| 209 singing, I stated to the church what was the object of our meeting, and requested all who wished to renounce J. J. Strang, as prophet, seer, and revelator to the church, and acknowledge the seed of Joseph Smith in his stead to come forth in the own due time of the Lord, to manifest it by rising up. In a moment the entire congregation stood up, and one simultaneous shout of joy and praise went up to God for our deliverance. Nearly all the congregation were under the influence of the Spirit of prophecy, and many important truths relating to the triumphant accomplishment of this great work was then declared."-The True Latter Day Saints' Herald, vol. 1, pp. 18-22.
After these events Elder Gurley wrote to Elder J. W. Briggs, saying: "We have received evidence of your revelation."
After some correspondence and consultation it was agreed to hold a conference in Newark branch at Beloit, Wisconsin, in June, 1852. At the time appointed quite a number of the saints assembled. Elder Jason W. Briggs was chosen to preside over the conference; John Harrington acted as clerk. The most important business of the conference was the adoption of a series of resolutions which were offered by Elders Zenos H. Gurley, Sen., and David Powell, considered separately, amended, and finally passed as follows:-
"Resolved, that this conference regard the pretensions of Brigham Young, James J. Strang, James Colin Brewster, and William Smith and Joseph Wood's joint claims to the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as an assumption of power, in violation of the law of God, and consequently we disclaim all connection and fellowship with them.
"Resolved, that the successor of Joseph Smith, Junior, as the Presiding High Priest in the Melchisedec Priesthood, must of necessity be the seed of Joseph Smith, Junior, in fulfillment of the law and promises of God.
"Resolved, that, as the office of First President of the Church grows out of the authority of the Presiding High Priest, in the high priesthood, no person can legally lay
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