| 979 Opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Willis Bartholomew, Conference was then addressed by Elder R. J. Coates, on the subject of the resurreetion [resurrection].
A preamble and resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Jackson Branch, were then read, as follows:
Whereas many false reports have been put in circulation by evil and designing men, with a view to prejudice the minds of many against the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; therefore we deem it expedient to publish to the world by this preamble and the following resolutions, our views in regard to who has the authority and on whom rests the responsibility of bearing off the kingdom in these last days. Believing as we do that the Twelve, chosen by God, through the Prophet of the Most High, who has died a martyr to the cause, have this authority, therefore,
Resolved That we will sustain and uphold the Twelve by our prayers and abide their teachings.
Resolved, That we will use our united efforts in forwarding the building of the Temple and the Nauvoo House, and in carrying into effect all the purposes of the late Prophet Joseph.
An expression of the feelings of the Albion Branch:-
Dear Brethren and Sisters in the new and everlasting covenent [covenant], in Conference assembled:-Your rank and standing under the reign of the Prince of Peace, have never been surpassed, indeed have never been equelled [equaled] by any portion of the human race. You have visions and revelations of God. His being and perfection, developments of the depth of wisdom and knowledge of the council of his grace, and the purposes of his love, which give you an intellectual and moral superiority above all your predecessors in the Patriarchal or Jewish age of the world. Secrets of God which have been hid from ages and generations have been revealed to you be the apostles of the great Apostle and High Priest of your profession. Mountains are indeed leveled, valleys are exalted, and the rough places are made plain to your apprehension; and from this data you are able to form more just conceptions of the present, and more lofty anticipations of the future than fell to the lot of the most highly favored subjects of preceding dispensations. To be called the friend of God was the highest honor conferred upon Abraham; to be called the friends of Christ was the principal honor of the deciples [disciples] of Christ, to whom he committed the secrets of his Kingdom, but to be called the children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, is not only the common honor of the saints; but the highest honor which could be vouchsafed to the inhabitants of the earth. Such honor have we my fellow citizens, in being related to the only begotten Son of God; for to as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God. The world indeed does not know us, because they do not know Him. Beloved brethren, now are we the children of God, and shall we not cleave together in love and sweet union. Has not Jesus said "the couquerer [conqueror] shall inherit all things that he will not blot his name out of the book of life; that he will confess it before his father an the holy angels; that he will place him upon his Throne and give him a crown of eternal life that will never fade away. Dear brethren, let us then arise in the strength of Judah's Lion. Be valient [valiant] for the truth and adorn ourselves in all the graces of the spirit of God. Put on the armor of light and with all the gentleness, and mildness, and meekness that was in Christ; with all the courage, and patience, and zeal, and effort, worthy of a cause so salutary, so pure, so holy, and so divine, determined never to faint nor to falter, till we enter the pearly gates; never to lay down our arms till with the triumphant millions we stand before the throne and exultingly [exultantly] sing, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and wisdom, and honor, and glory, and blessing, forever and ever, Amen.
Resolved, That we love the brethren and love to listen to the counsel of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for in them we have the most implicit confidence.
Resolved, That we will make all possible effort to tithe ourselves one tenth of our possessions, as soon as possible, and go up to Nauvoo.
WM. QUIGLEY, }
R. J. COATES, } Presidents.
N. W. BARTHOLOMEW. }
Samuel Graham, Clerk.
Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the town of Florence, St. Joseph Co. Mich., June 7th and 8th, 1845.
At 10 o'clock A. M., Conference was called to order and Elder Crandell Dunn was called to the chair and Elder E. M. Webb, chosen clerk.
A hymn was sung, and Conference opened by payer by the President.
Official members present, one High Priest; Crandell Dunn; two Seventies, E. M. Webb, Pardon Webb; six Elders, Edward Willard, Jeremiah Cramer, Jonathan Willard, Ezekiel Lee, Seth Taft, George A. DeMont; two Priests, Thomas Forsyth and Thomas S. Smith.
Representation of Branches. Kalamazoo Branch, fifty eight members, nine Elders, one Priest, one Teacher, one Deacon, Elder E. Lee
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