Minutes of the April 1859 General Conference

Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 6-7, 1859. President Brigham Young presiding. ¶

Wednesday, April 6, 1859 (10 a.m.): Elder Joseph Young discussed divine intervention and human weakness, noting the fluctuating nature of spiritual faith among the Saints. President Heber C. Kimball emphasized listening to the Spirit's guidance, advocated sobriety and righteousness, and testified that Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were prophets. Elder George A. Smith used the text "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life" to discuss personal spiritual purification and self-governance through righteousness rather than following men's directives. Patriarch John Young addressed Zion's prosperity, unity among the Saints, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. President Daniel H. Wells encouraged fasting and prayer observance. ¶

Thursday, April 7, 1859 (10 a.m.): Elder John Taylor presented the sustaining of Church authorities. Taylor explained how Church governance functioned through principles rather than compulsion and testified of Joseph Smith's prophetic mission. President Brigham Young emphasized acquiring spiritual knowledge, described angels as exalted beings, and encouraged agricultural diligence. President Daniel H. Wells announced the excommunication of Benjamin L. Clapp from the Seventies. ¶