April 1850
The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star. "Minutes of the General Conference, Held at Great Salt Lake City, Deseret, April 6th, 1850." September 1, 1850: 257-261.
The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star. "Minutes of the General Conference, Held at Great Salt Lake City, Deseret, April 6th, 1850." September 15, 1850: 273-277. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, HELD AT GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, DESERET, APRIL 6TH, 1850 Sustaining of the General Authorities President Heber C. Kimball Half past one o’Clock, p. m. Elder Parley P. Pratt President Brigham Young Half-past five o’Clock p. m. Elders Meeting Samuel Russell Elder Levi W. Hancock President Brigham Young Sunday, April 7th, 1850 Elder Heber C. Kimball Elder George A. Smith Two o’clock, p.m. President Brigham Young Monday April 8th, 10 a.m. President Heber C. Kimball President Brigham Young Elder George A. Smith |
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MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, HELD AT GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, DESERET, APRIL 6TH, 1850.
Present of the First Presidency—Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
Patriarch—John Smith.
Of the Twelve Apostles—P. P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson.
Presidency of the Seventies—Daniel Spencer, David Fulmer, Willard Snow.
High Priests Quorum—John Young, R. Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop—Newel K. Whitney.
Clerk of Conference—Thomas Bullock.
The Conference was called to order by Elder David Fulmer.
The choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Elder Fulmer, and
singing.
Present of the First Presidency—Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
Patriarch—John Smith.
Of the Twelve Apostles—P. P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson.
Presidency of the Seventies—Daniel Spencer, David Fulmer, Willard Snow.
High Priests Quorum—John Young, R. Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop—Newel K. Whitney.
Clerk of Conference—Thomas Bullock.
The Conference was called to order by Elder David Fulmer.
The choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Elder Fulmer, and
singing.
Elder P. P. Pratt
then arose to present the business of the day, and without any preliminaries, on motion, President Brigham Young was sustained as the first President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by unanimous vote, and also Heber C. Kimball, as first, and Willard Richards, as second Counsellors to President Young.
Moved that John Smith be sustained as Patriarch of the whole Church; carried.
Moved that Orson Hyde be the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; carried; also P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, E. T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, as members of the same; carried.
Moved that Willard Richards, be sustained as Historian, and General Church Recorder; carried.
Moved that John Young, be sustained as the President of the High Priests’ Quorum, also Reynolds Cahoon, and George B. Wallace as his Counsellors; carried.
Moved that Joseph Young, be sustained as the first President, Levi W. Hancock second, Henry Herriman third, Zera Pulsifer fourth, A. P. Rockwood, fifth, Benjamin L. Clapp sixth, and Jedediah M. Grant seventh, Presidents of all the Quorums of the Seventies; carried.
Moved that Daniel Spencer be sustained as the President of this stake of Zion, also David Fulmer and Willard Snow, as his Counsellors; carried.
Moved that Henry G. Sherwood be sustained as President of the High Council, and Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, Lewis Abott, W. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Elisha H. Groves, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Wooley and Thomas Grover, members of said Council; carried.
Moved that Newel K. Whitney be sustained as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; carried.
On motion John Nebeker was sustained as President of the Elder’s Quorum, also James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his Counsellors.
On motion, Joseph Harker was sustained as President of the Priests’ Quorum, also Simeon Howd and James A. Chesney, his Counsellors.
On motion, McGee Harris was sustained as President of the Teachers’ Quorum also John Vance and Reuben Perkins his Counsellors.
On motion, William C. Smithson was sustained as President of the Deacons’ Quorum, also Gehiel McConnell and Gilburd Summe his Counsellors.
Elder Pratt remarked that all are duty bound, in covenant before God, to sustain these several men in their offices, and those who refuse to support them will be found breaking their covenants.
then arose to present the business of the day, and without any preliminaries, on motion, President Brigham Young was sustained as the first President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by unanimous vote, and also Heber C. Kimball, as first, and Willard Richards, as second Counsellors to President Young.
Moved that John Smith be sustained as Patriarch of the whole Church; carried.
Moved that Orson Hyde be the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; carried; also P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, E. T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, as members of the same; carried.
Moved that Willard Richards, be sustained as Historian, and General Church Recorder; carried.
Moved that John Young, be sustained as the President of the High Priests’ Quorum, also Reynolds Cahoon, and George B. Wallace as his Counsellors; carried.
Moved that Joseph Young, be sustained as the first President, Levi W. Hancock second, Henry Herriman third, Zera Pulsifer fourth, A. P. Rockwood, fifth, Benjamin L. Clapp sixth, and Jedediah M. Grant seventh, Presidents of all the Quorums of the Seventies; carried.
Moved that Daniel Spencer be sustained as the President of this stake of Zion, also David Fulmer and Willard Snow, as his Counsellors; carried.
Moved that Henry G. Sherwood be sustained as President of the High Council, and Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, Lewis Abott, W. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Elisha H. Groves, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Wooley and Thomas Grover, members of said Council; carried.
Moved that Newel K. Whitney be sustained as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; carried.
On motion John Nebeker was sustained as President of the Elder’s Quorum, also James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his Counsellors.
On motion, Joseph Harker was sustained as President of the Priests’ Quorum, also Simeon Howd and James A. Chesney, his Counsellors.
On motion, McGee Harris was sustained as President of the Teachers’ Quorum also John Vance and Reuben Perkins his Counsellors.
On motion, William C. Smithson was sustained as President of the Deacons’ Quorum, also Gehiel McConnell and Gilburd Summe his Counsellors.
Elder Pratt remarked that all are duty bound, in covenant before God, to sustain these several men in their offices, and those who refuse to support them will be found breaking their covenants.
President Heber C. Kimball
preached a long and faithful discourse on the present situation of the Saints, comparing it with our former persecutions, drivings, sickness, and poverty; he exhorted the Saints to faithfulness, and to be obedient to the counsel of these men, whom we have this day covenanted to obey; warned them of the danger of falling into the ways of the world, worshipping the God of Mammon, and forsaking the God of their salvation; exhorted them to faithfulness over our mortal bodies, that we may be rewarded with immortal bodies in the world to come, and expressed himself decidedly, that every individual may travel faster than they now do, if they will be obedient to what they are told, and concluded by blessing the people, that peace might rest in their hearts forever and ever. Amen.
The choir sung a hymn—Benediction by Elder Benson.
preached a long and faithful discourse on the present situation of the Saints, comparing it with our former persecutions, drivings, sickness, and poverty; he exhorted the Saints to faithfulness, and to be obedient to the counsel of these men, whom we have this day covenanted to obey; warned them of the danger of falling into the ways of the world, worshipping the God of Mammon, and forsaking the God of their salvation; exhorted them to faithfulness over our mortal bodies, that we may be rewarded with immortal bodies in the world to come, and expressed himself decidedly, that every individual may travel faster than they now do, if they will be obedient to what they are told, and concluded by blessing the people, that peace might rest in their hearts forever and ever. Amen.
The choir sung a hymn—Benediction by Elder Benson.
Half past one o’clock, p. m.--
Conference assembled and called to order by Daniel Spencer,
choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Elder Orson Spencer, and
singing.
Conference assembled and called to order by Daniel Spencer,
choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Elder Orson Spencer, and
singing.
