October 1881
Cannon, George Q. "The Saints a Peculiar People—Their Religion Practical—Sustaining Each Other—Honesty in Trade—The Blessing of God on the Faithful, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 9, 1881: pg. 321-330.
Lyman, Francis M. "The Character of God's Work—True Riches—Our Responsibilities, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 7, 1881: pg. 245-251.
Smith, John Henry. "The Calling of Missionaries—The Proper Training of the Young, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 8, 1881: pg. 269-272.
Taylor, John. "The Priesthood—God's Love for the Human Family, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 9, 1881: pg. 290-297.
The Deseret News. "Fifty-First Semi-Annual Conference." October 12, 1881: pg. 584-585, 580-581, 588.
The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star. "Fifty-First Semi-Annual Conference." November 21, 1881: pg. 737-743.
Woodruff, Wilford. "The Channels of Communication From God to Man—Dreams, Visions, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 8, 1881: pg. 330-335.
FIFTY-FIRST SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
President John Taylor
Instructions for Funeral by Wilford Woodruff
Instructions for Funeral by John Taylor
Funeral Proceedings of Elder Orson Pratt. Thursday, 2 p.m.
President Wilford Woodruff
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Apostle F. D. Richards
President John Taylor
President George Q. Cannon
Friday, Oct. 7, 1881, 10 a. m.
Apostle F. M. Lyman
The Character of God's Work—True Riches—Our Responsibilities, Etc.
Elder Charles W. Penrose
Friday, 2 p.m.
Prest. Joseph F. Smith
Statistical Report
President John Taylor
Saturday, 10 a. m.
Apostle John Henry Smith
The Calling of Missionaries—The Proper Training of the Young, Etc.
Apostle W. Woodruff
The Channels of Communication From God to Man—Dreams, Visions, Etc.
Report on Relief Socieities by George Q. Cannon
Report on Logan Temple by C. O. Card
Report on Manti Temple by George Q. Cannon
Report on Manti Temple by Canute Peterson
President John Taylor
2 p. m.
Apostle F. D. Richards
Mission Calls
President George Q. Cannon
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
President G. Q. Cannon
The Saints a Peculiar People
Sunday, 2 p. m.
Mission Calls
Sustaining of the General Authorities
Apostle Moses Thatcher
President John Taylor
The Priesthood—God's Love for the Human Family, Etc.
Lyman, Francis M. "The Character of God's Work—True Riches—Our Responsibilities, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 7, 1881: pg. 245-251.
Smith, John Henry. "The Calling of Missionaries—The Proper Training of the Young, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 8, 1881: pg. 269-272.
Taylor, John. "The Priesthood—God's Love for the Human Family, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 9, 1881: pg. 290-297.
The Deseret News. "Fifty-First Semi-Annual Conference." October 12, 1881: pg. 584-585, 580-581, 588.
The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star. "Fifty-First Semi-Annual Conference." November 21, 1881: pg. 737-743.
Woodruff, Wilford. "The Channels of Communication From God to Man—Dreams, Visions, Etc." Journal of Discourses. Volume 22. October 8, 1881: pg. 330-335.
FIFTY-FIRST SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
President John Taylor
Instructions for Funeral by Wilford Woodruff
Instructions for Funeral by John Taylor
Funeral Proceedings of Elder Orson Pratt. Thursday, 2 p.m.
President Wilford Woodruff
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Apostle F. D. Richards
President John Taylor
President George Q. Cannon
Friday, Oct. 7, 1881, 10 a. m.
Apostle F. M. Lyman
The Character of God's Work—True Riches—Our Responsibilities, Etc.
Elder Charles W. Penrose
Friday, 2 p.m.
Prest. Joseph F. Smith
Statistical Report
President John Taylor
Saturday, 10 a. m.
Apostle John Henry Smith
The Calling of Missionaries—The Proper Training of the Young, Etc.
Apostle W. Woodruff
The Channels of Communication From God to Man—Dreams, Visions, Etc.
Report on Relief Socieities by George Q. Cannon
Report on Logan Temple by C. O. Card
Report on Manti Temple by George Q. Cannon
Report on Manti Temple by Canute Peterson
President John Taylor
2 p. m.
Apostle F. D. Richards
Mission Calls
President George Q. Cannon
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
President G. Q. Cannon
The Saints a Peculiar People
Sunday, 2 p. m.
Mission Calls
Sustaining of the General Authorities
Apostle Moses Thatcher
President John Taylor
The Priesthood—God's Love for the Human Family, Etc.
FIFTY-FIRST SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Fifty-first Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, on Thursday, October 6th, 1881, at 10 o’clock a.m., as per adjournment.
Present on the stand: Of the First Presidency—John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith.
Of the Twelve.—Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Francis M. Lyman and John Henry Smith; Counselor D. H. Wells.
Patriarch.—John Smith.
Of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.—Horace S. Eldredge, John Van Cott and W. W. Taylor.
Of the Presiding Bishopric.—Edward Hunter, Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton.
Besides Presidents of Stakes, Bishops and other leading men from all parts of Territory.
The remains of Apostle Orson Pratt were borne into the Tabernacle by several of the Apostles. The casket, beautifully adorned with flowers, was elevated above the Bishop’s stand which was also decorated with bouquets and floral emblems in view of the congregation which was unusually large for the opening meeting. The stands were heavily draped in mourning.
Conference was called to order by President John Taylor.
Choir sang the hymn, Come we that love the Lord And let our joys be known.
Prayer was offered by Apostle Franklin D. Richards.
The Choir sang, Behold the mountain of the Lord In latter-days shall Rise.
The Fifty-first Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, on Thursday, October 6th, 1881, at 10 o’clock a.m., as per adjournment.
Present on the stand: Of the First Presidency—John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith.
Of the Twelve.—Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Francis M. Lyman and John Henry Smith; Counselor D. H. Wells.
Patriarch.—John Smith.
Of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.—Horace S. Eldredge, John Van Cott and W. W. Taylor.
Of the Presiding Bishopric.—Edward Hunter, Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton.
Besides Presidents of Stakes, Bishops and other leading men from all parts of Territory.
The remains of Apostle Orson Pratt were borne into the Tabernacle by several of the Apostles. The casket, beautifully adorned with flowers, was elevated above the Bishop’s stand which was also decorated with bouquets and floral emblems in view of the congregation which was unusually large for the opening meeting. The stands were heavily draped in mourning.
Conference was called to order by President John Taylor.
Choir sang the hymn, Come we that love the Lord And let our joys be known.
Prayer was offered by Apostle Franklin D. Richards.
The Choir sang, Behold the mountain of the Lord In latter-days shall Rise.
President John Taylor
In opening the proceedings said: We have met this morning in accordance with our adjournment six months ago, to attend to the affairs of our Conference, and on these occasions, as we are assembled from the different Stakes throughout the land of Zion, for the purpose of attending to all matters in which we as a people are interested. It is proper that we should comprehend the position that we occupy, and be prepared with prayerful hearts and with our spirits and feelings drawn out unto our heavenly Father, to attend to all things that shall come before us, in a manner that shall be just and right and proper, that we may have the Spirit of the Lord to rest down upon us, that in our teachings, in our business, and in all affairs that shall come before us in a Conference capacity, we may be under the guidance and direction of the Lord, as we ought always to be in all of the assemblies of the Saints.
We are placed to-day under rather peculiar circumstances, while we attend to our Conference, we at the same time are called to perform the obsequies connected with the death of our beloved Brother and Apostle Orson Pratt. This is rather a peculiar phase to be entertained in a conference capacity, yet he though dead yet lives, and while he lives in the heavens, he lives also in the hearts of the Saints and of the Holy Priesthood, and we could not have a more fitting opportunity to attend to the obsequies of our beloved brother. And when we shall have finished paying the last tribute of respect to this our beloved Brother, there is also another occurrence which has taken place, and we wish to hold memorial services pertaining thereto—that is in connection with the death of Elder Feramorz L. Young, son of President Brigham Young, who in returning from a mission to Mexico, in company with Moses Thatcher, one of the Twelve, died at sea, between Havana and New York. We thought that while attending to the funeral services of Brother Orson Pratt it would be a fitting occasion to hold memorial services also pertaining to him, for he is accounted a faithful, intelligent and an honorable young man and a good Latter-day Saint, and as he has died in the harness, although his body is not present, we wish to show him that respect that all honorable Elders of Israel ought to have. Therefore the ceremonies pertaining to his funeral will be attended to in connection with those of Brother Pratt this afternoon. And as the time seems to be progressing, and we wish to have everything done without confusion, that all may have an opportunity of viewing the corpse. We will not this morning prolong our remarks, for it would be irrelevant with so short a time, and under existing circumstances to introduce any other subject at present.
In opening the proceedings said: We have met this morning in accordance with our adjournment six months ago, to attend to the affairs of our Conference, and on these occasions, as we are assembled from the different Stakes throughout the land of Zion, for the purpose of attending to all matters in which we as a people are interested. It is proper that we should comprehend the position that we occupy, and be prepared with prayerful hearts and with our spirits and feelings drawn out unto our heavenly Father, to attend to all things that shall come before us, in a manner that shall be just and right and proper, that we may have the Spirit of the Lord to rest down upon us, that in our teachings, in our business, and in all affairs that shall come before us in a Conference capacity, we may be under the guidance and direction of the Lord, as we ought always to be in all of the assemblies of the Saints.
We are placed to-day under rather peculiar circumstances, while we attend to our Conference, we at the same time are called to perform the obsequies connected with the death of our beloved Brother and Apostle Orson Pratt. This is rather a peculiar phase to be entertained in a conference capacity, yet he though dead yet lives, and while he lives in the heavens, he lives also in the hearts of the Saints and of the Holy Priesthood, and we could not have a more fitting opportunity to attend to the obsequies of our beloved brother. And when we shall have finished paying the last tribute of respect to this our beloved Brother, there is also another occurrence which has taken place, and we wish to hold memorial services pertaining thereto—that is in connection with the death of Elder Feramorz L. Young, son of President Brigham Young, who in returning from a mission to Mexico, in company with Moses Thatcher, one of the Twelve, died at sea, between Havana and New York. We thought that while attending to the funeral services of Brother Orson Pratt it would be a fitting occasion to hold memorial services also pertaining to him, for he is accounted a faithful, intelligent and an honorable young man and a good Latter-day Saint, and as he has died in the harness, although his body is not present, we wish to show him that respect that all honorable Elders of Israel ought to have. Therefore the ceremonies pertaining to his funeral will be attended to in connection with those of Brother Pratt this afternoon. And as the time seems to be progressing, and we wish to have everything done without confusion, that all may have an opportunity of viewing the corpse. We will not this morning prolong our remarks, for it would be irrelevant with so short a time, and under existing circumstances to introduce any other subject at present.
Apostle Wilford Woodruff
Then arose and gave a few instructions about the order agreed upon in relation to the public viewing the remains.
Then arose and gave a few instructions about the order agreed upon in relation to the public viewing the remains.
President John Taylor
stated that after this service closed and the Presidency and Twelve had viewed the body, the public would have the privilege of passing by each side of the coffin and taking a glance at the features of the departed, and trusted there would be no confusion, but that all would observe order and decorum.
The Conference adjourned until 1 o’clock p.m.
The choir sang the anthem: “The Lord will comfort Zion.”
Benediction by President Joseph F. Smith.
The casket was then lowered, and the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, the Presidency of the Stake and other authorities took a farewell look at the countenance of their venerable fellow-laborer, and the vast assemblage filed past in double columns, the eyes of many being filled with tears as they gazed upon the face of the man whose voice has been lifted up both long and loud for so many years in Israel and among the nations, proclaiming the glad tidings of eternal salvation.
During the intermission some seven or eight thousand people viewed the remains, the whole time being taken up in this manner. At one o’clock the casket was again elevated and then, the Tabernacle being filled in every part, followed the
stated that after this service closed and the Presidency and Twelve had viewed the body, the public would have the privilege of passing by each side of the coffin and taking a glance at the features of the departed, and trusted there would be no confusion, but that all would observe order and decorum.
The Conference adjourned until 1 o’clock p.m.
The choir sang the anthem: “The Lord will comfort Zion.”
Benediction by President Joseph F. Smith.
The casket was then lowered, and the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, the Presidency of the Stake and other authorities took a farewell look at the countenance of their venerable fellow-laborer, and the vast assemblage filed past in double columns, the eyes of many being filled with tears as they gazed upon the face of the man whose voice has been lifted up both long and loud for so many years in Israel and among the nations, proclaiming the glad tidings of eternal salvation.
During the intermission some seven or eight thousand people viewed the remains, the whole time being taken up in this manner. At one o’clock the casket was again elevated and then, the Tabernacle being filled in every part, followed the
OBSEQUIES OF APOSTLE ORSON PRATT.
Thursday, 2 p.m.
The choir sang—Hark from afar a funeral knell Moves on the breeze, its echoes swell.”
Prayer by President Joseph F. Smith.
Choir sang—Thou dost not weep, to weep alone, The broad bereavement seems to fall.
Thursday, 2 p.m.
The choir sang—Hark from afar a funeral knell Moves on the breeze, its echoes swell.”
Prayer by President Joseph F. Smith.
Choir sang—Thou dost not weep, to weep alone, The broad bereavement seems to fall.
President Wilford Woodruff
read a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith to Orson Pratt, given November 4th, 1830, as follows:
“1. My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer;
2. The light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;
3. Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God: wherefore you are my son,
4. And blessed are you because you have believed;
5. And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel,
6. To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming;
7. For behold, verily, verily I say unto you, the time is soon at hand, that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory,
8. And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble.
9. But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destruction await the wicked:
10. Wherefore lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken; therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost;
11. And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you until I come:
12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer. Even so. Amen.”
Brother Woodruff said if he was to express his desires to the Lord it would be, O Lord, give us grace that we may be able to accomplish the work required of us. But O, the chains that bind this immortal spirit! Sometimes he felt, O that he could break the bands of mortality and open his eyes in the spirit world to receive that which Orson Pratt is now enjoying. But we must be patient and be willing to abide our time. It would be impossible to give the history of that great man or to depict the glory that awaits him. It would take the trump of the sixth angel to do that.
He had been associated with Brother Pratt many years; the first testimony he ever heard from him was in a house in Kirtland, in April, 1834. He went with him to Missouri, in Zion’s Camp. In traveling a thousand miles with the Prophet, those who were in that company received an experience that they can never forget. Men were reduced to mere skeletons with the cholera, and many died. Bro. Pratt, while suffering from its effects, manifested that indomitable will which has since been many times exhibited. He struggled with death and overcame by faith in God Brother Pratt had lived longer in this Church, traveled more miles and preached more sermons than any man in it. He had baptized thousands, and fulfilled the revelation just read. His garments were clear from the blood of this generation. He had studied and written more upon the gospel and upon science than any man in the Church. He had now gone home. It was all right. This event the speaker had expected for some months. Before he left on his late visit to St. George he laid his hands upon Bro. Pratt and blessed him. This was recorded in his journal which the historians could read after the speaker’s death. If Bro. Pratt could speak to this assembly, after meeting with the Prophet Joseph and his brethren in the spirit world, he would say to the Apostles, the Seventies, the High Priests, the Elders, the Lesser Priesthood, and the Saints, can you afford to spend one hour in neglect of this great work, upon the things of this world?” The spirit of Bro. Pratt is alive to-day and will live as long as our heavenly Father lives. His testimony is closed, his voice is hushed in death, but it will not be a great while for some of us before we hear it in the spirit world. Let the living work while the day lasts. Bro. Pratt makes the ninth Apostle that had left us who came through Emigration Cañon in 1847. This enjoined us to be also ready; to be faithful to God and the responsibility resting upon us. The speaker thanked God for the Gospel and Priesthood revealed and exhorted all to be faithful as saviors on Mount Zion, “Sleep on Brother Orson, then with thy quorum thou shalt meet in bliss and spend eternal day. Amen.”
read a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith to Orson Pratt, given November 4th, 1830, as follows:
“1. My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer;
2. The light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;
3. Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God: wherefore you are my son,
4. And blessed are you because you have believed;
5. And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel,
6. To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming;
7. For behold, verily, verily I say unto you, the time is soon at hand, that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory,
8. And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble.
9. But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destruction await the wicked:
10. Wherefore lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken; therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost;
11. And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you until I come:
12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer. Even so. Amen.”
Brother Woodruff said if he was to express his desires to the Lord it would be, O Lord, give us grace that we may be able to accomplish the work required of us. But O, the chains that bind this immortal spirit! Sometimes he felt, O that he could break the bands of mortality and open his eyes in the spirit world to receive that which Orson Pratt is now enjoying. But we must be patient and be willing to abide our time. It would be impossible to give the history of that great man or to depict the glory that awaits him. It would take the trump of the sixth angel to do that.
He had been associated with Brother Pratt many years; the first testimony he ever heard from him was in a house in Kirtland, in April, 1834. He went with him to Missouri, in Zion’s Camp. In traveling a thousand miles with the Prophet, those who were in that company received an experience that they can never forget. Men were reduced to mere skeletons with the cholera, and many died. Bro. Pratt, while suffering from its effects, manifested that indomitable will which has since been many times exhibited. He struggled with death and overcame by faith in God Brother Pratt had lived longer in this Church, traveled more miles and preached more sermons than any man in it. He had baptized thousands, and fulfilled the revelation just read. His garments were clear from the blood of this generation. He had studied and written more upon the gospel and upon science than any man in the Church. He had now gone home. It was all right. This event the speaker had expected for some months. Before he left on his late visit to St. George he laid his hands upon Bro. Pratt and blessed him. This was recorded in his journal which the historians could read after the speaker’s death. If Bro. Pratt could speak to this assembly, after meeting with the Prophet Joseph and his brethren in the spirit world, he would say to the Apostles, the Seventies, the High Priests, the Elders, the Lesser Priesthood, and the Saints, can you afford to spend one hour in neglect of this great work, upon the things of this world?” The spirit of Bro. Pratt is alive to-day and will live as long as our heavenly Father lives. His testimony is closed, his voice is hushed in death, but it will not be a great while for some of us before we hear it in the spirit world. Let the living work while the day lasts. Bro. Pratt makes the ninth Apostle that had left us who came through Emigration Cañon in 1847. This enjoined us to be also ready; to be faithful to God and the responsibility resting upon us. The speaker thanked God for the Gospel and Priesthood revealed and exhorted all to be faithful as saviors on Mount Zion, “Sleep on Brother Orson, then with thy quorum thou shalt meet in bliss and spend eternal day. Amen.”
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
said his feelings were very similar to those expressed by Bro. Woodruff. There was not much occasion to mourn when those who had received the Gospel and magnified the Priesthood passed away as had Brother Pratt. The Gospel opened to view a hope, faith and satisfaction that was a comfort in occurrences like these. It was well for all wise Latter-day Saints to have before them a full view of the glory that awaits those who are faithful in this important cause. We ought to have a proper sense of the glory that had been promised and that resurrection for which we so fondly hoped. Could Bro. Pratt have the privilege to communicate with us he would say “Mourn not for me, I have passed through the fiery ordeal. I have, through the blessing of God, obtained the victory and there is secured to me the privilege of receiving a body glorified. That body through which I have ministered shall be made glorious. I have been able to pass through affliction and temptation and obtained the victory!” The promise is that as we are now the sons of God, when the Lord appears we shall, if faithful be like Him and see Him as He is. Jesus, when He appeared to His disciples after His death, came in His glorified body. He also appeared to Joseph and Oliver in the Temple at Kirtland. He was glorious in appearance. And when He shall be revealed from heaven those who overcome and are worthy shall be like Him. It was necessary for us to endure the fiery ordeal of this life, to pass through this probation, that we might attain to an exaltation. We agreed to this in the spirit world before coming here. Bro. Pratt had endured and overcome. It was indeed a satisfaction when a man could pass through temptations for so many years and not lose his right to a crown. Bro. Pratt has sustained no loss. His exaltation was sure. And he believed that in the spirit world Bro. Pratt could do as much good for his family as here and also for this great work. It was not our duty to imitate his faithfulness which he had maintained in traveling from land to land and from sea to sea. The spirit of inspiration had remained with him from the day he received the revelation that had been read, until he departed, and he would attain to the glory of a son of God. The speaker trusted that the family of the deceased would be comforted, and be able to take that course that they might meet and enjoy that glory which he had secured. Also that all might be able to overcome and receive that reward which was prepared for those that are worthy.
said his feelings were very similar to those expressed by Bro. Woodruff. There was not much occasion to mourn when those who had received the Gospel and magnified the Priesthood passed away as had Brother Pratt. The Gospel opened to view a hope, faith and satisfaction that was a comfort in occurrences like these. It was well for all wise Latter-day Saints to have before them a full view of the glory that awaits those who are faithful in this important cause. We ought to have a proper sense of the glory that had been promised and that resurrection for which we so fondly hoped. Could Bro. Pratt have the privilege to communicate with us he would say “Mourn not for me, I have passed through the fiery ordeal. I have, through the blessing of God, obtained the victory and there is secured to me the privilege of receiving a body glorified. That body through which I have ministered shall be made glorious. I have been able to pass through affliction and temptation and obtained the victory!” The promise is that as we are now the sons of God, when the Lord appears we shall, if faithful be like Him and see Him as He is. Jesus, when He appeared to His disciples after His death, came in His glorified body. He also appeared to Joseph and Oliver in the Temple at Kirtland. He was glorious in appearance. And when He shall be revealed from heaven those who overcome and are worthy shall be like Him. It was necessary for us to endure the fiery ordeal of this life, to pass through this probation, that we might attain to an exaltation. We agreed to this in the spirit world before coming here. Bro. Pratt had endured and overcome. It was indeed a satisfaction when a man could pass through temptations for so many years and not lose his right to a crown. Bro. Pratt has sustained no loss. His exaltation was sure. And he believed that in the spirit world Bro. Pratt could do as much good for his family as here and also for this great work. It was not our duty to imitate his faithfulness which he had maintained in traveling from land to land and from sea to sea. The spirit of inspiration had remained with him from the day he received the revelation that had been read, until he departed, and he would attain to the glory of a son of God. The speaker trusted that the family of the deceased would be comforted, and be able to take that course that they might meet and enjoy that glory which he had secured. Also that all might be able to overcome and receive that reward which was prepared for those that are worthy.
Apostle F. D. Richards
felt that we had assembled under very peculiar circumstances. We had not done with mourning for the loss of the President of the United States before we were called to mourn the loss of the presence and services of an Apostle of the Lord, and also that of a young and faithful brother who had been called to meet a circle of friends more intelligent and glorious than any on earth. Bro. Pratt’s life had been distinguished by the labors of over half a century in this cause. He had received his Priesthood from the hands of those who obtained it direct from Peter, James and John, going forth preaching and writing under the spirit of inspiration in his youthful days. The speaker had labored much with him, and testified that if any man had a right to the title of “meek,” it was Brother Orson Pratt, and while his nature was so firm that it amounted sometimes almost to obstinacy, yet he always yielded to that which was declared by authority. Brother Pratt was a studious, assiduous worker, preparing himself by acquiring a thorough education, to meet all that might rise up against him, seeking by inspiration to learn all that could be known. The speaker referred to the testimony of Prof. Proctor that Bro. Pratt’s works on astronomy were entitled to the admiration and respect of the scientific world. When this Church was in poverty, in want, he labored and toiled continually in its interest, as well as when he was placed in a condition of greater comfort. In speaking of the life’s labor of such a man it was difficult to tell where to begin and where to end. He had, however, finished his work, fought the fight and kept the faith, and secured his crown. He was now where his powers were extended, where doubtless he could see as he was seen and know as he was known. The speaker had sat at his feet, being pleased to learn of him. He was glad for him, for he was now resting from his labors, and his works would follow him in his generation. He had earned the power to bless all of his posterity who would be obedient. “O that God would help us all, that our end might be like his, and may God comfort the bereaved and make them to feel that the Judge of all the earth has done right.”
felt that we had assembled under very peculiar circumstances. We had not done with mourning for the loss of the President of the United States before we were called to mourn the loss of the presence and services of an Apostle of the Lord, and also that of a young and faithful brother who had been called to meet a circle of friends more intelligent and glorious than any on earth. Bro. Pratt’s life had been distinguished by the labors of over half a century in this cause. He had received his Priesthood from the hands of those who obtained it direct from Peter, James and John, going forth preaching and writing under the spirit of inspiration in his youthful days. The speaker had labored much with him, and testified that if any man had a right to the title of “meek,” it was Brother Orson Pratt, and while his nature was so firm that it amounted sometimes almost to obstinacy, yet he always yielded to that which was declared by authority. Brother Pratt was a studious, assiduous worker, preparing himself by acquiring a thorough education, to meet all that might rise up against him, seeking by inspiration to learn all that could be known. The speaker referred to the testimony of Prof. Proctor that Bro. Pratt’s works on astronomy were entitled to the admiration and respect of the scientific world. When this Church was in poverty, in want, he labored and toiled continually in its interest, as well as when he was placed in a condition of greater comfort. In speaking of the life’s labor of such a man it was difficult to tell where to begin and where to end. He had, however, finished his work, fought the fight and kept the faith, and secured his crown. He was now where his powers were extended, where doubtless he could see as he was seen and know as he was known. The speaker had sat at his feet, being pleased to learn of him. He was glad for him, for he was now resting from his labors, and his works would follow him in his generation. He had earned the power to bless all of his posterity who would be obedient. “O that God would help us all, that our end might be like his, and may God comfort the bereaved and make them to feel that the Judge of all the earth has done right.”
President John Taylor
said, it would be impossible during the limited time allotted to this meeting to do justice to the life and labors of Brother Orson Pratt. That must be left to history. In paying respects to the departed we felt that though we had to do with death, we had also relations to life. We had an existence before we came here; God is our heavenly Father, Jesus is our elder brother, and they with the Priesthood in the heavens dictated our positions while in the flesh, and the conditions that await us in the future. We came here to fulfil a work that God designated before this world had an existence, before “the morning stars sang together, or the sons of God shouted for joy.” From the time of the first promulgation of the gospel by holy angels to Joseph, until to-day, the affairs of this Church had been dictated by the heavens through the Priesthood upon the earth. And we were indebted to our heavenly Father for all things. We were all poor, fallible, erring creatures, and could do nothing without the sustaining hand of God. No one, Apostle or Prophet, could accomplish anything in this work except God be with him. To Him we are indebted for all blessings we enjoy. Do we feel sorrowful when a good man goes back to God who gave him life? No. Not if we understand the truth. The Scripture says, “He that hath eternal life is rich.” (Pointing to the coffin.) There lies a rich man. He has fought the good fight and he is all right. Brother Pratt was fore-ordained from eternity to hold the Priesthood which was given to him and he came at the right time. Would I wish to retain for a moment a man whose services were required behind the vail? No, I would not. There is a work to be done there a thousand times as great as here, and what have I to say against his departure? Nothing whatever. The Priesthood ministers in time and in eternity. It was said in one of the revelations that Father Joseph Smith was with Abraham. Why? Because he was a patriarch as was Abraham, and he had gone to his own quorum. So with others who had departed. President Taylor related an incident on the plains, when a brother was supposed to have died, but when hands were laid upon him he spoke and said he had been in vision, had seen Joseph and Hyrum, had received a mission to the spirit world, and did not want the brethren to keep him back from his mission. The speaker felt that this was right. Bro. Pratt had gone to labor behind the vail. He had gone to join his quorum, and we should not be sorrowful. It is the Lord’s will, let Him do as seemeth Him good. And if another and another is wanted, all right, and we should seek to know God and bow to His will in all things. Let us try to imitate the examples of Brother Orson wherein they were good. God is at the head of this kingdom. He will do as seemeth Him good, and we will say Amen to it.
Although it was painful to the friends of Bro. Feramorz L. Young to think they should see him no more, yet there was this assurance that the time was coming when all that were in their graves should be called forth by the voice of the Son of God, and we should meet with those who had departed. President Taylor closed by invoking the blessing of God upon the friends of the deceased and upon all the faithful in Israel.
said, it would be impossible during the limited time allotted to this meeting to do justice to the life and labors of Brother Orson Pratt. That must be left to history. In paying respects to the departed we felt that though we had to do with death, we had also relations to life. We had an existence before we came here; God is our heavenly Father, Jesus is our elder brother, and they with the Priesthood in the heavens dictated our positions while in the flesh, and the conditions that await us in the future. We came here to fulfil a work that God designated before this world had an existence, before “the morning stars sang together, or the sons of God shouted for joy.” From the time of the first promulgation of the gospel by holy angels to Joseph, until to-day, the affairs of this Church had been dictated by the heavens through the Priesthood upon the earth. And we were indebted to our heavenly Father for all things. We were all poor, fallible, erring creatures, and could do nothing without the sustaining hand of God. No one, Apostle or Prophet, could accomplish anything in this work except God be with him. To Him we are indebted for all blessings we enjoy. Do we feel sorrowful when a good man goes back to God who gave him life? No. Not if we understand the truth. The Scripture says, “He that hath eternal life is rich.” (Pointing to the coffin.) There lies a rich man. He has fought the good fight and he is all right. Brother Pratt was fore-ordained from eternity to hold the Priesthood which was given to him and he came at the right time. Would I wish to retain for a moment a man whose services were required behind the vail? No, I would not. There is a work to be done there a thousand times as great as here, and what have I to say against his departure? Nothing whatever. The Priesthood ministers in time and in eternity. It was said in one of the revelations that Father Joseph Smith was with Abraham. Why? Because he was a patriarch as was Abraham, and he had gone to his own quorum. So with others who had departed. President Taylor related an incident on the plains, when a brother was supposed to have died, but when hands were laid upon him he spoke and said he had been in vision, had seen Joseph and Hyrum, had received a mission to the spirit world, and did not want the brethren to keep him back from his mission. The speaker felt that this was right. Bro. Pratt had gone to labor behind the vail. He had gone to join his quorum, and we should not be sorrowful. It is the Lord’s will, let Him do as seemeth Him good. And if another and another is wanted, all right, and we should seek to know God and bow to His will in all things. Let us try to imitate the examples of Brother Orson wherein they were good. God is at the head of this kingdom. He will do as seemeth Him good, and we will say Amen to it.
Although it was painful to the friends of Bro. Feramorz L. Young to think they should see him no more, yet there was this assurance that the time was coming when all that were in their graves should be called forth by the voice of the Son of God, and we should meet with those who had departed. President Taylor closed by invoking the blessing of God upon the friends of the deceased and upon all the faithful in Israel.
President George Q. Cannon
said this week had been one of sadness. If it were not for the hopes of the gospel we might say these were days of gloom. But the consolations of the gospel dispelled the gloom and brought joy and comfort instead. Brother Cannon spoke of his feelings on hearing soon after the death of Brother Orson Pratt, of the demise of Brother Feramorz L. Young. While preparing on the same day for these services, the tidings came of the death by accident of Bro. Pullen, who fell from the Temple to the ground. He felt sad indeed at the news, as his sympathies had been greatly exercised in witnessing the grief of the mother and brothers and sisters of Bro. Young. The speaker expressed his regret that we had not the remains of Bro. Young with us. But it was right that we should mourn with the bereaved, and express our feelings of sorrow at this affliction and say words of comfort to them. There was probably no young man of his age who was better fitted to go hence than Feramorz L. Young, after living 23 years and 11 days. His mother had the satisfaction of saying that she had never known him to do wrong. He was a pure, obedient and loving boy, rejoicing in God’s truth. His life was exemplary; mingling with the world since he was 16 years of age, he was yet a true Latter-day Saint. He kept the Word of Wisdom, while many of those older than him violated it. He was firm in that which he considered proper. At the age of 16, there being a vacancy for a cadet at Annapolis, he had a desire and an assurance that he would go, although obstacles seemed to interfere. He went, passed a good examination and entered as a cadet. The speaker met him at the Academy, and was gratified at the influence he exercised there. He stood well in his class. His father seemed to have a dread of going on the sea as a naval officer, and, contrary to his own wish, he was released, he submitted, however, without complaint. He afterwards graduated at Troy, and when he came back and was sent on a mission to Mexico, he went gladly, being full of fidelity and desiring ardently to magnify the holy Priesthood in the labors of the ministry. The speaker related incidents, showing his unselfish character, and read extracts from some of his letters while in Mexico, showing his strong convictions of the truth of this work and his desires to be useful in it, some of them containing facts gleaned in Mexico, strongly corroborating the Book of Mormon, others showing that he had no fears of death and his bright hopes of the life to come. President Cannon said though his body sleeps in the sea, yet those who were in the deep as well as those in their graves shall come forth at the voice of God. The speaker’s own mother was committed to the deep in his boyhood, much to his grief, and therefore he could sympathize with the bereaved. But death was nothing to a life of dishonor. This young man had received a glorious transition to the life beyond the tomb, where sorrow is not, and the power of Satan cannot come. Glorious thought! That there is a time when the Evil One shall have no power over us, but we shall enter into rest and rejoice in the glory of the Father! Bro. Cannon closed by expressing the hope that the example of the deceased might be imitated by the young, and by invoking the blessing of God upon all the congregation.
The choir sang: Mourn not the dead who peaceful lay Their wearied bodies down.
Conference was adjourned until to-morrow (Friday) morning, at 10 o’clock.
Benediction by Counselor D. H. Wells.
The vast assembly remained seated while the families of the bereaved and the leading authorities of the Church withdrew to attend to the interment.
The remains of the departed Apostle were then conveyed to their resting place, there to sleep until called forth by the trump of the resurrection. A carriage containing members of the Twelve preceded the hearse in the procession; the First Presidency of the Church and Bishop Hunter occupied the carriage which was fifteenth from the head. Then followed an exceedingly large cortege, the whole comprised of 59 carriages filled with mourners.
Farewell, Brother Orson Pratt, until we meet you in the Paradise of God, or until the bright morning of the glorious day when they that are in Christ shall come forth to greet the Son of Righteousness, and enter into their dominion as Kings and Priests unto God for ever. Amen.
said this week had been one of sadness. If it were not for the hopes of the gospel we might say these were days of gloom. But the consolations of the gospel dispelled the gloom and brought joy and comfort instead. Brother Cannon spoke of his feelings on hearing soon after the death of Brother Orson Pratt, of the demise of Brother Feramorz L. Young. While preparing on the same day for these services, the tidings came of the death by accident of Bro. Pullen, who fell from the Temple to the ground. He felt sad indeed at the news, as his sympathies had been greatly exercised in witnessing the grief of the mother and brothers and sisters of Bro. Young. The speaker expressed his regret that we had not the remains of Bro. Young with us. But it was right that we should mourn with the bereaved, and express our feelings of sorrow at this affliction and say words of comfort to them. There was probably no young man of his age who was better fitted to go hence than Feramorz L. Young, after living 23 years and 11 days. His mother had the satisfaction of saying that she had never known him to do wrong. He was a pure, obedient and loving boy, rejoicing in God’s truth. His life was exemplary; mingling with the world since he was 16 years of age, he was yet a true Latter-day Saint. He kept the Word of Wisdom, while many of those older than him violated it. He was firm in that which he considered proper. At the age of 16, there being a vacancy for a cadet at Annapolis, he had a desire and an assurance that he would go, although obstacles seemed to interfere. He went, passed a good examination and entered as a cadet. The speaker met him at the Academy, and was gratified at the influence he exercised there. He stood well in his class. His father seemed to have a dread of going on the sea as a naval officer, and, contrary to his own wish, he was released, he submitted, however, without complaint. He afterwards graduated at Troy, and when he came back and was sent on a mission to Mexico, he went gladly, being full of fidelity and desiring ardently to magnify the holy Priesthood in the labors of the ministry. The speaker related incidents, showing his unselfish character, and read extracts from some of his letters while in Mexico, showing his strong convictions of the truth of this work and his desires to be useful in it, some of them containing facts gleaned in Mexico, strongly corroborating the Book of Mormon, others showing that he had no fears of death and his bright hopes of the life to come. President Cannon said though his body sleeps in the sea, yet those who were in the deep as well as those in their graves shall come forth at the voice of God. The speaker’s own mother was committed to the deep in his boyhood, much to his grief, and therefore he could sympathize with the bereaved. But death was nothing to a life of dishonor. This young man had received a glorious transition to the life beyond the tomb, where sorrow is not, and the power of Satan cannot come. Glorious thought! That there is a time when the Evil One shall have no power over us, but we shall enter into rest and rejoice in the glory of the Father! Bro. Cannon closed by expressing the hope that the example of the deceased might be imitated by the young, and by invoking the blessing of God upon all the congregation.
The choir sang: Mourn not the dead who peaceful lay Their wearied bodies down.
Conference was adjourned until to-morrow (Friday) morning, at 10 o’clock.
Benediction by Counselor D. H. Wells.
The vast assembly remained seated while the families of the bereaved and the leading authorities of the Church withdrew to attend to the interment.
The remains of the departed Apostle were then conveyed to their resting place, there to sleep until called forth by the trump of the resurrection. A carriage containing members of the Twelve preceded the hearse in the procession; the First Presidency of the Church and Bishop Hunter occupied the carriage which was fifteenth from the head. Then followed an exceedingly large cortege, the whole comprised of 59 carriages filled with mourners.
