October 1902
Seventy-Third Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1902). Report of Discourses. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Deseret News.
SEVENTY-THIRD SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. FIRST DAY.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Greeting—Causes for thanksgiving—God's blessings increase through faithfulness
ELDER JOSEPH E. ROBINSON
President of the California Mission
ELDER EPHRAIM H. NYE
President of the Southern States mission
ELDER BEN E. RICH
President of the Middle States Mission
ELDER J. A. McRAE
President of the Colorado Mission
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
Apostates sacrifice the most—Professed ministers of Jesus guilty of misrepresentation
AFTERNOON SESSION
ELDER J. G. DUFFIN
President of Southwestern States Mission
ELDER ASAHEL WOODRUFF
President of the Northern States Mission
ELDER NEPHI PRATT
President of Northwestern States Mission
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH
Friendly manifestations where persecution existed before
SECOND DAY. Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 1902
ELDER REED SMOOT
Striking evidence of friendship—Payment of fast offerings for the poor
ELDER ANTHONY W. IVINS
President of the Juarez Stake
ELDER SAMUEL E. WOOLLEY
President of Sandwich Islands Mission
ELDER HEBER S. ALLEN
President of Alberta Stake
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Appreciation of faithful labors—A spirit of restlessness not desirable
ELDER WILLIAM H. SMART
President of Wasatch Stake
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF
Establishment and maintenance of settlements
ELDER L. A. KELSCH
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
OVERFLOW MEETINGS. SUNDAY, OCT. 5.
Benjamin Goddard
James Iverson
M. F. Cowley
James Sharp
Reed Smoot
George Christensen
Mrs. Lucy Smith
John McDonald, Jr.
Henry S. Tanner
OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER WM. H. SEEGMILLER
President of Sevier Stake
ELDER C. N. LUND
President of North Sanpete Stake
ELDER MOSES W. TAYLOR
President of Summit Stake
ELDER JAMES W. PAXMAN
President of Juab Stake
ELDER JOSEPH MORRELL
President of Cache Stake
ELDER GEORGE C. PARKINSON
President of Oneida Stake
ELDER GEORGE J. CANNON
ELDER REED SMOOT
How to get out of debt—Economy a righteous principle
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF
Blessing in disguise—Do good to all mankind
AFTERNOON SESSION
ELDER RUDGER CLAWSON
Words inspired by the Holy Spirit are Scripture
ELDER ANDREW KIMBALL
President of St. Joseph Stake
ELDER WILLIAM T. JACK
President of Cassia Stake
ELDER S. R. BENNION
President of Uintah Stake
ELDER FRANK Y. TAYLOR
President of Granite Stake
ELDER MATHIAS F. COWLEY
Difficulties to be settled privately, If possible
THIRD DAY. IN THE TABERNACLE. MONDAY, OCT. 6, 10 A. M.
ELDER MARRINER W. MERRILL
Remarkable development of the Lord's work
ELDER DAVID K. UDALL
President of St. Johns Stake
ELDER JESSE W. CROSBY
Of the Presidency of Big Horn Stake
ELDER STEPHEN L. CHIPMAN
President of Alpine Stake
ELDER URIAH T. JONES
President of Parowan Stake
ELDER CHARLES D. WHITE
President of Beaver Stake
ELDER IRA N. HINCKLEY
President of Millard Stake
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE
A promise fulfilled—Pleasure in preaching the Gospel
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Possession of Priesthood not confined to a few
CLOSING SESSION
ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR
Ancient prophecies fulfilled in these days
ELDER W. C. LYMAN
President of San Juan Stake
ELDER JOSEPH B. KEELER
Of the Presidency of Utah Stake
ELDER MILTON H. WELLING
President of Malad Stake
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
Importance of an education, secular and religious
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
Temple work—The Sacrament—Fast offerings
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Honor the Priesthood in their respective callings
SEMI-ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL CONFERENCE - GENERAL MEETING
SECOND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
JOSEPH W. SUMMERHAYS
ELDER HENRY PETERSON
ELDER HORACE CUMMINGS
ELDER JAMES E. TALMAGE
ELDER JOSEPH M. TANNER
SEVENTY-THIRD SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. FIRST DAY.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Greeting—Causes for thanksgiving—God's blessings increase through faithfulness
ELDER JOSEPH E. ROBINSON
President of the California Mission
ELDER EPHRAIM H. NYE
President of the Southern States mission
ELDER BEN E. RICH
President of the Middle States Mission
ELDER J. A. McRAE
President of the Colorado Mission
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
Apostates sacrifice the most—Professed ministers of Jesus guilty of misrepresentation
AFTERNOON SESSION
ELDER J. G. DUFFIN
President of Southwestern States Mission
ELDER ASAHEL WOODRUFF
President of the Northern States Mission
ELDER NEPHI PRATT
President of Northwestern States Mission
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH
Friendly manifestations where persecution existed before
SECOND DAY. Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 1902
ELDER REED SMOOT
Striking evidence of friendship—Payment of fast offerings for the poor
ELDER ANTHONY W. IVINS
President of the Juarez Stake
ELDER SAMUEL E. WOOLLEY
President of Sandwich Islands Mission
ELDER HEBER S. ALLEN
President of Alberta Stake
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Appreciation of faithful labors—A spirit of restlessness not desirable
ELDER WILLIAM H. SMART
President of Wasatch Stake
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF
Establishment and maintenance of settlements
ELDER L. A. KELSCH
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
OVERFLOW MEETINGS. SUNDAY, OCT. 5.
Benjamin Goddard
James Iverson
M. F. Cowley
James Sharp
Reed Smoot
George Christensen
Mrs. Lucy Smith
John McDonald, Jr.
Henry S. Tanner
OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER WM. H. SEEGMILLER
President of Sevier Stake
ELDER C. N. LUND
President of North Sanpete Stake
ELDER MOSES W. TAYLOR
President of Summit Stake
ELDER JAMES W. PAXMAN
President of Juab Stake
ELDER JOSEPH MORRELL
President of Cache Stake
ELDER GEORGE C. PARKINSON
President of Oneida Stake
ELDER GEORGE J. CANNON
ELDER REED SMOOT
How to get out of debt—Economy a righteous principle
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF
Blessing in disguise—Do good to all mankind
AFTERNOON SESSION
ELDER RUDGER CLAWSON
Words inspired by the Holy Spirit are Scripture
ELDER ANDREW KIMBALL
President of St. Joseph Stake
ELDER WILLIAM T. JACK
President of Cassia Stake
ELDER S. R. BENNION
President of Uintah Stake
ELDER FRANK Y. TAYLOR
President of Granite Stake
ELDER MATHIAS F. COWLEY
Difficulties to be settled privately, If possible
THIRD DAY. IN THE TABERNACLE. MONDAY, OCT. 6, 10 A. M.
ELDER MARRINER W. MERRILL
Remarkable development of the Lord's work
ELDER DAVID K. UDALL
President of St. Johns Stake
ELDER JESSE W. CROSBY
Of the Presidency of Big Horn Stake
ELDER STEPHEN L. CHIPMAN
President of Alpine Stake
ELDER URIAH T. JONES
President of Parowan Stake
ELDER CHARLES D. WHITE
President of Beaver Stake
ELDER IRA N. HINCKLEY
President of Millard Stake
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE
A promise fulfilled—Pleasure in preaching the Gospel
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Possession of Priesthood not confined to a few
CLOSING SESSION
ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR
Ancient prophecies fulfilled in these days
ELDER W. C. LYMAN
President of San Juan Stake
ELDER JOSEPH B. KEELER
Of the Presidency of Utah Stake
ELDER MILTON H. WELLING
President of Malad Stake
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
Importance of an education, secular and religious
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
Temple work—The Sacrament—Fast offerings
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Honor the Priesthood in their respective callings
SEMI-ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL CONFERENCE - GENERAL MEETING
SECOND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
JOSEPH W. SUMMERHAYS
ELDER HENRY PETERSON
ELDER HORACE CUMMINGS
ELDER JAMES E. TALMAGE
ELDER JOSEPH M. TANNER
SEVENTY-THIRD SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
FIRST DAY.
The Seventy-third Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 a. m., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 1902, President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
There were present of the General Authorities: Of the First Presidency, Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund. Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles there were: John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Marriner W. Merrill, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson. Reed Smoot and Hyrum M. Smith; Presiding Patriarch of the Church, John Smith; first seven presidents of Seventies, Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, George Reynolds, Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells and Joseph W. McMurrin; of the presiding Bishopric, William B. Preston, Robert T. Burton and Orrin P. Miller. There were likewise a large number of presidents of Stakes, their counselors and other leading men of the Priesthood.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, which begins:
Our God, we raise to Thee,
Thanks for Thy blessings free,
We here enjoy.
Prayer was offered by Elder Collins R. Hakes.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
Redeemer of Israel, Our only delight,
On whom for a blessing we call;
Our shadow by day, And our pillar by night,
Our King, our Deliverer, our all.
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
FIRST DAY.
The Seventy-third Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 a. m., on Saturday, Oct. 4, 1902, President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
There were present of the General Authorities: Of the First Presidency, Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund. Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles there were: John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Marriner W. Merrill, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson. Reed Smoot and Hyrum M. Smith; Presiding Patriarch of the Church, John Smith; first seven presidents of Seventies, Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, George Reynolds, Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells and Joseph W. McMurrin; of the presiding Bishopric, William B. Preston, Robert T. Burton and Orrin P. Miller. There were likewise a large number of presidents of Stakes, their counselors and other leading men of the Priesthood.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, which begins:
Our God, we raise to Thee,
Thanks for Thy blessings free,
We here enjoy.
Prayer was offered by Elder Collins R. Hakes.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
Redeemer of Israel, Our only delight,
On whom for a blessing we call;
Our shadow by day, And our pillar by night,
Our King, our Deliverer, our all.
OPENING ADDRESS.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Greeting—Causes for thanksgiving—God's blessings increase through faithfulness — More Temples to be built—Great responsibility resting upon the Saints.
My beloved brethren and sisters, I greet you heartily this morning in your attendance at this the 73rd Semi-annual Conference of the Church. I am pleased to see such a good representation here this morning. Especially am I pleased to see so many of the presiding authorities of the Church—the Apostles and the presidents of stakes, and also many of the presidents of the various missions of the Church. It is indeed gratifying to see these our brethren assembled here, on whom rests so great a responsibility, they having been entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel to the nations of the earth and with the care of the flock of Christ in the various Stakes of Zion.
During this conference we desire, as far as the time will permit, to give an opportunity to as many as possible of the Elders who are presiding abroad, and of the presidents of the stakes of Zion, to express themselves; and in order that we may reach as many as possible, we desire that the brethren who speak shall have that portion of the Spirit of God that will enable them to speak clearly, pointedly and briefly up - on those subjects that may come to their minds.
We have here the Apostles, the Presidents of the Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric, who are practically traveling Elders in the Church, visiting the stakes of Zion and the various mission fields, from time to time, and they are especially posted in relation to the condition of the work of the Lord in the various fields that they have visited and will be able to speak to us in relation to those subjects and matters that will be most interesting and necessary for the general enlightenment of those who have come to the conference, and to the edification of the whole people.
We desire to say to the people that we feel very grateful to the Lord for His continued mercy unto us, and, notwithstanding the drouth of the past season, which has been almost unprecedented in many parts of the country, we feel that the Saints have been greatly blessed, and that there will be no necessity for any great lack or want among the people in consequence of the drouth, but we feel that all will be blessed with sufficient for their needs. In many parts of the country we have been exceedingly blessed. There has been an abundance of water, and in some sections our people have been visited by unprecedented rains, resulting in great floods, which have done more or less damage to the people; but this, of course, is not to a very great extent.
We feel in our hearts that Zion is prospering, and that all is well with the people of God at large; still, we realize that there is great room for us to improve, and that the opportunities for advancement are very extensive. We hope that all the Latter-day Saints will continue their diligence and faithfulness before the Lord in the work in which they are engaged, that Zion may continue to flourish in the tops of the mountains, and that the purposes of God Almighty concerning His people and His work in the latter days may be consummated and fully realized. We feel that the Lord will bless His people, and the earth, for their sake, in the future more abundantly than in the past. In proportion as we renew and redouble our diligence and faithfulness before the Lord in keeping His commandments and walking in all righteousness and acceptableness before Him, so will His blessings be increased upon the people, and upon all their substance, and upon the earth which they inhabit.
We congratulate you, brethren arid sifters, on your appearance here this morning, and we pray God to pour out upon you and upon all of us His Holy Spirit during this Conference, that we may have a time of rejoicing, and that we may be able to act intelligently and wisely on all matters of business that may be presented before us; that we may have the spirit of union, love and devotion to the cause of Zion abiding in our hearts; that we may have no feelings of dissension, but that we may be one, that we may be indeed the people of God.
It is not my purpose to prolong my remarks this morning, but I desired to express my gratitude to my Father in heaven for all His mercies and blessings unto us.
We will say to the people that we have no reason to complain of the diligence of the Saints, so far as we are able to judge, in keeping the law of tithing. We believe that the Latter-day Saints are observing that law as faithfully as they have ever done, and we beseech of you that you will continue to do this until our hands shall be freed from all obligations, and until we shall have means in the storehouse of the Lord with which to accomplish greater works, which may be necessary to be done.
We feel there is much that can be done and much that ought to be done in the interests of Zion and for the benefit of the people of God. We feel that an effort should be made to preserve the Temples of God, those houses that have been erected for the purpose of administering the ordinances of the Gospel therein for the living and the dead. We desire that these building's shall be preserved and kept in repair and in a wholesome condition, so that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in them, and that those who minister therein, may feel the presence and influence of His Spirit. We also feel that when the time shall come and our hands shall be free from the obligations that now rest upon us, other places should be prepared for the convenience of the Latter-day Saints in more distant stakes, in order that those who are living at great distances from the center may have the privilege of receiving the ordinances of the Gospel without being put to the great expense and loss of time that is necessary now in journeying from 500 to 1,000 miles in order to reach the houses of God. We hope to see the day when we shall have temples built in the various parts of the land where they are needed for the convenience of the people: for we realize that one of the greatest responsibilities that rest upon the people of God today is that their hearts shall be turned unto their fathers, and that they shall do the work that is necessary to be done for them in order that they may be joined together fitly in the bond of the New and Everlasting covenant from generation to generation. For the Lord has said, through the Prophet Joseph, that this is one of the greatest responsibilities devolving upon us in this latter day.
God help us to do this work and help up to be faithful, one and all, that we may have means with which to accomplish it, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Greeting—Causes for thanksgiving—God's blessings increase through faithfulness — More Temples to be built—Great responsibility resting upon the Saints.
My beloved brethren and sisters, I greet you heartily this morning in your attendance at this the 73rd Semi-annual Conference of the Church. I am pleased to see such a good representation here this morning. Especially am I pleased to see so many of the presiding authorities of the Church—the Apostles and the presidents of stakes, and also many of the presidents of the various missions of the Church. It is indeed gratifying to see these our brethren assembled here, on whom rests so great a responsibility, they having been entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel to the nations of the earth and with the care of the flock of Christ in the various Stakes of Zion.
During this conference we desire, as far as the time will permit, to give an opportunity to as many as possible of the Elders who are presiding abroad, and of the presidents of the stakes of Zion, to express themselves; and in order that we may reach as many as possible, we desire that the brethren who speak shall have that portion of the Spirit of God that will enable them to speak clearly, pointedly and briefly up - on those subjects that may come to their minds.
We have here the Apostles, the Presidents of the Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric, who are practically traveling Elders in the Church, visiting the stakes of Zion and the various mission fields, from time to time, and they are especially posted in relation to the condition of the work of the Lord in the various fields that they have visited and will be able to speak to us in relation to those subjects and matters that will be most interesting and necessary for the general enlightenment of those who have come to the conference, and to the edification of the whole people.
We desire to say to the people that we feel very grateful to the Lord for His continued mercy unto us, and, notwithstanding the drouth of the past season, which has been almost unprecedented in many parts of the country, we feel that the Saints have been greatly blessed, and that there will be no necessity for any great lack or want among the people in consequence of the drouth, but we feel that all will be blessed with sufficient for their needs. In many parts of the country we have been exceedingly blessed. There has been an abundance of water, and in some sections our people have been visited by unprecedented rains, resulting in great floods, which have done more or less damage to the people; but this, of course, is not to a very great extent.
We feel in our hearts that Zion is prospering, and that all is well with the people of God at large; still, we realize that there is great room for us to improve, and that the opportunities for advancement are very extensive. We hope that all the Latter-day Saints will continue their diligence and faithfulness before the Lord in the work in which they are engaged, that Zion may continue to flourish in the tops of the mountains, and that the purposes of God Almighty concerning His people and His work in the latter days may be consummated and fully realized. We feel that the Lord will bless His people, and the earth, for their sake, in the future more abundantly than in the past. In proportion as we renew and redouble our diligence and faithfulness before the Lord in keeping His commandments and walking in all righteousness and acceptableness before Him, so will His blessings be increased upon the people, and upon all their substance, and upon the earth which they inhabit.
We congratulate you, brethren arid sifters, on your appearance here this morning, and we pray God to pour out upon you and upon all of us His Holy Spirit during this Conference, that we may have a time of rejoicing, and that we may be able to act intelligently and wisely on all matters of business that may be presented before us; that we may have the spirit of union, love and devotion to the cause of Zion abiding in our hearts; that we may have no feelings of dissension, but that we may be one, that we may be indeed the people of God.
It is not my purpose to prolong my remarks this morning, but I desired to express my gratitude to my Father in heaven for all His mercies and blessings unto us.
We will say to the people that we have no reason to complain of the diligence of the Saints, so far as we are able to judge, in keeping the law of tithing. We believe that the Latter-day Saints are observing that law as faithfully as they have ever done, and we beseech of you that you will continue to do this until our hands shall be freed from all obligations, and until we shall have means in the storehouse of the Lord with which to accomplish greater works, which may be necessary to be done.
We feel there is much that can be done and much that ought to be done in the interests of Zion and for the benefit of the people of God. We feel that an effort should be made to preserve the Temples of God, those houses that have been erected for the purpose of administering the ordinances of the Gospel therein for the living and the dead. We desire that these building's shall be preserved and kept in repair and in a wholesome condition, so that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in them, and that those who minister therein, may feel the presence and influence of His Spirit. We also feel that when the time shall come and our hands shall be free from the obligations that now rest upon us, other places should be prepared for the convenience of the Latter-day Saints in more distant stakes, in order that those who are living at great distances from the center may have the privilege of receiving the ordinances of the Gospel without being put to the great expense and loss of time that is necessary now in journeying from 500 to 1,000 miles in order to reach the houses of God. We hope to see the day when we shall have temples built in the various parts of the land where they are needed for the convenience of the people: for we realize that one of the greatest responsibilities that rest upon the people of God today is that their hearts shall be turned unto their fathers, and that they shall do the work that is necessary to be done for them in order that they may be joined together fitly in the bond of the New and Everlasting covenant from generation to generation. For the Lord has said, through the Prophet Joseph, that this is one of the greatest responsibilities devolving upon us in this latter day.
God help us to do this work and help up to be faithful, one and all, that we may have means with which to accomplish it, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH E. ROBINSON,
(President of the California Mission.)
My very beloved brothers and sisters, when I heard the voice of the Prophet of God say that all is well in Zion, the words of one of the Prophets of old came to my mind:
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"
In the California Mission we are not always blessed by the presence of those who bring good tidings of good; we often hear the people of Zion vilified and spoken of evilly. It fills my heart with joy to know that those whose interests are our interests, and who have done so much for our common weal in fostering our industries, can say that all is well, and they have no complaints in regard to the law of tithing and other matters relating to the Saints of God.
In our mission we have the same spirit that characterizes the saints of God in all the world. The hearts of the Saints there turn to you in these valleys, and deep in their souls they have a desire to come to the Temple of the Lord and receive their blessings, and some few have been so privileged. They feel a pride in all your successes. When they hear of any great thing you do or any good thing that is said of you, they rejoice, and feel that they are entitled to do so, because they are of you, though not with you. When the Tabernacle choir visited us it feasted our souls. We sensed again that the prophecy was being fulfilled wherein it was said that in Zion there should be the voice of thanksgiving and melody. When we lifted up our voices together this morning and sang in unison, it brought to my mind this saying of old:
"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion."
The Saints of the California Mission have been valiant and earnest in the payment of their tithes. They feel that they are adding to the glory of Zion and to the wealth of their own souls by the practice of self-abnegation and self-sacrifice. Though we number but about six hundred souls, and quite a percentage of them, I am sorry to say, are not the most faithful, yet to date we have paid something over $3,000 in tithes, besides liberal offerings. The Elders are valiant, earnest, and God-fearing; many of them are boys, several being under twenty years of age. Among them are some most promising speakers, humble, childlike, feeling their dependence upon the Lord, and knowing that it is not sufficient to be able to quote scripture to substantiate our belief, but that they must live in accordance with the Spirit of the Lord to gain favor with the honorable of the world. I often tell them that it it not enough to be able to quote scripture; for many of the people of our cosmopolitan state know but little of the scriptures, and many of those who have a knowledge of them do not believe them, and they ask for more material results. "Show me," they say, "wherein the Gospel which you teach has benefited and helped you to do better. What has it done for your commonwealth? Show me the logic or the philosophy of the Gospel which you preach." How soul-satisfying it is to be enabled to say that it has made a peace-loving people, a patriotic people, a people that live in their own homes to a very great extent, a people that have not mortgaged themselves, a people that are tolerant, a people that have been gathered out from almost all lands and climes, with one purpose, one ambition, and have dropped their national antipathies and animosities, and In their children have become one. When I heard of the reply that Ambassador White had made to Count Tolstoy, that when the youth of Zion grew up and began to assert their individuality, then the fabric which had been woven and the building which had been constructed by Mormonism would fall to pieces, I thought how little he knows of us. I can remember when our fathers, who had been gathered from many lands, had differences with each other. Having been brought up under different environments and training, they had different methods of gaining a livelihood and varied ideas as to what should be accomplished, and sometimes they clashed one with another. But now we find that their sons have dropped the differences of nationality, and enjoying the same testimony that their fathers have borne in relation to the truth of the Gospel they are one in intent and purpose, and I trust are more fixed, if possible, upon the one object of upbuilding the kingdom of God than were their fathers and mothers. This to me is a testimony of the Gospel of Christ.
Our Elders meet with the same experience that they do in other lands. During the last five months we have met with a great deal of opposition, especially on the streets. Some few men have apparently dedicated themselves to the purpose of driving us out of the state, exposing our fraud, as they term it, and the life of hypocrisy which they accuse us of leading. They have met us on every street corner and in every way imaginable. When they have learned that we had some friends, they have sent people to them to embitter their minds against us; and in one city they have gone so far as to print a little tract about us, signed by the ladies of three leading religious organizations. This tract has been distributed broadcast. They did not pass by the house of the Elders even, but left us a copy. We feel that this is in part due to the visit of the choir and to the attention it attracted toward us in that state, and to our renewed efforts to be heard and seen. I have found it necessary to call upon the mayor and the chief of police of some of the cities, and express to them the wish that they would see that we, as American citizens, should not be vilified beyond endurance; and I am glad to state that they have accorded me a most kindly hearing and given me the protection asked for, so much so that some of the most pernicious speakers have been told that they could no longer speak upon the streets. By the way, one of them has since been welcomed into the pulpit of one of the leading churches and is now preaching there.
We have not had many baptisms so far this year. It has not been a season of harvesting. But our hearts have been filled with joy because of the thousands of strangers who have heard our testimonies. In that land of golden sunshine there are thousands of people from the east, who come there for the sake of - the climate. Many of them come to hear us, perhaps in many instances where they would have nothing to do with us at their homes, because of the same spirit that Nicodemus manifested when he came to the Savior by night. We have visited the homes of 3,000 strangers, and re-visited over 4,000, as well as holding the Saints together. We have distributed something like 38,000 tracts, besides loaning a number of books. We do not have the success in selling our literature that some of the brethren report in other parts of the United States. The people do not seem to care to buy from us, or else we are not very good canvassers along that line. But we have given away a goodly number, and are trying to place the Book of Mormon, in particular, in a way that the people will take hold of it, because of the price that the book is now held at and the gracious donations given to us by the Presidency of the Church.
I do not feel that it would be proper, my brethren and sisters, for me to take more of your time; for you have come to hear the words of the prophets of the living God; but my testimony is that God lives, that His work is advancing, that we are beginning to be known as His people, and that the people of the world sense the fact that there is something in the very genius of the Gospel we teach which has more to do with this life than any of their plans or schemes. They see, too, that it is beneficial, and they would rather have something that is practical, and that does not deal alone with the dead past. Many friends have been raised up unto us who have said that they knew we had more to offer than any other religious denomination, but that they cared nothing for any church. We have been fortunate in becoming acquainted with some of the leading citizens in the state, and among the medical fraternity we have friends who have cared for the Elders and do care for them without price, and who have told me to send the Elders to them if they ever needed any consultation. I think sometimes, because of the reputed good climate of California, that several Elders have been sent to me that were not the soundest in health. This season I have had six or eight who have had to be cared for nearly the whole season.
May God bless and prosper you in your labors, increase your love for the Gospel, help you to subjugate your passions, wean yourselves of improper desires, correct your judgment, peace attend you in your homes and joy await you at your gates, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of the California Mission.)
My very beloved brothers and sisters, when I heard the voice of the Prophet of God say that all is well in Zion, the words of one of the Prophets of old came to my mind:
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"
In the California Mission we are not always blessed by the presence of those who bring good tidings of good; we often hear the people of Zion vilified and spoken of evilly. It fills my heart with joy to know that those whose interests are our interests, and who have done so much for our common weal in fostering our industries, can say that all is well, and they have no complaints in regard to the law of tithing and other matters relating to the Saints of God.
In our mission we have the same spirit that characterizes the saints of God in all the world. The hearts of the Saints there turn to you in these valleys, and deep in their souls they have a desire to come to the Temple of the Lord and receive their blessings, and some few have been so privileged. They feel a pride in all your successes. When they hear of any great thing you do or any good thing that is said of you, they rejoice, and feel that they are entitled to do so, because they are of you, though not with you. When the Tabernacle choir visited us it feasted our souls. We sensed again that the prophecy was being fulfilled wherein it was said that in Zion there should be the voice of thanksgiving and melody. When we lifted up our voices together this morning and sang in unison, it brought to my mind this saying of old:
"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion."
The Saints of the California Mission have been valiant and earnest in the payment of their tithes. They feel that they are adding to the glory of Zion and to the wealth of their own souls by the practice of self-abnegation and self-sacrifice. Though we number but about six hundred souls, and quite a percentage of them, I am sorry to say, are not the most faithful, yet to date we have paid something over $3,000 in tithes, besides liberal offerings. The Elders are valiant, earnest, and God-fearing; many of them are boys, several being under twenty years of age. Among them are some most promising speakers, humble, childlike, feeling their dependence upon the Lord, and knowing that it is not sufficient to be able to quote scripture to substantiate our belief, but that they must live in accordance with the Spirit of the Lord to gain favor with the honorable of the world. I often tell them that it it not enough to be able to quote scripture; for many of the people of our cosmopolitan state know but little of the scriptures, and many of those who have a knowledge of them do not believe them, and they ask for more material results. "Show me," they say, "wherein the Gospel which you teach has benefited and helped you to do better. What has it done for your commonwealth? Show me the logic or the philosophy of the Gospel which you preach." How soul-satisfying it is to be enabled to say that it has made a peace-loving people, a patriotic people, a people that live in their own homes to a very great extent, a people that have not mortgaged themselves, a people that are tolerant, a people that have been gathered out from almost all lands and climes, with one purpose, one ambition, and have dropped their national antipathies and animosities, and In their children have become one. When I heard of the reply that Ambassador White had made to Count Tolstoy, that when the youth of Zion grew up and began to assert their individuality, then the fabric which had been woven and the building which had been constructed by Mormonism would fall to pieces, I thought how little he knows of us. I can remember when our fathers, who had been gathered from many lands, had differences with each other. Having been brought up under different environments and training, they had different methods of gaining a livelihood and varied ideas as to what should be accomplished, and sometimes they clashed one with another. But now we find that their sons have dropped the differences of nationality, and enjoying the same testimony that their fathers have borne in relation to the truth of the Gospel they are one in intent and purpose, and I trust are more fixed, if possible, upon the one object of upbuilding the kingdom of God than were their fathers and mothers. This to me is a testimony of the Gospel of Christ.
Our Elders meet with the same experience that they do in other lands. During the last five months we have met with a great deal of opposition, especially on the streets. Some few men have apparently dedicated themselves to the purpose of driving us out of the state, exposing our fraud, as they term it, and the life of hypocrisy which they accuse us of leading. They have met us on every street corner and in every way imaginable. When they have learned that we had some friends, they have sent people to them to embitter their minds against us; and in one city they have gone so far as to print a little tract about us, signed by the ladies of three leading religious organizations. This tract has been distributed broadcast. They did not pass by the house of the Elders even, but left us a copy. We feel that this is in part due to the visit of the choir and to the attention it attracted toward us in that state, and to our renewed efforts to be heard and seen. I have found it necessary to call upon the mayor and the chief of police of some of the cities, and express to them the wish that they would see that we, as American citizens, should not be vilified beyond endurance; and I am glad to state that they have accorded me a most kindly hearing and given me the protection asked for, so much so that some of the most pernicious speakers have been told that they could no longer speak upon the streets. By the way, one of them has since been welcomed into the pulpit of one of the leading churches and is now preaching there.
We have not had many baptisms so far this year. It has not been a season of harvesting. But our hearts have been filled with joy because of the thousands of strangers who have heard our testimonies. In that land of golden sunshine there are thousands of people from the east, who come there for the sake of - the climate. Many of them come to hear us, perhaps in many instances where they would have nothing to do with us at their homes, because of the same spirit that Nicodemus manifested when he came to the Savior by night. We have visited the homes of 3,000 strangers, and re-visited over 4,000, as well as holding the Saints together. We have distributed something like 38,000 tracts, besides loaning a number of books. We do not have the success in selling our literature that some of the brethren report in other parts of the United States. The people do not seem to care to buy from us, or else we are not very good canvassers along that line. But we have given away a goodly number, and are trying to place the Book of Mormon, in particular, in a way that the people will take hold of it, because of the price that the book is now held at and the gracious donations given to us by the Presidency of the Church.
I do not feel that it would be proper, my brethren and sisters, for me to take more of your time; for you have come to hear the words of the prophets of the living God; but my testimony is that God lives, that His work is advancing, that we are beginning to be known as His people, and that the people of the world sense the fact that there is something in the very genius of the Gospel we teach which has more to do with this life than any of their plans or schemes. They see, too, that it is beneficial, and they would rather have something that is practical, and that does not deal alone with the dead past. Many friends have been raised up unto us who have said that they knew we had more to offer than any other religious denomination, but that they cared nothing for any church. We have been fortunate in becoming acquainted with some of the leading citizens in the state, and among the medical fraternity we have friends who have cared for the Elders and do care for them without price, and who have told me to send the Elders to them if they ever needed any consultation. I think sometimes, because of the reputed good climate of California, that several Elders have been sent to me that were not the soundest in health. This season I have had six or eight who have had to be cared for nearly the whole season.
May God bless and prosper you in your labors, increase your love for the Gospel, help you to subjugate your passions, wean yourselves of improper desires, correct your judgment, peace attend you in your homes and joy await you at your gates, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER EPHRAIM H. NYE.
(President of the Southern States mission.)
My Brethren and sisters, it is a joy, greater and grander than I have words to express, to have the privilege of coming up to Zion occasionally. President Robinson, who has addressed you, succeeded me in the care of the California mission. I took great pleasure in laboring in that mission, and in turning it over to him when I was released. It fell to my lot to be sent to the Eastern states, and after laboring there for a season, to be sent into the Southern states, where I was met by President Ben E. Rich, and given a royal welcome into that region, and relieved him of a part of his responsibilities.
I am not prepared to say very much about the Southern States mission, as I have hardly got seated in the saddle yet, and have not had a fair opportunity to know much about it. I have traveled through the mission, and have visited the Elders in their conferences and labored somewhat with them; but it is only about three months since I went in there. I find a great difference between laboring among the people of California and the people of the "Sunny South;" but I labor there with the greatest possible pleasure and with a desire to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth and into the fold of Christ, and help to lift some of them, at least, upon a higher plane, that they may come up to the standard required of Latter-day Saints. I take joy in ministering among that people, and I hope to see the results of my labors as the years roll on.
What is now known as the Southern States mission embraces the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina; and we have about 100 Elders in the field. We would like to have twice that number; we could use them very well. We hope we may be permitted to have many more than we now have. The Elders are a brave and noble set. You fathers who have sons there, be proud of them. You wives who have husbands there, be proud of them. They are serving' God to the very utmost of their ability, and they are passing through scenes and trials that you have no idea of. Let your prayers ascend unto the Almighty in their behalf; for they are faithful and valiant in the discharge of their duties. I do not expect to do any better there than my predecessor. Brother Rich has performed a noble work. If that can be said of me when I am released from that mission, as it can justly be said of him today, I shall be satisfied.
I feel like taking the admonition of the President and not occupy too much time. I rejoice in the knowledge of t v e truth, and in the opportunity of coming up here and worshiping once or twice a year, beholding the faces and hearing the voices of the Prophet and his associates, that I may learn more perfectly the ways of God and be better fitted and prepared to perform the labors and duties that rest upon me, and go back to my labors strengthened, filled with integrity and faith to go forth and prosecute the ministry devolving upon me. That the blessings of the Almighty may rest abundantly upon the Latter-day Saints, that you may grow and increase in the knowledge of the truth, and rise higher and higher in the standard of perfection until you shall reach that position that the Almighty requires the Latter-day Saints to come up to, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of the Southern States mission.)
My Brethren and sisters, it is a joy, greater and grander than I have words to express, to have the privilege of coming up to Zion occasionally. President Robinson, who has addressed you, succeeded me in the care of the California mission. I took great pleasure in laboring in that mission, and in turning it over to him when I was released. It fell to my lot to be sent to the Eastern states, and after laboring there for a season, to be sent into the Southern states, where I was met by President Ben E. Rich, and given a royal welcome into that region, and relieved him of a part of his responsibilities.
I am not prepared to say very much about the Southern States mission, as I have hardly got seated in the saddle yet, and have not had a fair opportunity to know much about it. I have traveled through the mission, and have visited the Elders in their conferences and labored somewhat with them; but it is only about three months since I went in there. I find a great difference between laboring among the people of California and the people of the "Sunny South;" but I labor there with the greatest possible pleasure and with a desire to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth and into the fold of Christ, and help to lift some of them, at least, upon a higher plane, that they may come up to the standard required of Latter-day Saints. I take joy in ministering among that people, and I hope to see the results of my labors as the years roll on.
What is now known as the Southern States mission embraces the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina; and we have about 100 Elders in the field. We would like to have twice that number; we could use them very well. We hope we may be permitted to have many more than we now have. The Elders are a brave and noble set. You fathers who have sons there, be proud of them. You wives who have husbands there, be proud of them. They are serving' God to the very utmost of their ability, and they are passing through scenes and trials that you have no idea of. Let your prayers ascend unto the Almighty in their behalf; for they are faithful and valiant in the discharge of their duties. I do not expect to do any better there than my predecessor. Brother Rich has performed a noble work. If that can be said of me when I am released from that mission, as it can justly be said of him today, I shall be satisfied.
I feel like taking the admonition of the President and not occupy too much time. I rejoice in the knowledge of t v e truth, and in the opportunity of coming up here and worshiping once or twice a year, beholding the faces and hearing the voices of the Prophet and his associates, that I may learn more perfectly the ways of God and be better fitted and prepared to perform the labors and duties that rest upon me, and go back to my labors strengthened, filled with integrity and faith to go forth and prosecute the ministry devolving upon me. That the blessings of the Almighty may rest abundantly upon the Latter-day Saints, that you may grow and increase in the knowledge of the truth, and rise higher and higher in the standard of perfection until you shall reach that position that the Almighty requires the Latter-day Saints to come up to, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER BEN E. RICH.
(President of the Middle States Mission.)
My brothers and sisters, it has been promised by the Lord that in the last days He would establish a kingdom upon the earth, and the promise was also given that it would never more be thrown down or given to another people, but that it would be like unto a little stone cut out of the mountains without hands, which should roll forth and eventually fill the whole earth with righteousness. It was promised by our Master while He was dwelling in mortality that one of the signs of His second coming would be the preaching of that Gospel planted upon the earth by Him, built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets and revelation from God, preached without purse or scrip, the fundamental principles of which would be faith in Him, repentance of sin, baptism for the remission of sin, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
We are living in an age, whether the world believe it or not, when these promises are being fulfilled; when the God of heaven has established a kingdom upon the earth, and notwithstanding the fact that the powers of the earth have been arrayed against it from its organization up to the present time, it has been rolling forth, it has been growing and multiplying in strength and influence. Its destiny is to fill this earth with the righteousness of our God, and it is being preached in fulfillment of the Master's word, as a witness unto all the nations of the earth, before the end of wickedness shall come.
We have been blessed to live in this dispensation, and to be made acquainted with the principles of the Gospel; and God has given to us through the whisperings of His Spirit a testimony of the truthfulness of the same. It has been my privilege to be in the world for some little time, directing the missionary work in some of the states and aiding to warn the people of the world to flee from the wrath to come. We do not anticipate converting the world. Our mission is to gather in the honest in heart from among " the nations of the earth, to warn all mankind, and to preach the Gospel as a witness, in fulfillment of the Master's word.
In the missionary field we meet many things that you do not meet at home. Many things happen that you pay no attention to, and yet they are magnified by the people of the world; and unless the Almighty continued to magnify us and our ability before the people of the world and softened the hearts of the people towards us, and led us to the doors of those who are searching after the truth, we would have a very hard time indeed. The missionaries are entitled to the faith and prayers of all Saints. The sun should never go down without the Latter-day Saints being able to say, This day I have prayed for those who are laboring- in the nations of the earth to spread the principles of eternal truth. Everything that happens is construed by the world in such a way as to bring the work of God into ill repute before the people. Inasmuch as I am laboring in the world where we have to meet these things, I may be justified in alluding to the fact that this awful crime which was committed recently in New York City (you all know what I refer to) has been magnified In all the great newspapers of the country in an effort to bring the horrible deed home to the "Mormon" Church. In flaming headlines they state that the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church are responsible for that crime and the condition of that unfortunate creature who now rests in a prison cell! I have wondered many times if the non-Mormons v/ho live here, who are reaching out after the patronage of the Latter-day Saints, and who know us as we are, would not have the manhood, the independence, the Americanism burning in their veins to raise their voice in a protest against the awful things charged against these good men who stand at the head of this religious organization. The Latter-day Saints do not have to rely upon any man for a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. They have received it, according to promise, from heaven. The whispering of the still small voice of God has told them that Joseph Smith was a Prophet; that his successors in office at the head of the Church have been and are Prophets, Seers and Revelators; that these brethren here are Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ,' and that the Gospel is true. They have been taught to let their light so shine that it will not be hid. But those who are not of our faith, and who have lived for years in our midst, know the many falsehoods that have been circulated about us. They know that men who have resided here, and who have been treated in a kindly way, have gone east and filled the minds of the people with the most damnable lies about us. And I have waited for many years to see if there would not be a spirit of fairness bubble up in the hearts of the non-"Mormons" of Utah, and a protest sent out by them against the many lies circulated concerning this people.
They say that the "Mormons" believe in blood atonement. We do believe in blood atonement; and so does all the Christian world believe in blood atonement. We believe in the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, that it will cleanse mankind from all sin, upon condition of obedience to the laws of the Gospel. There is not a Christian nation on earth who does not believe or pretend to believe in blood atonement just as the Latter-day Saints believe in it. Oh, but the "Mormons" believe in another kind of blood atonement! it is said. Well, we do, in the same way that this nation believes in it, and in no other way—in the way that God revealed it to the ancients, that if man spilt man's blood, by man should his blood be spilt. There is not a state in this glorious Union of ours that does not believe in that kind of blood atonement. So far as putting a murderer to death is concerned, we believe that if the right punishment were inflicted upon the individual it would not be by strangling him to death or by placing him in an electric chair, but it would be an execution whereby his blood would be shed. Thank God, In this state there were enough in the Constitutional Convention who believed in that principle to wisely place in that constitution a clause which provided that in dealing out the death penalty the murderer should have a choice between being shot and being hung; and if there were a particle of belief in the law of God in the heart of the convicted murderer the law would give him the chance to choose a death whereby his blood could be spilt by man legally, seeing that he had spilt the blood of his fellow man. But this being the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, we believe in the doctrines laid down by Him, and therefore we believe in rendering- unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, and unto God that which belongs to Him.
Last Tuesday evening's Deseret News contained an article that had been published in 1889. It was signed by the First Presidency of the Church, by the Twelve Apostles, and also by Daniel H. Wells and John W. Young, who were then acting as counselors to the Apostles. You will pardon me if I read that article. It is a declaration made by the leaders of the Church upon the subject I am speaking of.
"That this Church views the shedding of human blood with the utmost abhorrence. That we regard the killing of a human being, except in conformity with the civil law, as a capital crime which should be punished by shedding the blood of the criminal after a public trial before a legally constituted court of the land.
"Notwithstanding all the stories told about the killing of apostates, no case of this kind has ever occurred, and of course has never been established against the. Church we represent. Hundreds of seceders from the Church have continuously resided and now live in this territory, many of whom have amassed considerable wealth, though bitterly opposed to the Mormon faith and people. Even those who made it their business to fabricate the vilest falsehoods, and to render them plausible by culling isolated passages from old sermons without the explanatory context, and have suffered no opportunity to escape them of vilifying and blackening the characters of the people, have remained among those whom they have thus persistently calumniated until the present day, without receiving- the slightest personal injury.
"We denounce as entirely untrue the allegation which has been made, that our Church favors or believes in the killing of persons who leave the Church or apostatize from its doctrines. We would view a punishment of this character for such an act with the utmost horror; it is abhorrent to us and is in direct opposition to the fundamental principles of our creed.
"The revelations of God to this Church make death the penalty of capital crime, and require that offenders against life and property shall be delivered up and tried by the laws of the land.
"We declare that no Bishop's or other court in this Church claims or exercises civil or judicial functions, or the right to supersede, annul or modify a judgment of any civil court. Such courts, while established to regulate Christian conduct, are purely ecclesiastical, and their punitive powers go no further than the suspension or excommunication of members from Church fellowship."
This same thing has been proclaimed many times by the authorities of the Church since its organization; but notwithstanding this, an opportunity is never let pass by the people of the world, and especially the leaders of Christian churches, to try and bring this old charge up and frighten the people from hearing the Elders when they go forth to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not over two weeks ago I was asked by a man who was supposed to be intelligent, a minister of one of the churches, "Is it not true, if anyone joins your Church and then leaves it, that the orders of the leaders of the Church are that you must kill that man and shed his blood?" I asked him where he got that idea; and he replied, "from publications and writings of ministers and others who have been in your midst." Oh! you men who do not believe in the "Mormon" Church, and who have lived here for years unmolested, it is your duty to fling these lies back into the teeth of the world. It is your duty to say to the people of the world that men who have gone from here and lied are not worthy of consideration. One minister in the east, who used to live in Brigham City, is telling stories about how not over six years ago women would walk from Salt Lake City on the railroad track to Brigham City, seeking protection from him to keep their husbands from shedding their blood, under the doctrine of blood atonement. Well, my non-"Mormon" friends of Salt Lake City, that is placing your protective powers at a minimum, is it not? Shame on you, to make a woman walk from Salt Lake City to Brigham City—that stronghold of anti-"Mormonism" (?) — to ask "for protection! Yet that man pretends to be a minister of the Gospel. Perhaps in his lifetime he has opened the Bible; but he has forgotten that he read there the words of God which say, "Thou shalt not lie." "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." "Why. right in Salt Lake City, a few years ago, one of these ministers murdered two girls, cut their bodies up and burned them in the church furnace. He took their effects, and they were found in a pawnshop in Butte. Have the "Mormon" people ever charged that that was due to the teachings of the doctrine of that church? Have we ever borne false witness against them in this respect? Has the world ever laid that horrible crime to the church with which that minister was connected? How different it would have been if that had been one of these "Mormon" presidents of stakes, or a "Mormon" Bishop! What headlines would have been printed in the papers, giving an account of the affair; and how it would have been published to the world that the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church were responsible for the murder of these two girls! But it was one of these good Christian churches here; and if that man had followed the doctrines of the church he pretended to preside over he never would have committed that murder. The "Mormon" people know that, and are willing to bear witness to it. Why do not some members of these other churches say that if this young man in New York had been following the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church, he probably would have been in New York standing upon the street corners bearing testimony that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ, instead of being locked up in a prison cell. A few years ago, in San Francisco, you remember, two girls were murdered in a church there, their nude bodies being found in the tower of the church; and for quite a while the minister of that church was accused in the public press of being implicated in the awful crime. But there was no attempt made in the press throughout the United States to show that the teachings of that church were responsible. They declared that it was the depraved condition of the criminal, and that all churches had good and bad. How different it would have been if that had happened in this Tabernacle, and the bodies of two murdered girls had been found secreted around this organ! The world would have known it in twenty-four hours, and it would have been charged to the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church. The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sept. 7— about ten days before this awful thing happened in New York—gave an account of a minister belonging to the Baptist church. He had cut the throat of his wife, and was found with a razor in one hand and the Bible in the other hand. He was reading extracts from the Bible on blood atonement, and he was crying out that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness; and he endeavored to justify his terrible crime by what he found in the Bible. The paper went on to say that he was very high in Baptist, church councils, and that he had occupied some of the most prominent pulpits of the Baptist church in the state. But did they charge the deed up to the Baptist church? No! How different it would have been if a "Mormon" Apostle had done such a thing! They would not have said the poor man had gone crazy; but they would have said that he was following the instructions, given him by the authorities of the "Mormon" Church.
I tell you they circulate some most infamous lies about this people, and if they do not repent they will be damned, and they will stay in that condition until the Lord in His mercy permits some "Mormon" Elder to go and help them out of it. I pray that their eyes may be opened, and that they may repent; and if they do not repent, I pray God in His mercy to take them away from the earth, to where they cannot do any more lying.
My brethren and sisters, you can see that I am a little warm; but if you will go out in the missionary field and meet these things as I have met them,- and as every Elder meets them, you will at least be indignant when you know how the leaders of church organizations and the newspapers throughout the length and breadth of this land are lying about your faith. I have been born and raised in this Church. I received a testimony of the Gospel from God, not from my father. But my father and my mother taught me from infancy that in the sight of God murder is the most awful crime man can commit, and next to that is adultery. The way was pointed out by them whereby I could receive a testimony of the Gospel for myself, and I have listened to the whisperings of the still small voice, which has given me a testimony, so that I do know, as I know that the sun shines, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I do know that his successors were prophets of God, and I do know that President Joseph F. Smith is the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of God upon the earth today, and that these men here are Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. I never received this testimony from my parents; I received it from God; and I know that when I stand before the judgment seat of the Almighty and the books are opened, this testimony will be recorded there for or against me. So that I bear my testimony intelligently, knowing that I have to meet it, and in the name of Jesus Christ I say I know that this is the Gospel of our Lord and Savior that has been restored to the earth in the age in which we live, and that it is now being preached as a witness unto all the nations of the earth, that the end may come. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of the Middle States Mission.)
My brothers and sisters, it has been promised by the Lord that in the last days He would establish a kingdom upon the earth, and the promise was also given that it would never more be thrown down or given to another people, but that it would be like unto a little stone cut out of the mountains without hands, which should roll forth and eventually fill the whole earth with righteousness. It was promised by our Master while He was dwelling in mortality that one of the signs of His second coming would be the preaching of that Gospel planted upon the earth by Him, built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets and revelation from God, preached without purse or scrip, the fundamental principles of which would be faith in Him, repentance of sin, baptism for the remission of sin, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
We are living in an age, whether the world believe it or not, when these promises are being fulfilled; when the God of heaven has established a kingdom upon the earth, and notwithstanding the fact that the powers of the earth have been arrayed against it from its organization up to the present time, it has been rolling forth, it has been growing and multiplying in strength and influence. Its destiny is to fill this earth with the righteousness of our God, and it is being preached in fulfillment of the Master's word, as a witness unto all the nations of the earth, before the end of wickedness shall come.
We have been blessed to live in this dispensation, and to be made acquainted with the principles of the Gospel; and God has given to us through the whisperings of His Spirit a testimony of the truthfulness of the same. It has been my privilege to be in the world for some little time, directing the missionary work in some of the states and aiding to warn the people of the world to flee from the wrath to come. We do not anticipate converting the world. Our mission is to gather in the honest in heart from among " the nations of the earth, to warn all mankind, and to preach the Gospel as a witness, in fulfillment of the Master's word.
In the missionary field we meet many things that you do not meet at home. Many things happen that you pay no attention to, and yet they are magnified by the people of the world; and unless the Almighty continued to magnify us and our ability before the people of the world and softened the hearts of the people towards us, and led us to the doors of those who are searching after the truth, we would have a very hard time indeed. The missionaries are entitled to the faith and prayers of all Saints. The sun should never go down without the Latter-day Saints being able to say, This day I have prayed for those who are laboring- in the nations of the earth to spread the principles of eternal truth. Everything that happens is construed by the world in such a way as to bring the work of God into ill repute before the people. Inasmuch as I am laboring in the world where we have to meet these things, I may be justified in alluding to the fact that this awful crime which was committed recently in New York City (you all know what I refer to) has been magnified In all the great newspapers of the country in an effort to bring the horrible deed home to the "Mormon" Church. In flaming headlines they state that the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church are responsible for that crime and the condition of that unfortunate creature who now rests in a prison cell! I have wondered many times if the non-Mormons v/ho live here, who are reaching out after the patronage of the Latter-day Saints, and who know us as we are, would not have the manhood, the independence, the Americanism burning in their veins to raise their voice in a protest against the awful things charged against these good men who stand at the head of this religious organization. The Latter-day Saints do not have to rely upon any man for a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. They have received it, according to promise, from heaven. The whispering of the still small voice of God has told them that Joseph Smith was a Prophet; that his successors in office at the head of the Church have been and are Prophets, Seers and Revelators; that these brethren here are Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ,' and that the Gospel is true. They have been taught to let their light so shine that it will not be hid. But those who are not of our faith, and who have lived for years in our midst, know the many falsehoods that have been circulated about us. They know that men who have resided here, and who have been treated in a kindly way, have gone east and filled the minds of the people with the most damnable lies about us. And I have waited for many years to see if there would not be a spirit of fairness bubble up in the hearts of the non-"Mormons" of Utah, and a protest sent out by them against the many lies circulated concerning this people.
They say that the "Mormons" believe in blood atonement. We do believe in blood atonement; and so does all the Christian world believe in blood atonement. We believe in the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, that it will cleanse mankind from all sin, upon condition of obedience to the laws of the Gospel. There is not a Christian nation on earth who does not believe or pretend to believe in blood atonement just as the Latter-day Saints believe in it. Oh, but the "Mormons" believe in another kind of blood atonement! it is said. Well, we do, in the same way that this nation believes in it, and in no other way—in the way that God revealed it to the ancients, that if man spilt man's blood, by man should his blood be spilt. There is not a state in this glorious Union of ours that does not believe in that kind of blood atonement. So far as putting a murderer to death is concerned, we believe that if the right punishment were inflicted upon the individual it would not be by strangling him to death or by placing him in an electric chair, but it would be an execution whereby his blood would be shed. Thank God, In this state there were enough in the Constitutional Convention who believed in that principle to wisely place in that constitution a clause which provided that in dealing out the death penalty the murderer should have a choice between being shot and being hung; and if there were a particle of belief in the law of God in the heart of the convicted murderer the law would give him the chance to choose a death whereby his blood could be spilt by man legally, seeing that he had spilt the blood of his fellow man. But this being the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, we believe in the doctrines laid down by Him, and therefore we believe in rendering- unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, and unto God that which belongs to Him.
Last Tuesday evening's Deseret News contained an article that had been published in 1889. It was signed by the First Presidency of the Church, by the Twelve Apostles, and also by Daniel H. Wells and John W. Young, who were then acting as counselors to the Apostles. You will pardon me if I read that article. It is a declaration made by the leaders of the Church upon the subject I am speaking of.
"That this Church views the shedding of human blood with the utmost abhorrence. That we regard the killing of a human being, except in conformity with the civil law, as a capital crime which should be punished by shedding the blood of the criminal after a public trial before a legally constituted court of the land.
"Notwithstanding all the stories told about the killing of apostates, no case of this kind has ever occurred, and of course has never been established against the. Church we represent. Hundreds of seceders from the Church have continuously resided and now live in this territory, many of whom have amassed considerable wealth, though bitterly opposed to the Mormon faith and people. Even those who made it their business to fabricate the vilest falsehoods, and to render them plausible by culling isolated passages from old sermons without the explanatory context, and have suffered no opportunity to escape them of vilifying and blackening the characters of the people, have remained among those whom they have thus persistently calumniated until the present day, without receiving- the slightest personal injury.
"We denounce as entirely untrue the allegation which has been made, that our Church favors or believes in the killing of persons who leave the Church or apostatize from its doctrines. We would view a punishment of this character for such an act with the utmost horror; it is abhorrent to us and is in direct opposition to the fundamental principles of our creed.
"The revelations of God to this Church make death the penalty of capital crime, and require that offenders against life and property shall be delivered up and tried by the laws of the land.
"We declare that no Bishop's or other court in this Church claims or exercises civil or judicial functions, or the right to supersede, annul or modify a judgment of any civil court. Such courts, while established to regulate Christian conduct, are purely ecclesiastical, and their punitive powers go no further than the suspension or excommunication of members from Church fellowship."
This same thing has been proclaimed many times by the authorities of the Church since its organization; but notwithstanding this, an opportunity is never let pass by the people of the world, and especially the leaders of Christian churches, to try and bring this old charge up and frighten the people from hearing the Elders when they go forth to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not over two weeks ago I was asked by a man who was supposed to be intelligent, a minister of one of the churches, "Is it not true, if anyone joins your Church and then leaves it, that the orders of the leaders of the Church are that you must kill that man and shed his blood?" I asked him where he got that idea; and he replied, "from publications and writings of ministers and others who have been in your midst." Oh! you men who do not believe in the "Mormon" Church, and who have lived here for years unmolested, it is your duty to fling these lies back into the teeth of the world. It is your duty to say to the people of the world that men who have gone from here and lied are not worthy of consideration. One minister in the east, who used to live in Brigham City, is telling stories about how not over six years ago women would walk from Salt Lake City on the railroad track to Brigham City, seeking protection from him to keep their husbands from shedding their blood, under the doctrine of blood atonement. Well, my non-"Mormon" friends of Salt Lake City, that is placing your protective powers at a minimum, is it not? Shame on you, to make a woman walk from Salt Lake City to Brigham City—that stronghold of anti-"Mormonism" (?) — to ask "for protection! Yet that man pretends to be a minister of the Gospel. Perhaps in his lifetime he has opened the Bible; but he has forgotten that he read there the words of God which say, "Thou shalt not lie." "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." "Why. right in Salt Lake City, a few years ago, one of these ministers murdered two girls, cut their bodies up and burned them in the church furnace. He took their effects, and they were found in a pawnshop in Butte. Have the "Mormon" people ever charged that that was due to the teachings of the doctrine of that church? Have we ever borne false witness against them in this respect? Has the world ever laid that horrible crime to the church with which that minister was connected? How different it would have been if that had been one of these "Mormon" presidents of stakes, or a "Mormon" Bishop! What headlines would have been printed in the papers, giving an account of the affair; and how it would have been published to the world that the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church were responsible for the murder of these two girls! But it was one of these good Christian churches here; and if that man had followed the doctrines of the church he pretended to preside over he never would have committed that murder. The "Mormon" people know that, and are willing to bear witness to it. Why do not some members of these other churches say that if this young man in New York had been following the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church, he probably would have been in New York standing upon the street corners bearing testimony that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ, instead of being locked up in a prison cell. A few years ago, in San Francisco, you remember, two girls were murdered in a church there, their nude bodies being found in the tower of the church; and for quite a while the minister of that church was accused in the public press of being implicated in the awful crime. But there was no attempt made in the press throughout the United States to show that the teachings of that church were responsible. They declared that it was the depraved condition of the criminal, and that all churches had good and bad. How different it would have been if that had happened in this Tabernacle, and the bodies of two murdered girls had been found secreted around this organ! The world would have known it in twenty-four hours, and it would have been charged to the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church. The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sept. 7— about ten days before this awful thing happened in New York—gave an account of a minister belonging to the Baptist church. He had cut the throat of his wife, and was found with a razor in one hand and the Bible in the other hand. He was reading extracts from the Bible on blood atonement, and he was crying out that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness; and he endeavored to justify his terrible crime by what he found in the Bible. The paper went on to say that he was very high in Baptist, church councils, and that he had occupied some of the most prominent pulpits of the Baptist church in the state. But did they charge the deed up to the Baptist church? No! How different it would have been if a "Mormon" Apostle had done such a thing! They would not have said the poor man had gone crazy; but they would have said that he was following the instructions, given him by the authorities of the "Mormon" Church.
I tell you they circulate some most infamous lies about this people, and if they do not repent they will be damned, and they will stay in that condition until the Lord in His mercy permits some "Mormon" Elder to go and help them out of it. I pray that their eyes may be opened, and that they may repent; and if they do not repent, I pray God in His mercy to take them away from the earth, to where they cannot do any more lying.
My brethren and sisters, you can see that I am a little warm; but if you will go out in the missionary field and meet these things as I have met them,- and as every Elder meets them, you will at least be indignant when you know how the leaders of church organizations and the newspapers throughout the length and breadth of this land are lying about your faith. I have been born and raised in this Church. I received a testimony of the Gospel from God, not from my father. But my father and my mother taught me from infancy that in the sight of God murder is the most awful crime man can commit, and next to that is adultery. The way was pointed out by them whereby I could receive a testimony of the Gospel for myself, and I have listened to the whisperings of the still small voice, which has given me a testimony, so that I do know, as I know that the sun shines, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I do know that his successors were prophets of God, and I do know that President Joseph F. Smith is the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of God upon the earth today, and that these men here are Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. I never received this testimony from my parents; I received it from God; and I know that when I stand before the judgment seat of the Almighty and the books are opened, this testimony will be recorded there for or against me. So that I bear my testimony intelligently, knowing that I have to meet it, and in the name of Jesus Christ I say I know that this is the Gospel of our Lord and Savior that has been restored to the earth in the age in which we live, and that it is now being preached as a witness unto all the nations of the earth, that the end may come. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER J. A. McRAE,
(President of the Colorado Mission).
My brethren and sisters, I can say that I rejoice this morning in having the opportunity of meeting with you in conference. I look forward with fond anticipation to the time when I can meet here and hear the words of the servants of the Lord. While I am under the sound of their voices and hear the inspired words that come from them, I feel that I will never do anything wrong as long as I live. I have heard Elders in the mission field, while they have been assembled in conference, say, "I feel now that I could go out and spend my whole life in preaching the Gospel." But sometimes, after leaving these places of worship, we forget what we have heard, and we drift back again. Hence it is necessary for us to be constantly reminded of our duty. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while on earth, realized the necessity of preaching the Gospel unto His people; for He said unto His Apostles, "Feed my sheep." He realized that the Saints should be preached to, and taught, and reminded of their duties day by day. It is essential that we pray constantly, that we be not led into temptation, nor do that which will grieve the Spirit of the Lord.
I feel well in the Gospel. I know it is the power of God unto salvation. I love to hear the servants of the Lord address us from time to time. I love to hear the voices of those who love the Gospel. I have been delighted this morning in hearing the voices of my brethren who have spoken the principles of the Gospel. I have been made glad to hear our Prophet say that Zion is prospering and growing in the land. I can realize this myself. I can also realize the influence which the good people of Zion have among the people of the world. As has been said many times, I know that God and one righteous man is a majority; and I know that if we will live according to the light which we receive from time to time through the servants of the Lord, the Elders who are in the mission field preaching the Gospel will have an easier time.
The mission over which I have the privilege of presiding is an extensive one, reaching from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south, from the Missouri river on the east to California on the west, and including five states and two territories. We have laboring in that mission about 46 Elders. From the first of January last the Elders have visited about 60,000 houses. In making these visits I suppose it would be a fair estimate to say that they have preached the Gospel to 150,000. They have distributed about 40,000 tracts bearing upon the principles of the Gospel and telling the people how they travel and how they preach the Gospel without purse and scrip. They have been sent out to bear testimony to the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith the Prophet. During that time there have been distributed several hundred hooks. Many thousands of people have heard the proclamation of the Gospel, on the street corner and in the various halls in which we have held services; and though the baptisms have been very few indeed compared to the great number who have been visited, I feel that much good has been done. The Spirit of the Lord has been with the Elders, and I feel that the leaven is beginning to work among the people.
A few weeks ago a lady physician came to our office, and she said, "Mr. McRae, I want to talk to you for a short time on your method of controlling your young people. I realize that you have more control over your rising generation than any people upon the face of the earth. Our young people are slipping away from us gradually, and falling into vice, and we cannot control them. How do you manage?" I told her how we managed, and detailed to her the work done in the Mutual Improvement associations, the Primary associations, the Sunday schools and other institutions I told her about our Church schools, about our ward teachers visiting the people, and about the special missionaries that are called in the various wards and stakes to visit the young people and exhort them to diligence. She said, "Will you be kind enough to have an interview with one of our ministers and tell him how he can work along these lines.' " I remarked to her that I would willingly do so, but that I was afraid he could not live to it or teach it to his congregation. Why? she asked. My answer was, "He requires a salary to preach the Gospel. Whenever he arises to preach to his congregation and says that which they do not like, they say that he will have to stop preaching that way or they will stop his salary." "Now," said I, "when I preach to the people, I do not care whose toes I tread on; I do not care who I strike; I teach the truth, and no matter where it hits they cannot come to me and say, 'We'll stop your salary because I haven't any to stop. That is the difference between your minister and me." That is one great difference between the ministers of the world, who are professing to preach the Gospel unto the people, and the Elders of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would sooner be a humble Elder preaching the Gospel unto the people, bearing testimony that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, than to be the greatest "divine" upon the face of the earth.
I pray that the Lord will bless us during this conference, and that He will inspire those who speak unto us, that we may be fed with the bread of life, that when we go from here we will form a resolution in our minds that we and our families will serve God and keep His commandments. May the Lord bless us to this end, is my prayer. Amen.
(President of the Colorado Mission).
My brethren and sisters, I can say that I rejoice this morning in having the opportunity of meeting with you in conference. I look forward with fond anticipation to the time when I can meet here and hear the words of the servants of the Lord. While I am under the sound of their voices and hear the inspired words that come from them, I feel that I will never do anything wrong as long as I live. I have heard Elders in the mission field, while they have been assembled in conference, say, "I feel now that I could go out and spend my whole life in preaching the Gospel." But sometimes, after leaving these places of worship, we forget what we have heard, and we drift back again. Hence it is necessary for us to be constantly reminded of our duty. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while on earth, realized the necessity of preaching the Gospel unto His people; for He said unto His Apostles, "Feed my sheep." He realized that the Saints should be preached to, and taught, and reminded of their duties day by day. It is essential that we pray constantly, that we be not led into temptation, nor do that which will grieve the Spirit of the Lord.