Elder Parley P. Pratt,
arose and occupied nearly two hours in bringing to the notice of the Saints many scenes he had passed through, on the first establishment of this church on the earth, and several visible manifestations of the Providence of God in the various movements of this Church for the past twenty years, and of the manner in which they have been sustained. Inquired for what purpose is this advancement of knowledge, to qualify the Saints for the great and marvelous work—the restoration of the whole house of Israel—and showed examples from among the Jews and Lamanites. He showed clearly that the scriptures had done him a great deal of good, and when he read them he wished to emulate examples Joseph, David and Sampson. He rejoiced in reading the doctrines, and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and completely refuted the doctrines as taught by Moses Martin, that the five senses were the counsellors of man. He said the great book of Nature has been open in all its sublime grandeur to the Utes, Shoshones, and other Indians, and they had the five senses to lead them; compared their low situation with those who were clean and industrious, and who believe in the divine oracles of God; he exhorted the Saints to teach their children faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance towards God, that they might be prepared to be baptized when eight years old; and exhorted them to meet often, and partake of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Saviour.
Many persons are very anxious to hear preaching about the resurrection. He said he had not the keys of the resurrection, but he knew what was written about it, as he had been searching diligently for the last twenty years, and as he now sees more light upon it he argued he saw through a glass dimly, but twenty years hence he might have more light upon the subject. Some persons have the idea, that when a Saint of God dies, when he rises from the dead he will go among the Gods, and do as they do—but, said he, I have not the idea that a man goes straight into celestial glory, but that he will come on the earth and improve in the things of God, until he is perfected. He inquired what was the meaning of that scripture, which saith, they are sown a mortal, but raised a spiritual body? They are natural, because they die, and it is right to call them spiritual, because they are quickened by the spirit of God; they are temporal, because they belong to things that are temporal; it is time, because the earth has not passed away. When the earth is purified time will be no more; what we call the end of time is the winding up scene of this earth; it is made new, and eternity commences; the earth passes away and becomes celestialized. It is one thing to remove the curse from earth, and another to purify it; and there is a great difference in being free from death, pain, and misery; and being restored to the glory and splendor of youth. He exhorted the faithful Saints to read their patriarchal blessings, claim the promises therein, and add all the good things they can think of, and that is not all they will have; for Jesus has promised, that whosoever forsakes father, mother, wife, or children, lands or possessions, for his sake, shall receive in this time an hundred fold, and in the worlds to come life eternal. He said that death and resurrection was like going to sleep at night and waking up in the morning. This opens, that scripture, which says, “I created all things: first, spiritual, then temporal. Again first, temporal, then spiritual; for, to myself, my work has no beginning or ending.” We were firstly, spiritual, then fell under the curse; then take a higher temporal degree, and finally a higher spiritual degree. I would like to rise and see things improve, see those mountains levelled, those barren sage plains turn out their pools of water, and all the swords, spears, and gun-barrels gathered into the blacksmith’s shop, and made into implements to till the earth; have one thousand years of peace, gather up my poor scattered children, cheer up the hearts of the widow and the fatherless, and say, here is your hundred fold that you have suffered for the gospel’s sake, when you were in the latter day on the earth. Not having seen these things twenty years ago, shows me, that I now only see through a glass dimly; but if I had a voice like a trumpet, I would say, repent and prepare for the great restitution of all Israel. Amen.
Choir sung, “Come let us anew.”
arose and occupied nearly two hours in bringing to the notice of the Saints many scenes he had passed through, on the first establishment of this church on the earth, and several visible manifestations of the Providence of God in the various movements of this Church for the past twenty years, and of the manner in which they have been sustained. Inquired for what purpose is this advancement of knowledge, to qualify the Saints for the great and marvelous work—the restoration of the whole house of Israel—and showed examples from among the Jews and Lamanites. He showed clearly that the scriptures had done him a great deal of good, and when he read them he wished to emulate examples Joseph, David and Sampson. He rejoiced in reading the doctrines, and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and completely refuted the doctrines as taught by Moses Martin, that the five senses were the counsellors of man. He said the great book of Nature has been open in all its sublime grandeur to the Utes, Shoshones, and other Indians, and they had the five senses to lead them; compared their low situation with those who were clean and industrious, and who believe in the divine oracles of God; he exhorted the Saints to teach their children faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance towards God, that they might be prepared to be baptized when eight years old; and exhorted them to meet often, and partake of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Saviour.
Many persons are very anxious to hear preaching about the resurrection. He said he had not the keys of the resurrection, but he knew what was written about it, as he had been searching diligently for the last twenty years, and as he now sees more light upon it he argued he saw through a glass dimly, but twenty years hence he might have more light upon the subject. Some persons have the idea, that when a Saint of God dies, when he rises from the dead he will go among the Gods, and do as they do—but, said he, I have not the idea that a man goes straight into celestial glory, but that he will come on the earth and improve in the things of God, until he is perfected. He inquired what was the meaning of that scripture, which saith, they are sown a mortal, but raised a spiritual body? They are natural, because they die, and it is right to call them spiritual, because they are quickened by the spirit of God; they are temporal, because they belong to things that are temporal; it is time, because the earth has not passed away. When the earth is purified time will be no more; what we call the end of time is the winding up scene of this earth; it is made new, and eternity commences; the earth passes away and becomes celestialized. It is one thing to remove the curse from earth, and another to purify it; and there is a great difference in being free from death, pain, and misery; and being restored to the glory and splendor of youth. He exhorted the faithful Saints to read their patriarchal blessings, claim the promises therein, and add all the good things they can think of, and that is not all they will have; for Jesus has promised, that whosoever forsakes father, mother, wife, or children, lands or possessions, for his sake, shall receive in this time an hundred fold, and in the worlds to come life eternal. He said that death and resurrection was like going to sleep at night and waking up in the morning. This opens, that scripture, which says, “I created all things: first, spiritual, then temporal. Again first, temporal, then spiritual; for, to myself, my work has no beginning or ending.” We were firstly, spiritual, then fell under the curse; then take a higher temporal degree, and finally a higher spiritual degree. I would like to rise and see things improve, see those mountains levelled, those barren sage plains turn out their pools of water, and all the swords, spears, and gun-barrels gathered into the blacksmith’s shop, and made into implements to till the earth; have one thousand years of peace, gather up my poor scattered children, cheer up the hearts of the widow and the fatherless, and say, here is your hundred fold that you have suffered for the gospel’s sake, when you were in the latter day on the earth. Not having seen these things twenty years ago, shows me, that I now only see through a glass dimly; but if I had a voice like a trumpet, I would say, repent and prepare for the great restitution of all Israel. Amen.
Choir sung, “Come let us anew.”
President Young
requested all the High Priests and Elders to meet in the Bowery at five o’clock, p. m., to transact some business with Samuel Russell and Moses Martin.
requested all the High Priests and Elders to meet in the Bowery at five o’clock, p. m., to transact some business with Samuel Russell and Moses Martin.
