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as possible. The president said that Br^o Peter Hawes wished to
speak,& he was willing he should. P. Hawes said''if he speak
he dont want to be proscribed in his remarks, he spoke by request,
having the desires of O. Hyde, in as much as he wished to pour
out the principles of his heart, he wished to conntenaid the false
influence abroad concerning him, he wished freedom as large
as his Soul, he wished to lay it before the people in simplicity, he
wished investigation into those things which were as sacred as his
life, if generosity prevailed he would speak as free as Israels Gods.''
Presd^t Snow wished to know ''if he wanted to present things that we
do not understand.''Bro Hawes said,'' if he did he would  make it plain, & he wanted investigation before the people, & in presence of
Bros Hyde & Benson.'' Bro Benson said he knew not what there
was to investigate, if there was any thing to investigate it belongs
to the Presd^t to present them, he sh^d like to hear Bro Hawes if there
was any thing of importance, he needed no such investigation as he
once asked,& rec^d the answer. We must do up the,work,&
not doing,
all the day investigating.The continual investigation will bring
out at the little end of the Horn. here is the Presd^t, he ought to bring
such things on the Carpet. I do not believe it will be edifing, it
will be investigating all the time. Bro Hawes said, he knew that
Bro Benson did not know the things that he knew, or what he
had to lay before this people to investigate, he knew he had things
to lay before this people that would make the hearts of this people
rejoice, therefore have the right to use my tongue secured me by God.
& his people, I fling myself upon your mercy, I  do boldly say I can
lay things before this people that will edify, if you know them hand
then out.If I am a bad Man judge me after you have heard me.
I know the rights of the people, it is, '' to speak if right,.'' I know it.
I am secure in these things by God Almighty. I am  Gods free man
as you all know it. If I am tramelled, farewell. I acknowledge all
the authorities here placed by Almighty God. I feel to support them
as long as any Man. By sword or gun I will defend then. I do not
want to bite at the heel like the Serpent. I come like a Sheep. I have
talked freely on these things to you, & others have spread insinuations
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