CONSORTING WITH THE ENEMY

      Meeting, Public Hall, Brigham City, February 10, 1880 at 6:30 P.M.

Brother Madsen, visiting committee chairman, stated that he had  visited Brother Ramsey and had labored with him two hours, who had promised in behave himself in the future.  Brother Ramsey was here and would speak for himself.

    Brother Ramsey stated that he did not believe that any person had ever seen him drunk in his life.  Still he had indulged in this matter, but not, as he believed, to any extent or to excess.  Thought that those who had accused him of this fault had better look to themselves. It is true, he had went very often to Corinne – he had business there, and attended to it as other men would.  He had never had said anything against the priesthood either there or elsewhere.  Had nothing against anyone.  Sometime ago Brother Jensen saw him there, and came home and reported that he saw him drunk, which was not true.

     Brother Mathias said that as Brother Ramsey denies to being drunk, he
thought that if any of the Brethren had seen Brother Ramsey in that state it would be proper now to say so, that the matter might be decided.

    Brother Jensen stated that he had never accused Brother Ramsey of being drunk at the time of which Brother Ramsey speaks. He saw him in Corinne and he was talking very loud, as if he was in liquor. He told him at the time that he, believed he had a drop too much. He thought he told others of this affair, but did not accuse Brother Ramsey of being drunk. There had been some little misunderstanding at different times between himself and Brother Ramsey, but these have all been amicably settled.

    President Jensen did not wish to make this a personal matter, but believed that Brother Ramsey ought to have been brought before this quorum to answer for his transgressions in several instances. Referred to the company that Brother Ramsey associates with, men who are seeking the destruction of the saints. Had seen him intoxicated and while in this condition he was very abusive, thus attempting to throw a stigma upon this quorum in these regards, which was very wicked.

    Brother Poulsen felt sorry for Brother Ramsey, and advised him to confess his sins and ask the forgiveness of his brethren.

    Bishop Tingey stated that, together with his councilors, he had advised Brother Ramsey to quit his visits to Corinne, for they did not think he was a proper person to go there, but he gives no heed to their counsel, but continues his visits as usual, and while there he tipples and then tells stories concerning his brethren. If he don't stop this he will surely loose the spirit, and eventually apostatize from the Church.

    Councilor Kelly had not known Brother Ramsey very long, but had seen in him a disposition to reject the counsel of the priesthood. He is not in a position to discern between light and darkness, or between truth and error, and between men Who are striving to build up the kingdom of God, and those who are seeking to pull it down. We desire to sav Brother Ramsey, but not in his transgressions and follies. Advised Brother Ramsey to accept the counsel of his brethren and forsake that of the wicked.

    President Jensen was thankful that the brethren had spoken in the manner they had in relation to Brother Ramsey. If duty did not require it, would not complain of him.  The visiting committee had labored with him but to very little purpose. Probably if he had been suspended from the quorum some time ago it might have been better for him. Yet, if he could believe that he would sincerely reform he would most cheerfully forgive him.

    Bishop Welch thought that it would be very improper to let this matter rest without taking immediate action thereon. Could not sustain Brother Ramsey in his conversation and conduct.

    Brother Ramsey sald he did not like to be disfellowshipped. Would cease going to Corinne, if it was contrary to the wishes of the priesthood, and would also cease to keep company with the apostates. Was willing to repent and do better, and asked the forgiveness of his brethren and of the Lord for any and all offenses that he had committed.

            Moved by the President and seconded by Brother Burt that this quorum of High Priests forgive Brother Ramsey on the condition that he keep his promise that he has made this evening not to go to Corinne and not consort with the enemy.  Motion put and unanimously sustained.