General Conference

This conference was held in the New Corn Exchange, Manchester, on Whit-Sunday, the 15th of May, and, by adjournment on the two following days, in the large room adjoining Hayward's Hotel, Bridge Street.

Never before has it fallen to our lot to attend a meeting of the Saints, in the British Isles, so distinguished for its numbers for the importance of the principles taught, and for the unity of feeling, affection, and sympathy that seemed to influence every heart. It was indeed, a time of refreshing; while, from the testimony borne [born] by the elders of the different branches, the teachings of the spirit appear to have been simultaneous in preparing the minds of the servants of God for those measures that are necessary to carry into effect his great purposes in the building up of Zion, and in gathering together the Saints in obedience to the command of heaven.

The meeting being called to order, elder P. P. Pratt was unanimously chosen to preside.

Elder Ward being then chosen to act as clerk of the conference, the meeting was then opened by singing, "Go, ye messengers of glory."

Elder G. D. Watt, from Edinburgh, then engaged in prayer, when a few verses being sung, Elder Pratt proceeded to address the conference, and expressed his great satisfaction at the contemplation of the vast assemblage before him, and also at the condition of the church. He looked back at what he knew of the work of the Lord, and he beheld, in the year 1830, the church rising in obscurity in the western wilderness, and consisting only of six members: he looked again only five years ago, and this island had not heard the fulness [fullness] of the gospel as it had been renewed by the visions of heaven. A certain few in weakness visited these shores, trusting in the power and blessing of God; but

now I look around me, and what do I behold? scores, hundreds, I might almost say thousands of fellow-laborers raised up I behold on my right, and on my left, ministers of the truth from various parts of the British Isles, to represent the different conferences that have been established on the principles of truth, in the face of every opposition. Who cannot see the hand of the Lord in this? Who does not rejoice in this glorious work? and especially in contemplating what a few years will bring about in distant lands, in delivering the honest in heart from error and superstition, and introducing them into the liberty of the gospel! I look ahead, and behold a multitude which no man can number, sitting under their own vines and fig-trees.-Whence come they? out of great tribulation: they have burst the bands of their neck, they walk in white, with the hundred and forty and four thousand ministering unto them, while heaven and earth are mingling their hosannas to the lamb that was slain. But the subject is too great; suffice it to say that we have assembled to edify and instruct each other, and to transact business more important than the counsels of any senate on the face of the earth-to expatiate upon the laws of a kingdom that shall never have an end-and to do business in the name of the King of kings, the great high priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.

The number of officers present at the opening of the meeting was then called for:-

Quorum of the Twelve 1

High Priests 14

Elders 50

Priests 64

Teachers 37

Deacons 8

The representation of the churches being next required, the following were presented to the meeting:-

Manchester Conference-Represented by Charles Miller, consists of 1531 members, 36 elders, 79 priests, 50 teachers, 19 deacons, and includes the branches of Manchester, Duckinfield, Bolton and branches, Stockport, Pendlebury, Whitefield, Heatons, Eccles, Oldham, Rochdale, Leeds, Radcliffe Bridge, and Blakeley.

Liverpool Conference-Represented by John Greenhow, consists of 570 members, 23 elders, 26 priests, 21 teachers, 10 deacons, and includes the branches of Liverpool, Warrington and Newton, St. Helens, Isle of Man, Wales and York.

Preston Conference-Represented by -Stuthers, consists of 665 members, 16 elders, 22 priests, 15 teachers, 3 deacons, and includes the branches of Preston, Penworthen Longton, Southport, Farrington, Hunter's Hill, Kendal, Brigsteer, Holme, Lancaster, and Euxton Birth.

Clitheroe Conference-Represented by Thomas Ward, consists of 325 members, 15 elders, 23 priests, 17 teachers, 6 deacons, and includes the branches of Clitheroe, Chatburn, Waddington, Downham, Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, Ribchester, Chaidgeley, and Grindleton.

London Conference-Represented by Lorenzo Snow, consists of 400 members, 14 elders, 32 priests, 7 teachers, 8 deacons, and includes the branches of London, Woolwich, Bedford, Wybosson, Thorncut, Honeydon, Irchester, and Waddon.

Macclesfield Conference-Represented by James Galley, consists of 238 members, 8 elders, 23 priests, 14 teachers, 9 deacons, and includes the branches of Macclesfield, Congleton, Bollington, Middlewich, Northwich, and Plumbley.

