| 628 TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ABROAD IN THE EARTH.
It is the duty of the church of Christ, in Zion, to stand as an ensign to all nations, that the Lord hath set his hand the second time to restore the house of Israel to the lands of their inheritance , &c., and it behooves the members of this church, to manifest before the world by a godly walk; by a noble example, as well as by sterling precept; by prudence in living; by plainness in dress; by industry; by economy; by faith and works, and above all, by solemnity, humility and patience, that this is a day of warning and not a day of many words.
This being the order in Zion, how much more necessary is it, that the churches of Christ, which have not yet come up to this land, should show the world, by well ordered conduct in all things, that they are the children of the living God? It is all-important and the salvation of many souls depends upon their faultless example. They will therefore, knowing that the Lord will suddenly come to his temple, do their part in preparing the way, by observing the Sabbath day, and keep it holy, by teaching rheir [their] children the gospel and learning them to pray; by avoiding extremes in all matters; by shunning every appearance of evil; by studying to be approved, and doing unto others, as they would have others do unto them; by bearing trouble and persecution patiently, without a murmur, knowing that Michael, the arch angel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, the Lord rebuke thee. They will not only set an example worthy of imitation, but they will let their light so shine as that others, seeing, may go and do likewise. Example is the great thing that defies the world with all its vain glory; by letting their moderation be known unto all men, both in dress and in living; in words and in deeds; in watching and in praying; in love and in labor, and in works as well as in faith, they preach the world a lecture, they set the enquirer [inquirer] a sample, and teach all christendom a lesson, that studied preaching and pulpit eloquence have failed to accomplish."
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of a conference held in Gerry, Chautauqua county, N. Y., July, 27th, 1844.
Conference convened pursuant to appointment, and organized by calling elder Joshua Holman to the chair, and appointing elder Rowland Cobb, clerk.
After singing and prayer, the chairman proceeded to state in a brief manner the object for which the conference was called. A branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized in this place, called the Gerry branch, consisting of twenty members. Elder Rowland Cobb was chosen to preside over the branch, and S. Stephens was appointed clerk.
Brother F. Williams represented the branch at Charlotte Centre, consisting of ten members, one elder and one priest.
A discourse was delivered by elder Tyler, on the first principles of the gospel, to an attentive congregation.
Adjourned till 10 o'clock, A. M., July, 28.
Met pursuant to adjournment and opened by singing and prayer. Elder Whipple addressed the assembly on the subject of the kingdom being taken from the Jews and given to the Gentiles, and the great work of the last days, &c.
Brother F. Williams and Asa Horton were ordained elders, and the conference adjourned.
Joshua Holman.
Chairman.
ROWLAND COBB, Clerk.
Minutes of a conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in Southfield centre, Oakland county, Michigan, on the 9th 10th and 11th of Aug. 1844.
Pursuant to previous appointment, conference met at 4 o'clock P. M. called to order by elder G. Savage; and elder William Burton chosen president pro tem-elder M. Serrine being absent-and elder Wm. Van Avery clerk.
Conference was opened by singing and prayer, by the president, after which he made some remarks respecting the business of the conference, and gave liberty for others.
Elder G. Savage made some very appropriate remarks on the death of the prophet and patriarch, and was followed by other elders. After the usual solemnities Conference adjourned until tomorrow, at 11 o'clock.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment; elder Serrine being present, took the chair.-Singing and prayer by elder G. Savage. Elder Merely delivered a discourse from Matthew, 28th chapter, 19 and 20th verses from which he set forth the first principles of the gospel in a very able manner, showing the necessity of obeying all the ordinances of God's house.
Conference adjourned for one hour and a half.
Conference convened; singing and prayer, by elder D. Hickey. The number of different quorums were then called for.
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