| 260 the church, and myself; and when I read the action of the conference referred to, I felt constrained to "come to the front" and take a position, so I submit the following reasons why I should be released:
First. I have reasons for believing that section 26 in the original was but the first paragraph and nearly three lines in our present edition, the rest being added after the publication of the first edition; which I object to.
Second. I reject the inspiration of paragraph 6, section 64; paragraph 5, section 100; paragraph 1, section 101; paragraphs 5 and 8, section 102; and seriously doubt the entire sections.
Third. I reject the "Order of Enoch," as not being applicable to us, and all the various fictitious names in section 101, and elsewhere.
Fourth. I reject the local Zion, or gathering in the Doctrine and Covenants, but confess the general gathering as taught in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and also in parts of Doctrine and Covenants.
Fifth. As I know of no law of God either permitting or commanding the establishing of "stakes," and "high councils" in said stakes, I reject the same as no part of the organization of the Church of Christ. And for the same reasons I reject the "school of the prophets," believing them to be addendas to the gospel and church of our blessed Lord, and their tendency a return to Judaism; and also the office of patriarch.
Sixth. As I reject a local gathering, or Zion, the revelation on tithing is of none effect to me as a law; but the principle of "free-will offering" involved in it, however, I heartily indorse [endorse].
Seventh. I do not believe in baptisms for the dead; hence I reject that doctrine, as also some other features of the revelation of 1841.
I believe that all offices and doctrines which did not obtain under the administration of Christ as shown by the New Testament and Book of Mormon, should be expunged from our faith instead of adopting the same as a "standard."
Eighth. The expression about Joseph Smith in paragraph 3, section 113, I believe to be false, an outrage on good common sense, and unbecoming the church of Christ.
I offer the foregoing reasons why I should be released, without comment; and here let me assure you, that it is the result of mature reflection and calm consideration. However weak my efforts as a minister may have been, I have not one fear to meet the record I have made; and lest I be misunderstood, permit me to assure you that I do confess, and hope I ever shall, the gospel of our blessed Lord as published in the epitome of our faith, but nothing more.
Ever praying that truth may prevail, I am yours for truth,
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, October 15, 1878. Z. H. GURLEY.
This was referred to the Quorum of Twelve. After deliberation the quorum reported as follows:
Resolved, That we believe that the reasons presented by Z. H. Gurley for his resignation as an officer of the church are sufficient ground for the
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