| 597 Seventy, who after due consideration reported that they had approved of it by a unanimous vote. We now present it to the body for their consideration.
The following preambles and resolution was passed by the quorum: "Whereas, it is reported to us that there is a misunderstanding of, and opposition to our last epistle relating to the prerogative and duties of district presidents by a respectful number of the church; and Whereas, We have no disposition to fasten this or any other view held by us on the church contrary to its own will; and Whereas, We believe our positions to be substantially correct; therefore, be it Resolved, That we submit our last epistle, as amended, to the General Conference, and ask its indorsement [endorsement] thereon."
It is as follows:
EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE.
To the Saints Scattered Abroad; Greeting: We congratulate you at the auspicious beginning of this another conference year; and we feel confident that you will join with us in the feeling of thankfulness and good cheer which has, in the providence of God, come to us as a church.
The year with its duties, anxieties, and cares, its successes and failures, times of rejoicing and seasons of sorrow, is past; its closing being the occasion of one of the pleasantest and most profitable and encouraging sessions of General Conference that the church has ever held.
The members were more than ordinarily of one heart and purpose-unity characterizing each work performed-so much so that the "yeas" and "nays" were not called for in a single instance during the entire session! God recognizing this oneness of spirit and purity of purpose, deigned to reveal himself in answer to our prayers, in respect to most essential and important matters connected with our duties and work as a church, and signified the names of those approved by him to occupy the office of apostle, that the Quorum of Twelve might be more nearly filled. Thus a need long since felt has been supplied, and we are greatly cheered and encouraged that others have been called to share in the burdens, duties, and responsibilities of this ministry. Our petitions having been answered by our heavenly Father, giving instruction upon such things as were engendering evil, division and discord among the Saints, to the end that unity and concord might obtain throughout the churches, in feeling, theory, and practice; together with the thought that he does most assuredly regard us as his church and people, must be received with thankfulness and rejoicing of heart, among the Saints, in every place, and should tend to confirm them in the faith, and lead to a renewal of their covenants and diligence in the work.
We are admonished of the responsibilities, and important trust conferred upon us, and what is required at our hands as laborers in the Lord's vineyard, and we purpose to renew our efforts and activity, so far as may be, and we ask the prayers and confidence of the Saints that this
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