Farewell, Brother Orson Pratt, until we meet you in the Paradise of God, or until the bright morning of the glorious day when they that are in Christ shall come forth to greet the Son of Righteousness, and enter into their dominion as Kings and Priests unto God for ever. Amen.
SECOND DAY.
Friday, Oct. 7, 1881, 10 a. m.
Conference convened as per adjournment.
The choir sang, Softly beams the sacred dawning, Of the great millennial morn.
Prayer by Apostle Lorenzo Snow.
The choir sang, Arise O glorious Zion, Thou joy of latter days.
Friday, Oct. 7, 1881, 10 a. m.
Conference convened as per adjournment.
The choir sang, Softly beams the sacred dawning, Of the great millennial morn.
Prayer by Apostle Lorenzo Snow.
The choir sang, Arise O glorious Zion, Thou joy of latter days.
Apostle F. M. Lyman
spoke of the remarkable work that engages the attention of the Latter-day Saints; it was a peculiar work and it would stand forever. He feared that many of the Saints did not sufficiently appreciate the word and will of the Lord. If we did so, we should seek after and enjoy more fully the Spirit of the Lord, but the cares of the world seemed to be too absorbing with some. The Spirit of the Lord should be our first consideration, and it would prompt us not only in seeking after what is needed for the wants of the body, but also to cultivate the intellectual man, and develop the spiritual nature, striving to excel in good works and to serve God in all things, spiritual and temporal. Eternal life was the greatest of all the gifts of our Heavenly Father, and as stated by President Taylor in relation to Apostle Orson Pratt, he was indeed a rich man. Orson Pratt was a richer man than any of the millionaires of the world; his riches were greater than any amount of worldly wealth could bestow; it was well known that he never possessed the riches of this world, but the riches of eternity he had secured by his untiring labors, self-sacrificing spirit in building up the kingdom of God and his faithfulness which had continued till his last breath. The wealth of this world, however, was useful and was needed to build up the temporal kingdom for the building of Temples and many other necessities of this latter-day work. God had deposited in the earth every kind of wealth for the benefit of his children and He had the right to expect that those who obtained a goodly portion of it should make a right and proper use of it, such as aiding and assisting the poor, the prompt observance of the law of tithing, the sending of the gospel abroad, and in whatever would tend to build up and establish His kingdom upon the earth. It was necessary that we should have faith in God in order that we might walk in that straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life, and work the works of righteousness. We should attend to our prayers night and morning, observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper; hearken to the voice of the Priesthood and be obedient in all things. It was necessary that we be careful in the observance of all the requirements of the gospel, for the enemy was on the alert and every stratagem and temptation would be placed in our path, if possible to lead us astray. The Latter-Day Saints were generally an ambitious and industrious people, ever ready to take hold of railroad and other contracts, extend the borders of Zion and carry out those labors with a vim that was admirable and praiseworthy but we do not sufficiently regard the spiritual requirements of the gospel. We work too hard, we eat too much, we drink too much of what we should not partake of, and the Lord is not well pleased with any departure from a correct line of conduct. Any man holding a portion of the Holy Priesthood, is on a mission. And anyone who does not magnify his Priesthood would most assuredly see sorrow and suffer loss. It was expected that we be saviors like Orson Pratt, who searched the scriptures, sought to know his Father’s will, and then did it. He had gone to his reward, to his quorum, and would have his place in the heavens, where he would associate with those who like him, had fought a good fight, kept the faith, and gone to their rest. What a blessing and boon to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord. Its influence would tend to make us good husbands and fathers, and would incite us to do all the good that was possible, and observe every requirement of the gospel. The Elders of Israel should study the philosophy of those things that God requires, that we might be better qualified to teach our families, and when called upon instruct the people of the nations of the earth. The feeling of every Elder should be, Father shew me Thy will, that I may observe it. He strongly advocated the observance of the Word of Wisdom, for the more generally that law is lived up to, the less power the adversary would have over us in the flesh.
spoke of the remarkable work that engages the attention of the Latter-day Saints; it was a peculiar work and it would stand forever. He feared that many of the Saints did not sufficiently appreciate the word and will of the Lord. If we did so, we should seek after and enjoy more fully the Spirit of the Lord, but the cares of the world seemed to be too absorbing with some. The Spirit of the Lord should be our first consideration, and it would prompt us not only in seeking after what is needed for the wants of the body, but also to cultivate the intellectual man, and develop the spiritual nature, striving to excel in good works and to serve God in all things, spiritual and temporal. Eternal life was the greatest of all the gifts of our Heavenly Father, and as stated by President Taylor in relation to Apostle Orson Pratt, he was indeed a rich man. Orson Pratt was a richer man than any of the millionaires of the world; his riches were greater than any amount of worldly wealth could bestow; it was well known that he never possessed the riches of this world, but the riches of eternity he had secured by his untiring labors, self-sacrificing spirit in building up the kingdom of God and his faithfulness which had continued till his last breath. The wealth of this world, however, was useful and was needed to build up the temporal kingdom for the building of Temples and many other necessities of this latter-day work. God had deposited in the earth every kind of wealth for the benefit of his children and He had the right to expect that those who obtained a goodly portion of it should make a right and proper use of it, such as aiding and assisting the poor, the prompt observance of the law of tithing, the sending of the gospel abroad, and in whatever would tend to build up and establish His kingdom upon the earth. It was necessary that we should have faith in God in order that we might walk in that straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life, and work the works of righteousness. We should attend to our prayers night and morning, observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper; hearken to the voice of the Priesthood and be obedient in all things. It was necessary that we be careful in the observance of all the requirements of the gospel, for the enemy was on the alert and every stratagem and temptation would be placed in our path, if possible to lead us astray. The Latter-Day Saints were generally an ambitious and industrious people, ever ready to take hold of railroad and other contracts, extend the borders of Zion and carry out those labors with a vim that was admirable and praiseworthy but we do not sufficiently regard the spiritual requirements of the gospel. We work too hard, we eat too much, we drink too much of what we should not partake of, and the Lord is not well pleased with any departure from a correct line of conduct. Any man holding a portion of the Holy Priesthood, is on a mission. And anyone who does not magnify his Priesthood would most assuredly see sorrow and suffer loss. It was expected that we be saviors like Orson Pratt, who searched the scriptures, sought to know his Father’s will, and then did it. He had gone to his reward, to his quorum, and would have his place in the heavens, where he would associate with those who like him, had fought a good fight, kept the faith, and gone to their rest. What a blessing and boon to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord. Its influence would tend to make us good husbands and fathers, and would incite us to do all the good that was possible, and observe every requirement of the gospel. The Elders of Israel should study the philosophy of those things that God requires, that we might be better qualified to teach our families, and when called upon instruct the people of the nations of the earth. The feeling of every Elder should be, Father shew me Thy will, that I may observe it. He strongly advocated the observance of the Word of Wisdom, for the more generally that law is lived up to, the less power the adversary would have over us in the flesh.
The Character of God's Work—True Riches—Our Responsibilities, Etc.
Discourse by Apostle F. M. Lyman, delivered at the General Conference, Friday Morning, October 7, 1881.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
My brethren and sisters, I am pleased to meet you in this General Conference, and although it is a great task to undertake to speak to so large an audience, I am willing to undertake my part if you will give me your faith and prayers, and the Lord will bless me with His Spirit.
The work that engages our attention is more remarkable than any work that the Lord has ever commenced upon the earth. The determination of our Heavenly Father that this work shall stand forever, that it shall not be taken from the earth nor be given to another people, is one of its important features. And I sometimes fear that we do not feel as ambitious, as energetic to do our part, to bear the responsibility that he designs to come upon our shoulders, that we are not as careful as we ought to be in observing his laws and requirements; that we do not appreciate them and prize them as we ought to. If we did we would not sin; if we did we would every day of our lives seek to know the mind and will of the Father; to have His Spirit to be present with us, prompting and inspiring and urging us forward to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Lord. We forget the early love of the Gospel. We are too much swallowed up, perhaps, in the making of a living, in obtaining the comforts of this life and a little more of this world's goods. We ought to labor; we ought to be industrious; we ought to seek to gather from the elements means that would sustain us, to clothe us, to build our habitations, and to enable us materially to build up the kingdom of God. But as the spirit and body are one, and grow together, sympathizing with each other, the spirit giving life to the body, without which the body cannot live at all, so it should be with us in regard to the things of the kingdom. The Spirit of the Lord should be first, the life, the energy that should propel us to the performance of our temporal duties. In cultivating the earth, in buying and selling, in caring for the wealth of the world, our object should be to supply our necessities, to make ourselves comfortable, to keep us alive, to keep us in good condition; but the chief part of our lives should be used in works of righteousness, of charity, seeking to improve the spiritual condition of man, to develop the intellectual man, to develop the moral man, and to gain favor with our heavenly Father; and to lay up treasures in this life that can be taken hence with us. We are not ambitious enough to excel in doing good. We are ambitious enough to excel in obtaining wealth—and yet I do not know that it ought to be called wealth. President Taylor gave a very nice explanation of true wealth yesterday. Quoting from the revelation of God to us which says, “He that hath eternal life is rich,” and applying those words to our late Brother, Orson Pratt, he said, pointing to his remains, “There lies the body of a rich man.” We all know that Brother Pratt was not rich in this world's goods, but it can be safely said of him, that he is rich—rich in the things of God. What he has done and accomplished is more than all the wealth of the world, the gold and the silver, the diamonds and precious stones, the houses and lands, and the cattle on a thousand bills; for he has earned the title of a son of God, and he cannot be robbed of it, having been true to the end and faithful to his latest breath.
Well now, what of worldly wealth, what of houses and lands, flocks and herds? They bring care and responsibility and trouble, that is if we have too much of them, and if we do not use them properly and rightly. If a man is endowed with the Holy Ghost; if he has first and foremost the kingdom of God and the righteousness of our heavenly Father, let wealth flow unto him as it may, he will use it properly; he will remember the poor, he will pay his tithing, he will give liberally for the building of Temples, for the supporting of the families of missionaries, and for the building up of home industries. The more wealth a man has, the better if he has the Spirit of God to guide him in its use. The kingdom of God must be built up with means. Money is necessary in some instances with us today. I presume the Trustee-in-Trust finds money very necessary to supply certain materials in the building of Temples; and the men working on them need some money to procure some of the necessaries of life, and probably, in some instances, the unnecessaries of life. Money is necessary to supply these demands, and we cannot very well get along without it, not as well as we could when there was none here. But it is not necessary that a man should be contaminated with wealth. If wealth necessarily contaminated and destroyed life or destroyed man, what should we say of our Father who dwells in heaven, for His wealth is boundless. The wealth of the world is only borrowed for a little season. The wealth of our millionaires does not belong to them in reality, it is not theirs, not a dollar of it; they are entitled to use and to enjoy the benefit of it; in other words, they are stewards over it for the present time. If the wealth they possess were theirs, they would take it with them; they would not divide it among their friends, they would take it with them. That is, that amount which they hold to in this world. They would still cling to it tenaciously if it were possible to take it with them. Of course, I except that which they distribute beforehand; and I am not sure but what to me would be less generous in the distribution of that wealth even to their children if they could take it with them. But they know they cannot do this, hence they divide it as they see fit before they are released from their stewardship. These means are necessary. God has made this earth. He put in every vein of gold and silver and iron and precious metal, etc. He has given fertility to the earth; and he has done these things by His own power. And He has a right to say what shall be done with them. He has a right to say to us, when you cultivate the earth, “I require you to give me one tenth of all that is produced, and the nine-tenths you are welcome to use for your own support, and for the accomplishment of my purposes. But I require this of you as an acknowledgement that you are using the earth that belongs to me.”
Why should the Lord require this? There is a philosophical reason for it, there is a philosophical reason why He should require us to have faith in Him, He being the owner of the earth has the right to direct and control in regard to it, and to all who come upon it, hence it is necessary that we should have faith in Him. For He is the foundation of life, the fountain of intelligence, the fountain of knowledge, of happiness, of joy; and He knows exactly what is good for us. He knows every particle of experience that we pass through, that is necessary for us. And this earth has been brought together and arranged according to eternal principles, eternal laws, by which other worlds have been made, and by which other worlds will yet be made, that are behind us, that will follow this earth. The Lord is well acquainted with these things; and the revelation of the Gospel is intended to give unto us knowledge in regard to these eternal laws, that we may go parallel with them, walk with them and by them, in order that we may be saved—saved from sin and sorrow, saved from death, saved from destruction, saved from evil, and be blessed and rewarded for our fidelity and faithfulness to those laws.
In the first place, God requires us to have faith in Him, because it is not possible to please Him without faith. If we do not have faith in Him, we will not listen to Him, we will not accept His word, we will not be led and counseled by Him, hence it is necessary that this principle should be and abide with the Latter-day Saints.
It is necessary, too, that we repent and turn away from sin, and work righteousness. I would to the Lord that all Israel had thus worked up to this day, from the time we embraced the Gospel, that we had done right from that time until now, that our sins should all be forgiven us. We cannot have our sins forgiven, and continue in sin. That would not be rational; it would not be philosophical. We will find that every requirement that God has made upon us tends to direct us in the strait and narrow path. But when I consider the organization of the kingdom of God, the Priesthood that he has restored to us, crowned with the First Presidency and the Apostleship, giving to us every quorum in the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods, setting all things in order; and requiring every man and woman to be prayerful morning and evening, and to remember our secret prayers; to pay our tithing; to build Temples; to perform missions; to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper every Sabbath day—and the various duties that are required of the several quorums of Priesthood: it does seem to me that the Lord has been well acquainted with man's situation and necessities here, to arrange so many safeguards and provisions, for caring for the people, looking after them, and feeling after them, directing them, counseling and advising them, and holding them to the strait and narrow way into which they have been led by faith. And not only do they need to be planted in the strait way, but it is necessary that all those requirements be made upon them, and that they listen to them, and heed them in order that they may be kept in that way through life. For there is another power in the world that is working assiduously and faithfully, by night and day, to destroy the children of men and defeat the will of God, and to thwart His plans. And it is the business of that power to destroy man, to turn him from the service of God to the service of the Evil One. And hence the necessity of all this carefulness, these detailed plans and regulations urged in the Gospel of Christ, to keep men in the strait and narrow path. And with all this, some of Israel will go over the wall, they cannot be kept in. They will break out in spite of all the guards and bulwarks thrown around them. And the Spirit of the Lord which we received when we embraced the Gospel, and that was intended to be with us always, is grieved and driven from us because of our want of fidelity and humility, and because of our carelessness in the observance of the laws of God.
I spoke somewhat in regard to the ambition that Latter-day Saints should have, which I think has somewhat cooled in the Elders of Israel. If it was in the obtaining of a good country; if in colonizing Arizona, for instance, we had found an admirable country like Illinois, like Ohio and the Mississippi Valley and the Middle States that are watered by the rains and the dews of heaven, if we had found a country like that in Arizona or Western Colorado, or in Southeastern Utah, in Southern Idaho, in Eastern Nevada or Western Wyoming, broad acres inviting people to come in and take up large farms, we would be ambitious enough. There are railroads that are being built in the country; we are ambitious enough to take contracts and work in their construction. The Latter-day Saints cannot be charged with being idlers, but on the contrary, they are working themselves to death, in many instances. They are not a slothful people, if they were they never would have been satisfied with this country, and subdued it as they have. The spirit of the Lord has prompted them to industry. But it seems to me that our desire to work carries us to such an extent that we have little time to devote to the performance of our religious duties. We have not been so prompt in attending to our prayers, and to our meetings; our time and attention seem to be absorbed in getting teams and wagons, horses and lands, and clothing and food for ourselves and families. In early times we did not take our meals so regularly; food was not so plentiful, neither was it so easily obtained, consequently we did not get the variety nor so much of it as we do today. Circumstances have changed; and as the earth answers to the labors of the husbandman, we put on better clothing, we set our tables more sumptuously, and our homes are altogether better furnished. We eat more and drink more; we eat extravagantly and we drink to excess of things that are proper to be taken, and of things that are improper and should not be indulged in.
This is not right, and the Lord is not pleased with those who do it. And it is the duty of every one bearing the holy Priesthood, to make his voice heard against extravagance and evil. But first of all let him see that he himself is free from that which he would denounce in others. He should himself observe the law which God has revealed as to what we should eat and what we should drink. The Lord knows exactly what men should do and how they should live in order to obtain happiness, the realization of which is the object of life. There are a variety of ways in which men seek happiness, which, however, result in their sorrow. But there is no sorrow to be found or experienced in keeping the commandments of God. It is true, we may have to face death, and perhaps meet it; we may suffer from the loss of property, and have to endure persecution; but when we suffer such experience by reason of our rendering service to God, it promotes eternal joy in the soul of man. Our mission as Elders should be from now on to vie with each other in doing the works of righteousness, and in living humble and pure lives. In this we will find wealth and joy, and I desire to say to you that the Elder, the Priest, Teacher or Deacon—and the term Elder covers every man bearing the Melchizedek Priesthood—who neglects these things, will be found sorrowing; he will be found mourning; that, he did not fill his mission—and every man is on a mission upon whose head the hands of the servants of God have been placed, conferring upon him the holy Priesthood; all such persons are missionaries. And we should not wait to be called to the Old Country or elsewhere, or to be set apart as Home Missionaries, or to be Bishops or Presidents of Stakes, High Councilors, etc. For I say unto you that every man who has received any portion of the Priesthood is a missionary; and the salvation of the world, to a certain extent, rests upon his shoulders. And the man who neglects his duty will see a day of sorrow for his neglect.
Then, I exhort you, my brethren, as your fellow laborer, and as a servant of the Lord, to be diligent in observing to keep the commandments of God, to magnify the holy Priesthood that the Lord, through his servants, has placed upon you. We are expected to be saviors, working in conjunction with our elder brother, Jesus, and also in conjunction with our deceased friend and brother, Apostle Orson Pratt, who has gone to continue his labors in another sphere. When did Brother Pratt allow his mind to be idle? He exercised it continually in the right direction; he labored and studied; the bent of his ambition lay in searching the Scriptures, ancient and modern, and seeking to become acquainted with the Lord. Hence he became profound in knowledge, a man possessing the true riches, a servant of the living God, who has gone to reap his reward—gone from his sorrow, from his weariness and from his labors in this life, and, as was remarked yesterday, he will find his quorum, he will find his place therein, and will abide with the saved, exalted and redeemed and those who have “fought the good fight and kept the faith.” May this be said of us! But if it is said, it will be because we labor better in the future than we have done in the past.
Let every man look into his own heart! Let every man ask himself this question: Has this tongue of mine been used to the very best advantage? Have I spoken words of counsel to my neighbor? Have I taught my wives, my children, my brothers and my sisters as I ought? Has my mouth always been willing to give forth counsel to the world? Have I shrunk from bearing testimony of the truth? If you have in the past do not do it in the future. This life is not very long. We are only here for a little while. We are here to obtain experience. That is the object of our being, and the Lord has revealed unto us the Gospel, and we should be faithful. When we look over the world and find it teeming with millions of people who have not a knowledge of the truth—and many of them just as honest as we are in their worship, but they know not the truth, they have not sought after it, and in some instances they have been so educated and so prejudiced, and have taken error for truth, until they do not know the truth when they hear it—what a boon it is to us that God has given us a spirit by which we may know the truth and not be deceived! What a great gift and boon this is, and it ought to make us good husbands, good wives, good parents, good children, good neighbors, good men and women, laboring for the salvation of the human family.
We cannot be Saints without the spirit of the Lord. And as I said before in regard to these ordinances and requirements, they all tend in their particular place and time to keep us in the strait and narrow path. Hence upon the Sabbath we partake of the sacrament, and thus renew our covenants with the Lord, we fellowship each other, and we ask the Father to forgive the sins of the past and desire to have His Spirit to be with us in the future. This we do every Sabbath day, prayers every morning, prayers every night, prayers secretly every day of our lives; and when this is the case with the Latter-day Saints, when they partake of the sacrament worthily, and do not eat and drink condemnation to their own souls, there will be less sickness and less quarrels among us, and the spirit of the Lord will brood over Zion.
I have thought that if we as Elders of Israel would seek to obtain a knowledge as to why these principles are given to us and their force and effect upon us, we could then explain them better to our families than we can today. But we have been satisfied by receiving a portion of the spirit of the Lord. We have not progressed as we should; we have yielded obedience to the ordinance of baptism, but we have not gone forward as we ought to have done. Possibly we have gathered with the Saints into these valleys, but individually we have settled down more or less to follow the ways of the world, to the making of means, to the cultivation of our farms, etc. We send our children to school, it is true; but there is not that system of education, there is not that training and teaching of the sons by the mothers that ought to be. We have grown more or less careless regarding these things; we have become somewhat wrapped up in the things of the world. But I tell you that every Elder in Israel ought to feel like saying, “Father, use me as thou wilt. Give me power to magnify my calling and Priesthood, so that when contagious diseases come into the land I may look unto Thee for help.” By observing the Word of Wisdom, I believe that many of the calamities which come upon us as families could be averted; not that we would live forever; but I do believe that many would be saved unto us that are taken away because of our want of faith and because we break the laws which have been revealed unto us. When a man is doing right he has remarkable courage. You know it is said that sin makes cowards of us all. Now, the man that would approach the Father should not be a coward. In approaching the throne of grace, we should do so with humility, but with frankness, asking in faith, believing that the Lord will give.
Take my exhortation, my brethren and sisters, and observe the laws of the Lord; become acquainted with them, practice them in your lives, and let your time be employed from this day henceforth in observing the laws of God, that we may have His salvation and blessing in this life and exaltation in the life to come. May the Lord bless you. Amen.
Discourse by Apostle F. M. Lyman, delivered at the General Conference, Friday Morning, October 7, 1881.
Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.
My brethren and sisters, I am pleased to meet you in this General Conference, and although it is a great task to undertake to speak to so large an audience, I am willing to undertake my part if you will give me your faith and prayers, and the Lord will bless me with His Spirit.
The work that engages our attention is more remarkable than any work that the Lord has ever commenced upon the earth. The determination of our Heavenly Father that this work shall stand forever, that it shall not be taken from the earth nor be given to another people, is one of its important features. And I sometimes fear that we do not feel as ambitious, as energetic to do our part, to bear the responsibility that he designs to come upon our shoulders, that we are not as careful as we ought to be in observing his laws and requirements; that we do not appreciate them and prize them as we ought to. If we did we would not sin; if we did we would every day of our lives seek to know the mind and will of the Father; to have His Spirit to be present with us, prompting and inspiring and urging us forward to the accomplishment of the purposes of the Lord. We forget the early love of the Gospel. We are too much swallowed up, perhaps, in the making of a living, in obtaining the comforts of this life and a little more of this world's goods. We ought to labor; we ought to be industrious; we ought to seek to gather from the elements means that would sustain us, to clothe us, to build our habitations, and to enable us materially to build up the kingdom of God. But as the spirit and body are one, and grow together, sympathizing with each other, the spirit giving life to the body, without which the body cannot live at all, so it should be with us in regard to the things of the kingdom. The Spirit of the Lord should be first, the life, the energy that should propel us to the performance of our temporal duties. In cultivating the earth, in buying and selling, in caring for the wealth of the world, our object should be to supply our necessities, to make ourselves comfortable, to keep us alive, to keep us in good condition; but the chief part of our lives should be used in works of righteousness, of charity, seeking to improve the spiritual condition of man, to develop the intellectual man, to develop the moral man, and to gain favor with our heavenly Father; and to lay up treasures in this life that can be taken hence with us. We are not ambitious enough to excel in doing good. We are ambitious enough to excel in obtaining wealth—and yet I do not know that it ought to be called wealth. President Taylor gave a very nice explanation of true wealth yesterday. Quoting from the revelation of God to us which says, “He that hath eternal life is rich,” and applying those words to our late Brother, Orson Pratt, he said, pointing to his remains, “There lies the body of a rich man.” We all know that Brother Pratt was not rich in this world's goods, but it can be safely said of him, that he is rich—rich in the things of God. What he has done and accomplished is more than all the wealth of the world, the gold and the silver, the diamonds and precious stones, the houses and lands, and the cattle on a thousand bills; for he has earned the title of a son of God, and he cannot be robbed of it, having been true to the end and faithful to his latest breath.
Well now, what of worldly wealth, what of houses and lands, flocks and herds? They bring care and responsibility and trouble, that is if we have too much of them, and if we do not use them properly and rightly. If a man is endowed with the Holy Ghost; if he has first and foremost the kingdom of God and the righteousness of our heavenly Father, let wealth flow unto him as it may, he will use it properly; he will remember the poor, he will pay his tithing, he will give liberally for the building of Temples, for the supporting of the families of missionaries, and for the building up of home industries. The more wealth a man has, the better if he has the Spirit of God to guide him in its use. The kingdom of God must be built up with means. Money is necessary in some instances with us today. I presume the Trustee-in-Trust finds money very necessary to supply certain materials in the building of Temples; and the men working on them need some money to procure some of the necessaries of life, and probably, in some instances, the unnecessaries of life. Money is necessary to supply these demands, and we cannot very well get along without it, not as well as we could when there was none here. But it is not necessary that a man should be contaminated with wealth. If wealth necessarily contaminated and destroyed life or destroyed man, what should we say of our Father who dwells in heaven, for His wealth is boundless. The wealth of the world is only borrowed for a little season. The wealth of our millionaires does not belong to them in reality, it is not theirs, not a dollar of it; they are entitled to use and to enjoy the benefit of it; in other words, they are stewards over it for the present time. If the wealth they possess were theirs, they would take it with them; they would not divide it among their friends, they would take it with them. That is, that amount which they hold to in this world. They would still cling to it tenaciously if it were possible to take it with them. Of course, I except that which they distribute beforehand; and I am not sure but what to me would be less generous in the distribution of that wealth even to their children if they could take it with them. But they know they cannot do this, hence they divide it as they see fit before they are released from their stewardship. These means are necessary. God has made this earth. He put in every vein of gold and silver and iron and precious metal, etc. He has given fertility to the earth; and he has done these things by His own power. And He has a right to say what shall be done with them. He has a right to say to us, when you cultivate the earth, “I require you to give me one tenth of all that is produced, and the nine-tenths you are welcome to use for your own support, and for the accomplishment of my purposes. But I require this of you as an acknowledgement that you are using the earth that belongs to me.”
Why should the Lord require this? There is a philosophical reason for it, there is a philosophical reason why He should require us to have faith in Him, He being the owner of the earth has the right to direct and control in regard to it, and to all who come upon it, hence it is necessary that we should have faith in Him. For He is the foundation of life, the fountain of intelligence, the fountain of knowledge, of happiness, of joy; and He knows exactly what is good for us. He knows every particle of experience that we pass through, that is necessary for us. And this earth has been brought together and arranged according to eternal principles, eternal laws, by which other worlds have been made, and by which other worlds will yet be made, that are behind us, that will follow this earth. The Lord is well acquainted with these things; and the revelation of the Gospel is intended to give unto us knowledge in regard to these eternal laws, that we may go parallel with them, walk with them and by them, in order that we may be saved—saved from sin and sorrow, saved from death, saved from destruction, saved from evil, and be blessed and rewarded for our fidelity and faithfulness to those laws.
In the first place, God requires us to have faith in Him, because it is not possible to please Him without faith. If we do not have faith in Him, we will not listen to Him, we will not accept His word, we will not be led and counseled by Him, hence it is necessary that this principle should be and abide with the Latter-day Saints.
It is necessary, too, that we repent and turn away from sin, and work righteousness. I would to the Lord that all Israel had thus worked up to this day, from the time we embraced the Gospel, that we had done right from that time until now, that our sins should all be forgiven us. We cannot have our sins forgiven, and continue in sin. That would not be rational; it would not be philosophical. We will find that every requirement that God has made upon us tends to direct us in the strait and narrow path. But when I consider the organization of the kingdom of God, the Priesthood that he has restored to us, crowned with the First Presidency and the Apostleship, giving to us every quorum in the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods, setting all things in order; and requiring every man and woman to be prayerful morning and evening, and to remember our secret prayers; to pay our tithing; to build Temples; to perform missions; to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper every Sabbath day—and the various duties that are required of the several quorums of Priesthood: it does seem to me that the Lord has been well acquainted with man's situation and necessities here, to arrange so many safeguards and provisions, for caring for the people, looking after them, and feeling after them, directing them, counseling and advising them, and holding them to the strait and narrow way into which they have been led by faith. And not only do they need to be planted in the strait way, but it is necessary that all those requirements be made upon them, and that they listen to them, and heed them in order that they may be kept in that way through life. For there is another power in the world that is working assiduously and faithfully, by night and day, to destroy the children of men and defeat the will of God, and to thwart His plans. And it is the business of that power to destroy man, to turn him from the service of God to the service of the Evil One. And hence the necessity of all this carefulness, these detailed plans and regulations urged in the Gospel of Christ, to keep men in the strait and narrow path. And with all this, some of Israel will go over the wall, they cannot be kept in. They will break out in spite of all the guards and bulwarks thrown around them. And the Spirit of the Lord which we received when we embraced the Gospel, and that was intended to be with us always, is grieved and driven from us because of our want of fidelity and humility, and because of our carelessness in the observance of the laws of God.
I spoke somewhat in regard to the ambition that Latter-day Saints should have, which I think has somewhat cooled in the Elders of Israel. If it was in the obtaining of a good country; if in colonizing Arizona, for instance, we had found an admirable country like Illinois, like Ohio and the Mississippi Valley and the Middle States that are watered by the rains and the dews of heaven, if we had found a country like that in Arizona or Western Colorado, or in Southeastern Utah, in Southern Idaho, in Eastern Nevada or Western Wyoming, broad acres inviting people to come in and take up large farms, we would be ambitious enough. There are railroads that are being built in the country; we are ambitious enough to take contracts and work in their construction. The Latter-day Saints cannot be charged with being idlers, but on the contrary, they are working themselves to death, in many instances. They are not a slothful people, if they were they never would have been satisfied with this country, and subdued it as they have. The spirit of the Lord has prompted them to industry. But it seems to me that our desire to work carries us to such an extent that we have little time to devote to the performance of our religious duties. We have not been so prompt in attending to our prayers, and to our meetings; our time and attention seem to be absorbed in getting teams and wagons, horses and lands, and clothing and food for ourselves and families. In early times we did not take our meals so regularly; food was not so plentiful, neither was it so easily obtained, consequently we did not get the variety nor so much of it as we do today. Circumstances have changed; and as the earth answers to the labors of the husbandman, we put on better clothing, we set our tables more sumptuously, and our homes are altogether better furnished. We eat more and drink more; we eat extravagantly and we drink to excess of things that are proper to be taken, and of things that are improper and should not be indulged in.
This is not right, and the Lord is not pleased with those who do it. And it is the duty of every one bearing the holy Priesthood, to make his voice heard against extravagance and evil. But first of all let him see that he himself is free from that which he would denounce in others. He should himself observe the law which God has revealed as to what we should eat and what we should drink. The Lord knows exactly what men should do and how they should live in order to obtain happiness, the realization of which is the object of life. There are a variety of ways in which men seek happiness, which, however, result in their sorrow. But there is no sorrow to be found or experienced in keeping the commandments of God. It is true, we may have to face death, and perhaps meet it; we may suffer from the loss of property, and have to endure persecution; but when we suffer such experience by reason of our rendering service to God, it promotes eternal joy in the soul of man. Our mission as Elders should be from now on to vie with each other in doing the works of righteousness, and in living humble and pure lives. In this we will find wealth and joy, and I desire to say to you that the Elder, the Priest, Teacher or Deacon—and the term Elder covers every man bearing the Melchizedek Priesthood—who neglects these things, will be found sorrowing; he will be found mourning; that, he did not fill his mission—and every man is on a mission upon whose head the hands of the servants of God have been placed, conferring upon him the holy Priesthood; all such persons are missionaries. And we should not wait to be called to the Old Country or elsewhere, or to be set apart as Home Missionaries, or to be Bishops or Presidents of Stakes, High Councilors, etc. For I say unto you that every man who has received any portion of the Priesthood is a missionary; and the salvation of the world, to a certain extent, rests upon his shoulders. And the man who neglects his duty will see a day of sorrow for his neglect.
Then, I exhort you, my brethren, as your fellow laborer, and as a servant of the Lord, to be diligent in observing to keep the commandments of God, to magnify the holy Priesthood that the Lord, through his servants, has placed upon you. We are expected to be saviors, working in conjunction with our elder brother, Jesus, and also in conjunction with our deceased friend and brother, Apostle Orson Pratt, who has gone to continue his labors in another sphere. When did Brother Pratt allow his mind to be idle? He exercised it continually in the right direction; he labored and studied; the bent of his ambition lay in searching the Scriptures, ancient and modern, and seeking to become acquainted with the Lord. Hence he became profound in knowledge, a man possessing the true riches, a servant of the living God, who has gone to reap his reward—gone from his sorrow, from his weariness and from his labors in this life, and, as was remarked yesterday, he will find his quorum, he will find his place therein, and will abide with the saved, exalted and redeemed and those who have “fought the good fight and kept the faith.” May this be said of us! But if it is said, it will be because we labor better in the future than we have done in the past.
Let every man look into his own heart! Let every man ask himself this question: Has this tongue of mine been used to the very best advantage? Have I spoken words of counsel to my neighbor? Have I taught my wives, my children, my brothers and my sisters as I ought? Has my mouth always been willing to give forth counsel to the world? Have I shrunk from bearing testimony of the truth? If you have in the past do not do it in the future. This life is not very long. We are only here for a little while. We are here to obtain experience. That is the object of our being, and the Lord has revealed unto us the Gospel, and we should be faithful. When we look over the world and find it teeming with millions of people who have not a knowledge of the truth—and many of them just as honest as we are in their worship, but they know not the truth, they have not sought after it, and in some instances they have been so educated and so prejudiced, and have taken error for truth, until they do not know the truth when they hear it—what a boon it is to us that God has given us a spirit by which we may know the truth and not be deceived! What a great gift and boon this is, and it ought to make us good husbands, good wives, good parents, good children, good neighbors, good men and women, laboring for the salvation of the human family.
We cannot be Saints without the spirit of the Lord. And as I said before in regard to these ordinances and requirements, they all tend in their particular place and time to keep us in the strait and narrow path. Hence upon the Sabbath we partake of the sacrament, and thus renew our covenants with the Lord, we fellowship each other, and we ask the Father to forgive the sins of the past and desire to have His Spirit to be with us in the future. This we do every Sabbath day, prayers every morning, prayers every night, prayers secretly every day of our lives; and when this is the case with the Latter-day Saints, when they partake of the sacrament worthily, and do not eat and drink condemnation to their own souls, there will be less sickness and less quarrels among us, and the spirit of the Lord will brood over Zion.
I have thought that if we as Elders of Israel would seek to obtain a knowledge as to why these principles are given to us and their force and effect upon us, we could then explain them better to our families than we can today. But we have been satisfied by receiving a portion of the spirit of the Lord. We have not progressed as we should; we have yielded obedience to the ordinance of baptism, but we have not gone forward as we ought to have done. Possibly we have gathered with the Saints into these valleys, but individually we have settled down more or less to follow the ways of the world, to the making of means, to the cultivation of our farms, etc. We send our children to school, it is true; but there is not that system of education, there is not that training and teaching of the sons by the mothers that ought to be. We have grown more or less careless regarding these things; we have become somewhat wrapped up in the things of the world. But I tell you that every Elder in Israel ought to feel like saying, “Father, use me as thou wilt. Give me power to magnify my calling and Priesthood, so that when contagious diseases come into the land I may look unto Thee for help.” By observing the Word of Wisdom, I believe that many of the calamities which come upon us as families could be averted; not that we would live forever; but I do believe that many would be saved unto us that are taken away because of our want of faith and because we break the laws which have been revealed unto us. When a man is doing right he has remarkable courage. You know it is said that sin makes cowards of us all. Now, the man that would approach the Father should not be a coward. In approaching the throne of grace, we should do so with humility, but with frankness, asking in faith, believing that the Lord will give.
Take my exhortation, my brethren and sisters, and observe the laws of the Lord; become acquainted with them, practice them in your lives, and let your time be employed from this day henceforth in observing the laws of God, that we may have His salvation and blessing in this life and exaltation in the life to come. May the Lord bless you. Amen.
