| 606 The conference was then opened by prayer, after which Elder Joseph Younger addressed the people in an able manner, setting forth the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, followed by elder Smoot, on the advancement of the church in the knowledge of the truth.
The conference adjourned until 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Conference convened pursuant to appointment, when elder Raney addressed the meeting on the keeping of the commandments and the order of baptisms; after which elder Smoot spoke at large on the effect produced by keeping the commandments.
Conference adjourned till next day at 8 o'clock.
Met pursuant to adjournment.
The conference proceeded to organize a branch consisting of 17 members, to be called the Eagle Creek branch. Robert C. Petty was chosen to preside, and was ordained an elder; Seth Velie, priest; and B. B. Barnet teacher.
At 10 o'clock the congregation was addressed by elder Mount, on the restitution of all things, as spoken of by the prophets and apostles; after which a recess of 30 minutes was given, when elder Smoot preached on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, showing that such a workman must necessarily come forth in fulfilment [fulfillment] of the ancient prophesies; after which four were added to the church by baptism.
After a short recess, the remainder of the evening was spent by administering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and appropriate remarks by the several elders present.
A. O. Smoot, Prest.
Joseph Mount, Clerk.
Chicago, Ill., May 27,1844.
A general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, met according to previous notice, in the City Council room, Chapman's buildings, Chicago, May 24th and 25th, 1844.
Present 11 elders.
The meeting was called to order by elder Samuel Shaw, when elder A. Cordon was appointed President, and James Burgess, clerk.
The meeting was opened by prayer by the president, after which a hymn was sung, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning."
The president then stated the object of the meeting and presented the truths of the Church of God, as they were really taught, believed, and practised [practiced] by the Latter Day Saints.
The branch of the church in Chicago was represented, comprising 22 members, four elders three priests and one deacon.
The conference then proceeded to withdraw the hand of fellowship from six individuals, to wit: Samuel Nickbucker and wife, --Hasty and wife, Abraham Beeman and --Vanseccles.
Hasty and wife, and Beeman have been to Nauvoo, and have denied the faith and returned to this place. It will be unnecessary perhaps to state every particular, suffice it to say that the conference went off well; addresses were delivered by elders Cordon, Burgess, Terry, Nixon, &c., with much good feeling and energy. Prejudice was allayed to some extent, and the hearts of the people were open to investigate our views, and doctrines; political and religious. I would just say that the people in Chicago are aroused; though the strong band of prejudice was fast upon them, the tie is now broken. One has been baptized, and I have no doubt but many will embrace the truth.-Joseph's views and measures are liked very much, though many are opposed to the man; but let our motto be "the best measures flow from the best men." We have conversed with all that came in our way, read to them the Prophet's Views, and the generality of the people are in favor of them. We feel in good spirits, and are determined to go ahead; preaching liberty to the captive, and opening the prisons to them that are bound.
A. CORDON, Prest.
James Burgess, Clerk.
DIED-In this city on the 30th ult., Elder Samuel H. Smith, aged 36 years.
The exit of this worthy man, so soon after the horrible butchery of his brothers, Joseph and Hyrum in Carthage Jail, is a matter of deep solemnity to the family, as well as remediless loss to all. If ever there lived a good man upon the earth, Samuel H. Smith was that person; in fact he was too good for this generation, and the infinite wisdom of Jehovah seems to have been exerted in this instance of taking him, "to remove him from evils to come." The highest point in the faith of the Latter Day Saints, is, that they know where they are going after death, and what they will do, and this gives a consolation more glorious than all the fame, honors and wealth, which the world has been able to heap upon her votaries or ever can: and so, when a faithful saint dies, like this, our lamented brother, calm, faithful and easy, all Israel whispers, as expectants of the same favor, "let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his."
His labors in the church from first to lats [last],
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