| 931 of some being baptized. He also bore testimony to the truth, and prayed for the success of the work.
Elder Elisha H. Davis rose to state the condition of the London conference, which he said was very satisfactory at the present time. They had witnessed the gradual increase of the church, and of very respectable people of the congregations that were seeking after the truth. The officers were but few, but they were doing good, and though the saints themselves were generally speaking but poor, yet they were determined to press forward and be united in the work of the Lord. The spirit of the gathering was very powerful among them, many had already left for Zion, and many more were anxious to go. The meetings were well attended, and some were baptized weekly. He requested an interest in the prayers of the saints, that he might be endued with wisdom and prudence; the enemies were on the alert to detect, if possible, any thing that might be thought a false step, and without the prayers and faith of the saints, he felt quite incompetent for the task devolving upon him.
Elder Galley stated that the Macclesfield conference, from the past year's experience, was much improved, and never had the spirit of God given stronger testimony of the truth than these last three months. The officers were united in desiring the glory of God. He further stated that the conference was extensive as regarded the distances of places, and that his circumstances in business did not allow him to pay that attention to it which it required, that other laborers were much wanted, and he requested that some travelling [traveling] elder or high priest might be sent amongst them.
Elder Robert Crook rose to report the condition of the Birmingham conference, and we rejoiced much to see our aged brother manifesting almost the agility of youth. He stated that he rejoiced much to see the saints by whom he was surrounded, and he rejoiced also at the condition in which he had left his conference, their councils were in peace-unity and love prevailed amongst them. He also rejoiced much in the late visit of Elder J. B. Meynell, and thanked God for his visit, and he was very sorry that he was leaving England, for he knew they were of one heart and one mind. He exhorted his brethren to be loyal subjects of the realm, stating that he prayed for Her Majesty the Queen three times a day, until the magistrates themselves declared him to be a most loyal subject. He also stated that the Derbyshire conference was in good condition at present, but much in need of some active laborer.
Elder George Simpson stated that there was not that union in the Staffordshire conference which was necessary for the well-being of the church, he hoped they would take his conference into consideration, and that measures might be taken for their assistance.
Elder John Banks stated that he had not had much time to become acquainted with the Edinburgh conference, having only been there about three weeks. Edinburgh was a splendid city, the seat of much wisdom and learning, and it would require much wisdom and prudence to be exercised; but considering all circumstances, he trusted that the coming year would yield them a rich harvest.
Elder Richard Blakey stated that the Garway conference had many difficulties to contend with, but still it was in a better condition than he had known it before. He should wish to call the attention to this conference, as he was at present under the necessity of retiring from his labors in the vineyard, in order to assist an aged father, whose growing infirmities called for his help.
Elder James Houston stated that the branches in the Glasgow conference were in a very prosperous condition, full of union and love in their counsels; Lanerk, where he had been laboring, numbered sixty-four in about six months; he was sorry that he was not better able to represent the whole conference, as its general condition was most satisfactory and encouraging.
Elder James Ure briefly stated that the Sheffield conference was in a very cheering condition.
Elder E. F. Sheets remarked that the Bradford conference at his first visit rather alarmed him, but he thought he could now state that it was in very good order, and he knew not of a dissenting voice in the whole of the three branches of Bradford, Idle, and Leeds; more laborers were wanted, and he anticipated much good would be the result.
Elder Thomas Smith said in reference to the Worcestershire conference, that in its present condition, love and union were prevailing through the whole, with the exception of one case of difficulty, which would come before the meeting. Brother Meynell had been visiting them and they had an excellent time.-The conference spread over an extensive country, and it was their intention to labor indefatigably in the coming season.
The meeting then adjourned until evening.
EVENING SERVICE.
The service opened by singing. Prayer by Elder Hedlock, when the representation of the condition of the conferences was resumed.
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