April 1877
General Conference at St. George
FIRST DAY—Morning.
St. George, April 6.
Pursuant to adjournment made at the last Semi-annual Conference, the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met in the Temple in St. George.
There were present in the Melchisedec Priesthood stand: President Brigham Young and his counsellors, Presidents John W. Young and Daniel H. Wells, of the First Presidency;
Elders John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jr., and Jos. F. Smith, of the quorum of the Twelve;
John Smith, patriarch;
and local authorities of the stake bearing the Melchisedec priesthood.
In the other stand, immediately opposite, which is set apart for the presidents of the several quorums of the lesser or Aaronic priesthood, sat in the top row Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, and some visiting bishops whom he had invited to be seated there. The other three rows were occupied by the presidents of the several quorums of the lesser priesthood of the Stake of Zion.
President B. Young gave out the first hymn, which was sung by the Parowan choir.
FIRST DAY—Morning.
St. George, April 6.
Pursuant to adjournment made at the last Semi-annual Conference, the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met in the Temple in St. George.
There were present in the Melchisedec Priesthood stand: President Brigham Young and his counsellors, Presidents John W. Young and Daniel H. Wells, of the First Presidency;
Elders John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jr., and Jos. F. Smith, of the quorum of the Twelve;
John Smith, patriarch;
and local authorities of the stake bearing the Melchisedec priesthood.
In the other stand, immediately opposite, which is set apart for the presidents of the several quorums of the lesser or Aaronic priesthood, sat in the top row Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, and some visiting bishops whom he had invited to be seated there. The other three rows were occupied by the presidents of the several quorums of the lesser priesthood of the Stake of Zion.
President B. Young gave out the first hymn, which was sung by the Parowan choir.
The prayer dedicating the Temple and opening the General Conference, was offered by Prest. D. H. Wells.
Dedicatory Prayer
By President Daniel H. Wells, delivered at the Temple of the Lord at St. George, on the Sixth Day of April, 1877, at 10 o'clock a.m.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
Almighty and Everlasting God, our heavenly Father, thou who art the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of Moses, of David, of Solomon; the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; the God of Joseph and of Brigham, even the God of Israel; thou who art the Father of our spirits; it is to thee we approach this morning to worship and to offer up our dedicatory prayer in thanksgiving and praise for this offering, even a Temple which thou hast enabled thy people to rear unto thy most holy name.
We realize, our Father, that we are dependent upon thee, and that although we are shut out from thy presence, inheriting many weaknesses, and made subject to many temptations and sins, we are thy children, and as such we come before thee in the depths of humility, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, praying that thine indulgence, thy tender mercy and compassion may be extended toward us, and that thou wilt forgive everything that thine all-seeing and searching eye hath beheld amiss in us.
We thank thee, O Lord, that thy people, whom thou hast led to this distant land and whom thou hast preserved by thine own right arm, have been permitted to establish themselves in the homes which thou hast given them, and that, through thy continued blessings, they have been enabled to gather together the materials of which this building is composed, to put together and erect the same, even a Temple, which we dedicate and now consecrate to thee, that it may be holy unto thee, the Lord our God, for sacred and holy purposes, and that “the blessing, even life forevermore,” may be commanded here, from heaven, even from thy presence, and may flow through the ordinance which appertain unto thy holy place, unto us thy children. We pray that the blessings pertaining to our eternal salvation and to the establishing of thy kingdom upon this thine earth may be poured out upon thy holy Priesthood and thy people, who shall worship and officiate in this thy holy House.
We dedicate and consecrate the foundation of this building upon which it stands. Cause, O Lord, that it may not give way nor yield in consequence of any destructive elements that may be in the soil, or may the nature of those elements be changed so as to become strengthening instead of weakening, that the same may always remain firm and sound.
We dedicate and consecrate the lower and upper walls of the building and the buttresses which support the same, and all the material—the stone, the lime and the sand, which compose the mortar, and all that pertains thereunto, together with the flagging, the timbers, the joists, the floors, and the foundations upon which they rest, that the same may be protected and preserved, that none of the elements, either through storms, fire or earthquakes, may have power to destroy, disturb or injure this thy holy House. We also dedicate and consecrate unto thee all the openings, entrances, doors and windows, and their fastenings, of the basement story. We also present to thee the Baptismal Font, in which is performed the ordinance of baptism for the living and the dead; with the steps, the railing around, and the oxen upon which it rests, the foundations, together with the connections and apparatus for furnishing, conveying, holding and heating the water, with all that pertains to it, dedicating and consecrating all unto thee, the Lord, our Father and God, that they may be holy unto thy name. We pray that thy blessing may attend those of thy servants who administer and who may officiate in the ordinances that may be performed therein, in behalf of thy people, and in behalf of those, our progenitors, our relatives and friends, who have gone before us to the spirit world, so far as we may be enabled and permitted to officiate for them.
We dedicate to thee also the rooms of this building in the first, second and third stories, with the pillars and supports thereof, including the side rooms, with the partition walls, for the purposes for which they may be used by the Priesthood, for prayer, for worship, for councils or meetings, or for administering the holy ordinances of thy House, that they may be holy unto thee, the Lord our God. We also dedicate the roof and the tower, with its dome, its covering and walls, and the walls and the battlements around and above the roof, with the timbers and frames and supports upon which the roof and tower rest, and are made permanent, and the fastenings and all that appertains thereunto, and the materials of which they are composed. We dedicate also the entrances, the steps and the circular stairs, with the railings and banisters thereunto attached. Grant, O Lord, that the roof which covers all may shield and protect this building from the storms which may come upon it. We dedicate the pipes which convey the water from the roof, with their fastenings and the materials of which they are composed. We also dedicate the chimneys, flues, conduits, and sewers, and openings for ventilation; also all the doors, windows, and glass, the hinges and nails and screws, the door locks and handles, the window weights and cords and fastenings of every kind; and all the paint, putty, plaster, whitewash and all the ornamental work within and without, everything used in the construction and completion of the entire building, from the foundation unto the top thereof, that all may be holy unto the Lord our God.
Holy Father, we dedicate unto thee the furniture and utensils used in the holy washings, anointings and ceremonies of this thy holy House; also the curtains and frames for partitions; together with the altars and their cushions, and the tables and the chairs, stools and desks, that all may be sanctified for the use and purposes intended. We dedicate also the tower on the outside, containing the fountain, also the aqueduct and pipes conveying the water thereunto. We dedicate the block of land upon which this Temple is situated, and the fence which encloses it, with its openings and gates, the hinges, hangings and fastenings, and the materials of which they are composed; also the roads and walks leading thereto and through the same.
We dedicate and consecrate the pulpits, with the cushions thereon and the ornamental fringe around, together with the steps, railing and banisters, and the seats, with the cushions on them; and the floors and the foundations upon which they stand. May nothing unholy or impure ever enter here, but may the same be holy unto the Lord our God. Especially do we pray that thy power may rest upon thy servants who may occupy these pulpits when they shall minister by virtue of their holy calling, either in preaching, in counseling, or in transacting business pertaining to the welfare of thy Church and kingdom here upon the earth.
We implore thy blessings upon the various congregations of thy people who may assemble in this House from time to time, both in their incomings and outgoings, and may thy blessing and thy spirit dwell herein and rest upon them, for their comfort and edification, and abide richly in their hearts, that they may learn further of thy ways and walk in thy paths.
We desire also to commend these thy servants and people to thy kind care and keeping, that they may be preserved unto thee from the powers of the wicked and ungodly, and from the powers of all evil and opposing influences, from whose grasp thou hast heretofore delivered us in bringing us here to these valleys and the fastnesses of these mountains. We acknowledge thee and the great deliverance thou hast wrought out for us, and we pray thee, O God, in the name of Jesus, to accept of these thy servants and people, and preserve and keep us in thy most holy keeping. Let the ministering angels from thy presence attend us, and let thy grace and power be upon us, that we may walk in the paths of purity and holiness, and be enabled to bring forth thy purposes and establish thy kingdom in all its fullness, administering in all the ordinances pertaining to thy House, and also send forth salvation to all the children of men, scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth, for their redemption from sin and bondage, even from gross darkness.
We now ask, our Father, that we thy servants and people may be acceptable unto thee, praying thee to grant that thy Holy Spirit may pervade each heart before thee, that our worship may be such as thou delightest to behold, and that the revelations of thy mind and will may continue to be made manifest through thy servant Brigham and all of thy servants upon whom thou hast conferred the authority of the holy Priesthood.
We feel not to multiply words before thee, for language is inadequate to express the fullness of the feelings and emotions of our souls in being thus privileged to meet before thee in this sacred, this holy place.
Accept, O God, of this tribute of our hearts, and let thy peace and blessing dwell and abide here in this holy Temple, which we now with uplifted hearts and hands present and consecrate and dedicate entirely as a sacred offering unto thee, for thy divine acceptance. May it stand as a monument of purity and holiness as long as the earth shall remain, commemorative of thy great goodness towards us thy people, and thy name shall have the honor, the praise and glory, for we ask all in Jesus' name. And unto thee and our blessed Lord and Savior and to the Holy Spirit be all power, might and dominion, worlds without end. Amen.
The Beaver choir sang, “High on the mountain top, a banner is unfurled.”
Dedicatory Prayer
By President Daniel H. Wells, delivered at the Temple of the Lord at St. George, on the Sixth Day of April, 1877, at 10 o'clock a.m.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
Almighty and Everlasting God, our heavenly Father, thou who art the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the God of Moses, of David, of Solomon; the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; the God of Joseph and of Brigham, even the God of Israel; thou who art the Father of our spirits; it is to thee we approach this morning to worship and to offer up our dedicatory prayer in thanksgiving and praise for this offering, even a Temple which thou hast enabled thy people to rear unto thy most holy name.
We realize, our Father, that we are dependent upon thee, and that although we are shut out from thy presence, inheriting many weaknesses, and made subject to many temptations and sins, we are thy children, and as such we come before thee in the depths of humility, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, praying that thine indulgence, thy tender mercy and compassion may be extended toward us, and that thou wilt forgive everything that thine all-seeing and searching eye hath beheld amiss in us.
