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Revision as of 11:55, 31 October 2010
| ←Number 2 | Times and Seasons 6, Number 3 |
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| Source document in Mormon Publications: 19th and 20th Centuries online archive: Times and Seasons Vol. 6] |
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| TIMES AND SEASONS | ||
| "TRUTH WILL PREVAIL" | ||
| Volume VI. No. 3.] | CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. Feb 15, 1845 | [Whole No. 111. |
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.
(Continued.)
The same day we wrote to Brother W. W. Phelps, and others in Zion, from Kirtland as follows:
Brethren,
We have received your last, containing a number of questions which you desire us to answer; this we do the more readily, as we desire with all our hearts, the prosperity of Zion, and the peace of her inhabitants, for we have as great an interest in the welfare of Zion, as you can have:
First, as respects getting the Book of Commandments bound, we think that it is not necessary. They will be sold well without binding, and there is no book binder to be had as we know of, nor are there materials to be had for binding, without keeping the book too long from circulation. With regard to the Books of Mormon, which are in the hands of Brother Burket, we say to you get them from Brother Burket, give him a receipt for them in the name of the literary firm. Let Brother Gilbert pay Brother Chapin his money.
We have not found the Book of Jasher, nor any of the other lost books mentioned in the Bible as yet; nor will we obtain them at present. Respecting the Apocrypha, the Lord said to us, that there are many things in it which were true, and there were many things in it that were are not true, and to those who desire it, it should be given by the spirit to know the true from the false. We have received some revelations, within a short time back, which you will obtain in due time; as soon as we can get time, we will review the manuscripts of the Book of Mormon, after which they will be forwarded to you.
We commend the plan highly, of your choosing a teacher to instruct the high priests, that they may be able to silence gainsayers. Concerning bishops, we recommend the following: let Brother Isaac Morley be ordained second bishop in Zion, and let Brother John Corrill be ordained third. Let Brother Edward Partridge choose as counsellors [counselors] in their place, Brother Parley P. Pratt, and Brother Titus Billings, ordaining Brother Billings to the high priesthood. Let Brother Morley choose for his counsellors [counselors], Brother Christian Whitmer, whom ordain to the high priesthood, and Bro. Newel Knights. Let Brother Corrill choose Brother Daniel Stanton, and Brother Hezekiah Peck for his counsellors [counselors]: let Brother Hezekiah, also, be ordained to the high priesthood.
Zombre has been received as a member of the firm by commandment, and has just come to Kirtland to live; as soon as we get a power of attorney signed agreeably to law, for Alam, we will forward it to him, and will immediately expect one from that part of the firm to Ahashdah, signed in the same manner. We would again say to Alam, be sure to get a form according to law, for securing a gift. We have found by examining the law, that a gift cannot be retained without this.
The truth triumphs gloriously in the east, multitudes are embracing it. I Sidney, who writes this letter, in behalf of the presidency, had the privilege of seeing my aged mother baptised [baptized] into the faith of the gospel, a few weeks since, at the advance age of seventy five. She now resides with me.
We send by this mail, a draft of the city of Zion, with explanations, and a draft of the house to be built immediately, in Zion, for the presidency, as well as all purposes of religion and instruction.
Kirtland, the stake of Zion is strengthening continually. When the enemies look at her, they wag their heads and march along. We anticipate the day when the enemies will have fled away and be far from us. You will remember that the power of agency must be signed by the wives as well as the husbands, and the wives must be examined separate and apart from the husbands, the same as signing a deed, and a specification to that effect inserted at the bottom, by the justice before whom such acknowledgment is made, otherwise the power will be of none effect.
Clarissa Batchelor, of Boston, wants her paper discontinued, because she has gone from the place, and she has turned from the faith.-Send a paper to Joshua Bailey, of Andover, Vt. Should you not understand the explanations sent with the drafts, you will inform us, so as you may have a proper understanding, for it is meet that all things should be done according to the pattern.
The following errors we have found in the commandments, as printed: fortieth chapter, tenth verse, third line, instead of coruptable [corruptible], put corrupted. Fourteenth verse of the same chapter, fifth line, instead of respector to persons, put respector of persons. Twenty first verse, second line of the same chapter, instead
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of respector to, put respector of. Forty-fourth chapter, twelfth verse, last line, instead of hands, put heads.
