October 1886
The Deseret News. "An Epistle of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." October 13, 1886: pg. 616-617.
The Deseret News. "General Conference." October 20, 1886: pg. 630-631.
GENERAL CONFERENCE. October 6, 1886
President Richards
Elder John W. Taylor
Afternoon Session. 2 o’clock
Elder John Henry Smith
Elder Heber J. Grant
Second Day. October 7th, 10 a. m.
Elder Hugh S. Gowans
Elder Ward E. Pack
Elder E. D. Woolley
Elder Jesse W. Crosby
Elder Lorenzo Hatch
Bishop George Q. Pitkin
President Franklin D. Richards
Afternoon Session. 2 o’clock
Elder A. K. Thurber
Elder Samuel W. Richards
Elder Cyrus H. Wheelock
President Richards
Third Day. Oct. 8, 1886. 10 a.m.
Elder John Henry Smith
Elder Heber J. Grant
President Richards
The reading of the Epistle was then commenced
Afternoon Session. 2 p.m.
Sustaining of the General Authorities
An Epistle of the First Presidency to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President F. D. Richards
The Deseret News. "General Conference." October 20, 1886: pg. 630-631.
GENERAL CONFERENCE. October 6, 1886
President Richards
Elder John W. Taylor
Afternoon Session. 2 o’clock
Elder John Henry Smith
Elder Heber J. Grant
Second Day. October 7th, 10 a. m.
Elder Hugh S. Gowans
Elder Ward E. Pack
Elder E. D. Woolley
Elder Jesse W. Crosby
Elder Lorenzo Hatch
Bishop George Q. Pitkin
President Franklin D. Richards
Afternoon Session. 2 o’clock
Elder A. K. Thurber
Elder Samuel W. Richards
Elder Cyrus H. Wheelock
President Richards
Third Day. Oct. 8, 1886. 10 a.m.
Elder John Henry Smith
Elder Heber J. Grant
President Richards
The reading of the Epistle was then commenced
Afternoon Session. 2 p.m.
Sustaining of the General Authorities
An Epistle of the First Presidency to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President F. D. Richards
GENERAL CONFERENCE October 6, 1886.
The fifty-seventh Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened this (Wednesday) morning at 10 o’clock, in the Stake Tabernacle, Coalville, Summit County. There were present of the general authorities, Franklin D. Richards (who presided), John Henry Smith and John W. Taylor of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, besides Elder Wm. W. Cluff and other Presidents of Stakes, and local and visiting Bishops, and other officers of the Church.
President Richards called the Conference to order, and the choir sang the hymn:
Great is the Lord! ‘tis good to praise His high and holy name.
Prayer by Elder John Henry Smith.
Singing by the choir, “Spirit of faith come down, Reveal the things of God.”
The fifty-seventh Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened this (Wednesday) morning at 10 o’clock, in the Stake Tabernacle, Coalville, Summit County. There were present of the general authorities, Franklin D. Richards (who presided), John Henry Smith and John W. Taylor of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, besides Elder Wm. W. Cluff and other Presidents of Stakes, and local and visiting Bishops, and other officers of the Church.
President Richards called the Conference to order, and the choir sang the hymn:
Great is the Lord! ‘tis good to praise His high and holy name.
Prayer by Elder John Henry Smith.
Singing by the choir, “Spirit of faith come down, Reveal the things of God.”
President Richards
addressed the Conference, expressing pleasure on his own part as well as on that of the visiting brethren, for the opportunity thus afforded them to assemble in General Conference with the people of Coalville, in their magnificent new building, which had been hurriedly prepared to accommodate the Saints for this purpose. He hoped that the unexpected visitation of the Saints at this place would have the effect to encourage the people of Summit Stake to complete the building and make it a house that will afford joy to the people of the Stake, and that will be an object of gladness and admiration to all friends around.
There were many reasons for gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father this morning, some of which he deemed it proper that we should be reminded of. In the first place, he had learned that throughout this valley, which, on account of its altitude, was usually subject to early frosts, to the injury of the crops, the people generally had reaped abundantly not only of cereals, but of esculents as well, affording plenty both for man and beast. Not only was this the case in the Summit Stake, but a good, fair harvest was reaped by the people generally throughout Zion; and especially would this be considered the case when a comparison was made with those of the various parts of the earth.
We enjoyed also to a goodly degree the precious boon of liberty, which doubtless many have not yet learned how to appreciate. If we had to experience the distress that many peoples of the earth were now passing through; the oppressions of human governments of the terrible destruction of life and property that had overtaken many of our fellow beings, together with the misery, trouble and want from which so many of God’s creatures suffer, our condition would be very different from what it is; in comparison, therefore, we should be filled to overflowing with the realizing sense that there is no other people upon the face of the earth so abundantly blessed in all general respects as are the Latter-day Saints of these mountains. It was true that because of our religious views being in conflict with those of our fellows some of our brethren were deprived of the pleasure of attending this Conference and the association of the Saints, and others were incarcerated; but when we contemplated the lot of true believers of all ages, we certainly, thus far, had reason to be thankful that things were as well with us as they were. Referring to Abraham’s having to leave his home to take up his abode in a strange land in order to enjoy the blessings resulting from the observance of the laws of heaven; and to the declaration of the apostle years afterwards to the effect that if they were truly the children of Abraham they would do the works of Abraham, the speaker said, we found ourselves following his example in any of these things without, in many instances, fully sensing and knowing it. And while the barbarism of Father Abraham had been referred to by certain Christian people, it is a fact worthy attention that he was peculiar from his contemporaries in that he had attained to the knowledge of God to a marked degree, while they know him not at all.
The experience that we were passing through was exceedingly valuable to us; and he asked those who felt annoyed and harassed, not to let personal interests take up all their consideration; no man lives to himself, neither does he die to himself. All extended an influence upon each other and all should be interested in the welfare of their brethren and sisters as a whole, and thus help to make life profitable not only for ourselves but for one another. This feeling was entertained to a high degree by the fathers of the revolution; in what they did for their fellows and for posterity they invoked the spirit of the fathers that had gone before them to assist them in their purposes. Having been entrusted with the visitations of heaven, we should comprehend in a deeper and higher sense the important consequences that attend our actions and conduct before the Lord and one another.
The Lord had already made us peculiar from other religious bodies, and it is His design to yet make of this a nation of “kings and priests.” When we consider the vast opposition He has had to contend with ever since the beginning, and of His having to take hold of poor humble men to bring about his purposes, the undertaking seemed at times too great to be contemplated by serious men. But such was the fact, and such would be the case; but none could comprehend it except through the eye of faith.
The speaker referred to the early experiences of the Church, and the feeling those experiences produced in the hearts of the people of God, showing that when the exigence of the ease require it men had to lay their all upon the altar of sacrifice for the benefit and blessing of their brethren.
Such scenes were unknown to the younger portion of the people, and it was hoped that such occurrences would never be experienced by the Latter-day Saints. In comparison with the many hard and trying scenes through which the Saints had passed, the speaker dwelt upon the present state and condition of the people. Our circumstances were now comparatively easy; we had good, comfortable homes, with well stocked farms and well filled granaries. In consequence of this changed state of things we were liable to give way to temptations that were unknown to us in our poverty. The love of pleasure was descanted upon, together with Sabbath-breaking and public enjoyments; and the serious attention of the congregation was called to these things as well as that of the people generally. The speaker warned the young men against the sin of taking the Lord’s name in vain, and the people generally against using their tongues to the injury of the fellowmen; and called upon the people to live so that nothing but good will to all should exist in their hearts, and blessing upon all the creatures of our God proceed forth from their lips, and especially so towards the household of faith.
addressed the Conference, expressing pleasure on his own part as well as on that of the visiting brethren, for the opportunity thus afforded them to assemble in General Conference with the people of Coalville, in their magnificent new building, which had been hurriedly prepared to accommodate the Saints for this purpose. He hoped that the unexpected visitation of the Saints at this place would have the effect to encourage the people of Summit Stake to complete the building and make it a house that will afford joy to the people of the Stake, and that will be an object of gladness and admiration to all friends around.
There were many reasons for gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father this morning, some of which he deemed it proper that we should be reminded of. In the first place, he had learned that throughout this valley, which, on account of its altitude, was usually subject to early frosts, to the injury of the crops, the people generally had reaped abundantly not only of cereals, but of esculents as well, affording plenty both for man and beast. Not only was this the case in the Summit Stake, but a good, fair harvest was reaped by the people generally throughout Zion; and especially would this be considered the case when a comparison was made with those of the various parts of the earth.
We enjoyed also to a goodly degree the precious boon of liberty, which doubtless many have not yet learned how to appreciate. If we had to experience the distress that many peoples of the earth were now passing through; the oppressions of human governments of the terrible destruction of life and property that had overtaken many of our fellow beings, together with the misery, trouble and want from which so many of God’s creatures suffer, our condition would be very different from what it is; in comparison, therefore, we should be filled to overflowing with the realizing sense that there is no other people upon the face of the earth so abundantly blessed in all general respects as are the Latter-day Saints of these mountains. It was true that because of our religious views being in conflict with those of our fellows some of our brethren were deprived of the pleasure of attending this Conference and the association of the Saints, and others were incarcerated; but when we contemplated the lot of true believers of all ages, we certainly, thus far, had reason to be thankful that things were as well with us as they were. Referring to Abraham’s having to leave his home to take up his abode in a strange land in order to enjoy the blessings resulting from the observance of the laws of heaven; and to the declaration of the apostle years afterwards to the effect that if they were truly the children of Abraham they would do the works of Abraham, the speaker said, we found ourselves following his example in any of these things without, in many instances, fully sensing and knowing it. And while the barbarism of Father Abraham had been referred to by certain Christian people, it is a fact worthy attention that he was peculiar from his contemporaries in that he had attained to the knowledge of God to a marked degree, while they know him not at all.
The experience that we were passing through was exceedingly valuable to us; and he asked those who felt annoyed and harassed, not to let personal interests take up all their consideration; no man lives to himself, neither does he die to himself. All extended an influence upon each other and all should be interested in the welfare of their brethren and sisters as a whole, and thus help to make life profitable not only for ourselves but for one another. This feeling was entertained to a high degree by the fathers of the revolution; in what they did for their fellows and for posterity they invoked the spirit of the fathers that had gone before them to assist them in their purposes. Having been entrusted with the visitations of heaven, we should comprehend in a deeper and higher sense the important consequences that attend our actions and conduct before the Lord and one another.
The Lord had already made us peculiar from other religious bodies, and it is His design to yet make of this a nation of “kings and priests.” When we consider the vast opposition He has had to contend with ever since the beginning, and of His having to take hold of poor humble men to bring about his purposes, the undertaking seemed at times too great to be contemplated by serious men. But such was the fact, and such would be the case; but none could comprehend it except through the eye of faith.
The speaker referred to the early experiences of the Church, and the feeling those experiences produced in the hearts of the people of God, showing that when the exigence of the ease require it men had to lay their all upon the altar of sacrifice for the benefit and blessing of their brethren.
Such scenes were unknown to the younger portion of the people, and it was hoped that such occurrences would never be experienced by the Latter-day Saints. In comparison with the many hard and trying scenes through which the Saints had passed, the speaker dwelt upon the present state and condition of the people. Our circumstances were now comparatively easy; we had good, comfortable homes, with well stocked farms and well filled granaries. In consequence of this changed state of things we were liable to give way to temptations that were unknown to us in our poverty. The love of pleasure was descanted upon, together with Sabbath-breaking and public enjoyments; and the serious attention of the congregation was called to these things as well as that of the people generally. The speaker warned the young men against the sin of taking the Lord’s name in vain, and the people generally against using their tongues to the injury of the fellowmen; and called upon the people to live so that nothing but good will to all should exist in their hearts, and blessing upon all the creatures of our God proceed forth from their lips, and especially so towards the household of faith.
Elder John W. Taylor
The remaining portion of time was occupied by Elder John W. Taylor. The subjects of his discourse were the keeping of the Sabbath day, and the consequences of its non-observance upon ancient Israel; sending our children to be taught by those whose avowed object is to oppose the onward progress of this work, and the penalty attached to the neglect of a faithful performance of duty toward our children, as far as properly teaching them and setting a good example was concerned; the desire manifested by our people as individuals, and as bodies such as Sunday Schools, to go on pleasure excursions to bathing resorts which he claimed were not always conducted in a manner becoming in the sight of God. His discourse was earnest and emphatic on these points; and it was his opinion that the chastisement from which we were suffering was in consequence of the conduct of the people as a body, and that we need not look for a cessation till the spirit of repentance prompted and brought forth better results in the lives of the people.
The choir sang: O awake! my slumbering ministrel.
Benediction by Elder Wm. W. Cluff.
The remaining portion of time was occupied by Elder John W. Taylor. The subjects of his discourse were the keeping of the Sabbath day, and the consequences of its non-observance upon ancient Israel; sending our children to be taught by those whose avowed object is to oppose the onward progress of this work, and the penalty attached to the neglect of a faithful performance of duty toward our children, as far as properly teaching them and setting a good example was concerned; the desire manifested by our people as individuals, and as bodies such as Sunday Schools, to go on pleasure excursions to bathing resorts which he claimed were not always conducted in a manner becoming in the sight of God. His discourse was earnest and emphatic on these points; and it was his opinion that the chastisement from which we were suffering was in consequence of the conduct of the people as a body, and that we need not look for a cessation till the spirit of repentance prompted and brought forth better results in the lives of the people.
The choir sang: O awake! my slumbering ministrel.
Benediction by Elder Wm. W. Cluff.
Afternoon Session. 2 o’clock.
The choir sang: An angel from on high, The joyful message has made known.
Prayer by Apostle H. J. Grant.
Hymn: Come, O thou king of kings! We’ve waited long for thee--
The choir sang: An angel from on high, The joyful message has made known.
Prayer by Apostle H. J. Grant.
Hymn: Come, O thou king of kings! We’ve waited long for thee--
Elder John Henry Smith
was the first speaker. He commenced by referring to the remarks which had been made by the brethren that had spoken in the forenoon. He felt that a number of the rebukes that were given struck him with considerable force. He believed that, as a people the Latter-day Saints did not observe the Sabbath day with that strictness that they should. Many people tried to find excuses for doing this, that and the other thing upon the Sabbath day. Many tried to hide themselves behind the faults of others; but this seemed natural to man. Man was naturally a moral coward. The speaker strongly urged upon the Latter-day Saints the fact that every person was responsible for his or her own acts, and asked all to, at once examine themselves and repent of whatever was wrong. He believed that it was because of the wrong doing of the Saints that so much persecution was being waged against them at the present time. However, he believed that these persecutions would have a tendency to bring the Saints in line, and to compel them to walk in the direction in which it was intended they should walk. The speaker condemned the practice of the Saints intermarrying with strangers, with those who did not believe alike; spoke of the necessity of keeping the fast day; and concluded by bearing a strong testimony to the onward march of “Mormonism,” notwithstanding all the attacks that were made upon it and the many prophecies that had been made regarding its near destruction. God was at the helm, and would see that all that had been promised would be brought to pass. It was necessary, however, that the Saints should repent of their sins, and seek unto the Lord, and, if they did this, their enemies would not prevail against them. Many might be called to suffer, but as the day of the Saint so his strength would be.
was the first speaker. He commenced by referring to the remarks which had been made by the brethren that had spoken in the forenoon. He felt that a number of the rebukes that were given struck him with considerable force. He believed that, as a people the Latter-day Saints did not observe the Sabbath day with that strictness that they should. Many people tried to find excuses for doing this, that and the other thing upon the Sabbath day. Many tried to hide themselves behind the faults of others; but this seemed natural to man. Man was naturally a moral coward. The speaker strongly urged upon the Latter-day Saints the fact that every person was responsible for his or her own acts, and asked all to, at once examine themselves and repent of whatever was wrong. He believed that it was because of the wrong doing of the Saints that so much persecution was being waged against them at the present time. However, he believed that these persecutions would have a tendency to bring the Saints in line, and to compel them to walk in the direction in which it was intended they should walk. The speaker condemned the practice of the Saints intermarrying with strangers, with those who did not believe alike; spoke of the necessity of keeping the fast day; and concluded by bearing a strong testimony to the onward march of “Mormonism,” notwithstanding all the attacks that were made upon it and the many prophecies that had been made regarding its near destruction. God was at the helm, and would see that all that had been promised would be brought to pass. It was necessary, however, that the Saints should repent of their sins, and seek unto the Lord, and, if they did this, their enemies would not prevail against them. Many might be called to suffer, but as the day of the Saint so his strength would be.
