October 1876
The Semi-Annual Conference
FIRST DAY.
The Forty-seventh Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened this morning in the New Tabernacle, October 6th, 1876, at 10 o’clock.
Present on the Stand.
Of the First Presidency.—Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells.
Of the Twelve Apostles.—John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, Sen., C. C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, F. D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jun., Joseph F. Smith.
Patriarch.—John Smith.
Of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.—Jos. Young, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, John Van Cott, Levi Hancock.
Of the Presidency of the High Priesthood.—Elias Smith.
Of the Presidency of this Stake of Zion.--Angus M. Cannon, David O. Calder, Jos. E. Taylor.
Of the Presidency of the Bishopric.—Edward Hunter, Leonard W. Hardy, Robt. T. Burton.
Besides the above authorities, there was a general representation of Bishops and other leading men from all parts of the Territory, and a large congregation of Saints.
Conference was called to order by Prest. B. Young.
The choir sang—Great God attend while Zion sings, The joy that from thy presence springs.
Prayer by Prest. Daniel H. Wells.
The Choir sang—The great and glorious gospel light, Has ushered forth unto my sight.
FIRST DAY.
The Forty-seventh Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened this morning in the New Tabernacle, October 6th, 1876, at 10 o’clock.
Present on the Stand.
Of the First Presidency.—Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells.
Of the Twelve Apostles.—John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, Sen., C. C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, F. D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jun., Joseph F. Smith.
Patriarch.—John Smith.
Of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.—Jos. Young, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, John Van Cott, Levi Hancock.
Of the Presidency of the High Priesthood.—Elias Smith.
Of the Presidency of this Stake of Zion.--Angus M. Cannon, David O. Calder, Jos. E. Taylor.
Of the Presidency of the Bishopric.—Edward Hunter, Leonard W. Hardy, Robt. T. Burton.
Besides the above authorities, there was a general representation of Bishops and other leading men from all parts of the Territory, and a large congregation of Saints.
Conference was called to order by Prest. B. Young.
The choir sang—Great God attend while Zion sings, The joy that from thy presence springs.
Prayer by Prest. Daniel H. Wells.
The Choir sang—The great and glorious gospel light, Has ushered forth unto my sight.
President Daniel H. Wells
read the 133rd Psalm.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessings, even life for evermore.
He referred to the times and places where God revealed his mind and will to the children of men, through the channel of the Holy Priesthood. The work in which we are now engaged has been prophesied about by the prophets of old, and is to be found in the Holy Scriptures. He also dwelt on the necessity of union among the saints of God, to successfully bear off the kingdom of God. It was the best government upon the earth, because it was the government of God. It included every grade of priesthood, and reached in its ramifications to every nook and corner wheresoever the Saints resided. It taught the principle of deliverance from the bondage in which men are found laboring under taskmasters, and brought them to a land of liberty and freedom, where they are taught to become a self-sustaining and happy people. This was a preparatory work to gather the people together, train them in correct principles, and prepare them for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It was, therefore, of the utmost importance that we as a people thus gathered should act in unison, standing shoulder to shoulder with our head in all things, in order that we may successfully accomplish the purposes of the Almighty. We could not do this by being lukewarm or half-hearted, but a whole-souled people, putting on newness of life, was needed to face the enemy and check the flood of corruption that deluged the world. No man could lead a people in this great warfare, unless he was called of God as was Aaron, neither could any one go forth to minister in holy things unless authorized of God, which the Christian world were not, for the authority of the holy priesthood had never been given to them. But we testified before all men that God had revealed his holy Gospel to Joseph Smith, through the instrumentality of a holy angel. This was the work of God, and not of men, and all those who had embraced it and come to these valleys, if they took hold with honest hearts, no difficulties or trials would ever cause them to apostatize from the truth. God appealed to the reason and judgment of his children, and not, to their enthusiastic feelings. He exhorted the Saints to lead a lawful and moral life, not with a hypocritical, long face, to cheat everyone they could, but to be pure, holy and righteous in every situation of life, and thus become a light to the world, worthy of imitation by all men. This work commended itself to the understanding of all. That we, as a people, might address ourselves to the great work faithfully, and ultimately be saved in the kingdom of God, was his prayer.
read the 133rd Psalm.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessings, even life for evermore.
He referred to the times and places where God revealed his mind and will to the children of men, through the channel of the Holy Priesthood. The work in which we are now engaged has been prophesied about by the prophets of old, and is to be found in the Holy Scriptures. He also dwelt on the necessity of union among the saints of God, to successfully bear off the kingdom of God. It was the best government upon the earth, because it was the government of God. It included every grade of priesthood, and reached in its ramifications to every nook and corner wheresoever the Saints resided. It taught the principle of deliverance from the bondage in which men are found laboring under taskmasters, and brought them to a land of liberty and freedom, where they are taught to become a self-sustaining and happy people. This was a preparatory work to gather the people together, train them in correct principles, and prepare them for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It was, therefore, of the utmost importance that we as a people thus gathered should act in unison, standing shoulder to shoulder with our head in all things, in order that we may successfully accomplish the purposes of the Almighty. We could not do this by being lukewarm or half-hearted, but a whole-souled people, putting on newness of life, was needed to face the enemy and check the flood of corruption that deluged the world. No man could lead a people in this great warfare, unless he was called of God as was Aaron, neither could any one go forth to minister in holy things unless authorized of God, which the Christian world were not, for the authority of the holy priesthood had never been given to them. But we testified before all men that God had revealed his holy Gospel to Joseph Smith, through the instrumentality of a holy angel. This was the work of God, and not of men, and all those who had embraced it and come to these valleys, if they took hold with honest hearts, no difficulties or trials would ever cause them to apostatize from the truth. God appealed to the reason and judgment of his children, and not, to their enthusiastic feelings. He exhorted the Saints to lead a lawful and moral life, not with a hypocritical, long face, to cheat everyone they could, but to be pure, holy and righteous in every situation of life, and thus become a light to the world, worthy of imitation by all men. This work commended itself to the understanding of all. That we, as a people, might address ourselves to the great work faithfully, and ultimately be saved in the kingdom of God, was his prayer.
Elder Wilford Woodruff
said the gospel of Jesus Christ was just as true to-day as it was in the days of Adam, or as it was in the days of Nauvoo. God never had had a people on the earth, but what he always held communication with them through his servants the prophets. The gospel had been restored in this our day, as the fulfilment of prophecy given in the scriptures. The Bible was the record of the dealings of God with the Jews, and those revelations given through John the Revelator on the Isle of Patmos, pertaining to the restoration of the gospel and the plagues, pestilences, and famines that were to deluge the earth in the last days, would every one of them be fulfilled. The Book of Mormon is a record of a portion of the House of Israel that inhabited this continent, and the dealings of God with them through his servants the prophets. The Book of Doctrine and Covenants contained many revelations that God gave to his servant Joseph Smith, many of them having been given before the church was organized. What made Joseph Smith what he was, was the power of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
By the power of God, this people was enabled to receive the testimony of his servants. By his power, this people had been gathered to this Territory. The once desert plains we now inhabited had become fruitful. By the power of God, we were here living in peace, and had been sustained to bring about his purposes. The word of the Lord had gone forth that he would sustain his people who had received the testimony of his servants and keep his commandments. If the Lord had not kept his promise, we should long since have been scattered before our enemies. Let us be encouraged and pray for his holy spirit to be with us, that we might keep his commandments, for Zion must be built up. The unbelief of the world would not prevent the fulfilment of prophecy, and unless the people of this continent repented of their sins, believed on Jesus Christ and were baptized for the remission of their sins, they would be visited by the judgments of God, according to the predictions of St. John.
The conference adjourned until 2 o’clock p.m.
The choir sang an anthem—O Praise God in his holiness.
Benediction by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
said the gospel of Jesus Christ was just as true to-day as it was in the days of Adam, or as it was in the days of Nauvoo. God never had had a people on the earth, but what he always held communication with them through his servants the prophets. The gospel had been restored in this our day, as the fulfilment of prophecy given in the scriptures. The Bible was the record of the dealings of God with the Jews, and those revelations given through John the Revelator on the Isle of Patmos, pertaining to the restoration of the gospel and the plagues, pestilences, and famines that were to deluge the earth in the last days, would every one of them be fulfilled. The Book of Mormon is a record of a portion of the House of Israel that inhabited this continent, and the dealings of God with them through his servants the prophets. The Book of Doctrine and Covenants contained many revelations that God gave to his servant Joseph Smith, many of them having been given before the church was organized. What made Joseph Smith what he was, was the power of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
By the power of God, this people was enabled to receive the testimony of his servants. By his power, this people had been gathered to this Territory. The once desert plains we now inhabited had become fruitful. By the power of God, we were here living in peace, and had been sustained to bring about his purposes. The word of the Lord had gone forth that he would sustain his people who had received the testimony of his servants and keep his commandments. If the Lord had not kept his promise, we should long since have been scattered before our enemies. Let us be encouraged and pray for his holy spirit to be with us, that we might keep his commandments, for Zion must be built up. The unbelief of the world would not prevent the fulfilment of prophecy, and unless the people of this continent repented of their sins, believed on Jesus Christ and were baptized for the remission of their sins, they would be visited by the judgments of God, according to the predictions of St. John.
The conference adjourned until 2 o’clock p.m.
The choir sang an anthem—O Praise God in his holiness.
Benediction by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
Friday, October 6th, 1876. 2 o’clock p.m.
The choir sang—Come, all ye saints who dwell on earth, Your cheerful voices raise.
Prayer by Elder Brigham Young, Junr.
The choir sang—Daniel’s wisdom may I know, Stephen’s faith and patience show.
The choir sang—Come, all ye saints who dwell on earth, Your cheerful voices raise.
Prayer by Elder Brigham Young, Junr.
The choir sang—Daniel’s wisdom may I know, Stephen’s faith and patience show.
Elder Lorenzo Snow
Read a portion of the 25th chapter of the gospel by Matthew, also a few verses from the 16th chapter of St. Mark, from the 9th verse, and said it was a serious thing for any one to assume the authority of God to speak unto the children of men in his name, and administer to them the ordinances of the everlasting gospel. This position or relationship we had assumed before the Lord our God, and honestly testified before all men that this was a fact, God revealed himself to Joseph Smith, and communicated to him the power and authority of the holy priesthood, to make known to the children of men the plan of salvation.
He adverted to the immediate subject matter of the parable narrated in his text, and applied it to the feelings and circumstances that existed in the experience of many Elders of Israel, showing the importance of individuals who occupied but a very humble position in life temporarily, laying a good and broad foundation for honesty, integrity and faithfulness, that would pave the way for their future advancement. No matter if we had but one talent, let that talent be well used, that we might prepare ourselves for additional talents being added unto us, and not, because we had but one talent, lock it up, and not put it out to usury. If we did so, we should certainly have that one talent taken from us, and it would be given to others who occupied and improved their talents. If we could only get the Saints to act in whatever avocations they might be called upon to labor in, and work honestly and faithfully, especially in connection with the United Order, they would then be in a fair way of obtaining the true riches; but we must learn to be honest in our temporal affairs, or we could never attain to the enjoyment of eternal riches. It was a good work, it was a glorious work, in which we as Latter-day Saints were engaged, therefore let us, in our families and the church in which we were members, labor with all our might to build up a Zion to our God, and establish the principle of righteousness, that we might secure to ourselves eternal life. Amen.
Read a portion of the 25th chapter of the gospel by Matthew, also a few verses from the 16th chapter of St. Mark, from the 9th verse, and said it was a serious thing for any one to assume the authority of God to speak unto the children of men in his name, and administer to them the ordinances of the everlasting gospel. This position or relationship we had assumed before the Lord our God, and honestly testified before all men that this was a fact, God revealed himself to Joseph Smith, and communicated to him the power and authority of the holy priesthood, to make known to the children of men the plan of salvation.
He adverted to the immediate subject matter of the parable narrated in his text, and applied it to the feelings and circumstances that existed in the experience of many Elders of Israel, showing the importance of individuals who occupied but a very humble position in life temporarily, laying a good and broad foundation for honesty, integrity and faithfulness, that would pave the way for their future advancement. No matter if we had but one talent, let that talent be well used, that we might prepare ourselves for additional talents being added unto us, and not, because we had but one talent, lock it up, and not put it out to usury. If we did so, we should certainly have that one talent taken from us, and it would be given to others who occupied and improved their talents. If we could only get the Saints to act in whatever avocations they might be called upon to labor in, and work honestly and faithfully, especially in connection with the United Order, they would then be in a fair way of obtaining the true riches; but we must learn to be honest in our temporal affairs, or we could never attain to the enjoyment of eternal riches. It was a good work, it was a glorious work, in which we as Latter-day Saints were engaged, therefore let us, in our families and the church in which we were members, labor with all our might to build up a Zion to our God, and establish the principle of righteousness, that we might secure to ourselves eternal life. Amen.
