Minutes of the October 1857 General Conference

Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the Bowery adjoining the north end of the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, October 6-7, 1857. President Brigham Young presiding. Clerk: Leo Hawkins. Reporter: J. V. Long. ¶

This conference was held under the shadow of the Utah War: Johnston's Army had been dispatched by President Buchanan and was marching toward Utah Territory. The keynote themes across both days were the necessity of trials for spiritual development, confidence in divine protection, and unity among the Saints despite external threats. ¶

Tuesday, October 6 — Morning Session: President Brigham Young delivered "Advantages of Trials and Experience—Reformation of Conduct, &c" (JD 5; filed separately). Phineas H. Young reported on a recent mission. Jacob Hoffheins reported mission experiences among German immigrants in the Eastern States. A. M. Musser reported on his mission to India, describing Hindu, Muslim, and Zoroastrian beliefs. ¶

Tuesday, October 6 — Afternoon Session: Elder Orson Hyde invited returned missionaries to speak. James Carrigan reported on his European mission, including treatment aboard a steamship. James A. Little, David W. Rogers, George Thurston, Edward Holden, D. B. Dille (who recounted a dream regarding the Saints in England and described his plains crossing with a Scandinavian handcart company), and William Walker all bore testimony of their labors. President Brigham Young closed with remarks on the fulfillment of prophecy and the effects of the Holy Spirit. ¶

Wednesday, October 7 — Morning Session: Elder Lorenzo Snow delivered "Wisdom Gained By Experience—The Trials and the Final Triumph of the Saints, &c" (JD 5; filed separately), comparing the Saints to experienced sailors navigating storms. Israel Evans, Matthias Cowley, David Curtis, Benjamin Ashby, Albert Tyler, Joseph Kelly, Homer Duncan, and Christian Christiansen bore testimony. ¶

Wednesday, October 7 — Afternoon Session: Elder Charles C. Rich delivered "Sufficiency of the Gospel—Obedience to Truth—Union—Good Spirit Among the Saints—The Lord Will Deliver His People" (JD 5; filed separately). Elder Amasa M. Lyman spoke on "Peace, Confidence, and Ultimate Victory of the Saints" (JD 5:317-321; filed separately). Elder Erastus Snow addressed "Testimonies of Returned Missionaries—Trials Lead to Exaltation—Faith in God" (JD 5:300-301; filed separately). President Brigham Young closed with "Testimony of the Spirit—Revelation Given According to Requirements—Spiritual Warfare and Conquest, &c" (JD 5:327-333; filed separately), emphasizing the power of Holy Ghost testimony over scriptural argument alone and defiantly addressing the approaching army ("we are here, and we intend to stay here"). ¶