April 1892
Lyman, Francis M. "Remarks." The Deseret Weekly, April 30, 1892: pg. 625-626.
Richards, Franklin D. "Discourse." The Deseret Weekly, May 7, 1892: pg. 633-635.
The Deseret Weekly. "General Conference." April 9, 1892: pg. 503-517.
GENERAL CONFERENCE
President George Q. Cannon
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
Discourse
Apostle Heber J. Grant
Apostle John W. Taylor
Afternoon Session
President Joseph F. Smith
President Wilford Woodruff
The Overflow
Elder John Morgan
Elder B. H. Roberts
Apostle F. D. Richards
Second Day. Morning Session. Monday, April 4th, 10 a. m.
Dr. James E. Talmage
Preamble and Resolution
Elder Willard Young
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Apostle Moses Thatcher
Afternoon Session
President George Q. Cannon
President Wilford Woodruff
President Joseph F. Smith
Third Day. Morning Session
President Cannon
Church University
Apostle F. M. Lyman
Remarks
Apostle John Henry Smith
Apostle Marriner W. Merrill
Apostle Anthon H. Lund
President George Q. Cannon
Third Day. Afternoon Session
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
President A. O. Smoot
The Authorities
Elder John Morgan
Elder B. H. Roberts
Overflow Meeting
Apostle John Henry Smith
Apostle Anthon H. Lund
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Priesthood Meeting
President Joseph F. Smith
President George Q. Cannon
President Wilford Woodruff
Fourth Day. Wednesday, April 6th
President George Q. Cannon
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
President Wilford Woodruff
The Procession
Dedicatory Prayer
Capstone Ceremony
Apostle Francis M. Lyman
Benediction
Richards, Franklin D. "Discourse." The Deseret Weekly, May 7, 1892: pg. 633-635.
The Deseret Weekly. "General Conference." April 9, 1892: pg. 503-517.
GENERAL CONFERENCE
President George Q. Cannon
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
Discourse
Apostle Heber J. Grant
Apostle John W. Taylor
Afternoon Session
President Joseph F. Smith
President Wilford Woodruff
The Overflow
Elder John Morgan
Elder B. H. Roberts
Apostle F. D. Richards
Second Day. Morning Session. Monday, April 4th, 10 a. m.
Dr. James E. Talmage
Preamble and Resolution
Elder Willard Young
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Apostle Moses Thatcher
Afternoon Session
President George Q. Cannon
President Wilford Woodruff
President Joseph F. Smith
Third Day. Morning Session
President Cannon
Church University
Apostle F. M. Lyman
Remarks
Apostle John Henry Smith
Apostle Marriner W. Merrill
Apostle Anthon H. Lund
President George Q. Cannon
Third Day. Afternoon Session
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
President A. O. Smoot
The Authorities
Elder John Morgan
Elder B. H. Roberts
Overflow Meeting
Apostle John Henry Smith
Apostle Anthon H. Lund
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
Priesthood Meeting
President Joseph F. Smith
President George Q. Cannon
President Wilford Woodruff
Fourth Day. Wednesday, April 6th
President George Q. Cannon
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
President Wilford Woodruff
The Procession
Dedicatory Prayer
Capstone Ceremony
Apostle Francis M. Lyman
Benediction
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Convened at 10 a.m., on Sunday, April 3rd, 1892, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, President Wilford Woodruff presiding.
On the stand were, of the First Presidency, Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith; of the Council of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund and Abraham H. Cannon; Patriarch, John Smith; of the presiding Council of Seventies: Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjelsted, John Morgan, B. H. Roberts and George Reynolds; of the Presiding Bishopric: Wm. B. Preston, Robert T. Burton and John R. Winder.
There were also many other leading officers of the Church from various parts of Utah and surrounding States and Territories.
Conference was called to order by President George Q. Cannon.
The choir and congregation sang:
Come let us anew our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear.
His adorable will let us gladly fulfill.
Opening prayer by President Lorenzo Snow.
Singing by the choir:
Come dearest Lord, descend and dwell
By faith and love, in every breast;
Then shall we know and taste and feel
The joys that cannot be expressed.
Convened at 10 a.m., on Sunday, April 3rd, 1892, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, President Wilford Woodruff presiding.
On the stand were, of the First Presidency, Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith; of the Council of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund and Abraham H. Cannon; Patriarch, John Smith; of the presiding Council of Seventies: Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjelsted, John Morgan, B. H. Roberts and George Reynolds; of the Presiding Bishopric: Wm. B. Preston, Robert T. Burton and John R. Winder.
There were also many other leading officers of the Church from various parts of Utah and surrounding States and Territories.
Conference was called to order by President George Q. Cannon.
The choir and congregation sang:
Come let us anew our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear.
His adorable will let us gladly fulfill.
Opening prayer by President Lorenzo Snow.
Singing by the choir:
Come dearest Lord, descend and dwell
By faith and love, in every breast;
Then shall we know and taste and feel
The joys that cannot be expressed.
President George Q. Cannon
was the first speaker. He said:
At the request of President Woodruff, I rise to make a few remarks at the opening of our Conference. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there is great cause for thanksgiving this morning on the part of the Latter-day Saints in having the privilege of meeting at the opening of our sixty-second annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and meeting together, too, under such favorable circumstances as now surround us, having a comfortable building in which to worship, where we can sit and listen in peace to the words of life and salvation that may be addressed unto us by the servants of God.
In contemplating the past, there can be no soul in this congregation from whose heart thanksgiving and praise cannot arise to God, our Eternal Father, for the goodness and mercy that He has shown unto us. We are never without cause for thanksgiving; for our God has been good, and kind, and merciful. He has not forgotten us. He has not turned His face away from us. He has not closed His ears to our petitions. Neither has he refused to answer the prayers that we have offered unto Him. The evidences of His mercy are around us, are within us. We have received them, and we rejoice in them this morning. And I feel, for one, to lift up my voice, in the congregation of the Saints, in praise of our Eternal Father, our Great Creator. I feel that we can come together this morning full of gratitude, full of humility, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, bringing them as a willing offering unto our God—a sacrifice that He will accept, it being the sacrifice that He requires at the hands of His Saints.
When we contemplate the great changes that have occurred within the past few years, and see how wonderfully God has softened the hearts of the people, how He has turned aside the wrath of man, and given favor, to a goodly extent, to His people, we certainly ought to feel thankful to Him. I have just returned from the East, where I have been for several weeks, and I never in my experience among men, saw a kinder feeling manifested towards this people than I have during this visit. The Lord has softened the hearts of the people of our nation and of the leaders thereof, and they feel kindly disposed to the Latter-day Saints. The misrepresentation, the falsehoods, the mists of darkness which have beclouded us and our reputation, have, to a great extent, been removed. And I have felt exceedingly thankful to the Lord because there is no power but His that could have done this. Man’s power could not have accomplished such results. But God has all power, and He has poured out His Spirit and softened the hearts of the people, and taken away that animosity and removed many of those misconceptions that have existed in regard to us.
The Lord has blessed His people in many directions. We have, of course, our difficulties to contend with. We have many things to overcome. We are still in the world; and being mortal and subject to the vicissitudes of human life, we must expect to have many things to contend with that will try us. But looking at our condition as a whole, at this entire people in all their abidings, I think it can be truthfully said that we are exceedingly favored of the Lord—I mean in temporal matters. I do not believe there can be found an equal number of people in one community on this continent who are so well provided with food, with raiment, with shelter, and with the conveniences and comforts of life. It is true, we do not have a great excess of riches among us. On the other hand, we do not have extreme poverty. We have the poor, but as a rule they are cared for. The cry of the poor and the oppressed, I hope and believe, does not ascend to the God of heaven against this people because of that which they suffer at our hands. On the contrary, I trust and believe that the prayers of the poor ascend in thanksgiving to God, imploring blessings upon their brethren and sisters for their kindness and benevolence. At least, if this is not the case it should be among us. The poor should be made to rejoice. They should be made to feel so glad that when they bow their knees before the Lord they will implore blessings upon their brethren and sisters for their goodness and kindness to them.
The Gospel is being preached with exceeding diligence by the Elders who are now in the field. In some parts of Europe the Gospel is spreading, and the Elders feel greatly encouraged at the prospects before them. News from Turkey is to the effect that the Sublime Porte will grant unto our Elders privileges that are granted to other denominations. This is the latest intelligence that we have from there. The firman has probably not yet been issued, but it will be, and then our Elders will be free from many embarrassments which have surrounded them in the preaching of the Gospel throughout the Turkish Empire. There is a field in those lands for the labor of a large number of Elders; and, no doubt, our attention will be drawn more and more to that quarter of the earth, because of the promises that are connected with the lands under the dominion of the Turkish Empire. The Latter-day Saints have always entertained very great affection for Palestine—the land that was promised to our father Abraham, and to his seed. Our interest has been excited in perusing the words of the prophets of ancient days, and also in the words of God in these latter times, concerning the restoration of His ancient covenant people—to the land of their fathers. For upwards of sixty years now, since this Church has been organized, the eyes of that people have been directed to that land, and to the Jews. Probably no people on the earth, not even the Jews themselves, take greater interest in the events that are taking place in that quarter of the earth than the Latter-day Saints do. It is, therefore, a cause of rejoicing when we hear that there is a great prospect of our obtaining liberty to preach the word of God throughout those lands and to those various nationalities that are embraced in that Empire. The Lord has blessed the labors of the Elders in Holland, also, and a good work is being done there. They write that doors are being opened to a great extent, in the Netherlands. In Belgium the Elders are finding many converts, an are laboring successfully. Throughout the German Empire there is an increased interest being taken in the Gospel. The day will yet come when there will be freedom throughout that Empire, and when there will be thousands and thousands gathered from that nation. In Northern Sweden many effectual doors are opening, an there is also a call for more missionaries from Norway. On the Pacific Islands the Elders have been very successful also. At Samoa the Elders are laboring diligently. It is a hard mission; but they are young men and full of vigor, full of zeal, full of faith, and they rejoice exceedingly in their labors, because they have abundant fruits as the reward thereof. Some of our brethren have gone to the Friendly Islands—to Tonga, and they have learned the language of that group, which is a kindred language to that of the Samoan Islands, the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand, and the Society Islands. That Polynesian language is divided into dialects, it may be said, and when a man is familiar with the dialect spoken on one of those groups he does not have much difficulty in learning the dialects of the adjacent groups throughout Polynesia. Two of our Elders have gone down to the Society Islands, and are about to commence or have commenced their labors on that group. You doubtless remember that in former days a great many members of the Church were on that group of islands, but through various circumstances they have been left, to a great extent, to themselves. It has been felt, however, by the Elders on the Navigator group that some effort should be made to re-establish the work on the Society Islands. In New Zealand the Elders are laboring with diligence and success. The Book of Mormon has been translated into that language an is being circulated and read by the natives. Throughout the United States our Elders are laboring with all the zeal and diligence that we could ask for. In the norther States this winter has been severe, and there have not been many baptisms. While I was East I met Elder C. W. Stayner, who told me that as soon as spring opened he expected there would be a great many additions to the Church. There was an increase of interest among the people. In many places they listened as they had not done for years to the preaching of the Elders. In the Southern States mission the Elders inform us that they are making efforts to get doors opened in the cities, and they are encouraged by the prospects before them. In the Indian Territory our brethren have commenced to build a chapel. So that, so far as our own land in concerned, there is much to be thankful for, and many souls are being gathered out. The work of the Lord is also growing among the Lamanites, especially in Southern Arizona, under the ministrations of the presidency of the Maricopa Stake of Zion. We are trying to do our duty to this nation—to lay before the people the message of salvation which God has given unto us.
The days of trouble are at hand, and it is our duty, as God’s servants, to go and declare to the inhabitants of the earth that these are the last days, and that Go is about to bring to pass that which He has spoken concerning His judgments and calamities that should be poured out upon the wicked in the last days, preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man. The Elders, it must be said in their favor, go forth, as a rule, full of this this desire to acquit themselves as men and to cleanse their garments of the blood of this generation, by bearing faithful testimony to the truth. It is most gratifying to see our young men respond as they do to the calls that are made upon them to go here and there, wherever the authorities of the Church direct, as missionaries, to carry the message of salvation and glad tidings. And it must be said that the character of our Elders, in some respects, is improving. The pains that are being taken in our primary schools, our Sabbath schools, our young men’s improvement associations, are bearing their fruits. I remember presiding abroad and having Elders come whose ignorance concerning the principles of the Gospel they had been sent out to teach was painful to see. There has been a great change in this respect. Therefore, I say the character of our Elders has improved. They now go out, as a rule, well instructed in the principles of the Gospel, familiar with the history of the Church, capable of explaining the doctrines and everything connected with the Gospel, an, when necessary, capable of defending the principles they teach. This is a gratifying improvement; and it will be more and more visible as the years roll by and as our facilities for imparting understanding will increase, as they are increasing on every hand.
Throughout these mountains the Lord has poured out His Spirit upon His people. There is a great deal of union. Still there is much room for improvement in this respect. The Lord is trying us in directions in which we have never been tried before. Did any of you ever think that we should be tried as we are now being tried? These are new trials, and they are going to test the faith of a good many who are called Latter-day Saints. The depths of our love for the truth are going to be sounded, and if we are not built upon the rock and have a living testimony concerning the truth within us we shall be in danger. God is going to have a tried people, and the trials will not always come in the form that we are looking for. They would cease probably to be trials if they came in that way; but they come in forms for which, it may be said, we are partly unprepared. They come to us in unexpected forms; therefore the greater the trial of our faith. I tell you, my brethren and sisters, that I tremble for us and for myself, lest in these trials we should take missteps; lest we should give way to wrong influences and yield to an improper spirit, and be led away from the truth and that union which is so precious, which is so great a gift that God has bestowed upon us to distinguish us from all peoples upon the face of the earth.
I pray that God may give unto us the light of eternity to ever be with us, and that we may watch it and take care that it does not become dim in our hearts, that it don’t become obscured by any influence or power; but that having that light shining upon our path continually we may walk undeviatingly forward until we shall attain unto that great glory that God has in store, and be crowned with Him in His presence with those blessings that have been sealed upon us by the authority that He has restored from heaven. I pray God to bless us during this Conference, to fill every man that shall speak with the power of God, and the hearts of all who hear with that heavenly and softening influence, that the words of life may fall like good seed into mellow ground, there to lodge, there to germinate, there to grow, there to bring forth fruit that shall be to the glory of our God and to our own salvation, which I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
was the first speaker. He said:
At the request of President Woodruff, I rise to make a few remarks at the opening of our Conference. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there is great cause for thanksgiving this morning on the part of the Latter-day Saints in having the privilege of meeting at the opening of our sixty-second annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and meeting together, too, under such favorable circumstances as now surround us, having a comfortable building in which to worship, where we can sit and listen in peace to the words of life and salvation that may be addressed unto us by the servants of God.
In contemplating the past, there can be no soul in this congregation from whose heart thanksgiving and praise cannot arise to God, our Eternal Father, for the goodness and mercy that He has shown unto us. We are never without cause for thanksgiving; for our God has been good, and kind, and merciful. He has not forgotten us. He has not turned His face away from us. He has not closed His ears to our petitions. Neither has he refused to answer the prayers that we have offered unto Him. The evidences of His mercy are around us, are within us. We have received them, and we rejoice in them this morning. And I feel, for one, to lift up my voice, in the congregation of the Saints, in praise of our Eternal Father, our Great Creator. I feel that we can come together this morning full of gratitude, full of humility, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, bringing them as a willing offering unto our God—a sacrifice that He will accept, it being the sacrifice that He requires at the hands of His Saints.
When we contemplate the great changes that have occurred within the past few years, and see how wonderfully God has softened the hearts of the people, how He has turned aside the wrath of man, and given favor, to a goodly extent, to His people, we certainly ought to feel thankful to Him. I have just returned from the East, where I have been for several weeks, and I never in my experience among men, saw a kinder feeling manifested towards this people than I have during this visit. The Lord has softened the hearts of the people of our nation and of the leaders thereof, and they feel kindly disposed to the Latter-day Saints. The misrepresentation, the falsehoods, the mists of darkness which have beclouded us and our reputation, have, to a great extent, been removed. And I have felt exceedingly thankful to the Lord because there is no power but His that could have done this. Man’s power could not have accomplished such results. But God has all power, and He has poured out His Spirit and softened the hearts of the people, and taken away that animosity and removed many of those misconceptions that have existed in regard to us.
The Lord has blessed His people in many directions. We have, of course, our difficulties to contend with. We have many things to overcome. We are still in the world; and being mortal and subject to the vicissitudes of human life, we must expect to have many things to contend with that will try us. But looking at our condition as a whole, at this entire people in all their abidings, I think it can be truthfully said that we are exceedingly favored of the Lord—I mean in temporal matters. I do not believe there can be found an equal number of people in one community on this continent who are so well provided with food, with raiment, with shelter, and with the conveniences and comforts of life. It is true, we do not have a great excess of riches among us. On the other hand, we do not have extreme poverty. We have the poor, but as a rule they are cared for. The cry of the poor and the oppressed, I hope and believe, does not ascend to the God of heaven against this people because of that which they suffer at our hands. On the contrary, I trust and believe that the prayers of the poor ascend in thanksgiving to God, imploring blessings upon their brethren and sisters for their kindness and benevolence. At least, if this is not the case it should be among us. The poor should be made to rejoice. They should be made to feel so glad that when they bow their knees before the Lord they will implore blessings upon their brethren and sisters for their goodness and kindness to them.
The Gospel is being preached with exceeding diligence by the Elders who are now in the field. In some parts of Europe the Gospel is spreading, and the Elders feel greatly encouraged at the prospects before them. News from Turkey is to the effect that the Sublime Porte will grant unto our Elders privileges that are granted to other denominations. This is the latest intelligence that we have from there. The firman has probably not yet been issued, but it will be, and then our Elders will be free from many embarrassments which have surrounded them in the preaching of the Gospel throughout the Turkish Empire. There is a field in those lands for the labor of a large number of Elders; and, no doubt, our attention will be drawn more and more to that quarter of the earth, because of the promises that are connected with the lands under the dominion of the Turkish Empire. The Latter-day Saints have always entertained very great affection for Palestine—the land that was promised to our father Abraham, and to his seed. Our interest has been excited in perusing the words of the prophets of ancient days, and also in the words of God in these latter times, concerning the restoration of His ancient covenant people—to the land of their fathers. For upwards of sixty years now, since this Church has been organized, the eyes of that people have been directed to that land, and to the Jews. Probably no people on the earth, not even the Jews themselves, take greater interest in the events that are taking place in that quarter of the earth than the Latter-day Saints do. It is, therefore, a cause of rejoicing when we hear that there is a great prospect of our obtaining liberty to preach the word of God throughout those lands and to those various nationalities that are embraced in that Empire. The Lord has blessed the labors of the Elders in Holland, also, and a good work is being done there. They write that doors are being opened to a great extent, in the Netherlands. In Belgium the Elders are finding many converts, an are laboring successfully. Throughout the German Empire there is an increased interest being taken in the Gospel. The day will yet come when there will be freedom throughout that Empire, and when there will be thousands and thousands gathered from that nation. In Northern Sweden many effectual doors are opening, an there is also a call for more missionaries from Norway. On the Pacific Islands the Elders have been very successful also. At Samoa the Elders are laboring diligently. It is a hard mission; but they are young men and full of vigor, full of zeal, full of faith, and they rejoice exceedingly in their labors, because they have abundant fruits as the reward thereof. Some of our brethren have gone to the Friendly Islands—to Tonga, and they have learned the language of that group, which is a kindred language to that of the Samoan Islands, the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand, and the Society Islands. That Polynesian language is divided into dialects, it may be said, and when a man is familiar with the dialect spoken on one of those groups he does not have much difficulty in learning the dialects of the adjacent groups throughout Polynesia. Two of our Elders have gone down to the Society Islands, and are about to commence or have commenced their labors on that group. You doubtless remember that in former days a great many members of the Church were on that group of islands, but through various circumstances they have been left, to a great extent, to themselves. It has been felt, however, by the Elders on the Navigator group that some effort should be made to re-establish the work on the Society Islands. In New Zealand the Elders are laboring with diligence and success. The Book of Mormon has been translated into that language an is being circulated and read by the natives. Throughout the United States our Elders are laboring with all the zeal and diligence that we could ask for. In the norther States this winter has been severe, and there have not been many baptisms. While I was East I met Elder C. W. Stayner, who told me that as soon as spring opened he expected there would be a great many additions to the Church. There was an increase of interest among the people. In many places they listened as they had not done for years to the preaching of the Elders. In the Southern States mission the Elders inform us that they are making efforts to get doors opened in the cities, and they are encouraged by the prospects before them. In the Indian Territory our brethren have commenced to build a chapel. So that, so far as our own land in concerned, there is much to be thankful for, and many souls are being gathered out. The work of the Lord is also growing among the Lamanites, especially in Southern Arizona, under the ministrations of the presidency of the Maricopa Stake of Zion. We are trying to do our duty to this nation—to lay before the people the message of salvation which God has given unto us.
The days of trouble are at hand, and it is our duty, as God’s servants, to go and declare to the inhabitants of the earth that these are the last days, and that Go is about to bring to pass that which He has spoken concerning His judgments and calamities that should be poured out upon the wicked in the last days, preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man. The Elders, it must be said in their favor, go forth, as a rule, full of this this desire to acquit themselves as men and to cleanse their garments of the blood of this generation, by bearing faithful testimony to the truth. It is most gratifying to see our young men respond as they do to the calls that are made upon them to go here and there, wherever the authorities of the Church direct, as missionaries, to carry the message of salvation and glad tidings. And it must be said that the character of our Elders, in some respects, is improving. The pains that are being taken in our primary schools, our Sabbath schools, our young men’s improvement associations, are bearing their fruits. I remember presiding abroad and having Elders come whose ignorance concerning the principles of the Gospel they had been sent out to teach was painful to see. There has been a great change in this respect. Therefore, I say the character of our Elders has improved. They now go out, as a rule, well instructed in the principles of the Gospel, familiar with the history of the Church, capable of explaining the doctrines and everything connected with the Gospel, an, when necessary, capable of defending the principles they teach. This is a gratifying improvement; and it will be more and more visible as the years roll by and as our facilities for imparting understanding will increase, as they are increasing on every hand.
Throughout these mountains the Lord has poured out His Spirit upon His people. There is a great deal of union. Still there is much room for improvement in this respect. The Lord is trying us in directions in which we have never been tried before. Did any of you ever think that we should be tried as we are now being tried? These are new trials, and they are going to test the faith of a good many who are called Latter-day Saints. The depths of our love for the truth are going to be sounded, and if we are not built upon the rock and have a living testimony concerning the truth within us we shall be in danger. God is going to have a tried people, and the trials will not always come in the form that we are looking for. They would cease probably to be trials if they came in that way; but they come in forms for which, it may be said, we are partly unprepared. They come to us in unexpected forms; therefore the greater the trial of our faith. I tell you, my brethren and sisters, that I tremble for us and for myself, lest in these trials we should take missteps; lest we should give way to wrong influences and yield to an improper spirit, and be led away from the truth and that union which is so precious, which is so great a gift that God has bestowed upon us to distinguish us from all peoples upon the face of the earth.
I pray that God may give unto us the light of eternity to ever be with us, and that we may watch it and take care that it does not become dim in our hearts, that it don’t become obscured by any influence or power; but that having that light shining upon our path continually we may walk undeviatingly forward until we shall attain unto that great glory that God has in store, and be crowned with Him in His presence with those blessings that have been sealed upon us by the authority that He has restored from heaven. I pray God to bless us during this Conference, to fill every man that shall speak with the power of God, and the hearts of all who hear with that heavenly and softening influence, that the words of life may fall like good seed into mellow ground, there to lodge, there to germinate, there to grow, there to bring forth fruit that shall be to the glory of our God and to our own salvation, which I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards
addressed the Conference. Following is a brief and necessarily imperfect synopsis of his discourse:
He felt the necessity of having the Holy Spirit in attempting to address the congregation. A grand view had been presented to us of the progress of the work of God in the present time, and even in the contemplation of this we are reminded that it is necessary for us to have a sense of our own unworthiness. Without humility that Spirit of God cannot dwell within us.
There is one principle which underlies the very existence of the Church of God, and that is the necessity of continuous revelation. Against this principle all the world goes out in opposition. But without it the Saints cannot grow in the knowledge of God. The reason why men have left to form religious systems which have the “form of godliness but deny the power thereof” is this, they had no revelations. They do not believe that there are any, nor that there ever will be any more. This is contrary to the spirit that prevailed among the ancient people of God. When on one occasion someone complained to Moses that certain persons prophesied, that man of God said he wished all the Lord’s people could prophesy. Peter quotes the promise given through the Prophet Joel, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” We believe that we are living in the beginning of the days here spoken of and we should therefore nourish and cultivate the spirit of revelation constantly, and the more since we believe that we are living in times of trouble, from which only the righteous can escape, by standing in holy places and immovable.
We are sometimes told, that the Scriptures say we must expect no more revelations, and in support of this, people quote the verse at the end of the Revelation of John, where men are prohibited from adding to or taking from the word of that prophecy. But it is clear that those who argue in this way do not understand the word of God. It was strongly forbidden to add anything to the ancient law or to take anything from it. Yet this did not mean that there was to be no more prophets or revelations after the time of Moses. The prohibition referred to is applicable only to the book in which it is found, and not to revelation in general. All the scriptures extant in Paul’s day were necessary for instruction, etc.; so is everything that God has revealed up to the present day.
At the dedication of the temple in Kirtland, the prophet Joseph and the Apostles were sustained as prophets, seers and revelators. That is how the apostleship was looked upon then, and the speaker could testify that the apostles now are cultivating the spirit and are prophets, seers and revelators to the people, if they are willing to receive them. And so with other members of the Priesthood. Every head of a family should live so that he could be a seer and revelator to his household. It is distressing to contemplate the fact that the people can sometimes indulge in strife and contentions. No man has a right to get so interested in his own affairs as to forget what he owes his fellowmen. No one has a right to climb on another in order to obtain an elevated position for himself. None should speak evil of another. We must be careful in these things and have no animosity towards each other, even if we are of different opinions in some things. If we are not careful in these matters, we are in danger of losing the Spirit of God and thus be prevented from growing in righteousness. However, the work in which we are engaged is the Lord’s. If we only will be faithful, He will bear us off triumphant, and build us up in the true faith.
Revelation is continually needed. Even the advancement of the world in science and inventions is a result of the spirit of revelation. The speaker referred to the application of steam and electricity to various uses, as an illustration of the workings of the spirit of revelation. The world ought to know this and to glorify God for what has been accomplished.
God has given us knowledge concerning Him. His will has been revealed to us, but all has not yet been reveled. There is more to follow. The various branches of God’s people had kept their separate record, as we are doing, and they will all be brought together and testify concerning the establishment of the work of God. We ought diligently to study what we already have received of the word of the Almighty, in order that we may be prepared to receive what is yet to be revealed. It is a principle of the divine law that in the mouth of two or three witnesses everything shall be established. When the records of Judah and the various branches of Israel are brought together they will present strong testimony. If we only will cultivate a right spirit within us by living righteous lives, being holy in our conversation and pure in our tabernacles, we will know more and more of the will of our Father.
The speaker was glad and felt to glorify God for the work He is doing among us. We live here among the everlasting hills as was predicted of the people of God long ago. The temple buildings in Kirtland, Nauvoo and in Utah, where we soon will have four temples completed, is an evidence that we are accepted by the Lord.
The speaker closed his remarks by referring to the happy condition of the Saints during the millennium, when their age shall be “as the age of a tree,” and wished that we all might live so, that at the time of translation to glory, we might be able to partake in this most glorious event.
addressed the Conference. Following is a brief and necessarily imperfect synopsis of his discourse:
He felt the necessity of having the Holy Spirit in attempting to address the congregation. A grand view had been presented to us of the progress of the work of God in the present time, and even in the contemplation of this we are reminded that it is necessary for us to have a sense of our own unworthiness. Without humility that Spirit of God cannot dwell within us.
There is one principle which underlies the very existence of the Church of God, and that is the necessity of continuous revelation. Against this principle all the world goes out in opposition. But without it the Saints cannot grow in the knowledge of God. The reason why men have left to form religious systems which have the “form of godliness but deny the power thereof” is this, they had no revelations. They do not believe that there are any, nor that there ever will be any more. This is contrary to the spirit that prevailed among the ancient people of God. When on one occasion someone complained to Moses that certain persons prophesied, that man of God said he wished all the Lord’s people could prophesy. Peter quotes the promise given through the Prophet Joel, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” We believe that we are living in the beginning of the days here spoken of and we should therefore nourish and cultivate the spirit of revelation constantly, and the more since we believe that we are living in times of trouble, from which only the righteous can escape, by standing in holy places and immovable.
We are sometimes told, that the Scriptures say we must expect no more revelations, and in support of this, people quote the verse at the end of the Revelation of John, where men are prohibited from adding to or taking from the word of that prophecy. But it is clear that those who argue in this way do not understand the word of God. It was strongly forbidden to add anything to the ancient law or to take anything from it. Yet this did not mean that there was to be no more prophets or revelations after the time of Moses. The prohibition referred to is applicable only to the book in which it is found, and not to revelation in general. All the scriptures extant in Paul’s day were necessary for instruction, etc.; so is everything that God has revealed up to the present day.
At the dedication of the temple in Kirtland, the prophet Joseph and the Apostles were sustained as prophets, seers and revelators. That is how the apostleship was looked upon then, and the speaker could testify that the apostles now are cultivating the spirit and are prophets, seers and revelators to the people, if they are willing to receive them. And so with other members of the Priesthood. Every head of a family should live so that he could be a seer and revelator to his household. It is distressing to contemplate the fact that the people can sometimes indulge in strife and contentions. No man has a right to get so interested in his own affairs as to forget what he owes his fellowmen. No one has a right to climb on another in order to obtain an elevated position for himself. None should speak evil of another. We must be careful in these things and have no animosity towards each other, even if we are of different opinions in some things. If we are not careful in these matters, we are in danger of losing the Spirit of God and thus be prevented from growing in righteousness. However, the work in which we are engaged is the Lord’s. If we only will be faithful, He will bear us off triumphant, and build us up in the true faith.
