Chapter XI

Threatening Portents in the Actions of Missouri--General Conferences in Nauvoo and England--The Doctrine of Priesthood.

_Tuesday, September 15, 1840_.

"The governor of Missouri, after a silence of about two years, has
at last made a demand on Governor Carlin of Illinois, for Joseph
Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Caleb
Baldwin, and Alanson Brown, as fugitives from justice.

"The demand it seems has been complied with by Governor Carlin,
and an order issued for their apprehension; accordingly our place
has recently received a visit from the sheriff for these men;
but through the tender mercies of a kind Providence, who by His
power has sustained, and once delivered them from the hands of the
blood-thirsty and savage race of beings in the shape of men that
tread Missouri's delightful soil; they were not to be found--as
the Lord would have it, they were gone from home, and the sheriff
returned, of course without them.

"These men do not feel disposed to again try the solemn realities
of mob law in that state; and a free and enlightened republic
should respond against it, for Missouri has no claim on them, but
they have claim on Missouri.

"What right have they to demand of Governor Carlin, as fugitives
from justice, men against whom no process had ever been found in
that state--no, not so much as the form of a process? They were
taken by a mob militia, and dragged from everything that was dear
and sacred, and tried (without their knowledge) by a court martial,
condemned to be shot, but this failing, they were forced into
confinement, galled with chains, deprived of the comforts of life,
and even that which was necessary to save life, then brought to a
pretended trial, without even having a legal process served, and
then deprived of the privilege of defense. They were taken by a
mob, tried, condemned and imprisoned by the same, and this Missouri
cannot deny.

"What a beautiful picture Governor Boggs has presented to the
{199} world, after driving twelve or fifteen thousand inhabitants
from their homes, forcing them to leave the state under the pain
of extermination, and confiscating their property, and murdering
innocent men, women and children; then, because that a few made
their escape from his murdering hand, and have found protection in
a land of equal rights, so that his plans and designs have all been
unfruitful, to that extent that he has caused 'Mormonism' to spread
with double vigor; he now has the presumption to demand them back,
in order that his thirst for innocent blood may yet be satiated.

"He has no business with them; they have not escaped from justice,
but from the hands of a cursed, infuriated, inhuman set, or race
of beings who are enemies to their country, to their God, to
themselves, and to every principle of righteousness and humanity.
They loathe Christianity, and despise the people of God; they war
against truth, and inherit lies; virtue they tread under their
feet; while vice (with her ten thousand offspring) is their welcome
associate; therefore, men on whom Missouri has no claim, she
cannot, no, she never shall have." [1]

_Sunday, 20_.--Elder Willard Richards went to Preston, held a conference, ordained five Elders, eleven Priests, eight Teachers, one Deacon, and returned to Manchester same day.

_Letter of Samuel Bent and George W. Harris to the
Presidency--Reporting Labors_.

Cincinnati, Sept. 23, 1840.

_To the First Presidency and High Council of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints_:

We gladly embrace this opportunity of conveying a few lines to
you by Ebenezer Robinson, who we expect will leave this place for
Nauvoo in a few days.

Brother George W. Harris and myself have visited the several
branches of the Church in Adams county, Pike county, Jacksonville,
and Springfield. On our way we stopped at Terre Haute, and Pleasant
Garden, Indiana. We found the brethren generally very willing and
anxious to do all in their power to assist the Church in the great
and glorious cause that we have engaged in respecting the printing
of the several books in contemplation, but I am sorry to say I
found them destitute of the means to relieve our present necessity.

However, we have succeeded in obtaining several notes of hand from
{200} different brethren in the state of Illinois, to the amount of
about eighty-three dollars, which will come due on the first day of
October next, and we have handed them over to Ebenezer Robinson,
to be delivered to Joseph Smith, Jun., for collection. We expect
Brother Robinson will arrive with them at the time they become due.

We have obtained some money, which we have paid over to Brother
Ebenezer Robinson. We have also given our obligations as agents for
the Church, to Shepherd and Stearns to the amount of three hundred
dollars, two hundred of which becomes due on the twenty-sixth day
of November next, and the other one hundred on the twenty sixth day
of December next, being the amount due Shepherd and Stearns for the
stereotype plates.

We have taken up the bond that Brother Brown gave for the wagon
or carriage which he let Joseph Smith, Jun., have, and we have
succeeded in procuring a horse and harness to put alongside of
the other horse to make it easier for him. We got said horse and
harness by contributions from the brethren at Dayton and West
Milton, Ohio.

Brother Ebenezer Robinson (we think) has been very economical,
diligent, and persevering, and successful in the business whereupon
he was sent. He has gained the confidence of the gentlemen with
whom he has been transacting business in the city, and has done
honor to the cause of Christ and His Church of Latter-day Saints.
We can further say to you brethren, we think the course he has
taken, and our united exertions with him, have established the
credit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this
place (I mean as to business transactions), to that extent that we
can obtain any amount of paper, type, and other materials requisite
to carry on the printing business to a large extent, and upon terms
that will warrant our success.

We therefore shall go on with renewed courage and zeal, trusting
in the Lord to prepare the way before us, and we feel to ask your
prayers that God may peradventure expand the minds of the Saints
abroad, that they may be able to comprehend the magnitude of the
work we so much desire to accomplish, which in all probability will
induce them to donate with alacrity.