Half-past five o’clock p. m.--
The Elders met, and were called to order by Elder Pratt. After singing a hymn, and prayer by Elder Carter, President Young called for
The Elders met, and were called to order by Elder Pratt. After singing a hymn, and prayer by Elder Carter, President Young called for
Samuel Russell
to come to the stand and explain some remarks he had made in regard to his faith in the gospel of salvation when Russell said, “There may be some points of Mormonism I believe; but as for believing in the principle of Revelation, as the Latter-day Saints do, I do not. I believe that Joseph Smith was as great a prophet as ever was on the earth, but I have no confidence in the Bible, or the Book of Mormon, or the Book of Revelations as being revelations from the Almighty. I may have made light of the Holy Ghost. I have asked what was the Holy Ghost? and said that the only time the Holy Ghost was ever seen, was in the form of a pigeon, and it might be that I did ask if that was good to eat? Gentlemen, I have spoken my sentiments. The brethren have all used me like gentlemen; I might have withdrawn, but did not think it would do any good.”
to come to the stand and explain some remarks he had made in regard to his faith in the gospel of salvation when Russell said, “There may be some points of Mormonism I believe; but as for believing in the principle of Revelation, as the Latter-day Saints do, I do not. I believe that Joseph Smith was as great a prophet as ever was on the earth, but I have no confidence in the Bible, or the Book of Mormon, or the Book of Revelations as being revelations from the Almighty. I may have made light of the Holy Ghost. I have asked what was the Holy Ghost? and said that the only time the Holy Ghost was ever seen, was in the form of a pigeon, and it might be that I did ask if that was good to eat? Gentlemen, I have spoken my sentiments. The brethren have all used me like gentlemen; I might have withdrawn, but did not think it would do any good.”
Levi W. Hancock
arose and said, I do know that Russell once enjoyed the spirit of God, and he has felt that this was the Church of God. I believe that the man has not prayed, but has been negligent, or he would know that Joseph was a prophet of God, and that Brigham Young is the prophet now. I move that Samuel Russell be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seconded by A. P. Rockwood, and carried unanimously.
arose and said, I do know that Russell once enjoyed the spirit of God, and he has felt that this was the Church of God. I believe that the man has not prayed, but has been negligent, or he would know that Joseph was a prophet of God, and that Brigham Young is the prophet now. I move that Samuel Russell be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seconded by A. P. Rockwood, and carried unanimously.
President B. Young,
after some preliminaries said, Mr. Russell has tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and now to forsake that God who has sustained him, and offered him eternal life, and now to turn away from God and make light of those things, is detestable to my feelings. (Turning to him, he said,) inasmuch as we have severed this branch from the tree, I say unto you, Samuel Russell, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, you shall feel the heavy hand of God; I deliver you over into the hands of Satan. You have covenanted to serve your God; as you now forsake him, you shall feel the wrath of God, and shall know there is revelation, and if it does not burn you up, you will wish it would.
I now call upon the case of Moses Martin—when he came into the Valley a year ago last fall, he had not the spirit of the Lord with him that I could perceive; nothing was said to him, or about him, till last summer, when the presidents of the seventies called him in question; they examined his feelings, and I know that he lied in the name of the Lord: I said he was a wicked man: he is. I can prove he is guilty of adultery, and the Doctrine and Covenants says, a man who commits adultery and does not speedily repent, will lose the spirit of the Lord, and will deny the faith; I would not sustain him were he my own father or brother. A year ago I asked him in council, brother Moses, I ask you in the name of the Lord, did you keep yourself virtuous and pure, until you returned to your family? After about five minutes hesitation and conversation he said, yes. He lied and that too in the name of the Lord. He is a liar, and I know it; he has always been like a wild bull in the net. I am on hand to prove him guilty of adultery.
President H. C. Kimball moved that Moses Martin be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his wickedness; carried unanimously.
President Young said, there were many going to the mines; he would rather they would stay here and raise grain, and not run after the God of this world—when I see some of the brethren going away, I feel like a mother seeing her darling child in the midst of the ocean, or in the roaring flames. He then requested the mechanics to commence working their labour tithing, and inquired what rate their wages should be; and appointed a meeting of all the mechanics, for the purpose of deciding what should be the standard of wages the coming season. As I came here this morning—I said to my teams, rest—to my family, rest, while I go up to worship the Lord in this comfortable tabernacle, and get the warming influence of his Holy Spirit, that we may be prepared to go to the nations of the earth and build up the kingdom of our God. If you all felt as I do, you would want to come here, but not hurry to go away again. Let us spend a few days and worship—the heavens are full of days and we have nothing to do but to enjoy them.
Benediction by John Murdock, when the congregation dispersed.
after some preliminaries said, Mr. Russell has tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and now to forsake that God who has sustained him, and offered him eternal life, and now to turn away from God and make light of those things, is detestable to my feelings. (Turning to him, he said,) inasmuch as we have severed this branch from the tree, I say unto you, Samuel Russell, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, you shall feel the heavy hand of God; I deliver you over into the hands of Satan. You have covenanted to serve your God; as you now forsake him, you shall feel the wrath of God, and shall know there is revelation, and if it does not burn you up, you will wish it would.
I now call upon the case of Moses Martin—when he came into the Valley a year ago last fall, he had not the spirit of the Lord with him that I could perceive; nothing was said to him, or about him, till last summer, when the presidents of the seventies called him in question; they examined his feelings, and I know that he lied in the name of the Lord: I said he was a wicked man: he is. I can prove he is guilty of adultery, and the Doctrine and Covenants says, a man who commits adultery and does not speedily repent, will lose the spirit of the Lord, and will deny the faith; I would not sustain him were he my own father or brother. A year ago I asked him in council, brother Moses, I ask you in the name of the Lord, did you keep yourself virtuous and pure, until you returned to your family? After about five minutes hesitation and conversation he said, yes. He lied and that too in the name of the Lord. He is a liar, and I know it; he has always been like a wild bull in the net. I am on hand to prove him guilty of adultery.
President H. C. Kimball moved that Moses Martin be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his wickedness; carried unanimously.
President Young said, there were many going to the mines; he would rather they would stay here and raise grain, and not run after the God of this world—when I see some of the brethren going away, I feel like a mother seeing her darling child in the midst of the ocean, or in the roaring flames. He then requested the mechanics to commence working their labour tithing, and inquired what rate their wages should be; and appointed a meeting of all the mechanics, for the purpose of deciding what should be the standard of wages the coming season. As I came here this morning—I said to my teams, rest—to my family, rest, while I go up to worship the Lord in this comfortable tabernacle, and get the warming influence of his Holy Spirit, that we may be prepared to go to the nations of the earth and build up the kingdom of our God. If you all felt as I do, you would want to come here, but not hurry to go away again. Let us spend a few days and worship—the heavens are full of days and we have nothing to do but to enjoy them.
Benediction by John Murdock, when the congregation dispersed.
Sunday, April 7th, 1850.--
Conference convened at ten, a.m., called to order by G. A. Smith.
Choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Elder Benson, and
singing.
The house was very crowded.
Conference convened at ten, a.m., called to order by G. A. Smith.
Choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Elder Benson, and
singing.
The house was very crowded.
Elder Kimball
said, he hoped the brethren would begin to find out the inconvenience of building such small houses, and hoped the brethren would build larger, so as to accommodate all who came.
said, he hoped the brethren would begin to find out the inconvenience of building such small houses, and hoped the brethren would build larger, so as to accommodate all who came.
