| 85 are compelled to purchase at any rate, and consequently are thrown into the hands of speculators, and extortioners, with which the Lord is not well pleased; also that the churches abroad do according to the Revelation contained in the Book of Commandments, page 238, commencing at section 10, which is as follows:-
"'"Now verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, be not in haste; and observe to have all these things prepared before you, and let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion."
"'Joseph Smith, Chairman.
"'Warren Parrish, Clerk.'
"On the 31st of December, at the setting of the sun, Doctor Willard Richards was baptized at Kirtland, under the hands of President Brigham Young, in the presence of Heber C. Kimball, and others, who had spent the afternoon in cutting the ice to prepare for the baptism."-Millennial Star, vol. 15, pp. 821-823, 842.
With the March number of the Messenger and Advocate John Whitmer's connection with the paper as editor ceased, and Oliver Cowdery succeeded him.
On June 7,1836, the publishing firm of F. G. Williams and Company was dissolved by mutual consent and the whole establishment was purchased by Oliver Cowdery, who became sole proprietor, editor, and publisher.
The June number of the Messenger and Advocate contains the minutes of a conference held at Chalk Level, Benton County, Tennessee, May 28 and 29,1836, Elder D. W. Patten presiding. At this conference there were seven branches represented; namely, Taropen branch, 28 members; Clarks River, 10 members; Blood River, 10 members; Academy, 10 members; Chalk Level, 27 members; Eagle Creek, 15 members; and Cyprus, 10 members.
By this it appears that the work was getting a firm hold
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