April 1860
ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Convened in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, Friday, April 6, 1860, at 10 a.m.—President Brigham Young presiding.
On the Stand: Of the First Presidency: President Brigham Young;
Of the Twelve Apostles: Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards;
Of the First Presidency of Seventies: Joseph Young, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, and Levi W. Hancock;
Of the High Priests: John Young, Edwin D. Woolley, Samuel W. Richards, Phinehas H. Young, William W. Phelps and Samuel L. Sprague;
Of the Presidency of the Stake: Daniel Spencer and David Fullmer;
Patriarchs: John Young and Isaac Morley;
Bishops: Edward Hunter, A. O. Smoot and L. D. Young,
Reporters: George D. Watt and John V. Long.
The conference was called to order by the President.
Choir sung, "The morning breaks, the shadows flee."
Prayer was offered by Elder John Taylor.
Choir sung, "Come all ye Saints who dwell on earth."
Convened in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, Friday, April 6, 1860, at 10 a.m.—President Brigham Young presiding.
On the Stand: Of the First Presidency: President Brigham Young;
Of the Twelve Apostles: Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards;
Of the First Presidency of Seventies: Joseph Young, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, and Levi W. Hancock;
Of the High Priests: John Young, Edwin D. Woolley, Samuel W. Richards, Phinehas H. Young, William W. Phelps and Samuel L. Sprague;
Of the Presidency of the Stake: Daniel Spencer and David Fullmer;
Patriarchs: John Young and Isaac Morley;
Bishops: Edward Hunter, A. O. Smoot and L. D. Young,
Reporters: George D. Watt and John V. Long.
The conference was called to order by the President.
Choir sung, "The morning breaks, the shadows flee."
Prayer was offered by Elder John Taylor.
Choir sung, "Come all ye Saints who dwell on earth."
President B. Young
spoke of the church being thirty years old this day, and of the wonder-working hand of Providence that has hitherto preserved the servants of the Lord, and the Church of Christ through all the vicissitudes of a persecuted life. Said that the Methodists, Presbyterians, Universalists, and all other sects of religionists have some truth amongst them, but that none of them have a perfect system, still the sincere and honest among them will have a better and a greater salvation than they anticipate; that the heathen and those who never heard the law of God will be redeemed, while those who have heard the law and rejected it will be condemned.
When the Lord brings again Zion and the watchmen shall see eye to eye, Saviors will come up on Mount Zion and officiate for thousands and millions of those who never heard the law, but who would have obeyed it if they had been blest with the privilege; that none will be finally damned or destroyed except the sons of perdition, that we may show mercy to and pray for our enemies, those who persecute us, for the Lord showed Joseph Smith in a vision that they would all be saved, except the sons of perdition, and for them we have no right to pray. The world will receive more happiness than they anticipate, and a better kingdom than they can hope for. The Lord will establish his laws and by them will his kingdom be governed.
Announced that the day would be occupied by the Twelve, Seventies and High Priests on the stand, who would make short speeches and bear testimony to the truth.
spoke of the church being thirty years old this day, and of the wonder-working hand of Providence that has hitherto preserved the servants of the Lord, and the Church of Christ through all the vicissitudes of a persecuted life. Said that the Methodists, Presbyterians, Universalists, and all other sects of religionists have some truth amongst them, but that none of them have a perfect system, still the sincere and honest among them will have a better and a greater salvation than they anticipate; that the heathen and those who never heard the law of God will be redeemed, while those who have heard the law and rejected it will be condemned.
When the Lord brings again Zion and the watchmen shall see eye to eye, Saviors will come up on Mount Zion and officiate for thousands and millions of those who never heard the law, but who would have obeyed it if they had been blest with the privilege; that none will be finally damned or destroyed except the sons of perdition, that we may show mercy to and pray for our enemies, those who persecute us, for the Lord showed Joseph Smith in a vision that they would all be saved, except the sons of perdition, and for them we have no right to pray. The world will receive more happiness than they anticipate, and a better kingdom than they can hope for. The Lord will establish his laws and by them will his kingdom be governed.
Announced that the day would be occupied by the Twelve, Seventies and High Priests on the stand, who would make short speeches and bear testimony to the truth.
Universal Salvation
Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 6, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of attending a meeting here, which, to me, was filled with riches—with treasures of good. Today we have met in the capacity of a General Conference—the Thirty-first Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thirty years ago today, the Church was organized with six members. And we will occupy this day in serving the Lord by instructing and encouraging each other, and by testifying of the things the Lord has revealed to us.
Some may suppose that I have the business of the Conference prearranged, but such is not the case. I seldom take thought for tomorrow upon such subjects. When morning comes, I try and be prepared for the business the Lord manifests should be done. I came here in that mind this morning, and knew no more about the manner in which this Conference will be conducted, with regard to its details, than you do, until I came here. Since I came into the house, my feelings and the circumstances have prompted me to say that we will hear further testimony from the brethren. Yesterday, several in the body of the house had the privilege of speaking; and this forenoon I wish to have the Twelve, the Seventies, and the High Priests give us five or ten minutes' sermons from the stand.
I can testify to you, as I have to many congregations of Saints and sinners, that the Lord has revealed his will from the heavens, bestowed the holy Priesthood upon the children of men, and made us the happy partakers thereof. Most, if not all, assembled here this morning have felt the Divine influence of the Holy Ghost shed forth in their hearts: it has awakened them out of their sleep and out of their ignorance, and begun to teach them eternal things. This work is true. The Lord has bestowed the holy Priesthood upon the children of men, by which alone they can be prepared to enter into the celestial kingdom of our God.
How many Gods there are, and how many places there are in their kingdoms, is not for me to say; but I can say this, which is a source of much comfort, consolation, and gratification to me: Behold the goodness, the long-suffering, the kindness, and the strong parental feeling of our Father and God in preparing the way and providing the means to save the children of men—not alone the Latter-day Saints—not those alone who have the privilege of the first principles of the celestial law, but to save all. It is a universal salvation—a universal redemption. Do not conclude that I am a Universalist, as the term is generally understood, although that doctrine is true in part, like the doctrines or professions of all professing Christians. As was stated yesterday by one of those who spoke, when he was a Methodist, he enjoyed a portion of the Spirit of the Lord. Hundreds of those now present have had a like experience in a greater or less degree, before they joined this Church. Then, when we inquire who will be saved, I answer, All will be saved, as Jesus said, when speaking to the Apostles, except the sons of perdition. They will be saved through the atonement and their own good works, according to the law that is given to them. Will the heathen be saved? Yes, so far as they have lived according to the best light and intelligence they had; but not in the celestial kingdom. Who will not be saved? Those who have received the truth, or had the privilege of receiving it, and then rejected it. They are the only ones who will become the sons of perdition, go into everlasting punishment, and become angels to the Devil.
The Priesthood the Lord has again bestowed upon those who will receive it, is for the express purpose of preparing them to become proficient in the principles pertaining to the law of the celestial kingdom. If we obey this law, preserve it inviolate, live according to it, we shall be prepared to enjoy the blessings of a celestial kingdom. Will any others? Yes, thousands and millions of the inhabitants of the earth who would have received and obeyed the law that we preach, if they had had the privilege. When the Lord shall bring again Zion, and the watchmen shall see eye to eye, and Zion shall be established, saviors will come upon Mount Zion and save all the sons and daughters of Adam that are capable of being saved, by administering for them. Is not this pleasing? Is it not gratifying? Is it not a consoling feeling and influence upon the mind of every intelligent being? Our former views were that the majority of the inhabitants of the earth would not be saved in any kind of a kingdom of glory, but would inherit a kingdom of damnation. Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am ye may be also.” In other words, “I go to prepare a place for you who have received and obeyed the celestial law, which I have committed to you.” The celestial is the highest of all. The telestial and terrestrial are also spoken of; and how many more kingdoms of glory there are is not for me to say. I do not know that they are not innumerable. This is a source of great joy to me.
One of the brethren, yesterday, felt so rejoiced, under like reflections, that he said he could pray for the devils in hell, if it would do any good. It is not for us to pray for them, because they have become sons of perdition. You may pray for your persecutors—for those who hate you, and revile you, and speak all manner of evil of you, if they do it ignorantly; but if they do it understandingly, justice must take its course in regard to them; and except they repent, they will become sons of perdition. This is my testimony.
The vision given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon is the greatest vision I ever knew given to the children of men, incorporating more in a few pages than any other revelation I have any knowledge of. “This is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us,” state Joseph and Sidney, “That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him; Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him. Wherefore he saves all except them—they shall go away into everlasting punishment.”
Will the Methodists be saved? Yes. Will other sects? Yes. I think you could not now find an Elder in this Church who would rise up in a congregation and tell you that John Wesley is weltering in hell. Have the Elders ever preached such a doctrine? Yes, some of them have preached that all the Reformers, from the days of Christ and the Apostles until Joseph Smith received the Priesthood, must be damned. I do not think that you could now hear such doctrine from any of them.
There is a chance for those who have lived and for those who now live. The Gospel has come. Truth and light and righteousness are sent forth into the world, and those who receive them will be saved in the celestial kingdom of God. And many of those who, through ignorance, through tradition, superstition, and the erroneous precepts of the fathers, do not receive them, will yet inherit a good and glorious kingdom, and will enjoy more and receive more than ever entered into the heart of man to conceive, unless he has had a revelation.
My heart is comforted. I behold the people of God, that they have been hunted, cast out, driven from the face of men. The powers of earth and hell have striven to destroy this kingdom from the earth. The wicked have succeeded in doing so in former ages; but this kingdom they cannot destroy, because it is the last dispensation—because it is the fulness of times. It is the dispensation of all dispensations, and will excel in magnificence and glory every dispensation that has ever been committed to the children of men upon this earth. The Lord will bring again Zion, redeem his Israel, plant his standard upon the earth, and establish the laws of his kingdom, and those laws will prevail. No law can issue from man or from any body of men to govern and control in eternal things; consequently, those laws must come from heaven to govern and control both Saint and sinner, believer and unbeliever, and every character upon the earth; and they will be issued according to the capacity, knowledge, and mode of life of the people to whom they are promulgated.
I will now call upon the brethren in the stand to speak, and let you have our testimony, strength, and faith, as we have received yours yesterday.
God bless you! Amen.
Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 6, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of attending a meeting here, which, to me, was filled with riches—with treasures of good. Today we have met in the capacity of a General Conference—the Thirty-first Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thirty years ago today, the Church was organized with six members. And we will occupy this day in serving the Lord by instructing and encouraging each other, and by testifying of the things the Lord has revealed to us.
Some may suppose that I have the business of the Conference prearranged, but such is not the case. I seldom take thought for tomorrow upon such subjects. When morning comes, I try and be prepared for the business the Lord manifests should be done. I came here in that mind this morning, and knew no more about the manner in which this Conference will be conducted, with regard to its details, than you do, until I came here. Since I came into the house, my feelings and the circumstances have prompted me to say that we will hear further testimony from the brethren. Yesterday, several in the body of the house had the privilege of speaking; and this forenoon I wish to have the Twelve, the Seventies, and the High Priests give us five or ten minutes' sermons from the stand.
I can testify to you, as I have to many congregations of Saints and sinners, that the Lord has revealed his will from the heavens, bestowed the holy Priesthood upon the children of men, and made us the happy partakers thereof. Most, if not all, assembled here this morning have felt the Divine influence of the Holy Ghost shed forth in their hearts: it has awakened them out of their sleep and out of their ignorance, and begun to teach them eternal things. This work is true. The Lord has bestowed the holy Priesthood upon the children of men, by which alone they can be prepared to enter into the celestial kingdom of our God.
How many Gods there are, and how many places there are in their kingdoms, is not for me to say; but I can say this, which is a source of much comfort, consolation, and gratification to me: Behold the goodness, the long-suffering, the kindness, and the strong parental feeling of our Father and God in preparing the way and providing the means to save the children of men—not alone the Latter-day Saints—not those alone who have the privilege of the first principles of the celestial law, but to save all. It is a universal salvation—a universal redemption. Do not conclude that I am a Universalist, as the term is generally understood, although that doctrine is true in part, like the doctrines or professions of all professing Christians. As was stated yesterday by one of those who spoke, when he was a Methodist, he enjoyed a portion of the Spirit of the Lord. Hundreds of those now present have had a like experience in a greater or less degree, before they joined this Church. Then, when we inquire who will be saved, I answer, All will be saved, as Jesus said, when speaking to the Apostles, except the sons of perdition. They will be saved through the atonement and their own good works, according to the law that is given to them. Will the heathen be saved? Yes, so far as they have lived according to the best light and intelligence they had; but not in the celestial kingdom. Who will not be saved? Those who have received the truth, or had the privilege of receiving it, and then rejected it. They are the only ones who will become the sons of perdition, go into everlasting punishment, and become angels to the Devil.
The Priesthood the Lord has again bestowed upon those who will receive it, is for the express purpose of preparing them to become proficient in the principles pertaining to the law of the celestial kingdom. If we obey this law, preserve it inviolate, live according to it, we shall be prepared to enjoy the blessings of a celestial kingdom. Will any others? Yes, thousands and millions of the inhabitants of the earth who would have received and obeyed the law that we preach, if they had had the privilege. When the Lord shall bring again Zion, and the watchmen shall see eye to eye, and Zion shall be established, saviors will come upon Mount Zion and save all the sons and daughters of Adam that are capable of being saved, by administering for them. Is not this pleasing? Is it not gratifying? Is it not a consoling feeling and influence upon the mind of every intelligent being? Our former views were that the majority of the inhabitants of the earth would not be saved in any kind of a kingdom of glory, but would inherit a kingdom of damnation. Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am ye may be also.” In other words, “I go to prepare a place for you who have received and obeyed the celestial law, which I have committed to you.” The celestial is the highest of all. The telestial and terrestrial are also spoken of; and how many more kingdoms of glory there are is not for me to say. I do not know that they are not innumerable. This is a source of great joy to me.
One of the brethren, yesterday, felt so rejoiced, under like reflections, that he said he could pray for the devils in hell, if it would do any good. It is not for us to pray for them, because they have become sons of perdition. You may pray for your persecutors—for those who hate you, and revile you, and speak all manner of evil of you, if they do it ignorantly; but if they do it understandingly, justice must take its course in regard to them; and except they repent, they will become sons of perdition. This is my testimony.
The vision given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon is the greatest vision I ever knew given to the children of men, incorporating more in a few pages than any other revelation I have any knowledge of. “This is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us,” state Joseph and Sidney, “That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him; Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him. Wherefore he saves all except them—they shall go away into everlasting punishment.”
Will the Methodists be saved? Yes. Will other sects? Yes. I think you could not now find an Elder in this Church who would rise up in a congregation and tell you that John Wesley is weltering in hell. Have the Elders ever preached such a doctrine? Yes, some of them have preached that all the Reformers, from the days of Christ and the Apostles until Joseph Smith received the Priesthood, must be damned. I do not think that you could now hear such doctrine from any of them.
There is a chance for those who have lived and for those who now live. The Gospel has come. Truth and light and righteousness are sent forth into the world, and those who receive them will be saved in the celestial kingdom of God. And many of those who, through ignorance, through tradition, superstition, and the erroneous precepts of the fathers, do not receive them, will yet inherit a good and glorious kingdom, and will enjoy more and receive more than ever entered into the heart of man to conceive, unless he has had a revelation.
My heart is comforted. I behold the people of God, that they have been hunted, cast out, driven from the face of men. The powers of earth and hell have striven to destroy this kingdom from the earth. The wicked have succeeded in doing so in former ages; but this kingdom they cannot destroy, because it is the last dispensation—because it is the fulness of times. It is the dispensation of all dispensations, and will excel in magnificence and glory every dispensation that has ever been committed to the children of men upon this earth. The Lord will bring again Zion, redeem his Israel, plant his standard upon the earth, and establish the laws of his kingdom, and those laws will prevail. No law can issue from man or from any body of men to govern and control in eternal things; consequently, those laws must come from heaven to govern and control both Saint and sinner, believer and unbeliever, and every character upon the earth; and they will be issued according to the capacity, knowledge, and mode of life of the people to whom they are promulgated.
I will now call upon the brethren in the stand to speak, and let you have our testimony, strength, and faith, as we have received yours yesterday.
God bless you! Amen.
Elder Orson Hyde
bore testimony to the divine origin of our religion: said he knew that it came from God, and that the Lord spoke through Joseph Smith as he now does through Brigham Young. Testified that he was fully satisfied with all the organizations of the church; he knew they were ordained of God for the work of the ministry and the perfection of the Saints.
bore testimony to the divine origin of our religion: said he knew that it came from God, and that the Lord spoke through Joseph Smith as he now does through Brigham Young. Testified that he was fully satisfied with all the organizations of the church; he knew they were ordained of God for the work of the ministry and the perfection of the Saints.
Elder Wilford Woodruff
rejoiced in the privilege of meeting with the Saints in general conference; referred to the Lord's prayer and made remarks on its peculiar construction and significant phraseology. He related, in brief, his experience with the sectarians before he heard the gospel of Christ, adverting to his researches after the true knowledge of God, and said that it afforded him great pleasure to bear testimony that he had lived to see the day when that knowledge was freely imparted to the honest in heart. He bore testimony that the kingdom of God was established with all its gifts, graces and blessings; contended that nothing could be aspired to by mortals that could equal the priesthood now restored to the earth. The wealth and power of the world he considered unworthy of comparison with it. He testified that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, the Book of Mormon a true record, and that the revelations in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants were from heaven.
rejoiced in the privilege of meeting with the Saints in general conference; referred to the Lord's prayer and made remarks on its peculiar construction and significant phraseology. He related, in brief, his experience with the sectarians before he heard the gospel of Christ, adverting to his researches after the true knowledge of God, and said that it afforded him great pleasure to bear testimony that he had lived to see the day when that knowledge was freely imparted to the honest in heart. He bore testimony that the kingdom of God was established with all its gifts, graces and blessings; contended that nothing could be aspired to by mortals that could equal the priesthood now restored to the earth. The wealth and power of the world he considered unworthy of comparison with it. He testified that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, the Book of Mormon a true record, and that the revelations in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants were from heaven.