Brother Edward Partridge, sir, I proceed to answer your questions, concerning the consecration of property: First, it is not right to condescend to very great particulars in taking inventories. The fact is this, a man is bound by the law of the church, to consecrate to the bishop, before he can be considered a legal heir to the kingdom of Zion; and this, too, without constraint; and unless he does this, he cannot be acknowledged before the Lord, on the church book: therefore, to condescend to particulars, I will tell you that every man must be his own judge, how much he should receive, and how much he should suffer to remain in the hands of the bishop. I speak of those who consecrate more than they need for the support of themselves and their families.
The matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of both parties; for, to give the bishop power to say how much every man shall have, and he be obliged to comply with the bishop's judgment, is giving to the bishop more power than a king has; and, upon the other hand, to let every man say how much he needs, and the bishop be obliged to comply with his judgment, is to throw Zion into confusion, and make a slave of the bishops. The fact is, there must be a balance or equilibrium of power, between the bishop and the people; and thus harmony and good will, be preserved among you.
Therefore, those persons consecrating property to the bishop in Zion, and then receiving an inheritance back, must shew [show] reasonlly [reasonably] to the bishop that he wants as much as he claims. But in case the two parties cannot come to a mutual agreement, the bishop is to have nothing to do about receiving their consecrations; and the case must be laid before a council of twelve high priests; the bishop not being one of the council, but he is to lay the case before them.
Say to Brother Gilbert, that we have no means in our power, to assist him in a pecuniary point, as we know not the hour when we shall be sued for debts, which we have contracted ourselves in New York. Say to him that he must exert himself to the utmost to obtain means himself, to replenish his store, for it must be replenished, and it is his duty to attend to it.
We are not a little surprised to hear that some of our letters of a public nature, which we sent for the good of Zion, have been kept back from the bishop. This is conduct which we highly disapprobate.
Answers to queries in Brother Phelps' letter of June 4th: First, in relation to the poor.-When the bishops are appointed according to our recommendation, it will devolve upon them to see to the poor, according to the laws of the church. In regard to the printing of the New Translation; it cannot be done until we can attend to it ourselves, and this we will do as soon as the Lord permits.
As to Shederlaomach, all members of the united firm, are considered one. The order of the literary firm is a matter of stewardship, which is of the greatest importance; and the mercantile establishment God commanded to be devoted to the support thereof, and God will bring every transgression into judgment.
Say to the brothers, Hulets, and to all others that the Lord never authorised [authorized] them, to say, that the devil, nor his angels, nor the sons of perdition should ever be restored, for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof: consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the bishop and his council, in relation to this doctrine's being a bar of communion.
The number of disciples in Kirtland is about one hundred and fifty. We have commenced building the house of the Lord, in this place, and it goes on rapidly. Good news from the east and south, of the success of the laborers is often saluting our ears. A general time of health among us; families all well; and day and night we pray for the salvation of Zion.
We deliver Brother Ziba Peterson, over the buffetings of Satan, in the name of the Lord that he may learn not to transgress the commandments of God. We conclude our letter by the usual salutation, in token of the new and everlasting covenant. We hasten to close because the mail is just going.
JOSEPH SMITH jr.
SIDNEY RIGDON,
F. G. WILLIAMS.
P. S. We feel gratified with the way which Brother William W. Phelps is conducting the Star at present, we hope he will render it more and more interesting. In relation to the size of the bishorpick [bishopric]: when Zion is once properly regulated there will be a bishop to each square of the size of the one we send you with this; but at present it must be done according to wisdom. It is needful, brethren, that you should be all of one heart and of one mind, in doing the will of the Lord. There should exist the greatest
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freedom and familiarity among the rulers in Zion. We were exceeding sorry to hear the complaint that was made in Brother Edward's letter, that the letters attending the olive leaf had been kept from him, as it is meet that he should know all things in relation to Zion, as the Lord has appointed him to be a judge in Zion. We hope, dear brethren, that the like circumstance will not take place again. When we direct letters to Zion, to any of the high priests, which pertains to the regulation thereof, we always design that they should be laid before the bishop, so as to enable him to perform his duty.-We say so much hoping it will be received in kindness; and our brethren will be careful of each others feelings, and walk in love, honoring one another more than themselves, as is required of the Lord.
Yours as ever.
Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833.
