Times and Seasons/6/11

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Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 6]

TIMES AND SEASONS
"TRUTH WILL PREVAIL"
Volume VI. No. 11.]	CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL., JUNE 15, 1845	[Whole No. 119.

HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

CONTINUED.

Kirtland Mills, Ohio, Dec. 10th, 1833.

Beloved Brethren:

E. Partridge, W. W. Phelps, J. Whitmer, A. S. Gilbert, J. Corrill, I. Morley, and all the saints whom it may concern:

This morning's mail brought Bishop Partridge's, and Elders Corrill's and Phelps letters, all mailed at Liberty, Nov. 19th, which gave us the melancholy intelligence of your flight from the land of your inheritance, having been driven before the face of your enemies in that place.

From previous letters we learned that a number of our brethren had been slain, but we could not learn from those referred to above, as there had been but one, and that was Brother Barber, and Brother Dibble was wounded in the bowels. We were thankful to learn that no more had been slain, and our daily prayers are, that the Lord will not suffer his saints, who have gone up to his land to keep his commandments, to stain his holy mountain with their blood.

I cannot learn from any communication by the spirit to me, that Zion has forfeited her claim to a celestial crown, notwithstanding the Lord has caused her to be thus afflicted, except it may be some individuals, who have walked in disobedience and forsaken the new covenant; all such will be made manifest by their works in due time. I have always expected that Zion would suffer some affliction, from what I could learn from the commandments which have been given. But I would remind you of a certain clause in one which says, that after much tribulation cometh the blessing. By this, and also others, and also one received of late, I know that Zion, in the own due time of the Lord, will be redeemed; but how many will be the days of her purification, tribulation, and affliction, the Lord has kept hid from my eyes; and when I enquire [inquire] concerning this subject, the voice of the Lord is, be still, and know that I am God! all those who suffer for my name shall reign with me, and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.-Now there are two things of which I am ignorant, and the Lord will not shew [show] them unto me perhaps for a wise purpose in himself; I mean in some respects: and they are these, why God has suffered so great a calamity to come upon Zion; and what the great moving cause of this great affliction is: and again, by what means he will return her back to her inheritance, with songs of everlasting joy upon her head. These two things, brethren, are in part kept back that they are not plainly manifest, in consequence of those who have incurred the displeasure of the Almighty.

When I contemplate upon all things that have been manifested, I am sensible that I ought not to murmur and do not murmur only in this, that those who are innocent are compelled to suffer for the iniquities of the guilty; and I cannot account for this, only on this wise, that the saying of the Savior has not been strictly observed: "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee; or if thy right arm offend thee, cut it off and cast if from thee." Now the fact is, if any of the members of our body are disordered, the rest of our body will be effected with them, and then all is brought into bondage together, and yet, notwithstanding all this, it is with difficulty that I can restrain my feelings, when I know that you, my brethren, with whom I have had so many happy hours, sitting, as it were, in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; and also, having the witness which I feel, and ever have felt of the purity of your motives, are cast out, and are as strangers and pilgrims on the earth, exposed to hunger, cold, nakedness, peril, sword, &c.; I say when I contemplate this, it is with difficulty that I can keep from complaining and murmuring against this dispensation; but I am sensible that this is not right, and may God grant, that notwithstanding your great afflictions and sufferings, there may not anything separate us from the love of Christ.

Brethren, when we learn your suffering it awakens every sympathy of our hearts, it weighs us down; we cannot refrain from tears, yet, we are not able to realize, only in part, your sufferings: and I often hear the brethren saying, they wish they were with you, that they might bear a part of your sufferings: and I myself should have been with you, had not God prevented it in the order of his providence; that the yoke of affliction might be less grievous upon you; God having forewarned me, concerning these things, for your sakes; and also, Elder Cowdery could not have lightened your afflictions by tarrying longer with you, for his presence would have so much the more enraged your enemies; therefore, God hath dealt mercifully with us.

