October 1888
The Deseret News. "General Conference." October 10, 1888: pg. 616-617, 620-621.
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Elder Jacob Gates
Patriarch Lorenzo D. Young
2 p. m.
President A. O. Smoot
Elder Seymour B. Young
President Hugh S. Gowans
Counsellor D. H. Wells
Second Day. Oct. 6th, 10 a. m.
Apostle Heber J. Grant
Elder John Morgan
2 o’clock p. m.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
Elder J. B. Noble
Elder Henry Herriman
Elder Abram H. Cannon
Third Day. Oct. 7th, 10 a.m.
Apostle Moses Thatcher
Elder John Nicholson
2 p. m.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
Apostle John Henry Smith
The Overflow Meeting of Conference, At the Assembly Hall
Elder John Morgan
Elder Wm. M. Palmer
Elder A. H. Cannon
Elder Junius F. Wells
Elder W. H. Seegmiller
Apostle H. J. Grant
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Elder Jacob Gates
Patriarch Lorenzo D. Young
2 p. m.
President A. O. Smoot
Elder Seymour B. Young
President Hugh S. Gowans
Counsellor D. H. Wells
Second Day. Oct. 6th, 10 a. m.
Apostle Heber J. Grant
Elder John Morgan
2 o’clock p. m.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
Elder J. B. Noble
Elder Henry Herriman
Elder Abram H. Cannon
Third Day. Oct. 7th, 10 a.m.
Apostle Moses Thatcher
Elder John Nicholson
2 p. m.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
Apostle John Henry Smith
The Overflow Meeting of Conference, At the Assembly Hall
Elder John Morgan
Elder Wm. M. Palmer
Elder A. H. Cannon
Elder Junius F. Wells
Elder W. H. Seegmiller
Apostle H. J. Grant
GENERAL CONFERENCE
The Fifty-Ninth Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 o’clock this (Friday) morning, October 5th, 1888, Apostle Lorenzo Snow presiding.
There were on the stand, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, John Henry Smith and Heber J. Grant; of Counselors to the Twelve, Daniel H. Wells; Patriarch John Smith; of the Presiding Council of the Seventies; Henry Herriman, Jacob Gates, Abram H. Cannon, Seymour B. Young; of the Presiding Bishopric, John R. Winder. There were also present a number of Presidents of Stakes and other brethren of various parts of Utah and surrounding States and Territories.
Conference was called to order by Apostle Lorenzo Snow.
Singing by the choir:
Praise ye the Lord! ‘tis good to raise
Your hearts and voices in His praise;
His nature and His works unite,
To make this duty our delight.
Opening prayer by Apostle John Henry Smith.
Singing:
What wondrous scenes mine eyes behold!
What glories burst upon my view!
When Ephraim’s records I unfold,
All things appear divinely new.
The Fifty-Ninth Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 o’clock this (Friday) morning, October 5th, 1888, Apostle Lorenzo Snow presiding.
There were on the stand, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, John Henry Smith and Heber J. Grant; of Counselors to the Twelve, Daniel H. Wells; Patriarch John Smith; of the Presiding Council of the Seventies; Henry Herriman, Jacob Gates, Abram H. Cannon, Seymour B. Young; of the Presiding Bishopric, John R. Winder. There were also present a number of Presidents of Stakes and other brethren of various parts of Utah and surrounding States and Territories.
Conference was called to order by Apostle Lorenzo Snow.
Singing by the choir:
Praise ye the Lord! ‘tis good to raise
Your hearts and voices in His praise;
His nature and His works unite,
To make this duty our delight.
Opening prayer by Apostle John Henry Smith.
Singing:
What wondrous scenes mine eyes behold!
What glories burst upon my view!
When Ephraim’s records I unfold,
All things appear divinely new.
Apostle Lorenzo Snow.
We are much pleased to meet with brethren, sisters and friends, in a conference capacity. Many changes have occurred since the previous gathering of this kind. Some of them have been pleasurable and others sad. Apostle Erastus Snow has passed away from his earthly labors, to mingle with the faithful in another sphere. Also Brother Horace S. Eldredge, of the Presiding Quorum of Seventies, and others who have finished their earthly probation and done well. Whether we will be present at the next General Conference we cannot tell.
It is probably that in the spirit world before we came here to assume mortality, we agreed when we should come, to aid in the establishment of the work of God on the earth. It is not probable that we were ignorant in that regard. We were doubtless able then to see the outcome of this work. We meet many things associated with this labor that are not pleasant, but there is a great pleasure connected with it. When we look back upon our determinations to devote ourselves to the cause of truth and keep our covenants, we have great joy, because the spirit of our callings rests mightily upon us, without which spirit we cannot keep pace with the kingdom of God.
Of late years the spirit of persecution against us has been manifested, and those even who have not been immediately affected by it, have suffered in their feelings through sympathy. There is a solace in the hour of persecution; it is needful that we be tried that we may have opportunities to make sacrifice for the cause of God and truth, and it is through self-abnegation for the sake of right that we are enabled to take hold of eternal life. We have before us illustrious examples of the past, as for instance the case of the three Hebrew children and Daniel. These were glorious examples, through which God was glorified. The sacrifices they made were of the noblest character. How was it that Daniel accomplished his safety? When Darius appeared at the den of lions, and enquired of Daniel whether the God he served had saved him, Daniel replied that God had sent an angel to protect him, as He had found innocence in him and he (Daniel) had done the king no harm. This was how deliverance came. So it will come to us as a people.
It is ordained that we be tried in a fiery ordeal. It cannot be avoided. Otherwise we cannot receive our celestial crowns. Notwithstanding that attempts have been made to rob us and to bring us into slavery, the work of God has not been stayed. Many of the brethren have gone to prison, and have shown to the heavens and all men how much they feel grateful for what God has revealed.
People differ in their dispositions. To some small trials are as powerful as larger ones are to others. Some of the sisters who meet with perplexities in raising their families are tried to as great an extent as they can bear. But none of us need take an unpleasant view of trials. Many who suffer them enjoy themselves better than in days of peace. They humble themselves to a greater extent before the Lord, and His Spirit rests mightily upon them, and their joy is great, this being the compensating condition.
There are plenty of opportunities for all Saints to make themselves useful. These exist in many shapes, as for instance in the various forms of Improvement and Relief Societies that have been instituted. The sisters can prepare themselves to be useful in a public capacity, and there is no class of people who have such privileges in this regard as the Saints.
A short time previous to the last General Conference a Central Educational Board was organized, that schools in keeping with the genius of the Gospel might be instituted. In them the scriptures, ancient and modern, could be used, and the children’s minds be familiarized with the principles of the gospel as well as with matters of secular education. It was deemed a matter of regret by the central board that our financial condition was not favorable to giving the degree of substantial assistance to this movement that was desired. It was decided to move in the direction of establishing at least one academy of the kind in view in each Stake, as a commencement. It was concluded to make Brother Karl G. Maeser—who had done so well in the work of educating the youth of the community in line with the genius of the principles of salvation—the general superintendent of the system. Means had been appropriated to the extent of the present ability, to carry out the object in view in the various stakes. It was expected that parents would contribute of their means for this object. We cannot sacrifice too much in this direction, as it is impossible for us to labor too diligently and exhibit too much self-denial for our children. It is expected that the contemplated educational system will eventually spread until it extends to the Wards.
It is good to be a good Latter-day Saint, but most undesirable to be a bad one. The people are progressing. They are learning to bear trials. No other people would have borne such indignities and wrongs as they have suffered. This patience shows the character of God, and they will continue, aided by His power, to pursue this course. It will yet come about that those who now afflict us will be glad for us to officiate for them in the temples of God, that they may be redeemed, after they have paid the penalty of their misdeeds in this probation.
May the blessing of God rest upon the people.
We are much pleased to meet with brethren, sisters and friends, in a conference capacity. Many changes have occurred since the previous gathering of this kind. Some of them have been pleasurable and others sad. Apostle Erastus Snow has passed away from his earthly labors, to mingle with the faithful in another sphere. Also Brother Horace S. Eldredge, of the Presiding Quorum of Seventies, and others who have finished their earthly probation and done well. Whether we will be present at the next General Conference we cannot tell.
It is probably that in the spirit world before we came here to assume mortality, we agreed when we should come, to aid in the establishment of the work of God on the earth. It is not probable that we were ignorant in that regard. We were doubtless able then to see the outcome of this work. We meet many things associated with this labor that are not pleasant, but there is a great pleasure connected with it. When we look back upon our determinations to devote ourselves to the cause of truth and keep our covenants, we have great joy, because the spirit of our callings rests mightily upon us, without which spirit we cannot keep pace with the kingdom of God.
Of late years the spirit of persecution against us has been manifested, and those even who have not been immediately affected by it, have suffered in their feelings through sympathy. There is a solace in the hour of persecution; it is needful that we be tried that we may have opportunities to make sacrifice for the cause of God and truth, and it is through self-abnegation for the sake of right that we are enabled to take hold of eternal life. We have before us illustrious examples of the past, as for instance the case of the three Hebrew children and Daniel. These were glorious examples, through which God was glorified. The sacrifices they made were of the noblest character. How was it that Daniel accomplished his safety? When Darius appeared at the den of lions, and enquired of Daniel whether the God he served had saved him, Daniel replied that God had sent an angel to protect him, as He had found innocence in him and he (Daniel) had done the king no harm. This was how deliverance came. So it will come to us as a people.
It is ordained that we be tried in a fiery ordeal. It cannot be avoided. Otherwise we cannot receive our celestial crowns. Notwithstanding that attempts have been made to rob us and to bring us into slavery, the work of God has not been stayed. Many of the brethren have gone to prison, and have shown to the heavens and all men how much they feel grateful for what God has revealed.
People differ in their dispositions. To some small trials are as powerful as larger ones are to others. Some of the sisters who meet with perplexities in raising their families are tried to as great an extent as they can bear. But none of us need take an unpleasant view of trials. Many who suffer them enjoy themselves better than in days of peace. They humble themselves to a greater extent before the Lord, and His Spirit rests mightily upon them, and their joy is great, this being the compensating condition.
There are plenty of opportunities for all Saints to make themselves useful. These exist in many shapes, as for instance in the various forms of Improvement and Relief Societies that have been instituted. The sisters can prepare themselves to be useful in a public capacity, and there is no class of people who have such privileges in this regard as the Saints.
A short time previous to the last General Conference a Central Educational Board was organized, that schools in keeping with the genius of the Gospel might be instituted. In them the scriptures, ancient and modern, could be used, and the children’s minds be familiarized with the principles of the gospel as well as with matters of secular education. It was deemed a matter of regret by the central board that our financial condition was not favorable to giving the degree of substantial assistance to this movement that was desired. It was decided to move in the direction of establishing at least one academy of the kind in view in each Stake, as a commencement. It was concluded to make Brother Karl G. Maeser—who had done so well in the work of educating the youth of the community in line with the genius of the principles of salvation—the general superintendent of the system. Means had been appropriated to the extent of the present ability, to carry out the object in view in the various stakes. It was expected that parents would contribute of their means for this object. We cannot sacrifice too much in this direction, as it is impossible for us to labor too diligently and exhibit too much self-denial for our children. It is expected that the contemplated educational system will eventually spread until it extends to the Wards.
It is good to be a good Latter-day Saint, but most undesirable to be a bad one. The people are progressing. They are learning to bear trials. No other people would have borne such indignities and wrongs as they have suffered. This patience shows the character of God, and they will continue, aided by His power, to pursue this course. It will yet come about that those who now afflict us will be glad for us to officiate for them in the temples of God, that they may be redeemed, after they have paid the penalty of their misdeeds in this probation.
May the blessing of God rest upon the people.
Elder Jacob Gates, of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies,
was the next speaker. He had listened with pleasure to the remarks that had been made regarding the experience of the Saints in past ages, and the present condition of affairs among this community. I have been associated with this people for over fifty years, and I am not discouraged. There is a glorious outcome for this people. They have the truth in their hearts, and no amount of persecution can root it out. There is power in this Gospel, and if we embody it we will see the power, thereof, exemplified in the individual cases of Latter-day Saints. That power will be similar to that manifested in the days of Enoch, by the potency of whose words the very earth was shaken. That same priesthood by which great things were accomplished in ages of the past, has been revealed anew; and exists in this Church. It was by its exercise that in ancient times on this hemisphere and the other side of the globe, prisons were opened. [The speaker here narrated the instance related in the Book of Mormon telling that Alma and Amulek, when in prison, were delivered and their enemies destroyed.] This work was established through the instrumentality of Joseph Smith, the great Prophet of the latter-day dispensation, and the work he inaugurated is to stand for ever. No power can uproot it. It is the kingdom foreseen by the Prophet Daniel. The demolition of all systems adverse to truth and justice will be brought about by the spread of Gospel knowledge embodied in the system revealed through Joseph Smith. I rejoice in the truth, and thank God that I heard the sound of the Gospel in early youth. I have not seen a moment since then in the most gloomy day when I have felt the least misgiving in regard to the truth of this work. All that it needs to demonstrate the excellence of the gospel is to apply its principles to every-day life.
was the next speaker. He had listened with pleasure to the remarks that had been made regarding the experience of the Saints in past ages, and the present condition of affairs among this community. I have been associated with this people for over fifty years, and I am not discouraged. There is a glorious outcome for this people. They have the truth in their hearts, and no amount of persecution can root it out. There is power in this Gospel, and if we embody it we will see the power, thereof, exemplified in the individual cases of Latter-day Saints. That power will be similar to that manifested in the days of Enoch, by the potency of whose words the very earth was shaken. That same priesthood by which great things were accomplished in ages of the past, has been revealed anew; and exists in this Church. It was by its exercise that in ancient times on this hemisphere and the other side of the globe, prisons were opened. [The speaker here narrated the instance related in the Book of Mormon telling that Alma and Amulek, when in prison, were delivered and their enemies destroyed.] This work was established through the instrumentality of Joseph Smith, the great Prophet of the latter-day dispensation, and the work he inaugurated is to stand for ever. No power can uproot it. It is the kingdom foreseen by the Prophet Daniel. The demolition of all systems adverse to truth and justice will be brought about by the spread of Gospel knowledge embodied in the system revealed through Joseph Smith. I rejoice in the truth, and thank God that I heard the sound of the Gospel in early youth. I have not seen a moment since then in the most gloomy day when I have felt the least misgiving in regard to the truth of this work. All that it needs to demonstrate the excellence of the gospel is to apply its principles to every-day life.
Patriarch Lorenzo D. Young
addressed the conference. He was grateful in the privilege of being present and hearing what had been said. He simply desired to express his feelings regarding this work. The congregation is composed of people who have been brought together from the nations of the earth through obedience to the gospel of Christ. Great efforts had been made by the servants of God to proclaim the gospel message, yet the great bulk of the people of the world were ignorant of the nature of the mission of Joseph Smith. A great many more than are might be informed upon the subject if they were willing. The fact is, that they do not want to know anything about it. It is now as in ancient times, “light has come into the world, but the world loves darkness rather than light.” The world will yet discover, however, to their dismay, that this is the work of God, as will the Jews in due time that Jesus is the Christ.
The speaker continued for some time, stating he had been pleasurably acquainted with Joseph Smith, whom he declared to be a man called of God. He rejoiced in the work he was the instrument in establishing, and knew it would prevail.
The Lord will comfort Zion, was sung by the choir.
Benediction by Elder George Goddard.
Adjourned till 2 p. m.
addressed the conference. He was grateful in the privilege of being present and hearing what had been said. He simply desired to express his feelings regarding this work. The congregation is composed of people who have been brought together from the nations of the earth through obedience to the gospel of Christ. Great efforts had been made by the servants of God to proclaim the gospel message, yet the great bulk of the people of the world were ignorant of the nature of the mission of Joseph Smith. A great many more than are might be informed upon the subject if they were willing. The fact is, that they do not want to know anything about it. It is now as in ancient times, “light has come into the world, but the world loves darkness rather than light.” The world will yet discover, however, to their dismay, that this is the work of God, as will the Jews in due time that Jesus is the Christ.
The speaker continued for some time, stating he had been pleasurably acquainted with Joseph Smith, whom he declared to be a man called of God. He rejoiced in the work he was the instrument in establishing, and knew it would prevail.