We thank thee, O Lord, that thy people, whom thou hast led to this distant land and whom thou hast preserved by thine own right arm, have been permitted to establish themselves in the homes which thou hast given them, and that, through thy continued blessings, they have been enabled to gather together the materials of which this building is composed, to put together and erect the same, even a Temple, which we dedicate and now consecrate to thee, that it may be holy unto thee, the Lord our God, for sacred and holy purposes, and that “the blessing, even life forevermore,” may be commanded here, from heaven, even from thy presence, and may flow through the ordinance which appertain unto thy holy place, unto us thy children. We pray that the blessings pertaining to our eternal salvation and to the establishing of thy kingdom upon this thine earth may be poured out upon thy holy Priesthood and thy people, who shall worship and officiate in this thy holy House.
We dedicate and consecrate the foundation of this building upon which it stands. Cause, O Lord, that it may not give way nor yield in consequence of any destructive elements that may be in the soil, or may the nature of those elements be changed so as to become strengthening instead of weakening, that the same may always remain firm and sound.
We dedicate and consecrate the lower and upper walls of the building and the buttresses which support the same, and all the material—the stone, the lime and the sand, which compose the mortar, and all that pertains thereunto, together with the flagging, the timbers, the joists, the floors, and the foundations upon which they rest, that the same may be protected and preserved, that none of the elements, either through storms, fire or earthquakes, may have power to destroy, disturb or injure this thy holy House. We also dedicate and consecrate unto thee all the openings, entrances, doors and windows, and their fastenings, of the basement story. We also present to thee the Baptismal Font, in which is performed the ordinance of baptism for the living and the dead; with the steps, the railing around, and the oxen upon which it rests, the foundations, together with the connections and apparatus for furnishing, conveying, holding and heating the water, with all that pertains to it, dedicating and consecrating all unto thee, the Lord, our Father and God, that they may be holy unto thy name. We pray that thy blessing may attend those of thy servants who administer and who may officiate in the ordinances that may be performed therein, in behalf of thy people, and in behalf of those, our progenitors, our relatives and friends, who have gone before us to the spirit world, so far as we may be enabled and permitted to officiate for them.
We dedicate to thee also the rooms of this building in the first, second and third stories, with the pillars and supports thereof, including the side rooms, with the partition walls, for the purposes for which they may be used by the Priesthood, for prayer, for worship, for councils or meetings, or for administering the holy ordinances of thy House, that they may be holy unto thee, the Lord our God. We also dedicate the roof and the tower, with its dome, its covering and walls, and the walls and the battlements around and above the roof, with the timbers and frames and supports upon which the roof and tower rest, and are made permanent, and the fastenings and all that appertains thereunto, and the materials of which they are composed. We dedicate also the entrances, the steps and the circular stairs, with the railings and banisters thereunto attached. Grant, O Lord, that the roof which covers all may shield and protect this building from the storms which may come upon it. We dedicate the pipes which convey the water from the roof, with their fastenings and the materials of which they are composed. We also dedicate the chimneys, flues, conduits, and sewers, and openings for ventilation; also all the doors, windows, and glass, the hinges and nails and screws, the door locks and handles, the window weights and cords and fastenings of every kind; and all the paint, putty, plaster, whitewash and all the ornamental work within and without, everything used in the construction and completion of the entire building, from the foundation unto the top thereof, that all may be holy unto the Lord our God.
Holy Father, we dedicate unto thee the furniture and utensils used in the holy washings, anointings and ceremonies of this thy holy House; also the curtains and frames for partitions; together with the altars and their cushions, and the tables and the chairs, stools and desks, that all may be sanctified for the use and purposes intended. We dedicate also the tower on the outside, containing the fountain, also the aqueduct and pipes conveying the water thereunto. We dedicate the block of land upon which this Temple is situated, and the fence which encloses it, with its openings and gates, the hinges, hangings and fastenings, and the materials of which they are composed; also the roads and walks leading thereto and through the same.
We dedicate and consecrate the pulpits, with the cushions thereon and the ornamental fringe around, together with the steps, railing and banisters, and the seats, with the cushions on them; and the floors and the foundations upon which they stand. May nothing unholy or impure ever enter here, but may the same be holy unto the Lord our God. Especially do we pray that thy power may rest upon thy servants who may occupy these pulpits when they shall minister by virtue of their holy calling, either in preaching, in counseling, or in transacting business pertaining to the welfare of thy Church and kingdom here upon the earth.
We implore thy blessings upon the various congregations of thy people who may assemble in this House from time to time, both in their incomings and outgoings, and may thy blessing and thy spirit dwell herein and rest upon them, for their comfort and edification, and abide richly in their hearts, that they may learn further of thy ways and walk in thy paths.
We desire also to commend these thy servants and people to thy kind care and keeping, that they may be preserved unto thee from the powers of the wicked and ungodly, and from the powers of all evil and opposing influences, from whose grasp thou hast heretofore delivered us in bringing us here to these valleys and the fastnesses of these mountains. We acknowledge thee and the great deliverance thou hast wrought out for us, and we pray thee, O God, in the name of Jesus, to accept of these thy servants and people, and preserve and keep us in thy most holy keeping. Let the ministering angels from thy presence attend us, and let thy grace and power be upon us, that we may walk in the paths of purity and holiness, and be enabled to bring forth thy purposes and establish thy kingdom in all its fullness, administering in all the ordinances pertaining to thy House, and also send forth salvation to all the children of men, scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth, for their redemption from sin and bondage, even from gross darkness.
We now ask, our Father, that we thy servants and people may be acceptable unto thee, praying thee to grant that thy Holy Spirit may pervade each heart before thee, that our worship may be such as thou delightest to behold, and that the revelations of thy mind and will may continue to be made manifest through thy servant Brigham and all of thy servants upon whom thou hast conferred the authority of the holy Priesthood.
We feel not to multiply words before thee, for language is inadequate to express the fullness of the feelings and emotions of our souls in being thus privileged to meet before thee in this sacred, this holy place.
Accept, O God, of this tribute of our hearts, and let thy peace and blessing dwell and abide here in this holy Temple, which we now with uplifted hearts and hands present and consecrate and dedicate entirely as a sacred offering unto thee, for thy divine acceptance. May it stand as a monument of purity and holiness as long as the earth shall remain, commemorative of thy great goodness towards us thy people, and thy name shall have the honor, the praise and glory, for we ask all in Jesus' name. And unto thee and our blessed Lord and Savior and to the Holy Spirit be all power, might and dominion, worlds without end. Amen.
The Beaver choir sang, “High on the mountain top, a banner is unfurled.”
Elder George Q. Cannon
read from the Book of Nephi, pages 492 and 494 also the first verse of the revelation given April 23rd, 1834, page 337, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, new edition. He reviewed the subject of union in temporal affairs, briefly alluding to the social unions which had been attempted in France and in different parts of the United States. The combination or union enjoined upon the Latter-day Saints was of a much more binding nature. It formed part of the law of God delivered to them, and was an essential to full salvation in God’s kingdom. God had entrusted to us the mission to establish right forms and the correct practice of every institution which would enable us to live right, physically and spiritually, socially, morally, and politically, here and hereafter. If we, as Latter-day Saints, did our duty, we would cast behind us the unsound and darkening traditions of our forefathers. We had commenced the establishment of a reform in the marriage relation. In obeying the divine command, we had been greatly blessed. We were called to effect a reform in our financial or business relations, and our efforts in this direction would be crowned with blessings, and our power with ourselves, our children, and our neighbors would increase for good in the land. His concluding remarks was, “I bear testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, this day, in God’s holy Temple, that the Almighty requires us to enter into this United Order, and that we cannot progress much farther without this union.”
read from the Book of Nephi, pages 492 and 494 also the first verse of the revelation given April 23rd, 1834, page 337, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, new edition. He reviewed the subject of union in temporal affairs, briefly alluding to the social unions which had been attempted in France and in different parts of the United States. The combination or union enjoined upon the Latter-day Saints was of a much more binding nature. It formed part of the law of God delivered to them, and was an essential to full salvation in God’s kingdom. God had entrusted to us the mission to establish right forms and the correct practice of every institution which would enable us to live right, physically and spiritually, socially, morally, and politically, here and hereafter. If we, as Latter-day Saints, did our duty, we would cast behind us the unsound and darkening traditions of our forefathers. We had commenced the establishment of a reform in the marriage relation. In obeying the divine command, we had been greatly blessed. We were called to effect a reform in our financial or business relations, and our efforts in this direction would be crowned with blessings, and our power with ourselves, our children, and our neighbors would increase for good in the land. His concluding remarks was, “I bear testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, this day, in God’s holy Temple, that the Almighty requires us to enter into this United Order, and that we cannot progress much farther without this union.”
President Brigham Young
enlarged upon some of the views advanced by Elder Cannon.
enlarged upon some of the views advanced by Elder Cannon.
The United Order—The Duty of the Priesthood—The Gospel not Communism—Teaching the People How to Live—Independence of Babylon—The Saints Will Continue to Spread—Unity of Purpose and Action, Will Bring Again Zion—Free Schools Criticized—Educational Status of Our Children
Discourse by President Brigham Young, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference, Held in the Temple, at St. George, Friday Morning, April 6, 1877.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
I would like to say a great deal during this Conference to the Latter-day Saints, but I shall be able to talk but little, and therefore when I do speak I wish you to listen, and this I believe all of you will do.
I think that, as a people, we are nearer alike in the sentiments and feelings of our hearts, than in our words. From the most excellent discourse which we have heard this morning from brother Cannon, I believe that the people might gather the idea that we shall be expected to divide our property equally one with another, and that this will constitute the United Order. I will give you my view, in as few words as possible with regard to this subject, which I will promise you are correct.
The Lord wishes and requires us to develop the ability within us, and to utilize the ability of these men, women and children called Latter-day Saints.
