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It is claimed that the ordination blessing given to William Smith, is an example of false prophecy (the version quoted here is from the original Kirtland Council Minute Book):
Since William Smith apostatized and was not true to his calling as an apostle, any promise made to him is arguably forfeit. However, one can be "preserved" to the truth, faith, salvation, etc., and still be dead. If William was faithful, he would have continued his work among the wicked (either as a mortal or among the spirits) until Christ comes, at which point William would be resurrected to meet Him. In either case, William would be on the earth.
Despite this, the only line that is even potentially problematic is the claim that "[h]e shall be preserved and remain on the earth until Christ shall come...."
The promise says nothing about William remaining a mortal on the earth. He is to be preserved despite pestilence and destruction; to be mighty in the hands of God. How, though, can he "remain on the earth"?
Unlike many Christian theologies, the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not place the abode of the dead in another world or realm. The "spirit world" to which the dead go is on earth. Brigham Young taught:
Thus, one can be "preserved" to the truth, faith, salvation, etc., and still be dead. If William was faithful, he would have continued his work among the wicked (either as a mortal or among the spirits) until Christ comes, at which point William would be resurrected to meet Him. In either case, William would be on the earth.
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