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O brethren, let us be thankful that it is as well with us as it is, and we are yet alive, that peradventure, God hath laid up in store, great good for us in this generation, and grant that we may yet glorify his name.

I feel thankful that there have no more denied the faith: I pray God in the name of Jesus that you all may be kept in the faith, unto the end: let your suffering be what they may, it is better in the eyes of God, that you should die, than that you should give up the land of Zion, the inheritances which you have purchased with your monies; for every man that giveth not up his inheritance, though he should die, yet, when the Lord shall come, he shall stand upon it, and with Job in his flesh he shall see God. Therefore, this is my counsel, that you retain your lands, even unto the uttermost, and seek every lawful means to seek redress of your enemies, &c. &c.; and pray to God, day and night, to return you in peace and in safety to the lands of your inheritance: and when the judge fails you, appeal unto the executive; and when the executive fails you, appeal unto the president; and when the president fails you, and all laws fail you, and the humanity of the people fails you, and all things else fail you but God alone, and you continue to weary him with your importunings, as the poor woman did the unjust judge, he will not fail to execute judgment upon your enemies, and to avenge his own elect that cry unto him day and night.

Behold he will not fail you! He will come with ten thousand of his saints, and all his adversaries shall be destroyed with the breath of his lips! all those who keep their inheritances, notwithstanding they should be beaten and driven, shall be likened unto the wise virgins who took oil in their lamps. But all those who are unbelieving and fearful, will be likened unto the foolish virgins, who took no oil in their lamps: and when they shall return and say unto the saints give us of your lands, behold there will be no room found for them. As respects giving deeds: I would advise you to give deeds as far as the brethren have legal and just claims for them, and then let every man answer to God for the disposal of them.

I would suggest some ideas to Elder Phelps, not knowing as they will be of any real benefit, but suggest them for consideration. I would be glad that he were here, but dare not advise, were it possible for him to come, not knowing what shall befal [befall] us, as we are under very heavy and serious threatenings from a great many people in this place.

But perhaps, the people in Liberty may feel willing, God having power to soften the hearts of all men, to have a press established there; and if not, in some other place; any place where it can be the most convenient, and it is possible to get to it; God will be willing to have it in any place where it can be established in safety. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Again, I desire that Elder Phelps would collect all the information, and give us a true history of the beginning and rise of Zion, her calamities, &c.

Now hear the prayer of your unworthy brother in the new and everlasting covenant: O my God! thou who hast called and chosen a few, through thy weak instrument, by commandment, and sent them to Missouri, a place which thou didst call Zion, and commanded thy servants to consecrate it unto thyself for a place of refuge and safety for the gathering of thy saints, to be built up a holy city unto thyself; and as thou hast said that no other place should be appointed like unto this; therefore, I ask thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to return thy people unto their houses, and their inheritances, to enjoy the fruit of their labors; that all the waste places may be built up; that all the enemies of thy people, who will not repent and turn unto thee, be destroyed from off the face of the land; and let a house be built and established unto thy name; and let all the losses that thy people have sustained, be rewarded unto them, even more than four fold: that the borders of Zion be enlarged forever, and let her be established no more to be thrown down; and let all thy saints when they are scattered like sheep and are persecuted, flee unto Zion, and be established in the midst of her, and let her be organized according to thy law, and let this prayer ever be recorded before thy face; give thy Holy Spirit unto my brethren, unto whom I write; send thy angels to guard them, and deliver them from all evil; and when they turn their faces towards Zion, and bow down before thee and pray, may their sins never come up before thy face, neither have place in the book of thy remembrance, and may they depart from all their iniquities; provide food for them as thou doest for the ravens; provide clothing to cover their nakedness, and houses that they may dwell therein; give unto them friends in abundance, and let their names be recorded in the Lamb's book of life, eternally before thy face; Amen. Finally, brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all until his coming and kingdom; Amen.

JOSEPH SMITH, jr.