Revelation is continually needed. Even the advancement of the world in science and inventions is a result of the spirit of revelation. The speaker referred to the application of steam and electricity to various uses, as an illustration of the workings of the spirit of revelation. The world ought to know this and to glorify God for what has been accomplished.
God has given us knowledge concerning Him. His will has been revealed to us, but all has not yet been reveled. There is more to follow. The various branches of God’s people had kept their separate record, as we are doing, and they will all be brought together and testify concerning the establishment of the work of God. We ought diligently to study what we already have received of the word of the Almighty, in order that we may be prepared to receive what is yet to be revealed. It is a principle of the divine law that in the mouth of two or three witnesses everything shall be established. When the records of Judah and the various branches of Israel are brought together they will present strong testimony. If we only will cultivate a right spirit within us by living righteous lives, being holy in our conversation and pure in our tabernacles, we will know more and more of the will of our Father.
The speaker was glad and felt to glorify God for the work He is doing among us. We live here among the everlasting hills as was predicted of the people of God long ago. The temple buildings in Kirtland, Nauvoo and in Utah, where we soon will have four temples completed, is an evidence that we are accepted by the Lord.
The speaker closed his remarks by referring to the happy condition of the Saints during the millennium, when their age shall be “as the age of a tree,” and wished that we all might live so, that at the time of translation to glory, we might be able to partake in this most glorious event.
Discourse
by Elder Franklin D. Richards
My beloved hearers, I am most deeply sensible of the folly of man undertaking to instruct and to edify God’s people, except he be filled with the words of life and faith, and is inspired by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. There has been presented to us a general review of the condition of the work of God in the earth at the present time, by which we are reminded of very many reasons we have for gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His manifold mercies unto us. I think a realizing sense of His goodness an our own unworthiness is very necessary for us to entertain, in order that we may possess that meekness of spirit and that brokenness of heart by which the Spirit shall be able to dwell freely and abundantly with us.
There is a principle which is the very life and growth and existence of God’s people, which is entertained by His Saints everywhere, and against which the whole world rises up in decided opposition, that is, the principle of present and continued revelation. Without this no Saint can grow and increase in the knowledge of God. Without this the great latter-day work that has attained its present proportion would never have reached such a position. It is the life and vitality of God’s people to have the ministrations of the Holy Ghost, which takes of the things of God and shows them unto mankind. Without them, men have been left to fashion a great many forms of religion, having, as the Scriptures said they should have, the form of godliness without the power thereof. As the boy may look nice and lovely even in death, it is impotent and goes back to mother earth, except the spirit vitalizes it, give it life and animation, fills it with its hopes and desires.
When we go forth to the human family we are confronted with this opposition at once. It is said to us that there is to be no more revelation, and they try to make us believe that there shall be no more. Why, it is contrary to the spirit that all the Prophets have entertained. When men rose up in ancient Israel and began to prophesy, some of the holy folks went to Moses and said so-and-so is prophesying. What was his answer? Says he, “Would to God that all the Lord’s people were Prophets.” That has been the sense of every true, enlightened Prophet of God upon the earth. It is according to the promise which Peter set forth at Pentecost, as had been declared by the Prophet Joel, that in the last days He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh: “and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” Let me remind you, my brethren and sisters, that we live in the dawning of that day; and it is not only your privilege, but a duty we owe to ourselves, to God’s people, and to the honest in heart throughout the world who have not heard the Gospel, that we should nourish and cultivate this spirit of revelation within us instantly.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to quicken our spirits. If we are washed from our sins, and live holy before God and in the working of that spirit, which is unto the sanctifying of our bodies and our spirits, we become filled with that light which is to grow, and ought to grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day. As we live in a period of time when troubles, judgments, and sorrows unspeakable are to be poured out upon the ungodly, and the righteous can only escape by their faith, and by standing in holy places without being moved, it becomes everyone that professes the name of Jesus that they should cultivate this spirit within them continually. “Ye receive the spirit,” says the Lord to us in the latter-days, “by the prayer of faith.” So, then, we ought with constant prayer, diligence and devotion to kindle continually the fire on the altar of our hearts by the faithful keeping of His commandments and living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, so that this may continue to warm and enlighten our minds, that we may become baptized by the Holy Spirit and by the fire of the Lord.
But they tell us, when we talk of these things, that the Scriptures say we must not have any more revelation. By their ignorance and misunderstandings they wrest the Scriptures, not knowing the Gospel nor the power of God. They say, it is given in the last chapter of Revelations: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book, and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Very true; so it is and so it will be. The Prophet Moses left it on record in Deuteronomy that there should be nothing added to that law which was given unto them. It is written twice in Deuteronomy, “Ye shall not add unto the words which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.” Suppose that meant there should be no more revelation, what are you going to do with these great prophecies of Isaiah, of Jeremiah, of Ezekiel, of Daniel, and all the holy Prophets that came after? If that was a perpetual injunction against further revelation, how could the Savior come, in contravention of this law that He had given to Moses, and declare His whole system of salvation to us, which was from before the foundation of the world, originated in the eternities, to bring life and immortality to light, and lead us, if we will be led by it, unto the eternity that shall come after the angel shall declare that time shall be no longer? He had reference only to that book; they had no business to add to that law. The Prophets never believed, the Church of God never realized, that there was any restraint put upon the spirit of revelation. But they held, as we hold, that without it there was no life, no God. And this saying of the Apostle in Revelations, means adding to that book of Revelations. The people for a long time had many different books, or rather manuscripts, till they were gathered up and put together. Paul did not understand that all these old Scriptures were wrong. He said to Timothy, “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” These scriptures were necessary down to his time. Just so with the Savior. His inspiration and volume of eternal truth was necessary. And it is just as necessary now that the people of God should be filled with the light of revelation, and without it they can make no advancement in divine life.
The Prophet Joseph, when dedicating the first Temple of this dispensation, in Nauvoo, March 1836, presented the Twelve Apostles that had been appointed and consecrated to their work, and they were upheld as prophets, seers and revelators. That is the estimate which the Prophet Joseph placed upon the holy office of the Apostleship, and that is the idea and sense that this people entertain concerning that office and calling; for twice every year they lift up their hands to sustain the Twelve Apostles as such. I testify to you, my brethren, that the Apostles improve in this principle, and increase in it, and they are becoming prophets, seers and revelators unto God’s people, if they will receive them. It should be just so with these men who are High Priests in Israel. The Presidents of Stakes and their counselors, the Bishops of wards and their counselors, should so live before God as to be prophets, seers and revelators to their people. Every man having the authority of the Priesthood—and we are a whole army of Priesthood, over a hundred quorums of Seventies existing among us—who is at the head of a family should be a prophet, seer and revelator to his household. These brethren that are sitting by me have been in obscurity. These providences of God that have been calculated to place righteous men where they would have to find their way to their God by the prayer of faith, by the light of the Spirit and by the power of the Holy Priesthood. It is necessary that these things should be so understood, and that we should grow up into Christ our living Head. As a child has to be weaned from its mother’s breast, so Elders should get knowledge and understanding of their duties to their families, their duties to the Church, their duties to the human family, so that they may stand in the light of truth and take the same food and bread of life from the table of the Lord as the child when it leaves its mother’s breast and has to sit at the table beside her and masticate its own food.
It is interesting to contemplate this, and sometimes alarmingly so when we see brethren so far forget themselves in any of the pursuits of life as to indulge in anything like strife, or contention, or animosity. It looks as if we had come to times when these things were very threatening among God’s people; and as Brother Cannon has nicely put it, they are principles of danger among us. Men have no right to get so animated and over-anxious about anything, striving or contending for any matter, as that they can push down another brother to climb up on his downfall. None of us have any right to speak evil of each other in order to get a good name ourselves. We have no right to impair the character of our brethren, or their honest convictions, in order that we may get the ascendency over them. It is an abomination in the sight of God for any man to do it, and vastly more that Saints should do it, who have with their lips professed their belief that it is their duty not to speak evil of each other, nor of the Lord’s anointed. We ought to be careful of these things. I would exhort you, my brethren, in this, that while you indulge in these things which look to animosity towards your brethren who may differ from you on any question, you are taking that course that shall put out the light which should shine upon your understanding; whereas, if any man would defer to his brother, in honor preferring one another, the love of God would abound, their souls would be strengthened, and every man would go on in the growth of the principles of righteousness. And this course we must pursue if we go forward. If we do not, we cannot come to a standstill, therefore we shall retrograde. I would say to all brethren who are anywise addicted to these things, set a watch at the door of your lips an another at the doors of your hearts, and sanctify the Lord in all your ways, and not feel that the Kingdom of God is going to be upset or overthrown by your doing, or not doing. The work is the Lord’s; and if we will be true to Him and to the principles of His Gospel which we have taken upon us to do, He will bear us off triumphant. He knows how to make the wrath of men to praise Him. He known how to build us up in our holy faith, if we will preserve ourselves by our own faithfulness from the powers of sin and Satan.
Then the spirit of revelation is what we want continually. The world are astounded at the idea of revelation, when they are getting full of it themselves and they don’t know it. Ever since the time this work commenced, or thereabouts, great inventions have been coming forth concerning the use of steam. It was about this time that Mr. Watts heard the tea kettle rattle by the power of steam, and learned to use it and apply it. Others have used it in their inventions since. Just so it was with other men; Benjamin Franklin running up a kite, putting a key on it, that he might bring down the electric fluid with safety and do no harm. Men have ever since been finding out how to harness the lightning and make it convey intelligence, transport light and numerous comforts to the human family all over the earth and through the depths of the sea, until the various nations are becoming much more like one great family, and we hear from everywhere each twenty-four hours. Revelation is among them. They ought to acknowledge it and give God the praise. Some of them do. We all should. Their knowledge is knowledge of science; but the knowledge that God gives to His people by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Priesthood is the knowledge that is concerning Him, His ways and will, and what we ought to do to please Him, to bless and exalt ourselves, to love and glorify Him in all our operations.
Nor have we got all the revelations we are to have. The Lord has left precious promises on the pages of holy writ that He will give us more of it. Although the human family are wrought up to their present condition of opposition against revelation, I want to remind them, if there is anybody within the sound of my voice that thinks we have all the revelations we are to have, they are greatly mistaken. If you will read the 37th chapter of Ezekiel, you will find there the Lord spoke through the Prophet and told him to take some sticks. That is curious we would think nowadays. It would seem a great deal more curious if the Lord had said to the Prophet, take a book, for they did not know anything about books. They had the law rolled up on sticks, and He told him to take two sticks, and write upon one, “For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions;” and on the other, “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.” “And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.”
We have the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and we have the promise that we shall have another record that will come from the house of Israel. The Lord told us that when we began to spread this Gospel to the Lamanites and the house of Israel, we might know that the work of the Lord had commenced among all the branches of the house of Israel. Well, it has; but we don’t know much about it. But there are the ten tribes in the north, and messengers to them too. The Lord told the brethren once concerning the Revelator John, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” The last that we hear of John’s persecutors is that they put him into a caldron of boiling oil, but he came out unhurt—as miraculous as when the Hebrew children went into the fiery furnace. And that John is ministering to the house of Israel in distant portions of the earth, or wherever they are and a record is going to come from them to us—the same as the Book of Mormon and the Bible have come to us, and they three shall become one. That means they shall contain the same doctrines, the same principles, the same Gospel of salvation, and these three shall come together and be one in the hands of God’s Elders in these last days; and we or our children will live to see this come to pass. So that the human family and the Latter-day Saints need not contract their minds nor limit their faith to think we have got all the word of God we are to have. It would be a good thing for us if we would read and study more what we have got. We would then be better prepared for the rest when it shall come.
The promise of this union of these records is found in the Book of Mormon, II Nephi, 29th chap:
For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them: for out of the books which shall be written, I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according that which is written.
And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
I would like to explain a certain principle contained in the law. You know that it is given unto us in the Book of Covenants that in our testimonies before the tribunals of the Church, by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word must be established. That was the method that was given by Moses in his law to the children of Israel. They had to have proof, and by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word must be established. Now, then, the Lord went and planted one vine away off in the nethermost part of the vineyard; he planted another in another part of the vineyard, and that was better than the first; and he planted another in another part of the vineyard, that was the worst part of all the vineyard. When the work of the Father commences in all these branches of Israel, that will be such a work, and similar to, this among us, and they will write an account of those things, as we are writing them and keeping a history of God’s work, and when they come forth and become united as one people on the land of promise they will bring their records with them; and these three records will be three great testimonies to all the branches of the house of Israel, and the whole human family, concerning His work, and in the mouth of these three witnesses His great eternal purposes of the last days shall be established before the heavens and the earth, and all men that contend against these principles will be placed without excuse.
The whole principles is life and revelation in each of us, life and revelation in the Church in these days, here among us and everywhere, in all the regions where His work is going on. We ought to understand this principle, and cultivate it, and keep the exercise and love of it growing within us. The more we get to know the more we see there is to learn, and the greater is our desire to learn. We come to know more of the things of God, both for time and for eternity. Thus by a faithful righteous life and godly conversation we can preserve our tabernacles in such condition that the Spirit can dwell with us, and we can have the ministration of the still small voice by day and the voice of dreams by night, and by other means that the Lord is willing to give to His people, that we may grow up into Christ our living head. For my part, in seeing this and looking at the work of the Lord in its progress, I feel that we have great reason to rejoice and be glad and praise His holy name for the work of His doing; to enlarge our hearts and increase our understandings by the comprehension of His will and His designs, so that we may be pliant ministers and laborers in His hands, to do according to His pleasure. He has brought us out unto this land that was a desert, and made it a choice land—a land which he promised unto Joseph, and He told him that the land should be blessed with the dew of heaven, and with the precious things brought forth by the sun, and those brought forth by the moon, and the precious things of the everlasting hills. And we are right here among them. These hills are full of nearly every kind of mineral that can benefit and bless mankind, even to the sulphur.
Well, this Zion that the Lord has compassion upon us to establish, is His work. He has brought us through some little trials, we ought to be benefited, refined and profited by them, and be willing to employ ourselves, our strength, our means, and what talents the Lord may give unto us, to the advancement and progress of His holy work. This is the way I feel about it, my brethren and sisters, and this is what we want to cultivate and encourage. These works that He has commenced in all the branches of Israel, what are they? Such works as He has begun with us here, in establishing the fulness of the Everlasting Gospel among us. We are preparing Temples. Think of it! A Temple in Kirtland was dedicated. The Saints received endowments therein. A Temple was built in Nauvoo, and the fulness of the endowments was revealed just before then, and many of the Saints received their blessings therein. Then again how the Lord has blessed us to get four Temples here in Utah, the fourth almost ready for dedication, and quite ready for the top-stone to be laid, which you are all filled with interest and anxiety to see accomplished. Now then, if the work of the Father, begun among the ten tribes and among the other branches of the house of Israel is very similar to what is here, and they are receiving knowledge of God, being built up in faith, being established in righteousness, and these men that have never tasted death—the three Nephites and the Apostle John—are busy working to bring to pass righteousness and to carry out the purposes of God; it won’t be long till we or our generations after us will see them and have fellowship with them; when wickedness is moved out of the way and violators of righteousness cleansed out of the land, and the Lord’s Kingdom established, then it will be glorious. Then holy ones from on high will come and minister among us. We ought to anticipate these times with pleasure increasing with delight, because now is our salvation nearer than when we believed, and it is growing nearer continually; and if we are diligent and faithful, so will the influence thereof and the power thereof increase, until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The dawning of that day has come, and Israel’s sons and daughters are gathering home.
The Lord is refining His people, and has us in the crucible, to deal with us, and refine us, and prepare us that He may get away the dross from us, and that we may become pure and holy, acceptable before Him; for He has said, by the mouth of His prophets, that the day shall come when a man shall be more precious than fine gold. We would think if we had a lump of gold as large as the smallest man among us that it was very precious. If then, when the Lord has tried us and found that we will not sin against Him, but will walk with Him, sanctify ourselves, purge away our dress, and we become more precious than fine gold, how supremely precious a man will be in the eyes of God, and in the estimation of his brethren! We ought to try to add this interesting character to each other, and not to speak diminutively of each other, that we may be lifted up. The Lord does not delight in such things; but they who are given to working righteousness, despising the gain of the oppressors, and withholding their hands from the taking of bribes, they are the class of men that will live and dwell in the munitions of rocks, dwell in the everlasting burnings, and be counted able to stand, as the three Hebrew children did, and as Father Abraham did, and as a great many other faithful ones have done that have gone before us at one time and another. We want to live and get to that standard that we can be able to entertain these things. Why, we want to live so that the time may come of the translation—that change from mortality to immortality. The glorious promise is that children shall grow up to the age of a tree, and then they shall not die to sleep in the earth, but shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The increasing revelation and the power of godliness is going to bring God’s people to a state of union by and by that we will look back upon these days of trial and smile over them; and be thankful for them, and bless God that we have been permitted to go through them.
This is our time, to see how we will use it; to see, whether by the blessings of God we will sanctify ourselves before Him, and he prepared for something more and better in the realms of life, and light, and glory, and go into the Temples and do those things which may enter into the works of futurity and for those that have gone before us, turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to their fathers, so that we may rejoice with them when we go to them on the other side of the veil, and we with them come back and inherit the earth, the everlasting possession which is promised unto the faithful and the meek which Christ said “shall inherit the earth.”
Brethren and sisters, I feel as though everything around us, everything above us, is inviting and beckoning us on to work righteousness, to depart from the wickedness of the human family and worship God in spirit and in truth, establish His altar in every house and habitation, and so study the laws of the Priesthood and the everlasting Gospel that we can become godly, become the sons and daughters of the living God, and be prepared for all the great eternal purposes that He has to reveal, and that He has to carry out for the regeneration of His people and the earth for them to live upon.
And that we may be possessed of this Spirit, and animated by it, that we may continue in it, and that we may love and do the will of God while we dwell here, and be prepared to come with the righteous when they shall return to live and reign on the earth, is my prayer, my desire, and my constant labor with you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
by Elder Franklin D. Richards
My beloved hearers, I am most deeply sensible of the folly of man undertaking to instruct and to edify God’s people, except he be filled with the words of life and faith, and is inspired by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. There has been presented to us a general review of the condition of the work of God in the earth at the present time, by which we are reminded of very many reasons we have for gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His manifold mercies unto us. I think a realizing sense of His goodness an our own unworthiness is very necessary for us to entertain, in order that we may possess that meekness of spirit and that brokenness of heart by which the Spirit shall be able to dwell freely and abundantly with us.
There is a principle which is the very life and growth and existence of God’s people, which is entertained by His Saints everywhere, and against which the whole world rises up in decided opposition, that is, the principle of present and continued revelation. Without this no Saint can grow and increase in the knowledge of God. Without this the great latter-day work that has attained its present proportion would never have reached such a position. It is the life and vitality of God’s people to have the ministrations of the Holy Ghost, which takes of the things of God and shows them unto mankind. Without them, men have been left to fashion a great many forms of religion, having, as the Scriptures said they should have, the form of godliness without the power thereof. As the boy may look nice and lovely even in death, it is impotent and goes back to mother earth, except the spirit vitalizes it, give it life and animation, fills it with its hopes and desires.
When we go forth to the human family we are confronted with this opposition at once. It is said to us that there is to be no more revelation, and they try to make us believe that there shall be no more. Why, it is contrary to the spirit that all the Prophets have entertained. When men rose up in ancient Israel and began to prophesy, some of the holy folks went to Moses and said so-and-so is prophesying. What was his answer? Says he, “Would to God that all the Lord’s people were Prophets.” That has been the sense of every true, enlightened Prophet of God upon the earth. It is according to the promise which Peter set forth at Pentecost, as had been declared by the Prophet Joel, that in the last days He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh: “and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” Let me remind you, my brethren and sisters, that we live in the dawning of that day; and it is not only your privilege, but a duty we owe to ourselves, to God’s people, and to the honest in heart throughout the world who have not heard the Gospel, that we should nourish and cultivate this spirit of revelation within us instantly.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to quicken our spirits. If we are washed from our sins, and live holy before God and in the working of that spirit, which is unto the sanctifying of our bodies and our spirits, we become filled with that light which is to grow, and ought to grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day. As we live in a period of time when troubles, judgments, and sorrows unspeakable are to be poured out upon the ungodly, and the righteous can only escape by their faith, and by standing in holy places without being moved, it becomes everyone that professes the name of Jesus that they should cultivate this spirit within them continually. “Ye receive the spirit,” says the Lord to us in the latter-days, “by the prayer of faith.” So, then, we ought with constant prayer, diligence and devotion to kindle continually the fire on the altar of our hearts by the faithful keeping of His commandments and living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, so that this may continue to warm and enlighten our minds, that we may become baptized by the Holy Spirit and by the fire of the Lord.
But they tell us, when we talk of these things, that the Scriptures say we must not have any more revelation. By their ignorance and misunderstandings they wrest the Scriptures, not knowing the Gospel nor the power of God. They say, it is given in the last chapter of Revelations: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book, and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Very true; so it is and so it will be. The Prophet Moses left it on record in Deuteronomy that there should be nothing added to that law which was given unto them. It is written twice in Deuteronomy, “Ye shall not add unto the words which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.” Suppose that meant there should be no more revelation, what are you going to do with these great prophecies of Isaiah, of Jeremiah, of Ezekiel, of Daniel, and all the holy Prophets that came after? If that was a perpetual injunction against further revelation, how could the Savior come, in contravention of this law that He had given to Moses, and declare His whole system of salvation to us, which was from before the foundation of the world, originated in the eternities, to bring life and immortality to light, and lead us, if we will be led by it, unto the eternity that shall come after the angel shall declare that time shall be no longer? He had reference only to that book; they had no business to add to that law. The Prophets never believed, the Church of God never realized, that there was any restraint put upon the spirit of revelation. But they held, as we hold, that without it there was no life, no God. And this saying of the Apostle in Revelations, means adding to that book of Revelations. The people for a long time had many different books, or rather manuscripts, till they were gathered up and put together. Paul did not understand that all these old Scriptures were wrong. He said to Timothy, “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” These scriptures were necessary down to his time. Just so with the Savior. His inspiration and volume of eternal truth was necessary. And it is just as necessary now that the people of God should be filled with the light of revelation, and without it they can make no advancement in divine life.
The Prophet Joseph, when dedicating the first Temple of this dispensation, in Nauvoo, March 1836, presented the Twelve Apostles that had been appointed and consecrated to their work, and they were upheld as prophets, seers and revelators. That is the estimate which the Prophet Joseph placed upon the holy office of the Apostleship, and that is the idea and sense that this people entertain concerning that office and calling; for twice every year they lift up their hands to sustain the Twelve Apostles as such. I testify to you, my brethren, that the Apostles improve in this principle, and increase in it, and they are becoming prophets, seers and revelators unto God’s people, if they will receive them. It should be just so with these men who are High Priests in Israel. The Presidents of Stakes and their counselors, the Bishops of wards and their counselors, should so live before God as to be prophets, seers and revelators to their people. Every man having the authority of the Priesthood—and we are a whole army of Priesthood, over a hundred quorums of Seventies existing among us—who is at the head of a family should be a prophet, seer and revelator to his household. These brethren that are sitting by me have been in obscurity. These providences of God that have been calculated to place righteous men where they would have to find their way to their God by the prayer of faith, by the light of the Spirit and by the power of the Holy Priesthood. It is necessary that these things should be so understood, and that we should grow up into Christ our living Head. As a child has to be weaned from its mother’s breast, so Elders should get knowledge and understanding of their duties to their families, their duties to the Church, their duties to the human family, so that they may stand in the light of truth and take the same food and bread of life from the table of the Lord as the child when it leaves its mother’s breast and has to sit at the table beside her and masticate its own food.
It is interesting to contemplate this, and sometimes alarmingly so when we see brethren so far forget themselves in any of the pursuits of life as to indulge in anything like strife, or contention, or animosity. It looks as if we had come to times when these things were very threatening among God’s people; and as Brother Cannon has nicely put it, they are principles of danger among us. Men have no right to get so animated and over-anxious about anything, striving or contending for any matter, as that they can push down another brother to climb up on his downfall. None of us have any right to speak evil of each other in order to get a good name ourselves. We have no right to impair the character of our brethren, or their honest convictions, in order that we may get the ascendency over them. It is an abomination in the sight of God for any man to do it, and vastly more that Saints should do it, who have with their lips professed their belief that it is their duty not to speak evil of each other, nor of the Lord’s anointed. We ought to be careful of these things. I would exhort you, my brethren, in this, that while you indulge in these things which look to animosity towards your brethren who may differ from you on any question, you are taking that course that shall put out the light which should shine upon your understanding; whereas, if any man would defer to his brother, in honor preferring one another, the love of God would abound, their souls would be strengthened, and every man would go on in the growth of the principles of righteousness. And this course we must pursue if we go forward. If we do not, we cannot come to a standstill, therefore we shall retrograde. I would say to all brethren who are anywise addicted to these things, set a watch at the door of your lips an another at the doors of your hearts, and sanctify the Lord in all your ways, and not feel that the Kingdom of God is going to be upset or overthrown by your doing, or not doing. The work is the Lord’s; and if we will be true to Him and to the principles of His Gospel which we have taken upon us to do, He will bear us off triumphant. He knows how to make the wrath of men to praise Him. He known how to build us up in our holy faith, if we will preserve ourselves by our own faithfulness from the powers of sin and Satan.
Then the spirit of revelation is what we want continually. The world are astounded at the idea of revelation, when they are getting full of it themselves and they don’t know it. Ever since the time this work commenced, or thereabouts, great inventions have been coming forth concerning the use of steam. It was about this time that Mr. Watts heard the tea kettle rattle by the power of steam, and learned to use it and apply it. Others have used it in their inventions since. Just so it was with other men; Benjamin Franklin running up a kite, putting a key on it, that he might bring down the electric fluid with safety and do no harm. Men have ever since been finding out how to harness the lightning and make it convey intelligence, transport light and numerous comforts to the human family all over the earth and through the depths of the sea, until the various nations are becoming much more like one great family, and we hear from everywhere each twenty-four hours. Revelation is among them. They ought to acknowledge it and give God the praise. Some of them do. We all should. Their knowledge is knowledge of science; but the knowledge that God gives to His people by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Priesthood is the knowledge that is concerning Him, His ways and will, and what we ought to do to please Him, to bless and exalt ourselves, to love and glorify Him in all our operations.
Nor have we got all the revelations we are to have. The Lord has left precious promises on the pages of holy writ that He will give us more of it. Although the human family are wrought up to their present condition of opposition against revelation, I want to remind them, if there is anybody within the sound of my voice that thinks we have all the revelations we are to have, they are greatly mistaken. If you will read the 37th chapter of Ezekiel, you will find there the Lord spoke through the Prophet and told him to take some sticks. That is curious we would think nowadays. It would seem a great deal more curious if the Lord had said to the Prophet, take a book, for they did not know anything about books. They had the law rolled up on sticks, and He told him to take two sticks, and write upon one, “For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions;” and on the other, “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.” “And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.”
We have the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and we have the promise that we shall have another record that will come from the house of Israel. The Lord told us that when we began to spread this Gospel to the Lamanites and the house of Israel, we might know that the work of the Lord had commenced among all the branches of the house of Israel. Well, it has; but we don’t know much about it. But there are the ten tribes in the north, and messengers to them too. The Lord told the brethren once concerning the Revelator John, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” The last that we hear of John’s persecutors is that they put him into a caldron of boiling oil, but he came out unhurt—as miraculous as when the Hebrew children went into the fiery furnace. And that John is ministering to the house of Israel in distant portions of the earth, or wherever they are and a record is going to come from them to us—the same as the Book of Mormon and the Bible have come to us, and they three shall become one. That means they shall contain the same doctrines, the same principles, the same Gospel of salvation, and these three shall come together and be one in the hands of God’s Elders in these last days; and we or our children will live to see this come to pass. So that the human family and the Latter-day Saints need not contract their minds nor limit their faith to think we have got all the word of God we are to have. It would be a good thing for us if we would read and study more what we have got. We would then be better prepared for the rest when it shall come.
The promise of this union of these records is found in the Book of Mormon, II Nephi, 29th chap:
For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them: for out of the books which shall be written, I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according that which is written.
And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
I would like to explain a certain principle contained in the law. You know that it is given unto us in the Book of Covenants that in our testimonies before the tribunals of the Church, by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word must be established. That was the method that was given by Moses in his law to the children of Israel. They had to have proof, and by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word must be established. Now, then, the Lord went and planted one vine away off in the nethermost part of the vineyard; he planted another in another part of the vineyard, and that was better than the first; and he planted another in another part of the vineyard, that was the worst part of all the vineyard. When the work of the Father commences in all these branches of Israel, that will be such a work, and similar to, this among us, and they will write an account of those things, as we are writing them and keeping a history of God’s work, and when they come forth and become united as one people on the land of promise they will bring their records with them; and these three records will be three great testimonies to all the branches of the house of Israel, and the whole human family, concerning His work, and in the mouth of these three witnesses His great eternal purposes of the last days shall be established before the heavens and the earth, and all men that contend against these principles will be placed without excuse.
The whole principles is life and revelation in each of us, life and revelation in the Church in these days, here among us and everywhere, in all the regions where His work is going on. We ought to understand this principle, and cultivate it, and keep the exercise and love of it growing within us. The more we get to know the more we see there is to learn, and the greater is our desire to learn. We come to know more of the things of God, both for time and for eternity. Thus by a faithful righteous life and godly conversation we can preserve our tabernacles in such condition that the Spirit can dwell with us, and we can have the ministration of the still small voice by day and the voice of dreams by night, and by other means that the Lord is willing to give to His people, that we may grow up into Christ our living head. For my part, in seeing this and looking at the work of the Lord in its progress, I feel that we have great reason to rejoice and be glad and praise His holy name for the work of His doing; to enlarge our hearts and increase our understandings by the comprehension of His will and His designs, so that we may be pliant ministers and laborers in His hands, to do according to His pleasure. He has brought us out unto this land that was a desert, and made it a choice land—a land which he promised unto Joseph, and He told him that the land should be blessed with the dew of heaven, and with the precious things brought forth by the sun, and those brought forth by the moon, and the precious things of the everlasting hills. And we are right here among them. These hills are full of nearly every kind of mineral that can benefit and bless mankind, even to the sulphur.
