Discourse, 6 March 1840, as Reported by Elias Smith

President Joseph Smith Jun. then addressed the Council on various subjects, &, in particular, the ; stating, that the affair now before Congress was the only thing that ought to interest the saints at present. & till it was ascertained how it would terminate no person ought to be brought to account before the constituted authorities of the for any offence whatever, & was determined that no man should be brought before the Council in till that time &c. &c:

He said that the Law of consecration could not be kept here, & that it was the will of the Lord that we should desist from trying to keep it, & if persisted in it would produce a perfect abortion, & that he assumed the whole responsibility of not keeping it untill prosposed by himself. He requested every exertion to be made to forward affidavits to , & also letters to members of Congress. [p. 89]