| 184 TIMES AND SEASONS.
NAUVOO ILL. OCT., 1840
In this number we lay before our readers the minutes of the conference held at this place on the 3rd inst. which will be perused with interest, by the saints throughout the length and breadth of the land. The proceedings were highly satisfactory and pleasing; the most perfect harmony prevailed during the whole proceedings which lasted three days. Notwithstanding there was some mistake respecting the day of commencement which with the unfavorable state of the weather for some time previous was the cause of many not being present, yet there was a very large and respectable congregation amounting we suppose to no less than five thousand persons, some of our friends estimated them at more. A number of strangers from a distance were present, who, were not connected with the church, who generally, were highly gratified with the proceedings.
The report from the different branches of the church both on this continent and on the islands of the sea, were of a nature calculated to awaken feelings of joy in the hearts of all those who love the prosperity of the kingdom, and more particularly those, who have had to bear the heat and the burthen [burden] of the day.
The subject of building a house, for the worship of Almighty God, was brought up, when it was decided that immediate preparations should be made to carry into effect, an object so dear to the saints. A committee was appointed to erect the same, who are men of tried integrity, and who will do their duty, and it only remains for the brethren to hold up, and strengthen their hands, and a building to the honor of our God, will be erected, where the saints can offer up their orisons to the God of their salvation, and where the order of the kingdom will be manifested.
We this month conclude the history of the persecution of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in Missouri, by inserting in our columns the memorable speech of Maj. Gen. Clark to our brethren at Far West-and sure never a more, unconstitutional and bloody address, blackened the pages of history. The sentiments contained in it are such as make every lover of freedom, every patriotic American citizen, as well as all civilized men throughout the world, capable of appreciating the blessings of freedom, to look upon its author with contempt. Not only does he charge them with crimes, of which they were never guilty but says that if they did not leave the state they "need not expect mercy, but extermination." This was the language of a man high in authority in that state, and for the noble feats he then performed, has since sought the suffrages of the Missourians to be elevated to the gubernatorial chair of that state. Sure such a governor would shed a darker polish on the blackened aspect of that disgraced state. For whenever he had a desire to persecute any one or bring them to condign punishment, guilty or not guilty "whatever your innocence is, it is nothing to me" your "fate is fixed, your die is cast. your doom is sealed." This would be carrying out the principle which he then avowed and in which he was supported by the citizens of that state.
We are knowing to most of the circumstances, mentioned in the history of the persecutions, and that a correct account has been given, which, has been proven from time to time, these things have been placed before the legislature of Missouri, but they have refused to investigate them, they have
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