| 63 been manifest since the commencement of the church.
The elders are going to leave us this morning with the prayers and fellowship of the brethren in this region of country. Those which have been the most hostile in their feelings are perfectly friendly with Brother Wight, and have all invited him to call upon them.
The labors of the elders seem to have effected a union of all parties; and if I must give my opinion I think upon the right principle.
Twelve persons were baptized yesterday and information has just reached me that Brother Martin Harris has been baptized, and is now on his way home from the water. I would further state that Br. Wight expects to administer baptism to several persons in Painesville, on his way east. He further wishes me to state that he will write in a short time. Give my respects to sister Elvira Cowles and to all enquiring [inquiring] friends. Yours in the bonds of the gospel, and fellow laborer in the new and everlasting covenant, JUSTIN BROOKS.
PROTRACTED MEETING AND CONFERENCE.
Protracted Meeting, and Conference, held in Burk's Garden, Tazewell County, Virginia, by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: commencing Sept. 10th 1842.
Saturday 11 o'clock A. M.-A respectable audience being assembled at Union Grove, the meeting opened by singing; prayer by Elder J. M. Grant.
Elder W. A. Litz briefly addressed the audience on the subject of righteousness.
Elder Joshua Grant jr. then delivered a lengthy address from Matt. iii. 6, followed by Elders R. Kinnamon and Orange Wight.
After a short exhortation by Elder J. M. Grant, the meeting closed by singing.
Second day-Sabbath morning at the Grove, the services commenced by singing; prayer by Elder J. Grant jr.
Br. J. M. Grant then preached to the congregation from 2 Cor. iv . 17.
Br. J. Grant jr. continued the subject that he commenced on Saturday; he was followed by Brs. Kinnamon and Litz.
Br. J. M. Grant then called for candidates for baptism; four came and gave their hands with tears and solemnity; the ordinance of confirmation was then attended to, and the meeting closed by singing.
Third day-The people came together at the waster; 9 o'clock A. M., after which six were immersed. It was unanimously resolved that the meeting remove to the house of Br. Peter Litz, one mile north-west of the Grove-met at 10 o'clock and organized the conference by appointing Elder J. M. Grant president, and Geo M. Tibbs clerk.
The conference opened by singing, and prayer by the president, who addressed the conference from John xiii. 20.
Elder J. Grant jr. then addressed the conference. The official members were then called on, to represent the different branches of the church in this conference.
Br. George M. Tibbs represented the Little Nauvoo branch, in Withe county Virginia, consisting of thirty-one member, one priest, one teacher and one deacon.
Br. J. T. Crow represented the Rich Valley branch, in Smith county, twenty-four members and one priest.
Elder J. M. Grant represented the Burk's Garden branch, consisting of sixty members.
Elder J. Grant jr. represented the branch in Patrick county, consisting of sixteen members and one priest; (eight having moved to the west,) in Grayson county two members and one elder; he represented the church in Surry county, North Carolina, sixteen members and one teacher; in Stokes county, N. C., eleven members and one priest; after which the following persons were chosen and ordained as officer in the Burk's Garden branch.
Br. Adam Ritter to be ordained a priest.
Br. James Spencer, teacher.
Br. James Brunty, deacon.
Silas Eagle, teacher.
The Lord's Supper was then administered.
Br. G. M. Tibbs was chosen clerk for the Little Nauvoo and Rich Valley branches, and Adam Ritter for the Burk's Garden branch.
Br. Richard Kinnamon was chosen to preside over the church in Tazewell county, and Br. W. A. Litz to preside in Withe and Smythe branches; the ordinance of confirmation was then attended to, and a number of children blessed; after which it was unanimously resolved that this conference adjourn until the 6th of April 1843.
JEDEDIAH M. GRANT, Pres't. GEORGE M. TIBBS, Clerk.
P. S. The meeting continued two days after the conference, and it is worthy of remark that during the whole proceedings, for five days, the congregations were large and attentive, the most perfect order prevailed, the elders in all their remarks were warm and spirited; and when Elders J. M. and J. Grant, (at the close of the meeting) came to bid adieu to the saints and friends in Virginia, the scene was truly affecting: they left recommended by the saints, and hundreds of worthy citizens. GEORGE M. TIBBS, Clerk.
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