The Lord will comfort Zion, was sung by the choir.
Benediction by Elder George Goddard.
Adjourned till 2 p. m.
2 p. m.
The choir sang:
Great God, indulge my humble claim;
Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest;
The glories that compose thy name
Stand all engaged to make me blest.
Prayer by Elder Elias Morris.
The choir sang:
Praise ye the Lord! my heart shall join in work so pleasant, so divine,
Now while the flesh is my abode, And when my soul ascends to God.
The choir sang:
Great God, indulge my humble claim;
Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest;
The glories that compose thy name
Stand all engaged to make me blest.
Prayer by Elder Elias Morris.
The choir sang:
Praise ye the Lord! my heart shall join in work so pleasant, so divine,
Now while the flesh is my abode, And when my soul ascends to God.
President A. O. Smoot, of Utah Stake,
was the first speaker. I am pleased, he said, to meet with the Saints in the capacity of a general conference and to partake with them of the things pertaining to eternal life, the greatest gift of God. We assemble to learn the ways of the Lord and how to walk therein, and also to point out that way, in order that others may walk therein. The calling of the Saints is no ordinary calling, because the name means a great deal more than is generally comprehended. It implies that we are, strictly, the servants of the Lord and must harken to His counsel. It means that we are missionaries to gather Israel home in this dispensation of the fullness of times in order to prepare the way for the second coming of the Lord, when he will come not to be slaughtered like a lamb, but to appear as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The name of the Saints implies that we are called to gather Israel from the four quarters of the earth unto this goodly land. It implies that we are temple builders and have the privilege of entering into the houses of the Lord to perform work both for the living and for the dead, ordinances for the redemption of Israel. A Saint is supposed to perform all the commandments of God, and thereby obtain eternal life, the greatest gift of God. Ours is therefore no idle calling, no appellation to be tampered with. If we wish to be great, we must be the servants of all, standing as saviors on Mount Zion. As two of a family and one of a city, we are gathered from all nations on the earth, and have, indeed, more than an ordinary work to do. We must bring the glad tidings of salvation to every tongue and people before the end shall come. The day of the coming of the Lord is near at hand. The signs of the times indicate this, and the prophets, both ancient and modern, have foretold it. We must prepare for that day, in order that the bridegroom may have a suitable bride when he comes, a suitable place to rest in, and that we may be able to associate with the Church of the Firstborn, when Christ shall come to reign on this earth a thousand years, the adversary be bound and a day of rest be ushered in.
For this reason we find ourselves a strange people in the eyes of the world.
The generation in which we live look upon us as a marvelous people. With all their wisdom and learning, the world cannot comprehend Zion. It is now as it was in the days of our Savior. The world persecuted Him, and like causes always produce like effects. It would be strange, indeed, if Zion’s children should find their work endorsed by the world.
A gentleman the other day said: “If you people would only let polygamy alone, you would have no more troubles;” but past experience does not justify this conclusion. Before polygamy was revealed, the path of this people was much rougher than it is today. The people were driven from state to state until they came out here, where a white man’s foot had hardly ever trod. They were robbed and scattered, and their leaders martyred. Why? Because God had communicated His will to the earth. Just as soon as this was done, before the Book of Mormon had been translated even, or the Church organized, the youthful Prophet, Joseph Smith, was persecuted by the enemy, as the Church has been from that moment till the present time. Persecution may not end, perhaps, until Zion has been redeemed and built up, and the Lord reigns triumphant.
But this people are in the Lord’s hands. It only remains for us to be steadfast and follow our leaders. May we live our religion, build temples, tabernacles and places of education. These are some of the privileges of the Latter-day Saints. Many, however, begin to weaken and be fearful, and to give way to skepticism, wondering if the Lord has forsaken Zion. But He has not and never will. The ordeals we have had to pass through have all been for our good, as well-being in the form of chastisement.
President Young used to say, that with us it is the Kingdom of God or nothing. Let me tell you that this is the Kingdom of God, established never to be overthrown, worlds without end. Zion will rise and shine, and be prepared to meet the Lord and the Zion of Enoch. May God help us to live so that we may obtain the places prepared for the Lord’s people in His glorious mansions.
was the first speaker. I am pleased, he said, to meet with the Saints in the capacity of a general conference and to partake with them of the things pertaining to eternal life, the greatest gift of God. We assemble to learn the ways of the Lord and how to walk therein, and also to point out that way, in order that others may walk therein. The calling of the Saints is no ordinary calling, because the name means a great deal more than is generally comprehended. It implies that we are, strictly, the servants of the Lord and must harken to His counsel. It means that we are missionaries to gather Israel home in this dispensation of the fullness of times in order to prepare the way for the second coming of the Lord, when he will come not to be slaughtered like a lamb, but to appear as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The name of the Saints implies that we are called to gather Israel from the four quarters of the earth unto this goodly land. It implies that we are temple builders and have the privilege of entering into the houses of the Lord to perform work both for the living and for the dead, ordinances for the redemption of Israel. A Saint is supposed to perform all the commandments of God, and thereby obtain eternal life, the greatest gift of God. Ours is therefore no idle calling, no appellation to be tampered with. If we wish to be great, we must be the servants of all, standing as saviors on Mount Zion. As two of a family and one of a city, we are gathered from all nations on the earth, and have, indeed, more than an ordinary work to do. We must bring the glad tidings of salvation to every tongue and people before the end shall come. The day of the coming of the Lord is near at hand. The signs of the times indicate this, and the prophets, both ancient and modern, have foretold it. We must prepare for that day, in order that the bridegroom may have a suitable bride when he comes, a suitable place to rest in, and that we may be able to associate with the Church of the Firstborn, when Christ shall come to reign on this earth a thousand years, the adversary be bound and a day of rest be ushered in.
For this reason we find ourselves a strange people in the eyes of the world.
The generation in which we live look upon us as a marvelous people. With all their wisdom and learning, the world cannot comprehend Zion. It is now as it was in the days of our Savior. The world persecuted Him, and like causes always produce like effects. It would be strange, indeed, if Zion’s children should find their work endorsed by the world.
A gentleman the other day said: “If you people would only let polygamy alone, you would have no more troubles;” but past experience does not justify this conclusion. Before polygamy was revealed, the path of this people was much rougher than it is today. The people were driven from state to state until they came out here, where a white man’s foot had hardly ever trod. They were robbed and scattered, and their leaders martyred. Why? Because God had communicated His will to the earth. Just as soon as this was done, before the Book of Mormon had been translated even, or the Church organized, the youthful Prophet, Joseph Smith, was persecuted by the enemy, as the Church has been from that moment till the present time. Persecution may not end, perhaps, until Zion has been redeemed and built up, and the Lord reigns triumphant.
But this people are in the Lord’s hands. It only remains for us to be steadfast and follow our leaders. May we live our religion, build temples, tabernacles and places of education. These are some of the privileges of the Latter-day Saints. Many, however, begin to weaken and be fearful, and to give way to skepticism, wondering if the Lord has forsaken Zion. But He has not and never will. The ordeals we have had to pass through have all been for our good, as well-being in the form of chastisement.
President Young used to say, that with us it is the Kingdom of God or nothing. Let me tell you that this is the Kingdom of God, established never to be overthrown, worlds without end. Zion will rise and shine, and be prepared to meet the Lord and the Zion of Enoch. May God help us to live so that we may obtain the places prepared for the Lord’s people in His glorious mansions.
Elder Seymour B. Young
was the next speaker. He did not anticipate the pleasure of addressing the Saints this afternoon. I desire your faith and prayers and attention.
The meetings of the Saints are really feasts of good things. This is really a time of schooling to the Latter-day Israel. In the time of Joseph, the Prophet, there were many scenes of trial, through which the Saints were required to pass. And it seems to be necessary for the establishment of the Church that the people should pass through them. On the very announcement that God had spoken, the powers of evil were aroused, and the youthful Prophet had to contend with them, as best he could. When persecution raged, he called upon a little band of Saints to go to Missouri in the year 1884. This band was called Zion’s Camp, and such has been their appellation to the present time. Ten of their number are still alive on this earth. They have gone behind the veil and are laboring and moving for the cause of this people in the courts above.
After this band had arrived in Missouri, a fearful scourge in the shape of Asiatic cholera broke out among them. Joseph stood among his brethren at that time, as long as he was permitted, until the Lord told him to stand out of the way or to be destroyed. Departure from the way of the Lord, was this time, as always, visited by the Lord’s judgment. Two years after this, the Prophet proclaimed at the time of the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve: “I have seen those who were with us in Zion’s Camp and met their deaths by the scourge of cholera, and if I ever receive a crown as bright as theirs, I shall be satisfied forever afterwards.” This was his testimony concerning the brethren.
The people were afterwards called to pass through persecution, but it is a fact that the Lord at this time was near His people. All the Prophet had to do was to inquire in regard to any line of conduct or doctrine, and he received an answer. The Lord was near to him and to the people. The greater the tribulation, the greater the blessing. In looking over this, I am satisfied that had we not been called to pass through such scenes, we would not have been able to keep the faith, or to obtain the blessings upon our labors, which we have received. When the Saints have obeyed their leaders they have always had manifestations of God’s power in bringing them safely through all difficulties.
After the Saints had let Nauvoo, and the Camp of Israel was located between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, the government requested them to furnish a battalion to go to Mexico and fight the battles of our common country. In the condition of poverty and exile in which the people then were, there was no need of complying with that request. They were utterly destitute, and yet the government made the demand on them to go and protect the interests of the country. Brigham Young, with the eye of a prophet, saw the necessity of yielding obedience, and he said to Col. Allen, you shall have the number required, even if the leading Elders have to go. The wisdom of the Lord was pressed through Brigham Young was manifested in this answer. It proved that this people was a loyal people, that there was nothing they so much desired as the welfare of their common country. Although ostracized by a few wicked people, they felt confidence in the general Government. They proved that they loved the Constitution for which our fathers had bled and died, and they went cheerfully to defend the interests of the country and to plant the flag of our country on disputed soil. When Brigham Young led his band of pioneers to Utah, he consecrated this land for God, but took possession of it for the general Government.
The first petition formulated and presented was for a railroad to connect us with the eastern states; also for a telegraph line. A state constitution was framed and admission asked into the Union as a state.
The Saints know that this great nation was founded by inspiration of God. However the laws may be perverted, whoever may be the President of the Union or Governor over the States and Territories, whether the judges be wise or unwise, we know that God has His hand over this continent. He has prepared it to be a place of refuge to all the oppressed and downtrodden.
God had a people in this land many hundreds of years ago. The brother of Jared led a colony into it and they became a great nation. But they also grew strong in iniquity and were swept away, for God would have this land inhabited by a righteous people. So with the colony that came here led by father Lehi, 600 years before Christ. They were finally overthrown by their brethren, the Lamanites, who were a numerous people upon the discovery of this country by Columbus.
We believe that Columbus came here through being inspired by God. We know from whence everything that is good comes to this great and goodly land. It comes from God.
The majority of the Saints are from the States, or have been born and raised here, and have learned to love the country’s institutions. Although patriotic, they have been misunderstood and consequently persecuted as they still are. But the time will come when we will be understood. The Gospel is being proclaimed everywhere. Everything is being done to further the cause of God. Many will be faithful and true until the Lord comes to gather his jewels.
was the next speaker. He did not anticipate the pleasure of addressing the Saints this afternoon. I desire your faith and prayers and attention.
The meetings of the Saints are really feasts of good things. This is really a time of schooling to the Latter-day Israel. In the time of Joseph, the Prophet, there were many scenes of trial, through which the Saints were required to pass. And it seems to be necessary for the establishment of the Church that the people should pass through them. On the very announcement that God had spoken, the powers of evil were aroused, and the youthful Prophet had to contend with them, as best he could. When persecution raged, he called upon a little band of Saints to go to Missouri in the year 1884. This band was called Zion’s Camp, and such has been their appellation to the present time. Ten of their number are still alive on this earth. They have gone behind the veil and are laboring and moving for the cause of this people in the courts above.
After this band had arrived in Missouri, a fearful scourge in the shape of Asiatic cholera broke out among them. Joseph stood among his brethren at that time, as long as he was permitted, until the Lord told him to stand out of the way or to be destroyed. Departure from the way of the Lord, was this time, as always, visited by the Lord’s judgment. Two years after this, the Prophet proclaimed at the time of the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve: “I have seen those who were with us in Zion’s Camp and met their deaths by the scourge of cholera, and if I ever receive a crown as bright as theirs, I shall be satisfied forever afterwards.” This was his testimony concerning the brethren.
The people were afterwards called to pass through persecution, but it is a fact that the Lord at this time was near His people. All the Prophet had to do was to inquire in regard to any line of conduct or doctrine, and he received an answer. The Lord was near to him and to the people. The greater the tribulation, the greater the blessing. In looking over this, I am satisfied that had we not been called to pass through such scenes, we would not have been able to keep the faith, or to obtain the blessings upon our labors, which we have received. When the Saints have obeyed their leaders they have always had manifestations of God’s power in bringing them safely through all difficulties.
After the Saints had let Nauvoo, and the Camp of Israel was located between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, the government requested them to furnish a battalion to go to Mexico and fight the battles of our common country. In the condition of poverty and exile in which the people then were, there was no need of complying with that request. They were utterly destitute, and yet the government made the demand on them to go and protect the interests of the country. Brigham Young, with the eye of a prophet, saw the necessity of yielding obedience, and he said to Col. Allen, you shall have the number required, even if the leading Elders have to go. The wisdom of the Lord was pressed through Brigham Young was manifested in this answer. It proved that this people was a loyal people, that there was nothing they so much desired as the welfare of their common country. Although ostracized by a few wicked people, they felt confidence in the general Government. They proved that they loved the Constitution for which our fathers had bled and died, and they went cheerfully to defend the interests of the country and to plant the flag of our country on disputed soil. When Brigham Young led his band of pioneers to Utah, he consecrated this land for God, but took possession of it for the general Government.
The first petition formulated and presented was for a railroad to connect us with the eastern states; also for a telegraph line. A state constitution was framed and admission asked into the Union as a state.
The Saints know that this great nation was founded by inspiration of God. However the laws may be perverted, whoever may be the President of the Union or Governor over the States and Territories, whether the judges be wise or unwise, we know that God has His hand over this continent. He has prepared it to be a place of refuge to all the oppressed and downtrodden.
God had a people in this land many hundreds of years ago. The brother of Jared led a colony into it and they became a great nation. But they also grew strong in iniquity and were swept away, for God would have this land inhabited by a righteous people. So with the colony that came here led by father Lehi, 600 years before Christ. They were finally overthrown by their brethren, the Lamanites, who were a numerous people upon the discovery of this country by Columbus.
We believe that Columbus came here through being inspired by God. We know from whence everything that is good comes to this great and goodly land. It comes from God.
The majority of the Saints are from the States, or have been born and raised here, and have learned to love the country’s institutions. Although patriotic, they have been misunderstood and consequently persecuted as they still are. But the time will come when we will be understood. The Gospel is being proclaimed everywhere. Everything is being done to further the cause of God. Many will be faithful and true until the Lord comes to gather his jewels.
President Hugh S. Gowans, of Tooele Stake:
I have been pleased to listen to the remarks of the brethren who have reviewed the history of this people. It may seem strange to some to hear that the people are in a better condition than they ever were, notwithstanding all persecution. This is encouraging. In the midst of these things, I ask myself, Do I live according to the profession I make? We profess to be endowed with the characteristics which should result in holiness. Am I living so that my life can bear criticism, for temperance, purity and virtue? Is there no deceit, no hypocrisy? Living honestly teaches me that I will receive a testimony, that the word of God’s servants is true. I rejoice in the work. The sufferings superinduced by persecution have developed a class of men and women that have been tried and found faithful. The interests of this kingdom should always be uppermost in our hearts. We should always know that our ways are clear. It is the right of every man and woman to know that this work is true, that they are God’s children, as when Jesus was baptized and received the testimony of the Spirit that He was God’s beloved Son. It is not necessary to be cast into circumstances, that are trying, in order to be led nearer to our heavenly Father. It is necessary that we should be surrounded by tempting conditions, but it is not needful to partake of those questionable influences. We must partake of those things that can develop in us divine characteristics. Such will be the condition of the Saints when they live according to the things of God.