Elder Orson Pratt
spoke of the vastness of the labors of the missionaries of this church; portrayed the wonders that have been wrought by them in the past thirty years and asked the question, "What shall thirty years in the future develop and bring to pass?" Said the progress of this kingdom will cause nations and thrones to totter and tremble with fear and excitement and the hearts of the righteous to swell with a fullness of joy; that the days of the wicked are numbered; the kings, rulers, governors and gentile nations have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Alluded to the many testimonies that are to be given in the last days, after the testimony of the servants of God.
spoke of the vastness of the labors of the missionaries of this church; portrayed the wonders that have been wrought by them in the past thirty years and asked the question, "What shall thirty years in the future develop and bring to pass?" Said the progress of this kingdom will cause nations and thrones to totter and tremble with fear and excitement and the hearts of the righteous to swell with a fullness of joy; that the days of the wicked are numbered; the kings, rulers, governors and gentile nations have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. Alluded to the many testimonies that are to be given in the last days, after the testimony of the servants of God.
Elder John Taylor
expressed himself pleased with the privilege and thankful for the honor of being numbered among the Latter Day Saints; he prized his standing in the church more than all the riches of the world, for he knew the Lord controlled the affairs of his people. Testified to the truth of the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and that President Young is his lawful successor, and that the gospel as taught by the Elders of this church is the truth of heaven and the power of God unto salvation.
Choir sung, "Do what is right."
expressed himself pleased with the privilege and thankful for the honor of being numbered among the Latter Day Saints; he prized his standing in the church more than all the riches of the world, for he knew the Lord controlled the affairs of his people. Testified to the truth of the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and that President Young is his lawful successor, and that the gospel as taught by the Elders of this church is the truth of heaven and the power of God unto salvation.
Choir sung, "Do what is right."
Elder Ezra T. Benson
stated that he had been greatly strengthened while traveling among the Saints the past winter and telling them what he knew; briefly reviewed his experience in connection with the Methodist church and his first acquaintance with and introduction to the doctrine taught by the Latter Day Saints. Bore testimony that he knew the religion he had embraced to be true, for he had received manifestations of the spirit according to the promises made to the obedient.
stated that he had been greatly strengthened while traveling among the Saints the past winter and telling them what he knew; briefly reviewed his experience in connection with the Methodist church and his first acquaintance with and introduction to the doctrine taught by the Latter Day Saints. Bore testimony that he knew the religion he had embraced to be true, for he had received manifestations of the spirit according to the promises made to the obedient.
Elder Charles C. Rich
bore testimony to the saving nature of the gospel we have to advocate and testified that it will impart a present salvation to all those who obey it through life. He urged upon the people the necessity of considering their religion one of a practical character and of living by its principles, that we may attain all the blessings promised to the faithful; contended that we have no evils only those that spring out of our actions, and therefore if we strive to put away our follies and continue to practice our religion, we shall be saved with an eternal salvation. Bore testimony to the restoration of the gospel, with that authority which binds on earth and seals in heaven.
bore testimony to the saving nature of the gospel we have to advocate and testified that it will impart a present salvation to all those who obey it through life. He urged upon the people the necessity of considering their religion one of a practical character and of living by its principles, that we may attain all the blessings promised to the faithful; contended that we have no evils only those that spring out of our actions, and therefore if we strive to put away our follies and continue to practice our religion, we shall be saved with an eternal salvation. Bore testimony to the restoration of the gospel, with that authority which binds on earth and seals in heaven.
Elder Lorenzo Snow
adverted to the varied and trying scenes through which the church of Christ has passed during its thirty years existence on the earth; said that if we seek to do right, everything around us and that we put our hands unto will prove a benefit and a blessing and increase happiness within us. Reasoned on the propriety of doing as we are told by those having authority to instruct us in the ways of life.
Choir sung, "O ye mountains high."
Benediction by Pres. Joseph Young.
adverted to the varied and trying scenes through which the church of Christ has passed during its thirty years existence on the earth; said that if we seek to do right, everything around us and that we put our hands unto will prove a benefit and a blessing and increase happiness within us. Reasoned on the propriety of doing as we are told by those having authority to instruct us in the ways of life.
Choir sung, "O ye mountains high."
Benediction by Pres. Joseph Young.
2 o'clock, p.m.
Choir sung, "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath."
Prayer by Ezra T. Benson.
Singing: "Come ye that love the Lord."
Choir sung, "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath."
Prayer by Ezra T. Benson.
Singing: "Come ye that love the Lord."
Elder Erastus Snow
addressed the congregation on the evidence and testimony that have been gradually developed in this Church; bore testimony to the divine mission of Joseph Smith; that he had received the personal administrations of holy angels and by revelation had laid the foundation of this latter day work; that he holds the keys of the dispensation of the fulness of times. Rejoiced that he had been favored with the privilege of believing and obeying the doctrines of this Church, which he received twenty-eight years ago. Related some incidents connected with his experience since he became acquainted with the gospel. He could not say that he had comprehended all things at once; but as his understanding increased, his mind became enlarged, so that he had grown in the knowledge of the truth.
addressed the congregation on the evidence and testimony that have been gradually developed in this Church; bore testimony to the divine mission of Joseph Smith; that he had received the personal administrations of holy angels and by revelation had laid the foundation of this latter day work; that he holds the keys of the dispensation of the fulness of times. Rejoiced that he had been favored with the privilege of believing and obeying the doctrines of this Church, which he received twenty-eight years ago. Related some incidents connected with his experience since he became acquainted with the gospel. He could not say that he had comprehended all things at once; but as his understanding increased, his mind became enlarged, so that he had grown in the knowledge of the truth.
Elder Franklin D. Richards
gave an account of his receiving the gospel in the State of Massachusetts; since that time his only theme had been to mingle with the members of the kingdom of God, and he would not wish to live upon the earth except in their society, and in the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit. He bore testimony that this is indeed the gospel of Jesus Christ and that we are members of the kingdom of God. Recommended to the Saints that personal and individual chastisement that will make them submissive to the will of heaven and one with the Presidency in all things. Alluded to the merciless frowardness of the wicked in causing the Saints to suffer torture and every kind of physical and mental affliction; also to the workings of God's power in the controlling of all events for the salvation of Israel. Advised the people so to live that they might dwell in the light of truth continually; for his own part he was determined to walk hand in hand with the Saints of the Most High.
gave an account of his receiving the gospel in the State of Massachusetts; since that time his only theme had been to mingle with the members of the kingdom of God, and he would not wish to live upon the earth except in their society, and in the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit. He bore testimony that this is indeed the gospel of Jesus Christ and that we are members of the kingdom of God. Recommended to the Saints that personal and individual chastisement that will make them submissive to the will of heaven and one with the Presidency in all things. Alluded to the merciless frowardness of the wicked in causing the Saints to suffer torture and every kind of physical and mental affliction; also to the workings of God's power in the controlling of all events for the salvation of Israel. Advised the people so to live that they might dwell in the light of truth continually; for his own part he was determined to walk hand in hand with the Saints of the Most High.
Pres. Joseph Young
observed that his brother Brigham was the first man who preached the gospel to him; at that time he was traveling in Canada preaching for the Methodists. He became acquainted with the Book of Mormon about two months after its publication, but he never investigated the subject of its coming forth for two years, when his brother came two hundred miles to preach it to him; he received it with joy and went forth testifying to the truth; from that time to this he always had had a testimony to bear that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon was a divine revelation, and he could bear testimony that the keys of power were now committed to Joseph's successors.
observed that his brother Brigham was the first man who preached the gospel to him; at that time he was traveling in Canada preaching for the Methodists. He became acquainted with the Book of Mormon about two months after its publication, but he never investigated the subject of its coming forth for two years, when his brother came two hundred miles to preach it to him; he received it with joy and went forth testifying to the truth; from that time to this he always had had a testimony to bear that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon was a divine revelation, and he could bear testimony that the keys of power were now committed to Joseph's successors.
Elder Zera Pulsipher
told of his having been in this church over twenty-eight years; that he had previously been looking for something strange to come upon the earth in the last dispensation; spoke of the marvelous works that had been performed in this generation and of the increase of disunion in the sectarian world. When he first heard of the Book of Mormon he experienced a shock that was very much like electricity and when he saw it he felt well satisfied and enjoyed the good spirit while listening to the account of its coming forth.—He recited his experience in the church, alluded to the apostacies that had taken place at various times and the designs of the wicked in trying to injure the Saints.
told of his having been in this church over twenty-eight years; that he had previously been looking for something strange to come upon the earth in the last dispensation; spoke of the marvelous works that had been performed in this generation and of the increase of disunion in the sectarian world. When he first heard of the Book of Mormon he experienced a shock that was very much like electricity and when he saw it he felt well satisfied and enjoyed the good spirit while listening to the account of its coming forth.—He recited his experience in the church, alluded to the apostacies that had taken place at various times and the designs of the wicked in trying to injure the Saints.
Elder Albert P. Rockwood
bore testimony to the truth of the gospel he had received; spoke of having first received the truth from Presidents Brigham and Joseph Young in 1836; recited interesting items concerning his reading the Book of Mormon and investigating the doctrines of the church; said that he traveled to Kirtland to see the Prophet Joseph and that, the very day he was baptized, Joseph was arrested six times while traveling from Kirtland to the Lake. Made remarks relative to his ordination to the priesthood, and testified that he had been instantaneously healed from lameness in his limbs that had afflicted him for years.
bore testimony to the truth of the gospel he had received; spoke of having first received the truth from Presidents Brigham and Joseph Young in 1836; recited interesting items concerning his reading the Book of Mormon and investigating the doctrines of the church; said that he traveled to Kirtland to see the Prophet Joseph and that, the very day he was baptized, Joseph was arrested six times while traveling from Kirtland to the Lake. Made remarks relative to his ordination to the priesthood, and testified that he had been instantaneously healed from lameness in his limbs that had afflicted him for years.
Prest. John Young
expressed himself grateful for the privilege of meeting with the brethren and hearing them speak of their experience, and if it were not so late in the afternoon he could tell some incidents of his experience of a singular character, that transpired before Joseph got the plates, and also many others that had occurred since; he always rejoiced in the society of Apostles and Prophets; he knew their testimony was true, and it afforded him great pleasure to be witness to it. Many things had been said that were measurably his experience, but he wished in addition to that to testify to the signal interposition of the Almighty, and the manifestation of his goodness and power during our sojourn in these valleys, but in a particular manner during the last two years; still he knew there were grumblers in our midst. This, however, he knew to be in consequence of those individuals having a bad spirit within them.—For his own part he could always receive with pleasure every doctrine that had been revealed in the church and, if it were proper, he could speak till twelve o'clock at night and tell of the great and glorious visions that had been opened to his mind, exhibiting in unmistakable plainness the truths of the everlasting gospel. Admonished the Saints to be faithful, to abstain from every appearance of evil and in all things to do right. As a Patriarch in Israel he blessed the people in the name of Israel's God.
expressed himself grateful for the privilege of meeting with the brethren and hearing them speak of their experience, and if it were not so late in the afternoon he could tell some incidents of his experience of a singular character, that transpired before Joseph got the plates, and also many others that had occurred since; he always rejoiced in the society of Apostles and Prophets; he knew their testimony was true, and it afforded him great pleasure to be witness to it. Many things had been said that were measurably his experience, but he wished in addition to that to testify to the signal interposition of the Almighty, and the manifestation of his goodness and power during our sojourn in these valleys, but in a particular manner during the last two years; still he knew there were grumblers in our midst. This, however, he knew to be in consequence of those individuals having a bad spirit within them.—For his own part he could always receive with pleasure every doctrine that had been revealed in the church and, if it were proper, he could speak till twelve o'clock at night and tell of the great and glorious visions that had been opened to his mind, exhibiting in unmistakable plainness the truths of the everlasting gospel. Admonished the Saints to be faithful, to abstain from every appearance of evil and in all things to do right. As a Patriarch in Israel he blessed the people in the name of Israel's God.
Prest. Brigham Young
felt well satisfied with our Birthday Party; alluded to the great variety in the testimony of the brethren, although they had all spoken upon the same subject. He desired the Elders to try and understand men and women as they are, for there is a great variety of judgment, talents and of power to explain the things that are in their minds; therefore we should never judge only from the intentions and the act. He felt extremely happy in the good spirit that prevailed, and in many of the reminiscences of the past that had been brought vividly to his mind. It was twenty eight years since he went to Canada to tell his brother Joseph of the restoration of the gospel; Joseph was a spiritually minded man, and he had more confidence in his discretion than he had in his own. Though he had been brought up in the midst of those flaming, fiery reformations from his childhood, he had kept aloof from them and had prayed the Lord to keep him till he had good, common sense. Spoke of his acquaintance with the Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Quakers, and Shakers, but their extremes were nonsense to him; he always looked to see if the preachers had good, common sense to place with the Bible. Exhorted the Saints to trust in God and keep their own hearts clean. He blessed the people in the name of Jesus Christ.
felt well satisfied with our Birthday Party; alluded to the great variety in the testimony of the brethren, although they had all spoken upon the same subject. He desired the Elders to try and understand men and women as they are, for there is a great variety of judgment, talents and of power to explain the things that are in their minds; therefore we should never judge only from the intentions and the act. He felt extremely happy in the good spirit that prevailed, and in many of the reminiscences of the past that had been brought vividly to his mind. It was twenty eight years since he went to Canada to tell his brother Joseph of the restoration of the gospel; Joseph was a spiritually minded man, and he had more confidence in his discretion than he had in his own. Though he had been brought up in the midst of those flaming, fiery reformations from his childhood, he had kept aloof from them and had prayed the Lord to keep him till he had good, common sense. Spoke of his acquaintance with the Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Quakers, and Shakers, but their extremes were nonsense to him; he always looked to see if the preachers had good, common sense to place with the Bible. Exhorted the Saints to trust in God and keep their own hearts clean. He blessed the people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Personal Reminiscences, &c
Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 6, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
I feel very well satisfied with our thirty-first anniversary. The brethren testify to the goodness of our God, and we have had much excellent instruction.
There is one principle I wish to urge upon the Saints in a way that it may remain with them—that is, to understand men and women as they are, and not understand them as you are. You see the variety of mind, dispositions, judgment, and talent, and variety in explaining and communicating thoughts. There is an endless variety, and I wish you to understand men and women as they are, and not to judge your brother, your sister, your family, or anyone, only from the intention. When you know the intention of the act performed, you will then know how to judge the act.
Some may wish to know whether my religion is as good to me now as it was twenty-eight years ago. It is far better. Twenty-eight years ago last February I went to Canada after my brother Joseph. He was a very spiritual-minded man. You have heard him say today that he did not laugh for a period of two years. I did not know of his smiling during some four or five years. I well remember his calling upon me, after he had been away preaching more than two years. Would he sit and chat with me? No, because of his serious reflections. I knew that he was solemn and praying all the time. I had more confidence in his judgment and discretion, and in the manifestations of God to him, than I had in myself, though I then believed the Book of Mormon to be true. Previous to this I had thoroughly examined the Book of Mormon. In about eight days it will be twenty-eight years since I was baptized. I brought brother Joseph home from Canada, and told him what I had experienced of the power of God, and what I had observed of the folly and nonsense so prevalent in the Christian world.
You have heard the brethren state their experience before they received this Gospel. I was not disposed to attach myself to any Church, nor to make a profession of religion, though brought up from my youth amid those flaming, fiery revivals so customary with the Methodists, until I was twenty-three years of age, when I joined the Methodists. Priests had urged me to pray before I was eight years old. On this subject I had but one prevailing feeling in my mind—Lord, preserve me until I am old enough to have sound judgment and a discreet mind ripened upon a good solid foundation of common sense. I patiently waited until I was twenty-three years old. I do not know that I had ever committed any crime, except it were in giving way to anger, and that I had not done more than two or three times. I never stole, lied, gambled, got drunk, or disobeyed my parents. I used to go to meetings—was well acquainted with the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, New Lights, Baptists, Freewill Baptists, Wesleyan and Reformed Methodists—lived from my youth where I was acquainted with the Quakers as well as the other denominations, and was more or less acquainted with almost every other religious ism.
Upon the first opportunity I read the Book of Mormon, and then sought to become acquainted with the people who professed to believe it. Brother Pulsipher said that he watched to see if he could find fault with the Elder who preached the Gospel to him. I did not take that course, but I watched to see whether good common sense was manifest; and if they had that I wanted them to present it in accordance with the Scriptures.
When “Mormonism” came, I was not under the necessity of hunting Scripture arguments to contradict them, for I had all my life been more or less familiar with the Scriptures. And I do not remember that I ever saw a day when I attacked a sectarian priest with the Bible, for I was well satisfied that they were in water too deep for them to fathom. I understood the Scriptures tolerably well, and my whole mind and reflections were to seek for every particle of truth with regard to doctrine.
I always admired morality, and never saw a day in which I did not respect a good, moral, sensible man far more than I could respect a wicked man. I embraced the Gospel. I then had not the Priesthood, but my mind was susceptible of the Spirit of Truth, and that truth I imparted to my brother Joseph. He caught its influence, came home with me, and was baptized. I was not baptized on hearing the first sermon, nor the second, nor during the first year of my acquaintance with this work. I waited two years and a few days after this Church was organized before I embraced the Gospel by baptism.
Up to the time that “Mormonism” came to me, I did earnestly pray, if there was God (and I believed there was), “Lord God, thou who gavest the Scriptures, who spake to Abraham, and revealed thyself to Moses and the ancients, keep my feet that they may not be entangled in the snares of folly.” So far as the Spirit went, its application and enjoyment were all right with me; but with regard to doctrine, I did not then see any that altogether suited me. I said, Let me pray about this matter, the Gospel, and feel right about it before I embrace it. I could not more honestly and earnestly have prepared myself to go into eternity than I did to come into this Church; and when I had ripened everything in my mind, I drank it in, and not till then. From that day to this, it is all right with me. I am more and more encouraged, because I can see the hand of the Lord more clearly and distinctly than I did no longer than two years ago.