Elder Chas. W. Penrose
fully sustained the remarks made by the previous speaker. If we could only live according to the teachings continually imparted to us, we should in reality be Latter-day Saints. God had promised to sustain His people in doing what is right, but not in doing anything that is wrong. Our Heavenly Father had revealed many principles of truth for our guidance. From the day that the angel appeared to the Prophet Joseph until the present. The word of the Lord had been declared unto us, and there had always been a voice saying, “This is the way: walk ye in it.” The spirit of truth, also, if we obeyed the ordinances and requirements of the gospel, was ever within us to bear witness of the right and warn us of that which is not right. God had called us with a special calling. It was that we should be a holy people unto the Lord. We had the same organization as others, the same appetites and desires; we had bodies of flesh like others. All the people of the earth were the children of God, their spirits being his offspring. But we had been called of God to a special mission—to establish his kingdom on the earth, so that the same laws that governed in the heavens might be observed on earth, His will done here as it was in heaven, that all evil might be removed and the whole earth be filled with His glory. But while we were called to be special witnesses of the Almighty, He had no objection for us to obtain, on just and honorable principles, all that was needful not only to sustain our bodies and make us comfortable, but everything that would please the eye and gratify the taste. But we must not set our hearts upon these things. We must hold them subject to Him and be ready to aid and assist in building up His kingdom on the earth. Abraham was the friend of God who said He knew him, that he would command his children and his household to keep the ways of the Lord. Yet he obtained great wealth. It was not gained however by chicanery and deceit or oppression. He gathered his means in a proper way and used them for righteous and proper purposes. The inordinate love of money and not money itself was the root of all evil. Money was an agency for good as well as evil, and was potent in either direction. God has blessed the labors of His Saints and their wealth was better distributed than among any people, and He had promised, if they would act with an eye single to His glory, to give them the abundance of the earth; to bring forth the precious things of the mountains in which this country abounds, and give them all things they could reasonably desire. But He expected them to use it righteously and not set their hearts upon it, but devote it to the benefit of mankind, for the salvation of both the living and the dead. The Latter-day Saints had been called out of the world. They were to be a separate people. If not separate in body altogether, separate in spirit, different in their motives, in their manner of life and in the objects they had in view. A man of God could be in the midst of the world and yet be entirely distinct from the world. All the Latter-day Saints would have everything that was needful for their earthly comfort; when the grip of poverty shall no longer be felt and the bony hand of want would lay hold of none, but every one would be in possession of an abundance. But this was not of the first importance. The first thing for us to do was to seek the kingdom of God and righteousness of God, and the promise was that all other things should be added. He then spoke of the union of the Saints, which should be used for good, as God would not bless combinations for evil; of the power of the Priesthood and the necessity of each one magnifying that portion bestowed upon Him, seeking to do the will of God in preference to his own. He also spoke of the sufferings and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ, who, in the midst of His severest trials, said to His Father, “Not my will, but thine be done;” showed how He was strengthened to endure and exhorted all to follow the example of the Savior, and when affliction and troubles beset our path, to feel in our hearts as Jesus did when we also would be strengthened by the angels to overcome. He then made some remarks on the United Order which must at sometime be carried out in the midst of the people of God, because they must become one in their temporal as well as their spiritual affairs. He declared that we were entering upon the verge of “the great tribulation,” and the judgments of God would be poured out upon the land and on the sea, and the calamities predicted by the prophets would fall upon the earth. Let us therefore prepare for these things and be found in the discharge of our duties, remembering the Lord in all things attending to our prayers, paying our tithes and offerings, keeping the Sabbath day and standing in holy places according to the word of the Lord. He urged the observance of everything that would constitute us Latter-day Saints, bore his testimony to the truth of these things taught by the servants of the living God and of the final triumph of truth and the kingdom of God on the earth.
The Choir sung an anthem—Glory to God.
Conference was adjourned until 2 p. m.
Benediction by Prest. George Q. Cannon.
fully sustained the remarks made by the previous speaker. If we could only live according to the teachings continually imparted to us, we should in reality be Latter-day Saints. God had promised to sustain His people in doing what is right, but not in doing anything that is wrong. Our Heavenly Father had revealed many principles of truth for our guidance. From the day that the angel appeared to the Prophet Joseph until the present. The word of the Lord had been declared unto us, and there had always been a voice saying, “This is the way: walk ye in it.” The spirit of truth, also, if we obeyed the ordinances and requirements of the gospel, was ever within us to bear witness of the right and warn us of that which is not right. God had called us with a special calling. It was that we should be a holy people unto the Lord. We had the same organization as others, the same appetites and desires; we had bodies of flesh like others. All the people of the earth were the children of God, their spirits being his offspring. But we had been called of God to a special mission—to establish his kingdom on the earth, so that the same laws that governed in the heavens might be observed on earth, His will done here as it was in heaven, that all evil might be removed and the whole earth be filled with His glory. But while we were called to be special witnesses of the Almighty, He had no objection for us to obtain, on just and honorable principles, all that was needful not only to sustain our bodies and make us comfortable, but everything that would please the eye and gratify the taste. But we must not set our hearts upon these things. We must hold them subject to Him and be ready to aid and assist in building up His kingdom on the earth. Abraham was the friend of God who said He knew him, that he would command his children and his household to keep the ways of the Lord. Yet he obtained great wealth. It was not gained however by chicanery and deceit or oppression. He gathered his means in a proper way and used them for righteous and proper purposes. The inordinate love of money and not money itself was the root of all evil. Money was an agency for good as well as evil, and was potent in either direction. God has blessed the labors of His Saints and their wealth was better distributed than among any people, and He had promised, if they would act with an eye single to His glory, to give them the abundance of the earth; to bring forth the precious things of the mountains in which this country abounds, and give them all things they could reasonably desire. But He expected them to use it righteously and not set their hearts upon it, but devote it to the benefit of mankind, for the salvation of both the living and the dead. The Latter-day Saints had been called out of the world. They were to be a separate people. If not separate in body altogether, separate in spirit, different in their motives, in their manner of life and in the objects they had in view. A man of God could be in the midst of the world and yet be entirely distinct from the world. All the Latter-day Saints would have everything that was needful for their earthly comfort; when the grip of poverty shall no longer be felt and the bony hand of want would lay hold of none, but every one would be in possession of an abundance. But this was not of the first importance. The first thing for us to do was to seek the kingdom of God and righteousness of God, and the promise was that all other things should be added. He then spoke of the union of the Saints, which should be used for good, as God would not bless combinations for evil; of the power of the Priesthood and the necessity of each one magnifying that portion bestowed upon Him, seeking to do the will of God in preference to his own. He also spoke of the sufferings and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ, who, in the midst of His severest trials, said to His Father, “Not my will, but thine be done;” showed how He was strengthened to endure and exhorted all to follow the example of the Savior, and when affliction and troubles beset our path, to feel in our hearts as Jesus did when we also would be strengthened by the angels to overcome. He then made some remarks on the United Order which must at sometime be carried out in the midst of the people of God, because they must become one in their temporal as well as their spiritual affairs. He declared that we were entering upon the verge of “the great tribulation,” and the judgments of God would be poured out upon the land and on the sea, and the calamities predicted by the prophets would fall upon the earth. Let us therefore prepare for these things and be found in the discharge of our duties, remembering the Lord in all things attending to our prayers, paying our tithes and offerings, keeping the Sabbath day and standing in holy places according to the word of the Lord. He urged the observance of everything that would constitute us Latter-day Saints, bore his testimony to the truth of these things taught by the servants of the living God and of the final triumph of truth and the kingdom of God on the earth.
The Choir sung an anthem—Glory to God.
Conference was adjourned until 2 p. m.
Benediction by Prest. George Q. Cannon.
Friday, 2 p.m.
The choir sang: Though nations rise, and men conspire Their efforts will be vain.
Prayer by President George Teasdale.
The choir sang: Awake, ye Saints of God, awake, Call on the Lord in mighty prayer.
The choir sang: Though nations rise, and men conspire Their efforts will be vain.
Prayer by President George Teasdale.
The choir sang: Awake, ye Saints of God, awake, Call on the Lord in mighty prayer.
Prest. Joseph F. Smith
hoped his remarks might be directed by the good Spirit of God, and earnestly craved the prayers and faith of the Saints now before him. A concentration of faith and prayer was necessary to secure the blessings of the Lord. It was written, “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find; knock and the door shall be opened unto you.” If we ask not, we need not expect to receive; if we seek not, we need not expect to find; if we do not knock, we need not expect the door of mercy to be opened to us. The sun shines upon the just and the unjust, and the rain descends on the evil as well as the good. These are among the more general blessings that God bestows upon all His children. In bestowing these things God is no respecter of persons. It is however the duty of all to acknowledge the hand of God our heavenly Father in all things, even in the blessings bestowed upon all mankind in common. If we fail to do this, are we not guilty of the sin of ingratitude, which we will have to answer for at the bar of God?
There are blessings that are not bestowed upon the human family in general without their seeking to obtain them. Among the blessings of this character are the following, which can only be obtained on certain conditions: First there is faith, which is the gift of God. Faith to acknowledge the hand of God in all things. Faith to believe the gospel, faith to take that course by which we can receive a pardon of our sins. A blessing which does not fall upon all the human family is the remission of sins, and who does not desire such a blessing? To be made clean in the sight of God, to receive pardon for all past evil doings? From the conduct of many, even of these called Latter-day Saints, they would seem to be impure, unclean, unholy and unfit for presence of angels, because they do not observe the conditions by which they can be cleansed and made fit for the full enjoyment of the blessings of the gospel of Christ. No one can receive the Holy Ghost except those who have received a remission of sins. That spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples, and no man can testify that Jesus is the Christ but by the Holy Ghost, which alone can enlighten our minds and enable us to discern between good and evil. None need expect this great gift only as they ask it in faith and live in the observance of the commandments of God. We can only know that our sins are remitted by the Holy Ghost testifying to our hearts. Let us therefore learn to so live, that we can ask and receive, and as we advance in the science of life, and the exercise of this great gift of faith, we can obtain power with God even as did Jesus, who by faith healed the sick, fed the multitude, controlled the winds and commanded the waves and they obeyed him. In speaking of the death rate during the past year, said that it was greater than it ever was before in this city, and it was a portentous sign. The times are big with stirring events, and the Latter-day Saints should take warning, and so order their lives that all those blessings promised us in the Gospel and especially those couched in the Word of Wisdom could be realized. He testified that every blessing promised in that Word of Wisdom would be verified to all those who lived for them, and on the other hand they could not be obtained without observing it. He concluded with a powerful exhortation to a life of righteousness and exertion to obtain those peculiar blessings which only come through seeking for them in the appointed way.
hoped his remarks might be directed by the good Spirit of God, and earnestly craved the prayers and faith of the Saints now before him. A concentration of faith and prayer was necessary to secure the blessings of the Lord. It was written, “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find; knock and the door shall be opened unto you.” If we ask not, we need not expect to receive; if we seek not, we need not expect to find; if we do not knock, we need not expect the door of mercy to be opened to us. The sun shines upon the just and the unjust, and the rain descends on the evil as well as the good. These are among the more general blessings that God bestows upon all His children. In bestowing these things God is no respecter of persons. It is however the duty of all to acknowledge the hand of God our heavenly Father in all things, even in the blessings bestowed upon all mankind in common. If we fail to do this, are we not guilty of the sin of ingratitude, which we will have to answer for at the bar of God?
There are blessings that are not bestowed upon the human family in general without their seeking to obtain them. Among the blessings of this character are the following, which can only be obtained on certain conditions: First there is faith, which is the gift of God. Faith to acknowledge the hand of God in all things. Faith to believe the gospel, faith to take that course by which we can receive a pardon of our sins. A blessing which does not fall upon all the human family is the remission of sins, and who does not desire such a blessing? To be made clean in the sight of God, to receive pardon for all past evil doings? From the conduct of many, even of these called Latter-day Saints, they would seem to be impure, unclean, unholy and unfit for presence of angels, because they do not observe the conditions by which they can be cleansed and made fit for the full enjoyment of the blessings of the gospel of Christ. No one can receive the Holy Ghost except those who have received a remission of sins. That spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples, and no man can testify that Jesus is the Christ but by the Holy Ghost, which alone can enlighten our minds and enable us to discern between good and evil. None need expect this great gift only as they ask it in faith and live in the observance of the commandments of God. We can only know that our sins are remitted by the Holy Ghost testifying to our hearts. Let us therefore learn to so live, that we can ask and receive, and as we advance in the science of life, and the exercise of this great gift of faith, we can obtain power with God even as did Jesus, who by faith healed the sick, fed the multitude, controlled the winds and commanded the waves and they obeyed him. In speaking of the death rate during the past year, said that it was greater than it ever was before in this city, and it was a portentous sign. The times are big with stirring events, and the Latter-day Saints should take warning, and so order their lives that all those blessings promised us in the Gospel and especially those couched in the Word of Wisdom could be realized. He testified that every blessing promised in that Word of Wisdom would be verified to all those who lived for them, and on the other hand they could not be obtained without observing it. He concluded with a powerful exhortation to a life of righteousness and exertion to obtain those peculiar blessings which only come through seeking for them in the appointed way.
President Geo. Q. Cannon
then read the statistical report of the various Stakes of Zion.
then read the statistical report of the various Stakes of Zion.
President John Taylor
It is interesting to some to read and hear read our statistical reports, and then to others it is what they call dry reading. Many seem not to be much interested in relation to these matters. Still there are things exhibited therein that are or should be really interesting to all of us. There is one very remarkable feature associated with our statistical reports, and that is, that we find generally throughout the Territory about one-fourth of our population under eight years of age. I am told that this does not cover the whole, that it is nearer one-third than one-fourth. However, it is always better to keep within the figures. There are some other ideas associated with these things in my mind. We sometimes talk about the great many deaths that have occurred. Well, yes, that is true. Then we may as well talk, on the other hand, about the great many births we have, and put one fact to offset the other. But there is a grand principle connected with this thing that many have not thought of. I will briefly refer to it. It is supposed by some statisticians who have written on this subject that about one-half of the human family die before they arrive at five years of age. As to the truth of that, I am not prepared to say, but will give it a little more latitude and allow them eight years instead of five to make their calculations from. That I do not vouch for myself, as some of these statements are a little exaggerated, and sometimes it is very difficult for statisticians to get an accurate account of the births and deaths in the various nations of the earth. But there is a principle associated with this, as I said before, that I wish here to introduce. There has been, as there is to-day, a war between God and the devil—between the powers of light and the powers of darkness. The rebellion was first started in the heavens by Satan, and in consequence of the rebellion, he and a third part of the hosts of heaven, we are told, were cast out. That rebellion was thus transferred from the heavens to the earth. Cain was influenced by that same spirit and, became the representative of the enemy of mankind, and was called in that day the great Master Mahan. He loved Satan, we are told, more than he loved God and consequently the wrath of God was kindled against him. But Satan and his followers—for he has had a large following—have been, as they are to-day, in opposition to God and to His people and to His law. And he has planted hatred to God in the minds of the human family who have yielded themselves submissive to his will, and he has desired to destroy the human family. He so led them in early days that every imagination and thought of the heart was evil and that continually. The wickedness and corruption of the people increased, we are told, “It repented the Lord that He made man.” That is a slight mistake. It should read that “It repented Noah that God had made man.” In order to stop the propagation of this iniquitous race the were cut off from the face of the earth by flood. The power to propagate their species was not taken from them, they had that agency and that power, and I suppose it is very likely that the devil laughed heartily when he saw that those people were destroyed. But there comes another feature in the scene, namely, Jesus who was “the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.” Satan thought that when he had got the people that were in the world destroyed he had accomplished his object. In this, however he was very much mistaken; for we read that the Son of God, “being put to death in the flesh was quickened by the spirit by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometime were disobedient when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” And what did he preach? The gospel. Hence Satan did not secure the whole of the people that were then destroyed. Then, again, taking the statement of the statisticians that I before referred to, there is another class that Satan has no power nor dominion over, and that is over children under eight years of age. He has nothing to do with them. They are redeemed through the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and Jesus when He was upon the earth said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
There is another slight mistake he has made in relation to these matters, and that is, that there is one half of the whole human family of every nation, of every people of every tongue of the myriads born upon the earth, that are saved through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, or that proportion of them at least that die in their infancy. When we look at these things and are troubled about our children leaving, us we will not mourn as those who have no hope. If our brethren who hold the Holy Priesthood leave us, we will not mourn much for them. God dictates these things and takes care of them; they go to their places, to their quorums, and to their associations in the eternal worlds. Therefore we have no cause to lament.
There is another class of people with regard to whom Satan will miss his mark and his calculations. We are told that all those who have lived in the different ages of the world who have not had the gospel preached to them, shall yet have the opportunity of receiving it if they choose. And that is one reason why we are building Temples, that we may administer for those who are worthy behind the vail, who have lived among the various nations that have existed in the different ages. These will all have the opportunity. And thus the Priesthood that administers in time and in eternity will operate both on the earth and in the heavens. We are operating now for ourselves, for our friends and relatives, tracing out these things as well as we can and acting as saviors upon Mount Zion. And while we are operating here, there are thousands also who are operating in the heavens. The priesthood that have lived in the different ages who have died, are operating there in the interests of humanity. And it is for them, by and by, when we get through with the affairs pertaining to our own little matters here among ourselves, to look after them—for them to communicate with us, for we need their assistance here upon the earth, and the assistance of God our heavenly Father, and they need our assistance here. Hence saviours shall come upon Mount Zion; and saviors are not saviors unless they save somebody. This is the labor we have to do connected with the earth and with the heavens. And when men are on the earth they operate in the priesthood, and by the power and authority of God, our heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ; and we are told that whatsoever they seal on the earth, shall be sealed in the heavens; and whatsoever they bind on the earth shall be bound in the heavens. And the two Priesthoods are united for the accomplishment of those purposes that God has designed from before the foundation of the earth. And will Satan be disappointed? I guess he will, notwithstanding the course that he has taken the influence he has used, and the power he has exercised among men. There will be a great war by and by that will culminate in his overthrow, it will be between Michael or Adam, and Satan, and his forces will be overcome and cast into the bottomless pit, that he can deceive the nations no more until God shall give him some other little opportunity, for the perfecting and benefit and exaltation of man. However, this is an extensive subject to talk upon. I thought I would say so much on it; and if men live in the fear of God, and keep His commandments, they live unto God; and if they die they die unto God, and God will take care of them, inasmuch as they are faithful in keeping the commandments of God. And I will say that the liars and the calumniators, and the wicked and the irreligious—I do not care what name or profession—and those fighting against the Lord, God will be after them, and He that sits in the heavens will laugh and hold them in derision; and so will we. And Zion will arise and shine, and the glory of God will rest upon her.
There is one little piece of advice I want to give you. There have been what some people would call pretty good times; we have been blessed with very good harvests and an abundance of the good things of the earth, for which I feel grateful in my heart, and for which we ought to render praise and thanksgiving to God; and all of you who feel like this, say Amen. [The congregation unitedly responded Amen.] Now, let us be careful of the things which God has provided and blessed us with; and do not squander them. And you that have jeopardized yourselves by incumbrances, make use of the means you get to release yourselves from your embarrassments, and get out of debt; and then do not get into debt again. Let us be free, free in our feelings to carry out correct principles; and trust in God, and He will take care of the rest.
One thing more. There will be, by and by, a re-action in the times. While you enjoy the opportunity improve it for your advantage, and do not be caught in an embarrassing position again.
God bless you. Amen.
A meeting of the Priesthood was announced for 7 o’clock this evening, in the Assembly Hall.
Conference was adjourned until 10 o’clock to-morrow morning.
The choir sang the anthem, “O praise God in His holiness.”
Benediction by Apostle W. Woodruff.
It is interesting to some to read and hear read our statistical reports, and then to others it is what they call dry reading. Many seem not to be much interested in relation to these matters. Still there are things exhibited therein that are or should be really interesting to all of us. There is one very remarkable feature associated with our statistical reports, and that is, that we find generally throughout the Territory about one-fourth of our population under eight years of age. I am told that this does not cover the whole, that it is nearer one-third than one-fourth. However, it is always better to keep within the figures. There are some other ideas associated with these things in my mind. We sometimes talk about the great many deaths that have occurred. Well, yes, that is true. Then we may as well talk, on the other hand, about the great many births we have, and put one fact to offset the other. But there is a grand principle connected with this thing that many have not thought of. I will briefly refer to it. It is supposed by some statisticians who have written on this subject that about one-half of the human family die before they arrive at five years of age. As to the truth of that, I am not prepared to say, but will give it a little more latitude and allow them eight years instead of five to make their calculations from. That I do not vouch for myself, as some of these statements are a little exaggerated, and sometimes it is very difficult for statisticians to get an accurate account of the births and deaths in the various nations of the earth. But there is a principle associated with this, as I said before, that I wish here to introduce. There has been, as there is to-day, a war between God and the devil—between the powers of light and the powers of darkness. The rebellion was first started in the heavens by Satan, and in consequence of the rebellion, he and a third part of the hosts of heaven, we are told, were cast out. That rebellion was thus transferred from the heavens to the earth. Cain was influenced by that same spirit and, became the representative of the enemy of mankind, and was called in that day the great Master Mahan. He loved Satan, we are told, more than he loved God and consequently the wrath of God was kindled against him. But Satan and his followers—for he has had a large following—have been, as they are to-day, in opposition to God and to His people and to His law. And he has planted hatred to God in the minds of the human family who have yielded themselves submissive to his will, and he has desired to destroy the human family. He so led them in early days that every imagination and thought of the heart was evil and that continually. The wickedness and corruption of the people increased, we are told, “It repented the Lord that He made man.” That is a slight mistake. It should read that “It repented Noah that God had made man.” In order to stop the propagation of this iniquitous race the were cut off from the face of the earth by flood. The power to propagate their species was not taken from them, they had that agency and that power, and I suppose it is very likely that the devil laughed heartily when he saw that those people were destroyed. But there comes another feature in the scene, namely, Jesus who was “the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.” Satan thought that when he had got the people that were in the world destroyed he had accomplished his object. In this, however he was very much mistaken; for we read that the Son of God, “being put to death in the flesh was quickened by the spirit by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, which sometime were disobedient when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah.” And what did he preach? The gospel. Hence Satan did not secure the whole of the people that were then destroyed. Then, again, taking the statement of the statisticians that I before referred to, there is another class that Satan has no power nor dominion over, and that is over children under eight years of age. He has nothing to do with them. They are redeemed through the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and Jesus when He was upon the earth said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
There is another slight mistake he has made in relation to these matters, and that is, that there is one half of the whole human family of every nation, of every people of every tongue of the myriads born upon the earth, that are saved through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, or that proportion of them at least that die in their infancy. When we look at these things and are troubled about our children leaving, us we will not mourn as those who have no hope. If our brethren who hold the Holy Priesthood leave us, we will not mourn much for them. God dictates these things and takes care of them; they go to their places, to their quorums, and to their associations in the eternal worlds. Therefore we have no cause to lament.
There is another class of people with regard to whom Satan will miss his mark and his calculations. We are told that all those who have lived in the different ages of the world who have not had the gospel preached to them, shall yet have the opportunity of receiving it if they choose. And that is one reason why we are building Temples, that we may administer for those who are worthy behind the vail, who have lived among the various nations that have existed in the different ages. These will all have the opportunity. And thus the Priesthood that administers in time and in eternity will operate both on the earth and in the heavens. We are operating now for ourselves, for our friends and relatives, tracing out these things as well as we can and acting as saviors upon Mount Zion. And while we are operating here, there are thousands also who are operating in the heavens. The priesthood that have lived in the different ages who have died, are operating there in the interests of humanity. And it is for them, by and by, when we get through with the affairs pertaining to our own little matters here among ourselves, to look after them—for them to communicate with us, for we need their assistance here upon the earth, and the assistance of God our heavenly Father, and they need our assistance here. Hence saviours shall come upon Mount Zion; and saviors are not saviors unless they save somebody. This is the labor we have to do connected with the earth and with the heavens. And when men are on the earth they operate in the priesthood, and by the power and authority of God, our heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ; and we are told that whatsoever they seal on the earth, shall be sealed in the heavens; and whatsoever they bind on the earth shall be bound in the heavens. And the two Priesthoods are united for the accomplishment of those purposes that God has designed from before the foundation of the earth. And will Satan be disappointed? I guess he will, notwithstanding the course that he has taken the influence he has used, and the power he has exercised among men. There will be a great war by and by that will culminate in his overthrow, it will be between Michael or Adam, and Satan, and his forces will be overcome and cast into the bottomless pit, that he can deceive the nations no more until God shall give him some other little opportunity, for the perfecting and benefit and exaltation of man. However, this is an extensive subject to talk upon. I thought I would say so much on it; and if men live in the fear of God, and keep His commandments, they live unto God; and if they die they die unto God, and God will take care of them, inasmuch as they are faithful in keeping the commandments of God. And I will say that the liars and the calumniators, and the wicked and the irreligious—I do not care what name or profession—and those fighting against the Lord, God will be after them, and He that sits in the heavens will laugh and hold them in derision; and so will we. And Zion will arise and shine, and the glory of God will rest upon her.
There is one little piece of advice I want to give you. There have been what some people would call pretty good times; we have been blessed with very good harvests and an abundance of the good things of the earth, for which I feel grateful in my heart, and for which we ought to render praise and thanksgiving to God; and all of you who feel like this, say Amen. [The congregation unitedly responded Amen.] Now, let us be careful of the things which God has provided and blessed us with; and do not squander them. And you that have jeopardized yourselves by incumbrances, make use of the means you get to release yourselves from your embarrassments, and get out of debt; and then do not get into debt again. Let us be free, free in our feelings to carry out correct principles; and trust in God, and He will take care of the rest.
One thing more. There will be, by and by, a re-action in the times. While you enjoy the opportunity improve it for your advantage, and do not be caught in an embarrassing position again.
God bless you. Amen.
A meeting of the Priesthood was announced for 7 o’clock this evening, in the Assembly Hall.
Conference was adjourned until 10 o’clock to-morrow morning.
The choir sang the anthem, “O praise God in His holiness.”
Benediction by Apostle W. Woodruff.
THIRD DAY.
Saturday, 10 a. m.
The Choir sang, The time is nigh, that happy time, That great, expected, blessed day.
Prayer by Elder Canute Peterson.
The Choir Sang, My soul is full of peace and love, I soon shall see Christ from above.
Saturday, 10 a. m.
The Choir sang, The time is nigh, that happy time, That great, expected, blessed day.
Prayer by Elder Canute Peterson.
The Choir Sang, My soul is full of peace and love, I soon shall see Christ from above.
Apostle John Henry Smith
had experienced much satisfaction in listening to the instructions of his brethren who had already spoken. Our duties and responsibilities had been clearly pointed out. In reflecting upon the selection of Elders for the missionary field he felt that much responsibility rested upon fathers and mothers in educating their children in the doctrines of the gospel. It was a sacred duty for parents to gather their children around the family altar and carefully lay a foundation in their minds of a knowledge of the great and glorious work that God, our Heavenly Father has commenced in these last days. It should be the ambition of parents to have their children fully equipped to go forth as heralds of salvation to the nations of the earth, and to be so trained that the Spirit of God would be in their hearts, that they might be an honor to their parents, and useful missionaries in their various fields of labor. No circumstance in life would exonerate parents from this responsibility, whether rich or poor, Bishop or Apostle. He earnestly exhorted the young men within the sound of his voice, to study well the principles of the Gospel, and make themselves fully acquainted with the things of God, so that they could go forth in the power and demonstration of the spirit to warn the nations, and explain the plan of salvation to the inhabitants of the earth. He also strongly urged the necessity of our young men taking part at the family altar, and not only our young men but the daughters of Zion should also be taught to pray, that both might be fitted and qualified to fill important stations in the kingdom of God. If we omitted to train up our children in these important duties, as they grow up to maturity, many would go astray and wander from the fold of Christ. He then exhorted the young men to follow the example of the best men in Israel, in honesty, in integrity, in usefulness, etc. He warned them against the vices and wickedness of the age, and encouraged them to lay a foundation in virtue and righteousness, that they might form for themselves a character that will be great, and good, and enduring.
had experienced much satisfaction in listening to the instructions of his brethren who had already spoken. Our duties and responsibilities had been clearly pointed out. In reflecting upon the selection of Elders for the missionary field he felt that much responsibility rested upon fathers and mothers in educating their children in the doctrines of the gospel. It was a sacred duty for parents to gather their children around the family altar and carefully lay a foundation in their minds of a knowledge of the great and glorious work that God, our Heavenly Father has commenced in these last days. It should be the ambition of parents to have their children fully equipped to go forth as heralds of salvation to the nations of the earth, and to be so trained that the Spirit of God would be in their hearts, that they might be an honor to their parents, and useful missionaries in their various fields of labor. No circumstance in life would exonerate parents from this responsibility, whether rich or poor, Bishop or Apostle. He earnestly exhorted the young men within the sound of his voice, to study well the principles of the Gospel, and make themselves fully acquainted with the things of God, so that they could go forth in the power and demonstration of the spirit to warn the nations, and explain the plan of salvation to the inhabitants of the earth. He also strongly urged the necessity of our young men taking part at the family altar, and not only our young men but the daughters of Zion should also be taught to pray, that both might be fitted and qualified to fill important stations in the kingdom of God. If we omitted to train up our children in these important duties, as they grow up to maturity, many would go astray and wander from the fold of Christ. He then exhorted the young men to follow the example of the best men in Israel, in honesty, in integrity, in usefulness, etc. He warned them against the vices and wickedness of the age, and encouraged them to lay a foundation in virtue and righteousness, that they might form for themselves a character that will be great, and good, and enduring.
The Calling of Missionaries—The Proper Training of the Young, Etc.
Remarks by Apostle John H. Smith, delivered at the General Conference, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Saturday Morning, October 8, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
I am pleased to meet with you this morning, and have had much satisfaction in listening to the teachings and instructions of our brethren.
The duties and responsibilities which are imposed upon us are of that nature that it is necessary for us to be called together from time to time to have our memories freshened in regard to the principles of the Gospel, the order of the Priesthood, and the duties and responsibilities that are incumbent upon us, as the servants of the Most High. Our minds are caused to reflect upon various subjects. My reflections have been directed for some time in a direction that is different in some measure from what it has been heretofore, and that is in regard to the selection of missionaries from among the various Stakes of Zion, to go abroad and represent the cause and kingdom of God upon the earth, in the various fields of labor wherein we are enabled at the present time to introduce the principles of the Gospel. And in looking round among my brethren for those that it would be proper to send upon missions, I find, in my judgment, that it is highly necessary that fathers and mothers in Israel should adopt a more strict and conscientious course in the instruction of their sons in regard to the principles of the Gospel. We find in searching among our brethren, that we are compelled at times to call upon men who have in some measure—and to a very great extent in some instances—neglected to fully study and comprehend in their entirety the principles of the Gospel. They have been faithful in the discharge of some of their duties, but the cares of life, the necessity of providing for families, aiding father and mother, etc., have prevented them receiving that care and attention and instruction, by those who are placed to watch over them that they should receive. It is a fact, patent to all of us, that those children who are called around the fireside at home and instructed in the principles of the Gospel by father and mother; that these children, though they may be wayward for a season, as they grow older, get the principles of the Gospel fixed upon their minds, a substantial foundation is laid, and as the days of thoughtlessness pass away, they are prepared to step forward and perform their part in the advancement of the work of God upon the earth. I think, therefore, it would be a wise and prudent thing for every family in Israel, that have sons arrived at the years of accountability, to teach them, not only when they have grown to this age, but from childhood up, so that when the time arrives they may be prepared to go forward in the various fields of labor, and use their influence in the advancement of the work which our Father has established. We frequently have to strive, in some measure, to keep our children around us, inasmuch as they are engaged in various pursuits, sometimes in various places; yet it would be the ambition and pride of every man and woman who are rearing a son in Zion, that he should be a messenger of peace and salvation to the world.
This is one of the subjects that I felt to touch upon in Conference. I have never been called upon before to look around in the interests of missionary work, but I have been led to reflect upon this matter. The noblest work that a son can be engaged in is the work of carrying the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and to do this successfully they must have a testimony of the truth within their own hearts. Every father and mother, as their sons become of age, should see that they are prepared for the responsibility and honor of a position of this kind, and thus be an honor to their parents, who have stood firm to the principles of the Gospel. In my brief experience in this matter I have had to approach many young men who have been in some measure wayward, not wicked; they are willing to go and try, but they feel that their lives have not been as exemplary as they might have been. No young man, however lowly his estate may be, is exempt from this right and privilege—the son of the farmer and the son of the lumberman, as much as the son of the merchant, the doctor, or the sons of the Twelve, Presidency of Stakes, Bishops of Wards, etc.; the same responsibility rests upon all who have espoused the cause of truth, and who are desirous that our names should stand in Israel.
I would therefore plead with the young men that are within the sound of my voice this day, that they prepare themselves for this great work, study the scriptures of truth, cultivate the spirit of humility, and strive to learn the way of life and be prepared for the duties and responsibilities of Elders in Israel. This should be the desire of every young man; and if we, as fathers and mothers, will attend to our duties, if we will study the interests of our families, enter into their feelings and sentiments, and cultivate within their hearts a regard for the principles of truth, we will find our sons and our daughters grow up around us honoring the Priesthood of the Son of God, honoring the Lord and His laws, and striving to do their utmost in furthering the advancement of His work. It is the duty of every young man who has received the Priesthood to become acquainted with the principles of the Gospel, so that he may be able to aid in the accomplishment of this great labor. And in order, my brethren and sisters, that they may have a proper education for this labor, it is necessary that we begin with them in childhood; that mother makes it her sacred duty in the absence of father, or whether he be at home or no, to call her little ones around her and teach them to pray to their Father in Heaven for His blessing upon themselves; their friends, their kindred, and the good and pure everywhere. And where fathers and mothers begin to thus train their children in early childhood, in the principles of the Gospel, we will find that in after life, they will take their place in the Church, when the proper time arrives. Under this influence and teaching they will take their place in the Young Men's Improvement Associations, and learn to bear their testimony intelligently, and feel desirous of responding to every call made upon them. They may feel timid at the first, as I believe all men do to a greater or less extent; but the right spirit is within their breasts, and they cannot shake it off.
Now, I am sanguine that there are many who call themselves Latter-day Saints, who have neglected their duty in this respect, and many a son is permitted to grow to manhood, whose father has never asked him to bow with them at the family altar. This is a serious neglect upon the part of those who have named the name of Jesus, who have come up to these mountains to be taught in the ways of the Lord. It is a sad neglect, and those who have done it in the past should guard against it in the future. We should attend to the sacred duty of instructing our sons and daughters, so that when they are called to fill various positions, they will feel it an honor to respond. This sentiment and feeling should actuate us at all times. It is not necessary that our children should be taught to make particularly long prayers. Christ, our elder Brother, has set us a wise and prudent example in this respect; He has given us an example worthy of imitation. It is not for the number of words that we use in approaching our Father, but it is that we approach Him in earnestness, realizing that He can bless us; and if we draw near unto Him as we should, we shall receive a blessing at His hands. I have sometimes thought that fathers have been unwise in this matter: their prayers have been too long; so much so that those who may be taking part in the same get tired and desire to be away from the family when this duty is to be performed. This should not be so. The children should be taught to take a pride in this duty, and made to feel that it is their duty to be in attendance when the family bow down to return thanks to God for all the mercies and blessings He has vouchsafed from time to time. If we as parents, will do our duty in this respect, if we exercise our privileges as the servants of our Father, we will find a race of men and women growing up around us who have faith, who will honor their parents and the cause we desire them to represent; but if we allow them to grow up without culture and a proper regard for the ordinances of the Gospel of Christ, we will find that our sons and our daughters will stray from us and from the principles of truth. We should look well to this condition of things and see that we are performing the duties devolving upon us.
I trust this is enough from me upon this subject.
I desire to speak a few minutes to the young men, for I see there are quite a number within the sound of my voice. I feel as a rule, that I am more at liberty to talk and reason with them than I am with those who are older and more experienced than I am. I desire to plead with the sons of Zion, that they will select for their example the best men that can be found in the kingdom. If there is a man in the Church whose life is unspotted, upon whose name rests no stain, and who is clear from every evil; pattern after his virtues; study to possess integrity as he possesses it; study to be honest as he is honest, just as he is just, and avoid the shoals, the rocks and evils upon which many men have wrecked and gone to pieces; for no man that is a thief, a liar, a robber, an adulterer, can keep the faith of the Gospel. I would warn you, my young brethren, to look well to your course in life, see that it is free from sin; for no man can remain in the kingdom of God long who has the thought resting upon him that he is guilty of wickedness. I find in my experience, in looking around me, men whose growth in the kingdom has ceased, and I find in seeking to know and understand the cause of this, that they have been guilty of indiscretions that they cannot face. We should see, therefore, that our course of life is free from stain, for if we leave the path of rectitude, we must expect to go down to disgrace and dishonor; but if we lay our foundation in righteousness, we will find ourselves in the path of life, and the blessings of Heaven will be upon us. We will have neither fear nor doubt. It is he that is guilty of sin that is doubtful and fearful, for he fears the justice of God.
Well, my brethren and sisters: I am pleased to be with you, to see your faces and to feel your spirit. I feel that Zion is growing, and that she may continue to grow and spread, until the purposes of God are accomplished, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Remarks by Apostle John H. Smith, delivered at the General Conference, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Saturday Morning, October 8, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
I am pleased to meet with you this morning, and have had much satisfaction in listening to the teachings and instructions of our brethren.
