| 202 a brother and sister, the four agreed to join in seeking a witness concerning it. This they did, and all four received satisfactory testimony of its truth.
"During the remainder of the week it was noised about among the saints that something of unusual interest was on foot, and on the Sunday following, November 24, a full attendance was had of the church at our meeting place, which was at the house of Mother Polly Briggs. The branch numbered something over thirty members, and nearly all were present. The presiding elder preached as usual, but with unusual liberty; after which he read to the church the communication received on the Monday preceding, and testified that he now saw light, where darkness had reigned before. But one or two instances of levity and incredulity were manifested. Unusual solemnity prevailed, and intense feeling showed itself in nearly every countenance.
"The meeting concluded with an appointment for the evening, at the house of Bro. John A. Williams. This meeting was commenced in the usual manner, and then declared open for general consultation and testimony. It soon took the character of an investigation, and many facts relative to the erroneous teachings of William Smith and Wood were brought out. Ample opportunity for any to defend them was given, which was attempted by one or two; after which an expression of sentiment respecting these men was suggested, and a motion made and duly seconded to withdraw the hand of fellowship from them. The vote was almost unanimous in the affirmative, only two voting against it.
"The next few days were occupied by several brethren and sisters in copying the communication and sending it to all the places named; and subsequently to all places known to them where plurality of wives or polygamy had been taught as a celestial law. Shortly after this a statement relative to the teachings and acts of William Smith and J. Wood, signed by several of the members of the branch, including all its officers, was sent to the several branches; including the one at Waukesha, and Brethren Lowe, Harrington,
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