Conference Minutes

Continuation of last April's Conference.

[Elder Rigdon here stopped to refresh himself. The choir sung a hymn.]

Elder John Taylor being called upon to address the congregation, said, It gives me pleasure to meet and associate with so large an assemblage of the saints. I always feel at home among the brethren. I consider them the honorable of the earth; and if I can do any thing to conduce to their happiness, or that will in any wise tend to their edification, I am satisfied. I therefore address this congregation with cheerfulness and pleasure; and if by unfolding any of the principles of truth that I am in possession of, or laying before you any thing pertaining to the kingdom; If my ideas will enlarge your minds or produce beneficial results to any, I shall consider myself on this, as on all other occasions amply repaid. Many

things have been spoken by Elder Rigdon concerning the early history of this church. There is no individual who has searched the oracles of eternal truth, but his mind will be touched with remarks with the remarks made by our venerable friend which unfold the dispensation of Jehovah, and have a tendency to produce the most thrilling feelings in the bosoms of many who are this day present, and to promote our general edification; he traces with pleasure on the historic page the rise of nations, kingdoms and empires. Historians dwelt with great minuteness on the heroic deeds, the chivalrous acts, the dangers and deliverances; the tact, bravery and heroism of their chieftains, generals and governments. We as republicans, look back to the time when this nation was under the iron rule of Great Britain, and groaned under the power, tyranny and oppression of that powerful nation. We trace with delight, the name of a Washington, a Jefferson, a La Fayette and an Adams, in whose bosoms burnt [burned] the spark of liberty. These themes are dwelt upon with delight by our own legislators, our governors and presidents; they are subjects which fire our souls with patriotic ardor. But if these things animate them so much, how much more great, and noble and exalted are the things laid before us. They were engaged in founding kingdoms, and empires that were destined to dissolution and decay, and although many of them were great, formidable and powerful, they now exist only in name. Their "cloud capped towers, their solemn temples, are dissolved," and nothing now remains of their former magnificence, or ancient grandeur, but a few dilapidated buildings and broken columns, a few shattered fragments remains to tell to this and to other generations, the perishable nature of earthly pomp and worldly glory.-They were engaged in founding empires and establishing kingdoms, and powers that had in themselves the seeds of destruction, and were destined to decay. We are laying the foundation of a kingdom that shall last forever;-that shall bloom in time and blossom in eternity. We are engaged in a greater work than ever occupied the attention of mortals; we live in a day that prophets and kings desired to see, but died without the sight. When we hear the history of the rise of this kingdom, from one who has been with it from its infancy, from the lips of our venerable friend who has taken an active part in all the history of the church, can we be surprised that he should feel animated, and that his soul should burn with heavenly zeal? We see in him a man of God who can contemplate the glories of heaven; the visions of eternity, and who yet looks forward to the opening glories which the great Eloheim [Elohim] has manifested to him, pertaining to righteousness and peace; a man who now beholds the things roll on which he has long since beheld in prophetic vision. Most men have established themselves in authority, by laying desolate other kingdoms, and the destruction of other powers. Their kingdoms have been founded in blood and supported by tyranny and oppression. The greatest chieftains of the earth have obtained their glory, if glory it can be called, by blood, carnage and ruin.-One nation has been built up at the expense and ruin of another, and one man has been made at the expense of another, and yet these great men were called honorable for their inglorious deeds of rapine. They have slain their thousands, and caused the orphans to weep and the widows to mourn. Men did these things because they could do it, because they had power to desolate nations and spread terror and desolation. They have made themselves immortal as great men. The patriots of this country had indeed a laudable object in view, a plausible excuse for the course they took.-They stood up in defence [defense] of their rights, liberty and freedom: but where are now those principles of freedom? Where the laws that protect all men in their religious opinions? where the laws that say a man shall worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience? What say ye, ye saints, ye who are exiles in the land of LIBERTY. How came ye here? Can you in this land of equal rights return in safety to your possessions in Missouri? No!-You are exiles from thence, and there is no power, no voice, no arm to redress your grievances. Is this the gracious boon for which your fathers fought, and struggled, and died? Shades of the venerable dead, could you but gaze upon this scene and witness tens of thousands of Americans in exile on Columbia's soil, if pity could touch your bosoms, how would you mourn for the oppressed; if indignation, how would you curse the heartless wretches that have so desecrated and polluted the temple of liberty. "How has the gold become dim, and the fine gold, how has it changed." Let it not be told among the heathen monarchs of Europe, lest they laugh and say ha! ha! So would we have it. Ye saints, never let it go abroad, that ye are exiles in the land of liberty, lest ye disgrace your republic in the eyes of the nations of the earth; but tell it to those who robbed and plundered, and refused to give you your rights; tell your rulers that all their deeds of fame are tarnished, and their glory is departed. Are we now indeed in a land of liberty of freedom, of equal rights? Would to God