Brother John E. Page is preaching with the manifestations of the
Spirit and power in this place, and with considerable success.
We think when Brother Page leaves the city of Cincinnati, the
inhabitants thereof will be left without excuse for not receiving
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his garments clear from their blood
in the day of judgment.

Accept our love and best wishes.

Yours in the bonds of the New and Everlasting Covenant,

Samuel Bent,

George W. Harris.

{201} _Letter of John E. Page to the Presidency--Reporting Progress
of Palestine Mission_.

Cincinnati, September 23, 1840.

_To the President and Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and also to all the Saints Assembled in General
Conference_:

Your humble servant embraces with pleasure this opportunity to
pen for your edification a few lines. I congratulate you upon
the steady march and advancement of the cause of Christ, as [it]
has fallen under my observation. Elder Hyde and myself have been
treated with respect, and had the greatest attention paid us by
the brethren and sisters; and by gentlemen and ladies of the first
class in society, we have been made welcome very heartily to their
dwellings and comforts of life. When we separate from them they
grip our hands with tears standing full in their eyes, bidding
farewell, and often leave something noble with us to help us on
our mission; and a firm promise that they will duly reflect on the
great things which we have told them. They ardently request us to
send them some competent Elder to preach to them.

Yes, dear brethren, the cause of truth is marching onward with
unparalleled rapidity, and victory! Victory! will soon be the shout
of all the faithful in Christ; and thank the Lord, thank the Lord,
is the language of unworthy me, that I have lived to see 1840, with
all its attendant evidences of the truth of the Book of Mormon, and
the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.

I must save a place in this communication to make some remarks
concerning Brother Ebenezer Robinson. I can say, in truth and
soberness, that he merits the esteem and confidence of the Saints
and all good men for his diligence and economy while getting
the Book of Mormon stereotyped, &c., here. The honest and frank
course he has pursued towards the gentlemen with whom he has
been concerned in business (viz., Messrs. Shepherd, Stearns, and
others), has won their everlasting respect and esteem, judging from
their own manifestations to me.

Dear brethren and sisters, your humble servants, Orson Hyde and
myself, sincerely solicit your special prayers, sealed with a
hearty amen.

Elder Hyde is truly a humble servant of the Lord, and a very
agreeable companion in the ministry. Our hearts are one, our faith
is one, and the strongholds of Satan quake before us. We desire
to have grace to perform our mission, that we may return to our
families and brethren with triumph and joy.

I anticipate that Elder Hyde is in New York City. I am waiting to
obtain a few copies of the third edition of the Book of Mormon. To
{202} raise means is hard, yet we trust in the Lord. I shall go to
Philadelphia as soon as possible.

I have baptized thirteen in this city; many are believing, and some
halting between two opinions; and have baptized in all since I
started, eighty-four.

I have had a vision from the Lord, which manifested the present
state of the world respecting the Jews, Jerusalem, the remnant
of Israel, and also the Gentile world. As hasty summer fruit, so
is this nation; as a vineyard of grapes fully ripe, ready to be
gathered for the press, so are all the nations of the earth.

I want the conference to send some faithful and competent Elder to
this place, to nurse the seed or word that has been sown here, and
shall leave this matter with Ebenezer Robinson to lay before the
conference.

Elders Bent and Harris are here, and are using all their energies,
both of mind and body, to fill their calling. I deem them amply
qualified to discharge the function of their office, provided they
keep humble.

Dear brethren, remember me to my family, and pray for them;
remember me to Sister Hyde, and also all of the wives of the Elders
in particular, whose husbands are in the field. Tell them to pray
for us. I hope the authorities of the Church will see that they are
provided with food and raiment, that they may enjoy life with you.

Yours in the bonds of the Covenant,

John E. Page.

_Monday, 28_.

_Extracts from Orson Hyde's Letter--Signs in the Heavens_.

Burlington County, New Jersey.

I left Elder Page at Cincinnati the latter part of August, and came
on up the Ohio river as far as Wellsburgh, Virginia. I stopped with
Father James. Here I preached twice, and baptized three persons;
came on by stage and steamboats to Pittsburg; from thence took the
canal to Leechburgh, where I stopped and preached to a small number
of Saints, raised up by the instrumentality of Father Nickerson--in
good spirits.

As I left this place about nine o'clock in the morning, the
most remarkable phenomenon occurred in the heavens that I ever
witnessed. There appeared two bright and luminous bodies, one on
the north and the other on the south of the sun; in length about
ten yards, inclining to a circle resembling a rainbow, about fifty
yards distant from the sun; apparently east about twenty-five
yards, was a body of light as brilliant almost as the sun itself;
and on the west, a great distance from the sun, {203} appeared a
white semi-circle passing half way round the horizon, and another
crossing it at right angles, exhibiting a scene of the sublimest
kind. It was a great wonder to the passengers on board the boat.
Put this with the fact that the Jews are gathering home, and that
all Europe is in commotion and on the eve of breaking out in open
hostilities; and also that the tree of liberty, which has long
flourished in the republican soil of America, has been girdled,
and her green foliage, which has shielded and protected the sons
of oppression from the scorching rays of despotic power, already
begins to wither like the accursed fig tree--and what language do
these speak to the Saints! "Lift up your heads, for your redemption
draweth near!" * * * * * *

I came on, and met with the Saints in Chester county, Pennsylvania,
laboring there about one week with Brother Barnes, where we added
six to their number. I preached about one week in Philadelphia,
and baptized twelve; came on to this place with Brothers Snow
and Barnes, and held a two-days' meeting, at which sixteen were
baptized. I shall return to Philadelphia in a few days, where I
expect to meet Brother Page, and then, if the Lord will, after
holding a few meetings in this country, we shall proceed on to New
York, there to take ship and sail over the seas.