I feel well in the Gospel. I know it is the power of God unto salvation. I love to hear the servants of the Lord address us from time to time. I love to hear the voices of those who love the Gospel. I have been delighted this morning in hearing the voices of my brethren who have spoken the principles of the Gospel. I have been made glad to hear our Prophet say that Zion is prospering and growing in the land. I can realize this myself. I can also realize the influence which the good people of Zion have among the people of the world. As has been said many times, I know that God and one righteous man is a majority; and I know that if we will live according to the light which we receive from time to time through the servants of the Lord, the Elders who are in the mission field preaching the Gospel will have an easier time.
The mission over which I have the privilege of presiding is an extensive one, reaching from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south, from the Missouri river on the east to California on the west, and including five states and two territories. We have laboring in that mission about 46 Elders. From the first of January last the Elders have visited about 60,000 houses. In making these visits I suppose it would be a fair estimate to say that they have preached the Gospel to 150,000. They have distributed about 40,000 tracts bearing upon the principles of the Gospel and telling the people how they travel and how they preach the Gospel without purse and scrip. They have been sent out to bear testimony to the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith the Prophet. During that time there have been distributed several hundred hooks. Many thousands of people have heard the proclamation of the Gospel, on the street corner and in the various halls in which we have held services; and though the baptisms have been very few indeed compared to the great number who have been visited, I feel that much good has been done. The Spirit of the Lord has been with the Elders, and I feel that the leaven is beginning to work among the people.
A few weeks ago a lady physician came to our office, and she said, "Mr. McRae, I want to talk to you for a short time on your method of controlling your young people. I realize that you have more control over your rising generation than any people upon the face of the earth. Our young people are slipping away from us gradually, and falling into vice, and we cannot control them. How do you manage?" I told her how we managed, and detailed to her the work done in the Mutual Improvement associations, the Primary associations, the Sunday schools and other institutions I told her about our Church schools, about our ward teachers visiting the people, and about the special missionaries that are called in the various wards and stakes to visit the young people and exhort them to diligence. She said, "Will you be kind enough to have an interview with one of our ministers and tell him how he can work along these lines.' " I remarked to her that I would willingly do so, but that I was afraid he could not live to it or teach it to his congregation. Why? she asked. My answer was, "He requires a salary to preach the Gospel. Whenever he arises to preach to his congregation and says that which they do not like, they say that he will have to stop preaching that way or they will stop his salary." "Now," said I, "when I preach to the people, I do not care whose toes I tread on; I do not care who I strike; I teach the truth, and no matter where it hits they cannot come to me and say, 'We'll stop your salary because I haven't any to stop. That is the difference between your minister and me." That is one great difference between the ministers of the world, who are professing to preach the Gospel unto the people, and the Elders of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would sooner be a humble Elder preaching the Gospel unto the people, bearing testimony that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, than to be the greatest "divine" upon the face of the earth.
I pray that the Lord will bless us during this conference, and that He will inspire those who speak unto us, that we may be fed with the bread of life, that when we go from here we will form a resolution in our minds that we and our families will serve God and keep His commandments. May the Lord bless us to this end, is my prayer. Amen.
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH.
Apostates sacrifice the most—Professed ministers of Jesus guilty of misrepresentation—God will execute justice; the Saints' mission is peace.
I have greatly rejoiced this morning, brethren and sisters, in the testimony of those who have spoken and in hearing a report of the condition of some of The missionary fields. It seems from the reports of the brethren that not a great number have given heed to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by His servants who are endeavoring to save them; yet we are told that hundreds of thousands have been preached to, and thus warned of the coming judgments of God. For my own part, I would rather retain faithful and firm ten members of the Church who are already converted than convert one hundred out in the world.
Brethren and sisters, I hope that in your hearts is burning that same testimony which has been borne by our brethren here today, and that it is so firmly established there that it will be impossible for you to ever fall from the Church. To apostatize from the Church would be your own loss. As has been said, no physical injury or harm of any other kind would come to you from the Church itself; but in leaving the faith which you have espoused you would only cut yourselves off from the fellowship of good man and women, and, what is more, from the fellowship of God our Eternal Father. We often hear it said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and that we should make sacrifices for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All this may be true, but from my view-point the man who cuts himself off from the Church and denies himself full fellowship therein is the one who makes the greater sacrifice; for by so doing he sacrifices the fellowship of the Spirit of the Lord and welcomes darkness rather than light; in fact, there is no good thing that he does not sacrifice.
With my brethren who have spoken, I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it is true, I know that every principle that has ever been taught by the servants of the Lord, from the Prophet Joseph Smith till now, is true; and everyone of them tends to the development of mankind, to lift them up and make them better. There is no principle that is degrading in the least. We cannot compromise with the world; we cannot meet them half way; but we are in duty bound to go all the way for the purpose of warning them and preaching the Gospel as we have received it. And unless those who hear the Gospel accept every principle of it they cannot become members of the Church of Christ. There is no half way business with the Latter- day Saints. You have either to accept every principle that has been taught by God Almighty or you cannot he baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ. We have no right to do otherwise. Jesus Christ taught the people in His day that all those who came to Him must be born again; and He sent His Apostles forth to preach the Gospel to every creature, and he that believed and was baptized, He said should be saved, but he that believed not should be damned. That is the only thing we can do.
Now, we have charity for the world, but I glory in the testimony of Brother Ben E. Rich. I have a sort of indignant strain in my own blood when I hear these falsehoods spoken against us by men professing to be ministers of Jesus Christ. An appeal was made to the Gentiles who live in our midst, but I do not expect to see any number of them, however long they have lived in our midst, ever stand up and be men enough to deny to the world the lies that are told about us. I do expect, though, that if they go away from Salt Lake City for a period they will enter into the spirit of their brothers and lie with them. That is the only thing I expect from them, especially from those who wear the long coats and are professed ministers of the Gospel. We might name many of them to you, but you know them as well as I do.
The Latter-day Saints, from the beginning until now, have suffered from the misrepresentations of this class of men, and I expect that we will suffer until Christ comes to reign from just such men. The hand of Satan is raised against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he finds these professed ministers of the Gospel ready tools through which to work; and just so long as these conditions exist do I expect that these men will be employed in his service. Were not the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother murdered in cold blood by a mob led on by men who claimed to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did not they, in their piety, as the Jews of old, cry out, Away with this fellow? They said, is he not a blasphemer? Is he net teaching false doctrine? Is he not leading away our sons and daughters from the doctrines and traditions of their fathers? Why, if we let this man go on he will turn the whole world upside down. Therefore, away with him, murder him; anything to get him out of the way! And did they not do it? Did they not partake of the same spirit that those who crucified the Son of God had? And did they not prosecute their devilish work even to a culmination? Certainly they did. I feel warm, too, at these things; for my uncle and my own grandfather were the men who were thus slain, and in my veins flows the same blood that was shed then on the soil of Illinois, and that still cries to God for vengeance. But while my prayers shall ever ascend to God for vengeance upon those who have slain the prophets, anciently and today, yet were those men brought before me and their guilt established beyond the possibility of a doubt, I would say, Let them go and let God execute His own justice; and I would pray, O God, be merciful to them in the justice which Thou dost execute, because they knew not what they did. If they did know, then oh, how worthy are they of the most dire punishment that God can give to the murderer!
My voice shall ever be raised in defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of the Latter-day Saints; and it shall ever be raised against those who denounce us and lie about us. May God bless you, brethren and sisters. May you get a testimony of the Gospel for yourselves, so that, whatever people may say or do, we will be able to endure all things, even to the very end, and then be saved in the kingdom of God. Then we will turn our attention, as we are now doing, to the salvation of those who have spoken against us. Our mission is a mission of peace, of salvation and of goodwill to every man "who will repent of his sins and turn unto God. To every one who will cease to do evil, who will cease to backbite, to lie and to bear false witness, will we give the hand of fellowship, and welcome him, if he repent truly, into the Church of Christ. But, so far as I am concerned, I hope I will be able to establish myself so firmly in the Church that though the whole world rise against us, and though it cost my life with the lives of my brethren, I will remain faithful and firm to the testimony which God has given me. May the spirit of testimony rest upon us ail, any may we indeed live near unto God our Eternal Father, and keep His commandments, in spite of all that may be so id or done, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins: Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah.
Benediction by Elder Thomas E. Bassett, president of Fremont Stake.
Apostates sacrifice the most—Professed ministers of Jesus guilty of misrepresentation—God will execute justice; the Saints' mission is peace.
I have greatly rejoiced this morning, brethren and sisters, in the testimony of those who have spoken and in hearing a report of the condition of some of The missionary fields. It seems from the reports of the brethren that not a great number have given heed to the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by His servants who are endeavoring to save them; yet we are told that hundreds of thousands have been preached to, and thus warned of the coming judgments of God. For my own part, I would rather retain faithful and firm ten members of the Church who are already converted than convert one hundred out in the world.
Brethren and sisters, I hope that in your hearts is burning that same testimony which has been borne by our brethren here today, and that it is so firmly established there that it will be impossible for you to ever fall from the Church. To apostatize from the Church would be your own loss. As has been said, no physical injury or harm of any other kind would come to you from the Church itself; but in leaving the faith which you have espoused you would only cut yourselves off from the fellowship of good man and women, and, what is more, from the fellowship of God our Eternal Father. We often hear it said that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and that we should make sacrifices for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All this may be true, but from my view-point the man who cuts himself off from the Church and denies himself full fellowship therein is the one who makes the greater sacrifice; for by so doing he sacrifices the fellowship of the Spirit of the Lord and welcomes darkness rather than light; in fact, there is no good thing that he does not sacrifice.
With my brethren who have spoken, I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it is true, I know that every principle that has ever been taught by the servants of the Lord, from the Prophet Joseph Smith till now, is true; and everyone of them tends to the development of mankind, to lift them up and make them better. There is no principle that is degrading in the least. We cannot compromise with the world; we cannot meet them half way; but we are in duty bound to go all the way for the purpose of warning them and preaching the Gospel as we have received it. And unless those who hear the Gospel accept every principle of it they cannot become members of the Church of Christ. There is no half way business with the Latter- day Saints. You have either to accept every principle that has been taught by God Almighty or you cannot he baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ. We have no right to do otherwise. Jesus Christ taught the people in His day that all those who came to Him must be born again; and He sent His Apostles forth to preach the Gospel to every creature, and he that believed and was baptized, He said should be saved, but he that believed not should be damned. That is the only thing we can do.
Now, we have charity for the world, but I glory in the testimony of Brother Ben E. Rich. I have a sort of indignant strain in my own blood when I hear these falsehoods spoken against us by men professing to be ministers of Jesus Christ. An appeal was made to the Gentiles who live in our midst, but I do not expect to see any number of them, however long they have lived in our midst, ever stand up and be men enough to deny to the world the lies that are told about us. I do expect, though, that if they go away from Salt Lake City for a period they will enter into the spirit of their brothers and lie with them. That is the only thing I expect from them, especially from those who wear the long coats and are professed ministers of the Gospel. We might name many of them to you, but you know them as well as I do.
The Latter-day Saints, from the beginning until now, have suffered from the misrepresentations of this class of men, and I expect that we will suffer until Christ comes to reign from just such men. The hand of Satan is raised against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he finds these professed ministers of the Gospel ready tools through which to work; and just so long as these conditions exist do I expect that these men will be employed in his service. Were not the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother murdered in cold blood by a mob led on by men who claimed to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did not they, in their piety, as the Jews of old, cry out, Away with this fellow? They said, is he not a blasphemer? Is he net teaching false doctrine? Is he not leading away our sons and daughters from the doctrines and traditions of their fathers? Why, if we let this man go on he will turn the whole world upside down. Therefore, away with him, murder him; anything to get him out of the way! And did they not do it? Did they not partake of the same spirit that those who crucified the Son of God had? And did they not prosecute their devilish work even to a culmination? Certainly they did. I feel warm, too, at these things; for my uncle and my own grandfather were the men who were thus slain, and in my veins flows the same blood that was shed then on the soil of Illinois, and that still cries to God for vengeance. But while my prayers shall ever ascend to God for vengeance upon those who have slain the prophets, anciently and today, yet were those men brought before me and their guilt established beyond the possibility of a doubt, I would say, Let them go and let God execute His own justice; and I would pray, O God, be merciful to them in the justice which Thou dost execute, because they knew not what they did. If they did know, then oh, how worthy are they of the most dire punishment that God can give to the murderer!
My voice shall ever be raised in defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of the Latter-day Saints; and it shall ever be raised against those who denounce us and lie about us. May God bless you, brethren and sisters. May you get a testimony of the Gospel for yourselves, so that, whatever people may say or do, we will be able to endure all things, even to the very end, and then be saved in the kingdom of God. Then we will turn our attention, as we are now doing, to the salvation of those who have spoken against us. Our mission is a mission of peace, of salvation and of goodwill to every man "who will repent of his sins and turn unto God. To every one who will cease to do evil, who will cease to backbite, to lie and to bear false witness, will we give the hand of fellowship, and welcome him, if he repent truly, into the Church of Christ. But, so far as I am concerned, I hope I will be able to establish myself so firmly in the Church that though the whole world rise against us, and though it cost my life with the lives of my brethren, I will remain faithful and firm to the testimony which God has given me. May the spirit of testimony rest upon us ail, any may we indeed live near unto God our Eternal Father, and keep His commandments, in spite of all that may be so id or done, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins: Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah.
Benediction by Elder Thomas E. Bassett, president of Fremont Stake.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The choir and congregation sang:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam,
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
And shortly the hour of redemption will come.
Prayer was offered by Elder William Budge, president of Bear Lake Stake.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear:
But with joy wend your way.
The choir and congregation sang:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam,
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
And shortly the hour of redemption will come.
Prayer was offered by Elder William Budge, president of Bear Lake Stake.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear:
But with joy wend your way.
ELDER J. G. DUFFIN.
(President of Southwestern States Mission.)
I desire with all my heart, my brethren and sisters, that I may be led by the inspiration of the Spirit of God during the time that I shall speak to you this afternoon. There is one lesson, at least, that I have learned during my brief life, and it is this: no man can reach the hearts of the children of our Father in heaven, in speaking upon the principles of eternal life, save he is led by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. So important has our Father thought it to be that His servants should be led by that Spirit, that He has given commandment that they should not attempt to teach unless they knew they were led by His Holy Spirit.
While the brethren have been speaking today I have thought a little about the opening up of this great work that you and I are engaged in, and of some questions that are presented to us when we go among the nations of the earth and bear witness unto our fellows that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that Jesus is the Christ. When we bear witness of this great truth revealed in these latter days we are frequently asked, "Why do you so often bear witness that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God? Do you believe that he takes the place of Jesus, the Savior?" If we should answer that question dogmatically, we would say that we bear witness to that great fact because it is true; but that, I take it, is not sufficient. Whenever our Father in heaven has had a dispensation of the Gospel upon this earth, He has sent to the earth choice spirits, who had been foreordained in the heavens because of their pre-existent faithfulness, through whom He could reveal His will, and upon whom He could confer the keys of power and authority to minister His word among His children upon the earth. The time came when the promises of our Father were going to be fulfilled pertaining to His work in the last days. Again He sent to earth one of those choice spirits, who, when he came here, was given the name of Joseph Smith. Through him Father in heaven revealed His will again to His children, and to him He gave authority. Through that great man of God has been opened up the work of salvation for the living and redemption for the dead in this the greatest of all dispensations that have been given to man. I hold as a principle in missionary work that the first fact to be established before the people is the great truth that Joseph Smith is the man whom Father in heaven has raised up for this special purpose; for if they will not accept of him they will not accept the revelations of God given through him. It is because we believe this with all our hearts that in the mission over which your humble servant has been called to preside the Elders hold before the people first and foremost the great truth that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God.
A few weeks ago I stood, with President Andrew Kimball, in the room in Carthage, Illinois, where our beloved Prophet and Patriarch laid down their lives and sealed their testimony with their blood. Years before that time I made a vow to my Father in heaven that if He would give unto me His Holy Spirit, and courage and intelligence sufficient, I would devote my life to bearing witness to the world that He had raised up that man of God to establish His latter-day work. When I stood in that room and passed to the window out of which that man of God threw his body in order to save his brethren who were yet alive, I renewed that vow, with tears streaming down my face; and I want to say to you this day, especially to the young brethren and sisters in Zion, that again I do renew that vow, and desire with all my heart that I may ever be led by that Spirit of God to lift up my voice and bear witness that that great man who there gave his life is a Prophet of God, and that his testimony, sealed by his blood, lives today and will live in the hearts of the children of men.
In the Southwestern States Mission this fact is second only to the great truth that Jesus is the Christ. In that mission we are doing the work of our Father in heaven as He gives us ability to do it. We have about 120 Elders laboring there, and have had two of the beautiful, intelligent daughters of Zion, but one has recently returned from filling a faithful mission and is now in this building; the other is still there, doing good, efficient work. We hope to have others of the daughters of Zion sent to us to assist in the work. Brethren and sisters, your sons who are there are full of courage and zeal. Your daughters who have been and are there are filled with the same spirit of devotion and courage. I bear witness this day, with regard to the work of our young sisters, that when they stand before the people of the world and bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that Father has again spoken from the heavens, it goes to the hearts of the people, and they cannot resist the humble testimony of our beloved sisters.
I would like to say a word with regard to writing to your sons. Never allow one line of discouragement to go from you to them. Never put a thought in their minds that they should return home until the men whom God has chosen to direct His work are moved upon by the Spirit of God to release them from their missionary labors. Why do I say this? Because we have had occasion sometimes to know that the work of the Lord has suffered by reason of our young men being taken from the field before they ought to return, and they themselves have suffered most in consequence of it. I know the presidents of missions are careful of the young men. They are considerate of your sons. They love them as they love their owns sons. They would lay down their lives for your boys, and they are not going to permit them to do that which would be for their detriment, if they can help it.
The work of the Lord in that mission is progressing- reasonably well. Our Elders are treated well by the people. It is a rare exception where they meet mob violence. We have only had one case of extreme mob violence in about three years, and that was in a part of a state that has always exhibited a rank spirit towards the work of God; but even in that state the governor is a friend to the people of the Lord, as are some of the judges. I have talked with leading men in that state, and they have said to me, "Mr. Duffin, I want to say to you that the better element in this state, the men of thought and progress, are not bitterly opposed to your people, but are friendly towards you." That is the spirit which prevails generally among the intelligent and thinking classes of the people throughout the Southwestern States Mission. There is one exception to this rule, and that is among those who pretend to be followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene. From that class of people come the bitterest statements and opposition that we have to meet. A few weeks ago we held a conference of the Missouri Elders in Kansas City. The leading newspapers there treated us nicely, and gave fair accounts of the conference. They sent their reporters to our meetings, and they advertised us free of charge before the conference began. This stirred up the anger of some of these men who pretend to be followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene and they gave us a little more advertising in their Sunday night sermons. As soon as the reporters got those sermons they came right to our office and wanted to know whether the ministers' statements were true or not. They said they wanted to treat us fairly and get our side of the question, and they reported pretty fairly what we said in reply to the attack of those men who are not following the Savior, though they pretend to be. President Rich said he sometimes got warm in talking about these men and thinking how they treated our young men who are full of faith and zeal and who are doing a work of unselfishness among mankind. I do not suppose there is a president of a mission anywhere but gets angry sometimes at this, and righteously, too.
Brethren and sisters, we reported last spring that we had issued a ten thousand edition of the Book of Mormon in that mission. Since last May we have distributed nearly seven thousand copies of that sacred book, to various missions and throughout the country; and it is now going out by the thousands where formerly it was distributed by the hundreds. It is down to a price that can be reached by the people. Since I have been a student of this great latter- day work I have always held that if we must speculate out of any books, it should not be out of the Book of Mormon; for when the angel delivered the plates to the Prophet Joseph Smith he warned him against using them for the purpose of getting gain. I believe that same principle should obtain in the publishing and distribution of the book. We have acted upon that principle in contributing of our means in this direction. Your sons have given of their means to put this book at such a price that the people could reach it.
I pray, my brethren and sisters, that the Spirit of the Lord may be in the heart of everyone who attends this conference, and in the heart of every member of the Church, and that it may go forth among the nations of the earth and enter into the hearts of the people and open them to the reception of the eternal truths of heaven that have been revealed in this dispensation. I want to bear you my witness this day that I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know that Brigham Young is a Prophet of God. I know that these testimonies are being borne among the nations by our young men. I know that our beloved brother who sits on this stand today—Joseph F. Smith—is a true and a living Prophet of God, and that he holds the keys of the kingdom in the day in which he lives. God bless you. Amen.
(President of Southwestern States Mission.)
I desire with all my heart, my brethren and sisters, that I may be led by the inspiration of the Spirit of God during the time that I shall speak to you this afternoon. There is one lesson, at least, that I have learned during my brief life, and it is this: no man can reach the hearts of the children of our Father in heaven, in speaking upon the principles of eternal life, save he is led by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. So important has our Father thought it to be that His servants should be led by that Spirit, that He has given commandment that they should not attempt to teach unless they knew they were led by His Holy Spirit.
While the brethren have been speaking today I have thought a little about the opening up of this great work that you and I are engaged in, and of some questions that are presented to us when we go among the nations of the earth and bear witness unto our fellows that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that Jesus is the Christ. When we bear witness of this great truth revealed in these latter days we are frequently asked, "Why do you so often bear witness that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God? Do you believe that he takes the place of Jesus, the Savior?" If we should answer that question dogmatically, we would say that we bear witness to that great fact because it is true; but that, I take it, is not sufficient. Whenever our Father in heaven has had a dispensation of the Gospel upon this earth, He has sent to the earth choice spirits, who had been foreordained in the heavens because of their pre-existent faithfulness, through whom He could reveal His will, and upon whom He could confer the keys of power and authority to minister His word among His children upon the earth. The time came when the promises of our Father were going to be fulfilled pertaining to His work in the last days. Again He sent to earth one of those choice spirits, who, when he came here, was given the name of Joseph Smith. Through him Father in heaven revealed His will again to His children, and to him He gave authority. Through that great man of God has been opened up the work of salvation for the living and redemption for the dead in this the greatest of all dispensations that have been given to man. I hold as a principle in missionary work that the first fact to be established before the people is the great truth that Joseph Smith is the man whom Father in heaven has raised up for this special purpose; for if they will not accept of him they will not accept the revelations of God given through him. It is because we believe this with all our hearts that in the mission over which your humble servant has been called to preside the Elders hold before the people first and foremost the great truth that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God.
A few weeks ago I stood, with President Andrew Kimball, in the room in Carthage, Illinois, where our beloved Prophet and Patriarch laid down their lives and sealed their testimony with their blood. Years before that time I made a vow to my Father in heaven that if He would give unto me His Holy Spirit, and courage and intelligence sufficient, I would devote my life to bearing witness to the world that He had raised up that man of God to establish His latter-day work. When I stood in that room and passed to the window out of which that man of God threw his body in order to save his brethren who were yet alive, I renewed that vow, with tears streaming down my face; and I want to say to you this day, especially to the young brethren and sisters in Zion, that again I do renew that vow, and desire with all my heart that I may ever be led by that Spirit of God to lift up my voice and bear witness that that great man who there gave his life is a Prophet of God, and that his testimony, sealed by his blood, lives today and will live in the hearts of the children of men.
In the Southwestern States Mission this fact is second only to the great truth that Jesus is the Christ. In that mission we are doing the work of our Father in heaven as He gives us ability to do it. We have about 120 Elders laboring there, and have had two of the beautiful, intelligent daughters of Zion, but one has recently returned from filling a faithful mission and is now in this building; the other is still there, doing good, efficient work. We hope to have others of the daughters of Zion sent to us to assist in the work. Brethren and sisters, your sons who are there are full of courage and zeal. Your daughters who have been and are there are filled with the same spirit of devotion and courage. I bear witness this day, with regard to the work of our young sisters, that when they stand before the people of the world and bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that Father has again spoken from the heavens, it goes to the hearts of the people, and they cannot resist the humble testimony of our beloved sisters.
I would like to say a word with regard to writing to your sons. Never allow one line of discouragement to go from you to them. Never put a thought in their minds that they should return home until the men whom God has chosen to direct His work are moved upon by the Spirit of God to release them from their missionary labors. Why do I say this? Because we have had occasion sometimes to know that the work of the Lord has suffered by reason of our young men being taken from the field before they ought to return, and they themselves have suffered most in consequence of it. I know the presidents of missions are careful of the young men. They are considerate of your sons. They love them as they love their owns sons. They would lay down their lives for your boys, and they are not going to permit them to do that which would be for their detriment, if they can help it.
The work of the Lord in that mission is progressing- reasonably well. Our Elders are treated well by the people. It is a rare exception where they meet mob violence. We have only had one case of extreme mob violence in about three years, and that was in a part of a state that has always exhibited a rank spirit towards the work of God; but even in that state the governor is a friend to the people of the Lord, as are some of the judges. I have talked with leading men in that state, and they have said to me, "Mr. Duffin, I want to say to you that the better element in this state, the men of thought and progress, are not bitterly opposed to your people, but are friendly towards you." That is the spirit which prevails generally among the intelligent and thinking classes of the people throughout the Southwestern States Mission. There is one exception to this rule, and that is among those who pretend to be followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene. From that class of people come the bitterest statements and opposition that we have to meet. A few weeks ago we held a conference of the Missouri Elders in Kansas City. The leading newspapers there treated us nicely, and gave fair accounts of the conference. They sent their reporters to our meetings, and they advertised us free of charge before the conference began. This stirred up the anger of some of these men who pretend to be followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene and they gave us a little more advertising in their Sunday night sermons. As soon as the reporters got those sermons they came right to our office and wanted to know whether the ministers' statements were true or not. They said they wanted to treat us fairly and get our side of the question, and they reported pretty fairly what we said in reply to the attack of those men who are not following the Savior, though they pretend to be. President Rich said he sometimes got warm in talking about these men and thinking how they treated our young men who are full of faith and zeal and who are doing a work of unselfishness among mankind. I do not suppose there is a president of a mission anywhere but gets angry sometimes at this, and righteously, too.
Brethren and sisters, we reported last spring that we had issued a ten thousand edition of the Book of Mormon in that mission. Since last May we have distributed nearly seven thousand copies of that sacred book, to various missions and throughout the country; and it is now going out by the thousands where formerly it was distributed by the hundreds. It is down to a price that can be reached by the people. Since I have been a student of this great latter- day work I have always held that if we must speculate out of any books, it should not be out of the Book of Mormon; for when the angel delivered the plates to the Prophet Joseph Smith he warned him against using them for the purpose of getting gain. I believe that same principle should obtain in the publishing and distribution of the book. We have acted upon that principle in contributing of our means in this direction. Your sons have given of their means to put this book at such a price that the people could reach it.
I pray, my brethren and sisters, that the Spirit of the Lord may be in the heart of everyone who attends this conference, and in the heart of every member of the Church, and that it may go forth among the nations of the earth and enter into the hearts of the people and open them to the reception of the eternal truths of heaven that have been revealed in this dispensation. I want to bear you my witness this day that I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know that Brigham Young is a Prophet of God. I know that these testimonies are being borne among the nations by our young men. I know that our beloved brother who sits on this stand today—Joseph F. Smith—is a true and a living Prophet of God, and that he holds the keys of the kingdom in the day in which he lives. God bless you. Amen.
ELDER ASAHEL WOODRUFF.
(President of the Northern States Mission.)
My brethren and sisters, while standing before you upon this occasion I earnestly desire an interest in your faith and prayers,- that I may be clothed upon with the Spirit of the Lord, to enable me to report truthfully the conditions which prevail in the Northern States Mission. We have heard today reports from that portion of the country that is washed by the waters of the Pacific, and from portions washed by the Atlantic and the great Gulf as well as from the great interior country embraced within the Colorado Mission. It is my privilege to report that part of the country which may be called the district of the great lakes. Of late years the Northern States Mission has been shorn of some of the outlying States which were formerly part of it. The State of Missouri was given to the Southwestern States Mission, the States of Kansas and North and South Dakota were added to the Colorado Mission, and Ohio to the Southern States Mission. At the present time the Northern States Mission is very compact, the city of Chicago being almost centrally located, geographically. There are six states embraced in the mission, viz.: the state of Michigan (which in the early rise of the work furnished many splendid converts to the Church), the state of Indiana, the state of Illinois (whose soil drank in the blood of the Prophets that were slain for the testimony which they bore, and within whose borders are many points of historical interest connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), the state of Iowa (into whose wilderness the band of pilgrims made their way when they commenced that great exodus in the summer of 1846), the state of Wisconsin (which furnished the "cedars of Lebanon" for the beautiful temple at Nauvoo), and the great and beautiful state of Minnesota, with its more than ten thousand lakes, including Itasca, which gives birth to the great Father of Waters—the Mississippi river. We have about 100 Elders laboring in that mission at the present time.
Our work has been somewhat hampered the last few months, during which time it has been my privilege to preside over that part of the Lord's vineyard, owing to many of the Elders having to be released, and a large number of fresh ones sent into the field. I will say, however, that, notwithstanding the great majority of our force are young men, they are laboring assiduously, conscientiously and diligently to spread the work of the Lord in that part of the world, and their efforts are being met with reasonable success, though in point of baptisms the success is not as encouraging as we could wish. During the past eight months about 80,000 tracts have been distributed, and practically the same number of families have been visited, and 25,000 revisited; 2,500 meetings have been held, among this number being about 1,000 street meetings. I do not know that we can trace any conversions directly to our efforts upon the streets, but it has allayed a great deal of prejudice and has warned the people of the impending judgments which God designs to pour out upon the world. We have also seen this beneficial effect resulting from our street meetings: in districts where they have been held, the Elders have received a more cordial welcome at the homes of the people in their tracting. We have in the mission three Young Ladies' associations, one Young Men's association, and seven Sunday schools, all of which are doing effective work. Among those who have identified themselves with the work in these states we have some good, honest souls, who are thoroughly converted to all the principles of the Gospel promulgated by the Elders, and who have paid their tithes with care and precision. Many of our converts are employed in the factories and stores, and they will come religiously each Sabbath day and pay one-tenth of their earnings, thereby setting a commendable example to many of our people at home.
The spirit of gathering seems to take possession of the people almost as soon as they embrace the Gospel, and it is hard to restrain them from carrying out their desires in this matter. This tendency weakens our branches to a great extent, and we try to discourage it as far as possible, advising the people, in preference to gathering and leaving employment which they have and going where they will perhaps find It difficult to get suitable employment, to make a brief trip to Zion and attend to their work in the Temple of the Lord, which is the great incentive for them to gather with the people.
I believe that, aside from the work of the conversion of people in the world, one of the great features of missionary work is the conversion of the corps of Elders who are constantly traveling throughout the nations of the earth. Missionary work is one of the best educators that a young man could possibly have. It gives that practical education which fits them for the battle of life. It has been contended by people who are not of our faith that the young Latter-day Saints who show a disposition to follow in the footsteps of their fathers do so because they have inherited their prejudices. They look upon it as a case of the blind following the blind, and the ignorant following those who are still more ignorant. They say that the solution of this trouble is greater light, greater knowledge, and opportunity for the young men to come in contact with the purer (?) state of society which exists outside of Utah. That is largely the contention of the people who are opposed to our faith, notwithstanding the great amount of evidence which time is continually accumulating to show the plan to be a rank failure. The young men of our Church do go out Into the world, with very limited knowledge or experience, perhaps with no certain knowledge of the divinity of those principles which they have embraced, except that which comes through a consciousness of the honest, probity and truthfulness of their parents who believe in the Gospel. They go forth into the world, which has grown rank with conflicting notions and Ideas, and they are compelled to raise their hand against every creed, because every creed lifts its head against them. Surely this is a condition the most favorable that could be desired to eradicate from their young minds whatever respect they might have for the faith of their fathers, if anything could do so; and yet the leaders of the Church and the fathers and mothers of the young men all unite in urging them to take the very step which our enemies declare will be the means of eradicating from their minds whatever belief they have in the faith of their fathers. We see these young men by the hundreds taking the advice which comes from such opposite elements. They go out into the world, remaining there from 18 months to 3 years or more, and in 999 cases out of 1,000 they return with a firm conviction of the truth, the purity and the unsurpassing reasonableness of the Gospel. There might not be anything remarkable about an occasional conversion among these young men to a faith that had long been professed by them, though perhaps but little understood; but almost without exception these young men return with a strong personal testimony of the truth which their fathers have espoused.
There are many ways in which missionary experience is of great value to those who engage in it. It gives them a breadth of charity and consideration for their fellow creatures which cannot be obtained in any other way. It gives them an insight into the hopes, the aspirations and the conditions that exist in the world. It gives them a broader understanding of our Father's purposes in connection with the placing of His children here upon the earth. It also develops within them that quality which is declared by all people to be one of the cardinal virtues—unselfishness. The very fact of their being willing to sacrifice home, friends, and all that is near and dear to them, for a period, and go forth to suffer the scorn, the contumely, the hatred and the rebuffs of the world which they have to meet, is an evidence of their sincerity and their unselfishness. This gathering of people from all parts of the world, and this sending forth of our Elders to every nation under heaven, by which they become acquainted with the conditions that exist in the world, and then their returning home with the experience which they have acquired, is filling this state and surrounding states with men possessed of a knowledge of the world that cannot be found in any other community on the earth. I believe that this continued will be the means of establishing here the greatest, the purest and the most progressive people upon the face of the earth.
My testimony is that this work is true, that Joseph Smith was a divine instrument in the hands of the Almighty of establishing His work in the last days upon the earth, and that he did his work nobly and well; that he was succeeded by spirits which had been held in reserve to come forth in this important dispensation, to continue the work and to build upon the foundation laid by the Prophet Joseph; that a prophet of God still stands at the head of this Church, and that He will continue to place prophets at our head to receive His will and deliver it unto the people. I pray that God will help us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and to be true and loyal to the Priesthood, to God, to our friends and to ourselves, and to be counted worthy to be numbered among the jewels of our Father when He shall come to make them up. I ask these blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
(President of the Northern States Mission.)
My brethren and sisters, while standing before you upon this occasion I earnestly desire an interest in your faith and prayers,- that I may be clothed upon with the Spirit of the Lord, to enable me to report truthfully the conditions which prevail in the Northern States Mission. We have heard today reports from that portion of the country that is washed by the waters of the Pacific, and from portions washed by the Atlantic and the great Gulf as well as from the great interior country embraced within the Colorado Mission. It is my privilege to report that part of the country which may be called the district of the great lakes. Of late years the Northern States Mission has been shorn of some of the outlying States which were formerly part of it. The State of Missouri was given to the Southwestern States Mission, the States of Kansas and North and South Dakota were added to the Colorado Mission, and Ohio to the Southern States Mission. At the present time the Northern States Mission is very compact, the city of Chicago being almost centrally located, geographically. There are six states embraced in the mission, viz.: the state of Michigan (which in the early rise of the work furnished many splendid converts to the Church), the state of Indiana, the state of Illinois (whose soil drank in the blood of the Prophets that were slain for the testimony which they bore, and within whose borders are many points of historical interest connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), the state of Iowa (into whose wilderness the band of pilgrims made their way when they commenced that great exodus in the summer of 1846), the state of Wisconsin (which furnished the "cedars of Lebanon" for the beautiful temple at Nauvoo), and the great and beautiful state of Minnesota, with its more than ten thousand lakes, including Itasca, which gives birth to the great Father of Waters—the Mississippi river. We have about 100 Elders laboring in that mission at the present time.
Our work has been somewhat hampered the last few months, during which time it has been my privilege to preside over that part of the Lord's vineyard, owing to many of the Elders having to be released, and a large number of fresh ones sent into the field. I will say, however, that, notwithstanding the great majority of our force are young men, they are laboring assiduously, conscientiously and diligently to spread the work of the Lord in that part of the world, and their efforts are being met with reasonable success, though in point of baptisms the success is not as encouraging as we could wish. During the past eight months about 80,000 tracts have been distributed, and practically the same number of families have been visited, and 25,000 revisited; 2,500 meetings have been held, among this number being about 1,000 street meetings. I do not know that we can trace any conversions directly to our efforts upon the streets, but it has allayed a great deal of prejudice and has warned the people of the impending judgments which God designs to pour out upon the world. We have also seen this beneficial effect resulting from our street meetings: in districts where they have been held, the Elders have received a more cordial welcome at the homes of the people in their tracting. We have in the mission three Young Ladies' associations, one Young Men's association, and seven Sunday schools, all of which are doing effective work. Among those who have identified themselves with the work in these states we have some good, honest souls, who are thoroughly converted to all the principles of the Gospel promulgated by the Elders, and who have paid their tithes with care and precision. Many of our converts are employed in the factories and stores, and they will come religiously each Sabbath day and pay one-tenth of their earnings, thereby setting a commendable example to many of our people at home.
The spirit of gathering seems to take possession of the people almost as soon as they embrace the Gospel, and it is hard to restrain them from carrying out their desires in this matter. This tendency weakens our branches to a great extent, and we try to discourage it as far as possible, advising the people, in preference to gathering and leaving employment which they have and going where they will perhaps find It difficult to get suitable employment, to make a brief trip to Zion and attend to their work in the Temple of the Lord, which is the great incentive for them to gather with the people.
I believe that, aside from the work of the conversion of people in the world, one of the great features of missionary work is the conversion of the corps of Elders who are constantly traveling throughout the nations of the earth. Missionary work is one of the best educators that a young man could possibly have. It gives that practical education which fits them for the battle of life. It has been contended by people who are not of our faith that the young Latter-day Saints who show a disposition to follow in the footsteps of their fathers do so because they have inherited their prejudices. They look upon it as a case of the blind following the blind, and the ignorant following those who are still more ignorant. They say that the solution of this trouble is greater light, greater knowledge, and opportunity for the young men to come in contact with the purer (?) state of society which exists outside of Utah. That is largely the contention of the people who are opposed to our faith, notwithstanding the great amount of evidence which time is continually accumulating to show the plan to be a rank failure. The young men of our Church do go out Into the world, with very limited knowledge or experience, perhaps with no certain knowledge of the divinity of those principles which they have embraced, except that which comes through a consciousness of the honest, probity and truthfulness of their parents who believe in the Gospel. They go forth into the world, which has grown rank with conflicting notions and Ideas, and they are compelled to raise their hand against every creed, because every creed lifts its head against them. Surely this is a condition the most favorable that could be desired to eradicate from their young minds whatever respect they might have for the faith of their fathers, if anything could do so; and yet the leaders of the Church and the fathers and mothers of the young men all unite in urging them to take the very step which our enemies declare will be the means of eradicating from their minds whatever belief they have in the faith of their fathers. We see these young men by the hundreds taking the advice which comes from such opposite elements. They go out into the world, remaining there from 18 months to 3 years or more, and in 999 cases out of 1,000 they return with a firm conviction of the truth, the purity and the unsurpassing reasonableness of the Gospel. There might not be anything remarkable about an occasional conversion among these young men to a faith that had long been professed by them, though perhaps but little understood; but almost without exception these young men return with a strong personal testimony of the truth which their fathers have espoused.
There are many ways in which missionary experience is of great value to those who engage in it. It gives them a breadth of charity and consideration for their fellow creatures which cannot be obtained in any other way. It gives them an insight into the hopes, the aspirations and the conditions that exist in the world. It gives them a broader understanding of our Father's purposes in connection with the placing of His children here upon the earth. It also develops within them that quality which is declared by all people to be one of the cardinal virtues—unselfishness. The very fact of their being willing to sacrifice home, friends, and all that is near and dear to them, for a period, and go forth to suffer the scorn, the contumely, the hatred and the rebuffs of the world which they have to meet, is an evidence of their sincerity and their unselfishness. This gathering of people from all parts of the world, and this sending forth of our Elders to every nation under heaven, by which they become acquainted with the conditions that exist in the world, and then their returning home with the experience which they have acquired, is filling this state and surrounding states with men possessed of a knowledge of the world that cannot be found in any other community on the earth. I believe that this continued will be the means of establishing here the greatest, the purest and the most progressive people upon the face of the earth.
My testimony is that this work is true, that Joseph Smith was a divine instrument in the hands of the Almighty of establishing His work in the last days upon the earth, and that he did his work nobly and well; that he was succeeded by spirits which had been held in reserve to come forth in this important dispensation, to continue the work and to build upon the foundation laid by the Prophet Joseph; that a prophet of God still stands at the head of this Church, and that He will continue to place prophets at our head to receive His will and deliver it unto the people. I pray that God will help us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and to be true and loyal to the Priesthood, to God, to our friends and to ourselves, and to be counted worthy to be numbered among the jewels of our Father when He shall come to make them up. I ask these blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
ELDER NEPHI PRATT,
(President of Northwestern States Mission.)
I feel thankful to God for the blessings that we have received this day by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in listening to the inspired remarks of the brethren who have spoken. To come from the missionary field and look upon the faces of the Saints and hear the voice of inspiration from the mouths of the prophets, is a great privilege. It is greatly enjoyed by those who from day to day and from month to month go through the great cities of our land and seldom look upon a friendly face.
The Northwestern States Mission, over which I have been called to preside, is a small mission in some respects. It consists of the State of Washington, British Columbia, Montana, and a part of Idaho. I took the presidency of that mission and started my labors on the 14th of May last. I found about twenty great cities in the mission, and many large towns, and there were only eight Elders. They were so few and so inexperienced that it seemed when I arrived there like we had nothing to work with. But we commenced a little more systematically than the Elders had been doing, and we started to hold street meetings in Spokane, and in Butte, where they had almost given up the work. In our preaching instead of speaking so much upon faith, repentance and baptism, as we have in years past, we were led to preach upon the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith, and upon the fact that God had once again uttered His voice from the heavens, and that He had sent forth divinely- authorized servants into the great field of the world to warn the people of the judgments of God that are coming upon the earth; for the people of Washington and Montana are so utterly indifferent to the Bible and its contents that those whom the Elders can reach seem to have no interest in those things. We cannot reach the family people, who make up the church-going members in the various cities where we labor; for they reject us, shut us out, and will not have us. When we preach on the streets our tongues are loosed upon the subject of the coming of the Son of God and the signs that were to precede it, and we are led to proclaim that this people are the ones that are doing this great and marvelous work. We have also been able, by the power and inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to defend the Prophet Brigham Young, and to show up the majesty and the greatness that rested upon him in establishing the Latter-day Saints in this place, where in the beginning, when we looked down at the earth, it was like an ash-heap, and when we looked at the heavens, the sun's scorching rays came down upon our unprotected heads without pity. We did not know anything about irrigation, and we could not tell, if we dropped the seed in the soil, whether it would ever grow. We have told the people that in the midst of these difficulties, so huge and so appalling, there was one potent voice—the voice of Brigham Young, who, sticking his cane in the soil, said, "Here shall be erected the Temple of our God;" and there was one voice that could say, "Here shall be builded a great city." We have testified to this, and to what it has done for the people of the west; and when we have defended the prophets and declared these things, we have been received royally, and our hearts have been made to rejoice when we went on the streets without fear and trembling.
In the mission we now have 15 Elders in all, a few of whom are in Spokane, a few in Butte, and a couple in Anaconda. Western men do not threaten to mob us. They seem to feel above it. When we have been attacked on the streets by some wicked or quarrelsome person, we have found that we had defenders, who rose up and spoke well of us; while some have borne testimony to the greatness of the men that settled this country and made it possible to settle the other countries west of here. We have three branches of the Church—one in Butte, one in Anaconda, and one just established in Spokane with 22 members. In the five months I have been there we have baptized 17. We have Sunday schools in two of our branches, and expect to establish one in Spokane next Sunday or the Sunday following. In Spokane we have to hold our Sabbath meetings in our private residence, and we are beginning to have it crowded each Sunday, with us many strangers as Saints. Our Elders are young men, without any training in singing. You ought to go out on the streets and see how lamentable it is to call what we do singing. Men that cannot carry a tune, to save their lives; but, like Brother Grant, they are persevering, and we are getting so that we sometimes sing in harmony, if the Spirit of the Lord rests upon us. If I were to speak my mind, I would say to the rising generation of men who expect to fulfill missions in this Church, learn to become good singers; learn to sing in parts, so that you can form singing clubs. When you go into the missionary field it will help you greatly, and it will open doors to you that will not be opened if you do not possess that gift.
Brethren and sisters, in our mission we have not been able to set the world on fire by any means. I never saw such indifference as there seems to be there. Men do not want you to speak the word "religion" in their hearing. They have their business to attend to, and they won't talk religion. There is only one here and there that cares to speak upon the principles of the Gospel. But we have considerable opposition there from the ministers, and from some apostates that have been spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. They get into our street meetings and begin to abuse the prophets and find fault with us and the word of God; but we ignore them. We will not contend with them, and they are getting so that they have no following, and I am glad of it. In the cities where we preach on the streets, we have good crowds to hear us, and some of them are quite intelligent and attentive; but they are not made up of men who care anything about it after we are through. Some of them will come and bear testimony to the excellent character of our people, and that is all. We have a number of scattered Saints there, among them some young people, and they are hoping that some day they may come where they can get good companions and marry. They are holding themselves from the company of the wicked, trusting that in the future they may have the blessing of becoming united with the righteous. They are mixed up with the sectarians, and we cannot hold meetings with them. The best we can do is to send an Elder among them occasionally, and then very often they cannot get a schoolhouse to meet in. But we feel blessed and encouraged. We have the still small voice up there, and receive of the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. We feel to bless the name of the Lord who gave us that mission, and to proclaim His Gospel. We would be discouraged, did we not know that it is His work, and not ours.
One evening, on the streets of Butte, we met a minister, who got up a new argument against us. We had been preaching that a church without apostles and prophets, pastors and teachers, called by divine revelation from God, was not the body of Christ; that a church which did not have these officers was a thing without parts, without limbs, without eyes, and that a church without the Holy Ghost was dead. This man said that he wanted to tell the people that we were a deformity. He had studied Mormonism seven months, and he said the Mormons believed in a great many things that were not in the New Testament. He went on to say that we believe in three Presidents to preside over the church, and there was no such thing established by Jesus; we believed in High Priests, and there had been no High Priests in the Church in the days of Jesus; we believed in Patriarchs, and there was no such thing as Patriarchs provided for In the New Testament days. He continued, "If we are a body that is dead, without limbs or eyes, what are they? Are they not a body with three ears, and four arms, and eight legs?" And he called us a deformity. "Well, the people did not receive him very well, and the answer of the young Elder to his remarks was so overwhelming against him that he departed very quickly. We have been blessed and prospered, and it has not been possible for whatever intelligence has been brought against the work of God to bring it into shame or humiliation. I will tell you what we need in that mission. We need 80 Elders. But they are giving us missionaries just as fast as they can spare them, and we are thankful for them. I ask God the Eternal Father to bless this work, to promote its interest everywhere, to bless the missions and the mission presidents, with all the missionary Elders, to bless the Presidency of the Church and all the interests of this people everywhere.
I ask God to bless them all, and to plant our feet wherever we are colonized, that our influence may be felt, and that we may exhibit those qualities of salvation that shall attract men to us. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Northwestern States Mission.)
I feel thankful to God for the blessings that we have received this day by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in listening to the inspired remarks of the brethren who have spoken. To come from the missionary field and look upon the faces of the Saints and hear the voice of inspiration from the mouths of the prophets, is a great privilege. It is greatly enjoyed by those who from day to day and from month to month go through the great cities of our land and seldom look upon a friendly face.
The Northwestern States Mission, over which I have been called to preside, is a small mission in some respects. It consists of the State of Washington, British Columbia, Montana, and a part of Idaho. I took the presidency of that mission and started my labors on the 14th of May last. I found about twenty great cities in the mission, and many large towns, and there were only eight Elders. They were so few and so inexperienced that it seemed when I arrived there like we had nothing to work with. But we commenced a little more systematically than the Elders had been doing, and we started to hold street meetings in Spokane, and in Butte, where they had almost given up the work. In our preaching instead of speaking so much upon faith, repentance and baptism, as we have in years past, we were led to preach upon the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith, and upon the fact that God had once again uttered His voice from the heavens, and that He had sent forth divinely- authorized servants into the great field of the world to warn the people of the judgments of God that are coming upon the earth; for the people of Washington and Montana are so utterly indifferent to the Bible and its contents that those whom the Elders can reach seem to have no interest in those things. We cannot reach the family people, who make up the church-going members in the various cities where we labor; for they reject us, shut us out, and will not have us. When we preach on the streets our tongues are loosed upon the subject of the coming of the Son of God and the signs that were to precede it, and we are led to proclaim that this people are the ones that are doing this great and marvelous work. We have also been able, by the power and inspiration of the Holy Ghost, to defend the Prophet Brigham Young, and to show up the majesty and the greatness that rested upon him in establishing the Latter-day Saints in this place, where in the beginning, when we looked down at the earth, it was like an ash-heap, and when we looked at the heavens, the sun's scorching rays came down upon our unprotected heads without pity. We did not know anything about irrigation, and we could not tell, if we dropped the seed in the soil, whether it would ever grow. We have told the people that in the midst of these difficulties, so huge and so appalling, there was one potent voice—the voice of Brigham Young, who, sticking his cane in the soil, said, "Here shall be erected the Temple of our God;" and there was one voice that could say, "Here shall be builded a great city." We have testified to this, and to what it has done for the people of the west; and when we have defended the prophets and declared these things, we have been received royally, and our hearts have been made to rejoice when we went on the streets without fear and trembling.
In the mission we now have 15 Elders in all, a few of whom are in Spokane, a few in Butte, and a couple in Anaconda. Western men do not threaten to mob us. They seem to feel above it. When we have been attacked on the streets by some wicked or quarrelsome person, we have found that we had defenders, who rose up and spoke well of us; while some have borne testimony to the greatness of the men that settled this country and made it possible to settle the other countries west of here. We have three branches of the Church—one in Butte, one in Anaconda, and one just established in Spokane with 22 members. In the five months I have been there we have baptized 17. We have Sunday schools in two of our branches, and expect to establish one in Spokane next Sunday or the Sunday following. In Spokane we have to hold our Sabbath meetings in our private residence, and we are beginning to have it crowded each Sunday, with us many strangers as Saints. Our Elders are young men, without any training in singing. You ought to go out on the streets and see how lamentable it is to call what we do singing. Men that cannot carry a tune, to save their lives; but, like Brother Grant, they are persevering, and we are getting so that we sometimes sing in harmony, if the Spirit of the Lord rests upon us. If I were to speak my mind, I would say to the rising generation of men who expect to fulfill missions in this Church, learn to become good singers; learn to sing in parts, so that you can form singing clubs. When you go into the missionary field it will help you greatly, and it will open doors to you that will not be opened if you do not possess that gift.
Brethren and sisters, in our mission we have not been able to set the world on fire by any means. I never saw such indifference as there seems to be there. Men do not want you to speak the word "religion" in their hearing. They have their business to attend to, and they won't talk religion. There is only one here and there that cares to speak upon the principles of the Gospel. But we have considerable opposition there from the ministers, and from some apostates that have been spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. They get into our street meetings and begin to abuse the prophets and find fault with us and the word of God; but we ignore them. We will not contend with them, and they are getting so that they have no following, and I am glad of it. In the cities where we preach on the streets, we have good crowds to hear us, and some of them are quite intelligent and attentive; but they are not made up of men who care anything about it after we are through. Some of them will come and bear testimony to the excellent character of our people, and that is all. We have a number of scattered Saints there, among them some young people, and they are hoping that some day they may come where they can get good companions and marry. They are holding themselves from the company of the wicked, trusting that in the future they may have the blessing of becoming united with the righteous. They are mixed up with the sectarians, and we cannot hold meetings with them. The best we can do is to send an Elder among them occasionally, and then very often they cannot get a schoolhouse to meet in. But we feel blessed and encouraged. We have the still small voice up there, and receive of the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. We feel to bless the name of the Lord who gave us that mission, and to proclaim His Gospel. We would be discouraged, did we not know that it is His work, and not ours.
One evening, on the streets of Butte, we met a minister, who got up a new argument against us. We had been preaching that a church without apostles and prophets, pastors and teachers, called by divine revelation from God, was not the body of Christ; that a church which did not have these officers was a thing without parts, without limbs, without eyes, and that a church without the Holy Ghost was dead. This man said that he wanted to tell the people that we were a deformity. He had studied Mormonism seven months, and he said the Mormons believed in a great many things that were not in the New Testament. He went on to say that we believe in three Presidents to preside over the church, and there was no such thing established by Jesus; we believed in High Priests, and there had been no High Priests in the Church in the days of Jesus; we believed in Patriarchs, and there was no such thing as Patriarchs provided for In the New Testament days. He continued, "If we are a body that is dead, without limbs or eyes, what are they? Are they not a body with three ears, and four arms, and eight legs?" And he called us a deformity. "Well, the people did not receive him very well, and the answer of the young Elder to his remarks was so overwhelming against him that he departed very quickly. We have been blessed and prospered, and it has not been possible for whatever intelligence has been brought against the work of God to bring it into shame or humiliation. I will tell you what we need in that mission. We need 80 Elders. But they are giving us missionaries just as fast as they can spare them, and we are thankful for them. I ask God the Eternal Father to bless this work, to promote its interest everywhere, to bless the missions and the mission presidents, with all the missionary Elders, to bless the Presidency of the Church and all the interests of this people everywhere.
I ask God to bless them all, and to plant our feet wherever we are colonized, that our influence may be felt, and that we may exhibit those qualities of salvation that shall attract men to us. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH.
Friendly manifestations where persecution existed before—Favorable time to preach the Gospel — Liberal-minded listen respectfully, but few yield obedience—Talents should be used for the blessing of all.
My brethren and sisters, it is a matter of pleasure to me to be with you in attendance upon this conference, and to have listened to the words which have been spoken by our brethren who have been in the missionary field, seeking to sow the seeds of the Gospel and to discharge that obligation required at the hands of those that are warned, namely, that they shall warn their neighbors. The brethren have given us in brief some of their experiences in connection with the work that has been assigned unto them. It has been my privilege in the past few weeks to have had some little opportunity of mingling with the people in several states of the Union, and noting conditions under which the Elders are laboring in some of the fields to which they have been appointed by the presiding authority of the Church. My own experience while away from home in the discharge of a duty that had fallen to my lot, was among the pleasurable ones of my life. In an absence from home of something like four weeks, I do not know that in the entire time, although I mingled with a great many, I had one wry face made at me because I happened to be a "Mormon." I do not know that any of our brethren who were with me were subjected to any evidence of disrespect, or that any expressions of animosity were in any way directed against the organization of which we are members. We received the most thoughtful treatment, and in the discharge of the duties that were incumbent upon us were enabled, I believe, to impress upon the minds of some of our fellowmen a higher regard and a better understanding of our purpose than they possibly had before.
Among the most pleasing experiences through which it was my privilege to pass in connection with other brethren was one such as stated by President Duffin as having occurred in his experience, and that was in the payment of a visit to Hancock county, Illinois, and to receive very kindly consideration from many of the old-time citizens of that county. Their expressions were of the most friendly character, and many of them absolutely and unconditionally declared that Hancock county today was "Jack-Mormon," and not anti-"Mormon," and they expressed a wish that it were possible for the Saints to again establish themselves upon that land and build up again, by their thrift and industry, the towns that had withered after the removal of the Saints. The sentiment that we found among many of these men and women was to me an evidence of a working change in the breasts of the people; and I am of the opinion that the opportunities for extending the Gospel in our own nation are better today than they have ever been since the Saints left their homes in the east and established themselves in the valleys of the mountains. While there are some men who are given to misrepresenting our character, and the press of the country in many instances take up very readily anything that will reflect upon and in a measure retard the progress of the latter-day work, the constant travel of the better elements of the people of the United States is having the effect to wear away and disprove the false statements that have been heralded broadcast in times that are past and gone, and the possibility of arousing a spirit of hatred and animosity again.it us is not so marked as formerly. There are large bodies of fair-minded, honorable men and women in all parts of the land, and while they may not be as aggressive in their spirit as the enemies of the Saints are, they are ready to give aid and comfort to the Elders of the Church in the performance of their part, and to defend them if necessary. I feel that no better time has existed for us to fulfill that great responsibility of preaching the Gospel and warning the world than exists at the present time. Our contact with men in business, our association with them in the variety of congresses and conventions that are held in the various parts of the nation, has awakened in the breasts of many thoughtful and prudent men most serious thoughts in connection with our ministry. The large bodies of men who attend these cattle conventions, irrigation congresses, good roads congresses, Trans-Mississippi congresses and other representative gatherings at which our brethren and other -non from our state have been present, have accomplished wonders in changing the spirit of the thoughtful and fair-minded of our land. One man who has figured most conspicuously in almost all of these congresses, and who is eminent in one of our territories, in a published expression over his own signature, recently made the statement that if nothing else had been accomplished by these conventions and congresses in this western country than the obtaining of a better understanding of "Mormonism" and its purpose in the world, that alone has amply repaid the people of the Trans-Mississippi country for the establishment of these gatherings. Coming from such a man, who is equipped, by the education and training of his life, to discharge fully and thoroughly almost any part that might be required at his hands, after an extended acquaintance with the men who have gone from our state to these various gatherings, that statement is a witness to me of an advance in the line of thought and in the opening up to the fair-minded and generous American people a way to allay the intense excitement that in the past has been awakened against us because of a lack of understanding with regard to our purpose.
I believe this is true, not only within the confines of our own great government, but also beyond our borders in the great south land and in the lands to the north of us. While many men are not inclined to express themselves upon the question of our religion, yet the justice engendered in their hearts as a result of their mingling with the people has broken in pieces many of the idols of the past, and has destroyed, in a great measure, the work of the illiberal and small-minded, too many of whom are found in the ranks of the clergymen, so lacking in that breadth and understanding of the principles of the government under which we live that their constant clamorings are directed to the hurt of their fellowmen. But even among the ministers there are men of broad minds, of big hearts and generous purposes. While they are not believers with us in the doctrines of the Gospel as restored through the administrations of the prophets in this dispensation, still they recognize the fact that in the exercise of their rights and in the fulfillment of their mission they cannot regard with respect those that would trample upon them in the exercise of their rights, and they concede to their fellowmen the same privileges that they desire for themselves. All such men, whether they be without faith, whether they are acceptors of the doctrines of the Protestant world, or believers in Judaism, or members of that great organization known as the Catholic church, wherever they may be found they are among the protectors and preservers of the liberties of man and those human rights guaranteed unto us by the Constitution of the United States. To these men, whose hearts are big, and whose education is in keeping with the character of the government which the Almighty has permitted to be established in this day, we may turn our faces with a degree of safety. But when it comes to those whose souls are narrowed down to the acceptance of the idea that their prayers can simply ascend in the interest of their own little circle, and that liberty can only be permitted to be enjoyed by the members of that circle, sentiments such as they possess, and which find expression in a desire to interfere with the conscience of their fellowmen will, I trust, gradually decrease in influence and power until beneath the flag of the United States, no human being can be called in question as to the character of his faith, whether he worship Mohammed or whether he accepts the doctrines and views presented to the world by the great Christian organizations that are proclaiming Christ and His ministry in the world.
The promise to us in the introduction of this work was not that it should ever become a popular system in the minds of mankind. The promise made was that it should gather one of a city and two of a family. Up to the present moment, take the statements of the men who are in the mission fields of this great country, and there has been no declaration that the work which the Almighty has established in this day has become popular among the people. A few receive? their message; a few have administered unto them the ordinance of baptism: a few aid them in the accomplishment of their work by providing for their wants, or by preserving them from the attacks of mobs or unwise and thoughtless people. The work began with a few; it probably will continue for some time with a few. But its destiny and mission will be accomplished upon the basis designated by our heavenly Father. The one of a city and the two of a family will be gathered, will be nurtured in harmony with our Father's purposes, and in due time the work will be established in its fullness and become indeed the joy of the whole earth. It will not come with a rush; it will not come by great popular demonstrations; it will not come as a result of any great eloquence or skill or power that we may possess; it will come through the operations of the still small voice bearing witness to the hearts of the few, until step by step and stage by stage the children of our God will be assimilated and brought into harmony with the principles of His truth; for it is destined to accomplish its work and bring about our Father's purpose. We note the conditions that grew up in the ages past, when the Christian religion became a popular religion; when the Christianity of the Redeemer was lost or buried in the paganism that surrounded it, and when the ordinances of God's house, with the keys, rights, authorities and blessings, were lost in the philosophy and wickedness of that day.
My brothers and my sisters, before us is this entire world. Our Father has given it to us as our field. From its islands and from its continents, from its mountains and from its valleys we are to gather together the children of our Father, indoctrinate them in an understanding of the principle of revelation, write upon their hearts the characteristics of the prophecies of old, and engender in their minds the understanding that as prophecy and revelation were requisite in that former day, so they, in this day, who would be in communion with our heavenly Father must seek to obtain that selfsame spirit and drink in of that revelation and prophecy that stall bring to the souls of men a complete comprehension of our Father's purposes in connection with His great family. To this end the seeds will have to be sown, gradually but surely, that little by little the lump may be assimilated, the conditions may be shaped, the hearts of -God's children may be brought to the proper understanding, and that upon their souls shall be written, by the impress of His Spirit, the truth of His work that shall lead them to obey it and do His bidding.
There are many things we have to do in connection with the development of our Father's work that probably in our experience are very trying to us; but we look back over the past, as we remember the conditions that surrounded us in the state of Illinois, or in the state of Ohio, or in the state of Missouri, and we note the changes that have been wrought in our establishment in this mountain home, we must glorify our Father's name that He utilized means to push us into the valleys of these mountains, and equip us by the education that we have received for the accomplishment of that great work which He has set us to do. There was no escape from this. It has come to us in the accomplishment of His purpose, and His purpose is the gradual regeneration of His children and the establishment in all the world of the truth of that message which God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ made known to the Prophet of this dispensation, and to which our brethren have borne testimony this day and become witnesses of the ministry and mission of the chosen ones designated to scatter this seed and bring to repentance the sons and daughters of God. At no time in the world's history has there ever been made so wonderful an accomplishment in the sowing of seed and in the dissemination of principle such as was made in the life ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith. In almost every church we hear sung songs of the latter- day Zion. We hear them clamoring In many sections of our country for information bearing upon many principles in which we believe, and we note that the thoughtful and prudent men of the land.as well as of other parts of this continent upon which we live, desire our association and companionship, that the labors of our organization may be brought to bear to change the conditions in their sections of country and open the door that more of our Father's children may be successful in securing to themselves the blessings and comforts of life.