I could answer yes; but no! no!! I cannot. They have robbed us, we are stripped of our possessions, many of our friends are slain, and our government says "your cause is just, but we can do nothing for you." Hear it, ye great men, we are here in exile! Here are thousands of men in bondage, in a land of liberty, of freedom!! If ye have any patriotism left, shake off your fetters, and come and proclaim us free, and give us our rights. I speak of this government as being one of the best governments, as one of the greatest, purest, and yet, what a melancholy picture. O ye venerable fathers who fought for your liberty, blush for your children, and mourn, mourn over your country's shame. We are now talking about a government which sets herself up as a pattern for the nations of the earth, and yet, O what a picture, If this is the best, the most patriotic, the most free, what is the situation of the rest? Here we speak with national pride of a Washington, a La Fayette, a Monroe, and a Jefferson; who fought for their liberties, and achieved one of the greatest victories ever won, and scarcely has one generation passed away before 15000 citizens petition government for redress of their wrongs, and they turn a deaf ear to their cry. Let us compare this with the Church of Christ, fourteen years ago a few men assembled in a log cabin; they saw visions of heaven and gazed upon the eternal world; they looked through the rent vista of futurity, and beheld the glories of eternity; they were planting those principles which were concocted in the bosom of Jehovah; they were laying a foundation for the salvation of the world, and those principles which they then planted, have not yet begun to dwindle, but the fire still burns in their bones; the principles are planted in different nations, and are wafted on every breeze. When I gaze upon this company of men, I see those who are actuated by patriotic and noble principles, who will stand up in defence [defense] of the oppressed, of whatever country, nation, color, or clime. I see it in their countenances; it is planted by the spirit of God, and they have received it from the great Eloheim [Elohim], all the power or influence of mobs, priestcraft and corrupt men, cannot quench it, it will burn, it is comprehensive as the designs of God, and as expansive as the universe, and reaches to all the world, no matter whether it was an Indian, a negro or any other man, or set of men that are oppressed, you would stand forth in their defence [defense]. I say unto you, continue to cherish those principles; let them expand, and if the tree of Liberty has been blasted in this nation; if it has been gnawed by worms, and already blight has overspread it, we will stand in defence [defense] of our liberties, and proclaim ourselves free in time and in eternity.

The choir, by request sung 'the red man,' after prayer by elder J. P. Green, the meeting was adjourned for one hour.

April 6th, 1844, afternoon.

The president arrived at the stand at 1-2 past 2 o'clock, P. M. The choir sung a hymn, after which prayer by elder J. P. Green, when the choir sung another hymn. Elder Rigdon resumed his history of the Church of Christ.

(For the want of room we postpone president Rigdon's remarks for the present.)

The Kalamazoo conference met at the house of elder Ezekiel Lee, in Comstock, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, on the first day of June 1844. There were present two of the quorum of the twelve, viz: W. Woodruff and George A. Smith; three of the high council, viz:, S. Bent, C. C. Rich and D. Fulmer; five of the High Priest's quorum, viz: H. Green, Z. Coltrin, Moses Smith, E. Thayer and G. Coltrin; eight of the seventies, fourteen Elders; two priests, and one deacon; total 35. Conference was called to order by elder C. C. Rich; W. Woodruff was called to the chair; C. Dunn and E. M. Webb chosen clerks.

