| 210 The Saints are requested to observe Sunday, March 31, as a day of fasting and prayer, for the general success of the work; for divine care and direction during the session of General Conference, in April; for the better understanding among the elders upon duty, doctrine, church government, and discipline, and for the redemption and delivery from mental distress and spiritual bondage those of the Saints thus afflicted.
JOSEPH SMITH,} Of Presidency.
W. W. BLAIR, }
PLANO, Illinois, February 25, 1878.
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 25, p. 72.
The following items were published in the Saints' Herald for March 1, 1878:
Bro. J. A. Robinson, of Peoria, Illinois, says that they are steadily gaining in numbers, and that the work in the Kewanee District was never in a better condition. They have been greatly cheered and aided by Bro. T. W. Smith's labors.
Bro. C. M. Wilder, of Dowville, Iowa, reports that the Saints in that region are hopeful, and among those without, prejudice is giving way more and more. The Saints have built a house for Bro. J. R. Lambert's family and have it nearly paid for, which is good. . . .
Bro. William Franklin, of Flintville, Wisconsin, writes of the death of Bro. William Savage, of that region, on February 9, after months of suffering. He expressed his love for and devotion to the cause to the last. . . .
Bro. Thomas A. John, of the Hyde Park Branch, Pennsylvania, writes that the cause is moving slowly there, for the enemy works, but they have good meetings and one was baptized recently.
Bro. J. Goodale preaches at Pittsfield, Illinois. One was baptized there February 4.
Bro. William Aird, of Heber City, Utah, says that he is striving to impart light to all who have a desire to receive it, but finds few who desire light. . . .
Bro. J. J. Cornish reports occasional baptisms at London, Ontario, and fair progress.
On March 5, Elder William Redfield, counselor to president of High Priests' Quorum, and a veteran of forty-four years experience in the church, died suddenly at the residence of his nephew whom he was visiting near Beatrice, Nebraska. His home was at Shenandoah, Iowa.
The fortieth annual conference convened at Plano, Illinois, April 6,1878. Presidents Joseph Smith and W. W. Blair presided, and Elders H. A. Stebbins and John Scott were secretaries.
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