Birmingham Conference-Represented by J. Riley, consists of 309 members, 11 elders, 18 priests, 12 teachers, 5 deacons, and includes the branches of Birmingham, Greats Green, West Broomwich, Oldbury, Allchurch, Dudley, Wolverhampton, and Ashby Wolds.

Staffordshire Conference-Represented by Alfred Cordon, consists of 507 members, 25 elders, 54 priests, 23 teachers, 14 deacons, and includes the branches of Hanley, Burslem, Stoke, Newcastle, Baddaley Edge, Bradley Green, Knutton Heath, Lane Ends, Audlem, Prees, Tunstall, Look, Longport, Tittenson Heath, Doncaster, Sheffield, and Brampton.

Garway Conference-Represented by John Needham, consists of 197 members, 2 elders, 12 priests, 7 teachers, 2 deacons, and includes the branches of Garway, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Keven, Orcop, and Euyasharrold.

Cheltenham Conference-Represented by Thedore Curtis, consists of 540 members, 8 elders, 22 priests, 12 teachers, 4 deacons, and includes the branches of Newberry Hill, Rock Hill, Earl Common, Pinvin, Nounton Beau-Champ, Edge Hills, Little Dean's Woodside, Ponset, Killcott, Frogsmarsh, Red Marley, Bran Green, Apperby,. Deerhurst, Cheltenham, Norton, and Bristol.

Froome's Hill Conference-Represented by William Kay, consists of 1101 members, 24 elders, 56 priests, 24 teachers, 12 deacons, and includes the branches of Moran's Cross, Ridgeway Cross, Dun's Close, Old Storadge, Broomyard's Downs, Clifton, Widbourn, Brinsteed, Woofren Common, Ashfield, Malvern Hill

Palle House, Call Wali, Ledbury, Shaken Hill, Lugwardine, Marden, Bush Bank, Leominster, Ball Gate, Cooms Move, Stoke's Lane, Froome's Hill, Stanley Hill, East Hampton, and Worcester Broad Heath.

Edinburgh Conference-Represented by G. D. Watt, consists of 271 members, 13 elders, 19 priests, 7 teachers, 3 deacons, and includes the branches of Edinburgh, Wemyss, and Stirling.

Glasgow conference-Represented by John McAuley, consists of 564 members, 23 elders, 30 priests, 26 teachers, 15 deacons, and includes the branches of Glasgow, Thorny Bank, Shaw, Towcross, Aardrill, Renfrew, Paisley, Johnston, Bridge of Weir, Kilbirney, Bouchill, Greenock, Brechenny, Nelson, Campsie, and Ayr.

Brampton Conference-Represented by Richard Benson, consists of 171 members, 6 elders, 11 priests, 7 teachers, 2 deacons, and includes the branches of Carlisle, Brampton, Alston, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Ireland Conference-Represented by David Wilkie, consists of 71 members, 1 elder, 1 priest, 2 teachers, 1 deacon, and includes the branches of Hillsborough, & Crawfoot's Burn.

Bradford and York-Represented by Henry Cuerdon, consists of 54 members, 1 elder, 4 priests, 2 teachers, 1 deacon, and includes the branches of Bradford and York.

Total connected with the church, at the present time, in England, Ireland, and Scotland:

Members 7514

Elders 220

Priests 421

Teachers 110

From the reports made by the deputies from the different conferences, we are happy to state that the work of the Lord is very prosperous, and that a very general desire is prevalent amongst the Saints to gather to Zion; while the whisperings of the spirit among the priesthood have been, "save yourselves from this nntoward [untoward] generation."

Elder Pratt having made some observations on the necessity of revelation being connected with the kingdom of God; and that in accordance with the revelations now given, it was our first duty to gather together to build up Zion and the Temple of the Lord, in order that we might receive the fulness [fullness] of the power of the priesthood, that we might go forth for the last time, and command the attention of the nations, and the chiefs and kings of the earth.

The meeting was then dismissed by singing and prayer.

Afternoon.-Service was opened by singing "Great is the Lord, 'tis good to praise," &c.

Elder Albiston, the patriarch, then rose to bear testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and contrasted the fulness [fullness] of the gospel with what he had previously known of religion through a long series of years. He had been in possession of some light, and the body of people (the Methodists) with whom he had been connected in earley [early] life, he was convinced were once a good people; but he now greatly rejoiced in being permitted to see the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, compared with which, all the systems of men were but as a taper to the sun.

