April 1864
MINUTES OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
Wednesday, April 6, Forenoon.
The Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, at 10 a.m.
On the stand were President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells, of the First Presidency; Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, Charles C. Rich, and Franklin D. Richards, of the Twelve Apostles; Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Albert P. Rockwood, and John Van Cott, of the First Presidency of the Seventies; Edwin D. Woolley and Samuel W. Richards, of the Presidency of the High Priest's Quorum; Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer, and George B. Wallace, of the Presidency of this Stake of Zion; Edward Hunter, Leonard W. Hardy, and Jesse C. Little, of the Presidency of the Bishopric; George D. Watt, and John V. Long, reporters, and a large number of Bishops and Elders.
President Young called the meeting to order, and the choir opened the services of conference.
Elder George A. Smith offered the opening prayer.
Wednesday, April 6, Forenoon.
The Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, at 10 a.m.
On the stand were President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells, of the First Presidency; Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith, Charles C. Rich, and Franklin D. Richards, of the Twelve Apostles; Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Albert P. Rockwood, and John Van Cott, of the First Presidency of the Seventies; Edwin D. Woolley and Samuel W. Richards, of the Presidency of the High Priest's Quorum; Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer, and George B. Wallace, of the Presidency of this Stake of Zion; Edward Hunter, Leonard W. Hardy, and Jesse C. Little, of the Presidency of the Bishopric; George D. Watt, and John V. Long, reporters, and a large number of Bishops and Elders.
President Young called the meeting to order, and the choir opened the services of conference.
Elder George A. Smith offered the opening prayer.
President Wells
addressed the Conference on the claims of the Public Works: urged the necessity of the Wards in the Territory furnishing teams to haul the granite rock from the quarries during the present spring and summer, for the Temple, in order to meet the demands of workmen for labor during the fall, winter and following spring, and also called attention to the rock and timbers required for the erection of the New Tabernacle this coming fall. Reviewing the work before the Saints, he terminated his remarks by expressing his gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord for His favors to Israel, for the protection of His people from the power of those who sought their overthrow, and in conclusion bore his testimony to the great work of redemption which the Almighty had commenced in this generation.
addressed the Conference on the claims of the Public Works: urged the necessity of the Wards in the Territory furnishing teams to haul the granite rock from the quarries during the present spring and summer, for the Temple, in order to meet the demands of workmen for labor during the fall, winter and following spring, and also called attention to the rock and timbers required for the erection of the New Tabernacle this coming fall. Reviewing the work before the Saints, he terminated his remarks by expressing his gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord for His favors to Israel, for the protection of His people from the power of those who sought their overthrow, and in conclusion bore his testimony to the great work of redemption which the Almighty had commenced in this generation.
President Kimball
occupied the remainder of the session in imparting instruction and council to the people. Br. Kimball spoke some very plain truths in his usual interesting manner.
Elder John Taylor dismissed the meeting.
occupied the remainder of the session in imparting instruction and council to the people. Br. Kimball spoke some very plain truths in his usual interesting manner.
Elder John Taylor dismissed the meeting.
Afternoon.
After prayer by Elder W. Woodruff,
After prayer by Elder W. Woodruff,
Elder John Taylor
delivered a discourse—mainly on the gathering of the Saints. He cursorily noticed the crude notions and theories of professing Christians on the predictions of the ancient prophets respecting the gathering together of the Saints in the latter times into one, to learn the laws of God and to carry out His purposes upon the earth. Elder Taylor showed that the words of the prophets could not fall to the ground unfulfilled, that the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ would gather the honest and humble from all nations, and make them one people. There was no coercion needed to gather the Saints—the spirit of truth and light led them as it were instinctively to seek the body of the Church, and when that light, through transgression, became darkness in professed Saints it was as natural for them to seek other society, and they could leave as freely as they came—the world was large enough for them all. The Almighty had spoken from the heavens and revealed the organization of His latter day kingdom, and the Saints acknowledged His right to rule and reign over them; they would acknowledge Him ruler, honor Him and observe His laws. The Saints had been baptized with one baptism and participated of one spirit, it was the work of the Great God and no mercenary speculation. It was boundless in extent, from eternity to eternity, embracing the worlds that have been, the world that is, and the worlds to come. This was the greatest work the Lord had ever introduced upon this earth—the labors of today united the present generation with the past generation of the righteous and laying the foundation of a work for all the posterity of the Saints. The kingdom of God was onward; and the powers of the earth could do nothing to retard its progress, it would continue to advance and increase in numbers, in power, light and influence, till the kingdoms of this world should become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ, and until the Creator's rule, authority and sway should extend the rivers to the ends of the earth.