Orson Hyde.

On the night of the 28th, Elder Heber C. Kimball had the following dream, as related by himself:

_Elder Heber C. Kimball's Dream_.

Having great anxiety for the welfare of the small branch which
we had raised in London, I retired to rest and had the following
dream. I thought that we dug a well on high ground in order to
obtain water, and after digging some considerable time, we came to
an excellent spring; we then commenced to back it up, but before it
was finished, we had occasion to leave for a short time and when
we returned to complete it, we found it carefully filled up with
sand, and all attempts to remove it proved unavailing, we thought
it better to choose another spot on lower ground, where we were
successful. When we returned to London, we experienced a perfect
fulfillment of my dream--having to open a new preaching place at
Barrett's Academy, King Square, Goswell Road, our former place
being closed against us.

_Tuesday, 29_.--Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith left London for the Manchester conference.

_Saturday, October 3_.

{204} _Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in Nauvoo, Hancock County,
Illinois, Beginning October 3, 1840_.

The conference was opened with prayer by President William Marks.
President Joseph Smith was then unanimously called to the chair,
and Robert B. Thompson appointed clerk.

A letter from Elders Bent and Harris, and one from Elder John E.
Page were then read by the clerk, which gave very satisfactory
accounts of their mission.

On motion, Resolved: That a committee be appointed to ordain such
as have recommends to this conference for ordination, and that
Jonathan H. Hale, Elisha H. Groves, Charles C. Rich, John Murdock,
and Simeon Carter, compose said committee, and report their
proceedings before the conference closes.

The President arose and stated that there had been several
depredations committed on the citizens of Nauvoo, and thought
it expedient that a committee be appointed to search out the
offenders, and bring them to justice.

Whereupon it was Resolved: That Joseph Smith, Elias Higbee, William
Marks, Vinson Knight, William Law, Charles C. Rich, and Dimick B.
Huntington, compose said committee.

On motion, Resolved: That Robert B. Thompson be appointed the
General Church Clerk, in the room of George W. Robinson, who
intends to remove to Iowa.

It having been requested by Elder Page, that the conference would
appoint an Elder to take charge of the church which he and Elder
Hyde had raised up in Cincinnati, on motion, Resolved: That Elder
Samuel Bennett be appointed to preside there.

The president then arose and stated that it was necessary that
something should be done with regard to Kirtland, so that it might
be built up; and gave it as his opinion, that the brethren from
the east might gather there, and also that it was necessary that
some one should be appointed from this conference to preside over
that stake. On motion, Resolved: That Elder Almon W. Babbitt be
appointed to preside over the Church in Kirtland, and that he
choose his own counselors.

Conference adjourned for one hour.

One o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. An
opportunity was given to the brethren who had any remarks to make
on suitable locations for stakes of Zion. Elder H. W. Miller stated
that it was the desire of a number of the brethren residing in
Adams county, to have a stake appointed at Mount Ephrain in that
county, and stated the advantages of the place for agricultural
purposes.

{205} On motion, Resolved: That a stake be appointed at Mount
Ephraim, in Adams county.

There being several applications for the appointment of stakes,
it was Resolved: That a committee be appointed to organize stakes
between this place and Kirtland, and that Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight,
and Almon W. Babbitt, compose said committee.

The President then spoke of the necessity of building a "House of
the Lord" in this place. Whereupon it was Resolved: That the Saints
build a house for the worship of God, and that Reynolds Cahoon,
Elias Higbee, and Alpheus Cutler be appointed a committee to build
the same.

On motion, Resolved: That a commencement be made ten days from this
date, and that every tenth day be appropriated for the building of
the house.

President Hyrum Smith arose and stated that there were several
individuals who, on moving to this place, had not settled with
their creditors, and had no recommend from the branches of the
churches where they had resided. On motion, Resolved: That those
persons moving to this place, who do not bring a recommend, be
disfellowshiped.

John C. Bennett, M. D., then spoke at some length, on the
oppression to which the Church had been subjected, and remarked
that it was necessary for the brethren to stand by each other, and
resist every unlawful attempt at persecution.

Elder Lyman Wight then addressed the meeting. Adjourned till
tomorrow morning.

_Sunday morning, October 4_.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer
by Elder Almon W. Babbitt.

The clerk was then called upon to read the report of the Presidency
in relation to the city plat, after which the President made some
observations on the status of the debts on the city plat, which
will appear at the close of these conference minutes, and advised
that a committee be appointed to raise funds to liquidated the
same. On motion, Resolved: That William Marks and Hyrum Smith
compose said committee.

