Minutes of April 4, 1834

George F. James explains he couldn't fill mission because he lacked the funds, denies he missed meetings or spoke lightly of a brother. Joseph and council are satisfied.

Date

April 4, 1834

Kirtland Council , 48.

Location

Kirtland, Joseph's house

Description

This evening a council of High Priests assembled …

Presiding

Joseph Smith Jr.

Clerk

Oliver Cowdery

Original: Cowdry

Revisit George F. James case

The council meets "to reconsider" the case of George F. James.

I have found no minutes of original hearing.

George explains why he didn't go n mission

George says he has "often promised to take up his cross & magnify his calling, but had failed." He admits he should have written Joseph earlier and informed him that "pecuniary affairs" called him home, so he couldn't fulfill his promise to go out and proclaim the gospel.

Apologizes

He "sincerely asked pardon of the Lord and of his brethren," especially Joseph, and is willing to ask for forgiveness from the church.

Attended meetings, did not speak lightly of brethren

As for charges that he had not attended meetings and had "treated lightly some of the weak &c.," he says that he generally attended meetings and denies "speaking or treating lightly any brother because of his weakness." He never did such things "nor could ever find such principles in his bosome."

Joseph: no hard feelings

Joseph says he has "no hardness, he only wished bro. George to consider this as a chastisement." The council was duty-bound to notice his previous conduct, but if is willing to "walk according to the new covenant, he should have his hand of fellowship."

Council satisfied

Council express satisfaction with "bro. George's" confession.

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