Apostolical Succession and Responsibility—Social Position Affords No Release From Responsibility—If the Office Does not Honor a Man, He is Called to Honor the Office—Man's Future, Dependent on Integrity Here
Discourse by Elder Lorenzo Snow, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Held in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Friday Afternoon, Oct. 6, 1876.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
We, the Latter-day Saints, profess to have received from God the fullness of the everlasting Gospel; we profess to be in possession of the holy Priesthood—the delegated authority of God to man, by virtue of which we administer in its ordinances acceptably to him; and we testify, to the whole world that we know, by divine revelation, even through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that he revealed himself to Joseph Smith as personally as he did to his Apostles anciently, after he arose from the tomb, and that he made known unto him those heavenly truths by which alone mankind can be saved. This, as was remarked by President Wells this morning, is assuming a very important and responsible position, knowing, as we do, that God will hold us accountable for the disposition we make of this sacred trust which he has committed to us. As the Apostles appeared before the world, after they had received their commission from the risen Redeemer, to preach the Gospel of the kingdom to all nations, promising all who believed on their word, the Gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands, so we appear. As they by virtue of their commission, declared with all assurance, amidst persecution and opposition, the Gospel to be the power of God unto salvation to all those who believed and obeyed, so declare we. As they preached faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands, by those duly authorized, for the reception of the Holy Ghost, as being essential to salvation, so preach we. As they by the power of the Holy Ghost became witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the faithful bearers of his Gospel message to the whole Gentile world, so, by and through the same Holy Spirit, we have become witnesses of him, and, having been called by the same divine and holy calling, we therefore assume the same position.
Then, having assumed this position, we assume all the responsibilities of ambassadors of Christ, we become answerable for our individual acts, and for the manner in which we use the talents and ability the Lord has given us. Now the question is, do we sense our position, do we comprehend fully the nature of the work we have undertaken to consummate? I am sometimes led to believe that some of our brethren, Elders in Israel, are too ready and willing to shirk the obligations they are under by reason of their covenants, the faith they once possessed seems to be almost exhausted, and they appear to settle down into the quiet satisfaction of a mere nominal membership in the Church. There are others who think because their names are not very widely known, because they are perhaps only employees, occupying narrow spheres, that it does not matter much what habits they contract, or what kind of examples they set before their brethren. But then, if they held responsible positions, such as the Presidency of the Church, or a counselorship, or if they belonged to the Quorum of the Twelve, or were they President of the High Council, or of the High Priests or Seventies, then they would consider it important how they conducted themselves. Herein they manifest great weakness or gross ignorance, their lamp is either growing dim or they never sensed the position they assumed in taking upon themselves the responsibilities of the Gospel.
We are told in the parable of the Savior that the kingdom of heaven is as a householder who delivered his goods to his servants as he was about to travel into a far country. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. The one that
received the five talents went and traded, and made other five talents, doubling the portion that had been entrusted to him, and he also that received two talents went and gained other two. But he that received the one talent, went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. He doubtless considered that his responsibility was so small that he could not do much, and consequently he would not exercise a talent so inferior. Does not this apply directly to the condition of some of our Elders? Says one, “I am only a carpenter, or a tailor, or, peradventure, only a hod carrier, therefore it cannot matter much how I deport myself, whether I do or do not honestly discharge my duties in my humble sphere. But it would be very different if I were acting in some more responsible and prominent position.”
Stop, my brother; do not allow yourself to be deceived by such alluring sentiments. It is true, you may only be a hod carrier, but remember you are an Elder in Israel, you are an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, and if you are in the line of your duty you are in possession of that which the world cannot give nor take away; and you are held accountable to God for the honest use of the talent over which he has made you steward, whether it be large or small.
Again, you exert a certain degree of influence, and be it ever so small, it affects some person or persons, and for the results of the influence you exert you are held more or less accountable. You, therefore, whether you acknowledge it or not, have assumed an importance before God and man that cannot be overlooked, and from which you cannot be released if you wish to sustain the name you bear.
And what of the prospects of that individual? I say that if he honors his calling, and is found faithful to the trust reposed in him, his prospects for salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God are just as good as any other man's. If he comprehends his position and lives accordingly, his prospects are equally good with any man that ever lived since the days of father Adam to the present moment; and it is just as important that he deport himself properly according to the sphere in which he walks, as it is that any other individual should, who may be called to act in a higher position; or, in other words, who may have been made steward over a larger number of talents. If the man of limited influence and small talents be not trustworthy and faithful in that which belongs to another, which may be committed to his charge, how can he expect ever to come in possession of the true riches, or even receive that which he calls his own? For mark well the language of the Savior bearing directly on this—“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Therefore, let it be understood and always remembered by those who may be called to follow the humbler occupations in life, that it is absolutely necessary, for their growth and progress in the kingdom of God, that while acting therein they master the situation, that they establish and form a character and a living name, by which they may be known and distinguished hereafter among the sons of God. I respect the man occupying the humblest position, if he is faithful in the sphere in which he acts, and is truly an honest man; I deem him just as honorable as any person who may act in a higher position. The Lord does not require so much of the man who possesses but one talent, as of him who possesses more than one; but, according to that which he hath, so shall it be required of him. Let all, therefore, be encouraged, and seek to improve the talents they severally possess; and let him who may have the one talent use it and not hide it in the earth; that is, let him who may be endowed with little ability improve himself, and not complain because nature may not have been so propitious to him as to his more fortunate brother. Let us all be satisfied with our lot in life, and should it not be so desirable as we could wish, we should seek with becoming diligence to improve it, ever feeling grateful for our earthly being, and more especially for the Spirit of God we have received through obedience to the Gospel.
President Young has said from this stand, that the poor are often harder to govern than the rich. There are, doubtless, many brethren present today, who preside in our various settlements, that can readily corroborate the statement. This should not be so, for one of the important objects of the Gospel is to benefit the poor temporally as well as spiritually; and, therefore, of all other classes of people, the poor should be the most willing to be directed and governed. The Lord has ever been mindful of his poor; to them, while in their adverse circumstances, he has granted privileges which are withheld from the rich. The fact that the poor had the Gospel preached to them was one of the evidences of Jesus being the Christ, which he himself gave to the disciples of John in answer to the question, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” The poor have always been an especial charge of the servants of God, in all ages; and strikingly has this charge been sustained in this dispensation by President Young and his brethren. The Presidency of this Church have always been mindful of the poor, in donating themselves and using their influence upon others to assist in the gathering of the poor Saints from the various nations to this land; and upon their arrival here have caused homes and food to be provided for them until such times as they could provide for themselves; and they have constantly manifested a disposition to elevate the poor, and to protect them against that arbitrary power which peradventure might be used against them by their richer brethren.
The Gospel binds together the hearts of all its adherents, it makes no difference, it knows no difference between the rich and the poor; we are all bound as one individual to perform the duties which devolve upon us. “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” Now let me ask the question, Who do possess anything, who can really and truly call any of this world's goods his own? I do not presume to, I am merely a steward over a very little, and unto God I am held accountable for its use and disposition. The Latter-day Saints have received the law of the Gospel through the revelations of God, and it is so plainly written that all can understand it. And if we understood and comprehended the position we assumed in subscribing to it when we entered into its covenant through baptism for the remission of sins, we must still be conscious of the fact that that law requires us to seek first the kingdom of God, and that our time, talent and ability must be held subservient to its interest. If this were not so, how could we expect hereafter, when this earth shall have been made the dwelling place of God and his Son, to inherit eternal lives and to live and reign with him? Who shall say that the rich, or those that possess many talents, have any better hope or prospect to inherit these blessings than the poor, or those who have but one talent? As I understand it, the man who works in the shop, whether as tailor, carpenter, shoemaker, or in any other industrial department, and who lives according to the law of the Gospel, and is honest and faithful in his calling, that man is just as eligible to the receiving of these and all the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant as any other man; through his faithfulness he shall possess thrones, principalities and powers, his children becoming as numerous as the stars in the firmament, or the sands on the seashore. Who, I ask, has any greater prospect than this?
I remember reading an anecdote when a boy, of a man who, through his wisdom and patriotism, had gained great renown, but who, through envy, was assigned to a position which was considered very degrading. On entering upon its duties, it was said that he made this significant remark: “If the office does not honor me, I will honor the office.” Much difficulty would be avoided, and our condition and situation would be much more encouraging, if we all honored the office in which we are called to act. We are told that the Lord himself made clothes for our first parents, or, in other words, on that occasion, acted as tailor, also that Jesus Christ, was a carpenter. Now, the Savior must have been an honorable and honest carpenter, or he never could have merited the position he afterwards occupied. If we could get the brethren and sisters to see the importance of acting honestly and faithfully in their respective callings, much of the annoyances and troubles we now experience would be averted, and the work of God would roll on with redoubled rapidity, and all his purposes would be more rapidly and speedily accomplished; and besides, as a people, we would be better prepared than we now are for the dispensation of his will. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Again we are told, “It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him.” This spirit should influence us in all our dealings. If we all acted in keeping with its sacred whisperings, there would be little difficulty in the establishment and working of the United Order, for all would then be faithful in the performance of their several duties. But if, whether as tailors or carpenters, clerks or merchants, we prove unfaithful, “who,” says the Savior, “shall give you that which is your own?” On the same principle, if we as Elders fail to keep the covenants we have made, namely, to use our time, talent, and ability for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God upon the earth, how can we reasonably expect to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, identified with the great work of redemption? If we, in our manner, habits, and dealings, imitate the Gentile world, thereby identifying ourselves with the world, do you think, my brethren, that God will bestow upon us the blessings we desire to inherit? I tell you no, he will not! In all our business occupations we must prove ourselves better than any other people, or we forfeit all. We must build ourselves up in the righteousness of heaven, and plant in our hearts the righteousness of God. Said the Lord, through the Prophet Jeremiah, “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This is what the Lord is endeavoring to do, and this he will accomplish in us if we conform to his will.
Then let us practice honesty and diligence in our various callings, seeking unity, and to cultivate the spirit of brotherhood financially as well as spiritually, that we may be in readiness, upon call, to go forth and build up the Center Stake of Zion, and prepare a house in which to meet the Lord our Savior and Redeemer.
May God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and enable you to act always as wise stewards over that with which you have been entrusted.
Discourse by Elder Lorenzo Snow, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Held in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Friday Afternoon, Oct. 6, 1876.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
We, the Latter-day Saints, profess to have received from God the fullness of the everlasting Gospel; we profess to be in possession of the holy Priesthood—the delegated authority of God to man, by virtue of which we administer in its ordinances acceptably to him; and we testify, to the whole world that we know, by divine revelation, even through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that he revealed himself to Joseph Smith as personally as he did to his Apostles anciently, after he arose from the tomb, and that he made known unto him those heavenly truths by which alone mankind can be saved. This, as was remarked by President Wells this morning, is assuming a very important and responsible position, knowing, as we do, that God will hold us accountable for the disposition we make of this sacred trust which he has committed to us. As the Apostles appeared before the world, after they had received their commission from the risen Redeemer, to preach the Gospel of the kingdom to all nations, promising all who believed on their word, the Gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands, so we appear. As they by virtue of their commission, declared with all assurance, amidst persecution and opposition, the Gospel to be the power of God unto salvation to all those who believed and obeyed, so declare we. As they preached faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands, by those duly authorized, for the reception of the Holy Ghost, as being essential to salvation, so preach we. As they by the power of the Holy Ghost became witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the faithful bearers of his Gospel message to the whole Gentile world, so, by and through the same Holy Spirit, we have become witnesses of him, and, having been called by the same divine and holy calling, we therefore assume the same position.
Then, having assumed this position, we assume all the responsibilities of ambassadors of Christ, we become answerable for our individual acts, and for the manner in which we use the talents and ability the Lord has given us. Now the question is, do we sense our position, do we comprehend fully the nature of the work we have undertaken to consummate? I am sometimes led to believe that some of our brethren, Elders in Israel, are too ready and willing to shirk the obligations they are under by reason of their covenants, the faith they once possessed seems to be almost exhausted, and they appear to settle down into the quiet satisfaction of a mere nominal membership in the Church. There are others who think because their names are not very widely known, because they are perhaps only employees, occupying narrow spheres, that it does not matter much what habits they contract, or what kind of examples they set before their brethren. But then, if they held responsible positions, such as the Presidency of the Church, or a counselorship, or if they belonged to the Quorum of the Twelve, or were they President of the High Council, or of the High Priests or Seventies, then they would consider it important how they conducted themselves. Herein they manifest great weakness or gross ignorance, their lamp is either growing dim or they never sensed the position they assumed in taking upon themselves the responsibilities of the Gospel.
We are told in the parable of the Savior that the kingdom of heaven is as a householder who delivered his goods to his servants as he was about to travel into a far country. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. The one that
received the five talents went and traded, and made other five talents, doubling the portion that had been entrusted to him, and he also that received two talents went and gained other two. But he that received the one talent, went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. He doubtless considered that his responsibility was so small that he could not do much, and consequently he would not exercise a talent so inferior. Does not this apply directly to the condition of some of our Elders? Says one, “I am only a carpenter, or a tailor, or, peradventure, only a hod carrier, therefore it cannot matter much how I deport myself, whether I do or do not honestly discharge my duties in my humble sphere. But it would be very different if I were acting in some more responsible and prominent position.”
Stop, my brother; do not allow yourself to be deceived by such alluring sentiments. It is true, you may only be a hod carrier, but remember you are an Elder in Israel, you are an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, and if you are in the line of your duty you are in possession of that which the world cannot give nor take away; and you are held accountable to God for the honest use of the talent over which he has made you steward, whether it be large or small.
Again, you exert a certain degree of influence, and be it ever so small, it affects some person or persons, and for the results of the influence you exert you are held more or less accountable. You, therefore, whether you acknowledge it or not, have assumed an importance before God and man that cannot be overlooked, and from which you cannot be released if you wish to sustain the name you bear.
