| 14 for us to arise and look about us, and see that we maintain the faith which has been delivered to the Saints, testifying to the brethren the folly of remaining in ignorance, respecting the important calling of President Joseph Smith;-showing the importance of giving more strict heed to the things which have been revealed to this generation, instead of harping continually on the things of other ages.
A complaint was presented against a priest by the name of Israel Johnson, for preaching erroneous doctrines, he was rebuked by the conference and charged never to preach any thing that he did not know and understand, but to confine himself to the first principles of the gospel, to which he consented and said he would be more careful in future. It was moved by Elder William L. Hughey, that he should retain his former standing, seconded by Elder Willard Woodstock; the vote was unanimous on his behalf. Br. Wight then arose to declare the object of his mission, it being in accordance with the instructions of President Joseph Smith, given to the elders in the City of Nauvoo, that the Saints should gather, for thus saith the Lord, and all excuses contrary to the word of God, are in vain.
And concerning the rumors which have gone abroad, by certain corrupt characters, concerning the character of Br. Joseph Smith and others, they are false. He also instructed the elders to be extremely careful and preach nothing but the first principles of the gospel; and introduced the subject of the building of the Nauvoo House, stating that the time had now come in which many of the great and notable men of kingdoms and nations, are not only waiting but would rejoice to see and hear the great things, that are now coming forth; and, by having a place wherein they might be intertained [entertained], they would joyfully flow to the standard of truth.
On motion by Elder J. Judd seconded by Elder W. L. Hughey, voted to adjourn the conference until to-morrow at 10 o'clock.
Oct. 9th. Met pursuant to adjournment, prayer by Elder Lyman Wight.
Elder Alexander Badlam represented the Springdale branch, as consisting of 3 elders and 12 members, in good standing, the Springfield branch was represented by Elder Joel Judd, consisting of 1 elder, 2 priests, and 2 members, all in good standing. Beaver Creek, Clark co. 2 elders 1 priest, and 9 members in good standing baptized and established by Elder Joel Judd. West Milton branch, Miami co., represented by Elder James Wareham, 1 high priest, 2 elders, 11 members in good standing. Elder William L. Hughey, represented the Dayton branch as consisting of 3 elders, 1 priest, 2 teachers, and 19 members, in good standing, also the Sugar Creek branch as consisting of 1 elder, 1 priest, and 9 members, all in good standing. Elder Wight, then read the 20th chapter of Revelations and proceeded to show how extremely ignorant a man would appear, should he attempt to explain the writings of those whom God had inspired to teach his gospel, without being in possession of as much, at least if not more of the same spirit of inspiration, that the men of God possessed. He also spake of the inconsistency of attempting to subvert any system or trying to overthrow any principle without having a knowledge of the way and manner in which it had been introduced into the world, or the power by which it exists, and is upheld.-And upon the subject of reformation he declared it impossible to reform an entire perfect system, which he acknowledged the plan of salvation to be, and to talk of reforming the religion of Jesus Christ, it is all folly, and the most perfect nonsense: hence we were not called to reform any religion but reform ourselves, and embrace the same precepts, that God will or has given to his people in all ages of the world.
He taught also concerning the word of wisdom that it was important, that it should be taught by those only who understand it, cautioning inexperienced elders against teaching things which they do not understand, or attempting to raise the stream above its fountain head; or the servant to be above his master; or the disciple to be above his Lord; but to learn to know that if it had not been for a prophet, ordained of God, they would have been weltering in sectarian servitude and darkness, together with many interesting truths, which he sustained from the word of God to the edifying and great joy of the whole assembly.
After which 12 elders were ordained and 3 new members were baptized and added, 2 from a distance, and were confirmed; several small children were blessed, and the whole congregation manifested an unshaken confidence in President Joseph Smith: the elders and members above named were nearly all present.-The conference closed with the best of feelings, unanimously agreed without a dissenting voice to gather to Nauvoo, without any farther delay, than to settle up their affairs honorably. Conference then adjourned sine die.
LYMAN WIGHT, Pres't. ALEXANDER BADLAM, JOEL JUDD, Clerks.
POSTSCRIPT
Since I wrote you from Springfield Ill. I have journeyed through all the small branches,
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