The High Council met on the 29th, and heard a charge against Elder Allen Avery, on an appeal case from an Elders' Court in Zion, which took away his license for rebelling against their decision. Brother Avery frankly and readily complied with the requisition of the Council, and the President decided that he be restored to fellowship, and receive his license.
The Prophet on the Part of the Accused.
In these cases I acted on the part of the defense for the accused, to plead for mercy. The Lord blessed my soul, and the Council was greatly blessed also, and much good will result from our labors.
I was at home on the 30th, and was visited by many who came to inquire after the work of the Lord.
The Prophet Learns the Principles of Astronomy as Understood by Abraham.
October 1.—This afternoon I labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, and during the research, the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of which will appear hereafter.
On the 2nd of October I wrote the following letter for publication in the Messenger and Advocate, (continued from the 1st of September.)[[1]]
Charges Against the Goulds.
October 3.—I attended the High Council to investigate charges preferred by Reynolds Cahoon against Elder John Gould "for making expressions calculated to injure the cause we have espoused, and manifesting a strong dissatisfaction with the teachings of the Presidency." Also against Dean Gould for speaking unadvisedly against Elder Rigdon and other Elders.
In the case of John Gould, the accuser and defendant agreed the matter should be talked over, by which all difference of feeling was allayed. Gould confessed and was forgiven.