[High Council Minutes]
The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints met according to adjournment at Elder George A. Smith's and opened for business by prayer from Brothe[r] Isaac Morley.
Counsellors Present
Samuel Bent James Allred
Lewis D. Wilson Alpheus Cutler
David Fulmer George W. Harris
Thomas Grover Aaron Johnson
Newel Knight William Huntington
Ezra T. Benson Freeman Nickerson
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Voted that the case of Alanson Ripley be laid over till the next sitting of the Council, (two weeks from to day 2 o'clock P.M.) in consequence of his absence on business for the Nauvoo House.
The following Charge was prefered before the Council against Ira S. Miles
To the Honorable High Council of the Church of Christ at Nauvoo. I hereby prefer the following charges against before your body, against Ira S. Miles.
Firstly: For being engaged with a Rabble,
Secondly, For stealing watermelons & pulling up v
ines
Thirdly, For Brickbatting a house and other improper conduct.
Nauvoo Aug 17, 1845 Hezekiah Peck
By Vote of the Council, the preceeding charge was also laid over until the next meeting of the Council, in consequence of the absence of brother Miles.
Daniel F. Botsford, (who together with his wife had been expelled from the Church) came before the Council and petitioned for a rehearing whereupon it was Unanimously decided that he have a rehearing.
Said Botsford being unprepared to clear himself from charges against him it was unanimously Voted that he stand as he is, until he shall bring sufficient evidence to clear himself from existing testimony or chrages, or until he makes confession of his faults. Note after the setting of the Council the said Botsford and the aggrieved party became reconciled, and together went to the Counsellors and was recd by rebaptism.
Voted that the clerk notify Lindzey A. Brady to appear before this Council on Saturday two weeks from to day
at 2 o'clock P.M. on charge of re baptizing Jordon Hendrickson, and otherwise maltreating the Council.
Voted unanimously that the clerk also notify Amasa Bonney to meet appear befor[e] said Council at the time and place above specified. Charge unchristianlike conduct in the use of intoxicating drinks.
Voted to adjourn, to meet in this house 2 weeks from to day at 2 o'clock P.M. President John Smith & Council (Isaac Morley and Chas C. Rich) Presiding with Pres't Bent.
APPROVED C.C. Pendleton Clerk.
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A written request from Elders David Elliot & Wm Smith for an adjournment in consequence of ill health and want of time on the part of brother Elliot to procure witnesses, was read, whereupon by with consent of Brother Holman, it was unanimously Voted that the case of David Elliot be laid over for the present.
The case of Elder Lindsey A. Brady was then considered. Elder Brady, plead ignorance of a decision of the High Council relative to rebaptising exc
ommunicated members, (viz) that an elder or any one authorized to baptize should forfeit his membership in case of rebaptizing any excommunicated individual without due retraction or satisfaction being made to the Church; but confessed his fault, asked forgiveness, and promised never to be guilty of the like offence.
Voted unanimously that Elder Brady be continued in fellowship.
Jordon Hendrickson being present wished a standing in the church whereupon it was unanimously Voted that his case be laid over till Saturday two weeks from to day.
Voted unanimously that the case of Ira S. Miles be investigated (he not presenting himself) voted that one on a side speak.
Voted that President Rich give a decision, without further investigation of the subject.
James Allred -Council for Plaintiff
Council for Defendant
Charges sustained and on motion C. C. R unanimously Voted that Ira S. Miles be cut off from the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Voted that J
ames M. Flack and Francis Pullin be cited by the clerk, to appear before this Council in two weeks from to day, on charge of inebriation.
Voted to adjourn and meet in this house on Sat. two weeks from to day at two o'clock P.M.
Closing prayer by Elder John E. Page.
C. C. Pendleton Clk
[source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
[Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]