| 124 rock overhanging a shelving precipice, many hundred feet deep, and splitting itself on the rock into two divided torrents, like the falls of the Rhine, at Sheffhausen; it leaped in twin cascades of fiery flood clear down into the gulf of desolation that yawned below. Occasionally we could see huge rocks spouted out from this fall of fire, and shoot away in separate masses into the ravine, thundering along the blocks of old lava in the Val del Bove, into which this fresh stream poured, stretching like strings of burning beads along the distant snow.
When the first excitement which this sight, "horribly beautiful," produced, had partially subsided, we began to feel the pinching cold insufferable. Our feet were stony, as if all circulation had departed, and on dismounting from our mules it was with great difficulty that we could stand. Indeed, no wonder, for we were within a few hundred feet of the line of perpetual snow, and the wind, though happily very moderate, cut through us like a razor, bringing water to our eyes, and freezing our ears and noses. But any temporary sufferings, any toil would have been amply repaid by the splendor and magnificence of the majestic sight upon which we were gazing. It is pleasant to know that the eruption has not caused, and is not likely to cause, much damage, by reason of the desolate soil over which the lava has this time directed its course. It is not expected to last much longer.
Conference Meetings.
Minutes of a Conference held in Quincy, Ill. Feb. 18th 1843.
Conference convened pursuant to previous appointment. Elder David Hollister was in attendance, from Nauvoo. Elder B. Dustin was unanimously chosen president, and J. Nichols clerk, of the conference. Elders D. S. Hollister and G. M. McKenzie, were chosen council. President Dustin them made some preliminary remarks, setting forth the object of this meeting.
On motion, elder J. Nichols then represented the branch of the church at Quincy, consisting of 77 members, including 2 high priests, 5 elders, 1 priest, 1 teacher, and 1 deacon, mostly in good standing.
On motion, Joseph Pine and wife were admitted into this branch.
On motion, it was resolved, that a few loads of produce be made up, and sent to Nauvoo, for the benefit of the Temple.
On motion, resolved, that we adjourn till 6 o'clock, P. M.
At 6 o'clock conference re-assembled, and was opened with prayer, by elder Hollister. A lecture was delivered by elder Hollister, upon the duty of the saints. Two members were presented for ordination, and accepted, viz: Silas Maynard, elder, and Simeon Crandle, deacon, who were accordingly ordained.
On motion, resolved, that we adjourn till tomorrow, 10 o'clock, A. M.
Sunday morning, 10 o'clock, conference met according to adjournment. Elder Hollister delivered a lecture from the gospel of John, 21:22d verse.
After intermission of one hour, the sacrament was administered by elders Hollister and Pine.
On motion, Elder E Tufts and wife's request for a letter, was unanimously granted.
The minutes of this conference were then read, and on motion, resolved, that it be adjourned till the 20th day of May next.
B. Dustin, Pres't.
J. Nichols, Clerk.
(Reported for the Boston Bee.)
Mormon Conference.
The great Mormon Chiefs met in Conference, at Boylston Hall, on Thursday, Feb. 9th, at two p. m. The number of officials was, 16 Elders, 5 Priests, 4 Teachers, and 3 Deacons, together with a large and respectable assembly of all sects and denominations, both Infidel and Christian, who assembled at an early hour, to hear the wonders of the new and everlasting covenant, The Conference was opened by singing and prayer by Elder G. J. Adams, when, on motion, Elder Adams was called to the chair, and Elder E. P. Maginn was chosen Secretary. The Prest. then stated in a brief manner the object of the Conference, which was for the purpose of spreading the fulness [fullness] of the gospel, throughout New England, and was followed by Elder E. Snow, whose object appeared to be to disabuse the public mind in relation to signs and miracles, showing their real object, which was for the benefit of the Saints. He also showed the inconsistency of their opponents in circulating such foolish reports concerning them, instead of coming out and meeting them with the word of God, upon the broad platform of honorable investigation. Two or three others of the faithful followed on the same subjects. The Conference then adjourned to two p. m. on Friday. In the evening the public were addressed by Elder Derby on the subject of baptism. Friday Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with singing and prayer, by E. P. Maginn. The Prest. then called upon the presiding Elders to represent the different branches composing this Conference, which was done as follows:-
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