As I frequently tell you, we can rise up, sit down, go here or there, act in this or that way, trade here or there; but we cannot bring out the results of our acts. God does that. I can see the results which he brings to pass by his handiwork. I can discern his footsteps among the people, and his going forth among the nations. His footprints are clearly discovered by his faithful Saints.
Brother John Young says there are some complainers. Who cares for that? I have nothing to do with them at present. Some are afraid there will be a good many apostates. That we expect, for many receive the truth who do not receive the love of it. Do not be afraid, but take fresh courage and persevere.
Some inquire, “Is this community going to be destroyed by thieves?” No. But they have their agency, and their course affords us an excellent opportunity to see the operation of the benign influences of so-called “civilization.” Do you suppose that I am now looking upon thieves? No: they do not come to meeting.
Those who are for right are more than those who are against us. More will prove faithful than will apostatize. A certain class of this people will go into the celestial kingdom, while others cannot enter there, because they cannot abide a celestial law; but they will attain to as good a kingdom as they desire and live for.
Do not worry. All is right, for God reigns. Trust in him, keep your hearts clean, and faithfully observe your prayers, that should the angel Gabriel appear in this stand, you could calmly meet his gaze, and say “All is right with me, Gabriel.” That you may be able to look an angel in the eye and say, “All is right,” you require a clean heart. How many of this congregation could do this? How many could look at an angel and say, “What is wanting? I am ready.” If you can do this, you can enjoy the spirit of the Gospel and be Saints. This is the bread of eternal life.
I bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sung, "Ye Elders of Israel come join now with me."
Dismissed by Patriarch John Young.
Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 6, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
I feel very well satisfied with our thirty-first anniversary. The brethren testify to the goodness of our God, and we have had much excellent instruction.
There is one principle I wish to urge upon the Saints in a way that it may remain with them—that is, to understand men and women as they are, and not understand them as you are. You see the variety of mind, dispositions, judgment, and talent, and variety in explaining and communicating thoughts. There is an endless variety, and I wish you to understand men and women as they are, and not to judge your brother, your sister, your family, or anyone, only from the intention. When you know the intention of the act performed, you will then know how to judge the act.
Some may wish to know whether my religion is as good to me now as it was twenty-eight years ago. It is far better. Twenty-eight years ago last February I went to Canada after my brother Joseph. He was a very spiritual-minded man. You have heard him say today that he did not laugh for a period of two years. I did not know of his smiling during some four or five years. I well remember his calling upon me, after he had been away preaching more than two years. Would he sit and chat with me? No, because of his serious reflections. I knew that he was solemn and praying all the time. I had more confidence in his judgment and discretion, and in the manifestations of God to him, than I had in myself, though I then believed the Book of Mormon to be true. Previous to this I had thoroughly examined the Book of Mormon. In about eight days it will be twenty-eight years since I was baptized. I brought brother Joseph home from Canada, and told him what I had experienced of the power of God, and what I had observed of the folly and nonsense so prevalent in the Christian world.
You have heard the brethren state their experience before they received this Gospel. I was not disposed to attach myself to any Church, nor to make a profession of religion, though brought up from my youth amid those flaming, fiery revivals so customary with the Methodists, until I was twenty-three years of age, when I joined the Methodists. Priests had urged me to pray before I was eight years old. On this subject I had but one prevailing feeling in my mind—Lord, preserve me until I am old enough to have sound judgment and a discreet mind ripened upon a good solid foundation of common sense. I patiently waited until I was twenty-three years old. I do not know that I had ever committed any crime, except it were in giving way to anger, and that I had not done more than two or three times. I never stole, lied, gambled, got drunk, or disobeyed my parents. I used to go to meetings—was well acquainted with the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, New Lights, Baptists, Freewill Baptists, Wesleyan and Reformed Methodists—lived from my youth where I was acquainted with the Quakers as well as the other denominations, and was more or less acquainted with almost every other religious ism.
Upon the first opportunity I read the Book of Mormon, and then sought to become acquainted with the people who professed to believe it. Brother Pulsipher said that he watched to see if he could find fault with the Elder who preached the Gospel to him. I did not take that course, but I watched to see whether good common sense was manifest; and if they had that I wanted them to present it in accordance with the Scriptures.
When “Mormonism” came, I was not under the necessity of hunting Scripture arguments to contradict them, for I had all my life been more or less familiar with the Scriptures. And I do not remember that I ever saw a day when I attacked a sectarian priest with the Bible, for I was well satisfied that they were in water too deep for them to fathom. I understood the Scriptures tolerably well, and my whole mind and reflections were to seek for every particle of truth with regard to doctrine.
I always admired morality, and never saw a day in which I did not respect a good, moral, sensible man far more than I could respect a wicked man. I embraced the Gospel. I then had not the Priesthood, but my mind was susceptible of the Spirit of Truth, and that truth I imparted to my brother Joseph. He caught its influence, came home with me, and was baptized. I was not baptized on hearing the first sermon, nor the second, nor during the first year of my acquaintance with this work. I waited two years and a few days after this Church was organized before I embraced the Gospel by baptism.
Up to the time that “Mormonism” came to me, I did earnestly pray, if there was God (and I believed there was), “Lord God, thou who gavest the Scriptures, who spake to Abraham, and revealed thyself to Moses and the ancients, keep my feet that they may not be entangled in the snares of folly.” So far as the Spirit went, its application and enjoyment were all right with me; but with regard to doctrine, I did not then see any that altogether suited me. I said, Let me pray about this matter, the Gospel, and feel right about it before I embrace it. I could not more honestly and earnestly have prepared myself to go into eternity than I did to come into this Church; and when I had ripened everything in my mind, I drank it in, and not till then. From that day to this, it is all right with me. I am more and more encouraged, because I can see the hand of the Lord more clearly and distinctly than I did no longer than two years ago.
As I frequently tell you, we can rise up, sit down, go here or there, act in this or that way, trade here or there; but we cannot bring out the results of our acts. God does that. I can see the results which he brings to pass by his handiwork. I can discern his footsteps among the people, and his going forth among the nations. His footprints are clearly discovered by his faithful Saints.
Brother John Young says there are some complainers. Who cares for that? I have nothing to do with them at present. Some are afraid there will be a good many apostates. That we expect, for many receive the truth who do not receive the love of it. Do not be afraid, but take fresh courage and persevere.
Some inquire, “Is this community going to be destroyed by thieves?” No. But they have their agency, and their course affords us an excellent opportunity to see the operation of the benign influences of so-called “civilization.” Do you suppose that I am now looking upon thieves? No: they do not come to meeting.
Those who are for right are more than those who are against us. More will prove faithful than will apostatize. A certain class of this people will go into the celestial kingdom, while others cannot enter there, because they cannot abide a celestial law; but they will attain to as good a kingdom as they desire and live for.
Do not worry. All is right, for God reigns. Trust in him, keep your hearts clean, and faithfully observe your prayers, that should the angel Gabriel appear in this stand, you could calmly meet his gaze, and say “All is right with me, Gabriel.” That you may be able to look an angel in the eye and say, “All is right,” you require a clean heart. How many of this congregation could do this? How many could look at an angel and say, “What is wanting? I am ready.” If you can do this, you can enjoy the spirit of the Gospel and be Saints. This is the bread of eternal life.
I bless you all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sung, "Ye Elders of Israel come join now with me."
Dismissed by Patriarch John Young.
Saturday, April 7,--10 a.m.
The meeting was called to order by the President.
Choir sung, "Hail to the brightness of Zion's glad morning."
Prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps.
Singing by the choir.
The meeting was called to order by the President.
Choir sung, "Hail to the brightness of Zion's glad morning."
Prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps.
Singing by the choir.
President Daniel Spencer
related his experience before and since he embraced the gospel; bore testimony that God has spoken from the heavens in this generation and communicated his mind and will to man; gave a brief account of the manner in which the gospel was brought into that part of Massachusetts where he resided; also related a somewhat singular vision that had been opened to his mind.
related his experience before and since he embraced the gospel; bore testimony that God has spoken from the heavens in this generation and communicated his mind and will to man; gave a brief account of the manner in which the gospel was brought into that part of Massachusetts where he resided; also related a somewhat singular vision that had been opened to his mind.
Pres. Brigham Young
said: We shall now proceed to transact the little business that we have to do. I have not heard of any difficulties existing that should be presented to this general conference, therefore, I have none to present, neither do I expect there are any such matters of business to attend to. We will present the authorities first, and I sincerely request the members of this church to act freely and independently. You cannot call to mind whenever a person was injured in the least, either by word or deed, for speaking his honest sentiments; there has been no such case in his church. If a man has honest sentiments and thinks he has been injured, and his outward conduct shows that he is partially honest we regard his honesty.
He was aware that some complained that they dare not tell their feelings, but if they would examine themselves, they would find that it was because their feelings were vindictive. If the brethren present thought that any person whom he might present should not be in office, say so and at a proper time we will hear the case.
said: We shall now proceed to transact the little business that we have to do. I have not heard of any difficulties existing that should be presented to this general conference, therefore, I have none to present, neither do I expect there are any such matters of business to attend to. We will present the authorities first, and I sincerely request the members of this church to act freely and independently. You cannot call to mind whenever a person was injured in the least, either by word or deed, for speaking his honest sentiments; there has been no such case in his church. If a man has honest sentiments and thinks he has been injured, and his outward conduct shows that he is partially honest we regard his honesty.
He was aware that some complained that they dare not tell their feelings, but if they would examine themselves, they would find that it was because their feelings were vindictive. If the brethren present thought that any person whom he might present should not be in office, say so and at a proper time we will hear the case.
Voting to Sustain the Authorities of the Church—Appointment of Elder Cannon to Fill Up the Quorum of the Twelve—Remarks to Departing Missionaries
Remarks by President Brigham Young, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 7, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
I have not inquired whether there are any cases of difficulty between brethren or differences in doctrine that should be presented before the Conference. I have heard of none; consequently I have not given an opportunity to present any. I do not expect there is any such business requiring our attention.
We will first present the authorities of the Church; and I sincerely request the members to act freely and independently in voting—also in speaking, if it be necessary. There has been no instance in this Church of a person's being in the least curtailed in the privilege of speaking his honest sentiments. It cannot be shown in the history of this people that a man has ever been injured, either in person, property, or character, for openly expressing, in the proper time and place, his objections to any man holding authority in this Church, or for assigning his reasons for such objections. Persons have frequently ruined their own characters by making false accusations. Some say they dare not tell their feelings, and feel obliged to remain silent. They, no doubt, tell the truth. Why do they feel so? This, probably, arises from some vindictive feelings against a certain man or men whom they would injure, if they could; and they conclude that their brethren are like them and would seek their injury, if they should avail themselves of the privilege of speaking or acting according to their wicked sentiments and thoughts: therefore they dare not develop the evil that is within them, lest judgment should be meted out to them. They know that they have evil designs; they know that they would bring evil on their brethren, if they had the power; and fear seizes them: they skulk off, and in the midst of the enemies of this people they say they are conscience bound—that they are tied by the influence, power, or authorities of this people. What is it which thus binds them? It is the power of evil which is in their own breasts: that is all that in the least abridges them in their privileges.
When I present the authorities of this Church for the Conference to vote upon, if there is a member here who honestly and sincerely thinks that any person whose name is presented should not hold the office he is appointed to fill, let him speak. I will give full liberty, not to preach sermons, nor to degrade character, but to briefly state objections; and at the proper time I will hear the reasons for any objections that may be advanced. I do not know that I can make a fairer proffer. I certainly would, if it were reasonable to do so. I would not permit contention; I would not permit long argument here: I would appoint another time, and have a day set apart for such things. But I am perfectly willing to hear a person's objections briefly stated.
The first name I shall present to you is that of Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If any person can say that he should not be sustained in this office, say so. If there is no objection, as it is usual in the marriage ceremony of the Church of England, “Let them forever afterwards hold their peace,” and not go sniveling around, saying that you would like to have a better man, and one who is more capable of leading the Church.
Remarks by President Brigham Young, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 7, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
I have not inquired whether there are any cases of difficulty between brethren or differences in doctrine that should be presented before the Conference. I have heard of none; consequently I have not given an opportunity to present any. I do not expect there is any such business requiring our attention.
We will first present the authorities of the Church; and I sincerely request the members to act freely and independently in voting—also in speaking, if it be necessary. There has been no instance in this Church of a person's being in the least curtailed in the privilege of speaking his honest sentiments. It cannot be shown in the history of this people that a man has ever been injured, either in person, property, or character, for openly expressing, in the proper time and place, his objections to any man holding authority in this Church, or for assigning his reasons for such objections. Persons have frequently ruined their own characters by making false accusations. Some say they dare not tell their feelings, and feel obliged to remain silent. They, no doubt, tell the truth. Why do they feel so? This, probably, arises from some vindictive feelings against a certain man or men whom they would injure, if they could; and they conclude that their brethren are like them and would seek their injury, if they should avail themselves of the privilege of speaking or acting according to their wicked sentiments and thoughts: therefore they dare not develop the evil that is within them, lest judgment should be meted out to them. They know that they have evil designs; they know that they would bring evil on their brethren, if they had the power; and fear seizes them: they skulk off, and in the midst of the enemies of this people they say they are conscience bound—that they are tied by the influence, power, or authorities of this people. What is it which thus binds them? It is the power of evil which is in their own breasts: that is all that in the least abridges them in their privileges.
When I present the authorities of this Church for the Conference to vote upon, if there is a member here who honestly and sincerely thinks that any person whose name is presented should not hold the office he is appointed to fill, let him speak. I will give full liberty, not to preach sermons, nor to degrade character, but to briefly state objections; and at the proper time I will hear the reasons for any objections that may be advanced. I do not know that I can make a fairer proffer. I certainly would, if it were reasonable to do so. I would not permit contention; I would not permit long argument here: I would appoint another time, and have a day set apart for such things. But I am perfectly willing to hear a person's objections briefly stated.
The first name I shall present to you is that of Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If any person can say that he should not be sustained in this office, say so. If there is no objection, as it is usual in the marriage ceremony of the Church of England, “Let them forever afterwards hold their peace,” and not go sniveling around, saying that you would like to have a better man, and one who is more capable of leading the Church.
[The names of the authorities and the votes thereon were printed in the conference minutes.]
Brigham Young was sustained as President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: also Heber C. Kimball his first, and Daniel H. Wells, his second Counselors.
Orson Hyde, was sustained as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards, as members of said Quorum.
Prest. B. Young then said: There is a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, and the First Presidency and Twelve have made choice of George Q. Cannon. Many of the brethren are acquainted with him, and some are not. He is a young man, well known to us; he has been raised in the church, and has been known to a great many as one of our chief men upon the Pacific, or Sandwich Islands. He went there when he was a youth, and no man has ever done better. Again, he has been known by many as the editor of the 'Western Standard,' a paper published in California. He is now in the States taking charge of the emigration. I will present his name to this congregation to have him become a member of this Quorum and should it be pleasing to you, you will give us your vote. He will fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Parley P. Pratt.
The vote was called, and the congregation were unanimous in sanctioning the selection.
John Smith was sustained as Presiding Patriarch; Joseph Young, as President and Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock were sustained as presiding council of the Seventies.
President Brigham Young remarked: The first Presidency and Twelve Apostles have made a selection to fill a vacancy in this last named Quorum, and I will now present to you Jacob Gates to take the place of Benj. L. Clapp.
He was unanimously sustained by the conference.
John Young was sustained as President of the High Priests' Quorum; Daniel Spencer, President of this Stake of Zion, and David Fullmer and George B. Wallace his Counselors; William Eddington, James A. Little, Claudius V. Spencer, Samuel W. Richards, George Nebeker, John T. Caine, Joseph W. Young, Gilbert Clements, Edward Partridge, Franklin B. Woolley, Orson Pratt, Jun., and Joseph F. Smith, members of the High Council; John Nebeker, President of the Elders' Quorum, Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop, and Leonard W. Hardy and Jesse C. Little his Counselors; Lewis Wright, President of the Priests' Quorum; McGee Harris, President of the Teachers’ Quorum.
On the testimony of three brethren, Alexander Herron was dropped from the Presidency of the Deacons' Quorum, and from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and on motion of Bishop Hunter, John S. Carpenter was elected President of said Quorum.
Brigham Young was sustained as Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works; Truman O. Angel, Architect for the church; Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells and Edward Hunter, his assistants and agents for said fund; George A. Smith, Historian and general Church Recorder, and Wilford Woodruff his assistant; who were all sustained by the conference.
A few names of persons going east on missions and on business were then read, and the Conference sustained the appointments.
Remarks [cont.]
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have made choice of George Q. Cannon to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. He is pretty generally known by the people. He has been raised in the Church, and was one of our prominent Elders in the Sandwich Islands. He went upon that mission when he was quite young. He is also known by many as the Editor of a paper which he published in California, called The Western Standard. He is now East, assisting in the transaction of business and taking charge of this year's emigration. I will present his name to the congregation to become a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Parley P. Pratt. If this is pleasing to you, you will be so kind as to vote accordingly.
[The vote was unanimous.]
As to evil-speaking, I will say that if men will do the will of God and keep his commandments and do good, they may say what they please about me.
[The names of persons selected to go on missions were read, and the President continued his remarks.]
Brigham Young was sustained as President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: also Heber C. Kimball his first, and Daniel H. Wells, his second Counselors.
Orson Hyde, was sustained as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards, as members of said Quorum.
Prest. B. Young then said: There is a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, and the First Presidency and Twelve have made choice of George Q. Cannon. Many of the brethren are acquainted with him, and some are not. He is a young man, well known to us; he has been raised in the church, and has been known to a great many as one of our chief men upon the Pacific, or Sandwich Islands. He went there when he was a youth, and no man has ever done better. Again, he has been known by many as the editor of the 'Western Standard,' a paper published in California. He is now in the States taking charge of the emigration. I will present his name to this congregation to have him become a member of this Quorum and should it be pleasing to you, you will give us your vote. He will fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Parley P. Pratt.
The vote was called, and the congregation were unanimous in sanctioning the selection.
John Smith was sustained as Presiding Patriarch; Joseph Young, as President and Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock were sustained as presiding council of the Seventies.
