| 523 the word to all that would hear, and many were added to the church monthly.
"September 1, 1834. I continued to preside over the church in Kirtland, and in forwarding the building of the house of the Lord. I acted as foreman in the Temple stone quarry, and when other duties would permit, labored with my own hands.-Millennial Star, vol. 15, P. 181.
A conference was held September 8,1834, at New Portage, Ohio, over which Joseph Smith presided and Oliver Cowdery acted as clerk; the business of which, though of local importance, is of little historical value.
The High Council, of Kirtland, convened September 24, 1834, a conference being in session at the same time. At this council Sylvester Smith was dropped from membership in the High Council, but was permitted to retain his office as a high priest. The President nominated Hyrum Smith to succeed him. This nomination was confirmed both by the council and the conference. Elders John P. Green and Brigham Young were chosen to act as members of the council, pro tem. in the places of Jared Carter and Martin Harris, who were absent.
In this council Elders Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and F. G. Williams were appointed a committee "to arrange the items of the doctrine of Jesus Christ," for the government of the church; with the provision that, "These items are to be taken from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the revelations which have been given unto the church, up to this date, or shall be until such arrangements are made." To this committee was intrusted the duty of arranging and publishing the "Book of Covenants."
A resolution was passed providing: "that high priests be ordained hereafter, in the High Council at Kirtland, and receive license, signed by the clerk of the council."
Of the busy events of those times Joseph writes:-
"Great exertions were made to expedite the work of the Lord's house; and notwithstanding it was commenced, as it
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