delivered a discourse—mainly on the gathering of the Saints. He cursorily noticed the crude notions and theories of professing Christians on the predictions of the ancient prophets respecting the gathering together of the Saints in the latter times into one, to learn the laws of God and to carry out His purposes upon the earth. Elder Taylor showed that the words of the prophets could not fall to the ground unfulfilled, that the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ would gather the honest and humble from all nations, and make them one people. There was no coercion needed to gather the Saints—the spirit of truth and light led them as it were instinctively to seek the body of the Church, and when that light, through transgression, became darkness in professed Saints it was as natural for them to seek other society, and they could leave as freely as they came—the world was large enough for them all. The Almighty had spoken from the heavens and revealed the organization of His latter day kingdom, and the Saints acknowledged His right to rule and reign over them; they would acknowledge Him ruler, honor Him and observe His laws. The Saints had been baptized with one baptism and participated of one spirit, it was the work of the Great God and no mercenary speculation. It was boundless in extent, from eternity to eternity, embracing the worlds that have been, the world that is, and the worlds to come. This was the greatest work the Lord had ever introduced upon this earth—the labors of today united the present generation with the past generation of the righteous and laying the foundation of a work for all the posterity of the Saints. The kingdom of God was onward; and the powers of the earth could do nothing to retard its progress, it would continue to advance and increase in numbers, in power, light and influence, till the kingdoms of this world should become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ, and until the Creator's rule, authority and sway should extend the rivers to the ends of the earth.
Elder George A. Smith
expressed the satisfaction he experienced in attending the Conferences of the Saints, as they brought together the authorities of the Church and many of the Saints face to face to feel the spirit that exists in Zion—for as iron sharpeneth iron, so does the face of man gladden his friend. He reverted in his remarks to the days of gloom in Nauvoo, and spoke of the spirit of light, integrity and intelligence that was ever manifested in Joseph and Brigham notwithstanding the efforts of their enemies to destroy them. He reminded the Saints of their obligations to pray for themselves as well as to pray for the Presidency of the Church, and to watch over their own actions, remembering that it was just as necessary for the members of the Church to be good, to be just, to be upright, maintaining the dignity of their calling in everything, as it was for those who ruled over them. He alluded to the influences of the world that darkened the minds of the Saints, and exhorted them rather to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven, instead of allowing the love of earthly treasures to corrode their souls and overcome the love of truth: for these would perish with the using, while the course of the righteous would be crowned with everlasting honors and the gift of eternal lives. He exposed the seducing influences of gold, and pointed to the wreck of men who had fallen victims to its idolatry; while nobler examples were before them of those who used their success in life for the building up of the Kingdom of God. He closed his remarks by assuring the faint hearted that "Mormonism" would never be made easy and palatable to the wicked world. The power of earth and hell might unite to destroy the Saints, but God and His Saints would ride over all opposition, and the wicked, the apostates, the fearful and the unbelieving would be scattered to the four winds, as the chaff of the summer thrashing floor.
Elder W. W. Phelps dismissed the congregation.
expressed the satisfaction he experienced in attending the Conferences of the Saints, as they brought together the authorities of the Church and many of the Saints face to face to feel the spirit that exists in Zion—for as iron sharpeneth iron, so does the face of man gladden his friend. He reverted in his remarks to the days of gloom in Nauvoo, and spoke of the spirit of light, integrity and intelligence that was ever manifested in Joseph and Brigham notwithstanding the efforts of their enemies to destroy them. He reminded the Saints of their obligations to pray for themselves as well as to pray for the Presidency of the Church, and to watch over their own actions, remembering that it was just as necessary for the members of the Church to be good, to be just, to be upright, maintaining the dignity of their calling in everything, as it was for those who ruled over them. He alluded to the influences of the world that darkened the minds of the Saints, and exhorted them rather to lay up for themselves treasures in heaven, instead of allowing the love of earthly treasures to corrode their souls and overcome the love of truth: for these would perish with the using, while the course of the righteous would be crowned with everlasting honors and the gift of eternal lives. He exposed the seducing influences of gold, and pointed to the wreck of men who had fallen victims to its idolatry; while nobler examples were before them of those who used their success in life for the building up of the Kingdom of God. He closed his remarks by assuring the faint hearted that "Mormonism" would never be made easy and palatable to the wicked world. The power of earth and hell might unite to destroy the Saints, but God and His Saints would ride over all opposition, and the wicked, the apostates, the fearful and the unbelieving would be scattered to the four winds, as the chaff of the summer thrashing floor.
