it is carried forward will be determined to a large extent by the use made of high councilors by the stake presidency." (“Melchizedek Priesthood: Responsibilities of High Councilors,” Improvement Era, Feb. 1954, p. 112.)

I note that the Lord called each member of the council - as a councilor, not councilman. A name that differential these brethren from the world.