| 298 "That traveling elders, who may be in need, shall call on the presidents of branches for assistance, and not on the members.
"That the Bishop be instructed to call on the presidents of the different branches for the necessary means to carry on the work."
It was stated in the conference that the Quorum of the Twelve had "resolved that President Joseph Smith, with others whom he may call to his aid, have the examination and supervision of the matter going into the Herald."
Elders Briggs and Powers reported that they had found it impracticable to fill their mission to England, hence had labored elsewhere. The following missions were appointed to members of the Quorum of the Twelve: J. W. Briggs and Samuel Powers, England; W. W. Blair, Western Iowa; Z. H. Gurley, Sen., Illinois; James Blakeslee, Ohio and Indiana; John Shippy, Michigan and Canada; E. C. Briggs, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
October 25,1861, the first General Epistle of the Twelve, under the presidency of Joseph Smith, son of the Martyr, was issued, as follows:-
"To all the Saints scattered abroad, Greeting; Brethren:- Since it has pleased God to call forth the true successor in the Presidency of the church, in the person of Joseph, the son of Joseph, the Martyr, in fulfillment of the promises made to his people, we, in obedience to the injunctions of the Holy Spirit, call upon you to give ear to the voice of the Good Shepherd, and return to the whole law, and to the covenants, as that form of doctrine which being obeyed from the heart maketh you free from sin and servants of righteousness. The Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants, contain that law, and those covenants or form of doctrine, to which we point you, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it and find rest to your souls. Mark all who corrupt or pervert it, and avoid them. The perilous times, shown to the ancient apostle, are upon us, and our refuge is in the Lord, who, thanks be to his name, 'holds the reins in his own hands,' and to the obedient
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