| 308 It is inconsistent with its own act in adopting the report on the Decatur resolutions which report says: "We are further of the opinion, that it is not the intent and meaning of the said resolutions to make a belief in the revelations in the Book of Covenants a test of reception and fellowship in the church."
The single issue now remaining is, I trust, so clearly pointed out and defined, that your perception of truth in the matter, of consistency, of impartiality, and of justice, will enable you to correct the errors and wrongs complained of. The question is not, Has there been a time for gathering, or will there be such a time in the future, but is there now a law in force requiring a gathering to a particular place?
I therefore ask the conference to pass upon this specific question, and justify me on this point, or justify my accusers. While I am not willing to anticipate God upon this, or upon any other subject, I hope to be willing to live in humble obedience to whatever may be his revealed will. And here I rest; in hope for the realization of that spirituality in religion of which Zion is and ever has been the lively symbol. All of which is respectfully and prayerfully submitted. J. W. BRIGGS.
WHELLERS GROVE, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa, April 3, 1880.
This document was subsequently taken up and disposed of by the adoption. of the following:
Whereas, In his letter to this conference, appealing from the decision of last semiannual conference, a decision based upon the findings of the Quorum of the Twelve in his case, Bro. Jason W. Briggs concedes the position assumed by the Reorganized Church on the subject of "The Gathering;" and, Whereas, In so doing, he virtually recedes from the position charged against him on this question, be it hereby
Resolved, That he be exonerated from the disability attaching to him now, so far as such disability results from the findings of the Quorum of the Twelve in his case, and the action of the semiannual conference thereon, in which he was declared guilty of teaching contrary to the revelations of God and the faith of the Reorganized Church on the subject of the gathering.
Provided, That he shall in express terms, recede from the position the Quorum of the Twelve found him guilty of occupying, in antagonism to the church.
The propriety of continuing the Chicago Mission coming up, on petition to have Elder M. H. Forscutt assigned there, it was disposed of after much discussion by the adoption of the following:
Resolved, That, in the matter of prosecuting the Chicago Mission, we refer the entire matter to a committee of three, composed of Brn. I. L. Rogers, G. A. Blakeslee, and Joseph Smith, for them to take such action in the matter as they shall deem proper and practicable.
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