I recognize the fact, my brethren and sisters, that it is not prudent In me to speak to you longer; but with my associates who have spoken to you this day I desire to bear my testimony to the truth of this Gospel. I desire to say to you practical and thoughtful men among the Latter-day Saints that our Father expects you to utilize the talents that you possess in the creation of industries, in the providing of work, in aiding every child that shall receive of that faith which the Almighty has given unto you, that he may secure for himself a home, that he may be indoctrinated in the principles of eternal truth, and that all our talents may be utilized for the spiritual and temporal blessing of every one of our Father's, children to the uttermost limit of our capacity. That which we have embraced came from a divine source. It' mission is a mission of regeneration. It moves forward in the accomplishment of its destiny. Nothing in the world can stay its progress. That declaration that "no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn," will operate in the future as it has in the past. All honor to the honorable, upright and generous men of this world who stand upon the basis of fair-dealing among their fellows, and all dishonor to the narrow-minded, illiberal and ungenerous men of the world whose hearts and minds are not broad enough to register aright the rights that they themselves enjoy and that the rights of their fellows should be sacred in every sense of the word!
May the blessings of God attend you. May the faith that was delivered to the prophets of this dispensation find its lodgment in your hearts and homes. May you be stalwarts among men in the defense of human liberty and in the blessing of every creature. May you impress upon the souls of your sons and daughters that sacred regard for human rights that no human being with your consent should be denied the exercise of his conscience, so long as he does not interfere with the rights or liberties of any other human being; and that this principle and spirit may grow and garnish your lives and enable you to fulfill your destiny, under the blessing of our God, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang: Ye thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.
Benediction by Elder Edward H. Snow, president of St. George Stake.
Friendly manifestations where persecution existed before—Favorable time to preach the Gospel — Liberal-minded listen respectfully, but few yield obedience—Talents should be used for the blessing of all.
My brethren and sisters, it is a matter of pleasure to me to be with you in attendance upon this conference, and to have listened to the words which have been spoken by our brethren who have been in the missionary field, seeking to sow the seeds of the Gospel and to discharge that obligation required at the hands of those that are warned, namely, that they shall warn their neighbors. The brethren have given us in brief some of their experiences in connection with the work that has been assigned unto them. It has been my privilege in the past few weeks to have had some little opportunity of mingling with the people in several states of the Union, and noting conditions under which the Elders are laboring in some of the fields to which they have been appointed by the presiding authority of the Church. My own experience while away from home in the discharge of a duty that had fallen to my lot, was among the pleasurable ones of my life. In an absence from home of something like four weeks, I do not know that in the entire time, although I mingled with a great many, I had one wry face made at me because I happened to be a "Mormon." I do not know that any of our brethren who were with me were subjected to any evidence of disrespect, or that any expressions of animosity were in any way directed against the organization of which we are members. We received the most thoughtful treatment, and in the discharge of the duties that were incumbent upon us were enabled, I believe, to impress upon the minds of some of our fellowmen a higher regard and a better understanding of our purpose than they possibly had before.
Among the most pleasing experiences through which it was my privilege to pass in connection with other brethren was one such as stated by President Duffin as having occurred in his experience, and that was in the payment of a visit to Hancock county, Illinois, and to receive very kindly consideration from many of the old-time citizens of that county. Their expressions were of the most friendly character, and many of them absolutely and unconditionally declared that Hancock county today was "Jack-Mormon," and not anti-"Mormon," and they expressed a wish that it were possible for the Saints to again establish themselves upon that land and build up again, by their thrift and industry, the towns that had withered after the removal of the Saints. The sentiment that we found among many of these men and women was to me an evidence of a working change in the breasts of the people; and I am of the opinion that the opportunities for extending the Gospel in our own nation are better today than they have ever been since the Saints left their homes in the east and established themselves in the valleys of the mountains. While there are some men who are given to misrepresenting our character, and the press of the country in many instances take up very readily anything that will reflect upon and in a measure retard the progress of the latter-day work, the constant travel of the better elements of the people of the United States is having the effect to wear away and disprove the false statements that have been heralded broadcast in times that are past and gone, and the possibility of arousing a spirit of hatred and animosity again.it us is not so marked as formerly. There are large bodies of fair-minded, honorable men and women in all parts of the land, and while they may not be as aggressive in their spirit as the enemies of the Saints are, they are ready to give aid and comfort to the Elders of the Church in the performance of their part, and to defend them if necessary. I feel that no better time has existed for us to fulfill that great responsibility of preaching the Gospel and warning the world than exists at the present time. Our contact with men in business, our association with them in the variety of congresses and conventions that are held in the various parts of the nation, has awakened in the breasts of many thoughtful and prudent men most serious thoughts in connection with our ministry. The large bodies of men who attend these cattle conventions, irrigation congresses, good roads congresses, Trans-Mississippi congresses and other representative gatherings at which our brethren and other -non from our state have been present, have accomplished wonders in changing the spirit of the thoughtful and fair-minded of our land. One man who has figured most conspicuously in almost all of these congresses, and who is eminent in one of our territories, in a published expression over his own signature, recently made the statement that if nothing else had been accomplished by these conventions and congresses in this western country than the obtaining of a better understanding of "Mormonism" and its purpose in the world, that alone has amply repaid the people of the Trans-Mississippi country for the establishment of these gatherings. Coming from such a man, who is equipped, by the education and training of his life, to discharge fully and thoroughly almost any part that might be required at his hands, after an extended acquaintance with the men who have gone from our state to these various gatherings, that statement is a witness to me of an advance in the line of thought and in the opening up to the fair-minded and generous American people a way to allay the intense excitement that in the past has been awakened against us because of a lack of understanding with regard to our purpose.
I believe this is true, not only within the confines of our own great government, but also beyond our borders in the great south land and in the lands to the north of us. While many men are not inclined to express themselves upon the question of our religion, yet the justice engendered in their hearts as a result of their mingling with the people has broken in pieces many of the idols of the past, and has destroyed, in a great measure, the work of the illiberal and small-minded, too many of whom are found in the ranks of the clergymen, so lacking in that breadth and understanding of the principles of the government under which we live that their constant clamorings are directed to the hurt of their fellowmen. But even among the ministers there are men of broad minds, of big hearts and generous purposes. While they are not believers with us in the doctrines of the Gospel as restored through the administrations of the prophets in this dispensation, still they recognize the fact that in the exercise of their rights and in the fulfillment of their mission they cannot regard with respect those that would trample upon them in the exercise of their rights, and they concede to their fellowmen the same privileges that they desire for themselves. All such men, whether they be without faith, whether they are acceptors of the doctrines of the Protestant world, or believers in Judaism, or members of that great organization known as the Catholic church, wherever they may be found they are among the protectors and preservers of the liberties of man and those human rights guaranteed unto us by the Constitution of the United States. To these men, whose hearts are big, and whose education is in keeping with the character of the government which the Almighty has permitted to be established in this day, we may turn our faces with a degree of safety. But when it comes to those whose souls are narrowed down to the acceptance of the idea that their prayers can simply ascend in the interest of their own little circle, and that liberty can only be permitted to be enjoyed by the members of that circle, sentiments such as they possess, and which find expression in a desire to interfere with the conscience of their fellowmen will, I trust, gradually decrease in influence and power until beneath the flag of the United States, no human being can be called in question as to the character of his faith, whether he worship Mohammed or whether he accepts the doctrines and views presented to the world by the great Christian organizations that are proclaiming Christ and His ministry in the world.
The promise to us in the introduction of this work was not that it should ever become a popular system in the minds of mankind. The promise made was that it should gather one of a city and two of a family. Up to the present moment, take the statements of the men who are in the mission fields of this great country, and there has been no declaration that the work which the Almighty has established in this day has become popular among the people. A few receive? their message; a few have administered unto them the ordinance of baptism: a few aid them in the accomplishment of their work by providing for their wants, or by preserving them from the attacks of mobs or unwise and thoughtless people. The work began with a few; it probably will continue for some time with a few. But its destiny and mission will be accomplished upon the basis designated by our heavenly Father. The one of a city and the two of a family will be gathered, will be nurtured in harmony with our Father's purposes, and in due time the work will be established in its fullness and become indeed the joy of the whole earth. It will not come with a rush; it will not come by great popular demonstrations; it will not come as a result of any great eloquence or skill or power that we may possess; it will come through the operations of the still small voice bearing witness to the hearts of the few, until step by step and stage by stage the children of our God will be assimilated and brought into harmony with the principles of His truth; for it is destined to accomplish its work and bring about our Father's purpose. We note the conditions that grew up in the ages past, when the Christian religion became a popular religion; when the Christianity of the Redeemer was lost or buried in the paganism that surrounded it, and when the ordinances of God's house, with the keys, rights, authorities and blessings, were lost in the philosophy and wickedness of that day.
My brothers and my sisters, before us is this entire world. Our Father has given it to us as our field. From its islands and from its continents, from its mountains and from its valleys we are to gather together the children of our Father, indoctrinate them in an understanding of the principle of revelation, write upon their hearts the characteristics of the prophecies of old, and engender in their minds the understanding that as prophecy and revelation were requisite in that former day, so they, in this day, who would be in communion with our heavenly Father must seek to obtain that selfsame spirit and drink in of that revelation and prophecy that stall bring to the souls of men a complete comprehension of our Father's purposes in connection with His great family. To this end the seeds will have to be sown, gradually but surely, that little by little the lump may be assimilated, the conditions may be shaped, the hearts of -God's children may be brought to the proper understanding, and that upon their souls shall be written, by the impress of His Spirit, the truth of His work that shall lead them to obey it and do His bidding.
There are many things we have to do in connection with the development of our Father's work that probably in our experience are very trying to us; but we look back over the past, as we remember the conditions that surrounded us in the state of Illinois, or in the state of Ohio, or in the state of Missouri, and we note the changes that have been wrought in our establishment in this mountain home, we must glorify our Father's name that He utilized means to push us into the valleys of these mountains, and equip us by the education that we have received for the accomplishment of that great work which He has set us to do. There was no escape from this. It has come to us in the accomplishment of His purpose, and His purpose is the gradual regeneration of His children and the establishment in all the world of the truth of that message which God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ made known to the Prophet of this dispensation, and to which our brethren have borne testimony this day and become witnesses of the ministry and mission of the chosen ones designated to scatter this seed and bring to repentance the sons and daughters of God. At no time in the world's history has there ever been made so wonderful an accomplishment in the sowing of seed and in the dissemination of principle such as was made in the life ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith. In almost every church we hear sung songs of the latter- day Zion. We hear them clamoring In many sections of our country for information bearing upon many principles in which we believe, and we note that the thoughtful and prudent men of the land.as well as of other parts of this continent upon which we live, desire our association and companionship, that the labors of our organization may be brought to bear to change the conditions in their sections of country and open the door that more of our Father's children may be successful in securing to themselves the blessings and comforts of life.
I recognize the fact, my brethren and sisters, that it is not prudent In me to speak to you longer; but with my associates who have spoken to you this day I desire to bear my testimony to the truth of this Gospel. I desire to say to you practical and thoughtful men among the Latter-day Saints that our Father expects you to utilize the talents that you possess in the creation of industries, in the providing of work, in aiding every child that shall receive of that faith which the Almighty has given unto you, that he may secure for himself a home, that he may be indoctrinated in the principles of eternal truth, and that all our talents may be utilized for the spiritual and temporal blessing of every one of our Father's, children to the uttermost limit of our capacity. That which we have embraced came from a divine source. It' mission is a mission of regeneration. It moves forward in the accomplishment of its destiny. Nothing in the world can stay its progress. That declaration that "no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn," will operate in the future as it has in the past. All honor to the honorable, upright and generous men of this world who stand upon the basis of fair-dealing among their fellows, and all dishonor to the narrow-minded, illiberal and ungenerous men of the world whose hearts and minds are not broad enough to register aright the rights that they themselves enjoy and that the rights of their fellows should be sacred in every sense of the word!
May the blessings of God attend you. May the faith that was delivered to the prophets of this dispensation find its lodgment in your hearts and homes. May you be stalwarts among men in the defense of human liberty and in the blessing of every creature. May you impress upon the souls of your sons and daughters that sacred regard for human rights that no human being with your consent should be denied the exercise of his conscience, so long as he does not interfere with the rights or liberties of any other human being; and that this principle and spirit may grow and garnish your lives and enable you to fulfill your destiny, under the blessing of our God, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang: Ye thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.
Benediction by Elder Edward H. Snow, president of St. George Stake.
SECOND DAY. Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 1902.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which commences:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.
The latter-day glory begins to come forth.
Opening prayer by Elder Albert A. Smith, president of San Luis Stake.
Singing by the choir:
Lo! the might of God appearing;
From on high Jehovah speaks.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which commences:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.
The latter-day glory begins to come forth.
Opening prayer by Elder Albert A. Smith, president of San Luis Stake.
Singing by the choir:
Lo! the might of God appearing;
From on high Jehovah speaks.
ELDER REED SMOOT.
Striking evidence of friendship—Payment of fast offerings for the poor—Necessity for avoidance of debt.
My dear brothers and sisters, it is indeed an inspiring sight this Sabbath morning to see this building so well filled with people who have come to hear the word of the Lord. I am thankful for the privilege of speaking this morning and bearing my humble testimony to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ that has been established in these last days. I am thankful that I am in harmony with the Presidency of this Church, and with the members of the quorum of the Twelve. I hope I am in harmony with every Latter-day Saint.
If I had been called upon to speak yesterday, I felt in my soul that I would liked to have spoken upon the subject that is causing so much comment in the newspapers of the United States— the subject of blood atonement; but as Brother Ben E. Rich spoke upon it and explained to a certain extent the position of our Church in reference to it, I will be content in saying that I endorse every word uttered by him on that point, and I ask every Latter-day Saint to read his remarks. I was proud of all the men who spoke here yesterday, and who bore their testimonies to the work of God. I noticed that the most of them were young men, born in the church of Jesus Christ, and of parents who had suffered the hardships of the early days, and I was delighted with all of them for the testimonies which they bore that Jesus was the Christ and that this was the Church of Christ. When Brother Rich stood here and testified that he had not received his testimony from his father, but from God, I was happy in the knowledge that there were thousands of young men born in this Church who could bear the same testimony; and I know that the world loves a man who is true to his convictions and fearless in defending the right, wherever he may be.
About three weeks ago I received a letter from one of the largest wholesale houses of Cincinnati, In which they stated to me that they had met Brother Ben E. Rich (for they called him "brother") and had offered him a place in their establishment for his headquarters, and that they would do all they could to help him along. I wrote an acknowledgment to that letter and told them I wanted them to take good care of him, for he was one of the noble sons of God, and whatever they did for him would indeed be appreciated by me. I know that I have hundreds of staunch friends outside our Church, and I believe there are hundreds and thousands of staunch friends to the Latter-day Saints. Whenever a man goes into the world and is not afraid to bear testimony and speak in defense of the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I tell you that honest men respect such a one for so doing.
I desire to call the attention of the people to a question that has come to my notice in traveling- through the different Stakes of Zion, and that is in regard to fast offerings. I am pleased to state here that there are a number of the Stakes of Zion that have no poor within their borders, so I have been informed in meeting with them; but they have thought that, because they had no poor, it was unnecessary for them to collect fast offerings. To all such Stakes I want to say that it is a requirement of the Church that the Saints observe the fast day each month and that the food saved by abstaining from meals that day should be given to the poor of God's Church. If this were universally followed, there would be no one lacking food in all Zion. The requirement made by the Church in relation to fast day offerings should be adhered to by every member of this Church. It may be asked, What shall be done with the offerings in Stakes where there are no poor? I have told the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of wards that in the Salt Lake Stake and other large Stakes there are hundreds of poor that need to be fed and clothed, and could be with ease if all the Saints paid their fast offerings as they should. If the Bishops will only notify the President of the Church that they have an accumulation of fast offerings he can tell them where to send it, and it will be put to good use. The poor people who congregate in the large cities can be helped by it.
While I am on this subject, I desire to call the attention of the Bishops of the Church to some things I have noticed in regard to the distribution of the fast offerings, which, in my opinion, should be corrected. In one ward not long ago I was looking upon a list of the names of those who were helped from the fast day offerings. Standing at the head of the list was a man who had never in his life paid a dollar in any form to the Church of Jesus Christ, and he was a man who had been placed by the people in positions that brought him a deal of means every year. He lived for years in that Stake of Zion drawing a princely salary, but forgot to pay his tithes and offerings; and now that adversity has overtaken him he is ready to come and ask that the fast offerings be given to him, and seems to feel that he has a greater claim upon them than some faithful Latter-day Saints who perhaps are suffering more than he, but who may not call upon the Bishop so persistently as he does. I believe with all my heart in looking after the poor, no matter what their condition may be; but I ask you Bishops and the people to first remember those that remember God in the days of their prosperity. I trust that every one who asks aid from the fast offerings will be worthy of it and will have a rightful claim upon the offerings of the people.
In many parts of the Church, especially in the outlying districts, the fast offerings are mostly paid in flour and produce of various kinds, and where such is the case, I would ask the Bishops to have the Deacons call upon the people every month for these offerings, and let them take what they gather to a place where it will be kept and cared for. In this way let the people be reminded every month of the requirement that is made of them. I understand that in Salt Lake City and one or two other large towns where they handle nothing but cash, the offerings are paid at the fast meeting. Where it can be done in this way, it is all well and good; but in the great majority of the wards of the Church we feel that the Bishops should see that the Deacons collect the fast offerings. I also desire to call another thing to the attention of this vast audience, and I would that my voice could reach every home in Utah and wherever the people of God live. I refer how to the practice of running in debt. I ask the people of the Church of Christ to get out of debt, if they are in debt; and if they are out of debt, to stay out. Everybody has employment now, money is plentiful, the banks being- full of it, and it is easy to borrow; but I ask my brethren and sisters to remember one fact, which is considered as much a truth in business as any truth of the Gospel is religiously, and that is this: Failures are not made in times of depression. In hard times men's creditors try to make them pay up and crowd them pretty closely, and while a failure may occur in hard times the cause of it began in prosperous times, when credit was easy. I ask those who are in debt, to get out of debt while these prosperous times are upon us. Speculation is rife in the land; men are reaching out all over, and, I am afraid, reaching farther than they can gather; and the people here as well as in other parts of the country need to be warned against this tendency. I ask the Saints, as the President of the Church asked the Priesthood last night, to get out of debt, and keep out of debt. I want to say to the wives of the Church: Whenever your husband asks you to place a mortgage upon your home—the shelter of yourself and children—if it be not to save his honor, do not sign the mortgage. If he insists upon it, plead with him for your home and the home of your children. Fathers, I say to you, wherever you have a piece of land in Zion, I trust that you will not sell it. Do not sell your inheritance. Do not sell the farm that you have worked on. If you are getting old, divide it up with the boys and keep them at home. I wish that every farm in this land was farmed as it should be, and every corner attended to. I have often said that if the sugar factory in Utah county had done nothing else than to learn our farmers how to farm, it had proved a blessing to the people of Utah. I say so now. I ask the farmers to see that every foot of their land is cultivated, instead of some of it going to weeds, and then you will not have to have your boys hunting new places and getting from under your influence.
I ask God's blessing upon this great multitude, and upon His Church and people, wherever they may be upon the face of the earth. My prayer is that that blessing shall be upon them, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Striking evidence of friendship—Payment of fast offerings for the poor—Necessity for avoidance of debt.
My dear brothers and sisters, it is indeed an inspiring sight this Sabbath morning to see this building so well filled with people who have come to hear the word of the Lord. I am thankful for the privilege of speaking this morning and bearing my humble testimony to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ that has been established in these last days. I am thankful that I am in harmony with the Presidency of this Church, and with the members of the quorum of the Twelve. I hope I am in harmony with every Latter-day Saint.
If I had been called upon to speak yesterday, I felt in my soul that I would liked to have spoken upon the subject that is causing so much comment in the newspapers of the United States— the subject of blood atonement; but as Brother Ben E. Rich spoke upon it and explained to a certain extent the position of our Church in reference to it, I will be content in saying that I endorse every word uttered by him on that point, and I ask every Latter-day Saint to read his remarks. I was proud of all the men who spoke here yesterday, and who bore their testimonies to the work of God. I noticed that the most of them were young men, born in the church of Jesus Christ, and of parents who had suffered the hardships of the early days, and I was delighted with all of them for the testimonies which they bore that Jesus was the Christ and that this was the Church of Christ. When Brother Rich stood here and testified that he had not received his testimony from his father, but from God, I was happy in the knowledge that there were thousands of young men born in this Church who could bear the same testimony; and I know that the world loves a man who is true to his convictions and fearless in defending the right, wherever he may be.
About three weeks ago I received a letter from one of the largest wholesale houses of Cincinnati, In which they stated to me that they had met Brother Ben E. Rich (for they called him "brother") and had offered him a place in their establishment for his headquarters, and that they would do all they could to help him along. I wrote an acknowledgment to that letter and told them I wanted them to take good care of him, for he was one of the noble sons of God, and whatever they did for him would indeed be appreciated by me. I know that I have hundreds of staunch friends outside our Church, and I believe there are hundreds and thousands of staunch friends to the Latter-day Saints. Whenever a man goes into the world and is not afraid to bear testimony and speak in defense of the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I tell you that honest men respect such a one for so doing.
I desire to call the attention of the people to a question that has come to my notice in traveling- through the different Stakes of Zion, and that is in regard to fast offerings. I am pleased to state here that there are a number of the Stakes of Zion that have no poor within their borders, so I have been informed in meeting with them; but they have thought that, because they had no poor, it was unnecessary for them to collect fast offerings. To all such Stakes I want to say that it is a requirement of the Church that the Saints observe the fast day each month and that the food saved by abstaining from meals that day should be given to the poor of God's Church. If this were universally followed, there would be no one lacking food in all Zion. The requirement made by the Church in relation to fast day offerings should be adhered to by every member of this Church. It may be asked, What shall be done with the offerings in Stakes where there are no poor? I have told the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of wards that in the Salt Lake Stake and other large Stakes there are hundreds of poor that need to be fed and clothed, and could be with ease if all the Saints paid their fast offerings as they should. If the Bishops will only notify the President of the Church that they have an accumulation of fast offerings he can tell them where to send it, and it will be put to good use. The poor people who congregate in the large cities can be helped by it.
While I am on this subject, I desire to call the attention of the Bishops of the Church to some things I have noticed in regard to the distribution of the fast offerings, which, in my opinion, should be corrected. In one ward not long ago I was looking upon a list of the names of those who were helped from the fast day offerings. Standing at the head of the list was a man who had never in his life paid a dollar in any form to the Church of Jesus Christ, and he was a man who had been placed by the people in positions that brought him a deal of means every year. He lived for years in that Stake of Zion drawing a princely salary, but forgot to pay his tithes and offerings; and now that adversity has overtaken him he is ready to come and ask that the fast offerings be given to him, and seems to feel that he has a greater claim upon them than some faithful Latter-day Saints who perhaps are suffering more than he, but who may not call upon the Bishop so persistently as he does. I believe with all my heart in looking after the poor, no matter what their condition may be; but I ask you Bishops and the people to first remember those that remember God in the days of their prosperity. I trust that every one who asks aid from the fast offerings will be worthy of it and will have a rightful claim upon the offerings of the people.
In many parts of the Church, especially in the outlying districts, the fast offerings are mostly paid in flour and produce of various kinds, and where such is the case, I would ask the Bishops to have the Deacons call upon the people every month for these offerings, and let them take what they gather to a place where it will be kept and cared for. In this way let the people be reminded every month of the requirement that is made of them. I understand that in Salt Lake City and one or two other large towns where they handle nothing but cash, the offerings are paid at the fast meeting. Where it can be done in this way, it is all well and good; but in the great majority of the wards of the Church we feel that the Bishops should see that the Deacons collect the fast offerings. I also desire to call another thing to the attention of this vast audience, and I would that my voice could reach every home in Utah and wherever the people of God live. I refer how to the practice of running in debt. I ask the people of the Church of Christ to get out of debt, if they are in debt; and if they are out of debt, to stay out. Everybody has employment now, money is plentiful, the banks being- full of it, and it is easy to borrow; but I ask my brethren and sisters to remember one fact, which is considered as much a truth in business as any truth of the Gospel is religiously, and that is this: Failures are not made in times of depression. In hard times men's creditors try to make them pay up and crowd them pretty closely, and while a failure may occur in hard times the cause of it began in prosperous times, when credit was easy. I ask those who are in debt, to get out of debt while these prosperous times are upon us. Speculation is rife in the land; men are reaching out all over, and, I am afraid, reaching farther than they can gather; and the people here as well as in other parts of the country need to be warned against this tendency. I ask the Saints, as the President of the Church asked the Priesthood last night, to get out of debt, and keep out of debt. I want to say to the wives of the Church: Whenever your husband asks you to place a mortgage upon your home—the shelter of yourself and children—if it be not to save his honor, do not sign the mortgage. If he insists upon it, plead with him for your home and the home of your children. Fathers, I say to you, wherever you have a piece of land in Zion, I trust that you will not sell it. Do not sell your inheritance. Do not sell the farm that you have worked on. If you are getting old, divide it up with the boys and keep them at home. I wish that every farm in this land was farmed as it should be, and every corner attended to. I have often said that if the sugar factory in Utah county had done nothing else than to learn our farmers how to farm, it had proved a blessing to the people of Utah. I say so now. I ask the farmers to see that every foot of their land is cultivated, instead of some of it going to weeds, and then you will not have to have your boys hunting new places and getting from under your influence.
I ask God's blessing upon this great multitude, and upon His Church and people, wherever they may be upon the face of the earth. My prayer is that that blessing shall be upon them, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER ANTHONY W. IVINS.
(President of the Juarez Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, during the few moments that I shall occupy in telling you something of the condition of the Latter-day Saints who are located in the republic of Mexico, I sincerely desire that I may be assisted by your faith. It is quite unexpectedly that I am called to occupy this position, and therefore I must depend upon your assistance and the aid of our Father in heaven.
The Latter-day Saints in Mexico are doing the things which the Latter-day Saints are doing in Canada, in Montana, in Oregon, in Idaho, in Wyoming, in Utah, and in all other places where they are established. The Gospel is the same wherever we are. Our effort is, by example as well as by precept, to teach the Mexican people the ways of the Lord and convert them to the truth of the fact that God's kingdom has been established in the dispensation In which we live. There are in Mexico about 12,000,000 of people, 9,000,000 of whom are Indians whose blood has not been intermingled with the blood of other people. For nearly 400 years these Indians have been a subjugated race. Since the conquest of Mexico, when with the sword in one hand and the Bible in the other the doctrines of the Catholic church were established among the Aztec people, that great church has been dominant there, and probably 95 per cent of the inhabitants c£ Mexico are converts to its teachings. We have not sought insistently to introduce the principles of the Gospel among the Mexican people; but b" degrees, through the example which we set, through our works of industry, and through the blessing of the Lord upon our efforts, we find it necessary to send cut missionaries and organize branches of the Church among them.
A year ago last June, under the direction of Apostle John Henry Smith, a mission was re-established in the City of Mexico, since which time about 200 people have been added to the Church—that is, probably 150 convert? have been made and about 50 had already been baptized—so that we have a very prosperous and promising- branch of the Church there, with headquarters in the City of Mexico.
Our relationship with the federal government is of the most agreeable and friendly character. President Diaz, whose strong character has made it possible for him to accomplish the remarkable reconstruction of the Mexican government which has been the result of his administration, owes much of his character, it is admitted by all to the strong blood of his mother, was was an Indian.
We regard with a great deal of satisfaction the devotion that is shown by these simple people to the principles of the Gospel after they receive them They are very poor, very humble; the> have been so long in abject servitude to the small aristocratic minority which has controlled and does still control the politics and finances of Mexico, that the spirit of independence has to a great degree been crushed out of them, but they are religious. That those who are converted have received a testimony of the Gospel and the Spirit of the Lord is evidenced by their works, by their repentance, by their devotion to the Elders who are laboring among them, and by the disposition which they show to push out into unexplored' fields and introduce the Gospel among their fellows.
The Lord told us in the early history of the Church that before the great day of the Lord should come, Jacob should flourish in the wilderness and the Lamanites should blossom as the rose. If you will carefully study the revelations of the Lord to the Church, you will find that our destiny and the destiny of the American Indians, who are the descendants of Lehi and heirs to the promises which God has made to the house of Israel, are very closed associated together. You will find that before the redemption of Zion the work of the Lord must be introduced among the Lamanites. Christ said to His disciples, when He ministered among them upon this continent, that He would give them a sign by which they might know that the work of the Father was about to begin for the redemption of all Israel and the fulfillment of every word which had been spoken by the mouths of the holy prophets, and this was the sign which He gave: "When these things which I declare unto you and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall b,' given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles, that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them; . . . and when these things come to pass, that thy seed shall begin to know these things, it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of tie Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which we had made unto the people who are of the house of Israel." So, my brethren and sisters, as we see the result of our labors in Mexico and the very promising outlook there is for the introduction of the Gospel there, we see these words of the Lord fulfilled, and it encourages us in the hope that we are nearer—as we know we are — to the consummation of God's purposes in the dispensation in which we live.
Our life in Mexico has taught us patience. They are a slow-going people, and it has taught us to develop to a neater degree perhaps than among any other people the spirit of charity and long-suffering kindness, knowing as we do that their condition is the result of transgression on the part of their forefathers. We have learned that our friendly relations with them and with +hat government are largely due to the fact that we have sought to bring blessing where we have gone, that we have taught kindness and consideration, charity and love to the people, and have endeavored to exemplify that in our lives. It is not necessary to teach resentment and retaliation; there is enough of that in the nature of man. The spirit of the Gospel of Christ teaches people to overcome those propensities, and to bow in humble submission to the will of God. This is His work, and He will take care of it. That which we need to do is to be humble, faithful and considerate of the conditions of our fellows with whom we come in contact, teaching them repentance from sin, teaching them love, charity, and absolute dependence upon God to work out this great problem. He will do it, my brethren and sisters. In this age of reason, of logic and of argument the truth must eventually prevail, and the principles of the Gospel, being founded upon everlasting truth, will triumph. We need have no fear but that the Lord will take care of His people.
I bring you greetings from the people in Mexico, and assure you that our hearts, like yours, are absorbed in the work of the Lord; that our sole desire is for the upbuilding of His kingdom, the welfare of the Latter-day Saints, and the conversion of the world. This is our mission, and with us more especially the conversion of the remnants of the house of Israel surrounding us. "We owe a great deal to the Lamanites. Whoever stopped to reflect that the man who was sent from God to teach the Prophet Joseph the principles of the Gospel, and who showed him where the plates were concealed containing the record which, translated, was given to the world as the Book of Mormon, was one of the ancestors of the aborigines of this continent? The Book of Mormon came from them, and it contains the fullness of the Gospel of Christ as no other book does. Therefore we feel that there is some obligation upon us to remember this downtrodden, oppressed people, and with the help of God to bring about their redemption, through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Give us your faith and prayers in this work; we need them. We are isolated entirely from our brethren and sisters; we are surrounded by a strange people, with a strange language, with customs and manners entirely foreign and distinct from ours; but, thanks be to the Lord, we have been preserved and prospered, and the people are contented and happy, satisfied with their lot, and entirely devoted to the work which has been assigned to them.
May God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and help us all to perform our duties, that we may ultimately see the triumph of truth. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of the Juarez Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, during the few moments that I shall occupy in telling you something of the condition of the Latter-day Saints who are located in the republic of Mexico, I sincerely desire that I may be assisted by your faith. It is quite unexpectedly that I am called to occupy this position, and therefore I must depend upon your assistance and the aid of our Father in heaven.
The Latter-day Saints in Mexico are doing the things which the Latter-day Saints are doing in Canada, in Montana, in Oregon, in Idaho, in Wyoming, in Utah, and in all other places where they are established. The Gospel is the same wherever we are. Our effort is, by example as well as by precept, to teach the Mexican people the ways of the Lord and convert them to the truth of the fact that God's kingdom has been established in the dispensation In which we live. There are in Mexico about 12,000,000 of people, 9,000,000 of whom are Indians whose blood has not been intermingled with the blood of other people. For nearly 400 years these Indians have been a subjugated race. Since the conquest of Mexico, when with the sword in one hand and the Bible in the other the doctrines of the Catholic church were established among the Aztec people, that great church has been dominant there, and probably 95 per cent of the inhabitants c£ Mexico are converts to its teachings. We have not sought insistently to introduce the principles of the Gospel among the Mexican people; but b" degrees, through the example which we set, through our works of industry, and through the blessing of the Lord upon our efforts, we find it necessary to send cut missionaries and organize branches of the Church among them.
A year ago last June, under the direction of Apostle John Henry Smith, a mission was re-established in the City of Mexico, since which time about 200 people have been added to the Church—that is, probably 150 convert? have been made and about 50 had already been baptized—so that we have a very prosperous and promising- branch of the Church there, with headquarters in the City of Mexico.
Our relationship with the federal government is of the most agreeable and friendly character. President Diaz, whose strong character has made it possible for him to accomplish the remarkable reconstruction of the Mexican government which has been the result of his administration, owes much of his character, it is admitted by all to the strong blood of his mother, was was an Indian.
We regard with a great deal of satisfaction the devotion that is shown by these simple people to the principles of the Gospel after they receive them They are very poor, very humble; the> have been so long in abject servitude to the small aristocratic minority which has controlled and does still control the politics and finances of Mexico, that the spirit of independence has to a great degree been crushed out of them, but they are religious. That those who are converted have received a testimony of the Gospel and the Spirit of the Lord is evidenced by their works, by their repentance, by their devotion to the Elders who are laboring among them, and by the disposition which they show to push out into unexplored' fields and introduce the Gospel among their fellows.
The Lord told us in the early history of the Church that before the great day of the Lord should come, Jacob should flourish in the wilderness and the Lamanites should blossom as the rose. If you will carefully study the revelations of the Lord to the Church, you will find that our destiny and the destiny of the American Indians, who are the descendants of Lehi and heirs to the promises which God has made to the house of Israel, are very closed associated together. You will find that before the redemption of Zion the work of the Lord must be introduced among the Lamanites. Christ said to His disciples, when He ministered among them upon this continent, that He would give them a sign by which they might know that the work of the Father was about to begin for the redemption of all Israel and the fulfillment of every word which had been spoken by the mouths of the holy prophets, and this was the sign which He gave: "When these things which I declare unto you and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall b,' given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles, that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them; . . . and when these things come to pass, that thy seed shall begin to know these things, it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of tie Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which we had made unto the people who are of the house of Israel." So, my brethren and sisters, as we see the result of our labors in Mexico and the very promising outlook there is for the introduction of the Gospel there, we see these words of the Lord fulfilled, and it encourages us in the hope that we are nearer—as we know we are — to the consummation of God's purposes in the dispensation in which we live.
Our life in Mexico has taught us patience. They are a slow-going people, and it has taught us to develop to a neater degree perhaps than among any other people the spirit of charity and long-suffering kindness, knowing as we do that their condition is the result of transgression on the part of their forefathers. We have learned that our friendly relations with them and with +hat government are largely due to the fact that we have sought to bring blessing where we have gone, that we have taught kindness and consideration, charity and love to the people, and have endeavored to exemplify that in our lives. It is not necessary to teach resentment and retaliation; there is enough of that in the nature of man. The spirit of the Gospel of Christ teaches people to overcome those propensities, and to bow in humble submission to the will of God. This is His work, and He will take care of it. That which we need to do is to be humble, faithful and considerate of the conditions of our fellows with whom we come in contact, teaching them repentance from sin, teaching them love, charity, and absolute dependence upon God to work out this great problem. He will do it, my brethren and sisters. In this age of reason, of logic and of argument the truth must eventually prevail, and the principles of the Gospel, being founded upon everlasting truth, will triumph. We need have no fear but that the Lord will take care of His people.
I bring you greetings from the people in Mexico, and assure you that our hearts, like yours, are absorbed in the work of the Lord; that our sole desire is for the upbuilding of His kingdom, the welfare of the Latter-day Saints, and the conversion of the world. This is our mission, and with us more especially the conversion of the remnants of the house of Israel surrounding us. "We owe a great deal to the Lamanites. Whoever stopped to reflect that the man who was sent from God to teach the Prophet Joseph the principles of the Gospel, and who showed him where the plates were concealed containing the record which, translated, was given to the world as the Book of Mormon, was one of the ancestors of the aborigines of this continent? The Book of Mormon came from them, and it contains the fullness of the Gospel of Christ as no other book does. Therefore we feel that there is some obligation upon us to remember this downtrodden, oppressed people, and with the help of God to bring about their redemption, through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Give us your faith and prayers in this work; we need them. We are isolated entirely from our brethren and sisters; we are surrounded by a strange people, with a strange language, with customs and manners entirely foreign and distinct from ours; but, thanks be to the Lord, we have been preserved and prospered, and the people are contented and happy, satisfied with their lot, and entirely devoted to the work which has been assigned to them.
May God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and help us all to perform our duties, that we may ultimately see the triumph of truth. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER SAMUEL E. WOOLLEY.
(President of Sandwich Islands Mission.)
It gives me joy this morning to meet with so many Latter-day Saints. I have been absent from the bosom of the Church for over seven years, presiding over the Sandwich Islands Mission. I have had great joy in my labors with that people, and also with the Elders and sisters who have labored with me in trying to convert them. We have heard from Brother Ivins regarding the Lamanites. The people of the Sandwich Islands are of the same blood. They are of the seed of Israel and great promises have been made concerning them, if they will be faithful in the latter days. We have had success in our labors. There have been upwards of 2,000 converted and baptized into the Church during the last seven years. From last April conference to the end of August there were 300 new members added to the Church, 110 of which were baptized in the old district, where the Church was first established by President George Q. Cannon, and %where President Smith labored in his youth. In the place where the Gospel was first established there are only three remaining outside the Church today. This has been a hard district for years, but the Lord has opened up the way, and the honest that have dwelt there so long have been converted, some of whom are over 80 years of age. The other part of the mission is also prosperous, and I feel that we are doing a great labor among that people. We have not enough Elders, however, to do the work that we would like to do. There are only 15 Elders remaining in the mission, and four sisters from Zion. But we are aided greatly by local Elders, who are very efficient in preaching the Gospel to their friends and kindred. We also have in that mission a sugar plantation, which makes the mission self-sustaining. That, too, is prospering, and we are building- it up and making it a desirable home for the people who require labor.
I rejoice this morning to meet with the Saints and to mingle my voice with my brethren in speaking to the people and in bearing testimony to the truth of this great work that we are engaged in . I know that the Lord lives, and that He has been with the Elders In our mission. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, and that the Gospel is true. I know, as we all ought to know, that we are engaged in the work of the Lord; and if we will be faithful in keeping His laws and commandments we will receive exaltation in the presence of our Father in heaven.
At the request of President Smith, Elder Woolley spoke a short time in the Hawaiian tongue, remarking before doing so that he had spoken exclusively in that language for the last seven years, and for five and a half years, previous to that, during which time he had labored at the Josepa colony, he had been under the necessity of using that language almost entirely.
(President of Sandwich Islands Mission.)
It gives me joy this morning to meet with so many Latter-day Saints. I have been absent from the bosom of the Church for over seven years, presiding over the Sandwich Islands Mission. I have had great joy in my labors with that people, and also with the Elders and sisters who have labored with me in trying to convert them. We have heard from Brother Ivins regarding the Lamanites. The people of the Sandwich Islands are of the same blood. They are of the seed of Israel and great promises have been made concerning them, if they will be faithful in the latter days. We have had success in our labors. There have been upwards of 2,000 converted and baptized into the Church during the last seven years. From last April conference to the end of August there were 300 new members added to the Church, 110 of which were baptized in the old district, where the Church was first established by President George Q. Cannon, and %where President Smith labored in his youth. In the place where the Gospel was first established there are only three remaining outside the Church today. This has been a hard district for years, but the Lord has opened up the way, and the honest that have dwelt there so long have been converted, some of whom are over 80 years of age. The other part of the mission is also prosperous, and I feel that we are doing a great labor among that people. We have not enough Elders, however, to do the work that we would like to do. There are only 15 Elders remaining in the mission, and four sisters from Zion. But we are aided greatly by local Elders, who are very efficient in preaching the Gospel to their friends and kindred. We also have in that mission a sugar plantation, which makes the mission self-sustaining. That, too, is prospering, and we are building- it up and making it a desirable home for the people who require labor.
I rejoice this morning to meet with the Saints and to mingle my voice with my brethren in speaking to the people and in bearing testimony to the truth of this great work that we are engaged in . I know that the Lord lives, and that He has been with the Elders In our mission. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet, and that the Gospel is true. I know, as we all ought to know, that we are engaged in the work of the Lord; and if we will be faithful in keeping His laws and commandments we will receive exaltation in the presence of our Father in heaven.
At the request of President Smith, Elder Woolley spoke a short time in the Hawaiian tongue, remarking before doing so that he had spoken exclusively in that language for the last seven years, and for five and a half years, previous to that, during which time he had labored at the Josepa colony, he had been under the necessity of using that language almost entirely.
ELDER HEBER S. ALLEN.
(President of Alberta Stake.)
I am very grateful for the privilege of being with you, my brethren and sisters. About 100 people came from Canada to the conference—perhaps the largest number that has ever been present at such a gathering of the Church. While I stand before you a few moments I desire an interest in your faith and prayers, and am desirous of being directed by the Spirit of the Lord in what I say.
I am very young in the position to which I have been called, the reorganization of the Stake having taken place less than a month ago. The people in Canada feel well in the Gospel, and a good spirit prevails throughout all the settlements of the Saints. Our people in Canada have much to be grateful for. They have been wonderfully prospered in that land. The Lord has blessed them abundantly; and while they have many things to contend with that you have not in Utah, at the same time they have been prospered and the blessings of the Lord have attended them in all that they have set their hands to do. It is now about fifteen years since our people went into that country; I have been there fourteen years; and while the people of that land looked upon us with suspicion when we first went there they have grown to love and honor us now, and to seek the Latter-day Saints as settlers for their vast tracts of land. One of the first business enterprises that our people started, about 13 years ago, had some difficulty in getting a charter to do business, for it was feared that if we got a foothold in the country we would drive all other people out, and it took us about six months to get a little business incorporated with a capital of ten thousand dollars. It is very different today, however. The people are desirous that we should settle among them, and the Lord has raised up many men, among them some leaders of the government, who have fought our battles in the legislative halls of that country.
A short time ago I had occasion to visit some of the officials of the Northwest government, and they expressed themselves very freely in relation to the labors of our people. They said they had not seen so much progress in any other part of the Northwest as they had in our part of the country. They came through some of our new settlements, and the progress and prosperity seen on every hand was truly marvelous to them. In one of the settlements just established, where fifteen months ago not a furrow had been plowed, this year they will raise about 150,000 bushels of as fine grain as you ever saw. This was a marvel to some of the officials of the government. The Bishop of that Ward wrote me some time ago and wanted to know what he should do with the tithing grain, as he had only capacity for 3,000 bushels and he expected to receive from 12,000 to 15,000 bushels. I met quite a number of officials there and they expressed themselves as highly pleased with the manner in which our people have taken hold of the country. I saw one gentleman who had labored throughout different parts of the Northwest Territory, on government works, and he told his friends that he had been better treated among the Latter-day Saints than in any other part of the Northwest, and that he saw more evidence of thrift and prosperity there than in any other place. We are very glad that we occupy this position before the people of the country.
The Saints feel well spiritually. They are trying to live their religion to the best of their ability, under the circumstances in which they are placed; and while some of our settlements that are located near the mountains have suffered with frosts this year, upon the whole we have had an abundant harvest— plenty for our home needs and a great deal to export. I believe that we have the honor of being the best tithe-paying people in the Church. I understand that Alberta Stake stands at the head. We are mostly young people out there. There are very few old people among us. I think it would be difficult to find 15 persons .over 60 years of age. I believe the Lord is modifying the climate for our good. We do not have the rigorous winters that we used to have. Our young people are well looked after in that Stake. There is very little sin of the graver kind amongst them, and we are trying to the very best of our ability to live up to our religion. As an evidence of the spirit which exists in our Stake, I might cite the fact that twenty or thirty people who have been in the Church all their lives, but have lived on the outskirts, in mining camps, have come down this conference for the purpose of going through the Temple and being sealed together as husbands and wives and children.
I believe we have a very great future before us in Alberta. The government officials have done all in their power to make it pleasant for us, and they have made all the concessions that they possibly could under the laws of the land. We enjoy just as much freedom as the people of any country do, and the Lord is blessing us. We hope in the not distant future to have a temple in that land, and I was very glad to hear our President say yesterday that it was the intention to build temples in the outlying Stakes of Zion. I presume that our people have spent many thousands of dollars ta come down here and go through the temples of the Lord. When our young people get married we like to see them start out right, but it is a very expensive trip to come down here to go through the house of the Lord; and it would not take many years, if we could use the money that is spent for this purpose, to build a temple of our own. I believe that Canada is a good place for people who have not got good homes, and for young people who have plenty of stick-to-it-iveness and are filled with faith, courage and energy; but I never have advocated the breaking up of homes by Utah people who are well established in order to come to Canada. I have been there quite a few years myself and am pretty well acquainted with all the people in the Stake, and I can say that many young people who came with nothing and stayed with the country are well to do today and trying to live their religion.
May the Lord bless us all in this great work of His, and may He especially bless those who are called to preside in the various offices throughout the Church with wisdom to direct the affairs thereof, that the purposes of the Lord may be accomplished in the earth, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Alberta Stake.)
I am very grateful for the privilege of being with you, my brethren and sisters. About 100 people came from Canada to the conference—perhaps the largest number that has ever been present at such a gathering of the Church. While I stand before you a few moments I desire an interest in your faith and prayers, and am desirous of being directed by the Spirit of the Lord in what I say.
I am very young in the position to which I have been called, the reorganization of the Stake having taken place less than a month ago. The people in Canada feel well in the Gospel, and a good spirit prevails throughout all the settlements of the Saints. Our people in Canada have much to be grateful for. They have been wonderfully prospered in that land. The Lord has blessed them abundantly; and while they have many things to contend with that you have not in Utah, at the same time they have been prospered and the blessings of the Lord have attended them in all that they have set their hands to do. It is now about fifteen years since our people went into that country; I have been there fourteen years; and while the people of that land looked upon us with suspicion when we first went there they have grown to love and honor us now, and to seek the Latter-day Saints as settlers for their vast tracts of land. One of the first business enterprises that our people started, about 13 years ago, had some difficulty in getting a charter to do business, for it was feared that if we got a foothold in the country we would drive all other people out, and it took us about six months to get a little business incorporated with a capital of ten thousand dollars. It is very different today, however. The people are desirous that we should settle among them, and the Lord has raised up many men, among them some leaders of the government, who have fought our battles in the legislative halls of that country.
A short time ago I had occasion to visit some of the officials of the Northwest government, and they expressed themselves very freely in relation to the labors of our people. They said they had not seen so much progress in any other part of the Northwest as they had in our part of the country. They came through some of our new settlements, and the progress and prosperity seen on every hand was truly marvelous to them. In one of the settlements just established, where fifteen months ago not a furrow had been plowed, this year they will raise about 150,000 bushels of as fine grain as you ever saw. This was a marvel to some of the officials of the government. The Bishop of that Ward wrote me some time ago and wanted to know what he should do with the tithing grain, as he had only capacity for 3,000 bushels and he expected to receive from 12,000 to 15,000 bushels. I met quite a number of officials there and they expressed themselves as highly pleased with the manner in which our people have taken hold of the country. I saw one gentleman who had labored throughout different parts of the Northwest Territory, on government works, and he told his friends that he had been better treated among the Latter-day Saints than in any other part of the Northwest, and that he saw more evidence of thrift and prosperity there than in any other place. We are very glad that we occupy this position before the people of the country.
The Saints feel well spiritually. They are trying to live their religion to the best of their ability, under the circumstances in which they are placed; and while some of our settlements that are located near the mountains have suffered with frosts this year, upon the whole we have had an abundant harvest— plenty for our home needs and a great deal to export. I believe that we have the honor of being the best tithe-paying people in the Church. I understand that Alberta Stake stands at the head. We are mostly young people out there. There are very few old people among us. I think it would be difficult to find 15 persons .over 60 years of age. I believe the Lord is modifying the climate for our good. We do not have the rigorous winters that we used to have. Our young people are well looked after in that Stake. There is very little sin of the graver kind amongst them, and we are trying to the very best of our ability to live up to our religion. As an evidence of the spirit which exists in our Stake, I might cite the fact that twenty or thirty people who have been in the Church all their lives, but have lived on the outskirts, in mining camps, have come down this conference for the purpose of going through the Temple and being sealed together as husbands and wives and children.
I believe we have a very great future before us in Alberta. The government officials have done all in their power to make it pleasant for us, and they have made all the concessions that they possibly could under the laws of the land. We enjoy just as much freedom as the people of any country do, and the Lord is blessing us. We hope in the not distant future to have a temple in that land, and I was very glad to hear our President say yesterday that it was the intention to build temples in the outlying Stakes of Zion. I presume that our people have spent many thousands of dollars ta come down here and go through the temples of the Lord. When our young people get married we like to see them start out right, but it is a very expensive trip to come down here to go through the house of the Lord; and it would not take many years, if we could use the money that is spent for this purpose, to build a temple of our own. I believe that Canada is a good place for people who have not got good homes, and for young people who have plenty of stick-to-it-iveness and are filled with faith, courage and energy; but I never have advocated the breaking up of homes by Utah people who are well established in order to come to Canada. I have been there quite a few years myself and am pretty well acquainted with all the people in the Stake, and I can say that many young people who came with nothing and stayed with the country are well to do today and trying to live their religion.
May the Lord bless us all in this great work of His, and may He especially bless those who are called to preside in the various offices throughout the Church with wisdom to direct the affairs thereof, that the purposes of the Lord may be accomplished in the earth, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Appreciation of faithful labors—A spirit of restlessness not desirable.
It may be appropriate at this moment for me to say a few words relative to the Alberta Stake of Zion. Most of the Latter-day Saints are aware of the fact that President Charles O. Card was the pioneer of that country, and for long years has been acting as the president of the Alberta Stake of Zion. We desire to say to his numerous friends and acquaintances that no man who has been called to such a position has been more valiant and faithful in the performance of his duty, according to his knowledge and ability, than President Charles O. Card. He has been indeed a pioneer, a faithful, energetic man, and has been instrumental in laying, to a great extent, the foundations of the prosperity of the Alberta Stake. But on our late visit we found that his health was so greatly impaired that it became necessary to honorably relieve him from the great responsibilities of presiding over that Stake; and I think you will all bear me witness, if Brother Allen will continue to maintain the spirit that he possesses today, we will not have made any mistake in selecting Brother Card's successor. I would also say that we do not desire the people to get in their minds a spirit of restlessness or a desire to migrate from one place to another. "We would like our brethren and sisters to remain where they are, as long as they can consistently, and only those go to the newer Stakes who have a necessity to go. We desire to maintain our foothold and to continue to establish ourselves in the central Stakes of Zion. We realize the necessity for this, and we hope that the brethren and sisters of all the Stakes will continue to abide where they are and contend for the success of the people in the locality where they live. There are a few places where our people have settled which need no words of commendation to induce settlers to go there, because they plead their own cause; but we desire to keep the foothold we have. We do not intend to retrograde, or to yield up. We believe that there has been no mistake made in the past in forming settlements in the south and in the various places where our people are located. We believe that the hand of the Lord is in it all, and that those who directed the locating and settlement of those places were inspired by that wisdom which comes from above.
Appreciation of faithful labors—A spirit of restlessness not desirable.
It may be appropriate at this moment for me to say a few words relative to the Alberta Stake of Zion. Most of the Latter-day Saints are aware of the fact that President Charles O. Card was the pioneer of that country, and for long years has been acting as the president of the Alberta Stake of Zion. We desire to say to his numerous friends and acquaintances that no man who has been called to such a position has been more valiant and faithful in the performance of his duty, according to his knowledge and ability, than President Charles O. Card. He has been indeed a pioneer, a faithful, energetic man, and has been instrumental in laying, to a great extent, the foundations of the prosperity of the Alberta Stake. But on our late visit we found that his health was so greatly impaired that it became necessary to honorably relieve him from the great responsibilities of presiding over that Stake; and I think you will all bear me witness, if Brother Allen will continue to maintain the spirit that he possesses today, we will not have made any mistake in selecting Brother Card's successor. I would also say that we do not desire the people to get in their minds a spirit of restlessness or a desire to migrate from one place to another. "We would like our brethren and sisters to remain where they are, as long as they can consistently, and only those go to the newer Stakes who have a necessity to go. We desire to maintain our foothold and to continue to establish ourselves in the central Stakes of Zion. We realize the necessity for this, and we hope that the brethren and sisters of all the Stakes will continue to abide where they are and contend for the success of the people in the locality where they live. There are a few places where our people have settled which need no words of commendation to induce settlers to go there, because they plead their own cause; but we desire to keep the foothold we have. We do not intend to retrograde, or to yield up. We believe that there has been no mistake made in the past in forming settlements in the south and in the various places where our people are located. We believe that the hand of the Lord is in it all, and that those who directed the locating and settlement of those places were inspired by that wisdom which comes from above.
ELDER WILLIAM H. SMART
(President of Wasatch Stake).
My brethren and sisters, I feel very dependent upon the Lord to direct me in the utterances that I shall make. It has been very interesting to hear the reports from the various missionary fields of the world. It is gratifying to see the work of the Lord progressing in the earth and it makes my heart rejoice to receive testimonies of the same.
A year ago last February I was called to go into the Wasatch Stake of Zion —seventy miles from this city by rail —to succeed President Abram Hatch as the president of that Stake; so that I am, comparatively speaking, an infant in this grave responsibility, and I can speak mostly of our good intentions rather than the labors that have been performed. We are 5,500 feet above sea level, away up in the tops of the mountains in a very beautiful valley surrounded by the everlasting hills. In reading of the physical structure of Switzerland I often think that our little valley may be compared in its beauty to some of the beautiful valleys of Switzerland. No doubt, this is why we have in our valley so many good, sturdy inhabitants from Switzerland. Our little valley shows the hand of hardihood, industry and privation; for the winter months have been long and the summer months short. There are those in that valley who have gone through all the privations of early life in these mountains. Many of them knew the Prophet Joseph Smith, and passed through the trying scenes of the early history of our Church, and crossed the plains when it was but a trackless desert. We have nine Patriarchs to bless the people, and most of these Patriarchs had the privilege of knowing the Prophet Joseph Smith, and their old frames vibrate under the powerful testimonies which they bear that he was a prophet of the living God. We have many aged sisters who knew the Prophet, and who went through the early trials among our people. We feel blessed to have so many aged brethren and sisters still living among us with burning testimonies of the divinity of Joseph Smith's mission.
I desire to say that we are endeavoring to keep up with the spirit of the times. We encourage our people to remain at home and build upon the worthy foundation laid by the men and women who were the pioneers of that little commonwealth. We have hundreds of acres in the valley still covered with sagebrush—virgin soil which has not yet known the plow—and our hearts are going out in loving sympathy to these untilled acres. Our hearts are also going out to our young men who are going to Park City, delving in the mines for gold and silver, and being led astray by the vices of the world, when there are still hundreds of acres yet uncultivated at home. Our minds are being led to some extent on the question of irrigation and along those temporal lines that will assist in sanctifying the land and bringing It to a higher state of cultivation. In spiritual matters we are endeavoring to do our duty. Our Heavenly Father has blessed me with two good counselors in the persons of Joseph R. Murdock and James C. Jensen—men who feel to give their lives to the service of God. They have stated that if need be all their time and means are at the disposal of God our Eternal Father for the upbuilding of His Church upon the earth. We have a High Council who are men of God. They are united with us in furthering the interests of our people. We have a corps of Bishops who are leading the people as best they can according to the ability which God has given them. We are endeavoring to be abreast of the spirit of the times with regard to the quorums of the Priesthood; but I regret to say that in our Stake we have experienced the difficulties which Bishop Preston spoke of in the Priesthood meeting last evening— that is, our work in the Teachers* department is not as we would like to have it. In the auxiliary departments of the Church we are trying to keep up with the rest of the Church. Speaking of religion class work, the presidency and High Council, and for the most part our Bishops, are interested In this work. We see that It will be a mighty factor, under the blessing of God, in distilling the principles of the Gospel upon the minds of the youth of Zion. We realize that we feed our children's bodies three times a day, but too many of us have been contented to give them only one or two spiritual meals a week. Therefore, many of the youth of Zion are growing up physically strong, but spiritually weak. We recognize this condition in the Wasatch Stake. In visiting some of our religion classes, tears have rolled down my cheeks to see little tots stand before the class and lead their classmates in a practical prayer. It has made me think of that prayer of the Savior where He said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." I have thought of it, too, when our little children taught the law of tithing in these classes, have brought their nickels and laid them, like the disciples of old, at the feet of their teachers.
May God grant that the spirit of progression may be in the hearts of the people in every part of the vineyard of the Lord, and that we, His servants, may be equal to the great duties that He has placed upon us. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Wasatch Stake).
My brethren and sisters, I feel very dependent upon the Lord to direct me in the utterances that I shall make. It has been very interesting to hear the reports from the various missionary fields of the world. It is gratifying to see the work of the Lord progressing in the earth and it makes my heart rejoice to receive testimonies of the same.
A year ago last February I was called to go into the Wasatch Stake of Zion —seventy miles from this city by rail —to succeed President Abram Hatch as the president of that Stake; so that I am, comparatively speaking, an infant in this grave responsibility, and I can speak mostly of our good intentions rather than the labors that have been performed. We are 5,500 feet above sea level, away up in the tops of the mountains in a very beautiful valley surrounded by the everlasting hills. In reading of the physical structure of Switzerland I often think that our little valley may be compared in its beauty to some of the beautiful valleys of Switzerland. No doubt, this is why we have in our valley so many good, sturdy inhabitants from Switzerland. Our little valley shows the hand of hardihood, industry and privation; for the winter months have been long and the summer months short. There are those in that valley who have gone through all the privations of early life in these mountains. Many of them knew the Prophet Joseph Smith, and passed through the trying scenes of the early history of our Church, and crossed the plains when it was but a trackless desert. We have nine Patriarchs to bless the people, and most of these Patriarchs had the privilege of knowing the Prophet Joseph Smith, and their old frames vibrate under the powerful testimonies which they bear that he was a prophet of the living God. We have many aged sisters who knew the Prophet, and who went through the early trials among our people. We feel blessed to have so many aged brethren and sisters still living among us with burning testimonies of the divinity of Joseph Smith's mission.
I desire to say that we are endeavoring to keep up with the spirit of the times. We encourage our people to remain at home and build upon the worthy foundation laid by the men and women who were the pioneers of that little commonwealth. We have hundreds of acres in the valley still covered with sagebrush—virgin soil which has not yet known the plow—and our hearts are going out in loving sympathy to these untilled acres. Our hearts are also going out to our young men who are going to Park City, delving in the mines for gold and silver, and being led astray by the vices of the world, when there are still hundreds of acres yet uncultivated at home. Our minds are being led to some extent on the question of irrigation and along those temporal lines that will assist in sanctifying the land and bringing It to a higher state of cultivation. In spiritual matters we are endeavoring to do our duty. Our Heavenly Father has blessed me with two good counselors in the persons of Joseph R. Murdock and James C. Jensen—men who feel to give their lives to the service of God. They have stated that if need be all their time and means are at the disposal of God our Eternal Father for the upbuilding of His Church upon the earth. We have a High Council who are men of God. They are united with us in furthering the interests of our people. We have a corps of Bishops who are leading the people as best they can according to the ability which God has given them. We are endeavoring to be abreast of the spirit of the times with regard to the quorums of the Priesthood; but I regret to say that in our Stake we have experienced the difficulties which Bishop Preston spoke of in the Priesthood meeting last evening— that is, our work in the Teachers* department is not as we would like to have it. In the auxiliary departments of the Church we are trying to keep up with the rest of the Church. Speaking of religion class work, the presidency and High Council, and for the most part our Bishops, are interested In this work. We see that It will be a mighty factor, under the blessing of God, in distilling the principles of the Gospel upon the minds of the youth of Zion. We realize that we feed our children's bodies three times a day, but too many of us have been contented to give them only one or two spiritual meals a week. Therefore, many of the youth of Zion are growing up physically strong, but spiritually weak. We recognize this condition in the Wasatch Stake. In visiting some of our religion classes, tears have rolled down my cheeks to see little tots stand before the class and lead their classmates in a practical prayer. It has made me think of that prayer of the Savior where He said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." I have thought of it, too, when our little children taught the law of tithing in these classes, have brought their nickels and laid them, like the disciples of old, at the feet of their teachers.
May God grant that the spirit of progression may be in the hearts of the people in every part of the vineyard of the Lord, and that we, His servants, may be equal to the great duties that He has placed upon us. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF.
Establishment and maintenance of settlements — Hand of God manifest In them—Discrimination against the Saints.
My dear brethren and sisters, I have been very much delighted with what we have heard during this conference, and while I stand before you to bear my testimony to the divinity of this work and to say a few words I desire your faith and sympathy and the divine aid of my Father in heaven. I rejoiced very much in the words of President Joseph F. Smith this morning, and I would like to call your attention to the fact that the Prophet Joseph Smith, many years before the bulk of the people ever thought of coming to these Rocky mountains, predicted that the Saints would suffer much persecution, but that many of them would live to come to these valleys of the Rocky mountains and assist in establishing cities there.
I have in the past spoken considerably regarding our new settlements, and I want to say a few words this morning in regard to our old settlements. I know that the brawn and sinew of the older settlements have been drawn upon largely in order to establish new settlements in various parts of the country, and as a result there is a spirit of lethargy and not of progress resting upon the people of some of these old settlements. The young and energetic have gone to Canada or other northern locations, and have left only the aged and infirm and the non-progressive, and where this is the case the settlements are in a state of decline. If I were the president of a stake in which these conditions exist, and colonization agents came into the stake and attempted to draw away Bishops and progressive men, I would demand that they show their credentials from the Presidency of the Church, or I would not let them take my useful men.
I feel that in the establishment of these settlements we have been doing the will of God and I want to call your attention to the fact that some of the best blood of this Church has been called, not to occupy the most desirable sections of country, but to go and assist in the establishment of lands to the south which might be regarded as altogether undesirable. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent and lives have been worn out in establishing these settlements, and I hope that they will never be abandoned because there is better country somewhere else. I want to tell you, in the name of the Lord, that the time will come when the wisdom of God in establishing these settlements under the direction of the leaders of the Church, both past and present, will be manifest, and that He has had a purpose in doing it. We did not come to these Rocky mountains because it was a good, desirable country. We are here today because President Brigham Young, when the pioneers landed in this valley, said this was the place where God designed His people should halt. Those who were looking for good countries wanted him to go on to California, or to Oregon; but he said; No, here is the place—very undesirable in the eyes of men, therefore it will not excite the cupidity or the selfishness of our enemies, and here we can rest. As a result of the inspiration which rested upon the Prophet Joseph Smith in his successors, the Saints have been established in these nooks of the mountains. Had they gone to more favored places.it would not have been long before they would have been only a drop in the bucket; but by being placed in these crevices of the rocks they have been able to maintain their ground, and God has blessed the land for the sake of His people. As I have often said, the Lord has caused some of His choicest sons and daughters to go into the stakes of Arizona and Mexico, where they do not raise 10,000 bushels of grain, but where they have gone because He has called them through His servants to locate there, and where they have determined to stay though it should cost them their lives. That is the kind of people that dwell in those places that are considered undesirable. They may not be desirable places, but they have to be built up and maintained; and we do not want to draw from them their best blood and leave them in a languishing condition. We want them to continue to progress, to husband the water, take care of the lands which God has given them, and build new houses. We go into some settlements and find that there has not been a new house built in the last five or ten years, and all the young and progressive element have left to the detriment of those who remained.