Elder Heber J. Grant
occupied the remainder of the time, discoursing upon the individual duties of the Latter-day Saints, and the responsibilities devolving upon every person professing membership in the Church as to the building up of Zion in the earth.
The choir sang an anthem and the meeting was dismissed by prayer by Patriarch John Smith.
occupied the remainder of the time, discoursing upon the individual duties of the Latter-day Saints, and the responsibilities devolving upon every person professing membership in the Church as to the building up of Zion in the earth.
The choir sang an anthem and the meeting was dismissed by prayer by Patriarch John Smith.
Second Day. October 7th, 10 a. m.
Conference resumed its session this morning, the choir singing the hymn:
“Sing to the Great Jehovah’s praise;
All praise to him belongs.”
Prayer by Elder John W. Taylor.
Singing:
“Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning!
Joy to the lands that in darkness have lain!”
Conference resumed its session this morning, the choir singing the hymn:
“Sing to the Great Jehovah’s praise;
All praise to him belongs.”
Prayer by Elder John W. Taylor.
Singing:
“Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning!
Joy to the lands that in darkness have lain!”
Elder Hugh S. Gowans, President of the Tooele Stake, made the opening remarks.
He regretted the necessity which called forth the censure of the brethren who addressed the Conference yesterday. He referred to conversations he had had with his fellow prisoners in the Penitentiary, who, with himself, beheld with regret that the chastisement that was being inflicted upon the people was merited by us, and permitted to come in the wisdom of Providence, yet he was encouraged in the confident home that our unpleasant experience would tend to the improvement of the people individually and collectively. This fact was apparent, that one and all were left to choose for themselves what course to pursue; and the fact that our free agency was in every respect unrestricted, made it the more important that individual appreciated. He endorsed the remarks of previous speakers to the young; and while he sometimes feared for them in their wild efforts to gratify their desire for worldly things and worldly pleasures, yet, he was satisfied that the Lord would raise up a class of spirits that would be found faithful to the cause of God, and who would prove themselves worthy to perpetuate the institutions of heaven. The speaker, in an earnest and impressive manner, directed the attention of the congregation to the follies and vanities of the world, together with the responsibilities that devolved upon all who had entered into solemn covenants with God, and hoped that the Elders especially the men of families, upon whom depended more or less the happiness of others, would be found satisfied with their labors when they shall have finished their earthly career. In closing he referred to the high compliment that had been paid the brethren by Warden Dow in regard to the conduct of those who had served terms of imprisonment for conscience’ sake, in that their conduct and presence in the prison had begotten such a moral influence upon the real criminal inmates of that institution that had awakened feelings of astonishment in him, and he was free to acknowledge it and accord to our brethren the credit of such a state and condition of life as brought forth such moral fruit. We were indebted, he said, to the Gospel plan and the Author of it alone for the wonderful power that has made the Latter-day Saints peculiar in all that tends to make men better, and he hoped that this characteristic would be more and more manifested until the world at large should at last concede what a few have already acknowledged.
He regretted the necessity which called forth the censure of the brethren who addressed the Conference yesterday. He referred to conversations he had had with his fellow prisoners in the Penitentiary, who, with himself, beheld with regret that the chastisement that was being inflicted upon the people was merited by us, and permitted to come in the wisdom of Providence, yet he was encouraged in the confident home that our unpleasant experience would tend to the improvement of the people individually and collectively. This fact was apparent, that one and all were left to choose for themselves what course to pursue; and the fact that our free agency was in every respect unrestricted, made it the more important that individual appreciated. He endorsed the remarks of previous speakers to the young; and while he sometimes feared for them in their wild efforts to gratify their desire for worldly things and worldly pleasures, yet, he was satisfied that the Lord would raise up a class of spirits that would be found faithful to the cause of God, and who would prove themselves worthy to perpetuate the institutions of heaven. The speaker, in an earnest and impressive manner, directed the attention of the congregation to the follies and vanities of the world, together with the responsibilities that devolved upon all who had entered into solemn covenants with God, and hoped that the Elders especially the men of families, upon whom depended more or less the happiness of others, would be found satisfied with their labors when they shall have finished their earthly career. In closing he referred to the high compliment that had been paid the brethren by Warden Dow in regard to the conduct of those who had served terms of imprisonment for conscience’ sake, in that their conduct and presence in the prison had begotten such a moral influence upon the real criminal inmates of that institution that had awakened feelings of astonishment in him, and he was free to acknowledge it and accord to our brethren the credit of such a state and condition of life as brought forth such moral fruit. We were indebted, he said, to the Gospel plan and the Author of it alone for the wonderful power that has made the Latter-day Saints peculiar in all that tends to make men better, and he hoped that this characteristic would be more and more manifested until the world at large should at last concede what a few have already acknowledged.
Elder Ward E. Pack
was pleased to mingle among the people at Conference and partake of the spirit manifested by the brethren, in their private conversations and public utterances. He could perceive that if the people failed to take to themselves the portion of advice, instruction or rebuke, that was most adapted to their several positions, but little, if any, real profit would be derived from attending our Conference meetings. The wise would receive chastisement and mend their ways, while the thoughtless and the worldly minded would pass by regardless of serious thought the words of life and salvation that come to us from time to time through the servants of God. and the faithful would rejoice in whatever circumstances we might be placed in, knowing as they do that the Lord will rule and overrule in their behalf, and lead them through the fiery ordeals that will eventually make them shine the brighter among the numerous family of our Father and God.
The speaker referred to the panned attack that is being made by our enemies upon our children and warned parents to use every effort to guide their children in the ways they should go until they themselves shall see and know as their parents do.
was pleased to mingle among the people at Conference and partake of the spirit manifested by the brethren, in their private conversations and public utterances. He could perceive that if the people failed to take to themselves the portion of advice, instruction or rebuke, that was most adapted to their several positions, but little, if any, real profit would be derived from attending our Conference meetings. The wise would receive chastisement and mend their ways, while the thoughtless and the worldly minded would pass by regardless of serious thought the words of life and salvation that come to us from time to time through the servants of God. and the faithful would rejoice in whatever circumstances we might be placed in, knowing as they do that the Lord will rule and overrule in their behalf, and lead them through the fiery ordeals that will eventually make them shine the brighter among the numerous family of our Father and God.
The speaker referred to the panned attack that is being made by our enemies upon our children and warned parents to use every effort to guide their children in the ways they should go until they themselves shall see and know as their parents do.
Elder E. D. Woolley, President of the Kanab Stake,
endorsed, with pleasure, the remarks made by the brethren both yesterday and to-day. The people of God ever were peculiar from the world generally, and such peculiarities could only be maintained by acts of moral courage, which men in possession of the principles of the Gospel were eminently fitted to produce. If wrong existed in our families or Wards we should discount all such wrong-doing irrespective of the person or persons in whom it existed. Living by principle alone could make us the peculiar people that God designed to make us, and which, he was satisfied, we would become eventually. He believed that the time was near when the people generally would be more united both spiritually and temporally; and the object of the Lord in allowing chastisement to come upon us would, therefore, be accomplished a better state of things would be produced, and the will of the Lord, to an extent at least, be brought about with regard to us.
endorsed, with pleasure, the remarks made by the brethren both yesterday and to-day. The people of God ever were peculiar from the world generally, and such peculiarities could only be maintained by acts of moral courage, which men in possession of the principles of the Gospel were eminently fitted to produce. If wrong existed in our families or Wards we should discount all such wrong-doing irrespective of the person or persons in whom it existed. Living by principle alone could make us the peculiar people that God designed to make us, and which, he was satisfied, we would become eventually. He believed that the time was near when the people generally would be more united both spiritually and temporally; and the object of the Lord in allowing chastisement to come upon us would, therefore, be accomplished a better state of things would be produced, and the will of the Lord, to an extent at least, be brought about with regard to us.
Elder Jesse W. Crosby, President of the Panguitch Stake,
testified to the divinity of the work in which the Latter-day Saints were engaged; and he appreciated the opportunity of assembling in general conference to receive instruction or rebuke, as the case might be. One of the peculiarities of the latter-day work has individual responsibility, and all would be held accountable for the opportunities we have and the works we do. Many, he said, were willing that others should suffer for the truth, and while they were being tried and perchance chastised, they were being judged and criticized not only by enemies but by their friends as well. There were doubtless, in Summit County, as there were in other places, many who were neither hot nor cold, and who were afraid to be tested for fear of falling a prey to the enemy. He advised all to stand upon their own merit, and not depend upon that of others. It was a day of individual responsibility, of individual action. All men and women must act for themselves, and in so doing the Lord tested the integrity of the whole.
testified to the divinity of the work in which the Latter-day Saints were engaged; and he appreciated the opportunity of assembling in general conference to receive instruction or rebuke, as the case might be. One of the peculiarities of the latter-day work has individual responsibility, and all would be held accountable for the opportunities we have and the works we do. Many, he said, were willing that others should suffer for the truth, and while they were being tried and perchance chastised, they were being judged and criticized not only by enemies but by their friends as well. There were doubtless, in Summit County, as there were in other places, many who were neither hot nor cold, and who were afraid to be tested for fear of falling a prey to the enemy. He advised all to stand upon their own merit, and not depend upon that of others. It was a day of individual responsibility, of individual action. All men and women must act for themselves, and in so doing the Lord tested the integrity of the whole.
Elder Lorenzo Hatch, of the Arizona Stake, was the next speaker.
It was 44 years since he became acquainted with “Mormonism,” and he had taken pains to notice the growth of the work during that time, as well as the labors of individuals with whom he was more immediately acquainted. He was pleased to find the faith of the people growing stronger in the Lord; and he was pleased also to be engaged personally in imparting the faith of the true and living God to the descendants of the noble men who lived and labored in the earlier history of this continent, and was encouraged in the hope that the days were being ushered in when that afflicted people would come in remembrance before the Lord, according to what had been said of them by their progenitors. He rejoiced in the fact that the Kingdom of God was established never more to be taken away or thrown down; and he was thankful to hear the warning voice of his brethren who were the true friends of the people; and he hoped they would be long spared to labor among the Saints, and that the people would receive their instructions in the spirit in which they were given, and profit thereby. He bore a faithful testimony to the divinity of the work, and of the goodness of God to His people.
It was 44 years since he became acquainted with “Mormonism,” and he had taken pains to notice the growth of the work during that time, as well as the labors of individuals with whom he was more immediately acquainted. He was pleased to find the faith of the people growing stronger in the Lord; and he was pleased also to be engaged personally in imparting the faith of the true and living God to the descendants of the noble men who lived and labored in the earlier history of this continent, and was encouraged in the hope that the days were being ushered in when that afflicted people would come in remembrance before the Lord, according to what had been said of them by their progenitors. He rejoiced in the fact that the Kingdom of God was established never more to be taken away or thrown down; and he was thankful to hear the warning voice of his brethren who were the true friends of the people; and he hoped they would be long spared to labor among the Saints, and that the people would receive their instructions in the spirit in which they were given, and profit thereby. He bore a faithful testimony to the divinity of the work, and of the goodness of God to His people.
Bishop George Q. Pitkin, of Millville, Cache County,
said he realized that faith was truly a gift of God, and that it was necessary to exercise true faith in order to accomplish the purposes of god in the work of our individual salvation and that of building up His kingdom on the earth, and earnestly prayed that the Lord would inspire His people to seek after Him, and to labor diligently to accomplish all the righteousness they have in their hearts to do.
said he realized that faith was truly a gift of God, and that it was necessary to exercise true faith in order to accomplish the purposes of god in the work of our individual salvation and that of building up His kingdom on the earth, and earnestly prayed that the Lord would inspire His people to seek after Him, and to labor diligently to accomplish all the righteousness they have in their hearts to do.
President Franklin D. Richards
expressed pleasure in what had been said by the several brethren. It was desirable, he said, to know how such men felt, especially since our leading men had retired from the active service of laboring personally among the people; and he hoped that they and the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops generally would sense the additional responsibility that devolved upon them in consequence of the retirement of the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve, and prove themselves indeed and of a truth shepherds to the flock of God.
The choir sang an anthem, and Elder Alma Eldredge pronounced the benediction.
expressed pleasure in what had been said by the several brethren. It was desirable, he said, to know how such men felt, especially since our leading men had retired from the active service of laboring personally among the people; and he hoped that they and the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops generally would sense the additional responsibility that devolved upon them in consequence of the retirement of the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve, and prove themselves indeed and of a truth shepherds to the flock of God.
The choir sang an anthem, and Elder Alma Eldredge pronounced the benediction.
Afternoon Session. 2 o’clock.
Conference re-assembled this afternoon.
The choir sang the hymn:
Lord, we come before Thee now,
At Thy feet we humbly bow.
Prayer by Elder Wm. W. Cluff.
Singing:
When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys;
Transported with the view,
I’m lost In wonder, love and praise.
Conference re-assembled this afternoon.
The choir sang the hymn:
Lord, we come before Thee now,
At Thy feet we humbly bow.
Prayer by Elder Wm. W. Cluff.
Singing:
When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys;
Transported with the view,
I’m lost In wonder, love and praise.
Elder A. K. Thurber, of Richfield, was the first speaker.
The tenor of the instructions that had been given, he said, tended to the purification of the Church. There never was a time when such instructions were more necessary than to-day. When we were baptized, we entered into a covenant with God to reform our lives and help to reform those of our fellow-beings; and he wondered ofttimes how we were disposing of the obligations that devolved upon us. In the Sevier Stake of Zion, the officers there were not without censure, because of neglect of duty; and he hoped that they, in connection with their fellow servants, would bring themselves into the line of duty. The speaker referred to the Word of Wisdom; claimed that the aged were under equal obligation to observe it as the younger portion of the community. He felt that he could testify that aged people as well as young, if they set themselves properly about it, could overcome pernicious habits. And he felt it the bound duty of all, especially the officers of the Church, to set a good example. He referred to an incident that occurred while traveling in his Stake of a child asking its parent why he did not ask a blessing on the food when no strangers were present. Such was a great rebuke from a child. It was not proper, he held, for men to preach that which they themselves did not practice. The speaker read from the Book of Nephi on this subject, showing how people fell because of their worldly practices. The precepts of men, he considered, had too much influence in our dealings one with another as well as in the performance of duties to God, in all of which there was much room for improvement. In conclusion he urged the people to faithfulness, and the road to this was to pay particular attention to and be sure to carry out the instructions of the servants of God as they had been given at this Conference, and at all other times.
The tenor of the instructions that had been given, he said, tended to the purification of the Church. There never was a time when such instructions were more necessary than to-day. When we were baptized, we entered into a covenant with God to reform our lives and help to reform those of our fellow-beings; and he wondered ofttimes how we were disposing of the obligations that devolved upon us. In the Sevier Stake of Zion, the officers there were not without censure, because of neglect of duty; and he hoped that they, in connection with their fellow servants, would bring themselves into the line of duty. The speaker referred to the Word of Wisdom; claimed that the aged were under equal obligation to observe it as the younger portion of the community. He felt that he could testify that aged people as well as young, if they set themselves properly about it, could overcome pernicious habits. And he felt it the bound duty of all, especially the officers of the Church, to set a good example. He referred to an incident that occurred while traveling in his Stake of a child asking its parent why he did not ask a blessing on the food when no strangers were present. Such was a great rebuke from a child. It was not proper, he held, for men to preach that which they themselves did not practice. The speaker read from the Book of Nephi on this subject, showing how people fell because of their worldly practices. The precepts of men, he considered, had too much influence in our dealings one with another as well as in the performance of duties to God, in all of which there was much room for improvement. In conclusion he urged the people to faithfulness, and the road to this was to pay particular attention to and be sure to carry out the instructions of the servants of God as they had been given at this Conference, and at all other times.
