| 415 "That the Editor of the Herald furnish the branches of the church with blank forms for branch representation.
"A question was asked as follows: What is to be done in the case of the president of a branch refusing to act in accordance with the will of the majority?
"Resolved, that if the act required was a legitimate duty, it would become the duty of the officers of the branch to report him to the next highest in authority over him.
"The following resolution was discussed:-
"Resolved, that the gospel makes provision for the ordination of men of the negro race, who are received into the church by obedience to its ordinances.
"After much discussion, it was
"Resolved, that we refer the above matter to the Lord, and that we come together fasting and praying to God that he will reveal his will on this point unto his servant Joseph Smith.
"The quorum carried this resolution into effect, and sought earnestly and diligently unto the Lord, and on the following day the Lord was pleased to answer our prayers, and we received the following revelation through his servant Joseph:-
"'REVELATION GIVEN MAY 4, 1865.
"'Hearken ye elders of my church, I am He who hath called you friends. Concerning the matter you have asked of me: Lo! it is my will that my gospel shall be preached to all nations in every land, and that men of every tongue shall minister before me: Therefore it is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of every race who receive the teachings of my law, and become heirs according to the promise.
"'Be ye very careful, for many elders have been ordained unto me, and are come under my condemnation, by reason of neglecting to lift up their voices in my cause, and for such there is tribulation and anguish: haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words their works are burned, not being profitable unto me.
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