| 291 April session. In the meantime we counsel forbearance and Christian treatment of one another.
JOSEPH SMITH,
W. W. BLAIR.
November 17, Elder Spencer Smith, one of the first missionaries of the Reorganization to Texas, died at his home near Oakdale, Nebraska.
On November 19 Elder R. Kendrick, of London, England, wrote of three successive debates held in that city between himself and an Elder Russell Dick, of the Christian Church. He was well pleased with results, and spoke hopefully of prospects. He also gave notice of the organization of Lyme Grove Branch.
November 20, President W. W. Blair wrote from Columbus, Nebraska, that Elders Charles Derry, Joseph Luff, R. J. Anthony, G. E. Deuel, and himself were on their way to Utah. On the 24th he wrote again from Salt Lake City, Utah, that they had arrived there and had arranged for Elder Derry to labor at Ogden, Elder Deuel at Beaver, Elder Luff at Provo, Elder Anthony at Logan, Utah, and Malad, Idaho, and himself at Salt Lake City.
On November 27, President Blair wrote an open letter to John Taylor, then president of the church in Utah, setting forth the purpose of the missionaries, and and what they expected to teach. 5
5 Having been appointed by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, in connection with six other missionaries, to labor as ministers for Christ in Utah and the adjoining States and Territories, I have deemed it proper to inform you, the president of the Utah Mormon church, that our coming and labors are with the design and purpose of promoting the glory of our God and his Christ in the salvation of souls, to inculcate the love of man for his race, and for the peace, the good order, and the integrity of society as provided for under the Constitution, the laws, and the accredited authorities of our nation.
We have come to teach the principles of life and salvation just as they are taught in the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and in the Nauvoo edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
It is our purpose to advocate and maintain "Mormonism," as it is found in those books, and to earnestly protest against all doctrines, principles, and practices that are contrary to them, or not clearly provided for by them; and as a consequence we shall teach that all that is essential to full salvation and glory in Christ is plainly and faithfully set forth in these books by which all who have them are to be finally judged at the bar of God.
We shall teach that polygamy is not only no part of Christ's gospel, but that it is utterly subversive of it; and this we hope to do, not in bitterness, nor with ridicule, neither with railing accusation, but in the spirit of truth and love.
We shall teach that "the blood of Jesus Chris cleanseth us from all sin," and that
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