Elder Samuel W. Richards
said the advice and instructions given were of that character that they could appreciate as coming from the servants of God, the same having a tendency to build up and strengthen the Saints in the faith of the Gospel. Jesus, in his day said, If he had not come and spoken, they could not have sinned; but because he had come and spoken sin lay at their doors. This was applicable to us in our day. We could not afford to disregard the counsels of the living oracles; they had spoken and we would be judged according to the attention we paid to what they say unto us. The gate was strait through which the few entered; the popular will was to go with the multitude which led to death. The instructions given were of a general character, and applied therefore to the people as a whole. The present was the greatest of all dispensations, and the people now living were accountable to God for the great opportunities it afforded. The general desire was to accumulate the wealth of the world, but the Savior taught those of his day to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; this instruction is repeated to-day, and comes home to all Latter-day Saints. The sacrifice the Gospel requires of its adherents comprehends all that man can say or do, all that he can give or impart even to life itself. The injunction was to seek another's good before one’s own; and this is entitled to the candid consideration of all. The righteousness of the Kingdom of God consisted in its commands and laws, and we had no right to its immunities unless we emulated the example of its best advocates. This was the condition on which we agreed to receive the blessings the Gospel of the Kingdom afforded. The speaker then called attention to the character of the work, and its origin; and referred to the labors of Adam, Moses and Abraham and others as guides of former times, some of whom, and whose associates had revealed its fundamental doctrines to us in our day. When the speaker beheld men toiling for the good of their fellows, and the little time they had to live it, made him yearn to benefit the condition of the human race. Time was short at the best, and we could accomplish little when every opportunity was improved because of the numerous duties that demanded our attention. But the things of God were essential to our salvation, and therefore we should hold them as first and foremost in our every day life. The promises of God were great; we should merit them not because of a desire to escape punishment, but for the love of truth and righteousness; and we should, in our great desire for truth, feel that we could endure anything and everything that we might be called upon to pass through. Not till we reached the state could we hope to merit a fulfillment of the promises of the Lord upon us and our children. We must consider that we ourselves and all we possess belong to Him who created us, and that we are his agents laboring in the vineyard for the welfare of the human race, in order to prove ourselves worthy of a full salvation in His kingdom, which he hoped would be the lot of the Latter-day Saints.
said the advice and instructions given were of that character that they could appreciate as coming from the servants of God, the same having a tendency to build up and strengthen the Saints in the faith of the Gospel. Jesus, in his day said, If he had not come and spoken, they could not have sinned; but because he had come and spoken sin lay at their doors. This was applicable to us in our day. We could not afford to disregard the counsels of the living oracles; they had spoken and we would be judged according to the attention we paid to what they say unto us. The gate was strait through which the few entered; the popular will was to go with the multitude which led to death. The instructions given were of a general character, and applied therefore to the people as a whole. The present was the greatest of all dispensations, and the people now living were accountable to God for the great opportunities it afforded. The general desire was to accumulate the wealth of the world, but the Savior taught those of his day to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; this instruction is repeated to-day, and comes home to all Latter-day Saints. The sacrifice the Gospel requires of its adherents comprehends all that man can say or do, all that he can give or impart even to life itself. The injunction was to seek another's good before one’s own; and this is entitled to the candid consideration of all. The righteousness of the Kingdom of God consisted in its commands and laws, and we had no right to its immunities unless we emulated the example of its best advocates. This was the condition on which we agreed to receive the blessings the Gospel of the Kingdom afforded. The speaker then called attention to the character of the work, and its origin; and referred to the labors of Adam, Moses and Abraham and others as guides of former times, some of whom, and whose associates had revealed its fundamental doctrines to us in our day. When the speaker beheld men toiling for the good of their fellows, and the little time they had to live it, made him yearn to benefit the condition of the human race. Time was short at the best, and we could accomplish little when every opportunity was improved because of the numerous duties that demanded our attention. But the things of God were essential to our salvation, and therefore we should hold them as first and foremost in our every day life. The promises of God were great; we should merit them not because of a desire to escape punishment, but for the love of truth and righteousness; and we should, in our great desire for truth, feel that we could endure anything and everything that we might be called upon to pass through. Not till we reached the state could we hope to merit a fulfillment of the promises of the Lord upon us and our children. We must consider that we ourselves and all we possess belong to Him who created us, and that we are his agents laboring in the vineyard for the welfare of the human race, in order to prove ourselves worthy of a full salvation in His kingdom, which he hoped would be the lot of the Latter-day Saints.
Elder Cyrus H. Wheelock
expressed pleasure in being present on this conference occasion. It was thought in olden days by women that if they had a husband or sons worthy to be in the congregations of the Lord, they were greatly honored. How much more honored were we in being allowed to take part in administering the affairs of the Church and kingdom of God! How great the honor, too, was conferred upon us in being able with assurance upon us in being able with assurance to approach God as our Father in the way pointed out by Him to approach the throne of grace! The Gospel required sacrifice. Persecution was the lot of the faithful. The Prophet Joseph Smith, about four hours before his martyrdom, in answer to the question by Col. Markham, “What will be the result of this?” said that “if they slay me and the Twelve, while there is a man on the earth that is endowed with the Melchesidec Priesthood, and he is an honest man, and seeks the Lord, he would go forth and carry on the work until His kingdom was established. We see to-day the result of early persecutions. We were led by the power of God to this place, and have prospered, although men declared that we would starve and die in the Wilderness. Brother Orson Pratt covenanted with the Lord upon his arrival here on behalf of himself and the people, as an Apostle, that we would honor the Lord, keep the Sabbath day, pay the tenth of our increase, and build temples to the name of the Lord, because the Lord had delivered us out of the hands of our enemies. It was for us to remember the goodness of God to us, and the obligations we are under to him, and seek strength from heaven lest we, in our prosperity, forget the Lord. He testified to the establishment of the kingdom of God, and of the determination of the Lord to build it up despite the opposition of wicked men. The speaker referred to the dream of Jacob, who, upon awaking said: surely God was in this place but he knew it not; and to the covenant he entered into with the Lord on that occasion. After 20 years he returned to the same place with a multitude as a fulfillment of the covenant, which he acknowledged was the direct blessing of heaven upon him; and then the covenant was renewed between him and the Lord, and while this was going on between Jacob and the Lord, while Jacob was receiving blessings which were endless in their nature, the world of mankind, with all their love of pleasures, were hastening their own destruction. To the Israel of the latter-days was given the hearts to understand, and power to abide in the bonds of the everlasting covenant; and so sure as we are of his lineage, so sure will the God of Israel make us the saviors of men, as Joseph became the savior of his father’s house.
expressed pleasure in being present on this conference occasion. It was thought in olden days by women that if they had a husband or sons worthy to be in the congregations of the Lord, they were greatly honored. How much more honored were we in being allowed to take part in administering the affairs of the Church and kingdom of God! How great the honor, too, was conferred upon us in being able with assurance upon us in being able with assurance to approach God as our Father in the way pointed out by Him to approach the throne of grace! The Gospel required sacrifice. Persecution was the lot of the faithful. The Prophet Joseph Smith, about four hours before his martyrdom, in answer to the question by Col. Markham, “What will be the result of this?” said that “if they slay me and the Twelve, while there is a man on the earth that is endowed with the Melchesidec Priesthood, and he is an honest man, and seeks the Lord, he would go forth and carry on the work until His kingdom was established. We see to-day the result of early persecutions. We were led by the power of God to this place, and have prospered, although men declared that we would starve and die in the Wilderness. Brother Orson Pratt covenanted with the Lord upon his arrival here on behalf of himself and the people, as an Apostle, that we would honor the Lord, keep the Sabbath day, pay the tenth of our increase, and build temples to the name of the Lord, because the Lord had delivered us out of the hands of our enemies. It was for us to remember the goodness of God to us, and the obligations we are under to him, and seek strength from heaven lest we, in our prosperity, forget the Lord. He testified to the establishment of the kingdom of God, and of the determination of the Lord to build it up despite the opposition of wicked men. The speaker referred to the dream of Jacob, who, upon awaking said: surely God was in this place but he knew it not; and to the covenant he entered into with the Lord on that occasion. After 20 years he returned to the same place with a multitude as a fulfillment of the covenant, which he acknowledged was the direct blessing of heaven upon him; and then the covenant was renewed between him and the Lord, and while this was going on between Jacob and the Lord, while Jacob was receiving blessings which were endless in their nature, the world of mankind, with all their love of pleasures, were hastening their own destruction. To the Israel of the latter-days was given the hearts to understand, and power to abide in the bonds of the everlasting covenant; and so sure as we are of his lineage, so sure will the God of Israel make us the saviors of men, as Joseph became the savior of his father’s house.
President Richards
made a few closing remarks. He spoke of the importance of the day we live in, and the serious obligations the Latter-day Saints are under. He warned the people against carelessness and covetousness, and allowing themselves to be absorbed in acquiring the things of the world. He declared it the duty of the Saints to use their riches to the upbuilding of the Lord’s work; and if a selfish desire blinded the eyes of the people to this fact the day would come when they would lose what had been entrusted to their care. In consequence of carelessness many evils existed in Zion, and the Lord through his servants was calling upon the people to repent. This duty was particularly incumbent upon the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops of wards, and the Lord would hold them accountable to see that iniquity was rooted out of Zion.
After singing and prayer conference adjourned till the following day at 10 o’clock.
made a few closing remarks. He spoke of the importance of the day we live in, and the serious obligations the Latter-day Saints are under. He warned the people against carelessness and covetousness, and allowing themselves to be absorbed in acquiring the things of the world. He declared it the duty of the Saints to use their riches to the upbuilding of the Lord’s work; and if a selfish desire blinded the eyes of the people to this fact the day would come when they would lose what had been entrusted to their care. In consequence of carelessness many evils existed in Zion, and the Lord through his servants was calling upon the people to repent. This duty was particularly incumbent upon the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops of wards, and the Lord would hold them accountable to see that iniquity was rooted out of Zion.
After singing and prayer conference adjourned till the following day at 10 o’clock.
Third Day. Oct. 8, 1886. 10 a.m.
Conference re-assembled this morning, the choir singing the hymn: Zion stands with hills surrounded.
Prayer by Elder John R. Murdock.
Singing by the choir:
Let those who would be Saints indeed,
Fear not what others do.
Conference re-assembled this morning, the choir singing the hymn: Zion stands with hills surrounded.
Prayer by Elder John R. Murdock.
Singing by the choir:
Let those who would be Saints indeed,
Fear not what others do.
Elder John Henry Smith.
The subjects chiefly dwelt upon at this Conference had been those which pointed to self-improvement, with a view to our becoming acceptable as a people to God, that we might be worthy of his divine and when most needed. Our traditions and prejudices were such as to make it difficult for us to see and comprehend the principles of the Gospel as they exist in the bosom of God, our heavenly Father. Zion would consist of a pure people; a people who had learned to withstand temptation, and cleave to the law of God as He had revealed it in our day. The law in the commencement was that man should multiply and replenish the earth; and while He had placed a premium on lawful wedlock, His curse followed those who committed sexual crimes. Forbidding to marry had been declared a doctrine of devils, because in that was cunningly concealed a snare that would almost inevitably lead a fallen world into the meshes of iniquity, involving destruction and death. The bonds of matrimony were such that naught but criminal violation of the marriage covenant could break them, when the contracting parties were pure before God. The laws of God with regard to personal purity could not be broken with impunity; and upon a rigid observance of them depended our strength and standing before God and the world. This, he said, was a delicate subject to treat upon, yet its importance could not be denied. The speaker then spoke of the duty of parents to win the confidence of their children, and of teaching them the necessity of their observing the laws of life. The revelations of God were plain upon this duty of parents in Zion. The speaker felt that this teaching was applicable to the fathers and mothers in Israel, and that a due diligence in pursuing a proper course toward their children alone could render them free from the condemnation that attached to its non observance. God had given to us a knowledge of the higher law, and he who fell a prey to passion, to whom this law had come, would forever debase himself from the society of those who had kept the law of chastity In closing, the speaker urged upon parents to labor with their children and jealously watch them, and guard them from the power of destructive influences; that the faith of God may grow up in their hearts, that they with themselves may be worthy of a full salvation in the Kingdom of God.
The subjects chiefly dwelt upon at this Conference had been those which pointed to self-improvement, with a view to our becoming acceptable as a people to God, that we might be worthy of his divine and when most needed. Our traditions and prejudices were such as to make it difficult for us to see and comprehend the principles of the Gospel as they exist in the bosom of God, our heavenly Father. Zion would consist of a pure people; a people who had learned to withstand temptation, and cleave to the law of God as He had revealed it in our day. The law in the commencement was that man should multiply and replenish the earth; and while He had placed a premium on lawful wedlock, His curse followed those who committed sexual crimes. Forbidding to marry had been declared a doctrine of devils, because in that was cunningly concealed a snare that would almost inevitably lead a fallen world into the meshes of iniquity, involving destruction and death. The bonds of matrimony were such that naught but criminal violation of the marriage covenant could break them, when the contracting parties were pure before God. The laws of God with regard to personal purity could not be broken with impunity; and upon a rigid observance of them depended our strength and standing before God and the world. This, he said, was a delicate subject to treat upon, yet its importance could not be denied. The speaker then spoke of the duty of parents to win the confidence of their children, and of teaching them the necessity of their observing the laws of life. The revelations of God were plain upon this duty of parents in Zion. The speaker felt that this teaching was applicable to the fathers and mothers in Israel, and that a due diligence in pursuing a proper course toward their children alone could render them free from the condemnation that attached to its non observance. God had given to us a knowledge of the higher law, and he who fell a prey to passion, to whom this law had come, would forever debase himself from the society of those who had kept the law of chastity In closing, the speaker urged upon parents to labor with their children and jealously watch them, and guard them from the power of destructive influences; that the faith of God may grow up in their hearts, that they with themselves may be worthy of a full salvation in the Kingdom of God.
Elder Heber J. Grant
said he had listened with pleasure to what had been said at the Conference, and hoped that we would practice the same. It was not that which we heard, but that which we practiced that would benefit us. Many attended meetings thinking they were benefitted because they listened attentively; but such were mistaken if they did not reduce to practice what was taught them. The Gospel when practiced was calculated to make us perfect beings. If the naturally selfish would tithe themselves and donate liberally for charitable purposes, that weakness would be largely overcome. The work of self-improvement was the all-important one which when carried out effectually would prepare us to build up Zion in the way that God intends it should be. Some had allowed themselves to believe that the greatest of all gifts can be realized by them without meriting it. How inconsistent when it is remembered that there can be no excellence without labor; no good results without working to produce them. The revelations of God on this subject were that no blessing can be received unless the law upon which it is predicated is strictly honored, whether it be of a temporal or a spiritual character. It would be a waste of time to labor for and desire merely honor of men and the wealth of the world, as they are of a transitory nature. The speaker regretted that we cannot learn through the unpleasant experience of others, without having to suffer likewise; and reverted to the advice of the previous speaker with regard to the duties of parents to children. He had heard parents lament, when it was too late, of a lack of this duty. There could be no condition so painful as that which separated parents from children, and especially if this were brought about through negligence of parents in the performance of duty to their children. Condemnation came to us through our failing to live up to the light and knowledge that we possessed. He prayed that God would lead the Saints to do better in the future than they had in the past, and thus render themselves acceptable before Him.
said he had listened with pleasure to what had been said at the Conference, and hoped that we would practice the same. It was not that which we heard, but that which we practiced that would benefit us. Many attended meetings thinking they were benefitted because they listened attentively; but such were mistaken if they did not reduce to practice what was taught them. The Gospel when practiced was calculated to make us perfect beings. If the naturally selfish would tithe themselves and donate liberally for charitable purposes, that weakness would be largely overcome. The work of self-improvement was the all-important one which when carried out effectually would prepare us to build up Zion in the way that God intends it should be. Some had allowed themselves to believe that the greatest of all gifts can be realized by them without meriting it. How inconsistent when it is remembered that there can be no excellence without labor; no good results without working to produce them. The revelations of God on this subject were that no blessing can be received unless the law upon which it is predicated is strictly honored, whether it be of a temporal or a spiritual character. It would be a waste of time to labor for and desire merely honor of men and the wealth of the world, as they are of a transitory nature. The speaker regretted that we cannot learn through the unpleasant experience of others, without having to suffer likewise; and reverted to the advice of the previous speaker with regard to the duties of parents to children. He had heard parents lament, when it was too late, of a lack of this duty. There could be no condition so painful as that which separated parents from children, and especially if this were brought about through negligence of parents in the performance of duty to their children. Condemnation came to us through our failing to live up to the light and knowledge that we possessed. He prayed that God would lead the Saints to do better in the future than they had in the past, and thus render themselves acceptable before Him.
President Richards,
referring to the remarks of Brother John Henry Smith, said it was a subject of chief importance that we overcome the weakness of the flesh. The laws of God touching this subject came direct to us, and not through Moses and the prophets. This was a fundamental law by which our life’s conduct should be governed, upon the observance of which the future of Zion depended. The pure in heart were known of the Lord, and it was only a question of time for the brightness of all such, wherever they might be, to shine forth to be seen and admired of their fellows. The regeneration of the human race was involved in the practice of the laws of chastity, and it was for the Latter-day Saints to accomplish this great work by their commencing at home and among their immediate friends and acquaintances.
