| 190 land of Missouri within that territory, whatever may be said of it now. A number of Saints have settled in Missouri, in Harrison, Worth, Nodaway, and other counties, and others are coming in. They are well liked as citizens, and will, if they deal with their fellow men according to the commandments, be welcome to stay; and if they can not afford to do this the country is far too good for them. . . .
If any are scrupulous about settling outside of the State lines, there is plenty room within. If any wish to go to Independence, or in Jackson County, there is room; and as no blessing is to follow except upon the purchase of the right of possession, we hope none will be foolish enough to expect rest and peace on any other conditions. Let Saints first purchase their lands and homes, and then enjoy them.
We found Brn. Parker and Clow, with their families from Canada, at Independence; together with some of the Hedrickite, Brighamite, Whitmerite, Framptonite, Morrisite, and Strangite brethren, all with the Josephites indulging a hope that the full time for favoring Zion, the land of Zion, had fully come. . . .
We remained the week after the 29th, looking over the country, and waiting advises with respect to land, with Bro. Meder. Bro. McCallum left us on Wednesday, and on Sunday, August 4, we spoke at Pleasanton to an earnest assembly of Saints, Bro. E. Robinson presiding. We here partook of the sacrament with the Saints, and taking dinner with the family of Bro. James Anderson, formerly of St. Louis, we returned in the afternoon to Lamoni. . . . On the next week, after a day or two spent in negotiation, Bro. Meder succeeded in buying a tract of land, and the business of our stay was over. We remained, however, over the Sunday following, speaking in the morning at the Saints' chapel, and in the evening at Davis City, in Rasmussen's Hall. . . .
We feel desirous that every Saint shall properly decide for himself in choosing a site for a home in Zion or in the borders. One thing, however, we would like understood. The settlement of, or in the borders, is said to be commanded to be done as the "elders of the church shall direct." We have been asked for opinions and advice, touching the propriety of settling in this, that, and the other locality; we have in some instances given the advice asked for; but others are also advising, and a good deal of effort is being put forth to secure the settlement of Saints in various localities, wherever those parties have a real, or supposed interest. We have no objections to these Saints doing what they can, but all must take the responsibility they invite, and those paying heed to them must decide whether they are "wise men," appointed to the duty they are essaying to do, or whether they are "the elders of the church."
The semiannual conference for 1877 convened at Galland's Grove, Iowa, September 20, and continued over the 24th. President Joseph Smith was chosen to preside, and President W. W. Blair to assist him. Elder M. H. Froscutt
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