Well, this Zion that the Lord has compassion upon us to establish, is His work. He has brought us through some little trials, we ought to be benefited, refined and profited by them, and be willing to employ ourselves, our strength, our means, and what talents the Lord may give unto us, to the advancement and progress of His holy work. This is the way I feel about it, my brethren and sisters, and this is what we want to cultivate and encourage. These works that He has commenced in all the branches of Israel, what are they? Such works as He has begun with us here, in establishing the fulness of the Everlasting Gospel among us. We are preparing Temples. Think of it! A Temple in Kirtland was dedicated. The Saints received endowments therein. A Temple was built in Nauvoo, and the fulness of the endowments was revealed just before then, and many of the Saints received their blessings therein. Then again how the Lord has blessed us to get four Temples here in Utah, the fourth almost ready for dedication, and quite ready for the top-stone to be laid, which you are all filled with interest and anxiety to see accomplished. Now then, if the work of the Father, begun among the ten tribes and among the other branches of the house of Israel is very similar to what is here, and they are receiving knowledge of God, being built up in faith, being established in righteousness, and these men that have never tasted death—the three Nephites and the Apostle John—are busy working to bring to pass righteousness and to carry out the purposes of God; it won’t be long till we or our generations after us will see them and have fellowship with them; when wickedness is moved out of the way and violators of righteousness cleansed out of the land, and the Lord’s Kingdom established, then it will be glorious. Then holy ones from on high will come and minister among us. We ought to anticipate these times with pleasure increasing with delight, because now is our salvation nearer than when we believed, and it is growing nearer continually; and if we are diligent and faithful, so will the influence thereof and the power thereof increase, until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The dawning of that day has come, and Israel’s sons and daughters are gathering home.
The Lord is refining His people, and has us in the crucible, to deal with us, and refine us, and prepare us that He may get away the dross from us, and that we may become pure and holy, acceptable before Him; for He has said, by the mouth of His prophets, that the day shall come when a man shall be more precious than fine gold. We would think if we had a lump of gold as large as the smallest man among us that it was very precious. If then, when the Lord has tried us and found that we will not sin against Him, but will walk with Him, sanctify ourselves, purge away our dress, and we become more precious than fine gold, how supremely precious a man will be in the eyes of God, and in the estimation of his brethren! We ought to try to add this interesting character to each other, and not to speak diminutively of each other, that we may be lifted up. The Lord does not delight in such things; but they who are given to working righteousness, despising the gain of the oppressors, and withholding their hands from the taking of bribes, they are the class of men that will live and dwell in the munitions of rocks, dwell in the everlasting burnings, and be counted able to stand, as the three Hebrew children did, and as Father Abraham did, and as a great many other faithful ones have done that have gone before us at one time and another. We want to live and get to that standard that we can be able to entertain these things. Why, we want to live so that the time may come of the translation—that change from mortality to immortality. The glorious promise is that children shall grow up to the age of a tree, and then they shall not die to sleep in the earth, but shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. The increasing revelation and the power of godliness is going to bring God’s people to a state of union by and by that we will look back upon these days of trial and smile over them; and be thankful for them, and bless God that we have been permitted to go through them.
This is our time, to see how we will use it; to see, whether by the blessings of God we will sanctify ourselves before Him, and he prepared for something more and better in the realms of life, and light, and glory, and go into the Temples and do those things which may enter into the works of futurity and for those that have gone before us, turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to their fathers, so that we may rejoice with them when we go to them on the other side of the veil, and we with them come back and inherit the earth, the everlasting possession which is promised unto the faithful and the meek which Christ said “shall inherit the earth.”
Brethren and sisters, I feel as though everything around us, everything above us, is inviting and beckoning us on to work righteousness, to depart from the wickedness of the human family and worship God in spirit and in truth, establish His altar in every house and habitation, and so study the laws of the Priesthood and the everlasting Gospel that we can become godly, become the sons and daughters of the living God, and be prepared for all the great eternal purposes that He has to reveal, and that He has to carry out for the regeneration of His people and the earth for them to live upon.
And that we may be possessed of this Spirit, and animated by it, that we may continue in it, and that we may love and do the will of God while we dwell here, and be prepared to come with the righteous when they shall return to live and reign on the earth, is my prayer, my desire, and my constant labor with you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Apostle Heber J. Grant
was next called upon to address the congregation. He was pleased to meet with the Saints at this Conference, not having had the privilege of so doing for some time. He rejoiced in the testimonies that had been given this morning. The speaker said that his daily supplication was that he might have the Holy Spirit, because he felt this to be necessary in order to make life a success. We have come here on earth to fulfil a certain mission and unless we possess the Spirit we cannot understand what this mission is, or appreciate the future that is before us. We are engaged in a labor that requires sacrifice. There are appetites and desires that must be overcome and subdued, if we will become perfect to some degree in fulfilling the requirements made upon us. If we are meek and lowly and willing to take instructions of those with whom we are associated, and seek earnestly for the guidance of the Spirit, there is no danger of failure, but we will reap a reward in the Kingdom of God.
The Saints are in a position that might b envied by other people. The speaker had met men who had expressed their view that there is to some extent a millennium among the Saints. They know of no other people so closely associated and united in their interests.
The government might be able to take away our property, but no government on earth could take away from us the testimony of the Gospel, and as we labor for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, all will be well with us.
The speaker endorsed the remarks made this morning. The Gospel teaches us to be united and live harmoniously together. If we are not one, we are not God’s people. The principles of the Gospel bind the hearts of the people together, and without union we could not enjoy the Spirit of God. May this Holy Spirit abide with us forever.
was next called upon to address the congregation. He was pleased to meet with the Saints at this Conference, not having had the privilege of so doing for some time. He rejoiced in the testimonies that had been given this morning. The speaker said that his daily supplication was that he might have the Holy Spirit, because he felt this to be necessary in order to make life a success. We have come here on earth to fulfil a certain mission and unless we possess the Spirit we cannot understand what this mission is, or appreciate the future that is before us. We are engaged in a labor that requires sacrifice. There are appetites and desires that must be overcome and subdued, if we will become perfect to some degree in fulfilling the requirements made upon us. If we are meek and lowly and willing to take instructions of those with whom we are associated, and seek earnestly for the guidance of the Spirit, there is no danger of failure, but we will reap a reward in the Kingdom of God.
The Saints are in a position that might b envied by other people. The speaker had met men who had expressed their view that there is to some extent a millennium among the Saints. They know of no other people so closely associated and united in their interests.
The government might be able to take away our property, but no government on earth could take away from us the testimony of the Gospel, and as we labor for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, all will be well with us.
The speaker endorsed the remarks made this morning. The Gospel teaches us to be united and live harmoniously together. If we are not one, we are not God’s people. The principles of the Gospel bind the hearts of the people together, and without union we could not enjoy the Spirit of God. May this Holy Spirit abide with us forever.
Apostle John W. Taylor
said he was thankful to meet with the Saints and he hoped to be directed by the Spirit in what he might be led to say. He felt that the Lord had inspired the brethren who had spoken to tough upon the principles that had been referred to. As Latter-day Saints we are always safe, when we have a spirit of humility with us, and we are always in danger if we have not this spirit. In this condition we are like an engineer running in the dark and not heeding the lights ahead of him. He is likely to run his train into some obstruction on the road. The speaker felt the necessity for each one to look after his own condition. If we are looking after others, we are in danger of being shipwrecked in our faith. The Lord has given us light, which, if we follow it, will guide us into the path of righteousness.
It is necessary to preach the principles of unity and meekness to the Saints. By this they will be kept from the fear that the kingdom of God perhaps is going to break up. The Lord is not displeased with any except those who do not acknowledge His hand in all things. There is anxiety among a certain class of the Saints that the authorities of the Church are in danger of going astray, and they think they have some excellent suggestions to make, if they only had a change. Such thoughts are idle. God is with His people. The work is spreading on every hand and it shall continue to go on. Let us serve the Lord and cultivate the spirit of Christ who taught Him to say, “Father, not my will but Thine be done.”
The speaker testified that he knew that Christ lived and would reward every one according to the deeds done in the flesh. And to the stranger who might be within the sound of his voice he would say, Repent of your sins, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, and ye shall also receive knowledge for yourselves that this work is of God. May the Holy Spirit be poured out upon this Conference.
The choir sang the anthem: Light and Truth, the World are Waiting.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
said he was thankful to meet with the Saints and he hoped to be directed by the Spirit in what he might be led to say. He felt that the Lord had inspired the brethren who had spoken to tough upon the principles that had been referred to. As Latter-day Saints we are always safe, when we have a spirit of humility with us, and we are always in danger if we have not this spirit. In this condition we are like an engineer running in the dark and not heeding the lights ahead of him. He is likely to run his train into some obstruction on the road. The speaker felt the necessity for each one to look after his own condition. If we are looking after others, we are in danger of being shipwrecked in our faith. The Lord has given us light, which, if we follow it, will guide us into the path of righteousness.
It is necessary to preach the principles of unity and meekness to the Saints. By this they will be kept from the fear that the kingdom of God perhaps is going to break up. The Lord is not displeased with any except those who do not acknowledge His hand in all things. There is anxiety among a certain class of the Saints that the authorities of the Church are in danger of going astray, and they think they have some excellent suggestions to make, if they only had a change. Such thoughts are idle. God is with His people. The work is spreading on every hand and it shall continue to go on. Let us serve the Lord and cultivate the spirit of Christ who taught Him to say, “Father, not my will but Thine be done.”
The speaker testified that he knew that Christ lived and would reward every one according to the deeds done in the flesh. And to the stranger who might be within the sound of his voice he would say, Repent of your sins, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, and ye shall also receive knowledge for yourselves that this work is of God. May the Holy Spirit be poured out upon this Conference.
The choir sang the anthem: Light and Truth, the World are Waiting.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
Afternoon Session.
Conference reopened at 2 o’clock.
The choir sang the anthem: Wonderful Counselor.
Prayer was offered by President Angus M. Cannon.
The anthem, Unfold ye portals, was sung by the choir.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered under the direction of the Priesthood of the Fifth ward, Salt Lake City.
Conference reopened at 2 o’clock.
The choir sang the anthem: Wonderful Counselor.
Prayer was offered by President Angus M. Cannon.
The anthem, Unfold ye portals, was sung by the choir.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered under the direction of the Priesthood of the Fifth ward, Salt Lake City.
President Joseph F. Smith
said it was gratifying to behold so many people gathered together in that Tabernacle at the opening of the Sixty-second anniversary of the organization of the Church Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He trusted that the blessings of the Lord might be poured out upon all present, and that not one person who attended Conference would suffer in health by reason of the inclement weather. After expressing the hope that the Latter-day Saints in this city would open their houses to the visiting brethren and sisters on this occasion, and extend to them all the hospitality within their power, the speaker remarked that we were not in every respect just as we used to be. There was a time, he said, when the Saints rejoiced exceedingly in hospitality; it was at a period when there were not many rich among us. Now, however, that we had abundance, when many were rich and had ample homes, our visiting friends at Conference were under the necessity of obtaining lodgings at the hotels. Whether this was because we were less hospitable than formerly, or because the people were growing so numerous on the outside that the few inside were unable to entertain them was a question that they must answer for themselves. But he hoped the day would never come when the Latter-day Saints would feel inhospitable toward their brethren and sisters, the people of God, or towards the stranger within our gates; for hospitality, kindness, charity and love were some of the characteristics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It behooved the Saints always, and under all circumstances, to be kind to their neighbors, true to their friends, to beware of their enemies, to be humble and submissive unto God, devoted to His cause and alive to their own salvation.
Our salvation was the great object we had in view in gathering to Zion and embracing the principles of the Gospel which had been restored to the earth in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brethren. Anything that would detract from that object an from our pursuit in that direction should be carefully avoided, while every principle that tended to advance us should be constantly sought after.
The Latter-day Saints were said to be a peculiar people. In some respects perhaps they were, but in many respects, it seemed to him, they very much resembled the rest of the world. If we had received a knowledge or proof of those principles which emanated from God, and of which the rest of mankind were destitute, then so far as the Saints observed them, lived up to them, and were true and faithful unto them, they were distinct and peculiar from all other people. But with this exception they were like the rest of the world. How far we deserved credit that was not due to all mankind besides would depend upon our adherence to those superior principles of light, truth and knowledge which we had received in this dispensation of the Gospel which the world had not yet received. There were hundreds of thousands of people on the earth today who were as honest in every particular as the Latter-day Saints, who were quite as sincere, just as earnest in their faith, in their religion and as devoted to God. He had, however, in the course of his experience, met many who did not believe at all in Mormonism, who did not believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the Latter-day Saints believed it, and who were so prejudiced against them that it seemed impossible to open their eyes to the truth; yet they were more consistent according to their faith, according to their ideas of religion, and in their duty to God, more earnest and devoted than hundreds, aye, thousands, of those who professed to be Latter-day Saints and to have received the Holy Ghost. He had seen people who had such faith and such love for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that they would not allow an ornament or an image in their house, nor even a picture to hang upon the walls, for fear that their thoughts, desires, and affections should be drawn from the great object they had in view—the worship of God. And yet the were not Latter-day Saints; neither could they be convinced as to their error with regard to their religious belief. He had asked himself often what would be the condition of this this class of people when they came to be judged “for the deeds done in the body.” While they had the privilege of hearing the Gospel preached in their lifetime, yet because of the superstition in which they had been brought up, because of the traditions of their forefathers, of the prejudices that had been begotten in the minds of the people generally concerning new revelations and new religions, they closed their ears against the truth as revealed by God in these latter days.
The point to which he wished to draw attention was in regard to this thought. How would it be with the Latter-day Saints who had received the fulness of the everlasting Gospel and the ordinances appertaining thereto, but who were not sincere in their religion, who proved by their acts that they were not generous and kind to their brother and their neighbor, who were not honest in their professions and promises, who did not honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy, who used strong rinks and tobacco, who violated the Word of Wisdom and the law of God as revealed unto them, who were not charitable but judged their brother harshly, who were willing under some circumstances and in some cases even to wreck the kingdom of God on earth, as it were, and betray their brethren into the hands of their enemies out of spite, out of a feeling rankling in their bosom, and who were in every sense of the word anything but good Christians, to say nothing about being Latter-day Saints. He asked, what would be their condition when they stood before the bar of God “to give an account of the deeds done in the body.” Without attempting to answer this, he would assume that the condition of the heathen and the unbelieving, those who had never known God but had rejected the truth because of ignorance and superstition, would stand higher and receive a greater and more eternal weight of glory than such Latter-day Saints as he had mentioned; because when men and women descended to such conduct they ceased to be Latter-day Saints; they cut themselves off from the presence of the Father, from His mercy, and from the rights and blessings which He had in store for the faithful. Yet some of them had a standing with their brethren. They called themselves Latter-day Saints and would feel very much offended if told that they were not entitled to all the ordinances of the holy Gospel. We were all weak and erring creatures, and liable to do those things which were displeasing to God; we ought not to do these things with our eyes open, when we knew better. Little acts made up the sum total of our existence on earth. The speaker, in passing, urged a strict observance of the Sabbath day, and said that lying was an abomination in the sight of God. A man must not take advantage of his neighbor to wrong him in order to build himself up at another’s expense; he must not try to injure his character or stigmatize him in any way, because the Bible taught him different. Latter-day Saints must not do this, or they would bring down upon their heads the condemnation of God.
The speaker next touched upon the importance of prayer and the keeping of all God’s commandments. Zion could only be built up on the principles of truth and righteousness. Men could not help to build up Zion who were hypocrites, liars, thieves, adulterers, whoremongers, or otherwise wicked in their hearts; neither could they have any lot or part in Zion when it should be built up. Therefore it behooved us as Latter-day Saints to remember what we had covenanted with God to do, and to do it.
Some of those who knew him thought that he was a radical sort of person; that he was austere, somewhat harsh, perhaps, and exacting; but he believed there was not another man in Israel who was more ready to extend the hand of forgiveness and charity towards one who erred and made mistakes in regard to the matters on which he had been speaking, than Joseph F. Smith.
The speaker here read from the Sixth Lecture on Faith, (Book of Doc. and Cov.) to show that exaltation in the Kingdom of God is only attainable by strict conformity with the law of self sacrifice—the giving up of all earthly interests and even life itself if necessary, for the sake of the truth. Only in this way can a man know that he is accepted of God and take hold of eternal life.
Having dwelt upon the subject of love to God and to our neighbor, President Smith touched on that of faith. He instanced the cases of Job and Abraham, both of whom he said stood the severe test made by God in order to prove the sincerity of their love for Him. Later the Son of God Himself was put to the test, and later still the Apostles of Jesus Christ were subjected to torture, and even death, in order to prove whether they had the love of Go in their hearts. Let the Latter-day Saints, he said, apply the test also and ask themselves the question, “Am I in a position to endure such tests of faith as these and not flinch?” God help us to live our religion, for it is good, it is righteous, pure and Godlike; for it emanated from God.
said it was gratifying to behold so many people gathered together in that Tabernacle at the opening of the Sixty-second anniversary of the organization of the Church Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He trusted that the blessings of the Lord might be poured out upon all present, and that not one person who attended Conference would suffer in health by reason of the inclement weather. After expressing the hope that the Latter-day Saints in this city would open their houses to the visiting brethren and sisters on this occasion, and extend to them all the hospitality within their power, the speaker remarked that we were not in every respect just as we used to be. There was a time, he said, when the Saints rejoiced exceedingly in hospitality; it was at a period when there were not many rich among us. Now, however, that we had abundance, when many were rich and had ample homes, our visiting friends at Conference were under the necessity of obtaining lodgings at the hotels. Whether this was because we were less hospitable than formerly, or because the people were growing so numerous on the outside that the few inside were unable to entertain them was a question that they must answer for themselves. But he hoped the day would never come when the Latter-day Saints would feel inhospitable toward their brethren and sisters, the people of God, or towards the stranger within our gates; for hospitality, kindness, charity and love were some of the characteristics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It behooved the Saints always, and under all circumstances, to be kind to their neighbors, true to their friends, to beware of their enemies, to be humble and submissive unto God, devoted to His cause and alive to their own salvation.
Our salvation was the great object we had in view in gathering to Zion and embracing the principles of the Gospel which had been restored to the earth in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brethren. Anything that would detract from that object an from our pursuit in that direction should be carefully avoided, while every principle that tended to advance us should be constantly sought after.
The Latter-day Saints were said to be a peculiar people. In some respects perhaps they were, but in many respects, it seemed to him, they very much resembled the rest of the world. If we had received a knowledge or proof of those principles which emanated from God, and of which the rest of mankind were destitute, then so far as the Saints observed them, lived up to them, and were true and faithful unto them, they were distinct and peculiar from all other people. But with this exception they were like the rest of the world. How far we deserved credit that was not due to all mankind besides would depend upon our adherence to those superior principles of light, truth and knowledge which we had received in this dispensation of the Gospel which the world had not yet received. There were hundreds of thousands of people on the earth today who were as honest in every particular as the Latter-day Saints, who were quite as sincere, just as earnest in their faith, in their religion and as devoted to God. He had, however, in the course of his experience, met many who did not believe at all in Mormonism, who did not believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the Latter-day Saints believed it, and who were so prejudiced against them that it seemed impossible to open their eyes to the truth; yet they were more consistent according to their faith, according to their ideas of religion, and in their duty to God, more earnest and devoted than hundreds, aye, thousands, of those who professed to be Latter-day Saints and to have received the Holy Ghost. He had seen people who had such faith and such love for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that they would not allow an ornament or an image in their house, nor even a picture to hang upon the walls, for fear that their thoughts, desires, and affections should be drawn from the great object they had in view—the worship of God. And yet the were not Latter-day Saints; neither could they be convinced as to their error with regard to their religious belief. He had asked himself often what would be the condition of this this class of people when they came to be judged “for the deeds done in the body.” While they had the privilege of hearing the Gospel preached in their lifetime, yet because of the superstition in which they had been brought up, because of the traditions of their forefathers, of the prejudices that had been begotten in the minds of the people generally concerning new revelations and new religions, they closed their ears against the truth as revealed by God in these latter days.
The point to which he wished to draw attention was in regard to this thought. How would it be with the Latter-day Saints who had received the fulness of the everlasting Gospel and the ordinances appertaining thereto, but who were not sincere in their religion, who proved by their acts that they were not generous and kind to their brother and their neighbor, who were not honest in their professions and promises, who did not honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy, who used strong rinks and tobacco, who violated the Word of Wisdom and the law of God as revealed unto them, who were not charitable but judged their brother harshly, who were willing under some circumstances and in some cases even to wreck the kingdom of God on earth, as it were, and betray their brethren into the hands of their enemies out of spite, out of a feeling rankling in their bosom, and who were in every sense of the word anything but good Christians, to say nothing about being Latter-day Saints. He asked, what would be their condition when they stood before the bar of God “to give an account of the deeds done in the body.” Without attempting to answer this, he would assume that the condition of the heathen and the unbelieving, those who had never known God but had rejected the truth because of ignorance and superstition, would stand higher and receive a greater and more eternal weight of glory than such Latter-day Saints as he had mentioned; because when men and women descended to such conduct they ceased to be Latter-day Saints; they cut themselves off from the presence of the Father, from His mercy, and from the rights and blessings which He had in store for the faithful. Yet some of them had a standing with their brethren. They called themselves Latter-day Saints and would feel very much offended if told that they were not entitled to all the ordinances of the holy Gospel. We were all weak and erring creatures, and liable to do those things which were displeasing to God; we ought not to do these things with our eyes open, when we knew better. Little acts made up the sum total of our existence on earth. The speaker, in passing, urged a strict observance of the Sabbath day, and said that lying was an abomination in the sight of God. A man must not take advantage of his neighbor to wrong him in order to build himself up at another’s expense; he must not try to injure his character or stigmatize him in any way, because the Bible taught him different. Latter-day Saints must not do this, or they would bring down upon their heads the condemnation of God.
The speaker next touched upon the importance of prayer and the keeping of all God’s commandments. Zion could only be built up on the principles of truth and righteousness. Men could not help to build up Zion who were hypocrites, liars, thieves, adulterers, whoremongers, or otherwise wicked in their hearts; neither could they have any lot or part in Zion when it should be built up. Therefore it behooved us as Latter-day Saints to remember what we had covenanted with God to do, and to do it.
Some of those who knew him thought that he was a radical sort of person; that he was austere, somewhat harsh, perhaps, and exacting; but he believed there was not another man in Israel who was more ready to extend the hand of forgiveness and charity towards one who erred and made mistakes in regard to the matters on which he had been speaking, than Joseph F. Smith.
The speaker here read from the Sixth Lecture on Faith, (Book of Doc. and Cov.) to show that exaltation in the Kingdom of God is only attainable by strict conformity with the law of self sacrifice—the giving up of all earthly interests and even life itself if necessary, for the sake of the truth. Only in this way can a man know that he is accepted of God and take hold of eternal life.
Having dwelt upon the subject of love to God and to our neighbor, President Smith touched on that of faith. He instanced the cases of Job and Abraham, both of whom he said stood the severe test made by God in order to prove the sincerity of their love for Him. Later the Son of God Himself was put to the test, and later still the Apostles of Jesus Christ were subjected to torture, and even death, in order to prove whether they had the love of Go in their hearts. Let the Latter-day Saints, he said, apply the test also and ask themselves the question, “Am I in a position to endure such tests of faith as these and not flinch?” God help us to live our religion, for it is good, it is righteous, pure and Godlike; for it emanated from God.
President Wilford Woodruff
remarked that as a few moments yet remained before the service of that afternoon closed, he desired to occupy the remainder of the time. He had been very much afflicted during the last three or four days—so much so that he at one time feared he would not be able to speak at this Conference at all. However, he had some things upon his mind that he would like to say to the Latter-day Saints before the Conference ended, and there were a few he might mention that afternoon. Referring to the subjects treated upon by the preceding speaker, President Woodruff said the Lord had labored from the creation of the world to do all that He could, consistent with the agency of men, to fit them for the highest glory they were capable of receiving; and from the days of Father Adam down to our day, whenever the Lord had a people on the earth who would obey Him, He had raised up Prophets and Apostles and given unto them the Holy Priesthood and the keys and powers thereof, and daughters of Adam and prepare them for celestial glory, But under that law, under the administration of those men, the opposition of the world had been encountered; and whenever men undertook to live righteous lives and keep the law of God they had to suffer persecution.
The Lord had promised through the mouths of the ancient Patriarchs and Apostles, for thousands of years that are past and gone, that in the latter days He would send the fulness of the everlasting Gospel to the children of men; that He would raise up Prophets and Apostles; that He would organize His Church and Kingdom on earth; that He would raise up men to go forth for the last time and prune His vineyard with a mighty pruning, to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man. The sons of Israel today who dwelt in the congregation before him were a class of those men. God had called them from the nations of the earth—Apostles, Prophets, Elders, Seventies and High Priests, and the Lesser Priesthood, to labor in the vineyard for the last time, to gather out the inhabitants of the earth as far as they would listen to the testimony borne to them, calling upon them to prepare for the great work of Go which was at their doors. The Elders of Israel had traveled tens of thousands of miles to accomplish this.
The conduct of the Latter-day Saints should be very different from the rest of the world, who did not profess these things. The Kingdom of God was here upon the earth in its fulness. There were many things belonging to this Church and Kingdom which were not looked for in the world. One of these was union. That was a law of God belonging to the Latter-day Saints. Like the ancient Prophets and Apostles, the modern Prophets and Apostles should be united in their work in the flesh; and we as a people should not deviate from this rule. There should be unity throughout, a unity of heart and mind, from the President of the Church and his two counselors down. The law of God required it; and whenever there was any deviation from this they were in danger. The work of the people of God was advancing, and in this nation there was a great change in public feeling taking place in regard to the Latter-day Saints, than whom no people ha been more lied about or misrepresented in the past, since they came to dwell in the valleys of these mountains. The world should learn who and what they were, and what they were doing; and all they asked was that the truth should be spoken concerning them. They had labored in the interest of their fellowmen. As Latter-day Saints they had faith that God would save the whole human family in some kind of glory, if they were not the sons of perdition. But all men under heaven were held responsible before God for their acts, and if they committed sin they had to pay the penalty.
He prayed God that they might all, as Latter-day Saints, live their religion, do what God required of them, remember their prayers, and walk uprightly before the Lord, and when they reached the other side of the vail they would meet with their reward, according to the works done in the flesh. He prayed that God’s blessing would rest upon this Conference, that the people would be united together, and that much good would result therefrom.
The choir sang: Hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Benediction by Elder Seymour B. Young.
remarked that as a few moments yet remained before the service of that afternoon closed, he desired to occupy the remainder of the time. He had been very much afflicted during the last three or four days—so much so that he at one time feared he would not be able to speak at this Conference at all. However, he had some things upon his mind that he would like to say to the Latter-day Saints before the Conference ended, and there were a few he might mention that afternoon. Referring to the subjects treated upon by the preceding speaker, President Woodruff said the Lord had labored from the creation of the world to do all that He could, consistent with the agency of men, to fit them for the highest glory they were capable of receiving; and from the days of Father Adam down to our day, whenever the Lord had a people on the earth who would obey Him, He had raised up Prophets and Apostles and given unto them the Holy Priesthood and the keys and powers thereof, and daughters of Adam and prepare them for celestial glory, But under that law, under the administration of those men, the opposition of the world had been encountered; and whenever men undertook to live righteous lives and keep the law of God they had to suffer persecution.
The Lord had promised through the mouths of the ancient Patriarchs and Apostles, for thousands of years that are past and gone, that in the latter days He would send the fulness of the everlasting Gospel to the children of men; that He would raise up Prophets and Apostles; that He would organize His Church and Kingdom on earth; that He would raise up men to go forth for the last time and prune His vineyard with a mighty pruning, to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man. The sons of Israel today who dwelt in the congregation before him were a class of those men. God had called them from the nations of the earth—Apostles, Prophets, Elders, Seventies and High Priests, and the Lesser Priesthood, to labor in the vineyard for the last time, to gather out the inhabitants of the earth as far as they would listen to the testimony borne to them, calling upon them to prepare for the great work of Go which was at their doors. The Elders of Israel had traveled tens of thousands of miles to accomplish this.
The conduct of the Latter-day Saints should be very different from the rest of the world, who did not profess these things. The Kingdom of God was here upon the earth in its fulness. There were many things belonging to this Church and Kingdom which were not looked for in the world. One of these was union. That was a law of God belonging to the Latter-day Saints. Like the ancient Prophets and Apostles, the modern Prophets and Apostles should be united in their work in the flesh; and we as a people should not deviate from this rule. There should be unity throughout, a unity of heart and mind, from the President of the Church and his two counselors down. The law of God required it; and whenever there was any deviation from this they were in danger. The work of the people of God was advancing, and in this nation there was a great change in public feeling taking place in regard to the Latter-day Saints, than whom no people ha been more lied about or misrepresented in the past, since they came to dwell in the valleys of these mountains. The world should learn who and what they were, and what they were doing; and all they asked was that the truth should be spoken concerning them. They had labored in the interest of their fellowmen. As Latter-day Saints they had faith that God would save the whole human family in some kind of glory, if they were not the sons of perdition. But all men under heaven were held responsible before God for their acts, and if they committed sin they had to pay the penalty.
He prayed God that they might all, as Latter-day Saints, live their religion, do what God required of them, remember their prayers, and walk uprightly before the Lord, and when they reached the other side of the vail they would meet with their reward, according to the works done in the flesh. He prayed that God’s blessing would rest upon this Conference, that the people would be united together, and that much good would result therefrom.
The choir sang: Hallelujah, the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Benediction by Elder Seymour B. Young.
The Overflow.
The Tabernacle did not afford sufficient space for the great multitude of people who gathered to worship in the afternoon; it was therefore decided to hold an overflow meeting in the Assembly Hall. That building was also densely packed, and still many hundreds were unable to gain admission to either building.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards presided at the overflow gathering, when the proceedings opened at 2 o’clock.
