| 323 found by the Quorum of the Twelve, but instead I declared distinctly in that paper that the finding of the quorum is correct and that the position so attributed to me was the declared position of the church as shown by its records upon this subject. And as I did not in that paper "virtually recede" from that position, I can not "in express terms recede" as required by the said proviso. I asked the annual conference to pass upon the issue and justify me or justify my accusers, and they gave me the foregoing-I asked for justice and was offered an inconsistency-"I asked for bread and was offered a stone." I therefore renew my petition for justice at your hands. To wit, to pass upon the remaining question, which is, Is there now a place to which the Saints are commanded to gather-is there a law now in force requiring a gathering to any State or place? It is fast becoming apparent to all reflecting minds that have followed this case, that the church has been misled by my accusers to the great injury of the faith of Saints and creating an insurmountable stumbling-block to the honest inquirer after truth.
I therefore respectfully ask that you rescind the acts of the late annual and the last semiannual conference complained of, and to reaffirm the act of the annual conference of 1878, upon clause four of the report of the Quorum of the Twelve upon the question of gathering.
Respectfully submitted,
J. W. BRIGGS.
WHEELERS GROVE, Iowa, September 12, 1880.
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 27, p. 318.
This was finally disposed of by the adoption of the following:
Whereas, The church affirmed the report of the Presidency on the Decatur District resolution, in the fall of 1879; and
Whereas, Bro. J. W. Briggs has expressed, and still does express his willingness to stand with the church upon said basis; therefore be it
Resolved, That he be now released from all disability placed upon him by acts of former conferences.
Elder Briggs accepted this action and occupied a position on the platform with his quorum. A report from the Quorum of the Twelve on missions was considered, and after being amended, was adopted, as follows:
The Quorum of the Twelve have held six meetings, and have rejoiced in the brightening prospects before the church. They have expressed a willingness and determination to labor as the law directs, as soon as the church is in a proper financial condition to sustain their families.
At their first meeting, Monday, September 13, it was felt and expressed by all, that the Twelve and the Seventy should be the first to be placed and sustained in the field.
The following missions recommended by the President and
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