150 years ago today - Jan 23, 1867

Brigham Young reconvenes Council of Fifty, first time in more than 15 years. Apostle Amasa M. Lyman signs a confession to be published in the DESERET NEWS: "I have sinned a grievous sin in teaching a doctrine which makes the death of Jesus Christ of no force, thus sapping the foundation of the Christian religion. . . .[The] preaching was done without submitting it to, or seeking the counsel of, those who bear the Priesthood with whom I am associated. In this I committed a great wrong, for which I most humbly crave and ask their forgiveness, as I do also of all the Saints who have heard my teaching on this subject." Soon afterward Lyman repudiates the confession claiming that he "'did it to save being thrown over the fence to the dogs." He is dropped from the Twelve and disfellowshipped. Two years later he associates with the Godbeite movement and is excommunicated.