Conference was opened by singing and prayer by the president.

The following branches were then represented:

The Kalamazoo branch represented 44 members, six elders, one priest and one deacon.

Grand prairie branch represented eight members, one elder.

Otsego branch represented 6 members, one elder, two priests and one teacher.

Pawpaw branch represented eight members, three elders.

Albion branch represented 26 members, two elders, one priest and one deacon.

Florence branch represented 10 members, one elder.

Motville branch represented 7 members, one elder.

Scattering members, 10.

Total 126 members, 15 elders, four priests, one teacher and two deacons.

It was moved and carried that Gideon Brownell, Jonathan Willard and Charles Lee, be ordained elders.

Also Seth Tuft, to the office of a priest.

Also W. Tyrril, to the office of a teacher.

The above named persons were then ordained under the hands of elders S. Bent, Z. Coltrin and D. Fulmer.

It was moved and carried that we sustain elders

Charles C. Rich and Harvey Green, in their appointment to preside over the state of Michigan, assigned them by the Twelve. The day was occupied in giving instructions to the elders. The assembly was addressed by the president; followed by elders George A. Smith, S. Bent, C. C. Rich, Z. Coltrin, H. Green, D. Fulmer, E. Lee, G. Coltrin, E. M. Webb, and C. Dunn. The elders were strictly charged to keep within the limits of the first principles, and let myeteries [mysteries] alone. It was ascertained that some were unwise and had taught false doctrine; such were corrected. The congregation was dismissed, and the elders assembled together and addressed by the president, and elder G. A. Smith, who forcibly urged upon their minds the necessity of their pursuing a wise course in relation to their teachings; to let what they called mysteries alone. The names of some were called as an example for the rest, who had been unwise in their teaching, among whom were elder Cornish and Keyzar. We were also informed that elder Bottom was injuring the cause in places where he had been; and if one fourth part of the testimony be true concerning the teachings and mysteries which Dr. Samuel Parker has strewed by the way side since he left Nauvoo, we are satisfied that he is filled with mysteries that never entered into the mind of God, or the authorities of the church. He had left Michigan and gone to Canada. As there was such a number of elders present, the greatest care was taken to give every necessary information in regard to their missions, that they might pursue a wise policy in every thing assigned to them.

Sunday, June 2.

A large and respectable audience assembled at 10 o'clock, A. M., which was composed of many of the most respectable citizens of the county; who were addressed in the forenoon by elder W. Woodruff, followed by elder Z. Coltrin. In the afternoon elder G. A. Smith, followed by elders D. Fulmer, S. Bent and C. C. Rich, ably set forth the first principles of the gospel of Christ, and delivered their testimony, (attended with the spirit and power of God,) unto the audience, who set in silence, manifesting great interest and attention. At the close of the meeting that warmth of friendship and kindness of feeling that is characteristic of a noble and generous soul, was manifested by many of the assembly, among whom was Gen. Comstock, and Dr. Hood.

After the assembly was dismissed, the elders were again called together by elder Rich, who proceeded to appoint the elders their stations in the different counties in the state.

W. WOODRUFF, Prest.

Crandall Dunn, }

E. M. Webb, }Clerks

Pleasant Valley conference met at B. B. Searls' on the 8th day of June, 1844; when the following branches were represented.

Pleasant valley branch consists of 27 members, one priest and one teacher.

Rose branch consists of nine members, one teacher.

Napoleon branch consists of eight members, two elders, one teacher and one deacon.

Jackson branch consists of 21 members, three elders, one priest, one teacher and one deacon.

Cedar branch consists of 20 members and one deacon.

Monroe branch consists of four members.

Total 89 members, five elders, two priests, four teachers and three deacons.

Resolved, That Alphonzo Terry, Samuel Gould, Isaac Williamson and Samuel Herrington be ordained elders.

Resolved, That Lysander Terry be ordained an elder.