President Brigham Young remarked: The first Presidency and Twelve Apostles have made a selection to fill a vacancy in this last named Quorum, and I will now present to you Jacob Gates to take the place of Benj. L. Clapp.
He was unanimously sustained by the conference.
John Young was sustained as President of the High Priests' Quorum; Daniel Spencer, President of this Stake of Zion, and David Fullmer and George B. Wallace his Counselors; William Eddington, James A. Little, Claudius V. Spencer, Samuel W. Richards, George Nebeker, John T. Caine, Joseph W. Young, Gilbert Clements, Edward Partridge, Franklin B. Woolley, Orson Pratt, Jun., and Joseph F. Smith, members of the High Council; John Nebeker, President of the Elders' Quorum, Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop, and Leonard W. Hardy and Jesse C. Little his Counselors; Lewis Wright, President of the Priests' Quorum; McGee Harris, President of the Teachers’ Quorum.
On the testimony of three brethren, Alexander Herron was dropped from the Presidency of the Deacons' Quorum, and from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and on motion of Bishop Hunter, John S. Carpenter was elected President of said Quorum.
Brigham Young was sustained as Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works; Truman O. Angel, Architect for the church; Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells and Edward Hunter, his assistants and agents for said fund; George A. Smith, Historian and general Church Recorder, and Wilford Woodruff his assistant; who were all sustained by the conference.
A few names of persons going east on missions and on business were then read, and the Conference sustained the appointments.
Remarks [cont.]
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve have made choice of George Q. Cannon to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. He is pretty generally known by the people. He has been raised in the Church, and was one of our prominent Elders in the Sandwich Islands. He went upon that mission when he was quite young. He is also known by many as the Editor of a paper which he published in California, called The Western Standard. He is now East, assisting in the transaction of business and taking charge of this year's emigration. I will present his name to the congregation to become a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Parley P. Pratt. If this is pleasing to you, you will be so kind as to vote accordingly.
[The vote was unanimous.]
As to evil-speaking, I will say that if men will do the will of God and keep his commandments and do good, they may say what they please about me.
[The names of persons selected to go on missions were read, and the President continued his remarks.]
Prest. Brigham Young
made some remarks on the subject of missionaries, and gave good counsel to those that are going the present season; he would like to have the elders go forth and preach the gospel instead of begging the last picayune from the poor; he wished to have them hunt up the broken hearted, and bring them home to Zion. If the Elders did not stop the game they had been carrying on he would expose them, for he was determined not to bear it any longer; when he went forth to preach the gospel his policy was to save the people and not to gouge them; it was his general practice while he was in the office in England to take money with him in his pockets to give to the poor that he met in the streets; this everlasting begging, squeezing and extorting money from the people he despised, and all who follow that practice will become poor, but if they want to be rich, let them go and preach the gospel and trust in the Lord for their reward. Every time the Elders come home now they must have a new carriage, bring on goods and turn merchants, and they think they ought to be petted by everybody; but let them beware or the devil will pet them to their sorrow.
Remarks [cont.]
We have at times sent men on missions to get rid of them; but they have generally come back. Some think it is an imposition upon the world to send such men among them. But which is best—to keep them here to pollute others, or to send them where pollution is more prevalent? Ten filthy sheep in a flock of a thousand will so besmear the whole, that, to the eye of a stranger, they all appear to be worthless, when nine hundred and ninety of them are as good as can be, but for the outside smearing by the ten filthy ones. We have tried to turn the filthy ones out of the flock, but they will not always stay out. A few such defile, to outward appearance, the whole flock; and we have it to bear.
I wish the Elders to go and preach the Gospel, instead of begging from the poor their last picayune. I could say a good many things with regard to this subject, but I dislike doing so. My feelings are keen upon this matter. I wish the Elders to go and preach the Gospel, to bind up the brokenhearted, to hunt up the lame, the halt, the blind, and the poor among men, and bring them home to Zion. Do they do this? Not always. My feelings have been sufficiently hurt by a different course; and if the Elders do not stop it, I do not intend to bear it much longer. Perhaps some of them may say—“Brother Brigham, I think our lives and preaching and general deportment will compare very well with yours.” Yes, about as well as white will compare with black, blue, or red. I ask the people of this Church, Who of you have helped me in the days of my poverty? Sometimes a brother or a sister has given me a shilling or a few coppers. The second time I went to Canada, which was after I was baptized, myself and my brother Joseph traveled two hundred and fifty miles in snow a foot and a half deep, with a foot of mud under it. We traveled, preached, and baptized forty-five in the dead of winter. When we left there, the Saints gave us five York shillings with which to bear our expenses two hundred and fifty miles on foot, and one sister gave me a pair of woolen mittens, two-thirds worn out. I worked with my own hands and supported myself.
I have borrowed money, but where is the man I have refused to pay what I borrowed of him? If such a man can be found, let him come forward. I have supported myself and my family, by the help of the Lord and my good brethren. Some of the brethren have helped me very liberally, for which I thank them. After I was ordained into the Quorum of the Twelve, no summer passed in which I did not travel during the summer. I also traveled during much of each winter. Who supported my family? God and I. Who found me clothing? The Lord and myself. I had a large family, and in the States have paid as high as eleven dollars a barrel for flour.
My business is to save the people, not to oppress, plunder, and destroy them. It is also the duty of all the Elders to labor to save the people. Who supported me when I was in England? I was sick and destitute when I started for England, with not a member of my family able to bring me a drink of water. When I was able to walk ten or fifteen yards to a boat, I started. For an overcoat I had a little bed quilt my wife used to put on a trundle bed. When I landed in England, I had six shillings. Who administered to me? The Lord, through good men. The brethren were good and kind to me; but they did not gather me five pounds in this, and a hundred pounds in that Conference, and twenty pounds in another Branch. Have our Elders gathered money in this way? Yes, too often, if not all the time; and I am sick and tired of it; and if they do not stop it, I will expose them.
My practice in England, when I went from my office, was to put a handful of coppers in my pocket to give to the poor. Did I feed anybody there? Yes, scores. Did I help anybody to America? Yes, to the last farthing I possessed. By keeping the office and doing business myself, I had money enough to come home; but Brother Heber and Brother Willard borrowed money and helped others. When we arrived home, were we flush with means? No; we were nearly destitute. I had a little clothing, and the most of that I gave away to poor brethren. I also had one sovereign, and, by obtaining fifteen cents more, was able to buy a barrel of flour. Brother Joseph asked me what I was going to do. I told him that I did not know, but intended to rest with my family and friends until we ate it up, and then I would be ready to walk in the way the Lord should open before me. Joseph would often ask me how I lived. I told him I did not know—that I did my best, and the Lord did the rest.
Do men get rich by this everlasting begging? No. Those who do it will be poor in spirit and in purse. If you desire to be rich, go and preach the Gospel with a liberal heart, and trust in God to sustain you. If you cannot by such a course come home with shoes, come with moccasins; and if you are obliged to come barefooted, tar the bottoms of your feet: the sand sticking in the tar will form a sole; and thank God that you have arrived here in that way rather than in carriages. But no; many of our Elders must come in carriages: they must have gold, and silver, and fine clothing to enable them to flirt around with their wives.
Let my wives take care of themselves. “But,” says one, “I have gratified and pampered my wives so long, were I to go away, what would become of them?” Leave them to plan and provide for themselves.
Will those Elders I am talking to today take the hint? Or will they follow the practice of too many, and beg, and make that their chief joy and occupation? If you take the hint, go from here without purse or scrip, unless the brethren give you something: leave all you can with your families, and do not beg creation dry. Preach the Gospel, gather the poor, and bring them home to Zion. Return naked and barefoot rather than come in carriages procured with money obtained from the poor and destitute. If the rich give to you, receive it thankfully. Return with a wheelbarrow or handcart, and bring some of the honest poor with you. If you do not pursue this course, I shall conclude that we have made a selection of groveling, worldly-minded men, whose brains, at least in my estimation, are not as they should be.
made some remarks on the subject of missionaries, and gave good counsel to those that are going the present season; he would like to have the elders go forth and preach the gospel instead of begging the last picayune from the poor; he wished to have them hunt up the broken hearted, and bring them home to Zion. If the Elders did not stop the game they had been carrying on he would expose them, for he was determined not to bear it any longer; when he went forth to preach the gospel his policy was to save the people and not to gouge them; it was his general practice while he was in the office in England to take money with him in his pockets to give to the poor that he met in the streets; this everlasting begging, squeezing and extorting money from the people he despised, and all who follow that practice will become poor, but if they want to be rich, let them go and preach the gospel and trust in the Lord for their reward. Every time the Elders come home now they must have a new carriage, bring on goods and turn merchants, and they think they ought to be petted by everybody; but let them beware or the devil will pet them to their sorrow.
Remarks [cont.]
We have at times sent men on missions to get rid of them; but they have generally come back. Some think it is an imposition upon the world to send such men among them. But which is best—to keep them here to pollute others, or to send them where pollution is more prevalent? Ten filthy sheep in a flock of a thousand will so besmear the whole, that, to the eye of a stranger, they all appear to be worthless, when nine hundred and ninety of them are as good as can be, but for the outside smearing by the ten filthy ones. We have tried to turn the filthy ones out of the flock, but they will not always stay out. A few such defile, to outward appearance, the whole flock; and we have it to bear.
I wish the Elders to go and preach the Gospel, instead of begging from the poor their last picayune. I could say a good many things with regard to this subject, but I dislike doing so. My feelings are keen upon this matter. I wish the Elders to go and preach the Gospel, to bind up the brokenhearted, to hunt up the lame, the halt, the blind, and the poor among men, and bring them home to Zion. Do they do this? Not always. My feelings have been sufficiently hurt by a different course; and if the Elders do not stop it, I do not intend to bear it much longer. Perhaps some of them may say—“Brother Brigham, I think our lives and preaching and general deportment will compare very well with yours.” Yes, about as well as white will compare with black, blue, or red. I ask the people of this Church, Who of you have helped me in the days of my poverty? Sometimes a brother or a sister has given me a shilling or a few coppers. The second time I went to Canada, which was after I was baptized, myself and my brother Joseph traveled two hundred and fifty miles in snow a foot and a half deep, with a foot of mud under it. We traveled, preached, and baptized forty-five in the dead of winter. When we left there, the Saints gave us five York shillings with which to bear our expenses two hundred and fifty miles on foot, and one sister gave me a pair of woolen mittens, two-thirds worn out. I worked with my own hands and supported myself.
I have borrowed money, but where is the man I have refused to pay what I borrowed of him? If such a man can be found, let him come forward. I have supported myself and my family, by the help of the Lord and my good brethren. Some of the brethren have helped me very liberally, for which I thank them. After I was ordained into the Quorum of the Twelve, no summer passed in which I did not travel during the summer. I also traveled during much of each winter. Who supported my family? God and I. Who found me clothing? The Lord and myself. I had a large family, and in the States have paid as high as eleven dollars a barrel for flour.
My business is to save the people, not to oppress, plunder, and destroy them. It is also the duty of all the Elders to labor to save the people. Who supported me when I was in England? I was sick and destitute when I started for England, with not a member of my family able to bring me a drink of water. When I was able to walk ten or fifteen yards to a boat, I started. For an overcoat I had a little bed quilt my wife used to put on a trundle bed. When I landed in England, I had six shillings. Who administered to me? The Lord, through good men. The brethren were good and kind to me; but they did not gather me five pounds in this, and a hundred pounds in that Conference, and twenty pounds in another Branch. Have our Elders gathered money in this way? Yes, too often, if not all the time; and I am sick and tired of it; and if they do not stop it, I will expose them.
My practice in England, when I went from my office, was to put a handful of coppers in my pocket to give to the poor. Did I feed anybody there? Yes, scores. Did I help anybody to America? Yes, to the last farthing I possessed. By keeping the office and doing business myself, I had money enough to come home; but Brother Heber and Brother Willard borrowed money and helped others. When we arrived home, were we flush with means? No; we were nearly destitute. I had a little clothing, and the most of that I gave away to poor brethren. I also had one sovereign, and, by obtaining fifteen cents more, was able to buy a barrel of flour. Brother Joseph asked me what I was going to do. I told him that I did not know, but intended to rest with my family and friends until we ate it up, and then I would be ready to walk in the way the Lord should open before me. Joseph would often ask me how I lived. I told him I did not know—that I did my best, and the Lord did the rest.
Do men get rich by this everlasting begging? No. Those who do it will be poor in spirit and in purse. If you desire to be rich, go and preach the Gospel with a liberal heart, and trust in God to sustain you. If you cannot by such a course come home with shoes, come with moccasins; and if you are obliged to come barefooted, tar the bottoms of your feet: the sand sticking in the tar will form a sole; and thank God that you have arrived here in that way rather than in carriages. But no; many of our Elders must come in carriages: they must have gold, and silver, and fine clothing to enable them to flirt around with their wives.
Let my wives take care of themselves. “But,” says one, “I have gratified and pampered my wives so long, were I to go away, what would become of them?” Leave them to plan and provide for themselves.
Will those Elders I am talking to today take the hint? Or will they follow the practice of too many, and beg, and make that their chief joy and occupation? If you take the hint, go from here without purse or scrip, unless the brethren give you something: leave all you can with your families, and do not beg creation dry. Preach the Gospel, gather the poor, and bring them home to Zion. Return naked and barefoot rather than come in carriages procured with money obtained from the poor and destitute. If the rich give to you, receive it thankfully. Return with a wheelbarrow or handcart, and bring some of the honest poor with you. If you do not pursue this course, I shall conclude that we have made a selection of groveling, worldly-minded men, whose brains, at least in my estimation, are not as they should be.
Bishop Edwin D. Woolley
made remarks on the age of the church, and as he looked at it, the beginning of a new era; he had belonged to the church 23 years, and had striven to do the best he could; he was perfectly satisfied with the official members of the church that had been sustained by the conference that day. If there were things that he could not understand occasionally he let them rest until he could, being fully satisfied in his own mind that as the light of truth became developed all would come right, he felt first rate and was in good spirits, and wished to encourage the brethren to hold fast the beginning of their confidence, and continue unto the end. He bore testimony to the restoration of the priesthood with all the gifts, graces and powers pertaining thereunto.
made remarks on the age of the church, and as he looked at it, the beginning of a new era; he had belonged to the church 23 years, and had striven to do the best he could; he was perfectly satisfied with the official members of the church that had been sustained by the conference that day. If there were things that he could not understand occasionally he let them rest until he could, being fully satisfied in his own mind that as the light of truth became developed all would come right, he felt first rate and was in good spirits, and wished to encourage the brethren to hold fast the beginning of their confidence, and continue unto the end. He bore testimony to the restoration of the priesthood with all the gifts, graces and powers pertaining thereunto.
Elder Levi W. Hancock
related some incidents of his experience and acquaintance with the Prophet Joseph, bore testimony that he knew him to be a servant of God, and the principle he taught to have emanated from the source of all light and truth. Said he was trying to acquire that patience that was necessary for the Saints to have in them continually; desired that his home might be with the Saints in time and throughout eternity.
Elder Phineas H. Young dismissed the meeting.
related some incidents of his experience and acquaintance with the Prophet Joseph, bore testimony that he knew him to be a servant of God, and the principle he taught to have emanated from the source of all light and truth. Said he was trying to acquire that patience that was necessary for the Saints to have in them continually; desired that his home might be with the Saints in time and throughout eternity.
Elder Phineas H. Young dismissed the meeting.
2 p.m.
Choir sung: "All hail the power of Jesus' name."
Prayer by Bishop Lorenzo D. Young.
Choir sung: "The Fall of Babylon."
Choir sung: "All hail the power of Jesus' name."
Prayer by Bishop Lorenzo D. Young.
Choir sung: "The Fall of Babylon."
Elder William W. Phelps
made remarks on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, a copy of which he said he received on the 9th day of April, 30 years ago; that book he considered to be the foundation of all that which has brought so many of us together, therefore he rose up to bear testimony to its truth. He held in his hand a copy of the first edition of that Book, and declared it to be the truth of the Almighty; he had heard the testimony of Joseph Smith and that of the chosen witnesses in relation to the Book of Mormon, and he with them wished to give his testimony to the world relative to its divine origin. Said he knew this to be the church of the living God and that Brigham Young was the legally appointed successor of Joseph Smith, and that all who receive this testimony will be saved in the celestial kingdom, and he wished he had a thousand tongues to speak of the great things of the kingdom to the nations of the earth.
made remarks on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, a copy of which he said he received on the 9th day of April, 30 years ago; that book he considered to be the foundation of all that which has brought so many of us together, therefore he rose up to bear testimony to its truth. He held in his hand a copy of the first edition of that Book, and declared it to be the truth of the Almighty; he had heard the testimony of Joseph Smith and that of the chosen witnesses in relation to the Book of Mormon, and he with them wished to give his testimony to the world relative to its divine origin. Said he knew this to be the church of the living God and that Brigham Young was the legally appointed successor of Joseph Smith, and that all who receive this testimony will be saved in the celestial kingdom, and he wished he had a thousand tongues to speak of the great things of the kingdom to the nations of the earth.
Elder Levi W. Hancock
gave an account of the Mormon Battalion.
gave an account of the Mormon Battalion.
Elder Henry Herriman
alluded to his experience in the church, and his early inclinations to serve the Lord; said that he first heard the gospel proclaimed by Samuel H. Smith and Orson Hyde, and it now afforded him great pleasure to bear his humble testimony to those principles that he had espoused, he knew that the work in which he was engaged was established by the Lord our God.
alluded to his experience in the church, and his early inclinations to serve the Lord; said that he first heard the gospel proclaimed by Samuel H. Smith and Orson Hyde, and it now afforded him great pleasure to bear his humble testimony to those principles that he had espoused, he knew that the work in which he was engaged was established by the Lord our God.