Elder W. W. Phelps dismissed the congregation.
Evening.
A meeting of the Priesthood was held at 7 o'clock.
A meeting of the Priesthood was held at 7 o'clock.
Thursday April 7th, Forenoon.
Elder Samuel W. Richards offered prayer.
Elder Samuel W. Richards offered prayer.
Elder Geo. A. Smith
delivered a discourse on the influence of false spirits. The gospel was preached to accomplish the salvation of the people, and with that object they received it, and knew that they had the world afterwards to contend with: yet many had permitted some trifling, unimportant object thrown in their path to cause them to stumble. He had been acquainted with the Church almost from the beginning, and dark clouds had almost constantly attended its growth and progress. In such times there had always been some ready to prophecy evil against Israel; but the history of the past stood forth a monument of their folly—on which Balaam was prominently noticeable. In the early history of this Church, the development of false spirits was very attractive, and quite a number had received the gift of tongues from that source which had led them astray, as they were not able to discern between the influence of heaven and the influence of the devil. Wherever the work had been extended there had been opposition from the spiritual powers of darkness. He instanced the opposition to the first American Elders who went to England, particularly the attack made upon Prest. Kimball, at Preston, Lancashire, and what he had experienced himself when he labored in London. He considered it good for the Elders of Israel to be acquainted with historical facts relating to the power of evil, that they might live so as to be beyond their reach. After the first endowment was given, some sixty persons apostatized and essayed to form a new church, that would get along easier with the world than the church established by the commandment of God; but they had dropped into oblivion. Spiritualism, table turning, rapping, and writing mediums were all omenations of the evil one to distract the minds of the children of men from the gospel of salvation, and it had been the experience of the Saints of the present generation that whenever men corrupted themselves they became an easy prey to these spirits, and to the cunning devices of men, who to serve personal purposes banded together in opposition to the kingdom of God. The Lord had organized the Priesthood and through that channel He would reveal His will to the Church. A few months, or a year or two, might pass along and enquire for those who had been led astray by evil spirits and they would be numbered among the things that were, while the steady stream of Mormonism would flow on unceasingly. The duped and deceived with the designer and the wicked would perish without hope, while the Saints were blessed with a testimony and hope, rich with immortality and Eternal Life.
delivered a discourse on the influence of false spirits. The gospel was preached to accomplish the salvation of the people, and with that object they received it, and knew that they had the world afterwards to contend with: yet many had permitted some trifling, unimportant object thrown in their path to cause them to stumble. He had been acquainted with the Church almost from the beginning, and dark clouds had almost constantly attended its growth and progress. In such times there had always been some ready to prophecy evil against Israel; but the history of the past stood forth a monument of their folly—on which Balaam was prominently noticeable. In the early history of this Church, the development of false spirits was very attractive, and quite a number had received the gift of tongues from that source which had led them astray, as they were not able to discern between the influence of heaven and the influence of the devil. Wherever the work had been extended there had been opposition from the spiritual powers of darkness. He instanced the opposition to the first American Elders who went to England, particularly the attack made upon Prest. Kimball, at Preston, Lancashire, and what he had experienced himself when he labored in London. He considered it good for the Elders of Israel to be acquainted with historical facts relating to the power of evil, that they might live so as to be beyond their reach. After the first endowment was given, some sixty persons apostatized and essayed to form a new church, that would get along easier with the world than the church established by the commandment of God; but they had dropped into oblivion. Spiritualism, table turning, rapping, and writing mediums were all omenations of the evil one to distract the minds of the children of men from the gospel of salvation, and it had been the experience of the Saints of the present generation that whenever men corrupted themselves they became an easy prey to these spirits, and to the cunning devices of men, who to serve personal purposes banded together in opposition to the kingdom of God. The Lord had organized the Priesthood and through that channel He would reveal His will to the Church. A few months, or a year or two, might pass along and enquire for those who had been led astray by evil spirits and they would be numbered among the things that were, while the steady stream of Mormonism would flow on unceasingly. The duped and deceived with the designer and the wicked would perish without hope, while the Saints were blessed with a testimony and hope, rich with immortality and Eternal Life.