I have been pleased to listen to the remarks of the brethren who have reviewed the history of this people. It may seem strange to some to hear that the people are in a better condition than they ever were, notwithstanding all persecution. This is encouraging. In the midst of these things, I ask myself, Do I live according to the profession I make? We profess to be endowed with the characteristics which should result in holiness. Am I living so that my life can bear criticism, for temperance, purity and virtue? Is there no deceit, no hypocrisy? Living honestly teaches me that I will receive a testimony, that the word of God’s servants is true. I rejoice in the work. The sufferings superinduced by persecution have developed a class of men and women that have been tried and found faithful. The interests of this kingdom should always be uppermost in our hearts. We should always know that our ways are clear. It is the right of every man and woman to know that this work is true, that they are God’s children, as when Jesus was baptized and received the testimony of the Spirit that He was God’s beloved Son. It is not necessary to be cast into circumstances, that are trying, in order to be led nearer to our heavenly Father. It is necessary that we should be surrounded by tempting conditions, but it is not needful to partake of those questionable influences. We must partake of those things that can develop in us divine characteristics. Such will be the condition of the Saints when they live according to the things of God.
Counsellor D. H. Wells.
It is a source of pleasure to meet with the Saints. The plan of salvation is before my mind. Everything pertaining to the Gospel commends itself to my reason. There is nothing unreasonable in the supposition that God should speak from heaven, and send forth the Book of Mormon. This book is a record of God’s dealings with the people on this continent. It would be strange if this people should not have communication with God. The book itself was kept very much like the sacred books of the eastern hemisphere. Those who kept them used to engrave on various materials. Why should not the Lord communicate His will to this people? The testimony is that God had a people on this continent. I see nothing unreasonable in this. We are told that the Bible is sufficient, that we need no revelation from heaven. But it would be very unreasonable to suppose that the great work predicted to take place in these latter days should be inaugurated without revelation. No man could by his own wisdom do this work. Therefore it was necessary to have communication between heaven and earth established again. The invitation to come to the Lord has been given all the day long. Now is the dispensation of the fulness of time come. Who is acquainted with God? Who knows Christ? It is life eternal to know God. Men have forgotten God, it seems, but God has not forgotten them. He has always tried to lead men the right way. I believe He inspired Columbus, George Washington and other men, but He did not confer upon any of these the authority of the Priesthood, probably because they would not have received it. God conferred this authority when He saw the time was come, when men were prepared for it. We have a very great privilege in building temples and performing work for the living and the dead. This latter-day work has grown from the beginning, and cannot be put down. Its principles are all true. The educated world think it is all delusion. All true sciences and all that is for the benefit of men, is embraced in the Gospel. The world is full of unbelief and superstition. Men have gone astray. But God has looked down seen this and again sent the everlasting Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, to every one who receives it.
The choir sang the anthem: “Jerusalem my glorious Home.”
Benediction was pronounced by Elder John Morgan.
It is a source of pleasure to meet with the Saints. The plan of salvation is before my mind. Everything pertaining to the Gospel commends itself to my reason. There is nothing unreasonable in the supposition that God should speak from heaven, and send forth the Book of Mormon. This book is a record of God’s dealings with the people on this continent. It would be strange if this people should not have communication with God. The book itself was kept very much like the sacred books of the eastern hemisphere. Those who kept them used to engrave on various materials. Why should not the Lord communicate His will to this people? The testimony is that God had a people on this continent. I see nothing unreasonable in this. We are told that the Bible is sufficient, that we need no revelation from heaven. But it would be very unreasonable to suppose that the great work predicted to take place in these latter days should be inaugurated without revelation. No man could by his own wisdom do this work. Therefore it was necessary to have communication between heaven and earth established again. The invitation to come to the Lord has been given all the day long. Now is the dispensation of the fulness of time come. Who is acquainted with God? Who knows Christ? It is life eternal to know God. Men have forgotten God, it seems, but God has not forgotten them. He has always tried to lead men the right way. I believe He inspired Columbus, George Washington and other men, but He did not confer upon any of these the authority of the Priesthood, probably because they would not have received it. God conferred this authority when He saw the time was come, when men were prepared for it. We have a very great privilege in building temples and performing work for the living and the dead. This latter-day work has grown from the beginning, and cannot be put down. Its principles are all true. The educated world think it is all delusion. All true sciences and all that is for the benefit of men, is embraced in the Gospel. The world is full of unbelief and superstition. Men have gone astray. But God has looked down seen this and again sent the everlasting Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, to every one who receives it.
The choir sang the anthem: “Jerusalem my glorious Home.”
Benediction was pronounced by Elder John Morgan.
Second Day. Oct. 6th, 10 a. m.
The choir sang:
Great God, attend while Zion sings,
The joy that from Thy presence springs,
To spend one day with Thee on earth
Exceeds a thousand days of mirth.
Prayer was offered by Apostle Moses Thatcher.
The choir sang:
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
The choir sang:
Great God, attend while Zion sings,
The joy that from Thy presence springs,
To spend one day with Thee on earth
Exceeds a thousand days of mirth.
Prayer was offered by Apostle Moses Thatcher.
The choir sang:
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Apostle Heber J. Grant
was the first speaker. It was a great pleasure to him to stand before the Saints once more in a general conference. We would all be benefited in our meetings, if we came with the intention of being instructed. We should not assemble simply out of curiosity but desiring earnestly that the light of our heavenly Father might be with us all to build us up in our faith. If we have assembled with this mind and intention we will be built up, and go away rejoicing in the blessings bestowed upon us.
God is the author of our existence, wherefore we owe to him the undivided gratitude of our hearts.
The Saints many times feel discouraged, as if our tribulations were more than we can endure. But if we discharge our duties with full purpose of heart, we will rejoice in the labors before us. When we neglect our duties, these seem burdensome to us. But there is no Saint who keeps the commandments of God but rejoices in so doing. Those that pay their tithings, rejoice in this law. It is the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel that causes us to be ready to go to the nations of the earth and proclaim the truth, because we rejoice in the blessings of the Gospel. So with all the requirements of God. The Gospel fills our hearts with charity, and love toward our fellows, and therefore we will induce them to obey the Gospel, that they also may possess these blessings. When we go to meeting and hear sermons, we will hear men sometimes express themselves as being tired of the subjects spoken of. Some do not like to hear about the Word of Wisdom. They are those that do not keep it. Those that keep the Word of Wisdom rejoice to hear about it. God always makes promises to us upon obedience to certain laws. We must keep these laws; else we can not receive the blessings. The blame is, therefore, not God’s but our own. I testify that the promises of God are true and faithful. If we discharge our duties, we will receive the rewards promised. Those who listen to the requirements made upon them, and do not do them, are always “sick and tired” of hearing the same thing over and over again. And I do not blame them. They are dull scholars, and God must look upon them as such, because they have heard a great deal and done a very little.
As with the Word of Wisdom, so with all other requirements. Those who do not pay tithing are “sick and tired” of always hearing of “dollars.” Such men plainly show that they do not pay their tithing. Those who do rejoice in hearing about it. I will read to you a passage from the Book of Malachi:
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Mal. iii, 8-10).
Ancient Israel robbed God of His tithing, and this may be said of His people now. Very few of the Saints pay an honest tithing. The law of tithing requires all surplus property for the building of temples and other purposes, and then one-tenth of the interest annually. This is the plain law. Many pay something and call it tithing, but it is not, unless it is one-tenth. If my income is $1,000 and I do not pay $100, I have not paid my tithing. When you get through this life, would you get rewarded on the same principles? How foolish it is to be careless because other people are careless. No man can deprive us of our rewards if we are faithful. I believe that not over twenty-five per cent of the Saints pay an honest tithing. We are growing in population and wealth, but not in paying tithing.
Some make the excuse for not paying tithing, that the government takes it by confiscation. But this is not a fact so far as relates to what is paid subsequent to the passage of the Edmunds-Tucker law. We must not quit doing our duties. I would not cease even if the government would take it. I would pay anyhow. For God’s reward is sure, and His testimony is worth more than all sacrifices. There is no blessing equal to life eternal. I know that God blesses those who are true, and if we were true and faithful we would have a claim upon God to redeem Zion. We are not Zion, “The pure in heart,” as long as we fail to do our duties.
Many complain because all the blessings are not to be had free of expense. They have good intentions, but these cannot build a temple or perform other needed labor. Our faithfulness, our diligence will bring us a reward. The knowledge of the truth of the Gospel will condemn you if you do not act upon this knowledge. Going to meetings will not do any good, unless we act upon the instructions given. No credit is due for simply going to meetings. We must digest our food in order to derive benefit from it; so with going to meetings, we must carry out in our lives the instructions we receive.
The Gospel is true. I call upon the Saints in all humility to keep all the commandments of God. Keeping half of the commandments will not develop our whole spiritual natures to perfection. We must keep them all. No man can pay his tithing honestly before God and continue a selfish man. Let him contribute to all beneficial objects, and his nature will be pure as regards selfishness. So with the keeping of the Word of Wisdom and attending to prayers. Those who do so will be developed spiritually, so that they can go into the presence of God our heavenly Father. They will rejoice and be willing to bring the Gospel before the world.
was the first speaker. It was a great pleasure to him to stand before the Saints once more in a general conference. We would all be benefited in our meetings, if we came with the intention of being instructed. We should not assemble simply out of curiosity but desiring earnestly that the light of our heavenly Father might be with us all to build us up in our faith. If we have assembled with this mind and intention we will be built up, and go away rejoicing in the blessings bestowed upon us.
God is the author of our existence, wherefore we owe to him the undivided gratitude of our hearts.
The Saints many times feel discouraged, as if our tribulations were more than we can endure. But if we discharge our duties with full purpose of heart, we will rejoice in the labors before us. When we neglect our duties, these seem burdensome to us. But there is no Saint who keeps the commandments of God but rejoices in so doing. Those that pay their tithings, rejoice in this law. It is the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel that causes us to be ready to go to the nations of the earth and proclaim the truth, because we rejoice in the blessings of the Gospel. So with all the requirements of God. The Gospel fills our hearts with charity, and love toward our fellows, and therefore we will induce them to obey the Gospel, that they also may possess these blessings. When we go to meeting and hear sermons, we will hear men sometimes express themselves as being tired of the subjects spoken of. Some do not like to hear about the Word of Wisdom. They are those that do not keep it. Those that keep the Word of Wisdom rejoice to hear about it. God always makes promises to us upon obedience to certain laws. We must keep these laws; else we can not receive the blessings. The blame is, therefore, not God’s but our own. I testify that the promises of God are true and faithful. If we discharge our duties, we will receive the rewards promised. Those who listen to the requirements made upon them, and do not do them, are always “sick and tired” of hearing the same thing over and over again. And I do not blame them. They are dull scholars, and God must look upon them as such, because they have heard a great deal and done a very little.
As with the Word of Wisdom, so with all other requirements. Those who do not pay tithing are “sick and tired” of always hearing of “dollars.” Such men plainly show that they do not pay their tithing. Those who do rejoice in hearing about it. I will read to you a passage from the Book of Malachi:
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Mal. iii, 8-10).
Ancient Israel robbed God of His tithing, and this may be said of His people now. Very few of the Saints pay an honest tithing. The law of tithing requires all surplus property for the building of temples and other purposes, and then one-tenth of the interest annually. This is the plain law. Many pay something and call it tithing, but it is not, unless it is one-tenth. If my income is $1,000 and I do not pay $100, I have not paid my tithing. When you get through this life, would you get rewarded on the same principles? How foolish it is to be careless because other people are careless. No man can deprive us of our rewards if we are faithful. I believe that not over twenty-five per cent of the Saints pay an honest tithing. We are growing in population and wealth, but not in paying tithing.
Some make the excuse for not paying tithing, that the government takes it by confiscation. But this is not a fact so far as relates to what is paid subsequent to the passage of the Edmunds-Tucker law. We must not quit doing our duties. I would not cease even if the government would take it. I would pay anyhow. For God’s reward is sure, and His testimony is worth more than all sacrifices. There is no blessing equal to life eternal. I know that God blesses those who are true, and if we were true and faithful we would have a claim upon God to redeem Zion. We are not Zion, “The pure in heart,” as long as we fail to do our duties.
Many complain because all the blessings are not to be had free of expense. They have good intentions, but these cannot build a temple or perform other needed labor. Our faithfulness, our diligence will bring us a reward. The knowledge of the truth of the Gospel will condemn you if you do not act upon this knowledge. Going to meetings will not do any good, unless we act upon the instructions given. No credit is due for simply going to meetings. We must digest our food in order to derive benefit from it; so with going to meetings, we must carry out in our lives the instructions we receive.
The Gospel is true. I call upon the Saints in all humility to keep all the commandments of God. Keeping half of the commandments will not develop our whole spiritual natures to perfection. We must keep them all. No man can pay his tithing honestly before God and continue a selfish man. Let him contribute to all beneficial objects, and his nature will be pure as regards selfishness. So with the keeping of the Word of Wisdom and attending to prayers. Those who do so will be developed spiritually, so that they can go into the presence of God our heavenly Father. They will rejoice and be willing to bring the Gospel before the world.
Elder John Morgan.
I am thankful for the good instructions imparted, and for the Spirit of the Lord which has been in our midst, and to mingle my testimony with those of the brethren who have already spoken. May we return to our homes from this Conference strengthened and refreshed. There is no subject nearer or dearer to the hearts of the Saints than the training of their children, rearing them in the principles of the Gospel. Parents have received the truth and gathered with the Saints, but this is not the case with our sons and daughters born and reared here. They have not had incentives to investigation, nor has their faith been tested. They may have convened in family prayers, participated in asking the blessing of the Lord upon the food of which they partake; they may also have attended meetings, and tacitly coincided with the principles they have heard. When they grow up they must be subjected to trial, for God has decreed that He will have a tried people. Many of the youth wander from the faith of their parents, to whom pain has been brought by such instances. Perhaps these alienations have been superinduced by neglect on the part of those who should have instructed the young. With such young men it is not so much a question of infidelity as of ignorance. They have not been carefully taught. My attention has been directed to the situation by the fact that I have met many young men who have been called into the missionary field who have confessed their ignorance of the principles they were sent into the world to declare. There had been a neglect on the part of their parents. The result has been in such cases that it required almost the length of a mission before they were prepared to combat the errors of the world. Such young men have bewailed their awkward and humiliating position.
It behooves us to take such steps as a community to afford the youth opportunities to obtain a knowledge for themselves of the principles of the Gospel. In line with this are the Sabbath schools, the number of whose attendants has increased in a comparatively brief time from 13,000 to 70,000. The superintendents have been instructed to organize the youth of more advanced age into classes, the object of whose teachings will be to prepare them to be useful as missionaries in other capacities.
Some people have singular ideas in relation to the principle of agency in its application to children, thinking that they should be left untaught religiously until they reach the age of maturity. This is a fallacy. We have found missionaries who have attended Sunday Schools and Mutual Improvement Associations, comparatively prepared for their labors. Those who have not received this training were, on the contrary, ignorant of the Gospel. If this effect is produced by teaching the children once or twice a week, how much more potent would be the result if there were schools inaugurated in which religious teaching was permissible every day of the week. The district schools are not adequate for this work, as God is practically excluded from them. It has been held by some that secular education is the panacea for all the moral evils afflicted the people. This is incorrect, as can be proved by statistical facts procured from places where a free public school system has had full sway. Educating a person in secular facts does not make him a moral man. Hence, some of the most cultured men intellectually are infidel, and a few of them are not paragons of moral excellence. It is a notorious fact that many of that class of people denominated tramps are educated. It behooves the Saints to sustain the hands of the brethren in endeavoring to establish a system of schools in line with the genius of the Gospel, that the rising generation may be prepared for the mighty work which lies before them in carrying forward the kingdom of God to a successful issue. Those who will perform this labor must be prepared for it physically, religiously, morally and intellectually.
Elder Morgan continued to speak with much force upon the theme of his discourse, showing that mere intellectual culture did not produce moral excellence. He cited as examples the condition of the learned city of Boston. He also directed attention to the examples in the same relation afforded by history, making special mention of the intellectual greatness of ancient Greece, and the fall of that empire because of moral rottenness. He concluded by bearing testimony that the work established by Joseph Smith is the work of God, and was destined to triumph over every opposing force.
