| 2 are; and the powers of earth and hell seem combined to overthrow us and the church, by causing a division in the family; and indeed the adversary is bringing into requisition all his subtlety, to prevent the saints from being endowed, by causing a division among the Twelve, also among the Seventy, and bickerings and jealousies among the elders and official members of the church; and so the leaven of iniquity ferments and spreads among the members of the church. But I am determined that nothing on my part shall be lacking to adjust, and amicably dispose of, and settle, all family difficulties on this day, that the ensuing year, and years, be they few or many, may be spent in righteousness before God. And I know that the cloud will burst, and Satan's kingdom be laid in ruins, with all his black designs; and the saints come forth like gold seven times tried in the fire, being made perfect through sufferings and temptations, and the blessings of heaven and earth multiplied upon our heads, which may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen.
"Brothers William and Hyrum, and Uncle John Smith, came to my house, and we went into a room by ourselves, in company with Father, and Elder Martin Harris. Father Smith then opened our interview by prayer, after which he expressed his feelings on the occasion in a very feeling and pathetic manner, even with all the sympathy of a father, whose feelings were deeply wounded on the account of the difficulty that was existing in the family; and while he addressed us, the Spirit of God rested down upon us in mighty power, and our hearts were melted. Brother William made an humble confession, and asked my forgiveness for the abuse he had offered me. And wherein I had been out of the way, I asked his forgiveness. And the spirit of confession and forgiveness was mutual among us all, and we covenanted with each other, in the sight of God, and the holy angels, and the brethren, to strive thence-forward to build each other up in righteousness, in all things, and not listen to evil reports concerning each other, but, like brethren indeed, go to each other, with our grievances, in the spirit of meekness, and be reconciled, and thereby promote our happiness, and the happiness of the family, and in
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