The most of the inhabitants of the earth are incapable of dictating and devising for themselves. In many instances there is reason for this, for they are opposed to that degree that for the lack of opportunity they are not able to develop the talents and ability that are within them. This is the condition of the people of most of the nations of the earth. All those who come out from the world, espousing the Gospel of Jesus, place themselves in a condition to be taught of him, but instead of teaching them personally, he has raised up his authorized teachers to do this work, and what does he expect of us to do? He requires, absolutely requires, of us to take these people who have named his name through baptism, and teach them how to live, and how to become healthy, wealthy and wise. This is our duty.
Supposing that the property of the whole community were divided today equally amongst all, what might we expect? Why a year from today we should need another division, for some would waste and squander it away, while others would add to their portion. The skill of building up and establishing the Zion of our God on the earth is to take the people and teach them how to take care of themselves and that which the Lord has entrusted to their care, and to use all that we command to glorify his holy name. This is the work of regenerating, of elevating mankind to the higher plane of the Gospel; in other words, of simply teaching them their duty.
With regard to our property, as I have told you many times, the property which we inherit from our Heavenly Father is our time, and the power to choose in the disposition of the same. This is the real capital that is bequeathed unto us by our Heavenly Father; all the rest is what he may be pleased to add unto us. To direct, to counsel and to advise in the disposition of our time, pertains to our calling as God's servants, according to the wisdom which he has given and will continue to give unto us as we seek it.
Now, if we could take this people, in their present condition, and teach them how to sustain and maintain themselves and a little more, we would add to that which we already have; but to take what we have and divide amongst or give to people, without teaching them how to earn and produce, would be no more nor less than to introduce the means of reducing them to a state of poverty.
I do not wish for one moment to recognize the idea that in order to establish the United Order our property has to be divided equally among the people, to let them do what they please with it. But the idea is to get the people into the same state of unity in all things temporal, that we find ourselves in with regard to things spiritual. Then let those who possess the ability and wisdom direct the labors of those not so endowed, until they too develop the talents within them and in time acquire the same degree of ability.
What do you say to this doctrine? Is it right or wrong? [The congregation answered, “It is right.“]
We want to get at a correct understanding respecting all these matters which so materially concern us. What would be the first lesson necessary to teach the people, were we to commence to direct their labors to the great end of becoming of one heart and one mind in the Lord, of establishing Zion and being filled with the power of God? It would be to stop expending and lavishing upon our dear selves all needless adornments and to stop purchasing the importations of Babylon. We can ourselves produce everything necessary for our consumption, our wear, our convenience and comfort, right here at home. We can produce and manufacture the material necessary to beautify our lands, gardens and orchards; to beautify and furnish our houses, and to adorn the beautiful bodies which we inhabit without sending our means to France, to England and other countries for things which can a little better be made at home among ourselves. The material of which these cushions were made, which adorn the pulpits, were produced here. After it was taken from the sheep, it was manufactured at our Provo factory into the cloth you now see; and the material of which the silk trimmings were made, was raised, spun, and made up by some of our sisters in this Territory. We might exhibit to you handkerchiefs, dress patterns, and shawls, all of silk, made by our sisters out of the raw material produced here through the enterprise and industry of a few. These are only simple specimens of what can be done. Suppose I were to say, “Ladies, how do you like them?” Do you not think they would say, “Pretty well?” We can improve on what has been done, and we want you to do so. Plant out the mulberry tree, and raise the silk, and let your dresses, your shawls, your bonnets and your ribbons, and everything you use to clothe and adorn your bodies, be the workmanship of your own hands. Let the brethren take hold and carry out in every department the same principle of home manufacture until we shall be able to produce the materials, and make up every article necessary to clothe and adorn the body, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet. Then we shall become a self-sustaining and growing people, and we shall have to do it. All this is in the elements in which we live, and we need the skill to utilize the elements to our growth and wealth, and this is true financiering.
We can now see the growth of the Latter-day Saints, and it is marvelous to us to see the multitude of little towns springing up here and there, and we are under the necessity of saying, Give us more room, for the older settlements are thickening up, and the people are spreading out and filling up new valleys continually. You can see the shoots putting forth and taking root; still the old stock is good, is alive and rapidly increasing.
It has been asked if we intend to settle more valleys. Why certainly we expect to fill the next valley and then the next, and the next, and so on. It has been the cry of late, through the columns of the newspapers, that the “Mormons” are going into Mexico! That is quite right, we calculate to go there. Are we going back to Jackson County? Yes. When? As soon as the way opens up. Are we all going? O no! Of course not. The country is not large enough to hold our present numbers. When we do return there, will there be any less remaining in these mountains than we number today? No, there may be a hundred then for every single one that there is now. It is folly in men to suppose that we are going to break up these our hard earned homes to make others in a new country. We intend to hold our own here, and also penetrate the north and the south, the east and the west, there to make others and to raise the ensign of truth. This is the work of God, that marvelous work and a wonder referred to by ancient men of God, who saw it in its incipiency, as a stone cut out of the mountains without hands, but which rolled and gathered strength and magnitude until it filled the whole earth. We will continue to grow, to increase and spread abroad, and the powers of earth and hell combined cannot hinder it. All who are found opposing God and his people will be swept away and their names be forgotten in the earth. As the Prophets Joseph and Hyrum were murdered, and as they massacred our brethren and sisters in Missouri, so they would have served us years and years ago, if they had had the power to do so. But the Lord Almighty has said, Thus far thou shalt go and no farther, and hence we are spared to carry on his work. We are in his hands, the nations of the earth are in his hands; he rules in the midst of the armies of heaven and executes his pleasure on the earth. The hearts of all living are in his hands and he turns them as the rivers of water are turned.
We have no business here other than to build up and establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the will and law of God after that pattern and order by which Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was taken away to heaven, hence the saying went abroad that Zion had fled. By and by it will come back again, and as Enoch prepared his people to be worthy of translation, so we through our faithfulness must prepare ourselves to meet Zion from above when it shall return to earth, and to abide the brightness and glory of its coming.
My brethren and sisters, I do really delight in hearing our brethren speak on this holy order of heaven. Unity of purpose and action, in carrying out the will of our Father, has been my theme all the day long; but I have continually plead with the Saints not to waste their substance upon the lust of the eye and the flesh, for that is contrary to the will and commandments of God. I wish to say that whoever have faith enough to inherit the celestial kingdom will find that their inheritances will be upon this earth. This earth is our home; by and by it will be sanctified and glorified, and become a fit dwelling place for the sanctified, and they will dwell upon it forever and ever. I will further say I labor for the earth, I never mean to be satisfied until the whole earth is yielded to Christ and his people. When brother George Q. tells us we should not labor for the earth and the things of this world, he means we should not labor with sinful motives, and to gratify the lusts of the flesh. But if we possessed the treasure of the Gentile world, could we not send our Elders to the ends of the earth, bearing the precious Gospel to all living? Could we not sustain their families during their absence? Could we not build Temple after Temple and otherwise hasten on the work of redemption? Yes. But keep the people in poverty and how are we to accomplish this great work? I say, let us gather and accumulate the things of the earth in the manner indicated by the Lord, and then devote it to God and the building up of his kingdom. What do you say to this doctrine, is it right or wrong? [The congregation said, “It is right.“] What little property I have I wish it to be devoted to the building up of Zion, and I suppose I have as much as any other man in the Church. I am always ready to receive and take care of the blessings that God showers upon me, and am always ready and willing to devote the same to the building up of his kingdom.
Many of you may have heard what certain journalists have had to say about Brigham Young being opposed to free schools. I am opposed to free education as much as I am opposed to taking away property from one man and giving it to another who knows not how to take care of it. But when you come to the fact, I will venture to say that I school ten children to every one that those do who complain so much of me. I now pay the school fees of a number of children who are either orphans or sons and daughters of poor people. But in aiding and blessing the poor I do not believe in allowing my charities to go through the hands of a set of robbers who pocket nine-tenths themselves, and give one-tenth to the poor. Therein is the difference between us; I am for the real act of doing and not saying. Would I encourage free schools by taxation? No! That is not in keeping with the nature of our work; we should be as one family, our hearts and hands united in the bonds of the everlasting covenant; our interests alike, our children receiving equal opportunities in the schoolroom and the college.
We have today, more children between the ages of 5 and 20 years, who can read and write, than any State or Territory of the Union of a corresponding number of inhabitants. This is not exactly sustained by the statistics published of a few of the States, but from what we know of them we believe it to be the fact.
On the whole we have as good schoolhouses as can be found, and it is our right to have better ones, and to excel in everything that is good.
As to my health I feel many times that I could not live an hour longer, but I mean to live just as long as I can. I know not how soon the messenger will call for me, but I calculate to die in the harness. Amen.
The combined choir sang the anthem, “And it shall come to pass in the last days.”
The meeting was adjourned until 2 p. m.
Elder John D. T. McAllister offered the closing prayer.
Discourse by President Brigham Young, delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference, Held in the Temple, at St. George, Friday Morning, April 6, 1877.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
I would like to say a great deal during this Conference to the Latter-day Saints, but I shall be able to talk but little, and therefore when I do speak I wish you to listen, and this I believe all of you will do.
I think that, as a people, we are nearer alike in the sentiments and feelings of our hearts, than in our words. From the most excellent discourse which we have heard this morning from brother Cannon, I believe that the people might gather the idea that we shall be expected to divide our property equally one with another, and that this will constitute the United Order. I will give you my view, in as few words as possible with regard to this subject, which I will promise you are correct.
The Lord wishes and requires us to develop the ability within us, and to utilize the ability of these men, women and children called Latter-day Saints.
The most of the inhabitants of the earth are incapable of dictating and devising for themselves. In many instances there is reason for this, for they are opposed to that degree that for the lack of opportunity they are not able to develop the talents and ability that are within them. This is the condition of the people of most of the nations of the earth. All those who come out from the world, espousing the Gospel of Jesus, place themselves in a condition to be taught of him, but instead of teaching them personally, he has raised up his authorized teachers to do this work, and what does he expect of us to do? He requires, absolutely requires, of us to take these people who have named his name through baptism, and teach them how to live, and how to become healthy, wealthy and wise. This is our duty.