The choir sang:
Hark! listen to the trumpeters!
They sound for volunteers.
Prayer was offered by Apostle John W. Taylor, after which the choir sang: Lord, Thou wilt hear me when I pray: I am forever Thine!
The Tabernacle did not afford sufficient space for the great multitude of people who gathered to worship in the afternoon; it was therefore decided to hold an overflow meeting in the Assembly Hall. That building was also densely packed, and still many hundreds were unable to gain admission to either building.
Apostle Franklin D. Richards presided at the overflow gathering, when the proceedings opened at 2 o’clock.
The choir sang:
Hark! listen to the trumpeters!
They sound for volunteers.
Prayer was offered by Apostle John W. Taylor, after which the choir sang: Lord, Thou wilt hear me when I pray: I am forever Thine!
Elder John Morgan
was the first speaker. He said that it was with no small degree of pleasure that he mingled his voice in worship with his brethren. He loved to testify to the truthfulness of the everlasting Gospel. When we considered that for sixty-two years the testimony of this Gospel had been sounded in the ears of the human family in all parts of the earth it was no longer a cause for wonder that so many people were gathered on such an occasion as the present Conference. The Immense audiences in the Tabernacle and the Assembly Hall and the hundreds who had been turned away from both buildings gave some idea of the hosts of Israel. These Conferences were productive of great good. Those who attended them were built up and refreshed and carried away with them the spirit of kindness and love. The instructions given at these great semi-annual gatherings found echo in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints in every ward and Stake of Zion. Thus was Israel benefited incalculably. When contemplating the rapid and wonderful growth of the Church during its sixty-two years of existence we found much over which to marvel. Numerically we were becoming a great people and he felt like echoing the saying of one of God’s Prophets, “Give us room that we may dwell.” In years gone by it was the custom of the leaders of the Church to call young people to build up settlements and villages and found cities and commonwealths beyond the borders of civilization. This principle was correct and beneficial. Barren and uninviting wastes had thereby been converted into productive farms. The struggles of these young people upon the frontier were oftentimes of a trying nature. But they were imbued with the faith of God and the true spirit of pioneering. The children of parents so called naturally inherited these gifts, and as they grew to man and womanhood they too went in search of homes in the wilderness. They took up the land, diverted the streams and cultivated the soil. They surmounted the obstacles and overcame the difficulties common to the settlers of a new country. They were brave, industrious and honest and their accomplishments are eternal monuments to their memory.
Today hundreds of young men in the thickly populated districts were without any definite or fixed purpose in life. This superfluous strength should be scattered about. If it was not these selfsame young men and their descendants would become the hewers of wood and drawers of water. By spreading out they could take up land and in time become the possessors of valuable homes. We were surrounded by districts richly endowed both as to climate and soil and other natural resources. In extending our borders we had passed by many such favored spots.
It was wrong, the speaker said, for parents to persuade their sons and daughters to remain on the little farm at home. They should be allowed and encouraged to extend the borders of Zion and acquire titles to land which would become inheritances of incalculable worth. In our remote settlements the cry was for more strength. In surrounding States and Territories our people were sought after as peaceable and law-abiding citizens. These States and Territories offered all the facilities essential to making a people happy, independent and prosperous.
was the first speaker. He said that it was with no small degree of pleasure that he mingled his voice in worship with his brethren. He loved to testify to the truthfulness of the everlasting Gospel. When we considered that for sixty-two years the testimony of this Gospel had been sounded in the ears of the human family in all parts of the earth it was no longer a cause for wonder that so many people were gathered on such an occasion as the present Conference. The Immense audiences in the Tabernacle and the Assembly Hall and the hundreds who had been turned away from both buildings gave some idea of the hosts of Israel. These Conferences were productive of great good. Those who attended them were built up and refreshed and carried away with them the spirit of kindness and love. The instructions given at these great semi-annual gatherings found echo in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints in every ward and Stake of Zion. Thus was Israel benefited incalculably. When contemplating the rapid and wonderful growth of the Church during its sixty-two years of existence we found much over which to marvel. Numerically we were becoming a great people and he felt like echoing the saying of one of God’s Prophets, “Give us room that we may dwell.” In years gone by it was the custom of the leaders of the Church to call young people to build up settlements and villages and found cities and commonwealths beyond the borders of civilization. This principle was correct and beneficial. Barren and uninviting wastes had thereby been converted into productive farms. The struggles of these young people upon the frontier were oftentimes of a trying nature. But they were imbued with the faith of God and the true spirit of pioneering. The children of parents so called naturally inherited these gifts, and as they grew to man and womanhood they too went in search of homes in the wilderness. They took up the land, diverted the streams and cultivated the soil. They surmounted the obstacles and overcame the difficulties common to the settlers of a new country. They were brave, industrious and honest and their accomplishments are eternal monuments to their memory.
Today hundreds of young men in the thickly populated districts were without any definite or fixed purpose in life. This superfluous strength should be scattered about. If it was not these selfsame young men and their descendants would become the hewers of wood and drawers of water. By spreading out they could take up land and in time become the possessors of valuable homes. We were surrounded by districts richly endowed both as to climate and soil and other natural resources. In extending our borders we had passed by many such favored spots.
It was wrong, the speaker said, for parents to persuade their sons and daughters to remain on the little farm at home. They should be allowed and encouraged to extend the borders of Zion and acquire titles to land which would become inheritances of incalculable worth. In our remote settlements the cry was for more strength. In surrounding States and Territories our people were sought after as peaceable and law-abiding citizens. These States and Territories offered all the facilities essential to making a people happy, independent and prosperous.
Elder B. H. Roberts
next addressed the congregation. He said that it was natural in these semi-annual Conferences to be somewhat reminiscent in our reflections, especially when the progress of the work of the Lord was pointed out to us. His mind involuntarily reverted back to the log cabin of Father Whitmer, where sixty-two years ago a few men, six of whom were members of the Church, held the first Conference of the present dispensation. What a bold and remarkable prophet a man would have been esteemed on that occasion had he predicted that in little more than half a century the Church would grow to its present proportions, or if he had declared that a great Tabernacle, with a seating capacity of from 10,000 to 13,000 persons, would be built in the Rocky Mountains, and that such a building would be wholly inadequate to accommodate the Latter-day Saints who should go to it to worship. If on the occasion of the first conference of the Church those present did not particularize the building of a great Tabernacle in the wilderness, they did predict a wonderful growth of the Church. An infant had the organs and outlines of a grown person but was undeveloped. Who was there that could stand beside the cradle and predict the possible achievements of that embryotic man? Or who was there that could predict with any degree of accuracy the growth and development of the Church during the next sixty-two years? We could reasonably hope that its development would be much more rapid in the future than in the past. The labors of the Elders had been productive of much good. The most of it, however, was like the iceberg, hidden below the surface. The work of preaching the Gospel to the living was insignificant when compared with what had been done for the dead. In the St. George Temple alone more baptisms had been performed for the dead than the total membership of the Church. For this and other sacred purposes the Latter-day Saints had reared their temples. To witness the laying of the cap-stone of the last and greatest of these structures thousands of people had come to this city. There were those who spoke slightingly of these stately structures, but they did so ignorantly. We were called upon to do a great work, how great we knew not. It had not yet entered into the heart of man how much good would be accomplished in the temples of our Go. They were the links between heaven and earth. In them we would be bound to our dead kindred and they to us.
next addressed the congregation. He said that it was natural in these semi-annual Conferences to be somewhat reminiscent in our reflections, especially when the progress of the work of the Lord was pointed out to us. His mind involuntarily reverted back to the log cabin of Father Whitmer, where sixty-two years ago a few men, six of whom were members of the Church, held the first Conference of the present dispensation. What a bold and remarkable prophet a man would have been esteemed on that occasion had he predicted that in little more than half a century the Church would grow to its present proportions, or if he had declared that a great Tabernacle, with a seating capacity of from 10,000 to 13,000 persons, would be built in the Rocky Mountains, and that such a building would be wholly inadequate to accommodate the Latter-day Saints who should go to it to worship. If on the occasion of the first conference of the Church those present did not particularize the building of a great Tabernacle in the wilderness, they did predict a wonderful growth of the Church. An infant had the organs and outlines of a grown person but was undeveloped. Who was there that could stand beside the cradle and predict the possible achievements of that embryotic man? Or who was there that could predict with any degree of accuracy the growth and development of the Church during the next sixty-two years? We could reasonably hope that its development would be much more rapid in the future than in the past. The labors of the Elders had been productive of much good. The most of it, however, was like the iceberg, hidden below the surface. The work of preaching the Gospel to the living was insignificant when compared with what had been done for the dead. In the St. George Temple alone more baptisms had been performed for the dead than the total membership of the Church. For this and other sacred purposes the Latter-day Saints had reared their temples. To witness the laying of the cap-stone of the last and greatest of these structures thousands of people had come to this city. There were those who spoke slightingly of these stately structures, but they did so ignorantly. We were called upon to do a great work, how great we knew not. It had not yet entered into the heart of man how much good would be accomplished in the temples of our Go. They were the links between heaven and earth. In them we would be bound to our dead kindred and they to us.
Apostle F. D. Richards
said it was a prevailing idea with a great many people that there were only six members in the Church at the time it was organized. He had obtained the same thought for a long time himself, but learned of his mistake and was now desirous of setting other people aright on the same question. According to the laws of New York a church could neither be organized nor incorporated with less than six members. He could not say authoritatively what the exact membership of the Church was at the time it was organized. It was on the 15th of May, 1829, when Joseph and Oliver were baptized and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. Between that time an April, 1830. The Gospel had been testified to by Joseph and Oliver, and quite a number had been baptized.
The choir and congregation sang: How firm a foundation.
Benediction was pronounced by Apostle Heber J. Grant.
said it was a prevailing idea with a great many people that there were only six members in the Church at the time it was organized. He had obtained the same thought for a long time himself, but learned of his mistake and was now desirous of setting other people aright on the same question. According to the laws of New York a church could neither be organized nor incorporated with less than six members. He could not say authoritatively what the exact membership of the Church was at the time it was organized. It was on the 15th of May, 1829, when Joseph and Oliver were baptized and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. Between that time an April, 1830. The Gospel had been testified to by Joseph and Oliver, and quite a number had been baptized.
The choir and congregation sang: How firm a foundation.
Benediction was pronounced by Apostle Heber J. Grant.
Second Day. Morning Session. Monday, April 4th, 10 a. m.
How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge hath fled.
was sung by the choir and congregation.
Prayer by Elder Charles O. Card.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation,
No longer, as strangers, on earth need we roam;
Glad tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
And shortly the hour of redemption will come.
How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge hath fled.
was sung by the choir and congregation.
Prayer by Elder Charles O. Card.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation,
No longer, as strangers, on earth need we roam;
Glad tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
And shortly the hour of redemption will come.
Dr. James E. Talmage
read circular Number Eight issued by the Central Board of Education.
The paper gives detailed explanations as to the nature of the Church educational system, and furnishes specific definitions of the relationships the various institutions and officers bear toward each other, and clear directions as to how each establishment should be organized and conducted.
The following was, by request of President Willard Young, of Young University, read by
read circular Number Eight issued by the Central Board of Education.
The paper gives detailed explanations as to the nature of the Church educational system, and furnishes specific definitions of the relationships the various institutions and officers bear toward each other, and clear directions as to how each establishment should be organized and conducted.
The following was, by request of President Willard Young, of Young University, read by
Apostle Heber J. Grant:
Preamble and Resolution.
Believing that the time is now fully ripe and in every way propitious for the establishment of the Church University mentioned in the circular of the General Board of Education which has just been read, and that no better time than the present, when the Latter-day Saints are assembled in General Conference, can ever be found for taking those preliminary steps which may be proper and right for the carrying out of such a purpose, I therefore respectfully ask that the following motion be put to this congregation, viz.
I move that this congregation unite in requesting the First Presidency to appoint a committee of five persons to consider a general plan for the proper founding and endowing of a Church University by, or in behalf of the whole body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I suggest that the report of the committee be submitted to this Conference at the earliest time practicable.
Willard Young.
The motion of Brother Willard Young being seconded by Apostle F. M. Lyman, it was put to the Conference and carried unanimously. Speaking to his motion
Preamble and Resolution.
Believing that the time is now fully ripe and in every way propitious for the establishment of the Church University mentioned in the circular of the General Board of Education which has just been read, and that no better time than the present, when the Latter-day Saints are assembled in General Conference, can ever be found for taking those preliminary steps which may be proper and right for the carrying out of such a purpose, I therefore respectfully ask that the following motion be put to this congregation, viz.
I move that this congregation unite in requesting the First Presidency to appoint a committee of five persons to consider a general plan for the proper founding and endowing of a Church University by, or in behalf of the whole body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I suggest that the report of the committee be submitted to this Conference at the earliest time practicable.
Willard Young.
The motion of Brother Willard Young being seconded by Apostle F. M. Lyman, it was put to the Conference and carried unanimously. Speaking to his motion
Elder Willard Young
said: He believed that it was the right of every member of the Church to unite in the action here proposed, looking forward to the founding of the one Church University. Therefore as it had been stated that steps were being taken for the formation of the university, he wished as a member of the Church to have a voice in this action, in which he hoped every one present that morning would join.
President Cannon announced that the First Presidency would take the resolution into consideration an, at a subsequent meeting, probably name the members of the committee for the acceptance of the Conference.
said: He believed that it was the right of every member of the Church to unite in the action here proposed, looking forward to the founding of the one Church University. Therefore as it had been stated that steps were being taken for the formation of the university, he wished as a member of the Church to have a voice in this action, in which he hoped every one present that morning would join.
President Cannon announced that the First Presidency would take the resolution into consideration an, at a subsequent meeting, probably name the members of the committee for the acceptance of the Conference.
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
was the next speaker. He said the position which the Latter-day Saints occupied in relation to God and the duties resting upon them were such as required aid which could not be secured naturally; they must be maintained by the Spirit of God. The circumstances in which the Saints were placed and the scenes through which they must necessarily pass in the future were briefly touched upon by the speaker. The Lord had done a great deal for the Latter-day Saints during the last sixty-two years, both as a Church and as individuals. When they looked back upon their past history, both individually and collectively, they were astonished at the great progress which had been made and the blessings which had been bestowed upon them. When this Gospel first reached them in the different nations from whence they came the knew very little in regard to the things of God, in comparison with their present knowledge; they knew nothing in reference to the relationship in which they stood to our Father in Heaven—that they were his offspring, that they lived before coming into existence here, moved and had an understanding. Apostle Snow touched upon the subject of revelation, and made reference to the book of Doctrine and Covenants, wherein he said any important things were plainly exhibited to us in regard to having a present knowledge as to our condition and relationship to God. The blessings which He had bestowed upon this people were simply marvelous. When the Gospel reached them in the different nations to which they belonged, their condition and circumstances were very different from what they are now. The speaker illustrated his remarks on this head by showing how thousands of the Saints since coming to the valleys of these mountains had enhanced their condition not only spiritually but from a worldly or temporal point of view. It was God who, through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith, had brought this great latter-day work to its present degree of perfection. Let them look at the beautiful cities and towns in this Territory at this time. All these things were to be attributed to God and not to the shrewdness or the ability of men, who were only the instruments in His hands. There were thousands of persons now dwelling in the midst of these mountains who before gathering with the Saints here did not know even how to handle a pick-ax, hoe or shovel, and many of whom were now in comparatively affluent circumstances. This was a good deal, but it was nothing in comparison with what the Lord had done for this people spiritually.
As a people we must be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. We might not be able to fulfil all the duties pointed out yesterday; still it was incumbent upon us to do our utmost to reach the highest possible state of perfection, having regard to the peculiar conditions by which we are surrounded. God bless the Latter-day Saints. How firm a foundation had the Lord laid for the exercise of their faith. In the time of trial—trials such as probably they never anticipated and might naturally wish to escape—let them not be discouraged, but stand firm, endure the ordeal steadfastly, and the outcome would be much better than had been expected.
was the next speaker. He said the position which the Latter-day Saints occupied in relation to God and the duties resting upon them were such as required aid which could not be secured naturally; they must be maintained by the Spirit of God. The circumstances in which the Saints were placed and the scenes through which they must necessarily pass in the future were briefly touched upon by the speaker. The Lord had done a great deal for the Latter-day Saints during the last sixty-two years, both as a Church and as individuals. When they looked back upon their past history, both individually and collectively, they were astonished at the great progress which had been made and the blessings which had been bestowed upon them. When this Gospel first reached them in the different nations from whence they came the knew very little in regard to the things of God, in comparison with their present knowledge; they knew nothing in reference to the relationship in which they stood to our Father in Heaven—that they were his offspring, that they lived before coming into existence here, moved and had an understanding. Apostle Snow touched upon the subject of revelation, and made reference to the book of Doctrine and Covenants, wherein he said any important things were plainly exhibited to us in regard to having a present knowledge as to our condition and relationship to God. The blessings which He had bestowed upon this people were simply marvelous. When the Gospel reached them in the different nations to which they belonged, their condition and circumstances were very different from what they are now. The speaker illustrated his remarks on this head by showing how thousands of the Saints since coming to the valleys of these mountains had enhanced their condition not only spiritually but from a worldly or temporal point of view. It was God who, through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith, had brought this great latter-day work to its present degree of perfection. Let them look at the beautiful cities and towns in this Territory at this time. All these things were to be attributed to God and not to the shrewdness or the ability of men, who were only the instruments in His hands. There were thousands of persons now dwelling in the midst of these mountains who before gathering with the Saints here did not know even how to handle a pick-ax, hoe or shovel, and many of whom were now in comparatively affluent circumstances. This was a good deal, but it was nothing in comparison with what the Lord had done for this people spiritually.
As a people we must be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. We might not be able to fulfil all the duties pointed out yesterday; still it was incumbent upon us to do our utmost to reach the highest possible state of perfection, having regard to the peculiar conditions by which we are surrounded. God bless the Latter-day Saints. How firm a foundation had the Lord laid for the exercise of their faith. In the time of trial—trials such as probably they never anticipated and might naturally wish to escape—let them not be discouraged, but stand firm, endure the ordeal steadfastly, and the outcome would be much better than had been expected.
Apostle Moses Thatcher
Was next called upon. The circular just read in reference to the Church schools, he said, was a very important document, and he desired to call the attention of those present to the fact that, in this respect, the latter-day Saints were not unlike the Roman Catholics throughout this nation. They paid taxes which the state legislature appropriated to various states of the Union for the support of the state universities and schools, and yet they were unwilling to entrust the education of their children to the schools which they sustained under this system of government. Therefore, while their substance was used for the education of the children of others, not of their faith, their loyalty to their religion caused them to comply, not always, however, without finding some fault, with the system of the country, and then they educated their children in their own schools. This would seem, to an extent, an injustice, yet the Latter-day Saints were not able, nor were the Roman Catholics, to prevent this, even if they had the disposition to do so.
The theory of the government under which we lived was founded on the idea that sovereignty was in the people. In laying the foundation broad and deep our fathers undertook, in order to secure religious freedom, a complete separation of church and state. The free schools that had recently been established in this Territory did not under the law permit the teaching of religion. The Latter-day Saints, like the Catholics, realizing the importance of our children receiving a religious education, and that belief in and devotion to God were the very foundation of true education, were placed in the position in which they now found themselves in this matter.
Our Territorial legislature appropriated money freely to sustain the University of Deseret, or the University of Utah, as it is now called, for it was in conformity with the spirit of the time that we must change the name, and, as far as possible, obliterate the memory of the past, even as the Roman Catholics sought to do when they introduced their doctrines among the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent. The funds, therefore, that were appropriated by the Territorial legislature from the taxes of the people went to support the University of Utah and the Agricultural College in the north; and while we were no doubt willing that our taxes should be thus used, as those schools in some degree harmonized with the wishes of the nation, yet when we turned our eyes inward and searched the foundation upon which we were building, we were desirous that our children should be educated in the Church schools. But in order to do this we must not forget that the competition would be very severe.
The building and the appointments of these schools would be as perfect as the means within their reach could make them. On the other hand, we were comparatively poor, so far as the means to educate our children were concerned, but what we lacked in this respect must he made in our union of faith, in our devotion to the work, and in our contributions for that end. The whole matter was not accomplished in the vote of that conference to-day, but there must be a great deal of work in the future in order to carry out the object in view. Every father in Israel must “put his shoulder to the wheel."
The education of the world largely tended to the development of the intellect without the cultivation of the heart. The Latter-day Saints believed that true loyalty to the country depended to a great extent upon true faith in the Creator of the country. Therefore their foundation was deeper than that of the world, as they viewed it, inasmuch as they made the true worship of God the chief corner-stone of the structure, having in view always the highest liberty of the individual.
He believed that we had here in Utah as bright minds as the world had produced, and that if we would give this great subject the thought and attention necessary, the time was not far distant when our schools would compare favorably with those in other parts of the country. The time would come when, instead of our boys going to the universities of the east to complete their education, the sons of others would come to these mountains to complete theirs. There was no reason why it should not be so.
In speaking on the subject of direct revelation from God, the speaker said a man might have knowledge without having wisdom. No person in this Church was safe for a single hour unless he had the Spirit of God to guide him, and the time was near at hand when every man must stand upon the knowledge which God had given him. Individual intelligence was the glory of God.
We were upon the verge of grave times, and should we, because the conditions had recently changed, sell our birthright for a mess of pottage! He answered no; find if in the exercise of what he might term his American liberty—which might be better given as American license—he should become a stumbling block to his brethren, God would hold him responsible for it.
There were duties which they owed to the state as well as to the Church. Let them as intelligent American citizens render to the civil government that which belonged to it, but never forget to render to God the things that were His. The Latter-day Saints, every one of them, had promised their allegiance to the American government, but they could not afford to give away the fruits of the labors which they had received since the organization of this Church sixty-two years ago for the baubles of the world; " and," said the speaker in conclusion, " I would to God that more of our Elders could give the enthusiasm, devotion, and love to the work of God which they seem to give so willingly to political matters."
The choir sang: Praise Ye the Father.
Benediction by Elder B. H. Roberts.
Was next called upon. The circular just read in reference to the Church schools, he said, was a very important document, and he desired to call the attention of those present to the fact that, in this respect, the latter-day Saints were not unlike the Roman Catholics throughout this nation. They paid taxes which the state legislature appropriated to various states of the Union for the support of the state universities and schools, and yet they were unwilling to entrust the education of their children to the schools which they sustained under this system of government. Therefore, while their substance was used for the education of the children of others, not of their faith, their loyalty to their religion caused them to comply, not always, however, without finding some fault, with the system of the country, and then they educated their children in their own schools. This would seem, to an extent, an injustice, yet the Latter-day Saints were not able, nor were the Roman Catholics, to prevent this, even if they had the disposition to do so.
The theory of the government under which we lived was founded on the idea that sovereignty was in the people. In laying the foundation broad and deep our fathers undertook, in order to secure religious freedom, a complete separation of church and state. The free schools that had recently been established in this Territory did not under the law permit the teaching of religion. The Latter-day Saints, like the Catholics, realizing the importance of our children receiving a religious education, and that belief in and devotion to God were the very foundation of true education, were placed in the position in which they now found themselves in this matter.
Our Territorial legislature appropriated money freely to sustain the University of Deseret, or the University of Utah, as it is now called, for it was in conformity with the spirit of the time that we must change the name, and, as far as possible, obliterate the memory of the past, even as the Roman Catholics sought to do when they introduced their doctrines among the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent. The funds, therefore, that were appropriated by the Territorial legislature from the taxes of the people went to support the University of Utah and the Agricultural College in the north; and while we were no doubt willing that our taxes should be thus used, as those schools in some degree harmonized with the wishes of the nation, yet when we turned our eyes inward and searched the foundation upon which we were building, we were desirous that our children should be educated in the Church schools. But in order to do this we must not forget that the competition would be very severe.
The building and the appointments of these schools would be as perfect as the means within their reach could make them. On the other hand, we were comparatively poor, so far as the means to educate our children were concerned, but what we lacked in this respect must he made in our union of faith, in our devotion to the work, and in our contributions for that end. The whole matter was not accomplished in the vote of that conference to-day, but there must be a great deal of work in the future in order to carry out the object in view. Every father in Israel must “put his shoulder to the wheel."
The education of the world largely tended to the development of the intellect without the cultivation of the heart. The Latter-day Saints believed that true loyalty to the country depended to a great extent upon true faith in the Creator of the country. Therefore their foundation was deeper than that of the world, as they viewed it, inasmuch as they made the true worship of God the chief corner-stone of the structure, having in view always the highest liberty of the individual.
He believed that we had here in Utah as bright minds as the world had produced, and that if we would give this great subject the thought and attention necessary, the time was not far distant when our schools would compare favorably with those in other parts of the country. The time would come when, instead of our boys going to the universities of the east to complete their education, the sons of others would come to these mountains to complete theirs. There was no reason why it should not be so.
In speaking on the subject of direct revelation from God, the speaker said a man might have knowledge without having wisdom. No person in this Church was safe for a single hour unless he had the Spirit of God to guide him, and the time was near at hand when every man must stand upon the knowledge which God had given him. Individual intelligence was the glory of God.
We were upon the verge of grave times, and should we, because the conditions had recently changed, sell our birthright for a mess of pottage! He answered no; find if in the exercise of what he might term his American liberty—which might be better given as American license—he should become a stumbling block to his brethren, God would hold him responsible for it.
There were duties which they owed to the state as well as to the Church. Let them as intelligent American citizens render to the civil government that which belonged to it, but never forget to render to God the things that were His. The Latter-day Saints, every one of them, had promised their allegiance to the American government, but they could not afford to give away the fruits of the labors which they had received since the organization of this Church sixty-two years ago for the baubles of the world; " and," said the speaker in conclusion, " I would to God that more of our Elders could give the enthusiasm, devotion, and love to the work of God which they seem to give so willingly to political matters."
The choir sang: Praise Ye the Father.
Benediction by Elder B. H. Roberts.
Afternoon Session.
The choir and congregation joined in singing:
We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,
To guide us in these latter days.
We thank Thee for sending the Gospel,
To lighten our minds with its rays.
Prayer by Elder Joseph E. Taylor.
Praise to the man, etc. was sung by the choir and congregation.
The choir and congregation joined in singing:
We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,
To guide us in these latter days.
We thank Thee for sending the Gospel,
To lighten our minds with its rays.
Prayer by Elder Joseph E. Taylor.
Praise to the man, etc. was sung by the choir and congregation.
President George Q. Cannon
said: In response to the resolution presented and adopted by the Conference this morning, the committee of five has been nominated by the First Presidency. Their names are:
Willard Young, Karl G. Maeser, James E. Talmage, James Sharp, and Henry Cluff, Jr.
If this committee be acceptable to this Conference and they confirm our nomination, they will signify it in the usual way.
The nominations were unanimously sustained and President Cannon then said: The committee will report at some time during Conference, at a subsequent session, as to their conclusions.
President Cannon read from a prophecy of Enoch, contained in the “Pearl of Great Price.” In relation to the coming of Christ in power, in the latter days, to reign on the earth a thousand years, and to the gathering of a people to prepare to meet Him when He should appear. He then delivered a discourse on the nature of the work of God, established in fulfilment of the prediction of Enoch, and the divine selection of the men who have been and are engaged in carrying it forward. He dwelt for some time and with great earnestness and force upon conditions now existing among the Saints that are contrary to the spirit of the Gospel, and liable to divide the brethren from each other in their feelings, and destroy the amity that should exist among them. The concluding portion of the discourse was devoted to an explanation of the right of those whom God had placed to preside in the Church to counsel the Saints in everything pertaining to the building up of Zion. As a synopsis would not give an adequate idea of President Cannon’s remarks, a condensation of them is not attempted. They will probably be produced in full hereafter.
said: In response to the resolution presented and adopted by the Conference this morning, the committee of five has been nominated by the First Presidency. Their names are:
Willard Young, Karl G. Maeser, James E. Talmage, James Sharp, and Henry Cluff, Jr.
If this committee be acceptable to this Conference and they confirm our nomination, they will signify it in the usual way.
The nominations were unanimously sustained and President Cannon then said: The committee will report at some time during Conference, at a subsequent session, as to their conclusions.
President Cannon read from a prophecy of Enoch, contained in the “Pearl of Great Price.” In relation to the coming of Christ in power, in the latter days, to reign on the earth a thousand years, and to the gathering of a people to prepare to meet Him when He should appear. He then delivered a discourse on the nature of the work of God, established in fulfilment of the prediction of Enoch, and the divine selection of the men who have been and are engaged in carrying it forward. He dwelt for some time and with great earnestness and force upon conditions now existing among the Saints that are contrary to the spirit of the Gospel, and liable to divide the brethren from each other in their feelings, and destroy the amity that should exist among them. The concluding portion of the discourse was devoted to an explanation of the right of those whom God had placed to preside in the Church to counsel the Saints in everything pertaining to the building up of Zion. As a synopsis would not give an adequate idea of President Cannon’s remarks, a condensation of them is not attempted. They will probably be produced in full hereafter.
President Wilford Woodruff
next addressed the assemblage, the following being the substance of what he said:
It was his duty as a leader of the Church, as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator as he was called, to bear his testimony to what President Cannon had just said; for he had told the truth. He himself realized the delicate position which any of them were placed in when they touched upon political matters; at the same time he was very glad that Brother Cannon had touched upon that subject so far.