December 12th. An express arrived at Liberty, from Van Buren county, with information, that those families, which had fled from Jackson county, and located there, are about to be

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driven from that county, after building their houses, and carting their winter's store of provision, grain, &c., forty or fifty miles. Several families are already fleeing from thence. The contaminating influence of the Jackson county mob, is predominant in this new county of Van Buren, the whole population of which is estimated at about thirty or forty families. The destruction of crops, household furniture and clothing is very great, and much of their stock is lost. The main body of the church, is now in Clay county, where the people are as kind and accommodating as could reasonably be expected. The continued threats of death to individuals of the church, if they make their appearance in Jackson county, prevents the most of them, even at this day, from returning to that county, to secure personal property, which they were obliged to leave in their flight.

CONFERENCE MINUTES.

From the Millennial Star (England.)

GENERAL CONFERENCE.

SUNDAY MORNING.

This annual and most interesting meeting was held on the 6th of April, in the Hall of Science, Manchester. The day being favorable, a very large assembly congregated from the neighboring branches, who, together with the numerous delegates from different parts of the country, filled the commodious hall, and presented a very pleasing appearance.

The meeting being called to order at half past ten o'clock by Elder Milton Holmes, it was carried unanimously that Elder Wilford Woodruff preside, and that Elder William Walker, and Elder J. B. Meynell act as clerks of the conference.

The sixteenth hymn being sung, Elder Woodruff offered up prayer, when the first hymn was sung, after which the number of officers present was called for, when it appeared, of the presidency, Elder W. Woodruff, one of the Quorum of the Twelve, Counsellors [Counselors] Reuben Hedlock and Thomas Ward-high priests, eight-of the Quorum of the Seventies, five-elders, seventy-seven-priests, sixty-six-teachers, thirty-seven-deacons, seven.

Elder Woodruff having made some remarks to the delegates as to the order of representation, the delegates were called upon to make their respective statements.

Two hundred and forty-four branches, containing about ten thousand Saints, were represented: among whom were ten high priests, three hundred and ninety elders, six hundred and fifteen priests, three hundred and eleven teachers, and one hundred and sixty-four deacons: one thousand nine hundred and ten had been baptized since the October conference.

The meeting being closed by singing and prayer, adjourned until the afternoon.

AFTERNOON SERVICE.

Meeting opened by singing the 142nd hymn, after which Elder Ward engaged in prayer.-The sacrament was then administered by Elder J. D. Ross.

Elder Ward made a few remarks upon the necessity of attending upon the ordinance of the Lord's supper

Elder Hedlock then spoke on the purpose of a general conference, and the necessity of unity of feeling and action, and of order in the conferences, remarking that branches raised up since last conference cannot form themselves into conferences without the decision of a general conference, and persons seeking to render themselves independent of those who were appointed by the last general conference are out of order, and violating the laws of the kingdom of God. He remarked that the presiding elders of branches should be associated with the officers of those branches in doing all things in righteousness for rolling onward the kingdom of God; and also, that the presidents of conferences should be united with the presiding officers of branches in the same great cause. Thus should all be united in the great purpose in which they were engaged, viz., the salvation of the human family. The occasional offences [offenses] that arise from individuals whose minds are too contracted to grasp the sublimity of the subject of salvation, we should learn to endure, and exercise forgiveness rather than raise an obstacle against the progress of the work. He exhorted the audience to exert themselves to live as saints to day, and if such was their continued purpose, they would not err very far from the path of rectitude.

The president then called for the delegates to represent the condition and standing of the conferences.

Elder Milton Holmes stated the Manchester conference to be in a very good condition; the prospects, indeed, were very cheering, perhaps more so than at any other period, and every thing seemed to foretell the reaping of a rich harvest. He exhorted the saints to listen to the counsel given, and bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work.

Elder Leonard Hardy stated that he had not long been connected with the Preston conference, but the prospects to the best of his knowledge were much improved. The officers in council were united, and there was a probability

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of some being baptized. He also bore testimony to the truth, and prayed for the success of the work.

