| 187 Conference adjourned to Monday morning.
Monday morning, Oct., 5th. Conference met pursuant to adjournment and was opened by prayer by Elder Lyman Wight.
Elder R. B. Thompson after a few preliminary remarks, read an article on the priesthood, composed by president Joseph Smith jr, after which,
Elder Babbitt delivered an excellent discourse on the same subject at some considerable length.
Conference adjourned for one hour.
During the intermission a large number were baptized.
Two o'clock P. M. Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
Elder Lyman Wight addressed the conference on the subject of baptism for the dead and other subjects of interest to the church.
The president then made some observations, and pronounced his benediction on the assembly.
Dr. J. C. Bennett said that many persons had been accused of crime, and been looked upon as guilty, when on investigation it has been ascertained that nothing could be aduced [adduced] against them,-Whereupon,
On motion; it was resolved that no person be considered guilty of crime, unless proved so by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Dr. Bennett next brought before the conference the treatment the saints had experienced in Missouri, and wished to know, whether the conference woald [would] take any further steps in relation to obtaining redress.
On motion. Resolved that Elias Higbee and R. B. Thompson be appointed a committee to obtain redress for the wrongs sustained in Missouri.
The committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained thirty nine to the ministry.
On motion. Resolved that this conference be dismissed, and that the next conference be held on the 6th day of April next.
JOSEPH SMITH jr., Pres't. R. B. THOMPSON, Clerk,
REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENCY.
The Presidency of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, would respectfully report: that they feel rejoicing to meet the saints at another general conference and under circumstances as favorable as the present. Since our settlement in Illinois, we have for the most part been treated with courtesy and respect, and a feeling of kindness and of sympathy, has generally been manifested by all efasses [effaces ?] of the community, who with us, deprecate the conduct of these men, whose dark and blackning [blackening] deeds, are stamped with everlasting infamy and disgrace.
The contrast between our past and present situation is great. Two years ago, mobs were threatening, plundering, driving and murdering the saints. Our burning houses enlightened the canopy of heaven. Our women and children houseless and destitute, had to wander from place to place, to seek a shelter from the rage of persecuting foes.-How we enjoy peace, and can worship the God of heaven and earth without molestation. And expect to be able to go forward and accomplish the great and glorious work to which we have been called. Under these circumstances we feel to congratulate the saints of the Most High, on the happy and pleasing change in our circumstances, condition and prospects, and which those who shared in the perils and distresses, undoubtedly appreciate. While prayers and thanksgivings daily ascend to that God, who looked upon our distresses and delivered us from danger and death, and whose hand is over us for good. From the unpropitious nature of the weather, we hardly expected to behold so many of our friends on this occasion, in this however, we are agreeably disappointed, which gives us strong assurance that the saints are as zealous, untireing [untiring] and energetic as ever in the great work of the last days; and gives us joy and consolation, and greatly encourages us, while contending with the difficulties which necessarily lie in our way.
Let the brethren ever manifest such a spirit, and hold up our hands, and WE MUST, WE WILL go forward, the work, of the Lord shall roll forth, the Temple of the Lord be reared, the Elders of Israel be encouraged; Zion be built up. And become the praise, the joy, and the glory of the whole earth; and the song of praise, glory, honor and majesty to him that setteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever, shall reverberate from hill to hill, form mountain to mountain, from Island to Island and from continent to continent, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ.
We are glad indeed to know that there is such a spirit of union existing throughout the churches, and at home and abroad; on this continent, as well as on the Islands of the sea, for by this principle and by a concentration of action shall we be able to carry into effect the purposes of our God.
From the Elders abroad we receive the most cheering accounts; wherever the faithful laborer has gone forth reaping, sowing the seed of truth, he has returned with joy, bringing his sheaves with him; and the information we receive from all quarters is, that the laborers are few and that the harvest is great. Many wealthy and influential characters have embraced the gospel, so that not only will the poor rejoice in that they are
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