Elder Snow then asked a blessing on the wine.

Elder Greenhow, of Liverpool, then addressed the meeting, and gave a statement of his former experience in connexion [connection] with the Methodists, afterwards with Mr. Aitkin and Mr. Matthews, by whom he was ordained an elder in that society. While in connexion [connection] with that people, there was a general consciousness prevailing that something was wanting-that the same results did not follow believing and obeying the word as in the primitive churches; this feeling was confirmed by his receiving a letter from the Rev. Mr. M., advising him, in connexion [connection] with others, to rise at four o'clock on certain morning to pray that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; but all was in vain, for they were not in possession of the authority of the holy priesthood to administer those ordinances through which the blessings flowed.

Elders James, Riley, Crook, Reid, and priest Milnes then addressed the meeting, and bore testimony to the work of God.

The meeting was then closed by singing and prayer.

Evening.-Service was opened by singing, "What are these arrayed in white," &c.

Elder Greenhow engaged in prayer.

Elder Pratt then addressed the meeting on the duties of the Saints to the public, to God, and to themselves. It is our duty to proclaim the gospel of truth in all places, where it is not known, to the utmost of our power; then, after this, God requires of them that they take measures to make the truth theirs, by ministering to the wants of his servants, and by opening places for the ministration of the word; and if they will not do this, we are clear of their blood; we have done our duty, and the Lord will not require more at our hands. Many of our brethren, by their zeal, have been led beyond what God has required of them. It is not the duty of

this church to get up meetings, at a great expense, time after time, to a people that will not hear. There is a time to do it, and a time not to do it. Now, I consider that in England and Scotland, where our brethren have labored, they have done their duty, in the midst of privation and difficulty, and the public, instead of inviting the servants of God amongst them have used all their ability to obstruct the progress of the kingdom of God, and have judged it without examination. But brethren, when you are invited, when the way is opened, then with all your might thrust in your sickle and reap; but where they will not hearken to the repeated offers of the gospel, then keep the means you would expend for yourselves-for the poor-to gather yourselves and build up Zion. There is a time to sow, and a time to forbear. This generation are not going to have the gospel as a pleasant song in their ears continually, whether they become obedient to it or not; no, brethren, we owe a duty to God, to ourselves, to the Jews, to the nations. Search out the humble in spirit and labour [labor] for them.-Though the great work, and I say it unto the elders around me, is to gather together in one, in obedience to the laws of heaven, in order that we may be clothed with power to go forth to all people, and command attention to the mighty work, and I propose to the presidents of conferences and the elders aroud [around] me, the following motion,

That we feel to encourage and second the exertions of our brethren in Zion, by every means in our power, to erect the Temple of the Lord in Nauvoo; and that the elders in every conference here pledge themselves to teach it as the duty and privilege of all Saints to assist in this glorious work,

Elder G. D. Watt seconded the motion which was carried unanimously.

It was then moved by elder Pratt, seconded by elder Ward, and carried unanimously-

That this resolution be published and sent to Nauvoo, with a request that they publish it.

The meeting was then addressed on the same subject, with much power and effect, by elders Barrett, Dunn, Watt, C. Miller, J. Goodfellow, Levi Richards, James Riley, J. Galley, A. Cordon, and W. Hulme.

The meeting was then dismissed.

Monday Morning.-The meeting being opened by singing and prayer, elder Pratt proceeded to speak on the business of the day. Truly, the Lord has been mindful of us. It has been now several months since I received any communications from America, with the exception of the "Times and Seasons" Feb. 15; but since I came here I have received three numbers of the same, by which it appears that the same spirit is deeply at work on both sides the Atlantic, on the subject of our gathering together and building up Zion. The same spirit inspiring us in temporal matters, which caused him to send out Amos Fielding, to Nauvoo, on business similar to that of elder Snider to this country, as will be perceived by the epistle of the twelve which I will read. [The epistle which we publish as our first article this month, was then read.] Elder P. then continued to address the meeting on the subject of the epistle until one o'clock, when it was closed by singing and prayer.

Afternoon.-The meeting opened at three o'clock by singing the "Spirit of God." &c. After prayer, by Elder Snow, was sung, "O Zion, when I think of thee," &c.

Elder Pratt then made some further remarks on the simultaneous teachings of the spirit in England and America, in respect to emigration.

The meeting was further addressed by elders McCann, Cottam, and Miller.