The duties and responsibilities which are imposed upon us are of that nature that it is necessary for us to be called together from time to time to have our memories freshened in regard to the principles of the Gospel, the order of the Priesthood, and the duties and responsibilities that are incumbent upon us, as the servants of the Most High. Our minds are caused to reflect upon various subjects. My reflections have been directed for some time in a direction that is different in some measure from what it has been heretofore, and that is in regard to the selection of missionaries from among the various Stakes of Zion, to go abroad and represent the cause and kingdom of God upon the earth, in the various fields of labor wherein we are enabled at the present time to introduce the principles of the Gospel. And in looking round among my brethren for those that it would be proper to send upon missions, I find, in my judgment, that it is highly necessary that fathers and mothers in Israel should adopt a more strict and conscientious course in the instruction of their sons in regard to the principles of the Gospel. We find in searching among our brethren, that we are compelled at times to call upon men who have in some measure—and to a very great extent in some instances—neglected to fully study and comprehend in their entirety the principles of the Gospel. They have been faithful in the discharge of some of their duties, but the cares of life, the necessity of providing for families, aiding father and mother, etc., have prevented them receiving that care and attention and instruction, by those who are placed to watch over them that they should receive. It is a fact, patent to all of us, that those children who are called around the fireside at home and instructed in the principles of the Gospel by father and mother; that these children, though they may be wayward for a season, as they grow older, get the principles of the Gospel fixed upon their minds, a substantial foundation is laid, and as the days of thoughtlessness pass away, they are prepared to step forward and perform their part in the advancement of the work of God upon the earth. I think, therefore, it would be a wise and prudent thing for every family in Israel, that have sons arrived at the years of accountability, to teach them, not only when they have grown to this age, but from childhood up, so that when the time arrives they may be prepared to go forward in the various fields of labor, and use their influence in the advancement of the work which our Father has established. We frequently have to strive, in some measure, to keep our children around us, inasmuch as they are engaged in various pursuits, sometimes in various places; yet it would be the ambition and pride of every man and woman who are rearing a son in Zion, that he should be a messenger of peace and salvation to the world.
This is one of the subjects that I felt to touch upon in Conference. I have never been called upon before to look around in the interests of missionary work, but I have been led to reflect upon this matter. The noblest work that a son can be engaged in is the work of carrying the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and to do this successfully they must have a testimony of the truth within their own hearts. Every father and mother, as their sons become of age, should see that they are prepared for the responsibility and honor of a position of this kind, and thus be an honor to their parents, who have stood firm to the principles of the Gospel. In my brief experience in this matter I have had to approach many young men who have been in some measure wayward, not wicked; they are willing to go and try, but they feel that their lives have not been as exemplary as they might have been. No young man, however lowly his estate may be, is exempt from this right and privilege—the son of the farmer and the son of the lumberman, as much as the son of the merchant, the doctor, or the sons of the Twelve, Presidency of Stakes, Bishops of Wards, etc.; the same responsibility rests upon all who have espoused the cause of truth, and who are desirous that our names should stand in Israel.
I would therefore plead with the young men that are within the sound of my voice this day, that they prepare themselves for this great work, study the scriptures of truth, cultivate the spirit of humility, and strive to learn the way of life and be prepared for the duties and responsibilities of Elders in Israel. This should be the desire of every young man; and if we, as fathers and mothers, will attend to our duties, if we will study the interests of our families, enter into their feelings and sentiments, and cultivate within their hearts a regard for the principles of truth, we will find our sons and our daughters grow up around us honoring the Priesthood of the Son of God, honoring the Lord and His laws, and striving to do their utmost in furthering the advancement of His work. It is the duty of every young man who has received the Priesthood to become acquainted with the principles of the Gospel, so that he may be able to aid in the accomplishment of this great labor. And in order, my brethren and sisters, that they may have a proper education for this labor, it is necessary that we begin with them in childhood; that mother makes it her sacred duty in the absence of father, or whether he be at home or no, to call her little ones around her and teach them to pray to their Father in Heaven for His blessing upon themselves; their friends, their kindred, and the good and pure everywhere. And where fathers and mothers begin to thus train their children in early childhood, in the principles of the Gospel, we will find that in after life, they will take their place in the Church, when the proper time arrives. Under this influence and teaching they will take their place in the Young Men's Improvement Associations, and learn to bear their testimony intelligently, and feel desirous of responding to every call made upon them. They may feel timid at the first, as I believe all men do to a greater or less extent; but the right spirit is within their breasts, and they cannot shake it off.
Now, I am sanguine that there are many who call themselves Latter-day Saints, who have neglected their duty in this respect, and many a son is permitted to grow to manhood, whose father has never asked him to bow with them at the family altar. This is a serious neglect upon the part of those who have named the name of Jesus, who have come up to these mountains to be taught in the ways of the Lord. It is a sad neglect, and those who have done it in the past should guard against it in the future. We should attend to the sacred duty of instructing our sons and daughters, so that when they are called to fill various positions, they will feel it an honor to respond. This sentiment and feeling should actuate us at all times. It is not necessary that our children should be taught to make particularly long prayers. Christ, our elder Brother, has set us a wise and prudent example in this respect; He has given us an example worthy of imitation. It is not for the number of words that we use in approaching our Father, but it is that we approach Him in earnestness, realizing that He can bless us; and if we draw near unto Him as we should, we shall receive a blessing at His hands. I have sometimes thought that fathers have been unwise in this matter: their prayers have been too long; so much so that those who may be taking part in the same get tired and desire to be away from the family when this duty is to be performed. This should not be so. The children should be taught to take a pride in this duty, and made to feel that it is their duty to be in attendance when the family bow down to return thanks to God for all the mercies and blessings He has vouchsafed from time to time. If we as parents, will do our duty in this respect, if we exercise our privileges as the servants of our Father, we will find a race of men and women growing up around us who have faith, who will honor their parents and the cause we desire them to represent; but if we allow them to grow up without culture and a proper regard for the ordinances of the Gospel of Christ, we will find that our sons and our daughters will stray from us and from the principles of truth. We should look well to this condition of things and see that we are performing the duties devolving upon us.
I trust this is enough from me upon this subject.
I desire to speak a few minutes to the young men, for I see there are quite a number within the sound of my voice. I feel as a rule, that I am more at liberty to talk and reason with them than I am with those who are older and more experienced than I am. I desire to plead with the sons of Zion, that they will select for their example the best men that can be found in the kingdom. If there is a man in the Church whose life is unspotted, upon whose name rests no stain, and who is clear from every evil; pattern after his virtues; study to possess integrity as he possesses it; study to be honest as he is honest, just as he is just, and avoid the shoals, the rocks and evils upon which many men have wrecked and gone to pieces; for no man that is a thief, a liar, a robber, an adulterer, can keep the faith of the Gospel. I would warn you, my young brethren, to look well to your course in life, see that it is free from sin; for no man can remain in the kingdom of God long who has the thought resting upon him that he is guilty of wickedness. I find in my experience, in looking around me, men whose growth in the kingdom has ceased, and I find in seeking to know and understand the cause of this, that they have been guilty of indiscretions that they cannot face. We should see, therefore, that our course of life is free from stain, for if we leave the path of rectitude, we must expect to go down to disgrace and dishonor; but if we lay our foundation in righteousness, we will find ourselves in the path of life, and the blessings of Heaven will be upon us. We will have neither fear nor doubt. It is he that is guilty of sin that is doubtful and fearful, for he fears the justice of God.
Well, my brethren and sisters: I am pleased to be with you, to see your faces and to feel your spirit. I feel that Zion is growing, and that she may continue to grow and spread, until the purposes of God are accomplished, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Apostle W. Woodruff,
reproved the habit of many in rushing to the door as soon as the discourse was over, and before the closing services. He called on the doorkeepers to prevent the congregation going out of the meeting until the benediction was offered. We have a great deal of preaching among us as a people, perhaps more so than any other people, yet we need it. He spoke of the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants; these books contain the words of God for our perusal. We have also the living oracles to teach us our duties and make us acquainted with the things of God. He referred to the various modes of revelation from God to man. When the Lord spoke to Elijah, he was not in the whirlwind, but in the still small voice, He was not in those kind of dreams that persons sometimes have, after eating a hearty supper. But He was in many other dreams given to mankind for their guidance. The speaker himself had during the course of his long experience many dreams which had been prophetic, some of them given while he was quite young, which had come to pass many years after. He recited several interesting items of experience pertaining to the signs of the last days. He saw the sun darkened, he saw the moon turn into blood, and the stars fall, and many important scenes pertaining to the resurrection, which he described in a very instructive manner. If we have the Spirit and the Lord we can tell whether our dreams are from God or not. Many circumstances were made known to him in dreams and prepared him to received greater intelligence and for the events which they portrayed. They were also intended to teach principles to the Saints and the Elders of Israel. He then addressed himself to those holding the Priesthood, showing that we are a kingdom of priests, and we ought to be alive to our duties, and prepare ourselves for the great work that lies before us. He related a dream that Bishop Roskelley, of Cache County, once had when very sick. President Maughan, who had been dead for years, appeared to him and mentioned the names of three men, one of whom was needed in the spirit world, himself being one, but on account of Bro. Roskelley’s usefulness, he was excused and another one selected, and each of the others were taken sick and one of them died very soon after. This vision or dream teaches us that the priesthood behind the veil as well as the priesthood upon the earth, are interested and engaged in forwarding the interests of the kingdom of God. He then earnestly exhorted all to faithfulness and bore a strong testimony to the truth of the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the kingdom of God.
reproved the habit of many in rushing to the door as soon as the discourse was over, and before the closing services. He called on the doorkeepers to prevent the congregation going out of the meeting until the benediction was offered. We have a great deal of preaching among us as a people, perhaps more so than any other people, yet we need it. He spoke of the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants; these books contain the words of God for our perusal. We have also the living oracles to teach us our duties and make us acquainted with the things of God. He referred to the various modes of revelation from God to man. When the Lord spoke to Elijah, he was not in the whirlwind, but in the still small voice, He was not in those kind of dreams that persons sometimes have, after eating a hearty supper. But He was in many other dreams given to mankind for their guidance. The speaker himself had during the course of his long experience many dreams which had been prophetic, some of them given while he was quite young, which had come to pass many years after. He recited several interesting items of experience pertaining to the signs of the last days. He saw the sun darkened, he saw the moon turn into blood, and the stars fall, and many important scenes pertaining to the resurrection, which he described in a very instructive manner. If we have the Spirit and the Lord we can tell whether our dreams are from God or not. Many circumstances were made known to him in dreams and prepared him to received greater intelligence and for the events which they portrayed. They were also intended to teach principles to the Saints and the Elders of Israel. He then addressed himself to those holding the Priesthood, showing that we are a kingdom of priests, and we ought to be alive to our duties, and prepare ourselves for the great work that lies before us. He related a dream that Bishop Roskelley, of Cache County, once had when very sick. President Maughan, who had been dead for years, appeared to him and mentioned the names of three men, one of whom was needed in the spirit world, himself being one, but on account of Bro. Roskelley’s usefulness, he was excused and another one selected, and each of the others were taken sick and one of them died very soon after. This vision or dream teaches us that the priesthood behind the veil as well as the priesthood upon the earth, are interested and engaged in forwarding the interests of the kingdom of God. He then earnestly exhorted all to faithfulness and bore a strong testimony to the truth of the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the kingdom of God.
The Channels of Communication From God to Man—Dreams, Visions, Etc.
Discourse by Elder Wilford Woodruff, delivered at the General Conference, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Saturday, A. M., Oct. 8th, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
I want to preach a short sermon to this congregation. To begin with, I have heard President Young and President Taylor a great many times from this stand ask the people to keep quiet until the meeting was dismissed; but as soon as the sermon ends there are a hundred boys and girls, or two hundred of them, rush for the doors. I do not like it. It pains me to see the President of the Church make this request, and the people pay no attention to it.
Now, in this fast age we are passing from a polite age to a very rude one in many respects. When I was a boy 65 years ago, and went to school, I never thought of passing a man whom I knew in the street, or a woman, without taking off my hat and making a bow. I never thought of saying “yes” or “no” to those that were placed over me. I was taught to say “yes, sir” and “no, sir;” but today it, is “yes” and “no,” “I will,” “I won't,” “I shall” and “I shan't.” Now, when I see this rudeness amongst us, I sometimes wish that the spirit of the New England fathers was more among the people. But I do hope, brethren, sisters and friends, when a man stops talking and the choir rises to sing, that you will keep your seats. You can afford to do this as well as the President of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, or others who are sitting on this stand. You don't see us jump up and run for the door the moment a speaker is done. The Lord is displeased with any such thing. I hope you will pardon me for so speaking. I felt to say that much.
We have a great variety of teaching and preaching, and I have sometimes thought that we have more preaching and teaching than any other people on the earth. I expect it is all right. I think we need it. The world need teaching, we ourselves need teaching; but I have thought that the Latter-day Saints have had more of the Gospel of Christ proclaimed to them than any other generation that ever lived.
My mind reverts to the channels of communication from God to man. Here we have the Bible which gives a history and prophecy of the prophets from Adam down to our own day extending through a period of near 6,000 years. The Lord, through all the destruction that has taken place in the various libraries of the world—like the great library of Alexandria, for example—has preserved the record of the Jews, at least we have a portion of it to read. Then, again, we have the Book of Mormon, the stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim, giving a history of the ancient inhabitants of this country from the time of their leaving the Tower of Babel to their disappearance from the land, and of the visitation of Christ to them. We have these books from which to obtain knowledge. Then we have the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, our Testament, which contains the most glorious, godlike, solemn and eternal truths ever recorded within the lids of a book on the earth. All these records are the words of God to man; and though the heavens and earth pass away not one jot or tittle will ever fall unfulfilled.
Then the Lord has other ways of communicating His mind and will. We have the living oracles with us, and have had from the day that Joseph Smith received the ministrations of Moroni, the Nephite, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John, Moses, Elias, Elijah, Jesus Christ—from that day we have had the living oracles to teach us the word of the Lord.
President Joseph F. Smith yesterday spoke of the gifts and graces. Now, the Lord has many ways in which He communicates with us. Frequently, as has been the case in every age, truths, principles, warnings, etc., are communicated to the children of men by means of dreams and visions. There is a great vision recorded in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. When Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith saw the visions of heaven they were commanded to write while in the vision. The Lord was in that. It is a communication to man. But we have had a great many dreams—I have had in my life, and I suppose you have more or less—which amount to nothing. I will tell you just about what I refer to. A man eats a hot supper when he goes to bed; he gets the nightmare; he is chased by a bear; or he falls over a precipice, and as soon as he strikes the ground he wakes up. Now, the Lord had nothing to do with that.
A man may go to bed half-worried to death, tired and dream about something that will never take place. Last night, for instance, I dreamt I was making glass houses out of blocks of glass two feet square. Now, I don't know that the Lord was in that. Yet I have had dreams of a very different character. When I was a boy eleven years old, I had a very interesting dream, part of which was fulfilled to the very letter. In this dream I saw a great gulf, a place where all the world had to enter at death, before doing which they had to drop their worldly goods. I saw an aged man with a beaver hat and a broadcloth suit. The man looked very sorrowful. I saw him come with something on his back, which he had to drop among the general pile before he could enter the gulf I was then but a boy. A few years after this my father and mother removed to Farmington, and there I saw that man. I knew him the moment I saw him. His name was Chauncy Deming. In a few years afterwards he was taken sick and died. I attended his funeral. He was what you may call a miser, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. When the coffin was being lowered into the grave my dream came to me, and that night his son-in-law found one hundred thousand dollars in a cellar belonging to the old man. I name this merely to show that in this dream I had manifested to me certain things that were true. I think of all the inhabitants of the world having to leave their goods when they come to the grave. After this scene had passed before me I was placed in a great temple. It was called the kingdom of God. The first man who came to me was Uncle Ozem Woodruff and his wife I helped into the temple. In process of time, after embracing the Gospel, and while on my first mission to Tennessee, I told Brother Patten of my dream, who told me that in a few years I would meet that man and baptize him. That was fulfilled to the very letter, for I afterwards baptized my uncle and his wife and some of the children; also my own father and stepmother and stepsister, and a Methodist priest or class leader—in fact I baptized everybody in my father's house. I merely mention this to show that dreams sometimes do come to pass in life.
Then, again, there are visions. Paul, you know, on one occasion was caught up to the third heaven and saw things that were not lawful to utter. He did not know whether he was in the body or out of the body. That was a vision. When Joseph Smith, however, was visited by Moroni and the Apostles, it was not particularly a vision which he had; he talked with them face to face.
Now, I will refer to a thing that took place with me in Tennessee. I was in Tennessee in the year 1835, and while at the house of Abraham O. Smoot, I received a letter from Brothers Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, requesting me to stay there, and stating that I would lose no blessing by doing so. Of course, I was satisfied. I went into a little room and sat down upon a small sofa. I was all by myself and the room was dark; and while I rejoiced in this letter and the promise made to me, I became wrapped in vision. I was like Paul; I did not know whether I was in the body or out of the body. A personage appeared to me and showed me the great scenes that should take place in the last days. One scene after another passed before me. I saw the sun darkened; I saw the moon become as blood; I saw the stars fall from heaven; I saw seven golden lamps set in the heavens, representing the various dispensations of God to man—a sign that would appear before the coming of Christ. I saw the resurrection of the dead. In the first resurrection those that came forth from their graves seemed to be all dressed alike, but in the second resurrection they were as diverse in their dress as this congregation is before me today, and if I had been an artist I could have painted the whole scene as it was impressed upon my mind, more indelibly fixed than anything I had ever seen with the natural eye. What does this mean? It was a testimony of the resurrection of the dead. I had a testimony. I believe in the resurrection of the dead, and I know it is a true principle. Thus we may have dreams about things of great importance, and dreams of no importance at all. The Lord warned Joseph in a dream to take the young child Jesus and his mother into Egypt, and thus he was saved from the wrath of Herod. Hence there are a great many things taught us in dreams that are true, and if a man has the spirit of God he can tell the difference between what is from the Lord and what is not. And I want to say to my brethren and sisters, that whenever you have a dream that you feel is from the Lord, pay attention to it. When I was in the City of London on one occasion, with Brother George A. Smith, I dreamt that my wife came to me and told me that our first child had died. I believed my dream, and in the morning while at breakfast, I felt somewhat sad. Brother George A. noticed this and I told him my dream. Next morning's post brought me a letter from my wife, conveying the intelligence of the death of my child. It may be asked what use there was in such a thing. I don't know that there was much use in it except to prepare my mind for the news of the death of my child. But what I wanted to say in regard to these matters is, that the Lord does communicate some things of importance to the children of men by means of visions and dreams as well as by the records of divine truth. And what is it all for? It is to teach us a principle. We may never see anything take place exactly as we see it in a dream or a vision, yet it is intended to teach us a principle. My dream gave me a strong testimony of the resurrection. I am satisfied, always have been, in regard to the resurrection. I rejoice in it. The way was opened unto us by the blood of the Son of God.
Now, having said so much on that subject, I want to say to my brethren and sisters, that we are placed upon the earth to build up Zion, to build up the kingdom of God. The greater proportion of the male members of Zion, who have arrived at the years of early manhood, bear some portion of the Holy Priesthood. Here is a kingdom of Priests raised up by the power of God to take hold and build up the kingdom of God. The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. Every man who is faithful in his quorum here will join his quorum there. When a man dies and his body is laid in the tomb, he does not lose his position. The Prophet Joseph Smith held the keys of this dispensation on this side of the veil, and he will hold them throughout the countless ages of eternity. He went into the spirit world to unlock the prison doors and to preach the Gospel to the millions of spirits who are in darkness, and every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry, and there is a thousand times more to preach there than there is here. I have felt of late as if our brethren on the other side of the veil had held a council, and that they had said to this one, and that one, “Cease thy work on earth, come hence, we need help,” and they have called this man and that man. It has appeared so to me in seeing the many men who have been called from our midst lately. Perhaps I may be permitted to relate a circumstance with which I am acquainted in relation to Bishop Roskelley, of Smithfield, Cache Valley. On one occasion he was suddenly taken very sick—near to death's door. While he lay in this condition, President Peter Maughan, who was dead, came to him and said: “Brother Roskelley, we held a council on the other side of the veil. I have had a great deal to do, and I have the privilege of coming here to appoint one man to come and help. I have had three names given to me in council, and you are one of them. I want to inquire into your circumstances.” The Bishop told him what he had to do, and they conversed together as one man would converse with another. President Maughan then said to him: “I think I will not call you. I think you are wanted here more than perhaps one of the others.” Bishop Roskelley got well from the hour. Very soon after, the second man was taken sick, but not being able to exercise sufficient faith, Brother Roskelley did not go to him. By and by this man recovered, and on meeting Brother Roskelley he said: “Brother Maughan came to me the other night and told me he was sent to call one man from the ward,” and he named two men as had been done to Brother Roskelley. A few days afterwards the third man was taken sick and died. Now, I name this to show a principle. They have work on the other side of the veil; and they want men, and they call them. And that was my view in regard to Brother George A. Smith. When he was almost at death's door, Brother Cannon administered to him, and in thirty minutes he was up and ate breakfast with his family. We labored with him in this way, but ultimately, as you know, he died. But it taught me a lesson. I felt that man was wanted behind the veil. We labored also with Brother Pratt; he, too, was wanted behind the veil.
Now, my brethren and sisters, those of us who are left here have a great work to do. We have been raised up of the Lord to take this kingdom and bear it off. This is our duty; but if we neglect our duty and set our hearts upon the things of this world, we will be sorry for it. We ought to understand the responsibility that rests upon us. We should gird up our loins and put on the whole armor of God. We should rear temples to the name of the Most High God, that we may redeem the dead.
I feel to bear my testimony to this work. It is the work of God. Joseph Smith was appointed by the Lord before he was born as much as Jeremiah was. The Lord told Jeremiah—“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a Prophet unto the nations.” He was commanded to warn the inhabitants of Jerusalem of their wickedness. He felt it a hard task, but ultimately he did as he was commanded. So I say with regard to Joseph Smith. He received his appointment from before the foundation of the world, and he came forth in the due time of the Lord to establish this work on the earth. And so it is the case with tens of thousands of the Elders of Israel. The Lord Almighty has conferred upon you the Holy Priesthood and made you the instrument in His hands to build up this kingdom. Do we contemplate these things as fully as we ought? Do we realize that the eyes of all the heavenly hosts are over us? Then let us do our duty. Let us keep the commandments of God, let us be faithful to the end, so that when we go into the spirit world and look back upon our history we may be satisfied. The Lord Almighty has set His hand to establish His kingdom never more to be thrown down or given to another people, and, therefore, all the powers of earth and hell combined will never be able to stay the progress of this work. The Lord has said he will break in pieces every weapon that is raised against Zion, and the nations of the earth, the Kings and Emperors, Presidents and Governors have got to learn this fact. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Lord. It is a fearful thing to shed the blood of the Lord's anointed. It has cost the Jews 1,800 years of persecution, and this generation have also a bill to pay in this respect.
I bear my testimony to these things. The Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants contain the words of eternal life unto this generation, and they will rise in judgment against those who reject them.
May God bless this people and help us to magnify our callings, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Discourse by Elder Wilford Woodruff, delivered at the General Conference, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Saturday, A. M., Oct. 8th, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
I want to preach a short sermon to this congregation. To begin with, I have heard President Young and President Taylor a great many times from this stand ask the people to keep quiet until the meeting was dismissed; but as soon as the sermon ends there are a hundred boys and girls, or two hundred of them, rush for the doors. I do not like it. It pains me to see the President of the Church make this request, and the people pay no attention to it.
Now, in this fast age we are passing from a polite age to a very rude one in many respects. When I was a boy 65 years ago, and went to school, I never thought of passing a man whom I knew in the street, or a woman, without taking off my hat and making a bow. I never thought of saying “yes” or “no” to those that were placed over me. I was taught to say “yes, sir” and “no, sir;” but today it, is “yes” and “no,” “I will,” “I won't,” “I shall” and “I shan't.” Now, when I see this rudeness amongst us, I sometimes wish that the spirit of the New England fathers was more among the people. But I do hope, brethren, sisters and friends, when a man stops talking and the choir rises to sing, that you will keep your seats. You can afford to do this as well as the President of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, or others who are sitting on this stand. You don't see us jump up and run for the door the moment a speaker is done. The Lord is displeased with any such thing. I hope you will pardon me for so speaking. I felt to say that much.
We have a great variety of teaching and preaching, and I have sometimes thought that we have more preaching and teaching than any other people on the earth. I expect it is all right. I think we need it. The world need teaching, we ourselves need teaching; but I have thought that the Latter-day Saints have had more of the Gospel of Christ proclaimed to them than any other generation that ever lived.
My mind reverts to the channels of communication from God to man. Here we have the Bible which gives a history and prophecy of the prophets from Adam down to our own day extending through a period of near 6,000 years. The Lord, through all the destruction that has taken place in the various libraries of the world—like the great library of Alexandria, for example—has preserved the record of the Jews, at least we have a portion of it to read. Then, again, we have the Book of Mormon, the stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim, giving a history of the ancient inhabitants of this country from the time of their leaving the Tower of Babel to their disappearance from the land, and of the visitation of Christ to them. We have these books from which to obtain knowledge. Then we have the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, our Testament, which contains the most glorious, godlike, solemn and eternal truths ever recorded within the lids of a book on the earth. All these records are the words of God to man; and though the heavens and earth pass away not one jot or tittle will ever fall unfulfilled.
Then the Lord has other ways of communicating His mind and will. We have the living oracles with us, and have had from the day that Joseph Smith received the ministrations of Moroni, the Nephite, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John, Moses, Elias, Elijah, Jesus Christ—from that day we have had the living oracles to teach us the word of the Lord.
President Joseph F. Smith yesterday spoke of the gifts and graces. Now, the Lord has many ways in which He communicates with us. Frequently, as has been the case in every age, truths, principles, warnings, etc., are communicated to the children of men by means of dreams and visions. There is a great vision recorded in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. When Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith saw the visions of heaven they were commanded to write while in the vision. The Lord was in that. It is a communication to man. But we have had a great many dreams—I have had in my life, and I suppose you have more or less—which amount to nothing. I will tell you just about what I refer to. A man eats a hot supper when he goes to bed; he gets the nightmare; he is chased by a bear; or he falls over a precipice, and as soon as he strikes the ground he wakes up. Now, the Lord had nothing to do with that.
A man may go to bed half-worried to death, tired and dream about something that will never take place. Last night, for instance, I dreamt I was making glass houses out of blocks of glass two feet square. Now, I don't know that the Lord was in that. Yet I have had dreams of a very different character. When I was a boy eleven years old, I had a very interesting dream, part of which was fulfilled to the very letter. In this dream I saw a great gulf, a place where all the world had to enter at death, before doing which they had to drop their worldly goods. I saw an aged man with a beaver hat and a broadcloth suit. The man looked very sorrowful. I saw him come with something on his back, which he had to drop among the general pile before he could enter the gulf I was then but a boy. A few years after this my father and mother removed to Farmington, and there I saw that man. I knew him the moment I saw him. His name was Chauncy Deming. In a few years afterwards he was taken sick and died. I attended his funeral. He was what you may call a miser, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. When the coffin was being lowered into the grave my dream came to me, and that night his son-in-law found one hundred thousand dollars in a cellar belonging to the old man. I name this merely to show that in this dream I had manifested to me certain things that were true. I think of all the inhabitants of the world having to leave their goods when they come to the grave. After this scene had passed before me I was placed in a great temple. It was called the kingdom of God. The first man who came to me was Uncle Ozem Woodruff and his wife I helped into the temple. In process of time, after embracing the Gospel, and while on my first mission to Tennessee, I told Brother Patten of my dream, who told me that in a few years I would meet that man and baptize him. That was fulfilled to the very letter, for I afterwards baptized my uncle and his wife and some of the children; also my own father and stepmother and stepsister, and a Methodist priest or class leader—in fact I baptized everybody in my father's house. I merely mention this to show that dreams sometimes do come to pass in life.
Then, again, there are visions. Paul, you know, on one occasion was caught up to the third heaven and saw things that were not lawful to utter. He did not know whether he was in the body or out of the body. That was a vision. When Joseph Smith, however, was visited by Moroni and the Apostles, it was not particularly a vision which he had; he talked with them face to face.
Now, I will refer to a thing that took place with me in Tennessee. I was in Tennessee in the year 1835, and while at the house of Abraham O. Smoot, I received a letter from Brothers Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, requesting me to stay there, and stating that I would lose no blessing by doing so. Of course, I was satisfied. I went into a little room and sat down upon a small sofa. I was all by myself and the room was dark; and while I rejoiced in this letter and the promise made to me, I became wrapped in vision. I was like Paul; I did not know whether I was in the body or out of the body. A personage appeared to me and showed me the great scenes that should take place in the last days. One scene after another passed before me. I saw the sun darkened; I saw the moon become as blood; I saw the stars fall from heaven; I saw seven golden lamps set in the heavens, representing the various dispensations of God to man—a sign that would appear before the coming of Christ. I saw the resurrection of the dead. In the first resurrection those that came forth from their graves seemed to be all dressed alike, but in the second resurrection they were as diverse in their dress as this congregation is before me today, and if I had been an artist I could have painted the whole scene as it was impressed upon my mind, more indelibly fixed than anything I had ever seen with the natural eye. What does this mean? It was a testimony of the resurrection of the dead. I had a testimony. I believe in the resurrection of the dead, and I know it is a true principle. Thus we may have dreams about things of great importance, and dreams of no importance at all. The Lord warned Joseph in a dream to take the young child Jesus and his mother into Egypt, and thus he was saved from the wrath of Herod. Hence there are a great many things taught us in dreams that are true, and if a man has the spirit of God he can tell the difference between what is from the Lord and what is not. And I want to say to my brethren and sisters, that whenever you have a dream that you feel is from the Lord, pay attention to it. When I was in the City of London on one occasion, with Brother George A. Smith, I dreamt that my wife came to me and told me that our first child had died. I believed my dream, and in the morning while at breakfast, I felt somewhat sad. Brother George A. noticed this and I told him my dream. Next morning's post brought me a letter from my wife, conveying the intelligence of the death of my child. It may be asked what use there was in such a thing. I don't know that there was much use in it except to prepare my mind for the news of the death of my child. But what I wanted to say in regard to these matters is, that the Lord does communicate some things of importance to the children of men by means of visions and dreams as well as by the records of divine truth. And what is it all for? It is to teach us a principle. We may never see anything take place exactly as we see it in a dream or a vision, yet it is intended to teach us a principle. My dream gave me a strong testimony of the resurrection. I am satisfied, always have been, in regard to the resurrection. I rejoice in it. The way was opened unto us by the blood of the Son of God.
Now, having said so much on that subject, I want to say to my brethren and sisters, that we are placed upon the earth to build up Zion, to build up the kingdom of God. The greater proportion of the male members of Zion, who have arrived at the years of early manhood, bear some portion of the Holy Priesthood. Here is a kingdom of Priests raised up by the power of God to take hold and build up the kingdom of God. The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. Every man who is faithful in his quorum here will join his quorum there. When a man dies and his body is laid in the tomb, he does not lose his position. The Prophet Joseph Smith held the keys of this dispensation on this side of the veil, and he will hold them throughout the countless ages of eternity. He went into the spirit world to unlock the prison doors and to preach the Gospel to the millions of spirits who are in darkness, and every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry, and there is a thousand times more to preach there than there is here. I have felt of late as if our brethren on the other side of the veil had held a council, and that they had said to this one, and that one, “Cease thy work on earth, come hence, we need help,” and they have called this man and that man. It has appeared so to me in seeing the many men who have been called from our midst lately. Perhaps I may be permitted to relate a circumstance with which I am acquainted in relation to Bishop Roskelley, of Smithfield, Cache Valley. On one occasion he was suddenly taken very sick—near to death's door. While he lay in this condition, President Peter Maughan, who was dead, came to him and said: “Brother Roskelley, we held a council on the other side of the veil. I have had a great deal to do, and I have the privilege of coming here to appoint one man to come and help. I have had three names given to me in council, and you are one of them. I want to inquire into your circumstances.” The Bishop told him what he had to do, and they conversed together as one man would converse with another. President Maughan then said to him: “I think I will not call you. I think you are wanted here more than perhaps one of the others.” Bishop Roskelley got well from the hour. Very soon after, the second man was taken sick, but not being able to exercise sufficient faith, Brother Roskelley did not go to him. By and by this man recovered, and on meeting Brother Roskelley he said: “Brother Maughan came to me the other night and told me he was sent to call one man from the ward,” and he named two men as had been done to Brother Roskelley. A few days afterwards the third man was taken sick and died. Now, I name this to show a principle. They have work on the other side of the veil; and they want men, and they call them. And that was my view in regard to Brother George A. Smith. When he was almost at death's door, Brother Cannon administered to him, and in thirty minutes he was up and ate breakfast with his family. We labored with him in this way, but ultimately, as you know, he died. But it taught me a lesson. I felt that man was wanted behind the veil. We labored also with Brother Pratt; he, too, was wanted behind the veil.
Now, my brethren and sisters, those of us who are left here have a great work to do. We have been raised up of the Lord to take this kingdom and bear it off. This is our duty; but if we neglect our duty and set our hearts upon the things of this world, we will be sorry for it. We ought to understand the responsibility that rests upon us. We should gird up our loins and put on the whole armor of God. We should rear temples to the name of the Most High God, that we may redeem the dead.
I feel to bear my testimony to this work. It is the work of God. Joseph Smith was appointed by the Lord before he was born as much as Jeremiah was. The Lord told Jeremiah—“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a Prophet unto the nations.” He was commanded to warn the inhabitants of Jerusalem of their wickedness. He felt it a hard task, but ultimately he did as he was commanded. So I say with regard to Joseph Smith. He received his appointment from before the foundation of the world, and he came forth in the due time of the Lord to establish this work on the earth. And so it is the case with tens of thousands of the Elders of Israel. The Lord Almighty has conferred upon you the Holy Priesthood and made you the instrument in His hands to build up this kingdom. Do we contemplate these things as fully as we ought? Do we realize that the eyes of all the heavenly hosts are over us? Then let us do our duty. Let us keep the commandments of God, let us be faithful to the end, so that when we go into the spirit world and look back upon our history we may be satisfied. The Lord Almighty has set His hand to establish His kingdom never more to be thrown down or given to another people, and, therefore, all the powers of earth and hell combined will never be able to stay the progress of this work. The Lord has said he will break in pieces every weapon that is raised against Zion, and the nations of the earth, the Kings and Emperors, Presidents and Governors have got to learn this fact. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Lord. It is a fearful thing to shed the blood of the Lord's anointed. It has cost the Jews 1,800 years of persecution, and this generation have also a bill to pay in this respect.
I bear my testimony to these things. The Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants contain the words of eternal life unto this generation, and they will rise in judgment against those who reject them.
May God bless this people and help us to magnify our callings, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
President Geo. Q. Cannon
read the totals of a report from the Relief Societies of the various Stakes of Zion, with the amount of cash, wheat and other property on hand. He then read a statement of free-will offerings to the Logan Temple, from Cache Valley, Bear Lake and Box Elder Stakes, and from the Trustee-in-Trust. The report was accepted by the Conference by unanimous vote.
read the totals of a report from the Relief Societies of the various Stakes of Zion, with the amount of cash, wheat and other property on hand. He then read a statement of free-will offerings to the Logan Temple, from Cache Valley, Bear Lake and Box Elder Stakes, and from the Trustee-in-Trust. The report was accepted by the Conference by unanimous vote.
Supt. C. O. Card
gave an account of the present condition of the Logan Temple, and expressed his thankfulness to those who had so liberally donated to this great work. They had not been forgotten by the little ones of this Stake, having received a handsome sum from the Primary Association.
gave an account of the present condition of the Logan Temple, and expressed his thankfulness to those who had so liberally donated to this great work. They had not been forgotten by the little ones of this Stake, having received a handsome sum from the Primary Association.
Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon
Then read the free-will offerings towards the Manti Temple, from the various Stakes of Zion south of Sanpete. This report was also adopted by unanimous vote.
Then read the free-will offerings towards the Manti Temple, from the various Stakes of Zion south of Sanpete. This report was also adopted by unanimous vote.
President Canute Peterson
of the Sanpete Stake, by request described the advanced condition of the Manti Temple.
of the Sanpete Stake, by request described the advanced condition of the Manti Temple.
President John Taylor
was pleased with the gratifying reports in reference to the Logan and Manti Temples, a liberal spirit had been manifested towards the erection of those edifices. He made some approving remarks on the reports of the Relief Societies, and urged upon the sisters to continue their labors, and induce their husbands to double their exertions towards so great and good a work as storing up part of the wheat which they were procuring in such abundance. He then blest the sisters in the noble work they are engaged in.
On motion of Apostle Geo. Q. Cannon the Relief Societies’ report was accepted by unanimous vote.
Conference was adjourned till 2 p. m.
The choir sang the anthem, Beautiful are thy towers.
Benediction by Elder Milo Andrus.
was pleased with the gratifying reports in reference to the Logan and Manti Temples, a liberal spirit had been manifested towards the erection of those edifices. He made some approving remarks on the reports of the Relief Societies, and urged upon the sisters to continue their labors, and induce their husbands to double their exertions towards so great and good a work as storing up part of the wheat which they were procuring in such abundance. He then blest the sisters in the noble work they are engaged in.
On motion of Apostle Geo. Q. Cannon the Relief Societies’ report was accepted by unanimous vote.
Conference was adjourned till 2 p. m.
The choir sang the anthem, Beautiful are thy towers.
Benediction by Elder Milo Andrus.
2 p. m.
The Choir sang Lord we come before thee now, At thy feet we humbly bow.
Prayer by Elder Henry Eyring.
The Choir sang What wondrous things we now behold, By prophets seen in days of old.
The Choir sang Lord we come before thee now, At thy feet we humbly bow.
Prayer by Elder Henry Eyring.
The Choir sang What wondrous things we now behold, By prophets seen in days of old.
