October 2.—Samuel H. Smith was elected president of the High Council, and council voted that if a councilor absented himself from their meetings without a reasonable excuse, he should be reported to the Church as a delinquent. The High Council at Kirtland voted that the clerk grant licenses to the members of the council (who wished to travel), signed by the president and clerk.
We arrived at Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 12th, about midway from Kirtland to Far West.
Death of Hyrum Smith's Wife.
My brother Hyrum's wife, Jerusha Barden Smith, died on the 13th of October while I was at Terre Haute, and her husband at Far West. She left five small children and numerous relatives to mourn her loss; her demise was severely felt by all. She said to one of her tender offspring when on her dying bed, "Tell your father when he comes that the Lord has taken your mother home and left you for him to take care of." She died in full assurance of a part in the first resurrection.
October 15.—The High Priests' quorum at Kirtland decided to take Doctor Sampson Avard's license until he returns and make satisfaction; and the High Council concurred.
Minutes of High Council.
October 18.—The High Council and presidents of the different quorums met in the Lord's House, Samuel H. Smith presiding, and after a lengthy discussion concerning existing evils, agreed that it was time to commence the work of reform, and voted unanimously to meet again in the Lord's House on Monday evening next, and invite the different quorums to meet at the same time, and commence pruning the vine of God in Kirtland, and thus continue the work evening after evening until it shall be wisdom to stay their hands.
Phinehas Richards, Clerk of the High Council.
Twenty-two Disfellowshiped.
Sunday 22.—The Church in Kirtland disfellowshiped twenty-two brethren and sisters until they make satisfaction for uniting with the world in a dance the Thursday previous.
October 23.—The High Council of Kirtland appointed Luke S. Johnson, Reynolds Cahoon, and John Gould a committee to visit John Johnson, Jun., and see if he would desist from selling spirituous liquors to those who were in the habit of getting intoxicated, and report to the authorities of the Church those members who might drink spirits at his house. Also voted that the Church see that all difficulties and differences be settled as speedily as possible; and that unruly children be reported to their parents, and if they neglect to take suitable notice of it, then the parents shall be reported to the authorities of the Church and dealt with accordingly.
Voted that we discountenance the use of ardent spirits in any way to sell or to be brought into this place for sale or use.
Phinehas Richards, Clerk.
Confessions.