And what of the prospects of that individual? I say that if he honors his calling, and is found faithful to the trust reposed in him, his prospects for salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God are just as good as any other man's. If he comprehends his position and lives accordingly, his prospects are equally good with any man that ever lived since the days of father Adam to the present moment; and it is just as important that he deport himself properly according to the sphere in which he walks, as it is that any other individual should, who may be called to act in a higher position; or, in other words, who may have been made steward over a larger number of talents. If the man of limited influence and small talents be not trustworthy and faithful in that which belongs to another, which may be committed to his charge, how can he expect ever to come in possession of the true riches, or even receive that which he calls his own? For mark well the language of the Savior bearing directly on this—“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Therefore, let it be understood and always remembered by those who may be called to follow the humbler occupations in life, that it is absolutely necessary, for their growth and progress in the kingdom of God, that while acting therein they master the situation, that they establish and form a character and a living name, by which they may be known and distinguished hereafter among the sons of God. I respect the man occupying the humblest position, if he is faithful in the sphere in which he acts, and is truly an honest man; I deem him just as honorable as any person who may act in a higher position. The Lord does not require so much of the man who possesses but one talent, as of him who possesses more than one; but, according to that which he hath, so shall it be required of him. Let all, therefore, be encouraged, and seek to improve the talents they severally possess; and let him who may have the one talent use it and not hide it in the earth; that is, let him who may be endowed with little ability improve himself, and not complain because nature may not have been so propitious to him as to his more fortunate brother. Let us all be satisfied with our lot in life, and should it not be so desirable as we could wish, we should seek with becoming diligence to improve it, ever feeling grateful for our earthly being, and more especially for the Spirit of God we have received through obedience to the Gospel.
President Young has said from this stand, that the poor are often harder to govern than the rich. There are, doubtless, many brethren present today, who preside in our various settlements, that can readily corroborate the statement. This should not be so, for one of the important objects of the Gospel is to benefit the poor temporally as well as spiritually; and, therefore, of all other classes of people, the poor should be the most willing to be directed and governed. The Lord has ever been mindful of his poor; to them, while in their adverse circumstances, he has granted privileges which are withheld from the rich. The fact that the poor had the Gospel preached to them was one of the evidences of Jesus being the Christ, which he himself gave to the disciples of John in answer to the question, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” The poor have always been an especial charge of the servants of God, in all ages; and strikingly has this charge been sustained in this dispensation by President Young and his brethren. The Presidency of this Church have always been mindful of the poor, in donating themselves and using their influence upon others to assist in the gathering of the poor Saints from the various nations to this land; and upon their arrival here have caused homes and food to be provided for them until such times as they could provide for themselves; and they have constantly manifested a disposition to elevate the poor, and to protect them against that arbitrary power which peradventure might be used against them by their richer brethren.
The Gospel binds together the hearts of all its adherents, it makes no difference, it knows no difference between the rich and the poor; we are all bound as one individual to perform the duties which devolve upon us. “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?” Now let me ask the question, Who do possess anything, who can really and truly call any of this world's goods his own? I do not presume to, I am merely a steward over a very little, and unto God I am held accountable for its use and disposition. The Latter-day Saints have received the law of the Gospel through the revelations of God, and it is so plainly written that all can understand it. And if we understood and comprehended the position we assumed in subscribing to it when we entered into its covenant through baptism for the remission of sins, we must still be conscious of the fact that that law requires us to seek first the kingdom of God, and that our time, talent and ability must be held subservient to its interest. If this were not so, how could we expect hereafter, when this earth shall have been made the dwelling place of God and his Son, to inherit eternal lives and to live and reign with him? Who shall say that the rich, or those that possess many talents, have any better hope or prospect to inherit these blessings than the poor, or those who have but one talent? As I understand it, the man who works in the shop, whether as tailor, carpenter, shoemaker, or in any other industrial department, and who lives according to the law of the Gospel, and is honest and faithful in his calling, that man is just as eligible to the receiving of these and all the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant as any other man; through his faithfulness he shall possess thrones, principalities and powers, his children becoming as numerous as the stars in the firmament, or the sands on the seashore. Who, I ask, has any greater prospect than this?
I remember reading an anecdote when a boy, of a man who, through his wisdom and patriotism, had gained great renown, but who, through envy, was assigned to a position which was considered very degrading. On entering upon its duties, it was said that he made this significant remark: “If the office does not honor me, I will honor the office.” Much difficulty would be avoided, and our condition and situation would be much more encouraging, if we all honored the office in which we are called to act. We are told that the Lord himself made clothes for our first parents, or, in other words, on that occasion, acted as tailor, also that Jesus Christ, was a carpenter. Now, the Savior must have been an honorable and honest carpenter, or he never could have merited the position he afterwards occupied. If we could get the brethren and sisters to see the importance of acting honestly and faithfully in their respective callings, much of the annoyances and troubles we now experience would be averted, and the work of God would roll on with redoubled rapidity, and all his purposes would be more rapidly and speedily accomplished; and besides, as a people, we would be better prepared than we now are for the dispensation of his will. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Again we are told, “It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him.” This spirit should influence us in all our dealings. If we all acted in keeping with its sacred whisperings, there would be little difficulty in the establishment and working of the United Order, for all would then be faithful in the performance of their several duties. But if, whether as tailors or carpenters, clerks or merchants, we prove unfaithful, “who,” says the Savior, “shall give you that which is your own?” On the same principle, if we as Elders fail to keep the covenants we have made, namely, to use our time, talent, and ability for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God upon the earth, how can we reasonably expect to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, identified with the great work of redemption? If we, in our manner, habits, and dealings, imitate the Gentile world, thereby identifying ourselves with the world, do you think, my brethren, that God will bestow upon us the blessings we desire to inherit? I tell you no, he will not! In all our business occupations we must prove ourselves better than any other people, or we forfeit all. We must build ourselves up in the righteousness of heaven, and plant in our hearts the righteousness of God. Said the Lord, through the Prophet Jeremiah, “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This is what the Lord is endeavoring to do, and this he will accomplish in us if we conform to his will.
Then let us practice honesty and diligence in our various callings, seeking unity, and to cultivate the spirit of brotherhood financially as well as spiritually, that we may be in readiness, upon call, to go forth and build up the Center Stake of Zion, and prepare a house in which to meet the Lord our Savior and Redeemer.
May God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and enable you to act always as wise stewards over that with which you have been entrusted.
Elder Charles C. Rich
much appreciated the instructions we had been listening to from the servants of God. God was just as willing to dictate to us as he was to dictate to his Son Jesus Christ. Were we as willing to be dictated as Jesus was, and were we as willing to obey the mandates of our Heavenly Father as Jesus our elder brother was? Because we were under as much obligation to do the will of God as he was. God required of us the labor for the building up of Zion, and it would not do to faint by the way, and indulge in a feeling that we had done enough, for we were required to endure to the end, and it was expected of us to be honest and true in every position of life wherever we were placed. In the gospel we had embraced, there was a remedy for all our ills, and for all our trials, that was sure, in its application, to our everyday life, no matter what our faults, failings and disappointments. When men were led by their own whims and imaginations, disappointment and confusion were sure to be the result, but when men were guided by divine revelation there was no possibility of either failure or disappointment. He then urged the Latter-day Saints to carry out every principle of righteousness that had been taught us, and take pleasure in performing all those duties that the Lord required of us to build up his kingdom, whether temporal or spiritual. He regarded it as a great privilege and blessing to be a member of the Church and attend to those labors that pertained to himself and his dead friends. He then bore testimony that he knew Joseph Smith to be a Prophet of God, and that Brigham Young was his lawful successor possessed with all the power and authority to build up the kingdom. He also bore testimony to the judgments of God that would shortly be poured out upon the wicked world.
much appreciated the instructions we had been listening to from the servants of God. God was just as willing to dictate to us as he was to dictate to his Son Jesus Christ. Were we as willing to be dictated as Jesus was, and were we as willing to obey the mandates of our Heavenly Father as Jesus our elder brother was? Because we were under as much obligation to do the will of God as he was. God required of us the labor for the building up of Zion, and it would not do to faint by the way, and indulge in a feeling that we had done enough, for we were required to endure to the end, and it was expected of us to be honest and true in every position of life wherever we were placed. In the gospel we had embraced, there was a remedy for all our ills, and for all our trials, that was sure, in its application, to our everyday life, no matter what our faults, failings and disappointments. When men were led by their own whims and imaginations, disappointment and confusion were sure to be the result, but when men were guided by divine revelation there was no possibility of either failure or disappointment. He then urged the Latter-day Saints to carry out every principle of righteousness that had been taught us, and take pleasure in performing all those duties that the Lord required of us to build up his kingdom, whether temporal or spiritual. He regarded it as a great privilege and blessing to be a member of the Church and attend to those labors that pertained to himself and his dead friends. He then bore testimony that he knew Joseph Smith to be a Prophet of God, and that Brigham Young was his lawful successor possessed with all the power and authority to build up the kingdom. He also bore testimony to the judgments of God that would shortly be poured out upon the wicked world.
Elder F. D. Richards
said the principles he had listened to had been very sweet and profitable to him. We, the Elders of Israel, did not live for ourselves, but for all mankind. It was so in every age of the world, when the authority of God was upon the earth. If we were to hold still, the very stones under our feet would cry out, yet the world knew it not, for the principle of new revelation was entirely repudiated by them and such was the thick darkness that had beclouded the minds of the people, and they had strayed so far away from God, that they actually deemed it sacrilege for any one to come unto them with “thus saith the Lord.” It was only by demonstrating the truth for ourselves, and the testimony of the servants of God, that we obtained a knowledge that these things were true, and that Joseph was a prophet. In the principles of the gospel he was with the Saints in everything that pertained to the building up and furthering the cause of Zion.
said the principles he had listened to had been very sweet and profitable to him. We, the Elders of Israel, did not live for ourselves, but for all mankind. It was so in every age of the world, when the authority of God was upon the earth. If we were to hold still, the very stones under our feet would cry out, yet the world knew it not, for the principle of new revelation was entirely repudiated by them and such was the thick darkness that had beclouded the minds of the people, and they had strayed so far away from God, that they actually deemed it sacrilege for any one to come unto them with “thus saith the Lord.” It was only by demonstrating the truth for ourselves, and the testimony of the servants of God, that we obtained a knowledge that these things were true, and that Joseph was a prophet. In the principles of the gospel he was with the Saints in everything that pertained to the building up and furthering the cause of Zion.
Elder Brigham Young, Jun.,
said it was a pleasure for him to testify to those things that he had received by the spirit of revelation. He was satisfied that we had the oracles of God with us. He knew that the people had been gathered together by the spirit of revelation. Were we among the pure in heart, and among those who were doing their duty? Were we using our talents in building up the kingdom of God? Were we as fathers seeking to become pure in heart and teaching our families to become so also? He was satisfied that the majority of this people were endeavoring to do right, although we had many imperfections and weaknesses. If we would only unite together as we had been instructed, our enemies would never overcome us. Let us not injure one another, either by word or deed, but strive to build each other up, for we were of the house of God, and that we might hereafter carry out these principles of salvation was his prayer.
Conference was adjourned till tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock.
The Choir sang an anthem—How beautiful are thy towers!
Benediction by Elder Erastus Snow.
said it was a pleasure for him to testify to those things that he had received by the spirit of revelation. He was satisfied that we had the oracles of God with us. He knew that the people had been gathered together by the spirit of revelation. Were we among the pure in heart, and among those who were doing their duty? Were we using our talents in building up the kingdom of God? Were we as fathers seeking to become pure in heart and teaching our families to become so also? He was satisfied that the majority of this people were endeavoring to do right, although we had many imperfections and weaknesses. If we would only unite together as we had been instructed, our enemies would never overcome us. Let us not injure one another, either by word or deed, but strive to build each other up, for we were of the house of God, and that we might hereafter carry out these principles of salvation was his prayer.
Conference was adjourned till tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock.
The Choir sang an anthem—How beautiful are thy towers!
Benediction by Elder Erastus Snow.
SECOND DAY.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
The choir sang—What wondrous things we now behold, By prophets seen in days of old.
Prayer by Elder Geo. Q. Cannon.
The choir sang—O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
The choir sang—What wondrous things we now behold, By prophets seen in days of old.
Prayer by Elder Geo. Q. Cannon.
The choir sang—O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come.
Elder John Taylor
said in meeting together as a conference to speak and transact such business as might be brought before us it was absolutely necessary that both speakers and hearers should be under the guidance and dictation of the Spirit of the living God. For men in any age of the world to understand anything about God, about things past, present and to come, God himself had to reveal that knowledge. Whatever had been known about the gospel of Jesus Christ, or the Aaronic and Melchisedek priesthood, either in ancient or modern times, had been revealed from Heaven by God himself through his servants, whom he had raised up in different dispensations to minister to the children of men. Every truth and all correct principles had emanated from God, for he was the fountain of truth. No man living or breathing could have organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with all its officers and ordinances, unaided by the power and spirit of God. It was necessary that the same wisdom, intelligence and revelation should dictate us in our own domestic affairs, pertaining also to the building up of the church and kingdom of God, and the universal interests of man throughout the earth.
He then adverted to the gathering of the people together in this dispensation, for the purpose of becoming sanctified before God, by being taught to practice every principle of virtue, honesty and integrity, so as to become fit subjects to receive communications from God. We believed that God revealed his mind and will to Joseph Smith, and taught him how to organize the church. We also believed in President B. Young as a man inspired of God to lead and guide the people in truth and righteousness. There was the principles of the United Order, which God had revealed through his servant Brigham, and which must sooner or later be carried out and lived up to by the people. He knew it was an eternal and righteous principle. Its rules could possibly be all printed on paper, but its laws must be written on our hearts, that we might all become one, and united in everything that pertained to this life and that which was to come.