There were the Twelve Apostles. One part of their number—he did not know how many—were Democrats, the other Republicans; and it was so with every quorum in this Church and kingdom. He confessed that the spirit which he had seen manifested towards some of the Twelve, and that by other men of high standing in the Church had pained him exceedingly. It might be asked in what way? In the first place, every man had as much right—Prophets, Apostles, Saints and sinners—to his political convictions as he had to his religious opinions. There was no necessity for quarrelling one with another, but there had prevailed a spirit, since the political division, among the Latter-day Saints which was greatly to be deplored. As Brother Cannon had said, that spirit would lead them to ruin, to sorrow and affliction, unless a different course was taken. He had seen some good men in the Church come together on these political matters and display a spirit that they had no business to. A good deal had been said about Brother John Henry Smith, and why he was a Republican. He took it up, an gave his views to the public. The question arose and was put straight out, “Is he going to apostatize? because a man cannot be a Latter-day Saint and a Republican!” That was the feeling. Others might think that a man could not be a Latter-day Saint and a Democrat as well. Now, a man could be both, and if we behaved ourselves and did what was right as Latter-day Saints they would not have any trouble. He, however, wanted to say to the congregation before him that all the devils in hell and on earth were united together to destroy this Church and Kingdom. Whether it was one individual or a hundred, they labored to that end, and the Saints had to be careful to watch their position in these things. There was an election held recently in the North—the town of Logan—where Republicans were victorious. They (the Presidency) were accused of guiding, directing and ordering, as it were, the operation of this; but such was untrue. He himself had sons who were both Republicans and Democrats, but he had never once in this life told either of them how to vote. God knew he had allowed them to do as they liked. He wanted the Apostles to do as they liked, also every other man in Israel; “but for God’s sake don’t quarrel; don’t throw filth and dirt and nonsense at one another because of any difference on political matters.” Let all present give heed to this. Let them go about their business and attend to their political affairs as they pleased; but do not quarrel. If there were any people on the face of this earth that ought to be full of unity, of faith, of the Holy Ghost and the revelations of heaven it was the congregation before him today.
He thanked God from the bottom of his heart that he had lived to see this day—to see such a vast congregation as this in the valleys of these mountains. He had grown up and lived with the Church almost from its organization, and when he remembered how few were now living in the flesh of those whom he knew in Kirtland or even Nauvoo, and who associated with the Prophet Joseph, he marveled that his own life had been preserved so long. When they passed behind the vail they would find their records there, in the great library of the Kingdom of Heaven, and he would like to have a good account, as he wanted all of them to have.
After pointing out the important responsibility resting upon the people of God, and remarking that the eyes of the Lord and all the heavenly host were constantly upon them, President Woodruff said that God had greatly blessed them thus far in their mission here below and would yet give them the power to accomplish much more, if they but walked uprightly before Him, lived in unity, and carried out the purposes and principles of the Gospel in their daily life. Whatever duties we were called upon to perform, we should fulfil them cheerfully. Today the Latter-day Saints who dwelt in the valleys of these mountains occupied a very important position in the world. A great change was taking place in public opinion toward them, even in our own nation. They had been so derided and misrepresented in the past that people at one time, it would seem, hardly dared to come into Salt Lake City for fear that they would have their throats cut or be otherwise killed! The object of this people was to labor for the welfare of their fellowmen both here and abroad; and this was what they had been doing all the way through. The Gospel which they preached would save all the sons of men under the heaven who would embrace it and obey all its laws. The Latter-day Saints were not the enemies of anybody. They believed that every man had a right to his religion, to whatever sect he might belong, and this people only claimed in return the same privilege. That was all they ever had asked.
The speaker referred briefly to the building of temples by the Latter-day Saints, and said they had made this once desert land to bring forth things in abundance for the sustenance of man, through the power of God. Thousands had gone before us here and thousands would come after, but the foundation had been laid and we were building upon it.
In conclusion, President Woodruff alluded to the ceremony of placing the cap-stone on the Temple on Wednesday. A great deal had been said as to people going upon the building on that occasion, but he wished to state that not one-tenth of that congregation could go up there. It was desired that all should remain on terra firma except the very few whose duty it would be to ascend the building to perform the necessary work of the day. He would rather not a soul went up than that one man, woman or child should be injured.
next addressed the assemblage, the following being the substance of what he said:
It was his duty as a leader of the Church, as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator as he was called, to bear his testimony to what President Cannon had just said; for he had told the truth. He himself realized the delicate position which any of them were placed in when they touched upon political matters; at the same time he was very glad that Brother Cannon had touched upon that subject so far.
There were the Twelve Apostles. One part of their number—he did not know how many—were Democrats, the other Republicans; and it was so with every quorum in this Church and kingdom. He confessed that the spirit which he had seen manifested towards some of the Twelve, and that by other men of high standing in the Church had pained him exceedingly. It might be asked in what way? In the first place, every man had as much right—Prophets, Apostles, Saints and sinners—to his political convictions as he had to his religious opinions. There was no necessity for quarrelling one with another, but there had prevailed a spirit, since the political division, among the Latter-day Saints which was greatly to be deplored. As Brother Cannon had said, that spirit would lead them to ruin, to sorrow and affliction, unless a different course was taken. He had seen some good men in the Church come together on these political matters and display a spirit that they had no business to. A good deal had been said about Brother John Henry Smith, and why he was a Republican. He took it up, an gave his views to the public. The question arose and was put straight out, “Is he going to apostatize? because a man cannot be a Latter-day Saint and a Republican!” That was the feeling. Others might think that a man could not be a Latter-day Saint and a Democrat as well. Now, a man could be both, and if we behaved ourselves and did what was right as Latter-day Saints they would not have any trouble. He, however, wanted to say to the congregation before him that all the devils in hell and on earth were united together to destroy this Church and Kingdom. Whether it was one individual or a hundred, they labored to that end, and the Saints had to be careful to watch their position in these things. There was an election held recently in the North—the town of Logan—where Republicans were victorious. They (the Presidency) were accused of guiding, directing and ordering, as it were, the operation of this; but such was untrue. He himself had sons who were both Republicans and Democrats, but he had never once in this life told either of them how to vote. God knew he had allowed them to do as they liked. He wanted the Apostles to do as they liked, also every other man in Israel; “but for God’s sake don’t quarrel; don’t throw filth and dirt and nonsense at one another because of any difference on political matters.” Let all present give heed to this. Let them go about their business and attend to their political affairs as they pleased; but do not quarrel. If there were any people on the face of this earth that ought to be full of unity, of faith, of the Holy Ghost and the revelations of heaven it was the congregation before him today.
He thanked God from the bottom of his heart that he had lived to see this day—to see such a vast congregation as this in the valleys of these mountains. He had grown up and lived with the Church almost from its organization, and when he remembered how few were now living in the flesh of those whom he knew in Kirtland or even Nauvoo, and who associated with the Prophet Joseph, he marveled that his own life had been preserved so long. When they passed behind the vail they would find their records there, in the great library of the Kingdom of Heaven, and he would like to have a good account, as he wanted all of them to have.
After pointing out the important responsibility resting upon the people of God, and remarking that the eyes of the Lord and all the heavenly host were constantly upon them, President Woodruff said that God had greatly blessed them thus far in their mission here below and would yet give them the power to accomplish much more, if they but walked uprightly before Him, lived in unity, and carried out the purposes and principles of the Gospel in their daily life. Whatever duties we were called upon to perform, we should fulfil them cheerfully. Today the Latter-day Saints who dwelt in the valleys of these mountains occupied a very important position in the world. A great change was taking place in public opinion toward them, even in our own nation. They had been so derided and misrepresented in the past that people at one time, it would seem, hardly dared to come into Salt Lake City for fear that they would have their throats cut or be otherwise killed! The object of this people was to labor for the welfare of their fellowmen both here and abroad; and this was what they had been doing all the way through. The Gospel which they preached would save all the sons of men under the heaven who would embrace it and obey all its laws. The Latter-day Saints were not the enemies of anybody. They believed that every man had a right to his religion, to whatever sect he might belong, and this people only claimed in return the same privilege. That was all they ever had asked.
The speaker referred briefly to the building of temples by the Latter-day Saints, and said they had made this once desert land to bring forth things in abundance for the sustenance of man, through the power of God. Thousands had gone before us here and thousands would come after, but the foundation had been laid and we were building upon it.
In conclusion, President Woodruff alluded to the ceremony of placing the cap-stone on the Temple on Wednesday. A great deal had been said as to people going upon the building on that occasion, but he wished to state that not one-tenth of that congregation could go up there. It was desired that all should remain on terra firma except the very few whose duty it would be to ascend the building to perform the necessary work of the day. He would rather not a soul went up than that one man, woman or child should be injured.
President Joseph F. Smith
said he desired to bear his testimony to the remarks which had been made by President Cannon and President Wilford Woodruff. He wished to be understood that he was heart and soul in unison with them in the views which they had just expressed, both in regard to religious and political questions. He joined in exhorting the Latter-day Saints, whatever they might do in the line of politics, to endeavor to bring them up to the high standard that they should occupy among those who professed to be the people of God, and not descend to the low, mean ways and tricks of the world. If they could not be honest in politics as well as religion, and act as men of God, they were not very good Latter-day Saints.
In relation to the authority of the Presidency of the Church, there had been a tendency for the last seven or eight years among the Latter-day Saints to disregard to some extent the rights of the Presidency and the authority of those who had been placed over them. This no doubt had arisen from the fact that the Presidency had a great length of time been comparatively out of sight of the people, and the people had been free to act as they pleased. There had been a feeling, more or less, growing up, not only among the people, but also with some who were prominent in the Priesthood, which caused them to act as though they considered themselves just about as great, and perhaps a little greater, and that they had just as much knowledge, and perhaps a little more, and equal authority, with the presiding authorities of the Church. In some respects he himself had seen a disregard shown to the counsels of the Priesthood. This was wrong. It was true we had not the Prophet Joseph Smith with us in person today, neither had we the Prophet Brigham Young; nor the Prophet John Taylor; but we had the Prophet Wilford Woodruff and his counselors; we had the first Presidency of the Church, organized and acknowledged by the whole people and by God the Heavenly Father, and the same authority that rested in Joseph Smith and his counselors and that succeeded them in others rested here today with the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an when they essayed to counsel the people—as it was their right to do—it was the duty of the Saints to hearken. He prayed that the Lord might guide them in this direction in this matter, give them to understand that the Church of God was organize upon the earth, that the authority of the holy Priesthood was here and that that Priesthood ha the right to dictate in all things appertaining to the building up of the Church. God had so far acknowledged the acts of His servants and would continue to do so from this time henceforth; because this was His work.
Great responsibilities rested upon the men who had been chosen by the Almighty and appointed to act in these positions, an they felt the weight of the responsibility resting upon them continually. Not only did they feel this, but they had actually to assume the task of carrying the troubles, burdens, and sorrows of hundreds, he might say thousands, of individuals in the Church, for there was scarcely a man or woman who had any trouble who did not come to the First Presidency for sympathy and counsel. Sometimes he had seen President Woodruff almost borne down beyond the possibility of endurance by these responsibilities crowding upon him, in addition to those which he had to bear in connections with his Presidency over the whole Church. “Try to make his burdens light,” implored the speaker. “Let the people go to their Bishops, to the Presidents of their Stakes and to other wise men in Israel to ask counsel, and get them to help bear their burdens; but do not bring so many to President Woodruff. It is weighing him down and shortening his time upon the earth. Keep your troubles in your local organizations as much as you can.”
God bless this people, and during this Conference may the spirit of peace and unity dwell in the hearts of all. He besought the Saints to live their religion, to do right and keep all the commandments of God, that they might know of the doctrine whether it was of God or of man, and whether the course they were pursuing was acceptable in His sight.
The choir sang the anthem, Let God arise.
Benediction by Apostle Francis M. Lyman.
said he desired to bear his testimony to the remarks which had been made by President Cannon and President Wilford Woodruff. He wished to be understood that he was heart and soul in unison with them in the views which they had just expressed, both in regard to religious and political questions. He joined in exhorting the Latter-day Saints, whatever they might do in the line of politics, to endeavor to bring them up to the high standard that they should occupy among those who professed to be the people of God, and not descend to the low, mean ways and tricks of the world. If they could not be honest in politics as well as religion, and act as men of God, they were not very good Latter-day Saints.
In relation to the authority of the Presidency of the Church, there had been a tendency for the last seven or eight years among the Latter-day Saints to disregard to some extent the rights of the Presidency and the authority of those who had been placed over them. This no doubt had arisen from the fact that the Presidency had a great length of time been comparatively out of sight of the people, and the people had been free to act as they pleased. There had been a feeling, more or less, growing up, not only among the people, but also with some who were prominent in the Priesthood, which caused them to act as though they considered themselves just about as great, and perhaps a little greater, and that they had just as much knowledge, and perhaps a little more, and equal authority, with the presiding authorities of the Church. In some respects he himself had seen a disregard shown to the counsels of the Priesthood. This was wrong. It was true we had not the Prophet Joseph Smith with us in person today, neither had we the Prophet Brigham Young; nor the Prophet John Taylor; but we had the Prophet Wilford Woodruff and his counselors; we had the first Presidency of the Church, organized and acknowledged by the whole people and by God the Heavenly Father, and the same authority that rested in Joseph Smith and his counselors and that succeeded them in others rested here today with the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an when they essayed to counsel the people—as it was their right to do—it was the duty of the Saints to hearken. He prayed that the Lord might guide them in this direction in this matter, give them to understand that the Church of God was organize upon the earth, that the authority of the holy Priesthood was here and that that Priesthood ha the right to dictate in all things appertaining to the building up of the Church. God had so far acknowledged the acts of His servants and would continue to do so from this time henceforth; because this was His work.
Great responsibilities rested upon the men who had been chosen by the Almighty and appointed to act in these positions, an they felt the weight of the responsibility resting upon them continually. Not only did they feel this, but they had actually to assume the task of carrying the troubles, burdens, and sorrows of hundreds, he might say thousands, of individuals in the Church, for there was scarcely a man or woman who had any trouble who did not come to the First Presidency for sympathy and counsel. Sometimes he had seen President Woodruff almost borne down beyond the possibility of endurance by these responsibilities crowding upon him, in addition to those which he had to bear in connections with his Presidency over the whole Church. “Try to make his burdens light,” implored the speaker. “Let the people go to their Bishops, to the Presidents of their Stakes and to other wise men in Israel to ask counsel, and get them to help bear their burdens; but do not bring so many to President Woodruff. It is weighing him down and shortening his time upon the earth. Keep your troubles in your local organizations as much as you can.”
God bless this people, and during this Conference may the spirit of peace and unity dwell in the hearts of all. He besought the Saints to live their religion, to do right and keep all the commandments of God, that they might know of the doctrine whether it was of God or of man, and whether the course they were pursuing was acceptable in His sight.
The choir sang the anthem, Let God arise.
Benediction by Apostle Francis M. Lyman.
Third Day. Morning Session.
The choir and congregation sang:
Do what is right: the day dawn is breaking,
Hailing a future of freedom and light;
Angels, above us are silent notes taking
Of every action; do what is right.
Prayer by Elder John D. T. McAllister.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth.
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
The choir and congregation sang:
Do what is right: the day dawn is breaking,
Hailing a future of freedom and light;
Angels, above us are silent notes taking
Of every action; do what is right.
Prayer by Elder John D. T. McAllister.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth.
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
President Cannon read the following communication:
Church University.
Salt Lake City, April 4, 1892.
To the First Presidency and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in annual Conference assembled:
Dear Brethren and Sisters—Your committee to whom was referred the duty of preparing a plan for the action of the Conference, relative to the establishment of a Church University, respectfully submit the accompanying resolution, and we recommend its adoption.
Respectfully, your brethren,
Willard Young,
Karl G. Maeser,
James E. Talmage,
James Sharp,
Benjamin Cluff, Jr.,
Committee.
Resolution.
Being sincerely desirous of fostering education in our midst, we the members of the unincorporated body of religious worshipers known and designated as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now in General Conference assembled, on this 5th day of April, 1892, do respectfully request the presiding officers of our Church, viz: Wilford Woodruff, President, and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, Counselors, all of the President, and Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mariner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund and Abraham H. Cannon, members all of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, for us, and in our behalf, to found upon such trusts, and to endow, in such manner as they may deem wise and proper, an institution of learning of high grade, to be officially named “The University of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-ay Saints,” but to be commonly called and designated the “Church University.” We respectfully suggest that the University he established at the earliest time practicable. We, the Latter-day Saints, hereby express our willingness and full determination to aid, to the full extent of our power, the authorities of our Church in building up said University of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The adoption of the resolution was moved by Elder B. H. Roberts, and the motion being seconded, it was put to the Conference an carried unanimously.
On motion of Apostle Lyman the committee was discharged from further duty in the premises.
Church University.
Salt Lake City, April 4, 1892.
To the First Presidency and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in annual Conference assembled:
Dear Brethren and Sisters—Your committee to whom was referred the duty of preparing a plan for the action of the Conference, relative to the establishment of a Church University, respectfully submit the accompanying resolution, and we recommend its adoption.
Respectfully, your brethren,
Willard Young,
Karl G. Maeser,
James E. Talmage,
James Sharp,
Benjamin Cluff, Jr.,
Committee.
Resolution.
Being sincerely desirous of fostering education in our midst, we the members of the unincorporated body of religious worshipers known and designated as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now in General Conference assembled, on this 5th day of April, 1892, do respectfully request the presiding officers of our Church, viz: Wilford Woodruff, President, and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, Counselors, all of the President, and Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mariner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund and Abraham H. Cannon, members all of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, for us, and in our behalf, to found upon such trusts, and to endow, in such manner as they may deem wise and proper, an institution of learning of high grade, to be officially named “The University of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-ay Saints,” but to be commonly called and designated the “Church University.” We respectfully suggest that the University he established at the earliest time practicable. We, the Latter-day Saints, hereby express our willingness and full determination to aid, to the full extent of our power, the authorities of our Church in building up said University of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The adoption of the resolution was moved by Elder B. H. Roberts, and the motion being seconded, it was put to the Conference an carried unanimously.
On motion of Apostle Lyman the committee was discharged from further duty in the premises.
Apostle F. M. Lyman
was the first speaker. He said in substance, that these were precious seasons when so many of the Latter-day Saints met together to worship the Lord and to transact business pertaining to the building up of our Father’s Kingdom in the earth. After expressing the pleasure he personally felt at seeing such a large gathering of the Saints present at this Conference, despite the very inclement weather, he referred to the trials through which the people had passed for the Gospel’s sake not only in this, but in all previous dispensations. There seemed to be a power and influence opposed to the purposes of our Maker to try and thwart His designs; and apparently, looking at the matter from a human standpoint, the opposer of the Lord had been successful. At least, a good many things had occurred which appeared to disappoint the hopes and expectations of the followers of the Savior, and he supposed no greater disappointment ever happened in the experience of God’s children on the earth than when the Savior himself came to lay down His life.
The revelations and requirements of the Lord had always been, in a measure, trials to the people,--not to all, but to a great many. Not a few had turned away from the truth indeed, because things did not go exactly as they wished. The speaker pointed out that the Saints had in some respects been too neglectful of the duties and obligations resting upon them; they did not order their lives as they should. They had, he feared, been careless in regard to their prayers, and in regard to the payment of tithing, notwithstanding that the Lord had blessed them abundantly with the earth’s riches. The Latter-day Saints were increasing in numbers, they were prospering in their business enterprises in these valleys, and should therefore give to the Lord according to their substance. Their tithing should increase year by year, and their disposition to serve God should grow greater day by day. Let them act in full obedience to the Word of Wisdom. There should be no occasion for such admonitions against contention as were given by President Woodruff and Presidents Cannon and Smith yesterday. There should be no such feeling existing among the Latter-day Saints as was then referred to, but it was the duty of the people to honor the Presidency and the authority of the Holy Priesthood in all things. President Woodruff as the mouthpiece of God, should have the obedience of all the Latter-day Saints in all that pertains to the building up of Zion. The truth of the Gospel should be so grounded in their hearts that it could not be shaken, and they should discard politics and everything else that would tend to divide them in the spirit of the Gospel and against the brethren. They were expected to be one in the spirit and labors of the Gospel, and while there was division on party lines, it ought not to create one particle of bitterness among the people. Whenever any of the Saints had a feeling of that kind within their hearts toward their brethren and lacked the spirit of forgiveness, they must know that they were in error. The revelation in regard to plural marriage, the issuance of the Church manifesto, politics, and other things had, no doubt, in turn, tried the hearts of many of them, but he was thankful to say that very few had left the Church on account of what had taken place. In closing, the speaker asked God to bless the various officers of the Church. He also touched upon the ceremonies at the Temple tomorrow, which, he said, would be a grand occasion.
was the first speaker. He said in substance, that these were precious seasons when so many of the Latter-day Saints met together to worship the Lord and to transact business pertaining to the building up of our Father’s Kingdom in the earth. After expressing the pleasure he personally felt at seeing such a large gathering of the Saints present at this Conference, despite the very inclement weather, he referred to the trials through which the people had passed for the Gospel’s sake not only in this, but in all previous dispensations. There seemed to be a power and influence opposed to the purposes of our Maker to try and thwart His designs; and apparently, looking at the matter from a human standpoint, the opposer of the Lord had been successful. At least, a good many things had occurred which appeared to disappoint the hopes and expectations of the followers of the Savior, and he supposed no greater disappointment ever happened in the experience of God’s children on the earth than when the Savior himself came to lay down His life.
The revelations and requirements of the Lord had always been, in a measure, trials to the people,--not to all, but to a great many. Not a few had turned away from the truth indeed, because things did not go exactly as they wished. The speaker pointed out that the Saints had in some respects been too neglectful of the duties and obligations resting upon them; they did not order their lives as they should. They had, he feared, been careless in regard to their prayers, and in regard to the payment of tithing, notwithstanding that the Lord had blessed them abundantly with the earth’s riches. The Latter-day Saints were increasing in numbers, they were prospering in their business enterprises in these valleys, and should therefore give to the Lord according to their substance. Their tithing should increase year by year, and their disposition to serve God should grow greater day by day. Let them act in full obedience to the Word of Wisdom. There should be no occasion for such admonitions against contention as were given by President Woodruff and Presidents Cannon and Smith yesterday. There should be no such feeling existing among the Latter-day Saints as was then referred to, but it was the duty of the people to honor the Presidency and the authority of the Holy Priesthood in all things. President Woodruff as the mouthpiece of God, should have the obedience of all the Latter-day Saints in all that pertains to the building up of Zion. The truth of the Gospel should be so grounded in their hearts that it could not be shaken, and they should discard politics and everything else that would tend to divide them in the spirit of the Gospel and against the brethren. They were expected to be one in the spirit and labors of the Gospel, and while there was division on party lines, it ought not to create one particle of bitterness among the people. Whenever any of the Saints had a feeling of that kind within their hearts toward their brethren and lacked the spirit of forgiveness, they must know that they were in error. The revelation in regard to plural marriage, the issuance of the Church manifesto, politics, and other things had, no doubt, in turn, tried the hearts of many of them, but he was thankful to say that very few had left the Church on account of what had taken place. In closing, the speaker asked God to bless the various officers of the Church. He also touched upon the ceremonies at the Temple tomorrow, which, he said, would be a grand occasion.
Remarks
By Elder Francis M. Lyman
While I attempt to speak to you, my brethren and sisters, this morning, I feel more than ever in my life the necessity of your faith and prayers, and I suggest that it is good discipline for the mind, whenever our brethren rise to speak or pray in our behalf, that we offer up a silent prayer, asking God to bless our brother in his speaking and in his praying.
These are precious seasons where so many Latter-day Saints meet together to worship the Lord and to transact business that pertains to the building up of our Father’s kingdom in the earth. The Lord has been very gracious to all of us during this conference, and in spite of the bad weather the people have had faith enough to gather together in great numbers, manifesting their deep interest in the work of the Lord; and our brethren have been greatly blessed in speaking to us the words of truth and of instruction suited to the requirements of the Latter-day Saints.
We find that from the beginning the children of God have had seasons of trial. All the changes, all the revelations, all the movements of the people have in a measure tended to try some of those who profess faith in the Lord. The trials of the people go as far back as we are acquainted with their history, not only in this dispensation, but in all dispensations. There seems to be a power of an influence opposed to the purposes of our Maker, trying to thwart His designs; and, looking at it from a human standpoint, the opposer of the Lord has been apparently successful; at least, a great many things have occurred that would seem to disappoint the hopes and expectations of the followers of the Savior; and I suppose that no greater disappointment ever occurred in the experience of God’s children on the earth than when the Savior Himself laid down His life. With all that He had said, with all the references that He had made to the laying down of His life and with all that had been said in the revelations to the Prophets of old, no one was prepared for the death of the Savio. With all that had been said by the Prophet Joseph to his brethren and the Saints of God in early days, there was not one soul, save it might be the Prophet himself that was prepared for the sacrifice of his life. No one ever thought that he would be slain. No one ever thought that his brother Hyrum would be slain. They were not prepared for it. Neither were they prepared for many of the revelations that the Lord gave. Although we are a people of revelation, founded upon the rock of revelation, yet there is hardly a revelation given by the Lord to the Latter-day Saints but takes them unprepared. They had not thought it would be just that way, but that something else would have been revealed. And these revelations and requirements of the Lord have always been, in a measure, trials to the people; not to all of them, but to a great many. Many people have turned away from the truth because things did not come exactly to suit them. Now, the instructions that the Latter-day Saints have had from the beginning have been to the effect that they should live their religion, keep the commandments of the Lord, and so live that they might have the commandments of the Lord, and so live that they might have the testimony of the Holy Spirit abiding in their hearts. If these instructions had been followed very closely and carefully by all the Latter-day Saints, I believe that they would have been fairly prepared, at least, to receive any order, any revelation and any changes that were necessary for the accomplishment of the Lord’s purposes in the earth. But we are a little careless and neglectful of the duties that devolve upon us, and we do not order our lives as carefully as we ought to do. We are not as particular in regard to the worship of the Lord; we are not as particular in partaking of the sacrament; we have not learned to love the sacrament and to comprehend it as we ought to do, so that all Israel are gathered together on the Sabbath day to partake of the sacrament. We have not yet learned to comprehend the importance of prayer so thoroughly and perfectly but what we forget and neglect our prayers. They are neglected in the father’s house, and in the son’s house, and in the daughter’s house. We are careless also in regard to our tithing. Although the Lord blesses us abundantly, and provides us with fruitful seasons as He did last year, yet the Latter-day Saints become careless in regard to their tithing. And I suppose there is always an excuse in the heart of every brother and of every family where there is a falling off in regard to tithing, in regard to prayer, in regard to attending meeting and the conferences and to the worship of the Lord. I wonder what excuse we can make as Latter-day Saints for the neglect of our tithing. The reports of this year from many of the Stakes of Zion would indicate that the people are becoming poorer; that our increase and our interest have not been so much during the last year as in years before. Yet the fact is, we are increasing in number: we are extending our farms; we are increasing our merchandizing; we are engaging in more business enterprises; and if we feed as well, and clothe as well, and lay by a little every year, as we ought to be doing, our tithing fairly and honestly paid, should have been a little better. If you and I do not pay more, there ought to be others coming up, for there is a little generation of young men coming to maturity who should have become tithepayers independent of their fathers; and the tithings of the people should increase, unless there is a famine or some great reason why there should be a falling off. I desire to emphasize this before all Israel, that our tithings, ought to increase year by year, and also our disposition to attend the worship of the Lord, to attend to our prayers, to observe faithfully the Word of Wisdom, and to increase in good works year by year. We ought to be better men. We ought to be more careful, more circumspect, more faithful and devoted to the Lord than we have been in the past. This is as necessary as it is that the child should grow from childhood to youth, and to manhood and old age. We ought to grow and improve in our morals, in our faith, in our integrity and in our humility day by day. There ought never to be a necessity for the remarks that were made yesterday by President Cannon and President Smith. There ought not to be any feeling among the Latter-day Saints to question the authority of God’s priesthood—the authority of the Teacher, or the Priest, or the Bishop, or the President of Stake, or the Apostle, or the First Presidency. From the First Presidency and the Apostles through all the other quorums there ought to be that proper regard for authority and seniority in the midst of the people and amongst the Priesthood that would be pleasing to the Lord. The Priesthood that we bear ought to be respected. Men may be weak; and have their failings; but we ought to honor the Priesthood that they bear and the authority that they exercise. I love to honor and respect a man that God honors. If the Lord can trust the Priesthood with His servants, I feel that I can afford to honor them. I care not what the degree of Priesthood is that a man bears; in fact, I can honor the man that has made covenant with God to keep His commandments and is humble before the Lord. I can love and respect such persons for the humility that they have before God; for they have the friendship and favor of the Lord, and I feel that I can honor and treat them kindly. And when it comes to my brethren who preside over me and who who are associated with me in the quorum to which I belong, and my brethren the High Priests and the Seventies and the chief Elders, why it does seem to me that their words, their counsels and their exhortations should be so sacred that we could all honor and respect them. I know that in the quorum of the Apostles and with the Presidency there is a feeling of respect, of honor and of obedience to those who preside over us. We defer to our seniors, and we honor and respect them in their presidency. If there is any lack of respect for the Presidency of the Church, in the Church or in any of the quorums of the Holy Priesthood, I should be very sorry to witness it. I have always felt that President Woodruff was to me the same as President Taylor was—the vicegerent of God. I have felt that President Woodruff and President Taylor were the same to me and to the Church as Brigham Young, and they as the Prophet of God; for these men have walked right into the same authority and the same power, the same blessing, endowment and responsibility, as leaders of Israel as was held by the Prophet Joseph Smith. And in the absence of President Woodruff, I have always felt—I trust I may ever so feel—that President Cannon, or whoever may stand in the place that President Cannon does today, is to me the same as President Woodruff, as the President of the Church and as the President of the Conference; and in the absence of the President and his first Counselor as the man who stands as the mouthpiece of God to the people. For these are three Presidents, as I understand it. I understand that in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith he was the President of the Church, and that he had associated with him other two Presidents—a presiding quorum of High Priests—and that either of these in the absence of the others was perfectly competent to give forth the word of God to the Latter-day Saints. And I have always looked upon my brethren of the Apostles, from President Snow to Elder Abraham H. Cannon, the last of the Apostles, as being perfectly competent to give forth the word of the Lord to the Latter-day Saints, to teach them, to counsel them, and to instruct them in the ways of life, while the Lord inspires them to do so. I felt yesterday that the word of God was given to us through President Cannon just as perfectly as though it had been through President Wilford Woodruff. And President Woodruff said so. He knew it as well as we knew it. You Latter-day Saints who heard his voice understood it, and felt the spirit with which he spoke. It was so in regard to what President Jos. F. Smith said; and it is so with the word of the Lord given through the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ; for they are anointed with the same power and authority, and you sustain them as prophets, as seers, and as revelators; and they are competent, when the spirit of God is upon them, to bear testimony, and to instruct, and to admonish, and to warn, and to counsel, and to direct the Latter-day Saints. That is the nature of the authority and power that is conferred upon them, and it ought to be respected just as we respect each other; and as we respect each other, so I think the people will respect us and honor the Priesthood and authority which we bear. These men are called to labor in all the world, with all the churches and all the people, to teach, to instruct and to set good examples. I hold that these chief brethren in these quorums and these Seventies, are expected to set good examples, that the people cannot reasonably and truthfully find fault with them. They are expected to set good examples in their lives, in their families, in their neighborhoods, in business, and in all their ways, and to be filled with the light of revelation and the word of the Lord on all occasions, to speak forth those counsels that the people require, so that the people may be warned of dangers and evils, just as we have been warned of the danger of the people going into trouble. Some of the brethren have expressed some fears. Now I want to say that I have but very few fears. I have great confidence in these Latter-day Saints that have had a long experience, from the early days of the Church. We are mixed up now. We have a few brethren that have been here from the beginning. Then we have some that came in the next stage, and a few later, and some still later; and the Latter-day Saints are so thoroughly proven that what turned men from the Church and made them enemies to the Presidency of the Church in the days of the Prophet Joseph will not do it today. They have too good sense, and have been too thoroughly taught and schooled. We have the same feelings and spirit sometimes that men had in former times; but when in our sober sense, and when we exercise a little reason and judgment, the knowledge of the truth is so grounded in our hearts that we cannot be shaken. We will discard politics, we will discard everything that would make us bitter towards our brethren and divide us in the spirit of the Gospel. We are expected to be one in the spirit of the Gospel and in the labors of the Gospel; and where division on party lines is necessary and occurs, it ought never to make one particle of bitterness between brethren. And I want to say to all Israel that if you feel that kind of bitterness in your heart toward a brother, and lack the spirit of forgiveness, you are in error, because we cannot allow bitterness in our hearts toward our brethren; in fact, bitterness ought not to be in our hearts toward any person. If the world be pitted against us and feel opposed to us in their sentiments and feelings, and in their religious and political organizations, why should we not be friendly to ourselves? We ought to be. Therefore, judge yourselves. No man need to be judged by anyone else. Let every man judge himself in regard to the feelings in his own heart. We need not become excited. We need not become over anxious, or troubled, in regard to the Kingdom; for the Kingdom is the Lord’s, and He will maintain it, whether you and I are faithful or not. And it is increasing year by year. Though we may not seem quite so fervent; we may not feel as anxious in regard to the sacrament as we ought; we may not be quite as careful in regard to our tithing, the word of wisdom, etc., yet you will find that the Spirit of the Lord is working among the Latter-day Saints, and it is telling upon their hearts, and it seems to inoculate their systems and their blood, and they have the spirit of the Gospel more or less in them, and they become so established and firm that they will not altogether let go of the faith. They may have seasons of carelessness and indifference, and they may be overtaken with anger sometimes and profane and vulgar; but I tell you that the Lord is working, and He does put His spirit in the families of the Saints, and in the meetings and gatherings of the Saints, until the Latter-day Saints are becoming so strongly impregnated with the Spirit of the Lord and with the doctrines of the Gospel that they are not apostatizing as they used to do in great numbers. The Presidency here do not fear the Apostles turning against them. They do not fear their joining with the ranks of the enemy, as was the case in the days of the Prophet Joseph. Have we any fears in regard to these Seventies? Have we any fears in regard to these Presidents of Stakes? We never think of one of them turning away, leaving the Gospel, and joining hands with the enemy. The revelation of plural marriage, no doubt, tried the hearts of a great many people. The Manifesto tried a great many people. But not many have left the Church on account of it. The evidence of the brethren before the Master in Chancery tried some of the people, and politics tries the people; and I tell you that everything that comes along will try some of the people. But I say that we are today a tried and proven people so far that there will not be the apostacy, in proportion to our numbers, that was witnessed in the beginning of the Church. Some will apostatize, no doubt, and lose the faith, and die in that condition. But I tell you the very best and choicest, the most independent spirits that could be found in the earth, have been gathered—the choicest of families, and of cities, and of nations; those that were not afraid to have their names cast out as evil. These are the ones that have been gathered in the remarkable gathering, the like of which cannot be found anywhere else. No other people gather together as we do. And the Lord has tried and proven us. Not only this, but the strength of the trials that we have endured, and the faith and power that we have, tinctures our children, and they will walk measurably in our footsteps, though some of them may be lost.