Brother John Smith:
We have just received your letter, of the 8th of June, which seems to have been written in a spirit of justification on your part. You will recollect that previous to your leaving this place, you were tried before the bishop's court, which found you guilty of misdemeanor, and decided that you should no longer retain your authority in the church; all of which, we, as presidents of the high priesthood, sanction. You name something in your letter that took place at Brother Olney's, in Shalersville, on the 27th and 28th of August, which we perfectly recollect, and had you made such a confession as you was required to, at Chippeway, all things would have worked together for your good, and as I told you; but you did not manifest that degree of humility to the brethren, that was required, but remained obstinate; for that reason God withdrew his spirit from you, and left you in darkness. In your letter you say many hard things against the brethren, especially, Father Smith, Brother Reynolds Cahoon, and Bishop Whitney, &c., all of which we highly disapprove. It seems, also, that your son Eden, is confederate with you, and needs to be reproved, together with yourself, in all humility before the Lord, or you must expect to be dealt with according to the laws of the church. We say you are no more than a private member in the church.
JOSEPH SMITH jr.
F. G. WILLIAMS,
Presidents.
Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833.
To the Brethren in Zion:
We received your letter of June 7th; one from Brothers William and Oliver; one from Brother David Whitmer, and one from Brother S. Gilbert, for which we are thankful to our Heavenly Father to hear of your welfare, as well as the prosperity of Zion. Having received your letters in the mail of today, we hasten to answer to go with to-morrow's mail.
We are exceedingly fatigued owing to a great press of business. We this day finished the translating of the scriptures, for which we returned gratitude to our Heavenly Father, and sat immediately down to answer your letters. We rejoiced greatly to hear of the safe arrival of Sister Vienna and Brother William, and thank our Heavenly Father that their lives have been spared them till their arrival. The health of the brethren and sisters in Kirtland is good at present, no case of sickness known to us. Brother Kinsbury's wife is declining fast, and cannot continue much longer, but will soon be in the paradise of God.
We are engaged in writing a letter to Eugene, respecting the two Smiths, as we have received two from them; one from John Smith, the other from the elder of the church. As to the gift of tongues, all we can say is, that in this place, we have received it as the ancients did, we wish you, however, to be careful, lest in this you be deceived. Guard against evils which may arise from any accounts given of women, or otherwise; be careful in all things lest any root of bitterness spring up among you and thereby many be defiled. Satan will no doubt trouble you about the gift of tongues, unless you are careful; you cannot watch him too close, nor pray too much; may the Lord give you wisdom in all things. In a letter mailed last week, you will doubtless, before you receive this, have obtained information about the New Translation. Consign the box of the Books of Commandments, to N. K. Whitney & Co., Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio; care of Kelly & Walworth, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
I Sidney write this in great haste, in answer to yours to Brother Joseph, as I am going off immediately, in company with Brother Frederick, to proclaim the gospel, we think of starting to-morrow. Having finished the translation of the bible, a few hours since, and needing some recreation, we know of no way we can spend our time more to divine acceptance, than endeavoring to build up his Zion, in these last days, as we are not willing to idle any time away, which can be spent to useful purposes. Doors are open continually for proclaiming; the spirit of bitterness among the people is fast subsiding, and a spirit of enquiry [inquiry] is taking its place. I proclaimed last Sunday at Chardon, our county seat; I had the courthouse;
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there was a general turn out, good attention, and a pressing invitation for more meetings, which will be granted if the Lord will, when we return from this tour.
Brother Joseph is going to take a tour with Brother George James, of Brownhelm, as soon as Brother George comes to this place. We hope, our brethren, that the greatest freedom and frankness will exist between you and the bishop, not with-holding from each other, any information from us, but communicate with the greatest freedom, lest you should produce evils of a serious character, and the Lord becomes offended, for know assuredly, if we, by our wickedness, bring evil on our own heads, the Lord will let us bear it till we get weary and hate iniquity. Brother Frederick wants you to say to Brother Burk, that the man from whom he expected to get the mill stones, has run off, so he will not be able to get them; but Brother Burk can get them at St. Louis, of the same man's make.
We conclude by giving our heartiest approbation to every measure, calculated for the spread of the truth, in these last days; and our strongest desires, and sincerest prayers for the prosperity of Zion. Say to all the brethren and sisters in Zion, that they have our hearts, our best wishes, and the strongest desires of our spirits, for their welfare, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. And we salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus: Amen.