I am in favor of maintaining these settlements. I am also in favor of maintaining our foothold right here at headquarters, where we are new almost uprooted, because the country has apparently become too good for us. It is worth too much money, and consequently we have sold out to those not of our faith. Therefore, we have but little voice in the government of our city and in other affairs here. While the Latter-day Saints have built the railroads, and while they furnish, I am told, about 80 per cent of the local traffic of these roads, there is scarcely one Latter-day Saint in a hundred in the employ of these large railroad companies. These matters are controlled almost exclusively by the labor unions. The contracts for our buildings, when they are let, are controlled by companies who employ union men; and as a result our people, who are counseled all the time to keep out of these things, have to take what few crumbs drop from those who are eating the slice. I do not think this is a good thing. "We do not show that interest in each other in these temporal affairs that we ought to do. We have not as much interest in obtaining employment for one another in this city, take us as a whole people, as the labor unions have for their members. And I am in favor of either joining the unions or else being a union among ourselves as we ought to be. I feel that the Latter-day Saints are in a position to demand some consideration in regard to these things, and that we ought not to be forced to sell our homes right here at headquarters because the land has become too valuable for us. I love the little piece of land I occupy, which was a part of my father's homestead, and I have covenanted with the Lord and with myself that I will never part with that, unless I have to do it to maintain my honor, or the honor of my people, or to buy bread for my family.
God bless you, my brethren and sisters. I rejoice in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that this is God's work, and I know that we, have a living Church, not a dead form, for which I thank God. May the blessings of the Lord be upon our brethren and sisters who have worn out their lives in fulfilling the missions whereunto they have been called to build up the great southern country and to live in the less desirable places. They are among the best people we have in the Church, and God has blessed them and will bless them. I love them, as I love the people of every other part of Zion. As President Smith has said, there are sections of our country which will recommend themselves and speak for themselves; but I do not think that people ought to be drawn away from our old settlements, to the detriment of those places, in order to build up some other country. I am interested in Canada, in Oregon, in Big Horn, and in every one of these settlements that have been founded, as my labors in the Apostleship have been exclusively in the stakes of Zion, I think over these things, and I am concerned regarding the welfare of our settlements and their maintenance. President Smith and I went to St. Johns, with authority to release the people there, if they wanted to go, and we could not do it. The young and the old stood up and expressed their feelings; they cried, and we cried, and we were determined that we would not raise our hands to abandon a settlement which had been established under the direction of one of the prophets of God. Now, my brethren and sisters, let us think of these things. Let us be contented. Let us be progressive in our own settlements, and let us strive to love all mankind. I thank God for the honorable men of the earth, and for the Latter-day Saints who are accomplishing good in this world. I recognize in every man one of God's sons, and in every woman one of His daughters; and they are all my friends, so far as they befriend Zion or speak a good word for her. May God bless us and fill us continually with the testimony of Jesus, who died for the redemption of all mankind. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Establishment and maintenance of settlements — Hand of God manifest In them—Discrimination against the Saints.
My dear brethren and sisters, I have been very much delighted with what we have heard during this conference, and while I stand before you to bear my testimony to the divinity of this work and to say a few words I desire your faith and sympathy and the divine aid of my Father in heaven. I rejoiced very much in the words of President Joseph F. Smith this morning, and I would like to call your attention to the fact that the Prophet Joseph Smith, many years before the bulk of the people ever thought of coming to these Rocky mountains, predicted that the Saints would suffer much persecution, but that many of them would live to come to these valleys of the Rocky mountains and assist in establishing cities there.
I have in the past spoken considerably regarding our new settlements, and I want to say a few words this morning in regard to our old settlements. I know that the brawn and sinew of the older settlements have been drawn upon largely in order to establish new settlements in various parts of the country, and as a result there is a spirit of lethargy and not of progress resting upon the people of some of these old settlements. The young and energetic have gone to Canada or other northern locations, and have left only the aged and infirm and the non-progressive, and where this is the case the settlements are in a state of decline. If I were the president of a stake in which these conditions exist, and colonization agents came into the stake and attempted to draw away Bishops and progressive men, I would demand that they show their credentials from the Presidency of the Church, or I would not let them take my useful men.
I feel that in the establishment of these settlements we have been doing the will of God and I want to call your attention to the fact that some of the best blood of this Church has been called, not to occupy the most desirable sections of country, but to go and assist in the establishment of lands to the south which might be regarded as altogether undesirable. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent and lives have been worn out in establishing these settlements, and I hope that they will never be abandoned because there is better country somewhere else. I want to tell you, in the name of the Lord, that the time will come when the wisdom of God in establishing these settlements under the direction of the leaders of the Church, both past and present, will be manifest, and that He has had a purpose in doing it. We did not come to these Rocky mountains because it was a good, desirable country. We are here today because President Brigham Young, when the pioneers landed in this valley, said this was the place where God designed His people should halt. Those who were looking for good countries wanted him to go on to California, or to Oregon; but he said; No, here is the place—very undesirable in the eyes of men, therefore it will not excite the cupidity or the selfishness of our enemies, and here we can rest. As a result of the inspiration which rested upon the Prophet Joseph Smith in his successors, the Saints have been established in these nooks of the mountains. Had they gone to more favored places.it would not have been long before they would have been only a drop in the bucket; but by being placed in these crevices of the rocks they have been able to maintain their ground, and God has blessed the land for the sake of His people. As I have often said, the Lord has caused some of His choicest sons and daughters to go into the stakes of Arizona and Mexico, where they do not raise 10,000 bushels of grain, but where they have gone because He has called them through His servants to locate there, and where they have determined to stay though it should cost them their lives. That is the kind of people that dwell in those places that are considered undesirable. They may not be desirable places, but they have to be built up and maintained; and we do not want to draw from them their best blood and leave them in a languishing condition. We want them to continue to progress, to husband the water, take care of the lands which God has given them, and build new houses. We go into some settlements and find that there has not been a new house built in the last five or ten years, and all the young and progressive element have left to the detriment of those who remained.
I am in favor of maintaining these settlements. I am also in favor of maintaining our foothold right here at headquarters, where we are new almost uprooted, because the country has apparently become too good for us. It is worth too much money, and consequently we have sold out to those not of our faith. Therefore, we have but little voice in the government of our city and in other affairs here. While the Latter-day Saints have built the railroads, and while they furnish, I am told, about 80 per cent of the local traffic of these roads, there is scarcely one Latter-day Saint in a hundred in the employ of these large railroad companies. These matters are controlled almost exclusively by the labor unions. The contracts for our buildings, when they are let, are controlled by companies who employ union men; and as a result our people, who are counseled all the time to keep out of these things, have to take what few crumbs drop from those who are eating the slice. I do not think this is a good thing. "We do not show that interest in each other in these temporal affairs that we ought to do. We have not as much interest in obtaining employment for one another in this city, take us as a whole people, as the labor unions have for their members. And I am in favor of either joining the unions or else being a union among ourselves as we ought to be. I feel that the Latter-day Saints are in a position to demand some consideration in regard to these things, and that we ought not to be forced to sell our homes right here at headquarters because the land has become too valuable for us. I love the little piece of land I occupy, which was a part of my father's homestead, and I have covenanted with the Lord and with myself that I will never part with that, unless I have to do it to maintain my honor, or the honor of my people, or to buy bread for my family.
God bless you, my brethren and sisters. I rejoice in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that this is God's work, and I know that we, have a living Church, not a dead form, for which I thank God. May the blessings of the Lord be upon our brethren and sisters who have worn out their lives in fulfilling the missions whereunto they have been called to build up the great southern country and to live in the less desirable places. They are among the best people we have in the Church, and God has blessed them and will bless them. I love them, as I love the people of every other part of Zion. As President Smith has said, there are sections of our country which will recommend themselves and speak for themselves; but I do not think that people ought to be drawn away from our old settlements, to the detriment of those places, in order to build up some other country. I am interested in Canada, in Oregon, in Big Horn, and in every one of these settlements that have been founded, as my labors in the Apostleship have been exclusively in the stakes of Zion, I think over these things, and I am concerned regarding the welfare of our settlements and their maintenance. President Smith and I went to St. Johns, with authority to release the people there, if they wanted to go, and we could not do it. The young and the old stood up and expressed their feelings; they cried, and we cried, and we were determined that we would not raise our hands to abandon a settlement which had been established under the direction of one of the prophets of God. Now, my brethren and sisters, let us think of these things. Let us be contented. Let us be progressive in our own settlements, and let us strive to love all mankind. I thank God for the honorable men of the earth, and for the Latter-day Saints who are accomplishing good in this world. I recognize in every man one of God's sons, and in every woman one of His daughters; and they are all my friends, so far as they befriend Zion or speak a good word for her. May God bless us and fill us continually with the testimony of Jesus, who died for the redemption of all mankind. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER L. A. KELSCH.
My brethren and sisters, while standing before you for a short time I desire to be inspired of the Lord to say only those things that shall be for our good. I have greatly rejoiced in the testimonies which have been borne during this conference. My heart has been made glad. I rejoice in bearing testimony unto you, and unto all who shall read concerning this conference, that I know that the work in which we are engaged is of God, and that He has revealed His mind and will unto His servants the prophets in these latter days. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, raised up in this dispensation, and that he has given the mind and will of the Lord unto the inhabitants of the earth; that the authority which he received from holy messengers whom God sent to confer it upon him, has been conferred upon brethren who are in this congregation, and that these men of God hold the right and the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ in all the world; that this Gospel which has been restored in these latter days is going to revolutionize the whole world, and bring together the children of men into one faith, by which every man and woman will Know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that he died as a martyr. This work will continue to grow and increase among the nations of the earth. The Lord is at the head, and He will direct its course. Whether those of us who have been called to labor for Him are faithful or not, He will have men, and plenty of them, to accomplish His mighty purposes. I desire to be one of those who shall be faithful unto the end; for I realize that It Is not the receiving of great testimonies and promises that will save us, but those who receive these great blessings are expected to use their power and strength for the accomplishment of His purposes and to endure faithfully to the end.
I have had the great pleasure and privilege to be called as one of the servants of God to carry the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and in my weak way I have tried to fulfill the responsibilities which have been placed upon me. The last mission to which I have been called was, as has been stated by President Smith, a mission to Japan. I was called to assist Apostle Heber J. Grant and Brothers Horace S. Ensign and Alma O. Taylor. As you are aware, a little over one year ago we left here for that land; and it seemed to us when we arrived that we were indeed strangers in a strange land for everything was strange unto us. The people, their customs, their habits, their food—all were strange. We could not speak to the people, only through interpreters, except to those who were able to understand the English language. We have in our weak way tried to do the best we could. We have succeeded in making two converts, and we had the privilege of baptizing them. We might have baptized many, if we had desired to do so; but we realized that they did not know sufficient of this work to justify us in baptizing them into the fold of Christ. I believe that there are many honest souls in that land. There is a great people living upon the different islands of Japan, The Japanese are very kind, very sociable, and extremely polite. I never saw so much politeness and kindness in my life as I have witnessed among that people, not only with themselves, but also to foreigners. My heart went out to that people in love, and I had a great desire to preach the Gospel unto them in their own tongue; but for some cause it has not been my fortune to do this. I have been asked many times if I am going back to Japan. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that I have been released from that mission. I was not able to preach the Gospel in their language, but I have preached it to thousands of foreigners there, and to the Japanese who were able to understand me. I visited a great many of them and preached the Gospel to them. After I found out that my time would be short in that land, I made it my special business to labor among the missionaries of other churches, preaching the Gospel to them, trying to make friends with them and getting them to stop speaking evil of us. I believe I succeeded to some extent, at least, a number of them became friendly, and some invited me to visit them again, which I did. I met men there who had visited this city, and notwithstanding they did not agree with our faith they admitted that we had a beautiful city, and they also admitted that we could be saved as well as them, if we would be faithful to that which we believed.
The brethren and sisters who are there now were feeling well when I left. They are desirous of performing a good mission, and remaining there until they are honorably released. The language is very difficult to learn, and it will be necessary for the Lord to assist the brethren and sisters in order that they may acquire it. Until that is accomplished, I do not feel that much will be done among that people; for preaching the Gospel through an interpreter is a mistake, I believe; always has been, and always will be, in my opinion. This has been proven in Japan; but we had to have some one to talk to the people, who crowded themselves upon us and desired to know something about our faith. We found that the interpreter could not translate some words to convey the proper meaning, and scholars there have told us that it is very difficult to translate English into Japanese. There are many words in the English that they cannot find equivalents for, and in order to get them to understand our meaning some words will have to be explained considerably. For this reason I feel that nothing of much moment will be done until our brethren are able to speak unto the people in their own language, thereby getting close to their spirits and warming them up by the testimony of the truth. The people are very anxious to know concerning our doctrine; but whether they will receive it after we are able to explain it unto them I cannot tell. We can only plant; it is God who gives the increase. Even if they should come into the Church by the thousands, they will have to be humble, prayerful and diligent, or they will be overcome, just as we have to be diligent and careful in order to avoid being overcome. For from the beginning of this work Satan has tried to destroy it. You remember when Joseph Smith went into the woods to ask God what church he should join, how the power of darkness seized him. I believe that Satan knew Joseph Smith in the spirit world; knew he was a mighty man, and that he would seek to overthrow his kingdom; and therefore, as soon as he went to pray unto the Lord, he tried to destroy him, and it was only the power of God which saved him at that time. Then from that time on Satan continually sought to kill him, and finally he accomplished it, though not until the Lord permitted it and the time had come when it was necessary, I presume, for him to seal his testimony with his blood; "for where a testament is," says Paul, "there must also of necessity be the death of the testator." Many of the Saints have lost their lives for the Gospel's sake, and every one of us will have to be willing to sacrifice all that we have, and our lives if necessary, if we expect to receive the same blessing. Jesus did not seek to-do His own will, but the will of the Father. We shall have to do the same. We must be willing to do the will of God as made manifest through His servants. President Joseph F. Smith and his counselors and the Twelve Apostles are servants of God, and they give unto us the word of God. We must be willing to hearken to that word, just as if Christ were to come himself and deliver it; and until we are willing to be governed in that way we will not make the progress which God designs we should make We must be willing to be governed in righteousness, and I want to tell you that the servants of God do not desire to exercise any influence over the children of men only upon the principles of righteousness and justice. Not one of you can stand up and truthfully say that you have ever been told by any President of the Church, or by any Apostle, to do anything that would not be for your good or for the good of mankind. I know there is safety in being humbled and willing to be guided by the Lord. If we are obedient, then God will bless us. If we are willing to be judged, we will make good judges ourselves; but we never will until we become subject to the power of God ourselves.
I thank my Heavenly Father for the privilege of going to the nation of Japan. It has been a great blessing and comfort to me. It has been a good school for me. I have been taught things there that I never would have learned in any other place perhaps. That experience will be a benefit to me in the future, and I thank my brethren who were inspired to send me to that land, and I thank the Lord and my brethren that I have been honorably released. I desire to continue to labor for Zion and her interests. I desire to be a servant of God, to keep on bearing testimony, wherever I shall be called to labor, whether it be in a ward capacity or in any other direction. We will all receive that which we merit. I know this work is true. I bear testimony that this people are true, loyal American citizens. We love the Constitution; we love this nation; we love its flag. We have proved this in the past, and we are able to prove it again, should it be necessary. We love all good, honorable men and women, whether they are Latter-day Saints or not, so much so that we are willing to leave our homes and all that is dear unto us for the purpose of carrying the Gospel to them. We are willing to sacrifice our time and our means in the interest of their salvation. However, we should not regard it as a sacrifice. It is no sacrifice to be baptized, when we are converted. It is no sacrifice to pay our tithes and our offerings, when we are converted. So with all the principles of the Gospel. We love to do these things, because they bring us joy and satisfaction.
Now, I thank my brethren for giving me this privilege. I rejoice in the testimonies which have been borne. I love my brethren and sisters, and may God bless us and unite our hearts together, that we may become one in Christ Jesus, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
My brethren and sisters, while standing before you for a short time I desire to be inspired of the Lord to say only those things that shall be for our good. I have greatly rejoiced in the testimonies which have been borne during this conference. My heart has been made glad. I rejoice in bearing testimony unto you, and unto all who shall read concerning this conference, that I know that the work in which we are engaged is of God, and that He has revealed His mind and will unto His servants the prophets in these latter days. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, raised up in this dispensation, and that he has given the mind and will of the Lord unto the inhabitants of the earth; that the authority which he received from holy messengers whom God sent to confer it upon him, has been conferred upon brethren who are in this congregation, and that these men of God hold the right and the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ in all the world; that this Gospel which has been restored in these latter days is going to revolutionize the whole world, and bring together the children of men into one faith, by which every man and woman will Know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and that he died as a martyr. This work will continue to grow and increase among the nations of the earth. The Lord is at the head, and He will direct its course. Whether those of us who have been called to labor for Him are faithful or not, He will have men, and plenty of them, to accomplish His mighty purposes. I desire to be one of those who shall be faithful unto the end; for I realize that It Is not the receiving of great testimonies and promises that will save us, but those who receive these great blessings are expected to use their power and strength for the accomplishment of His purposes and to endure faithfully to the end.
I have had the great pleasure and privilege to be called as one of the servants of God to carry the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and in my weak way I have tried to fulfill the responsibilities which have been placed upon me. The last mission to which I have been called was, as has been stated by President Smith, a mission to Japan. I was called to assist Apostle Heber J. Grant and Brothers Horace S. Ensign and Alma O. Taylor. As you are aware, a little over one year ago we left here for that land; and it seemed to us when we arrived that we were indeed strangers in a strange land for everything was strange unto us. The people, their customs, their habits, their food—all were strange. We could not speak to the people, only through interpreters, except to those who were able to understand the English language. We have in our weak way tried to do the best we could. We have succeeded in making two converts, and we had the privilege of baptizing them. We might have baptized many, if we had desired to do so; but we realized that they did not know sufficient of this work to justify us in baptizing them into the fold of Christ. I believe that there are many honest souls in that land. There is a great people living upon the different islands of Japan, The Japanese are very kind, very sociable, and extremely polite. I never saw so much politeness and kindness in my life as I have witnessed among that people, not only with themselves, but also to foreigners. My heart went out to that people in love, and I had a great desire to preach the Gospel unto them in their own tongue; but for some cause it has not been my fortune to do this. I have been asked many times if I am going back to Japan. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that I have been released from that mission. I was not able to preach the Gospel in their language, but I have preached it to thousands of foreigners there, and to the Japanese who were able to understand me. I visited a great many of them and preached the Gospel to them. After I found out that my time would be short in that land, I made it my special business to labor among the missionaries of other churches, preaching the Gospel to them, trying to make friends with them and getting them to stop speaking evil of us. I believe I succeeded to some extent, at least, a number of them became friendly, and some invited me to visit them again, which I did. I met men there who had visited this city, and notwithstanding they did not agree with our faith they admitted that we had a beautiful city, and they also admitted that we could be saved as well as them, if we would be faithful to that which we believed.
The brethren and sisters who are there now were feeling well when I left. They are desirous of performing a good mission, and remaining there until they are honorably released. The language is very difficult to learn, and it will be necessary for the Lord to assist the brethren and sisters in order that they may acquire it. Until that is accomplished, I do not feel that much will be done among that people; for preaching the Gospel through an interpreter is a mistake, I believe; always has been, and always will be, in my opinion. This has been proven in Japan; but we had to have some one to talk to the people, who crowded themselves upon us and desired to know something about our faith. We found that the interpreter could not translate some words to convey the proper meaning, and scholars there have told us that it is very difficult to translate English into Japanese. There are many words in the English that they cannot find equivalents for, and in order to get them to understand our meaning some words will have to be explained considerably. For this reason I feel that nothing of much moment will be done until our brethren are able to speak unto the people in their own language, thereby getting close to their spirits and warming them up by the testimony of the truth. The people are very anxious to know concerning our doctrine; but whether they will receive it after we are able to explain it unto them I cannot tell. We can only plant; it is God who gives the increase. Even if they should come into the Church by the thousands, they will have to be humble, prayerful and diligent, or they will be overcome, just as we have to be diligent and careful in order to avoid being overcome. For from the beginning of this work Satan has tried to destroy it. You remember when Joseph Smith went into the woods to ask God what church he should join, how the power of darkness seized him. I believe that Satan knew Joseph Smith in the spirit world; knew he was a mighty man, and that he would seek to overthrow his kingdom; and therefore, as soon as he went to pray unto the Lord, he tried to destroy him, and it was only the power of God which saved him at that time. Then from that time on Satan continually sought to kill him, and finally he accomplished it, though not until the Lord permitted it and the time had come when it was necessary, I presume, for him to seal his testimony with his blood; "for where a testament is," says Paul, "there must also of necessity be the death of the testator." Many of the Saints have lost their lives for the Gospel's sake, and every one of us will have to be willing to sacrifice all that we have, and our lives if necessary, if we expect to receive the same blessing. Jesus did not seek to-do His own will, but the will of the Father. We shall have to do the same. We must be willing to do the will of God as made manifest through His servants. President Joseph F. Smith and his counselors and the Twelve Apostles are servants of God, and they give unto us the word of God. We must be willing to hearken to that word, just as if Christ were to come himself and deliver it; and until we are willing to be governed in that way we will not make the progress which God designs we should make We must be willing to be governed in righteousness, and I want to tell you that the servants of God do not desire to exercise any influence over the children of men only upon the principles of righteousness and justice. Not one of you can stand up and truthfully say that you have ever been told by any President of the Church, or by any Apostle, to do anything that would not be for your good or for the good of mankind. I know there is safety in being humbled and willing to be guided by the Lord. If we are obedient, then God will bless us. If we are willing to be judged, we will make good judges ourselves; but we never will until we become subject to the power of God ourselves.
I thank my Heavenly Father for the privilege of going to the nation of Japan. It has been a great blessing and comfort to me. It has been a good school for me. I have been taught things there that I never would have learned in any other place perhaps. That experience will be a benefit to me in the future, and I thank my brethren who were inspired to send me to that land, and I thank the Lord and my brethren that I have been honorably released. I desire to continue to labor for Zion and her interests. I desire to be a servant of God, to keep on bearing testimony, wherever I shall be called to labor, whether it be in a ward capacity or in any other direction. We will all receive that which we merit. I know this work is true. I bear testimony that this people are true, loyal American citizens. We love the Constitution; we love this nation; we love its flag. We have proved this in the past, and we are able to prove it again, should it be necessary. We love all good, honorable men and women, whether they are Latter-day Saints or not, so much so that we are willing to leave our homes and all that is dear unto us for the purpose of carrying the Gospel to them. We are willing to sacrifice our time and our means in the interest of their salvation. However, we should not regard it as a sacrifice. It is no sacrifice to be baptized, when we are converted. It is no sacrifice to pay our tithes and our offerings, when we are converted. So with all the principles of the Gospel. We love to do these things, because they bring us joy and satisfaction.
Now, I thank my brethren for giving me this privilege. I rejoice in the testimonies which have been borne. I love my brethren and sisters, and may God bless us and unite our hearts together, that we may become one in Christ Jesus, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
I would like to remark that Brother Kelsch was honorably released from his mission in Japan. It has been discovered that it will take very young men, and take them some years, too, possibly, to master the Japanese language. Brother Kelsch has been serving in the missionary field for the last Ave or six years, without any respite at all, and it was thought that he was a man too far advanced in years and had been serving too long in the missionary field to keep him in the Japanese mission until he could learn that language. Therefore, he was honorably released.
The choir and congregation sang:
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Benediction by Elder C. F. Middleton, counselor in presidency of Weber Stake.
I would like to remark that Brother Kelsch was honorably released from his mission in Japan. It has been discovered that it will take very young men, and take them some years, too, possibly, to master the Japanese language. Brother Kelsch has been serving in the missionary field for the last Ave or six years, without any respite at all, and it was thought that he was a man too far advanced in years and had been serving too long in the missionary field to keep him in the Japanese mission until he could learn that language. Therefore, he was honorably released.
The choir and congregation sang:
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Benediction by Elder C. F. Middleton, counselor in presidency of Weber Stake.
OVERFLOW MEETINGS.
SUNDAY, OCT. 5.
Owing to the large number of people unable to gain entrance to the Tabernacle during the services of Sunday morning, an extemporized overflow meeting was held in the Assembly hall, beginning at 11 o'clock. Apostle Matthias F. Cowley presided. The singing was rendered by the Temple choir, led by Prof. Charles J. Thomas. The speakers were Elders
SUNDAY, OCT. 5.
Owing to the large number of people unable to gain entrance to the Tabernacle during the services of Sunday morning, an extemporized overflow meeting was held in the Assembly hall, beginning at 11 o'clock. Apostle Matthias F. Cowley presided. The singing was rendered by the Temple choir, led by Prof. Charles J. Thomas. The speakers were Elders
Benjamin Goddard,
James Iverson and
M. F. Cowley.
In the open air another meeting of a similar character was held in the Temple enclosure, in the afternoon, Elder Benjamin Goddard presiding. The opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph H. Felt. The speakers were: Elders
James Sharp,
Reed Smoot and
George Christensen.
Mrs. Lucy Smith
also delivered an address, and was followed by
Elders John McDonald, Jr., and
Henry S. Tanner.
The subjects treated were the first principles of the Gospel, duties of the Saints, personality of God, women's work as missionaries and the fulfillment of prophecy.
James Iverson and
M. F. Cowley.
In the open air another meeting of a similar character was held in the Temple enclosure, in the afternoon, Elder Benjamin Goddard presiding. The opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph H. Felt. The speakers were: Elders
James Sharp,
Reed Smoot and
George Christensen.
Mrs. Lucy Smith
also delivered an address, and was followed by
Elders John McDonald, Jr., and
Henry S. Tanner.
The subjects treated were the first principles of the Gospel, duties of the Saints, personality of God, women's work as missionaries and the fulfillment of prophecy.
OVERFLOW MEETING.
Held in the Assembly Hall, Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock.
Elders Abraham O. Woodruff and Reed Smoot, of the Quorum of the Apostles, presided.
The choir and congregation sang, "We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet."
Prayer was offered by Elder Solomon H. Hale.
The choir sang, "Where the Voice of Friendship's Heard."
Held in the Assembly Hall, Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock.
Elders Abraham O. Woodruff and Reed Smoot, of the Quorum of the Apostles, presided.
The choir and congregation sang, "We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet."
Prayer was offered by Elder Solomon H. Hale.
The choir sang, "Where the Voice of Friendship's Heard."
ELDER WM. H. SEEGMILLER,
(President of Sevier Stake.)
I very much appreciate the privilege of meeting- in this conference with my brethren and sisters. I have enjoyed myself very much in listening to the remarks that have been made since the conference began.
I desire to add my testimony unto those of my brethren with reference to this great latter-day work. I know that we are engaged in the work of God, that the Gospel has been restored and that the Latter-day Saints enjoy its gifts and blessings. I know that Joseph Smith was an inspired Prophet of God, that he sealed his testimony with his blood and that his testimony is now in force in the earth.
In listening to the remarks of the brethren this morning—although I may be but a new-comer in the Church as compared with those who gained experience in Kirtland, Missouri and Illinois, where the Saints were once located— when I came to consider that only fourteen years of the history of the Church had been made in Utah when I became identified with it, I began to feel that I had been associated with it for some time myself; and as I think over the changes that have come to us as a people, I also rejoice and testify, as my brethren have done, to the knowledge that I possess that God has been with this community; that He has guided them, that He has directed and prospered them, and that they have spread out, since those days, until they now occupy land outside of the realm of the United States. I know that as we have prospered in the past so we will in the future.
The different Stakes of Zion have been organized that the Latter-day Saints might acquire an education which will prepare them for coming events, yea, for the coming of the Bridegroom. There is an important Question that confronts us as a people, individually: Will we be numbered among the wise virgins or among the foolish ones? It is a problem that confronts ever one of us, than which there is no more important subject for our consideration. The path of counsel, we have been told, is the path of virtue. Those who observe the counsel and commandments which come to us from time to time from those who are inspired and appointed to advise the people, will be prepared to go forth when the word is sounded that "The Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him."
There are grand opportunities before us, and I hope and trust that we will improve the chances and privileges that are ours today, that in time to come we and our children may stand with the people of God. When we look around we find there are names mentioned in the early history of the Church that we do not hear sounded today in the councils of the Elders of Israel. In reading the early history of the Church we are able to ascertain, at least in part, the reason for this. I hope and trust that we will appreciate the privileges that are ours; that we may have testimonies in our hearts strong enough to endure everything that may beset our pathway in life; that our integrity may be great, yea, that we may value it more than we do life itself.
My experience thus far in connection with this work of our Father is that the more intently I labor to advance His purposes in the earth the more joy, pleasure and contentment I have. So, if it is a matter of contentment and joy, the way to obtain it, as I understand it, is to do the will of our Father in heaven, so far as it is made known unto us.
May the peace of heaven continue to be upon the Latter-day Saints; may this great latter-day work continue to grow and increase, and may it accomplish in the earth its mighty destiny; may we who are beginning to grow old in the work of our Father not become weary, but may we continue faithfully on, doing those things that may be required at our hands, that at last we may gain the reward which the faithful are entitled to, and hear the glorious words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Master." I ask it through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
(President of Sevier Stake.)
I very much appreciate the privilege of meeting- in this conference with my brethren and sisters. I have enjoyed myself very much in listening to the remarks that have been made since the conference began.
I desire to add my testimony unto those of my brethren with reference to this great latter-day work. I know that we are engaged in the work of God, that the Gospel has been restored and that the Latter-day Saints enjoy its gifts and blessings. I know that Joseph Smith was an inspired Prophet of God, that he sealed his testimony with his blood and that his testimony is now in force in the earth.
In listening to the remarks of the brethren this morning—although I may be but a new-comer in the Church as compared with those who gained experience in Kirtland, Missouri and Illinois, where the Saints were once located— when I came to consider that only fourteen years of the history of the Church had been made in Utah when I became identified with it, I began to feel that I had been associated with it for some time myself; and as I think over the changes that have come to us as a people, I also rejoice and testify, as my brethren have done, to the knowledge that I possess that God has been with this community; that He has guided them, that He has directed and prospered them, and that they have spread out, since those days, until they now occupy land outside of the realm of the United States. I know that as we have prospered in the past so we will in the future.
The different Stakes of Zion have been organized that the Latter-day Saints might acquire an education which will prepare them for coming events, yea, for the coming of the Bridegroom. There is an important Question that confronts us as a people, individually: Will we be numbered among the wise virgins or among the foolish ones? It is a problem that confronts ever one of us, than which there is no more important subject for our consideration. The path of counsel, we have been told, is the path of virtue. Those who observe the counsel and commandments which come to us from time to time from those who are inspired and appointed to advise the people, will be prepared to go forth when the word is sounded that "The Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him."
There are grand opportunities before us, and I hope and trust that we will improve the chances and privileges that are ours today, that in time to come we and our children may stand with the people of God. When we look around we find there are names mentioned in the early history of the Church that we do not hear sounded today in the councils of the Elders of Israel. In reading the early history of the Church we are able to ascertain, at least in part, the reason for this. I hope and trust that we will appreciate the privileges that are ours; that we may have testimonies in our hearts strong enough to endure everything that may beset our pathway in life; that our integrity may be great, yea, that we may value it more than we do life itself.
My experience thus far in connection with this work of our Father is that the more intently I labor to advance His purposes in the earth the more joy, pleasure and contentment I have. So, if it is a matter of contentment and joy, the way to obtain it, as I understand it, is to do the will of our Father in heaven, so far as it is made known unto us.
May the peace of heaven continue to be upon the Latter-day Saints; may this great latter-day work continue to grow and increase, and may it accomplish in the earth its mighty destiny; may we who are beginning to grow old in the work of our Father not become weary, but may we continue faithfully on, doing those things that may be required at our hands, that at last we may gain the reward which the faithful are entitled to, and hear the glorious words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Master." I ask it through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
ELDER C. N. LUND,
(President of North Sanpete Stake.)
My dear brethren and sisters, my heart is filled with gratitude to my heavenly Father for the opportunity tint I have of meeting' with you here in conference. I have come here for many years to attend the conferences of the Latter-day Saints, held at the headquarters of Zion, and I have never left one of them disappointed. The inspiration that I have received in these gatherings and the counsel and teachings to which I have listened have been a guiding star to me through life.
It must be a great testimony to the world, after having heard the Elders of this Church announce that we have a living Prophet upon the earth, as referred to in the hymn this afternoon, to see the people gathering here by the thousands, from all parts of this state and from other states in this Union, and from Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, that they might receive the word of the Lord. We have not come here to listen to man as man speaks, but we have come to receive the word of God through His inspired servants, the prophets, whom He has raised up to lead Israel in these latter days. We have gathered here to drink in of the inspiration of the Almighty, that we might receive the key-words for the future to guide us until we shall have the privilege and opportunity of meeting here again. Such a gathering as this proves that we believe what we proclaim: That God has raised up a Prophet in these last days and that He has ushered in the great and glorious dispensation of the fulness of times to prepare the way for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is our testimony to the world. I have rejoiced in listening to this testimony during this conference, as borne by the authorities of the Church, and also by the mission presidents, who have come in from the various parts of the earth. They have borne their testimony that they know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I was very much pleased to hear one of the mission presidents say that he and his fellow-laborers had been inspired to take up this subject in the mission field where they were laboring—to testify of that grand man and his mission to the earth. I have always maintained, and still maintain, that the most important thing for this generation to know is that God raised up the Prophet Joseph Smith and endowed him with the power, authority and keys to proclaim the Gospel to the world for the last time, and that through him Christ's Church was restored in its original power and with all its blessings. No greater message was given to man since the days of our Lord and Savior upon the earth.
I rejoice, my brethren and sisters, to be numbered with you, and I thank God with all my heart that He searched me out in the land that gave me birth and enlightened my mind with the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that He brought me here. When I first came here and entered the largo tabernacle for the first time, I felt that the inspiration of God was there. I saw then for the first time that mighty man who then stood upon the earth as the mouthpiece of God to His people, President Brigham Young. I felt that never before, or since, for that matter, had I heard a man speak who possessed greater power than that man. Although I could understand but very little of what he said, yet I felt that he was indeed a Prophet of God to that generation, as well as Joseph Smith had been. I feel that all the men who have stood in that position since have been prophets of God to this generation; and I feel that the great man who stands at the head of the Church of God today, in whose veins flows the blood of the great prophet of this generation, is indeed a Prophet of God unto this people.
May God bless Zion; may His peace and His Spirit be and abide with us, and may we enjoy its blessings and its inspiration, that we may know what to do in all things. Brethren End sisters, we are working for a great cause. During this conference I have been struck with the magnitude of this great work in which we are engaged, it is growing and increasing in power, and we can realize the truth of Daniel's saying, that the little stone should, in time, fill the whole earth. It will be accomplished, and God grant that it may, and hasten the triumph of truth and right in the earth, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of North Sanpete Stake.)
My dear brethren and sisters, my heart is filled with gratitude to my heavenly Father for the opportunity tint I have of meeting' with you here in conference. I have come here for many years to attend the conferences of the Latter-day Saints, held at the headquarters of Zion, and I have never left one of them disappointed. The inspiration that I have received in these gatherings and the counsel and teachings to which I have listened have been a guiding star to me through life.
It must be a great testimony to the world, after having heard the Elders of this Church announce that we have a living Prophet upon the earth, as referred to in the hymn this afternoon, to see the people gathering here by the thousands, from all parts of this state and from other states in this Union, and from Canada in the north and Mexico in the south, that they might receive the word of the Lord. We have not come here to listen to man as man speaks, but we have come to receive the word of God through His inspired servants, the prophets, whom He has raised up to lead Israel in these latter days. We have gathered here to drink in of the inspiration of the Almighty, that we might receive the key-words for the future to guide us until we shall have the privilege and opportunity of meeting here again. Such a gathering as this proves that we believe what we proclaim: That God has raised up a Prophet in these last days and that He has ushered in the great and glorious dispensation of the fulness of times to prepare the way for the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is our testimony to the world. I have rejoiced in listening to this testimony during this conference, as borne by the authorities of the Church, and also by the mission presidents, who have come in from the various parts of the earth. They have borne their testimony that they know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I was very much pleased to hear one of the mission presidents say that he and his fellow-laborers had been inspired to take up this subject in the mission field where they were laboring—to testify of that grand man and his mission to the earth. I have always maintained, and still maintain, that the most important thing for this generation to know is that God raised up the Prophet Joseph Smith and endowed him with the power, authority and keys to proclaim the Gospel to the world for the last time, and that through him Christ's Church was restored in its original power and with all its blessings. No greater message was given to man since the days of our Lord and Savior upon the earth.
I rejoice, my brethren and sisters, to be numbered with you, and I thank God with all my heart that He searched me out in the land that gave me birth and enlightened my mind with the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that He brought me here. When I first came here and entered the largo tabernacle for the first time, I felt that the inspiration of God was there. I saw then for the first time that mighty man who then stood upon the earth as the mouthpiece of God to His people, President Brigham Young. I felt that never before, or since, for that matter, had I heard a man speak who possessed greater power than that man. Although I could understand but very little of what he said, yet I felt that he was indeed a Prophet of God to that generation, as well as Joseph Smith had been. I feel that all the men who have stood in that position since have been prophets of God to this generation; and I feel that the great man who stands at the head of the Church of God today, in whose veins flows the blood of the great prophet of this generation, is indeed a Prophet of God unto this people.
May God bless Zion; may His peace and His Spirit be and abide with us, and may we enjoy its blessings and its inspiration, that we may know what to do in all things. Brethren End sisters, we are working for a great cause. During this conference I have been struck with the magnitude of this great work in which we are engaged, it is growing and increasing in power, and we can realize the truth of Daniel's saying, that the little stone should, in time, fill the whole earth. It will be accomplished, and God grant that it may, and hasten the triumph of truth and right in the earth, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER MOSES W. TAYLOR.
(President of Summit Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I desire an interest in your faith and prayers, that I may be inspired to say those things that will be for the best good of all of us.
A little over a year ago the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent to my office in Salt Lake City, for ma. He said to me, "We want you to leave your home in this city and go out and live in the Summit Stake of Zion. A few days afterwards three of the Apostles and I boarded the train, and we landed in Coalville, Summit county. When we got there we went to a Priesthood meeting, at which there was a fair representation of the Priesthood of the Stake. At this meeting these three Apostles disorganized the whole Stake, leaving out of office all the Bishops, with their counselors, the High Councilors, the presidency of the Stake, and all the other officers of the Stake. Although I was a stranger in a strange land, apparently, after the Priesthood meeting, the same evening, before these three brethren boarded the train for home, they said to me, "Now, Moses, fix it up. You have got to stay here and fix it up."
I did not feel that I was altogether alone; I went to the Lord and told Him that He and I were the only officers in the Stake now. I thought it was a good thing to go in partners with the Lord; He has been good partner to me—the best I have ever had. He has blessed me in my labors; for out there in the tops of the mountains, on the little streams in Summit county, I found some of the best people I ever met in my life. We have been trying to raise some apples out there in that cold country, and at our Priesthood meeting, held a week ago, we made such a fine showing that everyone that tasted them said they were better than any they had ever eaten. I said the apples were like the land, and water and the air that everything was good there, even the people. With the aid of Apostle Smoot and the inspiration of the Lord, we went through the Stake and selected a Bishopric for each of the eighteen wards; we also selected a High Council. Our main desire in choosing these brethren was that they should be men who set a good example. When I went out to select counselors for myself my first thought and my prayer to my heavenly Father was that I might be led to men that set an example worthy of emulation. I was led to the homes of two brethren who, with their families, were observing the Word of Wisdom and paying their tithing. This requirement was made of all the brethren; so, when we got through we had men who were observing these principles and who knew that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. Of course, we had to take some men who were using tobacco and tell them to stop it; and I bear testimony to the people assembled here in conference that out of the hundreds of officers chosen to preside in any capacity in that Stake, of whom the requirement was made, it has not been impossible for any one of them to keep the Word of Wisdom. Those who have been in the habit of breaking the Word of Wisdom, all the way from six to ninety-two years of age, have been able to quit that course. They have said to me that the Lord had taken away from them the desire for such things. I wanted to bear my testimony to you with regard to this thing, because wherever we go among the Latter-day Saints we find people who say they cannot quit tobacco, or "I cannot quit tea and coffee, as I would have a headache all day long if I did," and all such excuses. Hundreds of the people of the Summit Stake could bear the same testimony — that they have been able to leave off the use of these unwholesome things and observe the Word of Wisdom. The reason they have been able to do this, brethren and sisters, is because they have taken the Lord In as a partner with them. They have all said that with the help of the Lord, they would do this thing.
Now, I believe that the people out there area good people to make sacrifices; I can testify to this. Some people get the notion that the ward they live in is the only ward in the Church. We have been endeavoring to get the people to discard this selfish idea and to be more liberal and broadminded.
We went after some of the Stakes adjoining us last summer, and, with them, got together on the water question. We decided to aid and assist one another in our distress. During the dryest part of the season the people of the lower counties sent word to the Saints of Summit Stake asking if they would not turn down the water. They said they realized that it was the driest part of the season and that the people of Summit Stake needed the water for their own lands, but that they felt to appeal to them for aid. In response to this appeal every ditch in the county was closed for eight days, and immediately afterwards the Saints of Morgan county did the same thing; so the people below were blessed. Later in the season some of the Bishops, and other prominent men of our Stake, came to me and said, "Brother Taylor, though the water was taken from our lands, still our crops are abundant. The Lord has blessed us for our sacrifice." Brethren and sisters, I tell you that where a spirit like that is exhibited the Lord cannot withhold His blessings.
While on this subject I should say that grain, cows, horses, sheep, money, and all those things, are not always blessed. There are two kinds of money, one kind carries with it the blessings of the Lord, the other carries with it the blight of the prince of darkness. A man came to me recently and said that he had sons who, in their youth, worked faithfully with him; the Lord blessed him with means, and these sons grew up* and became good and honorable men in the community. "Now," said he, "I have other sons growing up; they are different from the first; they are ungovernable, and I can do nothing with them." I could have told him the cause of the difference between these sons: When his older sons were growing up he was paying his tithes and offerings, attending his meetings and performing his other duties, and these sons grew up under a good influence; his money and increase had the blessings of God upon it. But conditions changed. He got into trouble with his Bishop and the president of his Stake, and finally left the Church. His other sons came along, but they grew up under a different influence. They were proud of their gain, and were using this money, which looked the same as the other, but which had the blight upon it and was a curse to them; while, on the other hand, it had been a blessing to their father and their other brothers. May the Lord add His blessings to all, which I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of Logan, then sang a solo, the choir joining in the chorus.
(President of Summit Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I desire an interest in your faith and prayers, that I may be inspired to say those things that will be for the best good of all of us.
A little over a year ago the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent to my office in Salt Lake City, for ma. He said to me, "We want you to leave your home in this city and go out and live in the Summit Stake of Zion. A few days afterwards three of the Apostles and I boarded the train, and we landed in Coalville, Summit county. When we got there we went to a Priesthood meeting, at which there was a fair representation of the Priesthood of the Stake. At this meeting these three Apostles disorganized the whole Stake, leaving out of office all the Bishops, with their counselors, the High Councilors, the presidency of the Stake, and all the other officers of the Stake. Although I was a stranger in a strange land, apparently, after the Priesthood meeting, the same evening, before these three brethren boarded the train for home, they said to me, "Now, Moses, fix it up. You have got to stay here and fix it up."
I did not feel that I was altogether alone; I went to the Lord and told Him that He and I were the only officers in the Stake now. I thought it was a good thing to go in partners with the Lord; He has been good partner to me—the best I have ever had. He has blessed me in my labors; for out there in the tops of the mountains, on the little streams in Summit county, I found some of the best people I ever met in my life. We have been trying to raise some apples out there in that cold country, and at our Priesthood meeting, held a week ago, we made such a fine showing that everyone that tasted them said they were better than any they had ever eaten. I said the apples were like the land, and water and the air that everything was good there, even the people. With the aid of Apostle Smoot and the inspiration of the Lord, we went through the Stake and selected a Bishopric for each of the eighteen wards; we also selected a High Council. Our main desire in choosing these brethren was that they should be men who set a good example. When I went out to select counselors for myself my first thought and my prayer to my heavenly Father was that I might be led to men that set an example worthy of emulation. I was led to the homes of two brethren who, with their families, were observing the Word of Wisdom and paying their tithing. This requirement was made of all the brethren; so, when we got through we had men who were observing these principles and who knew that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. Of course, we had to take some men who were using tobacco and tell them to stop it; and I bear testimony to the people assembled here in conference that out of the hundreds of officers chosen to preside in any capacity in that Stake, of whom the requirement was made, it has not been impossible for any one of them to keep the Word of Wisdom. Those who have been in the habit of breaking the Word of Wisdom, all the way from six to ninety-two years of age, have been able to quit that course. They have said to me that the Lord had taken away from them the desire for such things. I wanted to bear my testimony to you with regard to this thing, because wherever we go among the Latter-day Saints we find people who say they cannot quit tobacco, or "I cannot quit tea and coffee, as I would have a headache all day long if I did," and all such excuses. Hundreds of the people of the Summit Stake could bear the same testimony — that they have been able to leave off the use of these unwholesome things and observe the Word of Wisdom. The reason they have been able to do this, brethren and sisters, is because they have taken the Lord In as a partner with them. They have all said that with the help of the Lord, they would do this thing.
Now, I believe that the people out there area good people to make sacrifices; I can testify to this. Some people get the notion that the ward they live in is the only ward in the Church. We have been endeavoring to get the people to discard this selfish idea and to be more liberal and broadminded.
We went after some of the Stakes adjoining us last summer, and, with them, got together on the water question. We decided to aid and assist one another in our distress. During the dryest part of the season the people of the lower counties sent word to the Saints of Summit Stake asking if they would not turn down the water. They said they realized that it was the driest part of the season and that the people of Summit Stake needed the water for their own lands, but that they felt to appeal to them for aid. In response to this appeal every ditch in the county was closed for eight days, and immediately afterwards the Saints of Morgan county did the same thing; so the people below were blessed. Later in the season some of the Bishops, and other prominent men of our Stake, came to me and said, "Brother Taylor, though the water was taken from our lands, still our crops are abundant. The Lord has blessed us for our sacrifice." Brethren and sisters, I tell you that where a spirit like that is exhibited the Lord cannot withhold His blessings.
While on this subject I should say that grain, cows, horses, sheep, money, and all those things, are not always blessed. There are two kinds of money, one kind carries with it the blessings of the Lord, the other carries with it the blight of the prince of darkness. A man came to me recently and said that he had sons who, in their youth, worked faithfully with him; the Lord blessed him with means, and these sons grew up* and became good and honorable men in the community. "Now," said he, "I have other sons growing up; they are different from the first; they are ungovernable, and I can do nothing with them." I could have told him the cause of the difference between these sons: When his older sons were growing up he was paying his tithes and offerings, attending his meetings and performing his other duties, and these sons grew up under a good influence; his money and increase had the blessings of God upon it. But conditions changed. He got into trouble with his Bishop and the president of his Stake, and finally left the Church. His other sons came along, but they grew up under a different influence. They were proud of their gain, and were using this money, which looked the same as the other, but which had the blight upon it and was a curse to them; while, on the other hand, it had been a blessing to their father and their other brothers. May the Lord add His blessings to all, which I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of Logan, then sang a solo, the choir joining in the chorus.
ELDER JAMES W. PAXMAN.
(President of Juab Stake.)
My beloved brethren and sisters, I feel very much in need of your faith and prayers and the assistance of the Spirit during the few moments I shall stand before you this afternoon.
I deem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of meeting with the congregations of Israel in general Conference, and to hear the voice of inspiration, which has been sounded in our ears not only during this glorious conference, but also during the conferences that have preceded it. I was thinking, in listening to the remarks of Brothers Seegmiller and Lund, that it had been my good fortune to meet with the Saints in Conference ever since I was a boy in my teens. I have not missed a conference of the Church, since my boyhood, except when I was out of the state. In these Conferences I can truthfully say that I have felt the influence of the Spirit of God. This conference has been no exception to the others in this regard; if there is any difference, I think I see more vigor and strength in the testimony of my brethren at this Conference.
I rejoice to know that we live in a day and age of the world in which the Gospel has been fully established in the earth in its primitive purity and grandeur, with men inspired of God and raised up to take charge of His work in the earth and to direct His people aright. I feel grateful that it has been my lot to have the still small voice in my soul, so that the cry of the shepherd has found a response. I felt thankful to hear the testimony of Apostle Reed Smoot this morning, when he said he felt that he was in accord with those that presided over him, and all the members of the Church, as well as the principles and doctrines of the Gospel. I thought that was a most happy state to be in. I feel to join with him in the joy and pleasure expressed by him in this glorious testimony. I, too, feel that the Lord has been kind to me and has been my friend. I know that He will be an everlasting friend to the children of men, inasmuch as they seek unto Him with full purpose of heart, and no one will seek Him in vain. I rejoice in the principles of the Gospel, because I see in them the virtue to redeem this fallen world. I rejoice in the testimony our Elders are able to bear, and are bearing, to the nations of the earth. I feel grateful and proud that the same spirit possesses all our Elders and mission presidents abroad in the earth. I rejoice that the Spirit of the Lord is being shed forth upon His people and that they are being made glad because of its effulgence. I feel that there is an abiding growth with the members of the Church; that those active and interested in the work are growing stronger and more firmly fixed in the faith; that the Church and kingdom of God has been established in the earth never to be thrown down or given Ho another people. I feel grateful that it has been my lot and privilege to be born and reared in Zion; that the Lord has given unto me a good parentage; that my father devoted his life, time and talents, as well as his means, to the building up of the kingdom of God; that he was willing to make sacrifices for the Gospel's sake. Though the world may consider as a sacrifice what he did, yet it was no sacrifice to him. I feel to testify to the words of my brethren, that those that pay their tithes and offerings will be blessed of the Lord. The blessings of heaven are more to us than the blessings of the earth. My admonition to the people lately has been not to measure the blessings of our Father in heaven by dollars and cents. If adversity comes upon us, as it has in our section of the country, on account of the continued drouth, and we are short in our crops, we should not attribute the shortage to a curse of the Lord; but, rather, we should feel grateful to the Lord for the Gospel and for the many blessings that we enjoy. I feel that the hand of God is over us when we are chastened and reduced in our conditions, for then we are more humble and prayerful and devoted to the work of God.
I feel proud of the little stake of Zion over which it has been my lot to preside, Four years ago this month my father met with an accident, and gave up the ghost shortly afterwards. Not long after I was called to preside over the stake. I can truthfully say that we have had pleasure in our work there. Now, Brother Moses W. Taylor has told you of the goodness of the people of his stake and of the valor of the men that are associated with him. I can testify to like conditions in the Juab stake. I do not know of two better men in the whole stake than those who are associated with me as my counselors; and I can say the same as to the High Council. We are all united, and are paying our tithes and keeping the Word of Wisdom. The auxiliary organizations of the stake have never been in a better condition than they are new in.
I testify to you that I know that Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God. I do not know this simply because my parents have told me so or taught me this, as President Ben E. Rich, of the Southern States mission, said yesterday, but I know it through that Spirit that comes from above, to which we are all entitled, providing, of course, that we are living- right. I testify to you in all soberness, recognizing that I will have to meet my testimony before the judgment bar of God, yet I testify that, as I knew the, sun would rise this morning when I saw the dawn of day approaching over the eastern horizon, so do I know that the Savior is coming. The Lord has said that He would come and dwell with His people a thousand years and instruct them in His word, and that it would be a reign of peace. I know these conditions are coming; the Spirit of God, through the voice of inspiration, distills on my soul this great truth. I feel to rejoice that the Lord has given me this testimony, which came to me as a shaft of light, filling my whole being and fastening me to the rock of truth. May God enable us to endure to the end and receive His blessings, is my prayer, in the name .of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Juab Stake.)
My beloved brethren and sisters, I feel very much in need of your faith and prayers and the assistance of the Spirit during the few moments I shall stand before you this afternoon.
I deem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of meeting with the congregations of Israel in general Conference, and to hear the voice of inspiration, which has been sounded in our ears not only during this glorious conference, but also during the conferences that have preceded it. I was thinking, in listening to the remarks of Brothers Seegmiller and Lund, that it had been my good fortune to meet with the Saints in Conference ever since I was a boy in my teens. I have not missed a conference of the Church, since my boyhood, except when I was out of the state. In these Conferences I can truthfully say that I have felt the influence of the Spirit of God. This conference has been no exception to the others in this regard; if there is any difference, I think I see more vigor and strength in the testimony of my brethren at this Conference.
I rejoice to know that we live in a day and age of the world in which the Gospel has been fully established in the earth in its primitive purity and grandeur, with men inspired of God and raised up to take charge of His work in the earth and to direct His people aright. I feel grateful that it has been my lot to have the still small voice in my soul, so that the cry of the shepherd has found a response. I felt thankful to hear the testimony of Apostle Reed Smoot this morning, when he said he felt that he was in accord with those that presided over him, and all the members of the Church, as well as the principles and doctrines of the Gospel. I thought that was a most happy state to be in. I feel to join with him in the joy and pleasure expressed by him in this glorious testimony. I, too, feel that the Lord has been kind to me and has been my friend. I know that He will be an everlasting friend to the children of men, inasmuch as they seek unto Him with full purpose of heart, and no one will seek Him in vain. I rejoice in the principles of the Gospel, because I see in them the virtue to redeem this fallen world. I rejoice in the testimony our Elders are able to bear, and are bearing, to the nations of the earth. I feel grateful and proud that the same spirit possesses all our Elders and mission presidents abroad in the earth. I rejoice that the Spirit of the Lord is being shed forth upon His people and that they are being made glad because of its effulgence. I feel that there is an abiding growth with the members of the Church; that those active and interested in the work are growing stronger and more firmly fixed in the faith; that the Church and kingdom of God has been established in the earth never to be thrown down or given Ho another people. I feel grateful that it has been my lot and privilege to be born and reared in Zion; that the Lord has given unto me a good parentage; that my father devoted his life, time and talents, as well as his means, to the building up of the kingdom of God; that he was willing to make sacrifices for the Gospel's sake. Though the world may consider as a sacrifice what he did, yet it was no sacrifice to him. I feel to testify to the words of my brethren, that those that pay their tithes and offerings will be blessed of the Lord. The blessings of heaven are more to us than the blessings of the earth. My admonition to the people lately has been not to measure the blessings of our Father in heaven by dollars and cents. If adversity comes upon us, as it has in our section of the country, on account of the continued drouth, and we are short in our crops, we should not attribute the shortage to a curse of the Lord; but, rather, we should feel grateful to the Lord for the Gospel and for the many blessings that we enjoy. I feel that the hand of God is over us when we are chastened and reduced in our conditions, for then we are more humble and prayerful and devoted to the work of God.
I feel proud of the little stake of Zion over which it has been my lot to preside, Four years ago this month my father met with an accident, and gave up the ghost shortly afterwards. Not long after I was called to preside over the stake. I can truthfully say that we have had pleasure in our work there. Now, Brother Moses W. Taylor has told you of the goodness of the people of his stake and of the valor of the men that are associated with him. I can testify to like conditions in the Juab stake. I do not know of two better men in the whole stake than those who are associated with me as my counselors; and I can say the same as to the High Council. We are all united, and are paying our tithes and keeping the Word of Wisdom. The auxiliary organizations of the stake have never been in a better condition than they are new in.
I testify to you that I know that Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God. I do not know this simply because my parents have told me so or taught me this, as President Ben E. Rich, of the Southern States mission, said yesterday, but I know it through that Spirit that comes from above, to which we are all entitled, providing, of course, that we are living- right. I testify to you in all soberness, recognizing that I will have to meet my testimony before the judgment bar of God, yet I testify that, as I knew the, sun would rise this morning when I saw the dawn of day approaching over the eastern horizon, so do I know that the Savior is coming. The Lord has said that He would come and dwell with His people a thousand years and instruct them in His word, and that it would be a reign of peace. I know these conditions are coming; the Spirit of God, through the voice of inspiration, distills on my soul this great truth. I feel to rejoice that the Lord has given me this testimony, which came to me as a shaft of light, filling my whole being and fastening me to the rock of truth. May God enable us to endure to the end and receive His blessings, is my prayer, in the name .of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH MORRELL.
(President of Cache Stake.)
I have only one desire, my brethren and sisters, in standing before you at this time, and that is that the Spirit of the Lord will direct me in what I shall say, that we may be mutually edified.
I have a testimony of the Gospel, which I bear to you this afternoon. I have always taken pleasure in upholding and sustaining the testimony that God has given me that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that he was raised up in these latter days to bring forth the dispensation of the fulness of times, and that he was an instrument in the hands of God in bringing forth those principles that are the power of God unto salvation. What desires I have had so far in life have been swallowed up in the testimony that I have received of the goodness of my Heavenly Father to me. I have been willing, in my weak way, to answer the calls that have been made of me, and therefore am I here this afternoon.
In listening to the testimonies that were borne this morning, I was thinking over the changes that had taken place in the Cache Stake of Zion since I have been connected with it. Our stake used to be about the largest in the Church, extending from Paradise, in the south, to Cardston, Canada, in the north; but, piece by piece it has been divided up, and new stakes formed. Today our stake is about ten miles long and eight or nine miles wide. But if our stake is small it is pretty thickly settled, and the people are good. They desire to do what they can to assist in building up the kingdom of our Father upon the earth. I can testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that my counselors, and the High Council of the stake, and all the other authorities, are faithful and energetic men. Our stake has contributed some of its best young men to assist in building up other stakes of Zion. Two of the brethren who spoke this morning were reared in our stake. They are now presidents of other stakes of Zion. The land has been taken up and so utilized that, in the past, it has been hard for our young men to get a home in our section of the country, as under the conditions that prevailed then it required quite a large farm to bring in anything. But, through the blessings of the Lord, we now have a sugar factory and the land can be utilized to greater advantage and profit, and, in consequence, we are enabled to keep our boys and girls at home. The girls go out in the field and help with the beets, which I think is a great blessing to them, as they can thus get plenty of fresh air and exercise. They are growing up puny; they are not as strong as their mothers were, who bore the heat and burden of the day. It will be a good thing for them to get out a little instead of sitting so much in the house.
We have no very rich people in our Stake, as the farms are small; but some of the Saints are quite well to do. Since the beginning the land has been divided into small parcels, and there is not much chance for any one to own large tracts of land, as our Stake is so small. The last few years we have taken hold of manufacturing a little, as well as the raising of beets, and we have so divided our interests that if we should fail in one pursuit we would have another to fall back on.
We have continually counseled the people to keep out of debt. It has been our experience, in associating- among the people, and in our own lives, that if we can get a few dollars ahead, and pay the tithing on it, and thus get the blessings of our heavenly Father to attend our investments, that that money went much farther than the money we borrowed, upon which we had to pay a high rate of interest. It has been truthfully said here this afternoon that money and the accumulation of wealth is not the only blessing that God has in store for us. He has said that if we neglect to pay our tithes and offerings our names will be taken from the records of the Church, and the names of our children as »well. I would rather lose every dollar and every piece of property that I possess than to have this calamity come upon me. Christ gave this parable unto His Disciples:
"'The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
"And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
"And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool this night thy soul shall be required of thee: Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
I feel well, my brethren and sister i. I do not know what I ever did that the Lord should be so kind to me. I have been a weak instrument in His hands and have endeavored to put my trust in Him. I pray that His Spirit may be with us all, that in the end we may be saved in His kingdom. Amen.
(President of Cache Stake.)
I have only one desire, my brethren and sisters, in standing before you at this time, and that is that the Spirit of the Lord will direct me in what I shall say, that we may be mutually edified.
I have a testimony of the Gospel, which I bear to you this afternoon. I have always taken pleasure in upholding and sustaining the testimony that God has given me that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that he was raised up in these latter days to bring forth the dispensation of the fulness of times, and that he was an instrument in the hands of God in bringing forth those principles that are the power of God unto salvation. What desires I have had so far in life have been swallowed up in the testimony that I have received of the goodness of my Heavenly Father to me. I have been willing, in my weak way, to answer the calls that have been made of me, and therefore am I here this afternoon.
In listening to the testimonies that were borne this morning, I was thinking over the changes that had taken place in the Cache Stake of Zion since I have been connected with it. Our stake used to be about the largest in the Church, extending from Paradise, in the south, to Cardston, Canada, in the north; but, piece by piece it has been divided up, and new stakes formed. Today our stake is about ten miles long and eight or nine miles wide. But if our stake is small it is pretty thickly settled, and the people are good. They desire to do what they can to assist in building up the kingdom of our Father upon the earth. I can testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that my counselors, and the High Council of the stake, and all the other authorities, are faithful and energetic men. Our stake has contributed some of its best young men to assist in building up other stakes of Zion. Two of the brethren who spoke this morning were reared in our stake. They are now presidents of other stakes of Zion. The land has been taken up and so utilized that, in the past, it has been hard for our young men to get a home in our section of the country, as under the conditions that prevailed then it required quite a large farm to bring in anything. But, through the blessings of the Lord, we now have a sugar factory and the land can be utilized to greater advantage and profit, and, in consequence, we are enabled to keep our boys and girls at home. The girls go out in the field and help with the beets, which I think is a great blessing to them, as they can thus get plenty of fresh air and exercise. They are growing up puny; they are not as strong as their mothers were, who bore the heat and burden of the day. It will be a good thing for them to get out a little instead of sitting so much in the house.
We have no very rich people in our Stake, as the farms are small; but some of the Saints are quite well to do. Since the beginning the land has been divided into small parcels, and there is not much chance for any one to own large tracts of land, as our Stake is so small. The last few years we have taken hold of manufacturing a little, as well as the raising of beets, and we have so divided our interests that if we should fail in one pursuit we would have another to fall back on.
We have continually counseled the people to keep out of debt. It has been our experience, in associating- among the people, and in our own lives, that if we can get a few dollars ahead, and pay the tithing on it, and thus get the blessings of our heavenly Father to attend our investments, that that money went much farther than the money we borrowed, upon which we had to pay a high rate of interest. It has been truthfully said here this afternoon that money and the accumulation of wealth is not the only blessing that God has in store for us. He has said that if we neglect to pay our tithes and offerings our names will be taken from the records of the Church, and the names of our children as »well. I would rather lose every dollar and every piece of property that I possess than to have this calamity come upon me. Christ gave this parable unto His Disciples:
"'The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
"And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
"And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
"And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool this night thy soul shall be required of thee: Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
I feel well, my brethren and sister i. I do not know what I ever did that the Lord should be so kind to me. I have been a weak instrument in His hands and have endeavored to put my trust in Him. I pray that His Spirit may be with us all, that in the end we may be saved in His kingdom. Amen.
