| 592 arrived here from the East, called to make inquiry concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Bishop Partridge and some others came in. I then sat down and related to them the history of the coming forth of the book, the administration of the angel to me, the rudiments of the gospel of Christ, etc. They appeared well satisfied, and I expect to baptize them in a few days, though they have made no request of the kind.
"Went to the council. The Presidency arose and adjourned. On my return, Elder Boynton observed that long debates were bad. I replied that it was generally the case that too much altercation was indulged in on both sides, and their debates protracted to an unprofitable length.
"We were called to supper. While seated at table we indulged in a free interchange of thought, and Bishop Whitney observed to Bishop Partridge that the thought had just occurred to his mind that perhaps in about one year from this time they might be seated together around a table on the land of Zion. My wife observed she hoped it might be the case, that not only they, but the rest of the company present might be seated around her table on that land of promise. The same sentiment was reciprocated from the company around the table, and my heart responded, Amen. God grant it, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.
"After supper I went to the High Council, in company with my wife, and some others that belonged to my household. I was solicited to take a seat with the Presidency, and preside on a trial of Brother Elliot. I did so. My mother was called as testimony, and began to relate circumstances that had been brought before the church and settled. I objected against such testimony. The complainant, Brother William Smith, arose, and accused me of invalidating or doubting my mother's testimony, which I had not done, nor did I desire to do. I told him he was out of place, and asked him to sit down. He refused. I repeated my request. He became enraged. I finally ordered him to sit down. He said he would not, unless I knocked him down. I was agitated in my feelings on account of his stubbornness, and was about to leave the house, but my
(page 592) |