SIDNEY RIGDON,
JOSEPH SMITH jr.,
F. G. WILLIAMS.
Kirtland, July 2nd, 1833.
To the Church at Eugene:
Dear Brethren;
It is truly painful to be under the necessity of writing on a subject which engages our attention at this time, viz: the case of John Smith, and Eden Smith his son. We have just received a letter from you concerning their standing in the church. We do not hold them in fellowship. We would inform you that John Smith has been dealt with, and his authority taken from him; and you are required not to receive his teachings, but to treat him as a transgressor, until he repents and humbles himself before the Lord, to the entire satisfaction of the church, and also, you have authority to call a conference, and sit in judgment on Eden's case, and deal with him as the law directs.
We feel to rebuke the elders of that branch of the church of Christ, for not magnifying their office, and letting the transgressor go unpunished. We, therefore, enjoin upon you, to be watchful on your part, and search out iniquity, and put it down wherever it may be found. You will see by this, brethren, that you have authority to sit in council on the Smiths; and, if found guilty, to deal with them accordingly. We have this day directed a letter to John Smith, thereby making known to him our disapprobation of the course he has pursued.-We commend you to God and his grace, ever praying he will keep and preserve you blameless till he comes.
JOSEPH SMITH jr.,
SIDNEY RIGDON,
F. G. WILLIAMS.
Postscript by Bishop Whitney, same date:
Dear Brethren;
Yours of the 3rd of June, came safe to hand the last mail, and John Smith's, which was directed to Brother Joseph. Now, my brethren, on this sheet you have Brother Joseph's sanction to my proceedings, and the letter I last wrote you, and you will govern yourselves accordingly, for you have full power and authority to call the two Brother Smith's to an account for their conduct; and, unless they repent and make satisfaction, not only to your branch of the church, but also to this branch, they must be cut off from the body; for, under existing circumstances, we have no fellowship with them. Brother John Smith's authority, as an officer in the church, was taken from him before he left, and he ought to have given up his license; but he went away without doing so, and it seems he has made use of it to impose upon you; as to the two sisters, you spoke of in your last; if there is no testimony on either side, all you can do is to forbid them to partake of the sacrament unworthily; and pray much, and God will bring all things to light.
N. K. WHITNEY, Bishop.
Extracts from H. C. Kimball's Journal.
[Continued.]
In the morning I went to the river in company with Brother Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, and others, as we had it in contemplation to proceed that morning to Liberty, Clay county; but we could not continue our journey as there was no way to cross the river. It was then overflowing its banks, and we have seen the river since and proved that it was full forty feet from the top of the banks to the bottom of the river. Previous to this rain falling, it was no more than anle [ankle] deep. Such a time never was known by us before; still, we felt calm all night and the Lord was with us.-The water was ancle [ankle] deep to us all night so we could not sleep.
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At this place, W. W. Phelps, S. W. Denton, John Corrill, with many others from Liberty joined us, from whom we received much information concerning the situation of the brethren who had been driven from Jackson county, and the fixed determination of our enemies to drive or exterminate them from that county.
The next day when we moved into the country we saw that the hail had destroyed the crops and we saw that it had come in some directions within a mile, and in other directions within half a mile of our camp. After passing a short distance the ground was literally covered with branches of the trees which had been cut off by the hail. We went a distance of five miles on a prairie to get food for our horses, and also to get provisions for ourselves; and to get into some secure place, where we could defend ourselves from the rage of the enemy. We stayed here three or four days until the rage of the people was allayed.
On the 21st, Colonel Searcy and two other leading men from Ray county, came to see us, desiring to know what our intentions were; for said he, "I see that there is an Almighty power that protects this people, for I started from Richmond, Ray county, with a company of armed men having a fixed determination to destroy you, but was kept back by the storm and was not able to reach you." When he came into the camp he was seized with such a trembling, that he was obliged to sit down in order to compose himself. When he desired to know what our intentions were, Brother Joseph arose and began to speak and the power of God rested upon him. He gave a relation of the sufferings of our people in Jackson county, and also of all our persecutions and what we had suffered by our enemies for our religion; and that we had come one thousand miles to assist our brethren, to bring them clothing, and to reinstate them upon their own lands; that we had no intentions to molest or injure any people, but only to administer to the wants of our afflicted brethren; and that the evil reports, which were circulated about us were false, and were circulated by our enemies to get us destroyed.