Come ye children of the Lord,
Let us sing with one accord,
was sung by the choir.
Benediction by Elder David H. Cannon.
I am thankful for the good instructions imparted, and for the Spirit of the Lord which has been in our midst, and to mingle my testimony with those of the brethren who have already spoken. May we return to our homes from this Conference strengthened and refreshed. There is no subject nearer or dearer to the hearts of the Saints than the training of their children, rearing them in the principles of the Gospel. Parents have received the truth and gathered with the Saints, but this is not the case with our sons and daughters born and reared here. They have not had incentives to investigation, nor has their faith been tested. They may have convened in family prayers, participated in asking the blessing of the Lord upon the food of which they partake; they may also have attended meetings, and tacitly coincided with the principles they have heard. When they grow up they must be subjected to trial, for God has decreed that He will have a tried people. Many of the youth wander from the faith of their parents, to whom pain has been brought by such instances. Perhaps these alienations have been superinduced by neglect on the part of those who should have instructed the young. With such young men it is not so much a question of infidelity as of ignorance. They have not been carefully taught. My attention has been directed to the situation by the fact that I have met many young men who have been called into the missionary field who have confessed their ignorance of the principles they were sent into the world to declare. There had been a neglect on the part of their parents. The result has been in such cases that it required almost the length of a mission before they were prepared to combat the errors of the world. Such young men have bewailed their awkward and humiliating position.
It behooves us to take such steps as a community to afford the youth opportunities to obtain a knowledge for themselves of the principles of the Gospel. In line with this are the Sabbath schools, the number of whose attendants has increased in a comparatively brief time from 13,000 to 70,000. The superintendents have been instructed to organize the youth of more advanced age into classes, the object of whose teachings will be to prepare them to be useful as missionaries in other capacities.
Some people have singular ideas in relation to the principle of agency in its application to children, thinking that they should be left untaught religiously until they reach the age of maturity. This is a fallacy. We have found missionaries who have attended Sunday Schools and Mutual Improvement Associations, comparatively prepared for their labors. Those who have not received this training were, on the contrary, ignorant of the Gospel. If this effect is produced by teaching the children once or twice a week, how much more potent would be the result if there were schools inaugurated in which religious teaching was permissible every day of the week. The district schools are not adequate for this work, as God is practically excluded from them. It has been held by some that secular education is the panacea for all the moral evils afflicted the people. This is incorrect, as can be proved by statistical facts procured from places where a free public school system has had full sway. Educating a person in secular facts does not make him a moral man. Hence, some of the most cultured men intellectually are infidel, and a few of them are not paragons of moral excellence. It is a notorious fact that many of that class of people denominated tramps are educated. It behooves the Saints to sustain the hands of the brethren in endeavoring to establish a system of schools in line with the genius of the Gospel, that the rising generation may be prepared for the mighty work which lies before them in carrying forward the kingdom of God to a successful issue. Those who will perform this labor must be prepared for it physically, religiously, morally and intellectually.
Elder Morgan continued to speak with much force upon the theme of his discourse, showing that mere intellectual culture did not produce moral excellence. He cited as examples the condition of the learned city of Boston. He also directed attention to the examples in the same relation afforded by history, making special mention of the intellectual greatness of ancient Greece, and the fall of that empire because of moral rottenness. He concluded by bearing testimony that the work established by Joseph Smith is the work of God, and was destined to triumph over every opposing force.
Come ye children of the Lord,
Let us sing with one accord,
was sung by the choir.
Benediction by Elder David H. Cannon.
2 o’clock p. m.
The choir sang:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation,
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Prayer was offered by President Angus M. Cannon.
The choir sang:
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear,
But with joy wend your way;
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
The choir sang:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation,
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Prayer was offered by President Angus M. Cannon.
The choir sang:
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear,
But with joy wend your way;
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
said in substance: It is very delightful to contemplate upon the pleasures we derive from our Conferences, socially and otherwise. Friends, who have been long separated, meet together and rejoice when being reminded of the good times they used to have when the Gospel was first presented to them. It is also refreshing to partake of the spiritual food that has been served out to us during our meetings.
One of the ancient servants of God spoke of the work in which we are engaged, and foretold that a people would come, the prevailing sentiment of whom would be: Come, let us go up to Mount Zion and walk in the paths of righteousness. If we retain this feeling we will always be in a frame of mind to be taught, and we will know that, unless we are humble, we cannot have the ability to live up to the principles of the Gospel. O how many have come together here but forgotten the errand for which they came, and they have gone out into darkness, finally betraying their brethren for less than thirty pieces of silver.
We should retain a spirit of contrition, and remember that we must obey every revealed principle that has been given to us. No man is competent to be a good ruler, unless he has learned to obey good laws and to make all sacrifices necessary for the well-being of the whole body. It is the nature of man to go astray, unless he retains the spirit of the Gospel. Such as have gone away must be called back again to the first principles of the Gospel.
In times of darkness we have need to call upon the Lord, and most of the blessings we have had we have received in times of difficulties. The presence of the Lord has been realized in times of suffering. It is a lamentable fact that the people of God in their prosperity invariably have commenced to feel independent of God. It is forgotten that God is the giver of all good. A man in prosperity is, according to the testimony of history, apt to turn away. This should indeed teach us to walk humbly before God and with each other.
It requires considerable wisdom and watchfulness to guide and direct a people as large as the Saints now have come to be. Every soul must feel for himself or herself that the blessings of God have been promised to them individually on condition of their willingness to walk in the ways of God. But we too often follow out our own ways, not remembering that these sometimes lead to death. If we could so live that we could always have the Spirit always with us, we should rejoice under all circumstances. This is indeed a great deal, but it is that “great deal” that the Lord has promised us. If we were not subject to give way so often and to grieve the Spirit within us, we could obtain the grace of God in every time of need. Those who pray with their families and in secret, always supplicating the Lord for His help and guidance, will find the help they seek and be able to rise triumphant above all difficulties. What a happy, joyful, and powerful people we would be if we would live thus!
The various institutions of the Church are competent, if properly carried out, to provide for all the necessities of the Saints. It is natural to grown people, when they watch the little efforts of the children, to think that those are only child’s play. And some even think, when they see women try to do some good, that it is only a woman’s business, and that the women have to take care that they do not come out of their sphere. But we know that a tree, if taken when young and placed in suitable soil, will perhaps yield more and better fruit than if left alone. And also that a twig is easier bent when young. Why, then, do we not take the little twigs and bend them in the shape we wish them to grow? We have now 50,000 children of school age. Why are we not carefully training these before the time comes when they cannot be bent? If we know that we are right we ought to guide our little ones in the right channels, and not leave them to be filled with ideas that will take years to have taken out again before they can comprehend the truth of the Gospel.
After the organization of the Relief Society, it was put into the heart of a sister to organize the small children into Primary Associations. These have become very popular in the Territory, although some Bishops yet leave this work to be done or not to be done, as the case may be. The Savior, when the disciples wanted to know who was the greater—a question that has always been thought an important one—took a little child and said, unless ye become as little children ye cannot enter the kingdom of God. Who comprehends the competency of this statement? To be innocent and to know that we do not know much, and consequently to become teachable; these are the greatest qualities we can obtain. It strikes me that if the Bishops would attend the primaries and take an interest in the children, or encourage the sisters who labor in the good work, great blessings would be obtained from God. The children will grow up right if only started right.
We live in a time when bright spirits are coming into the world. Some of these children we occasionally are so careless about, will live to see the Savior come and never die. We do not realize that we are rearing a nation of prophets. Satan has no power to tempt these children before they reach the years of accountability. They might be kept and live almost without sin. We have a work of regeneration on hand, but unless we induce our children to take hold of the work and advance beyond us, there will not be much of regeneration.
The Lesser Priesthood has a particular work in this Church. We have now some twenty-five Stakes; we have also over 300 Bishops, presiding over the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons. Many of our members cannot attend the conferences and other meetings. But such members should not be left to languish for the bread of life. It is the duty of the Lesser Priesthood to visit every house; preaching the Gospel, expounding the Scriptures, and exhorting the people. Many homes have no prayers offered in them. What an example is that to the children! No wonder that they get to light speaking and vulgarity. It is, therefore, important that the Priest should meet every family and impart the truth, not in a dictatorial manner, but humbly, pleading with the wayward to return. The sick and afflicted should be visited, and the emblems of the Sacrament carried to them. These things we are apt to forget. But we must remember that for all these we are finally to give an account. I wish the Bishops would stir the matter up and see that young men are appointed Priests and Teachers, to be assisted by older brethren who have experience.
The revelation on the subject says that the teachers shall see that there is no iniquity in the Church. Where is the ward where this has been carried out? Yet, this is the duty of the teachers. This is a time when the Priesthood should be busy. And if we are not, we cannot have the approval and favor of our heavenly Father. But if we will do our duties He will make bare His arm.
Our prosperity has been so great that we have not appreciated it. While many of the human family perish through various disasters, we are prosperous. It is a strange fact that while many influences have been brought to bear upon us to distress us, we are a happy people, knowing that God will never forget us, whatever may happen.
We should put off all bad habits, and, amongst others, the reading of idle literature. We ought to read good books, and let all our conversations be in the love of God.
I rejoice in the Gospel, and wish that we all may be diligent in keeping the commandments of God. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you, and particularly upon the young.
said in substance: It is very delightful to contemplate upon the pleasures we derive from our Conferences, socially and otherwise. Friends, who have been long separated, meet together and rejoice when being reminded of the good times they used to have when the Gospel was first presented to them. It is also refreshing to partake of the spiritual food that has been served out to us during our meetings.
One of the ancient servants of God spoke of the work in which we are engaged, and foretold that a people would come, the prevailing sentiment of whom would be: Come, let us go up to Mount Zion and walk in the paths of righteousness. If we retain this feeling we will always be in a frame of mind to be taught, and we will know that, unless we are humble, we cannot have the ability to live up to the principles of the Gospel. O how many have come together here but forgotten the errand for which they came, and they have gone out into darkness, finally betraying their brethren for less than thirty pieces of silver.
We should retain a spirit of contrition, and remember that we must obey every revealed principle that has been given to us. No man is competent to be a good ruler, unless he has learned to obey good laws and to make all sacrifices necessary for the well-being of the whole body. It is the nature of man to go astray, unless he retains the spirit of the Gospel. Such as have gone away must be called back again to the first principles of the Gospel.
In times of darkness we have need to call upon the Lord, and most of the blessings we have had we have received in times of difficulties. The presence of the Lord has been realized in times of suffering. It is a lamentable fact that the people of God in their prosperity invariably have commenced to feel independent of God. It is forgotten that God is the giver of all good. A man in prosperity is, according to the testimony of history, apt to turn away. This should indeed teach us to walk humbly before God and with each other.
It requires considerable wisdom and watchfulness to guide and direct a people as large as the Saints now have come to be. Every soul must feel for himself or herself that the blessings of God have been promised to them individually on condition of their willingness to walk in the ways of God. But we too often follow out our own ways, not remembering that these sometimes lead to death. If we could so live that we could always have the Spirit always with us, we should rejoice under all circumstances. This is indeed a great deal, but it is that “great deal” that the Lord has promised us. If we were not subject to give way so often and to grieve the Spirit within us, we could obtain the grace of God in every time of need. Those who pray with their families and in secret, always supplicating the Lord for His help and guidance, will find the help they seek and be able to rise triumphant above all difficulties. What a happy, joyful, and powerful people we would be if we would live thus!
The various institutions of the Church are competent, if properly carried out, to provide for all the necessities of the Saints. It is natural to grown people, when they watch the little efforts of the children, to think that those are only child’s play. And some even think, when they see women try to do some good, that it is only a woman’s business, and that the women have to take care that they do not come out of their sphere. But we know that a tree, if taken when young and placed in suitable soil, will perhaps yield more and better fruit than if left alone. And also that a twig is easier bent when young. Why, then, do we not take the little twigs and bend them in the shape we wish them to grow? We have now 50,000 children of school age. Why are we not carefully training these before the time comes when they cannot be bent? If we know that we are right we ought to guide our little ones in the right channels, and not leave them to be filled with ideas that will take years to have taken out again before they can comprehend the truth of the Gospel.
After the organization of the Relief Society, it was put into the heart of a sister to organize the small children into Primary Associations. These have become very popular in the Territory, although some Bishops yet leave this work to be done or not to be done, as the case may be. The Savior, when the disciples wanted to know who was the greater—a question that has always been thought an important one—took a little child and said, unless ye become as little children ye cannot enter the kingdom of God. Who comprehends the competency of this statement? To be innocent and to know that we do not know much, and consequently to become teachable; these are the greatest qualities we can obtain. It strikes me that if the Bishops would attend the primaries and take an interest in the children, or encourage the sisters who labor in the good work, great blessings would be obtained from God. The children will grow up right if only started right.
We live in a time when bright spirits are coming into the world. Some of these children we occasionally are so careless about, will live to see the Savior come and never die. We do not realize that we are rearing a nation of prophets. Satan has no power to tempt these children before they reach the years of accountability. They might be kept and live almost without sin. We have a work of regeneration on hand, but unless we induce our children to take hold of the work and advance beyond us, there will not be much of regeneration.
The Lesser Priesthood has a particular work in this Church. We have now some twenty-five Stakes; we have also over 300 Bishops, presiding over the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons. Many of our members cannot attend the conferences and other meetings. But such members should not be left to languish for the bread of life. It is the duty of the Lesser Priesthood to visit every house; preaching the Gospel, expounding the Scriptures, and exhorting the people. Many homes have no prayers offered in them. What an example is that to the children! No wonder that they get to light speaking and vulgarity. It is, therefore, important that the Priest should meet every family and impart the truth, not in a dictatorial manner, but humbly, pleading with the wayward to return. The sick and afflicted should be visited, and the emblems of the Sacrament carried to them. These things we are apt to forget. But we must remember that for all these we are finally to give an account. I wish the Bishops would stir the matter up and see that young men are appointed Priests and Teachers, to be assisted by older brethren who have experience.
The revelation on the subject says that the teachers shall see that there is no iniquity in the Church. Where is the ward where this has been carried out? Yet, this is the duty of the teachers. This is a time when the Priesthood should be busy. And if we are not, we cannot have the approval and favor of our heavenly Father. But if we will do our duties He will make bare His arm.
Our prosperity has been so great that we have not appreciated it. While many of the human family perish through various disasters, we are prosperous. It is a strange fact that while many influences have been brought to bear upon us to distress us, we are a happy people, knowing that God will never forget us, whatever may happen.
We should put off all bad habits, and, amongst others, the reading of idle literature. We ought to read good books, and let all our conversations be in the love of God.
I rejoice in the Gospel, and wish that we all may be diligent in keeping the commandments of God. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you, and particularly upon the young.
Elder J. B. Noble.
I bear my testimony to the very truthful remarks we have been listening to. I have seen this work more than fifty-six years. I was well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph. Nineteen years of my life I was familiar with the ground where the sacred records from which the Book of Mormon was translated were found. I was a member of Zion’s Camp. When we had arrived at our destination, it was signified that the strength was not full. I came very near falling by the cholera scourge near Peter Whitmer’s house. But the brethren came around me, and such was the power of faith that I saw the holy city, and heard a voice saying, “The blessed abode of the Saints.” I arose and was made whole. Four years after this I went up to the same country and town where Joseph was so long incarcerated. This was not twenty-five rods from where Whitmer lived. I also was familiar with the place, Adam-ondi-Aman. I feel grateful that I have witnessed what I have in the onward progress of this work. It is now on earth, and no power can arrest it. It is the great work predicted to precede the coming of the Son of Man. This is a time of speculation; but it behooves us who have accepted the Gospel to live it. We should awaken to the importance of the call made upon us to be Saints, that is, to obey the laws of God and obtain the blessings. May we form new resolves and be virtuous, carrying out the principles of the Gospel, and we shall be made perfect. There is a place for every one of us. If we honor our callings we shall have dreams and visions and other blessings. May this be our happy lot.