Elder George A. Smith
requested the prayers of the Saints, as he did not expect to preach when he came here this morning. The intelligence we receive directly from our Heavenly Father in answer to prayer, is calculated to guide, direct, and lead us in the path that we have undertaken to travel. He compared the present improvement in this valley, to the time when he first entered it as a pioneer, when it was inhabited with innumerable hosts of large black crickets, and a few half-starved Indians. It appeared to him a miracle. Ancient history has no parallel to such an undertaking as we have accomplished, and it is something more than human nature alone could accomplish. God has guided us, and sustained and guarded us to the present time; and we are now in more prosperous circumstances than ever we were. It is in accordance with the revelations of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, through the prophet Joseph Smith, that his Saints should be tried in all things. This people has been driven from the State of New York, next from Jackson county, then from Clay. The same persecution drove us from Ohio, and the exterminating order of Governor Boggs drove us from Missouri. We left that State willingly, because we were obliged to, and we had the privilege of settling down in the most sickly, deathly swamps of Illinois, at Nauvoo. The Gentiles rejoiced, for they thought it would surely kill off the Saints; but when we had drained the swamps and made it healthy, we must be driven from our improvements, and in as miraculous a manner as the children of Israel were delivered from Pharaoh, were we led to this place. When a ship is at sea, running without the danger of shoals, rocks, or shallows, she can ride a boisterous sea in safety—the captain and officers all feel contented, but if a sudden squall rises and takes her in the bows, it would very likely dismast the vessel or sink her. We have ridden through a sea of poverty, sickness, disease, and death; but the storm has always been in our rear, and we could sail through it safely; but here there is danger from a heavy head wind. One of my personal friends, Samuel Russell, came to this stand yesterday, and pronounced himself an unbeliever in the revelations of God, we are now in a situation to be tried by a heavy head wind, and it may dismast some part of the vessel. While we were at school, in Kirtland, it was the desire of every elder to qualify himself to be a messenger of peace to all nations, kingdoms, tongues, and people, until the Lord should say it is enough. We have had but little time to preach since then, having been continually broken up and driven about from place to place, as vagabonds on the earth, which has made us look out a place where we could make our families comfortable for a season. Some of those elders now want to make themselves rich; but I do not want to see any man having the Holy Spirit, have his heart set on farms, cattle, or gold. I say, just as soon as by the blessing of the Almighty, and the blessing of my brethren, I can provide a reasonable means of subsistence for my family, I am ready, and my heart beats high to go and bear this gospel to some people who never heard it, where the gospel never was preached, and where they are in darkness altogether; then I am on hand, and I trust in the Almighty that I may fulfil the work which God requires at my hands. Elders of Israel, and Saints of God, should always consider what they are about; never do a thing that the spirit of truth suggests is not right. Moses Martin was yesterday disfellowshipped, and I will warrant that when he put forth his hand to do evil, the still small voice cried out, “Moses, that is not right.” Never do a thing that you are convinced is not right. Every elder must retain his integrity before the Lord, or he will be damned. Remember the words of the Saviour: “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.” Consider all that we have and are, is at the service of the Almighty; and all that we do to his glory and in his name, and everything we put our hands to will prosper. But if we conclude we have suffered enough, and laboured enough, and stick stakes as apostates do, that they will go thus far and no farther, they will go down swiftly to destruction and be eternally ruined. I desire to bear testimony to the truth of this work. This people have got to be cultivated until they are governed by the will of the Almighty. And the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized twenty years ago yesterday, is the only true church, and the only possible way of salvation, and I know it. If a man sacrifices his own talents to his own corruption, he seals himself up to ruin. This is the only church that will lead you to celestial glory—I know it is so. Joseph has died for it, Hyrum, David, and many others died for it. I know it is the truth. I desire my brethren to treasure these remarks, for I know they are true. And may the Lord God of Hosts preserve us all until we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, which is my prayer. Even so. Amen.
Moved, that George Pitkin, Alvarus Hanks, Thomas Tomkins, Julian Moses, and Joseph Buzby, go to the Society Islands, to the assistance of Addison Pratt, and preach the gospel—carried.
Moved, that Robert Campbell, John O. Angus, and James Works go to England and preach the gospel, under the direction of the Presidency there—carried.
Moved, that Hyrum Clark and William D. Huntington, go to California, to assist Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich.
Moved, that Jesse Molan go to the States on a mission—carried.
Benediction by Daniel Spencer.
requested the prayers of the Saints, as he did not expect to preach when he came here this morning. The intelligence we receive directly from our Heavenly Father in answer to prayer, is calculated to guide, direct, and lead us in the path that we have undertaken to travel. He compared the present improvement in this valley, to the time when he first entered it as a pioneer, when it was inhabited with innumerable hosts of large black crickets, and a few half-starved Indians. It appeared to him a miracle. Ancient history has no parallel to such an undertaking as we have accomplished, and it is something more than human nature alone could accomplish. God has guided us, and sustained and guarded us to the present time; and we are now in more prosperous circumstances than ever we were. It is in accordance with the revelations of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, through the prophet Joseph Smith, that his Saints should be tried in all things. This people has been driven from the State of New York, next from Jackson county, then from Clay. The same persecution drove us from Ohio, and the exterminating order of Governor Boggs drove us from Missouri. We left that State willingly, because we were obliged to, and we had the privilege of settling down in the most sickly, deathly swamps of Illinois, at Nauvoo. The Gentiles rejoiced, for they thought it would surely kill off the Saints; but when we had drained the swamps and made it healthy, we must be driven from our improvements, and in as miraculous a manner as the children of Israel were delivered from Pharaoh, were we led to this place. When a ship is at sea, running without the danger of shoals, rocks, or shallows, she can ride a boisterous sea in safety—the captain and officers all feel contented, but if a sudden squall rises and takes her in the bows, it would very likely dismast the vessel or sink her. We have ridden through a sea of poverty, sickness, disease, and death; but the storm has always been in our rear, and we could sail through it safely; but here there is danger from a heavy head wind. One of my personal friends, Samuel Russell, came to this stand yesterday, and pronounced himself an unbeliever in the revelations of God, we are now in a situation to be tried by a heavy head wind, and it may dismast some part of the vessel. While we were at school, in Kirtland, it was the desire of every elder to qualify himself to be a messenger of peace to all nations, kingdoms, tongues, and people, until the Lord should say it is enough. We have had but little time to preach since then, having been continually broken up and driven about from place to place, as vagabonds on the earth, which has made us look out a place where we could make our families comfortable for a season. Some of those elders now want to make themselves rich; but I do not want to see any man having the Holy Spirit, have his heart set on farms, cattle, or gold. I say, just as soon as by the blessing of the Almighty, and the blessing of my brethren, I can provide a reasonable means of subsistence for my family, I am ready, and my heart beats high to go and bear this gospel to some people who never heard it, where the gospel never was preached, and where they are in darkness altogether; then I am on hand, and I trust in the Almighty that I may fulfil the work which God requires at my hands. Elders of Israel, and Saints of God, should always consider what they are about; never do a thing that the spirit of truth suggests is not right. Moses Martin was yesterday disfellowshipped, and I will warrant that when he put forth his hand to do evil, the still small voice cried out, “Moses, that is not right.” Never do a thing that you are convinced is not right. Every elder must retain his integrity before the Lord, or he will be damned. Remember the words of the Saviour: “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.” Consider all that we have and are, is at the service of the Almighty; and all that we do to his glory and in his name, and everything we put our hands to will prosper. But if we conclude we have suffered enough, and laboured enough, and stick stakes as apostates do, that they will go thus far and no farther, they will go down swiftly to destruction and be eternally ruined. I desire to bear testimony to the truth of this work. This people have got to be cultivated until they are governed by the will of the Almighty. And the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized twenty years ago yesterday, is the only true church, and the only possible way of salvation, and I know it. If a man sacrifices his own talents to his own corruption, he seals himself up to ruin. This is the only church that will lead you to celestial glory—I know it is so. Joseph has died for it, Hyrum, David, and many others died for it. I know it is the truth. I desire my brethren to treasure these remarks, for I know they are true. And may the Lord God of Hosts preserve us all until we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, which is my prayer. Even so. Amen.