After he had got through and had spoke quite lengthy, the power of which melted them into compassion, they arose and offered him their hands, and said they would use their influence to allay the excitement which everywhere prevailed against us. They accordingly went forth and rode day and night to pacify the people; and they wept because they saw we were a poor afflicted people, and our intentions were pure. The next day the Sheriff of that county, named Gilliam, came to deliver a short address to us. We formed into companies and marched into a grove a little distance from the camp and there formed ourselves into a circle, and sat down upon the ground. Previous to Mr. Gilliams address, he (Gilliam) said, "I have heard much concerning Joseph, and I have been informed that he is in your camp, if he is here I would like to see him." Brother Joseph arose and said, I am the man. This was the first time he was made known during the journey. Mr. Gilliam then arose and gave us some instructions concerning the manners and customs of the people, their dispositions, &c., and what course we should take in order to gain their favor and protection.
On the Sabbath day while we were in this place, being in want of salt, I took it upon me to go to some of the inhabitants and get some; Brother Smalling took his rifle and went along with me. After passing through a path enclosed by hazel bushes, about two miles from the camp, I discovered a deer a little distance ahead of us standing across the path; I made motions to Brother Smalling, and he, drawing up his rifle over my shoulder, which served for a rest, fired and hit the deer just behind the shoulder, it ran a few rods and fell. We cut a pole and fastening it on the pole, got it on our shoulders and carried it along to the camp. When we got to the camp we dressed it and divided it among the different companies, and had an excellent feast.
Here Brother Thayre was taken sick with the cholera, and also Brother Hayes. We left them there, and also Brother Hancock who had been taken with the cholera during the storm. Bro. Joseph called the camp together, and told us that in consequence of the disobedience of some who had not been willing to listen to his words, but had been rebellious, God had decreed that sickness should come upon us, and we should die like sheep with the rot; and said he, "I am sorry, but I cannot help it." When he spake these things it pierced me like a dart, having a testimony that so it would be. In the afternoon of this day, we began to receive the revelation known as the "Fishing River revelation."
On Monday we held a council as follows:
Clay County, Mo., June 23, 1834.
A council of high priests met according to a revelation received the previous day, to choose some of the first elders to receive their endowment; being appointed by the voice of the spirit, through Joseph Smith jr., president of the church.
They proceeded: Edward Partridge is called and chosen, and is to go to Kirtland and receive his endowment with power from on high, and also, stand in his office as bishop to purchase land in Missouri.
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W. W. Phelps is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment with power from on high; and help carry on the printing establishment till Zion is redeemed.
Isaac Morley is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment with power from on high in Kirtland; and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house, and preach the gospel. John Corrill the same as Isaac Morley.
John Whitmer is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, with power from on hlgh [high]; and continue in his office.
David Whitmer is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, with power from on high; and stand in the office appointed unto him.
A. S. Gilbert is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment from on high in Kirtland; and to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house; and to proclaim the everlasting gospel till Zion is redeemed. He said in his heart he could not do it, and died in about three days.
Peter Whitmer is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, with power from on high, and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house; and proclaim the gospel.
Simeon Carter is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, with power from on high; and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house; and proclaim the everlasting gospel.
Newel Knight is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high; and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house; and preach the gospel.
Thomas B. Marsh is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high; and his office will be made known hereafter.
Lyman Wight is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high; to return to Zion, and his office shall be appointed to him hereafter.
Parley P. Pratt is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high; and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house; and proclaim the gospel.
Christian Whitmer is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high; and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house: and proclaim the gospel.
Solomon Hancock is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high; and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord's house, and proclaim the everlasting gospel.
F. G. WILLIAMS, Clerk.
(To be continued.)
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, held in the town of Oakland, Oakland County, Michigan, on the 24th and 25th of Jan., 1845.
Conference met according to appointment; called to order by Elder G. Savage; some remarks by Lyman Stoddard. Elder G. Savage called to the chair; Elder Wm. Van Every Clerk; singing, and prayer by Elder Wm. Van Every.
The number of different quorums were then called for, one high priest, four seventies, ten elders, two priests, and one teacher: Then preaching by Elder J. M. Wait, followed by Wm. Van Every. Benediction by Elder D. Hickey.
Adjourned until to morrow at 10 o'clock, A. M.
