I went to New Portage on the 2nd of September, in company with Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, to attend a conference; and returned on the 8th. I was engaged in various spiritual and temporal matters for several days. [Sidenote: Provision Made for Remunerating the Patriarch; Oliver Cowdery Appointed Church Recorder.] _September 14_.--In a meeting of a High Council and the Presidency at Kirtland, it was decided that, as the laborer is worthy of his hire, whenever President Joseph Smith, Sen., is called upon to pronounce Patriarchal blessings upon the Church, he be paid for his services at the rate of ten dollars per week and his expenses. It was further decided that President Frederick G. Williams be appointed and hereafter serve as scribe, to attend blessing meetings, and that he receive for his services, at the same ratio, having his expenses borne also. It was further decided that President Oliver Cowdery be appointed, and that he act hereafter as Recorder for the Church. It was further decided that Sister Emma Smith proceed to make a selection of Sacred Hymns, according to the revelation; [1] and that President W. W. Phelps be appointed to revise and arrange them for printing. [Sidenote: Agents for the "Literary Firm" of the Church Appointed.] _September 16_.--The Presidency of the Church assembled and appointed David Whitmer and Samuel H. Smith a committee and general agents to act in the name of, and for, the "Literary Firm." {274} Minutes of a High Council Held in Kirtland, September 16th, 1835. _The trial of Elder Henry Green--Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery and Frederick G. Williams presiding_. A complaint was preferred by President Joseph Smith, Jun., against Brother Henry Green, for accusing President Joseph Smith, Jun., "of rebuking Brother Aldridge wrongfully, and under the influence of an evil spirit." Brother Green being absent, President Rigdon arose and said, that it was the decision of the Presidency, that the Council proceed to examine the charge preferred, because Brother Green had been regularly summoned by himself. The Council appointed one to speak on each side; after which the following testimony was heard: Elder Sylvester Smith testified that Brother Green, on Monday morning last, said that Brother Aldridge was justified in what he said, and that Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith were wrong in abusing the old man; and after Elder Smith explained the matter to him, said, that if any man should do so by him, he should call him a scoundrel; and that he should say that any man who would talk as Joseph did, must have the devil in him.