I pray God to bless this Conference. My heart is full of rejoicing. I love my brethren. Oh! I feel to say God bless them. God bless President Woodruff and his counselors. God bless Brother Lorenzo Snow, and Brother Franklin D. Richards—these aged men. God bless these younger men, who need a blessing more than the older ones do, because we lake the experience, and we need to be proven and tried yet as they have been. God grant that we may be as faithful as they have been. God bless Israel. God bless this First quorum of Seventies. God bless Brother Jacob Gates, who now lies near his death, apparently, and preserve his life as long as it shall please the Lord that he shall live—a man full of faith and integrity. God bless these Presidents of Seventies. I love every one of them. There is not one without weaknesses, but their weaknesses are about the same as mine, and I sympathize with them. God bless the Bishops, who, of all men in the Church, have heavy loads to carry and are the servants of everybody. God bless the Bishops of the big wards and the little wards, and all Counselors, and all men in Israel who are laboring for the building up of God’s Kingdom. May we tomorrow, with the favor of heaven, place the capstone on that Temple. Oh, what a day! I was here when the cornerstones were laid. I was about thirteen years old. I thank God I had that privilege, and I want to see this tomorrow; and then I want to live to see the building dedicated and the people have the privilege of going in, tens of thousands of them, to perform their labors for the dead. God bless Israel and all the interests of Zion, at home and abroad, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
By Elder Francis M. Lyman
While I attempt to speak to you, my brethren and sisters, this morning, I feel more than ever in my life the necessity of your faith and prayers, and I suggest that it is good discipline for the mind, whenever our brethren rise to speak or pray in our behalf, that we offer up a silent prayer, asking God to bless our brother in his speaking and in his praying.
These are precious seasons where so many Latter-day Saints meet together to worship the Lord and to transact business that pertains to the building up of our Father’s kingdom in the earth. The Lord has been very gracious to all of us during this conference, and in spite of the bad weather the people have had faith enough to gather together in great numbers, manifesting their deep interest in the work of the Lord; and our brethren have been greatly blessed in speaking to us the words of truth and of instruction suited to the requirements of the Latter-day Saints.
We find that from the beginning the children of God have had seasons of trial. All the changes, all the revelations, all the movements of the people have in a measure tended to try some of those who profess faith in the Lord. The trials of the people go as far back as we are acquainted with their history, not only in this dispensation, but in all dispensations. There seems to be a power of an influence opposed to the purposes of our Maker, trying to thwart His designs; and, looking at it from a human standpoint, the opposer of the Lord has been apparently successful; at least, a great many things have occurred that would seem to disappoint the hopes and expectations of the followers of the Savior; and I suppose that no greater disappointment ever occurred in the experience of God’s children on the earth than when the Savior Himself laid down His life. With all that He had said, with all the references that He had made to the laying down of His life and with all that had been said in the revelations to the Prophets of old, no one was prepared for the death of the Savio. With all that had been said by the Prophet Joseph to his brethren and the Saints of God in early days, there was not one soul, save it might be the Prophet himself that was prepared for the sacrifice of his life. No one ever thought that he would be slain. No one ever thought that his brother Hyrum would be slain. They were not prepared for it. Neither were they prepared for many of the revelations that the Lord gave. Although we are a people of revelation, founded upon the rock of revelation, yet there is hardly a revelation given by the Lord to the Latter-day Saints but takes them unprepared. They had not thought it would be just that way, but that something else would have been revealed. And these revelations and requirements of the Lord have always been, in a measure, trials to the people; not to all of them, but to a great many. Many people have turned away from the truth because things did not come exactly to suit them. Now, the instructions that the Latter-day Saints have had from the beginning have been to the effect that they should live their religion, keep the commandments of the Lord, and so live that they might have the commandments of the Lord, and so live that they might have the testimony of the Holy Spirit abiding in their hearts. If these instructions had been followed very closely and carefully by all the Latter-day Saints, I believe that they would have been fairly prepared, at least, to receive any order, any revelation and any changes that were necessary for the accomplishment of the Lord’s purposes in the earth. But we are a little careless and neglectful of the duties that devolve upon us, and we do not order our lives as carefully as we ought to do. We are not as particular in regard to the worship of the Lord; we are not as particular in partaking of the sacrament; we have not learned to love the sacrament and to comprehend it as we ought to do, so that all Israel are gathered together on the Sabbath day to partake of the sacrament. We have not yet learned to comprehend the importance of prayer so thoroughly and perfectly but what we forget and neglect our prayers. They are neglected in the father’s house, and in the son’s house, and in the daughter’s house. We are careless also in regard to our tithing. Although the Lord blesses us abundantly, and provides us with fruitful seasons as He did last year, yet the Latter-day Saints become careless in regard to their tithing. And I suppose there is always an excuse in the heart of every brother and of every family where there is a falling off in regard to tithing, in regard to prayer, in regard to attending meeting and the conferences and to the worship of the Lord. I wonder what excuse we can make as Latter-day Saints for the neglect of our tithing. The reports of this year from many of the Stakes of Zion would indicate that the people are becoming poorer; that our increase and our interest have not been so much during the last year as in years before. Yet the fact is, we are increasing in number: we are extending our farms; we are increasing our merchandizing; we are engaging in more business enterprises; and if we feed as well, and clothe as well, and lay by a little every year, as we ought to be doing, our tithing fairly and honestly paid, should have been a little better. If you and I do not pay more, there ought to be others coming up, for there is a little generation of young men coming to maturity who should have become tithepayers independent of their fathers; and the tithings of the people should increase, unless there is a famine or some great reason why there should be a falling off. I desire to emphasize this before all Israel, that our tithings, ought to increase year by year, and also our disposition to attend the worship of the Lord, to attend to our prayers, to observe faithfully the Word of Wisdom, and to increase in good works year by year. We ought to be better men. We ought to be more careful, more circumspect, more faithful and devoted to the Lord than we have been in the past. This is as necessary as it is that the child should grow from childhood to youth, and to manhood and old age. We ought to grow and improve in our morals, in our faith, in our integrity and in our humility day by day. There ought never to be a necessity for the remarks that were made yesterday by President Cannon and President Smith. There ought not to be any feeling among the Latter-day Saints to question the authority of God’s priesthood—the authority of the Teacher, or the Priest, or the Bishop, or the President of Stake, or the Apostle, or the First Presidency. From the First Presidency and the Apostles through all the other quorums there ought to be that proper regard for authority and seniority in the midst of the people and amongst the Priesthood that would be pleasing to the Lord. The Priesthood that we bear ought to be respected. Men may be weak; and have their failings; but we ought to honor the Priesthood that they bear and the authority that they exercise. I love to honor and respect a man that God honors. If the Lord can trust the Priesthood with His servants, I feel that I can afford to honor them. I care not what the degree of Priesthood is that a man bears; in fact, I can honor the man that has made covenant with God to keep His commandments and is humble before the Lord. I can love and respect such persons for the humility that they have before God; for they have the friendship and favor of the Lord, and I feel that I can honor and treat them kindly. And when it comes to my brethren who preside over me and who who are associated with me in the quorum to which I belong, and my brethren the High Priests and the Seventies and the chief Elders, why it does seem to me that their words, their counsels and their exhortations should be so sacred that we could all honor and respect them. I know that in the quorum of the Apostles and with the Presidency there is a feeling of respect, of honor and of obedience to those who preside over us. We defer to our seniors, and we honor and respect them in their presidency. If there is any lack of respect for the Presidency of the Church, in the Church or in any of the quorums of the Holy Priesthood, I should be very sorry to witness it. I have always felt that President Woodruff was to me the same as President Taylor was—the vicegerent of God. I have felt that President Woodruff and President Taylor were the same to me and to the Church as Brigham Young, and they as the Prophet of God; for these men have walked right into the same authority and the same power, the same blessing, endowment and responsibility, as leaders of Israel as was held by the Prophet Joseph Smith. And in the absence of President Woodruff, I have always felt—I trust I may ever so feel—that President Cannon, or whoever may stand in the place that President Cannon does today, is to me the same as President Woodruff, as the President of the Church and as the President of the Conference; and in the absence of the President and his first Counselor as the man who stands as the mouthpiece of God to the people. For these are three Presidents, as I understand it. I understand that in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith he was the President of the Church, and that he had associated with him other two Presidents—a presiding quorum of High Priests—and that either of these in the absence of the others was perfectly competent to give forth the word of God to the Latter-day Saints. And I have always looked upon my brethren of the Apostles, from President Snow to Elder Abraham H. Cannon, the last of the Apostles, as being perfectly competent to give forth the word of the Lord to the Latter-day Saints, to teach them, to counsel them, and to instruct them in the ways of life, while the Lord inspires them to do so. I felt yesterday that the word of God was given to us through President Cannon just as perfectly as though it had been through President Wilford Woodruff. And President Woodruff said so. He knew it as well as we knew it. You Latter-day Saints who heard his voice understood it, and felt the spirit with which he spoke. It was so in regard to what President Jos. F. Smith said; and it is so with the word of the Lord given through the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ; for they are anointed with the same power and authority, and you sustain them as prophets, as seers, and as revelators; and they are competent, when the spirit of God is upon them, to bear testimony, and to instruct, and to admonish, and to warn, and to counsel, and to direct the Latter-day Saints. That is the nature of the authority and power that is conferred upon them, and it ought to be respected just as we respect each other; and as we respect each other, so I think the people will respect us and honor the Priesthood and authority which we bear. These men are called to labor in all the world, with all the churches and all the people, to teach, to instruct and to set good examples. I hold that these chief brethren in these quorums and these Seventies, are expected to set good examples, that the people cannot reasonably and truthfully find fault with them. They are expected to set good examples in their lives, in their families, in their neighborhoods, in business, and in all their ways, and to be filled with the light of revelation and the word of the Lord on all occasions, to speak forth those counsels that the people require, so that the people may be warned of dangers and evils, just as we have been warned of the danger of the people going into trouble. Some of the brethren have expressed some fears. Now I want to say that I have but very few fears. I have great confidence in these Latter-day Saints that have had a long experience, from the early days of the Church. We are mixed up now. We have a few brethren that have been here from the beginning. Then we have some that came in the next stage, and a few later, and some still later; and the Latter-day Saints are so thoroughly proven that what turned men from the Church and made them enemies to the Presidency of the Church in the days of the Prophet Joseph will not do it today. They have too good sense, and have been too thoroughly taught and schooled. We have the same feelings and spirit sometimes that men had in former times; but when in our sober sense, and when we exercise a little reason and judgment, the knowledge of the truth is so grounded in our hearts that we cannot be shaken. We will discard politics, we will discard everything that would make us bitter towards our brethren and divide us in the spirit of the Gospel. We are expected to be one in the spirit of the Gospel and in the labors of the Gospel; and where division on party lines is necessary and occurs, it ought never to make one particle of bitterness between brethren. And I want to say to all Israel that if you feel that kind of bitterness in your heart toward a brother, and lack the spirit of forgiveness, you are in error, because we cannot allow bitterness in our hearts toward our brethren; in fact, bitterness ought not to be in our hearts toward any person. If the world be pitted against us and feel opposed to us in their sentiments and feelings, and in their religious and political organizations, why should we not be friendly to ourselves? We ought to be. Therefore, judge yourselves. No man need to be judged by anyone else. Let every man judge himself in regard to the feelings in his own heart. We need not become excited. We need not become over anxious, or troubled, in regard to the Kingdom; for the Kingdom is the Lord’s, and He will maintain it, whether you and I are faithful or not. And it is increasing year by year. Though we may not seem quite so fervent; we may not feel as anxious in regard to the sacrament as we ought; we may not be quite as careful in regard to our tithing, the word of wisdom, etc., yet you will find that the Spirit of the Lord is working among the Latter-day Saints, and it is telling upon their hearts, and it seems to inoculate their systems and their blood, and they have the spirit of the Gospel more or less in them, and they become so established and firm that they will not altogether let go of the faith. They may have seasons of carelessness and indifference, and they may be overtaken with anger sometimes and profane and vulgar; but I tell you that the Lord is working, and He does put His spirit in the families of the Saints, and in the meetings and gatherings of the Saints, until the Latter-day Saints are becoming so strongly impregnated with the Spirit of the Lord and with the doctrines of the Gospel that they are not apostatizing as they used to do in great numbers. The Presidency here do not fear the Apostles turning against them. They do not fear their joining with the ranks of the enemy, as was the case in the days of the Prophet Joseph. Have we any fears in regard to these Seventies? Have we any fears in regard to these Presidents of Stakes? We never think of one of them turning away, leaving the Gospel, and joining hands with the enemy. The revelation of plural marriage, no doubt, tried the hearts of a great many people. The Manifesto tried a great many people. But not many have left the Church on account of it. The evidence of the brethren before the Master in Chancery tried some of the people, and politics tries the people; and I tell you that everything that comes along will try some of the people. But I say that we are today a tried and proven people so far that there will not be the apostacy, in proportion to our numbers, that was witnessed in the beginning of the Church. Some will apostatize, no doubt, and lose the faith, and die in that condition. But I tell you the very best and choicest, the most independent spirits that could be found in the earth, have been gathered—the choicest of families, and of cities, and of nations; those that were not afraid to have their names cast out as evil. These are the ones that have been gathered in the remarkable gathering, the like of which cannot be found anywhere else. No other people gather together as we do. And the Lord has tried and proven us. Not only this, but the strength of the trials that we have endured, and the faith and power that we have, tinctures our children, and they will walk measurably in our footsteps, though some of them may be lost.
I pray God to bless this Conference. My heart is full of rejoicing. I love my brethren. Oh! I feel to say God bless them. God bless President Woodruff and his counselors. God bless Brother Lorenzo Snow, and Brother Franklin D. Richards—these aged men. God bless these younger men, who need a blessing more than the older ones do, because we lake the experience, and we need to be proven and tried yet as they have been. God grant that we may be as faithful as they have been. God bless Israel. God bless this First quorum of Seventies. God bless Brother Jacob Gates, who now lies near his death, apparently, and preserve his life as long as it shall please the Lord that he shall live—a man full of faith and integrity. God bless these Presidents of Seventies. I love every one of them. There is not one without weaknesses, but their weaknesses are about the same as mine, and I sympathize with them. God bless the Bishops, who, of all men in the Church, have heavy loads to carry and are the servants of everybody. God bless the Bishops of the big wards and the little wards, and all Counselors, and all men in Israel who are laboring for the building up of God’s Kingdom. May we tomorrow, with the favor of heaven, place the capstone on that Temple. Oh, what a day! I was here when the cornerstones were laid. I was about thirteen years old. I thank God I had that privilege, and I want to see this tomorrow; and then I want to live to see the building dedicated and the people have the privilege of going in, tens of thousands of them, to perform their labors for the dead. God bless Israel and all the interests of Zion, at home and abroad, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Apostle John Henry Smith
said he knew of no people in the world who were so amply taught in everything that tended to make up the sum total of human life as the Latter-day Saints, and he rejoiced in the knowledge of the truths in the testimony of Jesus Christ, and in the testimonies which had been borne by the brethren during this conference.
He had been requested to state that an effort was on foot to erect a monument in honor of the late President Brigham Young, that hero in the settlement of this western country, and the body of heroes and heroines who came with him here and loyally planted the American flag upon this soil. He appealed to those present to contribute as far as their means would allow towards the accomplishment of this grand work. He trusted that every man, woman and child would help the undertaking forward—that every " Mormon " and non-" Mormon " throughout the land who respected the work that had been done in the interests of the Gospel in this part of the world would throw in his mite. When the visitors to this conference returned home to their respective districts they should exercise their endeavors to induce others to contribute, that their names might be recorded as having taken part in so noble a cause.
said he knew of no people in the world who were so amply taught in everything that tended to make up the sum total of human life as the Latter-day Saints, and he rejoiced in the knowledge of the truths in the testimony of Jesus Christ, and in the testimonies which had been borne by the brethren during this conference.
He had been requested to state that an effort was on foot to erect a monument in honor of the late President Brigham Young, that hero in the settlement of this western country, and the body of heroes and heroines who came with him here and loyally planted the American flag upon this soil. He appealed to those present to contribute as far as their means would allow towards the accomplishment of this grand work. He trusted that every man, woman and child would help the undertaking forward—that every " Mormon " and non-" Mormon " throughout the land who respected the work that had been done in the interests of the Gospel in this part of the world would throw in his mite. When the visitors to this conference returned home to their respective districts they should exercise their endeavors to induce others to contribute, that their names might be recorded as having taken part in so noble a cause.
Apostle Marriner W. Merrill
said, in substance, that he had enjoyed this Conference exceedingly, and considered the counsel already given as timely and fitting. He ha been led to reflect on the conditions of the past in the history of this Territory. He was not here at the time of the laying of the corner stone of the Salt Lake Temple, but came shortly afterwards. He thought of the amount of means that had been expended by the Saints in erection of houses to the Lord. It was an evidence that God was with them. The Prophet Joseph said that whenever the Lord had a people on the earth he commanded them to build temples. The Nephites were only a few years on this continent when they were commanded to erect a holy structure of that character. This was a temple-building dispensation. The Salt Lake building would soon be completed, making the fourth in this Territory. Others would be constructed, and the people would enter those sacred edifices and do a work for their kindred dead. All Israel desire that President Woodruff should dedicate the Temple in this city. He had assurance that when it was dedicated President Woodruff would be there, President Brigham Young would be there, and President Heber C. Kimball would be there. He knew that Brother Kimball had been in Logan Temple because he had seen him in that building. It need not be supposed that the servants of God who had passed behind the veil were not interested in the work of God and its progress on the earth. They were all interested in the subject. The Prophet Joseph, the head of this dispensation, was watching and aiding it, together with his associates.
The speaker touched upon the subject of faith. We might know the things of God by the Spirit of God, and no man or woman could understand these things unless he or she possessed humility of spirit and a contrite heart. He knew that this great latter-day work was true and came from God, having received a testimony thereof. The Latter-day Saints should not entertain animosity or hard feelings towards anyone. They come to these Conferences for the purpose of having their minds and spirits refreshed, that they might return to their homes prepared to do better than in the past and to live better and purer lives. How many would follow out the good counsels to which they had listened at this Conference? He besought the Saints to go forward with the best resolutions to serve God faithfully henceforth, and to let nothing turn them aside from the truth.
said, in substance, that he had enjoyed this Conference exceedingly, and considered the counsel already given as timely and fitting. He ha been led to reflect on the conditions of the past in the history of this Territory. He was not here at the time of the laying of the corner stone of the Salt Lake Temple, but came shortly afterwards. He thought of the amount of means that had been expended by the Saints in erection of houses to the Lord. It was an evidence that God was with them. The Prophet Joseph said that whenever the Lord had a people on the earth he commanded them to build temples. The Nephites were only a few years on this continent when they were commanded to erect a holy structure of that character. This was a temple-building dispensation. The Salt Lake building would soon be completed, making the fourth in this Territory. Others would be constructed, and the people would enter those sacred edifices and do a work for their kindred dead. All Israel desire that President Woodruff should dedicate the Temple in this city. He had assurance that when it was dedicated President Woodruff would be there, President Brigham Young would be there, and President Heber C. Kimball would be there. He knew that Brother Kimball had been in Logan Temple because he had seen him in that building. It need not be supposed that the servants of God who had passed behind the veil were not interested in the work of God and its progress on the earth. They were all interested in the subject. The Prophet Joseph, the head of this dispensation, was watching and aiding it, together with his associates.
The speaker touched upon the subject of faith. We might know the things of God by the Spirit of God, and no man or woman could understand these things unless he or she possessed humility of spirit and a contrite heart. He knew that this great latter-day work was true and came from God, having received a testimony thereof. The Latter-day Saints should not entertain animosity or hard feelings towards anyone. They come to these Conferences for the purpose of having their minds and spirits refreshed, that they might return to their homes prepared to do better than in the past and to live better and purer lives. How many would follow out the good counsels to which they had listened at this Conference? He besought the Saints to go forward with the best resolutions to serve God faithfully henceforth, and to let nothing turn them aside from the truth.
Apostle Anthon H. Lund
followed. He endorsed all the remarks which had been made by the previous speakers, and said there had been no division in the faith of the Latter-day Saints. The principles which God had revealed to them they had believed alike, whatever else might have happened. In the past, intolerance had been productive of much evil. If we, as a people, were tolerant in religious matters, why should we not be so in regard to things which were not nearly so important as those which belonged to the salvation of the soul? When we engage in political affairs let us be for¬ bearing, and not think because another person did not hold the same opinion as ourselves that he was necessarily in the wrong. Let not our opinions on earthly matters divide us in our religious views, but seek to love one another as the Gospel demanded. The Lord had been with this work since its inception, and He would carry it to a successful issue.
This Conference would be remembered as a very important one. The circular read yesterday in regard to the establishment of the Church University was a most interesting matter, and he was very pleased that such a system had been inaugurated in our midst—that the servants of God had been led to lay this subject before the Saints, and counsel them to remember the education of their children. Let us, he said, give our children that which no one ran take away from them, and that is an excellent education. He hoped the Church University would so prosper that the time would come when the children of the East would come here to finish their tuition instead of the youth of Zion going there for that purpose. May God bless the Latter-day Saints and help them to choose to walk in the path of righteousness.
followed. He endorsed all the remarks which had been made by the previous speakers, and said there had been no division in the faith of the Latter-day Saints. The principles which God had revealed to them they had believed alike, whatever else might have happened. In the past, intolerance had been productive of much evil. If we, as a people, were tolerant in religious matters, why should we not be so in regard to things which were not nearly so important as those which belonged to the salvation of the soul? When we engage in political affairs let us be for¬ bearing, and not think because another person did not hold the same opinion as ourselves that he was necessarily in the wrong. Let not our opinions on earthly matters divide us in our religious views, but seek to love one another as the Gospel demanded. The Lord had been with this work since its inception, and He would carry it to a successful issue.
This Conference would be remembered as a very important one. The circular read yesterday in regard to the establishment of the Church University was a most interesting matter, and he was very pleased that such a system had been inaugurated in our midst—that the servants of God had been led to lay this subject before the Saints, and counsel them to remember the education of their children. Let us, he said, give our children that which no one ran take away from them, and that is an excellent education. He hoped the Church University would so prosper that the time would come when the children of the East would come here to finish their tuition instead of the youth of Zion going there for that purpose. May God bless the Latter-day Saints and help them to choose to walk in the path of righteousness.
President George Q. Cannon
then said that it would be appropriate for him to say a few words before the congregation was dismissed, in regard to the subject of the proposed monument to the memory of President Brigham Young. This matter had been carefully considered, a committee appointed, and the services of the sculptor secured. It was at first thought that comparatively few would contribute to the fund, but upon more mature consideration the opinion prevailed that this was an undertaking in which probably all the Latter-day Saints would like to engage. It was therefore decided that they should be able to contribute $1 each. It was not expected that contributions should be limited to that amount; any one who chose to give more could do so, and it would perhaps become necessary to go beyond the sum named. But it was felt that each of the Saints might put in one dollar. There might be many of the children, too, who would like to add their mite, if not more than a dime or a quarter, so that they might be able to say, “I helped with what little means I possessed towards the fund for the building of that monument.” This was a good time to take the matter up in earnest. Judge Elias A. Smith was treasurer of the fund, and the contributions of as many of the Saints as could donate during the Conference would be gladly accepted. When those present returned home they could tell their neighbors what was going forward and they to induce them to help also. In the days to come everything of this character—in which they took part now, every such movement in which our children took part—would be remembered with feelings of gratification. On this account it was well that the subscription should be a general one. This movement had its origin with the authorities of the Church. When the proposal was made to them they heartily approved of it; what was now being done was with their sanction.
President Cannon continued—In my remarks yesterday afternoon I alluded to Brother John Henry Smith. A member of my family afterwards called my attention to what I had said and observed that I did not explain myself fully, but that I left myself open to misconstruction. Lest there should be any misapprehension on this point I wish now to explain what I really meant. What I said was quite clear to myself, though perhaps it was not so clear to some who heard me. It appears to have been thought that we (the First Presidency) told Brother Smith to do what he had done.
Now the explanation of this is very simple. John Henry Smith came to the First Presidency when this division on party lines took place and said to us, “I am a Republican; I would like to give my voice to my brethren on Republicanism. Can I, being one of the Twelve, do it; am I at liberty; will I be transcending my bounds or doing anything improper?” We told him that we saw no impropriety in his doing this. Now that is what I meant by the remark I made yesterday, and I take this opportunity of explaining it because I was told by two or three last evening that they were afraid somebody would put a wrong construction on what I said. I take pleasure in explaining this, though to the First Presidency it was quite plain at the time.
The choir sang: Let the mountains shout for joy.
Benediction by Elder John Nicholson.
then said that it would be appropriate for him to say a few words before the congregation was dismissed, in regard to the subject of the proposed monument to the memory of President Brigham Young. This matter had been carefully considered, a committee appointed, and the services of the sculptor secured. It was at first thought that comparatively few would contribute to the fund, but upon more mature consideration the opinion prevailed that this was an undertaking in which probably all the Latter-day Saints would like to engage. It was therefore decided that they should be able to contribute $1 each. It was not expected that contributions should be limited to that amount; any one who chose to give more could do so, and it would perhaps become necessary to go beyond the sum named. But it was felt that each of the Saints might put in one dollar. There might be many of the children, too, who would like to add their mite, if not more than a dime or a quarter, so that they might be able to say, “I helped with what little means I possessed towards the fund for the building of that monument.” This was a good time to take the matter up in earnest. Judge Elias A. Smith was treasurer of the fund, and the contributions of as many of the Saints as could donate during the Conference would be gladly accepted. When those present returned home they could tell their neighbors what was going forward and they to induce them to help also. In the days to come everything of this character—in which they took part now, every such movement in which our children took part—would be remembered with feelings of gratification. On this account it was well that the subscription should be a general one. This movement had its origin with the authorities of the Church. When the proposal was made to them they heartily approved of it; what was now being done was with their sanction.
