Resolved: That we say to out brethren that while we are surrounded by thousands eager to grasp at a shadow, if they have a hope of turning it into a falsehood for the injury of the Gospel, we exhort them to be steadfast and immovable in the truth, resting assured that while they continue to walk in the Holy Covenant they have professed to embrace, that nothing can in the end operate against their good; and that while wickedness abounds, as in days of old, the characters of those seeking the greatest good for their lives misrepresented, and a false shade thrown over their worthy deeds, all this is calculated to create an evil prejudice in the minds of the community, to present, if possible, the increase of light, the better to effect evil purposes and keep men in error. We say, dear brethren, may peace and the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of truth, forever.
Resolved: That the minutes be signed by the moderator and clerk, and published to the churches in the Evening and Morning Star.
Reynolds Cahoon, Moderator.
Oliver Cowdery, Clerk.
We, the undersigned, members of the above named Conference, for the satisfaction of our brethren abroad, feel it to be our duty to say to those with whom we have a personal acquaintance, that we were present during the foregoing investigation, and cheerfully concur in the spirit of the above minutes, and join in saying that we are perfectly satisfied that whatever impressions may have gone abroad, or whatever may remain with any in this vicinity, relative to the conduct of our President, Joseph Smith, Jun., we are certain (from evidence) that he conducted himself in all respects as set forth in the resolutions of this Conference. We are induced to make these statements that the innocent may not suffer wrongfully, and that the minds of our brethren and friends may be satisfied, that every appearance of evil is, in this place, searched out, and that nothing unbecoming a society of people professing godliness is suffered to exist among them.
IRA AMES, Benson, Vermont.
ASA LYMAN, Parishville, New York.
JOHN RUDD, Springfield, Erie county, Pennsylvania.
ISAAC STOREY, Warsaw, New York.
WILLIAM BURGESS, Bolton, New York.
JONAS PUTNAM, Bolton, New York.
J.B. BOSWORTH, from the church in Norton.
ROSWELL EVANS, Waterford, Vermont.
JOHN SMITH, Potsdam, New York.
ORSON JOHNSON, Bath, New Hampshire.
OLIVER HIGLEY, Jamestown.
ALMAN SHERMAN, Pomfret, New York.
JACOB BUMP, Silver Creek, New York.
ISAAC HILL, East Liverpool, Ohio.
LORENZO YOUNG, the same.
The undersigned members of this Conference, having accompanied President Joseph Smith, Jun., to and from Missouri, certify that the above is a correct statement concerning his character and conduct.
LYMAN E. JOHNSON.
HEBER C. KIMBALL.1
Sylvester Smith Refuses to Accept the Decision of the Council.
Brother Sylvester Smith objected to abiding by the decision of the former council, and proceeded to justify himself in his former conduct; and after much discussion, the following resolution was offered by the clerk, and passed by unanimous vote:—
Resolved: That in consequence of the stand our brother, Sylvester Smith, has taken against the former decision of this council, that we judge him guilty of a misdemeanor, unbecoming a man in his high station, and except a humble confession be made to this, council, he stands rebuked, and disqualified to act further in his office in the Church, until he make proper satisfaction, or till a trail before the Bishop, assisted by twelve High Priests can be had.
OLIVER COWDERY,
Clerk of Council.
Formal Trial of Sylvester Smith.
August 28, 1834.—This day the High Council assembled according to the direction of Bishop Whitney, to try Brother Sylvester Smith, charged with a misdemeanor. The following is a copy of the complaint:—
To Newel K. Whitney, Bishop of the Church of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland.
Sir, I prefer the following charges against Sylvester Smith, a High Priest of said Church:—
1st. He has refused to submit to the decision of a council of the High Priests and Elders of this Church, held in this place on the 11th of this month, given in a case of difficulty between said Sylvester Smith and Joseph Smith, Jun.
2nd. He continues to charge said Joseph Smith, contrary to the decision of the before mentioned council, with improper conduct in his proceedings as President of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, during his journey the past season to the State of Missouri.
As these things are exceedingly grievous to many of the Saints in Kirtland, and very prejudicial to the cause of truth in general, I therefore require that you summon the High Council of this Church to investigate this case, that a final decision may be had upon the same. I say the High Council because it is a case affecting the Presidency of said Church.2
Sidney Rigdon.
Kirtland, Ohio, August 23, 1834.
Bishop Whitney notifies Sylvester Smith of the Charge.
Kirtland, Ohio, August 27, 1834.
Brother Sylvester Smith—Whereas complaint has been made to me by Counselor Sidney Rigdon, setting forth that you have been violating the laws of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, you are therefore, notified to appear before the High Council of High Priests, to be held in the Council House, in Kirtland, on the 28th day of August, at ten o'clock, a.m., to answer to said charges, agreeably to the laws of the Church.
N. K. Whitney, Bishop.
The presidents proceeded to nominate a High Priest to fill the vacancy in the council, occasioned by the death of Elder John C. Carter, viz.: Orson Johnson—which nomination was carried unanimously, and he was ordained High Councilor under the hands of Counselor Sidney Rigdon.
Councilor Luke S. Johnson said he wished to be excused from sitting in this council, because he had been previously tempted on some matters, and that he had sinned, and wished to make a more public confession than he could make here.
After some remarks from the councilors, it was decided that Elder Johnson continue his seat in the council.
Elder John P. Greene was appointed to act in the place of Sylvester Smith; also Elder Amos Durfee in the place of John Johnson, Sen., who was absent; also Lyman Johnson in the place of Martin Harris.
The council was organized and complaint read. It was agreed that six councilors speak on the case. The bishop then charged the council in the name of the Lord, to act according to truth and righteousness.
Elder Reynolds Cahoon testified that the testimony given before a council, on the 11th instant, was, that President Joseph Smith, Jun., had conducted himself in a proper manner, while journeying to and from Missouri; and that the council considered that Sylvester Smith had accused President Joseph Smith wrongfully, and was entirely in the fault. He further considered that everything bearing on or relating to this affair had been brought before the council, and from this they