The above named persons were then ordained under the hands of elders Woodruff, Smith and Coltrin.

W. WOODRUFF. Prest.

C. Dunn, Clerk.

The Franklin Conference opened on the 15th of June, 1844.

There were present of the twelve W. Woodruff and George A. Smith.

Of the High Priests, C. C. Rich, Harvey Green, Zebedee Coltrin, G. Coltrin and David Fulmer.

Of the Seventies, William Burton and J. Savage.

Also nine elders, three priests and two teachers.

President C. C. Rich called the house to order, and elder George A. Smith was called to the chair, and C. Dunn appointed clerk.

A hymn was sung, and the president opened the meeting by prayer. Some instruction was given by the chair concerning the object of the conference, when the following branches were represented:

Franklin branch consists of 35 members, one elder, one priest and one teacher.

Waterford branch consists of 12 members, one elder and one teacher.

Livonia branch consists of 12 members, one elder, one priest and one teacher.

Redford branch consists of 13 members, one elder, one priest and one deacon.

Brownstown branch consists of 23 members, one elder, one priest and one deacon.

Van Buren branch consists of 10 members and one elder.

Auburn branch consists of 13 members, two elders and one teacher.

Riga branch consists of 13 members, one priest and one deacon.

Confidence branch consists of nine members.

Four members in Lapier county, and three in Oakland county.

Total 170 members, eight elders, five priests five teachers and three deacons.

After some instruction was given by the chair, on the subject of ordination, it was

Resolved, That elder M. Serrine be ordained a high priest.

Resolved, That B. B. Searls, M. Wait, M. Sprague, Peter Van Evry, William Van Evry, C. Loomis, S. Goodnuff, C. McBride and Jonathan Collins, be ordained to the office of elders.

Resolved, That C. Hogle and S. Hopkins, be ordained priests.

Resolved, That J. M. Taylor be ordained deacon.

The above named persons were then ordained under the hands of elders G. A. Smith, C. C. Rich and W. Woodruff.

Resolved, That elder M. Serrine be the presiding high priest over all the branches of the church in eastern Michigan.

Spiritual and edifying addresses were delivered by elders Woodruff, Smith and Rich, directed mostly to the elders.

Conference adjourned until Sunday morning 10 O'clock.

Conference met pursuant to the adjournment.-A large audience was assembled at an early hour, which was addressed by elder W. Woodruff, followed by elder Green, and in the afternoon by elder G. A. Smith; a good impression was made upon the whole congregation.

G. A. SMITH, Prest.

C. C. Dunn, Clerk.

Minutes of a conference of the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held on the first and second days of June, 1844, in Alquina, Fayette county, la.

The following are the names of the official members present:

High priests-Amasa Lyman, Willard Snow, William Snow, James C. Snow and George P. Dykes.

Seventies-Dominicus Carter and Josiah Fleming.

Elders-Wm. Taney, Robert Reehey, Wm. Martindale and Ephraim Turner.

The conference was organized by calling elder Amasa Lyman to preside, and by appointing elder James C. Snow, clerk, after which a hymn was sung, and the throne of grace addressed by the president.

The choir sung another hymn, when elder Willard Snow was called upon to address the saints; who, after making some preliminary remarks, took the 37th chapter of Genesis, 7th verse, for his text. From this he showed the design of God, in protecting his servants in carrying his designs and purposes into effect, and in frustrating the wicked in all their secret works of darkness, showing the contrast between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. He concluded by telling a dream, of President Joseph Smith's, dreamed about fourteen years ago, viz: "That his name should be had for good and evil, among the nations and kingdoms of the earth, and that they would seek his life from city to city, and speak all manner of evil against him falsely."

Another hymn was sung, and conference adjourned until 2 o'clock.

Afternoon services opened by singing and prayer, by elder Dominicus Carter.