On motion, Resolved: That a committee be appointed to draft a bill
for the incorporation of the town of Nauvoo, and other purposes.

_Resolved_: That Joseph Smith, John C. Bennett, and Robert B.
Thompson be said committee.

_Resolved_: That John C. Bennett be appointed delegate, to urge the
passage of said bill through the legislature.

President Hyrum Smith then rose and gave some general instructions
to the Church. Conference adjourned for one hour.

{206} One o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and
was opened with prayer by Elder John P. Greene.

President Joseph Smith then rose and delivered a discourse on
the subject of baptism for the dead, which was listened to with
considerable interest, by the vast multitude assembled.

Dr. John C. Bennett from the committee to draft a charter for the
city, and for other purposes, reported the outlines thereof. On
motion, Resolved: That the same be adopted.

Elder Ebenezer Robinson then rose and gave an account of the
printing of another edition of the Book of Mormon, and stated that
it was now nearly completed, and that arrangements had been made
for the printing of the hymn-book, Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
&c.

Conference adjourned to Monday morning.

_Monday morning, October 5_.

Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with prayer
by Elder Lyman Wight.

Elder Robert B. Thompson, after a few preliminary remarks, read
an article on the Priesthood, composed by President Joseph Smith,
which will appear at the close of the conference minutes; after
which Elder Babbitt delivered an excellent discourse on the same
subject, at considerable length.

Conference adjourned for one hour. During the intermission a large
number was baptized.

Two o'clock p. m. Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Elder
Lyman Wight addressed the congregation on the subject of baptism
for the dead, and other subjects of interest to the Church.

The President then made some observations and pronounced his
benediction on the assembly.

Dr. John C. Bennett said that many persons had been accused of
crime, and been looked upon as guilty, when on investigation it
has been ascertained that nothing could be proved against them.
Whereupon, on motion, it was Resolved: That no person be considered
guilty of crime, unless proved so by the testimony of two or three
witnesses.

He next brought before the conference the treatment the Saints had
experienced in Missouri, and wished to know whether the conference
would take any further steps in relation to obtaining redress.
On motion, resolved: That Elias Higbee and Robert B. Thompson be
appointed a committee to obtain redress for the wrongs sustained in
Missouri.

The committee on ordinations reported that they had ordained
thirty-nine to the ministry.

{207} On motion, Resolved: That this conference be dismissed, and
that the next conference be held on the 6th day of April next.

Joseph Smith, President.

Robert B. Thompson, Clerk.

The following is the article on Priesthood referred to in the conference minutes:

Priesthood.

In order to investigated the subject of the Priesthood, so
important to this, as well as every succeeding generation, I shall
proceed to trace the subject as far as I possibly can from the Old
and New Testaments.

There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the
Melchisedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two
Priesthoods, yet the Melchisedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic
or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the
highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of
the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity
on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge,
doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is
revealed from heaven.

Its institution was prior to "the foundation of this earth, or
the morning stars sang together, or the Sons of God shouted for
joy," and is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the
order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts,
ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are
held, controlled, and directed by it. It is the channel through
which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning
of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued
to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and
through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time.

Commencing with Adam, who was the first man, who is spoken of in
Daniel as being the "Ancient of Days," or in other words, the
first and oldest of all, the great, grand progenitor of whom it
is said in another place he is Michael, because he was the first
and father of all, not only by progeny, but the first to hold the
spiritual blessings, to whom was made known the plan of ordinances
for the salvation of his posterity unto the end, and to whom Christ
was first revealed, and through whom Christ has been revealed
from heaven, and will continue to be revealed from henceforth.
Adam holds the keys of the dispensation of the fullness of times;
i. e., the dispensation of all the times have been and will be
revealed through him from the beginning to Christ, and from Christ
to the end of all the dispensations that are to be {208} revealed.
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to
His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: that in the
dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in
one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are
on earth; even in him." (Ephesians, 1st chap., 9th and 10 verses).

Now the purpose in Himself in the winding up scene of the last
dispensation is that all things pertaining to that dispensation
should be conducted precisely in accordance with the preceding
dispensations.

And again, God purposed in Himself that there should not be an
eternal fullness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and
gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, that
should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto
the same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus;
therefore He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever,
and set Adam to watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man,
or to send angels to reveal them. "Are they not all ministering
spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of
salvation?" (Hebrews, i, 14).

These angels are under the direction of Michael or Adam, who acts
under the direction of the Lord. From the above quotation we learn
that Paul perfectly understood the purposes of God in relation
to His connection with man, and that glorious and perfect order
which He established in Himself, whereby he sent forth power,
revelations, and glory.

God will not acknowledge that which He has not called, ordained,
and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by His own voice. "And
the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? And
he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because
I was naked, and hid myself." (See Genesis 3rd chap., 9, 10.) Adam
received commandments and instructions from God: this was the order
from the beginning.