President Cannon continued—In my remarks yesterday afternoon I alluded to Brother John Henry Smith. A member of my family afterwards called my attention to what I had said and observed that I did not explain myself fully, but that I left myself open to misconstruction. Lest there should be any misapprehension on this point I wish now to explain what I really meant. What I said was quite clear to myself, though perhaps it was not so clear to some who heard me. It appears to have been thought that we (the First Presidency) told Brother Smith to do what he had done.
Now the explanation of this is very simple. John Henry Smith came to the First Presidency when this division on party lines took place and said to us, “I am a Republican; I would like to give my voice to my brethren on Republicanism. Can I, being one of the Twelve, do it; am I at liberty; will I be transcending my bounds or doing anything improper?” We told him that we saw no impropriety in his doing this. Now that is what I meant by the remark I made yesterday, and I take this opportunity of explaining it because I was told by two or three last evening that they were afraid somebody would put a wrong construction on what I said. I take pleasure in explaining this, though to the First Presidency it was quite plain at the time.
The choir sang: Let the mountains shout for joy.
Benediction by Elder John Nicholson.
Third Day. Afternoon Session.
The choir and congregation joined in singing:
Our God, we raise to Thee
Thanks for the blessings free,
We here enjoy.
Prayer by Elder Charles W. Penrose.
Singing by the choir:
Lord, Thou wilt hear me when I pray.
I am forever Thine; I fear Thee all the day;
O, may I never sin.
There being a great many more people in and around the Tabernacle than could be accommodated with sitting room within the building, it was announced, by President George Q. Cannon, that an overflow meeting would be held in the Assembly Hall, over which President Lorenzo Snow would preside.
The choir and congregation joined in singing:
Our God, we raise to Thee
Thanks for the blessings free,
We here enjoy.
Prayer by Elder Charles W. Penrose.
Singing by the choir:
Lord, Thou wilt hear me when I pray.
I am forever Thine; I fear Thee all the day;
O, may I never sin.
There being a great many more people in and around the Tabernacle than could be accommodated with sitting room within the building, it was announced, by President George Q. Cannon, that an overflow meeting would be held in the Assembly Hall, over which President Lorenzo Snow would preside.
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
addressed the congregation. He said it seemed a long time—sixty-two years—since this Church was organized, and especially was this the case when they considered the marvelous work which had been accomplished. God had indeed been with this people, and had performed that which we today witnessed. But with all that had been carried out already, there was still a great deal to be done in the accomplishment of the mission which God had assigned to the Latter-day Saints. He had placed upon us the duty of preaching this Gospel of the Kingdom to the world. True, we had done this to a very great extent already. Every quarter of the globe had been visited by the Elders and in almost every language had the truth been proclaimed; but a stupendous work yet remained to be done. Touching upon the question of dissension, the speaker asked what good would it do if discord was sown, to bring emigrants here if they were placed in the way of following the example which was too frequently set them by some of those who professed to be the people of God? It would perhaps be better, under such circumstances, to leave them in the lands where they now dwelt than have them here to make them apostates to the truth and perhaps send them forth again to spread falsehood and circulate improper rumors concerning the Saints in Zion. He counseled the people to look after their brethren and sisters who arrived here from abroad, and urged that suitable employment should be provided for them as soon as possible, in order that their minds might not be kept idle and be filled with idle thoughts. In this Territory there was ample work for all, and it was well that the people should be kept employed, thus keeping them out of the way of that evil which prevailed to too great an extent in our midst. Let us seek to beautify Zion by the industry of our own hands, and work unitedly for the salvation of our fellowmen.
addressed the congregation. He said it seemed a long time—sixty-two years—since this Church was organized, and especially was this the case when they considered the marvelous work which had been accomplished. God had indeed been with this people, and had performed that which we today witnessed. But with all that had been carried out already, there was still a great deal to be done in the accomplishment of the mission which God had assigned to the Latter-day Saints. He had placed upon us the duty of preaching this Gospel of the Kingdom to the world. True, we had done this to a very great extent already. Every quarter of the globe had been visited by the Elders and in almost every language had the truth been proclaimed; but a stupendous work yet remained to be done. Touching upon the question of dissension, the speaker asked what good would it do if discord was sown, to bring emigrants here if they were placed in the way of following the example which was too frequently set them by some of those who professed to be the people of God? It would perhaps be better, under such circumstances, to leave them in the lands where they now dwelt than have them here to make them apostates to the truth and perhaps send them forth again to spread falsehood and circulate improper rumors concerning the Saints in Zion. He counseled the people to look after their brethren and sisters who arrived here from abroad, and urged that suitable employment should be provided for them as soon as possible, in order that their minds might not be kept idle and be filled with idle thoughts. In this Territory there was ample work for all, and it was well that the people should be kept employed, thus keeping them out of the way of that evil which prevailed to too great an extent in our midst. Let us seek to beautify Zion by the industry of our own hands, and work unitedly for the salvation of our fellowmen.
President A. O. Smoot,
of Utah Stake,
was the next speaker. He said it afforded him exceeding pleasure in having the privilege of addressing that vast audience, and of bearing that testimony of the truth of the great work in which the Latter-day Saints were engaged. If they carried out in practice those things which had been pointed out to them during this conference Zion would go upward and onward, and no power beneath the heavens would stay her progress. He had been a member of this Church from his boyhood, and he had been acquainted with the Latter-day Saints for fifty-seven years, having embraced the Gospel under the administration of Elder David W. Patten and President Wilford Woodruff.
The speaker drew a picture of the lives of the Saints in the early days, referred to the experiences through which they had since passed, described the condition of the western country at the time the pioneers first reached it and compared it with the present. After saying that he had done his utmost in his own humble way to preserve unity among the Saints, and to improve their spiritual condition, the speaker deprecated the feeling, already dwelt upon, which he had observed here in regard to political affairs. This should not be; let them rather give heed to those things which would build up Zion and make her happy and prosperous. Might peace be with Israel.
of Utah Stake,
was the next speaker. He said it afforded him exceeding pleasure in having the privilege of addressing that vast audience, and of bearing that testimony of the truth of the great work in which the Latter-day Saints were engaged. If they carried out in practice those things which had been pointed out to them during this conference Zion would go upward and onward, and no power beneath the heavens would stay her progress. He had been a member of this Church from his boyhood, and he had been acquainted with the Latter-day Saints for fifty-seven years, having embraced the Gospel under the administration of Elder David W. Patten and President Wilford Woodruff.
The speaker drew a picture of the lives of the Saints in the early days, referred to the experiences through which they had since passed, described the condition of the western country at the time the pioneers first reached it and compared it with the present. After saying that he had done his utmost in his own humble way to preserve unity among the Saints, and to improve their spiritual condition, the speaker deprecated the feeling, already dwelt upon, which he had observed here in regard to political affairs. This should not be; let them rather give heed to those things which would build up Zion and make her happy and prosperous. Might peace be with Israel.
The Authorities of the Church were presented by President George Q. Cannon for the votes of the assembly, as follows:
Wilford Woodruff, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
George Q. Cannon as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
Joseph F. Smith as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Lorenzo Snow as President of the Twelve Apostles.
As members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon.
The counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
Patriarch to the Church—John Smith.
First Seven Presidents of the Seventies—Jacob Gates, Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted, John Morgan, B. H. Roberts, George Reynolds, and Jonathan Golden Kimball.
William B. Preston as Presiding Bishop, with Robert T. Burton as his First and John R. Winder as his Second Counselor.
Franklin D. Richards as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, and John Jaques as his assistant.
Joseph Don Carlos Young as General Church Architect.
John Nicholson as Clerk of the General Conference.
As the Church Board of Education: Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon, Karl G. Maeser, Willard Young, George W. Thatcher, Amos Howe, Anthon H. Lund, James Sharp.
As Trustee in Trust for the body of religious worshippers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Wilford Woodruff.
All the voting was unanimous.
President Cannon instructed the general assembly with regard to the order of exercises to be observed on April 6th (Wednesday) in connection with the laying of the capstone of the Temple.
Wilford Woodruff, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world.
George Q. Cannon as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
Joseph F. Smith as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Lorenzo Snow as President of the Twelve Apostles.
As members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon.
The counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
Patriarch to the Church—John Smith.
First Seven Presidents of the Seventies—Jacob Gates, Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted, John Morgan, B. H. Roberts, George Reynolds, and Jonathan Golden Kimball.
William B. Preston as Presiding Bishop, with Robert T. Burton as his First and John R. Winder as his Second Counselor.
Franklin D. Richards as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, and John Jaques as his assistant.
Joseph Don Carlos Young as General Church Architect.
John Nicholson as Clerk of the General Conference.
As the Church Board of Education: Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon, Karl G. Maeser, Willard Young, George W. Thatcher, Amos Howe, Anthon H. Lund, James Sharp.
As Trustee in Trust for the body of religious worshippers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Wilford Woodruff.
All the voting was unanimous.
President Cannon instructed the general assembly with regard to the order of exercises to be observed on April 6th (Wednesday) in connection with the laying of the capstone of the Temple.
Elder John Morgan
said he desired to bear his testimony to the truth of the work in which the Latter-day Saints were engaged and to the teachings that they had received during this Conference, which had been a most happy and successful one. There must needs be an opposition to all things that were excellent; such had been the case through all time, from Father Adam down to the present; and this great latter-day work was no exception to the general rule. It had met indeed with bitter and unrelenting opposition at the hands of their enemies. This Church throughout its existence, however, had been undergoing a process of discipline; but yet we were not perfect. It was evident to anyone conversant with the situation in the midst of the Latter-day Saints that while they had been drilled and trained to a certain degree of discipline and a kind of experience which had been invaluable to us, yet in the kind providence of God it should be necessary for us to have better drill and better discipline even than before. He verily believed that as this work went forward and grew, and spread on the right hand and on the left, the waves of opposition would roll higher and higher, and men would be tried as they never had been before. It was natural that this should be so, in order that we might be fitted and prepared for our future life. In speaking against division, Elder Morgan said the grand object which the Saints should keep in view was the establishment of righteousness and of the Kingdom of God, nevermore to be thrown down.
said he desired to bear his testimony to the truth of the work in which the Latter-day Saints were engaged and to the teachings that they had received during this Conference, which had been a most happy and successful one. There must needs be an opposition to all things that were excellent; such had been the case through all time, from Father Adam down to the present; and this great latter-day work was no exception to the general rule. It had met indeed with bitter and unrelenting opposition at the hands of their enemies. This Church throughout its existence, however, had been undergoing a process of discipline; but yet we were not perfect. It was evident to anyone conversant with the situation in the midst of the Latter-day Saints that while they had been drilled and trained to a certain degree of discipline and a kind of experience which had been invaluable to us, yet in the kind providence of God it should be necessary for us to have better drill and better discipline even than before. He verily believed that as this work went forward and grew, and spread on the right hand and on the left, the waves of opposition would roll higher and higher, and men would be tried as they never had been before. It was natural that this should be so, in order that we might be fitted and prepared for our future life. In speaking against division, Elder Morgan said the grand object which the Saints should keep in view was the establishment of righteousness and of the Kingdom of God, nevermore to be thrown down.
Elder B. H. Roberts
said that “Mormonism,” so-called, carried to the world a peculiar message—a message of warning. In several of the early revelations given to the Elders the Lord told them that they were called to labor—that it was not a day of many words but a day of warning to the inhabitants of the earth. That warning found expression in nearly all things in which the Saints engaged. It found very sympathetic expression in the labors of the Elders abroad. Upon them was laid a strict charge that they warn the world of the judgments to come. In several of the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph in his day it was expressly said that after the warnings which should be sounded unto the nations by the voice of the Elders would come the judgments of God. In the erection of the glorious temples in these valleys of the mountains, too, was sounded the message that “Mormonism” was carrying to the world; and tomorrow let the world take note that this was a warning to them that the judgments of God, sleep not—that they slumber not, “neither hath He forgotten the necessity that there will be to cleanse the earth from wickedness and corruption. Let them hear when that stone strikes its place the note calling upon them to repent of their sins, for the hour of God’s judgments is night.”
The choir sang the anthem: “Heavenly Father, we will worship Thy great name.”
Benediction by Elder W. C. Dunbar.
said that “Mormonism,” so-called, carried to the world a peculiar message—a message of warning. In several of the early revelations given to the Elders the Lord told them that they were called to labor—that it was not a day of many words but a day of warning to the inhabitants of the earth. That warning found expression in nearly all things in which the Saints engaged. It found very sympathetic expression in the labors of the Elders abroad. Upon them was laid a strict charge that they warn the world of the judgments to come. In several of the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph in his day it was expressly said that after the warnings which should be sounded unto the nations by the voice of the Elders would come the judgments of God. In the erection of the glorious temples in these valleys of the mountains, too, was sounded the message that “Mormonism” was carrying to the world; and tomorrow let the world take note that this was a warning to them that the judgments of God, sleep not—that they slumber not, “neither hath He forgotten the necessity that there will be to cleanse the earth from wickedness and corruption. Let them hear when that stone strikes its place the note calling upon them to repent of their sins, for the hour of God’s judgments is night.”
The choir sang the anthem: “Heavenly Father, we will worship Thy great name.”
Benediction by Elder W. C. Dunbar.
Overflow Meeting.
The congregation sang:
Do what is right, the daydawn is breaking,
Hailing a future of freedom and light,
Angels above us are silent notes taking
Of every action, do what is right.
Prayer by Apostle M. W. Merrill.
Singing:
We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
To guide us in these latter days.
The congregation sang:
Do what is right, the daydawn is breaking,
Hailing a future of freedom and light,
Angels above us are silent notes taking
Of every action, do what is right.
Prayer by Apostle M. W. Merrill.
Singing:
We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
To guide us in these latter days.
Apostle John Henry Smith
was the first speaker. He stated that never in the history of the past had the people on a week day filled the Tabernacle and necessitated an overflow meeting. No people that have lived in the past history of the world have greater responsibilities than we, who are called by our Father in heaven to promulgate the doctrines of this Gospel, and we should be true to our trust. To us has been given the knowledge of God, who has borne witness to the character of the mission He has given us—that of warning the world. None can afford to lose sight of this office of ours. In the discharge of duties resting upon us we should not be unmindful of our duties to God.
The world educates the mind at the expense of the soul, and the principles of truth are being neglected there. The intelligence we attain to here shall arise with us in the resurrection.
The man who studies the divine law should also possess the requisite knowledge for the discharge of all duties, and all abilities should be used in the furtherance of the work of God, in whatever direction those abilities are; in the line of financial matters, they can be used for this purpose, as God holds all responsible for the talents He has given His children.
We have received from God the promise of salvation, and we cannot show our love for Him in a better way than in caring for the children who are being raised up among us.
The speaker avowed his love for the people of God, and stated that his abilities would be exercised in their behalf, and also for the good of all the people of the world.
A powerful testimony was borne by the speaker of the truth and the eternal character of the Gospel, which has been introduced to establish peace in the end and to bring in the reign of righteousness. Our reward will be commensurate with our willingness to sacrifice ourselves for the good of others.
He prayed that the testimony of the Gospel might be spread among all people, and that the Saints might be able to exercise a spirit of charity and forbearance toward all He feelingly expressed his weakness, but thanked God that he had been chosen to labor for the good of mankind, whom he desired to bless with his testimony and his labors in the ministry.
was the first speaker. He stated that never in the history of the past had the people on a week day filled the Tabernacle and necessitated an overflow meeting. No people that have lived in the past history of the world have greater responsibilities than we, who are called by our Father in heaven to promulgate the doctrines of this Gospel, and we should be true to our trust. To us has been given the knowledge of God, who has borne witness to the character of the mission He has given us—that of warning the world. None can afford to lose sight of this office of ours. In the discharge of duties resting upon us we should not be unmindful of our duties to God.
The world educates the mind at the expense of the soul, and the principles of truth are being neglected there. The intelligence we attain to here shall arise with us in the resurrection.
The man who studies the divine law should also possess the requisite knowledge for the discharge of all duties, and all abilities should be used in the furtherance of the work of God, in whatever direction those abilities are; in the line of financial matters, they can be used for this purpose, as God holds all responsible for the talents He has given His children.
We have received from God the promise of salvation, and we cannot show our love for Him in a better way than in caring for the children who are being raised up among us.
The speaker avowed his love for the people of God, and stated that his abilities would be exercised in their behalf, and also for the good of all the people of the world.
A powerful testimony was borne by the speaker of the truth and the eternal character of the Gospel, which has been introduced to establish peace in the end and to bring in the reign of righteousness. Our reward will be commensurate with our willingness to sacrifice ourselves for the good of others.
He prayed that the testimony of the Gospel might be spread among all people, and that the Saints might be able to exercise a spirit of charity and forbearance toward all He feelingly expressed his weakness, but thanked God that he had been chosen to labor for the good of mankind, whom he desired to bless with his testimony and his labors in the ministry.
Apostle Anthon H. Lund
spoke of the importance of the event of the morrow, the laying of the capstone of the Temple. The essential mark of this people is the building of temples, wherein we may receive blessings which cannot be received outside of them. The temples built in Kirtland and Nauvoo were referred to, with the wonderful visitations of angels and restoration of keys taking place in them. The Saints in Nauvoo showed wonderful faith in building their beautiful Temple, knowing they would have to leave it and flee from the city. We have been building temples, but although we have given of our means for this purpose, still it is with a knowledge that we shall keep these temples and enjoy their benefits. The world does not understand our motives in building these houses, and the words of Paul concerning baptism for the dead are a stumbling-block them. We understand those words, for Jesus has said that all must be born of water and the Spirit before they can enter the kingdom of heaven.
No one can gainsay these words of our Savior, and we believe He meant them. Seeing that very few have received the word of God on the earth, we cannot believe that those who have passed away without receiving it are without hope, for the Gospel is for the dead as well as the living. All who have entered the temples have realized the holy influence there, and have felt repaid for their labor and sacrifice.
Many temples will have to be built, and if we are faithful we shall receive the blessings of God, and shall not have to leave the temples to our enemies, but shall be able to remain and there partake of the holy influence of the Spirit and do the work of God for the dead.
The Saints were exhorted to continued faithfulness.
spoke of the importance of the event of the morrow, the laying of the capstone of the Temple. The essential mark of this people is the building of temples, wherein we may receive blessings which cannot be received outside of them. The temples built in Kirtland and Nauvoo were referred to, with the wonderful visitations of angels and restoration of keys taking place in them. The Saints in Nauvoo showed wonderful faith in building their beautiful Temple, knowing they would have to leave it and flee from the city. We have been building temples, but although we have given of our means for this purpose, still it is with a knowledge that we shall keep these temples and enjoy their benefits. The world does not understand our motives in building these houses, and the words of Paul concerning baptism for the dead are a stumbling-block them. We understand those words, for Jesus has said that all must be born of water and the Spirit before they can enter the kingdom of heaven.
No one can gainsay these words of our Savior, and we believe He meant them. Seeing that very few have received the word of God on the earth, we cannot believe that those who have passed away without receiving it are without hope, for the Gospel is for the dead as well as the living. All who have entered the temples have realized the holy influence there, and have felt repaid for their labor and sacrifice.
Many temples will have to be built, and if we are faithful we shall receive the blessings of God, and shall not have to leave the temples to our enemies, but shall be able to remain and there partake of the holy influence of the Spirit and do the work of God for the dead.
The Saints were exhorted to continued faithfulness.
Apostle Lorenzo Snow
hoped that temporal things would be forgotten during the Conference, and the minds of the people would be turned in the direction of the things of God. New developments show that the Church is alive, and that we should be faithful, so that none of these events may be misunderstood by us, and thus our knowledge be left incomplete. Thirty-nine years ago the corner-stones of the Temple were laid, the speaker having been called home from his European mission in order to be present on that occasion. He accordingly waived an intended voyage around the world and arrived here in time. Nine of the quorum of the Twelve who assisted in laying the corner-stone and two of the presidents of the Church and five counselors to these presidents have died since that time.
The speaker mentioned some of his experiences in the Kirtland Temple, where he had preached from the same pulpit to which Jesus stood in his glory.
God’s eye is upon this people. He and Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and talked with him. President Snow mentioned his acquaintance with the Prophet, who explained to him many mysteries. The Prophet was a man of integrity and self-sacrifice for the truth. Jesus, when on the earth, possessed the power of revealing life to mankind, and yet he appeared merely as a man. The Jews were surprised at his words, for He was not educated; but there were some who knew who He was as we know who Joseph was. Other men have stood in various dispensations as the only ones who held the keys to salvation and glory for the people of their day. One of these was Noah, and Joseph Smith was another. The testimonies borne by such men are the life of the world, but they are also death to those who will not receive them.
In the early time of labor on this Temple conditions were not so propitious as now, and they were worse in Nauvoo than here. Mobs attempted to break down the walls of the Temple before they could be completed. But God preserved it, and many blessings and glorious manifestations have been received there, and many now present will live to see even more glorious things than these. Many trials will come before that time; our faith will be tried; but if we live and do right and exercise charity for all, God will preserve us in the faith. In every situation of life every Latter-day Saint should remember what he came into the world to do—to be a Saint who will become worthy to sit with Jesus on His throne, as He with His Father.
One thing that induced the speaker to come into the Church was that he saw a way in which he could gain a testimony of God and Jesus Christ, and the saw that if he humbled himself before the Lord He would let him know of His existence and give him His Spirit. Seeking for light regarding the other world, he was not disappointed. Before he had been in the Church two years the Lord revealed to him the great truth: “As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be.” The knowledge of this did him good, for John the Revelator says that when Christ comes we shall be like Him. In order to be like Him we must be pure as He is pure, and do His works as He would do them. As a musician practices and becomes proficient in his art, so with doing the will of God. He will help us to do these things in the end, although the practice to that end may be hard. The speaker closed with a blessing upon the people of God.
The authorities of the Church were presented by Apostle F. M. Lyman and unanimously sustained.
Announcements of the exercises of laying the capstone were made by Bishop J. R. Winder.
Singing: O Say What is Truth.
Benediction by Apostle F. M. Lyman.
hoped that temporal things would be forgotten during the Conference, and the minds of the people would be turned in the direction of the things of God. New developments show that the Church is alive, and that we should be faithful, so that none of these events may be misunderstood by us, and thus our knowledge be left incomplete. Thirty-nine years ago the corner-stones of the Temple were laid, the speaker having been called home from his European mission in order to be present on that occasion. He accordingly waived an intended voyage around the world and arrived here in time. Nine of the quorum of the Twelve who assisted in laying the corner-stone and two of the presidents of the Church and five counselors to these presidents have died since that time.
The speaker mentioned some of his experiences in the Kirtland Temple, where he had preached from the same pulpit to which Jesus stood in his glory.
God’s eye is upon this people. He and Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and talked with him. President Snow mentioned his acquaintance with the Prophet, who explained to him many mysteries. The Prophet was a man of integrity and self-sacrifice for the truth. Jesus, when on the earth, possessed the power of revealing life to mankind, and yet he appeared merely as a man. The Jews were surprised at his words, for He was not educated; but there were some who knew who He was as we know who Joseph was. Other men have stood in various dispensations as the only ones who held the keys to salvation and glory for the people of their day. One of these was Noah, and Joseph Smith was another. The testimonies borne by such men are the life of the world, but they are also death to those who will not receive them.
In the early time of labor on this Temple conditions were not so propitious as now, and they were worse in Nauvoo than here. Mobs attempted to break down the walls of the Temple before they could be completed. But God preserved it, and many blessings and glorious manifestations have been received there, and many now present will live to see even more glorious things than these. Many trials will come before that time; our faith will be tried; but if we live and do right and exercise charity for all, God will preserve us in the faith. In every situation of life every Latter-day Saint should remember what he came into the world to do—to be a Saint who will become worthy to sit with Jesus on His throne, as He with His Father.
One thing that induced the speaker to come into the Church was that he saw a way in which he could gain a testimony of God and Jesus Christ, and the saw that if he humbled himself before the Lord He would let him know of His existence and give him His Spirit. Seeking for light regarding the other world, he was not disappointed. Before he had been in the Church two years the Lord revealed to him the great truth: “As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be.” The knowledge of this did him good, for John the Revelator says that when Christ comes we shall be like Him. In order to be like Him we must be pure as He is pure, and do His works as He would do them. As a musician practices and becomes proficient in his art, so with doing the will of God. He will help us to do these things in the end, although the practice to that end may be hard. The speaker closed with a blessing upon the people of God.
The authorities of the Church were presented by Apostle F. M. Lyman and unanimously sustained.
Announcements of the exercises of laying the capstone were made by Bishop J. R. Winder.
Singing: O Say What is Truth.
Benediction by Apostle F. M. Lyman.
Priesthood Meeting.
A Priesthood meeting was held in the Tabernacle on the evening of Tuesday, April 5th. It was probably the largest gathering of the kind that has ever convened in the history of the Church in this dispensation. The speakers were, in the order in which they addressed the assembly: President Joseph F. Smith, President George Q. Cannon and President Wilford Woodruff. Much valuable instruction was embodied in their remarks.
A Priesthood meeting was held in the Tabernacle on the evening of Tuesday, April 5th. It was probably the largest gathering of the kind that has ever convened in the history of the Church in this dispensation. The speakers were, in the order in which they addressed the assembly: President Joseph F. Smith, President George Q. Cannon and President Wilford Woodruff. Much valuable instruction was embodied in their remarks.
Fourth Day. Wednesday, April 6th.
The choir and congregation united in singing:
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.
Prayer by Elder Seymour B. Young.
The choir sang the anthem: Glorious is Thy name.
Arrangement of the Assemblage.
The Priesthood were arranged in the following order: The upper section of the centre stand, at the west end of the building, was occupied by the First Presidency. In the other sections, respectively, were (1) Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, (2) Presiding Council of the Seventies, (3) Presiding Bishopric.
In the two divisions on the north and south of the centre stand were seated the Presidents of Stakes and their Counselors, and High Councilors.
The Bishops and their Counselors were arranged on the north and south lower division of the stand.
The following was the arrangement in the auditorium—main body of the hall—Front section south of the centre aisle, quorums of Seventies; behind them the Elders.
Front section north of the centre aisle, High Priests; behind them were, respectively, the Priests, Teachers and Deacons.
The general public occupied the remainder of the body of the hall—east division—and the galleries.
The choir and congregation united in singing:
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.
Prayer by Elder Seymour B. Young.
The choir sang the anthem: Glorious is Thy name.
Arrangement of the Assemblage.
The Priesthood were arranged in the following order: The upper section of the centre stand, at the west end of the building, was occupied by the First Presidency. In the other sections, respectively, were (1) Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, (2) Presiding Council of the Seventies, (3) Presiding Bishopric.
In the two divisions on the north and south of the centre stand were seated the Presidents of Stakes and their Counselors, and High Councilors.
The Bishops and their Counselors were arranged on the north and south lower division of the stand.
The following was the arrangement in the auditorium—main body of the hall—Front section south of the centre aisle, quorums of Seventies; behind them the Elders.
Front section north of the centre aisle, High Priests; behind them were, respectively, the Priests, Teachers and Deacons.
The general public occupied the remainder of the body of the hall—east division—and the galleries.
President George Q. Cannon.
referring to the resolution adopted by the Conference on Monday, in regard to the establishment of a Church University, said—On behalf of the First Presidency and the Twelve, to whom this resolution was addressed, I rise to state that we accept the instructions of the Conference, and shall do all in our power to carry their wishes, as expressed in that resolution, into practical effect.
referring to the resolution adopted by the Conference on Monday, in regard to the establishment of a Church University, said—On behalf of the First Presidency and the Twelve, to whom this resolution was addressed, I rise to state that we accept the instructions of the Conference, and shall do all in our power to carry their wishes, as expressed in that resolution, into practical effect.
Apostle Lorenzo Snow,
at the request of President Cannon, instructed the congregation as to the order of ceremony at the laying of the capstone of the Temple. “The words of the shout ‘Hosanna’,” he said, “to be uttered upon, or after, the laying of the capstone today were introduced by President Joseph Smith at the Kirtland Temple, and were there used at a solemn assemblage where the power of God was manifested and the vision of the Almighty was opened up to the brethren. This was no ordinary order, but is—and we wish it to be distinctly understood—a sacred shout, and employed only on extraordinary occasions like the one now before us. We wish it also to be distinctly understood that we want the brethren and sisters not only to express the words, but that their hearts shall be full of thanksgiving to the God of heaven, who has accomplished, through our agency, this mighty and extraordinary labor. Thirty-nine years ago today the foundation stone—the corner stone—of this Temple was laid, and in reflecting and meditating upon the wonderful blessings that God has bestowed upon us, His people, during this number of years that have passed since that time, we wish the Saints to feel when they pronounce this shout that it comes from their hearts. Let your hearts be filled with thanksgiving.” The speaker then gave out the following words: “Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna to God and the Lamb. Amen, amen, amen,” and continued—“Now when we go before the temple and this shout goes forth, we want every man and every woman to shout these words to the very extent of their voices, so that every house in this city may tremble, the people in every portion of this city hear it, and it may reach to the eternal worlds.”
President Snow then proceeded to train the people in the hosanna shout, the effect of which was thrilling and grand.
at the request of President Cannon, instructed the congregation as to the order of ceremony at the laying of the capstone of the Temple. “The words of the shout ‘Hosanna’,” he said, “to be uttered upon, or after, the laying of the capstone today were introduced by President Joseph Smith at the Kirtland Temple, and were there used at a solemn assemblage where the power of God was manifested and the vision of the Almighty was opened up to the brethren. This was no ordinary order, but is—and we wish it to be distinctly understood—a sacred shout, and employed only on extraordinary occasions like the one now before us. We wish it also to be distinctly understood that we want the brethren and sisters not only to express the words, but that their hearts shall be full of thanksgiving to the God of heaven, who has accomplished, through our agency, this mighty and extraordinary labor. Thirty-nine years ago today the foundation stone—the corner stone—of this Temple was laid, and in reflecting and meditating upon the wonderful blessings that God has bestowed upon us, His people, during this number of years that have passed since that time, we wish the Saints to feel when they pronounce this shout that it comes from their hearts. Let your hearts be filled with thanksgiving.” The speaker then gave out the following words: “Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna to God and the Lamb. Amen, amen, amen,” and continued—“Now when we go before the temple and this shout goes forth, we want every man and every woman to shout these words to the very extent of their voices, so that every house in this city may tremble, the people in every portion of this city hear it, and it may reach to the eternal worlds.”