Apostle F. D. Richards,
said the instructions hitherto imparted by those who had spoken, seemed admirably adapted to the wants and condition of the people. The great principles of eternal truth when presented before us, possess such freshness, and developed so many new beauties that they are calculated to inspire us with increased desires to embody them in the actions of our every day life. He spoke of the various degrees of blessings connected with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and contrasted the inestimable privileges that we enjoy with the darkness of the teeming millions of heathens and “Christians,” who know nothing about God and His kingdom. Many of the Saints who come here have been toiling for years in the old country, and have been grounded in many traditions. After arriving here they should remember as they begin to settle down in Zion, that they are just beginning to take their first lesson in many things, and should be willing to be instructed in the things of God, and thus be carefully walking in the straight and narrow way, after years of experience, they will become possessed of a knowledge of the things of God and finally of God Himself. He exhorted the Saints to the exercise of charity, in the sense that is explained by the Apostle, for in its true meaning it is not only the giving of our goods to feed the poor, neither is it the giving of our bodies to be burned, but it truly consists in the pure love of God and our brethren. He spoke of the time of difficulty and trouble existing while the Saints were building a Temple in Kirtland and in Nauvoo; now we are engaged in the construction of three Temples, showing the great increase of labor that is devolving upon us as a people. Our labors are increasing, let us therefore round up our shoulders and be willing to devote ourselves to the great work. He spoke of the testimonies in favor of the Book of Mormon which the nations around us seem so unwilling to receive, and yet will go to great length and expense to find some clue to the ancient inhabitants on this continent, and shut their eyes to those incontrovertible evidences contained in that sacred record. He then appealed to parents to see to it that their children are educated and qualified to become able ministers of the gospel to the nations of the earth. He also spoke of the gospel in its relation to the dead, proving the same by reference to our Savior, who went and preached to the spirits in prison. We in our day cannot go forth and attend to the ordinances for our ancestors, until our Temples are finished, hence the labor that is now upon us. This great work for the dead is conducted under the spirit and power of Elijah, who has appeared as predicted to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and of the children to their fathers. The Prophet Joseph and other Elders who have gone before us are all engaged in the same great work. The millions upon millions who have died without a knowledge of the gospel, will constitute an immense field of labor for the ministrations of the servants of God who pass behind the vail, so great that the mind of man fails to grasp it, and its magnitude cannot be estimated. The names of the generations of our ancestors for many centuries past have to be sought after and ascertained, and the sooner we set about it the better. It behooves the head of each family to be diligent in searching back the chain of his kindred. It is a glorious principle in connection with the gospel, not only to look after and attain to our own salvation, but to aid in the redemption of those of our relatives who are dead. We are sending our missionaries to every nation under heaven, where they will permit them to carry the gospel, and the time is fast approaching when we will have the visitation of those who have passed behind the vail, and the morn of that millennial reign of a thousand years will commence, during which period the Elders will be engaged in the ordinances of the Gospel for the generations passed and gone. Let us study the laws of the Lord, and learn to walk in His ways. He spoke of the principle of rewards in connection with the Gospel, illustrating the same by reference to those servants who were entrusted with five and ten talents, who on account of their faithfulness in their stewardship became rulers over five and ten cities, while the one talent unused was taken from the slothful possessor and given unto him who had been diligent and faithful. He exhorted all to take such a course as would increase their talents and prepare them for the glory and dominion promised to the kings and priests unto God.
said the instructions hitherto imparted by those who had spoken, seemed admirably adapted to the wants and condition of the people. The great principles of eternal truth when presented before us, possess such freshness, and developed so many new beauties that they are calculated to inspire us with increased desires to embody them in the actions of our every day life. He spoke of the various degrees of blessings connected with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and contrasted the inestimable privileges that we enjoy with the darkness of the teeming millions of heathens and “Christians,” who know nothing about God and His kingdom. Many of the Saints who come here have been toiling for years in the old country, and have been grounded in many traditions. After arriving here they should remember as they begin to settle down in Zion, that they are just beginning to take their first lesson in many things, and should be willing to be instructed in the things of God, and thus be carefully walking in the straight and narrow way, after years of experience, they will become possessed of a knowledge of the things of God and finally of God Himself. He exhorted the Saints to the exercise of charity, in the sense that is explained by the Apostle, for in its true meaning it is not only the giving of our goods to feed the poor, neither is it the giving of our bodies to be burned, but it truly consists in the pure love of God and our brethren. He spoke of the time of difficulty and trouble existing while the Saints were building a Temple in Kirtland and in Nauvoo; now we are engaged in the construction of three Temples, showing the great increase of labor that is devolving upon us as a people. Our labors are increasing, let us therefore round up our shoulders and be willing to devote ourselves to the great work. He spoke of the testimonies in favor of the Book of Mormon which the nations around us seem so unwilling to receive, and yet will go to great length and expense to find some clue to the ancient inhabitants on this continent, and shut their eyes to those incontrovertible evidences contained in that sacred record. He then appealed to parents to see to it that their children are educated and qualified to become able ministers of the gospel to the nations of the earth. He also spoke of the gospel in its relation to the dead, proving the same by reference to our Savior, who went and preached to the spirits in prison. We in our day cannot go forth and attend to the ordinances for our ancestors, until our Temples are finished, hence the labor that is now upon us. This great work for the dead is conducted under the spirit and power of Elijah, who has appeared as predicted to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and of the children to their fathers. The Prophet Joseph and other Elders who have gone before us are all engaged in the same great work. The millions upon millions who have died without a knowledge of the gospel, will constitute an immense field of labor for the ministrations of the servants of God who pass behind the vail, so great that the mind of man fails to grasp it, and its magnitude cannot be estimated. The names of the generations of our ancestors for many centuries past have to be sought after and ascertained, and the sooner we set about it the better. It behooves the head of each family to be diligent in searching back the chain of his kindred. It is a glorious principle in connection with the gospel, not only to look after and attain to our own salvation, but to aid in the redemption of those of our relatives who are dead. We are sending our missionaries to every nation under heaven, where they will permit them to carry the gospel, and the time is fast approaching when we will have the visitation of those who have passed behind the vail, and the morn of that millennial reign of a thousand years will commence, during which period the Elders will be engaged in the ordinances of the Gospel for the generations passed and gone. Let us study the laws of the Lord, and learn to walk in His ways. He spoke of the principle of rewards in connection with the Gospel, illustrating the same by reference to those servants who were entrusted with five and ten talents, who on account of their faithfulness in their stewardship became rulers over five and ten cities, while the one talent unused was taken from the slothful possessor and given unto him who had been diligent and faithful. He exhorted all to take such a course as would increase their talents and prepare them for the glory and dominion promised to the kings and priests unto God.
The following names of missionaries were presented to the Conference by President Geo. Q. Cannon:
Elders who have been called since the April Conference and are now in their fields of labor:
GREAT BRITAIN.
John Q. Cannon, 17th Ward, City
SCANDINAVIA.
Christian J. Fjeldsted, Logan
Niels H. Borassen, Spring City
Christian Christiansen, Big Cottonwood
UNITED STATES.
Helon M. Tracey, Marriotts
William Greenhalgh, Nephi
Milford B. Shipp, 11th Ward, City
SOUTHERN STATES.
John E. Metcalf, Jr., Gunnison
John Morgan, 14th Ward, City
Joseph L. Townsend, Payson
Samuel S. Cluff, Provo
William O. Beesley, Provo
Andrew McComb, Clarkston
James Martin Allred, Fairview
Charles Andrews, Nephi
Samuel Jackson, “
James Jenkins, “
SWITZERLAND.
Frederick Goss, 6th Ward, City
John Jacob Walser, Payson
They were sustained by unanimous vote.
The names which follow are of those Elders now selected to go on missions. They were also sustained by the unanimous vote of the Conference.
GREAT BRITAIN.
Henry Leyland, 11th Ward, City
Robert R. Anderson, 18th Ward, City
Orson F. Whitney, “ “ “
Hyrum H. Evans, 6th Ward, City
Alfred Bailey, Ephraim
James Hardy, Provo
John Ellis, Ogden
William Willie, Mendon
Charles Sharp, West Jordan
John Pickett, Tooele
John Boyle, Ogden
Thomas Perkins, Cedar, (Wales)
Thomas R. Jones, Lehi, “
Henry Green, Ephraim
Joseph W. McMurrin, 3rd Ward, City
Uriah Butts, Parowan
Robert Ure, Wood’s Cross, (Scotland)
John England, Tooele
John T. Rich, Grantsville
Daniel Davis, Three Mile Creek, Box Elder Co., (Wales)
Thomas L. Obray, Paradise, (Wales)
Wm. Bromley, Provo Valley
Edward Entwistle, 16th Ward
SCANDINAVIA.
Martin Rasmussen, Mount Pleasant
Jens C. Frost, Ephraim
A. C. Nielsen, “
Bent Larsen, Monroe, (Norway)
John Neils Olsen, West Jordan, (Sweden)
Andrew P. Anderson, (known as Andrew Hanson), Redmund
Hans Christian Hansen, Gunnison
Henry C. Jensen, Brigham, (Norway)
Christian Hanson, “
Lars Mortensen, “
Hans Olen Hansen, Hyrum
Hans A. Hansen, Logan
UNITED STATES.
Mark Hall, Ogden, (N. Y.)
Nathan Hawks, 17th Ward, (Indiana)
Stephen H. Marks, 17th Ward, “
Samuel Mulliner, Cedar Fort
Joseph M. Harris, Ogden (N. Y.)
Walter H. Atwood, South Cottonwood, (N. Y. and Pa.)
James K. Ingle, Orderville, (Pa.)
George Saxton, 19th Ward; City, (U. S. and Canada)
C. C. Bartlett, Ashley
William Stevenson, Eden
SOUTHERN STATES.
W. Heber Clayton, Kanab
Zadoc K. Judd, Jr., “
Timothy B. Clark, Farmington
Moroni W. Pratt, Meadowville
George Comer, Lehi
Charles C. Brown, Ogden
Louis Kelsch, South Cottonwood
Levi B. Reynolds, Mount Pleasant
Newell W. Kimball, Logan
S. D. Moore, Payson
John B. Fairbanks, Payson
Wm. M. Rydalch, Grantsville
Alma Harding, Millard
James J. Adams, Parowan
Wm. L. H. Dotson, Minersville
Edwin Ayers, “
Marcus L. Shepherd, Beaver
William White, “
John M. Eastman, Greenville
Wm. H. Josephs, Adamsville
Edward M. Dalton, Parowan
George Howe, 17th Ward, City.
Jesse M. Smith, “
James Meikle, Smithfield.
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
John Meldrum, Provo.
NEW ZEALAND.
James Kirkbride, Smithfield.
William Barber, “
Ephraim Ralph, Brigham.
Joseph Chantrill, Logan.
Lucian Farr, “
Nathan Ricks, Benson.
ARIZONA. (St. John)
John R. Steward, Kanab.
L. H. Fuller, “
Alex Findley “
The missionaries will be set apart on Monday.
Elders who have been called since the April Conference and are now in their fields of labor:
GREAT BRITAIN.
John Q. Cannon, 17th Ward, City
SCANDINAVIA.
Christian J. Fjeldsted, Logan
Niels H. Borassen, Spring City
Christian Christiansen, Big Cottonwood
UNITED STATES.
Helon M. Tracey, Marriotts
William Greenhalgh, Nephi
Milford B. Shipp, 11th Ward, City
SOUTHERN STATES.
John E. Metcalf, Jr., Gunnison
John Morgan, 14th Ward, City
Joseph L. Townsend, Payson
Samuel S. Cluff, Provo
William O. Beesley, Provo
Andrew McComb, Clarkston
James Martin Allred, Fairview
Charles Andrews, Nephi
Samuel Jackson, “
James Jenkins, “
SWITZERLAND.
Frederick Goss, 6th Ward, City
John Jacob Walser, Payson
They were sustained by unanimous vote.
The names which follow are of those Elders now selected to go on missions. They were also sustained by the unanimous vote of the Conference.
GREAT BRITAIN.
Henry Leyland, 11th Ward, City
Robert R. Anderson, 18th Ward, City
Orson F. Whitney, “ “ “
Hyrum H. Evans, 6th Ward, City
Alfred Bailey, Ephraim
James Hardy, Provo
John Ellis, Ogden
William Willie, Mendon
Charles Sharp, West Jordan
John Pickett, Tooele
John Boyle, Ogden
Thomas Perkins, Cedar, (Wales)
Thomas R. Jones, Lehi, “
Henry Green, Ephraim
Joseph W. McMurrin, 3rd Ward, City
Uriah Butts, Parowan
Robert Ure, Wood’s Cross, (Scotland)
John England, Tooele
John T. Rich, Grantsville
Daniel Davis, Three Mile Creek, Box Elder Co., (Wales)
Thomas L. Obray, Paradise, (Wales)
Wm. Bromley, Provo Valley
Edward Entwistle, 16th Ward
SCANDINAVIA.
Martin Rasmussen, Mount Pleasant
Jens C. Frost, Ephraim
A. C. Nielsen, “
Bent Larsen, Monroe, (Norway)
John Neils Olsen, West Jordan, (Sweden)
Andrew P. Anderson, (known as Andrew Hanson), Redmund
Hans Christian Hansen, Gunnison
Henry C. Jensen, Brigham, (Norway)
Christian Hanson, “
Lars Mortensen, “
Hans Olen Hansen, Hyrum
Hans A. Hansen, Logan
UNITED STATES.
Mark Hall, Ogden, (N. Y.)
Nathan Hawks, 17th Ward, (Indiana)
Stephen H. Marks, 17th Ward, “
Samuel Mulliner, Cedar Fort
Joseph M. Harris, Ogden (N. Y.)
Walter H. Atwood, South Cottonwood, (N. Y. and Pa.)
James K. Ingle, Orderville, (Pa.)
George Saxton, 19th Ward; City, (U. S. and Canada)
C. C. Bartlett, Ashley
William Stevenson, Eden
SOUTHERN STATES.
W. Heber Clayton, Kanab
Zadoc K. Judd, Jr., “
Timothy B. Clark, Farmington
Moroni W. Pratt, Meadowville
George Comer, Lehi
Charles C. Brown, Ogden
Louis Kelsch, South Cottonwood
Levi B. Reynolds, Mount Pleasant
Newell W. Kimball, Logan
S. D. Moore, Payson
John B. Fairbanks, Payson
Wm. M. Rydalch, Grantsville
Alma Harding, Millard
James J. Adams, Parowan
Wm. L. H. Dotson, Minersville
Edwin Ayers, “
Marcus L. Shepherd, Beaver
William White, “
John M. Eastman, Greenville
Wm. H. Josephs, Adamsville
Edward M. Dalton, Parowan
George Howe, 17th Ward, City.
Jesse M. Smith, “
James Meikle, Smithfield.
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
John Meldrum, Provo.
NEW ZEALAND.
James Kirkbride, Smithfield.
William Barber, “
Ephraim Ralph, Brigham.
Joseph Chantrill, Logan.
Lucian Farr, “
Nathan Ricks, Benson.
ARIZONA. (St. John)
John R. Steward, Kanab.
L. H. Fuller, “
Alex Findley “
The missionaries will be set apart on Monday.
President George Q. Cannon.
There is one thing I think ought to be said at this juncture respecting missions. I have perceived, and I think others have, that there is a disposition growing up among the elders sent upon missions, to imagine that they are sent for some stated period, and at the expiration of which they will be released, whether the wants of the work will admit of their release or not. The idea seems to be growing in the minds of some that it is almost in the nature of a term of enlistment; and if a man goes to the Southern States for a year, that that is about as long as he is required to remain; and if he goes to Europe, that he should be released at the expiration of two years. This idea seems to be fastening itself upon the minds of a good many who are called upon missions. I do not thus understand the nature of this calling.
When elders are called to go upon missions, I suppose that they are called to go and labor as long as they shall be required, as their health will permit or the necessities of the work may demand. A man going to and laboring in a certain place, at the expiration of one year he may be just upon the threshold of entering upon the field of his usefulness; and he may, in a few months, be able to do more good than he had done the previous year. And at the expiration of two years the wants of the work and the necessities of the field may be of such a character as to require a longer stay upon his part that he might be able to do more good in a few months than he had done the previous two years. I do not mean to convey the idea that it is always necessary for Elders to remain for extended periods in their fields. I would leave this, as I have always felt to do, to the man who has charge of the field. If it required ten years to fill a mission, stay the ten years and do it gladly, if the wants of the mission required such an extended period. I am speaking for myself, in favor of longer missions than our young men are now taking. By the time they are able to speak and address an audience with comparative ease, and begin to exert an influence among the people, and become acquainted with their fields of labor, they either release themselves or ask to be released to return home. And when they reach home it is too frequently the case that they settle down into their old habits, and they consequently fail to accomplish that which they might do if they were to have a little longer experience in their fields of missionary labor.
A few years in a young man’s life cannot be spent more profitably than in the missionary field if he enjoys the Spirit of God and the spirit of his calling rests down upon him. I would rather a son of mine would go out in that capacity than go to the best college in the land. I know it would be more profitable to him. And I hope that, if this idea has been formed in the minds of any respecting the duration of their missions, it will not become crystalized, become fixed in their minds, as a fact that they should be required only to remain one or two years upon their missions. But stay just as long as the Lord wants you to stay; and you may depend upon it that you will not be asked to stay any longer than is necessary for the good of your mission.
It is very gratifying to find such a demand for Elders in the various fields. I hope this demand will continue to increase until we shall have a large corps of well educated missionaries scattered through all our territory, through all our settlements, capable of assisting in directing affairs and in helping to manage the interests of the Church wherever they may be living. And as we were told this morning by Brother John Henry Smith, this work does not devolve upon a few individuals. This is one feature of it for which I am exceedingly thankful. I am thankful it is not confined to a few families nor to any particular class, but that it embraces within its scope every honest soul, and gives opportunity for salvation and exaltation to every person who desires to seek for it. God has shown us, I think, abundantly thus far in the history of this Church, that He does not confine His work to one or two or a few families, but that he extends it to all the families of the earth, to every man who desires to labor in the work of our God, to come to this light and help to establish righteousness.
While he was speaking I felt as though there were hundreds of young men in obscure families of obscure parentage to-day, who will make a fame in the midst of this people, who will be honored, and their names go down in honor to posterity because of their faithfulness. The opportunity is given to all to exercise the gifts and graces that God has bestowed upon them. And this kingdom is eminently democratic in this respect. No one has a patent of nobility from the Lord; but every man and every woman can prosper according to his or her faithfulness in the work of God. There is another feature of this work that is very encouraging. It is only the pure in heart who can prosper; it is only the humble and the meek and lowly, and those who serve God in truth and in faithfulness that can stand and prosper in this work for any length of time. In this respect it differs from every system now extant upon the face of earth among other people. In other organizations men prosper sometimes by means of their shrewdness and their sagacity, by their ability and good management; but it is not the case in this Church. Ambitious men seeking for place, men seeking for power, men seeking to build themselves up regardless of the principles of truth and righteousness do not prosper in this Church. No impure man can stand for any length of time among us; he will lose the Spirit of God and go into darkness; and those who look upon him may wonder in their hearts why he should be so dark. No man ever lost the Spirit of God without a cause. No man ever apostatized from this Church without there being a cause for it. No man ever fell into doubt without there being a cause for it. This is beautifully illustrated in the Book of Mormon. You all remember that Alma took three of his sons into the ministry—Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton. Corianton heard of a harlot—I suppose she was an attractive woman; at any rate he was attracted by her, he left his ministry and followed after this lewd woman. This gave his father much grief. The subsequent career of this man illustrates the principle of which I am speaking. The two sons of Alma who labored faithfully in their ministry were pure men, and they were not afflicted with doubt. They could receive the words of their father; their spirit did not rise up in rebellion against him, nor against other prophets of God. But not so with Corianton, who was an impure man, and who deserted his ministry and went after a harlot. You will find that his father had to combat the doubts which he entertained; you will find he had to remove his unbelief, and reason with him about the restoration, and about the resurrection and the atonement. He had to engage in long arguments to prove to this son the truthfulness of the principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a significant fact, and one with which we have long been acquainted—although we are not directly told that this was the reason; but knowing as well as we do the results of such a course, we can well understand that this was the foundation, that this was the cause of that man’s requiring too much argument to convince him that these principles were true. It is a remarkable fact that when a man is guilty of getting into bed with his neighbor’s wife, he becomes wonderfully holy in manner and wonderfully scrupulous about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and requires a great deal of argument to convince him of things to which he takes exceptions. It is a recognized fact in our history that the man who takes such a course loses the Spirit of God, and goes into darkness.
There is a spirit growing up among us that must be checked. If it is not I tell you the anger of God will be poured out upon us. We hear now of men having to get married to cover up certain things; of children born wonderfully soon after marriage in some of our settlements, and perhaps in this city no less than in our settlements. Such things are a disgrace and abhorrent in the sight of God, and they who are guilty of such things will bring down the anger of God upon themselves. This crime of illegitimacy is growing; it is an accursed crime, and the man who indulges in and produces it will lose the Spirit of God, and will lose his standing in the Church unless he repents and turns away therefrom with all his heart. This Spirit of God will not dwell in unholy tabernacles. The faith of God will not dwell with people who take this course. And we should labor with them with all our might, we should set them examples of purity; we should reason with them, and do all in our power to deliver them from this awful crime. For it is a heinous sin. No sin is greater in the sight of God except the shedding of blood, than this crime to which I have alluded. And it is growing to an alarming extent among us, not that it is as bad as elsewhere, but it should not exist at all. A man who commits adultery is unworthy to live; and sooner or later the Lord, I believe, if He is merciful to him, will take his life away from him, especially if he has made covenants in the house of God. Our young people should be taught that there is nothing so ennobling and so honorable as personal purity. Parents should be careful not to allow improper associates, or associations between the sexes at improper hours; but keep their eyes open so that nothing of this kind is permitted. There should be wise guardianship to prevent this. Every facility for marriage should be extended to our young people. Parents should seek to have their children marry early; and do everything in their power to facilitate marriage among us.
I hope to see the day when these Temples—the one in this city, the one in Logan, and the one at Manti will be completed. We already have one built in St. George. When these shall be completed, the facilities of marriage will be increased. And then, I hope—I would like it to be the case, at least—that in each of the Stakes of Zion a Temple shall be built—if only a small one—so as to furnish convenience for our young people to go in and take upon themselves the holy covenants of the Gospel, receive their endowments and be married according to the holy covenants of God; and thus extend to the young all the facilities possible to encourage marriage. It lies at the foundation of the prosperity of any nation or people. If the family be not pure, if it be not well guarded, the city soon becomes corrupt. It is our duty to look well to the foundation of our institutions and our organizations, and keep impurity out of our households, and put our foot upon it, and frown upon it, and be no more lenient to the sins of our children than to those of others; not sympathize with crimes of this kind; not seek to extenuate them because a son of ours does the wrong and think it is not so bad as if somebody else should do it; or if a daughter of ours does the wrong, it is not so bad as somebody else’s daughter committing the wrong. Such sympathy is wrong for Latter-day Saints to indulge in. The whole world is anxious to break down the barriers that stand up around us and to obliterate the distinction that exists between us and the rest of mankind. If we had impurity in our midst, if we countenanced lechery, we would not be so bad a people as we are in the estimation of many. But because the Presidency of this Church, the Twelve Apostles and the leading Elders have all the time been building up barriers around the people to prevent them from falling into sin, from committing iniquity—barriers that will keep Zion pure, that will make us a chaste and holy people—because of this the whole world is arraigned against this work. It is our struggle all the time to keep this people called Latter day Saints pure, to keep them up to the standard that God has revealed. He has revealed a high standard, and we are aiming to get that standard up in their midst, so that they will not only live up to it themselves, but bequeath it as a precious legacy to their children after them, that we may become the people God intends us to be. And I can tell you if we are not “the salt of the earth,” then there is no “salt” to-day on the earth. The Latter-day Saints are suffering all kinds of obloquy and calumny because they want to preserve woman’s chastity, and because they will not allow woman’s chastity to be trampled in the mire, if they can possibly help it. We say to our young people, “Marry. Boys, marry wives, but do not seduce, do not lead astray; God will damn you if you do so.” And others are saying, “If you do we will inflict the penalty of the law upon you.” This is what we have to contend with all the time.
We are building up Zion, and we are laboring to save the people. We are laboring to destroy the dominion of Satan; and we are calling upon the people night and day to live so that the revelations of the Almighty will rest down upon them, yes, that they may be filled with the power of God, and know for themselves concerning the divinity of this work. And because we are doing this the world is opposed to us, and do everything in their power to destroy us. Every man or woman who lends his or her influence to wickedness, to drunkenness, to fornication, to adultery, or to any of the vices, may call themselves Latter-day Saints, but they have only the name. In the day of the Lord they will have no place among us, for God will not allow any such beings to enter into His kingdom. We may as well make up our minds to these things.
God is doing a great work in the earth, and He is doing it for you. For you, my brother, who may be obscure to-day, and who may be unknown almost among the Saints of God—He is doing it for you and your family; and the angels of God are watching over you, and their eyes are upon you and not upon the First Presidency, and upon the Twelve, the Apostles, and the Presidents of Stakes alone. The eyes of the pure and the just behind the veil are upon all Israel. They are watching over this people to see whether they will do that which God has commanded them. He has revealed to you in plainness and power the truth of this work; and who is there among this congregation that has not received the truth? Who cannot testify to-day that they know it to be from God, that they know it by the revelations of Jesus Christ and not by the testimony of any man? Are there any Latter-day Saints who do not have this knowledge? There are very few. Now, we have to come to the light and the fulness of truth; we have to build up this kingdom, and to learn the lesson taught to us so repeatedly. President Brigham Young wore his life out teaching us, and Brother Heber C. Kimball and Bro. Geo. A. Smith and Brother Willard Richards and Brother Orson Pratt, and others whom I might name, who have passed away—all have labored with their might to teach this people the principles of righteousness. They were anxious to see Zion built up. They told us not to waste our strength in sustaining the wicked, but to sustain the righteous. But we are becoming so intermingled with the world that it is difficult to tell a Latter-day Saint from one that is not a Latter-day Saint. The barriers are being broken down; the distinctions that existed, or ought to exist, are to some extent obliterated through the folly and weakness and, I may say, wickedness of some who profess to be Latter-day Saints. I tell you, my brethren and sisters, God will hold us to a strict accountability in regard to these things. This kingdom will go on; it will not fall. Man and woman may fall; they may fall by scores and hundreds, but the work itself will roll forward. But how sad it is to see men and women who have done so much as many have from the beginning of this work, fall away, lending themselves to wickedness and forgetting the holy principles that God has revealed. The salvation of God is extended to us, and it is worth all we can do; it is worth our lives; worth the sacrificing of every passion and appetite; it is worth a life’s labor; it is worth the exercise of every talent which He has given unto us. There is more peace in it, there is more happiness in it, there is more life in it, there is more salvation and exaltation in it than in anything else upon the face of the earth. And all of us who have any experience in his Church have proved this for ourselves.
I pray God to bless you and pour out His spirit upon you. You come to Conference to be taught; do try to treasure up that which you have heard, and go away more determined to keep the commandments of God; to be pure and holy, and to use your influence to promote righteousness all around you. What a mighty influence and power this people could to-day wield in these mountains, if all were on the side of righteousness. Six individuals in the beginning of this Church were a great power. But here we have thousands upon thousands scattered throughout these mountains; here is leaven enough of the righteous in this Territory to leaven the whole lump, to leaven the whole earth.
I pray God that we may be able to do this and live the lives of Saints indeed, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
The choir sang, Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, But with joy, wend your way.
Conference was adjourned until to-morrow, 10 a. m.
Benediction by Counselor D. H. Wells.
There is one thing I think ought to be said at this juncture respecting missions. I have perceived, and I think others have, that there is a disposition growing up among the elders sent upon missions, to imagine that they are sent for some stated period, and at the expiration of which they will be released, whether the wants of the work will admit of their release or not. The idea seems to be growing in the minds of some that it is almost in the nature of a term of enlistment; and if a man goes to the Southern States for a year, that that is about as long as he is required to remain; and if he goes to Europe, that he should be released at the expiration of two years. This idea seems to be fastening itself upon the minds of a good many who are called upon missions. I do not thus understand the nature of this calling.
When elders are called to go upon missions, I suppose that they are called to go and labor as long as they shall be required, as their health will permit or the necessities of the work may demand. A man going to and laboring in a certain place, at the expiration of one year he may be just upon the threshold of entering upon the field of his usefulness; and he may, in a few months, be able to do more good than he had done the previous year. And at the expiration of two years the wants of the work and the necessities of the field may be of such a character as to require a longer stay upon his part that he might be able to do more good in a few months than he had done the previous two years. I do not mean to convey the idea that it is always necessary for Elders to remain for extended periods in their fields. I would leave this, as I have always felt to do, to the man who has charge of the field. If it required ten years to fill a mission, stay the ten years and do it gladly, if the wants of the mission required such an extended period. I am speaking for myself, in favor of longer missions than our young men are now taking. By the time they are able to speak and address an audience with comparative ease, and begin to exert an influence among the people, and become acquainted with their fields of labor, they either release themselves or ask to be released to return home. And when they reach home it is too frequently the case that they settle down into their old habits, and they consequently fail to accomplish that which they might do if they were to have a little longer experience in their fields of missionary labor.
A few years in a young man’s life cannot be spent more profitably than in the missionary field if he enjoys the Spirit of God and the spirit of his calling rests down upon him. I would rather a son of mine would go out in that capacity than go to the best college in the land. I know it would be more profitable to him. And I hope that, if this idea has been formed in the minds of any respecting the duration of their missions, it will not become crystalized, become fixed in their minds, as a fact that they should be required only to remain one or two years upon their missions. But stay just as long as the Lord wants you to stay; and you may depend upon it that you will not be asked to stay any longer than is necessary for the good of your mission.
It is very gratifying to find such a demand for Elders in the various fields. I hope this demand will continue to increase until we shall have a large corps of well educated missionaries scattered through all our territory, through all our settlements, capable of assisting in directing affairs and in helping to manage the interests of the Church wherever they may be living. And as we were told this morning by Brother John Henry Smith, this work does not devolve upon a few individuals. This is one feature of it for which I am exceedingly thankful. I am thankful it is not confined to a few families nor to any particular class, but that it embraces within its scope every honest soul, and gives opportunity for salvation and exaltation to every person who desires to seek for it. God has shown us, I think, abundantly thus far in the history of this Church, that He does not confine His work to one or two or a few families, but that he extends it to all the families of the earth, to every man who desires to labor in the work of our God, to come to this light and help to establish righteousness.
While he was speaking I felt as though there were hundreds of young men in obscure families of obscure parentage to-day, who will make a fame in the midst of this people, who will be honored, and their names go down in honor to posterity because of their faithfulness. The opportunity is given to all to exercise the gifts and graces that God has bestowed upon them. And this kingdom is eminently democratic in this respect. No one has a patent of nobility from the Lord; but every man and every woman can prosper according to his or her faithfulness in the work of God. There is another feature of this work that is very encouraging. It is only the pure in heart who can prosper; it is only the humble and the meek and lowly, and those who serve God in truth and in faithfulness that can stand and prosper in this work for any length of time. In this respect it differs from every system now extant upon the face of earth among other people. In other organizations men prosper sometimes by means of their shrewdness and their sagacity, by their ability and good management; but it is not the case in this Church. Ambitious men seeking for place, men seeking for power, men seeking to build themselves up regardless of the principles of truth and righteousness do not prosper in this Church. No impure man can stand for any length of time among us; he will lose the Spirit of God and go into darkness; and those who look upon him may wonder in their hearts why he should be so dark. No man ever lost the Spirit of God without a cause. No man ever apostatized from this Church without there being a cause for it. No man ever fell into doubt without there being a cause for it. This is beautifully illustrated in the Book of Mormon. You all remember that Alma took three of his sons into the ministry—Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton. Corianton heard of a harlot—I suppose she was an attractive woman; at any rate he was attracted by her, he left his ministry and followed after this lewd woman. This gave his father much grief. The subsequent career of this man illustrates the principle of which I am speaking. The two sons of Alma who labored faithfully in their ministry were pure men, and they were not afflicted with doubt. They could receive the words of their father; their spirit did not rise up in rebellion against him, nor against other prophets of God. But not so with Corianton, who was an impure man, and who deserted his ministry and went after a harlot. You will find that his father had to combat the doubts which he entertained; you will find he had to remove his unbelief, and reason with him about the restoration, and about the resurrection and the atonement. He had to engage in long arguments to prove to this son the truthfulness of the principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a significant fact, and one with which we have long been acquainted—although we are not directly told that this was the reason; but knowing as well as we do the results of such a course, we can well understand that this was the foundation, that this was the cause of that man’s requiring too much argument to convince him that these principles were true. It is a remarkable fact that when a man is guilty of getting into bed with his neighbor’s wife, he becomes wonderfully holy in manner and wonderfully scrupulous about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and requires a great deal of argument to convince him of things to which he takes exceptions. It is a recognized fact in our history that the man who takes such a course loses the Spirit of God, and goes into darkness.
There is a spirit growing up among us that must be checked. If it is not I tell you the anger of God will be poured out upon us. We hear now of men having to get married to cover up certain things; of children born wonderfully soon after marriage in some of our settlements, and perhaps in this city no less than in our settlements. Such things are a disgrace and abhorrent in the sight of God, and they who are guilty of such things will bring down the anger of God upon themselves. This crime of illegitimacy is growing; it is an accursed crime, and the man who indulges in and produces it will lose the Spirit of God, and will lose his standing in the Church unless he repents and turns away therefrom with all his heart. This Spirit of God will not dwell in unholy tabernacles. The faith of God will not dwell with people who take this course. And we should labor with them with all our might, we should set them examples of purity; we should reason with them, and do all in our power to deliver them from this awful crime. For it is a heinous sin. No sin is greater in the sight of God except the shedding of blood, than this crime to which I have alluded. And it is growing to an alarming extent among us, not that it is as bad as elsewhere, but it should not exist at all. A man who commits adultery is unworthy to live; and sooner or later the Lord, I believe, if He is merciful to him, will take his life away from him, especially if he has made covenants in the house of God. Our young people should be taught that there is nothing so ennobling and so honorable as personal purity. Parents should be careful not to allow improper associates, or associations between the sexes at improper hours; but keep their eyes open so that nothing of this kind is permitted. There should be wise guardianship to prevent this. Every facility for marriage should be extended to our young people. Parents should seek to have their children marry early; and do everything in their power to facilitate marriage among us.
I hope to see the day when these Temples—the one in this city, the one in Logan, and the one at Manti will be completed. We already have one built in St. George. When these shall be completed, the facilities of marriage will be increased. And then, I hope—I would like it to be the case, at least—that in each of the Stakes of Zion a Temple shall be built—if only a small one—so as to furnish convenience for our young people to go in and take upon themselves the holy covenants of the Gospel, receive their endowments and be married according to the holy covenants of God; and thus extend to the young all the facilities possible to encourage marriage. It lies at the foundation of the prosperity of any nation or people. If the family be not pure, if it be not well guarded, the city soon becomes corrupt. It is our duty to look well to the foundation of our institutions and our organizations, and keep impurity out of our households, and put our foot upon it, and frown upon it, and be no more lenient to the sins of our children than to those of others; not sympathize with crimes of this kind; not seek to extenuate them because a son of ours does the wrong and think it is not so bad as if somebody else should do it; or if a daughter of ours does the wrong, it is not so bad as somebody else’s daughter committing the wrong. Such sympathy is wrong for Latter-day Saints to indulge in. The whole world is anxious to break down the barriers that stand up around us and to obliterate the distinction that exists between us and the rest of mankind. If we had impurity in our midst, if we countenanced lechery, we would not be so bad a people as we are in the estimation of many. But because the Presidency of this Church, the Twelve Apostles and the leading Elders have all the time been building up barriers around the people to prevent them from falling into sin, from committing iniquity—barriers that will keep Zion pure, that will make us a chaste and holy people—because of this the whole world is arraigned against this work. It is our struggle all the time to keep this people called Latter day Saints pure, to keep them up to the standard that God has revealed. He has revealed a high standard, and we are aiming to get that standard up in their midst, so that they will not only live up to it themselves, but bequeath it as a precious legacy to their children after them, that we may become the people God intends us to be. And I can tell you if we are not “the salt of the earth,” then there is no “salt” to-day on the earth. The Latter-day Saints are suffering all kinds of obloquy and calumny because they want to preserve woman’s chastity, and because they will not allow woman’s chastity to be trampled in the mire, if they can possibly help it. We say to our young people, “Marry. Boys, marry wives, but do not seduce, do not lead astray; God will damn you if you do so.” And others are saying, “If you do we will inflict the penalty of the law upon you.” This is what we have to contend with all the time.
We are building up Zion, and we are laboring to save the people. We are laboring to destroy the dominion of Satan; and we are calling upon the people night and day to live so that the revelations of the Almighty will rest down upon them, yes, that they may be filled with the power of God, and know for themselves concerning the divinity of this work. And because we are doing this the world is opposed to us, and do everything in their power to destroy us. Every man or woman who lends his or her influence to wickedness, to drunkenness, to fornication, to adultery, or to any of the vices, may call themselves Latter-day Saints, but they have only the name. In the day of the Lord they will have no place among us, for God will not allow any such beings to enter into His kingdom. We may as well make up our minds to these things.