Moved, that George Pitkin, Alvarus Hanks, Thomas Tomkins, Julian Moses, and Joseph Buzby, go to the Society Islands, to the assistance of Addison Pratt, and preach the gospel—carried.
Moved, that Robert Campbell, John O. Angus, and James Works go to England and preach the gospel, under the direction of the Presidency there—carried.
Moved, that Hyrum Clark and William D. Huntington, go to California, to assist Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich.
Moved, that Jesse Molan go to the States on a mission—carried.
Benediction by Daniel Spencer.
Two o’clock, p.m.--
Conference again assembled, and was called to order by Elder Benson.
Choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by E. T. Benson, and
singing.
Conference again assembled, and was called to order by Elder Benson.
Choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by E. T. Benson, and
singing.
President Young
arose and said, with joy and gratitude to my Heavenly Father, I look upon this congregation with admiration. I rejoice to see my brethren and my sisters congregate together to worship the Lord. It is a feast to me to look upon the Saints. It is a joy and gladness to mingle in their society. I feel thankful for the goodly number that are safely landed in the mountains. I look forward to the day when scores of thousands will join us in our secluded retreat. It is a matter of consolation to me to have the privilege of looking at the Saints. I can truly say, it is sweeter to me than honey comb. The greatest luxury I can enjoy, is to associate with those who delight to serve the Lord with all their hearts. And in the midst of all afflictions and privations we have the privilege that we never before had, of assembling unmolested from our oppressors. I esteem the providences of God as a fresh manifestation of his kindness in removing the Saints to this place, to suffer the wickedness of the wicked to remove us to this place. I hope we will improve on the same. I would be thankful if I could have my feelings satisfied at this conference; to a certain degree they are, and will be. When I realize what a struggle and labor we have undergone, I would rejoice at the privilege to look at my brethren for days and days. It is a place of happiness to me—the day I have long looked for, to enjoy the privileges now around me. I can truly say, ten or fifteen years ago, I looked upon this people with an expectation that every man and woman would be worn into the grave, their lives spent in preaching, in watching their houses and protecting their families, before we could enjoy the present privilege. I expected it would be enjoyed by my children, but not by me. I am disappointed—it is all I could have anticipated—my life, my labor, all that I could anticipate eight or ten years ago, is now realized by me. The providences of the Almighty speak volumes to me, and say to Israel, be on the lookout. Latter-day Saints be on the watch-tower. The providences of God as they are dealt out to the earth speak to us, and should be realized as peals of thunder, that the Lord will cut short his work in righteousness, for a short work will he do on the earth.
I can say to all Israel, it is time we should awake from our lethargy, from our drowsy and sleepy feelings; awake to righteousness, and hasten the work that is upon us, as fast as the wheels of time roll round, to bring calamities, famine, fire, pestilence, sword, and the destroyer that walks abroad at noon-day, or at midnight, and lays wastes its thousands; nations are revolutionised; kingdoms are tottering and falling: a whole world is in commotion, what can we say? I can say, watch! watch!! watch!!! brethren, and be faithful! When I came here yesterday morning, my feelings were peculiar; I realised that for years we have been deprived of such a privilege to meet together to worship the Lord. This is the most comfortable place I have ever seen for the Saints to hold their meetings in at our gathering place. When I have been abroad in the world, we have had splendid halls; but, at the gathering place, this is the best. What next, brethren? Some think I will go to the conference; but if I do, I cannot stay there. I must go to the kanyons, or hunt my cattle. I would like to go to conference, but I want plough my lot, or fence my field, or to go to mill, or to my farm. This I feel—I felt it yesterday. I have the same cares that other men have—the care of my family, the daily labour that is upon me; my business is before me; but I said to my flocks and herds, and teams, now rest: workmen stop your business, all hands; my family prepare to entertain those who call upon us; do the best you can; prepare the best to feed them with; and to all around me, I said rest while I go and worship the Lord; it has been a great struggle, like two immense armies contending; the enemy of all righteousness contending by storms and thunder, that we should not prepare a place to meet; we have been fighting and struggling for years. I recollect four years last February, we left Nauvoo; from that time to this we have been struggling to build a place to assemble in, we were thwarted in getting a Council House, we have not got it yet; we have been two winters idle, and some of the Elders have forgotten there is a God; they have forgotten their covenants, their vows, and their prayers; they have forgotten what they once remembered, as the first and foremost in their hearts. I will draw cuts with any man who would go and plough tomorrow, which grows the most wheat, by staying here tomorrow and getting our hearts warmed, or go ploughing; I have seen it tried, and proved that when the Lord requires anything of his Saints, and they do it, he can give the increase better, than if they served themselves; there is not the first man who has gained the first picayune by going to a kanyon on Sunday, or by labouring on the Sabbath day; necessity does not drive a man to do it, no such thing, but it is their own dispositions, and the spirit that is in them. There is no more necessity to go to the kanyons, or hunt your cattle on the Sabbath day, you might as well plough; but some feel that they cannot spare time on a week day. We have tried it in travelling since we left Nauvoo, and not one time having travelled on the Sabbath day, have we gained by it, but we have lost a day or two the next week to pay for it. What is the harm? It proves that you treat lightly the rules of the God of nature,--the God we serve. The laws that organised the elements knows what they can endure; he said to man, when you have laboured six days, rest one, to refresh your bodies; let your horses and cattle that labour rest; your men and women, let them rest; I don’t mean to rest like Christians, ride ten miles to a meeting, and then ride twenty-five miles for pleasure; but I mean a Saint’s Sabbath: there is not a nation nor a people that keep the Sabbath, not a Christian, from the Pope to the latest reformer; there is not one who keeps it, no not one, unless sick, if there is one it is by mistake or by accident. Now you gain nothing by transforming the ordinances of nature to your own desires; let them all rest, and when the earth has brought forth six years let it rest the seventh; you will not make anything by transgressing any rule of the God of nature, and if our eastern neighbours had done so, their land would have been as good as when they first saw it. I would as soon rest a whole week and let everything rest a week; for have we not worked more than six Sabbaths? If we tarry a whole week, it would not pay the debt, and the God of nature will bring it all back again. If I hurry this Conference, I have got to hurry every business transaction, and every speech, and then the spirit would not abide with us. I want you to feel as I feel; stay right here, and spend a week in Conference, if necessary. A great many persons feel that they are so poor they have to go to the gold mines, they will be in such a hurry they will forget to pray; another cannot spend a week day to go after wood or hunt his cattle; you can see the example, poor they are and poor they will be, and by and by they will wake up in hell. It is not a polite expression, but it is true doctrine, they will go down to hell, poverty stricken and naked; are those who go to meeting every Sabbath going to get rich? Not just yet. They will have more wheat; you may take economy and rest on the seventh day, and he will be the best off. I am not going to desire anything but the will of my Father in Heaven; if my Father makes me rich I will be contented, and if I am poor I will be contented still, and I will be content with all good men and good people. It is disgusting to me to see a person love this world in its present organization; look at kings on their thrones, their crowns fall at their feet, their almighty dollars do them no good, their wealth and opulence are gone, nation after nation are dethroned and crumble to ashes. Take the very youth of beauty; it is laid low in the grave! Riches take the wings of the morning and fly away; it is beneath the heart of a man who loves God and His spirit.