President Richards then announced that the Epistle of the First Presidency [which has already appeared in the News] would be partly read now, and the balance in the afternoon.
referring to the remarks of Brother John Henry Smith, said it was a subject of chief importance that we overcome the weakness of the flesh. The laws of God touching this subject came direct to us, and not through Moses and the prophets. This was a fundamental law by which our life’s conduct should be governed, upon the observance of which the future of Zion depended. The pure in heart were known of the Lord, and it was only a question of time for the brightness of all such, wherever they might be, to shine forth to be seen and admired of their fellows. The regeneration of the human race was involved in the practice of the laws of chastity, and it was for the Latter-day Saints to accomplish this great work by their commencing at home and among their immediate friends and acquaintances.
President Richards then announced that the Epistle of the First Presidency [which has already appeared in the News] would be partly read now, and the balance in the afternoon.
The reading of the Epistle was then commenced by Brother Heber M. Wells.
At 11.45 an adjournment was taken till 1.30 p.m.
The choir singing the anthem Jerusalem my glorious home.
Benediction by Elder J. F. Wells.
At 11.45 an adjournment was taken till 1.30 p.m.
The choir singing the anthem Jerusalem my glorious home.
Benediction by Elder J. F. Wells.
Afternoon Session. 2 p.m.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
The choir sang the hymn: May we who know the joyful sound.
Prayer by Bishop Jos. Kimball.
Singing:
He died the great Redeemer died,
And Israel’s daughters wept around.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
The choir sang the hymn: May we who know the joyful sound.
Prayer by Bishop Jos. Kimball.
Singing:
He died the great Redeemer died,
And Israel’s daughters wept around.
The Sacrament was administered and the authorities of the Church presented and unanimously sustained 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 and Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant and John W. Taylor, Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Counselors to the Twelve Apostles: John W. Young and D. H. Wells.
Patriarch to the Church, John Smith.
First seven Presidents of the Seventies, Henry Herriman, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates, Abram H. Cannon, Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted and John Morgan.
Wm. B. Preston as Presiding Bishop with Robert T. Burton as his First Counselor.
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.
Counselors to the Trustee-in-Trust: the Counselors to the President, the Twelve Apostles, their Counselors, and Bishop Wm. B. Preston.
Wilford Woodruff as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, with F. D. Richards as assistant.
Truman O. Angell, General Church Architect, and W. H. Folsom assistant.
Auditing Committee—Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards and Joseph F. Smith.
Clerk of Conference—John Nicholson. Geo. F. Gibbs Clerk pro tem.
Church Reporters—John Irvine and George F. Gibbs.
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 and Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant and John W. Taylor, Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Counselors to the Twelve Apostles: John W. Young and D. H. Wells.
Patriarch to the Church, John Smith.
First seven Presidents of the Seventies, Henry Herriman, Horace S. Eldredge, Jacob Gates, Abram H. Cannon, Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted and John Morgan.
Wm. B. Preston as Presiding Bishop with Robert T. Burton as his First Counselor.
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.
Counselors to the Trustee-in-Trust: the Counselors to the President, the Twelve Apostles, their Counselors, and Bishop Wm. B. Preston.
Wilford Woodruff as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, with F. D. Richards as assistant.
Truman O. Angell, General Church Architect, and W. H. Folsom assistant.
Auditing Committee—Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards and Joseph F. Smith.
Clerk of Conference—John Nicholson. Geo. F. Gibbs Clerk pro tem.
Church Reporters—John Irvine and George F. Gibbs.
The reading of the Epistle was completed by Brother Heber M. Wells, lasting one hour.
An Epistle of the First Presidency to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Six months have passed away since we last had the pleasure of addressing you through our General Epistle, and we find ourselves face to face with the Fifty-sixth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church in this dispensation. The past six months have been very fruitful in events in which all of us have been deeply interested. The season has been a healthful one; no sickness worthy of note has affected our people unpleasantly. The summer has been both unusually dry and hot, and many of the crops have not yielded as good a return as usual. Nevertheless our land is still filled with plenty, and man and beast have sufficient to supply their wants.
Persecution and its effects.
Our enemies during the past half year have not slackened their activity in the work of persecution. If there has been any difference, it has been pursued with greater vindictiveness and more flagrant disregard of law and justice than at any time previous. Those who have been compelled to endure the penalties inflicted upon them have submitted, in nearly every instance, with a cheerful equanimity and fortitude that must leave won the admiration of heaven and of all just men. That which has been accomplished furnishes but little cause for gratification to those who have been engaged in the inhuman task of persecuting a people for the practice of their religion. There have been but few persons in all who have been tried and convicted who have felt sufficiently terrified at the prospect of punishment to express a willingness to accept the rulings of the court instead of the law of God, as the guide for their consciences.
The faith of the Latter-day Saints seems to grow stronger from these efforts to destroy it; and men, women and children who have been living in the practice of the requirements of their religion feel more determined than ever to maintain their integrity and to do all that the Lord requires at their hands with cheerful willingness, whatever may be the consequences from a worldly point of view.
This persecution is not without its effects upon those who have made a pretense of being faithful members of the Church. Iniquity is being brought to light. The wrongdoer is being made to feel, in a most remarkable manner, that his sin will find him out; and the evidence that God is pleading with and awakening the consciences of those who have been living in sin is frequently furnished to us. There have been many violations of the law of God practiced among us which have been hidden from the public gaze. The trials through which we are passing have the effect of causing these evils to brought to light. It seems as though the Lord is tearing the covering, not only from the nations of the earth, but from the Latter-day Saints; and the time is not far distant—in fact, it has reached us already in part—when the sinner in Zion shall tremble, and fear shall seize upon the hypocrite.
The Purification of Zion.
So far as we can learn there is an increased disposition on the part of the faithful officers of the Church to do all in their power to cleanse the Wards and Stakes in their charge from those who will not conform to the requirements of the Gospel. Greater strictness is being shown, and the Saints who have the love of the truth within them feel that the time has come to put away their follies and their sins far from them and to conform to a higher standard of righteousness. The great, crying sin of this generation is lasciviousness in its various forms. Satan, knowing how powerful an agency this is in corrupting men and women, and in driving the Spirit from them, and bringing them under condemnation before the Lord, uses it to the greatest extent possible. It requires an incessant warfare to check its spread and to prevent the people of God from becoming its victims. No people who practice or countenance these sins can be accepted of the Lord or find favor in His sight. His anger will fall upon them unless they thoroughly and heartily repent of every such evil. When we take into consideration the teachings we have received upon this subject, the holy covenants into which we have entered, and the professions which we make, unchastity should have no existence among us. It is sorrowful to contemplate that Satan finds those among us who are willing to yield to his temptations, and thus bring misery upon themselves and all connected with them. We solemnly call, as we have done so often before, upon all the officers of the Church to set their faces like flint against practices of this character. Those who indulge in them must be dealt with according to the laws of God, and they must be made to feel that if they do indulge in this wickedness they cannot have the fellowship of the Saints nor a standing in the Church of Christ. If men and women would only profit by the experience of those who have fallen, they would resist the allurements of sin and walk in the path of righteousness. “The wages of sin is death.” The misery which it brings upon the guilty, and upon all connected with them, furnishes some idea of the dreadful condition of the wicked who die in their sins and do not obtain the forgiveness of their God. O! that men and women could be warned, and that they would turn to the Lord and seek unto Him, humble themselves before Him, put away their sins, and obtain His Holy Spirit to be their guide and their companion, then no matter what the circumstances might be in which they were placed, they would have the peace of heaven, the joy of the Holy Ghost, and a conscience void of offence towards God and man! And this is the condition in which every Latter-day Saint should live.
Prophecy Fulfilled by the Situation.
The circumstances which surround us, though in many respects painful and trying, are not such as to discourage the faithful Saint. We have been taught to expect just such scenes as these through which we are passing, or, at least, just such opposition as we now have to contend with. What we now behold is in direct fulfilment of the predictions of God’s servants to us in this generation, and unless these events take place His word could not be fulfilled.
Not only have the Prophets in our day spoken about the events which should take place in connection with the latter-day work and the opposition it would have to contend with, but the Prophets of old foretold with accuracy and minuteness that the people of God should be few and their dominions should be small, because of the wickedness of the “the great whore” which should make war against them. But notwithstanding that the multitudes of the earth should fight against the Church of the Lamb of God, the power of God would descend upon the Saints and upon His covenant people; and they should be harmed with righteousness and with the power of God and great glory. The scenes in which we are now taking part were known to men of God by the spirit of revelation, thousands of years ago. But while they predicted the troubles and difficulties with which the people of God would have to contend in the last days, in every instance they broke out in language of encouragement respecting the result of the struggle and predicted the complete triumph of God’s kingdom over all the opposing powers of evil. Therefore, in this contest which is forced upon us we do not wage a defense that is hopeless. The God of heaven is on our side. He has made promises to Zion which cannot fail. He is mightier than all of earth’s hosts, and by His wonderful providence can bring to pass, in His own way, the fulfilment of all the words of His inspired servants. Upon this foundation we can rest secure. No weapon that is formed against Zion can prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against her in judgment shall be condemned. Our enemies gloat over the prospect of our destruction. Even those who feel inclined to be friendly can see no prospect for our deliverance except by the abandonment of our religion. But it is better for us to die than to abandon our God! We cannot do this without throwing away all hope respecting the future and the great eternity that awaits us. We know that there is no faithful Latter-day Saint who feels for one moment like yielding to the demands of the wicked. Our religion is given to us from our God. We have received it by the revelations of Jesus to us. When all the world was in darkness and struggling and contending about doctrines and ordinances, He condescended to restore the Everlasting Priesthood from the heavens and His Gospel in its purity and fulness and power. We were left no longer to grope in the dark and to follow the traditions of our fathers or the false teachings of uninspired men. The path of salvation was plainly marked before us, confirmed to us by the unerring testimony of God’s Holy Spirit. Our souls, in walking in that path, have been filled with ineffable joy and peace. While others who have rejected the truth have been apprehensive and fearful concerning the events that were taking place and that were likely to take place, we have had a peace, a satisfaction of mind, and a contentment that have made our position unique. God has given unto us the fruits of His Gospel in great abundance. We behold them in our family organizations. We behold them in our Wards, and in our Stakes, and in our entire Church. His blessing has visibly rested upon us, and His power has been displayed in our behalf. Every faithful Latter-day Saint has rejoiced in the abundance of the gifts of the Spirit which He has bestowed; and no promise that was made to the ancient Saints, or that has been made to us, upon the condition of our faithfully obeying the Gospel, has been withheld from us. We have been a people greatly blessed of the Lord, and our hearts should swell with gratitude and thanksgiving to our God for His abundant mercies.
Should Bear Each Others Burdens
We again call upon the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops of Wards to look carefully after the wants of all who are within their jurisdiction and stand in need of assistance. Especially should the families of those who are in prison, or who have been compelled to flee, or who are upon missions, be tenderly cared for. They need both aid and sympathy. Those upon whom the heavy hand of persecution does not personally rest should be willing to share the burdens of their afflicted brethren and sisters, by contributing to the comfort and sustenance of those who are deprived of the society and guidance of husbands and fathers for righteousness’ sake. By so doing they will lay up treasures in heaven, and share the reward for these trials. The weight of this persecution falls upon the women and children. Deprived of the presence and support of their husbands and fathers, upon whom they have been accustomed to rely, they are comparatively helpless and naturally a prey to deep anxiety. The care and training of the children thus bereaved devolves upon their mothers, whose burden is made doubly heavy to bear. The Teachers should be particularly diligent in visiting such families, and in watching over their welfare. Thus the hands of the mothers should be strengthened, the young encouraged, the wayward admonished, and the heroic example of the heads of those households held up for admiration; and everything possible should be done to make their situation tolerable and pleasant. In this way we can bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ, and witness to our God and to the world, that though we may not personally suffer persecution, our sympathy and faith are with those who are afflicted for adherence to their religion, and that we are ready and willing to do our part and manifest our devotion to the cause of Christ.
Judicial Perversion and Oppression.
The District Courts of Utah still pursue their extreme, vindictive and unrelenting course. The law is perverted, not justly administered; the object appears to be, not the maintenance of social purity nor the rectification of alleged evil, but the oppression and distress of individuals because of their religious position. The Latter-day Saints are under the most sacred obligations to do the will of God. At the same time they wish to obey every valid law of the land. But by the strained interpretation and the unwarrantable application of the Edmunds Act, men are made offenders because of their religious scruples, and rendered criminals when they are not fairly amendable to the law. Defendants who, according to the evidence, have only lived with one wife, are “presumed” to have cohabited with another wife, and thus are convicted of “cohabiting with more than one women,” when the presumption is obliterated by the proof.
In other cases when parties, in their desire to observe the requirements of the Edmunds Act, have privately agreed to the voluntary relinquishment of association as husband and wife, the husband has not escaped the vengeance of the law. Though there are numbers of instances where such parties have honestly endeavored to live within the law, yet whenever indictments have been found, husbands have almost invariably been convicted and sentenced to the full penalties of fine and imprisonment. We take this opportunity of recording our high appreciation of the spirit of self sacrifice which has been manifested by our sisters throughout the entire crusade. They have shown a fortitude, a courage, a devotion and love which must be the admiration of posterity. They have not faltered in their devotion to the principles of righteousness, have not shrunk from the consequences attending obedience to God’s law, and have been a source of strength and encouragement to their sons, their husbands and their fathers. There are numerous instances which have come to our knowledge of wives offering to make the most heroic sacrifices to save their husbands from the penalties of the law.
Contrary to the jurisprudence of centuries, legal wives are compelled under threats of imprisonment, to testify against their lawful husbands and disclose family secrets that should never be bared to the public eye. This is a gross violation of the law under which they act, and oppose to recognized public polity and family rights. And by the system of “segregation” an offense which, according to the law, is punishable at the utmost extent by six months’ imprisonment and a fine of $300 is multiplied into many offenses and the full sentence inflicted for each fraction of that offense.
The plan of finding several indictments for the one offense have been discarded and the scheme adopted of making several counts in the one indictment. The number of these counts is not regulated by law, but is left to the arbitrary disposition of a grand jury selected from the class in hostility to the defendants, and usually subject and pliant to the will of an extremely bitter and unscrupulous Prosecuting Attorney. The petit juries empaneled for the trial of persons thus indicted, are also picked out for their known antagonism to the society to which the accused belong. And in almost every instance they find verdicts as requested by the Prosecuting Attorney, oblivious of the exculpatory portions of the evidence. Juries are thus selected, not only for the trial of cases under the Edmunds law, which permits challenges of “Mormons,” but by the open venire process strong anti-“Mormon” are chosen to try “Mormons” accused of offenses not included in the Edmunds act, and thus again is the law perverted and prostituted to work oppression and injustice. The Courts, as a rule, decide on questions of law and procedure as desired by the District Attorney and ignore the request of defendant’s counsel for legal instructions to the trial jury. Thus the victims marked for the sacrifice on the altar of hate, are, humanly speaking, entirely at the mercy of their persecutors.
Another new step in the progress of this iniquity is the rule, recently enforced, of compelling persons charged with violations of the Edmunds act to plead guilty or else have their families forced upon the witness stand, to be plied with shameful questions concerning the most private acts and relations of their husbands and fathers. Children of tender years are compelled to give evidence on subject unsuited to their immature minds, and to become the instruments of their parents’ incarceration. Formerly defendants were permitted to plead not guilty and then go upon the stand and testify against themselves, declaring the facts and leaving the result with the jury and the court. By this means a conscientious man who did not consider himself guilty of crime, could explain his position, and meet the issue without doing violence to his convictions. But this poor consolation is now denied by the malevolent District Attorney. The unfortunate defendant must do violence to some extent to his conscience by pleading guilty, or suffer the anguish of witnessing the tortures of his wives and children when subject to the legal rack of a brutal cross-examination, in which no regard is shown for a wife’s affection or a daughter’s love, the sensitive shrinking of a virtuous woman from exposure of her marital associations, or a child’s tearful aversion to disclosing the secrets of home for the conviction of a father. Such proceedings prove that the object is not the vindication of the law but the promotion of human suffering, providing the victims are members of the “Mormon” Church. Many of the objects of this malevolence are aged men who have passed the allotted three score years and ten, who have contracted no new marital obligations, but are engaged in caring for their families as honor and righteousness dictate. The heartless severity with which such defendants are pursued is, also evidence that the object is not the public benefit but the wreaking of vengeance upon members of a Church.