He then made a few remarks on the subject of the building of temples, and encouraged the saints to continue their assistance towards their erection, for although the one in St. George was nearly completed, and the one in this city was going up, this was but the beginning of this labor. Hundreds of temples would have to be built, and our efforts must not slacken, but continue in this work that we had just begun.
He then spoke of the spread of infidelity among the civilized nations of the earth, striving to put entirely away the Bible from the schools, lest the children should be taught something about God, whom they utterly ignored, and had no desire to hear anything about. “Mormonism,” as it was called, though spurned at and ridiculed by the learned religious world, would shortly become head and shoulders above every other system now known among men. Its founder, Joseph Smith, though an unlearned youth, knew more about God and spiritual things than all the religious world put together. He then concluded with a few kind and faithful admonitions to the Saints.
said in meeting together as a conference to speak and transact such business as might be brought before us it was absolutely necessary that both speakers and hearers should be under the guidance and dictation of the Spirit of the living God. For men in any age of the world to understand anything about God, about things past, present and to come, God himself had to reveal that knowledge. Whatever had been known about the gospel of Jesus Christ, or the Aaronic and Melchisedek priesthood, either in ancient or modern times, had been revealed from Heaven by God himself through his servants, whom he had raised up in different dispensations to minister to the children of men. Every truth and all correct principles had emanated from God, for he was the fountain of truth. No man living or breathing could have organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with all its officers and ordinances, unaided by the power and spirit of God. It was necessary that the same wisdom, intelligence and revelation should dictate us in our own domestic affairs, pertaining also to the building up of the church and kingdom of God, and the universal interests of man throughout the earth.
He then adverted to the gathering of the people together in this dispensation, for the purpose of becoming sanctified before God, by being taught to practice every principle of virtue, honesty and integrity, so as to become fit subjects to receive communications from God. We believed that God revealed his mind and will to Joseph Smith, and taught him how to organize the church. We also believed in President B. Young as a man inspired of God to lead and guide the people in truth and righteousness. There was the principles of the United Order, which God had revealed through his servant Brigham, and which must sooner or later be carried out and lived up to by the people. He knew it was an eternal and righteous principle. Its rules could possibly be all printed on paper, but its laws must be written on our hearts, that we might all become one, and united in everything that pertained to this life and that which was to come.
He then made a few remarks on the subject of the building of temples, and encouraged the saints to continue their assistance towards their erection, for although the one in St. George was nearly completed, and the one in this city was going up, this was but the beginning of this labor. Hundreds of temples would have to be built, and our efforts must not slacken, but continue in this work that we had just begun.
He then spoke of the spread of infidelity among the civilized nations of the earth, striving to put entirely away the Bible from the schools, lest the children should be taught something about God, whom they utterly ignored, and had no desire to hear anything about. “Mormonism,” as it was called, though spurned at and ridiculed by the learned religious world, would shortly become head and shoulders above every other system now known among men. Its founder, Joseph Smith, though an unlearned youth, knew more about God and spiritual things than all the religious world put together. He then concluded with a few kind and faithful admonitions to the Saints.
Elder George Q. Cannon then presented the following missionaries for the action of the conference--
TO THE UNITED STATES.
John P. Wimmer, Payson
Saml. Worsencroft, “
Charles Brewerton, “
Johnathan S. Page, Jr., Payson
Wm. C. Wightman, Jr., “
Samuel Douglass, “
T. O. Angell, Jr., Salt Lake City
N. V. Jones, “ “
T. F. H. Morton, “ “
Daniel C. Thomas
David M. Stuart, Ogden
Hy. G. Boyle, Payson
J. D. H. McAllister, Salt Lake City
John Riggs, Provo
Alfred Newell, “
A. J. Stewart, Jun. “
Howard Coray, Sen., “
Dominicus Snow, “
Nelson P. Beebe, “
John Midgley, Salt Lake City
Charles Nibley, Logan
Joseph Cowley, “
Joel Ricks, Jun, “
Mariner W. Merrill, Jun, Richmond
Melvin Hammond, Providence
John A. Woolf, Hyde Park
Wm. C. McGregor, Parowan
Wm. Adams, “
James Millard, Farmington
Timothy B. Clark, “
Oliver L. Robinson, “
Horton D. Haight, “
Alley S. Rose, “
Henson Walker, Pleasant Grove
James Armstead, “
Charles W. J. Hacker “
Philo T. Farnsworth, Sen, Beaver
James H. Skinner, “
Wm. Ashworth, “
TO THE SOUTHERN MISSION.
Heleman Pratt, Salt Lake City
Mitolene G. Trejo, Richfield
J. Z. Stewart, Draperville
Danl. W. Jones, Fairview
Philemon C. Merrill, Bennington
Dudley C. Merrill, Bennington
Henry C. Rogers, Provo
Geo. Steele, Provo
John Moon, Farmington
Samuel Bunnell, Spring City
F. W. Cox, Manti
Joseph McRae, Provo Valley
Isaac Turley, Beaver
FOR EUROPE.
H. W. Naisbitt, Salt Lake City
Geo. E. Wallace,” “ “
Thos. G. Webber, “ “ “
Richard Steele, American Fork
Thomas Barrett, “
Ola Olsen, Millville
Ingwald G. Thorsen, Hyrum
Geo. Atkins, Tooele Co
Alfred Hansen, Logan
H. D. Peterson, West Weber
John Rowberry, Tooele
All of the above were unanimously sustained with uplifted hands.
Conference was adjourned until 2 p. m.
The choir sang an anthem—Sing to the Lord in joyful strains.
Benediction by Elder Joseph F. Smith.
TO THE UNITED STATES.
John P. Wimmer, Payson
Saml. Worsencroft, “
Charles Brewerton, “
Johnathan S. Page, Jr., Payson
Wm. C. Wightman, Jr., “
Samuel Douglass, “
T. O. Angell, Jr., Salt Lake City
N. V. Jones, “ “
T. F. H. Morton, “ “
Daniel C. Thomas
David M. Stuart, Ogden
Hy. G. Boyle, Payson
J. D. H. McAllister, Salt Lake City
John Riggs, Provo
Alfred Newell, “
A. J. Stewart, Jun. “
Howard Coray, Sen., “
Dominicus Snow, “
Nelson P. Beebe, “
John Midgley, Salt Lake City
Charles Nibley, Logan
Joseph Cowley, “
Joel Ricks, Jun, “
Mariner W. Merrill, Jun, Richmond
Melvin Hammond, Providence
John A. Woolf, Hyde Park
Wm. C. McGregor, Parowan
Wm. Adams, “
James Millard, Farmington
Timothy B. Clark, “
Oliver L. Robinson, “
Horton D. Haight, “
Alley S. Rose, “
Henson Walker, Pleasant Grove
James Armstead, “
Charles W. J. Hacker “
Philo T. Farnsworth, Sen, Beaver
James H. Skinner, “
Wm. Ashworth, “
TO THE SOUTHERN MISSION.
Heleman Pratt, Salt Lake City
Mitolene G. Trejo, Richfield
J. Z. Stewart, Draperville
Danl. W. Jones, Fairview
Philemon C. Merrill, Bennington
Dudley C. Merrill, Bennington
Henry C. Rogers, Provo
Geo. Steele, Provo
John Moon, Farmington
Samuel Bunnell, Spring City
F. W. Cox, Manti
Joseph McRae, Provo Valley
Isaac Turley, Beaver
FOR EUROPE.
H. W. Naisbitt, Salt Lake City
Geo. E. Wallace,” “ “
Thos. G. Webber, “ “ “
Richard Steele, American Fork
Thomas Barrett, “
Ola Olsen, Millville
Ingwald G. Thorsen, Hyrum
Geo. Atkins, Tooele Co
Alfred Hansen, Logan
H. D. Peterson, West Weber
John Rowberry, Tooele
All of the above were unanimously sustained with uplifted hands.
Conference was adjourned until 2 p. m.
The choir sang an anthem—Sing to the Lord in joyful strains.
Benediction by Elder Joseph F. Smith.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2 p. m.
The choir sang—Praise ye the Lord, tis good to raise Your hearts and voices in his praise.
Prayer by Elder Edward Snelgrove.
Choir sang—Sweet is the work, my God, my King, To praise thy name, give thanks and sing.
The choir sang—Praise ye the Lord, tis good to raise Your hearts and voices in his praise.
Prayer by Elder Edward Snelgrove.
Choir sang—Sweet is the work, my God, my King, To praise thy name, give thanks and sing.
Elder George Q. Cannon presented the following additional names as missionaries--
UNITED STATES.
Jas. Wareham, Manti
John N. Pike, Salt Lake City
Nils Hendrickson, Richville
H. P. Kimball, Salt Lake City
Milando Pratt, “
Hy. Grow, “
J. H. Freeman, “
A. M. Musser, “
Marlo L. Cummings, “
James Ferguson, “
G. W. Wilkins, Spanish Fork
Niel Gardner, “
August Svenson, “
Jas. Wiley Thomas, “
Wm. Calder, Salt Lake City
Wm. Mendenhall, Springville
Wm. Bramall, “
Charles D. Evans, “
James Straw, “
James E. Hall, “
Philip H. Boyer, “
Edwin Street, “
Oliver C. Hoskins, Portage
H. D. Persons, Plymouth
Edward Cliff, Mount Pleasant
Wm. F. Reynolds, “
Philip Hurst, Fairview
Alonzo Winters, Hoytsville
Edward Crittenden, “
Wyman Parker, Morgan City
John Leaman, Richville
Jas. R. Porter, Porterville
John J. Plowman, Smithfield
James Mack, “
Jens C. Nielson, “
John Cook, Salt Lake City
John Morgan
Jens Hansen
John Fitzgerald, Draperville
Loretz Smith, “
B. B. Neff, “
Samuel Malin, Salt Lake City
John Druce, “
Parley P. Pratt, “
Geo. Crane, Kanosh
Lyman Leavitt, Kanosh
E. P. Marguardson, Fillmore
F. A. Robeson,
Amos Maycock, North Ogden
Orson H. Whitney, Salt Lake City
Lawrence Robeson, Weber City
EUROPE.
Bengt. Jensen, Bear River City
John Christiansen, Ephraim
Geo. Barber, Smithfield
Wm. Stokes, Fillmore
SOUTHERN MISSION.
Herbert Feveryear, Salt Lake City
Isaac J. Stewart, Draperville
Louis Garff, “
Geo. Terry “
Simon Smith, Cache Co
The above were unanimously sustained by the Conference.
UNITED STATES.
Jas. Wareham, Manti
John N. Pike, Salt Lake City
Nils Hendrickson, Richville
H. P. Kimball, Salt Lake City
Milando Pratt, “
Hy. Grow, “
J. H. Freeman, “
A. M. Musser, “
Marlo L. Cummings, “
James Ferguson, “
G. W. Wilkins, Spanish Fork
Niel Gardner, “
August Svenson, “
Jas. Wiley Thomas, “
Wm. Calder, Salt Lake City
Wm. Mendenhall, Springville
Wm. Bramall, “
Charles D. Evans, “
James Straw, “
James E. Hall, “
Philip H. Boyer, “
Edwin Street, “
Oliver C. Hoskins, Portage
H. D. Persons, Plymouth
Edward Cliff, Mount Pleasant
Wm. F. Reynolds, “
Philip Hurst, Fairview
Alonzo Winters, Hoytsville
Edward Crittenden, “
Wyman Parker, Morgan City
John Leaman, Richville
Jas. R. Porter, Porterville
John J. Plowman, Smithfield
James Mack, “
Jens C. Nielson, “
John Cook, Salt Lake City
John Morgan
Jens Hansen
John Fitzgerald, Draperville
Loretz Smith, “
B. B. Neff, “
Samuel Malin, Salt Lake City
John Druce, “
Parley P. Pratt, “
Geo. Crane, Kanosh
Lyman Leavitt, Kanosh
E. P. Marguardson, Fillmore
F. A. Robeson,
Amos Maycock, North Ogden
Orson H. Whitney, Salt Lake City
Lawrence Robeson, Weber City
EUROPE.
Bengt. Jensen, Bear River City
John Christiansen, Ephraim
Geo. Barber, Smithfield
Wm. Stokes, Fillmore
SOUTHERN MISSION.
Herbert Feveryear, Salt Lake City
Isaac J. Stewart, Draperville
Louis Garff, “
Geo. Terry “
Simon Smith, Cache Co
The above were unanimously sustained by the Conference.
Elder Cannon then presented the authorities of the Church, who were unanimously supported by the Conference, as follows--
Brigham Young, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
John W. Young, and Daniel H. Wells, counsellors to President Brigham Young.
Lorenzo Snow, Brigham Young, Jr., Albert Carrington, and George Q. Cannon, Assistant Counsellors to President Brigham Young.
John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Sen., Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jr., Joseph F. Smith and Albert Carrington, members of the Quorum of the Twelve.
John Smith, Patriarch of the Church.
Angus M. Cannon, President of this stake of Zion, and David O. Calder and Joseph E. Taylor his counsellors.
William Eddington, Thomas E. Jeremy, John H. Rumell, Miner G. Atwood, Dimmick B. Huntington, Theodore McKean, Hosea Stout, Milando Pratt, J. R. Winder, Geo. J. Taylor, Henry Dinwoodey, Millen Attwood, Joseph Horne, Andrew W. Winberg and George Nebeker, members of the High Council.
Elias Smith, President of the High Priests’ Quorum, and Edward Snelgrove and Elias Morris, his counsellors.