I wish the brethren to listen to the principles this morning set forth on speculation, and their daily walk; we are here, and it is our duty to sustain ourselves in this place, and also those who will come to us; we have a duty to perform to our brethren; we are under holy Christian covenants to assist our brethren who are left in the states, until they are gathered here; remember the poor who are yet in bondage, and say what we can do for our poor brethren this season; it is one of the most important things that we can do, to raise grain to sustain ourselves, and those who come here
I have a few words to say on Mormonism as it is called, but to us, the doctrine of salvation; I can say I know it is true. I have known for years and years that Joseph was a prophet. I did not embrace Mormonism, because I hoped it was true, but because it was that principle that would save all the human family that would obey it, and it would make them righteous. Joseph Smith lived and died a prophet and sealed his testimony with his blood; he lived a good man, and died a good man, and he was as good a man as ever lived; and the voice of the Lord is still heard for this people. For myself am here just as I was in the days of Joseph. I never pretended to be Joseph Smith. I am not the man who brought forth the Book of Mormon, but I do testify to the truth of it. I am an apostle to bear testimony to the Gentiles of this last dispensation, and also to the Jews. I can say the heart of man is always eager for something, just like little children; we often see children when they have feasted on pumpkin pie and sweet cake, and other good things, eat until they are filled with pain, and cry for more. The Elders have had so much revelation, that it has put them in pain, because they did not know how to digest it, and yet they cry for more. You live and see the time that kings and prophets have desired to see, but have died without the sight. It is your privilege, and it is mine, to receive revelation, and my privilege to dictate to the church. Here are a cloud of witnesses from the death of Joseph or the return of the Twelve to Nauvoo, that all things have been dictated by the Twelve, with your humble servant at their head; could it have been bettered? Was this people or any other people ever led, fed, or administered to more kindly and faithfully than this people have been by the Twelve and those that helped them? No, not even in the days of Joseph. From the day that I was baptized until this present time, I have felt as if I was in another world, in another existence. I never look back upon the old world, but it is like looking into hell. I have only one desire, and that is to do the will of my God, and that is all the will I ever had. I do chastise my brethren, find fault with them, and give them counsel, but the counsel I give let any one say it is not right; I am at the defiance of any one to say that I have not told them just right.
Next thing. Just as soon as any of the Twelve become dissatisfied, they lop off, they have not the boldness to go to the Council and say “good bye, I am going to hell my own road;” no not even John E. Page. I remember once at the commencement of this church, a necromancer embraced it, but he could not be satisfied; he came and said he had fingered and handled the perverted priesthood so much, the course I have taken is downwards, the devil has too fast hold of me, I cannot go with you; but the rest slide off.
Let me tell you it is the truth of the Lord God Almighty, and if a man will not do right, God will remove him out of his place forthwith.
I never was afraid of Joseph, although many would falter and feared Joseph would go astray. I did not serve Joseph but I patterned after the doctrine the Lord has revealed through him. There was no possibility of Joseph leading the people astray. If I thought that God would suffer a man to lead a righteous people astray I would not serve him, I would leave him and seek another; I serve the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers; he has called Joseph and will never let him lead this people astray, but when he has done his work he will take him to himself. I never was afraid of my friends, and you need not be; the Lord Almighty will never suffer his people to go astray, unless they as a people want to follow iniquity; never, no never, no never.
Do you know the word of the Lord when you hear it? It is the will of the Lord that he wants his people to do. As for revelation, some say it has ceased; it has no such thing. I could give you revelation as fast as a man could run, I am in the midst of revelation. Do you want more revelation written? Wait till you obey what is already written.
The last two years of Joseph’s life, Joseph laid out as much work as we can do for twenty years. I have no disposition to seek for more, until I see these we have, obeyed. I tell you one thing, if we obey the word of the Lord, this people have got to quit drinking whiskey, and leave off using so much tobacco, tea, and coffee. It is not religion to spend our time in light visits, or squandering your time as many have. When I look at the world and hear the blasts of the devil, and if I do not live, there are other men who will step into my place who are just as good for a hang on, as I am, or Joseph was.
My feelings are the same as they were when I was baptized, to do the will of my God. When we have the spirit of the Lord, we work together in oneness, and we shall accomplish the design sooner or later. Joseph used to say, “do not be scared, I have not apostatized yet;” and he did not. I say, brethren I have not apostatized, and there are a good many who have not. We have got to gather Israel, and see the redemption of Israel, and if I do not live to accomplish it, I shall come back to enjoy it. I say come on ye Elders of Israel and preach the mysteries of the kingdom. When a principle comes to your understanding, it is no more a mystery; but, behold, the mystery has flown, and all things are easy to be comprehended; all is simple; all is childlike; and all is Godlike.
Moved that Claudius Spencer take a mission to England; carried.
Moved that Simon A. Dunn, and Uriah B. Powell, go to the Society Islands; carried.
The Band played a lively tune.
President H. C. Kimball inquired if it was the feelings of the people to continue the Conference on another day, it was his feelings that we should stay here a few days.
On motion the Conference continues another day; carried.
The Choir sung a hymn.
Benediction by G. A. Smith.
arose and said, with joy and gratitude to my Heavenly Father, I look upon this congregation with admiration. I rejoice to see my brethren and my sisters congregate together to worship the Lord. It is a feast to me to look upon the Saints. It is a joy and gladness to mingle in their society. I feel thankful for the goodly number that are safely landed in the mountains. I look forward to the day when scores of thousands will join us in our secluded retreat. It is a matter of consolation to me to have the privilege of looking at the Saints. I can truly say, it is sweeter to me than honey comb. The greatest luxury I can enjoy, is to associate with those who delight to serve the Lord with all their hearts. And in the midst of all afflictions and privations we have the privilege that we never before had, of assembling unmolested from our oppressors. I esteem the providences of God as a fresh manifestation of his kindness in removing the Saints to this place, to suffer the wickedness of the wicked to remove us to this place. I hope we will improve on the same. I would be thankful if I could have my feelings satisfied at this conference; to a certain degree they are, and will be. When I realize what a struggle and labor we have undergone, I would rejoice at the privilege to look at my brethren for days and days. It is a place of happiness to me—the day I have long looked for, to enjoy the privileges now around me. I can truly say, ten or fifteen years ago, I looked upon this people with an expectation that every man and woman would be worn into the grave, their lives spent in preaching, in watching their houses and protecting their families, before we could enjoy the present privilege. I expected it would be enjoyed by my children, but not by me. I am disappointed—it is all I could have anticipated—my life, my labor, all that I could anticipate eight or ten years ago, is now realized by me. The providences of the Almighty speak volumes to me, and say to Israel, be on the lookout. Latter-day Saints be on the watch-tower. The providences of God as they are dealt out to the earth speak to us, and should be realized as peals of thunder, that the Lord will cut short his work in righteousness, for a short work will he do on the earth.