Supposing that the property of the whole community were divided today equally amongst all, what might we expect? Why a year from today we should need another division, for some would waste and squander it away, while others would add to their portion. The skill of building up and establishing the Zion of our God on the earth is to take the people and teach them how to take care of themselves and that which the Lord has entrusted to their care, and to use all that we command to glorify his holy name. This is the work of regenerating, of elevating mankind to the higher plane of the Gospel; in other words, of simply teaching them their duty.
With regard to our property, as I have told you many times, the property which we inherit from our Heavenly Father is our time, and the power to choose in the disposition of the same. This is the real capital that is bequeathed unto us by our Heavenly Father; all the rest is what he may be pleased to add unto us. To direct, to counsel and to advise in the disposition of our time, pertains to our calling as God's servants, according to the wisdom which he has given and will continue to give unto us as we seek it.
Now, if we could take this people, in their present condition, and teach them how to sustain and maintain themselves and a little more, we would add to that which we already have; but to take what we have and divide amongst or give to people, without teaching them how to earn and produce, would be no more nor less than to introduce the means of reducing them to a state of poverty.
I do not wish for one moment to recognize the idea that in order to establish the United Order our property has to be divided equally among the people, to let them do what they please with it. But the idea is to get the people into the same state of unity in all things temporal, that we find ourselves in with regard to things spiritual. Then let those who possess the ability and wisdom direct the labors of those not so endowed, until they too develop the talents within them and in time acquire the same degree of ability.
What do you say to this doctrine? Is it right or wrong? [The congregation answered, “It is right.“]
We want to get at a correct understanding respecting all these matters which so materially concern us. What would be the first lesson necessary to teach the people, were we to commence to direct their labors to the great end of becoming of one heart and one mind in the Lord, of establishing Zion and being filled with the power of God? It would be to stop expending and lavishing upon our dear selves all needless adornments and to stop purchasing the importations of Babylon. We can ourselves produce everything necessary for our consumption, our wear, our convenience and comfort, right here at home. We can produce and manufacture the material necessary to beautify our lands, gardens and orchards; to beautify and furnish our houses, and to adorn the beautiful bodies which we inhabit without sending our means to France, to England and other countries for things which can a little better be made at home among ourselves. The material of which these cushions were made, which adorn the pulpits, were produced here. After it was taken from the sheep, it was manufactured at our Provo factory into the cloth you now see; and the material of which the silk trimmings were made, was raised, spun, and made up by some of our sisters in this Territory. We might exhibit to you handkerchiefs, dress patterns, and shawls, all of silk, made by our sisters out of the raw material produced here through the enterprise and industry of a few. These are only simple specimens of what can be done. Suppose I were to say, “Ladies, how do you like them?” Do you not think they would say, “Pretty well?” We can improve on what has been done, and we want you to do so. Plant out the mulberry tree, and raise the silk, and let your dresses, your shawls, your bonnets and your ribbons, and everything you use to clothe and adorn your bodies, be the workmanship of your own hands. Let the brethren take hold and carry out in every department the same principle of home manufacture until we shall be able to produce the materials, and make up every article necessary to clothe and adorn the body, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet. Then we shall become a self-sustaining and growing people, and we shall have to do it. All this is in the elements in which we live, and we need the skill to utilize the elements to our growth and wealth, and this is true financiering.
We can now see the growth of the Latter-day Saints, and it is marvelous to us to see the multitude of little towns springing up here and there, and we are under the necessity of saying, Give us more room, for the older settlements are thickening up, and the people are spreading out and filling up new valleys continually. You can see the shoots putting forth and taking root; still the old stock is good, is alive and rapidly increasing.
It has been asked if we intend to settle more valleys. Why certainly we expect to fill the next valley and then the next, and the next, and so on. It has been the cry of late, through the columns of the newspapers, that the “Mormons” are going into Mexico! That is quite right, we calculate to go there. Are we going back to Jackson County? Yes. When? As soon as the way opens up. Are we all going? O no! Of course not. The country is not large enough to hold our present numbers. When we do return there, will there be any less remaining in these mountains than we number today? No, there may be a hundred then for every single one that there is now. It is folly in men to suppose that we are going to break up these our hard earned homes to make others in a new country. We intend to hold our own here, and also penetrate the north and the south, the east and the west, there to make others and to raise the ensign of truth. This is the work of God, that marvelous work and a wonder referred to by ancient men of God, who saw it in its incipiency, as a stone cut out of the mountains without hands, but which rolled and gathered strength and magnitude until it filled the whole earth. We will continue to grow, to increase and spread abroad, and the powers of earth and hell combined cannot hinder it. All who are found opposing God and his people will be swept away and their names be forgotten in the earth. As the Prophets Joseph and Hyrum were murdered, and as they massacred our brethren and sisters in Missouri, so they would have served us years and years ago, if they had had the power to do so. But the Lord Almighty has said, Thus far thou shalt go and no farther, and hence we are spared to carry on his work. We are in his hands, the nations of the earth are in his hands; he rules in the midst of the armies of heaven and executes his pleasure on the earth. The hearts of all living are in his hands and he turns them as the rivers of water are turned.
We have no business here other than to build up and establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the will and law of God after that pattern and order by which Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was taken away to heaven, hence the saying went abroad that Zion had fled. By and by it will come back again, and as Enoch prepared his people to be worthy of translation, so we through our faithfulness must prepare ourselves to meet Zion from above when it shall return to earth, and to abide the brightness and glory of its coming.
My brethren and sisters, I do really delight in hearing our brethren speak on this holy order of heaven. Unity of purpose and action, in carrying out the will of our Father, has been my theme all the day long; but I have continually plead with the Saints not to waste their substance upon the lust of the eye and the flesh, for that is contrary to the will and commandments of God. I wish to say that whoever have faith enough to inherit the celestial kingdom will find that their inheritances will be upon this earth. This earth is our home; by and by it will be sanctified and glorified, and become a fit dwelling place for the sanctified, and they will dwell upon it forever and ever. I will further say I labor for the earth, I never mean to be satisfied until the whole earth is yielded to Christ and his people. When brother George Q. tells us we should not labor for the earth and the things of this world, he means we should not labor with sinful motives, and to gratify the lusts of the flesh. But if we possessed the treasure of the Gentile world, could we not send our Elders to the ends of the earth, bearing the precious Gospel to all living? Could we not sustain their families during their absence? Could we not build Temple after Temple and otherwise hasten on the work of redemption? Yes. But keep the people in poverty and how are we to accomplish this great work? I say, let us gather and accumulate the things of the earth in the manner indicated by the Lord, and then devote it to God and the building up of his kingdom. What do you say to this doctrine, is it right or wrong? [The congregation said, “It is right.“] What little property I have I wish it to be devoted to the building up of Zion, and I suppose I have as much as any other man in the Church. I am always ready to receive and take care of the blessings that God showers upon me, and am always ready and willing to devote the same to the building up of his kingdom.
Many of you may have heard what certain journalists have had to say about Brigham Young being opposed to free schools. I am opposed to free education as much as I am opposed to taking away property from one man and giving it to another who knows not how to take care of it. But when you come to the fact, I will venture to say that I school ten children to every one that those do who complain so much of me. I now pay the school fees of a number of children who are either orphans or sons and daughters of poor people. But in aiding and blessing the poor I do not believe in allowing my charities to go through the hands of a set of robbers who pocket nine-tenths themselves, and give one-tenth to the poor. Therein is the difference between us; I am for the real act of doing and not saying. Would I encourage free schools by taxation? No! That is not in keeping with the nature of our work; we should be as one family, our hearts and hands united in the bonds of the everlasting covenant; our interests alike, our children receiving equal opportunities in the schoolroom and the college.
We have today, more children between the ages of 5 and 20 years, who can read and write, than any State or Territory of the Union of a corresponding number of inhabitants. This is not exactly sustained by the statistics published of a few of the States, but from what we know of them we believe it to be the fact.
On the whole we have as good schoolhouses as can be found, and it is our right to have better ones, and to excel in everything that is good.
As to my health I feel many times that I could not live an hour longer, but I mean to live just as long as I can. I know not how soon the messenger will call for me, but I calculate to die in the harness. Amen.
The combined choir sang the anthem, “And it shall come to pass in the last days.”
The meeting was adjourned until 2 p. m.
Elder John D. T. McAllister offered the closing prayer.
2 p.m.
The Beaver choir sang, “Let those who would be Saints indeed.”
Prayer was offered by Elder John Taylor.
The Parowan choir sang, “The Lord will comfort Zion.”
The Beaver choir sang, “Let those who would be Saints indeed.”
Prayer was offered by Elder John Taylor.
The Parowan choir sang, “The Lord will comfort Zion.”