I bear my testimony to the very truthful remarks we have been listening to. I have seen this work more than fifty-six years. I was well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph. Nineteen years of my life I was familiar with the ground where the sacred records from which the Book of Mormon was translated were found. I was a member of Zion’s Camp. When we had arrived at our destination, it was signified that the strength was not full. I came very near falling by the cholera scourge near Peter Whitmer’s house. But the brethren came around me, and such was the power of faith that I saw the holy city, and heard a voice saying, “The blessed abode of the Saints.” I arose and was made whole. Four years after this I went up to the same country and town where Joseph was so long incarcerated. This was not twenty-five rods from where Whitmer lived. I also was familiar with the place, Adam-ondi-Aman. I feel grateful that I have witnessed what I have in the onward progress of this work. It is now on earth, and no power can arrest it. It is the great work predicted to precede the coming of the Son of Man. This is a time of speculation; but it behooves us who have accepted the Gospel to live it. We should awaken to the importance of the call made upon us to be Saints, that is, to obey the laws of God and obtain the blessings. May we form new resolves and be virtuous, carrying out the principles of the Gospel, and we shall be made perfect. There is a place for every one of us. If we honor our callings we shall have dreams and visions and other blessings. May this be our happy lot.
Elder Henry Herriman,
who is 84 years old, admonished the Saints to call upon the Lord to pour out His Spirit, and was thankful for the opportunity he had had to listen to the testimony of the brethren who had spoken. He would pray that the Spirit would be poured out upon the whole people. I have never had a doubt in my mind since I embraced the Gospel that the Lord would fulfill His promises. The day is now not far distant when God will come to His people. I am now an old and feeble man. I was well acquainted with the prophet, and feel thankful for having lived up to this time. I have seen many scenes different from those we now see.
who is 84 years old, admonished the Saints to call upon the Lord to pour out His Spirit, and was thankful for the opportunity he had had to listen to the testimony of the brethren who had spoken. He would pray that the Spirit would be poured out upon the whole people. I have never had a doubt in my mind since I embraced the Gospel that the Lord would fulfill His promises. The day is now not far distant when God will come to His people. I am now an old and feeble man. I was well acquainted with the prophet, and feel thankful for having lived up to this time. I have seen many scenes different from those we now see.
Elder Abram H. Cannon.
I am sure that it would be the testimony of every one present, who has been listening to the remarks made during this Conference, that the Holy Spirit has been present and made His influence known.
In looking over this vast congregation and considering the circumstances that now surround the people, I am reminded of the remarks made to me by a visitor to this city, a gentleman who was born and reared in Missouri, in the neighborhood where the Latter-day Saints once resided. He said, “The Missourians made a very great mistake when they drove the Saints away. Otherwise all their thrift might have been there, in places where now exists poverty and where human beings can hardly be induced to live.”
It was not of our own choice that we came here; it was not because we were dissatisfied with the country or her institutions. It was because of a spirit of oppression and persecution that we had to leave the homes we had reared and everything dear to us. And why were we persecuted? Not because we had disobeyed the laws or violated the Constitution; not for being lawless, but for being righteous and honest, and desiring to serve God. But this has been the experience of all righteous people. The heretics of one age become the heroes of the next. When the Latter-day Saints lived in Missouri, their thrift was not recognized. But the day is now dawning when not only their virtue is being recognized, but the Prophet Joseph, too, and his doctrines are being proclaimed from the pulpits of the clergy.
I know that this is a law-abiding people. I have never heard a word spoken against the law by any of the leaders of this Church. They have always taught that God raised up and inspired good men to formulate the Constitution and prepare this land to be a gathering place for His Saints. Joseph, it is well known, wanted to yield obedience to the authority of the law. And this led to his death. He had left Nauvoo in order to go to the Rocky Mountains, but when word came that his friends thought him a coward, who wanted to flee from persecution, he returned. He thought that if he went, the oppressors would cease to harass the people. But when his friends taunted him he came back with the result well known. He fell, and sealed his testimony with his blood. The people have always submitted to the law. But when the laws have been administered in unrighteousness they have, as it is the duty of every man, fled from the perpetrators of the injustice.
It is a fact that the children of the community have their trials as well as the older members. They are tried when they see their fathers imprisoned or driven into exile, when by one single promise they would, perhaps, escape. This causes them to reflect upon the principles. If men will go into exile or into prison for them, what is there in them? Are they of God or of man? Such questions must arise in their hearts when they see these things.
We will live to see the day when the promises of God will be fulfilled, but we will all have to be tested. Will we then be faithful? The majority of the people will. And if they would not, if they all turned away, God would raise up a people unto him of the very stones of the ground.
The choir sang the anthem, O, give thanks unto the Lord.
Benediction was pronounced by Apostle Heber J. Grant.
I am sure that it would be the testimony of every one present, who has been listening to the remarks made during this Conference, that the Holy Spirit has been present and made His influence known.
In looking over this vast congregation and considering the circumstances that now surround the people, I am reminded of the remarks made to me by a visitor to this city, a gentleman who was born and reared in Missouri, in the neighborhood where the Latter-day Saints once resided. He said, “The Missourians made a very great mistake when they drove the Saints away. Otherwise all their thrift might have been there, in places where now exists poverty and where human beings can hardly be induced to live.”
It was not of our own choice that we came here; it was not because we were dissatisfied with the country or her institutions. It was because of a spirit of oppression and persecution that we had to leave the homes we had reared and everything dear to us. And why were we persecuted? Not because we had disobeyed the laws or violated the Constitution; not for being lawless, but for being righteous and honest, and desiring to serve God. But this has been the experience of all righteous people. The heretics of one age become the heroes of the next. When the Latter-day Saints lived in Missouri, their thrift was not recognized. But the day is now dawning when not only their virtue is being recognized, but the Prophet Joseph, too, and his doctrines are being proclaimed from the pulpits of the clergy.
I know that this is a law-abiding people. I have never heard a word spoken against the law by any of the leaders of this Church. They have always taught that God raised up and inspired good men to formulate the Constitution and prepare this land to be a gathering place for His Saints. Joseph, it is well known, wanted to yield obedience to the authority of the law. And this led to his death. He had left Nauvoo in order to go to the Rocky Mountains, but when word came that his friends thought him a coward, who wanted to flee from persecution, he returned. He thought that if he went, the oppressors would cease to harass the people. But when his friends taunted him he came back with the result well known. He fell, and sealed his testimony with his blood. The people have always submitted to the law. But when the laws have been administered in unrighteousness they have, as it is the duty of every man, fled from the perpetrators of the injustice.
It is a fact that the children of the community have their trials as well as the older members. They are tried when they see their fathers imprisoned or driven into exile, when by one single promise they would, perhaps, escape. This causes them to reflect upon the principles. If men will go into exile or into prison for them, what is there in them? Are they of God or of man? Such questions must arise in their hearts when they see these things.
We will live to see the day when the promises of God will be fulfilled, but we will all have to be tested. Will we then be faithful? The majority of the people will. And if they would not, if they all turned away, God would raise up a people unto him of the very stones of the ground.
The choir sang the anthem, O, give thanks unto the Lord.
Benediction was pronounced by Apostle Heber J. Grant.
Third Day. Oct. 7th, 10 a.m.
The choir sang:
When earth in bondage long had lain,
And darkness o’er the nations reigned.
Prayer was offered by Apostle Franklin D. Richards.
The choir sang:
How great the joy, the promised day,
When the disciples met to pray.
The choir sang:
When earth in bondage long had lain,
And darkness o’er the nations reigned.
Prayer was offered by Apostle Franklin D. Richards.
The choir sang:
How great the joy, the promised day,
When the disciples met to pray.
Apostle Moses Thatcher
addressed the congregation. He said it was a very responsible position to stand before the people and speak in the name of the Lord, to dwell upon the principles of life eternal, and give a reason for the hope that is within us. If the Lord would give him utterance, he desired to touch upon a subject that had been impressed upon his mind of late; this was in regard to the systems of government that have prevailed among the most intelligent of God's creatures from the beginning, and to endeavor to show that the great key of power in government is not force, but persuasion; not coercion, but love. The systems of human government have greatly changed as the ages have gone by. In the absence of a perfect form of government directed by the Almighty, the tendency of human government has been to the monarchial order — governments of centralization and not diffusion.
But since the days of the ten kings, spoken of by Daniel, the tendency of the human mind has been toward democracy. Perhaps the grandest example we have of a monarchial government is that of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who was represented in the prophetic image as the head of gold. He felt, in the magnitude of the dominion exercised by him, that he was independent of the Spirit of God, and took great pride in the beautiful city he had built, and the powerful empire he ruled. But the Lord humbled him, and took away his power and reason. After him came a kingdom of less power and diminished glory, represented by the silver in the image. Following the kingdom of the Medes and Persians came the Macedonian reign, of a still lower order. Next was the Roman Empire, eastern and western, as represented by the legs of iron, which had toes, partly of iron and partly of miry clay. These were the ten kingdoms of Europe that I have referred to. In the days of these ten kings there was a kingdom to be established, represented by a stone cut out of the mountain without hands, and which beat into pieces the image and increased till it tilled the whole earth. This was the kingdom of God which was never to be thrown down.
It is claimed by some that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is theocratic in its form of government. As this Church has the labor of preparing for the establishment of God's kingdom, I desire to show that it is not theocratic in the generally accepted definition of the term. The various forms of government tried by man have been inadequate to the assurance of his happiness and welfare the three forms, monarchial, aristocratic and republican, have each failed in past ages. The British Constitution sought to combine these three forms, but as the inclination of the people was to increased liberty, the monarchial and aristocratic elements have grown effeminate, and to-day that government is even more democratic than is that of the United States; that is, the influence of public sentiment has a greater effect upon the policy of the government. For two hundred years the sovereign has not dared to exercise the veto power, while the ministry is changed according to the expression of the popular will, as indicated at the ballot-box. I do not make this assertion in derogation of our form of government; there may be seeds of weakness yet undeveloped in their system.
The Constitution of the United States is democratic in its form, as it was created by the people; for the same reason the constitutions of the various States are democratic. But the laws are republican, because enacted by the representatives of the people. The Senate has co-equal power with the House of Representatives in legislation, but is not elected by the people. The State of Nevada, with less than 65,000 population, has two senators, while New York, with nearly 5,000,000, has no more. The Senate is, therefore, not democratic in the manner of its creation. The Sen¬ ate, unlike the British ministry, does not follow submissively the House of Representatives. Nor does the President fear to exercise the veto power, for he feels, and rightly too, that in his high position he is the representative of the people. There is another check in our system of government that is lacking in the form of the British government — the Supreme Court. They are selected by the President and Senate, and are above the influences of public opinion. They are the representatives of justice and equity, and can check even Congress in the imposition of unconstitutional laws upon the people. They neither see nor care for public opinion and clamor, but are governed by the Constitution of our country. Wherever they have bowed to public opinion, they have done so at the sacrifice of the honor of their high calling. We look to them to check public opinion where that opinion is wrong. The Constitution, which governs them, can be changed in a prescribed manner, and those who seek to alter it in any other way are traitors.
We claim that the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the framers of the Constitution were directed by light from God, and their work is the result of inspiration. The form of government given in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was revealed by the Lord through an untutored boy, and is the broadest, most liberal and perfect that can exist. One of its chief cornerstones is the doctrine of common consent. The Priesthood, from the Deacon to the President of the Church, have not the power to place a man in position to rule. They may nominate, but until the people sanction they can go no further. The Lord gave to the people the right to reject any man, and man cannot deprive them of that right. Human agency is a gift of God, and when men seek to restrain or control it in others, they do it by the spirit of darkness and not of light. That is what Lucifer did when he sought to enforce the plan of redemption over the agency of rain. But Jesus interposed and Lucifer's scheme was rejected. Wherever men holding the Priesthood have exercised their power in the least degree oppressively, they have done so in unrighteousness and unauthorized by the Priesthood they held.
The Church has means for the settlement of all disputes. The first step is that of reconciliation. Every person should be possessed of this spirit, and when he goes to his brother in that mood the Spirit of God is with him In the order of the Church, when reconciliation fails, then comes arbitration. The officers provided for this are the Teachers. They have no power to adjudicate or try cases, but may reconcile differences. If they fail, the matter then goes to the Bishops—the common judges of Israel. From these an appeal lies to the Stake High Council. The decisions by these Councils, when made in righteousness, are sustained by the Lord. After the Stake High Council, still another appeal may be had. It is said ''The Standing High Councils, in the Stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the Church, in all their decisions, to the Quorum of the Presidency, or to the traveling High Council." It must be understood that a Stake High Council is not the High Council of the Church of Christ. The latter is the Common Council of the Church, and is presided over by the Presidency of the Church. This High Council of the Church was established by revelation, and was organized in Kirtland, February 17, 1834, according to the mind and will of the Lord, Vacancies in this Council are tilled by nomination of the President of the Church, and by the vote of the High Priesthood, called together for that purpose. Here again the doctrine of common consent comes in, in regard to an organization pertaining to the High Priesthood.
The world may urge that we have a hierarchy, in which the President is responsible to no one. But that is not the case. The appeals in cases may go from one court to another, to the standing High Council of the Church, the highest council in the Church. The President of the Church is himself subject to trial for the commission of an offence. But the common council of the Church—the only tribunal before which he can be tried—is then presided over by the Presiding Bishop of the Church and two Counselors. This is the only work of the council so constituted; so that in case one of the First Presidency should err, he is amenable to the law of God. Thus every man is accountable to the people.
This system reaches every man in the Church. An Apostle may be tried for his fellowship by a Bishop's court; a Stake High Council can operate on his fellowship in the Stake; but his quorum must take the final action upon him. How beautiful is this perfect organization of the Church when we come to understand it.
The system of Church government is not theocratic, but theo-democratic —the voice of God and the consent of the people. It is an intelligent government, and intelligence is the glory of God. Jesus of Nazareth won the victory over darkness and oppression in heaven, and He will win it on earth. Wherever the spirit of oppression dwells, it comes not from God. The law of the Gospel is the perfect law of liberty. The man who enjoys the spirit of God is a freeman. He may be consigned to prison, but you cannot overcome him. You cannot chain him, for he knows that to the right victory will come. Any man in this Church who exercises unrighteous dominion will, unless he repeats, become a mockery before the people of God, and drift into apostasy. In the Doctrine and Covenants it is said:--
Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson--
That the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven can not be controlled nor handled only upon the principle of righteousness.
That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood, or the authority of that man.
Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks; to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God.
We have learned, by sad experience, that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the Priesthood, only by persuasion, by longsuffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.
Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death;
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doc¬ trine of the Priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy sceptre an unchanging sceptre of righteousness and truth, and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
Here you seen what can be accomplished by the strong cords of love; here we learn what can be done by persuasion. And all other means, all that operate through coercion and oppression, shall fail.
The foregoing synopsis necessarily gives only an imperfect idea of Brother Thatcher's discourse, which, even in its entirety, was remarkable for condensation.
addressed the congregation. He said it was a very responsible position to stand before the people and speak in the name of the Lord, to dwell upon the principles of life eternal, and give a reason for the hope that is within us. If the Lord would give him utterance, he desired to touch upon a subject that had been impressed upon his mind of late; this was in regard to the systems of government that have prevailed among the most intelligent of God's creatures from the beginning, and to endeavor to show that the great key of power in government is not force, but persuasion; not coercion, but love. The systems of human government have greatly changed as the ages have gone by. In the absence of a perfect form of government directed by the Almighty, the tendency of human government has been to the monarchial order — governments of centralization and not diffusion.
But since the days of the ten kings, spoken of by Daniel, the tendency of the human mind has been toward democracy. Perhaps the grandest example we have of a monarchial government is that of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who was represented in the prophetic image as the head of gold. He felt, in the magnitude of the dominion exercised by him, that he was independent of the Spirit of God, and took great pride in the beautiful city he had built, and the powerful empire he ruled. But the Lord humbled him, and took away his power and reason. After him came a kingdom of less power and diminished glory, represented by the silver in the image. Following the kingdom of the Medes and Persians came the Macedonian reign, of a still lower order. Next was the Roman Empire, eastern and western, as represented by the legs of iron, which had toes, partly of iron and partly of miry clay. These were the ten kingdoms of Europe that I have referred to. In the days of these ten kings there was a kingdom to be established, represented by a stone cut out of the mountain without hands, and which beat into pieces the image and increased till it tilled the whole earth. This was the kingdom of God which was never to be thrown down.
