Minutes of the October 1870 General Conference

Minutes of the Fortieth Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 6-9, 1870. First Presidency: Brigham Young, George A. Smith, Daniel H. Wells. Quorum of Twelve: Orson Hyde (President), Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jr., Joseph F. Smith, Albert Carrington. ¶

President Brigham Young addressed the unity of spiritual and temporal labors in service to God; he emphasized applying gospel principles throughout the week, not merely on Sundays, and provided preaching texts on unity of action, overcoming traditions, children's education, temple building, and the gathering of Israel. Elder Orson Hyde testified to Joseph Smith's prophetic calling and Brigham Young's legitimate succession, and discussed salvation extending to the deceased through temple ordinances. President George A. Smith warned against compromising righteousness and the consequences of apostasy: "the fiercer the battle, the greater the victory." Elder George Q. Cannon stressed that "unity cannot receive too much of our attention" and advocated cooperative economic principles and parental responsibilities. Elder Orson Pratt discussed proper use of wealth and proper marriage protocols. President George A. Smith proposed fining unmarried men and promoted cooperative agriculture and manufacturing to prevent wealth concentration. Elder Erastus Snow examined apostasy causes. President Daniel H. Wells demonstrated how gospel principles encompass all beneficial worldly systems. Elder John Taylor addressed "one-man power" as representing unified faith centered on God's authority. Martin Harris, one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon, testified to the book's divine authenticity. Elder Albert Carrington defended constitutional religious liberty. ¶

General Authorities sustained unanimously; President Young initially resigned as Trustee-in-Trust but reconsidered due to congregational opposition. Mission calls to England and northern territory settlements were issued. ¶