Elder Elisha H. Davis rose to state the condition of the London conference, which he said was very satisfactory at the present time. They had witnessed the gradual increase of the church, and of very respectable people of the congregations that were seeking after the truth. The officers were but few, but they were doing good, and though the saints themselves were generally speaking but poor, yet they were determined to press forward and be united in the work of the Lord. The spirit of the gathering was very powerful among them, many had already left for Zion, and many more were anxious to go. The meetings were well attended, and some were baptized weekly. He requested an interest in the prayers of the saints, that he might be endued with wisdom and prudence; the enemies were on the alert to detect, if possible, any thing that might be thought a false step, and without the prayers and faith of the saints, he felt quite incompetent for the task devolving upon him.

Elder Galley stated that the Macclesfield conference, from the past year's experience, was much improved, and never had the spirit of God given stronger testimony of the truth than these last three months. The officers were united in desiring the glory of God. He further stated that the conference was extensive as regarded the distances of places, and that his circumstances in business did not allow him to pay that attention to it which it required, that other laborers were much wanted, and he requested that some travelling [traveling] elder or high priest might be sent amongst them.

Elder Robert Crook rose to report the condition of the Birmingham conference, and we rejoiced much to see our aged brother manifesting almost the agility of youth. He stated that he rejoiced much to see the saints by whom he was surrounded, and he rejoiced also at the condition in which he had left his conference, their councils were in peace-unity and love prevailed amongst them. He also rejoiced much in the late visit of Elder J. B. Meynell, and thanked God for his visit, and he was very sorry that he was leaving England, for he knew they were of one heart and one mind. He exhorted his brethren to be loyal subjects of the realm, stating that he prayed for Her Majesty the Queen three times a day, until the magistrates themselves declared him to be a most loyal subject. He also stated that the Derbyshire conference was in good condition at present, but much in need of some active laborer.

Elder George Simpson stated that there was not that union in the Staffordshire conference which was necessary for the well-being of the church, he hoped they would take his conference into consideration, and that measures might be taken for their assistance.

Elder John Banks stated that he had not had much time to become acquainted with the Edinburgh conference, having only been there about three weeks. Edinburgh was a splendid city, the seat of much wisdom and learning, and it would require much wisdom and prudence to be exercised; but considering all circumstances, he trusted that the coming year would yield them a rich harvest.

Elder Richard Blakey stated that the Garway conference had many difficulties to contend with, but still it was in a better condition than he had known it before. He should wish to call the attention to this conference, as he was at present under the necessity of retiring from his labors in the vineyard, in order to assist an aged father, whose growing infirmities called for his help.

Elder James Houston stated that the branches in the Glasgow conference were in a very prosperous condition, full of union and love in their counsels; Lanerk, where he had been laboring, numbered sixty-four in about six months; he was sorry that he was not better able to represent the whole conference, as its general condition was most satisfactory and encouraging.

Elder James Ure briefly stated that the Sheffield conference was in a very cheering condition.

Elder E. F. Sheets remarked that the Bradford conference at his first visit rather alarmed him, but he thought he could now state that it was in very good order, and he knew not of a dissenting voice in the whole of the three branches of Bradford, Idle, and Leeds; more laborers were wanted, and he anticipated much good would be the result.

Elder Thomas Smith said in reference to the Worcestershire conference, that in its present condition, love and union were prevailing through the whole, with the exception of one case of difficulty, which would come before the meeting. Brother Meynell had been visiting them and they had an excellent time.-The conference spread over an extensive country, and it was their intention to labor indefatigably in the coming season.

The meeting then adjourned until evening.

EVENING SERVICE.

The service opened by singing. Prayer by Elder Hedlock, when the representation of the condition of the conferences was resumed.

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Elder Stratton stated that generally speaking the branches were in a prosperous condition, that four new branches had been organized these last few months. The Isle of Man branches were in a much better state, united, and the prospects were good.

