| 259 Reports were presented from districts as follows: London, Canada; Florida; Kewanee, Illinois; Northern Illinois; Pittsfield, Illinois; Southeastern Illinois; Decatur, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; Gallands Grove, Iowa; Little Sioux, Iowa; Pottawattamie, Iowa; String Prairie, Iowa; Central Kansas; Spring River, Kansas; Eastern Maine; Massachusetts; Michigan; Central Missouri; Far West, Missouri; Independence, Missouri; Nodaway, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Central Nebraska; Northern Nebraska; Southern Nebraska; Pittsburg [Pittsburgh], Pennsylvania; Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania; West Wisconsin. Reports showed general activity and progress.
Church Recorder's report showed a net increase of eleven hundred sixteen, with several missions and districts not heard from.
The Bishop reported receipts, including balance in hand at last report, $4,921.01; expended, $3,657.88; leaving balance in his hand of $1,263.13. He also reported a net balance in hands of agents of $257.42.
Elder Z. H. Gurley, of the Twelve, presented the following:
To the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Conference Assembled, Holden at Plano, Illinois, April 6, 1879; Greeting: Whereas, At your last semiannual conference, the church adopted and affirmed the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants" as a "standard" of faith to the church; and believing that all who represent her should now accept all the revelations contained therein, and that the church so enjoins and expects them so to teach; and, Whereas, Before God I can not consistently subscribe to that position, or feature of faith, I hereby offer you my resignation as an officer in the church, and pray you to accept the same and grant me an honorable release. In 1870, I think, I fasted and prayed for two days in relation to this same matter; and though I was blessed with spiritual food, I received no evidence in relation to that book. After a severe mental struggle for one, two, or three years, I felt to tolerate until time should make all right, but I have waited in vain.
Some five or six weeks since, my mind was led to reconsider the matter, and since that date it has continued with me both night and day-and with prayer and supplication to God I arrived at the following conclusions, before I heard or knew what the action of your last conference was upon this subject; and this, too, without any influence whatever from any one. Entirely alone I wrestled early and late.
I despise duplicity in religion, and I propose being honest with God,
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