140 besides the actual business done, received the indorsement [endorsement] of those over whose signatures it appears.
"'Minutes of the proceedings of the committee of the whole church in Zion, in General Assembly, at the following places; to wit: At Far West, February 5, 1838. Thomas B. Marsh, Moderator, John Cleminson, Clerk.
"'After prayer the moderator stated the object of the meeting, giving a relation of the recent organization of the church here and in Kirtland. He also read a certain revelation given in Kirtland, September 3,1837, which made known that John Whitmer and W. W. Phelps were in transgression, and if they repented not they should be removed out of their places; also read a certain clause contained in the appeal published in the old Star, on the one hundred and eighty-third page as follows: "And to sell our lands would amount to a denial of our faith, as that is the place where the Zion of God shall stand, according to our faith and belief in the revelations of God."
"'Elder John Murdock then took the stand and showed to the congregation why the High Council proceeded thus was that the church might have a voice in the matter; and that he considered it perfectly legal according to the instructions of President Joseph Smith, Jr.
"'Elder G. M. Hinkle then set forth the way in which the Presidency of Far West had been labored with, that a committee of three, of whom he was one, had labored with them. He then read a written document containing a number of accusations against the three Presidents. He spoke many things against them, setting forth in a plain and energetic manner the iniquity of Phelps and Whitmer in using the moneys which were loaned to the church. Also David Whitmer's wrong in persisting in the use of tea, coffee, and tobacco.
"'Bishop Partridge then arose and endeavored to rectify some mistakes of minor importance made by Elder Hinkle; also the Bishop spoke against the proceedings of the meeting as being hasty and illegal, for he thought they ought to be had before the Common Council, and said that he could
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