Elder Joseph F. Smith
spoke of the privilege of entering into a temple to worship the God of Israel, and adverted in an earnest manner to the necessity of the Saints having their hearts prepared to serve the Almighty. We were called to serve God with all our might, mind and strength. The Saints must expect to receive opposition and persecution just in proportion to their faithfulness in living the religion of heaven. There was a warfare between Christ and Belial, and this would continue till righteousness covered the earth. God would triumph. All the powers of earth and hell combined could not hinder this. He exhorted the people to be strong in the Lord. The purposes of heaven would be wrought out. This work in which we were engaged would never cease till it fully accomplished that whereunto it was sent. As individuals we might turn aside from duty and apostatize, yet this kingdom would never be given to another people, but would stand forever, as was decreed from the beginning. He set forth the low estate of that man who did not seek to walk in the counsels of the Almighty. God had prospered and blessed us in these mountains. We had brought our thousands of the poorest of the poor from the nations of the earth. The United Order would be easily established when we were willing to recognize the truth that we did not own what we possessed, but that it was the Lord’s. We were not prepared for Babylon to fall, for we had not done our duty in preparing ourselves to be self-sustaining. God had given wisdom and inspiration to our leaders to direct our efforts and labors, but we had not been sufficiently diligent in obeying the counsels given us. He concluded by exhorting to increased diligence in obeying the requirements of our holy religion.
spoke of the privilege of entering into a temple to worship the God of Israel, and adverted in an earnest manner to the necessity of the Saints having their hearts prepared to serve the Almighty. We were called to serve God with all our might, mind and strength. The Saints must expect to receive opposition and persecution just in proportion to their faithfulness in living the religion of heaven. There was a warfare between Christ and Belial, and this would continue till righteousness covered the earth. God would triumph. All the powers of earth and hell combined could not hinder this. He exhorted the people to be strong in the Lord. The purposes of heaven would be wrought out. This work in which we were engaged would never cease till it fully accomplished that whereunto it was sent. As individuals we might turn aside from duty and apostatize, yet this kingdom would never be given to another people, but would stand forever, as was decreed from the beginning. He set forth the low estate of that man who did not seek to walk in the counsels of the Almighty. God had prospered and blessed us in these mountains. We had brought our thousands of the poorest of the poor from the nations of the earth. The United Order would be easily established when we were willing to recognize the truth that we did not own what we possessed, but that it was the Lord’s. We were not prepared for Babylon to fall, for we had not done our duty in preparing ourselves to be self-sustaining. God had given wisdom and inspiration to our leaders to direct our efforts and labors, but we had not been sufficiently diligent in obeying the counsels given us. He concluded by exhorting to increased diligence in obeying the requirements of our holy religion.
President John W. Young
said we all had much to learn pertaining to this latter-day work. We were the most united people that we knew of on this earth, but we were not united as we should be, for we partook too much of the business ways of the world, too much of that way in which the wicked walked who preyed upon each other and built themselves up at the expense of their fellows. It did seem that we should stop and consider our ways and combine our efforts. We had the inspiration, the power of God, and the living oracle present to direct us. To those who held this power, we must more willingly listen and more readily obey. He concluded by saying, “My testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, is that God calls us to change our manner of business and prepare ourselves to live more agreeably to the will of heaven.”
said we all had much to learn pertaining to this latter-day work. We were the most united people that we knew of on this earth, but we were not united as we should be, for we partook too much of the business ways of the world, too much of that way in which the wicked walked who preyed upon each other and built themselves up at the expense of their fellows. It did seem that we should stop and consider our ways and combine our efforts. We had the inspiration, the power of God, and the living oracle present to direct us. To those who held this power, we must more willingly listen and more readily obey. He concluded by saying, “My testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, is that God calls us to change our manner of business and prepare ourselves to live more agreeably to the will of heaven.”
Prest. B. Young
said he desired to preach in terms not long but loud. In all our deal, we should do unto others as we would have others to do by us.
The Parowan choir sang, “Oh, praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise him, all ye people.”
Meeting adjourned till 10 a.m. to-morrow.
Benediction by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
said he desired to preach in terms not long but loud. In all our deal, we should do unto others as we would have others to do by us.
The Parowan choir sang, “Oh, praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise him, all ye people.”
Meeting adjourned till 10 a.m. to-morrow.
Benediction by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
SECOND DAY—10 a.m.
St. George, April 7, 1877.
The St. George combined choir sang, “All hail the glorious day, by prophets long foretold.”
Prayer by Elder Thomas J. Jones.
The Beaver choir sang an anthem, “Oh come, let us sing unto the Lord.”
St. George, April 7, 1877.
The St. George combined choir sang, “All hail the glorious day, by prophets long foretold.”
Prayer by Elder Thomas J. Jones.
The Beaver choir sang an anthem, “Oh come, let us sing unto the Lord.”
Elder Charles C. Rich
spoke on the subject of our present duty as the covenant children of God. One of the imperative labors placed on us was to so combine our temporal interests that we might be self-sustaining. We professed to be Saints of the Most High God. If we lived up to this profession we should be always ready to receive the directing word of the Almighty and govern our lives by it. Notwithstanding the experience some of us had had for so many years, we were not as forward in the path of obedience as we ought to be. The way of the world who knew not God was to accumulate great wealth in the hands of a comparatively few, and allow many to languish in extreme poverty. This was not the way nor the will of the Father of all. He required those who would be obedient to his will to have business so organized that none should be poor. We were called to build up the kingdom of God on the earth by practising the principles of righteousness in all things. If we reviewed our experience we should find that most of our difficulties with each other arose from selfishness. When we took a course to show that we did love our neighbor as ourselves, perfect agreement would be very much promoted. If we were questioned, we found the general feeling was that we desired to be subject to the will of Heaven in all things. Now we were called to manifest this desire more completely in our lives. We must take a course to be found wise virgins at the time of the Lord’s coming.
spoke on the subject of our present duty as the covenant children of God. One of the imperative labors placed on us was to so combine our temporal interests that we might be self-sustaining. We professed to be Saints of the Most High God. If we lived up to this profession we should be always ready to receive the directing word of the Almighty and govern our lives by it. Notwithstanding the experience some of us had had for so many years, we were not as forward in the path of obedience as we ought to be. The way of the world who knew not God was to accumulate great wealth in the hands of a comparatively few, and allow many to languish in extreme poverty. This was not the way nor the will of the Father of all. He required those who would be obedient to his will to have business so organized that none should be poor. We were called to build up the kingdom of God on the earth by practising the principles of righteousness in all things. If we reviewed our experience we should find that most of our difficulties with each other arose from selfishness. When we took a course to show that we did love our neighbor as ourselves, perfect agreement would be very much promoted. If we were questioned, we found the general feeling was that we desired to be subject to the will of Heaven in all things. Now we were called to manifest this desire more completely in our lives. We must take a course to be found wise virgins at the time of the Lord’s coming.
Elder Wilford Woodruff
realized that dependence upon the Spirit of God to speak to the edification of the people. He spoke of the divine mission which had been laid upon Joseph Smith, to whom had been given the keys of the Aaronic and of the Melchizedec priesthoods, by means of which according to the law of God for the salvation of the living and of the dead. It was a fact that Brigham Young had been raised up and endowed by Almighty God with power to lead the people in the ways of life eternal and to organize the covenant people of God in all things. It was a fact that God had raised up Elders and helps in government to carry on this great Latter-day work. Let us go with all our might, to work out our own salvation, and to redeem the generations of the dead. It was our duty to hearken to the counsels of the servants of God, and to act upon the instructions given to us relative to the United Order. We had been protected by the power of the Most High. Had this not been so, the prophets and apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ would be just as completely destroyed from the earth in this generation as they were anciently. The purposes of the Almighty would come to pass. Judgments would be poured out upon all nations. We have not been as faithful nor as prompt as we should have been, but where we had heretofore been slack in the performance of duty we should improve. He concluded by very earnestly appealing to the Latter-day Saints to be diligent in attending to the necessary temple ordinances for and in behalf of the dead.
realized that dependence upon the Spirit of God to speak to the edification of the people. He spoke of the divine mission which had been laid upon Joseph Smith, to whom had been given the keys of the Aaronic and of the Melchizedec priesthoods, by means of which according to the law of God for the salvation of the living and of the dead. It was a fact that Brigham Young had been raised up and endowed by Almighty God with power to lead the people in the ways of life eternal and to organize the covenant people of God in all things. It was a fact that God had raised up Elders and helps in government to carry on this great Latter-day work. Let us go with all our might, to work out our own salvation, and to redeem the generations of the dead. It was our duty to hearken to the counsels of the servants of God, and to act upon the instructions given to us relative to the United Order. We had been protected by the power of the Most High. Had this not been so, the prophets and apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ would be just as completely destroyed from the earth in this generation as they were anciently. The purposes of the Almighty would come to pass. Judgments would be poured out upon all nations. We have not been as faithful nor as prompt as we should have been, but where we had heretofore been slack in the performance of duty we should improve. He concluded by very earnestly appealing to the Latter-day Saints to be diligent in attending to the necessary temple ordinances for and in behalf of the dead.
Elder George Q. Cannon
read the following list of missionaries--
To Europe—Alexander F. McDonald, Alexander F. McDonald, Jr., David Milne, all of St. George; John Steel, Toquerville; Mahona Steele, Pangwitch; Daniel D. McArthur, William H. Branch, Jr., both of St. George; Geo. Kirkham, Lehi; Edwin D. Wooley, Jr., Erastus W. McIntire, both of St. George; Thos. Lockyer, Jos. E. Cowley, both of Logan; Aaron McDonald, St. George; Franklin S. Richards, Ogden; Warren B. Smith, American Fork; R. Cleghorn, Aurelius Miner, both of Salt Lake City; Edward Partridge, Fillmore.
To Arizona—Neils Joseph Rosebury, Richfield; Henry Job Smith, Salt Lake City; Philip De La Mere, Tooele City; A. H. Patterson, Leman Curtis and sons, Wm. Ballard, Murlin Plumb, John Plumb, Parley Sabins, Libeus T. Coons, George Patten, Jr., George Killion, Daniel Thomas, William Hall and John Syms, all of Payson and Pondtown.
To the United States—John Alger, St. George; ----- Page, of Washington; Joseph Nobles, Springville; John D. L. Pearce, St. George.
The conference, by uplifted hand without dissent, voted to sustain the appointment of the foregoing to their respective fields of labor.
read the following list of missionaries--
To Europe—Alexander F. McDonald, Alexander F. McDonald, Jr., David Milne, all of St. George; John Steel, Toquerville; Mahona Steele, Pangwitch; Daniel D. McArthur, William H. Branch, Jr., both of St. George; Geo. Kirkham, Lehi; Edwin D. Wooley, Jr., Erastus W. McIntire, both of St. George; Thos. Lockyer, Jos. E. Cowley, both of Logan; Aaron McDonald, St. George; Franklin S. Richards, Ogden; Warren B. Smith, American Fork; R. Cleghorn, Aurelius Miner, both of Salt Lake City; Edward Partridge, Fillmore.