Prest. Young
made a few remarks and the congregation was dismissed by Prest. Wells.
made a few remarks and the congregation was dismissed by Prest. Wells.
Afternoon.
Prayer by Elder Albert P. Rockwood.
Prayer by Elder Albert P. Rockwood.
Elder Orson Pratt
preached on the Gospel of Eternal Salvation, comprehending within the scope of his subject the pre-existence of man, the object of his creation and destiny as revealed through the prophet Joseph. His remarks closed in referring to his approaching mission to Europe, and bore his testimony to the divinity of the work of God.
preached on the Gospel of Eternal Salvation, comprehending within the scope of his subject the pre-existence of man, the object of his creation and destiny as revealed through the prophet Joseph. His remarks closed in referring to his approaching mission to Europe, and bore his testimony to the divinity of the work of God.
Elder C. C. Rich
spoke on the practical duties of life, and the labor required of the people to bring about the purposes of the Lord in the establishment of righteousness on the earth, and of the salvation from the evils of this world.
Meeting dismissed by Elder Franklin D. Richards.
spoke on the practical duties of life, and the labor required of the people to bring about the purposes of the Lord in the establishment of righteousness on the earth, and of the salvation from the evils of this world.
Meeting dismissed by Elder Franklin D. Richards.
Friday, April 8th, Forenoon.
Elder Geo. D. Watt prayed.
Elder Geo. D. Watt prayed.
Elder F. D. Richards
reviewed past history, spoke of the wandering of the Saints in the wilderness from the persecutions of men. Many had thought that it was hard to be thrust out from the nation, as was the case in '46; but to-day they could readily see that it was one of the greatest blessings that could have been conferred on the Saints. He gave very prudent counsel to the people in urging domestic economy for self-support and social independence, foreseeing the time when the Saints would require to rely upon their own labors for maintenance.
reviewed past history, spoke of the wandering of the Saints in the wilderness from the persecutions of men. Many had thought that it was hard to be thrust out from the nation, as was the case in '46; but to-day they could readily see that it was one of the greatest blessings that could have been conferred on the Saints. He gave very prudent counsel to the people in urging domestic economy for self-support and social independence, foreseeing the time when the Saints would require to rely upon their own labors for maintenance.
President Young
spoke on Tithing. He wished it to be distinctly understood that he would hold no men in fellowship who would amass to themselves fortunes from the hard earnings of the people in this Territory, by selling them goods at enormous profits, and at the same time shirk paying their Tithing. He spoke of some who had paid freely and others who had not at all, and very pleasantly announced his intention to call upon all the merchants, whether Saints or Gentiles, to contribute of their abundance for the benefit of the city and the people from whom they had made their riches.
Prest. Kimball dismissed the meeting.
spoke on Tithing. He wished it to be distinctly understood that he would hold no men in fellowship who would amass to themselves fortunes from the hard earnings of the people in this Territory, by selling them goods at enormous profits, and at the same time shirk paying their Tithing. He spoke of some who had paid freely and others who had not at all, and very pleasantly announced his intention to call upon all the merchants, whether Saints or Gentiles, to contribute of their abundance for the benefit of the city and the people from whom they had made their riches.
Prest. Kimball dismissed the meeting.
Afternoon.
Prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps.
Prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps.
Elder Woodruff
spoke on the riches of the Gospel. The citizens of the world sought after what they called wealth, and high places; but there was no wealth to compare with the wealth of the grace of God, and no honor like to the honor of membership in the Church of God. The safest thing for the people was to keep the commandments of the Almighty and to seek to possess the Holy Ghost. When men violated the commandments, they were easily purchased for the service of the Devil. He encouraged home labor and on home products, the sources of true wealth and independence.
spoke on the riches of the Gospel. The citizens of the world sought after what they called wealth, and high places; but there was no wealth to compare with the wealth of the grace of God, and no honor like to the honor of membership in the Church of God. The safest thing for the people was to keep the commandments of the Almighty and to seek to possess the Holy Ghost. When men violated the commandments, they were easily purchased for the service of the Devil. He encouraged home labor and on home products, the sources of true wealth and independence.