It is claimed by some that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is theocratic in its form of government. As this Church has the labor of preparing for the establishment of God's kingdom, I desire to show that it is not theocratic in the generally accepted definition of the term. The various forms of government tried by man have been inadequate to the assurance of his happiness and welfare the three forms, monarchial, aristocratic and republican, have each failed in past ages. The British Constitution sought to combine these three forms, but as the inclination of the people was to increased liberty, the monarchial and aristocratic elements have grown effeminate, and to-day that government is even more democratic than is that of the United States; that is, the influence of public sentiment has a greater effect upon the policy of the government. For two hundred years the sovereign has not dared to exercise the veto power, while the ministry is changed according to the expression of the popular will, as indicated at the ballot-box. I do not make this assertion in derogation of our form of government; there may be seeds of weakness yet undeveloped in their system.
The Constitution of the United States is democratic in its form, as it was created by the people; for the same reason the constitutions of the various States are democratic. But the laws are republican, because enacted by the representatives of the people. The Senate has co-equal power with the House of Representatives in legislation, but is not elected by the people. The State of Nevada, with less than 65,000 population, has two senators, while New York, with nearly 5,000,000, has no more. The Senate is, therefore, not democratic in the manner of its creation. The Sen¬ ate, unlike the British ministry, does not follow submissively the House of Representatives. Nor does the President fear to exercise the veto power, for he feels, and rightly too, that in his high position he is the representative of the people. There is another check in our system of government that is lacking in the form of the British government — the Supreme Court. They are selected by the President and Senate, and are above the influences of public opinion. They are the representatives of justice and equity, and can check even Congress in the imposition of unconstitutional laws upon the people. They neither see nor care for public opinion and clamor, but are governed by the Constitution of our country. Wherever they have bowed to public opinion, they have done so at the sacrifice of the honor of their high calling. We look to them to check public opinion where that opinion is wrong. The Constitution, which governs them, can be changed in a prescribed manner, and those who seek to alter it in any other way are traitors.
We claim that the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the framers of the Constitution were directed by light from God, and their work is the result of inspiration. The form of government given in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was revealed by the Lord through an untutored boy, and is the broadest, most liberal and perfect that can exist. One of its chief cornerstones is the doctrine of common consent. The Priesthood, from the Deacon to the President of the Church, have not the power to place a man in position to rule. They may nominate, but until the people sanction they can go no further. The Lord gave to the people the right to reject any man, and man cannot deprive them of that right. Human agency is a gift of God, and when men seek to restrain or control it in others, they do it by the spirit of darkness and not of light. That is what Lucifer did when he sought to enforce the plan of redemption over the agency of rain. But Jesus interposed and Lucifer's scheme was rejected. Wherever men holding the Priesthood have exercised their power in the least degree oppressively, they have done so in unrighteousness and unauthorized by the Priesthood they held.
The Church has means for the settlement of all disputes. The first step is that of reconciliation. Every person should be possessed of this spirit, and when he goes to his brother in that mood the Spirit of God is with him In the order of the Church, when reconciliation fails, then comes arbitration. The officers provided for this are the Teachers. They have no power to adjudicate or try cases, but may reconcile differences. If they fail, the matter then goes to the Bishops—the common judges of Israel. From these an appeal lies to the Stake High Council. The decisions by these Councils, when made in righteousness, are sustained by the Lord. After the Stake High Council, still another appeal may be had. It is said ''The Standing High Councils, in the Stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the Church, in all their decisions, to the Quorum of the Presidency, or to the traveling High Council." It must be understood that a Stake High Council is not the High Council of the Church of Christ. The latter is the Common Council of the Church, and is presided over by the Presidency of the Church. This High Council of the Church was established by revelation, and was organized in Kirtland, February 17, 1834, according to the mind and will of the Lord, Vacancies in this Council are tilled by nomination of the President of the Church, and by the vote of the High Priesthood, called together for that purpose. Here again the doctrine of common consent comes in, in regard to an organization pertaining to the High Priesthood.
The world may urge that we have a hierarchy, in which the President is responsible to no one. But that is not the case. The appeals in cases may go from one court to another, to the standing High Council of the Church, the highest council in the Church. The President of the Church is himself subject to trial for the commission of an offence. But the common council of the Church—the only tribunal before which he can be tried—is then presided over by the Presiding Bishop of the Church and two Counselors. This is the only work of the council so constituted; so that in case one of the First Presidency should err, he is amenable to the law of God. Thus every man is accountable to the people.
This system reaches every man in the Church. An Apostle may be tried for his fellowship by a Bishop's court; a Stake High Council can operate on his fellowship in the Stake; but his quorum must take the final action upon him. How beautiful is this perfect organization of the Church when we come to understand it.
The system of Church government is not theocratic, but theo-democratic —the voice of God and the consent of the people. It is an intelligent government, and intelligence is the glory of God. Jesus of Nazareth won the victory over darkness and oppression in heaven, and He will win it on earth. Wherever the spirit of oppression dwells, it comes not from God. The law of the Gospel is the perfect law of liberty. The man who enjoys the spirit of God is a freeman. He may be consigned to prison, but you cannot overcome him. You cannot chain him, for he knows that to the right victory will come. Any man in this Church who exercises unrighteous dominion will, unless he repeats, become a mockery before the people of God, and drift into apostasy. In the Doctrine and Covenants it is said:--
Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson--
That the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven can not be controlled nor handled only upon the principle of righteousness.
That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood, or the authority of that man.
Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks; to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God.
We have learned, by sad experience, that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the Priesthood, only by persuasion, by longsuffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.
Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death;
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doc¬ trine of the Priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy sceptre an unchanging sceptre of righteousness and truth, and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
Here you seen what can be accomplished by the strong cords of love; here we learn what can be done by persuasion. And all other means, all that operate through coercion and oppression, shall fail.
The foregoing synopsis necessarily gives only an imperfect idea of Brother Thatcher's discourse, which, even in its entirety, was remarkable for condensation.
Elder John Nicholson
was the next speaker. He said he found himself in a somewhat embarrassing position, feeling the importance attached to the duty of addressing such a vast assemblage of the people of God. I have greatly enjoyed the teachings imparted during this conference. Many important questions have been brought before our attention, the most prominent according to my view, consisting of about the following. The educational character of the apparently adverse circumstances that surround the Saints; the necessity of more intense and earnest devotion to the interests of the young; the sustaining of the work to which we profess to be devoted, in a substantial way; and not only the powers and rights of the Priesthood, but also some of its limits. I have been for some time deeply impressed with the situation in which we find ourselves, and coincide with the position assumed that we are in the most powerful school that it is possible to institute—the school of experience, without which it is impossible to increase our faith. I feel to lift up my heart in gratitude to God that we have difficulties and obstacles to meet and overcome, for without these there would be no progress.
It is plainly laid down in the Doctrine and Covenants that, in order for the Saints to know that they are acceptable to God, they must place themselves in a position to show that they are willing to sacrifice all things, even life itself, for their religion. This is a position that lies in the future, and we must be educated up to that point. Some of the noblest instances history affords of self-sacrifice for the cause of God have been cited, especially in the opening discourse of Apostle Lorenzo Snow, at this Conference. One of these instances is that of the three Hebrew children, before whom was placed a remarkable ordeal—to choose one of two alternatives. They were in a condition of preparation for the ordeal, and, when threatened with the fiery furnace if they would not bow down to the image, they said, We do not know but we may be destroyed; but this we do know, that we will not bow down. They were conversant with the latter fact, if not with the other. It has occurred to me that, notwithstanding the claims we make that we are willing to sacrifice all for the truth’s sake, there may be some question as to whether that has been our position in some things. There are in my heart some serious doubts regarding it. We are not yet far enough advanced.
There is one thing of which we may be certain, and that is, that the Lord will fulfil His promises. He has said to the Saints, in a revelation given August 3, 1833:--
I will try you and prove you herewith;
And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal;
Therefore be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy;
For if ye will not abide in my covenant, ye are not worthy of me.
This is one of the glorious promises to the Saints, that they shall have the same opportunity as did the three Hebrews, when it will be seen who it is that will say, We don’t know but that we may be crushed beneath the overwhelming weight of oppression that may crowd upon us if we do not surrender our religion; but this we do know, that we will not go back on any of the revelations of Jesus Christ. I expect that day to come, for the Lord has decreed that He will have a tried people in the day of His power. If that day of power is imminent He must have that people. It will not be merely a few men who are willing to go to prison, or to the death if need be, for the cause of God; not the trial of a few families, whose sufferings, especially those of women and children, have been intense beyond computation; but it will be an application to the entire people, for the Lord has declared that He will have a tried people as a whole. The present situation is one to prepare them for what is coming. In my opinion there are things which God directs and reveals, and others that He simply permits, and will shape the course of events to show the weakness of men and His own omnipotence. As Apostle Snow has said, deliverance will come to us only by the same process as that by which it came to the three Hebrews. How much power had man to protect them, or to stay the consuming flame of that furnace? None whatever. After we have used our own wisdom, and shown that it is insufficient, He who sitteth upon the throne will make bare His arm and bring to pass His glorious purposes.
In relation to our children, I have had the deepest solicitude. Sometimes I think we take too much credit to ourselves for what we do for them. The educational movement we seek to institute now, comes at a late day. Some of our children are repudiating the principles of truth. They have causes for this. Let us inquire what they are, and remove them and then the evil effects will cease. There is a result in that line which is produced by a most potent cause—the apparently contradictory positions we have taken in some respects. This has eliminated faith in many cases from the hearts of the young. This we know to be a fact, therefore let us look it squarely in the face that we may apply the remedy.
When I consider this educational movement I am almost confounded at its magnitude and the evident inadequacy of the means at hand to prosecute it successfully. We are given to understand there is to be established in each Stake at least one academy. This is good. There is, however, a financial question involved, and the brethren who have the direction of affairs say they propose to support these institutions. We have an excellent school of that kind in Salt Lake Stake, with capable teachers in the departments of secular and religious knowledge, so that young people who attend may graduate not only as ripe scholars, but also true-hearted and intelligent Latter-day Saints. But what is the status of this school in the community? It has been necessary to charge a comparatively high rate for tuition—a fact which virtually puts the sign over the door, “The poor cannot enter here.” We have before us the historical lessons of the Book of Mormon, and they should have great weight with us. We read there that a reason why the displeasure of the Lord was brought upon the ancient people of this continent, was that there was class distinctions among them. One of these was the distinction created by wealth, when men who had not sufficient love of the Gospel—as is the case in some instances to-day—lifted their heads above their fellows in haughtiness and pride, because of their riches. Another distinction—and one against which the prophets proclaimed—was that produced by the superior facilities afforded for the more wealthy to educate their children. This is a more dangerous distinction than the first, for it affects the eternal intelligence of God’s children.
We must, however, make a commencement. Those men who have been appointed to act in this matter have expressed their willingness to carry on the work, but their means for that purpose are limited. What shall we, the body of the people, do? Shall we not support them, and show our faith by our works? If we would live up to the laws of God we would have sufficient means to meet every exigency. Let every man, then, pay his tithing according to the law. The Lord says tithing is a law unto His people, and to His Priesthood forever. How can we fulfil that law? Can we do it by paying less than the required portion? We certainly cannot. Less than a tenth is not a tithing. Suppose an applicant for baptism were to insist that only a portion of his body should be immersed, and claim that that was a sufficient baptism; we would think him insane. So with tithing. You cannot partially perform an ordinance. It must be perfect or it is of no force so far as the fulfillment of the law is concerned. You cannot fulfil the law of tithing in part only; it can only be done as a whole. Its payment is a great privilege, and should be done because we have agreed to do it. If we do not we are not in an honorable position. I have never considered a man who holds the Priesthood to be a Saint of any moment unless he complies with this plain ordinance. Shall we go hence, and for the future live up to this law? Let us do it, and let the cause for our action be because it is right, because the Lord requires it at our hands, and because it is sustaining and forwarding the work of God.
Regarding the outcome of this work, I have more faith in that than I have in the present condition of affairs. The victory will be wrought out by the power of the Almighty, and in no other way. May God help us to place our feet on the rock of ages, there to abide firmly, and come what will, say, Here we stand or here we fall.
It was announced that in the afternoon a meeting would also be held in the Assembly Hall, as the attendance at the Conference was so large that it was impossible for the Tabernacle to contain the people.
The choir sang the anthem, Ye shall dwell in the land.
Meeting was brought to a close by prayer by Bishop John R. Winder.
was the next speaker. He said he found himself in a somewhat embarrassing position, feeling the importance attached to the duty of addressing such a vast assemblage of the people of God. I have greatly enjoyed the teachings imparted during this conference. Many important questions have been brought before our attention, the most prominent according to my view, consisting of about the following. The educational character of the apparently adverse circumstances that surround the Saints; the necessity of more intense and earnest devotion to the interests of the young; the sustaining of the work to which we profess to be devoted, in a substantial way; and not only the powers and rights of the Priesthood, but also some of its limits. I have been for some time deeply impressed with the situation in which we find ourselves, and coincide with the position assumed that we are in the most powerful school that it is possible to institute—the school of experience, without which it is impossible to increase our faith. I feel to lift up my heart in gratitude to God that we have difficulties and obstacles to meet and overcome, for without these there would be no progress.
It is plainly laid down in the Doctrine and Covenants that, in order for the Saints to know that they are acceptable to God, they must place themselves in a position to show that they are willing to sacrifice all things, even life itself, for their religion. This is a position that lies in the future, and we must be educated up to that point. Some of the noblest instances history affords of self-sacrifice for the cause of God have been cited, especially in the opening discourse of Apostle Lorenzo Snow, at this Conference. One of these instances is that of the three Hebrew children, before whom was placed a remarkable ordeal—to choose one of two alternatives. They were in a condition of preparation for the ordeal, and, when threatened with the fiery furnace if they would not bow down to the image, they said, We do not know but we may be destroyed; but this we do know, that we will not bow down. They were conversant with the latter fact, if not with the other. It has occurred to me that, notwithstanding the claims we make that we are willing to sacrifice all for the truth’s sake, there may be some question as to whether that has been our position in some things. There are in my heart some serious doubts regarding it. We are not yet far enough advanced.
There is one thing of which we may be certain, and that is, that the Lord will fulfil His promises. He has said to the Saints, in a revelation given August 3, 1833:--
I will try you and prove you herewith;
And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal;
Therefore be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy;
For if ye will not abide in my covenant, ye are not worthy of me.
This is one of the glorious promises to the Saints, that they shall have the same opportunity as did the three Hebrews, when it will be seen who it is that will say, We don’t know but that we may be crushed beneath the overwhelming weight of oppression that may crowd upon us if we do not surrender our religion; but this we do know, that we will not go back on any of the revelations of Jesus Christ. I expect that day to come, for the Lord has decreed that He will have a tried people in the day of His power. If that day of power is imminent He must have that people. It will not be merely a few men who are willing to go to prison, or to the death if need be, for the cause of God; not the trial of a few families, whose sufferings, especially those of women and children, have been intense beyond computation; but it will be an application to the entire people, for the Lord has declared that He will have a tried people as a whole. The present situation is one to prepare them for what is coming. In my opinion there are things which God directs and reveals, and others that He simply permits, and will shape the course of events to show the weakness of men and His own omnipotence. As Apostle Snow has said, deliverance will come to us only by the same process as that by which it came to the three Hebrews. How much power had man to protect them, or to stay the consuming flame of that furnace? None whatever. After we have used our own wisdom, and shown that it is insufficient, He who sitteth upon the throne will make bare His arm and bring to pass His glorious purposes.
In relation to our children, I have had the deepest solicitude. Sometimes I think we take too much credit to ourselves for what we do for them. The educational movement we seek to institute now, comes at a late day. Some of our children are repudiating the principles of truth. They have causes for this. Let us inquire what they are, and remove them and then the evil effects will cease. There is a result in that line which is produced by a most potent cause—the apparently contradictory positions we have taken in some respects. This has eliminated faith in many cases from the hearts of the young. This we know to be a fact, therefore let us look it squarely in the face that we may apply the remedy.