To Arizona—Neils Joseph Rosebury, Richfield; Henry Job Smith, Salt Lake City; Philip De La Mere, Tooele City; A. H. Patterson, Leman Curtis and sons, Wm. Ballard, Murlin Plumb, John Plumb, Parley Sabins, Libeus T. Coons, George Patten, Jr., George Killion, Daniel Thomas, William Hall and John Syms, all of Payson and Pondtown.
To the United States—John Alger, St. George; ----- Page, of Washington; Joseph Nobles, Springville; John D. L. Pearce, St. George.
The conference, by uplifted hand without dissent, voted to sustain the appointment of the foregoing to their respective fields of labor.
Elder Geo. Q. Cannon
spoke of the blessings of peace and prosperity which were being enjoyed by the Saints. He spoke of the increase of poverty and wretchedness in New York, Washington, and other eastern cities, and felt to give thanks to God for his goodness to his people. But when he considered the antagonism between Christ and Belial, he questioned in his mind would peace and immunity from persecution be continued to this people. Our trust was and must be in God. He was our defender. If our lives were ordered in faith we should continue to be preserved.
spoke of the blessings of peace and prosperity which were being enjoyed by the Saints. He spoke of the increase of poverty and wretchedness in New York, Washington, and other eastern cities, and felt to give thanks to God for his goodness to his people. But when he considered the antagonism between Christ and Belial, he questioned in his mind would peace and immunity from persecution be continued to this people. Our trust was and must be in God. He was our defender. If our lives were ordered in faith we should continue to be preserved.
President B. Young
addressed the conference to the effect that the purer the Latter-day Saints were the greater would be the rage of the wicked, but the less would be their power to persecute.
The Parowan choir sang, “As the heart panteth after the water brooks.”
Conference adjourned till 2 p. m.
Benediction by Elder Henry Eyring.
addressed the conference to the effect that the purer the Latter-day Saints were the greater would be the rage of the wicked, but the less would be their power to persecute.
The Parowan choir sang, “As the heart panteth after the water brooks.”
Conference adjourned till 2 p. m.
Benediction by Elder Henry Eyring.
2 p.m.
Singing by the Beaver choir.
Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt.
The Parowan choir sang, “God moves in a mysterious way.”
Singing by the Beaver choir.
Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt.
The Parowan choir sang, “God moves in a mysterious way.”
Elder Geo. Q. Cannon
read the following list of missionaries--
Walter J. Winsor, Elijah Potter, Frederick Hamblin, Charles Riggs, Lawrence C. Mariger, John T. Eager, David K. Udall, Levi Stewart, Kanab.
David Johnson, Alma W. Johnson, Johnson.
W. J. Powell, Hans Golbranson, Joseph City.
George B. Gardner, Virgin City.
Wm. Eager, Hillsdale.
John Averett, John W. Freeman, Bro. Nichols, Washington.
Wyllys D. Fuller, Revilo Fuller, Alfred Randall, George Earl, Harrisburg.
James Dean, Calvin Kelsey, Frederick Judd, Brigham Hall, Commodore P. Liston, St. George.
Moses Curtis and sons, Payson.
Joseph Bull, Jr., O. H. Riggs, Salt Lake City.
Mosiah L. Hancock, Jr., Alma Angell, Leeds.
Jefferson C. Wright, Virgin City.
Robert S. Berrett, James Montgomery, Eugene Campbell, Edward W. Wade, North Ogden.
Robert Sloan, Wm. Burton, 15th Ward, Royal B. Sagers, Harry Eergy, Samuel Peterson, A. Frazier, G. P. Mortensen, Joseph W. Taylor, Salt Lake City.
Peter Graves, Ephraim.
Fred. A. Miller, Lynne.
John Hubbard, M. W. Dalton, Willard City.
Robert Lake, of the Kiowa Nation.
Sam’l L. Adams, W. J. Carter, St. George.
Henry Flamm, Logan.
Jacob Naef, Jacob Muller, Providence.
Jacob Scharror, Payson.
Daniel Jacobs, St. Charles.
Peter Graff, Draperville.
Niels Madsen, Jr., Brigham City.
F. F. Hintze, Cottonwood.
A. Frederickson, Logan.
B. P. Wulfenstejn, Price City.
Edward Hemsley, Job Hemsley, Mill Creek.
read the following list of missionaries--
Walter J. Winsor, Elijah Potter, Frederick Hamblin, Charles Riggs, Lawrence C. Mariger, John T. Eager, David K. Udall, Levi Stewart, Kanab.
David Johnson, Alma W. Johnson, Johnson.
W. J. Powell, Hans Golbranson, Joseph City.
George B. Gardner, Virgin City.
Wm. Eager, Hillsdale.
John Averett, John W. Freeman, Bro. Nichols, Washington.
Wyllys D. Fuller, Revilo Fuller, Alfred Randall, George Earl, Harrisburg.
James Dean, Calvin Kelsey, Frederick Judd, Brigham Hall, Commodore P. Liston, St. George.
Moses Curtis and sons, Payson.
Joseph Bull, Jr., O. H. Riggs, Salt Lake City.
Mosiah L. Hancock, Jr., Alma Angell, Leeds.
Jefferson C. Wright, Virgin City.
Robert S. Berrett, James Montgomery, Eugene Campbell, Edward W. Wade, North Ogden.
Robert Sloan, Wm. Burton, 15th Ward, Royal B. Sagers, Harry Eergy, Samuel Peterson, A. Frazier, G. P. Mortensen, Joseph W. Taylor, Salt Lake City.
Peter Graves, Ephraim.
Fred. A. Miller, Lynne.
John Hubbard, M. W. Dalton, Willard City.
Robert Lake, of the Kiowa Nation.
Sam’l L. Adams, W. J. Carter, St. George.
Henry Flamm, Logan.
Jacob Naef, Jacob Muller, Providence.
Jacob Scharror, Payson.
Daniel Jacobs, St. Charles.
Peter Graff, Draperville.
Niels Madsen, Jr., Brigham City.
F. F. Hintze, Cottonwood.
A. Frederickson, Logan.
B. P. Wulfenstejn, Price City.
Edward Hemsley, Job Hemsley, Mill Creek.
Elder Cannon presented the following authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained by vote of the 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.
John D. T. McAllister, President of the St. George stake. Thomas J. Jones and Henry Eyring his Counsellors.
Marius Ensign, James G. Bleak, John O. Angus, Wm. Empey, Erastus W. McIntyre, Samuel Miles, Richard Bentley, John M. Macfarlane, Erastus W. Snow, Charles Smith, John Lytle, Archibald Sullivan, Joseph Birch, members of the High Council of St. George.
William Fawsett, President of the High Priests’ Quorum of St. George stake. William G. Perkins and John Lytle, his Counselors.
Joseph Young, President of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates, and John Van Cott, members of the first seven Presidents of the Seventies.
Wm. Squires President of the Elders’ Quorum of St. George stake. Erastus B. Snow and Ephraim Wilson, his Counselors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop, Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton, his Counselors.
Easton Kelsey President of the Priests’ Quorum of St. George stake. Robert D. Covington and William Barnes, his Counselors.
Thomas Cottam, President of the Teachers’ Quorum of St. George stake. Josiah G. Hardy and Samuel B. Hardy, his Counsellors.
Edward W. Starr, President of the Deacons’ Quorum of the St. George stake. Frederick W. Foremaster and George Baker, 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.
James G. Bleak 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.
John D. T. McAllister, President of the St. George stake. Thomas J. Jones and Henry Eyring his Counsellors.
Marius Ensign, James G. Bleak, John O. Angus, Wm. Empey, Erastus W. McIntyre, Samuel Miles, Richard Bentley, John M. Macfarlane, Erastus W. Snow, Charles Smith, John Lytle, Archibald Sullivan, Joseph Birch, members of the High Council of St. George.
William Fawsett, President of the High Priests’ Quorum of St. George stake. William G. Perkins and John Lytle, his Counselors.
Joseph Young, President of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates, and John Van Cott, members of the first seven Presidents of the Seventies.
Wm. Squires President of the Elders’ Quorum of St. George stake. Erastus B. Snow and Ephraim Wilson, his Counselors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop, Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton, his Counselors.
Easton Kelsey President of the Priests’ Quorum of St. George stake. Robert D. Covington and William Barnes, his Counselors.
Thomas Cottam, President of the Teachers’ Quorum of St. George stake. Josiah G. Hardy and Samuel B. Hardy, his Counsellors.
Edward W. Starr, President of the Deacons’ Quorum of the St. George stake. Frederick W. Foremaster and George Baker, 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.
James G. Bleak was sustained as Clerk of Conference.
Elder F. D. Richards
said he esteemed it a high privilege to address the people in a holy temple. He referred to leaving the Nauvoo Temple. When he was leaving Nauvoo, he remarked to President B. Young, “What a pity it is that we have to leave such a beautiful edifice.” The President replied, “Yes, it is beautiful, but we have the satisfaction of taking the substance with us, leaving behind us only the shadow.” Elder Richards dwelt on the honor which was conferred on the elders who were called to go on missions, and spoke on the necessity of the people being one in temporal as in spiritual things. If we did not become one in temporal things, how could we be really one in spiritual things? Good results were apparent from the efforts of the brethren to unite in temporal things, as evidenced in Brigham City, Orderville, and other places. He spoke of the calamity that had befallen the world in being without direct revelation from God to guide in the ways of life everlasting. Saints realize to some extent that darkness of mind is a calamity indeed. Under the directing power of the Almighty, the Saints had been greatly blessed, the resources of the country had been to some extent developed, producing plenty and means of comfort in life. He earnestly desired that the practice of the principles of the holy United Order might increase in Israel.
said he esteemed it a high privilege to address the people in a holy temple. He referred to leaving the Nauvoo Temple. When he was leaving Nauvoo, he remarked to President B. Young, “What a pity it is that we have to leave such a beautiful edifice.” The President replied, “Yes, it is beautiful, but we have the satisfaction of taking the substance with us, leaving behind us only the shadow.” Elder Richards dwelt on the honor which was conferred on the elders who were called to go on missions, and spoke on the necessity of the people being one in temporal as in spiritual things. If we did not become one in temporal things, how could we be really one in spiritual things? Good results were apparent from the efforts of the brethren to unite in temporal things, as evidenced in Brigham City, Orderville, and other places. He spoke of the calamity that had befallen the world in being without direct revelation from God to guide in the ways of life everlasting. Saints realize to some extent that darkness of mind is a calamity indeed. Under the directing power of the Almighty, the Saints had been greatly blessed, the resources of the country had been to some extent developed, producing plenty and means of comfort in life. He earnestly desired that the practice of the principles of the holy United Order might increase in Israel.