I can say to all Israel, it is time we should awake from our lethargy, from our drowsy and sleepy feelings; awake to righteousness, and hasten the work that is upon us, as fast as the wheels of time roll round, to bring calamities, famine, fire, pestilence, sword, and the destroyer that walks abroad at noon-day, or at midnight, and lays wastes its thousands; nations are revolutionised; kingdoms are tottering and falling: a whole world is in commotion, what can we say? I can say, watch! watch!! watch!!! brethren, and be faithful! When I came here yesterday morning, my feelings were peculiar; I realised that for years we have been deprived of such a privilege to meet together to worship the Lord. This is the most comfortable place I have ever seen for the Saints to hold their meetings in at our gathering place. When I have been abroad in the world, we have had splendid halls; but, at the gathering place, this is the best. What next, brethren? Some think I will go to the conference; but if I do, I cannot stay there. I must go to the kanyons, or hunt my cattle. I would like to go to conference, but I want plough my lot, or fence my field, or to go to mill, or to my farm. This I feel—I felt it yesterday. I have the same cares that other men have—the care of my family, the daily labour that is upon me; my business is before me; but I said to my flocks and herds, and teams, now rest: workmen stop your business, all hands; my family prepare to entertain those who call upon us; do the best you can; prepare the best to feed them with; and to all around me, I said rest while I go and worship the Lord; it has been a great struggle, like two immense armies contending; the enemy of all righteousness contending by storms and thunder, that we should not prepare a place to meet; we have been fighting and struggling for years. I recollect four years last February, we left Nauvoo; from that time to this we have been struggling to build a place to assemble in, we were thwarted in getting a Council House, we have not got it yet; we have been two winters idle, and some of the Elders have forgotten there is a God; they have forgotten their covenants, their vows, and their prayers; they have forgotten what they once remembered, as the first and foremost in their hearts. I will draw cuts with any man who would go and plough tomorrow, which grows the most wheat, by staying here tomorrow and getting our hearts warmed, or go ploughing; I have seen it tried, and proved that when the Lord requires anything of his Saints, and they do it, he can give the increase better, than if they served themselves; there is not the first man who has gained the first picayune by going to a kanyon on Sunday, or by labouring on the Sabbath day; necessity does not drive a man to do it, no such thing, but it is their own dispositions, and the spirit that is in them. There is no more necessity to go to the kanyons, or hunt your cattle on the Sabbath day, you might as well plough; but some feel that they cannot spare time on a week day. We have tried it in travelling since we left Nauvoo, and not one time having travelled on the Sabbath day, have we gained by it, but we have lost a day or two the next week to pay for it. What is the harm? It proves that you treat lightly the rules of the God of nature,--the God we serve. The laws that organised the elements knows what they can endure; he said to man, when you have laboured six days, rest one, to refresh your bodies; let your horses and cattle that labour rest; your men and women, let them rest; I don’t mean to rest like Christians, ride ten miles to a meeting, and then ride twenty-five miles for pleasure; but I mean a Saint’s Sabbath: there is not a nation nor a people that keep the Sabbath, not a Christian, from the Pope to the latest reformer; there is not one who keeps it, no not one, unless sick, if there is one it is by mistake or by accident. Now you gain nothing by transforming the ordinances of nature to your own desires; let them all rest, and when the earth has brought forth six years let it rest the seventh; you will not make anything by transgressing any rule of the God of nature, and if our eastern neighbours had done so, their land would have been as good as when they first saw it. I would as soon rest a whole week and let everything rest a week; for have we not worked more than six Sabbaths? If we tarry a whole week, it would not pay the debt, and the God of nature will bring it all back again. If I hurry this Conference, I have got to hurry every business transaction, and every speech, and then the spirit would not abide with us. I want you to feel as I feel; stay right here, and spend a week in Conference, if necessary. A great many persons feel that they are so poor they have to go to the gold mines, they will be in such a hurry they will forget to pray; another cannot spend a week day to go after wood or hunt his cattle; you can see the example, poor they are and poor they will be, and by and by they will wake up in hell. It is not a polite expression, but it is true doctrine, they will go down to hell, poverty stricken and naked; are those who go to meeting every Sabbath going to get rich? Not just yet. They will have more wheat; you may take economy and rest on the seventh day, and he will be the best off. I am not going to desire anything but the will of my Father in Heaven; if my Father makes me rich I will be contented, and if I am poor I will be contented still, and I will be content with all good men and good people. It is disgusting to me to see a person love this world in its present organization; look at kings on their thrones, their crowns fall at their feet, their almighty dollars do them no good, their wealth and opulence are gone, nation after nation are dethroned and crumble to ashes. Take the very youth of beauty; it is laid low in the grave! Riches take the wings of the morning and fly away; it is beneath the heart of a man who loves God and His spirit.
I wish the brethren to listen to the principles this morning set forth on speculation, and their daily walk; we are here, and it is our duty to sustain ourselves in this place, and also those who will come to us; we have a duty to perform to our brethren; we are under holy Christian covenants to assist our brethren who are left in the states, until they are gathered here; remember the poor who are yet in bondage, and say what we can do for our poor brethren this season; it is one of the most important things that we can do, to raise grain to sustain ourselves, and those who come here
I have a few words to say on Mormonism as it is called, but to us, the doctrine of salvation; I can say I know it is true. I have known for years and years that Joseph was a prophet. I did not embrace Mormonism, because I hoped it was true, but because it was that principle that would save all the human family that would obey it, and it would make them righteous. Joseph Smith lived and died a prophet and sealed his testimony with his blood; he lived a good man, and died a good man, and he was as good a man as ever lived; and the voice of the Lord is still heard for this people. For myself am here just as I was in the days of Joseph. I never pretended to be Joseph Smith. I am not the man who brought forth the Book of Mormon, but I do testify to the truth of it. I am an apostle to bear testimony to the Gentiles of this last dispensation, and also to the Jews. I can say the heart of man is always eager for something, just like little children; we often see children when they have feasted on pumpkin pie and sweet cake, and other good things, eat until they are filled with pain, and cry for more. The Elders have had so much revelation, that it has put them in pain, because they did not know how to digest it, and yet they cry for more. You live and see the time that kings and prophets have desired to see, but have died without the sight. It is your privilege, and it is mine, to receive revelation, and my privilege to dictate to the church. Here are a cloud of witnesses from the death of Joseph or the return of the Twelve to Nauvoo, that all things have been dictated by the Twelve, with your humble servant at their head; could it have been bettered? Was this people or any other people ever led, fed, or administered to more kindly and faithfully than this people have been by the Twelve and those that helped them? No, not even in the days of Joseph. From the day that I was baptized until this present time, I have felt as if I was in another world, in another existence. I never look back upon the old world, but it is like looking into hell. I have only one desire, and that is to do the will of my God, and that is all the will I ever had. I do chastise my brethren, find fault with them, and give them counsel, but the counsel I give let any one say it is not right; I am at the defiance of any one to say that I have not told them just right.