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.
E. W. Davis, President of the Elders’ Quorum, and W. W. Taylor and Junius F. Wells his counsellors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop, Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton, his counsellors.
James Latham, President of the Priests’ Quorum; William McLachlan and Geo. Wittaker, his counsellors.
Adam Spiers, President of the Teachers’ Quorum; Martin Lenzi and Henry I. Doremus, his counsellors.
James Leach, President of the Deacons’ Quorum; John H. Picknell and Thos. C. Jones, his counsellors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Albert Carrington, President of the Perpetual Emigration Fund to gather the poor.
Truman O. Angell, Architect of the Church, and William H. Folsom, Assistant.
Orson Pratt, Historian and General Church Recorder, and Wilford Woodruff, his assistant.
George Goddard was sustained as Clerk of Conference.
Brigham Young, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
John W. Young, and Daniel H. Wells, counsellors to President Brigham Young.
Lorenzo Snow, Brigham Young, Jr., Albert Carrington, and George Q. Cannon, Assistant Counsellors to President Brigham Young.
John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Sen., Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jr., Joseph F. Smith and Albert Carrington, members of the Quorum of the Twelve.
John Smith, Patriarch of the Church.
Angus M. Cannon, President of this stake of Zion, and David O. Calder and Joseph E. Taylor his counsellors.
William Eddington, Thomas E. Jeremy, John H. Rumell, Miner G. Atwood, Dimmick B. Huntington, Theodore McKean, Hosea Stout, Milando Pratt, J. R. Winder, Geo. J. Taylor, Henry Dinwoodey, Millen Attwood, Joseph Horne, Andrew W. Winberg and George Nebeker, members of the High Council.
Elias Smith, President of the High Priests’ Quorum, and Edward Snelgrove and Elias Morris, his counsellors.
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.
E. W. Davis, President of the Elders’ Quorum, and W. W. Taylor and Junius F. Wells his counsellors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop, Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton, his counsellors.
James Latham, President of the Priests’ Quorum; William McLachlan and Geo. Wittaker, his counsellors.
Adam Spiers, President of the Teachers’ Quorum; Martin Lenzi and Henry I. Doremus, his counsellors.
James Leach, President of the Deacons’ Quorum; John H. Picknell and Thos. C. Jones, his counsellors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Albert Carrington, President of the Perpetual Emigration Fund to gather the poor.
Truman O. Angell, Architect of the Church, and William H. Folsom, Assistant.
Orson Pratt, Historian and General Church Recorder, and Wilford Woodruff, his assistant.
George Goddard was sustained as Clerk of Conference.
Elder Joseph F. Smith
said it was a great and glorious cause in which we were engaged, if we were in the line of our duty. It was very essential that all who had entered into covenant to serve God to occupy their ability, talent and means for the building up and establishment of the kingdom of God. Those who did not feel and take a lively interest in the promotion of the cause of God were in the condition spoken of by the angel, as being lukewarm, being neither cold nor hot. He spoke of Nicodemus who sought an interview with our Saviour at night, and to whom the Saviour said, “Except a man is born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.” When we first received the testimony of the servants of God, and were baptised in water for the remission of our sins, we received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We were then born unto God anew, and we put off the old man. We were not ours, but Jesus Christ’s, whom we had covenanted to serve, but if we failed to honor God in our lives, and returned to the beggarly elements of the world, how great would be the darkness into which we should fall. Those who died before having the privilege of being baptised in the flesh, God had provided a way by which they could receive the blessings of the gospel in the spirit. This principle was clearly taught us in the scriptures. The kingdom of our God must be erected upon the principles of eternal truth, Jesus himself being the chief corner stone. We were not taught by uninspired men, by men’s ingenuity, by a cunningly devised fable, but we were led by Jesus, who was our great file leader, and those whom he inspired, but there were but few who were willing to follow him. He knew that God had revealed himself. He knew that the priesthood of the Son of God had been conferred upon man on the earth, for it had been revealed to him. He explained the principles by which that knowledge was conferred. How do you know that “Mormonism” was true? said one. Because the fruits of those who lived it were good. He could as easily deny his existence, as deny that “Mormonism” was true. He had been connected with it from his cradle, and knew that the teachings it had taught him were pure and holy, for it was nothing else but the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conference was adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.
The choir sang—O be joyful in the Lord.
Benediction by Elder Orson Pratt.
said it was a great and glorious cause in which we were engaged, if we were in the line of our duty. It was very essential that all who had entered into covenant to serve God to occupy their ability, talent and means for the building up and establishment of the kingdom of God. Those who did not feel and take a lively interest in the promotion of the cause of God were in the condition spoken of by the angel, as being lukewarm, being neither cold nor hot. He spoke of Nicodemus who sought an interview with our Saviour at night, and to whom the Saviour said, “Except a man is born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.” When we first received the testimony of the servants of God, and were baptised in water for the remission of our sins, we received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. We were then born unto God anew, and we put off the old man. We were not ours, but Jesus Christ’s, whom we had covenanted to serve, but if we failed to honor God in our lives, and returned to the beggarly elements of the world, how great would be the darkness into which we should fall. Those who died before having the privilege of being baptised in the flesh, God had provided a way by which they could receive the blessings of the gospel in the spirit. This principle was clearly taught us in the scriptures. The kingdom of our God must be erected upon the principles of eternal truth, Jesus himself being the chief corner stone. We were not taught by uninspired men, by men’s ingenuity, by a cunningly devised fable, but we were led by Jesus, who was our great file leader, and those whom he inspired, but there were but few who were willing to follow him. He knew that God had revealed himself. He knew that the priesthood of the Son of God had been conferred upon man on the earth, for it had been revealed to him. He explained the principles by which that knowledge was conferred. How do you know that “Mormonism” was true? said one. Because the fruits of those who lived it were good. He could as easily deny his existence, as deny that “Mormonism” was true. He had been connected with it from his cradle, and knew that the teachings it had taught him were pure and holy, for it was nothing else but the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conference was adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.
The choir sang—O be joyful in the Lord.
Benediction by Elder Orson Pratt.
THIRD DAY.
Sunday Morning, 10 o’clock.
The choir sang—Glorious things of thee are spoke, Zion, city of our God.
Prayer by Elder Orson Hyde.
Choir sang—I saw a mighty angel fly, To earth he bent his way.
Sunday Morning, 10 o’clock.
The choir sang—Glorious things of thee are spoke, Zion, city of our God.
Prayer by Elder Orson Hyde.
Choir sang—I saw a mighty angel fly, To earth he bent his way.
Elder Orson Pratt
expressed his gratitude for the privilege of standing before so large an assembly of Latter-day Saints, for the blessings that had been enjoyed by them in the past, and for the great and inestimable blessings that awaited them in the future. He dwelt on the nature and value of faith, which formed a starting point or foundation. He spoke of some who had attained to a perfect knowledge. Joseph Smith, when a youth of fourteen years of age, had a knowledge of the existence of God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son, and holy angels, for he not only saw them with his eyes, but heard their voice. Others had a similar testimony, and their names were published in every edition of the Book of Mormon, and such a powerful testimony God had given of that book, that he would hold this generation responsible for either the rejection or acceptance of it. He made a striking comparison between the testimony given to sustain the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that which existed to prove the truth of the Jewish Scriptures.
He spoke of a command that God gave for the building of a Temple in Kirtland, Ohio, over forty years ago. When that Temple was completed, on one occasion Jesus Christ made himself manifest to two individuals, to whom he said that God had accepted that Temple, and he also made many great and precious promises. He spoke of many other revelations which were to be found in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. Such a religion, that revealed to the children of men God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ was of such a tangible character that rendered it worthy of universal acceptance, for the scriptures declared that to know God and his Son Jesus Christ was eternal life.
expressed his gratitude for the privilege of standing before so large an assembly of Latter-day Saints, for the blessings that had been enjoyed by them in the past, and for the great and inestimable blessings that awaited them in the future. He dwelt on the nature and value of faith, which formed a starting point or foundation. He spoke of some who had attained to a perfect knowledge. Joseph Smith, when a youth of fourteen years of age, had a knowledge of the existence of God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son, and holy angels, for he not only saw them with his eyes, but heard their voice. Others had a similar testimony, and their names were published in every edition of the Book of Mormon, and such a powerful testimony God had given of that book, that he would hold this generation responsible for either the rejection or acceptance of it. He made a striking comparison between the testimony given to sustain the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that which existed to prove the truth of the Jewish Scriptures.
He spoke of a command that God gave for the building of a Temple in Kirtland, Ohio, over forty years ago. When that Temple was completed, on one occasion Jesus Christ made himself manifest to two individuals, to whom he said that God had accepted that Temple, and he also made many great and precious promises. He spoke of many other revelations which were to be found in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. Such a religion, that revealed to the children of men God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ was of such a tangible character that rendered it worthy of universal acceptance, for the scriptures declared that to know God and his Son Jesus Christ was eternal life.
Elder C. W. Penrose
bore a strong testimony to the truth of those principles which had been taught to us during this Conference and the facts declared to us this morning. He could not say that he had seen God or his son Jesus Christ, neither had he held converse with angels, but he had received the testimony of the Holy Ghost, which fully impressed his whole being with a conviction of the truth that God lived, as also his son Jesus Christ, who was crucified upon Mount Calvary.
He claimed no superiority above his fellows, on account of his having received this testimony, for all people had the same privilege by taking the same course, by turning from their sins, and returning to God and observe his commandments, for the work of God had gone forth, that whoever would do his will, should know of the doctrine that it was of God. Many of the gifts of the Spirit had been made manifest by those who had received the testimony of the servants of God, and yielded obedience to the ordinances of the gospel, such as the sick being healed, the blind made to see, the deaf made to hear, and the lame to walk.
He exhorted the Saints to continue in the spirit of the gospel, that God might bless them with increased union in all things that pertained to things present and future. The day was not far distant when the power of the wicked would be broken, and the Kingdom of God fully established. He prayed that God would bless his testimony and the testimony of those who had already spoken during this Conference.
bore a strong testimony to the truth of those principles which had been taught to us during this Conference and the facts declared to us this morning. He could not say that he had seen God or his son Jesus Christ, neither had he held converse with angels, but he had received the testimony of the Holy Ghost, which fully impressed his whole being with a conviction of the truth that God lived, as also his son Jesus Christ, who was crucified upon Mount Calvary.
He claimed no superiority above his fellows, on account of his having received this testimony, for all people had the same privilege by taking the same course, by turning from their sins, and returning to God and observe his commandments, for the work of God had gone forth, that whoever would do his will, should know of the doctrine that it was of God. Many of the gifts of the Spirit had been made manifest by those who had received the testimony of the servants of God, and yielded obedience to the ordinances of the gospel, such as the sick being healed, the blind made to see, the deaf made to hear, and the lame to walk.
He exhorted the Saints to continue in the spirit of the gospel, that God might bless them with increased union in all things that pertained to things present and future. The day was not far distant when the power of the wicked would be broken, and the Kingdom of God fully established. He prayed that God would bless his testimony and the testimony of those who had already spoken during this Conference.
President Brigham Young
made a few remarks on the necessity of the people who came to Conference being as still and quiet as possible, so that the words of the speaker might be distinctly heard by the assembled thousands, and as he had a particular desire to speak to the Latter-day Saints this afternoon and lay before them some things pertaining to their religion, and his lungs, though strong and good for a great many years, like all other pieces of human machinery, would wear out by constant use, he therefore expressed an earnest desire that the congregation would observe the strictest silence and attention while the Sacrament was being administered and during the time of his effort to address them.
Conference was adjourned till 2 p. m.
made a few remarks on the necessity of the people who came to Conference being as still and quiet as possible, so that the words of the speaker might be distinctly heard by the assembled thousands, and as he had a particular desire to speak to the Latter-day Saints this afternoon and lay before them some things pertaining to their religion, and his lungs, though strong and good for a great many years, like all other pieces of human machinery, would wear out by constant use, he therefore expressed an earnest desire that the congregation would observe the strictest silence and attention while the Sacrament was being administered and during the time of his effort to address them.
Conference was adjourned till 2 p. m.
The following persons were called to go on missions, as stated--
UNITED STATES.
George Gardner, Levan
O. C. Roberts, Mona
W. R. May, Nephi
Samuel Cazier, “
Jacob G Bigler, Jr. “
Charles Rhoderback, Hoytsville
Micha Harris, Henneferville
Daniel S. Macfarlane, Cedar City
Joel Parrish, Centerville
John Ford, Jr., “
Edwin Standing, Lehi
Henry Holmes, North Ogden
Alonzo Perry, Lynn
Sanford Bingham, Riverdale
Martin Harris, Harrisville
Orson Eggleston, Ogden City
Chas. F. Middleton, “
John E. Bitton, West Weber
Elbridge Tufts, Salt Lake City
John W. Sharp, South Cottonwood
Dilworth Brinton, South Cottonwood
Wm. Thurgood, Bountiful
Wm. Brown, “
Wm. Atkinson, “
Joseph Argyle, “
Duncan Gardner, West Jordan
Geo. Hackett, Alpine
Richard Camp, Wellsburgh
Jeremiah Roby, Midway
S. J. Wing, Heber City
James W. Preston, American Fork
Wm. W. Jackson, “ “
Chester Loveland, Brigham City
Warren B. Smith, American Fork
Charles D. Haun, West Jordan
Niels Aagaard, Levan
SOUTHERN MISSION.
