| 434 have been obliged to remain here till the present time, under circumstances which have prevented the spread of the gospel to any considerable degree. But this, you know, is the means that this generation make use of, to prevent the spread of truth; that is, by endeavoring to destroy the reputation of those who proclaim it to the world. Both cases have now been thrown out of Court without the complement [compliment] of a trial, being deemed unworthy of notice, so that I am now honorably delivered from my bonds, for which I feel disposed to render thanks to that Being who has always supplied my wants, and who has preserved me in the time of my severest trials. Two eminent Lawyers, H. Summer, & A. W. Thompson, Esq'rs undertook my defence [defense] without any prospect of compensation from me, for which they have my thanks, and may the God whom the saints worship reward them.
The seeds of truth are sown in the hearts of some of the people here; and I trust that ere long they will spring up and bear fruit. I expect to continne [continue] to travel, and administer the words of life to the people of this southern land.
I am made to rejoice when I hear of your prosperous and peaceful condition, under the administration of just and equitable laws-Give my love to all the faithful saints. May the Lord bless you, keep you humble, and preserve you blameless until the day of his coming, Amen.
Am, as formerly, your Brother
in the Gospel bonds.
L. M. Davis.
Cross Keys Union, S. C. March 10, 1841.
To The Saints Abroad
The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said church, feel it their duty to call upon the saints who reside out of this county, to make preparations to come in, without delay, This is important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the Temple must be raised, the University be built, and other edifices erected which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which can only be done by a concentration of energy, and enterprise. Let it therefore be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those in this county, and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances will permit.
Joseph Smith.
City of Nauvoo, Hancock co., Ill.,
Amy 24th 1841.
Burslem, 29th March, 1841.
Elder D. C. Smith,
I sit down in haste, at this time, to give you an account of the prosperity of the work of God in this region, as I expect to leave here for Manchester to-morrow morning in company with Elder Woodruff, who is now here, to attend the general conference on the 6th April; after which, we expect, as soon as our circumstances will admit, to leave England for home. The Steam Ship carrying the Royal Mail, will sail from Liverpool on the 3rd April, and will carry a letter to you six weeks before we shall reach if we have a good passage. The work is prospering in this country steadily, and with majesty and power, truly worthy the cause of truth; hundreds are embracing the gospel, and thousands are rejoicing in the truth. To give your readers a proper account of the progress of the work I will give you an extract from the minutes of our quarterly conference held in the Magistrate's Assembly room in Stanly, on the 28th March.
Meeting was called to order by Elder Woodruff at half past ten in the morning, Elder G. A. Smith was chosen president and Asa Shaw and T. Filcher were nominated clerks; and as the assembly was large Elders Player, Simpson, Taylor and Bowers, were appointed to preserve the order of the day. There were represented 17 branches, 663 members, 49 elders, 54 priests, 25 teachers, 14 deacons; showing an increase since I first came to the Potteries of 570 including those who have removed, and an increase of 141 in the last three months. The conference then proceeded to ordain 5 elders, 8 priests, 4 teachers, and 1 deacon. The voice of the meeting was called on each one separately and unanimously caried [carried]. The meeting then adjourned until half past two o'clock, and met according to appointment, and was called to order by the President, who opened by prayer.
Elder G. A. Smith then mentioned the case of Jas. Monford, and called upon Elders Woodruff and Cordon to make some remarks, who stated the case to the meeting, informing them that Br. Monford had been disfellowshiped by the council of officers, for using magic, and telling fortunes &c. and enquired [inquired] of the meeting if they sanctioned the proceedings of the officers, which was done by a unanimous vote.
Moved, and carried, that letters of recommendation and acknowledgement [acknowledgment] of gratitude for their labors be presented to Elders W. Woodruff and G. A. Smith.
Suitable instructions were then given to the officers by Elders Woodruff and Smith, Elder Woodruff then administered the sacrament.
The minutes of the Conference were then read and accepted, there being present 18 elders, 34 priests, and 11 deacons.
Conference was dismissed with prayer by the President.
G. A. Smith, Chairman,
G. Shaw }
T. Filcher} Clerks.
March 30th.-Star office Manchester.
After a ride of forty miles, Elder Woodruff and myself, arrived in safety at Manchester,
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