Elder George D. Watt
said he had no disposition to say anything that was bad of himself neither did he feel disposed to tell how much good he had done, for he considered it to be his duty to do good at all times, and, if he had done any evil, he knew that he ought to be ashamed of it; he always tried to live so as to secure the love and fellowship of his brethren; said he embraced the gospel in 1837, and had rejoiced in it ever since; he considered there was heavenly wisdom manifested in the organization of the kingdom; he knew this to be the Church of Christ, but he could not enter into an explanation of all the minutia by which he knew it, for it was spiritually discerned. In regard to the question—"Shall we prevail?" he only conceived it necessary to call attention to the past; urged upon the Saints the necessity of doing right, paying their just debts, and, in short, to observe the golden rule—"Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you."
said he had no disposition to say anything that was bad of himself neither did he feel disposed to tell how much good he had done, for he considered it to be his duty to do good at all times, and, if he had done any evil, he knew that he ought to be ashamed of it; he always tried to live so as to secure the love and fellowship of his brethren; said he embraced the gospel in 1837, and had rejoiced in it ever since; he considered there was heavenly wisdom manifested in the organization of the kingdom; he knew this to be the Church of Christ, but he could not enter into an explanation of all the minutia by which he knew it, for it was spiritually discerned. In regard to the question—"Shall we prevail?" he only conceived it necessary to call attention to the past; urged upon the Saints the necessity of doing right, paying their just debts, and, in short, to observe the golden rule—"Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you."
Bishop Lorenzo D. Young
said he felt exceedingly happy to-day, and in regard to his testimony it was very similar to those already given; he felt one with his brethren—alluded to the revelation and proclamation of the gospel in this dispensation, to the darkness that pervaded the minds of many who professed to be Saints of the living God, and made remarks on the unanimity of feeling that prevailed in the conference which was self-evident to everyone who observed the voting for the several respective quorums of the church.
Choir sung: "Great is the Lord."
Benediction by Elder Orson Pratt.
said he felt exceedingly happy to-day, and in regard to his testimony it was very similar to those already given; he felt one with his brethren—alluded to the revelation and proclamation of the gospel in this dispensation, to the darkness that pervaded the minds of many who professed to be Saints of the living God, and made remarks on the unanimity of feeling that prevailed in the conference which was self-evident to everyone who observed the voting for the several respective quorums of the church.
Choir sung: "Great is the Lord."
Benediction by Elder Orson Pratt.
Sunday Morning, April 8, 1860.
Choir sung, "Great God attend while Zion sings."
Prayer by Elder E. T. Benson.
Singing by the choir.
Choir sung, "Great God attend while Zion sings."
Prayer by Elder E. T. Benson.
Singing by the choir.
Elder Orson Hyde
addressed the congregation on the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth; argued that the testimony required by any earthly tribunal is that of two or more witnesses, but the testimonies that have been delivered during this conference in favor of the gospel of Jesus Christ, were superior to any that were on record, and their influence will be felt in the remotest corners of the earth.—Alluded to the vain and falsified predictions of the Sectarians in regard to the length of time that 'Mormonism' would live; reviewed the deliverance of the children of Israel, told some interesting incidents of his travels to preach the gospel, and foretold the final triumph of the church and kingdom of God.
addressed the congregation on the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth; argued that the testimony required by any earthly tribunal is that of two or more witnesses, but the testimonies that have been delivered during this conference in favor of the gospel of Jesus Christ, were superior to any that were on record, and their influence will be felt in the remotest corners of the earth.—Alluded to the vain and falsified predictions of the Sectarians in regard to the length of time that 'Mormonism' would live; reviewed the deliverance of the children of Israel, told some interesting incidents of his travels to preach the gospel, and foretold the final triumph of the church and kingdom of God.
Prest. Brigham Young
gave notice that the Union Academy would be open for tuition tomorrow morning, and urged upon the people the necessity of patronizing it, and of giving their sons a liberal education; said it was also in contemplation to open a female academy, which would be done as soon as convenient. In these academies the most useful sciences and foreign languages will be taught, and he would like to have those attend who are well advanced in the rudimental branches of education. This community, he said, should be men of profound learning, well skilled in foreign languages, in the sciences, and should study history and the manners and customs of the people of the various nations of the earth.
He was much pleased to hear the testimony of the brethren in regard to this work, and he realized that men and women knew many things that they could not explain to others; there is a way of communicating this testimony to the people, and that is by the power of the Holy Ghost in the speaker. When we touch an object with our hands, or see it with the eyes we know that it exists, but were it not for the sensitive power that God has placed in the creation these organs would be useless. Reasoned on the acuteness of the senses, and the delicacy of the mind, and said that if God had not placed the sensitive spirit in man the senses of the body would be of very little service. The great desire among men for miracles, he said, was from the devil, and was only for the gratification of a hellish appetite; that we have examples enough of this kind in the scriptures, the devil taking Jesus on to a high mountain, then upon the pinnacle of the temple, and calling upon him to turn stones into bread; he would not perform miracles to make the people believe, for that was not the design of the Almighty; if he could turn the current of the Mississippi and make it empty into Hudson's Bay, or that of the Missouri, so that it would empty into the Columbia river, he would not do it to make people believe. From the time that he began to preach the gospel he had never had a disposition to preach hell and damnation to the people, for he always felt he had plenty of those subjects to talk about that pertain to the variety of kingdoms that God has prepared for his creatures. We shall put off our mortal bodies, and they will be renewed and be brought forth in the resurrection of the just, and we shall bask in the presence of our God, then our houses, our gardens our horses and carriages, and all we possess will be immortal.
gave notice that the Union Academy would be open for tuition tomorrow morning, and urged upon the people the necessity of patronizing it, and of giving their sons a liberal education; said it was also in contemplation to open a female academy, which would be done as soon as convenient. In these academies the most useful sciences and foreign languages will be taught, and he would like to have those attend who are well advanced in the rudimental branches of education. This community, he said, should be men of profound learning, well skilled in foreign languages, in the sciences, and should study history and the manners and customs of the people of the various nations of the earth.
He was much pleased to hear the testimony of the brethren in regard to this work, and he realized that men and women knew many things that they could not explain to others; there is a way of communicating this testimony to the people, and that is by the power of the Holy Ghost in the speaker. When we touch an object with our hands, or see it with the eyes we know that it exists, but were it not for the sensitive power that God has placed in the creation these organs would be useless. Reasoned on the acuteness of the senses, and the delicacy of the mind, and said that if God had not placed the sensitive spirit in man the senses of the body would be of very little service. The great desire among men for miracles, he said, was from the devil, and was only for the gratification of a hellish appetite; that we have examples enough of this kind in the scriptures, the devil taking Jesus on to a high mountain, then upon the pinnacle of the temple, and calling upon him to turn stones into bread; he would not perform miracles to make the people believe, for that was not the design of the Almighty; if he could turn the current of the Mississippi and make it empty into Hudson's Bay, or that of the Missouri, so that it would empty into the Columbia river, he would not do it to make people believe. From the time that he began to preach the gospel he had never had a disposition to preach hell and damnation to the people, for he always felt he had plenty of those subjects to talk about that pertain to the variety of kingdoms that God has prepared for his creatures. We shall put off our mortal bodies, and they will be renewed and be brought forth in the resurrection of the just, and we shall bask in the presence of our God, then our houses, our gardens our horses and carriages, and all we possess will be immortal.
Education—Testimony—Miraculous Signs, &c
Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 8, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
Pertaining to the school that Brother Hyde has been mentioning, we shall devote the large building on the east side of Union Square to school purposes. Tuition will be free, and the school will begin tomorrow morning, with Orson Pratt, Jun., and James Cobb, teachers, under the supervision of Orson Pratt, Sen. The Union Academy is designed exclusively for boys and young men. So soon as we have a suitable building, we intend to open an Academy for females, in which they will be taught the common branches of English education, music, and probably some of the modern languages.
We wish those who attend the Union Academy to qualify themselves to be useful to themselves and this community as speedily as possible. We shall urge the study of mathematics, and more particularly their practical application, that as many as have a taste and aptness may become familiar with surveying, which they can fit themselves for in a very short time. There are but few here who are practical surveyors, and we wish that number increased.
One of the teachers will probably attend to the rudiments of education, though we prefer to have scholars tolerably well advanced in arithmetic, writing, reading, and grammar. Still it may be requisite at the start to admit some in the elementary branches.
I give it as my opinion that you may go to any part of the United States or of the world, where parents are not obliged by law to send their children to school, and you will find more schools in the midst of this people, notwithstanding their poverty, their drivings, sufferings, and persecutions, and more persons that can read and write, in proportion to our population, than in any other place on this earth. You may select any community of the same number, and in this particular we will favorably compare with the best of them, and I think we are ahead of them. But this furnishes us no reason for keeping children from school.
There are many who are anxious to teach school, if the people will encourage them. The people have the privilege of sending their children to school, for there are plenty of teachers and plenty of rooms in every town and neighborhood. However, it is often the case that, when they have sent their children one or two quarters, they neglect paying the teacher.
Some say they are not able to send their children to school. In such a case, I think I would rise in the morning, wash myself, take a little composition, and try, if possible, to muster strength enough to send my children to school, and pay their tuition like a man. When you have done this, if you are still unable, apply to some of your neighbors to assist you.
Men able to ride in their carriages, and not able or unwilling to pay their children's tuition, ought, I think, to have a little composition, or catnip tea; and then perhaps, they will be able to send their children to school! I know such persons are weak and feeble; but the disease is in the brain and heart—not in the bones, flesh, and blood. Send your children to school.
As I have before remarked, there will be no charge for tuition in the Union Academy, and we shall learn whether the young men will go to school and qualify themselves for doing business and becoming useful in this world. Compare those who had their education before they came here with the boys who were born and brought up in this Church in the midst of our being driven, and I will furnish you ten greyheaded men who cannot reckon up the simplest account in figures, where you can find one of our boys fifteen years old that cannot. That is the difference between this people, with all the ignorance alleged against them pertaining to the learning of the day, and the professed learned world. I want them still to advance and increase.
We should be a people of profound learning pertaining to the things of the world. We should be familiar with the various languages, for we wish to send to the different nations and to the islands of the sea. We wish Missionaries who may go to France to be able to speak the French language fluently, and those who may go to Germany, Italy, Spain, and so on to all nations, to be familiar with the languages of those nations.
We also wish them to understand the geography, habits, customs, and laws of nations and kingdoms, whether they be barbarians or civilized. This is recommended in the revelations given to us. In them we are taught to study the best books, that we may become as well acquainted with the geography of the world as we are with our gardens, and as familiar with the people—so far at least as they are portrayed in print—as we are with our families and neighbors.
I will now make a few remarks upon testimony. I have heard a great many Elders in this Church, and people who were professing Christians before this work was revealed, testifying of the things of God. Men rise up here and say they do know that this is the work of God, that Joseph was a Prophet, that the Book of Mormon is true, that the revelations through Joseph Smith are true, that this is the last dispensation and the fulness of times, wherein God has set to his hand to gather Israel for the last time, and redeem and build up Zion on this land. How do they know this? Persons know and will continue to know and understand many things by the manifestations of the Spirit, that through the organization of the tabernacle it is impossible otherwise to convey. Much of the most important information is alone derived through the power and testimony of the Holy Ghost in the speaker, revealing itself to the understanding and spirit of the hearer. This is the only way you can convey a knowledge of the invisible things of God. By way of illustration, though a meager one, suppose that a man may discern in his mind how the principle of perpetual motion can be made to operate, but cannot explain it to his neighbors.
Reflect for a moment upon the sensitive faculty implanted within us. We know when we touch anything with our hands. When we discern an object with our eyes, we know that we see. How do we know? By a principle common to all intelligent beings—by the sensations God has placed within us. Were it not for this, the eye could not see, nor sensation be communicated by touch. Were it not for the intelligent principle God has placed within us, we could neither feel, see, hear, taste, nor smell.
It is recorded that some have eyes to see, and see not; ears to hear, and hear not; hearts have they, but they understand not. You who are spiritually-minded, who have the visions of your minds opened—have studied yourselves, your organizations, the power by which you have been organized, and the influences that act upon you, can understand that the power that has given you physical sensation is the power of the same God that gives you understanding of the truth. The latter power is inward. My inward eyes see, my inward hands handle, my inward taste tastes of the word of God. The Apostle used this language. He spoke of tasting the good word of God and the powers of the world to come. Do you taste? Yes, by the sensations God has planted within you. Thousands and thousands know, by their inward and invisible sensations, things that have been, things that are, and things that are in the future, as well as they know the color of a piece of cloth by means of their outward or physical vision. When this inner light is taken from them, they become darker than they were before, they cannot understand, and turn away from the things of God.
With regard to evidence, testimony, the acquirements of the children of men pertaining to the invisible things of God, who is it that requires a miracle done? Brother Hyde says that when he has been out preaching, this Priest and that Deacon would say, “If you are the servant of God, work a miracle.” I have had the same required of me a great many times; but if I had the power of the Gods, I would not work for them a miracle. Why? Because it would only be to gratify a hellish, worldly, corrupt, devilish disposition on the part of the one requiring it. Have we not an example? Yes—one expressly for the benefit of the Saints who were to follow in the footsteps of the Redeemer and pursue the path he walked in. The Devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and saith unto him, “All things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Then the Devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” In other words, If you are the Son of God, work a miracle. All this world is under my control, and I will give it to you, if you will obey me and cast yourself down, that I may go and be a preacher and testify that you are the Son of God. Jesus would not do anything of the kind.
“Then,” said the Devil, “make bread of these stones, that we may have a testimony that you are the Christ; and I will go and tell the people of it.” The Savior said unto him, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Then the Devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. He would not accommodate the feelings of the person that wished to tempt the Lord his God.
At another time Jesus exclaimed—“An evil and an adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall be no sign given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
In all my preachings and teachings, my faith today is the same as ever, according to the light I have had from time to time. If I had the power to turn the Mississippi directly to the opposite course it is now running, and make it empty into Hudson's Bay, instead of in the Gulf of Mexico, I would not do it with a view to convince the people of the truth of the work of God.
The Gospel plan is so devised, that a miracle to make people believe would only be condemnation to them. When you hear people tell what they have seen—that they have seen great and powerful miracles wrought, and they could not help believing, remember that “devils believe and tremble,” because they cannot help it. When the voice of the Good Shepherd is heard, the honest in heart believe and receive it. It is good to taste with the inward taste, to see with the inward eyes, and to enjoy with the sensations of the everliving spirit. No person, unless he is an adulterer, a fornicator, covetous, or an idolater, will ever require a miracle; in other words, no good, honest person ever will.
If this is the work of God, let us understand its beauty and glory. I do not say that all are like myself; but from the day I commenced preaching the Gospel to this present moment, I never had a feeling in my heart to occupy much time in preaching hell to the people, or in telling them much about being damned. There are the kingdoms and worlds which God has prepared, and which are waiting for the just. There are more beauty, glory, excellency, knowledge, power, and heavenly things than I have time to talk about, without spending my time in talking about the hells prepared for the damned. I have not time to talk much about them.
We have heaven, eternal life, eternal existence before us. Behold the sea of faces before me this morning, every one of whom God has organized to dwell eternally in his presence. Is not this a theme that is worth the attention of all the human family? We are alive. When shall we die? Never. Says our Savior, “Whosoever believeth in me shall never die.” Shall we put on this mortality? Yes, we will lay down these bodies in the grave. What for? That the dust, our mother earth, that composes the house of the spirit, may be purified by passing through this ordeal, and be prepared to be called up and united with the intelligent heavenly body that God has prepared. This is nothing but a change. It is not the dissolution of the creature; it is merely putting off the flesh that pertains to this world.
The particles of this earth that now compose this body will be rearranged, and the spirit will be clothed with an immortal tabernacle. Let the spirit reign predominant over the flesh, and bring into subjection the whole man, every feeling and every desire of his heart, and let him be devoted wholly, body and spirit, to the end for which he has been created. When the flesh is brought into subjection, it is made worthy through that means.
So live every morning, noon, and evening, every moment, as to enjoy the Holy Ghost continually. Do not deprive yourselves of this privilege, brethren and sisters; then you can see, hear, and understand, and know things that are of God, the visible and invisible, in heaven and on earth—things past, present, and to come. No power can deprive you of this privilege, and God will bless you, and we will bask in his presence with our Elder Brother, and with all the sons and daughters of Adam who have been redeemed from the four quarters of the earth, to live forever.
What a pleasing thought! What an entrancing idea it would be, if we had the privilege of making a selection of one of the most beautiful locations on this earth, where we could have our grounds, gardens, and walks laid out after the most enchanting and beautiful order, with every variety of trees, with fountains of water, and everything to make us happy and comfortable, with our carriages to ride in, &c., &c., and then live ten thousand millions of years upon that beautiful possession! Still that period of time would ultimately come to an end; and when the last moment had come, the possession ceases to be worth a groat, for it is not eternal. Boundless wealth and the most beautiful possessions cannot give pleasure and happiness of that exquisite and heavenly nature that is not in itself eternal.
I expect to see the streets paved with gold, and our common utensils made of the precious metals that the wicked now worship. There is no ornament, no beauty, no excellency, nothing that you can imagine that is great, grand, and useful on earth, but what is typical of the immortal and eternal riches that are in store for all those who overcome.
Excuse me if I speak loud. Were I to speak as I feel, I should speak like a Methodist for a little while, and cry, “Hallelujah!—praise ye the Lord.” Let his praise ring aloud through the heavens, and swell in anthems throughout the earth. Praise the name of our God, who, in the fulness of his mercy, hath provided a great salvation and eternal life for all the Saints, without money and without price.
I do not hate any man on earth or in hell. The worst wish I have for the wicked is that they may be obliged to live according to good and wholesome laws.
May God bless you! Amen.
Choir sung: "Guide us O thou Great Jehovah."
Benediction by Prest. Brigham Young.
Remarks by President Brigham Young, made in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 8, 1860.
Reported by G. D. Watt.
Pertaining to the school that Brother Hyde has been mentioning, we shall devote the large building on the east side of Union Square to school purposes. Tuition will be free, and the school will begin tomorrow morning, with Orson Pratt, Jun., and James Cobb, teachers, under the supervision of Orson Pratt, Sen. The Union Academy is designed exclusively for boys and young men. So soon as we have a suitable building, we intend to open an Academy for females, in which they will be taught the common branches of English education, music, and probably some of the modern languages.