Thomas Merrill, Bennington
John “ “
Adelbert, “ “
Daniel P. Jones, Fairview
Wiley C. “ “
Wm. S. Trescott, Salt Lake City
John W. Brady, Fairview
Ross R. Rogers
The above were unanimously sustained by the Conference.
The Choir sang an anthem—“Inflamatus,” from Rossini’s “Stabat Mater.”
Benediction by Elder Geo. Q. Cannon.
UNITED STATES.
George Gardner, Levan
O. C. Roberts, Mona
W. R. May, Nephi
Samuel Cazier, “
Jacob G Bigler, Jr. “
Charles Rhoderback, Hoytsville
Micha Harris, Henneferville
Daniel S. Macfarlane, Cedar City
Joel Parrish, Centerville
John Ford, Jr., “
Edwin Standing, Lehi
Henry Holmes, North Ogden
Alonzo Perry, Lynn
Sanford Bingham, Riverdale
Martin Harris, Harrisville
Orson Eggleston, Ogden City
Chas. F. Middleton, “
John E. Bitton, West Weber
Elbridge Tufts, Salt Lake City
John W. Sharp, South Cottonwood
Dilworth Brinton, South Cottonwood
Wm. Thurgood, Bountiful
Wm. Brown, “
Wm. Atkinson, “
Joseph Argyle, “
Duncan Gardner, West Jordan
Geo. Hackett, Alpine
Richard Camp, Wellsburgh
Jeremiah Roby, Midway
S. J. Wing, Heber City
James W. Preston, American Fork
Wm. W. Jackson, “ “
Chester Loveland, Brigham City
Warren B. Smith, American Fork
Charles D. Haun, West Jordan
Niels Aagaard, Levan
SOUTHERN MISSION.
Thomas Merrill, Bennington
John “ “
Adelbert, “ “
Daniel P. Jones, Fairview
Wiley C. “ “
Wm. S. Trescott, Salt Lake City
John W. Brady, Fairview
Ross R. Rogers
The above were unanimously sustained by the Conference.
The Choir sang an anthem—“Inflamatus,” from Rossini’s “Stabat Mater.”
Benediction by Elder Geo. Q. Cannon.
Sunday Afternoon, 2 p.m.
The Choir sang—Author of Faith, eternal word, Whose spirit breathes the active flame.
Prayer by Elder B. Young, Junr.
The Choir sang—How sweet communion is on earth, With those who’ve realized the birth.
The Choir sang—Author of Faith, eternal word, Whose spirit breathes the active flame.
Prayer by Elder B. Young, Junr.
The Choir sang—How sweet communion is on earth, With those who’ve realized the birth.
President B. Young
addressed the Conference upon man’s existence on earth, the practical duties of our religion, tithing, emigration of the poor, temples and the ordinances thereto pertaining, United Order, etc.
addressed the Conference upon man’s existence on earth, the practical duties of our religion, tithing, emigration of the poor, temples and the ordinances thereto pertaining, United Order, etc.
Philosophy of Man Upon The Earth—The Great and Grand Secret of Salvation—Are We One—Nature of Stewardship—Increase of Temples—Hear Ye, Mothers
Discourse by President Brigham Young, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, Oct. 8, 1876.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
I hope to be able to make myself heard by this large congregation. This moving of feet, whispering to each other, the crying of children and the noise made by those who are walking, are like the murmuring of many waters. When there is perfect quietness, I am satisfied that my voice can be heard all over this house, and no one who is blessed with good ears for hearing need miss a word. I should feel more satisfied if I could prevail on our brethren, when speaking from this stand, to speak directly in front, so that they could be heard as far as possible. Many of our experienced Elders, in their conversation to the people, turn first to the right and then to the left, and every time they turn either way, a portion of the congregation is unable to distinctly understand that which is spoken; whereas, if they were to speak directly to the front, the voice would divide and go equally to each part of the house, and all would hear. Whether I shall be able to continue my remarks to any length I do not know; I shall try, however, to use judgment in speaking, so as not to injure myself.
I will give a short text, to both Saint and sinner, and I think if we were to include ourselves among the latter and say we are all sinners, we would come nearer the fact than to class ourselves among the former, although we hope to be Saints, are trying to be Saints, and probably a great many of those who are called Latter-day Saints will yet become Saints indeed.
First, the philosophy of man upon this earth. This cannot be learned by studying the sciences of mankind, it is only understood by the revelations of God to ourselves. I will give you a part of my own visions upon this matter. Mankind is composed of two distinct elements; the first is a spiritual organization in eternity, the second is a natural organization on this earth, formed out of the material of which this earth is composed. Man is first spiritual, then temporal. As it is written in the revelations of God to man, all things were first created spiritual, and secondly temporal.
That is, spirits were begotten, born and educated in the celestial world, and were brought forth by celestial bodies. By tracing this subject a little we might understand how this is brought about. The spirits before inhabiting bodies are as pure and holy as the angels or as the gods, they know no evil. This, their first estate, is the commencement of their experience.
These spirits I shall leave for the present, and refer to our first parents, Adam and Eve, who were found in the Garden of Eden, tempted and overcome by the power of evil, and consequently subject to evil and sin, which was the penalty of their transgression. They were now prepared, as we are, to form bodies or tabernacles for the reception of pure and holy spirits. When the body is prepared, at the proper time, the spirit enters the tabernacle, and all the world of mankind in their reflections and researches must come to this conclusion, for the fact is they can come to no other—that when the mother feels life there is an evidence that the spirit from heaven has entered the tabernacle. So far, this is the philosophy of our being. As has been said, in consequence of sin, the body is subject to sin, and it requires all the efforts and power that man can exert in order to resist temptation that this pure and holy spirit may bring into subjection the body, so that it may be sanctified by the Gospel or the law of Christ. The inquiring mind will ask, Why is this so? Simply that we may know good from evil; all the facts which you and I understand are by contrast, and all glory, all enjoyment, every happiness and every bliss are known by its opposite. This is the decree, this is the way the heavens are, the way they were, and the way they will continue to be, forever, and for ever. Never was there a time when evil was not in existence, but the time will come when this evil will pass away and be no more, so far as this world is concerned, and nothing will be able to endure, only that which is pure and holy, and Christ will destroy death and him that hath the power of death. This applies to this earth, and the ordeals which it passes through with those that are upon it until the winding-up scene.
But to return to this organization. We find a pure spirit inhabiting the tabernacle of the creature which is always prompting the individual to good, to virtue, to truth and holiness; all of which emanate from that source of purity from which this spirit came. And here the evil that came through transgression that is in this tabernacle, is warring with this pure spirit, it seeks to overcome it, and is striving with all its power to bring this spirit into subjection, into bondage to the law of sin. This is the warfare which Paul refers to when speaking of the “thorn in the flesh,” which is no more or less than the spirit contending against the flesh, and the flesh against the spirit. This pure spirit will remain in a condition to receive the operations of the spirit of God, which has gone forth into the world, and which lightens every man that comes into the world, regardless of his condition, birth or education; the spirit of Christ lightens them all, and instructs their pure spirits, which are organizations in the germ and in their growth, to become independent beings, even sons and daughters of the Almighty; and it will continue to thus operate until this body, this sinful tabernacle, has warred against the spirit and overcome it to such a degree as to entirely subject it to the man of sin.
And when the flesh attains this victory over the spirit, then is the time spoken of when man has sinned to that degree that, says the Apostle, “ye shall not pray for them, for they have sinned a sin unto death.” Then the spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them, they no longer receive light, having passed the day of grace. Until then every man and every woman is on saving ground, and they can be redeemed from sin.
How is it that the Latter-day Saints feel and understand alike, are of one heart and one mind, no matter where they may be when they receive the Gospel, whether in the north or the south, the east or the west, even to the uttermost parts of the earth? They receive that which was promised by the Savior when he was about to leave the earth, namely, the Comforter, that holy unction from on high which recognizes one God, one faith and one baptism, whose mind is the will of God the Father, in whom there dwelleth unity of faith and action, and in whom there cannot be division or confusion; when they received thus further light, it matters not whether they have seen each other or not, they at once become brothers and sisters, having been adopted into the family of Christ through the bonds of the everlasting covenant, and all can then exclaim, in the beautiful language of Ruth, “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God!” And the fact that we receive this Comforter, the Holy Ghost, is proof that the spirit in warring with the flesh has overcome, and by continuing in this state of victory over our sinful bodies we become the sons and daughters of God, Christ having made us free, and whoever the Son makes free is free indeed. Having fought the good fight we then shall be prepared to lay our bodies down to rest to await the morning of the resurrection when they will come forth and be reunited with the spirits, the faithful, as it is said, receiving crowns, glory, immortality and eternal lives, even a fullness with the Father, when Jesus shall present his work to the Father, saying, “Father, here is the work thou gavest me to do.” Then will they become gods, even the sons of God; then will they become eternal fathers, eternal mothers, eternal sons and eternal daughters; being eternal in their organization, they go from glory to glory, from power to power; they will never cease to increase and to multiply worlds without end. When they receive their crowns, their dominions, they then will be prepared to frame earth's like unto ours and to people them in the same manner as we have been brought forth by our parents, by our Father and God.
I have often remarked that if the Latter-day Saints, and all the world understood the philosophy of their own being, they would bow in humble reverence to him who is the Author of our being and the author of all wisdom and all knowledge known among the children of men. It is very little comparatively that we do know, and but very little we can really comprehend. It is believed that our scientists and philosophers are very far advanced, and that wonderful progress has been made in the nineteenth century; but notwithstanding all the knowledge and power of philosophy which so distinguishes our age, who among our most learned can create as simple a thing as a spear of grass or the leaf of a tree? No one; this can only be done through the natural process; no one can organize the simplest particle of element independent of the laws of nature. When the philosopher of the age reaches that perfection that one can waft himself to the moon or to the north star, or to any other of the fixed planets, and be there in an instant, in the same manner that Jesus did when he ascended to the Father in heaven and returned to the earth again, then we may begin to think we know a little. When we shall possess the power and knowledge to cause heavenly planets to take their position, giving them their laws and boundaries which they must obey, and which they cannot pass, then we may begin to feel that we possess a little wisdom and power.
The great and grand secret of salvation, which we should continually seek to understand through our faithfulness, is the continuation of the lives. Those of the Latter-day Saints who will continue to follow after the revelations and commandments of God to do them, who are found to be obedient in all things, continually advancing little by little towards perfection and the knowledge of God, they, when they enter the spirit world and receive their bodies, will be able to advance faster in the things pertaining to the knowledge of the Gods, and will continue onward and upward until they become Gods, even the sons of God. This I say is the great secret of the hereafter, to continue in the lives forever and forever, which is the greatest of all gifts God has ever bestowed upon his children. We all have it within our reach, we can all attain to this perfected and exalted state if we will embrace its principles and practice them in our everyday life. How accommodating, how glorious and divine are the dealings of God with his fallen children! We have been called from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to the living God. By obeying the whispering of this Holy Spirit, which we have received by virtue of obedience to the Gospel, which prompts us to purge from within us all sinful desires, we can say we are no more in the world, but we are in Christ, our living head. The philosophy of our coming out from the world is the putting off the old man sin, and the putting on of the new man Jesus Christ. How is this to be done? After we believed the Gospel we were baptized for the remission of our sins—and by the laying on of hands we received the Holy Spirit of Promise and felt that “we shall be one.” I felt that I should no longer have need to keep a daybook and ledger in which to keep my accounts, for we were about to consolidate and become one; that every man and every woman would assist by actually laboring with their hands in planting, building up and beautifying this earth to make it like the Garden of Eden. I should therefore have no further occasion to keep accounts, I should certainly accumulate and earn more than I needed, and had not a single doubt but what my wants would be supplied. This was my experience, and this is the feeling of everyone who receives the Gospel in an honest heart and contrite spirit.
But how are we now? What is our present condition?
