| 599 defined. It follows, then, that the rights and duties of presidents of districts are outside of the above named provisions; and that they can not regulate, or set in order, the branches of the church, except by invitation, request, or direction, of those to whom this work properly belongs. It is evident, therefore, that the leading duties of presidents of districts are to open up new fields of labor; encourage and stimulate to activity the ministry in their respective districts, who are not burdened with branch duties, or who are not under general church appointment, and, so far as possible, aid all classes of ministers, in an advisory way, in order that the greatest possible degree of good may result from their labors in the respective localities where they are required to operate.
4. It is their duty to preside over district conferences, by the voice of said conferences, when there is no member of the "traveling, presiding high council" present, a seventy under special direction from him, or others whose right and privilege it is to preside by reason of their position and standing in the church. They should be as conversant with the needs and demands of the branches as their circumstances will permit; and should aid by counsel, when called upon, in any work which properly belongs to branch officers. It is not necessary, however, that he should travel from branch to branch, in one constant round, dictating and directing in branch affairs, and thus become an expensive burden while attempting to do that class of work which clearly belongs to branch and general church officials.
In connection with the above, we call attention to the two following questions which have disturbed and divided the Saints, in some localities, and which were duly referred to us for consideration and decision.
First. Resolved, That it is our opinion that in all cases where faith and repentance are professed, and baptism administered by one having proper authority, that we can not assume the motive of the person baptized to have been evil because of subsequent transgression; but due diligence should be exercised by church officials, to honor the law contained in Doctrine and Covenants, section 17, paragraph 7; and section 42, paragraph 20.
Second. Whereas, There is a divided opinion with reference to the meaning of the law contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 42, paragraph 7, which reads as follows: "Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery and repenteth not shall be cast out; but he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive; but if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out." Therefore, be it resolved, That it is our decision that the law of God requires the church to forgive once upon confession; and that a second offense, demanding excommunication, can not be committed until after the guilty parties have been once forgiven of the crime charged.
May the spirit of wisdom, and the love of the truth abide with the
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