Elder Erastus Snow
said God required us to be one. We had been called out of Babylon that we might become God’s own peculiar people. Those who had property and had learned the gospel, understood that it was our imperative duty to become one in our temporal concerns. This oneness that we talked of was not to be brought about by taking the substance of the frugal and giving to the spendthrift. As we varied in our capacity and in the size of our families, so was it needed that we should vary in the substance and inheritances imparted to us. We were the Lord’s stewards, called upon to be faithful. When we were first baptized, if we but knew the commandments of God, we were baptized into the United Order. Every time we raised our hands to sustain our President, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, we renewed our covenants to receive the word and will of the Lord as given through him. All the substance of this people, and their lives, their talents, and their labors, should be consecrated to the building up of the Zion of our God. It was the hearts of this people that the Almighty required. When he had these, the substance of the Saints would be subject to him, to be used to build temples, send out missionaries, or whatever heaven might direct. Our co-operative institutions should be so conducted as to benefit the people at large, and not to build up a few capitalists.
said God required us to be one. We had been called out of Babylon that we might become God’s own peculiar people. Those who had property and had learned the gospel, understood that it was our imperative duty to become one in our temporal concerns. This oneness that we talked of was not to be brought about by taking the substance of the frugal and giving to the spendthrift. As we varied in our capacity and in the size of our families, so was it needed that we should vary in the substance and inheritances imparted to us. We were the Lord’s stewards, called upon to be faithful. When we were first baptized, if we but knew the commandments of God, we were baptized into the United Order. Every time we raised our hands to sustain our President, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, we renewed our covenants to receive the word and will of the Lord as given through him. All the substance of this people, and their lives, their talents, and their labors, should be consecrated to the building up of the Zion of our God. It was the hearts of this people that the Almighty required. When he had these, the substance of the Saints would be subject to him, to be used to build temples, send out missionaries, or whatever heaven might direct. Our co-operative institutions should be so conducted as to benefit the people at large, and not to build up a few capitalists.
Elder Cannon
presented the following names of missionaries, which were unanimously sustained by vote of the Conference--
Elder Joseph F. Smith, to Europe, to take charge of the European Mission, with headquarters at Liverpool.
Alma L. Smith, of Coalville.
Charles Nibley, Logan.
John Hafen, Santa Clara.
Elder Cannon then presented the names of fourteen Elders whose mission is to study the Spanish language. These received the sustaining vote of the Conference.
It was moved, seconded, and unanimously carried that the Relief Societies throughout the Church take a mission to raise silk and do all in their power to clothe themselves and their families.
The St. George combined choir sang an anthem, “Behold, O God, our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.”
Conference adjourned till 10 a.m. to-morrow.
Benediction by Elder Thos. J. Jones.
presented the following names of missionaries, which were unanimously sustained by vote of the Conference--
Elder Joseph F. Smith, to Europe, to take charge of the European Mission, with headquarters at Liverpool.
Alma L. Smith, of Coalville.
Charles Nibley, Logan.
John Hafen, Santa Clara.
Elder Cannon then presented the names of fourteen Elders whose mission is to study the Spanish language. These received the sustaining vote of the Conference.
It was moved, seconded, and unanimously carried that the Relief Societies throughout the Church take a mission to raise silk and do all in their power to clothe themselves and their families.
The St. George combined choir sang an anthem, “Behold, O God, our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.”
Conference adjourned till 10 a.m. to-morrow.
Benediction by Elder Thos. J. Jones.
THIRD DAY.
St. George, April 8, 1877. 10 a.m.
President B. Young gave out the anthem, “But in the last days it shall come to pass,” which was sung by the Parowan choir.
Prayer was offered by Elder John Taylor.
President John W. Young gave out the anthem, “We will call upon the Lord,” which was sung by the Beaver choir.
St. George, April 8, 1877. 10 a.m.
President B. Young gave out the anthem, “But in the last days it shall come to pass,” which was sung by the Parowan choir.
Prayer was offered by Elder John Taylor.
President John W. Young gave out the anthem, “We will call upon the Lord,” which was sung by the Beaver choir.
Elder Brigham Young, Jr.,
spoke of the privilege which we at this conference enjoyed of meeting together in the first Temple which had been erected by the Latter-day Saints in these mountains. This privilege was one which had been looked forward to with earnest and prayerful aspirations by the people of God who had been gathered. This holy habitation erected to the name of the Most High God was a beautiful and forcible illustration of the union which existed among us. The result of his experience for the past thirty years enabled him to testify that the kingdom of God was and had been onward and upward, and that the Almighty owned and blessed his people. In speaking of the United Order he said that its principles were put in practice to a great extent in the first settlement of Salt Lake Valley. Not a settlement had been made in these mountains since that time, but in its commencement, it was indebted to the principal of union. It was after we had made our irrigating canals, our joint fences, our roads, and what we called public improvements, that our individualism stood out more prominently. When the persecuted and driven church had left their comfortable homes in Nauvoo and were on their way to these valleys, this same principles of union caused that noble response of five hundred men to go to serve the United States in Mexico, in answer to the call of President Brigham Young. This act was approbated of a power and blessing which had been over the church from that time to this. So with all the combined movements which we had made. These results should encourage the people to adopt the principle of union in all their temporal affairs. The word of God had been delivered to us, that it was his will that we should become one in all things. His word we must receive, or our progress was at an end as Saints of the Most High. What was the United Order? It was godliness. It was the order of heaven, the system which prevailed among the heavenly hosts, as we should find when we got to where God and his Christ dwelt. He said, “I will close my remarks by bearing my testimony that the progress of the members of this church who will not receive and carry out the principles of this United Order is at an end, and that this temple will be a means to test the faithfulness and purity of the Latter-day Saints.”
The Parowan choir, at the request of President B. Young, sang the hymn commencing on page 143, “Oh my Father, thou that dwellest in the high and glorious place.”
spoke of the privilege which we at this conference enjoyed of meeting together in the first Temple which had been erected by the Latter-day Saints in these mountains. This privilege was one which had been looked forward to with earnest and prayerful aspirations by the people of God who had been gathered. This holy habitation erected to the name of the Most High God was a beautiful and forcible illustration of the union which existed among us. The result of his experience for the past thirty years enabled him to testify that the kingdom of God was and had been onward and upward, and that the Almighty owned and blessed his people. In speaking of the United Order he said that its principles were put in practice to a great extent in the first settlement of Salt Lake Valley. Not a settlement had been made in these mountains since that time, but in its commencement, it was indebted to the principal of union. It was after we had made our irrigating canals, our joint fences, our roads, and what we called public improvements, that our individualism stood out more prominently. When the persecuted and driven church had left their comfortable homes in Nauvoo and were on their way to these valleys, this same principles of union caused that noble response of five hundred men to go to serve the United States in Mexico, in answer to the call of President Brigham Young. This act was approbated of a power and blessing which had been over the church from that time to this. So with all the combined movements which we had made. These results should encourage the people to adopt the principle of union in all their temporal affairs. The word of God had been delivered to us, that it was his will that we should become one in all things. His word we must receive, or our progress was at an end as Saints of the Most High. What was the United Order? It was godliness. It was the order of heaven, the system which prevailed among the heavenly hosts, as we should find when we got to where God and his Christ dwelt. He said, “I will close my remarks by bearing my testimony that the progress of the members of this church who will not receive and carry out the principles of this United Order is at an end, and that this temple will be a means to test the faithfulness and purity of the Latter-day Saints.”
The Parowan choir, at the request of President B. Young, sang the hymn commencing on page 143, “Oh my Father, thou that dwellest in the high and glorious place.”
Elder John Taylor
said there was no more important subject than that of the United Order. Though we might, because of our weakness, make mistakes in carrying out the principles of this holy order, it had nevertheless emanated from God, and it was our present and future duty. A partial application of this principle caused us to send teams back and back again to gather out the poorer ones who had not enough left after the persecution and drivings which took place in Missouri and in Illinois, also to send our sons, our teams, and our means to gather the poor who had embraced the gospel among the nations of the earth. It was the application of this principle that enabled us to build temples, send elders to the nations of the earth, and use our best endeavors to build up the Zion of our God on the earth. Every member of the church should nourish and cherish an increasing love for and practice this heaven-born principle of union. If we were not one we were not the Lord’s.
said there was no more important subject than that of the United Order. Though we might, because of our weakness, make mistakes in carrying out the principles of this holy order, it had nevertheless emanated from God, and it was our present and future duty. A partial application of this principle caused us to send teams back and back again to gather out the poorer ones who had not enough left after the persecution and drivings which took place in Missouri and in Illinois, also to send our sons, our teams, and our means to gather the poor who had embraced the gospel among the nations of the earth. It was the application of this principle that enabled us to build temples, send elders to the nations of the earth, and use our best endeavors to build up the Zion of our God on the earth. Every member of the church should nourish and cherish an increasing love for and practice this heaven-born principle of union. If we were not one we were not the Lord’s.
President B. Young
addressed the conference upon union. He also announced that the seats of the congregation would be reversed for this afternoon’s service, and Bishop Edward Hunter who occupied the west stand, would take charge of the administration of the Sacrament.
addressed the conference upon union. He also announced that the seats of the congregation would be reversed for this afternoon’s service, and Bishop Edward Hunter who occupied the west stand, would take charge of the administration of the Sacrament.