We wish those who attend the Union Academy to qualify themselves to be useful to themselves and this community as speedily as possible. We shall urge the study of mathematics, and more particularly their practical application, that as many as have a taste and aptness may become familiar with surveying, which they can fit themselves for in a very short time. There are but few here who are practical surveyors, and we wish that number increased.
One of the teachers will probably attend to the rudiments of education, though we prefer to have scholars tolerably well advanced in arithmetic, writing, reading, and grammar. Still it may be requisite at the start to admit some in the elementary branches.
I give it as my opinion that you may go to any part of the United States or of the world, where parents are not obliged by law to send their children to school, and you will find more schools in the midst of this people, notwithstanding their poverty, their drivings, sufferings, and persecutions, and more persons that can read and write, in proportion to our population, than in any other place on this earth. You may select any community of the same number, and in this particular we will favorably compare with the best of them, and I think we are ahead of them. But this furnishes us no reason for keeping children from school.
There are many who are anxious to teach school, if the people will encourage them. The people have the privilege of sending their children to school, for there are plenty of teachers and plenty of rooms in every town and neighborhood. However, it is often the case that, when they have sent their children one or two quarters, they neglect paying the teacher.
Some say they are not able to send their children to school. In such a case, I think I would rise in the morning, wash myself, take a little composition, and try, if possible, to muster strength enough to send my children to school, and pay their tuition like a man. When you have done this, if you are still unable, apply to some of your neighbors to assist you.
Men able to ride in their carriages, and not able or unwilling to pay their children's tuition, ought, I think, to have a little composition, or catnip tea; and then perhaps, they will be able to send their children to school! I know such persons are weak and feeble; but the disease is in the brain and heart—not in the bones, flesh, and blood. Send your children to school.
As I have before remarked, there will be no charge for tuition in the Union Academy, and we shall learn whether the young men will go to school and qualify themselves for doing business and becoming useful in this world. Compare those who had their education before they came here with the boys who were born and brought up in this Church in the midst of our being driven, and I will furnish you ten greyheaded men who cannot reckon up the simplest account in figures, where you can find one of our boys fifteen years old that cannot. That is the difference between this people, with all the ignorance alleged against them pertaining to the learning of the day, and the professed learned world. I want them still to advance and increase.
We should be a people of profound learning pertaining to the things of the world. We should be familiar with the various languages, for we wish to send to the different nations and to the islands of the sea. We wish Missionaries who may go to France to be able to speak the French language fluently, and those who may go to Germany, Italy, Spain, and so on to all nations, to be familiar with the languages of those nations.
We also wish them to understand the geography, habits, customs, and laws of nations and kingdoms, whether they be barbarians or civilized. This is recommended in the revelations given to us. In them we are taught to study the best books, that we may become as well acquainted with the geography of the world as we are with our gardens, and as familiar with the people—so far at least as they are portrayed in print—as we are with our families and neighbors.
I will now make a few remarks upon testimony. I have heard a great many Elders in this Church, and people who were professing Christians before this work was revealed, testifying of the things of God. Men rise up here and say they do know that this is the work of God, that Joseph was a Prophet, that the Book of Mormon is true, that the revelations through Joseph Smith are true, that this is the last dispensation and the fulness of times, wherein God has set to his hand to gather Israel for the last time, and redeem and build up Zion on this land. How do they know this? Persons know and will continue to know and understand many things by the manifestations of the Spirit, that through the organization of the tabernacle it is impossible otherwise to convey. Much of the most important information is alone derived through the power and testimony of the Holy Ghost in the speaker, revealing itself to the understanding and spirit of the hearer. This is the only way you can convey a knowledge of the invisible things of God. By way of illustration, though a meager one, suppose that a man may discern in his mind how the principle of perpetual motion can be made to operate, but cannot explain it to his neighbors.
Reflect for a moment upon the sensitive faculty implanted within us. We know when we touch anything with our hands. When we discern an object with our eyes, we know that we see. How do we know? By a principle common to all intelligent beings—by the sensations God has placed within us. Were it not for this, the eye could not see, nor sensation be communicated by touch. Were it not for the intelligent principle God has placed within us, we could neither feel, see, hear, taste, nor smell.
It is recorded that some have eyes to see, and see not; ears to hear, and hear not; hearts have they, but they understand not. You who are spiritually-minded, who have the visions of your minds opened—have studied yourselves, your organizations, the power by which you have been organized, and the influences that act upon you, can understand that the power that has given you physical sensation is the power of the same God that gives you understanding of the truth. The latter power is inward. My inward eyes see, my inward hands handle, my inward taste tastes of the word of God. The Apostle used this language. He spoke of tasting the good word of God and the powers of the world to come. Do you taste? Yes, by the sensations God has planted within you. Thousands and thousands know, by their inward and invisible sensations, things that have been, things that are, and things that are in the future, as well as they know the color of a piece of cloth by means of their outward or physical vision. When this inner light is taken from them, they become darker than they were before, they cannot understand, and turn away from the things of God.
With regard to evidence, testimony, the acquirements of the children of men pertaining to the invisible things of God, who is it that requires a miracle done? Brother Hyde says that when he has been out preaching, this Priest and that Deacon would say, “If you are the servant of God, work a miracle.” I have had the same required of me a great many times; but if I had the power of the Gods, I would not work for them a miracle. Why? Because it would only be to gratify a hellish, worldly, corrupt, devilish disposition on the part of the one requiring it. Have we not an example? Yes—one expressly for the benefit of the Saints who were to follow in the footsteps of the Redeemer and pursue the path he walked in. The Devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and saith unto him, “All things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Then the Devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” In other words, If you are the Son of God, work a miracle. All this world is under my control, and I will give it to you, if you will obey me and cast yourself down, that I may go and be a preacher and testify that you are the Son of God. Jesus would not do anything of the kind.
“Then,” said the Devil, “make bread of these stones, that we may have a testimony that you are the Christ; and I will go and tell the people of it.” The Savior said unto him, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Then the Devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. He would not accommodate the feelings of the person that wished to tempt the Lord his God.
At another time Jesus exclaimed—“An evil and an adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall be no sign given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
In all my preachings and teachings, my faith today is the same as ever, according to the light I have had from time to time. If I had the power to turn the Mississippi directly to the opposite course it is now running, and make it empty into Hudson's Bay, instead of in the Gulf of Mexico, I would not do it with a view to convince the people of the truth of the work of God.
The Gospel plan is so devised, that a miracle to make people believe would only be condemnation to them. When you hear people tell what they have seen—that they have seen great and powerful miracles wrought, and they could not help believing, remember that “devils believe and tremble,” because they cannot help it. When the voice of the Good Shepherd is heard, the honest in heart believe and receive it. It is good to taste with the inward taste, to see with the inward eyes, and to enjoy with the sensations of the everliving spirit. No person, unless he is an adulterer, a fornicator, covetous, or an idolater, will ever require a miracle; in other words, no good, honest person ever will.
If this is the work of God, let us understand its beauty and glory. I do not say that all are like myself; but from the day I commenced preaching the Gospel to this present moment, I never had a feeling in my heart to occupy much time in preaching hell to the people, or in telling them much about being damned. There are the kingdoms and worlds which God has prepared, and which are waiting for the just. There are more beauty, glory, excellency, knowledge, power, and heavenly things than I have time to talk about, without spending my time in talking about the hells prepared for the damned. I have not time to talk much about them.
We have heaven, eternal life, eternal existence before us. Behold the sea of faces before me this morning, every one of whom God has organized to dwell eternally in his presence. Is not this a theme that is worth the attention of all the human family? We are alive. When shall we die? Never. Says our Savior, “Whosoever believeth in me shall never die.” Shall we put on this mortality? Yes, we will lay down these bodies in the grave. What for? That the dust, our mother earth, that composes the house of the spirit, may be purified by passing through this ordeal, and be prepared to be called up and united with the intelligent heavenly body that God has prepared. This is nothing but a change. It is not the dissolution of the creature; it is merely putting off the flesh that pertains to this world.
The particles of this earth that now compose this body will be rearranged, and the spirit will be clothed with an immortal tabernacle. Let the spirit reign predominant over the flesh, and bring into subjection the whole man, every feeling and every desire of his heart, and let him be devoted wholly, body and spirit, to the end for which he has been created. When the flesh is brought into subjection, it is made worthy through that means.
So live every morning, noon, and evening, every moment, as to enjoy the Holy Ghost continually. Do not deprive yourselves of this privilege, brethren and sisters; then you can see, hear, and understand, and know things that are of God, the visible and invisible, in heaven and on earth—things past, present, and to come. No power can deprive you of this privilege, and God will bless you, and we will bask in his presence with our Elder Brother, and with all the sons and daughters of Adam who have been redeemed from the four quarters of the earth, to live forever.
What a pleasing thought! What an entrancing idea it would be, if we had the privilege of making a selection of one of the most beautiful locations on this earth, where we could have our grounds, gardens, and walks laid out after the most enchanting and beautiful order, with every variety of trees, with fountains of water, and everything to make us happy and comfortable, with our carriages to ride in, &c., &c., and then live ten thousand millions of years upon that beautiful possession! Still that period of time would ultimately come to an end; and when the last moment had come, the possession ceases to be worth a groat, for it is not eternal. Boundless wealth and the most beautiful possessions cannot give pleasure and happiness of that exquisite and heavenly nature that is not in itself eternal.
I expect to see the streets paved with gold, and our common utensils made of the precious metals that the wicked now worship. There is no ornament, no beauty, no excellency, nothing that you can imagine that is great, grand, and useful on earth, but what is typical of the immortal and eternal riches that are in store for all those who overcome.
Excuse me if I speak loud. Were I to speak as I feel, I should speak like a Methodist for a little while, and cry, “Hallelujah!—praise ye the Lord.” Let his praise ring aloud through the heavens, and swell in anthems throughout the earth. Praise the name of our God, who, in the fulness of his mercy, hath provided a great salvation and eternal life for all the Saints, without money and without price.
I do not hate any man on earth or in hell. The worst wish I have for the wicked is that they may be obliged to live according to good and wholesome laws.
May God bless you! Amen.
Choir sung: "Guide us O thou Great Jehovah."
Benediction by Prest. Brigham Young.
2 o'clock, p.m.
Choir sung: "Once more we come before our God."
Prayer by Wilford Woodruff.
"How happy every child of grace," was sung by the choir.
The sacrament was administered by Bishops Hunter, Smoot, Evans, Woolley, Hoagland and Winter.
Choir sung: "Once more we come before our God."
Prayer by Wilford Woodruff.
"How happy every child of grace," was sung by the choir.
The sacrament was administered by Bishops Hunter, Smoot, Evans, Woolley, Hoagland and Winter.
Elder Orson Pratt
delivered a discourse on the nature of the testimony possessed by the Latter Day Saints, and that which is and will be made manifest to all people. He knew of no other way by which the gospel can be preached only by the dictation and power of the Holy Ghost; we may learn many things from the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, but unless we read these books under the influence of the power and gift of the Holy Ghost they will do us but little good, for no man knoweth the things of God but by the Spirit of God. Referred to the testimonies of the brethren who had spoken relative to their knowledge of the gospel of Christ, this knowledge was given them by the Spirit of God, and was manifested spiritually to the people. Took up the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew as translated by Joseph Smith, reasoned on the purity of the translation; spoke of the signs that are to precede the coming of the Son of Man, the voice of the seven thunders, the testimony of angels, the sun being turned into darkness, the moon into blood, and the other mighty wonders mentioned by John the Revelator.
delivered a discourse on the nature of the testimony possessed by the Latter Day Saints, and that which is and will be made manifest to all people. He knew of no other way by which the gospel can be preached only by the dictation and power of the Holy Ghost; we may learn many things from the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, but unless we read these books under the influence of the power and gift of the Holy Ghost they will do us but little good, for no man knoweth the things of God but by the Spirit of God. Referred to the testimonies of the brethren who had spoken relative to their knowledge of the gospel of Christ, this knowledge was given them by the Spirit of God, and was manifested spiritually to the people. Took up the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew as translated by Joseph Smith, reasoned on the purity of the translation; spoke of the signs that are to precede the coming of the Son of Man, the voice of the seven thunders, the testimony of angels, the sun being turned into darkness, the moon into blood, and the other mighty wonders mentioned by John the Revelator.
Testimony of the Spirit, &c
A Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 8, 1860.
Reported by J. V. Long.
Having been requested, this afternoon, to address the congregation, I cheerfully do so, praying with all my heart that the Lord may grant unto me his Holy Spirit, that whatever I may say, whether much or little, may be dictated by that Spirit that proceeds from heaven, and then it will be right.
We read in the New Testament that the Apostles and righteous men in days of old preached the Gospel by the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. I do not know of any way by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed with any beneficial effect, except in this manner.
We can arise before a congregation of the Saints and make use of the principles of the Gospel in our own words. We can say to the people, Repent. We can call upon them to believe. We can tell them concerning baptism, show them the nature of it, and the causes for which it was instituted. We may tell them concerning the Holy Ghost, and preach many things in the wisdom and language of man, and yet all this would not be acceptable in the sight of Heaven, unless we were dictated by the power and gift of the Holy Ghost. Our words would have no effect upon the hearts of the people; they would not be edified; the speaker would not be edified: no good, perhaps, would be accomplished.
The world, during the last seventeen centuries and upwards, have been engaged in preaching what they termed the Gospel; they have been engaged in preaching many principles that are true; they have preached many of the first principles, such as faith and repentance; they have preached the ordinances and institutions of heaven; they have reasoned with the people; they have portrayed many great and glorious truths before the people; they have called upon them to receive those truths, and yet they have taught without authority—without that Spirit that giveth utterance—taught without being called of God; and hence their teachings have not accomplished that which an inspired man's would have accomplished, when sent of God. So it is in reading the revelations of heaven. We may take up the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Covenants, and commit them to memory—at least the subject matter therein, and we may suppose that we understand the doctrine of salvation, and conclude from our diligent study that we have become altogether acquainted with the prophecies and revelations; and yet, after all these things, without the gift of revelation directly to ourselves, or the gift of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven to rest upon us as speakers and hearers, we cannot expect to be materially benefited.
We may learn many things from the Book of Mormon. We may learn how this great western hemisphere was first peopled—how God brought the people from the Tower of Babel and established them upon North America. We may be informed of their history, of their numerous Prophets, concerning their wickedness and downfall. We may learn these things naturally as natural men, whether in or out of the Church, without the gift and power of the Holy Ghost and authority communicated from heaven resting upon us.
We cannot render ourselves any material service, or the world either, unless we have this power and authority: hence the propriety of that passage of Scripture recorded in the 2nd chapter of Paul's 1st Epistle to the Corinthians—“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” All our exertions, our reading, our meditations, and our endeavors to obtain the truth, without we obtain it lawfully, and not as natural men and women, will prove, in a measure, unavailing, though it may serve in some degree to remove darkness, to manifest what has been done, or what is to be done.
I am well pleased with the remarks that have been made upon this stand, more especially in relation to some few of the testimonies that I have heard, particularly bearing upon this matter. We were told by individuals upon this stand that they knew this work to be true. We were told by Brother Watt that he knew this to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How do you know it? Just the same as the congregation know it. If the congregation have the gift and power of God to unfold the revelations of heaven to themselves, then they can comprehend how it is that the speakers know it is true. Though we may not be masters of language to communicate to others, we can appeal to their senses upon this subject. Do you know the things of God? If this question were asked, the whole congregation, with few exceptions, would lift up their voices with one heart and one mind, and say, We know these things to be true. How do you know them? You know them by the manifestations of the Spirit to your own hearts. You don't know them by having seen with the natural eye, or by having discerned them with the natural understanding. You don't know them because you have seen the sick healed, or the blind receive their sight. You don't know them because you have seen the lame made to walk, or laid your hands upon the sick and seen them raised to perfect soundness, but because God has made them manifest to your hearts. Light has shone from heaven upon your understandings. You have tasted of that light by the spiritual sensations, or the spiritual faculties of your mind. You have understood and feasted upon the light that has come from heaven; and by this you know that the principles you have received are true. Do we understand clearly and properly that which is contained in the various revelations that God has given through his ancient as well as through his modern Prophets? Do we understand them in their true light? If we do, it is because we have received manifestations to ourselves, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.
What are Prophets for? What are revelators for? They are to reveal the truths of heaven for the benefit of the people. They bear testimony to the inhabitants of the earth, as you have heard declared from this stand, that the Lord has spoken and opened communications with men upon the earth, through the legitimate channel of his Priesthood. They also declare that men have been called by revelation from God, and sent forth with authority to baptize for the remission of sins. You hear this testimony, which is calculated to increase your confidence and your faith in the principles of life.
The word of God which is planted in your hearts begins to grow, to produce joy, light, and happiness; your mind begins to understand; you begin to receive revelation, and to receive those communications from the heavens that cause you to enjoy those blessings that you have heard spoken of by the servants of God. This makes all the Latter-day Saints witnesses; and thus we have a cloud of witnesses—a great army that can witness the truths of heaven as they have been revealed in these last days. This Spirit of revelation gives the Latter-day Saints boldness in their testimony.
What would have been our progress, brethren and sisters, if we had gone forth to the nations to publish these truths without the power of the Holy Ghost accompanying us? Could we have borne up under the power of persecution that has been heaped upon us? Could we have stood forth before the people and borne testimony as natural men to the great truths revealed from heaven? No, we could not. We should have shrunk from the task. It would have appeared too great for us to perform. The powers of darkness would have been able to crush us before them, without the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Lord foreknew this, and consequently he never designed that the great principles of his Gospel should be published to the nations, only by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.
There are many revelations that were given to the ancient servants of God that we never can comprehend without further revelation, and perhaps some of them we shall never understand in this state of probation. One thing is certain—that we cannot comprehend them, unless God shall give more revelation and manifest many things in their fulness which have heretofore only been revealed in part.
Many things that were unveiled to the ancient Prophets have become very much corrupted by men who have formed systems to suit their own darkened minds. The revelations of John, now so obscure, so dark, and so intricate, that scarcely a person can comprehend the great things that are pointed out to take place in the last days, will be unfolded. Now there is scarcely a man living that can discern the meaning of the Apostle.