When I consider this educational movement I am almost confounded at its magnitude and the evident inadequacy of the means at hand to prosecute it successfully. We are given to understand there is to be established in each Stake at least one academy. This is good. There is, however, a financial question involved, and the brethren who have the direction of affairs say they propose to support these institutions. We have an excellent school of that kind in Salt Lake Stake, with capable teachers in the departments of secular and religious knowledge, so that young people who attend may graduate not only as ripe scholars, but also true-hearted and intelligent Latter-day Saints. But what is the status of this school in the community? It has been necessary to charge a comparatively high rate for tuition—a fact which virtually puts the sign over the door, “The poor cannot enter here.” We have before us the historical lessons of the Book of Mormon, and they should have great weight with us. We read there that a reason why the displeasure of the Lord was brought upon the ancient people of this continent, was that there was class distinctions among them. One of these was the distinction created by wealth, when men who had not sufficient love of the Gospel—as is the case in some instances to-day—lifted their heads above their fellows in haughtiness and pride, because of their riches. Another distinction—and one against which the prophets proclaimed—was that produced by the superior facilities afforded for the more wealthy to educate their children. This is a more dangerous distinction than the first, for it affects the eternal intelligence of God’s children.
We must, however, make a commencement. Those men who have been appointed to act in this matter have expressed their willingness to carry on the work, but their means for that purpose are limited. What shall we, the body of the people, do? Shall we not support them, and show our faith by our works? If we would live up to the laws of God we would have sufficient means to meet every exigency. Let every man, then, pay his tithing according to the law. The Lord says tithing is a law unto His people, and to His Priesthood forever. How can we fulfil that law? Can we do it by paying less than the required portion? We certainly cannot. Less than a tenth is not a tithing. Suppose an applicant for baptism were to insist that only a portion of his body should be immersed, and claim that that was a sufficient baptism; we would think him insane. So with tithing. You cannot partially perform an ordinance. It must be perfect or it is of no force so far as the fulfillment of the law is concerned. You cannot fulfil the law of tithing in part only; it can only be done as a whole. Its payment is a great privilege, and should be done because we have agreed to do it. If we do not we are not in an honorable position. I have never considered a man who holds the Priesthood to be a Saint of any moment unless he complies with this plain ordinance. Shall we go hence, and for the future live up to this law? Let us do it, and let the cause for our action be because it is right, because the Lord requires it at our hands, and because it is sustaining and forwarding the work of God.
Regarding the outcome of this work, I have more faith in that than I have in the present condition of affairs. The victory will be wrought out by the power of the Almighty, and in no other way. May God help us to place our feet on the rock of ages, there to abide firmly, and come what will, say, Here we stand or here we fall.
It was announced that in the afternoon a meeting would also be held in the Assembly Hall, as the attendance at the Conference was so large that it was impossible for the Tabernacle to contain the people.
The choir sang the anthem, Ye shall dwell in the land.
Meeting was brought to a close by prayer by Bishop John R. Winder.
2 p. m.
The choir and congregation sang
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah,
Jesus anointed, that Prophet and Seer,
Blessed to open the last dispensation;
Kings shall extol him and nations revere.
Prayer by Elder George Goddard.
The choir sang
Behold the Mount of Olives rend!
And on its top Messiah stand,
His chosen children to defend,
And save them with a mighty hand.
The Priesthood of the First Ward, Salt Lake City, officiated in the administration of the sacrament.
The choir and congregation sang
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah,
Jesus anointed, that Prophet and Seer,
Blessed to open the last dispensation;
Kings shall extol him and nations revere.
Prayer by Elder George Goddard.
The choir sang
Behold the Mount of Olives rend!
And on its top Messiah stand,
His chosen children to defend,
And save them with a mighty hand.
The Priesthood of the First Ward, Salt Lake City, officiated in the administration of the sacrament.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
said they would have taken great pleasure in laying before the people full reports, but these had not been received from all the Stakes. Some Stakes had not reported at all, while others had made only partial reports. This was no doubt owing to the peculiar situation in which so many of the people were placed at the present time. These reports are very important, and should be made at least once a year, at the annual Conference in April. Presidents of Stakes were requested to hereafter see that full reports were delivered at the President’s office, Salt Lake City, not later than March 20th for the April Conference, and September 20th for the October Conference. A complete report had been received from the Relief Society, but it was not deemed advisable to read it on the present occasion, because of not having the other reports. It was hoped that hereafter full reports would be made promptly, that the people could be made acquainted with the growth and condition of the Church.
Apostle Richards then presented the General Authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained as follows:--
Wilford Woodruff as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, as one of the Twelve Apostles, and of the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Council of the Twelve Apostles: Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jos. F. Smith, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, and John W. Taylor.
Counselors to the Twelve Apostles: John W. Young and Daniel H. Wells.
The Twelve Apostles as the Presiding Council and Authority of the Church, and with their Counselors, as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.
Patriarch to the Church—John Smith.
First Seven Presidents of the Seventies: Henry Herriman, Jacob Gates, Abram H. Cannon, Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted, John Morgan, and B. H. Roberts.
Wm. B. Preston as Presiding Bishop, with Robert T. Burton as his First and John R. Winder as his Second Counselor.
Wilford Woodruff as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, with Franklin D. Richards as assistant.
Clerk of Conference: John Nicholson.
The following officers of different organizations were also presented and unanimously sustained:--
Central Committee on Education for the Church: Wilford Woodruff, chairman, Salt Lake City; Lorenzo Snow, Brigham City; George Q. Cannon, Salt Lake City; Karl G. Maeser, Provo; Willard Young, Salt Lake City; George W. Thatcher, Logan; Amos Howe, Salt Lake City; Anton H. Lund, Ephraim; James Sharp, Salt Lake City.
President of the Relief Society, Zina D. H. Young; Secretary, Sarah M. Kimball; Assistant Secretary, Romania B. Pratt; Treasurer, M. Isabella Horne.
President of the Young Ladies’ Improvement Associations, Elmina S. Taylor; Secretary, Mary E. Cook.
President of the Primary Associations, Louie Felt; Secretary, Cornelia H. Clayton.
General Superintendency of the Young Men’s Improvement Associations: Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith, and Moses Thatcher.
General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union: George Q. Cannon; Assistants, George Goddard and John Morgan; Secretary, Levi W. Richards; Treasurer Geo. Reynolds.
Apostle Richards explained that the names of the Counselors in the superintendency of the Young Ladies’ and other Associations were not submitted, as the list was not at hand, but there were no changes. Sister Young, of the Relief Society, had not yet selected her counselors.
said they would have taken great pleasure in laying before the people full reports, but these had not been received from all the Stakes. Some Stakes had not reported at all, while others had made only partial reports. This was no doubt owing to the peculiar situation in which so many of the people were placed at the present time. These reports are very important, and should be made at least once a year, at the annual Conference in April. Presidents of Stakes were requested to hereafter see that full reports were delivered at the President’s office, Salt Lake City, not later than March 20th for the April Conference, and September 20th for the October Conference. A complete report had been received from the Relief Society, but it was not deemed advisable to read it on the present occasion, because of not having the other reports. It was hoped that hereafter full reports would be made promptly, that the people could be made acquainted with the growth and condition of the Church.
Apostle Richards then presented the General Authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained as follows:--
Wilford Woodruff as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, as one of the Twelve Apostles, and of the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Council of the Twelve Apostles: Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jos. F. Smith, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, and John W. Taylor.
Counselors to the Twelve Apostles: John W. Young and Daniel H. Wells.
The Twelve Apostles as the Presiding Council and Authority of the Church, and with their Counselors, as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.
Patriarch to the Church—John Smith.
First Seven Presidents of the Seventies: Henry Herriman, Jacob Gates, Abram H. Cannon, Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted, John Morgan, and B. H. Roberts.
Wm. B. Preston as Presiding Bishop, with Robert T. Burton as his First and John R. Winder as his Second Counselor.
Wilford Woodruff as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, with Franklin D. Richards as assistant.
Clerk of Conference: John Nicholson.
The following officers of different organizations were also presented and unanimously sustained:--
Central Committee on Education for the Church: Wilford Woodruff, chairman, Salt Lake City; Lorenzo Snow, Brigham City; George Q. Cannon, Salt Lake City; Karl G. Maeser, Provo; Willard Young, Salt Lake City; George W. Thatcher, Logan; Amos Howe, Salt Lake City; Anton H. Lund, Ephraim; James Sharp, Salt Lake City.
President of the Relief Society, Zina D. H. Young; Secretary, Sarah M. Kimball; Assistant Secretary, Romania B. Pratt; Treasurer, M. Isabella Horne.
President of the Young Ladies’ Improvement Associations, Elmina S. Taylor; Secretary, Mary E. Cook.
President of the Primary Associations, Louie Felt; Secretary, Cornelia H. Clayton.
General Superintendency of the Young Men’s Improvement Associations: Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith, and Moses Thatcher.
General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union: George Q. Cannon; Assistants, George Goddard and John Morgan; Secretary, Levi W. Richards; Treasurer Geo. Reynolds.
Apostle Richards explained that the names of the Counselors in the superintendency of the Young Ladies’ and other Associations were not submitted, as the list was not at hand, but there were no changes. Sister Young, of the Relief Society, had not yet selected her counselors.
Apostle John Henry Smith
said, in substance: I ask for the faith and prayers of the congregation. I am laboring under the disadvantage of a severe cold, but I realize that the prayers of the Saints avail much in the interest of any of our Father’s children.
I will read a portion of the second chapter of the Prophet Joel:
And it shall come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.
In reading this portion of the Scripture, it is not my intention to follow it as a text, but to draw your attention to it as one of the most precious promises of God to His people. It seems to me that such promises should be fastened upon the mind of every Saint.
Many principles have been touched upon as important to the Church of Christ. Our brethren have spoken about matters of faith, of a temporal and spiritual character, and pointed out to us the obligations into which we entered when we stepped down into the waters of baptism. They have touched upon the education of the youth of Zion. It has been admitted by some speakers at least that skepticism, to some extent, has made its appearance among the youth of the Latter-day Saints. Our efforts to a great extent have been to cure this evil. It would, however, be useless to anticipate the possibility of so living and so teaching that we could save all the children that belong to us, or keep from their minds the influence of the skepticism of the time in which we live. We should make every effort to implant in the minds of our children faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This obligation rests upon us from the instructions given us in the revelations of God. In the organization of the Church the necessary provisions were made to meet the requirements of the case. Our quorums of priests and teachers were instituted for the purpose of laying the faith deep in the hearts of the sons and the daughters of Zion, that they should need to entertain no doubt if they would only exercise the minds their heavenly father has given them.
The passage read informs us that the Lord would bring about a time when dreams and visions and inspiration by the spirit should be manifested to a large extent among His people. In fact, the passage takes a much wider field, saying that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh; but when the Prophet Joseph came forward and announced that he had been permitted to receive manifestations from God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, the world was opposed to the idea. When he declared that God had again spoken from heaven, the whole world came into commotion. But they were led to witness one of the greatest displays ever witnessed. One ray of light after another dawned upon the universe in rapid succession, and they have continued to flow, and will do so until our Father in heaven may see fit to restrain them.
Have we pointed out to the young that living and active faith is the result of inspiration from God? That inspiration is among the moving forces of the universe?
Joseph Smith, the Prophet, announced that God the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son, were revealed to him, and commissioned him to commence the work of ushering in the dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God would renew everything upon the earth, and the sons and daughters of men should bask in the rays of eternal life. At that time the world had informed us that the voice of inspiration was hushed. The windows of heaven were closed so far as revelation and prophecy were concerned. I would ask the stranger as well as the Latter-day Saint, was it not inspiration that led to the discovery of the power of steam? It is true all the details did not dawn upon the first discoverer, but others who accepted his ideas developed the system to the extent we see to-day. It was by the direction of God that this work, which revolutionized the world was brought about. And thus we see the promise fulfilled that the Spirit should be poured out upon the whole world. The same might be applied to the invention of telegraphic communication by electricity. The inspirations have been given gradually, one by one, and they have all been given for the purpose that the Children of God may see the fulfillment of the promise, that the Spirit should be poured out upon all flesh. Well may we, in contemplating it all, exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” We should write upon the hearts of our children that inspiration is the groundwork of every good work, and that those works are done in fulfillment of His promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. We believe that many works of the mechanic and also the formation of our government have been accomplished as the results of inspiration. Men may not at the time have acknowledged the hand of God in these things, but we have seen it and acknowledged it to be the fulfillment of the promises of the Lord. We should, therefore, remember this and instruct our children in this beautiful principle, and teach them to drink of this clear stream of life—inspiration. We should instruct the sons and daughters of Zion that they may understand the doctrine of life and salvation, the doctrine of faith in God, inspiration and prophesying, in order that they may be willing to carry the Gospel to the nations of the earth. This should be our position, and we should labor to this end. We have gone abroad to lift up our voice of warning to all people.
When we read the revelations we are taught that we are not responsible for anybody’s sins but our own. This is different from what was taught in the ages when there was no light of revelation. We must not suffer for the sins of others. God says: “Every man must stand or fall by his own deeds.” No matter what others do, God is just in all His ways. When this work was introduced the manifestations of God broke out on all sides, and its accomplishments are among the wonders of the world.
Our Conference is about to be closed. We have been together from every part of the land. We have come to be instructed, to receive rebuke if need be, or admonition, in order that we might be strengthened in our faith. My testimony now is that Christ lives. He is still here, and his work shall remain and increase until He who rules on high is satisfied with our labors. He was the author of the work and laid the responsibility upon us to go out into the whole world. God himself has planted us upon the Rock of Ages to be the saviors of mankind. Jesus lives. He is the Savior of the world. Let us keep His commandments and take the consequences. Our duty is first to God, next to our country, and then to our families. Zion will continue to rise and shine, and no power will be able to restrain her, for it is the work of God, and I so testify to you.
The choir sang the anthem: Glory to God in the highest.
The conference was then adjourned till April, 1889, and Apostle Lorenzo Snow pronounced the benediction.
said, in substance: I ask for the faith and prayers of the congregation. I am laboring under the disadvantage of a severe cold, but I realize that the prayers of the Saints avail much in the interest of any of our Father’s children.
I will read a portion of the second chapter of the Prophet Joel:
And it shall come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.
In reading this portion of the Scripture, it is not my intention to follow it as a text, but to draw your attention to it as one of the most precious promises of God to His people. It seems to me that such promises should be fastened upon the mind of every Saint.
Many principles have been touched upon as important to the Church of Christ. Our brethren have spoken about matters of faith, of a temporal and spiritual character, and pointed out to us the obligations into which we entered when we stepped down into the waters of baptism. They have touched upon the education of the youth of Zion. It has been admitted by some speakers at least that skepticism, to some extent, has made its appearance among the youth of the Latter-day Saints. Our efforts to a great extent have been to cure this evil. It would, however, be useless to anticipate the possibility of so living and so teaching that we could save all the children that belong to us, or keep from their minds the influence of the skepticism of the time in which we live. We should make every effort to implant in the minds of our children faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This obligation rests upon us from the instructions given us in the revelations of God. In the organization of the Church the necessary provisions were made to meet the requirements of the case. Our quorums of priests and teachers were instituted for the purpose of laying the faith deep in the hearts of the sons and the daughters of Zion, that they should need to entertain no doubt if they would only exercise the minds their heavenly father has given them.
The passage read informs us that the Lord would bring about a time when dreams and visions and inspiration by the spirit should be manifested to a large extent among His people. In fact, the passage takes a much wider field, saying that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh; but when the Prophet Joseph came forward and announced that he had been permitted to receive manifestations from God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, the world was opposed to the idea. When he declared that God had again spoken from heaven, the whole world came into commotion. But they were led to witness one of the greatest displays ever witnessed. One ray of light after another dawned upon the universe in rapid succession, and they have continued to flow, and will do so until our Father in heaven may see fit to restrain them.
Have we pointed out to the young that living and active faith is the result of inspiration from God? That inspiration is among the moving forces of the universe?