Elder William Snow then arose and gave a short synopsis of the revealed will of God to man, from the creation down to the present time, showing what had been written was for our own profit and learning, for the express purpose that we might place ourselves in a situation to receive the revealed will of heaven given directly to us, and in so receiving, we would escape the evils to which we are continually exposed. He then took the 3rd chapter of Malachi, and reasoned upon the new and everlasting covenant which should precede the second advent of the Savior, also some of the circumstances attending it. President Amasa Lyman then made some general remarks upon the different applications of time and days spoken of by the prophets and apostles [apostles], for the fulfilment [fulfillment] of certain scriptures; for instance, the first and second verses of Hebrews, where Paul says: God who at sundry times, &c.; but hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son. This shows the very time here referred to, was the very days then passing. Again, the prophet Joel says, in the last days saith God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh, &c.-This time refers to the very last days that will ever be. He then showed the permanent foundation of the kingdom of Christ, and the surety of its continuation under the present dispensation.

Conference adjourned until Sunday 11 o'clock.

Conference convened at 11 o'clock, and was called to order by singing and prayer, by elder Martindale.

President Amasa Lyman then arose and read the second epistle of Peter; he then showed the necessity of more revelations, without which, the prophesies already given can never be fulfilled; for this reason, that the heavens must receive Jesus Christ until the time of the restoration of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began; Acts 3d chapt., 21st verse. He also showed the various changes which have taken place since the morning of creation; and again, how these things so changed are to be restored again previous to the second coming of the Savior. He concluded his remarks by saying to the people, prove all things and hold fast that which is good.

Conference adjourned until 3 o'clock.

The afternoon services commenced by singing and prayer, by elder William Martindale; after which elder George P. Dykes, in a short and concise manner, traced the rise and downfall of the kingdoms and empires of the earth, as they have existed from ancient Babylon to the setting up of the kingdom of God in the last days. He then took the subject of the Book of Mormon and proved the authenticity of the book by the testimony of the prophets.

After singing a hymn conference adjourned antil [until] the 14th day of September next, at 10 o'clock.

During the conference a good spirit prevailed; two came forward and were baptized for the remission of their sins, and many others were believing, while some gazed heedless on the sight.

AMASA LYMAN, Prest.

James C. Snow, Clerk.

Minutes of a conference held in Pleasant Garden, Putnam county, Ia., June 1844.

The house was called to order, and on motion of elder Richard Anderson, elder G. P. Dykes was called to the chair, and Alfred Hall chosen secretary.

After the conference was duly opened by singing and prayer, by brother Anderson, the chairman arose and in a conclusive manner set forth the necessity of order in the house of God; after which he addressed the assembly from the 5th chapter and 18th verse of Romans; and in an able and elegant manner set forth the atonement through Jesus Christ, and universal salvation from original sin, and a full and complete salvation from actual sins, by an obedience to the principles of the gospel; after which meeting adjourned till 2 o'clock, P. M.

Met pursuant to adjournment; no business of temporal nature being brought before the conference, elder R. Anderson addressed the congregation on the subject of the second coming of the Son of Man, and in an able manner proved his position to be tenable. He was followed by the chairman, who in a plain and positive manner, proved emphatically that the promises made to the ancient fathers would be fulfilled.

The names of the official members present, were then taken, which was as follows:

High Priest-George P. Dykes.

Seventies-Daniel Schearer, Salmon Warner, A. Hanks.

Elders-Richard Anderson, John Jones, Robert Gillibrand, Lincoln Mason, Alfred Hall.

Priest-Allen E. Hall.

The conference then proceeded to appoint, (after the dismission [dismissing] of the congregation,) elder Anderson his mission in Putnam and the adjoining counties; Elders Warner and Hanks in the north of Putnam and Montgomery counties, and elders Jones and Gillibrand to Vevay, Switzerland county.

Conference adjourned to meet to-morrow at 10 o'clock.

Met pursuant to adjournment, and after singing and prayer, elder Shearer [Schearer] addressed the congregation on the plan of salvation and was followed by elder Dykes.

Adjourned till 2 O'clock.

Met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by singing and prayer, by elder Gillibrand, after which the chairman took the floor, and in an able manner proved the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. He was followed by elder Shearer and Anderson, after which, through the benediction of the president, the conference adjourned, sine die.