That he received revelations, commandments and ordinances at the
beginning is beyond the power of controversy; else how did they
begin to offer sacrifices to God in an acceptable manner? And if
they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination.
We read in (Genesis, 4th chap., 4th), that Abel brought of the
firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and the Lord had
respect to Abel and to his offering. And, again, "By faith Abel
offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which
he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts; and by it he being dead, yet speaketh." (Hebrews xi:4).
How doth he yet speak? Why he magnified the Priesthood which was
conferred upon him, and died a righteous man, and therefore has
become an angel of God by receiving his body from the dead, holding
still the keys of his dispensation; and was sent down from heaven
unto {209} Paul to minister consoling words, and to commit unto him
a knowledge of the mysteries of godliness.

And if this was not the case, I would ask, how did Paul know so
much about Abel, and why should he talk about his speaking after he
was dead? Hence, that he spoke after he was dead must be by being
sent down out of heaven to administer.

This, then, is the nature of the Priesthood; every man holding the
Presidency of his dispensation, and one man holding the Presidency
of them all, even Adam: and Adam receiving his Presidency and
authority from the Lord, but cannot receive a fullness until Christ
shall present the Kingdom to the Father, which shall be at the end
of the last dispensation.

The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue
with those who received ordination only as their righteousness
continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but
not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then,
that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed;
otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a
blessing.

If Cain had fulfilled the law of righteousness as did Enoch, he
could have walked with God all the days of his life, and never
failed of a blessing. "And Enoch walked with God after he begat
Methuselah 300 years, and begat sons and daughters, and all the
days of Enoch were 365 years; and Enoch walked with God, and he was
not, for God took him." (Gen. 5th chap., 22nd ver.) Now this Enoch
God reserved unto Himself, that he should not die at that time,
and appointed unto him a ministry unto terrestrial bodies, of whom
there has been but little revealed. He is reserved also unto the
Presidency of a dispensation, and more shall be said of him and
terrestrial bodies in another treatise. He is a ministering angel,
to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation and appeared
unto Jude as Abel did unto Paul; therefore Jude spoke of him (14,
15 verses). And Enoch, the seventh from Adam, revealed these
sayings: "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His Saints."

Paul was also acquainted with this character, and received
instructions from him. "By faith Enoch was translated, that he
should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated
him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he
pleased God; but without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for
he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a
revealer to those who diligently seek him." (Heb. 11, 5).

Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this
Priesthood. There are many things which belong to the powers of the
Priesthood and the keys thereof, that have been kept hid from {210}
before the foundation of the world; they are hid from the wise and
prudent to be revealed in the last times.

Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine
whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and
into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their
place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place
prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering
angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into
so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead.
"Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might
obtain a better resurrection." (See Heb. 11th chap., part of the
35th verse.)

Now it was evident that there was a better resurrection, or else
God would not have revealed it unto Paul. Wherein then, can it be
said a better resurrection. This distinction is made between the
doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation
obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body,
but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the
ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory.

On the other hand, those who were tortured, not accepting
deliverance, received an immediate rest from their labors. "And I
heard a voice from heaven, saying, Blessed are the dead who die
in the Lord, for from henceforth they do rest from their labors
and their works do follow them." (See Revelation, 14th chap., 13th
verse).

They rest from their labors for a long time, and yet their work is
held in reserve for them, that they are permitted to do the same
work, after they receive a resurrection for their bodies. But we
shall leave this subject and the subject of the terrestrial bodies
for another time, in order to treat upon them more fully.

The next great, grand Patriarch [after Enoch] who held the keys
of the Priesthood was Lamech. "And Lamech lived one hundred and
eighty-two years and begat a son, and he called his name Noah,
saying, this same shall comfort us concerning our work and the toil
of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed." (See
Gen. 5th chap., 28th and 29th verses.) The Priesthood continued
from Lamech to Noah: "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh
is before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them,
and behold I will destroy them with the earth." (Gen. 6: 13.)

Thus we behold the keys of this Priesthood consisted in obtaining
the voice of Jehovah that He talked with him [Noah] in a familiar
and friendly manner, that He continued to him the keys, the
covenants, the power and the glory, with which he blessed Adam at
the beginning; and the offering of sacrifice, which also shall
be continued at the last time; for all the ordinances and duties
that ever have been required by {211} the Priesthood, under
the directions and commandments of the Almighty in any of the
dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation, therefore
all things had under the authority of the Priesthood at any former
period, shall be had again, bringing to pass the restoration spoken
of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets; then shall the sons of
Levi offer an acceptable offering to the Lord. "And he shall sit as
a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of
Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto
the Lord." (See Malachi 3:3).

It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the
doctrine set forth in the above quotation, and it is generally
supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great
Sacrifice [_i. e_., the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus] was offered
up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of
sacrifice in future; but those who assert this are certainly
not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the
priesthood, or with the Prophets.

The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part
of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and
will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation
to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of
sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior
to the law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the
Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings.

Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of the Priesthood,
and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the authority
and deliver the keys of the Priesthood, in order that all the
ordinances may be attended to in righteousness. It is true that
the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing; but
the sons of Levi were too prejudiced. "And I will send Elijah the
Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord," etc., etc.
Why send Elijah? Because he holds the keys of the authority to
administer in all the ordinances of the Priesthood; and without the
authority is given, the ordinances could not be administered in
righteousness.