God is doing a great work in the earth, and He is doing it for you. For you, my brother, who may be obscure to-day, and who may be unknown almost among the Saints of God—He is doing it for you and your family; and the angels of God are watching over you, and their eyes are upon you and not upon the First Presidency, and upon the Twelve, the Apostles, and the Presidents of Stakes alone. The eyes of the pure and the just behind the veil are upon all Israel. They are watching over this people to see whether they will do that which God has commanded them. He has revealed to you in plainness and power the truth of this work; and who is there among this congregation that has not received the truth? Who cannot testify to-day that they know it to be from God, that they know it by the revelations of Jesus Christ and not by the testimony of any man? Are there any Latter-day Saints who do not have this knowledge? There are very few. Now, we have to come to the light and the fulness of truth; we have to build up this kingdom, and to learn the lesson taught to us so repeatedly. President Brigham Young wore his life out teaching us, and Brother Heber C. Kimball and Bro. Geo. A. Smith and Brother Willard Richards and Brother Orson Pratt, and others whom I might name, who have passed away—all have labored with their might to teach this people the principles of righteousness. They were anxious to see Zion built up. They told us not to waste our strength in sustaining the wicked, but to sustain the righteous. But we are becoming so intermingled with the world that it is difficult to tell a Latter-day Saint from one that is not a Latter-day Saint. The barriers are being broken down; the distinctions that existed, or ought to exist, are to some extent obliterated through the folly and weakness and, I may say, wickedness of some who profess to be Latter-day Saints. I tell you, my brethren and sisters, God will hold us to a strict accountability in regard to these things. This kingdom will go on; it will not fall. Man and woman may fall; they may fall by scores and hundreds, but the work itself will roll forward. But how sad it is to see men and women who have done so much as many have from the beginning of this work, fall away, lending themselves to wickedness and forgetting the holy principles that God has revealed. The salvation of God is extended to us, and it is worth all we can do; it is worth our lives; worth the sacrificing of every passion and appetite; it is worth a life’s labor; it is worth the exercise of every talent which He has given unto us. There is more peace in it, there is more happiness in it, there is more life in it, there is more salvation and exaltation in it than in anything else upon the face of the earth. And all of us who have any experience in his Church have proved this for ourselves.
I pray God to bless you and pour out His spirit upon you. You come to Conference to be taught; do try to treasure up that which you have heard, and go away more determined to keep the commandments of God; to be pure and holy, and to use your influence to promote righteousness all around you. What a mighty influence and power this people could to-day wield in these mountains, if all were on the side of righteousness. Six individuals in the beginning of this Church were a great power. But here we have thousands upon thousands scattered throughout these mountains; here is leaven enough of the righteous in this Territory to leaven the whole lump, to leaven the whole earth.
I pray God that we may be able to do this and live the lives of Saints indeed, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
The choir sang, Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, But with joy, wend your way.
Conference was adjourned until to-morrow, 10 a. m.
Benediction by Counselor D. H. Wells.
FOURTH DAY.
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Conference called to order by President John Taylor.
The choir sang, Praise to God, immortal praise, For the love that crowns our days.
Prayer by Apostle F. M. Lyman.
The Choir sang, Sweet is the work, my God my king, To praise thy name give thanks and sing
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Conference called to order by President John Taylor.
The choir sang, Praise to God, immortal praise, For the love that crowns our days.
Prayer by Apostle F. M. Lyman.
The Choir sang, Sweet is the work, my God my king, To praise thy name give thanks and sing
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
asked the congregation to take into consideration the necessity of having the spirit of prayer to assist their hearts in comprehending the various subjects presented before them. Every faithful Latter-day Saint was entitled to that aid and succor in every situation in life, that his circumstances may require. In different periods of time, God had gathered together a people to be the receptacle of the powers, principles and laws which He revealed, which entitled them through obedience to those laws, to receive all the blessings of the Gospel of the Son of God, such as the gift of healing, the gift of prophecy, the gift of wisdom, dreams, visions, etc. It was the privilege of the Latter-day Saints to enjoy all these gifts, as they were enjoyed by those living in the days of Enoch, and those who lived in the days of our Savior. Were it not for many of those gifts being enjoyed by the Saints in these latter-days, which is the result of the possession of the Holy Ghost, this kingdom could never have withstood the power and influence of evil that has been arrayed against it. “Love one another,” being one of the most important commandments that God has given to us, should be so closely carried out by the Latter-day Saints, that in all their business relations there should be no collision, no strife, no envyings, but each should seek the benefit and blessing of one another; this union was particularly enjoined upon us. The great and grand results that are now presented before us, had been effected through the influence of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which reached us in the different nations of the earth, and saluted our ears as glad tidings of great joy. We were called upon to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to repent of our sins, to be baptized for the remission of our sins, that we might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
He then dwelt on the subject of present revelation, referring to the case of Peter, who, in answer to a question put by the Savior, replied, “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” to which statement the Savior said, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father who is in Heaven.” This is the spirit of revelation on which Christ said he would build His Church. The gospel in the meridian of time came in word, in power and much assurance; in like manner the gospel came to us in our day. The speaker called upon the Elders of Israel to cultivate the gift of healing, that it may be exercised when sickness overtakes our children or our friends, instead of resorting to the common fashion of the world by sending for doctors. Father Smith, in the early history of the Church, possessed this gift to a great extent, and was sent for day and night to lay hands on the sick, and almost wore himself out in this ministration. This gift needed cultivation, as did the gift of prophesy, of wisdom, of knowledge and other gifts whether possessed naturally or through answer to the prayer of faith. He concluded with a strong exhortation to righteousness and integrity.
asked the congregation to take into consideration the necessity of having the spirit of prayer to assist their hearts in comprehending the various subjects presented before them. Every faithful Latter-day Saint was entitled to that aid and succor in every situation in life, that his circumstances may require. In different periods of time, God had gathered together a people to be the receptacle of the powers, principles and laws which He revealed, which entitled them through obedience to those laws, to receive all the blessings of the Gospel of the Son of God, such as the gift of healing, the gift of prophecy, the gift of wisdom, dreams, visions, etc. It was the privilege of the Latter-day Saints to enjoy all these gifts, as they were enjoyed by those living in the days of Enoch, and those who lived in the days of our Savior. Were it not for many of those gifts being enjoyed by the Saints in these latter-days, which is the result of the possession of the Holy Ghost, this kingdom could never have withstood the power and influence of evil that has been arrayed against it. “Love one another,” being one of the most important commandments that God has given to us, should be so closely carried out by the Latter-day Saints, that in all their business relations there should be no collision, no strife, no envyings, but each should seek the benefit and blessing of one another; this union was particularly enjoined upon us. The great and grand results that are now presented before us, had been effected through the influence of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which reached us in the different nations of the earth, and saluted our ears as glad tidings of great joy. We were called upon to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, to repent of our sins, to be baptized for the remission of our sins, that we might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
He then dwelt on the subject of present revelation, referring to the case of Peter, who, in answer to a question put by the Savior, replied, “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” to which statement the Savior said, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father who is in Heaven.” This is the spirit of revelation on which Christ said he would build His Church. The gospel in the meridian of time came in word, in power and much assurance; in like manner the gospel came to us in our day. The speaker called upon the Elders of Israel to cultivate the gift of healing, that it may be exercised when sickness overtakes our children or our friends, instead of resorting to the common fashion of the world by sending for doctors. Father Smith, in the early history of the Church, possessed this gift to a great extent, and was sent for day and night to lay hands on the sick, and almost wore himself out in this ministration. This gift needed cultivation, as did the gift of prophesy, of wisdom, of knowledge and other gifts whether possessed naturally or through answer to the prayer of faith. He concluded with a strong exhortation to righteousness and integrity.
President G. Q. Cannon
kindly urged the necessity of having quietness throughout the congregation while the speakers attempted to address so vast a multitude. There should be also a concentration of faith in the Elders of Israel to draw from the speaker such things as would benefit and bless those who convened here. After embracing the gospel we soon found out that there was something connected with the faith of the gospel, that characterized us as a peculiar people. In our experience, although passing through much tribulation and persecution, all manner of evil being spoken of us, we found no great trouble in making converts wherever the meek of the earth were to be found; they were willing to face all the opposition and adverse circumstances that stared them in the face, having been prepared in their minds for the reception of the truth. He then related a portion of his experience when a boy. His mother after an interview with President John Taylor, and not knowing then that he made any profession of religion, said to her son, “George, that is a man of God.” And after Brother Taylor had preached the gospel to her, she embraced it and was baptized. This instance was illustrative of thousands of others. There were many whose hearts God had prepared to receive the testimony of his servants. He expressed astonishment at the incredulity of the world, in setting aside the plain and tangible evidences of the truth of the divine mission of Joseph Smith, but he was assured that the time would come when the world would admire the glorious results produced by these principles revealed through the Prophet, and if they did not embrace those principles, would be glad to share in the benefits they would secure to society. The burthen of the teaching of the Elders of Israel, was “Live your religion.” This short sentence embodied everything that is necessary to entitle us to the blessings of the Almighty. But we have traditions to overcome that we brought with us from the old countries, and they must give place to a correct manner of life. It was a disgrace to Latter-day Saints to frequent saloons and participate in the ways of the wicked. We stand aloof from all such places, and from every other vice that degrades and debases mankind. We should be upright in our dealings with each other, and never descend to an underhand method of doing business. We should never practice deception, either as employers or employees. We should never attempt to make what is called a sharp trade in the sale of anything by misrepresentation or the withholding of the truth, for the purpose of obtaining for it more than it was worth. There were persons who would take advantage of a poor widow in the sale of a cow or anything else, and then with a long face upon bended knees thank God for the good trade they had made. He would not give a fig for a religion that did not teach honesty, virtue, kindness and industry. Before we retire to bed at night, let us indulge in a little catechism, and ask ourselves whether we have honored God through the day, whether we have done right to our neighbors and our families, and if in anything we have trespassed on either, that is a good time to repent, and then let us make right what wrong we have done. He then strongly urged the necessity of cultivating the spirit of peace and goodwill in our families and wherever we go. The marrow of our religion consists in the observance of those little things that it enjoins. One conspicuous feature connected with the Latter-day Saints is that they hold sacred the Constitution of the United States. There is no other such instrument so pure and so well adapted to the government of a free people. It is calculated to develop men and women in the highest conditions of life as citizens more than anything to be found in any other nation on the face of the earth. We do not always approve the actions of some of the government officials, because they have not always sustained the great principles embodied in the Constitution. But while we deplore their actions we sustain that instrument, believing that it was given by inspiration of God. He alluded to the time when war broke out between the North and the South which Joseph Smith had predicted thirty years before and related how President Young during the struggle, sent men out upon the plains to keep open the mail route and guard the travel from Indians, in response to a request from President Lincoln. The Lord had preserved us from shedding blood by bringing us to these mountains before that war broke out, and this was a very great blessing.
He then deprecated the laxity among some in the observance of the law of Tithing. The Twelve Apostles had set an example worthy of imitation in this respect; they had kept this law while laboring faithfully for the public. And unless we are more faithful and diligent in this respect, we shall have to answer for our dereliction before the bar of God. He was satisfied that many of our wealthy citizens did not live up to this law. God had prospered abundantly those who had done the most to build up this Kingdom, and would bless their prosperity after them. It was not all self—it was not all to-day. There were others to be thought of, and a great future before us. He closed by exhorting all to attend to every duty, that they might obtain all the blessings of the gospel.
kindly urged the necessity of having quietness throughout the congregation while the speakers attempted to address so vast a multitude. There should be also a concentration of faith in the Elders of Israel to draw from the speaker such things as would benefit and bless those who convened here. After embracing the gospel we soon found out that there was something connected with the faith of the gospel, that characterized us as a peculiar people. In our experience, although passing through much tribulation and persecution, all manner of evil being spoken of us, we found no great trouble in making converts wherever the meek of the earth were to be found; they were willing to face all the opposition and adverse circumstances that stared them in the face, having been prepared in their minds for the reception of the truth. He then related a portion of his experience when a boy. His mother after an interview with President John Taylor, and not knowing then that he made any profession of religion, said to her son, “George, that is a man of God.” And after Brother Taylor had preached the gospel to her, she embraced it and was baptized. This instance was illustrative of thousands of others. There were many whose hearts God had prepared to receive the testimony of his servants. He expressed astonishment at the incredulity of the world, in setting aside the plain and tangible evidences of the truth of the divine mission of Joseph Smith, but he was assured that the time would come when the world would admire the glorious results produced by these principles revealed through the Prophet, and if they did not embrace those principles, would be glad to share in the benefits they would secure to society. The burthen of the teaching of the Elders of Israel, was “Live your religion.” This short sentence embodied everything that is necessary to entitle us to the blessings of the Almighty. But we have traditions to overcome that we brought with us from the old countries, and they must give place to a correct manner of life. It was a disgrace to Latter-day Saints to frequent saloons and participate in the ways of the wicked. We stand aloof from all such places, and from every other vice that degrades and debases mankind. We should be upright in our dealings with each other, and never descend to an underhand method of doing business. We should never practice deception, either as employers or employees. We should never attempt to make what is called a sharp trade in the sale of anything by misrepresentation or the withholding of the truth, for the purpose of obtaining for it more than it was worth. There were persons who would take advantage of a poor widow in the sale of a cow or anything else, and then with a long face upon bended knees thank God for the good trade they had made. He would not give a fig for a religion that did not teach honesty, virtue, kindness and industry. Before we retire to bed at night, let us indulge in a little catechism, and ask ourselves whether we have honored God through the day, whether we have done right to our neighbors and our families, and if in anything we have trespassed on either, that is a good time to repent, and then let us make right what wrong we have done. He then strongly urged the necessity of cultivating the spirit of peace and goodwill in our families and wherever we go. The marrow of our religion consists in the observance of those little things that it enjoins. One conspicuous feature connected with the Latter-day Saints is that they hold sacred the Constitution of the United States. There is no other such instrument so pure and so well adapted to the government of a free people. It is calculated to develop men and women in the highest conditions of life as citizens more than anything to be found in any other nation on the face of the earth. We do not always approve the actions of some of the government officials, because they have not always sustained the great principles embodied in the Constitution. But while we deplore their actions we sustain that instrument, believing that it was given by inspiration of God. He alluded to the time when war broke out between the North and the South which Joseph Smith had predicted thirty years before and related how President Young during the struggle, sent men out upon the plains to keep open the mail route and guard the travel from Indians, in response to a request from President Lincoln. The Lord had preserved us from shedding blood by bringing us to these mountains before that war broke out, and this was a very great blessing.
He then deprecated the laxity among some in the observance of the law of Tithing. The Twelve Apostles had set an example worthy of imitation in this respect; they had kept this law while laboring faithfully for the public. And unless we are more faithful and diligent in this respect, we shall have to answer for our dereliction before the bar of God. He was satisfied that many of our wealthy citizens did not live up to this law. God had prospered abundantly those who had done the most to build up this Kingdom, and would bless their prosperity after them. It was not all self—it was not all to-day. There were others to be thought of, and a great future before us. He closed by exhorting all to attend to every duty, that they might obtain all the blessings of the gospel.
The Saints a Peculiar People—Their Religion Practical—Sustaining Each Other—Honesty in Trade—The Blessing of God on the Faithful, Etc.
Discourse by President George Q. Cannon, delivered at the General Conference in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Morning, Oct. 9, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
In the presence of so large an audience as we have here today, every one ought to sit very still and repress every noise as much as possible, for the acoustic properties of this tabernacle are of such a character that the combination of sounds—shuffling of feet, crying of babies, walking about of children—drown the speaker's voice however strong it may be. Every person should therefore keep as still as possible. No human power can make a congregation like this hear, unless the congregation itself sits quietly, and babies should not be allowed to disturb those in their immediate neighborhood. It may be very interesting to the mother; she may think the music of her baby's voice very sweet; but those who come to hear are not interested in hearing it.
In coming together as we have done upon this occasion and during this Conference, we should be so united in our faith that when a speaker arises the people will draw from him that instruction which they need. Many of you have come long distances. I see some here upwards of 300 miles from their homes and of course when men take such journeys, traveling about 700 miles in the round trip to come to Conference, there should be something imparted to them which will be a profit to them, that they may feel satisfied when they leave here that the journey has been well taken. Now, there are topics enough before us, topics of great, vital importance to us as a people, which we should consider, and which upon occasions like this are appropriate for our consideration.
We have been told—indeed it is a constant comment about us—that we are a peculiar people. We know this ourselves. It is a very remarkable thing, that this Gospel, which the world calls “Mormonism,” has gathered only here and there one out of the families of the earth, and as the most of you who are adults well know, you were, as a general thing, different from the rest of your family in many respects. It seemed as though you were waiting for something to come along a little different from anything that you had heard. The systems of religion, the ideas that were inculcated by your teachers and that you were taught in your Sunday schools, in your chapels and in your meetinghouses and churches, did not accord with your views concerning God and Christ, and the plan of salvation; and yet, had you been asked what you believed in, where you should go to find that which you did believe in, or to define your ideas of what you wanted, it would have been impossible for you to have done so. Yet there was a yearning in your hearts for something higher, something nobler, something more Godlike, something after the apostolic plan of salvation. And it is a remarkable fact that the Elders of this Church, in their travels and administrations among the people, though they have had great difficulties to contend with, have had persecutions and all manner of evil things said about them, have been frequently mobbed and driven—that notwithstanding they have had these difficulties to contend with, it has been an easy matter to bring those who are now Latter-day Saints into this Church. When the Elders found the honest in heart, when they found men and women who were meek and lowly, who were prayerful, who believed in the Bible, who were willing to accept truth however it might come to them, however unpopular its advocate might be—when they found people of this description, they have never had any difficulty in gathering them out. The Latter-day Saints throughout these valleys, from north to south, have been gathered without much, if any, trouble on the part of the Elders, for the word of God has come to them in the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost, and they have been convinced of the truth very frequently before they scarcely heard it. This is very remarkable—remarkable how the hearts of the people have been prepared to receive the Elders, how their minds have been softened, and how willingly they have received the truth and borne testimony to it, when they heard it. I remember well my own mother's experience. I was a little boy sitting beside her the first time she saw an Elder. She had never heard of the Latter-day Saints or “Mormons,” she did not know that he was one; she did not even know that he was a professor of religion; but she had been waiting for something. My father and mother were both Episcopalians, but they had no faith in the system, it was cold and inanimate, there was nothing lifelike or godlike about it. When he left the house she said to me, “George, that is a man of God.” She had a testimony to that effect, although, as I have said, she did not know he was even a professor of religion. That Elder was President Taylor. And when he began to talk afterwards regarding the principles of the Gospel, she was ready to be baptized, for it was that for which she had been waiting, her heart was prepared for it, and there are thousands and thousands of such instances among the people called Latter-day Saints. God prepared their hearts beforehand, and the Elders found them without much difficulty. It is true they had to labor and contend with others, but those who were the honest-hearted sons and daughters of God, who were willing to receive the truth, received it without much difficulty, as I have said. And it is a wonderful fact that in accordance with the scriptures God is gathering together a people to lay the foundation of this great work, concerning which all the Prophets have spoken. God has predicted through the mouths of his Holy Prophets—and their words are to be found in the Bible—that in the last days there should be just such a work as that which we witness—that is, one of a city and two of a family being gathered together, in order that there might be a representation of all the families and races of men upon the earth, to lay the foundation of this, the greatest work that has ever been established upon the face of the earth. And yet men talk of there being no evidence in favor of “Mormonism.” They say, Where is the evidence of its divinity? Where is the evidence that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God? Show us a sign that we may see whether you are the people you profess to be? Why, here in these mountains is one of the greatest signs presented to all the inhabitants of the earth that ever was shown to man—a system, an organization composed of people from every creed, and it may be said from every civilized creed, and from every civilized race, gathered together, dwelling in union and in love, and worshipping God according to the laws which he has given with a oneness, with a union, with a love that is unexampled upon the face of the earth. Nowhere else can such a thing be found; and I often think when men talk about delusion, and about the shrewd leaders of this people, and that by the power of their shrewdness and the strength of the imposture, they are able to hoodwink the people and to lead them astray, that it takes more faith to believe that theory than it does for the Latter-day Saints to believe the truth as we have received it. If this be imposture where is the truth? The Gospel of Christ was to produce union, its mission was to produce love, to destroy strife, to make men and women live together as brethren and sisters, and it has done so for us and it is doing so and it will do so more and more, and it will build up a system such as cannot be found on the face of the earth. And it is growing and increasing. It is like a little leaven, and by and by it will leaven the whole lump, and the influence and the power that will go forth from this people will be felt throughout the whole earth. I know it is a great thing to say, and men, looking at us numerically, think we are exceedingly presumptuous to advance such an idea, but it is nevertheless true. The union of this people, the power which accompanies them and the effect of their example will be felt more and more, and the truth will continue to spread until all honest-hearted people will be convinced of the truth of the statements which are made concerning the restoration of the everlasting Gospel in its original purity and power, and those who may not be prepared to receive it—will sooner or later respect it and admire it, and be willing to share in the benefits which will accrue from its establishment on the earth.
Now, my brethren and sisters, there is one thing above everything else, that every speaker from this stand would like to impress upon your minds, and that is, when you go away from this Conference that you carry with you the determination to live and to carry out in your lives the principles that you profess. That is all that we can ask of you. Live your religion—that embodies all that can be said to you. There is glory in it, there is happiness in it, there is peace in it, there is virtue in it, there is wealth in it, there is exaltation in it, there is no gift or blessing or power that it does not contain and that does not accompany it. On the other hand, violate the principles of your religion, deviate from the path that God has marked out, and there is sorrow and misery for you, if persisted in.
You have been gathered together in the most wonderful manner that any people ever were. We talk about the gathering of the children of Israel under Moses. I consider that that mighty movement fades away in comparison with the gathering that is now going on. This people have been brought from the various nations of the earth, and you have received a testimony from God concerning this work. You know for yourselves if you are living as you should do—concerning these things. How necessary it is, then, that you should carry out these principles. But the great difficulty we have to contend with is that we bring with us our traditions and preconceived ideas, and to overcome these is the great labor we have to contend with; it is a labor that we should set ourselves industriously, patiently, perseveringly to accomplish. Let us be pure in our hearts, in our language, in our conduct, in everything that we think and say and do. Let us seek for purity; let us inculcate purity; let us take the principles of the Gospel and teach them to our children and endeavor to make them better Latter-day Saints than we are; let us do everything we can in this direction, and then if we do this there will be no vice in our land; liquor saloons, gambling houses, houses of prostitution and the other evils that abound in the world will not be found within our borders. It should be our aim to so live that these things shall be repressed, completely extinguished. It is a shame for anyone professing to be what we are to enter a liquor saloon, or to patronize one, or to patronize any of these evils; and we should withdraw the hand of fellowship from all who do. Drunkenness certainly will never be countenanced by the Lord. It is a gross vice, and it will bring the loss of the Spirit to everyone who indulges in it; and so with these other vices to which I have alluded. No one can be a Latter-day Saint who practices these things. We should be honest, we should be truthful, our word should be like the words of the Lord, that is, in our sphere. When a man says a thing to his neighbor, he should so live that his neighbor can have confidence in him. When he makes a promise that promise should be sacred, and if he cannot fulfil it, let him explain the reason so that confidence may be preserved. When we borrow we should repay; When we deal we should be upright in our dealing. I would like it to be the case among us that when a man has a horse to sell that he will tell all he knows about it and not endeavor to take advantage in any shape or form. The same with a wagon, a cow, a piece of land, or a house, or anything else, that a man will tell what he knows about these things, so that confidence may be maintained. There are some men of whom I have heard who when they make a trade think that the one with whom they trade ought to have his own eyes open, and if he does not and is taken advantage of because of his inexperience or being too confiding, the one who gets the bargain is not to blame, but to be congratulated on his good luck. Indeed there are some men who, if they can take advantage in this way, would think nothing of bowing down on their knees and thanking God for having made so good a bargain. Now, a man who calls himself a Latter-day Saint, and will do a thing of the kind, grieves the spirit of the Lord. Again, if a man employs you to do a piece of work, that work should be well done whether he is there to see it done or not. And when employers agree to pay a certain price, or a certain kind of pay they should abide by their agreement. But there is a great deal of trickery in such matters. Some people think “I am a good trader; I can sell a horse for more than it is worth; I have got an old wagon, but my neighbor, who has not my experience wants a wagon; I can trade that poor wagon to him, I can get a good price for it, and I shall thank God if I can do so.” I tell you such things are very sinful, and are not from God. When we, professing to be Latter-day Saints, do such things, we grieve the Spirit of God, and cause Satan to laugh. These are practical duties. I would give more for a Latter-day Saint who, if I employed him to do me a job and he did it right, than I would for a man who would offer a long prayer and tell the Lord a great many things that might be very good, and did not do the work honestly. I would rather have a man that was honest in his dealings with his neighbor—a man that if I wanted to buy a horse I could go to him with the full assurance that he would do the square thing by me—than I would have a man who offers very long prayers if he neglected this other duty. I tell you that the Lord wants works from the people and not professions. We have got lots of profession. There are some men very sanctimonious, and because they can pray well and are looked upon as good Latter-day Saints, they think they are privileged to take advantage of their neighbor. Now, I tell you that we want a religion that is different to this. We want a religion of honesty. If I say a thing to a man I ought to live so that he will believe every word I say. If I sell him a piece of property, I should tell him the truth about it, there should be no concealment, no lying or allowing the man to be deceived. It is on that account that I despise this trading. Some men live by trading, and in the long run somebody is cheated in the community. There are times, of course, when men can exchange property, and both parties be benefited thereby. If one man has a piece of property that another man wants, and the other has a piece of property that suits the first party, a mutual benefit results from the exchange. There are other instances of this kind which frequently occur; but it should be done on the square. Any man who takes advantage in this direction cannot be a Latter-day Saint, in truth and deed, and God will hold him accountable for his conduct. Ours ought to be a religion of works and not of profession. It should be a religion that we can carry with us in our every day work—a religion that will make a man a better son, a better brother, a better husband, a better father than he would be without it, and I would not give a fig for a religion that did not have that effect. When I hear men quarreling with their children, husbands with their wives, wives with their husbands, I say there is not much religion about that kind of work or conduct. A man who is not kind to his wife needs some religion. A man who is not kind to his children and to his neighbors, needs some religion, and he needs the religion of Jesus Christ. A man who is indolent and neglects his duties, needs more religion, the religion of Jesus Christ, to make him more industrious. An indolent man cannot have much of the Spirit of God about him; an uncleanly man, and certainly an impure man, a dishonest man cannot have much of it. When I hear a woman quarreling with her children and making the house too hot for her husband—I rarely, if ever, hear them, because I do not go where they are, but I hear of them—I think that woman needs religion. When she loses patience, she should go to God and ask for patience, that the power of her religion may rest down upon her.
The great difficulty with us is: We have a religion and do not seek for its power, we do not dive to its depths, we do not rise to its heights, we do not comprehend its beauties and blessings. We go along without seeking after our God and the power of our God, as we should do. If we would devote a little time to self-examination when we go to bed, review the events of the day, see if our conduct has been such as God can approve of, and as enables us to lie down with a conscience void of offense towards God and all men, we do well, and if we cannot do that it is time to repent. If we have wronged anybody, we should make it right. And when something comes along to cross us or disturb our equanimity, instead of throwing out words that are like daggers, lacerating the feelings of those to whom they are addressed, we should shut our mouths. Some people pride themselves in what they call their frankness and candor in this respect. I tell you, I don't want such frankness around me. I would rather a man would hold his tongue and not indulge in such expressions as are hurtful to people's feelings. We should so live that our examples as fathers and mothers will be worthy of imitation by our children. You see a brawling, boisterous, swearing man, and his children will copy after him. You see a man that is the opposite of that, and his children will bear his example in mind. If he is a prayerful man, his children are likely to be prayerful also; if he be honest and truthful and keeps his word strictly, that lesson will not be lost upon his children. If I were a young man and wanted to marry, I would not go to a house where there was continual quarreling between the husband and wife and children; I would not want to select a wife from such a family; I would want to go where peace reigns, the peace of God, which every man, woman and child possess in their hearts and in their habitations. That is our privilege. These are very simple things, and yet nobody has gotten true religion who does not possess these gifts. We may talk about our religion; We may boast about it; we may tell about its gifts and powers; we may tell about the manifestations we have had; but after all, the marrow of our religion lies in the performance of those everyday duties, some of which I have alluded to.
There is one thing that has struck me as very remarkable about the Latter-day Saints. God in the early day of this Church told us that we should be a people that should have peace, and he has given unto us a revelation which says, that “it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take the sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.” Now that day will come just as sure as God has spoken, and we of all people on the face of the earth ought to be a peaceful people in view of this promise—no quarreling, no seeking to injure each other, no doing violence to one another. I have heard of men threatening to do something which would involve the shedding of blood if certain things were done to them. Why, it is a most horrible thought, for there is no salvation for the murderer. There is no people on this broad continent who cherish the Constitution of the United States as a sacred instrument any more, or as much as do the Latter-day Saints in these mountains. Believing it as we do to be inspired of God, and given for an express purpose, of course we attach a great deal of reverence to that instrument. We do not always pay reverence to officials, because of their maladministration of the laws; but the instrument itself, and the form of government we live under, we think is equaled by none upon the face of this broad earth; we think it is the greatest form of government, the freest, the most liberal, the best adapted for men and women, that ever was instituted by man among men. This we hold in our hearts, in our heart of hearts, concerning this government. But then a great many people are not suited because we take the liberty of criticizing certain officials. There have been a good many who have trampled upon the principles of the Constitution; but these outrageous acts, even against a people such as we are, do not affect the instrument, the fabric or the genius of our institutions, and on this account we are truly loyal. When the South raised the flag of rebellion, there was no well informed Latter-day Saint who could approve in his heart of such conduct, however much we might have expected it, Joseph Smith having predicted, nearly thirty years before the rebellion broke out, that it would occur—however much this might be the case there was nothing connected with the principle of secession or rebellion that met with the approval of the Latter-day Saints. And it is a remarkable fact that God, through the acts of our enemies, caused us to be placed in a position where, in the war of the rebellion, we should not be compelled to shed the blood of our fellow men. Had we remained in New York, where our people first settled; or afterwards in Ohio; had we remained in Missouri, to which State we subsequently emigrated and from whence we were cruelly driven; had we remained in Illinois, where we afterwards took refuge, and from whence we were also cruelly driven to the wilderness, we should have been made participants in that dreadful strife, we should have been compelled to have taken up the weapons of war, or the people would have said we were disloyal. Inaction at such a time would have been set down to disloyalty and sympathy with the rebellion, and we could scarcely have escaped, in view of the prejudices against us, being branded and treated as traitors to the Government. But we were here in the mountains, in a position where we could do nothing in the strife. President Lincoln asked for some men to guard the great highway, to preserve the mails and keep open communication, and these men were sent out. But they did not have to fight. Under the command of General James Craig, our men were sent to guard the great trans-continental highway, and we did our part in that direction. But God, in His Providence, did not place us in a position to imbrue our hands in the blood of our fellow men. And when five hundred men—after we were driven from Illinois in 1846—were required to make up the Mormon Battalion for the Mexican war, the promise of God to these five hundred men was that they should not be compelled to shed blood during their absence, and in a remarkable manner this prediction was fulfilled. They never shrank from doing their duty as good, loyal citizens and soldiers, but there was no bloodshedding by the Mormon Battalion. We have been in all our troubles preserved from shedding blood. We are not a bloodshedding people. Our garments are not stained with the blood of our fellow men—I mean as a people. There are many among us who have been soldiers in the war, but I am speaking now as an organization, and we stand in that position today, in the United States. We can say to the Southerner, to the Northerner, to the Westerner, to the Easterner, and to every man, “We are your brothers.” We are at peace with all mankind. God has given unto us a law concerning this, that we must hoist the standard of peace and continue to proclaim it, and then if we are called upon to defend ourselves, we are told to leave our cause in the hands of God. We are a people who love peace, and in the turmoil, in the wars, in the confusion, in all the disorders that will eventually occur, not only in Europe, but in our own land—our own blessed land in many respects which shall become yet very unhappy in consequence of internal broils and disunion—when all this shall take place we are the people who will present such an aspect to the world, that they will say, “Here are the features we desire, they have the peace our souls long for.” Now, my brethren and sisters, we should cultivate this feeling of peace. My sisters, let peace be in your hearts. Repress everything like quarrelling. Suffer wrong rather than do wrong. It is a harder thing for a man to submit to wrong than to fight against it. The natural tendency of the heart is to resent wrong, to strike back when you are struck at, but it is not the way laid down by the Savior.
There is one thing I want to speak about before I get through, and that is in relation to our tithes and offerings. I can speak about this not boastingly, but with freedom, for I do my part in this matter. There is too much delinquency on our part as a people in this respect. Let me entreat you to be more punctual in these matters. The more you do for the Church of God, the more you want to do; the more you are interested in its welfare the more you will become attached to it. Look at the Twelve Apostles, have they not set you an example—I will not speak of the First Presidency—in regard to these things? Have any of them sought to build themselves up and become wealthy? Here is Brother Woodruff, President of the Twelve Apostles. Is there any man in Israel who has worked harder to support himself and family than he? He is known for his persistent industry. He has set the people a great example in that respect. He has not been a burden to anyone. He has labored from morning till night for this people and for their salvation. He has not fattened upon your earnings, he has sustained himself by the blessing of God. And so have the rest of the Twelve. They have labored continually for this people. They have traveled thousands of miles, gone to the ends of the earth, to build up Zion, and not counted anything too great a labor. That is the example the Twelve have set this people. And they have paid their tithing punctually. They have done as much in this way according to their means as any of you, and in addition to this they have spent almost their entire time in the interest of the Church. What I say on this point applies fully also to President Taylor, when he was one of the twelve. Now, with such examples as these, how will you appear in the day of the Lord Jesus, when you present yourselves before Him, when you appear in those Temples to receive your blessings, if you have thought more about your money and about worldly things than you have about anything else? Let me say you will be very sorry for this if you do not repent and do better. There are many leading men among us who do not do their duty in this respect. They are derelict, and neglect of this duty is extending among the people. We must do more in this direction if we would have the blessing of God than we are doing. We must be more diligent; we must think more about God and His kingdom and His salvation than we do about the things of this world. It is true, as we have been told during this Conference, we shall have houses, farms, etc., etc.; these are all necessary; but above all else we should think about the kingdom of God and its advancement. We have no friends but God and ourselves. At the same time let us extend the hand of relief where we can to others; but it is our duty to build up Zion. From my childhood I have vowed in my heart—and I have endeavored to keep the vow—that not one cent of mine would ever go to build up anything that was opposed to Zion. At the same time I have spent years, as others have done, traveling without purse or scrip and preaching the Gospel to those who were in darkness; but so far as working to sustain that which is opposed to Zion I have determined, and I did so determine in my childhood, not to do that, God being my helper, and he has helped me up to the present time. The advancement of the kingdom of God should be uppermost in our hearts, and we should not be afraid to spend means to assist in this great work. Those who do will have it returned unto them an hundredfold. You look at the men who have done the most in this Church, and you will find them the most blessed. They may not have so much wealth as some, but wealth is not everything, not by a good deal. The men who have spent the most time and the most means for the advancement of this work have been the men who have been blessed and preserved of God, God has prospered them all the day long, and he will bless their children after them. It is something to have one's children blessed. I would like to have that as well as to be blessed myself; I would like to live so that I could invoke the power, and blessing of God upon my posterity.
I pray God to fill you with the Holy Ghost; the Holy Ghost that will bring things past to your remembrance and show unto you things to come; that you may retain the things you have heard during this Conference, and be built up and strengthened in your faith which I pray may be the case, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang a thanksgiving anthem, O Father Almighty.
Benediction by Prest. L. J. Nuttall.
Discourse by President George Q. Cannon, delivered at the General Conference in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Morning, Oct. 9, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
In the presence of so large an audience as we have here today, every one ought to sit very still and repress every noise as much as possible, for the acoustic properties of this tabernacle are of such a character that the combination of sounds—shuffling of feet, crying of babies, walking about of children—drown the speaker's voice however strong it may be. Every person should therefore keep as still as possible. No human power can make a congregation like this hear, unless the congregation itself sits quietly, and babies should not be allowed to disturb those in their immediate neighborhood. It may be very interesting to the mother; she may think the music of her baby's voice very sweet; but those who come to hear are not interested in hearing it.
In coming together as we have done upon this occasion and during this Conference, we should be so united in our faith that when a speaker arises the people will draw from him that instruction which they need. Many of you have come long distances. I see some here upwards of 300 miles from their homes and of course when men take such journeys, traveling about 700 miles in the round trip to come to Conference, there should be something imparted to them which will be a profit to them, that they may feel satisfied when they leave here that the journey has been well taken. Now, there are topics enough before us, topics of great, vital importance to us as a people, which we should consider, and which upon occasions like this are appropriate for our consideration.