Another indignity which has been heaped upon the heads of Latter-day Saints in the charge of perjury which the reckless District Attorney has publicly but not legally made. Witnesses who have been compelled to testify against their dearest friends, when answering “I do not know,” to questions concerning matters of which they were not cognizant, have been insulted and abused and branded with perjury. All evidence they disclose which suits him he uses as undeniable truth before a commissioner or a jury but everything elicited from the same witnesses that does not suit his purpose he denounces as perjury. And he has the hardihood to claim that this crime is taught and encouraged by the “Mormon” Church. The refutation of this atrocious calumny is found in the standards of Church doctrine, and in the fact that the brethren who are now lingering in prison for declining to repudiate their wives, have been sent there, in nearly every instance, through their own testimony or the testimony of their families. And it is well known that every one of them could have escaped the penalties of the law if they would but promise to obey the law, in future, as construed by the courts. It would have been easy to make the promise and avoid imprisonment. But their regard for their word was such that they would not make a promise which they did not intend to keep, so they accepted a loathsome prison and pecuniary loss in preference to the appearance of falsehood. It may seem to those who do not understand the situation that the requirement of future obedience to the law is but reasonable and that every good citizen should make this agreement. But an explanation of the facts will speedily dissipate this conclusion. Obedience to the law as construed by the courts, would be difficult of comprehension if the numerous and diverse definition of the law were considered. But according to the latest rulings, a promise to obey the law signifies an agreement to violate the most solemn covenants of marital fidelity that mortals can make with each other and their God. It means the utter repudiation of loving wives and the separation either of the father and some of his children or of the mother and her children. It is a promise not to visit, go to the same place of worship or amusement, or recognize, associate with, or even call on when sick or dying, or when her child is sick or dying, the plural wife who has been faithful in all things. It means dishonor, treachery, cruelty and cowardice. It places not the law but a gross and wicked perversion of the law, above the revealed will of God and the noblest promptings of the human heart. It is a promise that no true Latter-day Saint can make and that no humane being would demand.
Thus the legal difficulties that surround the Saints are not so much the effects of a special and partial law aimed at a feature of their religion as of the wicked and absurd constructions of that law and its improper and unprecedented administration, prompted by malice, inspired by Satan and intended to crush out a system of religion which cannot be overcome by truth, reason and the agencies of enlightened humanity.
Retaliation Depreciated.
Before leaving this uninviting subject we desire to say to the Latter-day Saints, that though we are suffering so acutely from the inhumanity of our fellow men, we must not descend in the slightest degree to acts that would savor of retaliation, or in the least seek to curtail any man in his individual rights. We wish it fully understood by the Saints and by all the world that we have a profound respect for all wholesome and constitutional laws. We are the firm and unequivocal advocates of law and order, and of every principle associated with human freedom, and though we regard the Edmunds Act, in its provisions and its administration, as ex post facto, cruel, oppressive and unconstitutional, yet we are not contending against it in our own interests alone, but we are also fighting the battle of civil and religious liberty, and of freedom of conscience in behalf of our common humanity and in the interest of every people. We feel assured that, as the founding of these United States formed an epoch in the history of human liberty, so this action of ours will have due weight in restraining the tendency to intolerance and oppression that to-day uprears its head to stay the progress of human freedom. We say, as Elder Parley P. Pratt very forcibly expresses it in one of his poetical effusions:
“Come ye Christian sects, and Pagan,
Pope and Protestant and Priest,
Worshippers of God or Dagon,
Come ye to fair freedom’s feast.
Come ye sons of doubt and wonder--
Indian, Moslem, Greek and Jew,
All your shackles burst asunder;
Freedom’s banner waves for you.”
The Refuge of Lies.
Probably at no period in the world’s history has Satan had such power over the hearts of the children of men as he appears to wield at the present. He has flooded the earth with lies, endeavoring by means of these deceptions to retard the work of God, to destroy its influence, and to make victims of its believers, especially those who have the authority to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. A more striking illustration of his power in this respect has not been furnished us than was witnessed at the meetings which were attended by some of the members of the Grand Army of the Republic who were passing through here. It would be incredible to believe that people could be so deceived by the false statements which were made to them by our enemies who reside here, had it not been witnessed. The most abominable falsehoods, which could be disproved with the greatest ease, were told with an unblushing effrontery that was Satanic; and though many of the visitors had opportunities of seeing for themselves, and of mingling with the people, some went away fully imbued with the idea that the Latter-day Saints ought to be exterminated from the face of the earth. But to the credit of humanity be it said, others became thoroughly disgusted with the proceedings, and denounced unsparingly the folly and wrong of condemning a people affording so many evidences of the qualities that go to make excellent citizens, from the one-side statements of their avowed enemies.
The course of the former class is an illustration of the malignant power of falsehood wielded by Satan in other directions and places. If lies could overwhelm the work of God, we should be completely crushed under their weight. It is this great influence upon which Satan depends to thwart the purposes of God and check the spread of truth; and, unfortunately for the world, it appears willing to drink in his spirit and to believe his fabrications. It is this that arouses mobs and causes them to indulge in acts of violence and hostility against unoffending servants of God, and that has incited them to shed the blood of innocent men in the most cruel and barbarous manner.
By means of this incessant stream of falsehood which is continually being sent forth, the rulers of our nation are urged to adopt the most extreme measures against us. It appears vain to point to our works, to show what we have done in reclaiming this land from its original sterility, and building up a grand commonwealth in these mountains—a commonwealth rich in all the elements of greatness, lightly taxed, free from debt, with peace and union prevailing to an unparalleled extent throughout all these mountains where Latter-day Saints reside. It is in vain that we point to our frugality, our temperance, our comparative freedom from crime, and the peace and good order which exist wherever we are in the majority. All these evidences of thrift and virtue go for nothing, and the National Legislature feels that it is under the necessity of devising schemes to take away from us the rights we have inherited, and which belong to us as a free people, and to bring us into bondage to those who malign us, and who would take delight in destroying us.
Efforts to Procure Proscriptive Legislation.
Every effort possible was made during this last session of Congress to secure legislation of the most proscriptive and sweeping character against the Latter-day Saints. Not only was it the design to reach persons who believed in and practiced plural marriage, but our enemies went so far as to propose the complete annihilation of every political right belonging to those who were free from the charge of polygamy, and whose only crime was that they were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Congress adjourned without acting upon this measure. Already we hear the notes of preparation for a renewal of the campaign against us. Filled with anger at their non-success at the last session, our opponents are preparing for the onslaught at the coming session of Congress, and we are threatened with vengeance of the most dreadful description.
But in this, as in all other circumstances and conditions, our trust is in God. This is His work. He has thus far taken care of it and preserved it, and has delivered us from the many plots which have been framed against us. It has progressed thus far only by His power, and not by the power of man. Whatever glory there is connected with the establishment and progress of this great work is due entirely to Him. Man’s wisdom, education, shrewdness, wealth and ability have not been the factors that have produced success; but it has been the blessing, the power, and the overruling providence of our God. We have had to trust in the past in the midst of unnumbered foes; we must trust Him in the future against the terrible odds that are pitted against His work and His Gospel. We know, and can boldly testify to the Latter-day Saints, and to the whole world, that the Lord hath founded Zion, and that no power beneath the Celestial Kingdom can prevail against it.
But those who fight against it will share the fate of all who have ever fought against it. Who is there that has prospered in his warfare against Zion? Who can point to the laurels which have been won in fighting the work of God? What man or what nation has gained credit and glory in the earth for successes achieved over the feeble Latter-day Saints? We have seen generation after generation of our opposers pass, one after another, into cold oblivion. They have strutted their brief hour upon the stage, appearing to think that they were accomplishing wonders. But they have passed away, and the memory of their deeds only lives in our historical archives. So it will be with those who now occupy so large a portion of public attention as crusaders against the Saints, and who imagine themselves to be such doughty heroes.
The Spirit of Scandal.
Not only has Satan sent forth his lies outside our society, but he uses his influence in this direction among us. The tendency in our settlements and cities to listen to and believe in every wild and slanderous rumor which may be put in circulation is to be deeply deplored. No matter how unfounded and destitute of even the semblance of truth such reports may be, there are those among us so silly and credulous as to readily believe them. The injury that is thus wrought is not easily measured. Many of the evils from which we have suffered have been greatly aggravated by this disposition on the part of some who call themselves Latter-day Saints. The man who frames a lie is a great sinner; but the one who loves a lie, and who circulates a lie after it is told, is also under condemnation. Many stories go from mouth to mouth concerning the truth of which those who repeat them know nothing. But it seems as though the constant repetition of a falsehood impresses many people as though it were a fact. Where Latter-day Saints, so-called, are found telling that which is untrue, they should be called to an account. It is written that whosever loveth and maketh a lie shall not be permitted to enter into the Holy City, nor to have a right to the tree of life, but they are to be without, with dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers and idolaters. The Lord has said, “He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.” Latter-day Saints should be warned upon these points that they may not grieve the Spirit of the Lord, nor do injury to their friends and neighbors, by indulging in this pernicious habit of repeating and attaching credence to every slander and false rumor that may be put in circulation. But every one should be careful, when they hear a story about their brethren and sisters to refrain from repeating it until they know it to be true, and then not to do so in a way to injure the person about whom it is told. The reputation of our neighbors and the members of our Church should be as dear to us as our own, and we should carefully avoid doing anything to another or saying anything to another that we would not wish to be done or said about ourselves. We testify that those who give way to this influence, who take delight in reading lies which are published about us in papers circulated in our midst or outside of our Territory, who delight in listening to the false and malicious representations which are made concerning the servants and people of God or His work, or who themselves gossip about and aid in the dissemination of these things to the injury of their fellows, will, unless they speedily repent, lose the Spirit of God and the power to discern between truth and falsehood, and between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Their own minds will become so darkened by the spirit of falsehood that the Spirit of God will cease to have power with them and will flee from them.
Sabbath-Breaking and Recreation Mania.
Among the sins unto which some who are called Saints have been betrayed is Sabbath-breaking and over indulgence in useless pleasure. “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” But it is the Lord’s day and should be spent as he directs. We are not left to the doubts and queries which enter into the polemics of sectaries on this important matter. We have the word of the Lord upon it, direct. He has declared to us through His Prophet:
“And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”
“And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and pay thy devotions to the Most High;
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
But remember that on this the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblation and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.
And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.”
These commandments of the Lord do not admit of Sunday excursions to the lake or the cañons or other places any more than manual labor. That day will be held sacred to the service and worship of God by every true Latter-day Saint. Those who desecrate it reject the word of the Lord and will not be held guiltless. We admonish all members of the Church to obey this commandment and the officers of the Church to see that it is not broken with impunity.
The mania for recreations of various kinds which has seized upon many of the people is harmful in several ways. It unfits them for the regular duties of life. It renders them restless and impatient of proper restraint. It obstructs business. It tends to contract habits of dissipation. It throws our young folks into the company of persons whose society should be shunned. It cultivates worldliness. It conduces to many evils, and the spirit of purity, temperance, holiness and peace will not abide in resorts such as have been established for the purpose of enticing Saints into folly. Many thousands of dollars have been worse than wasted during the past summer on excessive amusements and sometimes unseemly diversions. The influential men and women of the Church should discountenance this Church should discountenance this evil, and with all wisdom and prudence endeavor to check it and prevent its increase among the Saints.
We have no disposition to deprive either young or old to proper amusement. It is necessary to perfect health and rational enjoyment. It should be provided by those who have the watchcare of the people, especially for the young, and conducted without sinfulness and without excess. But in these times of trial and distress to many, is it seemly to indulge in frequent and hilarious junketings and to act as though we disregarded the afflictions of our brethren and sisters who are placed in difficulty and jeopardy? When most of our leaders are in exile, when good men are thrust into prison, when many families are plunged into grief at the enforced absence of those who are dear to them, when the cords of oppression are being drawn more tightly and the small liberties remaining to us are being gradually taken away, when our enemies are forging fetters for our feet and planning for our utter destruction, and when Satan is working with all his forces to weaken our ranks by leading the Saints into sin, is it a time to waste our days in useless pleasure and spend our nights in noisy revels? Rather, should we not humble ourselves before the Lord and seek by faith and devotion to good works to obtain power that we may prevail against our foes? We do not believe in long-faced sadness or the piety that consists in a sanctified appearance. There is no need for drooping heads or a sad countenance. A cheerful spirit should be cultivated and hearts should be gladdened by words of cheer. But these are serious times and the sorrows of the afflicted and the carousings of the thoughtless seem utterly incongruous when all profess to be brethren and sisters. Let unseemly levity be abandoned and let the solemnities of eternity rest down upon those who are called the Saints of the Most High God.
Sacred Vicarious Work.
Notwithstanding the violent and unabating opposition which is arrayed against us the work of ministering in the ordinances of the Lord’s House continues, and the blessing of the Heavens still follows these administrations. As we have so long expected and so frequently been warned, Satan rages as he views his domain trenched upon, his captives delivered, and the souls of men wrenched from his grasp by the labors of the living for the dead in and through those sacred ordinances that belong alone to the Gospel of the Son of God, administered in holy places by His chosen servants and handmaidens. And it must not surprise us if the rage of the arch-enemy of mankind increases and his emissaries grow more relentless and cruel, more brutal and inhuman in their efforts to stay this work, as the number of temples increases and the thousands of Israel go in thereto to minister the ordinances of salvation for their ancestors and departed friend. We further rejoice that the work of erecting the Salt Lake and Manti Temples goes steadily forward, and that the latter is nearing its completion with all the rapidity that could reasonably be expected when we consider the condition of the Church and the people and the difficulties under which they labor.
Training the Young.
It is pleasing to notice the increased feeling of anxiety on the part of the Saints to have their children educated in schools where the doctrines of the Gospel and the precious records which God has given us can be taught and read. Our children should be indoctrinated in the principles of the Gospel from their earliest childhood. They should be made familiar with the contents of the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. These should be their chief text books, and everything should be done to establish and promote in their hearts genuine faith in God, in His Gospel and its ordinances, and in His works. But under our common school system this is not possible. In Salt Lake City, we understand, an effort is now being made to establish a school of this character, and, we are informed, the prospect for its success if very encouraging. The Brigham Young Academy, at Provo and the Brigham Young College, at Logan, are both doing excellent work in this direction and should be patronized and sustained by the Latter-day Saints. In no direction can we invest the means God has given us to better advantage than in the training of our children in the principles of righteousness and in laying the foundation in their hearts of that pure faith which is restored to the earth. We would like to see schools of this character, independent of the District School system, started in all places where it is possible.
Sacredness of the Family Relation.
The life of a saint is not simply a personal perfecting, it is also a factor in the entire scheme of earth’s redemption. No one can be saved alone, by himself or herself, unassisted by or unassisting others. The weight of our influence must be either for good or harm, be an aid or an injury to the work of human regeneration, and as we assume responsibilities, form ties, enter into covenants, beget children, accumulate families, so does the weight of our influence increase, so does its extent broaden and deepen. The Scriptures inform us that God created this earth as a habitation for man and he placed man on it that he might have joy, a joy that is to be eternal. To accomplish these purposes, the preparatory one of people the earth, and the ultimate one of man’s eternal happiness, He, the Creator, established marriage, and commanded those he first placed here on earth to be fruitful and multiply. This institution he regulated by strict laws given through his servants to His people in their various dispensation; and His Son, our Savior, emphasized these commandments by most unequivocal teachings with regard to the sacredness of the marriage covenant, and of the sinfulness of divorce for other than the most grave departures from the spirit and intent of that covenant. In this is wisdom, for the experience of the world, in all its ages, proves that where lax ideas exist with regard to marriage and divorce, more especially where those ideas find expression in lax legislation there we discover peoples and nations whose code of morals is inferior, and where sexual irregularities and sins increase, until that righteousness, which has been so truthfully said “exalteth a nation,” ceases to have an existence in their midst. To a people who believe as we do, that true marriage was divinely instituted for the multiplication of mankind, and is not a union for time alone, but reaches into the eternities, the disruption of families by divorce is an evil of no ordinary character, not only bearing a harvest of sorrow and suffering in this life, but also having a far reaching influence into the world beyond the grave, and possibly involving others in the ruin who had no voice in the separation or power to avert its occurrence. For this reason the Latter-day Saints of all people should be most loath to sunder sacred ties once formed, and most determinedly opposed to the severance of unions made in holy places in God’s appointed way, for light and trivial causes; and the efforts of Teachers and Bishops in their labors amongst families where differences, attention or quarrels exist, should always be to effect reconciliation, promote union, inspire mutual forbearance and increase love. Only when every kindly counsel and ministration fall should that last resort, a divorce, be permitted. And in such cases those who have received of the sealing power of the Church should also be separated by the same authority that bound them together; until this is done new alliances are sinful.