It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were
offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case; if you read
Leviticus, second chap., second and third verses, you will observe
that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before
the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the
priests; so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed
upon the altar--but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain
other portions are consumed.

These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the
Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and
the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in
all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and
ever will exist when the {212} powers of the Melchisedic Priesthood
are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all
things spoken of by the holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not
to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again
with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been
spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to
Moses' day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.

It may be asked by some, what necessity for sacrifice, since the
Great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which, if repentance,
baptism, and faith existed prior to the days of Christ, what
necessity for them since that time? The Priesthood has descended
in a regular line from father to son, through their succeeding
generations. (See Book of Doctrine and Covenants). [2]

Report Of The Presidency. [3]

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints would respectfully report--

That they feel rejoiced to meet the Saints at another General
Conference, and under circumstances as favorable as the present.
Since our settlement in Illinois we have for the most part been
treated with courtesy and respect, and a feeling of kindness and
of sympathy has generally been manifested by all classes of the
community, who, with us, deprecate the conduct of those men whose
dark and blackening deeds are stamped with everlasting infamy and
disgrace. The contrast between our past and present situation is
great. Two years ago mobs were threatening, plundering, driving
and murdering the Saints. Our burning houses lighted up the canopy
of heaven. Our women and children, houseless and destitute, had
to wander from place to place to seek a shelter from the rage of
persecuting foes. Now we enjoy peace, and can worship the God of
heaven and earth without molestation, and expect to be able to go
forward and accomplish the great and glorious work to which we have
been called.

Under these circumstances we feel to congratulate the Saints
of the Most High, on the happy and pleasing change in their
circumstances, condition and prospects, and which those who shared
in the perils and distress, undoubtedly appreciate; while prayers
and thanksgivings daily ascend to that God who looked upon our
distresses and delivered us from danger and death, and whose hand
is over us for good.

From the unpropitious nature of the weather, we hardly expected to
behold so many of our friends on this occasion; in this, however,
we are agreeably disappointed, which gives us strong assurance that
the Saints are as zealous, untiring, and energetic as ever, in the
great work of the last days; and gives us joy and consolation, and
greatly {213} encourages us, while contending with the difficulties
which necessarily lie in our way. Let the brethren ever manifest
such a spirit, and hold up our hands, and we must, we will go
forward; the work of the Lord shall roll forth, the Temple of the
Lord be reared, the Elders of Israel be encouraged, Zion be built
up, and become the praise, the joy, and the glory of the whole
earth, and the song of praise, glory, honor, and majesty to Him
that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever,
shall reverberate from hill to hill, from mountain to mountain,
from island to island, and from continent to continent, and the
kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and His Christ.

We are glad indeed to know that there is such a spirit of union
existing throughout the churches, at home and abroad, on this
continent, as well as on the islands of the sea; for by this
principle, and by a concentration of action, shall we be able to
carry into effect the purposes of our God.

From the Elders abroad we receive the most cheering accounts.
Wherever the faithful laborer has gone forth weeping, sowing the
seed of truth, he has returned with joy, bringing his sheaves with
him; and the information we receive from all quarters is that the
laborers are few and that the harvest is great. Many wealthy and
influential people have embraced the Gospel, so that not only
will the poor rejoice in that they are exalted, but the rich in
that they are made low. The calls to the Southern States are
indeed great; many places which a short time ago would think it
a disgrace to give shelter to a "Mormon," on account of the many
misrepresentations which were abroad, now desire to hear an Elder
of the Church of the Latter-day Saints.

On the islands of the sea, namely, Great Britain, there continues
to be a steady flow of souls into the Church. Branches have been
organized in many large and populous cities, and the whole land
appears to be thirsting for the pure streams of knowledge and
salvation.

The Twelve have already printed a new edition of the hymn-book, and
they issue a monthly periodical in that land. Several families have
already arrived here from England, and a number more are on their
way to this place, and are expected this fall.

If the work rolls forth with the same rapidity it has heretofore
done, we may soon expect to see flocking to this place, people
from every land and from every nation; the polished European, the
degraded Hottentot, and the shivering Laplander; persons of all
languages, and of every tongue, and of every color; who shall with
us worship the Lord of Hosts in His holy temple and offer up their
orisons in His sanctuary.

It was in consideration of these things, and that a home might be
provided for the Saints, that induced us to purchase the present
city for a place of gathering for the Saints, and the extensive
tract of land on {214} the opposite side of the Mississippi.
Although the purchase at the time, and under the peculiar
circumstances of the Church, appeared to many to be large and
uncalled for; yet from what we now see, it is apparent to all that
we shall soon have to say, "This place is too straight, give us
room that we may dwell." We therefore hope that the brethren who
feel interested in the cause of truth, and desire to see the work
of the gathering of Israel roll forth with power, will aid us in
liquidating the debts which are now owing, so that the inheritances
may be secured to the Church, and which eventually will be of great
value.

The good spirit which is manifested on this occasion, the desire to
do good, and the zeal for the honor of the Church, inspires us with
confidence that we shall not appeal in vain, but that funds will be
forthcoming on this occasion, sufficient to meet the necessities of
the case.

