| 932 Elder Stratton stated that generally speaking the branches were in a prosperous condition, that four new branches had been organized these last few months. The Isle of Man branches were in a much better state, united, and the prospects were good.
Elder Speakman stated that the Clitheroe conference was in good standing, peace and unity, and every good grace was to be found amongst them, none could be more inclined to adhere to counsel. They were a people that were full of humility, which had caused him much to rejoice; they were also ever ready to assist in rolling forward the kingdom of God, and they only need to be told their duty in order to do it.
Elder John Johnson said he had not been in the habit of speaking before so large and respectable a congregation, but rather in the regions of darkness, and amongst the blacks of the coalpit. He was, however, glad to say that though Cheltenham had, as it were, been torn up by the roots by persons who had never been sent there, yet he rejoiced to say that now the people were willing to listen to counsel, and the spirit of love and union was in their midst, indeed their condition was better than it had been for three years, and there was a great work to do.
Elder Robert Martin said that the members in the Bedforshire conference, with very few exceptions, were saints indeed, many of them were of long standing. A good foundation had been laid, and the difficulties that had for a considerable time troubled the churches were removed, and the principles are now much inquired after, and he felt assured that with wisdom and prudence much might be done, especially if more laborers were employed.
Elder Thomas Margetts stated that the Leicestershire conference was not in so good a condition as he could wish to see it. The experience of the last six months had been very trying, but after all profitable. When an aspiring spirit arises, it is calculated to do much mischief; it had been so there, but the results he had no doubt would be beneficial; but notwithstanding all things, the prospects were still better than ever, and their congregations were crowded to excess. He earnestly requested a visit from some of the presidency as early as possible.
Elder Thomas Smith stated that the Bath conference was in good standing, union and love prevailed in their midst, the gifts and blessings of the spirit of God were abundant, the councils were conducted in peace and love, and the prospects were very encouraging.
Elder William Walker remarked in reference to Hull, that when he was sent there, he could not in his address say brethren and sisters, for there was but one sister there. He continued his labors by preaching at the dock side to hundreds of people, but apparently in vain. He was at times almost in despair, but nevertheless he received encouragement from the word of God, and continued his labors.-He remarked also that the books of the church had been a great instrumentality in propagating the work in that neighborhood.-The prospects were now encouraging, and the minds of the people were in some measure turned to the contemplation of the principles of truth.
Elder Dan Jones, from Wales, rose, under an attack of the fever and ague, and remarked that he believed it was the intention of the evil one to prevent him speaking that evening, but he was determined to bear his testimony in spite of every opposing power. He said that he came not in the character of a delegate: he represented no conference; for if he had but baptized one, he should be able to represent three. But he would speak of a nation renowned in history, one of the most ancient nations of the earth, who had never been subdued, and to whom he hoped to be instrumental in bearing the tidings of the work of God, in the last days. He enlarged on the characteristics of his people in a manner, and with an eloquence, that told how ardently he loved his native tribe and his father-land. He remarked that, for many years, as a mariner, he had been in search of the principles of truth-he had sought it in almost every clime-among the red of the woods, or the civilized denizens of the city, but he had found it not until he came in contact with the followers of the prophet of the Lord, the notorious Joseph Smith; but of that despised individual he would bear at home among a tribe of Indians, or on the deck of a ship, than upon that platform and before such an audience, yet he would not flinch from bearing a faithful testimony to the character of the servant of the Lord. He had been with him in the domestic circle, he had been with him in peril and in prison, and only left him about an hour before the murderous deed of his assassination was perpetrated; and he had now come in obedience to the counsel of the martyred prophet, as a messenger to his native land, to bear testimony of the work for which his brother had died, and which he had sealed with his blood. [We would here remark that we are utterly incapable of doing anything like justice to the address of Captain Jones, for though delivered while struggling with disease,
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