Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 1/Number 2/Messenger and Advocate

Messenger and Advocate.

KIRTLAND, OHIO, NOVEMBER, 1834.

—> Communications.—We have received several letters since our last, a summary of which will be given in our next. The cause of our heavenly Master is represented in an unusually interesting attitude—There are numbers daily embracing the truth, and many calls are heard on the right and on the left, for the elders to fill. In fact, we know not when the work has been more prosperous, than at present.—There is a general enquiry wherever the word is preached.—What a field for labor!—How important that every proclaimer conducts with prudence, and exercises himself with patience—How consistent that we pray the Lord to send more laborers into the vineyard!

A communication from our esteemed brother, Elder JOHN MURDOCK, dated at Eugene, Indiana, the 11 inst. informs us of the sitting of a conference of the elders of this church in that place on the 30th, and 31st, of Oct.

From the minutes we learn, that the conference was composed of eleven elders, three of whom presided over three churches, as follows: Elder LEVI JONES, over the church at Eugene, Ia. composed of 55 members, in all. Elder CHARLES RICH, over the church at Pekin Ill. composed of 30 members, in all. Elder MOSES HARRIS, over the church at Liberty, Park co. Ia. composed of 6 members, in all. Making 91.

It is proper that our readers should be informed, that this conference was held in a thinly settled country, when compared with our populous cities and villages in the east; and that in consequence of the short notice of the conference, churches at a distance were probably prevented from sending their representations. We did not receive the intelligence in season to give it publicity; and if we remember, did not know of it until after its sitting.

Elder MURDOCK informs us that another appointment is given for the assembling of a conference at the same place, (Eugene Ia.) on the 29th of January, next.

We have frequently expressed our opinion upon the utility and propriety of conferences. What can be more heart cheering to the weary laborer, after a long time spent in disseminating the principles of the gospel, than to sit down in social council with others alike weary, and commune with numbers whose bosoms glow with the same ardor for the salvation of the world, and who, with him, have to communicate the happy intelligence of numbers having been persuaded, thro' their instrumentality, that the sacred truths of heaven thus delivered, though perhaps in weakness, are of sufficient importance to awaken the mind to investigation? This is not all.

By meeting frequently in conference, an acquaintance and familiarity is cultivated, which is so necessary for the promotion of the cause—Each elder is furnished with an account of the labors, and success of all; and is thus prepared, with authentic information, to carry the joyful intelligence to his respective congregation, where those whose duty requires their attendance on other matters, may be equally benefitted, and so the whole body of the saints of the Lord Jesus be refreshed with the news of the success of his cause.

It may be thought superfluous in us, by our brethren, to add our earnest exhortation that meetings of this kind be conducted with solemnity, and in order; and it betrays a want of confidence in us, of their ability and wisdom; but, however we may appreciate their ability and experience, we feel that this subject cannot be too often set before them, and its importance spoken of.—Much, they will see depends upon their conduct on these occasions, in order to derive that peculiar benefit designed in the institution; and while they are thus toiling, we assure them that our heart is equally devoted, and our feeble petitions frequently put up, that we, with them, may be gathered with that assembly which will never close!

—> Our patrons will remember, that we notified all correspondents, sometime since, that each article would appear over its proper signiture [signature]. Up to the present, we have heard no dissatisfaction expressed, and presume that the arrangement is such as meets the minds and judgment of our friends.

For a considerable length of time we have published pieces on the "Millenium [Millennium]; Faith of the church, and The Gospel." As we expect these subjects will be discussed farther, it is only necessary for us to say, that they are from the pen of our worthy brother and friend, S. RIGDON, one of the Presidents of the church of the Latter Day Saints.

It is with a degree of pleasure that we call the attention of our readers to those articles, to which we have referred above, and believe, that every saint will read with care and cheerfulness every matter which may be presented for their consideration, on the all important subject of salvation.—[ Editor. ]