President Snow then proceeded to train the people in the hosanna shout, the effect of which was thrilling and grand.
President Wilford Woodruff
said in substance: If there is any scene on the face of this earth that will attract the attention of the God of heaven and the heavenly host, it is the one before us today—the assembling of this people, the shout of “Hosanna,” the laying of the top stone of this temple in honor to our God. My brethren, sisters and friends, we want to finish this Temple; we want to dedicate it unto God as soon as we can, so that the vast host who dwell in this region of country may go into it and attend to the ordinances for their living and for their dead. I hope we shall all lay this to heart and try to furnish means so far as we can, in order that the building may be speedily completed. We are able, as a people, to do this. I realize that there are many calls upon the Latter-day Saints for the work and purposes of the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth; but this work now before us is the most important event—the most important that we have upon our hands. I well remember the day and the hour when this first revelation for the redemption of our dead was received by the mouth of the Prophet of God. Who can comprehend this? Where is the man or woman who can comprehend this principle, that we have the power to go into these Temples of our God and redeem our progenitors—our fathers and our mothers, from whom we have descended? They never heard the Gospel; they never enjoyed the blessings which you and I have in our day and time through the mercy of God. We are their posterity. They are on the other side of the vail, shut up in prison, and will remain there until their sons and daughters go into these holy places and redeem them, as Jesus went to preach to the spirits in prison three days and three nights, while His body lay in the tomb. Some of them had laid there a long time—thousands of years—up to the time when Christ was crucified and His Spirit went to them in prison.
President Woodruff then proceeded to enlarge upon the blessings enjoyed by the Latter-day Saints in regard to their work in the Temples, and said he rejoiced in the knowledge that the Prophet Joseph Smith, President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and others formerly associated with them in this great latter-day work on the earth were rejoicing today at what they saw and heard. The shout of “Hosanna” would enter into the presence of God, and they would rejoice thereat. So far as we carried out the purposes which God had placed upon us, and the responsibilities devolving upon us, when we got through here we should have the privilege on the morning of the resurrection of sitting down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and those of our relatives who had already passed away in the family organization of the celestial world for ever and ever.
The choir sang The Temple Anthem.
Benediction by President George Q. Cannon.
said in substance: If there is any scene on the face of this earth that will attract the attention of the God of heaven and the heavenly host, it is the one before us today—the assembling of this people, the shout of “Hosanna,” the laying of the top stone of this temple in honor to our God. My brethren, sisters and friends, we want to finish this Temple; we want to dedicate it unto God as soon as we can, so that the vast host who dwell in this region of country may go into it and attend to the ordinances for their living and for their dead. I hope we shall all lay this to heart and try to furnish means so far as we can, in order that the building may be speedily completed. We are able, as a people, to do this. I realize that there are many calls upon the Latter-day Saints for the work and purposes of the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth; but this work now before us is the most important event—the most important that we have upon our hands. I well remember the day and the hour when this first revelation for the redemption of our dead was received by the mouth of the Prophet of God. Who can comprehend this? Where is the man or woman who can comprehend this principle, that we have the power to go into these Temples of our God and redeem our progenitors—our fathers and our mothers, from whom we have descended? They never heard the Gospel; they never enjoyed the blessings which you and I have in our day and time through the mercy of God. We are their posterity. They are on the other side of the vail, shut up in prison, and will remain there until their sons and daughters go into these holy places and redeem them, as Jesus went to preach to the spirits in prison three days and three nights, while His body lay in the tomb. Some of them had laid there a long time—thousands of years—up to the time when Christ was crucified and His Spirit went to them in prison.
President Woodruff then proceeded to enlarge upon the blessings enjoyed by the Latter-day Saints in regard to their work in the Temples, and said he rejoiced in the knowledge that the Prophet Joseph Smith, President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and others formerly associated with them in this great latter-day work on the earth were rejoicing today at what they saw and heard. The shout of “Hosanna” would enter into the presence of God, and they would rejoice thereat. So far as we carried out the purposes which God had placed upon us, and the responsibilities devolving upon us, when we got through here we should have the privilege on the morning of the resurrection of sitting down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and those of our relatives who had already passed away in the family organization of the celestial world for ever and ever.
The choir sang The Temple Anthem.
Benediction by President George Q. Cannon.
The Procession.
The Priesthood, arranged in procession after the following order, marched to the grounds adjoining the Temple at about half-past eleven:
Order of Procession.
First Presidency,
Twelve Apostles,
Presiding Patriarch and Patriarchs,
First Seven Presidents of Seventies,
Presidents of Stakes, their Counselors, and High Councilors,
Seventies,
High Priests,
Elders,
Presiding Bishops,
Bishops and Counselors,
Priests,
Teachers,
Deacons.
The work arranging the Priesthood according to the various orders and the organization of the procession was superintended by Bishop John R. Winder.
On a stand located at the south-west corner—southside of the building—the General authorities of the Church were seated, as follows: The First Presidency—Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith; of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon.
Patriarch to the Church—John Smith.
Of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies—Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted, John Morgan, B. H. Roberts, George Reynolds and Jonathan Golden Kimball; the Presiding Bishopric—William B. Preston, Robert T. Burton, and John R. Winder. Presidents of Stakes and Counselors and other officials of the Church also occupied this platform. The stand was elevated about eight feet above the level of the ground. Its base was decorated with national bunting.
To the left of the main stand was a platform occupied by the Tabernacle choir.
Near the south-east corner of the position occupied by the general authorities was another stand. It was also decorated with national bunting. This platform was occupied by Elder Stephens, conductor, and Joseph J. Daynes, organist.
Held’s band occupied a position immediately east of the choir.
The Capstone Ceremonies.
The “Capstone March,” composed by C. J. Thomas, and dedicated by permission to the First Presidency, was played by Held’s band.
The Temple Anthem—words by C. L. Walker,
music by Evans Stephens—was sung by the Tabernacle Choir.
Glorious God, Eternal Father,
In the name of Christ we pray
Thou wilt bless us with Thy presence,
While this crowning stone we lay;
Let Thy favor rest upon it.
Let Thy hand protect these tow’rs
May Thy peace brood over this Temple,
It is Thine, O Lord, not ours,
It is Thine, it is Thine, it is Thine, O Lord, not ours.
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Heav’n and earth and angels sing,
Heav’n and earth and angels sing.
Choirs celestial join the chorus,
Christ our King.
Praise Him, Praise Him, Christ our King.
Shout hosannas, shout hosannas,
Glory be to God our head,
For His everlasting mercies
To the living and the dead!
Joy now reigns where once was sadness
‘Midst the prison’s dreadful gloom,
Millions hail with joy and gladness
Victory over hell and tomb!
Victory, victory, victory over hell and tomb.
Chorus.
Sound throughout His vast creations,
All His wondrous heavenly host,
Glory be to God the Father,
Jesus Christ and Holy Ghost;
Sing ye bright seraphic legions
Loud as thunder in the sky,
Pealing through celestial regions,
Glory be to God on high,
Glory, glory, glory be to God on high!
President George Q. Cannon exhibited to the immense concourse of people a polished copper plate (engraved by David McKenzie) inscribed, as follows:
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE TEMPLE BLOCK CONSECRATED AND GROUND BROKEN FOR THE FOUNDATION OF THIS TEMPLE, FEBRUARY 14TH, 1853.
THE CORNER STONES WERE LAID APRIL 6TH, 1853, COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER.
GENERAL CHURCH AUTHORITIES:
April 6, 1853. April 6th, 1892.
FIRST PRESIDENCY. FIRST PRESIDENCY.
Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff,
Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards. George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith.
TWELVE APOSTLES. TWELVE APOSTLES.
Orson Hyde. Lorenzo Snow,
Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young,
Orson Pratt, Francis M. Lyman,
Wilford Woodruff, George Teasdale,
John Taylor, John W. Taylor,
George A. Smith, Anthon H. Lund,
Amasa Lyman, Franklin D. Richards,
Ezra T. Benson, Moses Thatcher,
Charles C. Rich, John H. Smith,
Lorenzo Snow, Heber J. Grant,
Erastus Snow, Marriner W. Merrill,
Franklin D. Richards. Abraham H. Cannon.
PATRIARCH TO THE CHURCH. PATRIARCH TO THE CHURCH.
John Smith, son of Asael. John Smith, son of Hyrum.
FIRST SEVEN PRESIDENTS OF SEVENTIES. FIRST SEVEN PRESIDENTS OF SEVENTIES.
Joseph Young, Jacob Gates,
Levi W. Hancock, C. D. Fjeldsted,
Henry Herriman, B. H. Roberts,
Benjamin L. Clapp. Jonathan G. Kimball.
Zera Pulsipher, Seymour B. Young.
A. J. Rochwood, John Morgan,
Jedediah M. Grant, George Reynolds,
PRESIDING BISHOP. PRESIDING BISHOP.
Edward Hunter. William B. Preston,
Robert T. Burton, John R. Winder, Counselors
T. O. Angell, Jos. D. C. Young, Architects.
THE CAPSTONE WAS LAID APRIL 6TH, 1892, BY PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
It was announced that this plate would be laid in with the cap-stone, together with the following articles:
Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Voice of Warning, Spencer’s Letters, Key to Theology, Hymn Book, Bible, Compendium, Pear of Great Price, and some other books; also photographs of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, and a photograph of the Salt Lake Temple as it now stands, etc.
The Prayer.
The following prayer was offered by
The Priesthood, arranged in procession after the following order, marched to the grounds adjoining the Temple at about half-past eleven:
Order of Procession.
First Presidency,
Twelve Apostles,
Presiding Patriarch and Patriarchs,
First Seven Presidents of Seventies,
Presidents of Stakes, their Counselors, and High Councilors,
Seventies,
High Priests,
Elders,
Presiding Bishops,
Bishops and Counselors,
Priests,
Teachers,
Deacons.
The work arranging the Priesthood according to the various orders and the organization of the procession was superintended by Bishop John R. Winder.
On a stand located at the south-west corner—southside of the building—the General authorities of the Church were seated, as follows: The First Presidency—Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith; of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon.
Patriarch to the Church—John Smith.
Of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies—Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeldsted, John Morgan, B. H. Roberts, George Reynolds and Jonathan Golden Kimball; the Presiding Bishopric—William B. Preston, Robert T. Burton, and John R. Winder. Presidents of Stakes and Counselors and other officials of the Church also occupied this platform. The stand was elevated about eight feet above the level of the ground. Its base was decorated with national bunting.
To the left of the main stand was a platform occupied by the Tabernacle choir.
Near the south-east corner of the position occupied by the general authorities was another stand. It was also decorated with national bunting. This platform was occupied by Elder Stephens, conductor, and Joseph J. Daynes, organist.
Held’s band occupied a position immediately east of the choir.
The Capstone Ceremonies.
The “Capstone March,” composed by C. J. Thomas, and dedicated by permission to the First Presidency, was played by Held’s band.
The Temple Anthem—words by C. L. Walker,
music by Evans Stephens—was sung by the Tabernacle Choir.
Glorious God, Eternal Father,
In the name of Christ we pray
Thou wilt bless us with Thy presence,
While this crowning stone we lay;
Let Thy favor rest upon it.
Let Thy hand protect these tow’rs
May Thy peace brood over this Temple,
It is Thine, O Lord, not ours,
It is Thine, it is Thine, it is Thine, O Lord, not ours.
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Heav’n and earth and angels sing,
Heav’n and earth and angels sing.
Choirs celestial join the chorus,
Christ our King.
Praise Him, Praise Him, Christ our King.
Shout hosannas, shout hosannas,
Glory be to God our head,
For His everlasting mercies
To the living and the dead!
Joy now reigns where once was sadness
‘Midst the prison’s dreadful gloom,
Millions hail with joy and gladness
Victory over hell and tomb!
Victory, victory, victory over hell and tomb.
Chorus.
Sound throughout His vast creations,
All His wondrous heavenly host,
Glory be to God the Father,
Jesus Christ and Holy Ghost;
Sing ye bright seraphic legions
Loud as thunder in the sky,
Pealing through celestial regions,
Glory be to God on high,
Glory, glory, glory be to God on high!
President George Q. Cannon exhibited to the immense concourse of people a polished copper plate (engraved by David McKenzie) inscribed, as follows:
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE TEMPLE BLOCK CONSECRATED AND GROUND BROKEN FOR THE FOUNDATION OF THIS TEMPLE, FEBRUARY 14TH, 1853.
THE CORNER STONES WERE LAID APRIL 6TH, 1853, COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER.
GENERAL CHURCH AUTHORITIES:
April 6, 1853. April 6th, 1892.
FIRST PRESIDENCY. FIRST PRESIDENCY.
Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff,
Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards. George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith.
TWELVE APOSTLES. TWELVE APOSTLES.
Orson Hyde. Lorenzo Snow,
Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young,
Orson Pratt, Francis M. Lyman,
Wilford Woodruff, George Teasdale,
John Taylor, John W. Taylor,
George A. Smith, Anthon H. Lund,
Amasa Lyman, Franklin D. Richards,
Ezra T. Benson, Moses Thatcher,
Charles C. Rich, John H. Smith,
Lorenzo Snow, Heber J. Grant,
Erastus Snow, Marriner W. Merrill,
Franklin D. Richards. Abraham H. Cannon.
PATRIARCH TO THE CHURCH. PATRIARCH TO THE CHURCH.
John Smith, son of Asael. John Smith, son of Hyrum.
FIRST SEVEN PRESIDENTS OF SEVENTIES. FIRST SEVEN PRESIDENTS OF SEVENTIES.
Joseph Young, Jacob Gates,
Levi W. Hancock, C. D. Fjeldsted,
Henry Herriman, B. H. Roberts,
Benjamin L. Clapp. Jonathan G. Kimball.
Zera Pulsipher, Seymour B. Young.
A. J. Rochwood, John Morgan,
Jedediah M. Grant, George Reynolds,
PRESIDING BISHOP. PRESIDING BISHOP.
Edward Hunter. William B. Preston,
Robert T. Burton, John R. Winder, Counselors
T. O. Angell, Jos. D. C. Young, Architects.
THE CAPSTONE WAS LAID APRIL 6TH, 1892, BY PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
It was announced that this plate would be laid in with the cap-stone, together with the following articles:
Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Voice of Warning, Spencer’s Letters, Key to Theology, Hymn Book, Bible, Compendium, Pear of Great Price, and some other books; also photographs of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, and a photograph of the Salt Lake Temple as it now stands, etc.
The Prayer.
The following prayer was offered by
President Joseph F. Smith.
O God, our Heavenly Father, we desire to draw near unto Thee at this moment and after unto Thee the gratitude of our hearts for this pleasant and blessed opportunity that we enjoy of assembling ourselves together on this the sixty-second anniversary of the organization of Thy Church in the earth in the dispensation of the fulness of times. We thank Thee that on this occasion we are permitted and privileged to lay the capstone of this building which we have been permitted to erect thus far unto the name of God, our Father in heaven. And we pray thee, O Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, that Thou wilt behold us in mercy on this occasion, and accept of our dedication of ourselves, of our labors, of all that we have and are upon the earth, unto Thee, the Lord our God; for we desire to be Thine, and we desire that Thou wilt accept of us and acknowledge us as Thy children and that we may feel in our hearts that our lives and our course of action are acceptable unto Thee. We feel, Heavenly Father, to dedicate unto Thee at this time the capstone of this Temple. That we are permitted to lay it this day, we are grateful to Thee, and thus finish the laying of the stones of this building, which has been for thirty-nine years in the course of its erection. We thank Thee for the privilege. We pray Thee to sanctify this service to our good. May it go down in the memories of those that are assembled here, and may it be retained in the memories of the young—the children that are here in our midst—that they may carry it to our latest day. We thank Thee that there are a few of us here that were privileged to behold the laying of the corner stones of this building, and that Thou hast preserved us through years that have passed and brought us to this present time under so favorable circumstances as those which surround us. Bless this vast congregation of people; pour out Thy Holy Spirit upon them; may they have the Spirit of God to dwell in their hearts, and may the love of truth actuate them in all that they do from this time forth and for ever. Bless the workmen that have labored upon this Temple; bless those that shall be immediately engaged in laying the capstone; bless Thine aged servant President Woodruff, and sanctify him the honor which is due unto him, O God, of laying the capstone by the instrumentality of electricity, that great agency, the discovery of which has been granted unto the people of this generation.
We ask Thee, Heavenly Father, now to accept of us, and to accept of our services, for all that we do we desire to do in Thy name, and to Thy name’s honor and glory and to our salvation. We dedicate ourselves unto Thee. Accept of us we pray Thee and sanctify unto us every dispensation of Thy providence, and help us to see and acknowledge Thy hand cheerfully in all things.
All of which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
The choir sang: Grant us peace.
Architect Joseph Don Carlos Young shouted from the top of the Temple:
“The cap-stone is now ready to be laid.”
O God, our Heavenly Father, we desire to draw near unto Thee at this moment and after unto Thee the gratitude of our hearts for this pleasant and blessed opportunity that we enjoy of assembling ourselves together on this the sixty-second anniversary of the organization of Thy Church in the earth in the dispensation of the fulness of times. We thank Thee that on this occasion we are permitted and privileged to lay the capstone of this building which we have been permitted to erect thus far unto the name of God, our Father in heaven. And we pray thee, O Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, that Thou wilt behold us in mercy on this occasion, and accept of our dedication of ourselves, of our labors, of all that we have and are upon the earth, unto Thee, the Lord our God; for we desire to be Thine, and we desire that Thou wilt accept of us and acknowledge us as Thy children and that we may feel in our hearts that our lives and our course of action are acceptable unto Thee. We feel, Heavenly Father, to dedicate unto Thee at this time the capstone of this Temple. That we are permitted to lay it this day, we are grateful to Thee, and thus finish the laying of the stones of this building, which has been for thirty-nine years in the course of its erection. We thank Thee for the privilege. We pray Thee to sanctify this service to our good. May it go down in the memories of those that are assembled here, and may it be retained in the memories of the young—the children that are here in our midst—that they may carry it to our latest day. We thank Thee that there are a few of us here that were privileged to behold the laying of the corner stones of this building, and that Thou hast preserved us through years that have passed and brought us to this present time under so favorable circumstances as those which surround us. Bless this vast congregation of people; pour out Thy Holy Spirit upon them; may they have the Spirit of God to dwell in their hearts, and may the love of truth actuate them in all that they do from this time forth and for ever. Bless the workmen that have labored upon this Temple; bless those that shall be immediately engaged in laying the capstone; bless Thine aged servant President Woodruff, and sanctify him the honor which is due unto him, O God, of laying the capstone by the instrumentality of electricity, that great agency, the discovery of which has been granted unto the people of this generation.
We ask Thee, Heavenly Father, now to accept of us, and to accept of our services, for all that we do we desire to do in Thy name, and to Thy name’s honor and glory and to our salvation. We dedicate ourselves unto Thee. Accept of us we pray Thee and sanctify unto us every dispensation of Thy providence, and help us to see and acknowledge Thy hand cheerfully in all things.
All of which we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
The choir sang: Grant us peace.
Architect Joseph Don Carlos Young shouted from the top of the Temple:
“The cap-stone is now ready to be laid.”
President Woodruff
stepped to the front of the platform and said:
Attention, all ye house of Israel and all ye nations of the earth. We will now lay the top stone of the Temple of our God, the foundation of which was laid and dedicated by the Prophet, Seer and Revelator Brigham Young.
President Woodruff then pressed the button, thus opening an electric current to a contrivance connected with the capstone, the latter being thus released and placed in position.
The Hosanna.
The immense concourse of people, led by President Lorenzo Snow, shouted the hosanna in concert:
“Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen, and Amen.”
This was done three times, each shout being accompanied by a waving of handkerchiefs, except when the names of God and the Lamb wee uttered.
The spectacle and effect of the shout was grand beyond description, the emotions of the multitude being stirred up in the greatest intensity of devotion and enthusiasm.
The choir and congregation sang:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth,
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
And angels are coming to visit the earth.
We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the armies of heaven,
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given.
Henceforth and forever; Amen and Amen!
The Temple Ode—words by H. W. Naisbitt, music by Prof. C. J. Thomas—was sung by the Union Glee Club:
All hail this glorious day,
This grand, auspicious day.
The vales resound, the mountains ring.
The capstone on the Temple bring,
With gladsome peal, united sing,
Of truth’s still widening way,
The time is near at hand,
When Christ shall come and claim His own,
And ‘mid his Saints erect that throne
Which on the earth must stand.
All hail that glorious day!
The shadows melt away;
The skies are bright,
Soon truth and right.
Shall come to earth from Zion’s light,
And man redeemed at last shall shine,
Our Father’s image, all divine.
stepped to the front of the platform and said:
Attention, all ye house of Israel and all ye nations of the earth. We will now lay the top stone of the Temple of our God, the foundation of which was laid and dedicated by the Prophet, Seer and Revelator Brigham Young.
President Woodruff then pressed the button, thus opening an electric current to a contrivance connected with the capstone, the latter being thus released and placed in position.
The Hosanna.
The immense concourse of people, led by President Lorenzo Snow, shouted the hosanna in concert:
“Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen, and Amen.”
This was done three times, each shout being accompanied by a waving of handkerchiefs, except when the names of God and the Lamb wee uttered.
The spectacle and effect of the shout was grand beyond description, the emotions of the multitude being stirred up in the greatest intensity of devotion and enthusiasm.
The choir and congregation sang:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth,
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
And angels are coming to visit the earth.
We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the armies of heaven,
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given.
Henceforth and forever; Amen and Amen!
The Temple Ode—words by H. W. Naisbitt, music by Prof. C. J. Thomas—was sung by the Union Glee Club:
All hail this glorious day,
This grand, auspicious day.
The vales resound, the mountains ring.
The capstone on the Temple bring,
With gladsome peal, united sing,
Of truth’s still widening way,
The time is near at hand,
When Christ shall come and claim His own,
And ‘mid his Saints erect that throne
Which on the earth must stand.
All hail that glorious day!
The shadows melt away;
The skies are bright,
Soon truth and right.
Shall come to earth from Zion’s light,
And man redeemed at last shall shine,
Our Father’s image, all divine.
Apostle Francis M. Lyman
said: Six months ago—it was last October—President Woodruff expressed, in a council of the Presidency of the Church and the presiding authorities of the Stakes and wards, that he desired to live to see the dedication of this Temple. It was the feeling in the hearts of the brethren present that an effort should be made to accomplish that work. Next April it will be just forty years from the time of the laying of the corner-stones of this Temple, and I have a resolution to offer to assembled Israel today which embraces the ground covered by a resolution suggested by our Brother, Willard Young:
Resolution.
Believing that the instructions of President Woodruff, respecting the early completion of the Salt Lake Temple, is the word of the Lord unto us. I propose that this assemblage pledge themselves collectively and individually, to furnish, as fast as may be needed, all the money that may be required to complete the Temple at the earliest time possible, so that the dedication may take place on April 6th, 1893.
The resolution was put to the meeting, that it might have the endorsement of all Israel. The result was a deafening shout of “ayes” from the assembled host.
Brother Lyman then stated that he would head a subscription list with a donation of one thousand dollars to aid in the attainment of the object expressed in the resolution.
Music by the band.
Closing anthem by the Tabernacle choir—“Song of the Redeemed,” composed by Evan Stephens.
said: Six months ago—it was last October—President Woodruff expressed, in a council of the Presidency of the Church and the presiding authorities of the Stakes and wards, that he desired to live to see the dedication of this Temple. It was the feeling in the hearts of the brethren present that an effort should be made to accomplish that work. Next April it will be just forty years from the time of the laying of the corner-stones of this Temple, and I have a resolution to offer to assembled Israel today which embraces the ground covered by a resolution suggested by our Brother, Willard Young:
Resolution.
Believing that the instructions of President Woodruff, respecting the early completion of the Salt Lake Temple, is the word of the Lord unto us. I propose that this assemblage pledge themselves collectively and individually, to furnish, as fast as may be needed, all the money that may be required to complete the Temple at the earliest time possible, so that the dedication may take place on April 6th, 1893.
The resolution was put to the meeting, that it might have the endorsement of all Israel. The result was a deafening shout of “ayes” from the assembled host.
Brother Lyman then stated that he would head a subscription list with a donation of one thousand dollars to aid in the attainment of the object expressed in the resolution.
Music by the band.
Closing anthem by the Tabernacle choir—“Song of the Redeemed,” composed by Evan Stephens.
Benediction.
President George Q. Cannon then pronounced the benediction as follows:
“O God, our Eternal Father, accept all our proceedings this day. Let Thy blessing descend upon this people and upon all that we have done, and grant that the Holy Ghost may rest down upon every one of us, and upon all the honest in heart everywhere. Bless this entire people from north to south and from east to west, and the honest in heart throughout the earth, which we ask in the name of Jesus, beseeching Thee to dismiss us with Thy peace, in His name. Amen.
Conference was declared adjourned for six months.
The Multitude.
The number of people who attended the ceremonies and who were on the grounds were probably about 40,000, besides many thousands more who crowded the adjoining streets and covered every building in the vicinity from which a view of the interior of the Temple Block could be obtained. The entire scene was imposing, presenting a spectacle that has not been duplicated on this continent in modern times. It must have made an impression on the people who witnessed—especially the participants in the ceremonies—that will never be effaced from their memory.
The Statue of Moroni.
The work of surmounting the capstone with the figure representing the Angel Moroni was proceed with after the ceremonies. This figure is of gigantic proportions, being twelve feet five and a half inches in height. The idea conveyed by the statue is that of a herald, or messenger, in the act of blowing a trumpet, an embodiment of the fact of Moroni bringing the Gospel to the earth in this latter-day dispensation. It is made of 24 hammered copper, and was constructed by W. H. Mullens & Co., of Salem, Ohio, after a model by Mr. C. E. Dallin, of this city. The figure is admirably proportioned, and its pose is graceful. It is gilded with pure gold leaf, and surmounting its crown is an incandescent lamp of one hundred candle-power. It was placed in position and was unveiled at ten minutes past 3 o’clock. Its effect is beautiful.
The Finials.
The ornamental terminals are being placed upon all of the towers of the Temple, with the exception of the middle one on the east end of the structure, which is surmounted by the statue of the angel. The largest of the five finials is on the middle tower of the west end of the building. It is twelve feet in height. Those which will adorn the towers of the four corners are ten feet in height. All of them are handsome, and will give these elevated points of the building an appropriate finish. They are made of sixteen hammered copper, and are the handiwork of Samuel Backman, of this city, a skilled workman in metals. These ornamental finishes are being fastened into the capstones of the towers by means of iron rods, which reach to an insulating joint, about half way up the interior of the finials. Each of the latter is gilded with pure gold leaf, and has attached to it eight one hundred candle-power incandescent lamps. There being five of these ornaments, the illumination they will afford in the aggregate, will be 4,000 candle power. When all of them shall be lighted and combined with a one hundred candle-power lamp, which will be suspended over the crown of the figure representing the Angel Moroni, the effect will be most brilliant and beautiful.
John Nicholson,
Clerk of Conference.
President George Q. Cannon then pronounced the benediction as follows:
“O God, our Eternal Father, accept all our proceedings this day. Let Thy blessing descend upon this people and upon all that we have done, and grant that the Holy Ghost may rest down upon every one of us, and upon all the honest in heart everywhere. Bless this entire people from north to south and from east to west, and the honest in heart throughout the earth, which we ask in the name of Jesus, beseeching Thee to dismiss us with Thy peace, in His name. Amen.
Conference was declared adjourned for six months.
The Multitude.
The number of people who attended the ceremonies and who were on the grounds were probably about 40,000, besides many thousands more who crowded the adjoining streets and covered every building in the vicinity from which a view of the interior of the Temple Block could be obtained. The entire scene was imposing, presenting a spectacle that has not been duplicated on this continent in modern times. It must have made an impression on the people who witnessed—especially the participants in the ceremonies—that will never be effaced from their memory.
The Statue of Moroni.
The work of surmounting the capstone with the figure representing the Angel Moroni was proceed with after the ceremonies. This figure is of gigantic proportions, being twelve feet five and a half inches in height. The idea conveyed by the statue is that of a herald, or messenger, in the act of blowing a trumpet, an embodiment of the fact of Moroni bringing the Gospel to the earth in this latter-day dispensation. It is made of 24 hammered copper, and was constructed by W. H. Mullens & Co., of Salem, Ohio, after a model by Mr. C. E. Dallin, of this city. The figure is admirably proportioned, and its pose is graceful. It is gilded with pure gold leaf, and surmounting its crown is an incandescent lamp of one hundred candle-power. It was placed in position and was unveiled at ten minutes past 3 o’clock. Its effect is beautiful.
The Finials.
The ornamental terminals are being placed upon all of the towers of the Temple, with the exception of the middle one on the east end of the structure, which is surmounted by the statue of the angel. The largest of the five finials is on the middle tower of the west end of the building. It is twelve feet in height. Those which will adorn the towers of the four corners are ten feet in height. All of them are handsome, and will give these elevated points of the building an appropriate finish. They are made of sixteen hammered copper, and are the handiwork of Samuel Backman, of this city, a skilled workman in metals. These ornamental finishes are being fastened into the capstones of the towers by means of iron rods, which reach to an insulating joint, about half way up the interior of the finials. Each of the latter is gilded with pure gold leaf, and has attached to it eight one hundred candle-power incandescent lamps. There being five of these ornaments, the illumination they will afford in the aggregate, will be 4,000 candle power. When all of them shall be lighted and combined with a one hundred candle-power lamp, which will be suspended over the crown of the figure representing the Angel Moroni, the effect will be most brilliant and beautiful.
John Nicholson,
Clerk of Conference.