[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] Wind southerly in Winter Quarters, afternoon very mild for the time of year. At 11 and 12, there were several meetings in the several wards attended by the Twelve, high council, bishops, etc. About 1 p.m., the Saints assembled at the stand at the ring of the bell and were addressed by President Young for the space of two hours. Most of the Twelve, with the historian who was unable to take notes, was present. The grand features of the address went to show that there was iniquity in the Camp of Israel, that some of the brethren indulged in laboring on the Sabbath, some in swearing, others in taking the name of God in vain, damning their brethren, profane and unkind language, stealing hay, etc., refusing to pay their tithing or assist the poor, and other similar evils.
And [then he] instructed the bishops to get up meetings in their several wards where the Saints might assemble themselves together, confess their sins, pray with and for each other, humble themselves before the Lord, and get up a reformation. That all should learn to exercise themselves in the principles of righteousness and that those who receive the holy priesthood did not abide their covenants and walk uprightly before the Lord and before the brethren and dea1 justly. Those who did keep their covenants and honor the priesthood would be taken away from their midst and the wicked would be smitten with famine, with pestilence, with sword, and they would be scattered, perish on the prairies, and he would rather cross the mountains with the Twelve and not another person with them, than be accompanied by a set of wicked men.
And those who continued to lie and steal and swear and commit iniquity and follow the camp would have their heads cut off, for that is the law of God, and it shall be executed, and I swear that I will not live amongst [them]. And all those who go with the camp, whether they belong to the Church or not, and will not assist the poor, shall be cast out. If the Saints will reform and act upon the knowledge which they now possess, flood gates of knowledge will be open to them and they will be filled with light and intelligence. But if they do not repent, the gates of knowledge are closed against them and will remain closed.
Municipal high council met in the Dr.'s [Richards'] round house, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, O. Pratt, B. Young. Motioned that a committee of three be appointed to manage the sheep and dispose of them as they shall see best, withdrawn. Motioned that the old committee have the privilege of taking the sheep to the pea vines and settle the business, carried. Jonathan C. Wright reported his assessment as completed. Assessment received. Voted that Brothers Sherwood and Eldridge appraise the property of [?] Pearson, whose goods are in their charge. Five bishops not having reported, voted that they report at next meeting.
President B. Young said I want to head the devil and I want the brethren to follow a leader who sees ahead of them, and go ahead and do it up and it will come out right. Voted that a committee be appointed to levy the tax. Voted that Brothers Eldridge, Harris, Sherwood, Young, and Pratt be the committee. Voted that the police committee continue, and [to] fill up the police vacancies.
President B. Young: when Zion is built up, the bishops will report to the head bishop, and he report to the high council, and suggested that the bishops meet together, make their own arrangements for meeting. Voted that H. G. Sherwood be the committee man to superintend the building of the council house. Adjourned till next Thursday, at 6 p.m., at this place.
[source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
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