President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to surmount ever since the commencement of the work in consequence of aspiring men, “great big ” as he call’d them, who had caused him much trouble, whom he had taught in the private counsel; and they would go forth into the world and ploclaim [proclaim] the things he had taught them; as their own revelations— said the same aspiring disposition will be in this , and must be guarded against— that every person should stand and act in the place appointed, and thus sanctify the Society and get it pure—

He said he had been trampled underfoot by aspiring Elders, for all were infected with that spirit, for instance , and had been aspiring— they could not be exalted but must run away as tho’ the care and authority of the were vested with them— he said we had a subtle devil to deal with, and could only curb him by being humble.

He said as he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the Society and point out the way for them to conduct, that they might act according to the will of God— that he did not know as he should have many opportunities of teaching them— that they were going to be left to themselves,— they would not long have him to instruct them— that the church would not have his instruction long, and the world would not be troubled with him a great while, and would not have his teachings— He spoke of delivering the to this Society and to the church— that according to his prayers God had appointed him elsewhere

He exhorted the sisters always to concentrate their faith and prayers for, and place confidence, in those whom God has appointed to honor, whom God has plac’d at the head to lead— that we should arm them with our prayers.— [p. [37]]