Chapter XVI.

Progress of Affairs at Kirtland—Discovery of the Book of Abraham.

Change of Editors on the "Messenger and Advocate."

About the middle of May, W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer, Presidents of the Church in Missouri, arrived at Kirtland, and John Whitmer was appointed to take the place of President Oliver Cowdery, in conducting the Messenger and Advocate.

The "Northern Times."

Frederick G. Williams was appointed to edit the Northern Times, a weekly newspaper, which we had commenced in February last, in favor of Democracy; and W. W. Phelps (with his son Waterman) made his home with my family, and assisted the committee in compiling the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.

Minutes of Conference held at New Portage, June 6th.

The Elders and brethren assembled in conference, June 6th, at New Portage, Oliver Cowdery, presiding.

Elder David Matthews, who was suspended at a previous conference, for unchristian conduct, was present.

After hearing the testimony, the council unanimously agreed that there had been due contrition of spirit manifested by him, in his walk and conversation since his suspension; and Elder Matthews was restored.

Elder Barkdall preferred a claim against Elder Keeler, for services said to be rendered some eight or nine years since, and to have been awarded by a former council.

It appeared there had been a decision in favor of Elder Barkdall, but no testimony was produced by either of the parties to substantiate a claim, or prove a payment. It was, therefore, Resolved:—That both the accuser and the accused have manifested a bad spirit, and deserve the severe rebuke of this council.

Elder Milo Hays was tried for not obeying the Word of Wisdom, and for covenant breaking.

Both charges were sustained by testimony, and Elder Hays was excluded from the Church.

Several other cases of discipline were attended to, and conference adjourned at 12 o'clock at night.

Sunday morning, President Oliver Cowdery preached, after which four were baptized.

The council again organized in the evening, and ordained Jacob Myers an Elder.

The case of Elders Barkdall and Keeler was again called up; four councilors spoke on the subject, when it was decided that they have one week and no more to settle their differences with each other, and make confession to the Church, or lose their standing.

W. A. Cowdery, Clerk.

Instructions of the Prophet to the Elders and Saints in Missouri.

The Presidency, Bishop, and High Council of Zion, having removed to Kirtland, or gone forth in the vineyard, I caused it to be published in the June number of the Messenger and Advocate, that according to the order of the kingdom begun in the last days, to prepare men for the rest of the Lord, the Elders in Zion or in her immediate region, have no authority or right to meddle with her spiritual affairs, to regulate her concerns, or hold councils for the expulsion of members, in her unorganized condition. The High Council has been expressly organized to administer in all her spiritual affairs; and the Bishop and his council are set over her temporal matters; so that the Elders' acts are null and void. Now, the Lord wants the wheat and tares to grow together; for Zion must be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. Every Elder that can, after providing for his family (if he has any) and paying his debts, must go forth and clear his skirts from the blood of this generation. While they are in that region, [Missouri] instead of trying members for transgression, or offenses, let every one labor to prepare himself for the vineyard, sparing a little time to comfort the mourners, to bind up the broken-hearted, to reclaim the backslider, to bring back the wanderer, to re-invite into the kingdom such as have been cut off, by encouraging them to lay to while the day lasts, and work righteousness, and, with one heart and one mind, prepare to help to redeem Zion, that goodly land of promise, where the willing and obedient shall be blessed.[[1]]

The mission of Mr. Hewitt.