We have been told—indeed it is a constant comment about us—that we are a peculiar people. We know this ourselves. It is a very remarkable thing, that this Gospel, which the world calls “Mormonism,” has gathered only here and there one out of the families of the earth, and as the most of you who are adults well know, you were, as a general thing, different from the rest of your family in many respects. It seemed as though you were waiting for something to come along a little different from anything that you had heard. The systems of religion, the ideas that were inculcated by your teachers and that you were taught in your Sunday schools, in your chapels and in your meetinghouses and churches, did not accord with your views concerning God and Christ, and the plan of salvation; and yet, had you been asked what you believed in, where you should go to find that which you did believe in, or to define your ideas of what you wanted, it would have been impossible for you to have done so. Yet there was a yearning in your hearts for something higher, something nobler, something more Godlike, something after the apostolic plan of salvation. And it is a remarkable fact that the Elders of this Church, in their travels and administrations among the people, though they have had great difficulties to contend with, have had persecutions and all manner of evil things said about them, have been frequently mobbed and driven—that notwithstanding they have had these difficulties to contend with, it has been an easy matter to bring those who are now Latter-day Saints into this Church. When the Elders found the honest in heart, when they found men and women who were meek and lowly, who were prayerful, who believed in the Bible, who were willing to accept truth however it might come to them, however unpopular its advocate might be—when they found people of this description, they have never had any difficulty in gathering them out. The Latter-day Saints throughout these valleys, from north to south, have been gathered without much, if any, trouble on the part of the Elders, for the word of God has come to them in the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost, and they have been convinced of the truth very frequently before they scarcely heard it. This is very remarkable—remarkable how the hearts of the people have been prepared to receive the Elders, how their minds have been softened, and how willingly they have received the truth and borne testimony to it, when they heard it. I remember well my own mother's experience. I was a little boy sitting beside her the first time she saw an Elder. She had never heard of the Latter-day Saints or “Mormons,” she did not know that he was one; she did not even know that he was a professor of religion; but she had been waiting for something. My father and mother were both Episcopalians, but they had no faith in the system, it was cold and inanimate, there was nothing lifelike or godlike about it. When he left the house she said to me, “George, that is a man of God.” She had a testimony to that effect, although, as I have said, she did not know he was even a professor of religion. That Elder was President Taylor. And when he began to talk afterwards regarding the principles of the Gospel, she was ready to be baptized, for it was that for which she had been waiting, her heart was prepared for it, and there are thousands and thousands of such instances among the people called Latter-day Saints. God prepared their hearts beforehand, and the Elders found them without much difficulty. It is true they had to labor and contend with others, but those who were the honest-hearted sons and daughters of God, who were willing to receive the truth, received it without much difficulty, as I have said. And it is a wonderful fact that in accordance with the scriptures God is gathering together a people to lay the foundation of this great work, concerning which all the Prophets have spoken. God has predicted through the mouths of his Holy Prophets—and their words are to be found in the Bible—that in the last days there should be just such a work as that which we witness—that is, one of a city and two of a family being gathered together, in order that there might be a representation of all the families and races of men upon the earth, to lay the foundation of this, the greatest work that has ever been established upon the face of the earth. And yet men talk of there being no evidence in favor of “Mormonism.” They say, Where is the evidence of its divinity? Where is the evidence that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God? Show us a sign that we may see whether you are the people you profess to be? Why, here in these mountains is one of the greatest signs presented to all the inhabitants of the earth that ever was shown to man—a system, an organization composed of people from every creed, and it may be said from every civilized creed, and from every civilized race, gathered together, dwelling in union and in love, and worshipping God according to the laws which he has given with a oneness, with a union, with a love that is unexampled upon the face of the earth. Nowhere else can such a thing be found; and I often think when men talk about delusion, and about the shrewd leaders of this people, and that by the power of their shrewdness and the strength of the imposture, they are able to hoodwink the people and to lead them astray, that it takes more faith to believe that theory than it does for the Latter-day Saints to believe the truth as we have received it. If this be imposture where is the truth? The Gospel of Christ was to produce union, its mission was to produce love, to destroy strife, to make men and women live together as brethren and sisters, and it has done so for us and it is doing so and it will do so more and more, and it will build up a system such as cannot be found on the face of the earth. And it is growing and increasing. It is like a little leaven, and by and by it will leaven the whole lump, and the influence and the power that will go forth from this people will be felt throughout the whole earth. I know it is a great thing to say, and men, looking at us numerically, think we are exceedingly presumptuous to advance such an idea, but it is nevertheless true. The union of this people, the power which accompanies them and the effect of their example will be felt more and more, and the truth will continue to spread until all honest-hearted people will be convinced of the truth of the statements which are made concerning the restoration of the everlasting Gospel in its original purity and power, and those who may not be prepared to receive it—will sooner or later respect it and admire it, and be willing to share in the benefits which will accrue from its establishment on the earth.
Now, my brethren and sisters, there is one thing above everything else, that every speaker from this stand would like to impress upon your minds, and that is, when you go away from this Conference that you carry with you the determination to live and to carry out in your lives the principles that you profess. That is all that we can ask of you. Live your religion—that embodies all that can be said to you. There is glory in it, there is happiness in it, there is peace in it, there is virtue in it, there is wealth in it, there is exaltation in it, there is no gift or blessing or power that it does not contain and that does not accompany it. On the other hand, violate the principles of your religion, deviate from the path that God has marked out, and there is sorrow and misery for you, if persisted in.
You have been gathered together in the most wonderful manner that any people ever were. We talk about the gathering of the children of Israel under Moses. I consider that that mighty movement fades away in comparison with the gathering that is now going on. This people have been brought from the various nations of the earth, and you have received a testimony from God concerning this work. You know for yourselves if you are living as you should do—concerning these things. How necessary it is, then, that you should carry out these principles. But the great difficulty we have to contend with is that we bring with us our traditions and preconceived ideas, and to overcome these is the great labor we have to contend with; it is a labor that we should set ourselves industriously, patiently, perseveringly to accomplish. Let us be pure in our hearts, in our language, in our conduct, in everything that we think and say and do. Let us seek for purity; let us inculcate purity; let us take the principles of the Gospel and teach them to our children and endeavor to make them better Latter-day Saints than we are; let us do everything we can in this direction, and then if we do this there will be no vice in our land; liquor saloons, gambling houses, houses of prostitution and the other evils that abound in the world will not be found within our borders. It should be our aim to so live that these things shall be repressed, completely extinguished. It is a shame for anyone professing to be what we are to enter a liquor saloon, or to patronize one, or to patronize any of these evils; and we should withdraw the hand of fellowship from all who do. Drunkenness certainly will never be countenanced by the Lord. It is a gross vice, and it will bring the loss of the Spirit to everyone who indulges in it; and so with these other vices to which I have alluded. No one can be a Latter-day Saint who practices these things. We should be honest, we should be truthful, our word should be like the words of the Lord, that is, in our sphere. When a man says a thing to his neighbor, he should so live that his neighbor can have confidence in him. When he makes a promise that promise should be sacred, and if he cannot fulfil it, let him explain the reason so that confidence may be preserved. When we borrow we should repay; When we deal we should be upright in our dealing. I would like it to be the case among us that when a man has a horse to sell that he will tell all he knows about it and not endeavor to take advantage in any shape or form. The same with a wagon, a cow, a piece of land, or a house, or anything else, that a man will tell what he knows about these things, so that confidence may be maintained. There are some men of whom I have heard who when they make a trade think that the one with whom they trade ought to have his own eyes open, and if he does not and is taken advantage of because of his inexperience or being too confiding, the one who gets the bargain is not to blame, but to be congratulated on his good luck. Indeed there are some men who, if they can take advantage in this way, would think nothing of bowing down on their knees and thanking God for having made so good a bargain. Now, a man who calls himself a Latter-day Saint, and will do a thing of the kind, grieves the spirit of the Lord. Again, if a man employs you to do a piece of work, that work should be well done whether he is there to see it done or not. And when employers agree to pay a certain price, or a certain kind of pay they should abide by their agreement. But there is a great deal of trickery in such matters. Some people think “I am a good trader; I can sell a horse for more than it is worth; I have got an old wagon, but my neighbor, who has not my experience wants a wagon; I can trade that poor wagon to him, I can get a good price for it, and I shall thank God if I can do so.” I tell you such things are very sinful, and are not from God. When we, professing to be Latter-day Saints, do such things, we grieve the Spirit of God, and cause Satan to laugh. These are practical duties. I would give more for a Latter-day Saint who, if I employed him to do me a job and he did it right, than I would for a man who would offer a long prayer and tell the Lord a great many things that might be very good, and did not do the work honestly. I would rather have a man that was honest in his dealings with his neighbor—a man that if I wanted to buy a horse I could go to him with the full assurance that he would do the square thing by me—than I would have a man who offers very long prayers if he neglected this other duty. I tell you that the Lord wants works from the people and not professions. We have got lots of profession. There are some men very sanctimonious, and because they can pray well and are looked upon as good Latter-day Saints, they think they are privileged to take advantage of their neighbor. Now, I tell you that we want a religion that is different to this. We want a religion of honesty. If I say a thing to a man I ought to live so that he will believe every word I say. If I sell him a piece of property, I should tell him the truth about it, there should be no concealment, no lying or allowing the man to be deceived. It is on that account that I despise this trading. Some men live by trading, and in the long run somebody is cheated in the community. There are times, of course, when men can exchange property, and both parties be benefited thereby. If one man has a piece of property that another man wants, and the other has a piece of property that suits the first party, a mutual benefit results from the exchange. There are other instances of this kind which frequently occur; but it should be done on the square. Any man who takes advantage in this direction cannot be a Latter-day Saint, in truth and deed, and God will hold him accountable for his conduct. Ours ought to be a religion of works and not of profession. It should be a religion that we can carry with us in our every day work—a religion that will make a man a better son, a better brother, a better husband, a better father than he would be without it, and I would not give a fig for a religion that did not have that effect. When I hear men quarreling with their children, husbands with their wives, wives with their husbands, I say there is not much religion about that kind of work or conduct. A man who is not kind to his wife needs some religion. A man who is not kind to his children and to his neighbors, needs some religion, and he needs the religion of Jesus Christ. A man who is indolent and neglects his duties, needs more religion, the religion of Jesus Christ, to make him more industrious. An indolent man cannot have much of the Spirit of God about him; an uncleanly man, and certainly an impure man, a dishonest man cannot have much of it. When I hear a woman quarreling with her children and making the house too hot for her husband—I rarely, if ever, hear them, because I do not go where they are, but I hear of them—I think that woman needs religion. When she loses patience, she should go to God and ask for patience, that the power of her religion may rest down upon her.
The great difficulty with us is: We have a religion and do not seek for its power, we do not dive to its depths, we do not rise to its heights, we do not comprehend its beauties and blessings. We go along without seeking after our God and the power of our God, as we should do. If we would devote a little time to self-examination when we go to bed, review the events of the day, see if our conduct has been such as God can approve of, and as enables us to lie down with a conscience void of offense towards God and all men, we do well, and if we cannot do that it is time to repent. If we have wronged anybody, we should make it right. And when something comes along to cross us or disturb our equanimity, instead of throwing out words that are like daggers, lacerating the feelings of those to whom they are addressed, we should shut our mouths. Some people pride themselves in what they call their frankness and candor in this respect. I tell you, I don't want such frankness around me. I would rather a man would hold his tongue and not indulge in such expressions as are hurtful to people's feelings. We should so live that our examples as fathers and mothers will be worthy of imitation by our children. You see a brawling, boisterous, swearing man, and his children will copy after him. You see a man that is the opposite of that, and his children will bear his example in mind. If he is a prayerful man, his children are likely to be prayerful also; if he be honest and truthful and keeps his word strictly, that lesson will not be lost upon his children. If I were a young man and wanted to marry, I would not go to a house where there was continual quarreling between the husband and wife and children; I would not want to select a wife from such a family; I would want to go where peace reigns, the peace of God, which every man, woman and child possess in their hearts and in their habitations. That is our privilege. These are very simple things, and yet nobody has gotten true religion who does not possess these gifts. We may talk about our religion; We may boast about it; we may tell about its gifts and powers; we may tell about the manifestations we have had; but after all, the marrow of our religion lies in the performance of those everyday duties, some of which I have alluded to.
There is one thing that has struck me as very remarkable about the Latter-day Saints. God in the early day of this Church told us that we should be a people that should have peace, and he has given unto us a revelation which says, that “it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take the sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.” Now that day will come just as sure as God has spoken, and we of all people on the face of the earth ought to be a peaceful people in view of this promise—no quarreling, no seeking to injure each other, no doing violence to one another. I have heard of men threatening to do something which would involve the shedding of blood if certain things were done to them. Why, it is a most horrible thought, for there is no salvation for the murderer. There is no people on this broad continent who cherish the Constitution of the United States as a sacred instrument any more, or as much as do the Latter-day Saints in these mountains. Believing it as we do to be inspired of God, and given for an express purpose, of course we attach a great deal of reverence to that instrument. We do not always pay reverence to officials, because of their maladministration of the laws; but the instrument itself, and the form of government we live under, we think is equaled by none upon the face of this broad earth; we think it is the greatest form of government, the freest, the most liberal, the best adapted for men and women, that ever was instituted by man among men. This we hold in our hearts, in our heart of hearts, concerning this government. But then a great many people are not suited because we take the liberty of criticizing certain officials. There have been a good many who have trampled upon the principles of the Constitution; but these outrageous acts, even against a people such as we are, do not affect the instrument, the fabric or the genius of our institutions, and on this account we are truly loyal. When the South raised the flag of rebellion, there was no well informed Latter-day Saint who could approve in his heart of such conduct, however much we might have expected it, Joseph Smith having predicted, nearly thirty years before the rebellion broke out, that it would occur—however much this might be the case there was nothing connected with the principle of secession or rebellion that met with the approval of the Latter-day Saints. And it is a remarkable fact that God, through the acts of our enemies, caused us to be placed in a position where, in the war of the rebellion, we should not be compelled to shed the blood of our fellow men. Had we remained in New York, where our people first settled; or afterwards in Ohio; had we remained in Missouri, to which State we subsequently emigrated and from whence we were cruelly driven; had we remained in Illinois, where we afterwards took refuge, and from whence we were also cruelly driven to the wilderness, we should have been made participants in that dreadful strife, we should have been compelled to have taken up the weapons of war, or the people would have said we were disloyal. Inaction at such a time would have been set down to disloyalty and sympathy with the rebellion, and we could scarcely have escaped, in view of the prejudices against us, being branded and treated as traitors to the Government. But we were here in the mountains, in a position where we could do nothing in the strife. President Lincoln asked for some men to guard the great highway, to preserve the mails and keep open communication, and these men were sent out. But they did not have to fight. Under the command of General James Craig, our men were sent to guard the great trans-continental highway, and we did our part in that direction. But God, in His Providence, did not place us in a position to imbrue our hands in the blood of our fellow men. And when five hundred men—after we were driven from Illinois in 1846—were required to make up the Mormon Battalion for the Mexican war, the promise of God to these five hundred men was that they should not be compelled to shed blood during their absence, and in a remarkable manner this prediction was fulfilled. They never shrank from doing their duty as good, loyal citizens and soldiers, but there was no bloodshedding by the Mormon Battalion. We have been in all our troubles preserved from shedding blood. We are not a bloodshedding people. Our garments are not stained with the blood of our fellow men—I mean as a people. There are many among us who have been soldiers in the war, but I am speaking now as an organization, and we stand in that position today, in the United States. We can say to the Southerner, to the Northerner, to the Westerner, to the Easterner, and to every man, “We are your brothers.” We are at peace with all mankind. God has given unto us a law concerning this, that we must hoist the standard of peace and continue to proclaim it, and then if we are called upon to defend ourselves, we are told to leave our cause in the hands of God. We are a people who love peace, and in the turmoil, in the wars, in the confusion, in all the disorders that will eventually occur, not only in Europe, but in our own land—our own blessed land in many respects which shall become yet very unhappy in consequence of internal broils and disunion—when all this shall take place we are the people who will present such an aspect to the world, that they will say, “Here are the features we desire, they have the peace our souls long for.” Now, my brethren and sisters, we should cultivate this feeling of peace. My sisters, let peace be in your hearts. Repress everything like quarrelling. Suffer wrong rather than do wrong. It is a harder thing for a man to submit to wrong than to fight against it. The natural tendency of the heart is to resent wrong, to strike back when you are struck at, but it is not the way laid down by the Savior.
There is one thing I want to speak about before I get through, and that is in relation to our tithes and offerings. I can speak about this not boastingly, but with freedom, for I do my part in this matter. There is too much delinquency on our part as a people in this respect. Let me entreat you to be more punctual in these matters. The more you do for the Church of God, the more you want to do; the more you are interested in its welfare the more you will become attached to it. Look at the Twelve Apostles, have they not set you an example—I will not speak of the First Presidency—in regard to these things? Have any of them sought to build themselves up and become wealthy? Here is Brother Woodruff, President of the Twelve Apostles. Is there any man in Israel who has worked harder to support himself and family than he? He is known for his persistent industry. He has set the people a great example in that respect. He has not been a burden to anyone. He has labored from morning till night for this people and for their salvation. He has not fattened upon your earnings, he has sustained himself by the blessing of God. And so have the rest of the Twelve. They have labored continually for this people. They have traveled thousands of miles, gone to the ends of the earth, to build up Zion, and not counted anything too great a labor. That is the example the Twelve have set this people. And they have paid their tithing punctually. They have done as much in this way according to their means as any of you, and in addition to this they have spent almost their entire time in the interest of the Church. What I say on this point applies fully also to President Taylor, when he was one of the twelve. Now, with such examples as these, how will you appear in the day of the Lord Jesus, when you present yourselves before Him, when you appear in those Temples to receive your blessings, if you have thought more about your money and about worldly things than you have about anything else? Let me say you will be very sorry for this if you do not repent and do better. There are many leading men among us who do not do their duty in this respect. They are derelict, and neglect of this duty is extending among the people. We must do more in this direction if we would have the blessing of God than we are doing. We must be more diligent; we must think more about God and His kingdom and His salvation than we do about the things of this world. It is true, as we have been told during this Conference, we shall have houses, farms, etc., etc.; these are all necessary; but above all else we should think about the kingdom of God and its advancement. We have no friends but God and ourselves. At the same time let us extend the hand of relief where we can to others; but it is our duty to build up Zion. From my childhood I have vowed in my heart—and I have endeavored to keep the vow—that not one cent of mine would ever go to build up anything that was opposed to Zion. At the same time I have spent years, as others have done, traveling without purse or scrip and preaching the Gospel to those who were in darkness; but so far as working to sustain that which is opposed to Zion I have determined, and I did so determine in my childhood, not to do that, God being my helper, and he has helped me up to the present time. The advancement of the kingdom of God should be uppermost in our hearts, and we should not be afraid to spend means to assist in this great work. Those who do will have it returned unto them an hundredfold. You look at the men who have done the most in this Church, and you will find them the most blessed. They may not have so much wealth as some, but wealth is not everything, not by a good deal. The men who have spent the most time and the most means for the advancement of this work have been the men who have been blessed and preserved of God, God has prospered them all the day long, and he will bless their children after them. It is something to have one's children blessed. I would like to have that as well as to be blessed myself; I would like to live so that I could invoke the power, and blessing of God upon my posterity.
I pray God to fill you with the Holy Ghost; the Holy Ghost that will bring things past to your remembrance and show unto you things to come; that you may retain the things you have heard during this Conference, and be built up and strengthened in your faith which I pray may be the case, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang a thanksgiving anthem, O Father Almighty.
Benediction by Prest. L. J. Nuttall.
Sunday, 2 p. m.
The choir sang, Ere long the veil will rend in twain; The King descend with all His train.
Prayer by Apostle Moses Thatcher.
The choir sang, Arise my soul arise Shake off thy guilty fears.
The choir sang, Ere long the veil will rend in twain; The King descend with all His train.
Prayer by Apostle Moses Thatcher.
The choir sang, Arise my soul arise Shake off thy guilty fears.
Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon
Read a report from the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Associations. He also presented the following names as additional missionaries, who were unanimously sustained by the vote of the entire Conference.
SCANDINAVIA.
Andrew L. Anderson, Ephraim
Thos. C. Christensen, Mt. Pleasant
SOUTHERN STATES.
Landon J. Rich, Paris
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
Martin Hansen, Fillmore
James B. Rhead, Coalville
Franklin W. Marchant, Peoa
NEW ZEALAND.
Alma Greenwood, Fillmore
Read a report from the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Associations. He also presented the following names as additional missionaries, who were unanimously sustained by the vote of the entire Conference.
SCANDINAVIA.
Andrew L. Anderson, Ephraim
Thos. C. Christensen, Mt. Pleasant
SOUTHERN STATES.
Landon J. Rich, Paris
SANDWICH ISLANDS.
Martin Hansen, Fillmore
James B. Rhead, Coalville
Franklin W. Marchant, Peoa
NEW ZEALAND.
Alma Greenwood, Fillmore
President George Q. Cannon
then presented the Authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained by the unanimous votes of the Conference as follows:
John Taylor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator to, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
George Q. Cannon as First and Joseph F. Smith as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Wilford Woodruff, President of the Twelve Apostles.
Members of the Council of the Apostles:--Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], Albert Carrington, Moses Thatcher, Francis Marion Lyman, John Henry Smith.
Counselors to the Twelve Apostles, John W. Young and Daniel H. Wells.
The Counselors to President John Taylor, the Twelve Apostles and their Counselors, as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
Patriarch of the Church, John Smith.
The First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates, John Van Cott, Wm. W. Taylor.
The Presiding Bishop of the Church, Edward Hunter, with Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton as his Counselors.
John Taylor as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshippers known and recognized as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to hold the legal title to its property and contract for it.
The Counselors to the President, The Twelve Apostles, their Counselors and Bishop Edward Hunter, as Counselors to the Trustee-in-Trust.
Albert Carrington as President of the Perpetual Emigration Fund Co. for the Gathering of the Poor, and F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, H. S. Eldredge, Joseph F. Smith, Angus M. Cannon, Moses Thatcher, Wm. Jennings, John R. Winder, Henry Dinwoodey, Robert T. Burton, A. O. Smoot and H. B. Clawson as his assistants.
Truman O. Angel as General Architect of the Church, and T. O. Angell, Jr., and W. H. Folsom as his assistants.
As Auditing Committee.—W. Woodruff, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, J. F. Smith, W. Jennings and W. H. Hooper.
George Goddard as Clerk of the General Conference.
George F. Gibbs as Church Reporter.
then presented the Authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained by the unanimous votes of the Conference as follows:
John Taylor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator to, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
George Q. Cannon as First and Joseph F. Smith as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Wilford Woodruff, President of the Twelve Apostles.
Members of the Council of the Apostles:--Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], Albert Carrington, Moses Thatcher, Francis Marion Lyman, John Henry Smith.
Counselors to the Twelve Apostles, John W. Young and Daniel H. Wells.
The Counselors to President John Taylor, the Twelve Apostles and their Counselors, as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
Patriarch of the Church, John Smith.
The First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates, John Van Cott, Wm. W. Taylor.
The Presiding Bishop of the Church, Edward Hunter, with Leonard W. Hardy and Robert T. Burton as his Counselors.
John Taylor as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshippers known and recognized as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to hold the legal title to its property and contract for it.
The Counselors to the President, The Twelve Apostles, their Counselors and Bishop Edward Hunter, as Counselors to the Trustee-in-Trust.
Albert Carrington as President of the Perpetual Emigration Fund Co. for the Gathering of the Poor, and F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, H. S. Eldredge, Joseph F. Smith, Angus M. Cannon, Moses Thatcher, Wm. Jennings, John R. Winder, Henry Dinwoodey, Robert T. Burton, A. O. Smoot and H. B. Clawson as his assistants.
Truman O. Angel as General Architect of the Church, and T. O. Angell, Jr., and W. H. Folsom as his assistants.
As Auditing Committee.—W. Woodruff, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, J. F. Smith, W. Jennings and W. H. Hooper.
George Goddard as Clerk of the General Conference.
George F. Gibbs as Church Reporter.
Apostle Moses Thatcher
said: I crave an interest in your prayers that I may be able to speak so as to be heard, and be influenced by the spirit and power of God. Said he was first called to go on a mission to Mexico in October, 1879. He went to the City of Mexico, and by the power and authority of the Apostleship, he opened up that mission, and dedicated that land for the introduction of the gospel. He and his brethren had not proclaimed the gospel in that country as was customary in other lands, there not being so much religious liberty there as many supposed. However they were received by government officials and others with much courtesy and kindness. They did not go there to tear down and make war upon the established religion of Catholicism, but presented to the people that system of religion which they were sent to promulgate. As ministers of the gospel the Elders were selected from the field, from the shop and from the anvil to go forth to the ends of the earth without purse and scrip. He had known many Elders of this Church who were comparatively wealthy, and surrounded by every earthly comfort, who were willing to lay down every consideration and start to any part of the earth to preach this gospel and cheerfully submit to the finger of scorn being pointed at them, and to be almost universally regarded as totally erratic in their doctrines and practices. But we know from God, our heavenly Father that this kingdom will grow and become the glory of the whole earth, and bear universal rule and dominion, and that it will extend to all people true liberty, and therefore we are willing to forego the society of our families and the comforts of home to labor for the interests of this great work, and for the love we bear to humanity. We have learned that we cannot hate man and love God. Therefore we are willing to go forth and bear a faithful testimony to our fellow man to point them the way to salvation. The inhabitants of Mexico, though a dark and benighted people, are nevertheless a remnant of the house of Israel, and he felt satisfied that with that people the scripture would yet be fulfilled, that a nation would be born in a day. Quite a number had been baptized already. Two branches of the Church had been organized. He then made some interesting remarks, as follows, about his co-laborer.
Before sitting down he might refer to a matter for the consolation of the friends of his young companion, Elder Feramoz Little Young. He was not entirely well when he left the City of Mexico, but it was believed by himself and by the speaker and all of their friends, that a change of climate would do him good, the speaker himself being under the impression that he was slightly affected by malarial fever or with chills and fever. He stood the trip very well from the City of Mexico to Vera Cruz, a distance of 263 miles. On arriving at that city they ascertained that owing to the prevalence of stormy weather they would not be able to board the steamer that day. On the following morning they boarded the steamer Knickerbocker, bound for New York. Having to deliver some freight on the southwestern part of the Gulf, they were thrown out of their way some 300 miles, and in consequence lost 36 hours. But Elder Feramorz Young seemed to be about as strong there as he had been when he left the City of Mexico. But shortly after reaching Campeche, it being extremely warm, we could notice an increase of fever, and in the evening he spoke to him in regard to his own feelings. Brother Thatcher did not then think him a sick person; he did not think his missionary companion was about to leave him. But when he asked him in regard to his own feelings, he replied—he then had not retired to bed and was able to move around the deck with as much freedom as he had ever done—when he asked him his feelings, he replied, “I think the Lord will call me home.” The speaker chided him for that remark, kindly, and told him that it did not so appear to him. He was a servant of God, and he had been working in the name of the Lord, and had he not faith in God and in the promises that had been sealed upon his head? To this Brother Feramorz replied: “If it is right for me to return, I should like to return; for I have learned enough and witnessed enough to be willing to make a covenant with God to devote all my life to the work of the ministry.” But he never, to the speaker’s mind, manifested any faith in regard to his return. He was called by the servants of God as a humble missionary to those that are in darkness in the land of Mexico; he was called by the power of God to labor behind the vail. It was not within the speaker’s power to save him. He prayed for him; he laid his hands upon his head; he plead with the Lord in his behalf; but Elder Feramorz Young was called by the power of God to labor behind the vail. He had every care and attention that could be bestowed upon him under the circumstances. The speaker would never forget the kindness of the captain of the steamer, and of the officers and passengers of that ship. They were uniformly kind, they did everything they could to relieve him from the fever with which he was afflicted. But it was not so to be. Feramorz Young had lived a pure life. He was pure as mortal could be. He had never yielded to temptation; strong drink had never passed his lips; tobacco in any form had never been used by him; he never had used a blasphemous word in his life; he was humble, he was pure, he lived and learned how to die that he might live again never to die. Feramorz L. Young was as well prepared to pass behind the vail as any young man the speaker had ever known in Israel, and he had never complained that God chose to call him. He had prayed for his mother, for his brothers and sisters, and for his kindred; but for him, God had called away his spirit, and it remained for his mortal remains to be consigned to the deep. Brother Thatcher could feel in his heart that it would have been a consolation to his mother and to his brothers and sisters if he could have brought his body back to them, so that they might know where his body was lying, but it was not possible, the means to accomplish that end was not upon the ship. The disposition was in the heart of the captain to do it, but it could not be accomplished. They were five days from the city of New York, in a climate which acted very differently from our own climate. The captain kindly had the ship stopped about 20 miles from the Florida coast, and after passing the Jubiter inlet lighthouse, on the coast of Florida, they took the latitude and longitude correctly. Lat. 27° 09’, long. 79° 47’. The passengers and ship’s crew and all on board were called around the mortal remains of Elder Feramorz L. Young, and the speaker took the liberty of telling them where they had come from, who the deceased’s father and mother were; that he had left his business, left his bright prospects at him to go to those who are ignorant of the gospel of salvation. He bore a faithful testimony to the purity of the deceased young man’s life, and his remains were consigned to the deep. It, however, made no difference to the captain, crew and passengers of that vessel when they found out who and what they were; for as much sympathy was extended after they knew they were “Mormons” as they had extended before. A few years ago such a thing would have been unusual. Prejudice against the “Mormons” was, at one time, so great that they would have been deserted even under circumstances of this kind, but thank God, things are changed; thank God we live in a day of enlightenment, and notwithstanding the press and pulpit had been used against this people, they were now representing themselves. And the boys who are heirs to the everlasting covenant, who have received their washings and anointings here in Zion go forth in power of God, they spoke as men having authority, and they have an influence; and greater is the influence of their example than the influence of their words. We met young men in Mexico of education and wealth, but when we talked of the doctrines we practised in regard to morality they were astonished and said that if that was part of our religion they could not subscribe to anything that required so much sacrifice. They could not believe that men could leave their mountain homes and be what they profess to be; they could not believe that men could leave their wives and look upon women in the world without lust in their hearts. But before they left the City of Mexico these same young men could come to them and say—“We have come to your rooms in evenings during the week, we have seen you upon the Sabbath day, but we have never known you to be where you should not be. Your example has been stronger than your testimony.” The speaker concluded by invoking the blessing of God upon the large assembly and upon all Israel, together with the family of his deceased companion, and bore testimony that although his body now rested in the ocean it would come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, and that his brothers and sisters left behind might do well to follow so bright an example.
He then bore testimony to the truth of this great work, and blessed the Saints in the name of the Lord.
said: I crave an interest in your prayers that I may be able to speak so as to be heard, and be influenced by the spirit and power of God. Said he was first called to go on a mission to Mexico in October, 1879. He went to the City of Mexico, and by the power and authority of the Apostleship, he opened up that mission, and dedicated that land for the introduction of the gospel. He and his brethren had not proclaimed the gospel in that country as was customary in other lands, there not being so much religious liberty there as many supposed. However they were received by government officials and others with much courtesy and kindness. They did not go there to tear down and make war upon the established religion of Catholicism, but presented to the people that system of religion which they were sent to promulgate. As ministers of the gospel the Elders were selected from the field, from the shop and from the anvil to go forth to the ends of the earth without purse and scrip. He had known many Elders of this Church who were comparatively wealthy, and surrounded by every earthly comfort, who were willing to lay down every consideration and start to any part of the earth to preach this gospel and cheerfully submit to the finger of scorn being pointed at them, and to be almost universally regarded as totally erratic in their doctrines and practices. But we know from God, our heavenly Father that this kingdom will grow and become the glory of the whole earth, and bear universal rule and dominion, and that it will extend to all people true liberty, and therefore we are willing to forego the society of our families and the comforts of home to labor for the interests of this great work, and for the love we bear to humanity. We have learned that we cannot hate man and love God. Therefore we are willing to go forth and bear a faithful testimony to our fellow man to point them the way to salvation. The inhabitants of Mexico, though a dark and benighted people, are nevertheless a remnant of the house of Israel, and he felt satisfied that with that people the scripture would yet be fulfilled, that a nation would be born in a day. Quite a number had been baptized already. Two branches of the Church had been organized. He then made some interesting remarks, as follows, about his co-laborer.
Before sitting down he might refer to a matter for the consolation of the friends of his young companion, Elder Feramoz Little Young. He was not entirely well when he left the City of Mexico, but it was believed by himself and by the speaker and all of their friends, that a change of climate would do him good, the speaker himself being under the impression that he was slightly affected by malarial fever or with chills and fever. He stood the trip very well from the City of Mexico to Vera Cruz, a distance of 263 miles. On arriving at that city they ascertained that owing to the prevalence of stormy weather they would not be able to board the steamer that day. On the following morning they boarded the steamer Knickerbocker, bound for New York. Having to deliver some freight on the southwestern part of the Gulf, they were thrown out of their way some 300 miles, and in consequence lost 36 hours. But Elder Feramorz Young seemed to be about as strong there as he had been when he left the City of Mexico. But shortly after reaching Campeche, it being extremely warm, we could notice an increase of fever, and in the evening he spoke to him in regard to his own feelings. Brother Thatcher did not then think him a sick person; he did not think his missionary companion was about to leave him. But when he asked him in regard to his own feelings, he replied—he then had not retired to bed and was able to move around the deck with as much freedom as he had ever done—when he asked him his feelings, he replied, “I think the Lord will call me home.” The speaker chided him for that remark, kindly, and told him that it did not so appear to him. He was a servant of God, and he had been working in the name of the Lord, and had he not faith in God and in the promises that had been sealed upon his head? To this Brother Feramorz replied: “If it is right for me to return, I should like to return; for I have learned enough and witnessed enough to be willing to make a covenant with God to devote all my life to the work of the ministry.” But he never, to the speaker’s mind, manifested any faith in regard to his return. He was called by the servants of God as a humble missionary to those that are in darkness in the land of Mexico; he was called by the power of God to labor behind the vail. It was not within the speaker’s power to save him. He prayed for him; he laid his hands upon his head; he plead with the Lord in his behalf; but Elder Feramorz Young was called by the power of God to labor behind the vail. He had every care and attention that could be bestowed upon him under the circumstances. The speaker would never forget the kindness of the captain of the steamer, and of the officers and passengers of that ship. They were uniformly kind, they did everything they could to relieve him from the fever with which he was afflicted. But it was not so to be. Feramorz Young had lived a pure life. He was pure as mortal could be. He had never yielded to temptation; strong drink had never passed his lips; tobacco in any form had never been used by him; he never had used a blasphemous word in his life; he was humble, he was pure, he lived and learned how to die that he might live again never to die. Feramorz L. Young was as well prepared to pass behind the vail as any young man the speaker had ever known in Israel, and he had never complained that God chose to call him. He had prayed for his mother, for his brothers and sisters, and for his kindred; but for him, God had called away his spirit, and it remained for his mortal remains to be consigned to the deep. Brother Thatcher could feel in his heart that it would have been a consolation to his mother and to his brothers and sisters if he could have brought his body back to them, so that they might know where his body was lying, but it was not possible, the means to accomplish that end was not upon the ship. The disposition was in the heart of the captain to do it, but it could not be accomplished. They were five days from the city of New York, in a climate which acted very differently from our own climate. The captain kindly had the ship stopped about 20 miles from the Florida coast, and after passing the Jubiter inlet lighthouse, on the coast of Florida, they took the latitude and longitude correctly. Lat. 27° 09’, long. 79° 47’. The passengers and ship’s crew and all on board were called around the mortal remains of Elder Feramorz L. Young, and the speaker took the liberty of telling them where they had come from, who the deceased’s father and mother were; that he had left his business, left his bright prospects at him to go to those who are ignorant of the gospel of salvation. He bore a faithful testimony to the purity of the deceased young man’s life, and his remains were consigned to the deep. It, however, made no difference to the captain, crew and passengers of that vessel when they found out who and what they were; for as much sympathy was extended after they knew they were “Mormons” as they had extended before. A few years ago such a thing would have been unusual. Prejudice against the “Mormons” was, at one time, so great that they would have been deserted even under circumstances of this kind, but thank God, things are changed; thank God we live in a day of enlightenment, and notwithstanding the press and pulpit had been used against this people, they were now representing themselves. And the boys who are heirs to the everlasting covenant, who have received their washings and anointings here in Zion go forth in power of God, they spoke as men having authority, and they have an influence; and greater is the influence of their example than the influence of their words. We met young men in Mexico of education and wealth, but when we talked of the doctrines we practised in regard to morality they were astonished and said that if that was part of our religion they could not subscribe to anything that required so much sacrifice. They could not believe that men could leave their mountain homes and be what they profess to be; they could not believe that men could leave their wives and look upon women in the world without lust in their hearts. But before they left the City of Mexico these same young men could come to them and say—“We have come to your rooms in evenings during the week, we have seen you upon the Sabbath day, but we have never known you to be where you should not be. Your example has been stronger than your testimony.” The speaker concluded by invoking the blessing of God upon the large assembly and upon all Israel, together with the family of his deceased companion, and bore testimony that although his body now rested in the ocean it would come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, and that his brothers and sisters left behind might do well to follow so bright an example.
He then bore testimony to the truth of this great work, and blessed the Saints in the name of the Lord.
