History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Vol. 1-7). Joseph F. Smith
was decided by the President, and sanctioned by the Council, that the first Elders go forth as soon as they can get ready, and preach by the way to Kirtland.
Voted, that those Elders that came up in the camp apply for a release from Lyman Wight,3 and receive a recommendation to Bishop Partridge, to go forth to preach the Gospel.
THOMAS B. MARSH, Secretary pro tem.
Minutes of the High Council at Kirtland, September 24, 1834.
Joseph Smith, Jun., presiding, assisted by Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, counselors.
Jared Carter and Martin Harris were absent.
After prayer, the president made some remarks; when the case of Sylvester Smith was called up to inquire whether or not, under existing circumstances, he can fill the office of High Councilor.
It was decided that four Councilors speak on the case, viz.: Samuel H. Smith and Orson Johnson, Luke Johnson and Orson Hyde.
The Councilors severally spoke in their course, followed by Brother Sylvester; after which the assistant presidents spoke; when the president gave a decision, that Brother Sylvester stand no longer a High Councilor, but that he retain the office of High Priest, and continue to lift up his voice in the name of Jesus in preaching the Gospel—to which the council assented, and Brother Sylvester gave his assent with thankfulness.
The President nominated Hyrum Smith to fill the office vacated by Sylvester Smith. The nomination was seconded by the clerk. The Councilors and all present voted for the nomination.
The President led in prayer, and then he ordained Hyrum Smith to the office of High Councilor, pronouncing blessings upon him in the name of the Lord; after which Joseph Smith, Sen., blessed his son Hyrum in the name of the Lord, confirming the same blessings.
Elders John P. Greene and Brigham Young were then appointed to fill the vacancies occasioned by the absence of Councilors Jared Carter and Martin Harris.
The council then proceeded to appoint a committee to arrange the items of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, for the government of the Church of Latter-day Saints, which Church was organized and commenced its rise on the 6th of April, 1830. These items are to be taken from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the revelations which have been given to the Church up to this date, or that shall be given until such arrangements are made.
Councilor Samuel H. Smith nominated President Joseph Smith, Jun., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams to compose said committee, which was seconded by Councilor Hyrum Smith. The Councilors then gave their vote in the affirmative, which was also agreed to by the whole conference.
The council then decided that said committee, after arranging and publishing said Book of Covenants, have the avails of the same.
The council then decided that a notice be published to the churches and conferences abroad that High Priests be ordained hereafter, in the High Council at Kirtland, and receive licence signed by the clerk of the council.
The council decided that Bishop Whitney be privileged, considering his present embarrassed circumstances, to make such arrangements with his store as he shall deem most advisable.
Closed by prayer.
Oliver Cowdery,
Orson Hyde,
Clerks.
Footnotes
1. End of manuscript "Record A."
2. That is, they should be numbered among the Elders to receive their endowments in Kirtland, if approved by the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, Joseph Smith, as provided by the revelation of June 22nd. (see p. 108.)
3. Who, it will be remembered, was appointed "General of the Camp" (p. 88); and in the absence of the "Commander-in-Chief," was first in command; hence the direction to apply to him for release.
CHAPTER XII.
Change in Church Periodicals—The Covenant of Tithing—Close of the Year 1834.
"Messenger and Advocate" Founded.
October 1-15.—Great exertions were made to expedite the work of the Lord's house, and notwithstanding it was commenced almost with nothing, as to means yet the way opened as we proceeded, and the Saints rejoiced. The former part of October was spent in arranging matters respecting the Lord's house and the printing office, for it had previously been published that the Evening and Morning Star would be discontinued, and a new paper issued in its place, entitled The Latter-day Saints Messenger and Advocate.1
The Prophet's Labors in Michigan.
Having accomplished all that could be done at present, on the 16th of the month, in company with my brother Hyrum Smith, and Elders David Whitmer, Frederick G. Williams, Oliver Cowdery, and Roger Orton, left Kirtland for the purpose of visiting some Saints in the state of Michigan, where, after a tolerably pleasant journey, we arrived at Pontiac on the 20th.
While on our way up the lake on board the steamer Monroe, Elder Cowdery had a short discussion with a man calling his name Ellmer. He said that he was "personally acquainted with Joe Smith, had heard him preach his lies, and now, since he was dead, he was glad! He had heard Joe Smith preach in Bainbridge Chenango county, New York, five years since; he knew it to be him, that he (Joseph Smith) was a dark complexioned man," etc. Ellmer appeared to exult most in that "Joe" was dead, and made his observations in my presence. I concluded that he learned it from the popular priests of the day, who, through fear that their craft will be injured, if their systems are compared with the truth, seek to ridicule those who teach the truth, and thus I am suffering under the tongue of slander for Christ's sake, unceasingly. God have mercy on such, if they will quit their lying. I need not state my complexion to those that have seen me, and those who have read my history thus far, will recollect that five years ago I was not a preacher, as Ellmer represented; neither did I ever preach in Bainbridge.2
After preaching, and teaching the Saints in Michigan as long as our time would allow, we returned to Kirtland, greatly refreshed from our journey, and much pleased with our friends in that section of the Lord's vineyard.
Preparation of the School for the Elders.
It now being the last of the month, and the Elders beginning to come in, it was necessary to make preparations for the school for the Elders, wherein they might be more perfectly instructed in the great things of God, during the coming winter. A building for a printing office was nearly finished, and the lower story of this building was set apart for that purpose, (the school) when it was completed. So the Lord opened the way according to our faith and works, and blessed be His name.
Strenuous Life of the Prophet.
No month ever found me more busily engaged than November; but as my life consisted of activity and unyielding exertions, I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it. Among other matters, the following letter was sent to George James, Brownhelm, Ohio, by order of the High Council:
Kirtland, November 10, 1834.
Dear Brother:—There having been serious complaints presented to us against you, we sincerely request you to come to Kirtland immediately, as it will be necessary that a proper notice be taken of the same. We do not write the above with a view to accuse you ourselves, but you know the great responsibility resting upon us and the propriety of noticing charges, especially when they are preferred against men in important and interesting stations in the Church of the Saints. We have truly written the above with feelings of deep interest for your own welfare and standing in the Church; and we do hope you will not fail to come down immediately, as the representations made to us will require immediate notice. It is necessary for us to inform you that until you appear and make the satisfaction