| 113 of forming a First Presidency, or of an exodus beyond the mountains, that thought was carefully concealed.
On April 6, 1845, a "proclamation" was issued by the Twelve, which begins as follows:-
"Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
"To all the Kings of the world, to the President of the United States of America;
"To the governors of the several States, and to the rulers and People of all nations;
"GREETING:-
"Know ye that the kingdom of God has come, as has
general peace and quiet, and in suppressing these and all other vices and evils.
Or, to be plain on the subject, we wish to suppress all grog-shops gambling houses, and all other disorderly houses or proceedings in our city, and to tolerate no intemperance or vice in our midst. And so far at least as the members of the church are concerned, we would advise that balls, dances, and other vain and useless amusements be neither countenanced nor patronized; they have been borne with, in some instances heretofore for the sake of peace and good will. But it is not now a time for dancing or frolics, but a time of mourning, and of humiliation and prayer.
If the people were all righteous, it would do to dance, and to have music feasting, and merriment. But what fellowship has Christ with Belial? or what fellowship has light with darkness? or what union have the sons and daughters of God with the children of this world, who fear not God nor regard man? All amusements in which saints and sinners are mingled tends to corruption, and has a baneful influence in religious society.
There are amusements which are at once both innocent, instructive and entertaining, and which the saints can enjoy, in honor to themselves, and without mingling with the world; such, for instance, as musical concerts, philosophical and astronomical exhibitions, etc. These, together with our religious devotions, and the increase of light, knowledge, and intelligence which flows like a flood of glory from the upper world, are quite sufficient to exercise all our powers of enjoyment.
As the business of the conference is now fast crowding upon our time we must cut short this communication, by informing you that an organization and arrangement is now in progress by which high priests and presiding officers will be appointed over each district of country, throughout the Union, who will have entire charge, under the direction of the Twelve, of all spiritual matters, superintending the labors of the elders and the calling of conferences. Arrangements will also be made for the proper payment and reception of tithing, so that it may be duly received by responsible agents and recorded. Of these particulars you will receive further communication from us soon.
Done in council at Nauvoo, this 1st day of October, A. D. 1844.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, President.
-Times and Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 668-670.
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