It is with great pleasure that we have to inform the Church that
another edition of the Book of Mormon has been printed, and
which is expected on from Cincinnati in a short time; and that
arrangements are making for printing the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants, hymn-book, &c.; so that the demand which may exist for
these works will soon be supplied.

In conclusion we would say, brethren and sisters, be faithful, be
diligent, contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the
Saints; let every man, woman and child realize the importance of
the work, and act as if success depended on his individual exertion
alone; let all feel an interest in it, and then consider they live
in a day, the contemplation of which animated the bosoms of kings,
Prophets, and righteous men thousands of years ago--the prospect
of which inspired their sweetest notes, and most exalted lays, and
caused them to break out in such rapturous strains as are recorded
in the Scriptures; and by and by we will have to exclaim, in the
language of inspiration--

The Lord has brought again Zion,
The Lord hath redeemed His people Israel.

_Tuesday, October 6_.

_Minutes of a General Conference in England_.

Minutes of a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, held at Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, Tuesday,
the 6th day of October, 1840, it being the first day of the seventh
month of the eleventh year of the Church; when the following
officers of the Traveling High Council were present, viz.: Elders
Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards,
Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith; other officers: High Priests
5, Elders 19, Priests 28, Teachers 4, and Deacons 2.

The meeting being called to order at 10 o'clock by Elder Brigham
Young, {215} it was moved by Elder Young, seconded by Elder Woodruff,
that Elder Orson Pratt be president off the conference, which was
carried unanimously. Elder George Walker was chosen clerk.

After singing, and prayer by the president, the following
statistical report was read:

Conferences and Branches. Members. Elders. Priests. Teachers. Deacons.
Preston Conference (including all the branches in the care of 665 18 23 11 2
Elders Melling and Withnall) as represented by Elder Melling
Potteries were represented by Elder Alfred Cordon 248 9 32 9 9
Birmingham Branch, represented by Elder Alfred Cordon 4
West Bromwich, represented by Elder Alfred Cordon 21 3 1
Clitheroe Conference, represented by Thomas Smith 295 10 11 9 3
Herefordshire, &c., represented by Thoedore Curtis 1007 19 78 15 1
Glasgow, and regions round about, represented by Samuel Mulliner 492 8 7 5 3
Hilsboro Branch, Ireland, represented by Theodore Curtis 5
Isle of Man Branch, represented by Hiram Clark 6
Liverpool Conference, represented by Priest William Mitchell 100 3 4 2 1
London Branch, represented by Elder Heber C. Kimball 11 2
Macclesfield, represented by Priest I. Brown 71 6 2 2
Altrincham Conference, (including Middlewich, Nortwich, and 82 1 3 3 3
Peover,) represented by Elder William Berry
Bedford Branch, represented by Elder Brigham Young 36 1 1
Stockport, represented by Elder Martin Littlewood 140 2 5 2 1
Bolton, represented by Priest Barroes 61 2 1
Duckinfield, represented by Elder Albiston 76 1 3 1
Edinburg Conference, represented by Orson Pratt 43 2
Pendlebury Branch, represented by Henry Royle 36 2
Eccles, represented by Brother E. Leather 13 3
Whitefield, represented by Elder Walker Johnson 39 1 2 3
Ratcliffe, represented by John Allen 16 1 2
Brampton, represented by Thomas Tweddle 40 1 1 1
Alston, represented by John Sanders 39 2 1 2
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, represented by Amos Fielding 6 2 1
Manchester, represented by Brigham Young 364 4 27 6 1
Ancrum, represented by Orson Pratt 9

The president brought before the conference the subject of
ordinations, and after various observations thereon, it was
proposed by Elder George A. Smith, that for the future, ordinations
be not attended to, except by the Traveling High Council or under
such restrictions as they may adopt in reference thereto. Elder
Young spoke on the subject of conferences, and also with respect
of restricting ordination; and after taking into consideration the
great expense attendant upon holding general conferences, and the
inconvenience experienced by members attending them, suggested,
that for the future, general conferences should in a great measure
be done away with, or restricted to the Traveling High Council to
hold conferences at such places and times as they may think proper.

{216} The meeting adjourned at 12 o'clock.

At 2 o'clock the meeting opened with prayer, after which Elder
Kimball spoke on the subject of Elders taking upon themselves the
responsibility of ordaining officers in this Church; after pointing
out the evils that might result therefrom, he proceeded to treat
upon the duty of members towards those who preside over them in
the Lord, and respecting the members administering to the temporal
necessities of those whose calling it is to labor amongst them in
spiritual things.

Moved by Elder Willard Richards, seconded by Elder Thomas Smith,
and carried unanimously, that all ordinations be confined to or
under the regulations of the Traveling High Council.

Elder Young called the attention of the conference to the case of
Emma Bolton, a sister from the Potteries, who had conducted herself
disorderly. Elder Johnson and others spoke of several cases of
improper conduct on her part; after which it was moved by Elder
Young, seconded by Elder Kimball, and carried unanimously, that
Emma Bolton be cut off from the Church.

