538 Lord raised a standard in the reorganization of his people, will the Saints withhold the sustaining of this standard because of former misrule, against which this is a standing rebuke? If too confident then shall we go to the other extreme now? To you, brethren, belong a full share of every legitimate burden, and also the full reward of well doing." As a means governing in this duty we refer you to the action of the Twelve and Bishopric, as found in Herald for May 1, 1878, part of which we give below. [Here follows paragraphs 1 to 5 of "Principles and Rules of Action." See pp. 225, 226.]
In the appointment of missions, as in all other work which has been required at our hands, we have acted according to the best wisdom received. We have had none to favor and none to oppose; and nothing, save a deep sense of the grave responsibilities which rest upon us, and our love for God's work, could have induced us to reject any from the missionary list.
Each year, each day, brings its anxieties, duties, and sacrifices. The Saints are to be tried. To be a Saint is to wage a warfare until the end. Soon the Master will come with the reward of merit. May we be ready to meet him. Go on and be comforted, and may the blessings of God attend you.
E. C. BRIGGS,
W. H. KELLEY,
ALEX. H. SMITH,
JOHN H. LAKE,
JAMES CAFFALL,
J. R. LAMBERT,
Of the Quorum of the Twelve.
About this time Elder W. J. Smith held a debate in Tiblo, Kansas, with Reverend Ward, of the Christian Church, on the respective claims of the two churches.
May 10 the Supreme Court of the United States dismissed the three Snow polygamy cases for "want of jurisdiction," and also set aside a former judgment in the Angus M. Cannon case. This left the polygamists entirely in the hands of the Utah federal courts.
May 13 a branch was organized at Kirtland, Ohio, under the supervision of Elder W. H. Kelley. Elder E. L. Kelley was chosen to preside; John Gillespie, deacon; and Hattie Griffiths, secretary.
An editorial entitled, "The Late Conference," appearing in Saints' Herald for May 15, reflects with clearness and force the situation at the time.
Considerable disappointment seems to have been experienced by some by reason of the session of conference just past. Wherein that disappointment
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