G. P. DYKES, Prest.

Alfred Hall, Clerk.

Minutes of a conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at the city of Halifax, Halifax co., Province of Nova Scotia, according to previous appointment, February 19th, 1844.

Conference met at 1 o'clock, and after singing and prayer by Elder John Skerry, Elder Robert Dickson presented before the meeting the object of the conference.

Conference was organized by calling Robert Dickson to preside and appointing John Skerry Clerk.

Representation of branches-The Halifax branch represented by Elder Dickson, consists

of 16 members, 2 elders, and 1 deacon 2 have been cut off since the last conference.

Four members at Onslow, Colchester co., N. S., represented by Elder Dickson.

The Preston branch represented by Elder Edward Cooke, consists of 14 members, 1 elder, 1 priest, 1 teacher, and 1 deacon, all in good standing, except 4 members doubtful.

Elder Dickson has baptised [baptized] since the last conference six in Preston.

Present, 3 elders, 1 priest, 1 teacher, and 1 deacon.

Resolved, That the saints uphold the first presidency by their prayers.

Resolved, That a copy of the minutes of this conference be transmitted to Nauvoo, for publication in the Times and Seasons.

Conference minutes were read and accepted.

Resolved, That this conference adjourn sine die.

R. DICKSON, Pres't.

John Skerry, Clerk.

Minutes of a conference held in Adams, Jefferson county, on 25 and 26 of May, 1844.

The conference convened Saturday, 10 o'clock A. M., there was present on that occasion about 300 saints, 150 of which have embraced the gospel since last autumn after some appropriate remarks delivered by Elder J. Patten, the conference was organized by calling Elder B. Brown to the chair, and appointing Elder J. W. Crosby secretary.

The business of the day then commenced.-Branches were represented as follows:

Elder Green made mention of the Adams branch of 60 members, one elder, two priests, all in good standing, this branch last September numbered 17 only .

Clayton branch represented by brother Nichols, 8 members one elder.

Lime branch represented by elder H. Ackley, of 35 members, 4 elders, all in good standing, this branch was organized last winter.

Black River branch represented by Elder Childs, 50 members, two elders, two priests.

Ellisburgh branch represented by Bro. M. Bates, 48 members, two elders and one priest.

Indian River branch represented by Brother Childs, 40 members, two elders, two priests.

Pillar Point branch was represented by Eld. Gibbs, 12 members, one elder.

Theresa branch 14 members, two elders, one pries [priest] and one deacon.

Alexandria branch represented by Elder J. Crosby, 22 members, one elder, this branch has been raised up within a few weeks. Many other scattering members were spoken of: there were some fifteen or twenty elders present, from different parts of the country who universally manifested a warm hearted and ardent zeal in the cause of truth.

Our business being accomplished and much instruction having been given on the importance of the Temple being reared, funds wanted, &c., likewise a few remarks respecting the ensuing presidential election, a number of brethren delivered their testimony in favor of the great work of God to be performed in this the dispensation of the fulness [fullness] of times. Conference then adjourned till next day.

Sunday. Conference assembled at 10 o'clock A. M., the meeting was opened by singing and prayer; as usual a large concourse of people assembled from the surrounding country, probably near 1000; the day was spent very agreeably, being devoted to public preaching. Our meeting being held in the grove, some little disorder was manifest from professors of goodness, but in reality, ð possessors of meanness; ð however, our meeting was agreeable and the saints rejoiced greatly in the truth. During our conference 5 were baptised [baptized] and two ordained to the office of an elder; there will be a great gathering the ensuing autumn from this region. Our labors are closed in this region for the present, yet the work is rolling on steadily and increasing on every hand, we have baptised [baptized] rising of 150 and ordained eight elders in this county since our labors commenced here, but the time of our departure is at hand.

If you find the above minutes, remarks, &c., worthy of a place in your valuable periodical, they are at your disposal.

With sentiments of high esteem, we suberibe [subscribe] ourselves your fellow laborers in the gospel of peace.

BENJ. BROWN.

JESSE W. CROSBY.