Elder George Q. Cannon
presented the following list of missionaries, the Conference approving by unanimous vote--
John Kartchner, Hyrum Judd, Hyrum J. Judd, Arza Judd, Don C. Judd, Ira Judd, Ammon Judd, L. H. Judd, Joseph Craig, Ira Elmer, Ira Elmer, Jr., Wm. Osborn, Panguitch.
Peter Fife, Cedar.
Richard Gibbons, Glendale.
J. E. Metcalf, Fayette.
Thomas J. Clark, Washington.
Wm. Flake, Beaver.
Samuel Claridge, Orderville.
Wm. H. Longhurst, sen., Morgan Longhurst, Wm. H. Longhurst, Jr., Charles Longhurst, George A. Wittington, all of Woodruff, Rich County.
F. A. King, St. George.
Wm. C. McClellan, Payson.
George Daily, Payson.
Abraham Perkins, Washington.
H. B. Clawson, Jr., Walter Beatie, Nelson Empey, James Harris Ferguson, Samuel Hill, Morris B. Young, all of Salt Lake City.
Alma B. Dunford, St. George.
Abraham Kimball, Kanosh.
X. T. Slagowski, St. George.
John R. Young, Orderville.
A. J. Stratton, Virgin.
Carl Olsen, Mayfield.
Jens Andersen, Ephraim.
Andrew Peterson, Lehi.
Benj. J. Nielsen, Cedar.
John Petersen, Spring City.
Jacob Rolfsen, Mt. Pleasant.
John Ekker, Salt Lake City.
After singing and prayer, Conference adjourned till 2 p. m.
presented the following list of missionaries, the Conference approving by unanimous vote--
John Kartchner, Hyrum Judd, Hyrum J. Judd, Arza Judd, Don C. Judd, Ira Judd, Ammon Judd, L. H. Judd, Joseph Craig, Ira Elmer, Ira Elmer, Jr., Wm. Osborn, Panguitch.
Peter Fife, Cedar.
Richard Gibbons, Glendale.
J. E. Metcalf, Fayette.
Thomas J. Clark, Washington.
Wm. Flake, Beaver.
Samuel Claridge, Orderville.
Wm. H. Longhurst, sen., Morgan Longhurst, Wm. H. Longhurst, Jr., Charles Longhurst, George A. Wittington, all of Woodruff, Rich County.
F. A. King, St. George.
Wm. C. McClellan, Payson.
George Daily, Payson.
Abraham Perkins, Washington.
H. B. Clawson, Jr., Walter Beatie, Nelson Empey, James Harris Ferguson, Samuel Hill, Morris B. Young, all of Salt Lake City.
Alma B. Dunford, St. George.
Abraham Kimball, Kanosh.
X. T. Slagowski, St. George.
John R. Young, Orderville.
A. J. Stratton, Virgin.
Carl Olsen, Mayfield.
Jens Andersen, Ephraim.
Andrew Peterson, Lehi.
Benj. J. Nielsen, Cedar.
John Petersen, Spring City.
Jacob Rolfsen, Mt. Pleasant.
John Ekker, Salt Lake City.
After singing and prayer, Conference adjourned till 2 p. m.
2 p.m.
Singing by the Beaver choir, “Glorious things are sung of Zion.”
Prayer by Bishop E. D. Woolley.
Singing by the Parowan choir, “He died, the Great Redeemer died.”
Singing by the Beaver choir, “Glorious things are sung of Zion.”
Prayer by Bishop E. D. Woolley.
Singing by the Parowan choir, “He died, the Great Redeemer died.”
Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter
said he had been a long time numbered with the Latter-day Saints. He referred to the good works which had been effected by the union of the people, among others the erection of this beautiful Temple. He dwelt upon the great privilege which was accorded to him and every faithful Saint to be a savior on Mount Zion. He spoke of the necessity of us serving God with full purpose of heart. Less service than this would not be accepted by heaven. He rejoiced in the priesthood to which he had been called, and though he had to struggle with his weakness, his most earnest desire was to build up the Zion of God on the earth. The testimony of his experience was that God was with this people. His desire was to devote himself and what he possessed to the work and will of God. He bore testimony that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Most High God, and Brigham Young was his successor.
said he had been a long time numbered with the Latter-day Saints. He referred to the good works which had been effected by the union of the people, among others the erection of this beautiful Temple. He dwelt upon the great privilege which was accorded to him and every faithful Saint to be a savior on Mount Zion. He spoke of the necessity of us serving God with full purpose of heart. Less service than this would not be accepted by heaven. He rejoiced in the priesthood to which he had been called, and though he had to struggle with his weakness, his most earnest desire was to build up the Zion of God on the earth. The testimony of his experience was that God was with this people. His desire was to devote himself and what he possessed to the work and will of God. He bore testimony that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Most High God, and Brigham Young was his successor.
Bishop Wm. B. Preston
said he felt thankful for the privilege of worshipping in a temple of God. He had been for twenty years trying to learn to hold himself and all that he had ready for the building up of the kingdom of God. He had covenanted many years ago to obey the commandments of God and he was still trying to prepare himself to do his duty in all things. He bore testimony that the gospel of Jesus was true, and the United Order was from heaven and would never fail, and if we carried out the instructions we received, we should be fully saved, temporally and spiritually.
said he felt thankful for the privilege of worshipping in a temple of God. He had been for twenty years trying to learn to hold himself and all that he had ready for the building up of the kingdom of God. He had covenanted many years ago to obey the commandments of God and he was still trying to prepare himself to do his duty in all things. He bore testimony that the gospel of Jesus was true, and the United Order was from heaven and would never fail, and if we carried out the instructions we received, we should be fully saved, temporally and spiritually.
Bishop Edwin D. Woolley
said he never felt as forcibly as now the necessity of living in closer communion with God and of rendering more strict obedience to the counsels of the Lord through his servants. He felt to recognize the hand of God in the erection of this holy house in this desert land. He had walked in the Kirtland temple, and had assisted in the erection and use of the Nauvoo temple, but he had never experienced the holy emotion which had pervaded his whole being in treading these holy courts. He bore testimony that God was with his people. He had been nearly forty years struggling with himself, but felt that he would go from this temple with renewed power to overcome and to more effectively devote himself to the rolling on of the purposes of the Almighty. He said that the very existence of this temple in this desolate land would, according to his belief, sanctify the forbidding looking surroundings, and that springs of water would burst forth in this thirsty land.
said he never felt as forcibly as now the necessity of living in closer communion with God and of rendering more strict obedience to the counsels of the Lord through his servants. He felt to recognize the hand of God in the erection of this holy house in this desert land. He had walked in the Kirtland temple, and had assisted in the erection and use of the Nauvoo temple, but he had never experienced the holy emotion which had pervaded his whole being in treading these holy courts. He bore testimony that God was with his people. He had been nearly forty years struggling with himself, but felt that he would go from this temple with renewed power to overcome and to more effectively devote himself to the rolling on of the purposes of the Almighty. He said that the very existence of this temple in this desolate land would, according to his belief, sanctify the forbidding looking surroundings, and that springs of water would burst forth in this thirsty land.
President B. Young
addressed the conference upon the acceptance of the temple, self-sustaining, etc.
The following were by vote added to the missionary list--
Job. Rowland, Logan.
James R. Liston, J. A. Brunn, both of St. George.
Warren R. Tenney, Mendez Cooper, both of Washington.
Charles F. Gardner, Geo. B. Gardner, Junr., Alpheus Gillespie, all of Virgin City.
Frederick Christensen, Warren Sidney Pace, William Patten, all of Payson.
Calvin Reed, Pond-town.
President B. Young said. “We will adjourn this conference from this house to the New Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, commencing at 10 o’clock in the morning of October sixth next.”
The St. George choir sang. “How beautiful upon the mountains.”
The congregation arose and sang the hymn commencing on page 268, “The spirit of God like a fire is burning.”
addressed the conference upon the acceptance of the temple, self-sustaining, etc.
The following were by vote added to the missionary list--
Job. Rowland, Logan.
James R. Liston, J. A. Brunn, both of St. George.
Warren R. Tenney, Mendez Cooper, both of Washington.
Charles F. Gardner, Geo. B. Gardner, Junr., Alpheus Gillespie, all of Virgin City.
Frederick Christensen, Warren Sidney Pace, William Patten, all of Payson.
Calvin Reed, Pond-town.
President B. Young said. “We will adjourn this conference from this house to the New Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, commencing at 10 o’clock in the morning of October sixth next.”
The St. George choir sang. “How beautiful upon the mountains.”
The congregation arose and sang the hymn commencing on page 268, “The spirit of God like a fire is burning.”
Benediction by President Brigham Young, as follows--
“God bless you. I pray my Father in heaven to bless my brethren the Apostles, the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and especially Brother Edward Hunter, the presiding Bishop, and all the Bishops he presides over. I pray God to bless you, my brethren and sisters, who have come here to give us sweet melody, and I feel to bless every one of the good and honest in heart all over the earth, and pray that they may receive the truth in their hearts and be gathered with Israel. I ask my heavenly Father to grant all that has been asked by my brethren in these meetings, and that he will let his Spirit rest upon this house, that his angels may visit it, and his Spirit rest upon those who shall come into this house to labor for themselves or their dead friends, that they may feel its influence. I feel to bless every one of you, and I do it by virtue of the authority which is in me, and in accordance with this authority I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
James G. Bleak,
Clerk of Conference.
“God bless you. I pray my Father in heaven to bless my brethren the Apostles, the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and especially Brother Edward Hunter, the presiding Bishop, and all the Bishops he presides over. I pray God to bless you, my brethren and sisters, who have come here to give us sweet melody, and I feel to bless every one of the good and honest in heart all over the earth, and pray that they may receive the truth in their hearts and be gathered with Israel. I ask my heavenly Father to grant all that has been asked by my brethren in these meetings, and that he will let his Spirit rest upon this house, that his angels may visit it, and his Spirit rest upon those who shall come into this house to labor for themselves or their dead friends, that they may feel its influence. I feel to bless every one of you, and I do it by virtue of the authority which is in me, and in accordance with this authority I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
James G. Bleak,
Clerk of Conference.