Saturday 10 o'clock A. M., conference met according to appointment. Some instructions to the young elders by the president. Singing and prayer by Elder O. Jeffords.
The different branches was then represented.
Waterford branch by Brother Green, ten members, one teacher.
Franklin branch, by Elder J. M. Wait, twenty nine members, four elders, two priests, and one teacher.
Southfield branch, by J. M. Wait, six members, one elder, one priest.
Superior branch by O. Jeffords, twelve members.
Brownstown branch, by G. Savage, sixteen members, one priest.
Pine Run branch, by G. Savage, eleven members, two elders, one priest, and one teacher.
Washington branch, by Elder Goff, ten members, two elders, and one priest.
Pleasant Valley branch, by B. Searls, thirty one members, four elders, one priest, one teacher, and one deacon.
Cedar branch, by J. M. Wait, twelve members, one elder, and one teacher.
Livonia branch, by L. Stoddard, thirteen members, one priest, one teacher, and one deacon.
Redford branch, by L. N. Kendall, ten members, one deacon.
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Avon branch, by D. Hickey, eleven members, one elder, and one priest.
Lapeer branch, by D. Hickey, twelve members, three elders.
St. Clair branch, by Elder P. Van Every; and about forty scattering members, not represented in the above.
Walter Ostrander and Conley Bates, were then nominated for elders. Robert Green and George Mercer priests, and John Green teacher.
Elders J. M. Wait and Samuel Goodenough were appointed on a mission to Ingram county.
Elder Dow Hickey was then appointed to preside over Macomb County. Elder G. Savage to visit the principal villages in this part of the country. Adjourned for one hour. Benediction by Elder Marvin.
Conference met according to appointment.-Singing, and prayer by D. Hickey. Preaching by Elder Stoddard, from the third chapter of Malachi; setting forth the necessity of bringing in their tithes into the store house, for the building of the temple, in order to receive their washings, anointings, and other blessings, that would attend them, if they obeyed the word of the Lord. He was followed by the president setting forth in a measure, the order of the resurrection; the manner in which the saints would be brought out of their graves. Singing and prayer by the president. Adjourned until 7 o'clock P. M.
Met according to appointment; after the usual solemnities, Elder O. Jeffords delivered a discourse from the second chapter of Daniel, and was followed by the president and others.
The different officers were then ordained.-Elder A. P. Murray's ordination was then confirmed in order that he might receive his license from this conference. Adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock A. M.
Met according to appointment. Singing and prayer. The president then delivered a discourse from first Peter, twentieth verse, setting forth the evil that was brought into the world by reason of comments on the bible, in laying aside the true order of God; being taught by the precepts of men. Adjourned for one hour.
Met according to appointment; the same subject continued by the president.
Motioned and seconded, that this conference uphold the Twelve and Brother Hawes who is sent to preside over this state.
Motioned and seconded, that the next conference be held in Pleasant Valley, town of Brighton, Livingston county, on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in May next.
Also, that the minutes of this conference be forwarded to Nauvoo, and New York, for publication in the Times and Seasons, and Prophet.
G. SAVAGE, President.
Wm. Van Every, Clerk.
P. S. Elder Dow Hickey addressed the people in the evening, on the first principles of the gospel; when liberty was given for others, and many of the brethren and sisters bore testimony to the truth, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and some of the gifts were manifested in power; when two aged fathers arose and said they were convinced of the truth, and like the jailor [jailer] and his household, did not wait until morning, but were baptised [baptized] straitway. An invitation was given at the water when a young lady went forward, and many more are believing.
At a Conference of a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, held at St. Louis, February 10, 1845, in the Franklin Hall. Elder James Riley, Chairman, and John Needham Clerk, the following business was transacted.
Meeting opened with prayer; singing. Representation: four high priests; eighteen seventies; twenty-five elders; fifteen priests; six teachers; six deacons, and three hundred and twenty members.
The chairman addressed the meeting to a great length, upon many important matters concerning the church, whereupon it was unanimously
Resolved, that we view with mingled emotions of grief and surprise, the proceedings of the highest court in the State of Illinois, in taking away the chartered rights of Nauvoo.-If they were granted wrong: they were taken wrong; but be strong, the day will come when you can triumph; "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"
Resolved, that although surrounded by apostates from the church, who exhibit no better spirit than the murderers of the prophet and patriarch, yet we feel perfectly safe in the midst of an enlightened people, who alike know how to appreciate political liberty and religious freedom; and who have too much respect for the sanctity of constitutional rights, to trample upon the laws and the rights of others.