Elder Speakman stated that the Clitheroe conference was in good standing, peace and unity, and every good grace was to be found amongst them, none could be more inclined to adhere to counsel. They were a people that were full of humility, which had caused him much to rejoice; they were also ever ready to assist in rolling forward the kingdom of God, and they only need to be told their duty in order to do it.

Elder John Johnson said he had not been in the habit of speaking before so large and respectable a congregation, but rather in the regions of darkness, and amongst the blacks of the coalpit. He was, however, glad to say that though Cheltenham had, as it were, been torn up by the roots by persons who had never been sent there, yet he rejoiced to say that now the people were willing to listen to counsel, and the spirit of love and union was in their midst, indeed their condition was better than it had been for three years, and there was a great work to do.

Elder Robert Martin said that the members in the Bedforshire conference, with very few exceptions, were saints indeed, many of them were of long standing. A good foundation had been laid, and the difficulties that had for a considerable time troubled the churches were removed, and the principles are now much inquired after, and he felt assured that with wisdom and prudence much might be done, especially if more laborers were employed.

Elder Thomas Margetts stated that the Leicestershire conference was not in so good a condition as he could wish to see it. The experience of the last six months had been very trying, but after all profitable. When an aspiring spirit arises, it is calculated to do much mischief; it had been so there, but the results he had no doubt would be beneficial; but notwithstanding all things, the prospects were still better than ever, and their congregations were crowded to excess. He earnestly requested a visit from some of the presidency as early as possible.

Elder Thomas Smith stated that the Bath conference was in good standing, union and love prevailed in their midst, the gifts and blessings of the spirit of God were abundant, the councils were conducted in peace and love, and the prospects were very encouraging.

Elder William Walker remarked in reference to Hull, that when he was sent there, he could not in his address say brethren and sisters, for there was but one sister there. He continued his labors by preaching at the dock side to hundreds of people, but apparently in vain. He was at times almost in despair, but nevertheless he received encouragement from the word of God, and continued his labors.-He remarked also that the books of the church had been a great instrumentality in propagating the work in that neighborhood.-The prospects were now encouraging, and the minds of the people were in some measure turned to the contemplation of the principles of truth.

Elder Dan Jones, from Wales, rose, under an attack of the fever and ague, and remarked that he believed it was the intention of the evil one to prevent him speaking that evening, but he was determined to bear his testimony in spite of every opposing power. He said that he came not in the character of a delegate: he represented no conference; for if he had but baptized one, he should be able to represent three. But he would speak of a nation renowned in history, one of the most ancient nations of the earth, who had never been subdued, and to whom he hoped to be instrumental in bearing the tidings of the work of God, in the last days. He enlarged on the characteristics of his people in a manner, and with an eloquence, that told how ardently he loved his native tribe and his father-land. He remarked that, for many years, as a mariner, he had been in search of the principles of truth-he had sought it in almost every clime-among the red of the woods, or the civilized denizens of the city, but he had found it not until he came in contact with the followers of the prophet of the Lord, the notorious Joseph Smith; but of that despised individual he would bear at home among a tribe of Indians, or on the deck of a ship, than upon that platform and before such an audience, yet he would not flinch from bearing a faithful testimony to the character of the servant of the Lord. He had been with him in the domestic circle, he had been with him in peril and in prison, and only left him about an hour before the murderous deed of his assassination was perpetrated; and he had now come in obedience to the counsel of the martyred prophet, as a messenger to his native land, to bear testimony of the work for which his brother had died, and which he had sealed with his blood. [We would here remark that we are utterly incapable of doing anything like justice to the address of Captain Jones, for though delivered while struggling with disease,

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such was its effect upon ourselves, and we also believe upon others, that we ceased to write, in order to give way to the effect produced upon our feelings.]