Elder Pratt then proposed the following resolution:

That the presidents and elders of the several conferences of this realm in conference assembled, hereby pledge ourselves, and agree to instruct the churches, and use our utmost endeavors to fulfil [fulfill] the objects of elder Snider's mission to this land, according to the epistle of the twelve now received.

Seconded by elder Watt, and carried unanimously.

Elder Snow then addressed the meeting, and stated the method they had adopted in the London conference of raising funds for the temple, which was by holding tea meetings, at which times any one wishing to appropriate anything to this purpose had the opportunity. Elder S. concluded his address by singing beautifully in tongues.

Several of the elders then addressed the meeting; and several spoke in tongues, and interpretations were given.

Elder Pratt cautioned the Saints against extremes, and that while we had done our duty towards those amongst whom we had labored so long, but who still would not listen, yet we were not to understand that we cease to preach to the Gentiles, but be ready to proclaim the truth with all our heart to every one that will hear. He also wished them to understand, that money or goods that may be forwarded to Nauvoo, for the Nauvoo House, will not necessarily be a gift, but that it will be appropriated by trustees, and the individuals transmitting it,

will become stockholders in the property to which it may be applied.

The meeting was then dismissed.

Evening.-The meeting being opened by singing and prayer, it was moved by elder A. Cordon, and seconded by elder Ward, "That Leeds, York, Doncaster, and Bradford be associated in a conference." Carried unanimously.

It was then proposed by elder Pratt, "That elder Lorenzo Barnes have the care of the churches in the Leeds conference."

Seconded by elder Snow, and carried unanimously.

It was then moved by elder Cordon, seconded by elder Eyre, "That Sheffield, and Chesterfield be organized into a conference." Carried.

It was then moved and seconded, "That elder Carrigan be appointed to the superintendance [superintendence] of the Sheffield conference." Carried.

Elder Pratt then proceeded to read from the "Times and Seasons," an article, entitled, "Try the Spirits," which we expect to publish as soon as possible in the "Star."

Elder Levi Richards, and elder Ward spoke on the same subject, when the meeting adjourned to Tuesday, and closed by singing and prayer.

Tuesday Morning.-The meeting opened by singing and elder Pratt engaging in prayer.

Elder Pratt then reviewed the proceedings of the former days, after which he took the present occasion to address the conference on the subject of the "Word of Wisdom," and exhorted the elders to teach by precept and example, every thing consistant [consistent] with the words of wisdom, that we might become a healthy and a beautiful people, and transfer the blessing to our posterity,

Several others spoke on the same subject at considerable length.

Elder Ward stated that perfect beauty was only associated with perfect purity, and inasmuch as we were looking forward to be made like unto our glorious Lord, it behoved [behooved] us to abstain from all things that retarded our approximation to his likeness.

It having been previously announced that the time after the morning service [service] should be appropriated for baptizing, elder Ward addressed the meeting on the first principles of the gospel.

The meeting was then closed by singing and prayer, and adjourned until seven in the evening.

Evening.-The service being opened by singing and prayer [prayer], the ordience [ordinance] of confirmation was attended to upon seven that had been baptized by elder Pratt. The evening was occupied by addresses and congratulations on the providential and favorable circumstances attending the conference, by the exercise of the gifts of the spirit, and by testimony borne [born] to the truth of the work of the Lord.

The meeting was then closed by singing, "When shall we all meet again," &c. and receiving [ receiving] the blessing of elder Pratt.

Thus terminated the most important conference ever held in the British Isles, by the Church of Jesus Christ, accompanied as it was, by manifestations of the goodness of God unto us, and an exhibition of love and affection amongst the people, that must have left an impression on the minds of the Saints, which time can never erase.

SPECIAL CONFERENCE.-There will be a Special Conference on the platform of the Lord's House on the 6th of April next, commencing at 10 o'clock A. M. This conference is not designed to attract the attention of elders and brethren from a distance. The members of the Quorum of the Twelve are all requested to be present on the occasion.

By order of the First Presidency.

NOTICE.-Whereas fellowship has been withdrawn from Brs. William and Alfred Young for teaching false and erroneous doctrine &c. in Tennessee, as published in the Times & Seasons of June 15th 1842.

This is to inform the Saints abroad, that they have made satisfaction to the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ at Nauvoo, and are restored to their former standing and fellowship in the church; and we recommend them to all with whom their lots may be cast.

HOSEA STOUT,

Clerk of High Council.

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