Resolved, that we will use every exertion in our power, to uphold and sustain the "Twelve" as the present head; and, also, as a small auxiliary to use a unity of effort to help rear and finish the temple of God.
Resolved, that we recommend to the brethren to patronize the Times and Seasons, and Neighbor, printed at Nauvoo, as the most virtuous publications of the western country, and the only ones that support the true cause of righteousness.
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Resolved, that we feel to reciprocate the goodly feelings and pleasure, as published by Elder Hyde concerning his late visit to this city.
Elder Williams represented a branch of the church at Bellville [Belleville], Ill., consisting of six members, among whom was the lady of Dr. Goforth. The Doctor was present.
A resolution, acknowledging the faithfulness and tendering their thanks, faith, and prayers to the presiding Elder (Riley) was next passed.
The late epistle of the Twelve and its instructions, was adopted by acclamation.
Adjourned till six o'clock, P. M.
Met pursuant to adjournment; opened with singing and prayer. Those baptized during intermission were confirmed, and the Lord's supper administered. A sermon was next delivered. After passing a vote requesting the publication of these minutes in the Times and Seasons, the conference adjourned till the second Sunday in May next.
JAMES RILEY, Chairman.
John Needham, Clerk.
From the N. Y. Prophet.
Pursuant to public notice, a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held at Norwalk, Conn., January 1st and 2nd, 1845.
Elder Lane was appointed president, and Elder Appleby of New Jersey, secretary.
Official members present-two high priests, two elders of the quorum of the seventies, three elders, one priest, one teacher, and one deacon. The Norwalk branch consists of twenty six members, including officers, (one member having been cut off since last conference,) all in good standing.
Conference opened at two o'clock, P. M., by singing a hymn, and prayer by the Secretary.
The president addressed the conference on the order of the kingdom of God, and what is enjoined upon the saints to assist in rolling on the same-settling difficulties one with another-followed by Elder Appleby on the same-and of traveling elders ordaining elders suddenly, &c. Adjourned.
Met in the evening at 6 o'clock-opened by singing and prayer by the president.
Elder Appleby delivered a discourse from Rev. 14:6,7.
Adjourned to meet on the morrow at 11 o'clock, A. M.
Thursday, 2nd inst.-Met-opened by singing and prayer by the president, followed by a spirited discourse, directed to the sisters, to form themselves into a sewing society. Also, by Elder Appleby on organizing a society to pay so much per week, for the building of the temple at Nauvoo.
Resolved, that the sisters of this branch organize themselves into a sewing society, to furnish worthy traveling elders with such clothing as they need; and that Sister Capstick be the president, Sister Hand vice president of said society; and that the brethren of said branch assist the sisters in their laudable and praise-worthy undertaking, by applying one shilling per week in purchasing materials for the sisters to make up into clothing, and that Brother Josephs be secretary of said society.
Resolved, that the sisters of this branch give so much per week, according to the proposition made at last April conference in Nauvoo, by our much lamented and martyred patriarch, Hyrum Smith, in aiding the completion of the temple of Joseph's God.
Resolved, that we uphold the Twelve' by our faith and prayers, as the leaders of this church, and that we recognize them as such-men placed at the head (since the prophet and patriarch have been taken away) to conduct the affairs of God's kingdom here below; and we pray God the Eternal Father that they may be kept from all their enemies, and fulfil [fulfill] the work God has given them to do.
Adjourned until two o'clock P. M.
Two o'clock, P. M. Conference met.
The president addressed the conference on the subject of prophecy. In the evening, Elder Appleby delivered a discourse on the first and second resurrection.
Conference adjourned sine die .
SELAH LANE, Pres't.
W. I. Appleby, Sec'y.
NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given, that Elder James Braden was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at a special conference of elders of said church, assembled in Freedom Branch, Adams county, Ill., on the 19th day of January, 1845. His license was demanded, but he refused to give it up.
JACOB MYERS, P. E.
Warren Foote, Clerk.
Freedom branch, Adams Co., Ill., Feb. 4, 1845.
CHINESE.
"The Chinese have few social meetings among themselves; and even the young people never assemble together for the purpose of athletic exercises, or exhilerating [exhilarating] amusements."
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