| 31 in their legion, through the instrumentality of their enemy, General J. C. Bennett, an act entirely of their own, without my agency; but I was as much their friend before as since. The Missouri persecution fixed my attention and commiseration on the people.
It must be recollected, too, that the Mormon Prophet and his people are the most ardent friends and promoters of literature and science. These are elementary principles in their social system, and this, certainly, is contrary to every thing like despotism.
I hope, therefore, and with great deference express that hope that Ex-Governor Boggs will withdraw his demand for the Prophet, and let these poor people rest in peace. Both he and Governor Carlin will feel much more at peace with themselves by quashing the whole proceeding.
Most respectfully, your humble servant,
JAMES ARLINGTON BENNET,
Counsellor [Counselor] at Law, &c. [N. Y. Herald.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
At a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at Sewell Street meeting house, Salem, Mass. commencing on Friday Sept. 9th 1842, agreeable to adjournment of a special conference of May 28. The meeting was called to order at half past two o'clock, P. M. and opened with prayer by Elder Maginn.
Elder W. Richards, of the Quorum of the Twelve, was unanimously called to the Chair, but on his requesting to decline the vote was rescinded, when Elder E. Snow was called to the chair, and Elder E. P. Maginn was chosen Secretary. The President then stated the object of the conference, and gave some useful instruction upon the propriety of the punctual attendance of the Saints at times of conference, &c., and as the session was not full in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, it was thought advisable that the business of the conference be laid over to Saturday.
Elder Richards followed upon the same subject at considerable length, showing the necessity of a union of effort and concentration of action, &c. It was then motioned and carried that the conference adjourn till Saturday at 10 o'clock, A. M.
Saturday morning, 10 o'clock, A. M. the conference convened and was opened with prayer by the President, when the different Quorums were presented and arranged in their respective order, as follows, viz:-Quorum of the Twelve, 1-High Priests, 2-Seventies, 2-Elders, 13-Priests, 6-Teachers, 1-Deacons, 1.
It was then motioned and carried, that the conference receive reports from the different churches that constitute this conference, when brother John Bettis, (Clerk of Salem) represented the church at Salem to consist of 83, including 3 elders, 3 priest, 2 teachers, 1 deacon; 4 have removed by letter, 1 died, and 2 have been excluded.
Elder Sweet represented the Church at Northbridge, consisting of 36 members, including 2 Elders, 1 priest, and 1 teacher, in good standing.
Elder A. R. Tewksbury represented the church at Boston, consisting of 77 members, including 3 elders and 3 priests.
Elder Nathaniel Holmes represented the church at Georgetown, consisting of 33 members, including 4 elders and 2 priests, all in good standing but one; making an increase of twelve since last conference.
Elder william Huchins represented the church at New Bedford, consisting of 17 members, including 2 priests and 1 teacher, in good standing.
Elder Eames represented the church at Holliston, consisting of 12 members, including 1 elder; one added by baptism since last conference.
Elder E. P. Maginn represented the church at Peterboro, N. H. consisting of 100 members, 1 elder, 1 priest, 1 teacher, and 2 deacons, all in good standing; 1 excluded.
Also at Gilsum, consisting of 20 members, some have removed. Likewise at Lowell, Mass. consisting of 36 members and 2 priests; and stated that he was almost exhausted from excessive labors, having the charge of four or five large branches, all of which he had built up the past year. Stated that he was unable to represent the New Salem, Wendell, and Leverett branches, as he had not found time to visit them since last conference, and appealed to the conference in strong terms for assistance.
Elder Snow stated that there were three members and one elder at Medway; also, three at Medfield, not organized.
Elder Robert Dixon give an account of his labors, which called forth some very appropriate remarks from Elder Richards and other elders upon the impropriety of elders travelling [traveling] from one end of the country to the other, excite an interest, and report that they could hardly leave the people, such was their desire to hear the Gospel, without their remaining to fulfil [fulfill] the call.
It was then motioned and carried that the conference take a recess till 2 o'clock.
(page 31) |