President John Taylor
said we had listened to some valuable instructions during this Conference. God had spoken from the heavens, and had revealed the everlasting gospel. This Priesthood and the principles of the gospel were the gift of God to man. They did not originate with man. This Priesthood has a commission to proclaim the gospel to all people and nations of the earth, and they felt vastly different to those who would persecute and scatter all that would not bow down to their peculiar views and notions. God feels after the welfare of all the human family, and the truth is not confined to a peculiar few. All who are in possession of the spirit of the gospel, not only have the love of God in their hearts, but the love of man also. And although we as a people may be persecuted on account of our religion, if the love of God burns in our hearts, we shall have no disposition to retaliate. This gospel imparts the Holy Ghost, which Holy Ghost takes of the things of God and shews them unto us. Most of the human family are opposed to revelation, and are not, and have not been for centuries acquainted with the saying, “Thus saith the Lord.” The Gospel is calculated to bring man into communion with the heavens and make men free as God is free, to lead them in the way whereby they may be purified and not corrupted. We have learned that it is the hight of human happiness to observe and carry out the commandments of God. God is interested in this kingdom, angels are interested in it, and men of all past ages and dispensations are interested in its advancement and ultimate triumph. This Gospel and Priesthood bring us in communion with God and angels, and minister in heaven as well as on the earth.
He then spoke of the necessity of building Temples, that our fathers who have died without the knowledge of the gospel may be looked after and ministered unto, hence the necessity of being under the direction of the Almighty in everything we attend to in the duties of the Priesthood. To all those who have devoted of their means and labor in the erection of Temples, he felt to say, God bless you. And if we could hear what was taking place in the heavens we would hear a chorus of amens, for the heavens are interested in the work we are engaged in.
It devolves upon us to send the gospel to every creature. For this we have a First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and all the other organizations of the Priesthood. We will do this work in the name of the Lord, and let all Israel say amen (the congregation responded with a hearty amen). We will build this Temple. Let us finish it. The world know nothing about temples. They would not know how to use them if they had them. If they were to get possession of the Temple when completed they would not know how to administer therein. We do not wish to injure men who oppose us. Such people injure themselves more than others can hurt them. In opposing the principles of right and human liberty they return to the ways of barbarism. Many things present themselves that I would like to pour on this congregation, but we have to do those things by degrees.
What do we think about this government? We think the Constitution was given by inspiration, but many appear to be apostatizing from its principles. The government is good enough, the fault is with some of those who administer it. It is becoming a question as to whether some of the people can be accorded the freedom which the Constitution guarantees to them. Some talk about our marriage system, and it might be supposed from their animadversions that we are corrupt, which is untrue. If we were disposed we might say something about our traducers that would show them up in their hideousness. We respect female virtue. We know that many of those who have come here to regenerate us have not manifested that kind of a disposition. We will, so far as possible, protect the rights of all people. If people choose to traduce us we can surely afford to tell the truth about them. Talking of saloons. If other people patronize them, let the Saints leave them alone. If they do not they will not long be Saints. If corruptions are introduced among us and they are sustained by those who should sustain the law, shun them. A day of reckoning is at hand. God begins to afflict the nations and these things will increase. Let the Elders of Israel be alive to their duties. May God sustain all men everywhere who uphold human rights and human freedom. We want no Nihilism or other secret abominations among us. If this nation does not repent the hand of God will be upon it. May God bless the rulers of this nation who rule in righteousness and confound those who do not. May God bless all Israel.
said we had listened to some valuable instructions during this Conference. God had spoken from the heavens, and had revealed the everlasting gospel. This Priesthood and the principles of the gospel were the gift of God to man. They did not originate with man. This Priesthood has a commission to proclaim the gospel to all people and nations of the earth, and they felt vastly different to those who would persecute and scatter all that would not bow down to their peculiar views and notions. God feels after the welfare of all the human family, and the truth is not confined to a peculiar few. All who are in possession of the spirit of the gospel, not only have the love of God in their hearts, but the love of man also. And although we as a people may be persecuted on account of our religion, if the love of God burns in our hearts, we shall have no disposition to retaliate. This gospel imparts the Holy Ghost, which Holy Ghost takes of the things of God and shews them unto us. Most of the human family are opposed to revelation, and are not, and have not been for centuries acquainted with the saying, “Thus saith the Lord.” The Gospel is calculated to bring man into communion with the heavens and make men free as God is free, to lead them in the way whereby they may be purified and not corrupted. We have learned that it is the hight of human happiness to observe and carry out the commandments of God. God is interested in this kingdom, angels are interested in it, and men of all past ages and dispensations are interested in its advancement and ultimate triumph. This Gospel and Priesthood bring us in communion with God and angels, and minister in heaven as well as on the earth.
He then spoke of the necessity of building Temples, that our fathers who have died without the knowledge of the gospel may be looked after and ministered unto, hence the necessity of being under the direction of the Almighty in everything we attend to in the duties of the Priesthood. To all those who have devoted of their means and labor in the erection of Temples, he felt to say, God bless you. And if we could hear what was taking place in the heavens we would hear a chorus of amens, for the heavens are interested in the work we are engaged in.
It devolves upon us to send the gospel to every creature. For this we have a First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and all the other organizations of the Priesthood. We will do this work in the name of the Lord, and let all Israel say amen (the congregation responded with a hearty amen). We will build this Temple. Let us finish it. The world know nothing about temples. They would not know how to use them if they had them. If they were to get possession of the Temple when completed they would not know how to administer therein. We do not wish to injure men who oppose us. Such people injure themselves more than others can hurt them. In opposing the principles of right and human liberty they return to the ways of barbarism. Many things present themselves that I would like to pour on this congregation, but we have to do those things by degrees.
What do we think about this government? We think the Constitution was given by inspiration, but many appear to be apostatizing from its principles. The government is good enough, the fault is with some of those who administer it. It is becoming a question as to whether some of the people can be accorded the freedom which the Constitution guarantees to them. Some talk about our marriage system, and it might be supposed from their animadversions that we are corrupt, which is untrue. If we were disposed we might say something about our traducers that would show them up in their hideousness. We respect female virtue. We know that many of those who have come here to regenerate us have not manifested that kind of a disposition. We will, so far as possible, protect the rights of all people. If people choose to traduce us we can surely afford to tell the truth about them. Talking of saloons. If other people patronize them, let the Saints leave them alone. If they do not they will not long be Saints. If corruptions are introduced among us and they are sustained by those who should sustain the law, shun them. A day of reckoning is at hand. God begins to afflict the nations and these things will increase. Let the Elders of Israel be alive to their duties. May God sustain all men everywhere who uphold human rights and human freedom. We want no Nihilism or other secret abominations among us. If this nation does not repent the hand of God will be upon it. May God bless the rulers of this nation who rule in righteousness and confound those who do not. May God bless all Israel.
The Priesthood—God's Love for the Human Family, Etc.
Discourse by President John Taylor, delivered at the General Conference, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, Oct. 9, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
We have now been in session for some time. We have listened to a great many interesting things associated with the Church and kingdom of God. We have had also, during the Conference, matters to reflect upon, pertaining to the departure of some of our brethren, whom we loved and esteemed. They have been taken away from us, and have gone into another state of existence, which is all perfectly right. We have nothing to say particularly in relation to these matters.
The Lord has revealed unto us his holy will. He has by his own voice, by the ministering of holy angels, restored to us the everlasting Gospel, that plan which was ordained by Jehovah, before the world rolled into existence, or the morning stars sang together for joy. Associated with the Gospel he has restored the Priesthood, which is simply, in a few words, the rule and government of God, whether in the heavens or on the earth. This Priesthood, this law, this government and these principles have been communicated from the heavens. They originated not with man upon the earth. They did not originate with any church upon the earth, or any people, or any authority. This is the gift of God to man. This Gospel places man in communication with God, his Heavenly Father; this Gospel brings life and immortality to light; this Gospel is proclaimed in the interest of all men in all parts of the earth; the Priesthood in connection with the Gospel has a commission to proclaim to all the world, to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. It is a message of salvation to the nations of the earth, and it is very different from that which many call the Gospel, whose followers would seek to destroy, to defame, to overturn and to injure all humanity who are opposed to them, and to their views and feelings. God feels interested in the welfare of the whole human family, and for this purpose he has established principles upon the earth which exist in the heavens—a Gospel that has prevailed among the Gods in the eternal worlds, containing principles which are calculated to elevate, ennoble and exalt the human family. The principles are eternal as the Gospel itself is eternal; and as the love of God was manifested in former times by the giving of His Son for the redemption of the world, so the goodness of God is extended in the last days to save, to bless, to elevate and to dignify the human family. And those who are in possession of these principles are in possession not only of the love of God, but of the love of man, and will seek, by every means in their power, aided by the Spirit of God, and that light, love and intelligence which dwell in his bosom, to spread these sacred principles and to save men, if possible almost contrary to their own will. It is a mistaken notion, let me say here, that some people entertain, that because men persecute us, we must persecute them: that because men would proscribe us in our religious faith, we must persecute them in theirs. There is no such principle associated with God, or with those who dwell in the love of God, or who are actuated by the Spirit of God. Everything of that kind proceeds from beneath and not from above. God is interested in the welfare of all people, all nations, all kindreds, and all tongues. He is the Father of the spirits of all flesh, and however narrow and contracted men may be in their ideas, he can afford to let his rain descend on the evil and the good, and cause his sun to shine on the just and on the unjust. For this purpose he has introduced the Gospel; for this purpose he is gathering together a people under the influence of the Gospel, which Gospel, when received and obeyed, imparts the Holy Ghost, and which Holy Ghost takes of the things of God, and shows them unto us. He has gathered us together here in this place and in this land, in order that we may be more fully instructed in His law, for men are not acquainted with God by revelation anywhere else to my knowledge. Very few men upon the face of the earth believe in revelation from God. They believe in their own theories, and notions and ideas and principles, but they know nothing about “thus saith the Lord,” as men used to do when they had the Gospel; and wherever the Gospel exists, there exists with it a knowledge of God, and of the laws of life. God has committed to us the Gospel and the High Priesthood, which is not intended, as some suppose, to bring men into bondage or to tyrannize over the consciences of men, but to make all men free as God is free; that they may drink of the streams “whereof shall make glad the city of God;” that they may be elevated and not debased; that they may be purified and not corrupted; that they may learn the laws of life and walk in them; and not walk in the ways of corruption and go down to death. Jeremiah tells us that the Lord says, “I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
We have learned this, that God lives; we have learned that when we call upon him he hears our prayers; we have learned that it is the height of human happiness to fear God and observe his laws and keep his commandments; we have learned that it is a duty devolving upon us to try and make all men happy and intelligent, which happiness and intelligence can only be obtained through obedience to the laws of God. It is in him that we trust. We are not so much concerned about the destiny of this kingdom as some people think we are. God is interested in it, the holy angels are interested in it, the ancient Patriarchs and Prophets and men of God who have lived in other ages are interested in it, and in the councils of heaven it was agreed that this kingdom should be established; it is according to the word and will and eternal designs of Jehovah. And as he called men in other days he has called them in these days, and this Priesthood administers in the earth and in the heavens. And when Brother Moses Thatcher talks about a man being called, having finished his course here, to go into another state of existence, he talks understandingly on that point. This Priesthood is an everlasting Priesthood, as was the Priesthood of Jesus, after the order of Melchizedek, and it administers in time and in eternity. This Gospel brings us into communion with God our Heavenly Father, with Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant, with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn; and while they are operating there, we are operating here. For this reason we are building our Temples and administering in them, and these are things that I wish to speak a little upon to you Latter-day Saints who are assembled here from the various parts of the Territory. It is not an idle phantom that has been presented to us in this matter. There is nothing vague or visionary about it, we are dealing with sober, serious, solemn facts. Elijah it was prophesied should come and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. That prophecy has been fulfilled, and while millions and myriads of the human family have died without a knowledge of the Gospel, we are instructed what our duty is towards them; and while we are engaged in building Temples and administering therein both for the living and the dead, the everlasting Priesthood in the heavens are engaged in operating in the same way in the interests of all humanity, not only of those who now live but those who have lived. We need, it is true, the assistance and guidance of the Almighty, and the Holy Priesthood behind the veil also requires our assistance and our help. Paul, who understood these things, said, “that they without us should not be made perfect,” and we without them cannot be made perfect. They in their day had obtained a knowledge of God and his law, and we are permitted to obtain the same. God has been pleased to restore the same principles and to place us in communion with him and them. Hence, while they are operating in the heavens we are operating here upon the earth. We build Temples and administer in them. They are attending to those who have died without a knowledge of the Gospel, and who will communicate from time to time with us to show us our duty.
It is written that saviors shall come upon Mount Zion. How can a man be a savior if he saves nobody? And how can they save unless God shows them how? How can they build Temples unless they have a knowledge of the work in which they are engaged? And how can they administer in these Temples, unless God instructs them? They cannot do it; we cannot do it; nobody can do it; and therefore it is necessary that we should all the time be under the guidance and direction of the Almighty, for without Him we can do nothing.
The reports that we hear concerning the Temples that are being built are very interesting. We hear they have placed the roof on the one in Cache Valley; in Manti, they are progressing with another very favorably, and the people all around in those districts are contributing and aiding all they can for the advancement of the work, and then with the one already built there will soon be two and three and then four Temples in operation for the labor in which we are engaged. Some people I know will say it is a very poor speculation, a very singular kind of a religion. Yet we are carrying out the counsel of God, for all these things are designed by the Almighty, and emanate from Him. And if we die what then? We shall live and reign throughout eternity, worlds without end, and we know it. Therefore we are satisfied as to the work in which we are engaged. It is all right.
I say to the brethren and all who are engaged in this labor, I say God bless you, and if you could hear the voices above you would hear loud cries of “Amen:” for all heaven is interested in the work in which we are engaged; and whatever other men may think about these things, we know what we are doing, and we shall try, in the name of the Lord, and under His guidance and direction, to build up his Zion upon the earth; that there may be a phalanx of people that God will acknowledge—a phalanx of people that will bow to the behests of Jehovah; a phalanx of people in whom the heavens are interested; a people who are engaged in rolling forth the work of God, and establishing not only the Church of Christ, but His Zion and the kingdom of God upon the earth.
This is a work that is not popular among men. They want their ideas, their theories, and their notions; we want the ideas and theories, the word and will, and the guidance and direction of the Almighty; and if we are connected with his kingdom, if there is such a thing as the kingdom of God upon the earth, it means the rule and government of God.
Peradventure some will say, “We won't let you do it.” Now, don't stop the Lord, will you? No matter about the theories, ideas and notions of men. God has committed to us certain principles, and by the help of God we mean to carry them out. In doing this it devolves upon us to send the Gospel to every creature under heaven, and for this we have a First Presidency; for this we have the Twelve Apostles; for this we have some seventy times seventy of Seventies; for this we have several thousand High Priests; for this we have some eight or ten thousand Elders, and God has called us to do his work, and by the help of Israel's God we will do it in the name of the Lord, and let all Israel say, Amen. (The vast congregation responded, “Amen.”) These are our feelings on that subject. And let the Twelve, let the Seventies, let the High Priests, and let the Elders work up to the dignity and importance of their calling, and feel that they are under command, as the servants of God, to do his will in spreading the Gospel of life and salvation to the nations of the earth. The world will hate you. No matter—they hated your master before you. They persecuted Him before they persecuted you. He endured it; we will try to.
What then? We will go on building our Temples, and when we have built them we will administer in them according to the word of God. And who else knows this order but us? Let the Latter-day Saints build these Temples and hand them over to the divines of the world, and what would they do? Why, all they would do would be to quarrel about theology. What do they know about the ordinances of the Gospel? Nothing. What do they know about salvation for the living and the dead? Nothing. They would not know how to administer in a Temple if they had one, and further, we should not know if God had not shown us how. We are dependent upon the Lord; but we have our friends, as I have said, behind the veil. They have the same Priesthood which we have, and they are operating in our interests and it is that which frequently operates among men now, silently working when they know nothing about it. They rage in many instances, and foam and get up resolutions; generally very religious people. Well, it was that class of people that persecuted Jesus and his disciples; they thought they were unfit to live. What of it? Do you hate them? No. Would I injure any of them? No, they are injuring themselves, God knows, ten thousand times more than I could do. Any man who departs from the principles of right; any man who tramples upon human rights and human liberty; men who cannot allow other men to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, are in a deplorable, condition; they are fast going back to barbarism; and it is necessary that God should introduce principles to lift man above these groveling ideas. We can look upon all mankind as our brothers, and can try to benefit and elevate the human race. This is the mission which God has given us to attend to—first, in regard to religious matters, and afterwards to political matters, that all men may enjoy perfect freedom in every respect, not in name, not in theory only, but in reality.
I find that time is passing. We scarcely have time in our assemblages to attend to things and talk about principles that we would like to. There are ten thousand things present themselves before my mind, which I would like to lay before this congregation; but we have not time. We shall have to take these things by degrees, little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept.
There is one thing I wish to speak about here politically. “What do you think about the government of the United States,” some people say. “What are your opinions?” I will tell you what I think about the Constitution. I have just the same opinion of it that Joseph Smith had, and he said it was given by inspiration of God. The men did not know this who wrote it; the men did not know it who adopted it; nevertheless it is true. There is an embodiment of principles contained therein that are calculated to bless and benefit mankind. “What do you think about the government of the United States as a government?” I think it is a good deal ahead of most governments, but I think the administrators are apostatizing very fast from the principles that the fathers of this nation instituted. It has become quite a question nowadays, whether men can be preserved in their rights or not, whether men can worship God according to the dictates of their conscience or not, or whether we are living in a land of freedom or not. What is the matter? Why, they are like the religionists. How is it with them? They profess to believe in the Bible. They do believe it shut, but when you open it they deny it. The people of this nation profess to believe in the Constitution. They do until it comes to be applied to the people and then they do not. That is perhaps too broad a saying; but I will say there are many who feel like this—not all by a long way. There are thousands and tens of thousands who are imbued with the same principles as were the framers of the Constitution and who desire to see human freedom perpetuated. The principles of freedom and the love of human liberty have not quite died out of the hearts of all men in these United States. There is a respectable balance in favor of liberty and freedom and equal rights. But there are others—why they talk sometimes about our polygamy until you would think from what these open-mouthed people say, that we were the most corrupt people on the face of the earth. I could say something about them if I wanted to talk, I would say here that we respect family virtue, and we protect virtue among us. We associate with our families upon principles that have been ordained of God, and sanctioned by Him, in the different ages of the world. And then we are true to our covenants, while they profess to be true to theirs, and violate them and disgrace and corrupt themselves. God save us from their infamies! Do not follow after their example. What have we seen of men here right in our city sent to evangelize us?—seducing females when they could, and then go into courts, churches, etc., and talk about the impurities of the “Mormons!” This is not a very good way to evangelize people nor to exalt them; it does not produce a love of those ennobling principles which all honorable men ought to be governed by. We would say then in regard to religionists—if you profess a religion be true to it; if you profess to believe in the Bible when shut, believe it when open, and practice its principles. We would say to men who profess so much loyalty and patriotism to the government, be true to your institutions, be true to the Constitution of the United States, as we say to all our people to be true to the same. We expect the Latter-day Saints to be so, and to be subject to law, to avoid lawlessness of every kind and the interference with men's rights in any shape. Let all men worship as they please. That is a matter for their own consciences, it is not for us to dictate. Let all men be free in their business relations, that in all things we may feel that we are performing our part as citizens of the United States and citizens of the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth; and if other people can afford to traduce us, we can scarcely afford to tell the truth about them. I might talk about thousands of things that I am acquainted with that I know as well as I am standing here; but we will leave them to their master. If they choose evil let them choose it. We talk sometimes about the influence of saloons, of whiskey and beer, and all these kinds of things. Cannot you Latter-day Saints let them alone? If you cannot you are not fit to be Latter-day Saints and you will not be so long. If the world choose to wallow in these things, let them wallow. But would an Elder in Israel and a saint of God disgrace himself by being found in such dens? Yes, many have, but they have got to repent and turn round a short corner and purge themselves from these things, or they will be severed from the Church and kingdom of God, and they will have no association among us. We are after truth and after righteousness, and let us, as we have been exhorted, maintain our purity and our virtue, and if others introduce corruption among us, let them alone, let them take their own course, but “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united.” Ye Latter-day Saints purge yourselves from iniquity and speak the truth, act honestly, be pure and virtuous, and honor God and your calling, and God will honor you, but if you do not, you will be speedily rooted out. There is a day of reckoning fast coming. God is beginning to trouble the nations of the earth, and these things will grow and increase, and it is time for you Elders of Israel to be on the side of right, to depart from evil, to cleave to the truth, to work righteousness, and to honor God. God expects it of you, the holy angels expect it of you, and if you do not leave your evils you can have no place with the Saints of God on the earth or in the heavens.
As I before said, we have not time to enter into all these matters. You have had a good deal of needful instruction. Let us profit by it and honor our God. And I say God bless all men who love the truth, whether here or anywhere else; God bless all men who maintain human rights and freedom; and God confound the opposers of these principles everywhere. These are my principles and feelings. We want nothing like communism, or nihilism, or any of the outrageous infamies that are beginning to vex and perplex the nations. Yet these things will roll on until it will be a vexation to hear the reports thereof, and unless this nation speedily turns round God's hand will be upon them; unless they speedily adhere to the principles of equal rights and freedom, He will be after them. Now, you can set that down if you like, and see whether it will come to pass or not. I say, then God bless every lover of right, whether among this people or anywhere else, and God bless the rulers of this land who rule in righteousness, and God remove those who do not. (Amen). And let us honor our God and our religion and adhere to the principles of truth. God will stand by us, and the glory of God will rest upon us, and no power this side of hell can hurt us if we be followers of that which is good.
I ask the blessing of my Heavenly Father to be upon this congregation, upon all Israel who love the truth, and all men everywhere who are desirous to do right and keep the commandments of God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Conference was adjourned until April 6th, 1882, at 10 a.m.
The choir sang an anthem, Give ear to my words, O Lord.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
George Goddard,
Clerk of Conference.
Discourse by President John Taylor, delivered at the General Conference, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, Oct. 9, 1881.
Reported by John Irvine.
We have now been in session for some time. We have listened to a great many interesting things associated with the Church and kingdom of God. We have had also, during the Conference, matters to reflect upon, pertaining to the departure of some of our brethren, whom we loved and esteemed. They have been taken away from us, and have gone into another state of existence, which is all perfectly right. We have nothing to say particularly in relation to these matters.
The Lord has revealed unto us his holy will. He has by his own voice, by the ministering of holy angels, restored to us the everlasting Gospel, that plan which was ordained by Jehovah, before the world rolled into existence, or the morning stars sang together for joy. Associated with the Gospel he has restored the Priesthood, which is simply, in a few words, the rule and government of God, whether in the heavens or on the earth. This Priesthood, this law, this government and these principles have been communicated from the heavens. They originated not with man upon the earth. They did not originate with any church upon the earth, or any people, or any authority. This is the gift of God to man. This Gospel places man in communication with God, his Heavenly Father; this Gospel brings life and immortality to light; this Gospel is proclaimed in the interest of all men in all parts of the earth; the Priesthood in connection with the Gospel has a commission to proclaim to all the world, to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. It is a message of salvation to the nations of the earth, and it is very different from that which many call the Gospel, whose followers would seek to destroy, to defame, to overturn and to injure all humanity who are opposed to them, and to their views and feelings. God feels interested in the welfare of the whole human family, and for this purpose he has established principles upon the earth which exist in the heavens—a Gospel that has prevailed among the Gods in the eternal worlds, containing principles which are calculated to elevate, ennoble and exalt the human family. The principles are eternal as the Gospel itself is eternal; and as the love of God was manifested in former times by the giving of His Son for the redemption of the world, so the goodness of God is extended in the last days to save, to bless, to elevate and to dignify the human family. And those who are in possession of these principles are in possession not only of the love of God, but of the love of man, and will seek, by every means in their power, aided by the Spirit of God, and that light, love and intelligence which dwell in his bosom, to spread these sacred principles and to save men, if possible almost contrary to their own will. It is a mistaken notion, let me say here, that some people entertain, that because men persecute us, we must persecute them: that because men would proscribe us in our religious faith, we must persecute them in theirs. There is no such principle associated with God, or with those who dwell in the love of God, or who are actuated by the Spirit of God. Everything of that kind proceeds from beneath and not from above. God is interested in the welfare of all people, all nations, all kindreds, and all tongues. He is the Father of the spirits of all flesh, and however narrow and contracted men may be in their ideas, he can afford to let his rain descend on the evil and the good, and cause his sun to shine on the just and on the unjust. For this purpose he has introduced the Gospel; for this purpose he is gathering together a people under the influence of the Gospel, which Gospel, when received and obeyed, imparts the Holy Ghost, and which Holy Ghost takes of the things of God, and shows them unto us. He has gathered us together here in this place and in this land, in order that we may be more fully instructed in His law, for men are not acquainted with God by revelation anywhere else to my knowledge. Very few men upon the face of the earth believe in revelation from God. They believe in their own theories, and notions and ideas and principles, but they know nothing about “thus saith the Lord,” as men used to do when they had the Gospel; and wherever the Gospel exists, there exists with it a knowledge of God, and of the laws of life. God has committed to us the Gospel and the High Priesthood, which is not intended, as some suppose, to bring men into bondage or to tyrannize over the consciences of men, but to make all men free as God is free; that they may drink of the streams “whereof shall make glad the city of God;” that they may be elevated and not debased; that they may be purified and not corrupted; that they may learn the laws of life and walk in them; and not walk in the ways of corruption and go down to death. Jeremiah tells us that the Lord says, “I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
We have learned this, that God lives; we have learned that when we call upon him he hears our prayers; we have learned that it is the height of human happiness to fear God and observe his laws and keep his commandments; we have learned that it is a duty devolving upon us to try and make all men happy and intelligent, which happiness and intelligence can only be obtained through obedience to the laws of God. It is in him that we trust. We are not so much concerned about the destiny of this kingdom as some people think we are. God is interested in it, the holy angels are interested in it, the ancient Patriarchs and Prophets and men of God who have lived in other ages are interested in it, and in the councils of heaven it was agreed that this kingdom should be established; it is according to the word and will and eternal designs of Jehovah. And as he called men in other days he has called them in these days, and this Priesthood administers in the earth and in the heavens. And when Brother Moses Thatcher talks about a man being called, having finished his course here, to go into another state of existence, he talks understandingly on that point. This Priesthood is an everlasting Priesthood, as was the Priesthood of Jesus, after the order of Melchizedek, and it administers in time and in eternity. This Gospel brings us into communion with God our Heavenly Father, with Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant, with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn; and while they are operating there, we are operating here. For this reason we are building our Temples and administering in them, and these are things that I wish to speak a little upon to you Latter-day Saints who are assembled here from the various parts of the Territory. It is not an idle phantom that has been presented to us in this matter. There is nothing vague or visionary about it, we are dealing with sober, serious, solemn facts. Elijah it was prophesied should come and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. That prophecy has been fulfilled, and while millions and myriads of the human family have died without a knowledge of the Gospel, we are instructed what our duty is towards them; and while we are engaged in building Temples and administering therein both for the living and the dead, the everlasting Priesthood in the heavens are engaged in operating in the same way in the interests of all humanity, not only of those who now live but those who have lived. We need, it is true, the assistance and guidance of the Almighty, and the Holy Priesthood behind the veil also requires our assistance and our help. Paul, who understood these things, said, “that they without us should not be made perfect,” and we without them cannot be made perfect. They in their day had obtained a knowledge of God and his law, and we are permitted to obtain the same. God has been pleased to restore the same principles and to place us in communion with him and them. Hence, while they are operating in the heavens we are operating here upon the earth. We build Temples and administer in them. They are attending to those who have died without a knowledge of the Gospel, and who will communicate from time to time with us to show us our duty.
It is written that saviors shall come upon Mount Zion. How can a man be a savior if he saves nobody? And how can they save unless God shows them how? How can they build Temples unless they have a knowledge of the work in which they are engaged? And how can they administer in these Temples, unless God instructs them? They cannot do it; we cannot do it; nobody can do it; and therefore it is necessary that we should all the time be under the guidance and direction of the Almighty, for without Him we can do nothing.
The reports that we hear concerning the Temples that are being built are very interesting. We hear they have placed the roof on the one in Cache Valley; in Manti, they are progressing with another very favorably, and the people all around in those districts are contributing and aiding all they can for the advancement of the work, and then with the one already built there will soon be two and three and then four Temples in operation for the labor in which we are engaged. Some people I know will say it is a very poor speculation, a very singular kind of a religion. Yet we are carrying out the counsel of God, for all these things are designed by the Almighty, and emanate from Him. And if we die what then? We shall live and reign throughout eternity, worlds without end, and we know it. Therefore we are satisfied as to the work in which we are engaged. It is all right.
I say to the brethren and all who are engaged in this labor, I say God bless you, and if you could hear the voices above you would hear loud cries of “Amen:” for all heaven is interested in the work in which we are engaged; and whatever other men may think about these things, we know what we are doing, and we shall try, in the name of the Lord, and under His guidance and direction, to build up his Zion upon the earth; that there may be a phalanx of people that God will acknowledge—a phalanx of people that will bow to the behests of Jehovah; a phalanx of people in whom the heavens are interested; a people who are engaged in rolling forth the work of God, and establishing not only the Church of Christ, but His Zion and the kingdom of God upon the earth.
This is a work that is not popular among men. They want their ideas, their theories, and their notions; we want the ideas and theories, the word and will, and the guidance and direction of the Almighty; and if we are connected with his kingdom, if there is such a thing as the kingdom of God upon the earth, it means the rule and government of God.
Peradventure some will say, “We won't let you do it.” Now, don't stop the Lord, will you? No matter about the theories, ideas and notions of men. God has committed to us certain principles, and by the help of God we mean to carry them out. In doing this it devolves upon us to send the Gospel to every creature under heaven, and for this we have a First Presidency; for this we have the Twelve Apostles; for this we have some seventy times seventy of Seventies; for this we have several thousand High Priests; for this we have some eight or ten thousand Elders, and God has called us to do his work, and by the help of Israel's God we will do it in the name of the Lord, and let all Israel say, Amen. (The vast congregation responded, “Amen.”) These are our feelings on that subject. And let the Twelve, let the Seventies, let the High Priests, and let the Elders work up to the dignity and importance of their calling, and feel that they are under command, as the servants of God, to do his will in spreading the Gospel of life and salvation to the nations of the earth. The world will hate you. No matter—they hated your master before you. They persecuted Him before they persecuted you. He endured it; we will try to.
What then? We will go on building our Temples, and when we have built them we will administer in them according to the word of God. And who else knows this order but us? Let the Latter-day Saints build these Temples and hand them over to the divines of the world, and what would they do? Why, all they would do would be to quarrel about theology. What do they know about the ordinances of the Gospel? Nothing. What do they know about salvation for the living and the dead? Nothing. They would not know how to administer in a Temple if they had one, and further, we should not know if God had not shown us how. We are dependent upon the Lord; but we have our friends, as I have said, behind the veil. They have the same Priesthood which we have, and they are operating in our interests and it is that which frequently operates among men now, silently working when they know nothing about it. They rage in many instances, and foam and get up resolutions; generally very religious people. Well, it was that class of people that persecuted Jesus and his disciples; they thought they were unfit to live. What of it? Do you hate them? No. Would I injure any of them? No, they are injuring themselves, God knows, ten thousand times more than I could do. Any man who departs from the principles of right; any man who tramples upon human rights and human liberty; men who cannot allow other men to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, are in a deplorable, condition; they are fast going back to barbarism; and it is necessary that God should introduce principles to lift man above these groveling ideas. We can look upon all mankind as our brothers, and can try to benefit and elevate the human race. This is the mission which God has given us to attend to—first, in regard to religious matters, and afterwards to political matters, that all men may enjoy perfect freedom in every respect, not in name, not in theory only, but in reality.
I find that time is passing. We scarcely have time in our assemblages to attend to things and talk about principles that we would like to. There are ten thousand things present themselves before my mind, which I would like to lay before this congregation; but we have not time. We shall have to take these things by degrees, little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept.
There is one thing I wish to speak about here politically. “What do you think about the government of the United States,” some people say. “What are your opinions?” I will tell you what I think about the Constitution. I have just the same opinion of it that Joseph Smith had, and he said it was given by inspiration of God. The men did not know this who wrote it; the men did not know it who adopted it; nevertheless it is true. There is an embodiment of principles contained therein that are calculated to bless and benefit mankind. “What do you think about the government of the United States as a government?” I think it is a good deal ahead of most governments, but I think the administrators are apostatizing very fast from the principles that the fathers of this nation instituted. It has become quite a question nowadays, whether men can be preserved in their rights or not, whether men can worship God according to the dictates of their conscience or not, or whether we are living in a land of freedom or not. What is the matter? Why, they are like the religionists. How is it with them? They profess to believe in the Bible. They do believe it shut, but when you open it they deny it. The people of this nation profess to believe in the Constitution. They do until it comes to be applied to the people and then they do not. That is perhaps too broad a saying; but I will say there are many who feel like this—not all by a long way. There are thousands and tens of thousands who are imbued with the same principles as were the framers of the Constitution and who desire to see human freedom perpetuated. The principles of freedom and the love of human liberty have not quite died out of the hearts of all men in these United States. There is a respectable balance in favor of liberty and freedom and equal rights. But there are others—why they talk sometimes about our polygamy until you would think from what these open-mouthed people say, that we were the most corrupt people on the face of the earth. I could say something about them if I wanted to talk, I would say here that we respect family virtue, and we protect virtue among us. We associate with our families upon principles that have been ordained of God, and sanctioned by Him, in the different ages of the world. And then we are true to our covenants, while they profess to be true to theirs, and violate them and disgrace and corrupt themselves. God save us from their infamies! Do not follow after their example. What have we seen of men here right in our city sent to evangelize us?—seducing females when they could, and then go into courts, churches, etc., and talk about the impurities of the “Mormons!” This is not a very good way to evangelize people nor to exalt them; it does not produce a love of those ennobling principles which all honorable men ought to be governed by. We would say then in regard to religionists—if you profess a religion be true to it; if you profess to believe in the Bible when shut, believe it when open, and practice its principles. We would say to men who profess so much loyalty and patriotism to the government, be true to your institutions, be true to the Constitution of the United States, as we say to all our people to be true to the same. We expect the Latter-day Saints to be so, and to be subject to law, to avoid lawlessness of every kind and the interference with men's rights in any shape. Let all men worship as they please. That is a matter for their own consciences, it is not for us to dictate. Let all men be free in their business relations, that in all things we may feel that we are performing our part as citizens of the United States and citizens of the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth; and if other people can afford to traduce us, we can scarcely afford to tell the truth about them. I might talk about thousands of things that I am acquainted with that I know as well as I am standing here; but we will leave them to their master. If they choose evil let them choose it. We talk sometimes about the influence of saloons, of whiskey and beer, and all these kinds of things. Cannot you Latter-day Saints let them alone? If you cannot you are not fit to be Latter-day Saints and you will not be so long. If the world choose to wallow in these things, let them wallow. But would an Elder in Israel and a saint of God disgrace himself by being found in such dens? Yes, many have, but they have got to repent and turn round a short corner and purge themselves from these things, or they will be severed from the Church and kingdom of God, and they will have no association among us. We are after truth and after righteousness, and let us, as we have been exhorted, maintain our purity and our virtue, and if others introduce corruption among us, let them alone, let them take their own course, but “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united.” Ye Latter-day Saints purge yourselves from iniquity and speak the truth, act honestly, be pure and virtuous, and honor God and your calling, and God will honor you, but if you do not, you will be speedily rooted out. There is a day of reckoning fast coming. God is beginning to trouble the nations of the earth, and these things will grow and increase, and it is time for you Elders of Israel to be on the side of right, to depart from evil, to cleave to the truth, to work righteousness, and to honor God. God expects it of you, the holy angels expect it of you, and if you do not leave your evils you can have no place with the Saints of God on the earth or in the heavens.
As I before said, we have not time to enter into all these matters. You have had a good deal of needful instruction. Let us profit by it and honor our God. And I say God bless all men who love the truth, whether here or anywhere else; God bless all men who maintain human rights and freedom; and God confound the opposers of these principles everywhere. These are my principles and feelings. We want nothing like communism, or nihilism, or any of the outrageous infamies that are beginning to vex and perplex the nations. Yet these things will roll on until it will be a vexation to hear the reports thereof, and unless this nation speedily turns round God's hand will be upon them; unless they speedily adhere to the principles of equal rights and freedom, He will be after them. Now, you can set that down if you like, and see whether it will come to pass or not. I say, then God bless every lover of right, whether among this people or anywhere else, and God bless the rulers of this land who rule in righteousness, and God remove those who do not. (Amen). And let us honor our God and our religion and adhere to the principles of truth. God will stand by us, and the glory of God will rest upon us, and no power this side of hell can hurt us if we be followers of that which is good.
I ask the blessing of my Heavenly Father to be upon this congregation, upon all Israel who love the truth, and all men everywhere who are desirous to do right and keep the commandments of God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Conference was adjourned until April 6th, 1882, at 10 a.m.
The choir sang an anthem, Give ear to my words, O Lord.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
George Goddard,
Clerk of Conference.