The president [of the conference, Elder Orson Pratt], then called
the attention of the conference to a letter from Isaac Brown and
other officers of the Church at Macclesfield, concerning Elder
Heath, and also to some half a dozen charges preferred by the said
Isaac Brown, James Galley, Edward Horrocks, and John Horrocks,
against the said Samuel Heath, for several items of misconduct, and
neglecting the duties of his office; to all of which charges Elder
Heath pleaded not guilty. The complainants then entered into proof
of the several items, to which Elder Heath replied by stating that
the charges against him were in consequence of a misunderstanding,
&c. The proceedings opened a wide field for instruction from Elder
Young, followed by the president, who recommended the parties
to become reconciled to each other, stating that he did not
consider the charges preferred against Elder Heath sufficiently
substantiated to withdraw fellowship from him; when it was moved
and seconded, that no further proceeding be taken on this subject;
carried unanimously.

The conference then adjourned till 7 o'clock. p. m.

At 7 o'clock the meeting was opened with prayer.

The president having made such preliminary remarks as the
importance of the subject called forth, proceeded to call upon
those who were willing to volunteer their services to labor in the
vineyard of the Lord, when the officers gave their names as follows:

High Priests--Hiram Clark, Thomas Smith, Alfred Cordon, Thomas
Kington, Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard
Richards, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith.

Elders--George D. Watt, John Parkinson, David Moss, Martin {217}
Littlewood, William Parr, Samuel Heath, John Sanders, Theodore
Curtis, Henry Royle, Thomas Tweddle, John Leigh, Amos Fielding,
Thomas Richardson.

Priests--William Snailam, William Speakman, John Needham, James
Mahon, Frederick Cook, Robert Crooks, William Mitchell, William
Black, Robert Williams, William Jones, Thomas Pollitt, Richard
Steele, John Burns, Joseph Knowles, Richard Benson, John Wyche,
William Roylance, Joseph Street, Joseph White.

Moved, seconded, and carried, that Elder George D. Watt go to
Edinburgh; Elder Alfred Cordon to Birmingham, and also take charge
of the Staffordshire Potteries Conference, and that John Burns,
Priest, go with him.

Elder Thomas Kington to take charge of the Herefordshire
Conferences as heretofore, also Garway; and William Snailam and
Joseph Knowles, Priests, to accompany him.

Robert Crooks, Priest, to go to Bolton; Thomas Richardson, Elder,
and John Needham, Priest, to go to Herefordshire; Elder Hiram Clark
to go to the Isle of Man; Elder Thomas Tweddle to Glasgow; Elder
John Sanders to labor at Alston, and go to Carlisle as soon as
practicable.

Elder Amos Fielding to go to Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Elder John
Parkinson to Greenock; Elder Henry Royle and Frederick Cook,
Priest, to Cly in Flintshire; William Mitchell, Priest, to Leeds;
Elder Thomas Smith to remain at Clitheroe; Elder John Leigh, and
James Mahon, Priest, to go to Arden, Cheshire, and Joseph White
and Richard Steele, Priests, to labor under the direction of Elder
Cordon.

Elder John Smith to be ordained High Priest, to take charge of
the church in Manchester and the regions round about: Elder Peter
Melling to take charge of the church as heretofore, in connection
with Elder H. Withnall; and John Wyche, Priest, to go into
Staffordshire, and labor under the direction of Alfred Cordon.

Moved and seconded, that the remainder of the officers who have
volunteered, be left to the Traveling High Council to dispose of,
and appoint to such places as they may judge expedient; carried.

Moved and seconded, that in consequence of there not being time to
transact all the business of this conference, the ordination of
officers be left to the Traveling High Council to ordain from time
to time such members as they may consider requisite; carried.

Elder Young then addressed the meeting on the propriety of
establishing a fund for the support and clothing of such members
as may from time to time be called out to labor in the vineyard,
and whose circumstances may require that their necessities may be
administered unto. The president then addressed the meeting on
the same subject, {218} and pointed out the difference between
preaching for money and the Elders having their necessities
ministered unto, while they are called to labor "without taking
thought for the morrow." Elder Richards followed upon the same
subject; also Elder Kimball; after which Elder Young moved, that
wherever a branch of the Church is established, two members be
appointed to receive the weekly voluntary contributions of the
members, for promoting the spread of the Gospel, and the same to be
disposed of by the vote of the church in council with the Twelve
Apostles; seconded by Elder George A. Smith, and carried.

The minutes were then read and accepted, and the conference
adjourned _sine die_.

Orson Pratt, President,

George Walker, Secretary.

_Thursday, 8_.

_Minutes of Council of the Twelve in England_.

Minutes of a Council of the Twelve, viz., Brigham Young, Heber
C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, and
Willard Richards; also Hiram Clark, and Reuben Hedlock, High
Priests, at the house of Willard Richards, No. 1, Chapman Street,
Manchester; Brigham Young presiding.

Moved by Elder Kimball, that Elder Willard Richards take charge
of the _Millennial Star_, seconded and carried. Voted that our
publishing office be removed to London as soon as circumstances
will permit; and that Elders Hedlock and Curtis go where they
please to labor.

Willard Richards, Clerk.

Footnotes:

1. The foregoing is an editorial in the _Times and Seasons_ for September, 1840.

2. A discourse on the same subject to the Twelve will be found in vol. iii, p. 385, _et seq_.

3. This is the report referred to in the conference minutes.

{219}