| 293 that I have kept my own counsel, although my opinions, when asked for, in regard to various doctrines extant, under the guise of so-called Mormonism, have been known by friend or foe, who chose to ask.
"I have deeply settled views of policy connected with the church, that, in the present unconnected state of the church at large, must needs remain with me; for having thus far taken the guidance of the Spirit, as the man of my counsel, I shall still endeavor to do so.
"There having been endeavors made, and reports circulated, with a view to prejudice the minds of saints as yet unconnected with the church as now organized, to the effect that I had not come out and taken a stand in connection therewith: Now, be it also known, that on the sixth day of April, A. D. 1860, I was duly received by the church, in conference assembled, at Amboy, in Lee County, in the State of Illinois, as President and Prophet, and successor of my father, in strict pursuance of my right, as the son of my father, Joseph Smith, Jr., and in due accordance with the voice of the Spirit, as has been partly shown, and as shall, at some more fitting time, be made public by me.
"I did not take that step without a due knowledge of what I was doing, not without a perception of all the difficulties of the position; but with a firm reliance on the sustaining power of the Almighty God, whose arm is mighty to save, and who will not break a bruised reed, I assumed the position.
"Since then the leaven has begun to work, and with the good has come the evil. Designing men have told all manner of stories, charging inaction, want of sincerity, lies, subterfuge, speculation, etc.; and fearful saints who have ere now listened to siren songs of deceitful spirits, dulcet notes of mysterious power and might, supernatural agency and subtle grace, taught wisdom by their own varying race, careful lest another will o'-the-wisp of aspiring ambition should charm their ears, and lead captive their hearts and better judgments, and lure them once more to hope-to hope, to be again cast down, have believed and echoed them. It is better so, and I feel thankful that it is so. Men who
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