ELDER GEORGE C. PARKINSON,
(President of Oneida Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I have listened with much pleasure to the re marks of the brethren during this con Terence. I rejoice in the testimony of my brethren, and that I have the privilege of associating with the Latter-day Saints at these meetings.
The Oneida Stake is located in the northern part of Cache Valley, in the State of Idaho. It was organized over eighteen years ago, with eleven wards and about 3,000 souls. Since that time many changes have taken place. The people increased in number as the possibilities of the country became better known. We had a large tract of and, and as the country was built up other wards were organized and several new Stakes were made. As the Stake exists today we have seventeen wards aid a population of about 6,000 Latter clay Saints. The presidency of the Stake are united and are laboring in harmony with each other. The members of the High Council of the Stake are good men. They all keep the Word of Wisdom, I think, and are devoting their time and attention to the ministry. They meet once a month, as a High Council, and attend to any business that may come before them. Most of them visit the various wards of the Stake on Sundays, and also on other days, keeping up the organizations and encouraging the Saints in the work of the Lord. I believe the wards are all thoroughly organized, and that the Bishops and their Counselors are all good, exemplary men, actively engaged in the midst of the people. We try to impress upon them the necessity of looking after those bearing the Lesser Priesthood, that they might be trained and prepared for higher and greater responsibilities as they grow in years and faithfulness. I believe the quorums of the Priesthood are pretty well taken care of. Of course, we also have some who are negligent and careless, as may be found in other Stakes and organizations of the Church. Our Seventies are nearly all active men, engaged in the ministry. We call them into service as home missionaries, to labor with the Elders and High Priests, in connection with the members of the High Council of the Stake, and they are seeking to edify the Saints and to encourage them in their duties.
I rejoice, my brethren and sisters, in the testimony which the Lord has given to me. I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is His Son and the Redeemer of mankind. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that he was raised up of God to establish the Gospel of Jesus Christ upon the earth for the last time. He delivered the message, and it has gone forth to the nations of the earth, and it shall be proclaimed to all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples upon the face of the earth. I know that Brigham Young was a Prophet of God, and that he was raised up to lead the people of God from the land of their persecutions and drivings to this promised place in the tops of the mountains, according to the will of God, made known through His Prophet Joseph Smith. I also have a testimony that John Taylor was a Prophet of the Lord, loved of God, and that he labored devotedly in the ministry for the establishment of the work of the Lord. I can bear the same testimony as to President Wilford Woodruff and President Lorenzo Snow, who were good and noble men, and Prophets of God. I know that, today, we have to preside over the Church as Prophet, Seer and Revelator, a noble son of God, one recognized of the Lord as His servant to preside over His Church in all the world; that these brethren who are associated with the Presidency of the Church, the Apostles, whose labors call them to the several Stakes of Zion and the different parts of the earth, are the servants of the Lord. I know that they enjoy the revelations of the Holy Spirit, and that they are special witnesses, traveling among the people and bearing a faithful testimony to the divinity of the work of the Lord as restored and established in our day.
My desire is to go onward and upward, and to do what little I may be able to do, under the blessings of the Almighty. I desire not to grow weary or to become discouraged, but I feel like lifting up my voice in defense of the truth and the establishment of righteousness in the midst of the people.
I am associated with a good people, who are devoted to the work of the Lord. We have an excellent school in our midst, at which within a month from now, perhaps, we will have about fifty young men engaged in the missionary class, preparing to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel. We have organized our auxiliary associations, and they are presided over by men and women who are devoted to the work in which they are engaged.
In listening to the testimonies of Apostles Smoot and Woodruff this morning my heart warmed within my bosom, and I thank God for such men. I thank Him that His inspiration has been poured out, and is now being poured out, upon these young men, who have been called to this active position in the ministry. They are men of God, and I know it. I have associated with them to quite an extent during the past few years, and I know that they are true, genuine, and faithful, and that they live in the love and confidence of God, and that His blessings are following their ministrations in the midst of the people. May God bless them, and all who are engaged in His glorious cause, that it may spread abroad through the earth; that the honest in heart may be gathered out and assembled in the tops of the mountains and in other places appointed of the Lord for the gathering of His people, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brother and Sister Ferrin of Ogden sang a duet.
(President of Oneida Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I have listened with much pleasure to the re marks of the brethren during this con Terence. I rejoice in the testimony of my brethren, and that I have the privilege of associating with the Latter-day Saints at these meetings.
The Oneida Stake is located in the northern part of Cache Valley, in the State of Idaho. It was organized over eighteen years ago, with eleven wards and about 3,000 souls. Since that time many changes have taken place. The people increased in number as the possibilities of the country became better known. We had a large tract of and, and as the country was built up other wards were organized and several new Stakes were made. As the Stake exists today we have seventeen wards aid a population of about 6,000 Latter clay Saints. The presidency of the Stake are united and are laboring in harmony with each other. The members of the High Council of the Stake are good men. They all keep the Word of Wisdom, I think, and are devoting their time and attention to the ministry. They meet once a month, as a High Council, and attend to any business that may come before them. Most of them visit the various wards of the Stake on Sundays, and also on other days, keeping up the organizations and encouraging the Saints in the work of the Lord. I believe the wards are all thoroughly organized, and that the Bishops and their Counselors are all good, exemplary men, actively engaged in the midst of the people. We try to impress upon them the necessity of looking after those bearing the Lesser Priesthood, that they might be trained and prepared for higher and greater responsibilities as they grow in years and faithfulness. I believe the quorums of the Priesthood are pretty well taken care of. Of course, we also have some who are negligent and careless, as may be found in other Stakes and organizations of the Church. Our Seventies are nearly all active men, engaged in the ministry. We call them into service as home missionaries, to labor with the Elders and High Priests, in connection with the members of the High Council of the Stake, and they are seeking to edify the Saints and to encourage them in their duties.
I rejoice, my brethren and sisters, in the testimony which the Lord has given to me. I know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is His Son and the Redeemer of mankind. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and that he was raised up of God to establish the Gospel of Jesus Christ upon the earth for the last time. He delivered the message, and it has gone forth to the nations of the earth, and it shall be proclaimed to all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples upon the face of the earth. I know that Brigham Young was a Prophet of God, and that he was raised up to lead the people of God from the land of their persecutions and drivings to this promised place in the tops of the mountains, according to the will of God, made known through His Prophet Joseph Smith. I also have a testimony that John Taylor was a Prophet of the Lord, loved of God, and that he labored devotedly in the ministry for the establishment of the work of the Lord. I can bear the same testimony as to President Wilford Woodruff and President Lorenzo Snow, who were good and noble men, and Prophets of God. I know that, today, we have to preside over the Church as Prophet, Seer and Revelator, a noble son of God, one recognized of the Lord as His servant to preside over His Church in all the world; that these brethren who are associated with the Presidency of the Church, the Apostles, whose labors call them to the several Stakes of Zion and the different parts of the earth, are the servants of the Lord. I know that they enjoy the revelations of the Holy Spirit, and that they are special witnesses, traveling among the people and bearing a faithful testimony to the divinity of the work of the Lord as restored and established in our day.
My desire is to go onward and upward, and to do what little I may be able to do, under the blessings of the Almighty. I desire not to grow weary or to become discouraged, but I feel like lifting up my voice in defense of the truth and the establishment of righteousness in the midst of the people.
I am associated with a good people, who are devoted to the work of the Lord. We have an excellent school in our midst, at which within a month from now, perhaps, we will have about fifty young men engaged in the missionary class, preparing to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel. We have organized our auxiliary associations, and they are presided over by men and women who are devoted to the work in which they are engaged.
In listening to the testimonies of Apostles Smoot and Woodruff this morning my heart warmed within my bosom, and I thank God for such men. I thank Him that His inspiration has been poured out, and is now being poured out, upon these young men, who have been called to this active position in the ministry. They are men of God, and I know it. I have associated with them to quite an extent during the past few years, and I know that they are true, genuine, and faithful, and that they live in the love and confidence of God, and that His blessings are following their ministrations in the midst of the people. May God bless them, and all who are engaged in His glorious cause, that it may spread abroad through the earth; that the honest in heart may be gathered out and assembled in the tops of the mountains and in other places appointed of the Lord for the gathering of His people, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brother and Sister Ferrin of Ogden sang a duet.
ELDER GEORGE J. CANNON.
My dear brethren and sisters, it was a great surprise to me when Brother Woodruff called out my name; it was the last thing I expected. Nevertheless, I can testify to you, as I have to my brethren and sisters and others, when the opportunity has presented itself, that I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth again, and that we are the recipients of its blessings. Before leaving for my mission to Germany, I, with the rest, received instructions, and we were told that if we could not say anything else in arising to speak to the people, we were to bear our testimonies and something would come to us. Therefore, in addressing you this afternoon I begin with bearing my testimony. My brethren and sisters, I have a testimony, and have always had it, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. If we take the scriptures and compare the Gospel taught therein with the Gospel taught by the Latter-day Saints, we find that they are the same; that the Gospel taught by the Savior and His disciples in former days is identical with that taught by the Latter-day Saints. Those of us who have had the privilege of preaching the Gospel in the world have had numerous testimonies given to us, which have strengthened us in the testimony that we already possessed. I believe there is not a young man who goes out into the world to preach the Gospel that does not possess a testimony, although he may say he does not have one. He may not be aware of the fact, but the testimony is there just the same; it is born in him and only needs something to bring it out. We find that our young men, some of whom may have been careless at home, when they have reached their missionary field and, perhaps, have been put in charge of some branch, or placed to preside over a conference, and are obliged to explain the principles of the Gospel and to study them, are surprised and astonished to learn that they have had a testimony of the Gospel but did not know it. I would advise the young brethren and sisters to become acquainted with this testimony before they go on their missions, because they will then be just that much further ahead, and they will be better prepared to explain the principles of the Gospel. We are told, in the 130th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, a passage that I love to quote, that "Whatever principles of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection;
"And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; "And when we obtain any blessing from God it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
This should be an encouragement to us as Latter-day Saints—that through our obedience in this life, if we are more industrious and studious than another in seeking knowledge, we will have that much the advantage of him in the world to come. I trust that we, especially the young and rising generation, upon whose shoulders the furtherance of the kingdom of God, rests, will sense and appreciate the importance of this principle, and that, through our diligence, we will advance to a high degree of perfection.
I pray that the blessings of our Heavenly Father will rest upon us. I testify to you in all soberness and humility that we are engaged in the work of God, and that, if we are faithful in the performance of our duties, He will bless us. I can testify that the law of tithing and the Word of Wisdom are true principles. I have always observed the former principle, and have also kept the Word of Wisdom; I was taught to do so by my parents, and I appreciate the blessings to be derived therefrom, for I have experienced them. May the blessings of our Heavenly Father rest upon us all, I ask it in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
My dear brethren and sisters, it was a great surprise to me when Brother Woodruff called out my name; it was the last thing I expected. Nevertheless, I can testify to you, as I have to my brethren and sisters and others, when the opportunity has presented itself, that I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth again, and that we are the recipients of its blessings. Before leaving for my mission to Germany, I, with the rest, received instructions, and we were told that if we could not say anything else in arising to speak to the people, we were to bear our testimonies and something would come to us. Therefore, in addressing you this afternoon I begin with bearing my testimony. My brethren and sisters, I have a testimony, and have always had it, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. If we take the scriptures and compare the Gospel taught therein with the Gospel taught by the Latter-day Saints, we find that they are the same; that the Gospel taught by the Savior and His disciples in former days is identical with that taught by the Latter-day Saints. Those of us who have had the privilege of preaching the Gospel in the world have had numerous testimonies given to us, which have strengthened us in the testimony that we already possessed. I believe there is not a young man who goes out into the world to preach the Gospel that does not possess a testimony, although he may say he does not have one. He may not be aware of the fact, but the testimony is there just the same; it is born in him and only needs something to bring it out. We find that our young men, some of whom may have been careless at home, when they have reached their missionary field and, perhaps, have been put in charge of some branch, or placed to preside over a conference, and are obliged to explain the principles of the Gospel and to study them, are surprised and astonished to learn that they have had a testimony of the Gospel but did not know it. I would advise the young brethren and sisters to become acquainted with this testimony before they go on their missions, because they will then be just that much further ahead, and they will be better prepared to explain the principles of the Gospel. We are told, in the 130th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, a passage that I love to quote, that "Whatever principles of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection;
"And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; "And when we obtain any blessing from God it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
This should be an encouragement to us as Latter-day Saints—that through our obedience in this life, if we are more industrious and studious than another in seeking knowledge, we will have that much the advantage of him in the world to come. I trust that we, especially the young and rising generation, upon whose shoulders the furtherance of the kingdom of God, rests, will sense and appreciate the importance of this principle, and that, through our diligence, we will advance to a high degree of perfection.
I pray that the blessings of our Heavenly Father will rest upon us. I testify to you in all soberness and humility that we are engaged in the work of God, and that, if we are faithful in the performance of our duties, He will bless us. I can testify that the law of tithing and the Word of Wisdom are true principles. I have always observed the former principle, and have also kept the Word of Wisdom; I was taught to do so by my parents, and I appreciate the blessings to be derived therefrom, for I have experienced them. May the blessings of our Heavenly Father rest upon us all, I ask it in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER REED SMOOT.
How to get out of debt—Economy a righteous principle—Admonition to save wheat.
Perhaps the greater number of the people here this afternoon were in the Tabernacle this mottling, when I spoke upon the subject of keeping out of debt. Since that meeting a brother has asked me how to keep out of debt, and there may be quite a number of this congregation that would like to ask the same question. Brethren and sisters, I can tell you in a few words how to get out, and how to keep out of debt; it is indeed simple and is this: Stop the waste that so many people are practicing, save a little every day from your earnings, and it will not be long until you are out of debt, and if you will do this you will never get into debt. I consider it is a sin in the sight of God to waste anything that He has created, either in its original state or changed by the labor of man. The old saying "Waste not, want not," is just as true today as it ever was. It is gratifying to read the history of the different nations and learn that many great men, by their personal examples and lives, demonstrated that they were enemies to waste in every form. In reading of Dante, who was the most radical against waste in his day, we find that he classifies the spendthrift in the same circle as the miser, thinking the miser would surely go to hell and the spendthrift would be his close neighbor. Dante had the Middle Age idea of hell, not knowing the limited number of crimes that will keep a man there eternally. By revelation, we know that the only crimes man will be placed in hell for is committing the unpardonable sin, knowing the Christ and then denying Him; or shedding innocent blood.
Man never will go to hell for saving means, even if miserly. No man ever lived that looked more carefully into household expenses than did George Washington, the father of our country. Many of his servants thought him penurious, and that he should give attention to greater matters, not be looking after small things and petty savings. My brethren and sisters, there are many who look upon a man that saves as stingy, and think that he is thus doing a wrong, but I assure you that is not true. I have always insisted that under all circumstances and conditions economy is necessary. You will find that it is necessary in every condition of life, whether the man be a millionaire or the humblest and poorest soul that walks the face of the earth; economy, not in dollars and cents only, but it also relates to the use of time, one of God's gifts that He will hold us all responsible for. Watch every expenditure, and see that nothing is wasted. I remember reading an incident in the life of Carlyle, the man who said he overcame the two jailors of the human family—"low birth and an iron fortune,"—proving that he was indeed an economist. One day he was crossing a street in one of the large cities of Scotland, with a companion, and stooping down picked something from the mud. He stepped to the sidewalk, and brushed the mud from a piece of bread, laid it on the curb, remarking to his friend that it might do a dog or bird some good. I want to say, my brethren and sisters, that the great Scotchman was an enemy to waste, and his life was an example of economy. He was taught by his mother never to waste a crumb of bread, said he, "mother impressed me with the fact that bread was to man what the mind is to the soul." I am indeed thankful that the mother who gave me birth taught Eve that principle, and I earnestly wish that every Latter-day Saint had it impressed upon them so they will practice economy in their lives. Not long ago I was in one of the stakes of Zion, and a young man complained to me how hard it was to get along financially. He asked me to go home with him to dinner. I did so. On going to the back of his residence after dinner, I found enough good food thrown into a swill-barrel to feed another family; and yet he was wondering why he could not make ends meet.
In the early days of Utah, the voice of President Brigham Young rang out warning the people to be saving, and not waste anything that God in His goodness had given them. I say the same to you, with all my heart; and I wish our people would stop and think about it, and use the intellect that God has given them. I tell you, if they would do this there would be less suffering from poverty among us. I »was in the north a couple of weeks ago, and saw trainloads of wheat being shipped from the state. What does this mean? It means, if not stopped, that a great portion of the amount of wheat being shipped at the present time may have to be brought back into Utah, and the people thus have to pay freight charges going out and coming in, and a middleman's profit besides. Farmers of Utah, is this the way to do? Why, no! How often have we heard the Prophets of the Church, in times past, tell the people to store their wheat. Just as sure as we live the time will come when we will wish we had followed that advice, and stored at least enough to last us from one harvest to another. Brethren and sisters, for your own sakes, save enough wheat and keep it on hand so that we can have bread stuff in case of any unforeseen contingency that may arise.
Suppose a great strike had occurred on all the railroads of the United States last year, every wheel tied up, and every avenue for carrying freight to this intermountain country had been stopped, either by strike or through any other cause, in what condition would we have been? Do you know that flour and wheat were shipped last year into Sanpete county, once called the granary of Utah? Do you think that such a thing could have happened if the Saints were following the advice of the Prophets of God? No, never! I ask the people to remember this, for I tell you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you will see the wisdom of it some day. God wants His people to be prepared for the coming judgments. Peace be to you all, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
How to get out of debt—Economy a righteous principle—Admonition to save wheat.
Perhaps the greater number of the people here this afternoon were in the Tabernacle this mottling, when I spoke upon the subject of keeping out of debt. Since that meeting a brother has asked me how to keep out of debt, and there may be quite a number of this congregation that would like to ask the same question. Brethren and sisters, I can tell you in a few words how to get out, and how to keep out of debt; it is indeed simple and is this: Stop the waste that so many people are practicing, save a little every day from your earnings, and it will not be long until you are out of debt, and if you will do this you will never get into debt. I consider it is a sin in the sight of God to waste anything that He has created, either in its original state or changed by the labor of man. The old saying "Waste not, want not," is just as true today as it ever was. It is gratifying to read the history of the different nations and learn that many great men, by their personal examples and lives, demonstrated that they were enemies to waste in every form. In reading of Dante, who was the most radical against waste in his day, we find that he classifies the spendthrift in the same circle as the miser, thinking the miser would surely go to hell and the spendthrift would be his close neighbor. Dante had the Middle Age idea of hell, not knowing the limited number of crimes that will keep a man there eternally. By revelation, we know that the only crimes man will be placed in hell for is committing the unpardonable sin, knowing the Christ and then denying Him; or shedding innocent blood.
Man never will go to hell for saving means, even if miserly. No man ever lived that looked more carefully into household expenses than did George Washington, the father of our country. Many of his servants thought him penurious, and that he should give attention to greater matters, not be looking after small things and petty savings. My brethren and sisters, there are many who look upon a man that saves as stingy, and think that he is thus doing a wrong, but I assure you that is not true. I have always insisted that under all circumstances and conditions economy is necessary. You will find that it is necessary in every condition of life, whether the man be a millionaire or the humblest and poorest soul that walks the face of the earth; economy, not in dollars and cents only, but it also relates to the use of time, one of God's gifts that He will hold us all responsible for. Watch every expenditure, and see that nothing is wasted. I remember reading an incident in the life of Carlyle, the man who said he overcame the two jailors of the human family—"low birth and an iron fortune,"—proving that he was indeed an economist. One day he was crossing a street in one of the large cities of Scotland, with a companion, and stooping down picked something from the mud. He stepped to the sidewalk, and brushed the mud from a piece of bread, laid it on the curb, remarking to his friend that it might do a dog or bird some good. I want to say, my brethren and sisters, that the great Scotchman was an enemy to waste, and his life was an example of economy. He was taught by his mother never to waste a crumb of bread, said he, "mother impressed me with the fact that bread was to man what the mind is to the soul." I am indeed thankful that the mother who gave me birth taught Eve that principle, and I earnestly wish that every Latter-day Saint had it impressed upon them so they will practice economy in their lives. Not long ago I was in one of the stakes of Zion, and a young man complained to me how hard it was to get along financially. He asked me to go home with him to dinner. I did so. On going to the back of his residence after dinner, I found enough good food thrown into a swill-barrel to feed another family; and yet he was wondering why he could not make ends meet.
In the early days of Utah, the voice of President Brigham Young rang out warning the people to be saving, and not waste anything that God in His goodness had given them. I say the same to you, with all my heart; and I wish our people would stop and think about it, and use the intellect that God has given them. I tell you, if they would do this there would be less suffering from poverty among us. I »was in the north a couple of weeks ago, and saw trainloads of wheat being shipped from the state. What does this mean? It means, if not stopped, that a great portion of the amount of wheat being shipped at the present time may have to be brought back into Utah, and the people thus have to pay freight charges going out and coming in, and a middleman's profit besides. Farmers of Utah, is this the way to do? Why, no! How often have we heard the Prophets of the Church, in times past, tell the people to store their wheat. Just as sure as we live the time will come when we will wish we had followed that advice, and stored at least enough to last us from one harvest to another. Brethren and sisters, for your own sakes, save enough wheat and keep it on hand so that we can have bread stuff in case of any unforeseen contingency that may arise.
Suppose a great strike had occurred on all the railroads of the United States last year, every wheel tied up, and every avenue for carrying freight to this intermountain country had been stopped, either by strike or through any other cause, in what condition would we have been? Do you know that flour and wheat were shipped last year into Sanpete county, once called the granary of Utah? Do you think that such a thing could have happened if the Saints were following the advice of the Prophets of God? No, never! I ask the people to remember this, for I tell you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you will see the wisdom of it some day. God wants His people to be prepared for the coming judgments. Peace be to you all, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF,
Blessing in disguise—Do good to all mankind. — Forbearance to the ignorant and wayward.
My beloved brethren and sisters. I tried to handle a subject this morning in five minutes, and there are about two minutes left this afternoon. I wish to say just a few words, and I will try to get through in time for us to get out of here by 4 o'clock. I not only believe in beginning our meetings on time, but in quitting on time as well.
Many sections of the country where our people are located have been suffering greatly through drouth during the past few years. I have thought over this condition a great deal, and have come to the conclusion that, for my part, I feel to thank God for the drouth as well as for the many blessings which He tends to us that are not in disguise. If it had not been for the grasshoppers, crickets and drouth in early days the Latter-day Saints would have been crowded out of their strongholds and places by those who would have desired to locate in our communities. Now, I can see the hand of God even in these trials, which come to us as blessings in disguise. Those Latter-day Saints who have faith in God will outwear the drouth and live to see their lands become fruitful, while those who are weak-kneed, who possess little faith, will be driven out by the drouth. Only those who are true to God and determined, through their faithfulness, to call down His blessings upon them, will be there to see conditions change and their land become fruitful again; for it will become fruitful again just as sure as the Lord lives.
Now, our mission, brethren and sisters, is to all mankind. We have heard much good instruction during this conference, and it will be of great benefit to us if we will put it into practice. Let us not be selfish and feel that it is our duty to devote our life and time to our immediate family circle and our friends and favorites only. We, as Saints of God, who have received the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, must be broad enough to let our life extend to all mankind. It does not lessen that which we have to bestow upon our family and loved ones to extend a hand to all mankind, to those who are not of our faith; for there are many honorable men and women who have not been able to see as you and I see. There is a place for every one. There is a place for the young people who have been born of Latter-day Saint parentage who have no testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a mistake, when we see young men and young women who do not have a testimony of the truth, to point them out and say. or feel, that they have committed some moral evil and, as a consequence, have no testimony that this is the work of God. Those who possess a testimony of the truth have reason to be thankful indeed, for what a glorious thing it is. and how unhappy and uneasy are those who do not possess such a testimony and who are in doubt regarding the Gospel and the existence of God and the atoning blood of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. "We may fell thankful, my brethren and sisters, that we have this testimony, and we ought not to point our fingers at those who have no testimony and feel that they are to be condemned on this account. Probably the circumstances of their rearing differed from ours; probably the Gospel has never been presented to them with such force and spirit and in such plainness as it was to us. I realize that the Lord told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, and that those who would repent and be baptized should be saved, and those who believed not should be damned; but it is the Lord's business to damn or to bless His sons and daughters and not mine or yours. The Lord has commanded this people to forgive all men for their trespasses, and He would forgive whomsoever He would. Remember this in your troubles and difficulties in your dealings with your fellowmen.
May the spirit of this conference and of this meeting go with you to the homes of the Saints, and may we be more determined to serve God and keep His commandments; I ask it in the lame of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang, "But in the last days t will come to pass."
Benediction by Elder Nephi L. Morris.
Blessing in disguise—Do good to all mankind. — Forbearance to the ignorant and wayward.
My beloved brethren and sisters. I tried to handle a subject this morning in five minutes, and there are about two minutes left this afternoon. I wish to say just a few words, and I will try to get through in time for us to get out of here by 4 o'clock. I not only believe in beginning our meetings on time, but in quitting on time as well.
Many sections of the country where our people are located have been suffering greatly through drouth during the past few years. I have thought over this condition a great deal, and have come to the conclusion that, for my part, I feel to thank God for the drouth as well as for the many blessings which He tends to us that are not in disguise. If it had not been for the grasshoppers, crickets and drouth in early days the Latter-day Saints would have been crowded out of their strongholds and places by those who would have desired to locate in our communities. Now, I can see the hand of God even in these trials, which come to us as blessings in disguise. Those Latter-day Saints who have faith in God will outwear the drouth and live to see their lands become fruitful, while those who are weak-kneed, who possess little faith, will be driven out by the drouth. Only those who are true to God and determined, through their faithfulness, to call down His blessings upon them, will be there to see conditions change and their land become fruitful again; for it will become fruitful again just as sure as the Lord lives.
Now, our mission, brethren and sisters, is to all mankind. We have heard much good instruction during this conference, and it will be of great benefit to us if we will put it into practice. Let us not be selfish and feel that it is our duty to devote our life and time to our immediate family circle and our friends and favorites only. We, as Saints of God, who have received the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, must be broad enough to let our life extend to all mankind. It does not lessen that which we have to bestow upon our family and loved ones to extend a hand to all mankind, to those who are not of our faith; for there are many honorable men and women who have not been able to see as you and I see. There is a place for every one. There is a place for the young people who have been born of Latter-day Saint parentage who have no testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a mistake, when we see young men and young women who do not have a testimony of the truth, to point them out and say. or feel, that they have committed some moral evil and, as a consequence, have no testimony that this is the work of God. Those who possess a testimony of the truth have reason to be thankful indeed, for what a glorious thing it is. and how unhappy and uneasy are those who do not possess such a testimony and who are in doubt regarding the Gospel and the existence of God and the atoning blood of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. "We may fell thankful, my brethren and sisters, that we have this testimony, and we ought not to point our fingers at those who have no testimony and feel that they are to be condemned on this account. Probably the circumstances of their rearing differed from ours; probably the Gospel has never been presented to them with such force and spirit and in such plainness as it was to us. I realize that the Lord told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, and that those who would repent and be baptized should be saved, and those who believed not should be damned; but it is the Lord's business to damn or to bless His sons and daughters and not mine or yours. The Lord has commanded this people to forgive all men for their trespasses, and He would forgive whomsoever He would. Remember this in your troubles and difficulties in your dealings with your fellowmen.
May the spirit of this conference and of this meeting go with you to the homes of the Saints, and may we be more determined to serve God and keep His commandments; I ask it in the lame of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang, "But in the last days t will come to pass."
Benediction by Elder Nephi L. Morris.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The choir sang the anthem: “The mountain of the Lord's house."
Prayer by Elder Hugh S. Gowans, president of Tooele Stake.
The anthem, "Praise the Lord, all ye nations," was sung by the choir.
The choir sang the anthem: “The mountain of the Lord's house."
Prayer by Elder Hugh S. Gowans, president of Tooele Stake.
The anthem, "Praise the Lord, all ye nations," was sung by the choir.
ELDER RUDGER CLAWSON.
Words inspired by the Holy Spirit are Scripture- Need for giving heed to such words—Callings in the Priesthood must be magnified—Willing obedience.
I have greatly rejoiced in the spirit of this conference. We are assembled here, a mighty host of Israel, gathered together from all parts of Zion. We have with us the First Presidency, members of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the presiding Patriarch, the Seven Presidents of Seventies, the presiding Bishopric. We have Patriarchs, High Priests, Seventies, Elders, bearers of the lesser Priesthood, and members of the Church in great numbers, who have come up to wait upon the Lord. The heathen would say perhaps: "We have our gods before us. We can see and feel them, and we fall down and worship them. But where is your god?" The answer is that our God is not far away, and certainly He is not beyond the bounds of time and space; but He is a God who hath ears to hear, eyes to see, and a mouth with which He can speak to His people.
We may get a general idea of the character of this work and of this great general conference by the revelations of God which have been given to us in this age of the world. Upon one occasion, in speaking through the Prophet Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said:
"If thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.
"But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom;
"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;
"For I have given him the keys of the mysteries and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."
Upon another occasion the Lord said:
"Hearken, O ye my servants! Ye are rot sent forth to be taught, but to teach those things which have been put into your hands by the power of my spirit; and ye are to be taught from on high.
"Sanctify yourselves, and you shall be endowed with power that ye may give even as I have spoken."
Again, the Lord in a revelation to Orson Hyde, speaking of the manner in which the Gospel should be preached to the world, said:
"And behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this Priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth;
"And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
"And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
"Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants."
We can see by this, my brethren and sisters, how great is the responsibility resting upon us in this important conference. If the Presidency of the Church and others who may be called upon, shall arise before the congregations of the Saints and speak by the voice of the Comforter, it is the will of the Lord unto us, and we are in duty bound to receive it. How much will we be benefited by assembling together? Just so far as we lend a willing ear to the counsels which are given. During the conference possibly many principles of interest and importance will be touched upon. The law of tithing has been mentioned here; you may hear something further in relation to it. Is there need of such instruction? Verily there is. I presume there has not been a general conference convened for the last 60 years at which this principle has not been alluded to, and specific instructions given the Latter-day Saints. I grant you that there are many in the Church who are honest with the Lord, and who come up to the spirit of the law; but there are many who do not pay a full tithing—many who sit under the voice of the Priesthood, which is the mind and the will of the Lord, and go straightway from the meeting or the conference and fail to give heed thereto. It may be that the Word of Wisdom will be touched upon, and the Importance of its observance set before the people. Is there need of this? Will somebody ask why is this principle again spoken of. Verily, it is not the word of man; it is the word of God to His people; and so long as it goes unobserved by any number of the Latter-day Saints there is need to speak of it. It may be that a word or two of counsel will be given in relation to magnifying the Priesthood. Is there need of such word? I ask the High Priests. Seventies, Elders, and the lesser Priesthood, is there need of something being said concerning the authority and power and sacred character of the Holy Priesthood? You know that there are many who disregard the Priesthood; many who fail to attend their quorum meetings, and consequently fail to catch the spirit of the Priesthood. Only about fifty per cent of those who bear the Priesthood are faithful in attending their quorum meetings, which have been appointed by the Lord, under the counsel and direction of the First Presidency of the Church. The brethren of these various orders of the Priesthood should meet together often, to bear testimony one to another and to be instructed in their duties, that they may exercise this sacred power for the salvation of souls. If any man or woman enters into the celestial kingdom of God, it will be by and through the authority of the Holy Priesthood. If we do not hold that Priesthood, and magnify it, we cannot pass by the angels and the gods. It may be that a few words will be said by some of the speakers in relation to the quorums of the lesser Priesthood. Words of instruction were given last night relative to them. The orders of the lesser Priesthood are very necessary and important in the Church, very needful to its welfare, and placed there by the God of heaven. This is the Church of God, not our Church, and who are we that we shall rise up and say that these quorums of the lesser Priesthood are unnecessary, and that we have too much Priesthood? It is God who has established the Priesthood, and set its bounds and limits. Something may be said in relation to the acting Teachers of the Church, who are called to act as Teachers in the lesser Priesthood. The ordained Teachers are usually young men from fourteen to eighteen or perhaps twenty years of age, who are not of themselves quite qualified to go out and teach the families of the Saints? Hence men are called to be acting Teachers, whose duty it is to take these young men with them in their visits to the people, that they may gain experience and become qualified to perform the functions of their office. If there is any duty neglected in the Priesthood, I think you will find it among the acting Teachers of this Church, who in many places fail to meet this responsibility.
There has been no lack of instruction and counsel, from the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith until the present time. Twice a year in these general conferences, four times a year in the Stake conferences, once a year in the ward conferences, and then in the Sacrament meetings, the Priesthood meetings, and on other occasions, instruction, full and complete, covering the whole field, has been given to the Latter-day Saints. But I often think that some of us are like the people of ancient Israel—we are slow to hearken to the voice of the Lord. We acknowledge His hand; we admit the importance of these things, and see the necessity of them: but in many cases fail to carry out counsel, and thereby lose the blessing. I give it to you as my candid judgment that the great success which attended the ministry of Jesus Christ was due to His strict obedience to the will of the Father. I fancy that He sought to teach that lesson in all His life—almost by every word He spoke and everything He did. He was constantly striving to impress upon His disciples that He came not to do His own will, but the #.ill of the Father who sent Him. Do you not remember that even at the age of twelve, when but a lad, upon one occasion he was separated from his parents. They searched for him with great anxiety, and finally discovered him in the temple at Jerusalem, disputing with the learned doctors. His parents chided Him for what appeared to them an act of disobedience in leaving them without their knowledge, and He turned and said, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Even at that tender age the spirit of obedience manifested itself, and He gave His earthly parents to understand that He was there to do the will of the Father. When He came to the waters of Jordan to be baptized, John the Baptist forbade Him, feeling that he was not worthy to baptize the Savior. The Savior said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." In other words, to render obedience to the will of the Father. He who was without sin and without guile went down into the waters of baptism, and when He came up out of the water the heavens were opened and the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove; and a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This Is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Why was the Father well pleased? Because of His obedience; because of His willingness to do that which was required, even though it seemed not to be necessary. Again He was willing to be lifted upon the cross. Did He not say to the Father, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt?" And did He not thus fulfil the will of the Father by His sufferings on the cross? Afterwards He ascended into heaven, and now sits upon the right hand of the Father, glorified, the Lord of life, the Savior of the world a perfect example of obedience! And should we not therefore follow His example, resting as we are under the great responsibility of having received the word of the Lord in relation to the various duties required at our hands? How strict is the commandment of God! Are we not told in the language I have quoted, that the President of this Church is endowed with the keys of the mysteries, and of the revelations which are sealed; but is there time at this conference to talk upon the mysteries? No; we must talk upon the practical things, especially those which are neglected by the Latter-day Saints. Then when the next conference comes we shall doubtless have to talk about the same things, again and again, because of our forgetfulness and our mortality. The President of the Church holds the keys of the revelations which are sealed. Have you forgotten, my brethren and sisters, that part of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated are sealed, to come forth in the due time of the Lord? Is this the due time of the Lord? Can we expect that these plates will be unsealed and these mighty revelations brought forth, unless we accept and carry out in our lives the commandments which have been unsealed and transmitted to us in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Covenants, and in the Holy Bible—these glorious books which are before us, and which should receive our attention and our study, that we may become acquainted with the commandments of the Lord and observe to keep them, that we may prepare ourselves for the great revelations which are to come, and which will come, as the Lord lives.
I rejoice in these things. I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that His hand is in it, and that His power is with us. I have seen it manifested upon many occasions. I have received many testimonies of the truth of this work. I cannot deny it and never will so long as the Lord will bless me with His Spirit and the power of the Priesthood. It is the work of God; and all who give heed to it, and who go down into the waters of baptism and are baptized for the remission of their sins, have hands laid upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and continue faithful, will receive a knowledge of this work, and shall know, as I know and as you know, that it is the work of the Lord. May God bless you and prosper you abundantly, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Charles Kent rendered, with excellent effect, the beautiful hymn of which the following Is the opening verse: O my Father, Thou that dwellest In the high and glorious place! When shall I regain Thy presence, And again behold Thy face? In Thy holy habitation. Did my spirit once reside; In my first primeval childhood. Was I nurtured near Thy side.
Words inspired by the Holy Spirit are Scripture- Need for giving heed to such words—Callings in the Priesthood must be magnified—Willing obedience.
I have greatly rejoiced in the spirit of this conference. We are assembled here, a mighty host of Israel, gathered together from all parts of Zion. We have with us the First Presidency, members of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the presiding Patriarch, the Seven Presidents of Seventies, the presiding Bishopric. We have Patriarchs, High Priests, Seventies, Elders, bearers of the lesser Priesthood, and members of the Church in great numbers, who have come up to wait upon the Lord. The heathen would say perhaps: "We have our gods before us. We can see and feel them, and we fall down and worship them. But where is your god?" The answer is that our God is not far away, and certainly He is not beyond the bounds of time and space; but He is a God who hath ears to hear, eyes to see, and a mouth with which He can speak to His people.
We may get a general idea of the character of this work and of this great general conference by the revelations of God which have been given to us in this age of the world. Upon one occasion, in speaking through the Prophet Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said:
"If thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.
"But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom;
"And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;
"For I have given him the keys of the mysteries and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead."
Upon another occasion the Lord said:
"Hearken, O ye my servants! Ye are rot sent forth to be taught, but to teach those things which have been put into your hands by the power of my spirit; and ye are to be taught from on high.
"Sanctify yourselves, and you shall be endowed with power that ye may give even as I have spoken."
Again, the Lord in a revelation to Orson Hyde, speaking of the manner in which the Gospel should be preached to the world, said:
"And behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this Priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth;
"And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
"And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
"Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants."
We can see by this, my brethren and sisters, how great is the responsibility resting upon us in this important conference. If the Presidency of the Church and others who may be called upon, shall arise before the congregations of the Saints and speak by the voice of the Comforter, it is the will of the Lord unto us, and we are in duty bound to receive it. How much will we be benefited by assembling together? Just so far as we lend a willing ear to the counsels which are given. During the conference possibly many principles of interest and importance will be touched upon. The law of tithing has been mentioned here; you may hear something further in relation to it. Is there need of such instruction? Verily there is. I presume there has not been a general conference convened for the last 60 years at which this principle has not been alluded to, and specific instructions given the Latter-day Saints. I grant you that there are many in the Church who are honest with the Lord, and who come up to the spirit of the law; but there are many who do not pay a full tithing—many who sit under the voice of the Priesthood, which is the mind and the will of the Lord, and go straightway from the meeting or the conference and fail to give heed thereto. It may be that the Word of Wisdom will be touched upon, and the Importance of its observance set before the people. Is there need of this? Will somebody ask why is this principle again spoken of. Verily, it is not the word of man; it is the word of God to His people; and so long as it goes unobserved by any number of the Latter-day Saints there is need to speak of it. It may be that a word or two of counsel will be given in relation to magnifying the Priesthood. Is there need of such word? I ask the High Priests. Seventies, Elders, and the lesser Priesthood, is there need of something being said concerning the authority and power and sacred character of the Holy Priesthood? You know that there are many who disregard the Priesthood; many who fail to attend their quorum meetings, and consequently fail to catch the spirit of the Priesthood. Only about fifty per cent of those who bear the Priesthood are faithful in attending their quorum meetings, which have been appointed by the Lord, under the counsel and direction of the First Presidency of the Church. The brethren of these various orders of the Priesthood should meet together often, to bear testimony one to another and to be instructed in their duties, that they may exercise this sacred power for the salvation of souls. If any man or woman enters into the celestial kingdom of God, it will be by and through the authority of the Holy Priesthood. If we do not hold that Priesthood, and magnify it, we cannot pass by the angels and the gods. It may be that a few words will be said by some of the speakers in relation to the quorums of the lesser Priesthood. Words of instruction were given last night relative to them. The orders of the lesser Priesthood are very necessary and important in the Church, very needful to its welfare, and placed there by the God of heaven. This is the Church of God, not our Church, and who are we that we shall rise up and say that these quorums of the lesser Priesthood are unnecessary, and that we have too much Priesthood? It is God who has established the Priesthood, and set its bounds and limits. Something may be said in relation to the acting Teachers of the Church, who are called to act as Teachers in the lesser Priesthood. The ordained Teachers are usually young men from fourteen to eighteen or perhaps twenty years of age, who are not of themselves quite qualified to go out and teach the families of the Saints? Hence men are called to be acting Teachers, whose duty it is to take these young men with them in their visits to the people, that they may gain experience and become qualified to perform the functions of their office. If there is any duty neglected in the Priesthood, I think you will find it among the acting Teachers of this Church, who in many places fail to meet this responsibility.
There has been no lack of instruction and counsel, from the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith until the present time. Twice a year in these general conferences, four times a year in the Stake conferences, once a year in the ward conferences, and then in the Sacrament meetings, the Priesthood meetings, and on other occasions, instruction, full and complete, covering the whole field, has been given to the Latter-day Saints. But I often think that some of us are like the people of ancient Israel—we are slow to hearken to the voice of the Lord. We acknowledge His hand; we admit the importance of these things, and see the necessity of them: but in many cases fail to carry out counsel, and thereby lose the blessing. I give it to you as my candid judgment that the great success which attended the ministry of Jesus Christ was due to His strict obedience to the will of the Father. I fancy that He sought to teach that lesson in all His life—almost by every word He spoke and everything He did. He was constantly striving to impress upon His disciples that He came not to do His own will, but the #.ill of the Father who sent Him. Do you not remember that even at the age of twelve, when but a lad, upon one occasion he was separated from his parents. They searched for him with great anxiety, and finally discovered him in the temple at Jerusalem, disputing with the learned doctors. His parents chided Him for what appeared to them an act of disobedience in leaving them without their knowledge, and He turned and said, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Even at that tender age the spirit of obedience manifested itself, and He gave His earthly parents to understand that He was there to do the will of the Father. When He came to the waters of Jordan to be baptized, John the Baptist forbade Him, feeling that he was not worthy to baptize the Savior. The Savior said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." In other words, to render obedience to the will of the Father. He who was without sin and without guile went down into the waters of baptism, and when He came up out of the water the heavens were opened and the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove; and a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This Is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Why was the Father well pleased? Because of His obedience; because of His willingness to do that which was required, even though it seemed not to be necessary. Again He was willing to be lifted upon the cross. Did He not say to the Father, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt?" And did He not thus fulfil the will of the Father by His sufferings on the cross? Afterwards He ascended into heaven, and now sits upon the right hand of the Father, glorified, the Lord of life, the Savior of the world a perfect example of obedience! And should we not therefore follow His example, resting as we are under the great responsibility of having received the word of the Lord in relation to the various duties required at our hands? How strict is the commandment of God! Are we not told in the language I have quoted, that the President of this Church is endowed with the keys of the mysteries, and of the revelations which are sealed; but is there time at this conference to talk upon the mysteries? No; we must talk upon the practical things, especially those which are neglected by the Latter-day Saints. Then when the next conference comes we shall doubtless have to talk about the same things, again and again, because of our forgetfulness and our mortality. The President of the Church holds the keys of the revelations which are sealed. Have you forgotten, my brethren and sisters, that part of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated are sealed, to come forth in the due time of the Lord? Is this the due time of the Lord? Can we expect that these plates will be unsealed and these mighty revelations brought forth, unless we accept and carry out in our lives the commandments which have been unsealed and transmitted to us in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Covenants, and in the Holy Bible—these glorious books which are before us, and which should receive our attention and our study, that we may become acquainted with the commandments of the Lord and observe to keep them, that we may prepare ourselves for the great revelations which are to come, and which will come, as the Lord lives.
I rejoice in these things. I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that His hand is in it, and that His power is with us. I have seen it manifested upon many occasions. I have received many testimonies of the truth of this work. I cannot deny it and never will so long as the Lord will bless me with His Spirit and the power of the Priesthood. It is the work of God; and all who give heed to it, and who go down into the waters of baptism and are baptized for the remission of their sins, have hands laid upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and continue faithful, will receive a knowledge of this work, and shall know, as I know and as you know, that it is the work of the Lord. May God bless you and prosper you abundantly, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Charles Kent rendered, with excellent effect, the beautiful hymn of which the following Is the opening verse: O my Father, Thou that dwellest In the high and glorious place! When shall I regain Thy presence, And again behold Thy face? In Thy holy habitation. Did my spirit once reside; In my first primeval childhood. Was I nurtured near Thy side.
ELDER ANDREW KIMBALL.
(President of St. Joseph Stake.)
I rejoice this afternoon, my brethren and sisters, in this opportunity, and deem it an honor to my sacred father's name and to my sacred mother's name. I feel it an honor to the Indian Territory and Southwestern States Mission, with which I became so intimate, and to the Stake that I now have the honor to preside over.
It takes me nearly two thousand miles travel to visit with you in conference, and it is my pleasure to gain all the information possible to take back to our people in the St. Joseph Stake, and they shall hail with delight my return to receive the word of the Lord as it has come unto us through the servants of God in these meetings. I indeed feel embarrassed to take up this valuable time, and if others feel as I do they desire to get the word from the fountain head; but we do appreciate the recognition of our Stakes and Missions, and we know that this is going to redound to the good of the Church; for the people will feel complimented and will be strengthened in consequence of this remembrance.
The St. Joseph Stake of Zion is situated in the southeast corner of Arizona, adjoining Old Mexico and New Mexico. If you were to ride across Arizona, on the north, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to California, you would see nothing but desert and tops of mountains among the timbers, and on the south along the Southern Pacific railroad nothing but sand hills and desert; but leaving the railroad, in a little oasis in the desert, you will find a happy people, nearly 4,000 Latter-day Saints, over whom I have the privilege of presiding. It seems that the Lord has preserved these choice little spots in the desert for our people. They could not be seen by the travelers going to and from California; but they were found by our people who were sent by President Brigham Young in early days. I will here say that those who left Utah in early days by team, did not find the promised land. They journeyed into Arizona, and, becoming discouraged, many of them returned home. There were some who had courage to remain and "hold the fort," and they have continued to increase, until today in that arid district of Arizona we have four good Stakes of Zion.
I will say to you that we appreciate what has been said by the brethren in regard to the restless condition that exists among some of our people. There have been many inducements thrown out by some of these northern Stakes to draw people thither, and we ask you brethren of these Stakes to keep your hands off. We are happy and contented down there, and we do not want to lose our people. The trouble is, you are drawing away the financial men, the men of strength and character, whom we need ourselves. There are, however, a number in our Stake that we would like you to have. We are living in a desert. Every foot of the ground is sandy desert, and were it not for the water that is brought upon it by irrigation, it would still be a desert, and when the water is taken off it becomes a desert again. But it is one of the most fruitful spots on earth. Possibly you have heard some of my stories about big sweet potatoes, the large shocks of corn, the thrifty growth of trees, and all that; but they are true, nevertheless. While I was in St. Paul this summer, representing Arizona in the Trans-Mississippi Congress, I had the pleasure of telling something of the resources of Arizona, lest those people in the rainy districts might think they had it all. After I had told them that we had grown a sweet potato weighing 37 ¾ lbs., there was a Missourian yawned, got up and went out. You know, the Missourians have to be "shown." A Texan came up and congratulated me, and said to the convention, "Texas has held the fort in all these conventions up to the present day, but now we'll give it up to Arizona; we can't beat the sweet potato."
We bring the water from the Gila river and carry it over the sandy soil, and with the warm climate we can produce anything on that soil. We have already dispensed with our early crop of Irish potatoes, and are now eating sweet potatoes from the same ground. I remember a short time ago seeing a beautiful field of grain, containing possibly forty-five bushels to the acre, and just as I left there was good-sized corn standing on the same ground.
Now, we do not want you people of Oregon and Canada to get excited and come rushing down, for there is not room for you.
We have a Latter-day Saint school established in Thatcher, the attendance sometimes running as high as 220. They come in from the surrounding country, and are trained in the Gospel as well as the various branches of education. It was my privilege to be in the legislature two years ago, and while there I secured the passage of a bill giving to the Academy the National Guard, and now we have the largest National Guard in Arizona, and will get the regiment band soon. The governor, I want to say, is very proud of his "Mormon" boys. Recently it was my pleasure to visit him and talk with him about our country. He wrote me and asked me to go and see him. I called on him on my way home from St. Paul, and reported my trip in the interests of the Territory, and he was very much pleased. He wanted to know all about you good people, all about our organization, etc. He took me to dine with him, and his wife, a very amiable and nice lady, was there also. While there he desired me to get information from the other Stakes of Zion in Arizona in regard to our people, and I did so. The Arizona people are broadminded and liberal. They are not hurt with religion, however. We have no trouble from the outside churches. Occasionally a little upstart comes in from the east and undertakes to uproot our people, but he can get no following. Not long ago a wealthy Jew—Mr. Solomon—after whom the county seat is named, had some relatives and friends visit Salt Lake City, and they were kindly entertained on these grounds. They spoke to Mr. Solomon, and he was very much interested and desired to visit Zion himslf. They told him he must try and get into the Temple, and he said he would get a recommend from President Kimball. Sure enough, he came to Thatcher with the company and introduced them to me, and said, "Brother Kimball, I want a recommend to go to the Temple." "Well," said I, "Brother Solomon, I'll tell you how you can get there. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins—and I know you need it—will let you through the door. Then you can take your wife along, if she will repent, and you can have her married to you in the right way." I went into the store and wrote out a nice recommend to President Lorenzo Snow, and he brought it up here, and President Snow entertained him for four hours. He came back and bore testimony throughout our country concerning the grand old gentleman at the head of the "Mormon" Church. He said he was the cleanest, nicest man he ever saw.
Many good things have been said of us there. Last winter, while visiting in Tucson, one of our largest cities, Senator Ives, president of the last legislative council, asked me to dine with him. In the evening- I joined him and his wife, and after they had put their lovely little family to bed, we commenced talking upon Mormonism. I saw they were interested, and for four hours I explained to them the rise of this Church, told them of the Prophet Joseph Smith in his boyhood, of the establishment of this work in the earth, of the exodus of the people across the plains, of their establishment in the Rocky Mountains, and explained to them in detail the organization of the Church. Occasionally I asked them if I was not tiring them but they would say no, go ahead, Mr. Kimball, it is immensely interesting. When I reached the point of divine authority, then the good lady, who is a devoted Catholic, said, "Now, I have it. Some time ago there were two Elders left some tracts in our home, and I told our Protestant people that they were not in it a bit as far as authority was concerned, for it rested either with ourselves or the Mormon people." I replied, "Yes, that is where it rests. You people claim the literal descent, but we claim that the Gospel was taken from the earth and restored again through the Prophet Joseph Smith." Thus our conversation ended.
This is the principle upon which we act down there; we treat the outside world right, and they treat us right. As Apostle John Henry Smith said to me, "Andrew, we are not out of the woods yet;" and sometimes I think that his policy of kindness is the safest policy to win friends. I have not forgotten a lesson taught me by our venerable brother, Apostle Franklin D. Richards, when I was in the Indian Territory Mission. He said, "Brother Andrew, if you can do nothing more than to win friends unto the Gospel of Christ, you are doing a good work; for the honorable of the earth will have a much better opportunity than we can imagine—greater than many of those who have received the truth and not lived up to it."
Brethren and sisters, Arizona is all right. We have a song, composed by one of our people, called "Arizona—the sun-kissed land." I wish now that I had sent it up here for Brother Stephens to have the Tabernacle choir sing it; for I want to tell you, it is good enough even for the Tabernacle choir. I was raised in Salt Lake City. These dear old streets and almost every nook about the city are familiar to me, and I love the people here with all my heart. My wife's folks and my folks are here. My wife said she had trembled all her life lest she might be sent into Arizona, and it seemed to me that was my condition, too. I went down there, in obedience to the word of the Lord, with a feeling of gloom and despondency hanging over me, and when President Joseph F. Smith set me apart he blessed me that I might not become despondent.
I want to say to you that since I have been there I have not had time to be despondent. Arizona is the sun-kissed land, the home of the cactus and of the Gila monster. I am satisfied with my home there. I say, God bless Arizona; God bless her people. God bless those people that have had nerve and courage enough to stay down there and hold their homes; and you people up in these more favored districts, keep your hands off. God bless you all. Amen.
(President of St. Joseph Stake.)
I rejoice this afternoon, my brethren and sisters, in this opportunity, and deem it an honor to my sacred father's name and to my sacred mother's name. I feel it an honor to the Indian Territory and Southwestern States Mission, with which I became so intimate, and to the Stake that I now have the honor to preside over.
It takes me nearly two thousand miles travel to visit with you in conference, and it is my pleasure to gain all the information possible to take back to our people in the St. Joseph Stake, and they shall hail with delight my return to receive the word of the Lord as it has come unto us through the servants of God in these meetings. I indeed feel embarrassed to take up this valuable time, and if others feel as I do they desire to get the word from the fountain head; but we do appreciate the recognition of our Stakes and Missions, and we know that this is going to redound to the good of the Church; for the people will feel complimented and will be strengthened in consequence of this remembrance.
The St. Joseph Stake of Zion is situated in the southeast corner of Arizona, adjoining Old Mexico and New Mexico. If you were to ride across Arizona, on the north, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to California, you would see nothing but desert and tops of mountains among the timbers, and on the south along the Southern Pacific railroad nothing but sand hills and desert; but leaving the railroad, in a little oasis in the desert, you will find a happy people, nearly 4,000 Latter-day Saints, over whom I have the privilege of presiding. It seems that the Lord has preserved these choice little spots in the desert for our people. They could not be seen by the travelers going to and from California; but they were found by our people who were sent by President Brigham Young in early days. I will here say that those who left Utah in early days by team, did not find the promised land. They journeyed into Arizona, and, becoming discouraged, many of them returned home. There were some who had courage to remain and "hold the fort," and they have continued to increase, until today in that arid district of Arizona we have four good Stakes of Zion.
I will say to you that we appreciate what has been said by the brethren in regard to the restless condition that exists among some of our people. There have been many inducements thrown out by some of these northern Stakes to draw people thither, and we ask you brethren of these Stakes to keep your hands off. We are happy and contented down there, and we do not want to lose our people. The trouble is, you are drawing away the financial men, the men of strength and character, whom we need ourselves. There are, however, a number in our Stake that we would like you to have. We are living in a desert. Every foot of the ground is sandy desert, and were it not for the water that is brought upon it by irrigation, it would still be a desert, and when the water is taken off it becomes a desert again. But it is one of the most fruitful spots on earth. Possibly you have heard some of my stories about big sweet potatoes, the large shocks of corn, the thrifty growth of trees, and all that; but they are true, nevertheless. While I was in St. Paul this summer, representing Arizona in the Trans-Mississippi Congress, I had the pleasure of telling something of the resources of Arizona, lest those people in the rainy districts might think they had it all. After I had told them that we had grown a sweet potato weighing 37 ¾ lbs., there was a Missourian yawned, got up and went out. You know, the Missourians have to be "shown." A Texan came up and congratulated me, and said to the convention, "Texas has held the fort in all these conventions up to the present day, but now we'll give it up to Arizona; we can't beat the sweet potato."
We bring the water from the Gila river and carry it over the sandy soil, and with the warm climate we can produce anything on that soil. We have already dispensed with our early crop of Irish potatoes, and are now eating sweet potatoes from the same ground. I remember a short time ago seeing a beautiful field of grain, containing possibly forty-five bushels to the acre, and just as I left there was good-sized corn standing on the same ground.
Now, we do not want you people of Oregon and Canada to get excited and come rushing down, for there is not room for you.
We have a Latter-day Saint school established in Thatcher, the attendance sometimes running as high as 220. They come in from the surrounding country, and are trained in the Gospel as well as the various branches of education. It was my privilege to be in the legislature two years ago, and while there I secured the passage of a bill giving to the Academy the National Guard, and now we have the largest National Guard in Arizona, and will get the regiment band soon. The governor, I want to say, is very proud of his "Mormon" boys. Recently it was my pleasure to visit him and talk with him about our country. He wrote me and asked me to go and see him. I called on him on my way home from St. Paul, and reported my trip in the interests of the Territory, and he was very much pleased. He wanted to know all about you good people, all about our organization, etc. He took me to dine with him, and his wife, a very amiable and nice lady, was there also. While there he desired me to get information from the other Stakes of Zion in Arizona in regard to our people, and I did so. The Arizona people are broadminded and liberal. They are not hurt with religion, however. We have no trouble from the outside churches. Occasionally a little upstart comes in from the east and undertakes to uproot our people, but he can get no following. Not long ago a wealthy Jew—Mr. Solomon—after whom the county seat is named, had some relatives and friends visit Salt Lake City, and they were kindly entertained on these grounds. They spoke to Mr. Solomon, and he was very much interested and desired to visit Zion himslf. They told him he must try and get into the Temple, and he said he would get a recommend from President Kimball. Sure enough, he came to Thatcher with the company and introduced them to me, and said, "Brother Kimball, I want a recommend to go to the Temple." "Well," said I, "Brother Solomon, I'll tell you how you can get there. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins—and I know you need it—will let you through the door. Then you can take your wife along, if she will repent, and you can have her married to you in the right way." I went into the store and wrote out a nice recommend to President Lorenzo Snow, and he brought it up here, and President Snow entertained him for four hours. He came back and bore testimony throughout our country concerning the grand old gentleman at the head of the "Mormon" Church. He said he was the cleanest, nicest man he ever saw.
Many good things have been said of us there. Last winter, while visiting in Tucson, one of our largest cities, Senator Ives, president of the last legislative council, asked me to dine with him. In the evening- I joined him and his wife, and after they had put their lovely little family to bed, we commenced talking upon Mormonism. I saw they were interested, and for four hours I explained to them the rise of this Church, told them of the Prophet Joseph Smith in his boyhood, of the establishment of this work in the earth, of the exodus of the people across the plains, of their establishment in the Rocky Mountains, and explained to them in detail the organization of the Church. Occasionally I asked them if I was not tiring them but they would say no, go ahead, Mr. Kimball, it is immensely interesting. When I reached the point of divine authority, then the good lady, who is a devoted Catholic, said, "Now, I have it. Some time ago there were two Elders left some tracts in our home, and I told our Protestant people that they were not in it a bit as far as authority was concerned, for it rested either with ourselves or the Mormon people." I replied, "Yes, that is where it rests. You people claim the literal descent, but we claim that the Gospel was taken from the earth and restored again through the Prophet Joseph Smith." Thus our conversation ended.
This is the principle upon which we act down there; we treat the outside world right, and they treat us right. As Apostle John Henry Smith said to me, "Andrew, we are not out of the woods yet;" and sometimes I think that his policy of kindness is the safest policy to win friends. I have not forgotten a lesson taught me by our venerable brother, Apostle Franklin D. Richards, when I was in the Indian Territory Mission. He said, "Brother Andrew, if you can do nothing more than to win friends unto the Gospel of Christ, you are doing a good work; for the honorable of the earth will have a much better opportunity than we can imagine—greater than many of those who have received the truth and not lived up to it."
Brethren and sisters, Arizona is all right. We have a song, composed by one of our people, called "Arizona—the sun-kissed land." I wish now that I had sent it up here for Brother Stephens to have the Tabernacle choir sing it; for I want to tell you, it is good enough even for the Tabernacle choir. I was raised in Salt Lake City. These dear old streets and almost every nook about the city are familiar to me, and I love the people here with all my heart. My wife's folks and my folks are here. My wife said she had trembled all her life lest she might be sent into Arizona, and it seemed to me that was my condition, too. I went down there, in obedience to the word of the Lord, with a feeling of gloom and despondency hanging over me, and when President Joseph F. Smith set me apart he blessed me that I might not become despondent.
I want to say to you that since I have been there I have not had time to be despondent. Arizona is the sun-kissed land, the home of the cactus and of the Gila monster. I am satisfied with my home there. I say, God bless Arizona; God bless her people. God bless those people that have had nerve and courage enough to stay down there and hold their homes; and you people up in these more favored districts, keep your hands off. God bless you all. Amen.
ELDER WILLIAM T. JACK.
(President of Cassia Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I need not say that I am delighted at this opportunity of meeting with you in another general conference of the Church. For many years it was my lot to live in Salt Lake City, the place of my birth, and when conferences were being held it was not an unusual thing for me to be engaged in the avocation of life; but as time rolled on and my place of residence has been changed to one of the remote settlements in our neighboring State, I have come to appreciate the blessings of the Gospel, and the gatherings of the Latter-day Saints in which they come together and listen to the voice of the servants of the Lord, and receive that spiritual food which is calculated in its nature to strengthen and brace them up.
It is a little over two years since the call came to me to remove into Cassia county, Idaho, the gem state of the Union. I am thankful to say to you that long years ago, from my parents and through the inspiration of the Almighty, I was taught the lesson of obedience, and I take pride today in saying that whatever word has come to me from the servants of the Lord, I have been willing to accept it cheerfully and to accomplish the work intelligently, so far as my ability would permit. I removed to the north and succeeded that venerable old pioneer, Horton D. Haight, in the Cassia Stake. I found there a delightful place to live. The climate is similar to that that we have in Salt Lake City. The district is new, and the possibilities of the country are immense. Lying out in the valley to the northwest of where our little city is situated there are 250,000 acres of as good land as can be found anywhere outside the valley of the Nile, and all we require in that district is the blessing of the Almighty and more water. We are waiting now for the hand of the artisan and the mechanic, and for the means of the millionaire, to come and assist us in taking the water out of the mighty Snake river and carry it upon that vast tract of land.
In our religious work I feel very much encouraged. I think I can see a steady and constant growth on the part of the people. In the labor to which I have been called I am abundantly blessed with the association of two stalwart, faithful, tried and true men, Elders John L. Smith and William T. Harper, and with their aid, counsel and encouragement we are laboring for the advancement of the work of the Lord in that held. We rejoice in the thought that good is being done. We also are blessed with the presence of a Stake academy in our locality. At the present time we have over 100 of our young men and women enrolled in that institution and they are receiving that education which is calculated to prepare them, not only for the duties of life, but for the eternity before us.
I rejoice in the work of the Lord. I have rejoiced exceedingly in the testimonies that have been borne by our brethren, and I have thought that it must be exceedingly discouraging to our enemies who have looked for the overthrow of the Gospel from the day of the assassination of the Prophet Joseph Smith until the present. When the Prophet Joseph Smith was among the people they thought he was the power of Mormonism, and they said among themselves that if they could destroy him, Mormonism would go down. They accomplished their desire, but Mormonism lived and flourished. When President Brigham Young, that noble leader of pioneers, came upon the scene, and he led the people to this wilderness and planted their feet firmly upon this land, they again thought that if Brigham Young were disposed of Mormonism would die. The time came when that venerable leader passed away; still the Lord had prepared another to take his place. Men have looked from time to time for the leader of the people to pass away, in the hope that the religion of the Latter- day Saints would then come to naught. But in this Conference we have seen a new generation, young men of faith, and of most promising futures, upon whose shoulders some day will roll a portion of the responsibility of this great work. While this must be most encouraging to President Smith and his counselors, to the Twelve Apostles and our leading brethren, it must be very discouraging to our friends who have waited and hoped all these long years for the downfall of Mormonism.