Elder William Henshaw stated that Merthyr Tydvill conference was in a prosperous condition. Two years ago he first went and met with much opposition; but some became obedient to the gospel, and the signs followed the believers; gifts, blessings, and visions were in their midst, and the saints were rejoicing in the fulness [fullness] of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Wilford Woodruff then rose to represent his conference, to which he had pledged himself at an early part of the day. He said that he represented about twenty-eight states of the American Union, above one hundred thousand saints, a quorum of twelve apostles, the various quorums in the stakes of Zion, fifteen quorums of the seventies, a conference with two temples of the Lord, one long ago completed, and one fast hastening to its completion. After enumerating many other things, which, from the rapidity of his utterance, we failed to note, he remarked that the condition of the churches in America was more encouraging than at any former period in the history of the church. The saints were more universally of one heart and one mind, and the spirit of Elijah's God was in their midst. He then addressed himself to the elders and officers by whom he was surrounded, exhorting them in all cases to abide by the laws of the land, and, that no man, by keeping the laws of the kingdom of God, need violate the laws of the realm: that no one who infringed upon those laws in any manner would be sustained by the authorities of the church. We had nothing to do with the laws but to keep them. He further remarked that elders, generally, raised up churches like unto themselves, and therefore it behoved [behooved] them to be an example to their flocks in all things that were holy and righteous. The kingdom of God was a kingdom of order, and a spirit or order ought to characterise [characterize] every branch of the church. He rejoiced much in assembling with them that day, and in meeting such a vast concourse of brethren and sisters as greeted his eyes that day: he rejoiced also to find things throughout the land in so good a condition as they were. He further exhorted the saints not to be discouraged by their trials, but to contemplate the course of the Savior, from the manger to the cross; he sought not for peace and popularity, but for the salvation of men. It was no sign, because men were poor that they could not be useful and successful in propagating the principles of truth: let us but remember from whence our power comes, and forget not, what Elder Ward often endeavors to teach us, that union is strength, that the grand secret of our success lies in being of one heart and of one mind; but, that on the contrary, division stops all blessings, and closes the heavens against us. Yes, he would say, the heavens were full of blessing for the saints, but union and peace amongst us could alone call them down upon us. He would, therefore, call upon them, for God's sake, to be united in all things pertaining to the rolling onward of the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The meeting was then closed with singing and prayer, and adjourned until the next morning, to assemble in the large room in Bridge-street, at ten o'clock.

MONDAY MORNING.

The meeting being opened by singing and prayer, Elder Woodruff proceeded to speak on the great principles that should actuate the servants of the Lord, exhorting them to lay aside all principles of selfishness, and act according to counsel. To labor for the good of all, acting as one man before the Lord, in order to do the best for the welfare of the kingdom of God.

Elder Hedlock spoke on the condition of the church in Nauvoo, how they had suffered from time to time from unrighteous men getting into their society, who had lost sight of the great principles of the kingdom of God,-and who sought only to aggrandize themselves at the expense of the entire community. Individuals had been amongst them at an early period, who had made extensive purchases of land, which had been enhanced in value by the gathering of the saints, and thus they had taken an advantage of the people by disposing of their purchases at an exorbitant rate of profit. They had also had to suffer from various repeated law suits that had impoverished their resources, that otherwise might have been employed in providing labor for the poor. He had looked at their situation, and he felt anxious for the adoption of some plan that might mutually benefit all. He was desirous of preventing the spirit of monopoly from entering into their midst, and while he now contemplated as it were the energies of the people being thrown away amongst their enemies, he wished to adopt such means as should preserve amongst themselves the combined industry of the saints for the good of all. He then stated his views of the object to be accomplished, and the benefit arising from the proposed scheme of a joint stock company, that should unite the efforts of the saints on both sides of the water for the good of all. He stated that the shareholders

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would be benefited by the adoption of such a plan, inasmuch as the capital so employed, by judicious management, would in a few years double its capital. He further remarked that there must be a channel of communication between the saints on both sides the Atlantic for the mutual benefit of all. He further remarked that there was a variety of means by which these ends might be accomplished, by procuring freight for ships, by procuring provisions for emigration from our brethren in the west, which, placed in bond in this country, would be a great advantage in the supply of sea stores to those that emigrated. He wanted also agents in all parts of the country to assist in the business of emigration, by posting our bills when we had ships in hand, and by procuring passengers, which would afford a fair remuneration for labor on business-like principles. All that we wanted was men of business to enter into this work, which must ultimately work for the good of all.

