| 709 except of their own; a hall is very dear, and it would be necessary to be taken fully at my own expense; but I hope a door may be open by and by.
"I feel to start in Italy soon, and sow the seed as much as possible, by God's help. . . .
"Bro. Ursenbach had a little tract of his own against polygamy, that has done some good. He cannot preach, but is traveling much of the time, and when he can scatter some seed he uses his influence. I translated the little tract, The Gospel, and scattered it round about, till I may be able to have another more explanatory."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 19, pp. 663, 664.
The Semiannual Conference was in session at Parks Mill, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, from September 12 to 15, 1872; Joseph Smith was chosen president, and D. H. Bays and R. M. Elvin secretaries. The first two days were occupied in routine work. On the 14th, the Articles of Incorporation were carefully considered by sections, and after some amendments were adopted. 2 This incorporation was to be effected, and was
2 Articles of Association adopted by "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," at a general meeting of the members of said church, held at Plano, in the county of Kendall, in the state of Illinois, on the 21st day of October, A. D. 1872.
Article 1. The name of this association and organization shall be "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," and shall be incorporated under the laws of Illinois, under and by that name. The church adheres to the doctrines and tenets of the original "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," as organized by Joseph Smith (the martyr), now deceased, on the 6th day of April, A. D. 1830, as the same has been reorganized by Joseph Smith, now of Plano, Illinois, with the advice and assistance of Jason W. Briggs, Zenos H. Gurley, William Marks, Sen., Israel L. Rogers, Isaac Sheen, and many others. The church government consists: 1. Of a First Presidency, consisting of a president and two counselors. 2. A Quorum of the Twelve, (a traveling high council.) 3. A "Standing High Council," of the church; and at each "stake" a similar subordinate "Standing High Council," consisting of twelve chosen for that purpose. 4. A High Priests' Quorum. 5. One or more Quorums of Seventy, not exceeding seven. 6. Quorums of Elders. 7. Bishops, consisting of a Presiding Bishop, and associate or local bishops-said bishops having temporal jurisdiction subject to the general direction of the church, and higher church authorities. 8. Quorums of Priests. 9. Quorums of Teachers. 10. Quorums of Deacons. 11. Until otherwise provided, the Reorganized Church at Plano, Illinois, shall be the principal or central church. All others shall be "stakes" or "branches," but all subject to the same church government
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