Are we one temporally? Just about as much as Babylon is. One says, “I am for the mines, I am engaged on my farm or my factory, I am so engaged in my mercantile business that it absorbs all my time, therefore do not trouble me, do not infringe on me.” And who are they? Generally they are men who, like myself, came here not only poor, but in debt. I was driven from my homes and possessions, five times stripped of my earthly possessions. When we arrived in this valley, we were in a destitute condition. Others came here as destitute as we were, but are now comparatively wealthy—how do they feel? They wish to do just as they please. Ask them if they believe that the law of God requires us to enter into a general co-partnership in all our business relations, living and working together as one family? They will tell you, “No, I don't believe any such thing.” Those of this class who are merchants will say, “I want to get rich, I will buy where I please, and will sell at a hundred percent, five hundred percent, or a thousand percent, if I can.” You may do so if you will, but your end will be lamentable. You count the men who have broken up their homes and gone in search of gold, and then count those who have carried out my advice, and you will readily acknowledge that the latter class is by far the better off, not only financially, but morally and spiritually. You, my brethren and sisters, who were poor when you came here, but who now, through the blessing of God, ride in your carriages and live in fine houses, enjoying all the comforts of life, as well as good health, and the society of friends, how do you feel? As for myself, I have not the slightest feeling in my heart that I own a single thing. What I am in possession of, the Lord has merely made me a steward over, to see what I will do with it. Now, my brethren and sisters, do you feel the same? If you do, you will each enquire what is my duty? One duty is to go to work and build this and other Temples, and the other ones can be built long before we can finish this one. Shall we do so? I say we will. If we had reached that perfect state of unity which we should have long before this, and still hope that we yet shall, do you suppose we would ask a man to pay Tithing on ten bushels of wheat, or a hundred or a thousand? No, all that would be necessary under such circumstances would be to say, brother so-and-so, from you we want so much, and from another so much. “Yes,” they would say, “Take it. I have nothing. It is all the Lord's, let it be used to do him service in the building up of his kingdom.” “What would you do, Brother Brigham, if you were required to give up all your substance?” Just what I have always been willing to do. I would continue to do my duty and trust in God for the results; that is what I have done all my life. This, doubtless, seems foolishness in the eyes of the world, they cannot understand it, neither have they any means of understanding it, for “the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God.” Before I embraced this Gospel I had studied the creeds of the Christian world. When I inquired of them with regard to heavenly things, why we came here, and the nature of the relationship we sustained to God and to heavenly beings, could I get any information? No, not the least idea. I once heard one of the leading Elders in the Episcopal Methodist Church undertake to explain to his congregation one of the simplest of things, namely, “What is the soul of man?” After he had labored for two long hours, having exhausted his language, for knowledge he had none, he straightened back in the pulpit and said, “My brethren and sisters, I must come to the conclusion that the soul of man is an immaterial substance.” What a pretty thing to look at! Excuse me. As far as the spirit and feeling of many of these people are concerned with regard to morality, and their endeavors to send the Gospel to the heathen nations, it is excellent. And there are, doubtless, millions of just as honest people among the several religious denominations as are amongst the professedly Latter-day Saints. But they have not the Gospel, they are in darkness with regard to the plan of salvation, and their teachers are blind guides, totally unable to give the people the living word, the way of life. If they live up to the best light and knowledge they have and can get, they are safe, and in a saved condition. What is the sin of the ministry and people of the present Christian denominations? It is that light has come to them and they reject it. The condemnation of the Jewish nation was that light had come into the world, but they chose darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; so says the Savior. The same Gospel that Jesus taught to those who rejected him, is entrusted to us to preach to the whole world with the same consequences which must reach them at some time, in some condition.
We have been hunted and driven from place to place, and the wicked have sought our destruction, simply because we offer to them the light, the truth, the everlasting Gospel. Although we have been robbed of our homes and possessions, they have not succeeded in destroying us yet. Will they succeed? I think not. The Lord has said he would gather his people for the last time, which he is doing; he will not suffer that they shall be overcome, and the kingdom wrested from them as heretofore. Neither will he be mocked and derided when he comes this time—not because the wicked would not repeat the same treatment if they were permitted—but because he will come in judgment, taking vengeance on the wicked and on the ungodly, and with the besom of destruction the refuge of lies and all those who love and make lies will be swept from the earth, and few men will be left. If the Latter-day Saints do not desist from running after the things of this world, and begin to reform and do the work the Father has given them to do, they will be found wanting, and they, too, will be swept away and counted as unprofitable servants.
Latter-day Saints, go and take up a labor with yourselves, urge yourselves to the belief that the Lord is God, that his eyes are upon the works of his hands, that even the sparrow does not go unfed, nor a hair of our heads fall to the ground unnoticed. Labor with yourselves until you have confidence in God and in his revelations to us; become one in temporal things as well as spiritual things as fast as you can. Enter into the compact, the association we call the United Order, that we may commence to do the work we have undertaken to do.
Now, I will make a proposition, and you may have five years to do the work I am about to assign you. To the people of the Sevier Valley, Millard County, Iron County, Piute County, Beaver County, with Juab, Kane, Washington, and Sanpete Counties, I will say, Go to work and build a Temple in Sanpete. As soon as you are ready to commence, I will provide the plan. The ground is already selected. We do not ask whether you are able to do this; but ask yourselves if you have faith sufficient to do it, for we know that you are perfectly able to do it if you are willing, and do it inside of three years from next April. Then to the people of Box Elder County, the Malad Valley, Cache Valley, Soda Springs, and Bear Lake Valley, Rich County, and the people on Bear River, I say, unite your labor and commence as soon as you can to build a Temple in Cache Valley. Again, to the people of Weber County, Davis County, Morgan and Summit Counties, Salt Lake County, Tooele and Utah Counties, with the people east and west, I will say, Go to work and finish the Temple in this city forthwith. Can you accomplish the work, you Latter-day Saints of these several counties? Yes, that is a question I can answer readily, you are perfectly able to do it, the question is, Have you the necessary faith? Have you sufficient of the Spirit of God in your hearts to enable you to say, Yes, by the help of God our Father, we will erect these buildings to his name. There will be little money comparatively needed, it is nearly all labor, such as you can perform. If the people had paid their Tithing, and paid the hands employed on the Temple in proportion as I have done, that building would have been finished before now. But I am not obliged to build Temples for the people; this is our common duty, in order that all may have the privilege to officiate for themselves and their dead. How long, Latter-day Saints, before you will believe the Gospel as it is? The Lord has declared it to be his will that his people enter into covenant, even as Enoch and his people did, which of necessity must be before we shall have the privilege of building the Center Stake of Zion, for the power and glory of God will be there, and none but the pure in heart will be able to live and enjoy it. Go to now, with your might and with your means, and finish this Temple. Why, for what reason? The reasons are very obvious, and you understand them.
A few words to the sisters—you mothers who are trifling with the ordinances of the house of God, and the blessings that are proffered to you, I will say that the time will come, if you persist in doing so, when you will mourn, and will be willing to give worlds, if you possessed them, for the privilege of living your lives over again. Some of you are treating with contempt the oracles of the kingdom of God upon the earth, and in the commission of this sin, you trifle with your own salvation, as well as the salvation of your children. Repent, and turn unto God, and teach your children the importance of doing the same, and of the sacredness of the ordinances and the laws of God. It is the mother's influence that is most effective in molding the mind of the child for good or for evil. If she treat lightly the things of God, it is more than likely her children will be inclined to do the same, and the Lord will not hold her guiltless when he comes to make up his jewels; he will disown all such when he comes to claim his own, and will say, Go hence, I never knew you.
The question may be asked, Are you going to discontinue to give endowments here? I think it is very probable that you will have to go where there is a Temple, or go without. In consequence of our having been driven from our homes, and because of our destitute circumstances, the Lord has permitted us to do what we have done, namely, to use this Endowment House for Temple purposes. But since, through the mercies and blessings of God, we are able to build Temples, it is the will and commandment of God that we do so.
I thank you for your attention. We will adjourn this Conference until the 6th day of April next, to meet at ten o'clock a.m., in the Temple at St. George. We intend to dedicate it then. We shall dedicate some parts this fall, and commence to work in it.
I feel to bless the people, and say, May Heaven be kind to you. Amen.
Discourse by President Brigham Young, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, Oct. 8, 1876.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
I hope to be able to make myself heard by this large congregation. This moving of feet, whispering to each other, the crying of children and the noise made by those who are walking, are like the murmuring of many waters. When there is perfect quietness, I am satisfied that my voice can be heard all over this house, and no one who is blessed with good ears for hearing need miss a word. I should feel more satisfied if I could prevail on our brethren, when speaking from this stand, to speak directly in front, so that they could be heard as far as possible. Many of our experienced Elders, in their conversation to the people, turn first to the right and then to the left, and every time they turn either way, a portion of the congregation is unable to distinctly understand that which is spoken; whereas, if they were to speak directly to the front, the voice would divide and go equally to each part of the house, and all would hear. Whether I shall be able to continue my remarks to any length I do not know; I shall try, however, to use judgment in speaking, so as not to injure myself.
I will give a short text, to both Saint and sinner, and I think if we were to include ourselves among the latter and say we are all sinners, we would come nearer the fact than to class ourselves among the former, although we hope to be Saints, are trying to be Saints, and probably a great many of those who are called Latter-day Saints will yet become Saints indeed.
First, the philosophy of man upon this earth. This cannot be learned by studying the sciences of mankind, it is only understood by the revelations of God to ourselves. I will give you a part of my own visions upon this matter. Mankind is composed of two distinct elements; the first is a spiritual organization in eternity, the second is a natural organization on this earth, formed out of the material of which this earth is composed. Man is first spiritual, then temporal. As it is written in the revelations of God to man, all things were first created spiritual, and secondly temporal.
That is, spirits were begotten, born and educated in the celestial world, and were brought forth by celestial bodies. By tracing this subject a little we might understand how this is brought about. The spirits before inhabiting bodies are as pure and holy as the angels or as the gods, they know no evil. This, their first estate, is the commencement of their experience.
These spirits I shall leave for the present, and refer to our first parents, Adam and Eve, who were found in the Garden of Eden, tempted and overcome by the power of evil, and consequently subject to evil and sin, which was the penalty of their transgression. They were now prepared, as we are, to form bodies or tabernacles for the reception of pure and holy spirits. When the body is prepared, at the proper time, the spirit enters the tabernacle, and all the world of mankind in their reflections and researches must come to this conclusion, for the fact is they can come to no other—that when the mother feels life there is an evidence that the spirit from heaven has entered the tabernacle. So far, this is the philosophy of our being. As has been said, in consequence of sin, the body is subject to sin, and it requires all the efforts and power that man can exert in order to resist temptation that this pure and holy spirit may bring into subjection the body, so that it may be sanctified by the Gospel or the law of Christ. The inquiring mind will ask, Why is this so? Simply that we may know good from evil; all the facts which you and I understand are by contrast, and all glory, all enjoyment, every happiness and every bliss are known by its opposite. This is the decree, this is the way the heavens are, the way they were, and the way they will continue to be, forever, and for ever. Never was there a time when evil was not in existence, but the time will come when this evil will pass away and be no more, so far as this world is concerned, and nothing will be able to endure, only that which is pure and holy, and Christ will destroy death and him that hath the power of death. This applies to this earth, and the ordeals which it passes through with those that are upon it until the winding-up scene.
But to return to this organization. We find a pure spirit inhabiting the tabernacle of the creature which is always prompting the individual to good, to virtue, to truth and holiness; all of which emanate from that source of purity from which this spirit came. And here the evil that came through transgression that is in this tabernacle, is warring with this pure spirit, it seeks to overcome it, and is striving with all its power to bring this spirit into subjection, into bondage to the law of sin. This is the warfare which Paul refers to when speaking of the “thorn in the flesh,” which is no more or less than the spirit contending against the flesh, and the flesh against the spirit. This pure spirit will remain in a condition to receive the operations of the spirit of God, which has gone forth into the world, and which lightens every man that comes into the world, regardless of his condition, birth or education; the spirit of Christ lightens them all, and instructs their pure spirits, which are organizations in the germ and in their growth, to become independent beings, even sons and daughters of the Almighty; and it will continue to thus operate until this body, this sinful tabernacle, has warred against the spirit and overcome it to such a degree as to entirely subject it to the man of sin.
And when the flesh attains this victory over the spirit, then is the time spoken of when man has sinned to that degree that, says the Apostle, “ye shall not pray for them, for they have sinned a sin unto death.” Then the spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them, they no longer receive light, having passed the day of grace. Until then every man and every woman is on saving ground, and they can be redeemed from sin.
How is it that the Latter-day Saints feel and understand alike, are of one heart and one mind, no matter where they may be when they receive the Gospel, whether in the north or the south, the east or the west, even to the uttermost parts of the earth? They receive that which was promised by the Savior when he was about to leave the earth, namely, the Comforter, that holy unction from on high which recognizes one God, one faith and one baptism, whose mind is the will of God the Father, in whom there dwelleth unity of faith and action, and in whom there cannot be division or confusion; when they received thus further light, it matters not whether they have seen each other or not, they at once become brothers and sisters, having been adopted into the family of Christ through the bonds of the everlasting covenant, and all can then exclaim, in the beautiful language of Ruth, “Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God!” And the fact that we receive this Comforter, the Holy Ghost, is proof that the spirit in warring with the flesh has overcome, and by continuing in this state of victory over our sinful bodies we become the sons and daughters of God, Christ having made us free, and whoever the Son makes free is free indeed. Having fought the good fight we then shall be prepared to lay our bodies down to rest to await the morning of the resurrection when they will come forth and be reunited with the spirits, the faithful, as it is said, receiving crowns, glory, immortality and eternal lives, even a fullness with the Father, when Jesus shall present his work to the Father, saying, “Father, here is the work thou gavest me to do.” Then will they become gods, even the sons of God; then will they become eternal fathers, eternal mothers, eternal sons and eternal daughters; being eternal in their organization, they go from glory to glory, from power to power; they will never cease to increase and to multiply worlds without end. When they receive their crowns, their dominions, they then will be prepared to frame earth's like unto ours and to people them in the same manner as we have been brought forth by our parents, by our Father and God.
I have often remarked that if the Latter-day Saints, and all the world understood the philosophy of their own being, they would bow in humble reverence to him who is the Author of our being and the author of all wisdom and all knowledge known among the children of men. It is very little comparatively that we do know, and but very little we can really comprehend. It is believed that our scientists and philosophers are very far advanced, and that wonderful progress has been made in the nineteenth century; but notwithstanding all the knowledge and power of philosophy which so distinguishes our age, who among our most learned can create as simple a thing as a spear of grass or the leaf of a tree? No one; this can only be done through the natural process; no one can organize the simplest particle of element independent of the laws of nature. When the philosopher of the age reaches that perfection that one can waft himself to the moon or to the north star, or to any other of the fixed planets, and be there in an instant, in the same manner that Jesus did when he ascended to the Father in heaven and returned to the earth again, then we may begin to think we know a little. When we shall possess the power and knowledge to cause heavenly planets to take their position, giving them their laws and boundaries which they must obey, and which they cannot pass, then we may begin to feel that we possess a little wisdom and power.