I pray that the Lord will bless us, and that He will inspire us to be faithful and to be charitable to our enemies, remembering the words of Malachi the Prophet, who, in speaking of the wicked makes the statement that the day will come that shall burn as an oven, when all the proud, and they that do wickedly, shall be as stubble. "The day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." I think we can safely leave the wicked and all their evil machinations unto the Lord: for that day will most assuredly come that shall burn them up, saith the Lord. "But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing- in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." Therefore, brethren and sisters, be encouraged in good works. Put upon yourselves the whole armor of righteousness, do your duty, yield a faithful and implicit obedience to the counsels that are given you from time to time, and I promise you today that the power and peace and blessings of the Almighty shall rest upon you; your streams shall increase, your borders shall be lengthened, your boundaries shall be strengthened, and you will see the hand of the Almighty manifest in your deliverance in these troublous times, because just as sure as the angel has flown through the midst of heaven bearing in his sacred charge the everlasting Gospel and has restored it to the earth, just so sure are we living in the hour of God's judgment. Therefore, I say unto you, my brethren and sisters, be faithful to yourselves, and faithful to the trust that has been reposed in you, to the Priesthood, to the Father and to His Son Jesus Christ, whose blood was spilled on Calvary's hill. May we be humble and diligent in the performance of every duty, and may the power and blessings of the Almighty rest down upon the Prophet of the Lord, who stands at our head. May he be filled with power, with wisdom, and with every gift necessary for his high and holy calling, and may his brethren who are associated with him constantly hold up his hands and help him to accomplish the purposes of the Lord. I ask God to bless Israel in all her abiding places, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Cassia Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I need not say that I am delighted at this opportunity of meeting with you in another general conference of the Church. For many years it was my lot to live in Salt Lake City, the place of my birth, and when conferences were being held it was not an unusual thing for me to be engaged in the avocation of life; but as time rolled on and my place of residence has been changed to one of the remote settlements in our neighboring State, I have come to appreciate the blessings of the Gospel, and the gatherings of the Latter-day Saints in which they come together and listen to the voice of the servants of the Lord, and receive that spiritual food which is calculated in its nature to strengthen and brace them up.
It is a little over two years since the call came to me to remove into Cassia county, Idaho, the gem state of the Union. I am thankful to say to you that long years ago, from my parents and through the inspiration of the Almighty, I was taught the lesson of obedience, and I take pride today in saying that whatever word has come to me from the servants of the Lord, I have been willing to accept it cheerfully and to accomplish the work intelligently, so far as my ability would permit. I removed to the north and succeeded that venerable old pioneer, Horton D. Haight, in the Cassia Stake. I found there a delightful place to live. The climate is similar to that that we have in Salt Lake City. The district is new, and the possibilities of the country are immense. Lying out in the valley to the northwest of where our little city is situated there are 250,000 acres of as good land as can be found anywhere outside the valley of the Nile, and all we require in that district is the blessing of the Almighty and more water. We are waiting now for the hand of the artisan and the mechanic, and for the means of the millionaire, to come and assist us in taking the water out of the mighty Snake river and carry it upon that vast tract of land.
In our religious work I feel very much encouraged. I think I can see a steady and constant growth on the part of the people. In the labor to which I have been called I am abundantly blessed with the association of two stalwart, faithful, tried and true men, Elders John L. Smith and William T. Harper, and with their aid, counsel and encouragement we are laboring for the advancement of the work of the Lord in that held. We rejoice in the thought that good is being done. We also are blessed with the presence of a Stake academy in our locality. At the present time we have over 100 of our young men and women enrolled in that institution and they are receiving that education which is calculated to prepare them, not only for the duties of life, but for the eternity before us.
I rejoice in the work of the Lord. I have rejoiced exceedingly in the testimonies that have been borne by our brethren, and I have thought that it must be exceedingly discouraging to our enemies who have looked for the overthrow of the Gospel from the day of the assassination of the Prophet Joseph Smith until the present. When the Prophet Joseph Smith was among the people they thought he was the power of Mormonism, and they said among themselves that if they could destroy him, Mormonism would go down. They accomplished their desire, but Mormonism lived and flourished. When President Brigham Young, that noble leader of pioneers, came upon the scene, and he led the people to this wilderness and planted their feet firmly upon this land, they again thought that if Brigham Young were disposed of Mormonism would die. The time came when that venerable leader passed away; still the Lord had prepared another to take his place. Men have looked from time to time for the leader of the people to pass away, in the hope that the religion of the Latter- day Saints would then come to naught. But in this Conference we have seen a new generation, young men of faith, and of most promising futures, upon whose shoulders some day will roll a portion of the responsibility of this great work. While this must be most encouraging to President Smith and his counselors, to the Twelve Apostles and our leading brethren, it must be very discouraging to our friends who have waited and hoped all these long years for the downfall of Mormonism.
I pray that the Lord will bless us, and that He will inspire us to be faithful and to be charitable to our enemies, remembering the words of Malachi the Prophet, who, in speaking of the wicked makes the statement that the day will come that shall burn as an oven, when all the proud, and they that do wickedly, shall be as stubble. "The day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." I think we can safely leave the wicked and all their evil machinations unto the Lord: for that day will most assuredly come that shall burn them up, saith the Lord. "But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing- in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." Therefore, brethren and sisters, be encouraged in good works. Put upon yourselves the whole armor of righteousness, do your duty, yield a faithful and implicit obedience to the counsels that are given you from time to time, and I promise you today that the power and peace and blessings of the Almighty shall rest upon you; your streams shall increase, your borders shall be lengthened, your boundaries shall be strengthened, and you will see the hand of the Almighty manifest in your deliverance in these troublous times, because just as sure as the angel has flown through the midst of heaven bearing in his sacred charge the everlasting Gospel and has restored it to the earth, just so sure are we living in the hour of God's judgment. Therefore, I say unto you, my brethren and sisters, be faithful to yourselves, and faithful to the trust that has been reposed in you, to the Priesthood, to the Father and to His Son Jesus Christ, whose blood was spilled on Calvary's hill. May we be humble and diligent in the performance of every duty, and may the power and blessings of the Almighty rest down upon the Prophet of the Lord, who stands at our head. May he be filled with power, with wisdom, and with every gift necessary for his high and holy calling, and may his brethren who are associated with him constantly hold up his hands and help him to accomplish the purposes of the Lord. I ask God to bless Israel in all her abiding places, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER S. R. BENNION.
(President of Uintah Stake.)
I deem it a great pleasure to have the privilege of assembling in this place and mingling my voice with the Latter- day Saints. It has fallen to my lot, from my birth to the present time, to always be associated with the Latter-day Saints, and I hope that it will ever be my lot. I pray that I shall enjoy the Spirit of the Lord sufficiently to enable me to endure faithfully unto the end, and to be true to the trust which is committed to me from day to day. It is only by constant labor and training that we shall secure to ourselves an exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father. The prize is not to those who run swift for a few years, but it is to those who will endure unto the end, and I hope that we will all be enabled to endure to the end. I realize that we will be called upon to meet trials. It is written that the Lord is going to have a tried people. He will have a people that will serve Him and keep His commandments. Therefore, I look to be tried in all things. If I have not had trials they will come along soon enough; but I hope to be able to endure them.
It is my pleasure to preside over the Uintah Stake of Zion, which is situated in the northeast corner of our fair state. We live in a goodly land. I suppose our Heavenly Father design id us to be there. Many good people live in that Stake of Zion, although there are some who are restless, wanting to go to the north or to the south. I remember a brother who resided there years ago. He had one of the finest locations in the valley, but wanted to go down where Brother Kimball is. "Whether Brother Kimball has him yet or not I don't know. He was anxious to go where he could raise five crops of lucern a year. In our country he could not take care of two, so that I do not know what he will do down there. It is better for us to be contented with our lot, and try to do our duty in all things; and if we do this we will be greatly blessed of the Almighty. The earth and the fulness thereof belongs to the Lord, and He has said that He will give it to whomsoever He will. He has promised to bless His people and to pour out His spirit upon them, if they will keep His commandments. I expect to enjoy every blessing that I live for. Every Latter-day Saint will enjoy everything he or she is entitled to.
I pray that peace and prosperity may attend the labors of the Latter-day Saints, and the labors of the servants of God who are directing the affairs of His kingdom upon the earth. I feel satisfied with my brethren who are placed over me in the Holy Priesthood T am satisfied with those who labor with me in the Uintah Stake of Zion — my counselors, the High Council, and the Bishops. The only thing that I am fearful of is, am I doing my duty from day to day? If I am not, my Heavenly Father and my brethren who are placed over me will hold me responsible. I can bear my testimony in regard to this work. I know that it is of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that those who have succeeded him were prophets. I know that we have prophets and apostles to lead and guide the affairs of the kingdom of God upon the earth today. May God add His blessing. May we be humble before Him from day to day, is my desire and prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Uintah Stake.)
I deem it a great pleasure to have the privilege of assembling in this place and mingling my voice with the Latter- day Saints. It has fallen to my lot, from my birth to the present time, to always be associated with the Latter-day Saints, and I hope that it will ever be my lot. I pray that I shall enjoy the Spirit of the Lord sufficiently to enable me to endure faithfully unto the end, and to be true to the trust which is committed to me from day to day. It is only by constant labor and training that we shall secure to ourselves an exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father. The prize is not to those who run swift for a few years, but it is to those who will endure unto the end, and I hope that we will all be enabled to endure to the end. I realize that we will be called upon to meet trials. It is written that the Lord is going to have a tried people. He will have a people that will serve Him and keep His commandments. Therefore, I look to be tried in all things. If I have not had trials they will come along soon enough; but I hope to be able to endure them.
It is my pleasure to preside over the Uintah Stake of Zion, which is situated in the northeast corner of our fair state. We live in a goodly land. I suppose our Heavenly Father design id us to be there. Many good people live in that Stake of Zion, although there are some who are restless, wanting to go to the north or to the south. I remember a brother who resided there years ago. He had one of the finest locations in the valley, but wanted to go down where Brother Kimball is. "Whether Brother Kimball has him yet or not I don't know. He was anxious to go where he could raise five crops of lucern a year. In our country he could not take care of two, so that I do not know what he will do down there. It is better for us to be contented with our lot, and try to do our duty in all things; and if we do this we will be greatly blessed of the Almighty. The earth and the fulness thereof belongs to the Lord, and He has said that He will give it to whomsoever He will. He has promised to bless His people and to pour out His spirit upon them, if they will keep His commandments. I expect to enjoy every blessing that I live for. Every Latter-day Saint will enjoy everything he or she is entitled to.
I pray that peace and prosperity may attend the labors of the Latter-day Saints, and the labors of the servants of God who are directing the affairs of His kingdom upon the earth. I feel satisfied with my brethren who are placed over me in the Holy Priesthood T am satisfied with those who labor with me in the Uintah Stake of Zion — my counselors, the High Council, and the Bishops. The only thing that I am fearful of is, am I doing my duty from day to day? If I am not, my Heavenly Father and my brethren who are placed over me will hold me responsible. I can bear my testimony in regard to this work. I know that it is of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that those who have succeeded him were prophets. I know that we have prophets and apostles to lead and guide the affairs of the kingdom of God upon the earth today. May God add His blessing. May we be humble before Him from day to day, is my desire and prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER FRANK Y. TAYLOR.
(President of Granite Stake.)
My dear brethren and sisters, I esteem it quite an honor to represent the Stake over which I preside. I am also happy in the thought that when they selected me to preside over a Stake of Zion they did not send me down to Arizona to raise big potatoes or up to Canada to raise large fields of wheat, but they let me stay right at home in Salt Lake county, almost on the borders of Salt Lake City. I am delighted to say that the people in our stake are a good people. We have able men who are endeavoring to live their religion, and all organizations of the stake are, I believe, practically up-to-date in their work. The presidency of the stake has been loyally sustained by the people.
I was very much interested and impressed last night with the talk that Bishop Preston gave to us in regard to the training of our youth in the Lesser Priesthood. It appears to me that as the Priesthood and presiding officers in the Church we ought to pay a little more attention to the proper training of our boys and girls, particularly the boys in the lesser Priesthood. I believe the future strength and growth of this great people and the work of the Lord depends largely upon the proper training of our young people. I believe that it is the duty of presiding officers in the Church to see that there are no Deacons neglected in the Church. We ought to be sure, as Bishops of wards, that we have the organizations of the Deacons' properly perfected. If we take hold of them at the right age and see that they attend their meetings and are trained properly in the duties assigned to them, I believe we will have less trouble to organize our Teachers' and our Priests' quorums. I think we ought to begin young with the boys, nurse them along kindly, and try to implant within them a testimony of the faith that we have espoused. We ought to put them to work; teach them to act as doorkeepers in our meeting houses, to open the door when people come in and to act as ushers in taking the people to their seats, and showing them to the front, so that the late-comers will not have to pass a crowded place at the back to get to empty seats in the front. I tried this when I was a boy. I remember that of all the duties I had to perform in this Church, there is none that has given me greater pleasure than to act as a Deacon. The Bishop of the ward where I grew up used to honor the Deacons in their place. We had to look after the door and to seat the people in their places. He honored us in our positions to the extent that he expected people to conform to the rules of the house and to take the seats we assigned them. We had a trial of that down in our stake the other day. We had a conference of the Lesser Priesthood, and I believe it was one of the most profitable meetings we have ever held in our stake. In that meeting we gave the boys a practical illustration of their duties. We had Deacons that had been previously trained stationed at the door, and no boy was allowed to open the door. The door was opened for him very courteously and nicely, and as he stepped in the vestry a Deacon tapped him on the shoulder and led him to a seat in the proper place. We instructed them that they were to take the seat assigned them. We had places for our Bishops and High Councilors, and the Deacons knew just where to take them. During the meeting- one of our Bishops came in late. He had been accustomed, I presume, to take any kind of seat he wanted; but I had instructed the Deacons that it would make no difference whether it was a Bishop or myself, they were expected to assign the seats. The Deacon and the Bishop walked up the aisle, and the Deacon had got clear to the stand before he noticed that the Bishop had taken a seat of his own choosing. Then I had to get up and remind the Bishop that we expected him to honor these boys in their place. I believe we ought to honor our Deacons, and encourage them in the start, so that they may grow up to understand the duties pertaining to the Priesthood, and not have to wait until they are twenty years of age and then have to be humiliated, when they want to get married or something of the kind, because they have to go through the order necessary for them. I thank the Lord we had a Bishop that took hold of me when I was a little fellow and trained me in the duties pertaining to the Lesser Priesthood, because if there is any strength in me it is due to the training that I received when a little boy. I think this is the time we ought to start in matters of this kind.
There is another thing that is lacking: at least, it is with us. It seems to me that there ought to be in every ward, where possible, a quorum of Priests, a quorum of Teachers, and they ought to be active in the performance of the duties pertaining thereto. If we get these quorums thoroughly organized and attending to their duties, we will not have much trouble with acting Teachers. The great trouble is, the Bishops cannot get the Teachers to do their work; but if we get the boys started early and train them aright, we will have little trouble in regard to this.
There is another matter that appeals to me very strongly, and that is the welfare of the youth of Israel. I love the youth of Israel, and I feel that as Latter-day Saints we are not giving them the close attention that we ought to in the way of missionary work, and nurturing them, and getting them to forsake the little evil practices they indulge in by holding out a better life and light unto them. We are so busily engaged in the duties of life that we do not stop to think that there are some who need an arm thrown around them. They need someone to love them, someone to nurture them, and give them a chance to reform. I heard of a case recently that will illustrate this, of a boy who had lived in a settlement all his life. Nobody had paid any attention to him; they had taken it for granted that there was no good in him. But a stranger moved into the settlement, and he liked the appearance of the boy. He put his arm around him and in kind words asked him if he had not better repent; that there was a better chance for him in the fold of the Church of Jesus Christ than on the outside. The boy turned to him and with tears in his eyes thanked him for the interest he had shown in him by putting his arm around him and speaking kindly to him. He said, "You are the first man that ever did that to me in my life. I have lived in this settlement all my life and it has been the rule almost to point the finger of scorn at me; but never has it occurred to any of them to come up and say a kind word as you have done." That boy turned round and is now a faithful, honorable young man in the Church. The trouble is, we are so busy that we take it for granted that our boys who sometimes make mistakes have no good in them, and we do not go out of our way to put our arms around them in love and teach them the principles of the Gospel. We ought to preach the Gospel of Christ at our firesides, and in the homes of our neighbors. There is plenty of opportunity in these valleys of the mountains to preach the Gospel, and to bring the wayward back again into the fold of Christ. Here is opportunity for all of us: Blessed is the father and blessed is the mother whose family is all around them and living their religion, and making no mistakes! That father ought to rejoice that he has such a family, and he ought to feel warm towards the less fortunate father who has a family that he has no control over. He ought to put his arm around his neighbor's children, and with the talent he has exercised in controlling his own family try to use an influence with them. Do not let the boys go to the four winds, simply for the lack of doing our duty in this regard. I have said it before and I will repeat it here, that lots of us will go out into the world to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without asking any questions. "We will have door after door slammed in our face; and if opportunity will present so that we can pour into the ears of the people the good things of the Gospel we are delighted. After awhile, if we can lead them down into the waters of baptism, we rejoice exceedingly that we have converted someone. We do not specially ask them about their past or what they have been doing. All we ask of them is to repent of their sins, go down into the waters of baptism, and have hands laid upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost. Yet ofttimes we will come back home and we would not cross the road to preach the Gospel to some of our young boys right here. I believe I will be safe in saying that if we would expend one-tenth of the energy and time and means, one-tenth of the patience and love, that we give to the children of the world, in the interest of our own wayward boys at home, we would save many more souls. We could love our boys more than we do; we could have more patience with our girls than we do have. We could spend more time around our own firesides, teaching the children the principles of the everlasting Gospel, instead of going after the things of the world and letting the boys go to the winds. As fathers and mothers, we ought to be more careful in regard to the rearing of our youth. We should make home the most pleasant place that the boy or girl can find in this whole world. It ought to be the center of attraction to every child. "We should make it so attractive by our kindness, our love, and all necessary conveniences, that they will love it better than any other place. I believe it would do good sometimes to sell a calf or a horse in order to place good books in the home for our boys and girls to read. Subscribe for the works of the Church, so that they can read the principles of the Gospel and have them implanted in their hearts. Then let us take some time to sit down by the fireside with them and explain unto them the Gospel.
Brethren and sisters, I love the youth of Israel. I know that there is good in them. If the coal looks dead, it reeds someone to blow the bellows to bring it back to life again. I have found boys who have been looked upon as no good and practically dead, but with nursing and effort that coal has been brought back to life. And what happiness comes into the home when a wayward son turns over a new leaf and becomes a good, upright Latter-day Saint! I rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I bear my testimony to its truth. I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that the prophet that we have presiding over us today is a man of God, and sets an example in his family that is worthy of all Israel. God bless you. Amen.
(President of Granite Stake.)
My dear brethren and sisters, I esteem it quite an honor to represent the Stake over which I preside. I am also happy in the thought that when they selected me to preside over a Stake of Zion they did not send me down to Arizona to raise big potatoes or up to Canada to raise large fields of wheat, but they let me stay right at home in Salt Lake county, almost on the borders of Salt Lake City. I am delighted to say that the people in our stake are a good people. We have able men who are endeavoring to live their religion, and all organizations of the stake are, I believe, practically up-to-date in their work. The presidency of the stake has been loyally sustained by the people.
I was very much interested and impressed last night with the talk that Bishop Preston gave to us in regard to the training of our youth in the Lesser Priesthood. It appears to me that as the Priesthood and presiding officers in the Church we ought to pay a little more attention to the proper training of our boys and girls, particularly the boys in the lesser Priesthood. I believe the future strength and growth of this great people and the work of the Lord depends largely upon the proper training of our young people. I believe that it is the duty of presiding officers in the Church to see that there are no Deacons neglected in the Church. We ought to be sure, as Bishops of wards, that we have the organizations of the Deacons' properly perfected. If we take hold of them at the right age and see that they attend their meetings and are trained properly in the duties assigned to them, I believe we will have less trouble to organize our Teachers' and our Priests' quorums. I think we ought to begin young with the boys, nurse them along kindly, and try to implant within them a testimony of the faith that we have espoused. We ought to put them to work; teach them to act as doorkeepers in our meeting houses, to open the door when people come in and to act as ushers in taking the people to their seats, and showing them to the front, so that the late-comers will not have to pass a crowded place at the back to get to empty seats in the front. I tried this when I was a boy. I remember that of all the duties I had to perform in this Church, there is none that has given me greater pleasure than to act as a Deacon. The Bishop of the ward where I grew up used to honor the Deacons in their place. We had to look after the door and to seat the people in their places. He honored us in our positions to the extent that he expected people to conform to the rules of the house and to take the seats we assigned them. We had a trial of that down in our stake the other day. We had a conference of the Lesser Priesthood, and I believe it was one of the most profitable meetings we have ever held in our stake. In that meeting we gave the boys a practical illustration of their duties. We had Deacons that had been previously trained stationed at the door, and no boy was allowed to open the door. The door was opened for him very courteously and nicely, and as he stepped in the vestry a Deacon tapped him on the shoulder and led him to a seat in the proper place. We instructed them that they were to take the seat assigned them. We had places for our Bishops and High Councilors, and the Deacons knew just where to take them. During the meeting- one of our Bishops came in late. He had been accustomed, I presume, to take any kind of seat he wanted; but I had instructed the Deacons that it would make no difference whether it was a Bishop or myself, they were expected to assign the seats. The Deacon and the Bishop walked up the aisle, and the Deacon had got clear to the stand before he noticed that the Bishop had taken a seat of his own choosing. Then I had to get up and remind the Bishop that we expected him to honor these boys in their place. I believe we ought to honor our Deacons, and encourage them in the start, so that they may grow up to understand the duties pertaining to the Priesthood, and not have to wait until they are twenty years of age and then have to be humiliated, when they want to get married or something of the kind, because they have to go through the order necessary for them. I thank the Lord we had a Bishop that took hold of me when I was a little fellow and trained me in the duties pertaining to the Lesser Priesthood, because if there is any strength in me it is due to the training that I received when a little boy. I think this is the time we ought to start in matters of this kind.
There is another thing that is lacking: at least, it is with us. It seems to me that there ought to be in every ward, where possible, a quorum of Priests, a quorum of Teachers, and they ought to be active in the performance of the duties pertaining thereto. If we get these quorums thoroughly organized and attending to their duties, we will not have much trouble with acting Teachers. The great trouble is, the Bishops cannot get the Teachers to do their work; but if we get the boys started early and train them aright, we will have little trouble in regard to this.
There is another matter that appeals to me very strongly, and that is the welfare of the youth of Israel. I love the youth of Israel, and I feel that as Latter-day Saints we are not giving them the close attention that we ought to in the way of missionary work, and nurturing them, and getting them to forsake the little evil practices they indulge in by holding out a better life and light unto them. We are so busily engaged in the duties of life that we do not stop to think that there are some who need an arm thrown around them. They need someone to love them, someone to nurture them, and give them a chance to reform. I heard of a case recently that will illustrate this, of a boy who had lived in a settlement all his life. Nobody had paid any attention to him; they had taken it for granted that there was no good in him. But a stranger moved into the settlement, and he liked the appearance of the boy. He put his arm around him and in kind words asked him if he had not better repent; that there was a better chance for him in the fold of the Church of Jesus Christ than on the outside. The boy turned to him and with tears in his eyes thanked him for the interest he had shown in him by putting his arm around him and speaking kindly to him. He said, "You are the first man that ever did that to me in my life. I have lived in this settlement all my life and it has been the rule almost to point the finger of scorn at me; but never has it occurred to any of them to come up and say a kind word as you have done." That boy turned round and is now a faithful, honorable young man in the Church. The trouble is, we are so busy that we take it for granted that our boys who sometimes make mistakes have no good in them, and we do not go out of our way to put our arms around them in love and teach them the principles of the Gospel. We ought to preach the Gospel of Christ at our firesides, and in the homes of our neighbors. There is plenty of opportunity in these valleys of the mountains to preach the Gospel, and to bring the wayward back again into the fold of Christ. Here is opportunity for all of us: Blessed is the father and blessed is the mother whose family is all around them and living their religion, and making no mistakes! That father ought to rejoice that he has such a family, and he ought to feel warm towards the less fortunate father who has a family that he has no control over. He ought to put his arm around his neighbor's children, and with the talent he has exercised in controlling his own family try to use an influence with them. Do not let the boys go to the four winds, simply for the lack of doing our duty in this regard. I have said it before and I will repeat it here, that lots of us will go out into the world to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without asking any questions. "We will have door after door slammed in our face; and if opportunity will present so that we can pour into the ears of the people the good things of the Gospel we are delighted. After awhile, if we can lead them down into the waters of baptism, we rejoice exceedingly that we have converted someone. We do not specially ask them about their past or what they have been doing. All we ask of them is to repent of their sins, go down into the waters of baptism, and have hands laid upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost. Yet ofttimes we will come back home and we would not cross the road to preach the Gospel to some of our young boys right here. I believe I will be safe in saying that if we would expend one-tenth of the energy and time and means, one-tenth of the patience and love, that we give to the children of the world, in the interest of our own wayward boys at home, we would save many more souls. We could love our boys more than we do; we could have more patience with our girls than we do have. We could spend more time around our own firesides, teaching the children the principles of the everlasting Gospel, instead of going after the things of the world and letting the boys go to the winds. As fathers and mothers, we ought to be more careful in regard to the rearing of our youth. We should make home the most pleasant place that the boy or girl can find in this whole world. It ought to be the center of attraction to every child. "We should make it so attractive by our kindness, our love, and all necessary conveniences, that they will love it better than any other place. I believe it would do good sometimes to sell a calf or a horse in order to place good books in the home for our boys and girls to read. Subscribe for the works of the Church, so that they can read the principles of the Gospel and have them implanted in their hearts. Then let us take some time to sit down by the fireside with them and explain unto them the Gospel.
Brethren and sisters, I love the youth of Israel. I know that there is good in them. If the coal looks dead, it reeds someone to blow the bellows to bring it back to life again. I have found boys who have been looked upon as no good and practically dead, but with nursing and effort that coal has been brought back to life. And what happiness comes into the home when a wayward son turns over a new leaf and becomes a good, upright Latter-day Saint! I rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I bear my testimony to its truth. I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that the prophet that we have presiding over us today is a man of God, and sets an example in his family that is worthy of all Israel. God bless you. Amen.
ELDER MATHIAS F. COWLEY.
Difficulties to be settled privately, If possible — Presiding authorities should not be appealed to unnecessarily—Honor every man in his position.
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice very much in the teachings of this conference, and in the way that President Smith has been led to conduct the conference. I would like to say to the Bishops that it is a good example for you to follow. It is impossible for the work of the Lord to be carried on by the intelligence of man, or by any premeditated arrangement carried out in a mechanical way. As the President of the Church has been led to conduct our conference, so ought every Stake President to conduct his Stake conference, and every Bishop to conduct his ward conference, as well as his meetings in general. I do not mean by that that you should follow it in mechanical detail, but that you should follow the whisperings of the Holy Spirit; for this is what has been done during this conference, as it has no doubt in the conferences of the past.
We rejoice to hear the testimonies of our brethren who preside over the Stakes. I rejoice to be associated with men such as they are; and if I were as sure of my salvation as I am of the salvation of such men as have stood before us this afternoon, I would be exceedingly delighted. They are men of God, and we who live in the Stakes of Zion ought to look to these men for counsel, and not, when we have difficulties to settle, always run to one of the Twelve Apostles, or to one of the presiding Council of Seventies, when they are in the Stake. We ought to settle our troubles right in the Ward where they occur, and there ought to be a more strict observance of the law of God in regard to the adjustment of difficulties. Where there are differences between brethren and sisters, they ought to try and settle them in the way indicated by the Savior—between themselves, in the spirit of prayer; not with a determination to show how wrong your brother is, but in the Spirit of the Lord seek to be reconciled with your brother. If this will not accomplish it, then call in the Teachers of the Ward, and let them act as peacemakers; for blessed are the peacemakers. And when the Teachers find a difficulty in a family, they have no business to tell it to anybody else or to circulate it on the streets. They ought to guard such things with the utmost sacredness.
The Lord has laid down His law on this subject, as well as on all other subjects affecting the welfare of the Church. In Section 42 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, it is written:
"And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess, thou shalt be reconciled."
That is, it shall not be harped upon or talked about after it has been settled. Every man ought to esteem himself as put upon honor, after a difficulty is settled, not to stir it up or resurrect it among the people of God, but let it be settled forever. When Teachers find difficulties existing in families that they can settle without reporting them to the Bishop, it is not a duty in the sight of God that the Bishop even should know of them. In fact, I do not suppose the Bishop wants to know the failings of the people, if they can be rectified without his knowledge. The Lord has laid down the doctrine that the confession shall be as broad as the offense. If I offend my brother, I must make it right with my brother; and it is hypocrisy to go and ask the forgiveness of God until I have become reconciled with and made restitution to my brother. The Lord says:
"If any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.
"If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended, and to God, that the Church may not speak reproachfully of him or her."
The object is to save people; to make it as easy as possible for them to repent and to make restitution for their wrong; not to circulate the story of their wrongdoing and create a public scandal, but to have it settled according to the law of God. In another revelation, the Lord says: "It always has been given to the Elders of my Church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit." This is the law of God to every Bishop, to every stake president, and to the president of every quorum or association in the Church. They are to be guided by the Holy Spirit. This conference has been exceedingly interesting because it has been conducted by the Spirit of the Lord through the man who presides over us on this occasion. I may say that it is the most Interesting conference of the Church that I ever attended.
Another thing: The Lord certainly placed prophets and apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers in the Church, as Paul describes, for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ; but He has placed the Bishops and the authorities of the stakes in the Church for the perfecting of the Saints, just as much as the Apostles, or the Council of Seventies, or the Presiding Bishopric, or the Presidency of the Church, who stand at the head; and there ought to be an improvement in all the stakes in regard to the adjustment of all matters affecting the salvation of the Saints of God in the respective stakes. I suppose that the President of the Church gets bushels of letters written by men and women who, disregarding the Bishop and the presidency of the stake, go over the heads of those officers in order to lay their cases before the President or to ask questions of him, some of which are of the most foolish character. This is all wrong. I want to advise the Latter-day Saints to settle these questions at home just as far as possible. When the Priesthood of God is trusted by the people, there will be a greater measure of the Spirit of the Lord attending the ministrations of our Bishops and stake presidents throughout the Church. I do not believe that the Presidency of the Church are under any obligation to do those things that ought to be done by the local authority, and I do not knew that they have any promise of being blessed of the Lord in doing work that ought to be done by the Bishops and presidents of stakes. I am impressed with this, because I have been asked in various stakes of Zion a great many questions that could easily be answered by the Bishop of the ward, and I have been appealed to to settle difficulties that ought to be settled easily right at home. The Latter-day Saints should understand this and feel the responsibility of it. The Priesthood of God is the representation of God, if you please, in the earth. It is not man's personal individuality that we honor, but it is the authority of God which he holds. God has established His work upon the earth, and He has appointed men to be the recipients of His holy will and, through their administration, to voice that will unto the Latter-day Saints. The Savior said to His disciples, "He that receiveth you receiveth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth Him that sent me." When this principle is understood and properly carried out, there will be more of the power of God in the midst of the Latter-day Saints, there will be a stronger bond of union among them, and there will be greater and more effective work accomplished throughout the stakes and wards by the local Priesthood. I wish to say to every man in the Church, young and old, that the greatest desire of his heart should be to honor the office in the Priesthood which he holds, and not have constantly in his mind the greatness of somebody else's calling. It is all the authority of God, the one Priesthood, and it cannot be parted asunder. The High Priest holds the Melchisedek Priesthood the Seventy holds the same, just as the Apostle does, and he is entitled to the power of God in his ministrations among the people. I have heard President Woodruff say many times that he never enjoyed more of the Spirit of God than he did when he was a Priest, preaching the Gospel, I believe, in Arkansas. It was the same with John the Baptist, and with Philip; they enjoyed the spirit and power of Almighty God, and yet they officiated in the Lesser Priesthood. We are entitled to the same blessing if we live for it. I think it would be a good thing if every Bishop would call together all the Priesthood in his Ward, and would select from the High Priests, the Seventies and the Elders enough men to act in the capacity of Priests. I have enquired in the Stakes of Zion where I have traveled, about a quorum of Priests and have found but few. Yet the Lord has laid down that as one of the offices in the Lesser Priesthood, and has specifically stated that they are the ministers of the Gospel unto the people.
We had instructions here last night by President Smith concerning our responsibility to the authorities of Wards and Stakes. I have been taught this doctrine all my life. I was born and raised on the same block as Brother Frank Y. Taylor and Brother John W. Taylor, and I used to act in the capacity of a Teacher in the home of President John Taylor. I was not very well qualified, it is true. I believe the only qualification I had was a willing spirit and an obedient heart; but the Lord blessed me in my labors. Whenever we entered into the house of President Taylor as Teachers, he laid aside all other things that were demanding his attention, and he would call his family together, sit down with us, and hear what we had to say. On one occasion a young man, who was asked to question President Taylor in regard to the performance of his duties as a member of the Church, said he did not want to. "Why not? Because, said he, he is a so much better and greater man than we are. President Taylor told him it was his duty to question him. "Why," said the young man, "I don't think you would hold the office that you do If you did not perform your duty as a member of the Church." The President replied, "It is your duty to find out whether I do my duty as a member or not; whether I teach my children the principles of the Gospel, and pay my tithing, and attend to my family and my secret prayers." The more men know about the Priesthood of God, the more they respect it. I say to the people, seek unto the Priesthood of God, and let wizards, necromancers, hypnotists, spiritualists and all such things alone; for within the Church of God there is all sufficient for our salvation in this life and our exaltation in the life to come. God bless you. Amen.
The choir sang, "Rouse, all ye mortals."
Benediction by Presiding Patriarch John Smith.
Difficulties to be settled privately, If possible — Presiding authorities should not be appealed to unnecessarily—Honor every man in his position.
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice very much in the teachings of this conference, and in the way that President Smith has been led to conduct the conference. I would like to say to the Bishops that it is a good example for you to follow. It is impossible for the work of the Lord to be carried on by the intelligence of man, or by any premeditated arrangement carried out in a mechanical way. As the President of the Church has been led to conduct our conference, so ought every Stake President to conduct his Stake conference, and every Bishop to conduct his ward conference, as well as his meetings in general. I do not mean by that that you should follow it in mechanical detail, but that you should follow the whisperings of the Holy Spirit; for this is what has been done during this conference, as it has no doubt in the conferences of the past.
We rejoice to hear the testimonies of our brethren who preside over the Stakes. I rejoice to be associated with men such as they are; and if I were as sure of my salvation as I am of the salvation of such men as have stood before us this afternoon, I would be exceedingly delighted. They are men of God, and we who live in the Stakes of Zion ought to look to these men for counsel, and not, when we have difficulties to settle, always run to one of the Twelve Apostles, or to one of the presiding Council of Seventies, when they are in the Stake. We ought to settle our troubles right in the Ward where they occur, and there ought to be a more strict observance of the law of God in regard to the adjustment of difficulties. Where there are differences between brethren and sisters, they ought to try and settle them in the way indicated by the Savior—between themselves, in the spirit of prayer; not with a determination to show how wrong your brother is, but in the Spirit of the Lord seek to be reconciled with your brother. If this will not accomplish it, then call in the Teachers of the Ward, and let them act as peacemakers; for blessed are the peacemakers. And when the Teachers find a difficulty in a family, they have no business to tell it to anybody else or to circulate it on the streets. They ought to guard such things with the utmost sacredness.
The Lord has laid down His law on this subject, as well as on all other subjects affecting the welfare of the Church. In Section 42 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, it is written:
"And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess, thou shalt be reconciled."
That is, it shall not be harped upon or talked about after it has been settled. Every man ought to esteem himself as put upon honor, after a difficulty is settled, not to stir it up or resurrect it among the people of God, but let it be settled forever. When Teachers find difficulties existing in families that they can settle without reporting them to the Bishop, it is not a duty in the sight of God that the Bishop even should know of them. In fact, I do not suppose the Bishop wants to know the failings of the people, if they can be rectified without his knowledge. The Lord has laid down the doctrine that the confession shall be as broad as the offense. If I offend my brother, I must make it right with my brother; and it is hypocrisy to go and ask the forgiveness of God until I have become reconciled with and made restitution to my brother. The Lord says:
"If any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.
"If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended, and to God, that the Church may not speak reproachfully of him or her."
The object is to save people; to make it as easy as possible for them to repent and to make restitution for their wrong; not to circulate the story of their wrongdoing and create a public scandal, but to have it settled according to the law of God. In another revelation, the Lord says: "It always has been given to the Elders of my Church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit." This is the law of God to every Bishop, to every stake president, and to the president of every quorum or association in the Church. They are to be guided by the Holy Spirit. This conference has been exceedingly interesting because it has been conducted by the Spirit of the Lord through the man who presides over us on this occasion. I may say that it is the most Interesting conference of the Church that I ever attended.
Another thing: The Lord certainly placed prophets and apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers in the Church, as Paul describes, for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ; but He has placed the Bishops and the authorities of the stakes in the Church for the perfecting of the Saints, just as much as the Apostles, or the Council of Seventies, or the Presiding Bishopric, or the Presidency of the Church, who stand at the head; and there ought to be an improvement in all the stakes in regard to the adjustment of all matters affecting the salvation of the Saints of God in the respective stakes. I suppose that the President of the Church gets bushels of letters written by men and women who, disregarding the Bishop and the presidency of the stake, go over the heads of those officers in order to lay their cases before the President or to ask questions of him, some of which are of the most foolish character. This is all wrong. I want to advise the Latter-day Saints to settle these questions at home just as far as possible. When the Priesthood of God is trusted by the people, there will be a greater measure of the Spirit of the Lord attending the ministrations of our Bishops and stake presidents throughout the Church. I do not believe that the Presidency of the Church are under any obligation to do those things that ought to be done by the local authority, and I do not knew that they have any promise of being blessed of the Lord in doing work that ought to be done by the Bishops and presidents of stakes. I am impressed with this, because I have been asked in various stakes of Zion a great many questions that could easily be answered by the Bishop of the ward, and I have been appealed to to settle difficulties that ought to be settled easily right at home. The Latter-day Saints should understand this and feel the responsibility of it. The Priesthood of God is the representation of God, if you please, in the earth. It is not man's personal individuality that we honor, but it is the authority of God which he holds. God has established His work upon the earth, and He has appointed men to be the recipients of His holy will and, through their administration, to voice that will unto the Latter-day Saints. The Savior said to His disciples, "He that receiveth you receiveth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth Him that sent me." When this principle is understood and properly carried out, there will be more of the power of God in the midst of the Latter-day Saints, there will be a stronger bond of union among them, and there will be greater and more effective work accomplished throughout the stakes and wards by the local Priesthood. I wish to say to every man in the Church, young and old, that the greatest desire of his heart should be to honor the office in the Priesthood which he holds, and not have constantly in his mind the greatness of somebody else's calling. It is all the authority of God, the one Priesthood, and it cannot be parted asunder. The High Priest holds the Melchisedek Priesthood the Seventy holds the same, just as the Apostle does, and he is entitled to the power of God in his ministrations among the people. I have heard President Woodruff say many times that he never enjoyed more of the Spirit of God than he did when he was a Priest, preaching the Gospel, I believe, in Arkansas. It was the same with John the Baptist, and with Philip; they enjoyed the spirit and power of Almighty God, and yet they officiated in the Lesser Priesthood. We are entitled to the same blessing if we live for it. I think it would be a good thing if every Bishop would call together all the Priesthood in his Ward, and would select from the High Priests, the Seventies and the Elders enough men to act in the capacity of Priests. I have enquired in the Stakes of Zion where I have traveled, about a quorum of Priests and have found but few. Yet the Lord has laid down that as one of the offices in the Lesser Priesthood, and has specifically stated that they are the ministers of the Gospel unto the people.
We had instructions here last night by President Smith concerning our responsibility to the authorities of Wards and Stakes. I have been taught this doctrine all my life. I was born and raised on the same block as Brother Frank Y. Taylor and Brother John W. Taylor, and I used to act in the capacity of a Teacher in the home of President John Taylor. I was not very well qualified, it is true. I believe the only qualification I had was a willing spirit and an obedient heart; but the Lord blessed me in my labors. Whenever we entered into the house of President Taylor as Teachers, he laid aside all other things that were demanding his attention, and he would call his family together, sit down with us, and hear what we had to say. On one occasion a young man, who was asked to question President Taylor in regard to the performance of his duties as a member of the Church, said he did not want to. "Why not? Because, said he, he is a so much better and greater man than we are. President Taylor told him it was his duty to question him. "Why," said the young man, "I don't think you would hold the office that you do If you did not perform your duty as a member of the Church." The President replied, "It is your duty to find out whether I do my duty as a member or not; whether I teach my children the principles of the Gospel, and pay my tithing, and attend to my family and my secret prayers." The more men know about the Priesthood of God, the more they respect it. I say to the people, seek unto the Priesthood of God, and let wizards, necromancers, hypnotists, spiritualists and all such things alone; for within the Church of God there is all sufficient for our salvation in this life and our exaltation in the life to come. God bless you. Amen.
The choir sang, "Rouse, all ye mortals."
Benediction by Presiding Patriarch John Smith.
THIRD DAY. IN THE TABERNACLE. MONDAY, OCT. 6, 10 A. M.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins:
Do what is right; the day dawn la breaking.
Hailing a future of freedom and light.
Angels above us are silent notes taking
Of every action; do what is right!
Opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph E. Taylor, counselor in the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake.
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.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins:
Do what is right; the day dawn la breaking.
Hailing a future of freedom and light.
Angels above us are silent notes taking
Of every action; do what is right!
Opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph E. Taylor, counselor in the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake.
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.
ELDER MARRINER W. MERRILL.
Remarkable development of the Lord's work—The elements tempered, and the land blessed — Continued Improvement essential — Importance of the teacher's calling—Evils of debt and mortgages.
The meetings of the conference thus far have been very interesting to me. I have listened with a great deal of interest to the reports of the presidents of missions and presidents of the Stakes of Zion. We are here, my brethren and sisters, to be fed spiritually, and to be instructed with regard to our temporal duties. Thus far, I think, we have all been satisfied with the things that we have heard and the spirit that has been manifest. Indeed we may say we have had a refreshing from the Lord. We have been benefited and profited by the various subjects that have been treated upon. How vast is the work of the Lord! And how it is increasing and spreading abroad, notwithstanding the difficulties that have been thrown in the way! When we look back, say 50 years (there are many here, I suppose, that can remember 50 years back,) and observe the progress that has been made in 50 years, it is wonderful to contemplate. While in that time twenty of our Apostles and Presidents of the Church have passed to the other side, yet we see today the Church is stronger and the people are more numerous than ever before. There is more interest manifested in the forwarding of this work in the earth, than ever before in our history. Thus we see the hand of the Lord manifest towards this people in their growth and development in the earth. What will be the growth and development in fifty more years? No doubt there are people here that will live to see fifty more years, and the work being developed fifty years hence.
We have great cause to give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for His goodness unto us, and for His mercy in tempering the elements in these high mountain valleys. I can well remember when it was said that certain valleys in these mountains would not produce the cereals of the earth, because of their altitude and the frosts; but this saving has been brought to naught. I remember very distinctly going with President Young on his first trip into the Bear Lake Valley. A number in the company, after we arrived there and camped, predicted that there never would be any grain raised in Bear Lake Valley, because it was too cold. But we find that the Lord tempered the elements. I remember what President Young told them in the first meeting. He said, "You have come here to a cold, high valley; but if you will stay here and be contented, and serve the Lord, you will get rich." He assured them that they would be able to raise grain; but if you cannot raise grain, said he, you can raise hops, and get rich raising hops. We find that the elements have been tempered in all the high valleys. In Cache valley we all huddled together, you know, on the low lands. I remember President Kimball saying one time when he was there that the day would come when we would want to crowd up toward the mountains, and cultivate the land on the high benches. That saying is verified today. Go into Cache valley and you can see the valley cultivated in places almost to the top of the mountains, while the lower part of the valley is abandoned to grass.
The Lord has been with His people. He has been with His servants. And it has seemed to me, in watching the progress of the work of the Lord, as if every administration that we have had was a little stronger than the previous one: but perhaps that is not the case. It may only be that in the development of the work of the Lord new things have arisen. The Lord did not promise He would reveal everything at once. He said He would give line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and as the work of the Lord develops new features are brought before the people. Things are revealed from time to time that were not necessary half a century ago.
Now, taking into consideration om condition and our circumstances, is there yet room for improvement among the Latter-day Saints? Notwithstanding the good reports that we hear from the various Stakes of Zion, let me ask, is there yet a chance for improvement in the Church of Christ? Why, there certainly is. We have not all come to the unity of the faith yet. We have not all come to a perfect understanding of the Gospel. We learn a little today and a little tomorrow, advance step by step and keep learning a little more about the work of God.
The Lord has given unto His people a perfect organization, such as is not found anywhere else in the world. It was reported by somebody since the conference commenced that there were no poor in one of the Stakes of Zion. When I heard that, I thought to myself that that Stake was in rather a bad condition. The Savior said, The poor ye have always with you. My experience in the Church has taught me that if no poor are found it is because a thorough search has not been made in the Stake; for I believe there are poor in all the Stakes of Zion. There is a certain class of people amongst us that won’t make their wants known. They will suffer, and suffer a great deal, before they will let their neighbors know their condition. I have acted as a Bishop for eighteen years in the Church, and I have found in my administration that there are cases of this kind, where people will not reveal their condition. Such people have to be hunted for; and then looked after, by the Priests, or by the Teachers, or by somebody, in order that their circumstances may be made known. I will guarantee if all the Stakes of Zion were searched carefully it would be found that there are poor everywhere; not so extensively perhaps in some Stakes as in others, but there are poor. The organization that the Lord has given us suits the condition of every member of the Church, and also the condition of non-members of the Church, because they, living among- us, are to be cared for, are to be looked after, and treated kindly.
I fear there is a lack, my brethren and sisters, with regard to the labors of the Lesser Priesthood. I fear this because I know from experience that it requires a constant labor and a constant watchcare on the part of the Bishop to keep the Lesser Priesthood in good working order. Now, every family in the Church, and every family in the district, whether they are in the Church or not, ought to be visited. They are the Lord's children, and they ought to be looked after. They ought to be visited at least once a month. Can we Bishops or Presidents of Stakes say, and say truthfully, that the flock over which the Lord has appointed us to preside is visited, cared for, looked after and provided for. If we can, then we are in a happy condition, and we are doing just what the Lord wants us to do. But if we fail in this important matter, then it is time for us to consider, to counsel together as the Priesthood, as a quorum of the Priesthood, and see wherein we can make our labor more valuable and more profitable to the Latter-day Saints. The Teachers, you know, have general jurisdiction. The office of a Teacher is an important one in the Church. I remember once going as a Teacher into the family of President Kimball, and President Kimball was there. Of course, being a boy, I felt bashful, and very diffident in talking in the home of one of the Presidency of the Church; but it was not long before President Kimball made me feel perfectly at home, to talk there just as I would to anyone else, because of the spirit and kindness he manifested. He says, "I want you to preach the Gospel to my family. If you see anything out of order, I want you to tell them about it; whether it be indoors or out-of-doors, tell them about it; advise with them about it, counsel with them about it." Now, that has always been a lesson to me. I have always remembered it. The Teachers should advise with the people in regard to their interests. Not that they should have one simple routine of questions to ask in every family; that is not necessary, and the Lord will not lead you that way either; but He will lead you to say such things in each family as shall be suitable and proper. The Lord will be with ever> Teacher if he is humble and prayerful. Now, I conclude, from my own experience, that the very best thing in the world for the Teacher to do before he goes out, is to go off into a secret place, and tell the Lord he is going out in fulfilment of his duty, to labor as a minister of the Gospel among the people. If you will do this in humility, the Lord will be with you and direct you in your labors. Now, do not miss anybody in your travels. Do not be in such a hurry that the most remote family in the district may not be visited and looked after. You may feel in your hearts that those people are no good, that they are not worthy, that they won’t receive you kindly, and so on; but there may be children there, on whom your influence may have great effect, and you cannot afford to neglect them. We cannot afford to neglect our duty to these people. Now, these things apply to the Presidency of the Stake as well as to the Bishopric.
There is one very good thing that the Teachers might talk to the people about, and that is with regard to going in debt. Some of our people have had a great desire to go in debt, perhaps for the purpose of making as good a show as their neighbors. In my opinion, the time has come when we should desist from "going into debt. We should not mortgage our homes. This is a subject that I certainly think the Teachers should talk about. I hope that it may be said from this time on that the Latter- day Saints will not mortgage their realty, their homes, their chattels, or anything they have. Under some circumstances it may be a necessity; but as a rule it is a bad thing, and we ought to quit it. I have seen people turned out of their homes, owing the mortgage being foreclosed. They have had to let it go for half its value, because it is seldom you can borrow on a piece of property the full value of it, and in that way their hard earning? are dissipated. Do not mortgage your homes. There was a time when there were no mortgages in all Utah; but it is not so today. I do not suppose there is a Stake of Zion that is now free from it. It is time, therefore, that we began to seriously consider our condition, and cease going in debt. Let us pay off our mortgages and our obligations as fast as possible; and the quickest and easiest way to do it is for every man to pay his tithing and offerings to the Lord. For everything belongs to the Lord, and He has made us stewards over what He has placed in our hands. Then let us pay our obligations to the Lord, no matter what our neighbor may say about it. Every man in the Church should pay his tithing, and pay it when he has it. Do not put off paying the tithing on your summer's wage until the fall, because that is not a good way. When you receive your monthly salary, pay your tithing right at the time; and do the same with whatever you get from any source. If you will do this, the Lord will open up your way and help you out of debt. Let us make a resolve not to go in debt any more, and the Lord will assist us to carry it out. We not only want to get out of debt ourselves, but we want to see the Church out of debt, so that the hands of the Presidency may be so liberated that they can use whatever means are necessary for the development of the work of the Lord and the building up of Zion. If we had in our possession today the interest that we have paid on outside capital, it would help us considerably. Another thing: Let us not make too many demands upon the Presidency of the Church. The Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of wards are continually asking the Church to help them for one purpose or another. Bless your soul, the Presidency of the Church would be willing to help everybody if they had it in their power; but it is not in their power at present. Therefore, if we have a meetinghouse to build, let us go to and build it without asking aid from the Church. If we could utilize the labor that is wasted in all the Stakes of Zion, we could build all the meeting- -houses we need. You brethren that need meetinghouses in your wards and stakes, try and utilize that labor in the building of them. I know by experience that this can be done. Then you will not have to ask the Church for anything.
These are some of the details that affect us in our wards and stakes. It would be a good thing for the Bishop and Presidents to make a note of what is said by the speakers, and wherein the remarks fit their circumstances, apply them. We are gathered from all parts to get information and instruction, and let us not pass these things by without giving heed to their.
I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that this is the work of the Lord It has done my soul good to hear the brethren testify that they knew this was the work of God. It is not our work, but the Lord has given us the privilege to take part in it. Joseph Smith, the great prophet of the last dispensation, has a watchcare over as today, just as he had while he was on the earth; and he is not so very far off, either. The Prophet Brigham also, and the other leaders of Israel who have gone to the other side, are watching over the people of God; and let us not feel that they are away, beyond the bounds of time and space, because they are not very far away. This is the work of God. Joseph was a great prophet. He ushered in this dispensation of the fulness of times, and it is gradually going forward. It has spread abroad upon the mountains and in the valleys, and will continue to do so. God will build up His kingdom and sustain His servants. Let us see to it that we are not found complaining or faultfinding, but let it be said of us that we have sustained the work of God and our brethren. God bless you, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Remarkable development of the Lord's work—The elements tempered, and the land blessed — Continued Improvement essential — Importance of the teacher's calling—Evils of debt and mortgages.
The meetings of the conference thus far have been very interesting to me. I have listened with a great deal of interest to the reports of the presidents of missions and presidents of the Stakes of Zion. We are here, my brethren and sisters, to be fed spiritually, and to be instructed with regard to our temporal duties. Thus far, I think, we have all been satisfied with the things that we have heard and the spirit that has been manifest. Indeed we may say we have had a refreshing from the Lord. We have been benefited and profited by the various subjects that have been treated upon. How vast is the work of the Lord! And how it is increasing and spreading abroad, notwithstanding the difficulties that have been thrown in the way! When we look back, say 50 years (there are many here, I suppose, that can remember 50 years back,) and observe the progress that has been made in 50 years, it is wonderful to contemplate. While in that time twenty of our Apostles and Presidents of the Church have passed to the other side, yet we see today the Church is stronger and the people are more numerous than ever before. There is more interest manifested in the forwarding of this work in the earth, than ever before in our history. Thus we see the hand of the Lord manifest towards this people in their growth and development in the earth. What will be the growth and development in fifty more years? No doubt there are people here that will live to see fifty more years, and the work being developed fifty years hence.
We have great cause to give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for His goodness unto us, and for His mercy in tempering the elements in these high mountain valleys. I can well remember when it was said that certain valleys in these mountains would not produce the cereals of the earth, because of their altitude and the frosts; but this saving has been brought to naught. I remember very distinctly going with President Young on his first trip into the Bear Lake Valley. A number in the company, after we arrived there and camped, predicted that there never would be any grain raised in Bear Lake Valley, because it was too cold. But we find that the Lord tempered the elements. I remember what President Young told them in the first meeting. He said, "You have come here to a cold, high valley; but if you will stay here and be contented, and serve the Lord, you will get rich." He assured them that they would be able to raise grain; but if you cannot raise grain, said he, you can raise hops, and get rich raising hops. We find that the elements have been tempered in all the high valleys. In Cache valley we all huddled together, you know, on the low lands. I remember President Kimball saying one time when he was there that the day would come when we would want to crowd up toward the mountains, and cultivate the land on the high benches. That saying is verified today. Go into Cache valley and you can see the valley cultivated in places almost to the top of the mountains, while the lower part of the valley is abandoned to grass.
The Lord has been with His people. He has been with His servants. And it has seemed to me, in watching the progress of the work of the Lord, as if every administration that we have had was a little stronger than the previous one: but perhaps that is not the case. It may only be that in the development of the work of the Lord new things have arisen. The Lord did not promise He would reveal everything at once. He said He would give line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and as the work of the Lord develops new features are brought before the people. Things are revealed from time to time that were not necessary half a century ago.
Now, taking into consideration om condition and our circumstances, is there yet room for improvement among the Latter-day Saints? Notwithstanding the good reports that we hear from the various Stakes of Zion, let me ask, is there yet a chance for improvement in the Church of Christ? Why, there certainly is. We have not all come to the unity of the faith yet. We have not all come to a perfect understanding of the Gospel. We learn a little today and a little tomorrow, advance step by step and keep learning a little more about the work of God.
The Lord has given unto His people a perfect organization, such as is not found anywhere else in the world. It was reported by somebody since the conference commenced that there were no poor in one of the Stakes of Zion. When I heard that, I thought to myself that that Stake was in rather a bad condition. The Savior said, The poor ye have always with you. My experience in the Church has taught me that if no poor are found it is because a thorough search has not been made in the Stake; for I believe there are poor in all the Stakes of Zion. There is a certain class of people amongst us that won’t make their wants known. They will suffer, and suffer a great deal, before they will let their neighbors know their condition. I have acted as a Bishop for eighteen years in the Church, and I have found in my administration that there are cases of this kind, where people will not reveal their condition. Such people have to be hunted for; and then looked after, by the Priests, or by the Teachers, or by somebody, in order that their circumstances may be made known. I will guarantee if all the Stakes of Zion were searched carefully it would be found that there are poor everywhere; not so extensively perhaps in some Stakes as in others, but there are poor. The organization that the Lord has given us suits the condition of every member of the Church, and also the condition of non-members of the Church, because they, living among- us, are to be cared for, are to be looked after, and treated kindly.
I fear there is a lack, my brethren and sisters, with regard to the labors of the Lesser Priesthood. I fear this because I know from experience that it requires a constant labor and a constant watchcare on the part of the Bishop to keep the Lesser Priesthood in good working order. Now, every family in the Church, and every family in the district, whether they are in the Church or not, ought to be visited. They are the Lord's children, and they ought to be looked after. They ought to be visited at least once a month. Can we Bishops or Presidents of Stakes say, and say truthfully, that the flock over which the Lord has appointed us to preside is visited, cared for, looked after and provided for. If we can, then we are in a happy condition, and we are doing just what the Lord wants us to do. But if we fail in this important matter, then it is time for us to consider, to counsel together as the Priesthood, as a quorum of the Priesthood, and see wherein we can make our labor more valuable and more profitable to the Latter-day Saints. The Teachers, you know, have general jurisdiction. The office of a Teacher is an important one in the Church. I remember once going as a Teacher into the family of President Kimball, and President Kimball was there. Of course, being a boy, I felt bashful, and very diffident in talking in the home of one of the Presidency of the Church; but it was not long before President Kimball made me feel perfectly at home, to talk there just as I would to anyone else, because of the spirit and kindness he manifested. He says, "I want you to preach the Gospel to my family. If you see anything out of order, I want you to tell them about it; whether it be indoors or out-of-doors, tell them about it; advise with them about it, counsel with them about it." Now, that has always been a lesson to me. I have always remembered it. The Teachers should advise with the people in regard to their interests. Not that they should have one simple routine of questions to ask in every family; that is not necessary, and the Lord will not lead you that way either; but He will lead you to say such things in each family as shall be suitable and proper. The Lord will be with ever> Teacher if he is humble and prayerful. Now, I conclude, from my own experience, that the very best thing in the world for the Teacher to do before he goes out, is to go off into a secret place, and tell the Lord he is going out in fulfilment of his duty, to labor as a minister of the Gospel among the people. If you will do this in humility, the Lord will be with you and direct you in your labors. Now, do not miss anybody in your travels. Do not be in such a hurry that the most remote family in the district may not be visited and looked after. You may feel in your hearts that those people are no good, that they are not worthy, that they won’t receive you kindly, and so on; but there may be children there, on whom your influence may have great effect, and you cannot afford to neglect them. We cannot afford to neglect our duty to these people. Now, these things apply to the Presidency of the Stake as well as to the Bishopric.
There is one very good thing that the Teachers might talk to the people about, and that is with regard to going in debt. Some of our people have had a great desire to go in debt, perhaps for the purpose of making as good a show as their neighbors. In my opinion, the time has come when we should desist from "going into debt. We should not mortgage our homes. This is a subject that I certainly think the Teachers should talk about. I hope that it may be said from this time on that the Latter- day Saints will not mortgage their realty, their homes, their chattels, or anything they have. Under some circumstances it may be a necessity; but as a rule it is a bad thing, and we ought to quit it. I have seen people turned out of their homes, owing the mortgage being foreclosed. They have had to let it go for half its value, because it is seldom you can borrow on a piece of property the full value of it, and in that way their hard earning? are dissipated. Do not mortgage your homes. There was a time when there were no mortgages in all Utah; but it is not so today. I do not suppose there is a Stake of Zion that is now free from it. It is time, therefore, that we began to seriously consider our condition, and cease going in debt. Let us pay off our mortgages and our obligations as fast as possible; and the quickest and easiest way to do it is for every man to pay his tithing and offerings to the Lord. For everything belongs to the Lord, and He has made us stewards over what He has placed in our hands. Then let us pay our obligations to the Lord, no matter what our neighbor may say about it. Every man in the Church should pay his tithing, and pay it when he has it. Do not put off paying the tithing on your summer's wage until the fall, because that is not a good way. When you receive your monthly salary, pay your tithing right at the time; and do the same with whatever you get from any source. If you will do this, the Lord will open up your way and help you out of debt. Let us make a resolve not to go in debt any more, and the Lord will assist us to carry it out. We not only want to get out of debt ourselves, but we want to see the Church out of debt, so that the hands of the Presidency may be so liberated that they can use whatever means are necessary for the development of the work of the Lord and the building up of Zion. If we had in our possession today the interest that we have paid on outside capital, it would help us considerably. Another thing: Let us not make too many demands upon the Presidency of the Church. The Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of wards are continually asking the Church to help them for one purpose or another. Bless your soul, the Presidency of the Church would be willing to help everybody if they had it in their power; but it is not in their power at present. Therefore, if we have a meetinghouse to build, let us go to and build it without asking aid from the Church. If we could utilize the labor that is wasted in all the Stakes of Zion, we could build all the meeting- -houses we need. You brethren that need meetinghouses in your wards and stakes, try and utilize that labor in the building of them. I know by experience that this can be done. Then you will not have to ask the Church for anything.
These are some of the details that affect us in our wards and stakes. It would be a good thing for the Bishop and Presidents to make a note of what is said by the speakers, and wherein the remarks fit their circumstances, apply them. We are gathered from all parts to get information and instruction, and let us not pass these things by without giving heed to their.
I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that this is the work of the Lord It has done my soul good to hear the brethren testify that they knew this was the work of God. It is not our work, but the Lord has given us the privilege to take part in it. Joseph Smith, the great prophet of the last dispensation, has a watchcare over as today, just as he had while he was on the earth; and he is not so very far off, either. The Prophet Brigham also, and the other leaders of Israel who have gone to the other side, are watching over the people of God; and let us not feel that they are away, beyond the bounds of time and space, because they are not very far away. This is the work of God. Joseph was a great prophet. He ushered in this dispensation of the fulness of times, and it is gradually going forward. It has spread abroad upon the mountains and in the valleys, and will continue to do so. God will build up His kingdom and sustain His servants. Let us see to it that we are not found complaining or faultfinding, but let it be said of us that we have sustained the work of God and our brethren. God bless you, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER DAVID K. UDALL,
(President of St. Johns Stake.)
I desire the faith and prayers of my brethren and sisters the short time that I may stand before you. I am not like President Andrew Kimball, acquainted with every nook and corner of this beautiful city of yours. It is a revelation to me to behold what is to be seen in these lovely valleys of the mountains. It has not been my good fortune to be associated intimately with the leading authorities of the Church, only when they have visited our country. For twenty-seven years I have been engaged in looking after the interests of the Latter-day Saints in different parts of the Lord's vineyard. It has been my lot to be on the frontiers, and to assist in building up the waste places of Zion. I have rejoiced in this labor, and have seen the power of God made manifest on many occasions in the support and succor that has come to the Latter-day Saints in the establishment of new colonies. I rejoice exceedingly in the testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this is the work of God. I have known for many years that those who led the Church were inspired of the Almighty. I can remember, in the days of my childhood, when the little children went out to greet President Brigham Young as he passed through the settlements of the Saints. I recollect how my heart leaped with joy and satisfaction in seeing this great man and in listening to his words and the words of those who accompanied him on those noted trips. In my ministry among the people I have rejoiced in the teachings and the words of encouragement that have come from the leaders of the Church, and I bear my testimony today that the men who lead Israel are men of God, who have had and do have the power and the inspiration to lead this people successfully, if we will adhere to their instructions.
