they never thought of the matter
before in the light in which I presented
it, and never understood, till their
attention was drawn to it, that any
such thing was required of them.
I have endeavored to follow
strictly the instructions I have received
from Apostle Richards, the Church historian,
but as the memories of most people are
in such a condition that only a small
portion of what is listened to or
learned can be retained for any
length of time, I fear that my labors
in many instances will only have a
temporary effect. And therefore I take
the liberty to suggest, that a circulary
letter issued by the First Presedency, ^or^ the
Church historian, or both, setting forth in
plainness what is required by the
Stake, ward and branch clerks, as well
as heads of families and individual
members, in regard to keeping records,
would make a deeper impression, and