| 11 day, and passed through many trials, and that the Presidency ought not to suspect their fidelity, nor lose confidence in them, neither have chastened them upon such testimony as was lying before them; also urged the necessity of an explanation upon the letter which they received from the Presidency, and the propriety of their having information, as it respects their duties, authority, etc., that they might come to an understanding in all things, that they might act in perfect unison and harmony before the Lord, and be prepared for the endowment; also that they had preferred a charge against Doctor Cowdery for his unchristian conduct, which the Presidency had disregarded; also that President Oliver Cowdery, on a certain occasion, had made use of language to one of the Twelve that was unchristian and unbecoming any man; and that they would not submit to such treatment. The remarks of the Twelve were made in a very forcible and explicit manner, yet cool and deliberate.
"I observed that we had heard them patiently, and in turn should expect to be heard patiently also. And first, I remarked that it was necessary that the Twelve should state whether they were determined to persevere in the work of the Lord, whether the Presidency were able to satisfy them or not.
"Vote called, and carried in the affirmative, unanimously.
"I then said to them that I had not lost confidence in them, they had no reason to suspect my confidence, and that I would be willing to be weighed in the scale of truth, to-day, in this matter, and risk it in the day of judgment; and as it respects the chastening contained in the letter in question, which I acknowledged might have been expressed in too harsh language, which was not intentional, I asked their forgiveness, inasmuch as I had hurt their feelings; but nevertheless, the letter that Elder McLellin wrote back to Kirtland, while the Twelve were at the east, was harsh also, and I was willing to set the one against the other.
"I next proceeded to explain the duty of the Twelve, and their authority, which is next to the present Presidency, and that the arrangement of the assembly in this place on the 15th instant, in placing the High Councils of Kirtland
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