I have had great pleasure in my labors in the St. Johns Stake of Zion. "We do not raise these wonderful sweet potatoes that President Kimball referred to; but I will tell you what we do have, as no doubt President Kimball has in his Stake: we have a choice people in that land, who are trying to serve God. As an evidence of this, we discover in all the wards a desire on the part of the Bishops and the Saints generally to keep up the organizations that have been established for the welfare of the people. We are at peace with our neighbors. We have the Navajos on one side of us, and the Apaches on the other; and in some places where our people reside there are Pueblo Indians. We are at peace with these people. We are at peace with the territory of Arizona, and I was very thankful to listen to the remarks of President Kimball yesterday in regard to our treatment there. I think it is due the people and officials of the territory that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should understand that we are treated nicely and kindly in the country in which we live. The conditions surrounding us in the St. Johns Stake are rather peculiar. We live in a section of country where we are not favored with a railroad passing through any of our settlements, nor a telegraph line. Whether these things are a blessing or not is not for me to say, but we miss these opportunities of the age. We rejoice, however, that we have the same' privileges in the Gospel that you have who are more favored in these other regards. We have a people free from mortgages. I do not believe there is a single home belonging to the Latter-day Saints in that Stake of Zion that is under mortgage. Every meetinghouse, every schoolhouse, our Academy building, and all our public property, is free of debt; and though we are poor, we rejoice in that freedom. In our farming we depend almost entirely upon reservoirs. If my memory serves me right in the eight wards of that Stake we have fourteen reservoirs, constructed by the united labor of the people. With a population of about 1,500 in the Stake, we have expended in the neighborhood of $80,000 in the building of reservoirs, and we do not owe anything for them.
I am happy, my brethren and sisters, in having the privilege occasionally to come and visit with you and to attend the general conferences. I pray God to continue to bless and prosper His people. There is one thing comes to my mind that I will refer to. We have been very much exercised in our part of the country over our financial conditions. The young men and many of the fathers and husbands are under the necessity of leaving their homes to find employment, so that they may support their families in these dry times that we are passing through. The thought has occurred to us many times that if we could put forth the same energy and union in this direction that we manifest in keeping up the organization of the Church, it would not be necessary for us to leave home to find employment. I look forward to the time when in every village and city throughout the land where the people of God dwell, there will he industrial establishments, where our young people will he taught to work in wood and iron, etc., and by means of which we will be able to produce all that is necessary for our support. How is it today? We bring in from abroad that which we wear, and that which we eat in some localities. Nearly everything that we need has to be imported; at least, that has been the case with us for some years past, in consequence of the drouth. How it is that we can live and maintain this drain upon the people is a mystery to me. It certainly is an evidence that God is watching over us. In many of our homes we see the motto, "God will provide," and He, surely has provided for the colonies of the Latter-day Saints on the outskirts. I bear testimony to this today. God bless this people and the leaders of Israel, and may we be faithful and true to them, as they are true and faithful to the Church of Christ.is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of St. Johns Stake.)
I desire the faith and prayers of my brethren and sisters the short time that I may stand before you. I am not like President Andrew Kimball, acquainted with every nook and corner of this beautiful city of yours. It is a revelation to me to behold what is to be seen in these lovely valleys of the mountains. It has not been my good fortune to be associated intimately with the leading authorities of the Church, only when they have visited our country. For twenty-seven years I have been engaged in looking after the interests of the Latter-day Saints in different parts of the Lord's vineyard. It has been my lot to be on the frontiers, and to assist in building up the waste places of Zion. I have rejoiced in this labor, and have seen the power of God made manifest on many occasions in the support and succor that has come to the Latter-day Saints in the establishment of new colonies. I rejoice exceedingly in the testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this is the work of God. I have known for many years that those who led the Church were inspired of the Almighty. I can remember, in the days of my childhood, when the little children went out to greet President Brigham Young as he passed through the settlements of the Saints. I recollect how my heart leaped with joy and satisfaction in seeing this great man and in listening to his words and the words of those who accompanied him on those noted trips. In my ministry among the people I have rejoiced in the teachings and the words of encouragement that have come from the leaders of the Church, and I bear my testimony today that the men who lead Israel are men of God, who have had and do have the power and the inspiration to lead this people successfully, if we will adhere to their instructions.
I have had great pleasure in my labors in the St. Johns Stake of Zion. "We do not raise these wonderful sweet potatoes that President Kimball referred to; but I will tell you what we do have, as no doubt President Kimball has in his Stake: we have a choice people in that land, who are trying to serve God. As an evidence of this, we discover in all the wards a desire on the part of the Bishops and the Saints generally to keep up the organizations that have been established for the welfare of the people. We are at peace with our neighbors. We have the Navajos on one side of us, and the Apaches on the other; and in some places where our people reside there are Pueblo Indians. We are at peace with these people. We are at peace with the territory of Arizona, and I was very thankful to listen to the remarks of President Kimball yesterday in regard to our treatment there. I think it is due the people and officials of the territory that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should understand that we are treated nicely and kindly in the country in which we live. The conditions surrounding us in the St. Johns Stake are rather peculiar. We live in a section of country where we are not favored with a railroad passing through any of our settlements, nor a telegraph line. Whether these things are a blessing or not is not for me to say, but we miss these opportunities of the age. We rejoice, however, that we have the same' privileges in the Gospel that you have who are more favored in these other regards. We have a people free from mortgages. I do not believe there is a single home belonging to the Latter-day Saints in that Stake of Zion that is under mortgage. Every meetinghouse, every schoolhouse, our Academy building, and all our public property, is free of debt; and though we are poor, we rejoice in that freedom. In our farming we depend almost entirely upon reservoirs. If my memory serves me right in the eight wards of that Stake we have fourteen reservoirs, constructed by the united labor of the people. With a population of about 1,500 in the Stake, we have expended in the neighborhood of $80,000 in the building of reservoirs, and we do not owe anything for them.
I am happy, my brethren and sisters, in having the privilege occasionally to come and visit with you and to attend the general conferences. I pray God to continue to bless and prosper His people. There is one thing comes to my mind that I will refer to. We have been very much exercised in our part of the country over our financial conditions. The young men and many of the fathers and husbands are under the necessity of leaving their homes to find employment, so that they may support their families in these dry times that we are passing through. The thought has occurred to us many times that if we could put forth the same energy and union in this direction that we manifest in keeping up the organization of the Church, it would not be necessary for us to leave home to find employment. I look forward to the time when in every village and city throughout the land where the people of God dwell, there will he industrial establishments, where our young people will he taught to work in wood and iron, etc., and by means of which we will be able to produce all that is necessary for our support. How is it today? We bring in from abroad that which we wear, and that which we eat in some localities. Nearly everything that we need has to be imported; at least, that has been the case with us for some years past, in consequence of the drouth. How it is that we can live and maintain this drain upon the people is a mystery to me. It certainly is an evidence that God is watching over us. In many of our homes we see the motto, "God will provide," and He, surely has provided for the colonies of the Latter-day Saints on the outskirts. I bear testimony to this today. God bless this people and the leaders of Israel, and may we be faithful and true to them, as they are true and faithful to the Church of Christ.is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JESSE W. CROSBY,
(Of the Presidency of Big Horn Stake.)
In standing before you this morning and representing the Big Horn Stake of Zion—a new stake that has been organized in Wyoming—and in listening to the reports of the different missions and stakes, I feel that we still belong to Zion. The people of our stake have come from various parts; some from almost every county in Utah, some from Idaho, some from Canada, some from Mexico. They have formed themselves into a body of people there that are known and recognized as Latter-day Saints. To us who have gone there it has been a land of promise, and our gathering is a fulfillment of prophecy; for it was prophesied many years ago that the Saints would locate in the Big Horn basin and become a flourishing people. President Young prophesied in regard to this, as did Jesse W. Fox, the well known surveyor, who went into that locality and discovered its resources. We believe that the Lord has held in reserve portions of that country for His people.
I do not think it necessary to say much about our country; in the due time of the Lord it will speak for itself. When compared with many places that the Saints have located in, it is certainly a goodly land. The Lord has heard and answered the prayers of His people there, and the success that has attended our labors has been marvelous to us, as well as to those who have watched our operations. Quite a number of eastern people have tried to colonize in that land, but have been unsuccessful in taking out the water. They have had to concede that the Latter-day Saints are natural colonizers, because of the union that exists among them. In a little over two years we have opened a number of canals, our biggest canal being thirty-three miles long, and costing nearly $100,000.00. The water was taken out this year, going the full length of the ditch, and on the 23rd of June we commenced irrigating, and have produced some crops. This will show what can be done on that soil.
We have friends in that land. The governor of the state has been watching very carefully what the Latter-day- Saints were capable of doing. He says he has watched us with more than personal interest, so that he might see what could be done to make some of that desert land fruitful. Since we commenced operations, companies from the east and the west have started to taking out canals. The officials of the state of Wyoming are treating us with all the courtesy that we could ask. We have come to regard Governor Richards as being unto us like Joseph was in Egypt, and we feel very grateful to him.
Many of those who have gone into the Big Horn country are poor people. They had more labor than they could utilize where they were living, the water resources being limited, and they either had to work for someone else or go without employment. They are now working for themselves, opening up farms and making homes. About two years ago we discovered that we were going to be short of provisions, many people having come in without sufficient to hold out until they could raise something. The situation seemed somewhat serious; but the Lord opened the way, in answer to fasting and prayer. The Burlington railroad officials offered us contracts on their road, which we accepted; and after fulfilling the contracts we received our money, and utilized it to the very best advantage.
The people, I believe, are trying hard to make it a land of Zion, by keeping the commandments of the Lord thereon. We have a God-fearing people there, who are trying with all their hearts to serve God, and to make the land a place that the Lord will delight to bless because of the faithfulness of those who dwell there.
May God bless Israel, and all who write and speak in favor of Zion, is the prayer of your humble servant, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(Of the Presidency of Big Horn Stake.)
In standing before you this morning and representing the Big Horn Stake of Zion—a new stake that has been organized in Wyoming—and in listening to the reports of the different missions and stakes, I feel that we still belong to Zion. The people of our stake have come from various parts; some from almost every county in Utah, some from Idaho, some from Canada, some from Mexico. They have formed themselves into a body of people there that are known and recognized as Latter-day Saints. To us who have gone there it has been a land of promise, and our gathering is a fulfillment of prophecy; for it was prophesied many years ago that the Saints would locate in the Big Horn basin and become a flourishing people. President Young prophesied in regard to this, as did Jesse W. Fox, the well known surveyor, who went into that locality and discovered its resources. We believe that the Lord has held in reserve portions of that country for His people.
I do not think it necessary to say much about our country; in the due time of the Lord it will speak for itself. When compared with many places that the Saints have located in, it is certainly a goodly land. The Lord has heard and answered the prayers of His people there, and the success that has attended our labors has been marvelous to us, as well as to those who have watched our operations. Quite a number of eastern people have tried to colonize in that land, but have been unsuccessful in taking out the water. They have had to concede that the Latter-day Saints are natural colonizers, because of the union that exists among them. In a little over two years we have opened a number of canals, our biggest canal being thirty-three miles long, and costing nearly $100,000.00. The water was taken out this year, going the full length of the ditch, and on the 23rd of June we commenced irrigating, and have produced some crops. This will show what can be done on that soil.
We have friends in that land. The governor of the state has been watching very carefully what the Latter-day- Saints were capable of doing. He says he has watched us with more than personal interest, so that he might see what could be done to make some of that desert land fruitful. Since we commenced operations, companies from the east and the west have started to taking out canals. The officials of the state of Wyoming are treating us with all the courtesy that we could ask. We have come to regard Governor Richards as being unto us like Joseph was in Egypt, and we feel very grateful to him.
Many of those who have gone into the Big Horn country are poor people. They had more labor than they could utilize where they were living, the water resources being limited, and they either had to work for someone else or go without employment. They are now working for themselves, opening up farms and making homes. About two years ago we discovered that we were going to be short of provisions, many people having come in without sufficient to hold out until they could raise something. The situation seemed somewhat serious; but the Lord opened the way, in answer to fasting and prayer. The Burlington railroad officials offered us contracts on their road, which we accepted; and after fulfilling the contracts we received our money, and utilized it to the very best advantage.
The people, I believe, are trying hard to make it a land of Zion, by keeping the commandments of the Lord thereon. We have a God-fearing people there, who are trying with all their hearts to serve God, and to make the land a place that the Lord will delight to bless because of the faithfulness of those who dwell there.
May God bless Israel, and all who write and speak in favor of Zion, is the prayer of your humble servant, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER STEPHEN L. CHIPMAN
(President of Alpine Stake).
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice in the privilege that I have of meeting with the Saints at the Conference of the Church, to receive the instructions which come from the leading brethren of the Church. I never come to these Conference meetings without being fed with the bread of life. I have shown to me many places in my character that are weak, and when I depart from the Conference I feel strengthened in my faith and in my determination to go forth among the people and, if possible, make a greater effort to accomplish good. I have rejoiced in the testimonies that have been borne by my brethren. I have been exceedingly grateful and satisfied in my feelings with the manner in which these meetings have been conducted, wherein we have had the privilege of listening to our brethren from far and near bear their testimony and tell of their work among the people.
I have pleasure in reporting the Alpine Stake of Zion, which is located in the north end of Utah county. It comprises ten wards and four branches. The largest ward numbers about three thousand souls; the smallest about two hundred and fifty souls. In the ten wards there are now being erected seven meetinghouses, one of which you might term a magnificent tabernacle, which will cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 or $60,000. About two weeks ago we called the Bishops and the High Council of the Stake together and conversed with them upon the condition of their wards, and we found the spirit of harmony existing among them. On the following evening we called together all the authorities of the Stake, and from them we also learned that the spirit of harmony and good feeling prevailed in their midst and with the people they are presiding over. The presidency of the Stake are united; the High Council are united. We can testify that there is a good feeling prevailing in the Alpine Stake. In spite of the outlay of means in the erection of these meetinghouses, we are pleased to state that last year the people did not fall behind in their tithes and offerings. All the organizations of our Stake kept a record of their doings for the year 1901, upon loose leaves which were given to them for that purpose. These leaves were handed in at the end of the year and have been compiled and bound in one record, so that we have the records of the different organizations, together with the minutes of the presidency of the Stake, all in one volume. The presidency of the Stake meet every week, to talk and plan for the welfare of the people. We have counseled our Bishops to do likewise, as well as the presiding officers in the various organizations. We have secured individual tithing cards for every member who paid tithing in our Stake last year, which have been given to the Bishops to present to each tithe-payer. The card has on it the amount of tithing that the individual paid last year, and it contains space for the recording of his or her tithing for twenty years. We keep duplicates of these cards at our office. From the testimony of the Bishops we believe that this will result in good. Only this morning one of the Bishops reported to us that in delivering a card, the brother receiving it said he felt ashamed of the tithing that he had paid, and he has already paid a great deal more tithing this year than he paid during the whole of last year. The people are instructed to bring these tithing cards at the time of settlement, so that what they have paid during the year may be placed on them.
We know that our labors among the people are appreciated, from the fact that they are carrying out the instructions which we have given them. We know that the gifts of the Gospel are among the people as they were anciently. Not long since one of our members met with an accident in the little city of Alpine. A large hayfork ran in his body at the shoulder to a depth of fifteen inches. The physicians were called in to dress the wound, and they declared that his chances for living were very slim. His mother received a testimony at that time that he would live, and therefore told them that he would not die. The Elders were called in to administer to him, and in about two weeks the young man was out upon the streets, and is living today. There was another brother, who came to us to receive a blessing for his speech. He was of a stammering tongue. Before he went on a mission to which he had been called, he received a blessing at the hands of the presidency of the Stake, and word comes to us that he has been wonderfully blessed so that he is able to speak to the people in plainness and without difficulty. We have the spirit of prophecy, the gift of tongues, the gift of revelation and of great wisdom in our Stake, and we feel to rejoice that these blessings are with the people today as they were anciently. We also can testify that we know the Gospel is true, and that the men whom God has called to lead in the affairs of the Church are men of God. The teachings they give us are true and timely. If we live up to them, they build us up in our faith and make us better men and women.
I pray that the Lord will bless us in our labors, and help us to magnify our callings, that our faith in Him may be increased, that our testimonies may be added upon, and that we may have strength and courage to perform every duty required at our hands, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Alpine Stake).
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice in the privilege that I have of meeting with the Saints at the Conference of the Church, to receive the instructions which come from the leading brethren of the Church. I never come to these Conference meetings without being fed with the bread of life. I have shown to me many places in my character that are weak, and when I depart from the Conference I feel strengthened in my faith and in my determination to go forth among the people and, if possible, make a greater effort to accomplish good. I have rejoiced in the testimonies that have been borne by my brethren. I have been exceedingly grateful and satisfied in my feelings with the manner in which these meetings have been conducted, wherein we have had the privilege of listening to our brethren from far and near bear their testimony and tell of their work among the people.
I have pleasure in reporting the Alpine Stake of Zion, which is located in the north end of Utah county. It comprises ten wards and four branches. The largest ward numbers about three thousand souls; the smallest about two hundred and fifty souls. In the ten wards there are now being erected seven meetinghouses, one of which you might term a magnificent tabernacle, which will cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 or $60,000. About two weeks ago we called the Bishops and the High Council of the Stake together and conversed with them upon the condition of their wards, and we found the spirit of harmony existing among them. On the following evening we called together all the authorities of the Stake, and from them we also learned that the spirit of harmony and good feeling prevailed in their midst and with the people they are presiding over. The presidency of the Stake are united; the High Council are united. We can testify that there is a good feeling prevailing in the Alpine Stake. In spite of the outlay of means in the erection of these meetinghouses, we are pleased to state that last year the people did not fall behind in their tithes and offerings. All the organizations of our Stake kept a record of their doings for the year 1901, upon loose leaves which were given to them for that purpose. These leaves were handed in at the end of the year and have been compiled and bound in one record, so that we have the records of the different organizations, together with the minutes of the presidency of the Stake, all in one volume. The presidency of the Stake meet every week, to talk and plan for the welfare of the people. We have counseled our Bishops to do likewise, as well as the presiding officers in the various organizations. We have secured individual tithing cards for every member who paid tithing in our Stake last year, which have been given to the Bishops to present to each tithe-payer. The card has on it the amount of tithing that the individual paid last year, and it contains space for the recording of his or her tithing for twenty years. We keep duplicates of these cards at our office. From the testimony of the Bishops we believe that this will result in good. Only this morning one of the Bishops reported to us that in delivering a card, the brother receiving it said he felt ashamed of the tithing that he had paid, and he has already paid a great deal more tithing this year than he paid during the whole of last year. The people are instructed to bring these tithing cards at the time of settlement, so that what they have paid during the year may be placed on them.
We know that our labors among the people are appreciated, from the fact that they are carrying out the instructions which we have given them. We know that the gifts of the Gospel are among the people as they were anciently. Not long since one of our members met with an accident in the little city of Alpine. A large hayfork ran in his body at the shoulder to a depth of fifteen inches. The physicians were called in to dress the wound, and they declared that his chances for living were very slim. His mother received a testimony at that time that he would live, and therefore told them that he would not die. The Elders were called in to administer to him, and in about two weeks the young man was out upon the streets, and is living today. There was another brother, who came to us to receive a blessing for his speech. He was of a stammering tongue. Before he went on a mission to which he had been called, he received a blessing at the hands of the presidency of the Stake, and word comes to us that he has been wonderfully blessed so that he is able to speak to the people in plainness and without difficulty. We have the spirit of prophecy, the gift of tongues, the gift of revelation and of great wisdom in our Stake, and we feel to rejoice that these blessings are with the people today as they were anciently. We also can testify that we know the Gospel is true, and that the men whom God has called to lead in the affairs of the Church are men of God. The teachings they give us are true and timely. If we live up to them, they build us up in our faith and make us better men and women.
I pray that the Lord will bless us in our labors, and help us to magnify our callings, that our faith in Him may be increased, that our testimonies may be added upon, and that we may have strength and courage to perform every duty required at our hands, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER URIAH T. JONES,
(President of Parowan Stake.)
In facing this vast audience I feel that I am overrated; but I am very grateful for the honor conferred upon me in having the privilege of representing the Parowan Stake of Zion. It is one of the oldest stakes in the Church, Iron county having been settled, I believe, in the fall of 1850. In the years 1853-4 iron works were started in that county, and the population at that time was about as numerous as it is today. After the failure in the manufacture of iron, the number of inhabitants was reduced nearly three-fourths. Cedar City then had three hundred families, and in 1856-7 there were only about fifty families. We now have a population in that stake of a little upwards of four thousand. We have all the auxiliary organizations of the Church in fairly good running order, and those who have charge seem to be alive to their duties. The tithing of the people is not as we would like it to be. Of course, we attribute that, to some extent, to the unusually severe drouth that that part of the country is going through at the present time, and which we hope will soon be broken. Numbers of our young men, the best of our communities, are moving to other places. During the last three years we have been under the necessity of organizing the Young Men's association three different times, the presidencies having moved to other places. The present prospects are that our wonderful iron deposits will be developed. Of course, we cannot tell; we have been fooled so many times that it won't hurt us if we get disappointed again; but from what we can judge at present the time has arrived when they will be developed, and instead of our people moving away we will have room for many to move in.
As I have said, I feel it an honor to have the privilege of standing before you for a few moments and bearing my testimony to the divinity of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I pray that the blessings of the Lord may be with us as a people, that we may be as a light set upon a hill, that the people of the world, seeing our good works, may be led to glorify the name of our Father in heaven. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Parowan Stake.)
In facing this vast audience I feel that I am overrated; but I am very grateful for the honor conferred upon me in having the privilege of representing the Parowan Stake of Zion. It is one of the oldest stakes in the Church, Iron county having been settled, I believe, in the fall of 1850. In the years 1853-4 iron works were started in that county, and the population at that time was about as numerous as it is today. After the failure in the manufacture of iron, the number of inhabitants was reduced nearly three-fourths. Cedar City then had three hundred families, and in 1856-7 there were only about fifty families. We now have a population in that stake of a little upwards of four thousand. We have all the auxiliary organizations of the Church in fairly good running order, and those who have charge seem to be alive to their duties. The tithing of the people is not as we would like it to be. Of course, we attribute that, to some extent, to the unusually severe drouth that that part of the country is going through at the present time, and which we hope will soon be broken. Numbers of our young men, the best of our communities, are moving to other places. During the last three years we have been under the necessity of organizing the Young Men's association three different times, the presidencies having moved to other places. The present prospects are that our wonderful iron deposits will be developed. Of course, we cannot tell; we have been fooled so many times that it won't hurt us if we get disappointed again; but from what we can judge at present the time has arrived when they will be developed, and instead of our people moving away we will have room for many to move in.
As I have said, I feel it an honor to have the privilege of standing before you for a few moments and bearing my testimony to the divinity of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and I pray that the blessings of the Lord may be with us as a people, that we may be as a light set upon a hill, that the people of the world, seeing our good works, may be led to glorify the name of our Father in heaven. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER CHARLES D. WHITE,
(President of Beaver Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, in standing before you here, I feel as Brother Jones stated, as if I was overrated, although I am very pleased to be numbered with the Latter-day Saints and to have the privilege of meeting with you in general conference. I endorse all the remarks that we have heard during this conference. My testimony is that they are true, and that they have been dictated by the Spirit of God. The Beaver stake is in the southern part of this state, adjoining Parowan stake. While we have suffered in the past from drouth and frost, we have not the same reason to complain that they have. We feel that the Lord has blessed us abundantly, because we have very fair crops this year, and our prospects are bright. Beaver City, the capital of our county, is as nice a little city as there is anywhere. We may not have the rich soil and the good climate that they have in other parts of the state, but we have as good water, as fine streets, and as clean a city as there is anywhere. We also have a Church school that we are very proud of—a branch of the Brigham Young Academy—and it is doing a great deal towards making Latter-day Saints. I tell the people of Beaver that the money invested in that school goes further towards making Latter-day Saints than the money they spend in sending their Elders out into the world to preach the Gospel, although we have Elders out in the world who send us very' encouraging reports of their labors. In that school we have many that will bear testimony, whenever opportunity affords, that they have learned that the Gospel is true through being taught there. We think that we have the nicest place for a Church school that there is anywhere in the state. We have 240 acres of land, and quite a number of buildings. There are perhaps a hundred rooms rented at the present time to students who are attending the school, and we have room for more. The school is increasing each year. This is the fifth year of its existence, and we are very much encouraged with it. We feel that the Lord is blessing the people of Beaver. I bear testimony that the Gospel is true. The Lord has certainly revealed His mind and will to His children in this age of the world, and there is no mistake about it.
I pray that God will bless us, that we may be true and faithful to our callings and always be found steadfast and laboring for the advancement of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Beaver Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, in standing before you here, I feel as Brother Jones stated, as if I was overrated, although I am very pleased to be numbered with the Latter-day Saints and to have the privilege of meeting with you in general conference. I endorse all the remarks that we have heard during this conference. My testimony is that they are true, and that they have been dictated by the Spirit of God. The Beaver stake is in the southern part of this state, adjoining Parowan stake. While we have suffered in the past from drouth and frost, we have not the same reason to complain that they have. We feel that the Lord has blessed us abundantly, because we have very fair crops this year, and our prospects are bright. Beaver City, the capital of our county, is as nice a little city as there is anywhere. We may not have the rich soil and the good climate that they have in other parts of the state, but we have as good water, as fine streets, and as clean a city as there is anywhere. We also have a Church school that we are very proud of—a branch of the Brigham Young Academy—and it is doing a great deal towards making Latter-day Saints. I tell the people of Beaver that the money invested in that school goes further towards making Latter-day Saints than the money they spend in sending their Elders out into the world to preach the Gospel, although we have Elders out in the world who send us very' encouraging reports of their labors. In that school we have many that will bear testimony, whenever opportunity affords, that they have learned that the Gospel is true through being taught there. We think that we have the nicest place for a Church school that there is anywhere in the state. We have 240 acres of land, and quite a number of buildings. There are perhaps a hundred rooms rented at the present time to students who are attending the school, and we have room for more. The school is increasing each year. This is the fifth year of its existence, and we are very much encouraged with it. We feel that the Lord is blessing the people of Beaver. I bear testimony that the Gospel is true. The Lord has certainly revealed His mind and will to His children in this age of the world, and there is no mistake about it.
I pray that God will bless us, that we may be true and faithful to our callings and always be found steadfast and laboring for the advancement of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER IRA N. HINCKLEY,
(President of Millard Stake).
My brethren and sisters, I feel full of gratitude to my Father in heaven and to my brethren for the privilege of standing here a few moments, notwithstanding I must confess that I have rather shrank from it. Listening to my brothers that are laboring as presidents of stakes, seeing the good spirit that has attended them and noting the good instructions they have given I felt that if I should be called upon I might not be able to interest the people as much which will probably be true. I was much pleased with "he remarks of Apostle Merrill this morning in regard to the great improvement made in this part of the country. I landed in this city in 1850. It was my good fortune for a while to be a policeman on the streets of Salt Lake City, and I used to know where every individual lived in the town, and where everyone sat when they came to meeting. But I was thinking if I was dropped down with my eyes blindfolded in some parts of this city now I would hardly be able to find my way out, it has made such a growth.
I feel to endorse the remarks that have been made, and I assure you that on returning home I want to put into practice some of the things that have been told us, in which we are behind perhaps in our stake. We live just next to Beaver, and we border on to Juab stake. In listening I find out, as I always do when I come to conference, that we are lacking in some things, and that there is room for improvement in our stake. I am pleased with the opportunity of coming to headquarters for the purpose of learning my duty, and I desire to be faithful in discharging it. I have struggled along and am a member of the Church yet, and I hope to continue to the end. I find that the greatest difficulty I have, under some circumstances, is to fellowship myself from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, not being altogether satisfied at times that I have done my full duty; but I assure you that I have been determined to do right although I may. not have been so strong as I might in fulfilling all that has been required of me. I am pleased to note the improvement of the Latter-day Saints. I want to tell you that I have endorsed the leaders of Israel all the day long. I have traveled with this Church something over 60 years and I know a little about the people and the trials and hardships we have gone through; and when I see Zion at headquarters branching out over the hills enjoying plenty, dressing well, living well, I feel to rejoice.
We have all the organizations in our stake of Zion that are in the other stakes and they are in pretty good shape. We have been suffering more or less for three years from drouth, and we have sometimes lost good citizens on account of it, and sometimes we have had some go that we are glad went. I was very much pleased with the idea expressed by one of the brethren, that when people want to leave a stake of Zion they should get a release. I tell you, I have always believed in standing to the rack, hay or no hay. That has been my motto all my life since coming to Utah. I have not been on preaching missions, but I have done some working missions. I love my brethren, I love the leaders of Israel, and I love and fellowship my brethren in the stake over which I preside. I know that the Gospel is true, and I pray God to bless us in all our walks in life, that we may stand shoulder to shoulder, in touch with all the leaders of Israel and in touch with our Father in heaven. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Millard Stake).
My brethren and sisters, I feel full of gratitude to my Father in heaven and to my brethren for the privilege of standing here a few moments, notwithstanding I must confess that I have rather shrank from it. Listening to my brothers that are laboring as presidents of stakes, seeing the good spirit that has attended them and noting the good instructions they have given I felt that if I should be called upon I might not be able to interest the people as much which will probably be true. I was much pleased with "he remarks of Apostle Merrill this morning in regard to the great improvement made in this part of the country. I landed in this city in 1850. It was my good fortune for a while to be a policeman on the streets of Salt Lake City, and I used to know where every individual lived in the town, and where everyone sat when they came to meeting. But I was thinking if I was dropped down with my eyes blindfolded in some parts of this city now I would hardly be able to find my way out, it has made such a growth.
I feel to endorse the remarks that have been made, and I assure you that on returning home I want to put into practice some of the things that have been told us, in which we are behind perhaps in our stake. We live just next to Beaver, and we border on to Juab stake. In listening I find out, as I always do when I come to conference, that we are lacking in some things, and that there is room for improvement in our stake. I am pleased with the opportunity of coming to headquarters for the purpose of learning my duty, and I desire to be faithful in discharging it. I have struggled along and am a member of the Church yet, and I hope to continue to the end. I find that the greatest difficulty I have, under some circumstances, is to fellowship myself from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, not being altogether satisfied at times that I have done my full duty; but I assure you that I have been determined to do right although I may. not have been so strong as I might in fulfilling all that has been required of me. I am pleased to note the improvement of the Latter-day Saints. I want to tell you that I have endorsed the leaders of Israel all the day long. I have traveled with this Church something over 60 years and I know a little about the people and the trials and hardships we have gone through; and when I see Zion at headquarters branching out over the hills enjoying plenty, dressing well, living well, I feel to rejoice.
We have all the organizations in our stake of Zion that are in the other stakes and they are in pretty good shape. We have been suffering more or less for three years from drouth, and we have sometimes lost good citizens on account of it, and sometimes we have had some go that we are glad went. I was very much pleased with the idea expressed by one of the brethren, that when people want to leave a stake of Zion they should get a release. I tell you, I have always believed in standing to the rack, hay or no hay. That has been my motto all my life since coming to Utah. I have not been on preaching missions, but I have done some working missions. I love my brethren, I love the leaders of Israel, and I love and fellowship my brethren in the stake over which I preside. I know that the Gospel is true, and I pray God to bless us in all our walks in life, that we may stand shoulder to shoulder, in touch with all the leaders of Israel and in touch with our Father in heaven. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE.
A promise fulfilled—Pleasure in preaching the Gospel—The Lord answers prayer—Union among the servants of God.
I have been exceedingly interested during this conference, and have reflected upon the power of testimony that has been manifested here. Over 50 years ago I heard this everlasting Gospel. It was then promised to me that if I would worship the living and true God, repent of my sins, accept of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and obey the Gospel, I should have the privilege of a knowledge that God lived, that Jesus was indeed the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet tent of God, and that the signs followed the believer. I was told that I had to believe in God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters, and that I had to accept of the efficacy of the precious blood of Christ, which cleanseth from sin and sanctifieth the believer, and then I should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the Father, which would reveal to me the things of God. This everlasting Gospel was preached to me in my early days. After some consideration I accepted it, notwithstanding it was so dreadfully unpopular; for the Latter-day Saints were nicknamed "Mormons," and the doctrine they taught "Mormonism," and those who embraced it were looked upon as the offscouring of all flesh. I received the promised testimony, and after 50 years' experience I do most assuredly know that God has spoken from the heavens, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet sent of God, and that this Church, now presided over by Presidents Joseph F. Smith, John R Winder and Anthon H. Lund, is the Church of the Lamb.
This everlasting Gospel is being preached in all the world for a witness. I have had the privilege of traveling abroad to preach it. I labored for some time in the Southern States, declaring the message of salvation, and when I was released to come home I was sorry, for I was enjoying my labors so much among that people. No one could be treated any better than I was by the people of the Southern States. I never had to sleep out of doors, for the Lord always opened up the way for me. And I am so thankful to know that the Lord blessed the people that blessed me. Those who threw open their doors to the Elders, who fed and clothed them, and who aided them in the work of the ministry, trough they have not embraced the Gospel they will most assuredly receive the recompense of reward from the Lord Jesus, our Master. We were representing the Lord Jesus Christ, not ourselves. We were not beguiling the people by falsehood, by false dogmas or foolish traditions; we were offering them the Gospel of the Son of God with the promise that if they would repent and obey it they should be put in possession of a similar testimony and knowledge to that which we ourselves enjoyed. Love the inhabitants of the earth? Of course, we do. I have crossed the Atlantic ocean seven times, rot on pleasure trips, but in the interests of the Church, and I know how the Lord has protected me and taught me. He will do the same to anybody else, if they will put their trust in Him and ask; for He has declared in these last days that if we will ask we shall receive, if we will knock it shall be opened unto us, if we seek we shall find. We do most assuredly know that this is true.
These are the glad tidings that we take to the nations. We tell the people what opportunities are within their reach today, if they will only report and obey the Gospel. We are pleased to do this, because we love the inhabitants of the earth. As Latter-day Saints we are frequently admonished to live our religion. I understand that, to live our religion is to love the Lord our God with all our might, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, and speak of all the best we can. I understand that to live my religion is to mind my own business, attend to my own affairs, work out n:y own salvation, and magnify my calling. I understand that to live my religion is to trust in the Lord and do good; to seek earnestly for the blessing of the Almighty, and to be filled with gratitude to Him that I have the privilege of being a member of His Church, that I have a living testimony, that I have become -sanctified through the precious blood of Christ, and that I have the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has said He would be inquired after, and I have inquired of Him for the last 50 years, and do most assuredly know that when I have asked for that which has been necessary He has granted my prayer, having tested Him under many different circumstances in my labors. It has been my privilege to bear my testimony in many countries, and I have been thankful to Almighty God for the manner in which He has sustained me in all my travels. He has preserved me from all harm, and enabled me to accomplish His purposes. I have frequently said that if I had been as kind to myself as the Lord has been to me, I would have no reason to complain. I am thankful to declare the loving kindness of our Father in heaven.
There is a living testimony manifested here. I shake hands with brethren whom I knew 50 years ago, when we were brought into the Church by our Father in heaven; for the Lord Jesus- Christ said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him." I know that He drew me and enlightened my mind; I know that He drew my brethren and enlightened them. They know it, too, and we are living witnesses, living monuments of His mercy, that in all the vicissitudes of life our Father has preserved us and has filled our souls with gratitude and praise. He has given us the privilege of the higher education in His holy temple, and of all the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant. There is nothing that we have and enjoy but has been given to us by Him, and we soy. All glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost!
I am thankful that I have the privilege of bearing my testimony upon this auspicious occasion. I am thankful for this conference, and for the testimony of my brethren. It has been sweet to me to listen to their voices, declaring the goodness of God to them. We can see what class of men the Lord has selected to be his ministers, humble, childlike, filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Do we love each other? We do; it is impossible for us to do anything else. May the Lord God of Israel bless these His servants in all their outgoings and incomings. May they be established in His everlasting righteousness, that their days ma> never fail, but that their testimony may be true and bright, so that they may lay down their lives as members of the Church of Christ in full fellowship, to be received into the Church of the Lamb behind the veil, and to realize the promise, Blessed are they that have a right to the tree of life. If we can obtain a right to the tree of life, we will surely be members of the Church of Christ in good standing, to the glory of God our Eternal Father, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
A promise fulfilled—Pleasure in preaching the Gospel—The Lord answers prayer—Union among the servants of God.
I have been exceedingly interested during this conference, and have reflected upon the power of testimony that has been manifested here. Over 50 years ago I heard this everlasting Gospel. It was then promised to me that if I would worship the living and true God, repent of my sins, accept of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and obey the Gospel, I should have the privilege of a knowledge that God lived, that Jesus was indeed the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet tent of God, and that the signs followed the believer. I was told that I had to believe in God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters, and that I had to accept of the efficacy of the precious blood of Christ, which cleanseth from sin and sanctifieth the believer, and then I should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of the Father, which would reveal to me the things of God. This everlasting Gospel was preached to me in my early days. After some consideration I accepted it, notwithstanding it was so dreadfully unpopular; for the Latter-day Saints were nicknamed "Mormons," and the doctrine they taught "Mormonism," and those who embraced it were looked upon as the offscouring of all flesh. I received the promised testimony, and after 50 years' experience I do most assuredly know that God has spoken from the heavens, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet sent of God, and that this Church, now presided over by Presidents Joseph F. Smith, John R Winder and Anthon H. Lund, is the Church of the Lamb.
This everlasting Gospel is being preached in all the world for a witness. I have had the privilege of traveling abroad to preach it. I labored for some time in the Southern States, declaring the message of salvation, and when I was released to come home I was sorry, for I was enjoying my labors so much among that people. No one could be treated any better than I was by the people of the Southern States. I never had to sleep out of doors, for the Lord always opened up the way for me. And I am so thankful to know that the Lord blessed the people that blessed me. Those who threw open their doors to the Elders, who fed and clothed them, and who aided them in the work of the ministry, trough they have not embraced the Gospel they will most assuredly receive the recompense of reward from the Lord Jesus, our Master. We were representing the Lord Jesus Christ, not ourselves. We were not beguiling the people by falsehood, by false dogmas or foolish traditions; we were offering them the Gospel of the Son of God with the promise that if they would repent and obey it they should be put in possession of a similar testimony and knowledge to that which we ourselves enjoyed. Love the inhabitants of the earth? Of course, we do. I have crossed the Atlantic ocean seven times, rot on pleasure trips, but in the interests of the Church, and I know how the Lord has protected me and taught me. He will do the same to anybody else, if they will put their trust in Him and ask; for He has declared in these last days that if we will ask we shall receive, if we will knock it shall be opened unto us, if we seek we shall find. We do most assuredly know that this is true.
These are the glad tidings that we take to the nations. We tell the people what opportunities are within their reach today, if they will only report and obey the Gospel. We are pleased to do this, because we love the inhabitants of the earth. As Latter-day Saints we are frequently admonished to live our religion. I understand that, to live our religion is to love the Lord our God with all our might, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, and speak of all the best we can. I understand that to live my religion is to mind my own business, attend to my own affairs, work out n:y own salvation, and magnify my calling. I understand that to live my religion is to trust in the Lord and do good; to seek earnestly for the blessing of the Almighty, and to be filled with gratitude to Him that I have the privilege of being a member of His Church, that I have a living testimony, that I have become -sanctified through the precious blood of Christ, and that I have the fellowship of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has said He would be inquired after, and I have inquired of Him for the last 50 years, and do most assuredly know that when I have asked for that which has been necessary He has granted my prayer, having tested Him under many different circumstances in my labors. It has been my privilege to bear my testimony in many countries, and I have been thankful to Almighty God for the manner in which He has sustained me in all my travels. He has preserved me from all harm, and enabled me to accomplish His purposes. I have frequently said that if I had been as kind to myself as the Lord has been to me, I would have no reason to complain. I am thankful to declare the loving kindness of our Father in heaven.
There is a living testimony manifested here. I shake hands with brethren whom I knew 50 years ago, when we were brought into the Church by our Father in heaven; for the Lord Jesus- Christ said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him." I know that He drew me and enlightened my mind; I know that He drew my brethren and enlightened them. They know it, too, and we are living witnesses, living monuments of His mercy, that in all the vicissitudes of life our Father has preserved us and has filled our souls with gratitude and praise. He has given us the privilege of the higher education in His holy temple, and of all the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant. There is nothing that we have and enjoy but has been given to us by Him, and we soy. All glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost!
I am thankful that I have the privilege of bearing my testimony upon this auspicious occasion. I am thankful for this conference, and for the testimony of my brethren. It has been sweet to me to listen to their voices, declaring the goodness of God to them. We can see what class of men the Lord has selected to be his ministers, humble, childlike, filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Do we love each other? We do; it is impossible for us to do anything else. May the Lord God of Israel bless these His servants in all their outgoings and incomings. May they be established in His everlasting righteousness, that their days ma> never fail, but that their testimony may be true and bright, so that they may lay down their lives as members of the Church of Christ in full fellowship, to be received into the Church of the Lamb behind the veil, and to realize the promise, Blessed are they that have a right to the tree of life. If we can obtain a right to the tree of life, we will surely be members of the Church of Christ in good standing, to the glory of God our Eternal Father, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Possession of Priesthood not confined to a few.
Although we may enjoy a little advantage over the rest of the congregation, for my part I could stay here a week longer to hear the testimonies of my brethren, and to give to the world an opportunity to see and know that the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not confined to one man, nor to three men, nor to fifteen men, but that there are thousands of men in Zion who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God, and who possess keys of authority and power to minister for life and salvation among the people of the world. I would like to give the world an opportunity to see what we are, to hear what we know, and to understand what our business is and what we intend to do, by the help of the Lord.
The choir sang: Zion stands with hills surrounded.
Benediction by Elder George C. Parkinson, president of Oneida Stake.
Possession of Priesthood not confined to a few.
Although we may enjoy a little advantage over the rest of the congregation, for my part I could stay here a week longer to hear the testimonies of my brethren, and to give to the world an opportunity to see and know that the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not confined to one man, nor to three men, nor to fifteen men, but that there are thousands of men in Zion who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God, and who possess keys of authority and power to minister for life and salvation among the people of the world. I would like to give the world an opportunity to see what we are, to hear what we know, and to understand what our business is and what we intend to do, by the help of the Lord.
The choir sang: Zion stands with hills surrounded.
Benediction by Elder George C. Parkinson, president of Oneida Stake.
CLOSING SESSION.
The choir sang:
Though deep'ning trials throng your way,
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God.
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its light and truth abroad.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Wm. C. Parkinson, president of Hyrum Stake.
Singing by the choir:
Hark! listen to the trumpeters!
They sound for volunteers,
On Zion's bright and flowery mount
Behold the officers.
The choir sang:
Though deep'ning trials throng your way,
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God.
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its light and truth abroad.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Wm. C. Parkinson, president of Hyrum Stake.
Singing by the choir:
Hark! listen to the trumpeters!
They sound for volunteers,
On Zion's bright and flowery mount
Behold the officers.
ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR.
Ancient prophecies fulfilled in these days—The work of John and the three Nephites—Preparation for the coming of Messiah.
My dear brethren and sisters, I never enjoyed a conference better in my life than the one we are now holding; for I delight in hearing the workers in Zion express their views. This is a remarkable congregation, and last night we also had this house filled to overflowing, with Sunday school workers. When I see these large congregations gathered together in the tops of the mountains it fills my heart with joy, because I can see in it the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Yesterday the choir rendered a beautiful anthem, suggesting that the mountain of the Lord's house would be established in the tops of the mountains. The Prophet Isaiah spoke of this. He was a great prophet. He prophesied of the coming forth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a long time before His birth into the world. He also prophesied of the coming forth of the Gospel in the dispensation of the fullness of times, as, well as the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. He said:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Brethren and sisters, where did you come from? You came from the various nations of the earth, and in your presence here is fulfilled one of the greatest signs that will ever be given to this generation before the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
When our Savior was among men he rebuked them because they took no notice of the fulfillment of prophecy. He said, "O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" He said further: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth night unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Jesus wanted to impress them that they should rather look to the fulfilment of prophecy than to the precepts of men. He himself respected all that the holy prophets uttered. In His memorable sermon on the mount He said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
The Prophet Jeremiah also prophesied concerning the gathering, in the following language:
"I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
When you find a pastor that will teach the children of men according to the heart of God, you will find one that has perfect reverence for the words of Jesus wherein He says, "Men shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
It has been eighteen hundred years since any one has come forth and testified that they have seen the face of God, until among all the nations of the earth they are beginning to look upon the Eternal Father as an imaginary creature. Through transgression the Lord withdrew the Gospel from the children of men. Jesus foreshadowed this when He said to the Jews, "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." He was finally put to death, according to prophecy, and after His resurrection He appeared unto the Apostles. On one occasion they asked Him, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Again, when His disciples asked him "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" He said, among other things, "And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.' He also said, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." Here are two remarkable signs that w re to precede the coming of the Son of Man.
Now, the Lord our God has opened the heavens in these last days, in accordance with the prophecy of Jesus Christ, and the Father and the S n have appeared to the Prophet Jose; h Smith. The Gospel of Christ has been restored, in fulfillment of prophecy, and it is being preached in all the world for a witness, according to the prediction of the Savior. The Elders of Israel have stood up in your midst and spoken as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When you heard them you said in your heart that what they said was true; for behold it went through your systems like fire. God poured out upon you the convincing power of His Holy Spirit, and gave you a witness that the Elders were servants of God and were speaking under the influence of the Spirit of truth. Hence you yielded obedience to the Gospel. This also is in accordance with the words of Jesus wherein He says, "My sheep know my voice; but a stranger they will not follow." The voice of the Spirit of God led you out from the nations of the earth. As Elder Teasdale testified here this morning, "No man can come to me, except the Father which sent me draw him." When that Spirit rests upon the holiest in heart their greatest desire is to help build up the kingdom of God.
A portion of Israel is now gathered together, but in a little while you will find another prophecy will be fulfilled, and that is the prophecy that Jesus made to the three Nephites who, having power over death, are still living upon this continent. He spoke to them of a time when they would perform a great and mighty work among the Gentiles; and that has not yet been fulfilled, but it will be. You will find that many districts where the Elders of Israel cannot reach will be penetrated by these men who have power over death; and when the honest in heart see the power and authority that is with them, they will feel like Nicodemus did of old, (but I trust they will have more faith and courage) when he said, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." These three men are going to perform a great work in the program of the last days, as is the beloved disciple, John, whom Christ refers to when He says, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" According to a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Savior said unto Peter, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might d» more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has done before; yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming Are and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth."
My testimony is that these men are going abroad in the nations of the earth before the face of your sons, and they are preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive the Gospel. They are administering to those who are heirs of salvation, and preparing their hearts to receive the truth, just as the farmer prepares the soil to receive the seed. The Lord has promised that He would send His angels before the face of His servants, and He does so.
You are here, my brethren and sisters, in a gathered capacity, in fulfillment of prophecy. This is the day spoken of by Jeremiah:
"Therefore, behold the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
"But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them; and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
"Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks."
Brethren and sisters, your sons are fulfilling this prophecy today in the nations of the earth. Speaking of Zion that should be established in power and glory in the last days, the prophet says:
"The Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit."
In conclusion, let me say to my young brethren and sisters and to my friends who are under the sound of my voice, I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world, and through His atoning blood all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel which He has revealed in these last days through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith was an inspired man, raised up of God to usher in the dispensation of the fulness of times; yea, that time which all the holy prophets looked forward to. My testimony is that through your faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of God, every gift and blessing that He has ever promised unto the children of men is yours, whereby you can be brought back into the presence of our Father and crowned heirs of glory, immortality and eternal life. Behold, this is the day of the Lord's preparation We are preparing for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His coming is near at hand. He will come in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. I also testify unto you that the words of the Prophet Malachi are true when he said, "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them, neither root nor branch." I say unto you when that voice goes forth among the children of men, "Lo, the bridegroom cometh; go ye forth to meet him," it will be a sorrowful day for the children of men. It will be a day of weeping and wailing among those who have taken "the broad way." As Jesus himself has prophesied, they will cry for the rocks to fall upon them, to hide them from the wrath of Him who shall come; for no man can stand in the presence of God, except he be cleansed every whit from sin.
May God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and fill you with His Holy Spirit, that your greatest desire may be to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth, that we all may keep our garments clean and unspotted from the world, and strive to set an example worthy of imitation, that we may be justified of the Lord and be prepared for His coming; which is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ancient prophecies fulfilled in these days—The work of John and the three Nephites—Preparation for the coming of Messiah.
My dear brethren and sisters, I never enjoyed a conference better in my life than the one we are now holding; for I delight in hearing the workers in Zion express their views. This is a remarkable congregation, and last night we also had this house filled to overflowing, with Sunday school workers. When I see these large congregations gathered together in the tops of the mountains it fills my heart with joy, because I can see in it the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Yesterday the choir rendered a beautiful anthem, suggesting that the mountain of the Lord's house would be established in the tops of the mountains. The Prophet Isaiah spoke of this. He was a great prophet. He prophesied of the coming forth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a long time before His birth into the world. He also prophesied of the coming forth of the Gospel in the dispensation of the fullness of times, as, well as the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. He said:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Brethren and sisters, where did you come from? You came from the various nations of the earth, and in your presence here is fulfilled one of the greatest signs that will ever be given to this generation before the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
When our Savior was among men he rebuked them because they took no notice of the fulfillment of prophecy. He said, "O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" He said further: "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth night unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Jesus wanted to impress them that they should rather look to the fulfilment of prophecy than to the precepts of men. He himself respected all that the holy prophets uttered. In His memorable sermon on the mount He said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
The Prophet Jeremiah also prophesied concerning the gathering, in the following language:
"I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
When you find a pastor that will teach the children of men according to the heart of God, you will find one that has perfect reverence for the words of Jesus wherein He says, "Men shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
It has been eighteen hundred years since any one has come forth and testified that they have seen the face of God, until among all the nations of the earth they are beginning to look upon the Eternal Father as an imaginary creature. Through transgression the Lord withdrew the Gospel from the children of men. Jesus foreshadowed this when He said to the Jews, "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." He was finally put to death, according to prophecy, and after His resurrection He appeared unto the Apostles. On one occasion they asked Him, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Again, when His disciples asked him "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" He said, among other things, "And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.' He also said, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." Here are two remarkable signs that w re to precede the coming of the Son of Man.
Now, the Lord our God has opened the heavens in these last days, in accordance with the prophecy of Jesus Christ, and the Father and the S n have appeared to the Prophet Jose; h Smith. The Gospel of Christ has been restored, in fulfillment of prophecy, and it is being preached in all the world for a witness, according to the prediction of the Savior. The Elders of Israel have stood up in your midst and spoken as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When you heard them you said in your heart that what they said was true; for behold it went through your systems like fire. God poured out upon you the convincing power of His Holy Spirit, and gave you a witness that the Elders were servants of God and were speaking under the influence of the Spirit of truth. Hence you yielded obedience to the Gospel. This also is in accordance with the words of Jesus wherein He says, "My sheep know my voice; but a stranger they will not follow." The voice of the Spirit of God led you out from the nations of the earth. As Elder Teasdale testified here this morning, "No man can come to me, except the Father which sent me draw him." When that Spirit rests upon the holiest in heart their greatest desire is to help build up the kingdom of God.
A portion of Israel is now gathered together, but in a little while you will find another prophecy will be fulfilled, and that is the prophecy that Jesus made to the three Nephites who, having power over death, are still living upon this continent. He spoke to them of a time when they would perform a great and mighty work among the Gentiles; and that has not yet been fulfilled, but it will be. You will find that many districts where the Elders of Israel cannot reach will be penetrated by these men who have power over death; and when the honest in heart see the power and authority that is with them, they will feel like Nicodemus did of old, (but I trust they will have more faith and courage) when he said, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." These three men are going to perform a great work in the program of the last days, as is the beloved disciple, John, whom Christ refers to when He says, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" According to a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Savior said unto Peter, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might d» more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has done before; yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming Are and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth."
My testimony is that these men are going abroad in the nations of the earth before the face of your sons, and they are preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive the Gospel. They are administering to those who are heirs of salvation, and preparing their hearts to receive the truth, just as the farmer prepares the soil to receive the seed. The Lord has promised that He would send His angels before the face of His servants, and He does so.
You are here, my brethren and sisters, in a gathered capacity, in fulfillment of prophecy. This is the day spoken of by Jeremiah:
"Therefore, behold the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
"But, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them; and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
"Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks."
Brethren and sisters, your sons are fulfilling this prophecy today in the nations of the earth. Speaking of Zion that should be established in power and glory in the last days, the prophet says:
"The Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit."
In conclusion, let me say to my young brethren and sisters and to my friends who are under the sound of my voice, I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world, and through His atoning blood all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel which He has revealed in these last days through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith was an inspired man, raised up of God to usher in the dispensation of the fulness of times; yea, that time which all the holy prophets looked forward to. My testimony is that through your faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of God, every gift and blessing that He has ever promised unto the children of men is yours, whereby you can be brought back into the presence of our Father and crowned heirs of glory, immortality and eternal life. Behold, this is the day of the Lord's preparation We are preparing for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His coming is near at hand. He will come in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. I also testify unto you that the words of the Prophet Malachi are true when he said, "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them, neither root nor branch." I say unto you when that voice goes forth among the children of men, "Lo, the bridegroom cometh; go ye forth to meet him," it will be a sorrowful day for the children of men. It will be a day of weeping and wailing among those who have taken "the broad way." As Jesus himself has prophesied, they will cry for the rocks to fall upon them, to hide them from the wrath of Him who shall come; for no man can stand in the presence of God, except he be cleansed every whit from sin.
May God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and fill you with His Holy Spirit, that your greatest desire may be to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth, that we all may keep our garments clean and unspotted from the world, and strive to set an example worthy of imitation, that we may be justified of the Lord and be prepared for His coming; which is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER W. C. LYMAN,
(President of San Juan Stake).
My beloved brethren and sisters, I feel very humble in attempting to speak to you a short time, and I trust that the Spirit of the Lord may be with me, that my remarks may be appropriate to the occasion and applicable to those who may listen.
I was sustained and set apart as the president of the San Juan Stake a little less than six months ago so that I am perhaps not as well acquainted with the conditions that exist there as I will be in the future. However in connection with my counselors Brother William Halls of Mancos and Brother Redd of Bluff I have visited the different wards that compose the stake. I believe all the auxiliary organizations are in good running order. The stake covers the southeast corner of the state of Utah the northwest corner of the territory of New Mexico and the southwest corner of the state of Colorado; and all we lack to make us happy is a portion of the territory of Arizona that we may raise some of those large sweet potatoes that Brother Kimball has been telling you of. We have some good county in the San Juan Stake and we have a good deal of the other kind. Inasmuch as the brethren have counseled the Saints not to move too much at the present time it would perhaps not be wise for me to tell you the advantages of that portion of the Lord's vineyard. However, if any of you are dissatisfied with your present homes and think you are not getting wealthy fast enough come down and visit us, examine our country, and you will certainly return home and feel satisfied to stay there. Some portions of our stake have been settled under peculiar conditions. One of the towns that we have there, when the first settlers went into that locality they had to take their wagons to pieces and let them down over a perpendicular cliff nearly 40 feet high. Some of them never came out again. I would like to mention briefly the history of one of our towns. For a period of years after it was settled it seemed as if it would be impossible to maintain the settlement. I believe the people once or twice asked the privilege of leaving there and going to a more favored locality. The servants of the Lord told them that those who desired to leave were at liberty to do so and they could go with their blessings but that those who remained would be doubly blessed. Quite a number of the members of that ward had faith in the promise of the Lord, and they remained there, and that promise to them has been literally fulfilled. I presume that today there is not another ward in the Church, with the same number of people, that possesses the same amount of wealth as this ward does.
We are happy in that country. We are trying to keep the commandments of the Lord and to build up His Church in that part of the vineyard. I love the cause in which we are engaged. I love the Latter-day Saints, and I love the men whom God has appointed to preside over us. I bear testimony that I do know that they have been called of the Lord, and that they are inspired be His Spirit. I pray that the blessings of the Lord may accompany each one of us who have attended this conference to our homes and remain with us through life. May the Lord grant it. Amen.
(President of San Juan Stake).
My beloved brethren and sisters, I feel very humble in attempting to speak to you a short time, and I trust that the Spirit of the Lord may be with me, that my remarks may be appropriate to the occasion and applicable to those who may listen.
I was sustained and set apart as the president of the San Juan Stake a little less than six months ago so that I am perhaps not as well acquainted with the conditions that exist there as I will be in the future. However in connection with my counselors Brother William Halls of Mancos and Brother Redd of Bluff I have visited the different wards that compose the stake. I believe all the auxiliary organizations are in good running order. The stake covers the southeast corner of the state of Utah the northwest corner of the territory of New Mexico and the southwest corner of the state of Colorado; and all we lack to make us happy is a portion of the territory of Arizona that we may raise some of those large sweet potatoes that Brother Kimball has been telling you of. We have some good county in the San Juan Stake and we have a good deal of the other kind. Inasmuch as the brethren have counseled the Saints not to move too much at the present time it would perhaps not be wise for me to tell you the advantages of that portion of the Lord's vineyard. However, if any of you are dissatisfied with your present homes and think you are not getting wealthy fast enough come down and visit us, examine our country, and you will certainly return home and feel satisfied to stay there. Some portions of our stake have been settled under peculiar conditions. One of the towns that we have there, when the first settlers went into that locality they had to take their wagons to pieces and let them down over a perpendicular cliff nearly 40 feet high. Some of them never came out again. I would like to mention briefly the history of one of our towns. For a period of years after it was settled it seemed as if it would be impossible to maintain the settlement. I believe the people once or twice asked the privilege of leaving there and going to a more favored locality. The servants of the Lord told them that those who desired to leave were at liberty to do so and they could go with their blessings but that those who remained would be doubly blessed. Quite a number of the members of that ward had faith in the promise of the Lord, and they remained there, and that promise to them has been literally fulfilled. I presume that today there is not another ward in the Church, with the same number of people, that possesses the same amount of wealth as this ward does.
We are happy in that country. We are trying to keep the commandments of the Lord and to build up His Church in that part of the vineyard. I love the cause in which we are engaged. I love the Latter-day Saints, and I love the men whom God has appointed to preside over us. I bear testimony that I do know that they have been called of the Lord, and that they are inspired be His Spirit. I pray that the blessings of the Lord may accompany each one of us who have attended this conference to our homes and remain with us through life. May the Lord grant it. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH B. KEELER
(Of the Presidency of Utah Stake.)
It affords me much pleasure, my brethren and sisters, to represent before you the Utah Stake of Zion. It has only been about twenty months since that stake was divided, and three stakes made out of it; but I can assure you that its spiritual welfare, and, I hope, its temporal welfare, has been enhanced by this movement. It seems as though our quarterly conferences and our general meetings are as well attended now as they were before the division. From the reports we hear from the Alpine Stake and from the Nebo Stake, it would seem that they likewise are prospering. The people, on the whole, are striving to keep the commandments of the Lord. I believe they are increasing in their tithes and offerings. They rejoice in the educational advantages that they have. As you know, one of the great Church institutions is located in that stake — the Brigham Young academy. Its registration last Friday evening in the higher departments was 710 students, and 140 in the preparatory school. The stake is composed of seventeen wards and three branches, and all of the organizations are complete, I believe.
I have been much interested, as doubtless you have, in the reports that we have listened to today. It seems as though, when we are hearing these reports, we cannot refrain from exclaiming, Zion is growing! We are living in the midst of the fulfillment of prophecy, as was remarked by Apostle Taylor. The faith and the testimonies of the people are increasing. I do hope that we will be able to follow the counsel and advice that is given to us from day to day by our brethren who are placed over us. I think it is wonderful counsel they are giving about remaining in the places where the Saints have settled, and have an inheritance there. I know full well that there is a restlessness among the people, even in our part of the land, where they are not so short of moisture as they are in other places. But the counsel to the Latter- day Saints is, Remain where God has planted your feet, unless you are advised to go elsewhere. I believe that the Lord will send the former and the latter rains. He is not going to drive His children from this chosen land. We are in a position that we may know in the spring of the year whether there is a prospect for much or little moisture and it seems to me it would be the part of wisdom if we should govern ourselves in our farming interests by these conditions. There are some crops that we need not plant if we know there is going to be a shortage of water. It would be better for us if we would intensify that that we already have; farm less in these dry seasons, and cultivate it more thoroughly, and in all probability we would get just as great returns.
I have also been gratified to hear the counsel given regarding the betterment of the quorums in the Lesser Priesthood. I acted for a number of years in the Bishopric and I know the difficulties the Bishops have to contend with. I have been a short time in the presidency of the Stake, and I comprehend also the difficulties that have to be surmounted in that calling. I believe that we should get nearer to the Lesser Priesthood. "We prepare, say the Seventies, to go abroad to preach the Gospel. Our Mutual Improvement associations tend toward this; our Sunday schools in some respects tend toward this. But we find very little done for those who officiate in the Lesser Priesthood. I have rejoiced to see that a movement is now being undertaken to make more effectual the religion classes. I hope the brethren will pay some attention to this. The brethren who hold the offices in the Lesser Priesthood need to have personal attention. They need to come in personal contact with the Teacher. The trouble is I think, we talk to them at too long a range. They ought to be trained in their duties, the Deacon to be trained in his office, the Teacher in his. If the Teacher is a young boy, put him in care of some experienced man, and let him be taught the practical as well as the theoretical part of his calling. If our young men can be put through this system of training and education, the result will be, when they arrive at manhood they will be capable of going among the people and giving them good advice in their homes. One would think that the Seventy, coming from his mission, would be just the man to go among the Latter-day Saints in their homes; but that work is altogether different from the work he has been doing in the world. The work of proselyting is one thing, the work of Teacher among the Saints is another thing. Although they both belong to the Gospel, they are not quite alike. I feel to rejoice that the brethren have been advised in these matters, and I hope we will take these instructions home to our Stakes and wards, and put them into practice, that in the years to come we may have a valiant band of brethren of the Lesser Priesthood, or those who will act in that Priesthood, going among the people and teaching them their duties. May God add His blessings, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(Of the Presidency of Utah Stake.)