The great and grand secret of salvation, which we should continually seek to understand through our faithfulness, is the continuation of the lives. Those of the Latter-day Saints who will continue to follow after the revelations and commandments of God to do them, who are found to be obedient in all things, continually advancing little by little towards perfection and the knowledge of God, they, when they enter the spirit world and receive their bodies, will be able to advance faster in the things pertaining to the knowledge of the Gods, and will continue onward and upward until they become Gods, even the sons of God. This I say is the great secret of the hereafter, to continue in the lives forever and forever, which is the greatest of all gifts God has ever bestowed upon his children. We all have it within our reach, we can all attain to this perfected and exalted state if we will embrace its principles and practice them in our everyday life. How accommodating, how glorious and divine are the dealings of God with his fallen children! We have been called from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to the living God. By obeying the whispering of this Holy Spirit, which we have received by virtue of obedience to the Gospel, which prompts us to purge from within us all sinful desires, we can say we are no more in the world, but we are in Christ, our living head. The philosophy of our coming out from the world is the putting off the old man sin, and the putting on of the new man Jesus Christ. How is this to be done? After we believed the Gospel we were baptized for the remission of our sins—and by the laying on of hands we received the Holy Spirit of Promise and felt that “we shall be one.” I felt that I should no longer have need to keep a daybook and ledger in which to keep my accounts, for we were about to consolidate and become one; that every man and every woman would assist by actually laboring with their hands in planting, building up and beautifying this earth to make it like the Garden of Eden. I should therefore have no further occasion to keep accounts, I should certainly accumulate and earn more than I needed, and had not a single doubt but what my wants would be supplied. This was my experience, and this is the feeling of everyone who receives the Gospel in an honest heart and contrite spirit.
But how are we now? What is our present condition?
Are we one temporally? Just about as much as Babylon is. One says, “I am for the mines, I am engaged on my farm or my factory, I am so engaged in my mercantile business that it absorbs all my time, therefore do not trouble me, do not infringe on me.” And who are they? Generally they are men who, like myself, came here not only poor, but in debt. I was driven from my homes and possessions, five times stripped of my earthly possessions. When we arrived in this valley, we were in a destitute condition. Others came here as destitute as we were, but are now comparatively wealthy—how do they feel? They wish to do just as they please. Ask them if they believe that the law of God requires us to enter into a general co-partnership in all our business relations, living and working together as one family? They will tell you, “No, I don't believe any such thing.” Those of this class who are merchants will say, “I want to get rich, I will buy where I please, and will sell at a hundred percent, five hundred percent, or a thousand percent, if I can.” You may do so if you will, but your end will be lamentable. You count the men who have broken up their homes and gone in search of gold, and then count those who have carried out my advice, and you will readily acknowledge that the latter class is by far the better off, not only financially, but morally and spiritually. You, my brethren and sisters, who were poor when you came here, but who now, through the blessing of God, ride in your carriages and live in fine houses, enjoying all the comforts of life, as well as good health, and the society of friends, how do you feel? As for myself, I have not the slightest feeling in my heart that I own a single thing. What I am in possession of, the Lord has merely made me a steward over, to see what I will do with it. Now, my brethren and sisters, do you feel the same? If you do, you will each enquire what is my duty? One duty is to go to work and build this and other Temples, and the other ones can be built long before we can finish this one. Shall we do so? I say we will. If we had reached that perfect state of unity which we should have long before this, and still hope that we yet shall, do you suppose we would ask a man to pay Tithing on ten bushels of wheat, or a hundred or a thousand? No, all that would be necessary under such circumstances would be to say, brother so-and-so, from you we want so much, and from another so much. “Yes,” they would say, “Take it. I have nothing. It is all the Lord's, let it be used to do him service in the building up of his kingdom.” “What would you do, Brother Brigham, if you were required to give up all your substance?” Just what I have always been willing to do. I would continue to do my duty and trust in God for the results; that is what I have done all my life. This, doubtless, seems foolishness in the eyes of the world, they cannot understand it, neither have they any means of understanding it, for “the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God.” Before I embraced this Gospel I had studied the creeds of the Christian world. When I inquired of them with regard to heavenly things, why we came here, and the nature of the relationship we sustained to God and to heavenly beings, could I get any information? No, not the least idea. I once heard one of the leading Elders in the Episcopal Methodist Church undertake to explain to his congregation one of the simplest of things, namely, “What is the soul of man?” After he had labored for two long hours, having exhausted his language, for knowledge he had none, he straightened back in the pulpit and said, “My brethren and sisters, I must come to the conclusion that the soul of man is an immaterial substance.” What a pretty thing to look at! Excuse me. As far as the spirit and feeling of many of these people are concerned with regard to morality, and their endeavors to send the Gospel to the heathen nations, it is excellent. And there are, doubtless, millions of just as honest people among the several religious denominations as are amongst the professedly Latter-day Saints. But they have not the Gospel, they are in darkness with regard to the plan of salvation, and their teachers are blind guides, totally unable to give the people the living word, the way of life. If they live up to the best light and knowledge they have and can get, they are safe, and in a saved condition. What is the sin of the ministry and people of the present Christian denominations? It is that light has come to them and they reject it. The condemnation of the Jewish nation was that light had come into the world, but they chose darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; so says the Savior. The same Gospel that Jesus taught to those who rejected him, is entrusted to us to preach to the whole world with the same consequences which must reach them at some time, in some condition.
We have been hunted and driven from place to place, and the wicked have sought our destruction, simply because we offer to them the light, the truth, the everlasting Gospel. Although we have been robbed of our homes and possessions, they have not succeeded in destroying us yet. Will they succeed? I think not. The Lord has said he would gather his people for the last time, which he is doing; he will not suffer that they shall be overcome, and the kingdom wrested from them as heretofore. Neither will he be mocked and derided when he comes this time—not because the wicked would not repeat the same treatment if they were permitted—but because he will come in judgment, taking vengeance on the wicked and on the ungodly, and with the besom of destruction the refuge of lies and all those who love and make lies will be swept from the earth, and few men will be left. If the Latter-day Saints do not desist from running after the things of this world, and begin to reform and do the work the Father has given them to do, they will be found wanting, and they, too, will be swept away and counted as unprofitable servants.
Latter-day Saints, go and take up a labor with yourselves, urge yourselves to the belief that the Lord is God, that his eyes are upon the works of his hands, that even the sparrow does not go unfed, nor a hair of our heads fall to the ground unnoticed. Labor with yourselves until you have confidence in God and in his revelations to us; become one in temporal things as well as spiritual things as fast as you can. Enter into the compact, the association we call the United Order, that we may commence to do the work we have undertaken to do.
Now, I will make a proposition, and you may have five years to do the work I am about to assign you. To the people of the Sevier Valley, Millard County, Iron County, Piute County, Beaver County, with Juab, Kane, Washington, and Sanpete Counties, I will say, Go to work and build a Temple in Sanpete. As soon as you are ready to commence, I will provide the plan. The ground is already selected. We do not ask whether you are able to do this; but ask yourselves if you have faith sufficient to do it, for we know that you are perfectly able to do it if you are willing, and do it inside of three years from next April. Then to the people of Box Elder County, the Malad Valley, Cache Valley, Soda Springs, and Bear Lake Valley, Rich County, and the people on Bear River, I say, unite your labor and commence as soon as you can to build a Temple in Cache Valley. Again, to the people of Weber County, Davis County, Morgan and Summit Counties, Salt Lake County, Tooele and Utah Counties, with the people east and west, I will say, Go to work and finish the Temple in this city forthwith. Can you accomplish the work, you Latter-day Saints of these several counties? Yes, that is a question I can answer readily, you are perfectly able to do it, the question is, Have you the necessary faith? Have you sufficient of the Spirit of God in your hearts to enable you to say, Yes, by the help of God our Father, we will erect these buildings to his name. There will be little money comparatively needed, it is nearly all labor, such as you can perform. If the people had paid their Tithing, and paid the hands employed on the Temple in proportion as I have done, that building would have been finished before now. But I am not obliged to build Temples for the people; this is our common duty, in order that all may have the privilege to officiate for themselves and their dead. How long, Latter-day Saints, before you will believe the Gospel as it is? The Lord has declared it to be his will that his people enter into covenant, even as Enoch and his people did, which of necessity must be before we shall have the privilege of building the Center Stake of Zion, for the power and glory of God will be there, and none but the pure in heart will be able to live and enjoy it. Go to now, with your might and with your means, and finish this Temple. Why, for what reason? The reasons are very obvious, and you understand them.
A few words to the sisters—you mothers who are trifling with the ordinances of the house of God, and the blessings that are proffered to you, I will say that the time will come, if you persist in doing so, when you will mourn, and will be willing to give worlds, if you possessed them, for the privilege of living your lives over again. Some of you are treating with contempt the oracles of the kingdom of God upon the earth, and in the commission of this sin, you trifle with your own salvation, as well as the salvation of your children. Repent, and turn unto God, and teach your children the importance of doing the same, and of the sacredness of the ordinances and the laws of God. It is the mother's influence that is most effective in molding the mind of the child for good or for evil. If she treat lightly the things of God, it is more than likely her children will be inclined to do the same, and the Lord will not hold her guiltless when he comes to make up his jewels; he will disown all such when he comes to claim his own, and will say, Go hence, I never knew you.
The question may be asked, Are you going to discontinue to give endowments here? I think it is very probable that you will have to go where there is a Temple, or go without. In consequence of our having been driven from our homes, and because of our destitute circumstances, the Lord has permitted us to do what we have done, namely, to use this Endowment House for Temple purposes. But since, through the mercies and blessings of God, we are able to build Temples, it is the will and commandment of God that we do so.
I thank you for your attention. We will adjourn this Conference until the 6th day of April next, to meet at ten o'clock a.m., in the Temple at St. George. We intend to dedicate it then. We shall dedicate some parts this fall, and commence to work in it.
I feel to bless the people, and say, May Heaven be kind to you. Amen.
Elder Geo. Q. Cannon
read a portion of the 6th Chapter of the 2nd Book of Samuel, respecting the removal of the Ark of God in the days of King David, and remarked that God had greatly blessed the people of the Latter-day Saints, and the Ark of God was about to leave us in this part of the Territory for the present. God greatly blessed the people in ancient times, who built a temple to the name of the Most High, and he felt thankful that the word had gone forth for more temples to be built, for there were many ordinances and blessings that could only be attended to and received in a Temple. He also spoke of the blessings in connection with the Holy Priesthood.
read a portion of the 6th Chapter of the 2nd Book of Samuel, respecting the removal of the Ark of God in the days of King David, and remarked that God had greatly blessed the people of the Latter-day Saints, and the Ark of God was about to leave us in this part of the Territory for the present. God greatly blessed the people in ancient times, who built a temple to the name of the Most High, and he felt thankful that the word had gone forth for more temples to be built, for there were many ordinances and blessings that could only be attended to and received in a Temple. He also spoke of the blessings in connection with the Holy Priesthood.
The following missionaries were presented to and sustained by the Conference--
SOUTHERN MISSION.
Lorenzo H. Hatch,
Jeremiah Hatch, Sen.,
Alva A. Hatch,
Jeremiah Hatch, Jun.,
Lorenzo Hatch,
Abraham Hatch, son of Jeremiah,
Archibald G. Hedlock,
Franklin P. Hedlock,
Eskine C. Hedlock,
Ammon M. Tenney
W. T. Stewart
W. J. F. McAllister
Thomas Biggs, Salt Lake City
John W. Keddington, “
--- ---- Tenney, Kanab
UNITED STATES.
Samuel Bennion, West Jordan
Charles W. Rockwood, S. L. City
Orin S. Lee, Peoa
Ebenezer R. Young, Wanship
Louis Neeley, Little Cottonwood
John A. Groesbeck, S. L. City
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
Jas. Keeler, Richfield
J. S. Woodbury, St. George
Hy. P. Richards, Salt Lake City
Smith Thurston, Morgan Co.
Jacob Gates, Jun, St. George
SOUTHERN MISSION.
Lorenzo H. Hatch,
Jeremiah Hatch, Sen.,
Alva A. Hatch,
Jeremiah Hatch, Jun.,
Lorenzo Hatch,
Abraham Hatch, son of Jeremiah,
Archibald G. Hedlock,
Franklin P. Hedlock,
Eskine C. Hedlock,
Ammon M. Tenney
W. T. Stewart
W. J. F. McAllister
Thomas Biggs, Salt Lake City
John W. Keddington, “
--- ---- Tenney, Kanab
UNITED STATES.
Samuel Bennion, West Jordan
Charles W. Rockwood, S. L. City
Orin S. Lee, Peoa
Ebenezer R. Young, Wanship
Louis Neeley, Little Cottonwood
John A. Groesbeck, S. L. City
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
Jas. Keeler, Richfield
J. S. Woodbury, St. George
Hy. P. Richards, Salt Lake City
Smith Thurston, Morgan Co.
Jacob Gates, Jun, St. George
President B. Young
Made a few remarks on the subject dwelt upon by Elder Geo. Q. Cannon.
Conference was then adjourned until the 6th April, 1877, at the Temple in St. George, at 10 o’clock a. m.
The Choir sang an anthem—Comfort ye my people.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
Geo. Goddard,
Clerk of Conference.
Made a few remarks on the subject dwelt upon by Elder Geo. Q. Cannon.
Conference was then adjourned until the 6th April, 1877, at the Temple in St. George, at 10 o’clock a. m.
The Choir sang an anthem—Comfort ye my people.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
Geo. Goddard,
Clerk of Conference.