The Glasgow Conference

Glasgow, January 14, 1842.

Respected Brother,

I am happy in stating to you that the work of God is still progressing slowly in this region, although opposed on every hand by the busy emmissaries [emissaries] of Satan in the form of hireling priests and holy hypocrites, whose only aim seems to be to prevent the people from enquiring [inquiring] after the truth by spreading lies, misrepresentations, and slanderous reports of every description, thus fulfilling the words of the Saviour [Savior], "If they have persecuted me they will persecute you! and why this? because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hateth you." And the people generally are much more ready to believe a lie than the truth; so much so, that the promises of him whose word cannot fail are become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, being altogether superceded [superseded] by the vain and foolish traditions of men.

Notwithstanding all this, the Saints are rejoicing in the enjoyment of the gifts of God, and some few are still seeking the way to Zion. We held a conference in Glasgow on the 1st of January. The Saints were present to the number of between 200 and 300 from the different branches composing this conference. After opening the meeting by singing and prayer, Elder M'Auley delivered a suitable address, exhorting and encouraging the Saints to faithfulness, perseverance, and diligence. He also spoke to them regarding the house of the Lord, now in progress; pointed it the exertions now making by the saints in America, and earnestly impressed upon them the necessity of their mite also being cast into the treasury. He then proposed that all the branches of this conference should unite in sending an offering unto the Lord by the hand of their delegate to the general conference on the 6th of April. This was unanimously agreed to.

The president then called upon the officers to represent the various branches and the following is the sum total for the Glasgow conference, including office bearers, 512.

Several ordinations took place, and two new branches were organized.