Self-Murder Denounced.
There is another evil that is growing amongst the peoples of the world that is not unfelt amidst the Latter-day Saints. It is the crime of self-murder. Suicide should be made odious among the people of God, it should be emphasized as a deadly sin, and no undue feelings of tenderness towards the unfortunate dead, or of sympathy towards the living bereaved, should prevent us denouncing it as a crime against God and humanity, against the Creator and the creature. It is true that the exact enormity of the act is not defined with minute detail in the Holy Scriptures, or the limits of its punishment given; but to believers in the God whom we worship it has always been regarded as a sin of great magnitude; and in many countries especial pains have been taken to discourage it, by refusal to bury in consecrated ground, by indignities offered to the lifeless remains, or by such lack of funeral observances as would produce a peculiar and horrifying effect upon the survivors. Now, while not advocating measure of this description, we do not think that the same laudations and panegyrics should be pronounced over the self-murderer as are so freely uttered over the faithful Saint who has gone to his eternal rest. There is a difference in their death, and that difference should be impressed upon the living, unless the deceased, at the time of the rash act, was in such a mental condition as not to be wholly responsible for his actions; but again, if this condition be the result of sin, of departure from God’s laws, then the unfortunate one, like the inebriate, is not altogether free from the responsibility of acts committed while in this state of mental derangement; if he is not censurable for the act itself, he is for the causes that induced it. In such cases the mantle of charity must not be stretched so widely, in our desire to protect our erring friends, as to reflect dishonor on the work of God, or contempt for the principles of the everlasting Gospel. There is an unfortunate tendency in the natures of many to palliate sins by which they are not personally injured, but we must not forget that such palliation frequently increases the original wrong, and brings discredit on the Church and dishonor to the name and work of our blessed Redeemer; in other words, to save the feelings of our friends we are willing to crucify afresh the Lord of life and glory.
Missionary Operations.
The reports of our Elders engaged in missionary labors in foreign lands are far from discouraging, when we consider the tempest of misrepresentation and abuse that has flooded the lands of civilization with regard to ourselves, our objects and our methods of evangelization, as well as the prejudices that have to be overcome and the persecution which has to be met by those who have sufficient moral courage and stamina to obey so unpopular a doctrine as the fullness of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet were the results even less encouraging than they are, we have still imposed upon us the duty of warning the peoples of the earth of the judgments of Almighty God, which in his own due time must surely come. The divine injunction given to the servants of God in former dispensations and reaffirmed in this, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature,” has never been abrogated nor annulled; and our duty to carry the Gospel’s warning voice to all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples, to the Gentiles first and then to the House of Israel, still remains unchanged.
Prominent Brethren.
President Woodruff and the members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles still continue in the active performance of the duties appertaining to their Priesthood and calling, occasionally hampered, it may be, in certain directions by the unrelenting attacks of our persecutors. Almost without exception they have enjoyed good health, while the more aged ones, including Elder Lorenzo Snow, in prison, have been blessed with a vigor and with powers of endurance remarkable for men of their years. Brother Lorenzo Snow bears his unjust imprisonment with much fortitude and patience and is a source of great comfort and strength to his fellow-prisoners, deprived of liberty for their obedience to the requirements of God’s law.
President Joseph F. Smith continues to send us words of faith and encouragement, of patience and brave endurance, and, so far as his position and surroundings will admit, he is zealously furthering the interests of God’s holy Church and Kingdom.
Miscellaneous Matters.
We hear favorable reports of the good done by our Sunday Schools, Primaries, Improvement Associations and Relief Societies, and we feel to abundantly bless the brethren and sisters who so diligently and faithfully labor therein for the instruction of our youth and the benefit of the poor. We desire to encourage all engaged in these duties to continue with unabated zeal and disinterestedness in these labors of love and mercy, that the institutions under their charge may rise to yet greater heights of excellence and usefulness, and the scope of their influence for good in the midst of the Saints continually increase, and upon parents we urge the wisdom and desirableness of fostering by their faith, influence and example these admirable institutions for the benefit of their children.
In consequence of the unusually dry summer the crops have not been so abundant as in some former seasons. Although the yield of wheat is comparatively small it commands but a low price in the market. Wisdom and economy suggest that our farmers should not be anxious to make immediate sales. Every kernel of wheat is precious. It should be stored carefully for future use, in such a manner as to preserve it from destructive insects and the action of the elements. The warnings which have been given to Israel on this point were not uttered in vain, as coming time will abundantly establish. Let no grain be wasted nor thrown heedlessly upon a depressed market to continue the depression and fritter away the fruits of arduous toil.
Preparations should be made for the proper care of stock during the approaching winter. Too many animals are permitted to perish for the lack of food and shelter. After the Lord has blessed the flocks and herds of His people, it is sinful to allow them to wander on the bleak prairies or snow-covered benches to die of cold or starvation. Unless provided with shelter from storm and inclement weather loose stock should be gathered up and sent to warmer localities for winter range.
The wool crop of the past season has been very large and sheep-owners have made fair profits on their products. But domestic economy recoils at the spectacle of 7,000,000 pounds of wool being shipped out of the Territory to be returned in the shape of inferior cloth, and be purchased at high prices by woolgrowers and others. Factories among our own people should utilize the whole of this product, employing hands that are now idle to manufacture honest goods, and thus retain in the Territory much money that goes to build up industries afar off. Our home factories are turning out most excellent articles at reasonable prices; these should be purchased in preference to foreign made goods, because they are more durable and because home industries ought to be patronized.
On the same principles and for the same reasons the hides and pelts which are now shipped away to be brought back manufactured into articles that can be made in this Territory, ought to be retained and worked up for home use. Factories for this purpose, carefully conducted, would soon return fair profits, while the whole community would share in the resultant benefits.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, we say to the Latter-day Saints: Put your trust in God, as you ever have done. He will not fail you. Continue to live in strict conformity to His Gospel. Humble yourselves before Him in mighty faith and prayer. Confess your sins one to another; and go to your God and confess to Him, and obtain His forgiveness therefor. Live in close communion with the Holy Ghost, that it may be your constant companion, and that through its heavenly influence you may be prepared for every coming event. The Lord is holding a controversy with the nations, and He has said “after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes.
And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea, heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” Already His words upon this subject are being fulfilled. The elements are joining their voices with the voices of His Elders in testimony of the near approach of the end. And woe! to the people or the nation that fight against Zion, for, as we have often had occasion to say, God will fight against them. His wrath will be poured out upon them. Babylon will fall, and the refuge of lies will be swept away; and truth and righteousness will cover the earth as with a flood, in fulfilment of the words of the Prophets. Greater signs will appear in the heavens above and on the earth beneath, bearing awful testimony of the near approach of that great day when our Redeemer will be revealed from heaven in power and in great glory.
With continued prayers for your safety, and for your prosperity in the work of God, and with the most earnest desires that every man, woman and child will be faithful to the trust which God has reposed in us, we remain
Your brethren and fellow servants,
John Taylor,
George Q. Cannon
Of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President’s Office.
October 6, 1886.
An Epistle of the First Presidency to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Six months have passed away since we last had the pleasure of addressing you through our General Epistle, and we find ourselves face to face with the Fifty-sixth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church in this dispensation. The past six months have been very fruitful in events in which all of us have been deeply interested. The season has been a healthful one; no sickness worthy of note has affected our people unpleasantly. The summer has been both unusually dry and hot, and many of the crops have not yielded as good a return as usual. Nevertheless our land is still filled with plenty, and man and beast have sufficient to supply their wants.
Persecution and its effects.
Our enemies during the past half year have not slackened their activity in the work of persecution. If there has been any difference, it has been pursued with greater vindictiveness and more flagrant disregard of law and justice than at any time previous. Those who have been compelled to endure the penalties inflicted upon them have submitted, in nearly every instance, with a cheerful equanimity and fortitude that must leave won the admiration of heaven and of all just men. That which has been accomplished furnishes but little cause for gratification to those who have been engaged in the inhuman task of persecuting a people for the practice of their religion. There have been but few persons in all who have been tried and convicted who have felt sufficiently terrified at the prospect of punishment to express a willingness to accept the rulings of the court instead of the law of God, as the guide for their consciences.
The faith of the Latter-day Saints seems to grow stronger from these efforts to destroy it; and men, women and children who have been living in the practice of the requirements of their religion feel more determined than ever to maintain their integrity and to do all that the Lord requires at their hands with cheerful willingness, whatever may be the consequences from a worldly point of view.
This persecution is not without its effects upon those who have made a pretense of being faithful members of the Church. Iniquity is being brought to light. The wrongdoer is being made to feel, in a most remarkable manner, that his sin will find him out; and the evidence that God is pleading with and awakening the consciences of those who have been living in sin is frequently furnished to us. There have been many violations of the law of God practiced among us which have been hidden from the public gaze. The trials through which we are passing have the effect of causing these evils to brought to light. It seems as though the Lord is tearing the covering, not only from the nations of the earth, but from the Latter-day Saints; and the time is not far distant—in fact, it has reached us already in part—when the sinner in Zion shall tremble, and fear shall seize upon the hypocrite.
The Purification of Zion.
So far as we can learn there is an increased disposition on the part of the faithful officers of the Church to do all in their power to cleanse the Wards and Stakes in their charge from those who will not conform to the requirements of the Gospel. Greater strictness is being shown, and the Saints who have the love of the truth within them feel that the time has come to put away their follies and their sins far from them and to conform to a higher standard of righteousness. The great, crying sin of this generation is lasciviousness in its various forms. Satan, knowing how powerful an agency this is in corrupting men and women, and in driving the Spirit from them, and bringing them under condemnation before the Lord, uses it to the greatest extent possible. It requires an incessant warfare to check its spread and to prevent the people of God from becoming its victims. No people who practice or countenance these sins can be accepted of the Lord or find favor in His sight. His anger will fall upon them unless they thoroughly and heartily repent of every such evil. When we take into consideration the teachings we have received upon this subject, the holy covenants into which we have entered, and the professions which we make, unchastity should have no existence among us. It is sorrowful to contemplate that Satan finds those among us who are willing to yield to his temptations, and thus bring misery upon themselves and all connected with them. We solemnly call, as we have done so often before, upon all the officers of the Church to set their faces like flint against practices of this character. Those who indulge in them must be dealt with according to the laws of God, and they must be made to feel that if they do indulge in this wickedness they cannot have the fellowship of the Saints nor a standing in the Church of Christ. If men and women would only profit by the experience of those who have fallen, they would resist the allurements of sin and walk in the path of righteousness. “The wages of sin is death.” The misery which it brings upon the guilty, and upon all connected with them, furnishes some idea of the dreadful condition of the wicked who die in their sins and do not obtain the forgiveness of their God. O! that men and women could be warned, and that they would turn to the Lord and seek unto Him, humble themselves before Him, put away their sins, and obtain His Holy Spirit to be their guide and their companion, then no matter what the circumstances might be in which they were placed, they would have the peace of heaven, the joy of the Holy Ghost, and a conscience void of offence towards God and man! And this is the condition in which every Latter-day Saint should live.
Prophecy Fulfilled by the Situation.
The circumstances which surround us, though in many respects painful and trying, are not such as to discourage the faithful Saint. We have been taught to expect just such scenes as these through which we are passing, or, at least, just such opposition as we now have to contend with. What we now behold is in direct fulfilment of the predictions of God’s servants to us in this generation, and unless these events take place His word could not be fulfilled.
Not only have the Prophets in our day spoken about the events which should take place in connection with the latter-day work and the opposition it would have to contend with, but the Prophets of old foretold with accuracy and minuteness that the people of God should be few and their dominions should be small, because of the wickedness of the “the great whore” which should make war against them. But notwithstanding that the multitudes of the earth should fight against the Church of the Lamb of God, the power of God would descend upon the Saints and upon His covenant people; and they should be harmed with righteousness and with the power of God and great glory. The scenes in which we are now taking part were known to men of God by the spirit of revelation, thousands of years ago. But while they predicted the troubles and difficulties with which the people of God would have to contend in the last days, in every instance they broke out in language of encouragement respecting the result of the struggle and predicted the complete triumph of God’s kingdom over all the opposing powers of evil. Therefore, in this contest which is forced upon us we do not wage a defense that is hopeless. The God of heaven is on our side. He has made promises to Zion which cannot fail. He is mightier than all of earth’s hosts, and by His wonderful providence can bring to pass, in His own way, the fulfilment of all the words of His inspired servants. Upon this foundation we can rest secure. No weapon that is formed against Zion can prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against her in judgment shall be condemned. Our enemies gloat over the prospect of our destruction. Even those who feel inclined to be friendly can see no prospect for our deliverance except by the abandonment of our religion. But it is better for us to die than to abandon our God! We cannot do this without throwing away all hope respecting the future and the great eternity that awaits us. We know that there is no faithful Latter-day Saint who feels for one moment like yielding to the demands of the wicked. Our religion is given to us from our God. We have received it by the revelations of Jesus to us. When all the world was in darkness and struggling and contending about doctrines and ordinances, He condescended to restore the Everlasting Priesthood from the heavens and His Gospel in its purity and fulness and power. We were left no longer to grope in the dark and to follow the traditions of our fathers or the false teachings of uninspired men. The path of salvation was plainly marked before us, confirmed to us by the unerring testimony of God’s Holy Spirit. Our souls, in walking in that path, have been filled with ineffable joy and peace. While others who have rejected the truth have been apprehensive and fearful concerning the events that were taking place and that were likely to take place, we have had a peace, a satisfaction of mind, and a contentment that have made our position unique. God has given unto us the fruits of His Gospel in great abundance. We behold them in our family organizations. We behold them in our Wards, and in our Stakes, and in our entire Church. His blessing has visibly rested upon us, and His power has been displayed in our behalf. Every faithful Latter-day Saint has rejoiced in the abundance of the gifts of the Spirit which He has bestowed; and no promise that was made to the ancient Saints, or that has been made to us, upon the condition of our faithfully obeying the Gospel, has been withheld from us. We have been a people greatly blessed of the Lord, and our hearts should swell with gratitude and thanksgiving to our God for His abundant mercies.
Should Bear Each Others Burdens
We again call upon the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops of Wards to look carefully after the wants of all who are within their jurisdiction and stand in need of assistance. Especially should the families of those who are in prison, or who have been compelled to flee, or who are upon missions, be tenderly cared for. They need both aid and sympathy. Those upon whom the heavy hand of persecution does not personally rest should be willing to share the burdens of their afflicted brethren and sisters, by contributing to the comfort and sustenance of those who are deprived of the society and guidance of husbands and fathers for righteousness’ sake. By so doing they will lay up treasures in heaven, and share the reward for these trials. The weight of this persecution falls upon the women and children. Deprived of the presence and support of their husbands and fathers, upon whom they have been accustomed to rely, they are comparatively helpless and naturally a prey to deep anxiety. The care and training of the children thus bereaved devolves upon their mothers, whose burden is made doubly heavy to bear. The Teachers should be particularly diligent in visiting such families, and in watching over their welfare. Thus the hands of the mothers should be strengthened, the young encouraged, the wayward admonished, and the heroic example of the heads of those households held up for admiration; and everything possible should be done to make their situation tolerable and pleasant. In this way we can bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ, and witness to our God and to the world, that though we may not personally suffer persecution, our sympathy and faith are with those who are afflicted for adherence to their religion, and that we are ready and willing to do our part and manifest our devotion to the cause of Christ.
Judicial Perversion and Oppression.
The District Courts of Utah still pursue their extreme, vindictive and unrelenting course. The law is perverted, not justly administered; the object appears to be, not the maintenance of social purity nor the rectification of alleged evil, but the oppression and distress of individuals because of their religious position. The Latter-day Saints are under the most sacred obligations to do the will of God. At the same time they wish to obey every valid law of the land. But by the strained interpretation and the unwarrantable application of the Edmunds Act, men are made offenders because of their religious scruples, and rendered criminals when they are not fairly amendable to the law. Defendants who, according to the evidence, have only lived with one wife, are “presumed” to have cohabited with another wife, and thus are convicted of “cohabiting with more than one women,” when the presumption is obliterated by the proof.