Next thing. Just as soon as any of the Twelve become dissatisfied, they lop off, they have not the boldness to go to the Council and say “good bye, I am going to hell my own road;” no not even John E. Page. I remember once at the commencement of this church, a necromancer embraced it, but he could not be satisfied; he came and said he had fingered and handled the perverted priesthood so much, the course I have taken is downwards, the devil has too fast hold of me, I cannot go with you; but the rest slide off.
Let me tell you it is the truth of the Lord God Almighty, and if a man will not do right, God will remove him out of his place forthwith.
I never was afraid of Joseph, although many would falter and feared Joseph would go astray. I did not serve Joseph but I patterned after the doctrine the Lord has revealed through him. There was no possibility of Joseph leading the people astray. If I thought that God would suffer a man to lead a righteous people astray I would not serve him, I would leave him and seek another; I serve the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers; he has called Joseph and will never let him lead this people astray, but when he has done his work he will take him to himself. I never was afraid of my friends, and you need not be; the Lord Almighty will never suffer his people to go astray, unless they as a people want to follow iniquity; never, no never, no never.
Do you know the word of the Lord when you hear it? It is the will of the Lord that he wants his people to do. As for revelation, some say it has ceased; it has no such thing. I could give you revelation as fast as a man could run, I am in the midst of revelation. Do you want more revelation written? Wait till you obey what is already written.
The last two years of Joseph’s life, Joseph laid out as much work as we can do for twenty years. I have no disposition to seek for more, until I see these we have, obeyed. I tell you one thing, if we obey the word of the Lord, this people have got to quit drinking whiskey, and leave off using so much tobacco, tea, and coffee. It is not religion to spend our time in light visits, or squandering your time as many have. When I look at the world and hear the blasts of the devil, and if I do not live, there are other men who will step into my place who are just as good for a hang on, as I am, or Joseph was.
My feelings are the same as they were when I was baptized, to do the will of my God. When we have the spirit of the Lord, we work together in oneness, and we shall accomplish the design sooner or later. Joseph used to say, “do not be scared, I have not apostatized yet;” and he did not. I say, brethren I have not apostatized, and there are a good many who have not. We have got to gather Israel, and see the redemption of Israel, and if I do not live to accomplish it, I shall come back to enjoy it. I say come on ye Elders of Israel and preach the mysteries of the kingdom. When a principle comes to your understanding, it is no more a mystery; but, behold, the mystery has flown, and all things are easy to be comprehended; all is simple; all is childlike; and all is Godlike.
Moved that Claudius Spencer take a mission to England; carried.
Moved that Simon A. Dunn, and Uriah B. Powell, go to the Society Islands; carried.
The Band played a lively tune.
President H. C. Kimball inquired if it was the feelings of the people to continue the Conference on another day, it was his feelings that we should stay here a few days.
On motion the Conference continues another day; carried.
The Choir sung a hymn.
Benediction by G. A. Smith.
Monday April 8th, 10 a.m.--
Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
Choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by W. W. Phelps, and
singing.
Moved that Isaac C. Haight, Moses Clawson, Appleton M. Harmon, Jesse Crosby, and William Burton, go on missions to England, to preach the Gospel; carried.
Moved that Jonathan Crosby go on a mission to the Society Islands, and James Bay to Ohio; carried.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
Choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by W. W. Phelps, and
singing.
Moved that Isaac C. Haight, Moses Clawson, Appleton M. Harmon, Jesse Crosby, and William Burton, go on missions to England, to preach the Gospel; carried.
Moved that Jonathan Crosby go on a mission to the Society Islands, and James Bay to Ohio; carried.
President Kimball
gave them some instruction, and advised all the Elders when they start on missions, to leave their families at home, and then their minds will be more free to serve the Lord.
A great deal of local business was attended to, and instructions given on various duties.
gave them some instruction, and advised all the Elders when they start on missions, to leave their families at home, and then their minds will be more free to serve the Lord.
A great deal of local business was attended to, and instructions given on various duties.
Afterwards President Young
gave some instruction on the law of tithing. The Lord himself instituted the principle through Joseph the Prophet, and that is for all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to pay one-tenth of all they have, to begin with, and afterwards one-tenth of their increase. After making some further observation, he said we want to build a large house and farm to place the poor on, as soon as they arrive here. We want only your tenth. I ask not that of my brethren but what I am willing to give myself; and what I do as your leader, or president you should be willing to do the same.
We want to build a large stone house, and I trust I shall see the day when we want a few teams, or a few thousand bushels of grain, to send to the relief of the poor; all we shall have to do will be to go to the store house of the Lord, without calling on the brethren to contribute. We shall yet see the day that we have not a poor person in our midst, and the invalids and indigent persons will be in a comfortable situation for food and raiment, &c.
He then made a few remarks on the subject of mesmerism and witchcraft in the days of old, showing that the power of the mesmerizers are perfectly harmless to the faithful Elders of Israel.
gave some instruction on the law of tithing. The Lord himself instituted the principle through Joseph the Prophet, and that is for all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to pay one-tenth of all they have, to begin with, and afterwards one-tenth of their increase. After making some further observation, he said we want to build a large house and farm to place the poor on, as soon as they arrive here. We want only your tenth. I ask not that of my brethren but what I am willing to give myself; and what I do as your leader, or president you should be willing to do the same.
We want to build a large stone house, and I trust I shall see the day when we want a few teams, or a few thousand bushels of grain, to send to the relief of the poor; all we shall have to do will be to go to the store house of the Lord, without calling on the brethren to contribute. We shall yet see the day that we have not a poor person in our midst, and the invalids and indigent persons will be in a comfortable situation for food and raiment, &c.
He then made a few remarks on the subject of mesmerism and witchcraft in the days of old, showing that the power of the mesmerizers are perfectly harmless to the faithful Elders of Israel.
Elder G. A. Smith
made some remarks on the severity of the weather in the mountains in the fall of the year, and the prospect of sending forth a great number of Elders; and in order to avoid a great deal of suffering by them, passing through the mountains. He moved that we adjourn this Conference to the first Friday in September, then to meet at the Bowery, in Great Salt Lake City, at 10 a.m.; carried unanimously.
The Band played a lively tune.
Benediction by Elder David Fulmer, when the Conference was adjourned by President Young’s blessing the people in the name of the Lord.
Thomas Bullock, Clerk of the Conference.
made some remarks on the severity of the weather in the mountains in the fall of the year, and the prospect of sending forth a great number of Elders; and in order to avoid a great deal of suffering by them, passing through the mountains. He moved that we adjourn this Conference to the first Friday in September, then to meet at the Bowery, in Great Salt Lake City, at 10 a.m.; carried unanimously.
The Band played a lively tune.
Benediction by Elder David Fulmer, when the Conference was adjourned by President Young’s blessing the people in the name of the Lord.
Thomas Bullock, Clerk of the Conference.