| 119 It seems from elder Lysander M. Davis' communication, that an unhallowed, religious persecution has been got up against him; in consequence of which, he is to lay in jail until October next, to await his trial, being in a land of strangers and not being able to give bail. We do not doubt his report concerning the matter: from a long and intimate acquaintance with elder Davis, we believe him to be a young man of unexceptionable character, and do not doubt that his probity has been assailed by evil designing men.-ED.
FROM ENGLAND. Preston, April 17th, 1840.
TO THE SAINTS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
For the comfort of the church in general in that country, I attempt to address a few lines to you, to let you know where we are, and what we are doing in this country; the work of the Lord is progressing here, and has been ever since Eld's O. Hyde and H. C. Kimball left this country: according to the account that the Elders give of their labors, there have been about eight or nine hundred baptized since they left. The gospel is spreading, the devils are roaring; as nigh as I can learn, the priests are howling, the tares they are binding up, the wheat is gathering, and nations are trembling, and kingdoms are tottering: "men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking for those things that are coming on the earth." The poor among men are rejoicing in the Lord, and the meek do increase their joy: the hearts of the wicked wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, but I rejoice that I am counted worthy to be one of the number to carry salvation to the poor and meek of the earth. Brethren, I want to say many things, but I shall not have room on this paper, as I design giving the minutes of our conferences below.-After a long and tedious journey of 28 days on the water we landed in Liverpool: Eld's H. C. Kimball, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, R. Hadlock, and myself were in company; we rejoiced in the Lord, and when we cast our minds upon the saints in that country, we could by faith participate in their joys; realizing they were met in conference, it being the 6th day of April. We soon found a room that we could have to ourselves, which made our solemn assembly glorious: we blest each other and prepared for our labor. The next day we found Elder Taylor in the city; there had been about 30 baptized. On Wednesday went to Preston, met with the church on Sunday, bore testimony of the things the Lord is doing in these last days. President Joseph Fielding gave out an appointment for a conference, for the church on Wednesday the 15th.
At a council of the Twelve, held in Preston, Lancashire, England, on the 14th of April, 1840, it being the 9th day of the 1st month, of the 11th year, of the rise of the church of Jesus Christ. Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, & George A. Smith being present.
Elder Brigham Young was called to preside, and Elder John Taylor chosen secretary: the council was opened by prayer by Elder B. Young. Elder Willard Richards was ordained to the office of an apostle, and received into the quorum of the Twelve by a unanimous voice, according to previous revelation: Elder Brigham Young was unanimously chosen as the standing president of the Twelve.
Resolved, that he who acts as the secretary of the quorum, shall prepare the minutes of the conferences of the quorum, and deposit them in the hands of the president for keeping.
Moved, by Elder Kimball, and seconded by Elder Richards, that twenty of the Seventies be sent for, and that it be left discretionary with the president of the Twelve, to send for more if he think proper: conference adjourned, was closed by prayer by Elder Kimball.
At a general conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the Temperance Hall, Preston, Lancashire, England, on the 15th of April, 1840.
President Joseph Fielding called upon Elder Kimball to preside, and Elder Wm. Clayton chosen clerk, it being the 10th day of the first month, of the 11th year of the rise of the church: the meeting was opened by singing and prayer by Elder Kimball.
Elder Kimball then called upon the
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