In other cases when parties, in their desire to observe the requirements of the Edmunds Act, have privately agreed to the voluntary relinquishment of association as husband and wife, the husband has not escaped the vengeance of the law. Though there are numbers of instances where such parties have honestly endeavored to live within the law, yet whenever indictments have been found, husbands have almost invariably been convicted and sentenced to the full penalties of fine and imprisonment. We take this opportunity of recording our high appreciation of the spirit of self sacrifice which has been manifested by our sisters throughout the entire crusade. They have shown a fortitude, a courage, a devotion and love which must be the admiration of posterity. They have not faltered in their devotion to the principles of righteousness, have not shrunk from the consequences attending obedience to God’s law, and have been a source of strength and encouragement to their sons, their husbands and their fathers. There are numerous instances which have come to our knowledge of wives offering to make the most heroic sacrifices to save their husbands from the penalties of the law.
Contrary to the jurisprudence of centuries, legal wives are compelled under threats of imprisonment, to testify against their lawful husbands and disclose family secrets that should never be bared to the public eye. This is a gross violation of the law under which they act, and oppose to recognized public polity and family rights. And by the system of “segregation” an offense which, according to the law, is punishable at the utmost extent by six months’ imprisonment and a fine of $300 is multiplied into many offenses and the full sentence inflicted for each fraction of that offense.
The plan of finding several indictments for the one offense have been discarded and the scheme adopted of making several counts in the one indictment. The number of these counts is not regulated by law, but is left to the arbitrary disposition of a grand jury selected from the class in hostility to the defendants, and usually subject and pliant to the will of an extremely bitter and unscrupulous Prosecuting Attorney. The petit juries empaneled for the trial of persons thus indicted, are also picked out for their known antagonism to the society to which the accused belong. And in almost every instance they find verdicts as requested by the Prosecuting Attorney, oblivious of the exculpatory portions of the evidence. Juries are thus selected, not only for the trial of cases under the Edmunds law, which permits challenges of “Mormons,” but by the open venire process strong anti-“Mormon” are chosen to try “Mormons” accused of offenses not included in the Edmunds act, and thus again is the law perverted and prostituted to work oppression and injustice. The Courts, as a rule, decide on questions of law and procedure as desired by the District Attorney and ignore the request of defendant’s counsel for legal instructions to the trial jury. Thus the victims marked for the sacrifice on the altar of hate, are, humanly speaking, entirely at the mercy of their persecutors.
Another new step in the progress of this iniquity is the rule, recently enforced, of compelling persons charged with violations of the Edmunds act to plead guilty or else have their families forced upon the witness stand, to be plied with shameful questions concerning the most private acts and relations of their husbands and fathers. Children of tender years are compelled to give evidence on subject unsuited to their immature minds, and to become the instruments of their parents’ incarceration. Formerly defendants were permitted to plead not guilty and then go upon the stand and testify against themselves, declaring the facts and leaving the result with the jury and the court. By this means a conscientious man who did not consider himself guilty of crime, could explain his position, and meet the issue without doing violence to his convictions. But this poor consolation is now denied by the malevolent District Attorney. The unfortunate defendant must do violence to some extent to his conscience by pleading guilty, or suffer the anguish of witnessing the tortures of his wives and children when subject to the legal rack of a brutal cross-examination, in which no regard is shown for a wife’s affection or a daughter’s love, the sensitive shrinking of a virtuous woman from exposure of her marital associations, or a child’s tearful aversion to disclosing the secrets of home for the conviction of a father. Such proceedings prove that the object is not the vindication of the law but the promotion of human suffering, providing the victims are members of the “Mormon” Church. Many of the objects of this malevolence are aged men who have passed the allotted three score years and ten, who have contracted no new marital obligations, but are engaged in caring for their families as honor and righteousness dictate. The heartless severity with which such defendants are pursued is, also evidence that the object is not the public benefit but the wreaking of vengeance upon members of a Church.
Another indignity which has been heaped upon the heads of Latter-day Saints in the charge of perjury which the reckless District Attorney has publicly but not legally made. Witnesses who have been compelled to testify against their dearest friends, when answering “I do not know,” to questions concerning matters of which they were not cognizant, have been insulted and abused and branded with perjury. All evidence they disclose which suits him he uses as undeniable truth before a commissioner or a jury but everything elicited from the same witnesses that does not suit his purpose he denounces as perjury. And he has the hardihood to claim that this crime is taught and encouraged by the “Mormon” Church. The refutation of this atrocious calumny is found in the standards of Church doctrine, and in the fact that the brethren who are now lingering in prison for declining to repudiate their wives, have been sent there, in nearly every instance, through their own testimony or the testimony of their families. And it is well known that every one of them could have escaped the penalties of the law if they would but promise to obey the law, in future, as construed by the courts. It would have been easy to make the promise and avoid imprisonment. But their regard for their word was such that they would not make a promise which they did not intend to keep, so they accepted a loathsome prison and pecuniary loss in preference to the appearance of falsehood. It may seem to those who do not understand the situation that the requirement of future obedience to the law is but reasonable and that every good citizen should make this agreement. But an explanation of the facts will speedily dissipate this conclusion. Obedience to the law as construed by the courts, would be difficult of comprehension if the numerous and diverse definition of the law were considered. But according to the latest rulings, a promise to obey the law signifies an agreement to violate the most solemn covenants of marital fidelity that mortals can make with each other and their God. It means the utter repudiation of loving wives and the separation either of the father and some of his children or of the mother and her children. It is a promise not to visit, go to the same place of worship or amusement, or recognize, associate with, or even call on when sick or dying, or when her child is sick or dying, the plural wife who has been faithful in all things. It means dishonor, treachery, cruelty and cowardice. It places not the law but a gross and wicked perversion of the law, above the revealed will of God and the noblest promptings of the human heart. It is a promise that no true Latter-day Saint can make and that no humane being would demand.
Thus the legal difficulties that surround the Saints are not so much the effects of a special and partial law aimed at a feature of their religion as of the wicked and absurd constructions of that law and its improper and unprecedented administration, prompted by malice, inspired by Satan and intended to crush out a system of religion which cannot be overcome by truth, reason and the agencies of enlightened humanity.
Retaliation Depreciated.
Before leaving this uninviting subject we desire to say to the Latter-day Saints, that though we are suffering so acutely from the inhumanity of our fellow men, we must not descend in the slightest degree to acts that would savor of retaliation, or in the least seek to curtail any man in his individual rights. We wish it fully understood by the Saints and by all the world that we have a profound respect for all wholesome and constitutional laws. We are the firm and unequivocal advocates of law and order, and of every principle associated with human freedom, and though we regard the Edmunds Act, in its provisions and its administration, as ex post facto, cruel, oppressive and unconstitutional, yet we are not contending against it in our own interests alone, but we are also fighting the battle of civil and religious liberty, and of freedom of conscience in behalf of our common humanity and in the interest of every people. We feel assured that, as the founding of these United States formed an epoch in the history of human liberty, so this action of ours will have due weight in restraining the tendency to intolerance and oppression that to-day uprears its head to stay the progress of human freedom. We say, as Elder Parley P. Pratt very forcibly expresses it in one of his poetical effusions:
“Come ye Christian sects, and Pagan,
Pope and Protestant and Priest,
Worshippers of God or Dagon,
Come ye to fair freedom’s feast.
Come ye sons of doubt and wonder--
Indian, Moslem, Greek and Jew,
All your shackles burst asunder;
Freedom’s banner waves for you.”
The Refuge of Lies.
Probably at no period in the world’s history has Satan had such power over the hearts of the children of men as he appears to wield at the present. He has flooded the earth with lies, endeavoring by means of these deceptions to retard the work of God, to destroy its influence, and to make victims of its believers, especially those who have the authority to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. A more striking illustration of his power in this respect has not been furnished us than was witnessed at the meetings which were attended by some of the members of the Grand Army of the Republic who were passing through here. It would be incredible to believe that people could be so deceived by the false statements which were made to them by our enemies who reside here, had it not been witnessed. The most abominable falsehoods, which could be disproved with the greatest ease, were told with an unblushing effrontery that was Satanic; and though many of the visitors had opportunities of seeing for themselves, and of mingling with the people, some went away fully imbued with the idea that the Latter-day Saints ought to be exterminated from the face of the earth. But to the credit of humanity be it said, others became thoroughly disgusted with the proceedings, and denounced unsparingly the folly and wrong of condemning a people affording so many evidences of the qualities that go to make excellent citizens, from the one-side statements of their avowed enemies.
The course of the former class is an illustration of the malignant power of falsehood wielded by Satan in other directions and places. If lies could overwhelm the work of God, we should be completely crushed under their weight. It is this great influence upon which Satan depends to thwart the purposes of God and check the spread of truth; and, unfortunately for the world, it appears willing to drink in his spirit and to believe his fabrications. It is this that arouses mobs and causes them to indulge in acts of violence and hostility against unoffending servants of God, and that has incited them to shed the blood of innocent men in the most cruel and barbarous manner.
By means of this incessant stream of falsehood which is continually being sent forth, the rulers of our nation are urged to adopt the most extreme measures against us. It appears vain to point to our works, to show what we have done in reclaiming this land from its original sterility, and building up a grand commonwealth in these mountains—a commonwealth rich in all the elements of greatness, lightly taxed, free from debt, with peace and union prevailing to an unparalleled extent throughout all these mountains where Latter-day Saints reside. It is in vain that we point to our frugality, our temperance, our comparative freedom from crime, and the peace and good order which exist wherever we are in the majority. All these evidences of thrift and virtue go for nothing, and the National Legislature feels that it is under the necessity of devising schemes to take away from us the rights we have inherited, and which belong to us as a free people, and to bring us into bondage to those who malign us, and who would take delight in destroying us.
Efforts to Procure Proscriptive Legislation.
Every effort possible was made during this last session of Congress to secure legislation of the most proscriptive and sweeping character against the Latter-day Saints. Not only was it the design to reach persons who believed in and practiced plural marriage, but our enemies went so far as to propose the complete annihilation of every political right belonging to those who were free from the charge of polygamy, and whose only crime was that they were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Congress adjourned without acting upon this measure. Already we hear the notes of preparation for a renewal of the campaign against us. Filled with anger at their non-success at the last session, our opponents are preparing for the onslaught at the coming session of Congress, and we are threatened with vengeance of the most dreadful description.
But in this, as in all other circumstances and conditions, our trust is in God. This is His work. He has thus far taken care of it and preserved it, and has delivered us from the many plots which have been framed against us. It has progressed thus far only by His power, and not by the power of man. Whatever glory there is connected with the establishment and progress of this great work is due entirely to Him. Man’s wisdom, education, shrewdness, wealth and ability have not been the factors that have produced success; but it has been the blessing, the power, and the overruling providence of our God. We have had to trust in the past in the midst of unnumbered foes; we must trust Him in the future against the terrible odds that are pitted against His work and His Gospel. We know, and can boldly testify to the Latter-day Saints, and to the whole world, that the Lord hath founded Zion, and that no power beneath the Celestial Kingdom can prevail against it.
But those who fight against it will share the fate of all who have ever fought against it. Who is there that has prospered in his warfare against Zion? Who can point to the laurels which have been won in fighting the work of God? What man or what nation has gained credit and glory in the earth for successes achieved over the feeble Latter-day Saints? We have seen generation after generation of our opposers pass, one after another, into cold oblivion. They have strutted their brief hour upon the stage, appearing to think that they were accomplishing wonders. But they have passed away, and the memory of their deeds only lives in our historical archives. So it will be with those who now occupy so large a portion of public attention as crusaders against the Saints, and who imagine themselves to be such doughty heroes.
The Spirit of Scandal.
Not only has Satan sent forth his lies outside our society, but he uses his influence in this direction among us. The tendency in our settlements and cities to listen to and believe in every wild and slanderous rumor which may be put in circulation is to be deeply deplored. No matter how unfounded and destitute of even the semblance of truth such reports may be, there are those among us so silly and credulous as to readily believe them. The injury that is thus wrought is not easily measured. Many of the evils from which we have suffered have been greatly aggravated by this disposition on the part of some who call themselves Latter-day Saints. The man who frames a lie is a great sinner; but the one who loves a lie, and who circulates a lie after it is told, is also under condemnation. Many stories go from mouth to mouth concerning the truth of which those who repeat them know nothing. But it seems as though the constant repetition of a falsehood impresses many people as though it were a fact. Where Latter-day Saints, so-called, are found telling that which is untrue, they should be called to an account. It is written that whosever loveth and maketh a lie shall not be permitted to enter into the Holy City, nor to have a right to the tree of life, but they are to be without, with dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers and idolaters. The Lord has said, “He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.” Latter-day Saints should be warned upon these points that they may not grieve the Spirit of the Lord, nor do injury to their friends and neighbors, by indulging in this pernicious habit of repeating and attaching credence to every slander and false rumor that may be put in circulation. But every one should be careful, when they hear a story about their brethren and sisters to refrain from repeating it until they know it to be true, and then not to do so in a way to injure the person about whom it is told. The reputation of our neighbors and the members of our Church should be as dear to us as our own, and we should carefully avoid doing anything to another or saying anything to another that we would not wish to be done or said about ourselves. We testify that those who give way to this influence, who take delight in reading lies which are published about us in papers circulated in our midst or outside of our Territory, who delight in listening to the false and malicious representations which are made concerning the servants and people of God or His work, or who themselves gossip about and aid in the dissemination of these things to the injury of their fellows, will, unless they speedily repent, lose the Spirit of God and the power to discern between truth and falsehood, and between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Their own minds will become so darkened by the spirit of falsehood that the Spirit of God will cease to have power with them and will flee from them.
Sabbath-Breaking and Recreation Mania.
Among the sins unto which some who are called Saints have been betrayed is Sabbath-breaking and over indulgence in useless pleasure. “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” But it is the Lord’s day and should be spent as he directs. We are not left to the doubts and queries which enter into the polemics of sectaries on this important matter. We have the word of the Lord upon it, direct. He has declared to us through His Prophet:
“And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”
“And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and pay thy devotions to the Most High;
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
But remember that on this the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblation and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.
And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.”
These commandments of the Lord do not admit of Sunday excursions to the lake or the cañons or other places any more than manual labor. That day will be held sacred to the service and worship of God by every true Latter-day Saint. Those who desecrate it reject the word of the Lord and will not be held guiltless. We admonish all members of the Church to obey this commandment and the officers of the Church to see that it is not broken with impunity.
The mania for recreations of various kinds which has seized upon many of the people is harmful in several ways. It unfits them for the regular duties of life. It renders them restless and impatient of proper restraint. It obstructs business. It tends to contract habits of dissipation. It throws our young folks into the company of persons whose society should be shunned. It cultivates worldliness. It conduces to many evils, and the spirit of purity, temperance, holiness and peace will not abide in resorts such as have been established for the purpose of enticing Saints into folly. Many thousands of dollars have been worse than wasted during the past summer on excessive amusements and sometimes unseemly diversions. The influential men and women of the Church should discountenance this Church should discountenance this evil, and with all wisdom and prudence endeavor to check it and prevent its increase among the Saints.
We have no disposition to deprive either young or old to proper amusement. It is necessary to perfect health and rational enjoyment. It should be provided by those who have the watchcare of the people, especially for the young, and conducted without sinfulness and without excess. But in these times of trial and distress to many, is it seemly to indulge in frequent and hilarious junketings and to act as though we disregarded the afflictions of our brethren and sisters who are placed in difficulty and jeopardy? When most of our leaders are in exile, when good men are thrust into prison, when many families are plunged into grief at the enforced absence of those who are dear to them, when the cords of oppression are being drawn more tightly and the small liberties remaining to us are being gradually taken away, when our enemies are forging fetters for our feet and planning for our utter destruction, and when Satan is working with all his forces to weaken our ranks by leading the Saints into sin, is it a time to waste our days in useless pleasure and spend our nights in noisy revels? Rather, should we not humble ourselves before the Lord and seek by faith and devotion to good works to obtain power that we may prevail against our foes? We do not believe in long-faced sadness or the piety that consists in a sanctified appearance. There is no need for drooping heads or a sad countenance. A cheerful spirit should be cultivated and hearts should be gladdened by words of cheer. But these are serious times and the sorrows of the afflicted and the carousings of the thoughtless seem utterly incongruous when all profess to be brethren and sisters. Let unseemly levity be abandoned and let the solemnities of eternity rest down upon those who are called the Saints of the Most High God.
Sacred Vicarious Work.
