| 395 June 1, 1882, Elder Joseph A. Crawford, mentioned before as having departed from the church, wrote a letter to President Smith from Reno, Iowa, expressing bitter regret for his action. The following is an extract:
In an evil hour, nearly two years ago, I inadvertently listened to the voice of the tempter, and impelled by thoughts of wrongs received, whether real or imaginary matters not here, I acted foolish enough to send you my letter of commendation, elder's license, and certificates, requesting that my name be stricken from the church register, and from the roll of the First Quorum of Elders.
Not being satisfied with this wrong move, I united with another religious order; was ordained an evangelist, and for a time tried to preach the tenets of that organization. This did not last long, as I found it impossible to continue to publicly proclaim certain peculiarities of doctrine, which I did not privately believe; and being disgusted with myself and my surroundings, I severed all my connection with that order; and "sailed out" into the world, and sin, and folly, fully determined at that time never again to unite myself with any religious body.
After nearly two long years floundering in sin and iniquity, and part of the time trying, with might and main, to force myself across the mystic border land of infidelity into atheism, I still find myself a firm believer in the principles and truths of so-called Mormonism; and am now fully determined-let the consequences, trials, and sorrows of the future be what they may-to unite myself again with those whom I believe, yes, know, to be the people of God.-The Saints' Herald, vol. 29, p. 208.
any existing branch, no such district shall be able to lay claim to any property in use in that branch, unless the branch has had one month's clear notice to attend conference, either en masse, or by delegation, in order to approve or disapprove of the action taken by such district; and further, if the branch gives notice of appeal to annual conference, against the decision of the district, they (the branch) shall be left in full possession of their property, pending the verdict of annual conference.
Fifth. That no branch shall, while waiting appeal to annual conference, (in any manner whatever,) dispose of one particle of property under their charge. Neither shall they in any way damage the same, in a willful manner, and should they do so, they shall be dealt with as annual conference may decide.
Sixth. That each branch is in duty bound to, as soon after these clauses become law, as is practicable, make out an itemized list of all properties owned by them, and cause the same to be forwarded to the secretary of the mission, who shall as soon after as is convenient, forward the same to those who may be appointed sub-agents for a district. And further, it shall be the duty of said sub-agents, to render every six months a correct account of all such properties intrusted [entrusted] to his care, to the Bishop's agent, who will, in virtue of his office, hold such sub-agents responsible for the safe custody thereof.
Seventh. That all present, and future districts, and branches be governed by these rules.
Eighth. That the above-mentioned be understood as relating to the English Mission only.
On motion, Resolved, That the foregoing rules be spread on the minutes of conference, and that they do now become law.
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