When this revelation was given to him, it was plain and simple, and easy to be understood of men; and all people possessed of the Spirit of the living God could understand it, so far as it was not sealed up. Some portions of it the Lord designed that they should not comprehend in that day. For instance, what the seven thunders uttered and several other things that are mentioned, no man understands, and will not until the proper time shall come. Since the days of John, it has been changed and altered by men who did not possess the Spirit of revelation, and from them it has been handed down to us in its present imperfect form, and we never shall understand it until God reveals it unto his servants the Prophets in the last days. Then the things written in that book will be plain, and we shall understand them.
So it is with regard to many revelations contained in the New Testament. The 24th chapter of Matthew, for instance, the sayings of Jesus to his disciples have undergone the same change in translation and in alterations by corrupt men. It is true, the Lord has given us information and bestowed upon us great favor by new revelation, and the Spirit bears witness that they are from heaven. We know them to be such. We comprehend them, we discern them, and say that God designed to reveal them to his servant Joseph. There are many who can comprehend those things and realize that they are from some superior source than the natural mind of man.
I might name some few things which may be found in the 24th chapter of Matthew, that are much plainer and much more simple as they were revealed to the Prophet Joseph in the new translation—so much so that it would almost satisfy even a natural-minded person that there has been a superior wisdom manifest in this new translation. In speaking of the signs of the coming of the Son of Man, and of the preaching of the Gospel to all the world, the new translation reads as follows—“Again, shall this Gospel of the Kingdom be preached in all the world, for a witness, and then shall the end come.” Now, the word “again” makes the thing all plain. It is as much as to say, You shall go forth, you shall preach to the people and declare my testimony among the nations of the earth; and after this there shall come a falling away, and there shall arise many false Christs and false prophets. Then shall follow many judgments and tribulations upon the face of the earth. And after the world has been in darkness for centuries, again shall this Gospel of the Kingdom be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. What end? I answer, the end of the wicked world—the destruction of the wicked from the face of our globe.
In another passage to be found in that same revelation, the 24th chapter of Matthew, Jesus says, in speaking of his second coming, “As the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Now, how much plainer is this to the natural understanding! And how much plainer is this than the old translation as rendered by the wisdom of man! How does the old translation read? It reads, “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
The lightning is more visible and more frequent in some parts of the earth than others; and when it does appear, it is only visible for a few scores of miles at once, and is not visible in all parts; and consequently, this was not a proper figure to convey the idea. How much plainer is the rendering—“As the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.”
How did this Latter-day Work commence? It did not commence all at once. On the 6th day of April, 1830, as it was justly observed by one of the speakers, there were not enough members to form the Church; but it came forth like the dim twilight of the morning, the darkness beginning by slow degrees to flee away as the light slowly advanced. It has grown brighter and brighter from that time unto the present.
Like the light of the sun, the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will cover the whole earth; it will speak from land to land and from kingdom to kingdom, until it deluges the whole earth with the brilliancy of its light and the glory of its power. The testimonies of the servants of God, as well as the testimonies of his power, exhibiting his wrath and his sore displeasure, will go forth as has been proclaimed from this stand. And instead of the testimonies of the servants of God being smothered up by the persecution of our enemies, and the light being hidden under a bushel in some obscure corner, the decree of Heaven is that the light shall go forth, shining more and more glorious in the midst of the nations; and it will penetrate the darkest corners of the earth—it will visit the islands of the sea, until it has searched out every creature under heaven. There is no ear but shall hear, and no heart but shall be penetrated by the truths that shall be sent forth in this last dispensation.
Missionaries have been called. If they go and magnify their callings, they will be filled with the testimony that has been so freely manifested during our Conference; they will be filled with the Holy Ghost, and be able to bear testimony of the truths of the Gospel. It may be apparently in weakness. They may consider it so themselves. Their language may be feeble, their words feebly uttered, their sentences broken; but, after all, it will be the power of God unto this generation.
If you Missionaries will seek for the testimony of the Holy Ghost to go with you—if you will seek diligently for the power of God to accompany you, you need not be afraid of the nations; for your testimony will condemn the people who reject it, and it will save all those who receive it.
I look forward to the progress of this work through the Saints that are abroad and the Elders that are ordained on Foreign Missions, as well as by those Missionaries that are sent forth to their assistance. I look for this work to progress, and I cannot get anything else into my heart. I do not look for this people to be eternally assailed by their enemies, nor do I look for the Elders to be continually asleep; but I expect that they will bear a faithful testimony among the people of every nation where they are sent. And this testimony will be increased: it cannot be otherwise. That prophecy of Nephi recorded in the Book of Mormon must be fulfilled; the servants of God must be armed with righteousness, and with the power of the Almighty, and with great glory among the nations, wherever the Church is organized. It will be such a display as will excite the people against the Saints, or they would not, according to prophecy, gather together the armies of the wicked from among all nations to fight the people of the Most High. This must take place. The wicked must be gathered against the Saints. It is as it was stated by Brother Hyde this forenoon about the dream. That dream had reference to foreign persecutions.
One thing is certain—that every nation under the heavens will array itself against the kingdom of God. Inasmuch as some individuals among the nations receive it, they will muster their forces and try to destroy the saints of the living God. To prepare for this, we must increase in the Spirit of God as our enemies increase in the spirit of darkness against us, and by the power of God proclaim in their ears a testimony that will overcome the wicked. There is no possibility of the wicked triumphing over this Latter-day Kingdom. There may be many who will have to fall—many who will have to suffer materially; but when we get to the home of the Saints of the living God, the wicked will cease from troubling us.
I look forward to a day that is not far distant, with great rejoicing; and that is a day when we shall all be engaged, as we are this afternoon, in partaking of the sacrament—the symbols of bread and wine, or in other words, the symbols of the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I look forward with joyful anticipation to that glorious time. I look around upon this assembly, and when I see them partaking of this holy ordinance, and consider what Jesus has done by his sufferings, then I look forward to the time when he shall be in our midst, and we partake of these symbols in his presence.
Will not this be a joyful time? Who can but rejoice in a scenery of this description! Suppose you were expecting that this was to take place next Sabbath day, who are pure in heart? Who are ready for such an event? What would be your feelings? Would you sorrow and mourn? Would it not be one of the most joyful messages to your ears that ever saluted them, to suppose that the time was so near at hand when you should partake of bread and wine with the ancient Apostles, and meet with the Savior and all the Saints of former days—those that lived before the flood and those that have lived since the flood—to think that all this is to be made manifest to man—that we are to look upon the face of our Redeemer and be crowned with glory as he is—would not this be joyful tidings?
Although this is not going to take place next Sabbath, yet we know one thing—that in many of the revelations given to this Church, the Lord has closed by saying—“Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give unto every man according to his works.” There are many revelations of this kind, and these words are true and faithful, for the Lord does not speak in vain; but he has thrown this out as an encouragement to those that fear him and keep his law.
The day is at hand, the morning has broken, the sun of the Gospel has arisen in the eastern horizon, and is beginning to shine with a degree of splendor. The time is near—how near, no man knoweth: the day and the hour when the Son of Man shall come is a secret. In a revelation given to this Church, it is said that no man shall know until he comes; therefore we cannot expect to know the day nor the hour; but we know it is near at hand, and what a consolation it is. There may be men that will know within a year—that will have revelation to say within one or two years when the Lord shall appear. I do not know that there is anything against this.
But the great question is, brethren and sisters, Are we ready? Are we perfect enough for this day? Are we honest enough? And are we filled with integrity enough to be ready for the Savior and his holy angels? Is there a sufficiency of union? Have we that firmness in our minds that we can stand in their presence—that we can look them in the eye and say that all is right? If we are pure, when we see a pure and holy being, clothed with all the glory of the heavens, surrounded with light that far outshines the sun at noonday, so much so that his eye discerns all things and pierces the inmost recesses of the heart—when we can look him in the face, a thrill of joy will run through our bodies, and we shall be happy.
I tell you, brethren and sisters, this would be one of the most glorious periods that we could possibly imagine: it would be one of the most joyful there is in the future. We know that men upon the earth have been so clothed with the glory and power of God that the people could not look upon their countenances; and why was this? It was because the people were wicked. When Moses had been upon the mountain, standing in the presence of God, being in his presence forty days receiving the tables of stone, and came down to teach the people, they could not endure his presence. Why? Because that glory that was manifested could not be endured by the wicked. But in this instance, the Lord permitted it to be manifested for a while. And when the people looked upon the countenance of Moses, they perceived that there were rays of light emanating from him—that he looked different from what he formerly did—that he was clothed upon with something which they had not been accustomed to see, and they fled afar off. Moses, therefore, was under the necessity of taking a veil and putting it over his face, for they could not endure it. They fled from the presence of a mortal man when he was clothed upon with glory, or with a reflection of the glory of God; therefore the only way was for him to cover his face, and then converse with the children of Israel.
Now, if a mortal being is permitted to have this power, how much greater will be the terror to the wicked when immortal beings shall appear—beings who have not simply been with the Lord forty days, but who have been with him thousands of years, who were redeemed before the flood and after the flood, and who have been in the presence of God more or less ever since—who have beheld his countenance, who have been seated upon thrones, swaying a scepter of power (as Abraham), and reigning over millions of individuals—when they, as well as the redeemed of all nations and generations, shall make their appearance, and when they shall not attempt to put a veil over their faces as Moses did, but permit all the glory that they have accumulated for so many years to be visible to the human family! That will be a day of terror, astonishment, and dismay unto all the wicked.
At times when I reflect upon this subject, I try to portray before my mind the various revelations that God has given concerning this matter. There is one in particular which says, “Angels shall be sent forth to sound the trump of God, crying, Lo and behold! The bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” That will be a great time, independent of that of which I have been speaking, when Jesus shall come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Before that time, angels are to be sent forth to sound the trumpet, so that all the ends of the earth are to hear it, and all people are to be forewarned that the time of the coming of the bridegroom is at hand—that the time of the coming of the great Being has arrived. Then, when those angels have sounded, another great and terrible thing is to take place.
I simply mention these things to show how one thing after another is to precede the coming of the Lord.
After the angels have sounded this in the ears of all living, we are informed that there will be a great sign in the heavens. It is not to be limited so that some few only of the human family can see it; but it is said, “All people shall see it together!” At least, it is to be like our sun seen over one entire side of the globe, and then passing immediately round to the other, or else it will encircle the whole earth at the same time. But the bridegroom does not come then. These are only the preceding events to let the Latter-day Saints and the pure in heart know that these are the times that they may trim up their lamps and prepare for the triumphant appearing of their Lord.
After those angels that I have alluded to have flown through the heavens, this sign is made manifest; and what next? Seven angels are appointed to give their signs and testimonies to the truth of this proclamation of the Gospel, the Latter-day Saints having previously given theirs. Thus we have the former angels sounding their trumpets, then the great sign, and then comes the seven angels. The first proclaims that great Babylon is about to fall, and her influence to be destroyed. He proclaims that all who remain in Babylon are bound in bundles and their bands made strong, so that no man can unloose them, and that they are therefore prepared for the burning.
After all nations have heard the proclamation, there will be silence in the heavens, and I do not know but on the earth too; for the people will doubtless be overpowered with astonishment to see an angel, the sound of whose trump shall pierce the ears of all living. After this, I say, there will be silence in heaven for half-an-hour.
Then, after the wicked begin to recover and get a little strength, behold and lo! The curtain of heaven will be unfolded as a scroll that is rolled up. You know how our great maps are rolled out to expose their contents to the people; and the Lord has said the heavens shall be unfolded as a scroll that is rolled up is unfolded. What will be seen when this takes place? Our Savior, our Redeemer, will unveil his face. That Being who was born in Bethlehem—that being who has saved the world by offering his own life, how will he appear? Will he come as a common man? Or how will he make his appearance? He will appear as a being whose splendor and glory will cause the sun to hide his face with shame.
The sun is a very glorious body; and when you look upon it, so great is the light, that you can scarcely see surrounding objects; but the light of the sun is nothing to be compared with the glory of that personage who shall appear when the heavens shall be unveiled, or unfolded like a scroll. The light of the sun will dwindle away, and he shall hide his face with shame. Who will be with Jesus when he appears? The decree has gone forth, saying, Mine Apostles who were with me in Jerusalem shall be clothed in glory and be with me.
The brightness of their countenance will shine forth with all that refulgence and fulness of splendor that shall surround the Son of Man when he appears. There will be all those personages to whom he alludes. There will be all the former-day Saints, Enoch and his city, with all the greatness and splendor that surround them: there will be Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as they sit upon their thrones, together with all the persons that have been redeemed and brought near unto the presence of God. All will be unfolded and unveiled, and all this will be for the wicked to look upon, as well as the righteous; for the wicked will not as yet have been destroyed. When this takes place, there will be Latter-day Saints living upon the earth, and they will ascend and mingle themselves with that vast throng; for they will be filled with anxiety to go where the Saints of the Church of the Firstborn are, and the Church of the Firstborn will feel an anxiety to come and meet with the Saints on earth, and this will bring the general assembly of the redeemed into one; and thus will be fulfilled the saying of Paul, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”
About the same time that the Latter-day Saints are quickened (not immortalized), there will be Saints that have slumbered and slept for ages, and they are to be quickened and taken up into the heavens. Now the wicked are to see all these things; and if power of language could be given to them, what would they say? They would turn to the rocks and the mountains, and say, O mountains and rocks, fall upon us and hide us from the presence of Him that sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. And I have no doubt but they will have the power to say it. But they must endure the sight. After which, they must be consumed according to that which is spoken, and the heathen nations must be redeemed, and the way be prepared for the Lord to dwell upon the earth. The mortal Saints will then be transfigured and sanctified, but not immortalized. They will be prepared for the millennial reign. The tables will then be spread, and the Latter-day and Former-day Saints will be together to partake of the sacrament just as it is this afternoon, only more perfectly prepared.
This is my object in thus portraying these things before you this afternoon, for as often as we do this we show forth the Lord's death till he come. When that time comes, he will partake of the fruit of the vine with us; and with him will be Moroni, Mormon, and Lehi, and all the inhabitants of this vast American continent who have been saved through the Gospel. There will be Enoch's city, the Former-day Saints, and the vast throng of resurrected Saints to sit down and partake of the supper of the great Bridegroom, and he will administer in the midst of his brethren.
I hope and pray that I may be prepared to be one of that joyful throng to be assembled there with a pure heart, and one that is upright before God. I also hope that my brethren will be with me, and that we shall have the privilege of celebrating the marriage supper of the Lamb, for that will be a happy day.
May God bless you! Amen.
A Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 8, 1860.
Reported by J. V. Long.
Having been requested, this afternoon, to address the congregation, I cheerfully do so, praying with all my heart that the Lord may grant unto me his Holy Spirit, that whatever I may say, whether much or little, may be dictated by that Spirit that proceeds from heaven, and then it will be right.
We read in the New Testament that the Apostles and righteous men in days of old preached the Gospel by the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. I do not know of any way by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed with any beneficial effect, except in this manner.
We can arise before a congregation of the Saints and make use of the principles of the Gospel in our own words. We can say to the people, Repent. We can call upon them to believe. We can tell them concerning baptism, show them the nature of it, and the causes for which it was instituted. We may tell them concerning the Holy Ghost, and preach many things in the wisdom and language of man, and yet all this would not be acceptable in the sight of Heaven, unless we were dictated by the power and gift of the Holy Ghost. Our words would have no effect upon the hearts of the people; they would not be edified; the speaker would not be edified: no good, perhaps, would be accomplished.
The world, during the last seventeen centuries and upwards, have been engaged in preaching what they termed the Gospel; they have been engaged in preaching many principles that are true; they have preached many of the first principles, such as faith and repentance; they have preached the ordinances and institutions of heaven; they have reasoned with the people; they have portrayed many great and glorious truths before the people; they have called upon them to receive those truths, and yet they have taught without authority—without that Spirit that giveth utterance—taught without being called of God; and hence their teachings have not accomplished that which an inspired man's would have accomplished, when sent of God. So it is in reading the revelations of heaven. We may take up the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Covenants, and commit them to memory—at least the subject matter therein, and we may suppose that we understand the doctrine of salvation, and conclude from our diligent study that we have become altogether acquainted with the prophecies and revelations; and yet, after all these things, without the gift of revelation directly to ourselves, or the gift of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven to rest upon us as speakers and hearers, we cannot expect to be materially benefited.
We may learn many things from the Book of Mormon. We may learn how this great western hemisphere was first peopled—how God brought the people from the Tower of Babel and established them upon North America. We may be informed of their history, of their numerous Prophets, concerning their wickedness and downfall. We may learn these things naturally as natural men, whether in or out of the Church, without the gift and power of the Holy Ghost and authority communicated from heaven resting upon us.
We cannot render ourselves any material service, or the world either, unless we have this power and authority: hence the propriety of that passage of Scripture recorded in the 2nd chapter of Paul's 1st Epistle to the Corinthians—“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” All our exertions, our reading, our meditations, and our endeavors to obtain the truth, without we obtain it lawfully, and not as natural men and women, will prove, in a measure, unavailing, though it may serve in some degree to remove darkness, to manifest what has been done, or what is to be done.
I am well pleased with the remarks that have been made upon this stand, more especially in relation to some few of the testimonies that I have heard, particularly bearing upon this matter. We were told by individuals upon this stand that they knew this work to be true. We were told by Brother Watt that he knew this to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How do you know it? Just the same as the congregation know it. If the congregation have the gift and power of God to unfold the revelations of heaven to themselves, then they can comprehend how it is that the speakers know it is true. Though we may not be masters of language to communicate to others, we can appeal to their senses upon this subject. Do you know the things of God? If this question were asked, the whole congregation, with few exceptions, would lift up their voices with one heart and one mind, and say, We know these things to be true. How do you know them? You know them by the manifestations of the Spirit to your own hearts. You don't know them by having seen with the natural eye, or by having discerned them with the natural understanding. You don't know them because you have seen the sick healed, or the blind receive their sight. You don't know them because you have seen the lame made to walk, or laid your hands upon the sick and seen them raised to perfect soundness, but because God has made them manifest to your hearts. Light has shone from heaven upon your understandings. You have tasted of that light by the spiritual sensations, or the spiritual faculties of your mind. You have understood and feasted upon the light that has come from heaven; and by this you know that the principles you have received are true. Do we understand clearly and properly that which is contained in the various revelations that God has given through his ancient as well as through his modern Prophets? Do we understand them in their true light? If we do, it is because we have received manifestations to ourselves, by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.