Notwithstanding the violent and unabating opposition which is arrayed against us the work of ministering in the ordinances of the Lord’s House continues, and the blessing of the Heavens still follows these administrations. As we have so long expected and so frequently been warned, Satan rages as he views his domain trenched upon, his captives delivered, and the souls of men wrenched from his grasp by the labors of the living for the dead in and through those sacred ordinances that belong alone to the Gospel of the Son of God, administered in holy places by His chosen servants and handmaidens. And it must not surprise us if the rage of the arch-enemy of mankind increases and his emissaries grow more relentless and cruel, more brutal and inhuman in their efforts to stay this work, as the number of temples increases and the thousands of Israel go in thereto to minister the ordinances of salvation for their ancestors and departed friend. We further rejoice that the work of erecting the Salt Lake and Manti Temples goes steadily forward, and that the latter is nearing its completion with all the rapidity that could reasonably be expected when we consider the condition of the Church and the people and the difficulties under which they labor.
Training the Young.
It is pleasing to notice the increased feeling of anxiety on the part of the Saints to have their children educated in schools where the doctrines of the Gospel and the precious records which God has given us can be taught and read. Our children should be indoctrinated in the principles of the Gospel from their earliest childhood. They should be made familiar with the contents of the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. These should be their chief text books, and everything should be done to establish and promote in their hearts genuine faith in God, in His Gospel and its ordinances, and in His works. But under our common school system this is not possible. In Salt Lake City, we understand, an effort is now being made to establish a school of this character, and, we are informed, the prospect for its success if very encouraging. The Brigham Young Academy, at Provo and the Brigham Young College, at Logan, are both doing excellent work in this direction and should be patronized and sustained by the Latter-day Saints. In no direction can we invest the means God has given us to better advantage than in the training of our children in the principles of righteousness and in laying the foundation in their hearts of that pure faith which is restored to the earth. We would like to see schools of this character, independent of the District School system, started in all places where it is possible.
Sacredness of the Family Relation.
The life of a saint is not simply a personal perfecting, it is also a factor in the entire scheme of earth’s redemption. No one can be saved alone, by himself or herself, unassisted by or unassisting others. The weight of our influence must be either for good or harm, be an aid or an injury to the work of human regeneration, and as we assume responsibilities, form ties, enter into covenants, beget children, accumulate families, so does the weight of our influence increase, so does its extent broaden and deepen. The Scriptures inform us that God created this earth as a habitation for man and he placed man on it that he might have joy, a joy that is to be eternal. To accomplish these purposes, the preparatory one of people the earth, and the ultimate one of man’s eternal happiness, He, the Creator, established marriage, and commanded those he first placed here on earth to be fruitful and multiply. This institution he regulated by strict laws given through his servants to His people in their various dispensation; and His Son, our Savior, emphasized these commandments by most unequivocal teachings with regard to the sacredness of the marriage covenant, and of the sinfulness of divorce for other than the most grave departures from the spirit and intent of that covenant. In this is wisdom, for the experience of the world, in all its ages, proves that where lax ideas exist with regard to marriage and divorce, more especially where those ideas find expression in lax legislation there we discover peoples and nations whose code of morals is inferior, and where sexual irregularities and sins increase, until that righteousness, which has been so truthfully said “exalteth a nation,” ceases to have an existence in their midst. To a people who believe as we do, that true marriage was divinely instituted for the multiplication of mankind, and is not a union for time alone, but reaches into the eternities, the disruption of families by divorce is an evil of no ordinary character, not only bearing a harvest of sorrow and suffering in this life, but also having a far reaching influence into the world beyond the grave, and possibly involving others in the ruin who had no voice in the separation or power to avert its occurrence. For this reason the Latter-day Saints of all people should be most loath to sunder sacred ties once formed, and most determinedly opposed to the severance of unions made in holy places in God’s appointed way, for light and trivial causes; and the efforts of Teachers and Bishops in their labors amongst families where differences, attention or quarrels exist, should always be to effect reconciliation, promote union, inspire mutual forbearance and increase love. Only when every kindly counsel and ministration fall should that last resort, a divorce, be permitted. And in such cases those who have received of the sealing power of the Church should also be separated by the same authority that bound them together; until this is done new alliances are sinful.
Self-Murder Denounced.
There is another evil that is growing amongst the peoples of the world that is not unfelt amidst the Latter-day Saints. It is the crime of self-murder. Suicide should be made odious among the people of God, it should be emphasized as a deadly sin, and no undue feelings of tenderness towards the unfortunate dead, or of sympathy towards the living bereaved, should prevent us denouncing it as a crime against God and humanity, against the Creator and the creature. It is true that the exact enormity of the act is not defined with minute detail in the Holy Scriptures, or the limits of its punishment given; but to believers in the God whom we worship it has always been regarded as a sin of great magnitude; and in many countries especial pains have been taken to discourage it, by refusal to bury in consecrated ground, by indignities offered to the lifeless remains, or by such lack of funeral observances as would produce a peculiar and horrifying effect upon the survivors. Now, while not advocating measure of this description, we do not think that the same laudations and panegyrics should be pronounced over the self-murderer as are so freely uttered over the faithful Saint who has gone to his eternal rest. There is a difference in their death, and that difference should be impressed upon the living, unless the deceased, at the time of the rash act, was in such a mental condition as not to be wholly responsible for his actions; but again, if this condition be the result of sin, of departure from God’s laws, then the unfortunate one, like the inebriate, is not altogether free from the responsibility of acts committed while in this state of mental derangement; if he is not censurable for the act itself, he is for the causes that induced it. In such cases the mantle of charity must not be stretched so widely, in our desire to protect our erring friends, as to reflect dishonor on the work of God, or contempt for the principles of the everlasting Gospel. There is an unfortunate tendency in the natures of many to palliate sins by which they are not personally injured, but we must not forget that such palliation frequently increases the original wrong, and brings discredit on the Church and dishonor to the name and work of our blessed Redeemer; in other words, to save the feelings of our friends we are willing to crucify afresh the Lord of life and glory.
Missionary Operations.
The reports of our Elders engaged in missionary labors in foreign lands are far from discouraging, when we consider the tempest of misrepresentation and abuse that has flooded the lands of civilization with regard to ourselves, our objects and our methods of evangelization, as well as the prejudices that have to be overcome and the persecution which has to be met by those who have sufficient moral courage and stamina to obey so unpopular a doctrine as the fullness of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet were the results even less encouraging than they are, we have still imposed upon us the duty of warning the peoples of the earth of the judgments of Almighty God, which in his own due time must surely come. The divine injunction given to the servants of God in former dispensations and reaffirmed in this, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature,” has never been abrogated nor annulled; and our duty to carry the Gospel’s warning voice to all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples, to the Gentiles first and then to the House of Israel, still remains unchanged.
Prominent Brethren.
President Woodruff and the members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles still continue in the active performance of the duties appertaining to their Priesthood and calling, occasionally hampered, it may be, in certain directions by the unrelenting attacks of our persecutors. Almost without exception they have enjoyed good health, while the more aged ones, including Elder Lorenzo Snow, in prison, have been blessed with a vigor and with powers of endurance remarkable for men of their years. Brother Lorenzo Snow bears his unjust imprisonment with much fortitude and patience and is a source of great comfort and strength to his fellow-prisoners, deprived of liberty for their obedience to the requirements of God’s law.
President Joseph F. Smith continues to send us words of faith and encouragement, of patience and brave endurance, and, so far as his position and surroundings will admit, he is zealously furthering the interests of God’s holy Church and Kingdom.
Miscellaneous Matters.
We hear favorable reports of the good done by our Sunday Schools, Primaries, Improvement Associations and Relief Societies, and we feel to abundantly bless the brethren and sisters who so diligently and faithfully labor therein for the instruction of our youth and the benefit of the poor. We desire to encourage all engaged in these duties to continue with unabated zeal and disinterestedness in these labors of love and mercy, that the institutions under their charge may rise to yet greater heights of excellence and usefulness, and the scope of their influence for good in the midst of the Saints continually increase, and upon parents we urge the wisdom and desirableness of fostering by their faith, influence and example these admirable institutions for the benefit of their children.
In consequence of the unusually dry summer the crops have not been so abundant as in some former seasons. Although the yield of wheat is comparatively small it commands but a low price in the market. Wisdom and economy suggest that our farmers should not be anxious to make immediate sales. Every kernel of wheat is precious. It should be stored carefully for future use, in such a manner as to preserve it from destructive insects and the action of the elements. The warnings which have been given to Israel on this point were not uttered in vain, as coming time will abundantly establish. Let no grain be wasted nor thrown heedlessly upon a depressed market to continue the depression and fritter away the fruits of arduous toil.
Preparations should be made for the proper care of stock during the approaching winter. Too many animals are permitted to perish for the lack of food and shelter. After the Lord has blessed the flocks and herds of His people, it is sinful to allow them to wander on the bleak prairies or snow-covered benches to die of cold or starvation. Unless provided with shelter from storm and inclement weather loose stock should be gathered up and sent to warmer localities for winter range.
The wool crop of the past season has been very large and sheep-owners have made fair profits on their products. But domestic economy recoils at the spectacle of 7,000,000 pounds of wool being shipped out of the Territory to be returned in the shape of inferior cloth, and be purchased at high prices by woolgrowers and others. Factories among our own people should utilize the whole of this product, employing hands that are now idle to manufacture honest goods, and thus retain in the Territory much money that goes to build up industries afar off. Our home factories are turning out most excellent articles at reasonable prices; these should be purchased in preference to foreign made goods, because they are more durable and because home industries ought to be patronized.
On the same principles and for the same reasons the hides and pelts which are now shipped away to be brought back manufactured into articles that can be made in this Territory, ought to be retained and worked up for home use. Factories for this purpose, carefully conducted, would soon return fair profits, while the whole community would share in the resultant benefits.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, we say to the Latter-day Saints: Put your trust in God, as you ever have done. He will not fail you. Continue to live in strict conformity to His Gospel. Humble yourselves before Him in mighty faith and prayer. Confess your sins one to another; and go to your God and confess to Him, and obtain His forgiveness therefor. Live in close communion with the Holy Ghost, that it may be your constant companion, and that through its heavenly influence you may be prepared for every coming event. The Lord is holding a controversy with the nations, and He has said “after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes.
And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea, heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” Already His words upon this subject are being fulfilled. The elements are joining their voices with the voices of His Elders in testimony of the near approach of the end. And woe! to the people or the nation that fight against Zion, for, as we have often had occasion to say, God will fight against them. His wrath will be poured out upon them. Babylon will fall, and the refuge of lies will be swept away; and truth and righteousness will cover the earth as with a flood, in fulfilment of the words of the Prophets. Greater signs will appear in the heavens above and on the earth beneath, bearing awful testimony of the near approach of that great day when our Redeemer will be revealed from heaven in power and in great glory.
With continued prayers for your safety, and for your prosperity in the work of God, and with the most earnest desires that every man, woman and child will be faithful to the trust which God has reposed in us, we remain
Your brethren and fellow servants,
John Taylor,
George Q. Cannon
Of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President’s Office.
October 6, 1886.
President F. D. Richards
occupied the remaining time. He could not believe but that the heart of every Latter-day Saint would respond to the sentiments contained in the Epistle of the First Presidency. It came to him as the voice of inspiration from heaven, and it was a source of gratification to find that the line of instruction given by the speakers had so fully harmonized with the sentiments contained in the Epistle. The Presidents of Stakes; the Bishops of the several Wards and all those who had attended Conference from the outlying districts were requested to carry away with them the spirit of the Conference and present to the people of their various Wards, for their instruction and benefit, the various subjects and topics that had been discoursed upon.
The usual statistical report could not be presented for the reason that it was not complete. The speaker complimented the officers of the Relief Society on the full and complete report submitted.
In order to be truly benefitted by what had been presented to the conference, the speaker advised the people to seek unto the Lord that His Spirit might be given them, to bring to their mind such doctrine, exhortation or counsel as they might be in need of during the hours of trial or darkness they may have to meet.
The success of the work of God did not depend upon our great numbers; it was the design of heaven to shed off all that were found not to brave within them the throbbing and growing germ of eternal life; and the day was near at hand when the true weight and value of every man would be ascertained and his proper place definitely known; now was the time to labor; now was the time to treasure up the words of life, as this was emphatically the preparatory state for man to meet his God. Repentance was always in order; repentance of errors and human infirmities. He called upon the people to repent and live to fear God and keep His commandments, for the fear of the Lord was the beginning of wisdom; and a good understanding of all them that kept His commandments. Brother Richards proclaimed against men holding the holy Priesthood using their influence by way of leading others either to break the Sabbath, to practice pernicious habits or in any way dishonor themselves or so bring reproach upon the people of God. The priesthood was bestowed upon man to redeem and save, to use an influence for good among their fellows, and all would be held accountable to God for the use they made of it. Some, too, he said, were careless and unwise in their talking about sacred things upon railroad cars, and upon the public streets in a loud tone of voice, which was generally ridiculed by those who overheard them. Wisdom in this as in other things should be practised in our day, as well as in former days which the Savior admonished his disciples about casting their pearls before swine. He cautioned the Elders against prognosticating the future, as some were doing, setting down dates when such and such things were going to take place, lest they meet disappointment.
In closing his remarks the speaker thanked the people of Coalville, on behalf of himself and visiting brethren, for the hearty welcome they had received at their hands; he hoped and prayed that much good would come to them personally, as well as to all that had attended the Conference, and that they would be encouraged to prosecute their labors by way of completing the building. He reminded the Saints of the covenants they were under one with another and with the Lord; and of the duty devolving upon them to purify themselves and to build up Zion, and to live to glorify God in the flesh, that they may glorify God in the flesh, that they may glorify him the more when they should come into His presence.
The choir sang the anthem: Rejoice in the Lord, and the Conference adjourned for six months.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
George F. Gibbs,
Clerk pro tem, of Conference.
occupied the remaining time. He could not believe but that the heart of every Latter-day Saint would respond to the sentiments contained in the Epistle of the First Presidency. It came to him as the voice of inspiration from heaven, and it was a source of gratification to find that the line of instruction given by the speakers had so fully harmonized with the sentiments contained in the Epistle. The Presidents of Stakes; the Bishops of the several Wards and all those who had attended Conference from the outlying districts were requested to carry away with them the spirit of the Conference and present to the people of their various Wards, for their instruction and benefit, the various subjects and topics that had been discoursed upon.
The usual statistical report could not be presented for the reason that it was not complete. The speaker complimented the officers of the Relief Society on the full and complete report submitted.
In order to be truly benefitted by what had been presented to the conference, the speaker advised the people to seek unto the Lord that His Spirit might be given them, to bring to their mind such doctrine, exhortation or counsel as they might be in need of during the hours of trial or darkness they may have to meet.
The success of the work of God did not depend upon our great numbers; it was the design of heaven to shed off all that were found not to brave within them the throbbing and growing germ of eternal life; and the day was near at hand when the true weight and value of every man would be ascertained and his proper place definitely known; now was the time to labor; now was the time to treasure up the words of life, as this was emphatically the preparatory state for man to meet his God. Repentance was always in order; repentance of errors and human infirmities. He called upon the people to repent and live to fear God and keep His commandments, for the fear of the Lord was the beginning of wisdom; and a good understanding of all them that kept His commandments. Brother Richards proclaimed against men holding the holy Priesthood using their influence by way of leading others either to break the Sabbath, to practice pernicious habits or in any way dishonor themselves or so bring reproach upon the people of God. The priesthood was bestowed upon man to redeem and save, to use an influence for good among their fellows, and all would be held accountable to God for the use they made of it. Some, too, he said, were careless and unwise in their talking about sacred things upon railroad cars, and upon the public streets in a loud tone of voice, which was generally ridiculed by those who overheard them. Wisdom in this as in other things should be practised in our day, as well as in former days which the Savior admonished his disciples about casting their pearls before swine. He cautioned the Elders against prognosticating the future, as some were doing, setting down dates when such and such things were going to take place, lest they meet disappointment.
In closing his remarks the speaker thanked the people of Coalville, on behalf of himself and visiting brethren, for the hearty welcome they had received at their hands; he hoped and prayed that much good would come to them personally, as well as to all that had attended the Conference, and that they would be encouraged to prosecute their labors by way of completing the building. He reminded the Saints of the covenants they were under one with another and with the Lord; and of the duty devolving upon them to purify themselves and to build up Zion, and to live to glorify God in the flesh, that they may glorify God in the flesh, that they may glorify him the more when they should come into His presence.
The choir sang the anthem: Rejoice in the Lord, and the Conference adjourned for six months.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
George F. Gibbs,
Clerk pro tem, of Conference.