Joseph Smith, the Prophet, announced that God the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son, were revealed to him, and commissioned him to commence the work of ushering in the dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God would renew everything upon the earth, and the sons and daughters of men should bask in the rays of eternal life. At that time the world had informed us that the voice of inspiration was hushed. The windows of heaven were closed so far as revelation and prophecy were concerned. I would ask the stranger as well as the Latter-day Saint, was it not inspiration that led to the discovery of the power of steam? It is true all the details did not dawn upon the first discoverer, but others who accepted his ideas developed the system to the extent we see to-day. It was by the direction of God that this work, which revolutionized the world was brought about. And thus we see the promise fulfilled that the Spirit should be poured out upon the whole world. The same might be applied to the invention of telegraphic communication by electricity. The inspirations have been given gradually, one by one, and they have all been given for the purpose that the Children of God may see the fulfillment of the promise, that the Spirit should be poured out upon all flesh. Well may we, in contemplating it all, exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” We should write upon the hearts of our children that inspiration is the groundwork of every good work, and that those works are done in fulfillment of His promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. We believe that many works of the mechanic and also the formation of our government have been accomplished as the results of inspiration. Men may not at the time have acknowledged the hand of God in these things, but we have seen it and acknowledged it to be the fulfillment of the promises of the Lord. We should, therefore, remember this and instruct our children in this beautiful principle, and teach them to drink of this clear stream of life—inspiration. We should instruct the sons and daughters of Zion that they may understand the doctrine of life and salvation, the doctrine of faith in God, inspiration and prophesying, in order that they may be willing to carry the Gospel to the nations of the earth. This should be our position, and we should labor to this end. We have gone abroad to lift up our voice of warning to all people.
When we read the revelations we are taught that we are not responsible for anybody’s sins but our own. This is different from what was taught in the ages when there was no light of revelation. We must not suffer for the sins of others. God says: “Every man must stand or fall by his own deeds.” No matter what others do, God is just in all His ways. When this work was introduced the manifestations of God broke out on all sides, and its accomplishments are among the wonders of the world.
Our Conference is about to be closed. We have been together from every part of the land. We have come to be instructed, to receive rebuke if need be, or admonition, in order that we might be strengthened in our faith. My testimony now is that Christ lives. He is still here, and his work shall remain and increase until He who rules on high is satisfied with our labors. He was the author of the work and laid the responsibility upon us to go out into the whole world. God himself has planted us upon the Rock of Ages to be the saviors of mankind. Jesus lives. He is the Savior of the world. Let us keep His commandments and take the consequences. Our duty is first to God, next to our country, and then to our families. Zion will continue to rise and shine, and no power will be able to restrain her, for it is the work of God, and I so testify to you.
The choir sang the anthem: Glory to God in the highest.
The conference was then adjourned till April, 1889, and Apostle Lorenzo Snow pronounced the benediction.
The Overflow Meeting of Conference, At the Assembly Hall.
At 2 p.m. a congregation had gathered in the Assembly Hall which filled the building. Apostle Heber J Grant presided.
The choir sang
Praise ye the Lord, ‘tis good to raise
Your hearts and voices in His praise.
Prayer by Bishop Joseph Pollard.
The choir sang
Let those who would be Saints indeed
Fear not what others do.
At 2 p.m. a congregation had gathered in the Assembly Hall which filled the building. Apostle Heber J Grant presided.
The choir sang
Praise ye the Lord, ‘tis good to raise
Your hearts and voices in His praise.
Prayer by Bishop Joseph Pollard.
The choir sang
Let those who would be Saints indeed
Fear not what others do.
Elder John Morgan
addressed the congregation. The overflowing of our meetings, when we have such large structures to meet in, shows the growth and progress of the Saints. When, a little more than half a century ago, six obscure individuals met and organized this Church, the wildest flights of their imaginations could not have pictured the scene we behold to-day. Here at this Conference people have come from different States and Territories, and from Mexico on the south and Canada on the north. The founders of this Church, by the visions and revelations given them, had foreshadowed to them the growth it would attain to, but the details of that growth were not shown to them.
In reading the history of the world, we find that the names of men instrumental in establishing earthly governments have been handed down in honor. How much more will the names of the founders of this work be honored by future generations? It is a work the influence of which will yet be felt in all the nations, and it is to-day having the effect among Christian peoples, of creating a tendency more favorable to human liberty.
It was long the theory of Christians that all human beings who did not accept the Christian religion in this life were condemned to a condition of eternal suffering. Fifty years ago this doctrine was almost universally accepted among all Christian denominations. But it is now almost obsolete, and is no longer taught among the more advanced Christian bodies. Half a century ago the Prophet Joseph Smith announced that men could repent after death, and he was the first to teach such a doctrine in this generation. But his teachings upon it have had a marked and widespread effect throughout Christendom.
addressed the congregation. The overflowing of our meetings, when we have such large structures to meet in, shows the growth and progress of the Saints. When, a little more than half a century ago, six obscure individuals met and organized this Church, the wildest flights of their imaginations could not have pictured the scene we behold to-day. Here at this Conference people have come from different States and Territories, and from Mexico on the south and Canada on the north. The founders of this Church, by the visions and revelations given them, had foreshadowed to them the growth it would attain to, but the details of that growth were not shown to them.
In reading the history of the world, we find that the names of men instrumental in establishing earthly governments have been handed down in honor. How much more will the names of the founders of this work be honored by future generations? It is a work the influence of which will yet be felt in all the nations, and it is to-day having the effect among Christian peoples, of creating a tendency more favorable to human liberty.
It was long the theory of Christians that all human beings who did not accept the Christian religion in this life were condemned to a condition of eternal suffering. Fifty years ago this doctrine was almost universally accepted among all Christian denominations. But it is now almost obsolete, and is no longer taught among the more advanced Christian bodies. Half a century ago the Prophet Joseph Smith announced that men could repent after death, and he was the first to teach such a doctrine in this generation. But his teachings upon it have had a marked and widespread effect throughout Christendom.
Elder Wm. M. Palmer
said that such occasions as this Conference should have the effect of stimulating the Saints to renewed diligence and a repentance of their sins. The growth of this Church was most marvelous. It was organized by six persons little more than half a century ago, but in spite of all the opposition it has had to contend with, it has grown and increased, and spread itself abroad. Jesus told Peter that flesh and blood had not revealed to Him that He, Jesus, was the Son of God, but that His Father in heaven had made known the fact to Him. Jesus also told Peter that upon the rock of revelation the Church of God should be established. It was by means of revealing themselves to man that the Father and the Son established the Church of Christ in these the last days.
The Lord makes three complaints against men in the last days—they have transgressed the law, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant. That these complaints are true is easily seen from the practices of the various religious bodies of the world.
The speaker then cited the manner in which the true forms of worship had been departed from, and how various ordinances of the Gospel had been changed by Christendom, especially in regard to baptism and marriage. He dwelt upon the great error of making the marriage covenant a matter concerning this life only, and explained that originally the marriage covenant was designed to endure forever. He showed that Adam and Eve were married forever, but that their descendants fell away from the principles of the Gospel, and men took wives without the authority of the Priesthood.
The keys of the kingdom of heaven and the ordinances of the Gospel were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
said that such occasions as this Conference should have the effect of stimulating the Saints to renewed diligence and a repentance of their sins. The growth of this Church was most marvelous. It was organized by six persons little more than half a century ago, but in spite of all the opposition it has had to contend with, it has grown and increased, and spread itself abroad. Jesus told Peter that flesh and blood had not revealed to Him that He, Jesus, was the Son of God, but that His Father in heaven had made known the fact to Him. Jesus also told Peter that upon the rock of revelation the Church of God should be established. It was by means of revealing themselves to man that the Father and the Son established the Church of Christ in these the last days.
The Lord makes three complaints against men in the last days—they have transgressed the law, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant. That these complaints are true is easily seen from the practices of the various religious bodies of the world.
The speaker then cited the manner in which the true forms of worship had been departed from, and how various ordinances of the Gospel had been changed by Christendom, especially in regard to baptism and marriage. He dwelt upon the great error of making the marriage covenant a matter concerning this life only, and explained that originally the marriage covenant was designed to endure forever. He showed that Adam and Eve were married forever, but that their descendants fell away from the principles of the Gospel, and men took wives without the authority of the Priesthood.
The keys of the kingdom of heaven and the ordinances of the Gospel were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Elder A. H. Cannon
said no one who had observed the progress of this work can deny the miraculous nature of its growth, which can be accounted for only on the theory that God has overruled its progress. The ways of God are vastly higher than the ways of men, which is exemplified in this work. In the selection of the Prophet Joseph is this shown. Had men chosen the founder of such a Church, they would have selected a wise, strong, and famous man. But God chose an obscure boy. The lord has often in the past chosen weak instruments to accomplish His work. Moses said he was not qualified for the work to which the Lord called him, but the Lord knew his integrity and that he would be a man of faith and meekness.
The Savior appeared among men as an obscure person, and without ostentation; and notwithstanding the marvelous works He performed, He was rejected. As the Savior and His disciples were treated, so have been the servants of the Lord in this age. The Apostles and Prophets in modern times are rejected by the world. Men failed to perceive the divine truth and authority which Peter possessed; and so it has been and will continue to be until a reign of righteousness is established in the earth. There is a spirit of fault-finding among the Saints in respect to their leaders, which must be overcome, or the Lord will punish the Saints therefor. God has chosen these men, and it is our place to sustain them. If they sin, God will remove them out of their places. The speaker cited a number of instances among the early prominent Elders in the Church, of men who transgressed, and were in consequence removed from their places; and declared such a consequence would always follow, no matter how high a position a man might hold.
The choir sang a selection.
said no one who had observed the progress of this work can deny the miraculous nature of its growth, which can be accounted for only on the theory that God has overruled its progress. The ways of God are vastly higher than the ways of men, which is exemplified in this work. In the selection of the Prophet Joseph is this shown. Had men chosen the founder of such a Church, they would have selected a wise, strong, and famous man. But God chose an obscure boy. The lord has often in the past chosen weak instruments to accomplish His work. Moses said he was not qualified for the work to which the Lord called him, but the Lord knew his integrity and that he would be a man of faith and meekness.
The Savior appeared among men as an obscure person, and without ostentation; and notwithstanding the marvelous works He performed, He was rejected. As the Savior and His disciples were treated, so have been the servants of the Lord in this age. The Apostles and Prophets in modern times are rejected by the world. Men failed to perceive the divine truth and authority which Peter possessed; and so it has been and will continue to be until a reign of righteousness is established in the earth. There is a spirit of fault-finding among the Saints in respect to their leaders, which must be overcome, or the Lord will punish the Saints therefor. God has chosen these men, and it is our place to sustain them. If they sin, God will remove them out of their places. The speaker cited a number of instances among the early prominent Elders in the Church, of men who transgressed, and were in consequence removed from their places; and declared such a consequence would always follow, no matter how high a position a man might hold.
The choir sang a selection.
Elder Junius F. Wells
next addressed the congregation. In reviewing the situation of the world at the present time, we cannot help seeing that it is progressing. Many old sectarian doctrines are no longer taught; and Henry Ward Beecher declared that the younger men among Church members utterly repudiated the old dogmatic creeds. The speaker had, while on a recent visit east, conversed with intelligent literary men, who expressed astonishment that there should now be upon the earth a Church which really and sincerely believed in the doctrines taught by Jesus. These men held that the Churches of the day, even Roman Catholics, did not really believe in their own doctrines.
It is true that even the Methodists had abandoned their old idea of hell, and now the universal cry among Christians is, “Believe and you shall be saved.”
The Saints have for years labored to correct the idea that faith alone will save a human being, and the changes and mutations that are taking place among the sects of the day confirms the declaration of the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning them, that the truth is not to be found among them.
next addressed the congregation. In reviewing the situation of the world at the present time, we cannot help seeing that it is progressing. Many old sectarian doctrines are no longer taught; and Henry Ward Beecher declared that the younger men among Church members utterly repudiated the old dogmatic creeds. The speaker had, while on a recent visit east, conversed with intelligent literary men, who expressed astonishment that there should now be upon the earth a Church which really and sincerely believed in the doctrines taught by Jesus. These men held that the Churches of the day, even Roman Catholics, did not really believe in their own doctrines.
It is true that even the Methodists had abandoned their old idea of hell, and now the universal cry among Christians is, “Believe and you shall be saved.”
The Saints have for years labored to correct the idea that faith alone will save a human being, and the changes and mutations that are taking place among the sects of the day confirms the declaration of the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning them, that the truth is not to be found among them.
Elder W. H. Seegmiller:
We are all, no doubt, strengthened by the testimonies of our brethren. We are a peculiar people, and God has designed that we should be. We are regarded with scorn by a generation that knows not the mission which has been committed to us. We should lead lives that are consistent with our professions. To bring about the reformation which is needed in Zion, every man should repent of his sins, and put in order his own house.
The speaker believed that the Saints, old and young, were now in a process of being tested, and he urged the necessity of giving to the youth an education and training which would prevent them from departing from the faith of their parents. In the children of the Saints is their hope, and they should be interested in their salvation and welfare. To-day we see children of the Saints in the ranks of their enemies, fighting against the people and purposes of God. The speaker deplored this, and hoped the increase of the evil would be prevented.
We are all, no doubt, strengthened by the testimonies of our brethren. We are a peculiar people, and God has designed that we should be. We are regarded with scorn by a generation that knows not the mission which has been committed to us. We should lead lives that are consistent with our professions. To bring about the reformation which is needed in Zion, every man should repent of his sins, and put in order his own house.
The speaker believed that the Saints, old and young, were now in a process of being tested, and he urged the necessity of giving to the youth an education and training which would prevent them from departing from the faith of their parents. In the children of the Saints is their hope, and they should be interested in their salvation and welfare. To-day we see children of the Saints in the ranks of their enemies, fighting against the people and purposes of God. The speaker deplored this, and hoped the increase of the evil would be prevented.
Apostle H. J. Grant
said that on account of the impromptu nature of this meeting, it had not been convenient to administer the sacrament to the congregation.
He then presented the name of B. H. Roberts to fill the vacancy in the First Seven Presidents of Seventies caused by the death of Elder Horace S. Eldredge. He also presented the name of James Sharp to fill the vacancy in the Board of Education, caused by the same death. Each in turn was unanimously sustained.
The General Authorities of the Church were in a body presented and sustained unanimously.
The speaker expressed his satisfaction at the fact that 3,000 more Saints had been preached to to-day than would have been had not the overflow meeting been held. He then spoke in an eloquent and powerful manner, upon the necessity of providing schools wherein the youth of Zion might be so educated that their moral as well as their intellectual natures might be developed. He declared that man had a physical, moral, and intellectual nature, and where only one or two of these were educated, and the other neglected, the individual was deformed.
The speaker showed how absurd are the sectarian doctrines of death-bed repentance, and of the so-called teachings of science which profess to prove the Bible false.
He exhorted the Saints to pray for light and intelligence concerning the doctrine of Christ, and promised that if they would do this, wisdom would be given unto them. In conclusion he bore a solemn and impressive testimony that the signs promised by the Savior follow and are enjoyed by the Saints, and that the latter possess the true Gospel.
The choir sang an anthem: Praise God in His holiness.
Benediction by Elder John Morgan.
John Nicholson,
Clerk to the Conference.
said that on account of the impromptu nature of this meeting, it had not been convenient to administer the sacrament to the congregation.
He then presented the name of B. H. Roberts to fill the vacancy in the First Seven Presidents of Seventies caused by the death of Elder Horace S. Eldredge. He also presented the name of James Sharp to fill the vacancy in the Board of Education, caused by the same death. Each in turn was unanimously sustained.
The General Authorities of the Church were in a body presented and sustained unanimously.
The speaker expressed his satisfaction at the fact that 3,000 more Saints had been preached to to-day than would have been had not the overflow meeting been held. He then spoke in an eloquent and powerful manner, upon the necessity of providing schools wherein the youth of Zion might be so educated that their moral as well as their intellectual natures might be developed. He declared that man had a physical, moral, and intellectual nature, and where only one or two of these were educated, and the other neglected, the individual was deformed.
The speaker showed how absurd are the sectarian doctrines of death-bed repentance, and of the so-called teachings of science which profess to prove the Bible false.
He exhorted the Saints to pray for light and intelligence concerning the doctrine of Christ, and promised that if they would do this, wisdom would be given unto them. In conclusion he bore a solemn and impressive testimony that the signs promised by the Savior follow and are enjoyed by the Saints, and that the latter possess the true Gospel.
The choir sang an anthem: Praise God in His holiness.
Benediction by Elder John Morgan.
John Nicholson,
Clerk to the Conference.