| 285 We are further of the opinion, that the advancing of speculative theories upon abstruse questions, a belief, or disbelief in which can not affect the salvation of the hearers, is a reprehensible practice; and should not be indulged in by the elders; especially should this not be done in those branches where personal antagonisms must inevitably arise, to the hindering of the work of grace; and should be reserved for the schools of inquiry among the elders themselves.
We are further of the opinion, that until such time as vexed questions now pending are definitely settled by the competent quorums of the church, the discussion of them should be avoided in all places where the elders labor, in the world and in the branches, and should only be had in solemn conclave when necessary to examine them for settlement, under proper rules of restraint.
J. SMITH, }Presidency.
W. W. BLAIR, }
GALLANDS GROVE, September 29, 1879.
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 26, pp. 329, 330.
The report was adopted. Elder Z. H. Gurley, who had previously been released, reported through President Smith that he stood with the church on this definition, and that the conference in adopting the above report of the First Presidency had removed the objection upon which his resignation was based. After much discussion he was reinstated by a vote of sixty-seven to five. Upon vote of the conference he was reordained an apostle of the Quorum of Twelve.
The Twelve reported on the case of Jason W. Briggs as follows:
To the Presidents of the Conference. Elders and Brethren. Greeting:: By the appointment of the last annual conference, the Quorum of the Twelve have met, and investigated the case of Bro. Jason W. Briggs.
Brn. J. M Harvey, Jonas W. Chatburn, and Phineas Cadwell appeared as prosecutors of the case.
The accused presented before the council a demurrer to the action of the semiannual conference of 1878; and, after considerable discussion the following resolution was adopted by the council:
Resolved, That while we believe the demurrer is quite well taken, yet we also believe that the nature of the case is such, that it is for the best interests of all concerned, that we proceed to a hearing of the case.
The prosecution then entered upon a full, and free presentation of their side of the case; after which the accused entered upon a defense of his position. having accorded to him all the time and opportunity that he required.
After due examination of the evidence before us, we, as a quorum, have come to the following conclusions on the charges preferred.
(page 285) |
