| 588 be appointed a committee to examine candidates presented for ordination.
The chairman then read the 2nd section of the 2nd part of the book of Doctrine and Covenants, explained the relative situation of Kirtland as connected with the gathering of the last days; and laid before the conference, for consideration, the most important items of business-to wit: to aid the poor-for without charity our professions were vain; our gatherings were vain; our teachings were vain, and our religion was vain; "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world," &c. &c.
To be more careful in the selection of competent Elders to preach the gospel in cities and town of notoriety, that the cause may continue to triumph, though met by Demetriuses, Alaxanders [Alexanders], Simon Maguses, and many seven sons of Sceva.
And to establish a press at Kirtland, the more effectually to promulgate the gospel; as it is already well known that the press can spread the principles of religion farther and faster, through the medium of mail, than the orator in the pulpit. Many other topics were alluded to, for instruction. Adjourned for one hour.
Met according to adjournment, and opened with singing and prayer.
Resolved that John Morton be appointed clerk of the church at Kirtland till next conference.
Resolved that Almon Babbitt as chairman, and Lester Brooks as clerk, be appointed to sign licenses of the official members of the branch or stake of the church; and that W. W. Phelps be appointed recorder to record said licenses.
Resolved that money be raised to purchase a horse and waggon [wagon] for the use of the bishop in gathering for, and distributing to the poor.
Resolved that Elders Samuel Phelps, Hugh Cole, and John Gaylord, be appointed a committee to travel, in the adjacent branches, and collect alms for the poor.
On the subject of the press at Kirtland-to promulgate the principles of pure religion, as well through the medium of the press, as the pulpit, and the more advantageously to aid our brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the great gathering of these last days; and the better to overcome error with truth, and evil with good; and to assist the saints to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity; and to help spread the everlasting gospel, as well as warn this world of woes and wars to come; to note passing events; to give more light upon the plan of salvation, and to bring the "strong reasons" to show that the second coming of Christ, to reign upon the earth, is near.
Resolved unanimously, that Thomas Burdick, the bishop of Kirtland, and his counsellors [counselors], be, and they are are hereby constituted a company, to establish a press at this place, to be owned in shares of from ten to one hundred dollars, by the subscribers, and that the said subscribers are to receive annually, from said establishment, for the use of said press and type, such sums as shall be equal to the unpaid interest of the money actually paid and vested in said establishment.-And what ever is donated, is to be held in trust and managed by the said company, for the benefit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And said company shall publish a religious periodical entitled THE "OLIVE LEAF,"
Resolved unanimously that the saints in this and the adjacent branches be solicited to lend their aid to carry the above resolution into effct [effect] without delay.
The proceedings of the Elder's quorum was received and accepted, and instructions given to the committee on ordinations, after which the conference adjourned till tomorrow morning at 10. There was preaching in the evening.
Sunday Oct. 3rd.
Met pursuant to adjournment. Elder Babbitt deliverd [delivered] a discourse on the subject of the gathering to a very crowded house. Adjourned for one hour. Met and Elder Phelps delivered a discourse on "Dispise [Despise] not prophesyings." The bishop addressed the audience in behalf of the poor, and in aid of the printing establishment. Adjourned.
Evening Session; opened with singing and prayer.
Resolved that Elder Pattengell, be sent to set in order the branch of the church at Brooklin, that Elder J. Knapp be sent to set in order the branch of the church at Nelson, and the J. Knight be sent
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