Elder W. W. Phelps
said the Lord had never turned away from a people who kept His word. The nations of the earth were at war and vied with each other in the manufacture of the most powerful engines of human destruction. Soon there would be no peace but in Zion, and the words of the Prophets would be fulfilled that predicted that he who would not take up his sword against his fellow man must needs flee to Zion. The Saints were exhorted to do right and ever be ready, for they knew not the hour when the thief cometh that might seek to despoil them of their virtues and possessions.
said the Lord had never turned away from a people who kept His word. The nations of the earth were at war and vied with each other in the manufacture of the most powerful engines of human destruction. Soon there would be no peace but in Zion, and the words of the Prophets would be fulfilled that predicted that he who would not take up his sword against his fellow man must needs flee to Zion. The Saints were exhorted to do right and ever be ready, for they knew not the hour when the thief cometh that might seek to despoil them of their virtues and possessions.
Elder George A. Smith
spoke of the advantages of prosecuting their labors on the Temple and Tabernacle during the present season.
Elder Daniel Spencer dismissed the meeting.
A meeting of the Priesthood was held in the evening.
spoke of the advantages of prosecuting their labors on the Temple and Tabernacle during the present season.
Elder Daniel Spencer dismissed the meeting.
A meeting of the Priesthood was held in the evening.
Saturday, April 9th, Forenoon.
Elder Orson Hyde
prayed: and preached on the triumph of the work of God, and
prayed: and preached on the triumph of the work of God, and
Elder John Taylor presented the names of the authorities of the Church who were unanimously sustained in the following order:
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Heber C. Kimball, his first, and Daniel H. Wells, his second counselors.
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Sen., John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, and George Q. Cannon, members of said Quorum.
John Smith, Patriarch of the whole church.
Daniel Spencer, President of the Stake of Zion, and David Fullmer and George B. Wallace, his counselors.
William Eddington, John V. Long, John L. Blythe, and George Nebeker, John T. Caine, Joseph W. Young, Howard O. Spencer, Claudius V. Spencer, Thomas B. Broderick, James H. Hart, John Squires and William H. Folsom, members of the High Council.
John Young, President of the High Priests Quorum, Edwin D. Woolley and Samuel W. Richards, his counselors.
Joseph Young, President of the first seven Presidents of the Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates and John Van Cott, members of the first seven Presidents of the Seventies.
William Squire, President of the Elders Quorum; James Smith and Peter Latter, his counselors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop; Leonard W. Hardy and Jesse C. Little, his counselors.
Samuel M. Moore, President of the Priests' Quorum; Richard W. McAllister and George Openshaw, his counselors.
Adam Spiers, President of the Teacher's Quorum; Henry I. Doremus and Martin Lenzi, his counselors.
John S. Carpenter, President of the Deacons' Quorum; Samuel G. Ladd and Warren Hardie, his counselors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works; John Sharp, his assistant.
William H. Folsom, 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.
Meeting dismissed by Elder John V. Long.
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Heber C. Kimball, his first, and Daniel H. Wells, his second counselors.
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Sen., John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, and George Q. Cannon, members of said Quorum.
John Smith, Patriarch of the whole church.
Daniel Spencer, President of the Stake of Zion, and David Fullmer and George B. Wallace, his counselors.
William Eddington, John V. Long, John L. Blythe, and George Nebeker, John T. Caine, Joseph W. Young, Howard O. Spencer, Claudius V. Spencer, Thomas B. Broderick, James H. Hart, John Squires and William H. Folsom, members of the High Council.
John Young, President of the High Priests Quorum, Edwin D. Woolley and Samuel W. Richards, his counselors.
Joseph Young, President of the first seven Presidents of the Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates and John Van Cott, members of the first seven Presidents of the Seventies.
William Squire, President of the Elders Quorum; James Smith and Peter Latter, his counselors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop; Leonard W. Hardy and Jesse C. Little, his counselors.
