| 213 that from that same hour he began to amend and rapidly recovered his strength, and now, the first opportunity, came into the church. From there these brethren went through Illinois and Missouri, calling upon the Whitmers, and into Arkansas; they baptized several at other places.
"Most of the elders had families and were poor, and during the winter preached mainly in their several localities. Bro. Z. H. Gurley visiting Wingville and the Blue Mounds settlement, where several united with the church; among whom were George White, John Cunningham, of the former place, and Daniel B. Rasey, of the latter, who became a zealous laborer in that region of country."-The Messenger, vol. 2, p. 17.
Conference convened at Yellowstone, Wisconsin, October 6, 1852, and chose Elder J. W. Briggs to preside, and Samuel Blair to act as clerk.
The following resolution was adopted to provide for a temporary presiding officer, while awaiting the coming of the promised President of the High Priesthood:-
"Resolved, that the highest authority among the priesthood represents the legitimate President as a presiding authority."-Church Record, page 7.
At this conference the committee on writing the pamphlet entitled, "A Word of Consolation," reported the work done. It was read, and the printing of two thousand copies ordered.
Elder Samuel Blair was appointed General Church Recorder.
Thus ended the year 1852. This band of saints had renounced all would-be leaders, and in confident expectancy were waiting for promised light and wisdom. Yet they were resolved not to act rashly or hastily, but to await patiently the unfolding of the plan, as in the wisdom of God it should be revealed. So none presumed to know just what was to be done. It was enough for them to know that God had promised, and that he was able to fulfill. However, these days of patient and confident waiting must have been fraught with anxious care.
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