RLDS Church History Context

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Source: Church History Vol. 4 Chapter 29 Page: 524 (~1886)

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524 Sandhedens Banner be issued under the auspices of the Board of Publication, and we heartily pray for its success.

We ask indulgence, to further add to our report on the Banner. We think Bro. Peter Anderson should have what financial aid is necessary, to enable him to prosecute the editorial work of the Banner. . . .

JAMES CAFFALL.

H. N. HANSEN.

Members of the committee reporting were discharged, and their report adopted.

The following documents were presented to the conference and referred to a committee consisting of E. L. Kelley, I. L. Rogers, and Heman C. Smith:

To the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in General Conference assembled.

We, the undersigned members of said church, feel impelled by the action of the last annual conference toward us to submit the following facts for your consideration, and as reason for that which we feel compelled to do.

It is known to the body whom you represent that we do not believe in certain doctrines and principles, or policy more or less accepted and taught by the elders in the church, among which is: First, The literal gathering of the church into Jackson and the adjoining counties in the state of Missouri (or any other one or more places) known as a local Zion. Second, Temple-building and ceremonial endowments therein. Third, Baptism for the dead. Fourth, Tithings as a law applicable to the church. Fifth, The law of consecration by which individuals are made legal heirs to the kingdom of Zion. Sixth, A sole mouthpiece of God to the church. Seventh, The plenary inspiration of, and consequent absolute authority of what are called the sacred books. Eighth, The doctrine of "cursing one's enemies," and of "avenging God upon them to the third and fourth generations." (See sections 100 and 102 of the Doctrine and Covenants.)

In the years gone by we have sought to have the action of the body upon the more important of these, and preparatory to the action sought have endeavored to show from the books themselves that the church have been, and that many are still in error. We have invoked the General Conference, and the General Assembly of the various quorums, as also the Quorum of the Twelve by Elder Briggs its president, in the hope that these questions might be set at rest; and we were induced to believe that they were, and that the church was disposed to drop these doctrines as essential to membership and good standing, as seen by its acts of 1879, in adopting the "Report of the Presidency," and in 1883, in adopting the paper as presented to the Secretary of State of the United States, and more especially the adoption of a resolution by the General Conference, April, 1884, declaring the local commandments in the Doctrine and Covenants

(page 524)

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