The six councilors made a few appropriate remarks, but none felt to {8} plead for mercy, as it had not been asked on the part of the accused, and all with one consent declared that justice ought to have her demands. After some remarks by Presidents Marsh and Patten, setting forth the iniquity of those men in claiming the $2,000 spoken of, which did not belong to them, any more than to any other person in the Church, it was decided that William W. Phelps and John Whitmer be no longer members of the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints, and be given over to the buffetings of Satan, until they learn to blaspheme no more against the authorities of God, nor fleece the flock of Christ. The Council was then asked if they concurred with the decision, if so, to manifest it by rising; they all arose. The vote was then put to the congregation, and was carried unanimously. The negative was called, but no one voted. Brother Marcellus F. Cowdery arose and said he wished to have it understood that he did not vote either way, because he did not consider it a legal tribunal. He also offered insult to the High Council, and to the Church, by reading a letter belonging to Thomas B. Marsh, before giving it to him, and in speaking against the authorities of the Church. A motion was then made by President Patten, that fellowship be withdrawn from Marcellus F. Cowdery, until he make satisfaction, which was seconded and carried unanimously. Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten, Presidents. Ebenezer Robinson, Clerk of High Council. [Sidenote: The Prophet's Reception in Zion.] When I had arrived within one hundred and twenty miles of Far West, the brethren met me with teams and money to help me forward; and when eight miles from the city, we were met by an escort, viz., Thomas B. Marsh and others, who received us with open arms; and on the 13th of March, with my family and some others I put up at Brother Barnard's for the night. Here we were met by another escort of the brethren from the town, who came to make us welcome to their little Zion. On the 14th of March, as we were about entering Far West, many of the brethren came out to meet us, who {9} also with open arms welcomed us to their bosoms. We were immediately received under the hospitable roof of Brother George W. Harris, who treated us with all possible kindness, and we refreshed ourselves with much satisfaction, after our long and tedious journey, the brethren bringing in such things as we had need of for our comfort and convenience. After being here two or three days, my brother Samuel arrived with his family. Shortly after his arrival, while walking with him and certain other brethren, the following sentiments occurred to my mind: _The Political Motto of the Church of Latter-day Saints_.