Samuel M. Moore, President of the Priests' Quorum; Richard W. McAllister and George Openshaw, his counselors.
Adam Spiers, President of the Teacher's Quorum; Henry I. Doremus and Martin Lenzi, his counselors.
John S. Carpenter, President of the Deacons' Quorum; Samuel G. Ladd and Warren Hardie, his counselors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works; John Sharp, his assistant.
William H. Folsom, 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.
Meeting dismissed by Elder John V. Long.
Afternoon.
Elder John W. Hess prayed.
Elder John W. Hess prayed.
Elder John Taylor
spoke on the Constitution of the United States and the unwavering determination of the people of Utah to sustain it inviolate. He then presented the names of Elders called to go on missions, who were unanimously sustained. After a short address the names of a number of persons were put to the congregation and cut off the Church for various causes, drunkenness, crime and apostacy.
spoke on the Constitution of the United States and the unwavering determination of the people of Utah to sustain it inviolate. He then presented the names of Elders called to go on missions, who were unanimously sustained. After a short address the names of a number of persons were put to the congregation and cut off the Church for various causes, drunkenness, crime and apostacy.
President Kimball
made a few remarks and dismissed the meeting.
made a few remarks and dismissed the meeting.
Sunday April 10th, Forenoon.
Prayer by Elder Lorin Farr.
Prayer by Elder Lorin Farr.
President Young
delivered a very impressive discourse, showing that the Gospel of the Kingdom could never be powerful to save, unless the Holy Ghost dictated the speaker and carried home to the souls of the hearers the words of life: that the wisdom and learning of men never did bring the people to a knowledge of the truth. He spoke of the time when the people would come to the Saints and seek to be fed, and urged the Saints to be diligent in their labors in raising grain, and to be careful and not abuse the blessings which the Lord had bestowed upon them. He said that no person could be saved in the Kingdom of God, and neglect to observe the commandments; that no ordinance had ever been revealed to man that was not binding upon him to observe.
delivered a very impressive discourse, showing that the Gospel of the Kingdom could never be powerful to save, unless the Holy Ghost dictated the speaker and carried home to the souls of the hearers the words of life: that the wisdom and learning of men never did bring the people to a knowledge of the truth. He spoke of the time when the people would come to the Saints and seek to be fed, and urged the Saints to be diligent in their labors in raising grain, and to be careful and not abuse the blessings which the Lord had bestowed upon them. He said that no person could be saved in the Kingdom of God, and neglect to observe the commandments; that no ordinance had ever been revealed to man that was not binding upon him to observe.
President Kimball
occupied the remainder of the session, and the congregation was dismissed by Elder Orson Hyde.
occupied the remainder of the session, and the congregation was dismissed by Elder Orson Hyde.
Afternoon.
Elder Brigham Young, Junr. prayed.
Elder Brigham Young, Junr. prayed.
President Kimball
spoke at some length of his early youth and experience in the Kingdom.
spoke at some length of his early youth and experience in the Kingdom.
President Wells
spoke of his desires to contribute to the upbuilding of the Work, and to labor for the purposes of the Most High.
spoke of his desires to contribute to the upbuilding of the Work, and to labor for the purposes of the Most High.
Elder George A. Smith
invited all the Saints who were driven out of Jackson County, Missouri, to forward to the Historian's Office as early as possible, their names, the branches with which they were connected, their children, and where now living. The missionaries were also invited to meet at the Historian's Office on the 22nd inst. at 1 p.m.
President Kimball moved the adjournment of the Conference till the 6th of October, and President Young blessed the Priesthood, the congregation, all Israel at home and abroad, and all the honest in heart throughout the world, in the name of Jesus Christ; and the Conference ended.
George D. Watt, Reporter.
invited all the Saints who were driven out of Jackson County, Missouri, to forward to the Historian's Office as early as possible, their names, the branches with which they were connected, their children, and where now living. The missionaries were also invited to meet at the Historian's Office on the 22nd inst. at 1 p.m.
President Kimball moved the adjournment of the Conference till the 6th of October, and President Young blessed the Priesthood, the congregation, all Israel at home and abroad, and all the honest in heart throughout the world, in the name of Jesus Christ; and the Conference ended.
George D. Watt, Reporter.