Elder Ward then remarked that the great point before the meeting was, whether the scheme announced in the last MILLENNIAL STAR to the conferences was to be adopted or not.

It was then unanimously voted that such a plan or association as that proposed should be adopted.

It was then unanimously voted that Brothers Wilson, Caruthers, McEwan, Brown, Clark, Milnes, Mason, Banks, Johnson, and Flint, resolve themselves into a committee to draw up resolutions, to be examined and discussed by the conference, and that they retire into the adjoining room for that purpose.

The brethren of the committee having retired, Elder Woodruff called the attention of the conference to the various business lying before them in relation to the churches.

Elder Woodruff first called for those brethren who were so situated as to give themselves up to the ministry, when there arose Elders J. D. Ross, James Ure, Glaud Roger, E. H. Webb, James Houston, Robert Crook, George Slater, Thos. Margetts, E. H. Davis, John Allen, J. A. Stratton, E. F. Sheets, William Walker, C. Miller, Milton Holmes, Leonard Hardy, Geo. Eyre, William Speakman, Thos. Day, Henry Cuerden, G. P. Waugh, Dan Jones, William Henshaw, William Allen, Thomas Smith, (of Worcester,) Thomas Smith, (of Bath,) Philip Westwood, Charles Phelps, Hiram Clark, John Banks, John Johnson. The three last named were added, though the brethren had retired on committee.

The case then arose, before alluded to, in reference to the Worcestershire conference, which led to a variety of excellent teaching in reference to elders or others interfering in the settlement of difficulties where they were not sent. The adjustment of difficulties and the right of sitting in judgment belonging in an especial manner to the high priesthood, unless elders received a special commission for that purpose.

It was then carried that the church in Coventry continue under the control of the Worcestershire conference.

The meeting being closed by prayer, adjourned until two P. M.

AFTERNOON SERVICE.

The service being opened as usual, Elder Ward rose to make some remarks on the responsibility of all connected with the kingdom of God. As individual members of the church we were by no means exempt from this, inasmuch as it was every man and woman's duty to warn their neighbor. And as we received any portion of the authority of the holy priesthood, that responsibility increased, and he would assure the meeting that the presidency in this land justly estimated the importance of the position they occupied, and were well aware that they were answerable to God for whatever measures they adopted in connexion [connection] with their superintendence of this portion of his vineyard; and as they had no individual or party feelings, the saints might rest assured that all measures which they might seek to carry, would be with a single eye to the glory of God.

Elder Hedlock then followed on the same principles.

The condition of the Macclesfield conference was then laid before the meeting, when it was carried unanimously that Elder William Walker (late of Hull) go and labor there, under the presidency of Elder James Galley.

Elder Robert Crook having stated the necessity of some young active laborer being sent into the Derbyshire conference, it was carried that Elder George Slater, late of Nauvoo, take the presidency there, recommending him to avail himself, as need might be, of the council of Elder Crook.

Staffordshire conference being next considered, it was carried that Elder Hiram Clark take the presidency for the time being.

Garway conference wanting a president, by the retirement of Elder Richard Blakey, Elder William Allen was unanimously voted to take the presidency thereof.

The condition of the Mars Hill conference being brought forward, it was carried that Elder E. F. Sheets (late of Bradford,) preside over the same.

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It was then carried by the meeting that Elder Glaud Roger preside over the Bradford conference, in the room of Brother Sheets.

It was next unanimously voted that Elder John Allen take the presidency over the Carlisle conference.

It was also voted that Elder Robert Martin preside over the Bedfordshire [Bedforshire] conference, where he has been lately laboring.

It was then unanimously carried, that Hull be organized into a conference, and that Elder Henry Cuerden preside over the same.