What are Prophets for? What are revelators for? They are to reveal the truths of heaven for the benefit of the people. They bear testimony to the inhabitants of the earth, as you have heard declared from this stand, that the Lord has spoken and opened communications with men upon the earth, through the legitimate channel of his Priesthood. They also declare that men have been called by revelation from God, and sent forth with authority to baptize for the remission of sins. You hear this testimony, which is calculated to increase your confidence and your faith in the principles of life.
The word of God which is planted in your hearts begins to grow, to produce joy, light, and happiness; your mind begins to understand; you begin to receive revelation, and to receive those communications from the heavens that cause you to enjoy those blessings that you have heard spoken of by the servants of God. This makes all the Latter-day Saints witnesses; and thus we have a cloud of witnesses—a great army that can witness the truths of heaven as they have been revealed in these last days. This Spirit of revelation gives the Latter-day Saints boldness in their testimony.
What would have been our progress, brethren and sisters, if we had gone forth to the nations to publish these truths without the power of the Holy Ghost accompanying us? Could we have borne up under the power of persecution that has been heaped upon us? Could we have stood forth before the people and borne testimony as natural men to the great truths revealed from heaven? No, we could not. We should have shrunk from the task. It would have appeared too great for us to perform. The powers of darkness would have been able to crush us before them, without the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Lord foreknew this, and consequently he never designed that the great principles of his Gospel should be published to the nations, only by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.
There are many revelations that were given to the ancient servants of God that we never can comprehend without further revelation, and perhaps some of them we shall never understand in this state of probation. One thing is certain—that we cannot comprehend them, unless God shall give more revelation and manifest many things in their fulness which have heretofore only been revealed in part.
Many things that were unveiled to the ancient Prophets have become very much corrupted by men who have formed systems to suit their own darkened minds. The revelations of John, now so obscure, so dark, and so intricate, that scarcely a person can comprehend the great things that are pointed out to take place in the last days, will be unfolded. Now there is scarcely a man living that can discern the meaning of the Apostle.
When this revelation was given to him, it was plain and simple, and easy to be understood of men; and all people possessed of the Spirit of the living God could understand it, so far as it was not sealed up. Some portions of it the Lord designed that they should not comprehend in that day. For instance, what the seven thunders uttered and several other things that are mentioned, no man understands, and will not until the proper time shall come. Since the days of John, it has been changed and altered by men who did not possess the Spirit of revelation, and from them it has been handed down to us in its present imperfect form, and we never shall understand it until God reveals it unto his servants the Prophets in the last days. Then the things written in that book will be plain, and we shall understand them.
So it is with regard to many revelations contained in the New Testament. The 24th chapter of Matthew, for instance, the sayings of Jesus to his disciples have undergone the same change in translation and in alterations by corrupt men. It is true, the Lord has given us information and bestowed upon us great favor by new revelation, and the Spirit bears witness that they are from heaven. We know them to be such. We comprehend them, we discern them, and say that God designed to reveal them to his servant Joseph. There are many who can comprehend those things and realize that they are from some superior source than the natural mind of man.
I might name some few things which may be found in the 24th chapter of Matthew, that are much plainer and much more simple as they were revealed to the Prophet Joseph in the new translation—so much so that it would almost satisfy even a natural-minded person that there has been a superior wisdom manifest in this new translation. In speaking of the signs of the coming of the Son of Man, and of the preaching of the Gospel to all the world, the new translation reads as follows—“Again, shall this Gospel of the Kingdom be preached in all the world, for a witness, and then shall the end come.” Now, the word “again” makes the thing all plain. It is as much as to say, You shall go forth, you shall preach to the people and declare my testimony among the nations of the earth; and after this there shall come a falling away, and there shall arise many false Christs and false prophets. Then shall follow many judgments and tribulations upon the face of the earth. And after the world has been in darkness for centuries, again shall this Gospel of the Kingdom be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. What end? I answer, the end of the wicked world—the destruction of the wicked from the face of our globe.
In another passage to be found in that same revelation, the 24th chapter of Matthew, Jesus says, in speaking of his second coming, “As the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Now, how much plainer is this to the natural understanding! And how much plainer is this than the old translation as rendered by the wisdom of man! How does the old translation read? It reads, “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
The lightning is more visible and more frequent in some parts of the earth than others; and when it does appear, it is only visible for a few scores of miles at once, and is not visible in all parts; and consequently, this was not a proper figure to convey the idea. How much plainer is the rendering—“As the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.”
How did this Latter-day Work commence? It did not commence all at once. On the 6th day of April, 1830, as it was justly observed by one of the speakers, there were not enough members to form the Church; but it came forth like the dim twilight of the morning, the darkness beginning by slow degrees to flee away as the light slowly advanced. It has grown brighter and brighter from that time unto the present.
Like the light of the sun, the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will cover the whole earth; it will speak from land to land and from kingdom to kingdom, until it deluges the whole earth with the brilliancy of its light and the glory of its power. The testimonies of the servants of God, as well as the testimonies of his power, exhibiting his wrath and his sore displeasure, will go forth as has been proclaimed from this stand. And instead of the testimonies of the servants of God being smothered up by the persecution of our enemies, and the light being hidden under a bushel in some obscure corner, the decree of Heaven is that the light shall go forth, shining more and more glorious in the midst of the nations; and it will penetrate the darkest corners of the earth—it will visit the islands of the sea, until it has searched out every creature under heaven. There is no ear but shall hear, and no heart but shall be penetrated by the truths that shall be sent forth in this last dispensation.
Missionaries have been called. If they go and magnify their callings, they will be filled with the testimony that has been so freely manifested during our Conference; they will be filled with the Holy Ghost, and be able to bear testimony of the truths of the Gospel. It may be apparently in weakness. They may consider it so themselves. Their language may be feeble, their words feebly uttered, their sentences broken; but, after all, it will be the power of God unto this generation.
If you Missionaries will seek for the testimony of the Holy Ghost to go with you—if you will seek diligently for the power of God to accompany you, you need not be afraid of the nations; for your testimony will condemn the people who reject it, and it will save all those who receive it.
I look forward to the progress of this work through the Saints that are abroad and the Elders that are ordained on Foreign Missions, as well as by those Missionaries that are sent forth to their assistance. I look for this work to progress, and I cannot get anything else into my heart. I do not look for this people to be eternally assailed by their enemies, nor do I look for the Elders to be continually asleep; but I expect that they will bear a faithful testimony among the people of every nation where they are sent. And this testimony will be increased: it cannot be otherwise. That prophecy of Nephi recorded in the Book of Mormon must be fulfilled; the servants of God must be armed with righteousness, and with the power of the Almighty, and with great glory among the nations, wherever the Church is organized. It will be such a display as will excite the people against the Saints, or they would not, according to prophecy, gather together the armies of the wicked from among all nations to fight the people of the Most High. This must take place. The wicked must be gathered against the Saints. It is as it was stated by Brother Hyde this forenoon about the dream. That dream had reference to foreign persecutions.
One thing is certain—that every nation under the heavens will array itself against the kingdom of God. Inasmuch as some individuals among the nations receive it, they will muster their forces and try to destroy the saints of the living God. To prepare for this, we must increase in the Spirit of God as our enemies increase in the spirit of darkness against us, and by the power of God proclaim in their ears a testimony that will overcome the wicked. There is no possibility of the wicked triumphing over this Latter-day Kingdom. There may be many who will have to fall—many who will have to suffer materially; but when we get to the home of the Saints of the living God, the wicked will cease from troubling us.
I look forward to a day that is not far distant, with great rejoicing; and that is a day when we shall all be engaged, as we are this afternoon, in partaking of the sacrament—the symbols of bread and wine, or in other words, the symbols of the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I look forward with joyful anticipation to that glorious time. I look around upon this assembly, and when I see them partaking of this holy ordinance, and consider what Jesus has done by his sufferings, then I look forward to the time when he shall be in our midst, and we partake of these symbols in his presence.
Will not this be a joyful time? Who can but rejoice in a scenery of this description! Suppose you were expecting that this was to take place next Sabbath day, who are pure in heart? Who are ready for such an event? What would be your feelings? Would you sorrow and mourn? Would it not be one of the most joyful messages to your ears that ever saluted them, to suppose that the time was so near at hand when you should partake of bread and wine with the ancient Apostles, and meet with the Savior and all the Saints of former days—those that lived before the flood and those that have lived since the flood—to think that all this is to be made manifest to man—that we are to look upon the face of our Redeemer and be crowned with glory as he is—would not this be joyful tidings?
Although this is not going to take place next Sabbath, yet we know one thing—that in many of the revelations given to this Church, the Lord has closed by saying—“Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give unto every man according to his works.” There are many revelations of this kind, and these words are true and faithful, for the Lord does not speak in vain; but he has thrown this out as an encouragement to those that fear him and keep his law.
The day is at hand, the morning has broken, the sun of the Gospel has arisen in the eastern horizon, and is beginning to shine with a degree of splendor. The time is near—how near, no man knoweth: the day and the hour when the Son of Man shall come is a secret. In a revelation given to this Church, it is said that no man shall know until he comes; therefore we cannot expect to know the day nor the hour; but we know it is near at hand, and what a consolation it is. There may be men that will know within a year—that will have revelation to say within one or two years when the Lord shall appear. I do not know that there is anything against this.
But the great question is, brethren and sisters, Are we ready? Are we perfect enough for this day? Are we honest enough? And are we filled with integrity enough to be ready for the Savior and his holy angels? Is there a sufficiency of union? Have we that firmness in our minds that we can stand in their presence—that we can look them in the eye and say that all is right? If we are pure, when we see a pure and holy being, clothed with all the glory of the heavens, surrounded with light that far outshines the sun at noonday, so much so that his eye discerns all things and pierces the inmost recesses of the heart—when we can look him in the face, a thrill of joy will run through our bodies, and we shall be happy.
I tell you, brethren and sisters, this would be one of the most glorious periods that we could possibly imagine: it would be one of the most joyful there is in the future. We know that men upon the earth have been so clothed with the glory and power of God that the people could not look upon their countenances; and why was this? It was because the people were wicked. When Moses had been upon the mountain, standing in the presence of God, being in his presence forty days receiving the tables of stone, and came down to teach the people, they could not endure his presence. Why? Because that glory that was manifested could not be endured by the wicked. But in this instance, the Lord permitted it to be manifested for a while. And when the people looked upon the countenance of Moses, they perceived that there were rays of light emanating from him—that he looked different from what he formerly did—that he was clothed upon with something which they had not been accustomed to see, and they fled afar off. Moses, therefore, was under the necessity of taking a veil and putting it over his face, for they could not endure it. They fled from the presence of a mortal man when he was clothed upon with glory, or with a reflection of the glory of God; therefore the only way was for him to cover his face, and then converse with the children of Israel.
Now, if a mortal being is permitted to have this power, how much greater will be the terror to the wicked when immortal beings shall appear—beings who have not simply been with the Lord forty days, but who have been with him thousands of years, who were redeemed before the flood and after the flood, and who have been in the presence of God more or less ever since—who have beheld his countenance, who have been seated upon thrones, swaying a scepter of power (as Abraham), and reigning over millions of individuals—when they, as well as the redeemed of all nations and generations, shall make their appearance, and when they shall not attempt to put a veil over their faces as Moses did, but permit all the glory that they have accumulated for so many years to be visible to the human family! That will be a day of terror, astonishment, and dismay unto all the wicked.
At times when I reflect upon this subject, I try to portray before my mind the various revelations that God has given concerning this matter. There is one in particular which says, “Angels shall be sent forth to sound the trump of God, crying, Lo and behold! The bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” That will be a great time, independent of that of which I have been speaking, when Jesus shall come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Before that time, angels are to be sent forth to sound the trumpet, so that all the ends of the earth are to hear it, and all people are to be forewarned that the time of the coming of the bridegroom is at hand—that the time of the coming of the great Being has arrived. Then, when those angels have sounded, another great and terrible thing is to take place.
I simply mention these things to show how one thing after another is to precede the coming of the Lord.
After the angels have sounded this in the ears of all living, we are informed that there will be a great sign in the heavens. It is not to be limited so that some few only of the human family can see it; but it is said, “All people shall see it together!” At least, it is to be like our sun seen over one entire side of the globe, and then passing immediately round to the other, or else it will encircle the whole earth at the same time. But the bridegroom does not come then. These are only the preceding events to let the Latter-day Saints and the pure in heart know that these are the times that they may trim up their lamps and prepare for the triumphant appearing of their Lord.
After those angels that I have alluded to have flown through the heavens, this sign is made manifest; and what next? Seven angels are appointed to give their signs and testimonies to the truth of this proclamation of the Gospel, the Latter-day Saints having previously given theirs. Thus we have the former angels sounding their trumpets, then the great sign, and then comes the seven angels. The first proclaims that great Babylon is about to fall, and her influence to be destroyed. He proclaims that all who remain in Babylon are bound in bundles and their bands made strong, so that no man can unloose them, and that they are therefore prepared for the burning.
After all nations have heard the proclamation, there will be silence in the heavens, and I do not know but on the earth too; for the people will doubtless be overpowered with astonishment to see an angel, the sound of whose trump shall pierce the ears of all living. After this, I say, there will be silence in heaven for half-an-hour.
Then, after the wicked begin to recover and get a little strength, behold and lo! The curtain of heaven will be unfolded as a scroll that is rolled up. You know how our great maps are rolled out to expose their contents to the people; and the Lord has said the heavens shall be unfolded as a scroll that is rolled up is unfolded. What will be seen when this takes place? Our Savior, our Redeemer, will unveil his face. That Being who was born in Bethlehem—that being who has saved the world by offering his own life, how will he appear? Will he come as a common man? Or how will he make his appearance? He will appear as a being whose splendor and glory will cause the sun to hide his face with shame.
The sun is a very glorious body; and when you look upon it, so great is the light, that you can scarcely see surrounding objects; but the light of the sun is nothing to be compared with the glory of that personage who shall appear when the heavens shall be unveiled, or unfolded like a scroll. The light of the sun will dwindle away, and he shall hide his face with shame. Who will be with Jesus when he appears? The decree has gone forth, saying, Mine Apostles who were with me in Jerusalem shall be clothed in glory and be with me.
The brightness of their countenance will shine forth with all that refulgence and fulness of splendor that shall surround the Son of Man when he appears. There will be all those personages to whom he alludes. There will be all the former-day Saints, Enoch and his city, with all the greatness and splendor that surround them: there will be Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as they sit upon their thrones, together with all the persons that have been redeemed and brought near unto the presence of God. All will be unfolded and unveiled, and all this will be for the wicked to look upon, as well as the righteous; for the wicked will not as yet have been destroyed. When this takes place, there will be Latter-day Saints living upon the earth, and they will ascend and mingle themselves with that vast throng; for they will be filled with anxiety to go where the Saints of the Church of the Firstborn are, and the Church of the Firstborn will feel an anxiety to come and meet with the Saints on earth, and this will bring the general assembly of the redeemed into one; and thus will be fulfilled the saying of Paul, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”
About the same time that the Latter-day Saints are quickened (not immortalized), there will be Saints that have slumbered and slept for ages, and they are to be quickened and taken up into the heavens. Now the wicked are to see all these things; and if power of language could be given to them, what would they say? They would turn to the rocks and the mountains, and say, O mountains and rocks, fall upon us and hide us from the presence of Him that sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. And I have no doubt but they will have the power to say it. But they must endure the sight. After which, they must be consumed according to that which is spoken, and the heathen nations must be redeemed, and the way be prepared for the Lord to dwell upon the earth. The mortal Saints will then be transfigured and sanctified, but not immortalized. They will be prepared for the millennial reign. The tables will then be spread, and the Latter-day and Former-day Saints will be together to partake of the sacrament just as it is this afternoon, only more perfectly prepared.
This is my object in thus portraying these things before you this afternoon, for as often as we do this we show forth the Lord's death till he come. When that time comes, he will partake of the fruit of the vine with us; and with him will be Moroni, Mormon, and Lehi, and all the inhabitants of this vast American continent who have been saved through the Gospel. There will be Enoch's city, the Former-day Saints, and the vast throng of resurrected Saints to sit down and partake of the supper of the great Bridegroom, and he will administer in the midst of his brethren.
I hope and pray that I may be prepared to be one of that joyful throng to be assembled there with a pure heart, and one that is upright before God. I also hope that my brethren will be with me, and that we shall have the privilege of celebrating the marriage supper of the Lamb, for that will be a happy day.
May God bless you! Amen.
Prest. Daniel Spencer
observed that he had been very happy during the conference in the society of the Saints and in hearing the testimonies and instructions of the brethren who have been speaking to us, and he considered it the duty of every one to profit by the instructions that had been given. He prayed the Almighty to give liberally of his Spirit to aid us in carrying out the instructions given, for they were such as will make us happy in time and in eternity.
The conference was then adjourned until the sixth day of October, at 10 o'clock, a.m., at this place.
Choir sung: "Lord dismiss us with thy blessing."
Benediction by Prest. Daniel Spencer.
Prest. Brigham Young blessed the people in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
J. V. LONG, Reporter.
observed that he had been very happy during the conference in the society of the Saints and in hearing the testimonies and instructions of the brethren who have been speaking to us, and he considered it the duty of every one to profit by the instructions that had been given. He prayed the Almighty to give liberally of his Spirit to aid us in carrying out the instructions given, for they were such as will make us happy in time and in eternity.
The conference was then adjourned until the sixth day of October, at 10 o'clock, a.m., at this place.
Choir sung: "Lord dismiss us with thy blessing."
Benediction by Prest. Daniel Spencer.
Prest. Brigham Young blessed the people in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
J. V. LONG, Reporter.