| 412 like a scroll; the stars in that heaven about to be thrown from their orbits, in wild consternation, and the indications overlooked; prophetic allusions to the terrible wreck, mistaken, misapplied, or applied to the wreck of nature; an even without foundation in holy writ. These things are true.-They are not the freaks of a heated imagination; but predicated upon a long, candid, cool, unbiassed [unbiased] investigation of the living oracles; and on the premises we throw the gauntlet to all the clergy, learned or unlearned on earth!
S. M. M'Corkle, a layman.
Conference Minutes.
Minutes of a general Conference held in Philadelphia, April 6th, 1841.
The conference was called to order by Elder B. Winchester; Pres't Hyrum Smith was unanimously called to the chair, and B. Winchester chosen secretary.
The conference was then opened with prayer by the president.
The president then made known, in part, the business of the day, which was as follows; that this branch of the church should be more extensively organized, with necessary officers; viz: a presiding elder, and two counsellors [counselors], to be ordained to the office of the high priesthood, to preside over the spiritual affairs of the church in this place: also, that a bishop and his counsellors [counselors] be ordained, to take charge of the financial affair of the church, and transact such business as the law directs.
The church was then called upon to make choice of men to fill these several stations.
On motion, Elder B. Winchester was chosen and ordained to preside in this branch of the church, Edson Whipple and Wm. Wharton were chosen and ordained to act as assistant counsellors [counselors].
On motion, Jacob Syfrett was chosen and ordained bishop.
Jesse Price and -Nickolson were chosen and ordained to act as the bishop's counsellors [counselors].
Liberty was then given for elders residing at a distance, to represent the various branches of the church.
Elder Lucian R. Foster represented the New York (city) branch to consist of 135 members, including 2 high priests, 9 elders, 3 priests, 2 teachers, and 2 deacons in good standing. He also stated that the work of God was in a prosperous condition in that city, and the vicinity, and gave a general invitation for the travelling [traveling] elders to come to their assistance.
Elder L. D. Barnes represented the Chester County (Pa.) branch to consist of 150 members, firm in the faith of the everlasting gospel, and rejoicing in a hope of a glorious resurrection, and reign with Christ. He also stated, that the lately ordained elders of that branch had been faithful in the discharge of their duty.
Elder E. Snow represented the Monmouth County (N. Y.) branch to consist of 102 members, including 5 elders, 2 priests, and 1 teacher, to be in good standing. He also represented the Toms River branch (N. Y.) to consist of 24 members in good standing and enjoying the spirit of God.
Elder R. Crawford represented the Lancaster County (Pa.) branches, viz: The New Holland branch to consist of 34 members including 1 Elder, 2 Priests and 1 Teacher. The Georgetown branch to consist of 32 members, including 2 Elders, 2 Priests, 1 Teacher & 1 Deacon, firm in the faith, observing to keep the commandments of the Lord, given to his people of the last days. The Octarara branch to consist, to the best of his knowledge, of 21 members, including 1 Elder, 1 Priest, 1 Teacher and 1 Deacon; all in good standing, with one or two exceptions.
Elder J. Newton represented the Burlington (N. Y.) branch to consist of 11 members, including 1 Elder and 1 Priest; all in good standing, enjoying the spirit of God.
Elder L. R. Foster stated that 11 or 12 had lately been baptised [baptized] at a place called Stoney-Brook (Long Island, N. York.)
Elder J. G. Divine represented the following branches, to wit:
The branch at New Rochell, Westchester County, (N. Y.) to consist of 9 members, including 1 Priest, firm in the faith.
The branch at Brooklyn (city) to consist of 15 members, including 1 Priest, firm in the faith.
The Hempstead branch (Long Island) consisting of 33 members, 1 Elder, 1 Teacher and 1 Deacon.
(page 412) |