It was then, with considerable good humor, unanimously voted that Elder Dan Jones, form and preside over Wrexham conference, consisting at present only of himself and wife.-Some present wished to make Elder Jones a present of some branches in the neighborhood to begin with, but the feeling of the meeting was that he should build upon no other foundation than that which he had already got.-Elder Jones made some interesting remarks on his position, and of his anxiety to preach the gospel to his countrymen in their native tongue, requesting an interest in the faith and prayers of the saints for his success,-when Elder Ward arose, and called upon the meeting, if they felt disposed to uphold Brother Jones in his position, to signify it by a hearty Amen! which was most heartily responded to.

It was then voted that Elder G. P. Waugh labor under the direction of Elder John Banks, in the Edinburgh conference.

It was then voted that the branches of Louth, Taleby, and Wapload, be annexed to the Hull conference, under the presidency of Elder Henry Cuerden.

Voted also that Paul Harrison be ordained an elder and go to labor in Ireland.

Voted that Doncaster be appended to the Sheffield conference.

Voted the Newhall branch be annexed to the Sheffield conference.

Voted the Kidderminster be annexed to the Worcestershire conference.

It was then unanimously carried that Elder James Houston's appointment to labor in Lanark receive the sanction of the conference.

The meeting which continued to a late hour, without interruption, then adjourned until Tuesday morning.

TUESDAY.

The meeting being opened by singing and prayer.

Elder Webb was then called upon by the president to state the conditions of the branches in his field of labor, viz: Chalford, Hill, Avening, Tetbury, Kingswood, Cam, and Nimphsfield.

It was then carried unanimously, that the before mentioned branches be organized into a conference, and that Elder E. H. Webb preside over the same.

It was then voted that Bath be organized into a conference, to be called the Somersetshire conference.

It was then voted that Elder George Robins go to labor in the Hull conference, under the presidency of Elder Henry Cuerden.

Elder John Johnson, president of the Cheltenham conference, being absent on the committee, Elder Phelps was called upon to lay the circumstances of the conference before the meeting, in relation to a lawsuit now pending. It appeared that the saints had been subject to intterruption [interruption] in their meetings of the most outrageous and disgraceful character, notwithstanding they met in a place regularly certified; that being obliged to have recourse to law in their own defence [defense], they had been, and expected to be still more, involved in expenses, which without assistance they were not able to meet, Elder Woodruff remarked, that circumstances like those in the Cheltenham conference might be the lot of any other, and that it behooved us to sympathise [sympathize] with our brethren, and render them what assistance we could.

It was then unanimously resolved, that the presidents of conferences lay the case before the churches, and that the saints be exhorted to render what assistance they can, forwarding the same to Liverpool as early as possible, to be remitted to Elder Johnson.

Elder Ward made some remarks on conformity to the laws of the land, exhorting the brethren never to resort to physical force when oppressed by their enemies, inasmuch as there was abundant protection in the laws, when justly administered. He requested the brethren, that when they had acted according to principles of righteousness, and the laws of the land, in all things, and yet could not get protection or redress from the magistrates, that they would send him the addresses of such persons, and he would adopt measures to teach them their duty. He had been under the necessity of writing to two magistrates, and it behoved [behooved] all the servants of the Lord to become, as much as possible, acquainted with the laws of the land.

The Committee of the Joint Stock Company then making their entrance, it was carried unanimously, that the articles which had been drawn up by the Committee be read before the meeting, consecutively, and afterwards item by item, to be discussed by the conference.

After the reading of the articles,

Elder Ward rose, in the fist place, to move a

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vote of thanks to the brethren of the committee for their very arduous labor, in the production of the articles which had now been read, and which had occupied the committee some sixteen hours. This vote was most heartily and unanimously carried.

Elder Thomas Wilson, president of the committee, then returned thanks.

Elder Hedlock rose to express his gratification at the result of the committee, so far, and as he had been the first to suggest the plan, he felt much to rejoice at the prospect of its ultimate success.

It was then voted that Brother Brown read the articles one by one for the consideration of the conference.