| 949 I do not, at this time, feel to question the legality of your proceedings, or the righteousness of your decisions; my heart is too much pained, at having lost your esteem and confidence; though I do wish I had been present at your meeting, when those charges were preferred; not so much for the purpose of defending myself against my accusers; but to have preserved that confidence which I once held in your breasts, by confessing to you candidly my weaknesses, my imperfections, follies and deviations.
Had you heard the statement that I could have given you in relation to the difficulties, troubles and temptations, that I had to contend against, I am confident you would not have attributed any malicious or evil design to any part of my conduct, while among you; if you had, you certainly would have done me wrong, for I solemnly protest that my errors have arisen not from my heart, but from misunderstanding of principles. Had I the same understanding of principles and doctrine, then, that I now have, nothing could have arisen from my teachings, privately or publicly, contrary to your mind and feelings. I erred in receiving teachings from those that professed to know doctrine, yet knew nothing only as they were taught by the evil one.
I have now covenanted before the Lord that hereafter I will receive no doctrine except it comes from the proper source-the Twelve.
Brethren; I have labored a long time among you; I have stood by you with my life in my hand,-I have baptized many of you,-have looked npon [upon] you as my best and most endearing friends. You must allow me still to enjoy your friendship and your love, and confidence. If any of you have been injured or led astray by my teachings, publicly or privately, I now humbly ask your forgiveness, and I ask you all to forgive me and restore me to your friendship, and pray for me that I may overcome the adversary of souls and be saved with you in the kingdom of our God.
JOHN BAIR
The church here, cannot act upon Br. Bair's case without all the testimony of the witnesses. We are rejoiced to see Br. Bair humble, and wish to receive the truth. We hope all the saints will feel to forgive him, for this is according to the Savior's words. If the branches of the churches abroad would examine the Doctrine and Covenants and act according to the law therein contained, they would never err relative to trying members of the different Quorums. Branches abroad may withdraw fellowship, but each Quorum holds the power to deal with its members for offences [offenses], to final judgment, by the aid of the bishop's Court or High Council.
From the New York Messenger.
ILION, HERKIMER CO., NEW YORK.
Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, convened at Ilion, German Flats, Herkimer county, on the 17th and 18th of May, 1845.
Conference met at 2 P. M., and organized by appointing Elder Eleazer Willes, President, and George England, Secretary.
Official members present-six Elders and one Priest.
Sung a hymn. Prayer by the President. Sung a hymn; after which a call was made for representation of branches.
Ilion branch represented by Elder England; eighteen members, three Elders and one Priest.
Milford Centre [Center], by Elder Chidester; four members and one Elder.
Village of Westford, by Elder Bacon; four members and two Elders.
Cherry Valley, by Elder Bacon; four members, three of the Utica branch, and one Elder.
After which Elder Bacon addressed the congregation from the 7th chapter of Paul to the Hebrews, 11th, 12th and 19th verses, setting forth the order of the priesthood, and the church going into the wilderness, or the general apostacy [apostasy] of the church of Christ, which he proved beyond contradiction, in an able and masterly manner.
Meeting adjourned to Br. England's at early candle light.
Met agreeable to adjournment. Opened by singing.
Prayer by Br. Chidester; after which he called upon the saints to bear witness to the truth of Mormonism.
The saints then arose one by one, and gave their testimony in favor of the truth; and said they would live by every word that proceeds from God, and would uphold and subject themselves to the counsel of the Twelve apostles of the Lamb of God. Some of the gifts were manifested, which caused us to rejoice in the kingdom of God. Unity and love prevailed.
Sung a hymn. Benediction by Elder Hewet.
Adjourned till Sunday morning 10 o'clock.
Met according to adjournment.
Sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Theophilus Taylor. Sung another hymn.
Br. Wm. Segar represented the Utica branch on Sunday morning; twenty two members, two Elders and one Priest, in a scattered condition.
(page 949) |