It affords me much pleasure, my brethren and sisters, to represent before you the Utah Stake of Zion. It has only been about twenty months since that stake was divided, and three stakes made out of it; but I can assure you that its spiritual welfare, and, I hope, its temporal welfare, has been enhanced by this movement. It seems as though our quarterly conferences and our general meetings are as well attended now as they were before the division. From the reports we hear from the Alpine Stake and from the Nebo Stake, it would seem that they likewise are prospering. The people, on the whole, are striving to keep the commandments of the Lord. I believe they are increasing in their tithes and offerings. They rejoice in the educational advantages that they have. As you know, one of the great Church institutions is located in that stake — the Brigham Young academy. Its registration last Friday evening in the higher departments was 710 students, and 140 in the preparatory school. The stake is composed of seventeen wards and three branches, and all of the organizations are complete, I believe.
I have been much interested, as doubtless you have, in the reports that we have listened to today. It seems as though, when we are hearing these reports, we cannot refrain from exclaiming, Zion is growing! We are living in the midst of the fulfillment of prophecy, as was remarked by Apostle Taylor. The faith and the testimonies of the people are increasing. I do hope that we will be able to follow the counsel and advice that is given to us from day to day by our brethren who are placed over us. I think it is wonderful counsel they are giving about remaining in the places where the Saints have settled, and have an inheritance there. I know full well that there is a restlessness among the people, even in our part of the land, where they are not so short of moisture as they are in other places. But the counsel to the Latter- day Saints is, Remain where God has planted your feet, unless you are advised to go elsewhere. I believe that the Lord will send the former and the latter rains. He is not going to drive His children from this chosen land. We are in a position that we may know in the spring of the year whether there is a prospect for much or little moisture and it seems to me it would be the part of wisdom if we should govern ourselves in our farming interests by these conditions. There are some crops that we need not plant if we know there is going to be a shortage of water. It would be better for us if we would intensify that that we already have; farm less in these dry seasons, and cultivate it more thoroughly, and in all probability we would get just as great returns.
I have also been gratified to hear the counsel given regarding the betterment of the quorums in the Lesser Priesthood. I acted for a number of years in the Bishopric and I know the difficulties the Bishops have to contend with. I have been a short time in the presidency of the Stake, and I comprehend also the difficulties that have to be surmounted in that calling. I believe that we should get nearer to the Lesser Priesthood. "We prepare, say the Seventies, to go abroad to preach the Gospel. Our Mutual Improvement associations tend toward this; our Sunday schools in some respects tend toward this. But we find very little done for those who officiate in the Lesser Priesthood. I have rejoiced to see that a movement is now being undertaken to make more effectual the religion classes. I hope the brethren will pay some attention to this. The brethren who hold the offices in the Lesser Priesthood need to have personal attention. They need to come in personal contact with the Teacher. The trouble is I think, we talk to them at too long a range. They ought to be trained in their duties, the Deacon to be trained in his office, the Teacher in his. If the Teacher is a young boy, put him in care of some experienced man, and let him be taught the practical as well as the theoretical part of his calling. If our young men can be put through this system of training and education, the result will be, when they arrive at manhood they will be capable of going among the people and giving them good advice in their homes. One would think that the Seventy, coming from his mission, would be just the man to go among the Latter-day Saints in their homes; but that work is altogether different from the work he has been doing in the world. The work of proselyting is one thing, the work of Teacher among the Saints is another thing. Although they both belong to the Gospel, they are not quite alike. I feel to rejoice that the brethren have been advised in these matters, and I hope we will take these instructions home to our Stakes and wards, and put them into practice, that in the years to come we may have a valiant band of brethren of the Lesser Priesthood, or those who will act in that Priesthood, going among the people and teaching them their duties. May God add His blessings, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER MILTON H. WELLING
(President of Malad Stake.)
I rejoice exceedingly, my brethren and sisters, in the privilege I have had of attending this conference. .1 believe it has been the most inspiring spectacle of my life. To hear the brethren who are laboring in the various mission fields and in the Stakes of Zion report the progress of the work of God among the children of men is a testimony to me that the Gospel which we have received is true. I believe if the young Latter-day Saints will make a careful study of the proceedings of this conference they will be able to obtain a testimony of the fulfillment of prophecy in the spread and development of this work. The Prophet Daniel saw the time when a little stone should be cut out of the mountain without hands, which should roll forth and fill the whole earth. Today we can see in a measure that this word of God is being fulfilled, from the reports given here by the servants of the Lord who have come from different parts of the earth. I am honored this afternoon in having the privilege of speaking to you for a few moments regarding the conditions that prevail among the people of the Malad Stake of Zion. The Malad Stake was organized about fifteen years ago, with President Oliver C. Hoskins at its head. President Hoskins remained as the presiding officer of that Stake until about seven months ago, when I had the honor of being called to preside among that people. The Saints of the Malad Stake are united. They are laboring earnestly and devotedly, I think, for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God among the children of men. The Presidency of the Stake have visited all the wards, of which there are eleven, and two branches, and we find that the people are striving to the best of their ability to serve the Lord and keep His commandments. The Presidency of the Stake are united, and in my youth and inexperience I have been exceedingly blessed in my ministry among the people there by having two faithful, stalwart counselors—Brother Gibbs, who has been associated with the Presidency of the Stake since its organization, and Brother Ward, who has been presiding for the last twenty-two years among the Indians of Washakie. In that connection I may say that we feel proud of the fact that we have an Indian ward in our Stake, thoroughly organized, and with all the auxiliary organizations. These Indians are endeavoring to serve the Lord, and we feel that they are a credit to our Stake.
My brethren and sisters, I desire to testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that those who are placed at the head of this Church are inspired of the Lord to perform the work that they have been called to do. I trust that the Latter-day Saints may go forth from this conference to the various Stakes of Zion and carry the instructions they have received to the home of every member of the Church, that this work may grow and prosper in the earth. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Malad Stake.)
I rejoice exceedingly, my brethren and sisters, in the privilege I have had of attending this conference. .1 believe it has been the most inspiring spectacle of my life. To hear the brethren who are laboring in the various mission fields and in the Stakes of Zion report the progress of the work of God among the children of men is a testimony to me that the Gospel which we have received is true. I believe if the young Latter-day Saints will make a careful study of the proceedings of this conference they will be able to obtain a testimony of the fulfillment of prophecy in the spread and development of this work. The Prophet Daniel saw the time when a little stone should be cut out of the mountain without hands, which should roll forth and fill the whole earth. Today we can see in a measure that this word of God is being fulfilled, from the reports given here by the servants of the Lord who have come from different parts of the earth. I am honored this afternoon in having the privilege of speaking to you for a few moments regarding the conditions that prevail among the people of the Malad Stake of Zion. The Malad Stake was organized about fifteen years ago, with President Oliver C. Hoskins at its head. President Hoskins remained as the presiding officer of that Stake until about seven months ago, when I had the honor of being called to preside among that people. The Saints of the Malad Stake are united. They are laboring earnestly and devotedly, I think, for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God among the children of men. The Presidency of the Stake have visited all the wards, of which there are eleven, and two branches, and we find that the people are striving to the best of their ability to serve the Lord and keep His commandments. The Presidency of the Stake are united, and in my youth and inexperience I have been exceedingly blessed in my ministry among the people there by having two faithful, stalwart counselors—Brother Gibbs, who has been associated with the Presidency of the Stake since its organization, and Brother Ward, who has been presiding for the last twenty-two years among the Indians of Washakie. In that connection I may say that we feel proud of the fact that we have an Indian ward in our Stake, thoroughly organized, and with all the auxiliary organizations. These Indians are endeavoring to serve the Lord, and we feel that they are a credit to our Stake.
My brethren and sisters, I desire to testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that those who are placed at the head of this Church are inspired of the Lord to perform the work that they have been called to do. I trust that the Latter-day Saints may go forth from this conference to the various Stakes of Zion and carry the instructions they have received to the home of every member of the Church, that this work may grow and prosper in the earth. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND.
Importance of an education, secular and religious —Missionaries should avoid debates— The God we -worship—Only the accepted standard works of the Church authoritative.
This conference has been a very interesting one to me. It has been instructive to hear the reports from the different stakes and missions, given by those who are present; and as far as I have learned the conditions, I know that they have reported truly.
I have one or two things I would like to speak upon, if the Spirit of the Lord shall lead me upon those subjects.
Winter is coming, and during the winter time our day schools are all in session. We have an excellent school system in the state, and we desire to ask all parents to see to it that their children attend school and receive all the benefits they can from the schools in our midst. We have been accused of being an ignorant people, and that the authorities of the Church believe their strength lies in the ignorance of the people; but this is not the case. We do not want to foster ignorance. On the contrary, we desire that all our children shall enjoy the blessings of an education, as far as it lies in our power to give it them. The Prophet Joseph said that no man could be saved in ignorance. We look upon ignorance as a hindrance to salvation. Hence we want our people to be an enlightened people, an educated people, a people trained in all that leads to eternal life.
Besides our district schools, We have schools instituted in our midst for the teaching of the principles of the Gospel. Last night we had a large congregation here of Sunday school workers. We would like our brethren and sisters throughout the stakes of Zion and in the different missions where Sunday schools are established, to see the importance of having all their children attend them /and receive the instructions given there. We look upon the Sunday school as a very important organization in our midst, and we are indeed pleased that so much interest has been taken in this matter. While speaking about Sunday schools, I want to mention the Juvenile Instructor, and to ask the parents to support that journal and place it in the hands of the children. Remember that it belongs to the Sunday schools; and is not a private enterprise. Hence we ask the Sunday schools to be loyal in its support, so that we can spend more means on improving it and making it what it ought to be—a journal in very deed for the instruction of our juveniles.
Religion classes have also been started in our midst; and now that the day schools are opened, we want these classes started, too, that the instruction given in the district schools may be supplemented with religious instruction. It is not intended, however, to mix the two. We cannot interfere with the state schools. We do not desire to take any rights from our friends living here; but we do claim the right to see to it that our own children are given the privilege of learning that which we believe to be of the utmost importance. Presidents of stakes and Bishops of wards, we depend upon you to put forth a strong effort to the end that in every ward a religion class be established, if there be not one already. We have quite a number of Church schools, and we encourage our young, men and young women to attend them. We are pleased to hear from all our academies that they have opened with better prospects than ever before. A greater interest seems to be taken in these institutions, and the First Presidency and the Church board of education, realizing the importance of this work, have made a greater appropriation in favor of it than ever before. We feel that the expenditure of means for the education of our children in these schools is profitable. We cannot fully estimate the value of these institutions. It may cost us a great deal, but if we can save if it were but one soul, how great will be our joy, saith the Lord. I believe these institutions will be the means of saving thousands of souls. In our academies missionary courses have been established, which many of our young men have been called to attend, in order to study the principles of the Gospel and get a systematic knowledge of the plan of salvation, so that when they go out into the world they may know how to teach that which they believe. These courses are doing a great deal of good.
I started by saying that we want all to attend the district schools. Now, we have in this state an excellent university. There has been some talk that the First Presidency and other authorities of the Church were inimical to that institution, and did not want our people to send their young men and young women there. We want it understood that this is not the case. In the past our legislatures have been composed mostly of men belonging to this Church, and they have made large appropriations in favor of that institution, to equip it and make it worthy the name of a university. We feel that our people should avail themselves of the advantages of that institution. Many who go east for education could go to that institution and receive just as much, I believe, as they do at the eastern institutions of learning. We want it understood that we are not against the university, but we favor our people getting the advantages which it offers. Religion cannot be taught there, of course. There all sects and denominations must meet on neutral ground. But for the students belonging to the Latter-day Saints it is possible that some means can be found whereby they could be given religious instruction outside of the institution. If any of them could make arrangement to attend the theological course in the Latter-day Saints' university, it is open to them.
When we were down south we encouraged the people to also attend the Normal school established at Cedar City. We consider that these state schools are well equipped and supplied with able instructors, and that our young people can derive much benefit from them. In short, we want to study how we can make the most of the educational advantages in this state and in the other states throughout Zion, that all our children may receive an education.
In listening to the reports from the presidents of missions, I was pleased with one feature. Some of them said that the missionaries avoided debates and contention. I look upon this as the right course. Some there are who think we are afraid to meet anyone in debate. Not so. It is much harder for our young brethren to keep from debating than it is to engage in it; for they feel that they have the truth, and they are not afraid to meet anyone in defense of the principles in which they believe. But we have only one object in view in going out amongst the nations, and that is to follow the Master's instructions—to go out and teach men. That is our work. We do not go out to win battles as debaters; but we go out to teach men that which we have received, and which we know is true. If men are not willing to receive it, that is their own concern, not ours. When our Elders show the world the beauty of the principles of the Gospel as revealed to us, it is for men to say whether they will receive them or not. The Elders do their duty, and leave the result to the Lord. Those who seek to debate with our Elders and thirst for the honor of beating them in argument, do not want to be taught; they simply want contention. Paul tells us to avoid contention. He said: "But if -any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." So we say; contention is not our custom, and we advise our missionaries not to contend, but simply go out and teach the principles of the Gospel.
Some there are who follow our Elders, and after they have preached the principles of salvation, these men get up and charge that the Elders do not believe in God, but that they believe in Adam as their God, and they will bring up a few passages from sermons delivered by this or that man in the Church to substantiate this charge. Now, we are not ashamed of the glorious doctrine of eternal progression, that man may attain the position of those to whom came the word of God, that is, gods. When Jesus was preaching unto the Jews on one occasion they stoned Him, and He wanted to know if they stoned Him for the good works He had been doing. Oh, no, they say, "for a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." To meet this, Jesus said:
"Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
"If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scriptures cannot be broken;
"Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
We believe that there are gods, as the Savior quoted. He repeated what was written in the law, and He did not say it was wrong, but used it as an argument against them. While, however, we believe, as the scripture states, that there are more gods, to us there is but one God. We worship the God that created the heavens and the earth. We worship the same God that came to our first parents in the Garden of Eden. In the revelation contained in Section 116 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants the Lord speaks concerning Adam-ondi-Ahman, "the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." In the 107th section, the Lord speaks of Adam as "Michael, the Prince, the Archangel," and says that he shall be a prince over the nations for ever. We may with perfect propriety call him prince, the ancient of days, or even God in the meaning of the words of Christ, which I have just quoted; but we do not worship him, we worship the same God that he worshipped. When our missionaries are met with these sophistries and with isolated extracts from sermons, we say to them that anything that is a tenet of our religion must come through revelation and be sustained by the Church, and they need not do battle for anything outside of the works that have been accepted by the Church as a body. When men come with extracts from sermons, let them bring the whole sermon, so that the context can be taken to see what was the meaning of the preacher, and not bring a few isolated passages whose meaning can be twisted and distorted to something opposite to what was intended. Our brethren have a right to ask for this. They can defend the principles they teach by the revelations of God as contained in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, the standard works of the Church; outside of these they need not go. Many of our Elders, when they go out into the world, have never heard of the things that are brought up against us, because they are not doctrines believed or taught here. In regard to the young man who lately committed a fearful deed, in New York, and the charge that the teachings of Mormonism had caused him to do it, I am safe in saying that the young man never heard at home in Zion a single thing taught by the people here in regard to the horrible doctrine attributed to us by the world, called "Blood atonement," for nothing is taught either in private or in public that would lead to such a dreadful crime. It is only out in the world where we are accused of holding such views. I have alluded to the arguments brought against us and the works considered by us as standards in order that our missionaries may not feel at a loss what to do. They know the works which have been accepted by the Church; they can read the word of God unto His people, both ancient and modern, and let them plant themselves firmly thereon. God bless you all. Amen.
Importance of an education, secular and religious —Missionaries should avoid debates— The God we -worship—Only the accepted standard works of the Church authoritative.
This conference has been a very interesting one to me. It has been instructive to hear the reports from the different stakes and missions, given by those who are present; and as far as I have learned the conditions, I know that they have reported truly.
I have one or two things I would like to speak upon, if the Spirit of the Lord shall lead me upon those subjects.
Winter is coming, and during the winter time our day schools are all in session. We have an excellent school system in the state, and we desire to ask all parents to see to it that their children attend school and receive all the benefits they can from the schools in our midst. We have been accused of being an ignorant people, and that the authorities of the Church believe their strength lies in the ignorance of the people; but this is not the case. We do not want to foster ignorance. On the contrary, we desire that all our children shall enjoy the blessings of an education, as far as it lies in our power to give it them. The Prophet Joseph said that no man could be saved in ignorance. We look upon ignorance as a hindrance to salvation. Hence we want our people to be an enlightened people, an educated people, a people trained in all that leads to eternal life.
Besides our district schools, We have schools instituted in our midst for the teaching of the principles of the Gospel. Last night we had a large congregation here of Sunday school workers. We would like our brethren and sisters throughout the stakes of Zion and in the different missions where Sunday schools are established, to see the importance of having all their children attend them /and receive the instructions given there. We look upon the Sunday school as a very important organization in our midst, and we are indeed pleased that so much interest has been taken in this matter. While speaking about Sunday schools, I want to mention the Juvenile Instructor, and to ask the parents to support that journal and place it in the hands of the children. Remember that it belongs to the Sunday schools; and is not a private enterprise. Hence we ask the Sunday schools to be loyal in its support, so that we can spend more means on improving it and making it what it ought to be—a journal in very deed for the instruction of our juveniles.
Religion classes have also been started in our midst; and now that the day schools are opened, we want these classes started, too, that the instruction given in the district schools may be supplemented with religious instruction. It is not intended, however, to mix the two. We cannot interfere with the state schools. We do not desire to take any rights from our friends living here; but we do claim the right to see to it that our own children are given the privilege of learning that which we believe to be of the utmost importance. Presidents of stakes and Bishops of wards, we depend upon you to put forth a strong effort to the end that in every ward a religion class be established, if there be not one already. We have quite a number of Church schools, and we encourage our young, men and young women to attend them. We are pleased to hear from all our academies that they have opened with better prospects than ever before. A greater interest seems to be taken in these institutions, and the First Presidency and the Church board of education, realizing the importance of this work, have made a greater appropriation in favor of it than ever before. We feel that the expenditure of means for the education of our children in these schools is profitable. We cannot fully estimate the value of these institutions. It may cost us a great deal, but if we can save if it were but one soul, how great will be our joy, saith the Lord. I believe these institutions will be the means of saving thousands of souls. In our academies missionary courses have been established, which many of our young men have been called to attend, in order to study the principles of the Gospel and get a systematic knowledge of the plan of salvation, so that when they go out into the world they may know how to teach that which they believe. These courses are doing a great deal of good.
I started by saying that we want all to attend the district schools. Now, we have in this state an excellent university. There has been some talk that the First Presidency and other authorities of the Church were inimical to that institution, and did not want our people to send their young men and young women there. We want it understood that this is not the case. In the past our legislatures have been composed mostly of men belonging to this Church, and they have made large appropriations in favor of that institution, to equip it and make it worthy the name of a university. We feel that our people should avail themselves of the advantages of that institution. Many who go east for education could go to that institution and receive just as much, I believe, as they do at the eastern institutions of learning. We want it understood that we are not against the university, but we favor our people getting the advantages which it offers. Religion cannot be taught there, of course. There all sects and denominations must meet on neutral ground. But for the students belonging to the Latter-day Saints it is possible that some means can be found whereby they could be given religious instruction outside of the institution. If any of them could make arrangement to attend the theological course in the Latter-day Saints' university, it is open to them.
When we were down south we encouraged the people to also attend the Normal school established at Cedar City. We consider that these state schools are well equipped and supplied with able instructors, and that our young people can derive much benefit from them. In short, we want to study how we can make the most of the educational advantages in this state and in the other states throughout Zion, that all our children may receive an education.
In listening to the reports from the presidents of missions, I was pleased with one feature. Some of them said that the missionaries avoided debates and contention. I look upon this as the right course. Some there are who think we are afraid to meet anyone in debate. Not so. It is much harder for our young brethren to keep from debating than it is to engage in it; for they feel that they have the truth, and they are not afraid to meet anyone in defense of the principles in which they believe. But we have only one object in view in going out amongst the nations, and that is to follow the Master's instructions—to go out and teach men. That is our work. We do not go out to win battles as debaters; but we go out to teach men that which we have received, and which we know is true. If men are not willing to receive it, that is their own concern, not ours. When our Elders show the world the beauty of the principles of the Gospel as revealed to us, it is for men to say whether they will receive them or not. The Elders do their duty, and leave the result to the Lord. Those who seek to debate with our Elders and thirst for the honor of beating them in argument, do not want to be taught; they simply want contention. Paul tells us to avoid contention. He said: "But if -any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." So we say; contention is not our custom, and we advise our missionaries not to contend, but simply go out and teach the principles of the Gospel.
Some there are who follow our Elders, and after they have preached the principles of salvation, these men get up and charge that the Elders do not believe in God, but that they believe in Adam as their God, and they will bring up a few passages from sermons delivered by this or that man in the Church to substantiate this charge. Now, we are not ashamed of the glorious doctrine of eternal progression, that man may attain the position of those to whom came the word of God, that is, gods. When Jesus was preaching unto the Jews on one occasion they stoned Him, and He wanted to know if they stoned Him for the good works He had been doing. Oh, no, they say, "for a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." To meet this, Jesus said:
"Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
"If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scriptures cannot be broken;
"Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
We believe that there are gods, as the Savior quoted. He repeated what was written in the law, and He did not say it was wrong, but used it as an argument against them. While, however, we believe, as the scripture states, that there are more gods, to us there is but one God. We worship the God that created the heavens and the earth. We worship the same God that came to our first parents in the Garden of Eden. In the revelation contained in Section 116 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants the Lord speaks concerning Adam-ondi-Ahman, "the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." In the 107th section, the Lord speaks of Adam as "Michael, the Prince, the Archangel," and says that he shall be a prince over the nations for ever. We may with perfect propriety call him prince, the ancient of days, or even God in the meaning of the words of Christ, which I have just quoted; but we do not worship him, we worship the same God that he worshipped. When our missionaries are met with these sophistries and with isolated extracts from sermons, we say to them that anything that is a tenet of our religion must come through revelation and be sustained by the Church, and they need not do battle for anything outside of the works that have been accepted by the Church as a body. When men come with extracts from sermons, let them bring the whole sermon, so that the context can be taken to see what was the meaning of the preacher, and not bring a few isolated passages whose meaning can be twisted and distorted to something opposite to what was intended. Our brethren have a right to ask for this. They can defend the principles they teach by the revelations of God as contained in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, the standard works of the Church; outside of these they need not go. Many of our Elders, when they go out into the world, have never heard of the things that are brought up against us, because they are not doctrines believed or taught here. In regard to the young man who lately committed a fearful deed, in New York, and the charge that the teachings of Mormonism had caused him to do it, I am safe in saying that the young man never heard at home in Zion a single thing taught by the people here in regard to the horrible doctrine attributed to us by the world, called "Blood atonement," for nothing is taught either in private or in public that would lead to such a dreadful crime. It is only out in the world where we are accused of holding such views. I have alluded to the arguments brought against us and the works considered by us as standards in order that our missionaries may not feel at a loss what to do. They know the works which have been accepted by the Church; they can read the word of God unto His people, both ancient and modern, and let them plant themselves firmly thereon. God bless you all. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER.
Temple work—The Sacrament—Fast offerings.
While listening to the reports made by the Presidents of Missions, I thought it might not be out of place for me to say a few words in relation to some missionary work done at home. I refer now to the work that is done in the house of the Lord. We have in the Salt Lake Temple about fifty missionaries— brethren and sisters who have been called to that labor—and they work without compensation. Some of them have been on that mission for more than nine years. I have in mind one sister who has been working in the temple nine and a half years, and I do not know that she has ever missed a day during all that time, when the temple has been open. She is not quite as old as I am, but she is nearly 81 years of age. If you will pardon me, I can say the same thing for myself during the nine and a half years I have never been absent from the temple one day when it has been open.
I will give you a few figures bearing upon the work that is being done in the houses of the Lord. In the Salt Lake Temple, during the past six months, there have been 34,758 ordinances performed, and during the past year 73,060 ordinances. Since it was opened in 1893 there have been 726,924 ordinances performed there. In all the Temples now in existence there have been 2,447,000 ordinances performed.
This is a brief sketch of the work that is done by the missionaries who are called to work in the houses of the Lord.
Be it remembered, brethren and sisters, that this Temple work was one of the most important subjects that the mind of the Prophet Joseph Smithy in his last days, was very much exercised over. And it is an individual work. It is the duty of all who have relatives and friends on the other side of the veil to see that this work is done for them. These temples have been erected at great expense; millions of dollars have been expended on them; they are kept open at a heavy expense; and we ought to avail ourselves of the opportunity to obtain blessings in them. There is room in them for all who desire to perform ordinance work. I hope, therefore, you will take this into consideration, and remember the word of the Prophet Joseph, that it is the duty of every person who has received ordinances for themselves to seek after their dead relatives.
There is one more subject that I wish to say a few words upon: it is in relation to the administration of the Lord’s supper. When visiting wards and stakes I have thought there is not that solemnity surrounding this ordinance that ought to be. It is a matter that the presiding officers should look after. Call the attention of your people, when the sacrament is being prepared, to the sacredness of the obligations they are about to enter into. I remember the first time I ever visited a Latter-day Paint meeting after I obeyed the Gospel, that when the sacrament was prepared the presiding officer arose and spoke to those present in relation to the obligations they were about to enter into, and time was given for any who had been overtaken in a fault to make confession before partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's supper. I believe we are too careless in relation to this ordinance. When the bread and the water are passed around, we are too apt to partake of it in a mechanical *kind of a way, without thinking scarcely of what we are doing. Consequently, I call the attention of the presiding officers to this subject.
One more subject I want to touch upon. Your attention has been called to the fast offerings, and it has been said that some stakes and wards had no poor, consequently they did not deem It necessary to fast. Don't you know, brethren and sisters, that a blessing comes from fasting? It is not; so much the dollars and cents as it is the blessing that we are after, and unless we observe this we cannot expect the blessing. I could give you some statistics on this question that probably would astonish you, but I will say this: Last year $36,000 had to be drawn from the general tithing office to provide for the poor. Now, if the Latter-day Saints would observe this rule as they ought to, every Bishop would have abundance with which to supply all the poor in Zion. My brethren and sisters, during the three days we have been here, while hearing the brethren I have felt several times like shouting Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb! In the name of Jesus Amen.
Temple work—The Sacrament—Fast offerings.
While listening to the reports made by the Presidents of Missions, I thought it might not be out of place for me to say a few words in relation to some missionary work done at home. I refer now to the work that is done in the house of the Lord. We have in the Salt Lake Temple about fifty missionaries— brethren and sisters who have been called to that labor—and they work without compensation. Some of them have been on that mission for more than nine years. I have in mind one sister who has been working in the temple nine and a half years, and I do not know that she has ever missed a day during all that time, when the temple has been open. She is not quite as old as I am, but she is nearly 81 years of age. If you will pardon me, I can say the same thing for myself during the nine and a half years I have never been absent from the temple one day when it has been open.
I will give you a few figures bearing upon the work that is being done in the houses of the Lord. In the Salt Lake Temple, during the past six months, there have been 34,758 ordinances performed, and during the past year 73,060 ordinances. Since it was opened in 1893 there have been 726,924 ordinances performed there. In all the Temples now in existence there have been 2,447,000 ordinances performed.
This is a brief sketch of the work that is done by the missionaries who are called to work in the houses of the Lord.
Be it remembered, brethren and sisters, that this Temple work was one of the most important subjects that the mind of the Prophet Joseph Smithy in his last days, was very much exercised over. And it is an individual work. It is the duty of all who have relatives and friends on the other side of the veil to see that this work is done for them. These temples have been erected at great expense; millions of dollars have been expended on them; they are kept open at a heavy expense; and we ought to avail ourselves of the opportunity to obtain blessings in them. There is room in them for all who desire to perform ordinance work. I hope, therefore, you will take this into consideration, and remember the word of the Prophet Joseph, that it is the duty of every person who has received ordinances for themselves to seek after their dead relatives.
There is one more subject that I wish to say a few words upon: it is in relation to the administration of the Lord’s supper. When visiting wards and stakes I have thought there is not that solemnity surrounding this ordinance that ought to be. It is a matter that the presiding officers should look after. Call the attention of your people, when the sacrament is being prepared, to the sacredness of the obligations they are about to enter into. I remember the first time I ever visited a Latter-day Paint meeting after I obeyed the Gospel, that when the sacrament was prepared the presiding officer arose and spoke to those present in relation to the obligations they were about to enter into, and time was given for any who had been overtaken in a fault to make confession before partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's supper. I believe we are too careless in relation to this ordinance. When the bread and the water are passed around, we are too apt to partake of it in a mechanical *kind of a way, without thinking scarcely of what we are doing. Consequently, I call the attention of the presiding officers to this subject.
One more subject I want to touch upon. Your attention has been called to the fast offerings, and it has been said that some stakes and wards had no poor, consequently they did not deem It necessary to fast. Don't you know, brethren and sisters, that a blessing comes from fasting? It is not; so much the dollars and cents as it is the blessing that we are after, and unless we observe this we cannot expect the blessing. I could give you some statistics on this question that probably would astonish you, but I will say this: Last year $36,000 had to be drawn from the general tithing office to provide for the poor. Now, if the Latter-day Saints would observe this rule as they ought to, every Bishop would have abundance with which to supply all the poor in Zion. My brethren and sisters, during the three days we have been here, while hearing the brethren I have felt several times like shouting Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb! In the name of Jesus Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
"I hold in my hand a copy of the revised edition of the Pearl of Great Price. The' Pearl of Great Price, as it originally existed, was presented before the general conference and accepted as one of the standard works of the Church. Since then the book has undergone a revision; that is to say, all the revelations that it formerly contained which were also in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, have been eliminated from it, as we thought it unnecessary to have revelations published in this book which were already published in the Doctrine and Covenants; therefore, these revelations have been eliminated from the Pearl of Great Price as it now is, and you will find them In the Doctrine and Covenants. In addition to this, Professor James E. Talmage has gone through the work and divided it into chapters and verses, making it a far more convenient book of reference than it was before. He has also supplied copious footnotes or references, which will be an aid in the study of the book.
These are the changes that have been made .in the book, and we now present this book in its revised form—the original matter being preserved as it was before, only divided into chapters and verses—for your acceptance as a standard work of the Church."
It was moved and seconded that the book be accepted as a standard work of the Church, and the motion was carried unanimously.
President Smith then presented the authorities of the Church, first remarking that "we desire that the brethren and sisters will all feel the responsibility of expressing their feelings in relation to the propositions that may be put before you. We do not want any man or woman who is a member of the Church to violate their conscience. Of course, we are not asking apostates or non-members of the Church to vote on the authorities of the Church. "We only ask for members of the Church in good standing to vote on the propositions that shall be put before you, and we would like all to vote as they feel, whether for or against."
"I hold in my hand a copy of the revised edition of the Pearl of Great Price. The' Pearl of Great Price, as it originally existed, was presented before the general conference and accepted as one of the standard works of the Church. Since then the book has undergone a revision; that is to say, all the revelations that it formerly contained which were also in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, have been eliminated from it, as we thought it unnecessary to have revelations published in this book which were already published in the Doctrine and Covenants; therefore, these revelations have been eliminated from the Pearl of Great Price as it now is, and you will find them In the Doctrine and Covenants. In addition to this, Professor James E. Talmage has gone through the work and divided it into chapters and verses, making it a far more convenient book of reference than it was before. He has also supplied copious footnotes or references, which will be an aid in the study of the book.
These are the changes that have been made .in the book, and we now present this book in its revised form—the original matter being preserved as it was before, only divided into chapters and verses—for your acceptance as a standard work of the Church."
It was moved and seconded that the book be accepted as a standard work of the Church, and the motion was carried unanimously.
President Smith then presented the authorities of the Church, first remarking that "we desire that the brethren and sisters will all feel the responsibility of expressing their feelings in relation to the propositions that may be put before you. We do not want any man or woman who is a member of the Church to violate their conscience. Of course, we are not asking apostates or non-members of the Church to vote on the authorities of the Church. "We only ask for members of the Church in good standing to vote on the propositions that shall be put before you, and we would like all to vote as they feel, whether for or against."
THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES
of the Church were presented by President Joseph F. Smith, to be voted upon by the conference, as follows:
Joseph F. Smith, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
John R. Winder, as first counselor in the First Presidency.
Anthon H. Lund, as second counselor in the First Presidency.
Brigham Young, as President of the Twelve Apostles.
As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles: Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. "Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot and Hyrum M. Smith.
John Smith, as Presiding Patriarch of the Church.
The counselors in the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Patriarch as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
First Seven Presidents of Seventies: Seymour B. Young, Christian D. Fjeldsted, Brigham Henry Roberts, George Reynolds, Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells and Joseph W. McMurrin.
William B. Preston, as Presiding Bishop, with Robert T. Burton and Orrin P. Miller as his first and second counselors.
Joseph F. Smith as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Anthon H. Lund as Church historian and general Church recorder.
Andrew Jenson, O. F. Whitney, A. M. Musser and B. H. Roberts, assistant historians.
As members of the General Church Board of Education; Joseph F. Smith, Willard Young, Anthon H. Lund, James Sharp, John Nicholson, George H. Brimhall, Rudger Clawson, Joseph M. Tanner and John R. Winder.
As General Superintendent of Church Schools—Joseph M. Tanner.
Secretary of Church Board of Education— Arthur Winter.
As members of the Board of Examiners— Joseph M. Tanner, Benjamin Cluff, Jr., George H. Brimhall, Joshua H. Paul and James H. Linford.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF THE RELIEF SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
Bathsheba W. Smith, general president; Annie Taylor Hyde, first counselor: Ida Smoot Dusenberry, second counselor; Emmeline B. Wells, general secretary; Clarissa S. Williams, general treasurer.
OFFICERS OF THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; George Reynolds, first assistant general superintendent; J. M. Tanner, second assistant general superintendent.
Members of the Board—Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds, Joseph M. Tanner, Thomas C. Griggs, Joseph W. Summerhays, Levi W. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, George Teasdale, Hugh J. Cannon, Andrew Kimball, John W. Taylor, L. John Nuttall, James W. Ure, John F. Bennett, John M. Mills, William D. Owen, Seymour B. Young, George D. Pyper, Henry Peterson, Anthon H. Lund, John R. Winder, James E. Talmage, George M. Cannon, Horace Cummings, George D. Pyper, general secretary; George Reynolds, treasurer.
GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE YOUNG MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; Heber J. Grant and B. H. Roberts, assistants; Thomas Hull, secretary and treasurer; Evan Stephens, music director; Horace S. Ensign, assistant music director.
Aids—Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, J. Golden Kimball, Junius F. Wells, Milton H. Hardy, Rodney C. Badger, George H. Brimhall, Edward H. Anderson, Douglas M. Todd, Thomas Hull, Nephi L. Morris, Willard Done, Le Roi C. Snow, Frank Y. Taylor, Rudger Clawson, Rulon S. Wells, Jos. W. McMurrin, Reed Smoot, Bryant S. Hinckley, Moses W. Taylor, B. F. Grant, Henry S. Tanner, Hyrum M. Smith, Wm. B. Dougall.
OFFICERS OF THE YOUNG LADIES MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
Elmina S. Taylor, president; Maria Y. Dougall, first counselor; Martha H. Tingey, second counselor; Ann M. Cannon, secretary and treasurer; Mae Taylor Nystrom, corresponding secretary; Joan Campbell, recording secretary.
Aids—Adella W. Eardley, Sarah Eddington, Agnes Campbell, Lillle T. Freeze, Susa Young Gates, Minnie J. Snow, May Booth Talmage, Emma Goddard, Rose W. Bennett, Alice K. Smith, Elizabeth C. McCune, Ruth M. Fox, Julia M. Brixen, Helen W. Woodruff, Augusta W. Grant, Mary A. Freeze.
OFFICERS OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATIONS.
Louie B. Felt, president; Lillle T. Freeze, first counselor; Josephine R. West, second counselor; May Anderson, secretary and treasurer; Olive L. Derbidge, assistant secretary; Euphemia I. Burnham, recording secretary.
Aids—Aurelia S. Rogers, L. Lula Greene Richards, Isabella S. Ross, Camilla C. Cobb, Edna L. Smith, Eliza Slade Bennion.
GENERAL BOARD OF RELIGION CLASSES.
Anthon H. Lund, general superintendent; Rudger Clawson, assistant general superintendent; Joseph M. Tanner, assistant general superintendent.
Members of Board—L. John Nuttall, John M. Mills, Henry Peterson, Horace Cummings, Joseph W. Summerhays, Matthias F. Cowley, Hyrum M. Smith, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, L. John Nuttall, general secretary.
Leader and director of the Tabernacle choir—Evan Stephens, with Horace S. Ensign as his assistant; John J. McClellan as organist, and all the members of the choir.
John Nicholson as clerk of the conference.
The voting to sustain was affirmatively unanimous.
of the Church were presented by President Joseph F. Smith, to be voted upon by the conference, as follows:
Joseph F. Smith, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
John R. Winder, as first counselor in the First Presidency.
Anthon H. Lund, as second counselor in the First Presidency.
Brigham Young, as President of the Twelve Apostles.
As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles: Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. "Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot and Hyrum M. Smith.
John Smith, as Presiding Patriarch of the Church.
The counselors in the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Patriarch as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
First Seven Presidents of Seventies: Seymour B. Young, Christian D. Fjeldsted, Brigham Henry Roberts, George Reynolds, Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells and Joseph W. McMurrin.
William B. Preston, as Presiding Bishop, with Robert T. Burton and Orrin P. Miller as his first and second counselors.
Joseph F. Smith as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Anthon H. Lund as Church historian and general Church recorder.
Andrew Jenson, O. F. Whitney, A. M. Musser and B. H. Roberts, assistant historians.
As members of the General Church Board of Education; Joseph F. Smith, Willard Young, Anthon H. Lund, James Sharp, John Nicholson, George H. Brimhall, Rudger Clawson, Joseph M. Tanner and John R. Winder.
As General Superintendent of Church Schools—Joseph M. Tanner.
Secretary of Church Board of Education— Arthur Winter.
As members of the Board of Examiners— Joseph M. Tanner, Benjamin Cluff, Jr., George H. Brimhall, Joshua H. Paul and James H. Linford.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL BOARD OF THE RELIEF SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
Bathsheba W. Smith, general president; Annie Taylor Hyde, first counselor: Ida Smoot Dusenberry, second counselor; Emmeline B. Wells, general secretary; Clarissa S. Williams, general treasurer.
OFFICERS OF THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; George Reynolds, first assistant general superintendent; J. M. Tanner, second assistant general superintendent.
Members of the Board—Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds, Joseph M. Tanner, Thomas C. Griggs, Joseph W. Summerhays, Levi W. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, George Teasdale, Hugh J. Cannon, Andrew Kimball, John W. Taylor, L. John Nuttall, James W. Ure, John F. Bennett, John M. Mills, William D. Owen, Seymour B. Young, George D. Pyper, Henry Peterson, Anthon H. Lund, John R. Winder, James E. Talmage, George M. Cannon, Horace Cummings, George D. Pyper, general secretary; George Reynolds, treasurer.
GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE YOUNG MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; Heber J. Grant and B. H. Roberts, assistants; Thomas Hull, secretary and treasurer; Evan Stephens, music director; Horace S. Ensign, assistant music director.
Aids—Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, J. Golden Kimball, Junius F. Wells, Milton H. Hardy, Rodney C. Badger, George H. Brimhall, Edward H. Anderson, Douglas M. Todd, Thomas Hull, Nephi L. Morris, Willard Done, Le Roi C. Snow, Frank Y. Taylor, Rudger Clawson, Rulon S. Wells, Jos. W. McMurrin, Reed Smoot, Bryant S. Hinckley, Moses W. Taylor, B. F. Grant, Henry S. Tanner, Hyrum M. Smith, Wm. B. Dougall.
OFFICERS OF THE YOUNG LADIES MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
Elmina S. Taylor, president; Maria Y. Dougall, first counselor; Martha H. Tingey, second counselor; Ann M. Cannon, secretary and treasurer; Mae Taylor Nystrom, corresponding secretary; Joan Campbell, recording secretary.
Aids—Adella W. Eardley, Sarah Eddington, Agnes Campbell, Lillle T. Freeze, Susa Young Gates, Minnie J. Snow, May Booth Talmage, Emma Goddard, Rose W. Bennett, Alice K. Smith, Elizabeth C. McCune, Ruth M. Fox, Julia M. Brixen, Helen W. Woodruff, Augusta W. Grant, Mary A. Freeze.
OFFICERS OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATIONS.
Louie B. Felt, president; Lillle T. Freeze, first counselor; Josephine R. West, second counselor; May Anderson, secretary and treasurer; Olive L. Derbidge, assistant secretary; Euphemia I. Burnham, recording secretary.
Aids—Aurelia S. Rogers, L. Lula Greene Richards, Isabella S. Ross, Camilla C. Cobb, Edna L. Smith, Eliza Slade Bennion.
GENERAL BOARD OF RELIGION CLASSES.
Anthon H. Lund, general superintendent; Rudger Clawson, assistant general superintendent; Joseph M. Tanner, assistant general superintendent.
Members of Board—L. John Nuttall, John M. Mills, Henry Peterson, Horace Cummings, Joseph W. Summerhays, Matthias F. Cowley, Hyrum M. Smith, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, L. John Nuttall, general secretary.
Leader and director of the Tabernacle choir—Evan Stephens, with Horace S. Ensign as his assistant; John J. McClellan as organist, and all the members of the choir.
John Nicholson as clerk of the conference.
The voting to sustain was affirmatively unanimous.
PRESIDENT SMITH
read the following and in suitable remarks gave it his hearty approval:
Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 6, 1902.— An organization has recently been effected under the direction of the general board of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which Sister Emma A. Empey was sustained as general supervisor of the Relief Society nurses, with Sister Phebe Y. Beatie as secretary and treasurer, and Sister Margaret C. Roberts as instructor.
It is desired that the Relief Society of every stake of Zion shall send as many young women as possible to study nursing, and that the presidents of stakes shall interest themselves with the Relief Societies and young ladies that the good work that has been started here may be carried on, and that the sick and needy throughout all the settlements may have proper attention. The class will start Monday, Nov. S. For further information see Relief Society pamphlet, or write to Sister Phebe Y. Beatie at 55 North West Temple street, Salt Lake City. Emma A. Empey, general superintendent.
read the following and in suitable remarks gave it his hearty approval:
Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 6, 1902.— An organization has recently been effected under the direction of the general board of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which Sister Emma A. Empey was sustained as general supervisor of the Relief Society nurses, with Sister Phebe Y. Beatie as secretary and treasurer, and Sister Margaret C. Roberts as instructor.
It is desired that the Relief Society of every stake of Zion shall send as many young women as possible to study nursing, and that the presidents of stakes shall interest themselves with the Relief Societies and young ladies that the good work that has been started here may be carried on, and that the sick and needy throughout all the settlements may have proper attention. The class will start Monday, Nov. S. For further information see Relief Society pamphlet, or write to Sister Phebe Y. Beatie at 55 North West Temple street, Salt Lake City. Emma A. Empey, general superintendent.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Honor the Priesthood in their respective callings — Sustain the Church publications—President Snow's great and good work—Commendation of the auxiliary organizations—Closing admonitions.
Six months ago we announced to the people in conference assembled that we expected to carry the Gospel and our testimony to the Saints as far as we had power to do it. I desire to say to this conference that we have fulfilled that promise to the best of our ability. Myself and at least one of my counselors, together with a number of the Apostles, have visited many of the settlements between here and Canada, holding conference in Canada and meetings in several of the wards there; and we have been as far south as St. George. We have attended the conferences of the people as far as our time would permit, and there has not been a Sabbath day that we have been idle. We have visited the Saints, borne testimony and declared the truth to them as diligently and faithfully as we had strength and time to do. What remains to be done, we hope, by the blessings of the Lord and continued health and strength, to be able in the future to accomplish it. Between now and next April we will perhaps be able to visit a number of the Stakes of Zion, and Wards, too, which we have been unable to reach up to the present. We cannot afford to be idle.
At this conference we have heard from nine Apostles—all that were in attendance. I regret exceedingly to say that President Brigham Young is confined to his room with serious illness; and while we hope and pray that the Lord may be merciful unto him and prolong his life, we feel, from the knowledge we have of his condition and sufferings, that we will have to leave him in the hands of the Lord. If he had been present at this conference, we would have had all the brethren of the Twelve with us, excepting Brothers Lyman and Grant, who are in foreign lands laboring in the missionary field. Besides the Twelve, we have heard from almost forty presiding officers in the Church; and I only regret that we do not have the time to continue this work until we could hear from all the Presidents of Stakes, at least. But, brethren, do not be discouraged; if you will come next Conference we will give you a chance then.
Furthermore, I want to say to the Saints who have listened to the brethren who have spoken unto us, that they are only an average of the Presidents of Stakes. We have not selected the brightest, the wisest and the best to speak to us. "We have taken those from the outer settlements, as far as we could, because we desired to have them heard here. We desire to recognize them, and we would like their people at home to realize the fact that they are recognized in the general conferences of the Church. I believe it to be the duty of the Church to recognize and acknowledge every man that holds an official position in it, in his sphere and in his calling. I hold to the doctrine that the duty of a Teachers as sacred as the duty of an Apostle, in the sphere in which he is called to act, and that every member of the Church is as much in duty bound to honor the Teacher that visits him in his home as he is to honor the office and counsel of the presiding quorum of the Church. They all have the Priesthood, they are all acting in their callings, and they are all essential in their place, because the, Lord has appointed them and set them in His Church. We cannot ignore them; or, if we do, the sin will be upon our heads.
We have had some excellent instructions from President Lund and President Winder of the First Presidency, in relation to the work in the Temple, to discussions and contentions, in the missionary field, to the education of our children, to the maintenance of schools, to religion class work, and other matters. I endorse their remarks. President Lund has also recommended to us the Juvenile Instructor, of which the brethren have given me the honor of being the chief editor. I am not the only editor of this periodical. Brother George Reynolds is one of the editors; indeed he is the worker, the bee in that hive. He is always busy wherever you find him. So far as industry is concerned, I do not know a man in Israel that performs a greater multitude of duties and labors than George Reynolds does. He is always at work, and always has plenty to do. I desire to remind you too, that the brethren have done me the honor also of electing me to be the editor of the Improvement Era, the organ of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement association, Elder E. H. Anderson being actively in charge. As the Juvenile Instructor belongs to the Sunday schools, and not to any individual or syndicate of individuals, in like manner the Era is the organ of the young men of Zion. No man has any interest or profit in it more than another; nobody is making money out of it, and nobody is getting any salary out of it, except one or two who have to be constantly employed in the office. We send the magazine to the missionaries abroad, and receive commendations from the Elders with respect to the good that is being accomplished by doing this. We recommend the Improvement Era, as we do the Juvenile Instructor, to the youth of Zion, and we say that you cannot do better than subscribe for it, and have it in your libraries, and still better, read it. Nor do we wish to overlook the Young Woman's Journal, nor the Children's Friend.
Brethren and sisters, we want you to be united. We hope and pray that you will go from this conference to your homes feeling in your hearts and from the depths of your soul to forgive one another, and never from this time forth to bear malice towards another fellow creature, I do not care whether he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, whether he is a friend or a foe, whether he is good or bad. It is extremely hurtful for any man holding the Priesthood and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost to harbor a spirit of envy, or malice, of retaliation, or intolerance toward or against his fellow man. We ought to say in our hearts, let God judge between me and thee, but as for me I will forgive. I want to say to you that Latter-day Saints who harbor a feeling of unforgiveness in their souls are more guilty -and more censurable than the one who has sinned against them. Go home and dismiss envy and hatred from your hearts; dismiss the feeling of unforgiveness; and cultivate, in your souls that spirit of Christ which cried out upon the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." This is the spirit that Latter-day Saints ought to possess all the day long. The man who has that spirit in his heart and keeps it there will never have any trouble with his neighbor; he will never have any difficulties to bring before the Bishop, nor High Council; but he will always be at peace with himself, at peace with his neighbors, and at peace with God. It is a good thing to be at peace with God.
One year ago today, as near as I can recall, we were honored by the presence, and with the privilege to hear the voice of President Snow. Shortly after he was called home to his final account before the great Judge of the quick and the dead. The Lord preserved his lift to a goodly age, and I want to say that the Lord Almighty accomplished some things through President Lorenzo Snow that neither President John Taylor nor President Wilford Woodruff accomplished in their day. Although the same questions had been brought before them, yet they were never thoroughly decided and settled until President Snow did it. Therefore, I say, all honor and praise be unto that instrument in the hands of God of establishing order in the midst of uncertainty, and certain rules by which we know our bearings. I wish to mention this, because I feel in my heart to thank the Lord for President Snow, and to honor him as the instrument in His hands of accomplishing his mission, for which the Lord preserved him so long in life. He lived to bear his testimony to the world that Joseph Smith the Prophet taught him the doctrine of celestial marriage. He lived to declare to the world that he knew positively that Joseph Smith did receive it by revelation and that that doctrine was true and of God. And if he had done no more than this he would have accomplished a great work, because he was a living witness, an eye-witness and an earwitness, and he knew whereof he spoke. You and I will have to meet his testimony, and so will the people of the world; and when we go to give an account of that which we have heard and known in the world, we can not dodge this, but will be held to an account for it, just as sure as the Lord lives and President Snow did his duty. I want to say a few words to the Mutual Improvement associations. You young men and young women, officers of the Mutual Improvement associations, I implore you to go from this conference and do your duty. Look after the wayward, the disobedient, the thoughtless, and the indifferent. It is necessary that they should be guarded and looked after. As it has been expressed here time and again, it is better for us to save our own boys who are being misled at home, than It is for us to go out into the world and spend years of time and endless means in order to gather in a few people from the world, while some of our own boys and girls need redemption as much as they, besides these people of the world are so full of the traditions and superstitions of their fathers when they gather to Zion that it is difficult, if not impossible, for them to entirely overcome these traditions and get down to a full comprehension of the Gospel and a complete reception of the truth. Yet a soul saved out in the world is as precious in the sight of God as a soul saved at home. But we have work to do right at home, at our own doors; and it will not do for us to neglect the work necessary to be done at our own thresholds, and then go out into the world to do work that is no more necessary. Let us do our duty everywhere.
I desire to speak a word of commendation of the Primary associations. The sisters who are engaged in this noble work are most worthy women and very energetic in their labors. They are accomplishing a wonderful work. It is soul-inspiring, delightful and encouraging to see the results of the labors of these sisters. I commend this work to the attention of presiding officers everywhere, and would ask that the Bishops encourage and foster not only the Sunday schools and the Improvement associations, but also the Primary associations; for theirs is a work necessary to be done among the little children, which cannot be done, it would appear, in any other way.
Furthermore, I desire to commend the work of the Relief Society, an organization that was effected by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The objects of this organization are manifold. It is not designed to look only after the poor and the needy as to their bodily necessities, but it is also intended to look after the spiritual, mental and moral welfare of the mothers and daughters in Zion, and all who are engaged or interested in female work. I commend the Relief Societies to the Bishops, and say, be friendly to these organizations, because they are auxiliary organizations and a great help to the Bishops.
I regret very much indeed that we have not had time to hear from the Seven Presidents of Seventies, but neither they nor you need to feel very bad about it, because we expect to send them out to visit you. If you have not had the privilege of hearing them here, we will let you hear them at your homes. It is their business to preach the Gospel, and another time they may have a chance to preach it to you here. I would love to have heard them and— I was going to say—hundreds of others, whom we would like to have heard, if time would permit.
I now say to the brethren of the Priesthood—the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and the Lesser Priesthood—magnify your callings; study the scriptures; read the 107th section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, on Priesthood; learn that revelation, which was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and live by its precepts and doctrine, and you will gain power and intelligence to straighten out many kinks that have heretofore existed in your minds, and to clear up many doubts and uncertainties in relation to the rights of the Priesthood. God gave that word to us. It is in force today in the Church and in the world, and it contains instruction to the Priesthood and the people in relation to their duties, which every Elder should know.
I will say now to all of the Latter-day Saints, Let us live our religion; let us pay our tithing and be blessed; let us remember the poor and the needy, and sustain and help them; let us visit the sick and afflicted, and administer consolation unto them; let us help the weak; let us do all in our power to build up Zion, to establish righteousness in the earth, and to plant in the hearts of the people the glorious truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God, whom the Lord raised up in these last days to restore the everlasting Gospel and the power of the Holy Priesthood to the world.
That the Lord may help us to accomplish this work, and sustain us in every good word and work, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.
The benediction was pronounced by Elder Charles W. Penrose, counselor in the Presidency of the Salt Lake Stake.
Conference adjourned for six months.
The stenographic work, in taking a full account of the speeches, was done by Elder Arthur Winter.
JOHN NICHOLSON,
Clerk of Conference.
Honor the Priesthood in their respective callings — Sustain the Church publications—President Snow's great and good work—Commendation of the auxiliary organizations—Closing admonitions.
Six months ago we announced to the people in conference assembled that we expected to carry the Gospel and our testimony to the Saints as far as we had power to do it. I desire to say to this conference that we have fulfilled that promise to the best of our ability. Myself and at least one of my counselors, together with a number of the Apostles, have visited many of the settlements between here and Canada, holding conference in Canada and meetings in several of the wards there; and we have been as far south as St. George. We have attended the conferences of the people as far as our time would permit, and there has not been a Sabbath day that we have been idle. We have visited the Saints, borne testimony and declared the truth to them as diligently and faithfully as we had strength and time to do. What remains to be done, we hope, by the blessings of the Lord and continued health and strength, to be able in the future to accomplish it. Between now and next April we will perhaps be able to visit a number of the Stakes of Zion, and Wards, too, which we have been unable to reach up to the present. We cannot afford to be idle.
At this conference we have heard from nine Apostles—all that were in attendance. I regret exceedingly to say that President Brigham Young is confined to his room with serious illness; and while we hope and pray that the Lord may be merciful unto him and prolong his life, we feel, from the knowledge we have of his condition and sufferings, that we will have to leave him in the hands of the Lord. If he had been present at this conference, we would have had all the brethren of the Twelve with us, excepting Brothers Lyman and Grant, who are in foreign lands laboring in the missionary field. Besides the Twelve, we have heard from almost forty presiding officers in the Church; and I only regret that we do not have the time to continue this work until we could hear from all the Presidents of Stakes, at least. But, brethren, do not be discouraged; if you will come next Conference we will give you a chance then.
Furthermore, I want to say to the Saints who have listened to the brethren who have spoken unto us, that they are only an average of the Presidents of Stakes. We have not selected the brightest, the wisest and the best to speak to us. "We have taken those from the outer settlements, as far as we could, because we desired to have them heard here. We desire to recognize them, and we would like their people at home to realize the fact that they are recognized in the general conferences of the Church. I believe it to be the duty of the Church to recognize and acknowledge every man that holds an official position in it, in his sphere and in his calling. I hold to the doctrine that the duty of a Teachers as sacred as the duty of an Apostle, in the sphere in which he is called to act, and that every member of the Church is as much in duty bound to honor the Teacher that visits him in his home as he is to honor the office and counsel of the presiding quorum of the Church. They all have the Priesthood, they are all acting in their callings, and they are all essential in their place, because the, Lord has appointed them and set them in His Church. We cannot ignore them; or, if we do, the sin will be upon our heads.
We have had some excellent instructions from President Lund and President Winder of the First Presidency, in relation to the work in the Temple, to discussions and contentions, in the missionary field, to the education of our children, to the maintenance of schools, to religion class work, and other matters. I endorse their remarks. President Lund has also recommended to us the Juvenile Instructor, of which the brethren have given me the honor of being the chief editor. I am not the only editor of this periodical. Brother George Reynolds is one of the editors; indeed he is the worker, the bee in that hive. He is always busy wherever you find him. So far as industry is concerned, I do not know a man in Israel that performs a greater multitude of duties and labors than George Reynolds does. He is always at work, and always has plenty to do. I desire to remind you too, that the brethren have done me the honor also of electing me to be the editor of the Improvement Era, the organ of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement association, Elder E. H. Anderson being actively in charge. As the Juvenile Instructor belongs to the Sunday schools, and not to any individual or syndicate of individuals, in like manner the Era is the organ of the young men of Zion. No man has any interest or profit in it more than another; nobody is making money out of it, and nobody is getting any salary out of it, except one or two who have to be constantly employed in the office. We send the magazine to the missionaries abroad, and receive commendations from the Elders with respect to the good that is being accomplished by doing this. We recommend the Improvement Era, as we do the Juvenile Instructor, to the youth of Zion, and we say that you cannot do better than subscribe for it, and have it in your libraries, and still better, read it. Nor do we wish to overlook the Young Woman's Journal, nor the Children's Friend.
Brethren and sisters, we want you to be united. We hope and pray that you will go from this conference to your homes feeling in your hearts and from the depths of your soul to forgive one another, and never from this time forth to bear malice towards another fellow creature, I do not care whether he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, whether he is a friend or a foe, whether he is good or bad. It is extremely hurtful for any man holding the Priesthood and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost to harbor a spirit of envy, or malice, of retaliation, or intolerance toward or against his fellow man. We ought to say in our hearts, let God judge between me and thee, but as for me I will forgive. I want to say to you that Latter-day Saints who harbor a feeling of unforgiveness in their souls are more guilty -and more censurable than the one who has sinned against them. Go home and dismiss envy and hatred from your hearts; dismiss the feeling of unforgiveness; and cultivate, in your souls that spirit of Christ which cried out upon the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." This is the spirit that Latter-day Saints ought to possess all the day long. The man who has that spirit in his heart and keeps it there will never have any trouble with his neighbor; he will never have any difficulties to bring before the Bishop, nor High Council; but he will always be at peace with himself, at peace with his neighbors, and at peace with God. It is a good thing to be at peace with God.
One year ago today, as near as I can recall, we were honored by the presence, and with the privilege to hear the voice of President Snow. Shortly after he was called home to his final account before the great Judge of the quick and the dead. The Lord preserved his lift to a goodly age, and I want to say that the Lord Almighty accomplished some things through President Lorenzo Snow that neither President John Taylor nor President Wilford Woodruff accomplished in their day. Although the same questions had been brought before them, yet they were never thoroughly decided and settled until President Snow did it. Therefore, I say, all honor and praise be unto that instrument in the hands of God of establishing order in the midst of uncertainty, and certain rules by which we know our bearings. I wish to mention this, because I feel in my heart to thank the Lord for President Snow, and to honor him as the instrument in His hands of accomplishing his mission, for which the Lord preserved him so long in life. He lived to bear his testimony to the world that Joseph Smith the Prophet taught him the doctrine of celestial marriage. He lived to declare to the world that he knew positively that Joseph Smith did receive it by revelation and that that doctrine was true and of God. And if he had done no more than this he would have accomplished a great work, because he was a living witness, an eye-witness and an earwitness, and he knew whereof he spoke. You and I will have to meet his testimony, and so will the people of the world; and when we go to give an account of that which we have heard and known in the world, we can not dodge this, but will be held to an account for it, just as sure as the Lord lives and President Snow did his duty. I want to say a few words to the Mutual Improvement associations. You young men and young women, officers of the Mutual Improvement associations, I implore you to go from this conference and do your duty. Look after the wayward, the disobedient, the thoughtless, and the indifferent. It is necessary that they should be guarded and looked after. As it has been expressed here time and again, it is better for us to save our own boys who are being misled at home, than It is for us to go out into the world and spend years of time and endless means in order to gather in a few people from the world, while some of our own boys and girls need redemption as much as they, besides these people of the world are so full of the traditions and superstitions of their fathers when they gather to Zion that it is difficult, if not impossible, for them to entirely overcome these traditions and get down to a full comprehension of the Gospel and a complete reception of the truth. Yet a soul saved out in the world is as precious in the sight of God as a soul saved at home. But we have work to do right at home, at our own doors; and it will not do for us to neglect the work necessary to be done at our own thresholds, and then go out into the world to do work that is no more necessary. Let us do our duty everywhere.
I desire to speak a word of commendation of the Primary associations. The sisters who are engaged in this noble work are most worthy women and very energetic in their labors. They are accomplishing a wonderful work. It is soul-inspiring, delightful and encouraging to see the results of the labors of these sisters. I commend this work to the attention of presiding officers everywhere, and would ask that the Bishops encourage and foster not only the Sunday schools and the Improvement associations, but also the Primary associations; for theirs is a work necessary to be done among the little children, which cannot be done, it would appear, in any other way.
Furthermore, I desire to commend the work of the Relief Society, an organization that was effected by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The objects of this organization are manifold. It is not designed to look only after the poor and the needy as to their bodily necessities, but it is also intended to look after the spiritual, mental and moral welfare of the mothers and daughters in Zion, and all who are engaged or interested in female work. I commend the Relief Societies to the Bishops, and say, be friendly to these organizations, because they are auxiliary organizations and a great help to the Bishops.
I regret very much indeed that we have not had time to hear from the Seven Presidents of Seventies, but neither they nor you need to feel very bad about it, because we expect to send them out to visit you. If you have not had the privilege of hearing them here, we will let you hear them at your homes. It is their business to preach the Gospel, and another time they may have a chance to preach it to you here. I would love to have heard them and— I was going to say—hundreds of others, whom we would like to have heard, if time would permit.
I now say to the brethren of the Priesthood—the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and the Lesser Priesthood—magnify your callings; study the scriptures; read the 107th section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, on Priesthood; learn that revelation, which was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and live by its precepts and doctrine, and you will gain power and intelligence to straighten out many kinks that have heretofore existed in your minds, and to clear up many doubts and uncertainties in relation to the rights of the Priesthood. God gave that word to us. It is in force today in the Church and in the world, and it contains instruction to the Priesthood and the people in relation to their duties, which every Elder should know.
I will say now to all of the Latter-day Saints, Let us live our religion; let us pay our tithing and be blessed; let us remember the poor and the needy, and sustain and help them; let us visit the sick and afflicted, and administer consolation unto them; let us help the weak; let us do all in our power to build up Zion, to establish righteousness in the earth, and to plant in the hearts of the people the glorious truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God, whom the Lord raised up in these last days to restore the everlasting Gospel and the power of the Holy Priesthood to the world.
That the Lord may help us to accomplish this work, and sustain us in every good word and work, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.
The benediction was pronounced by Elder Charles W. Penrose, counselor in the Presidency of the Salt Lake Stake.
Conference adjourned for six months.
The stenographic work, in taking a full account of the speeches, was done by Elder Arthur Winter.
JOHN NICHOLSON,
Clerk of Conference.
SEMI-ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL CONFERENCE.
Preliminary Meeting of Superintendents.
The superintendents and assistants of the Sunday schools of the various stakes of Zion met with the Deseret Sunday School Union board, at room No. 25 of the Lion House, Salt Lake City, at 6 o'clock on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 1902, for the consideration of special business. The call was made by the general superintendency. Thirty-five stakes were represented.
The brethren sang, "Redeemer of Israel," and prayer was offered by Elder James H. Linford.
Elder George D. Pyper brought up the subject of the Juvenile Instructor and stated that a subscription v of 8,300 was secured last year and this had increased to 8,800 during the present season with the prospect of reaching what the board desired by the end of the year—nine thousand subscribers. It was claimed, however, that the list should be increased to at least 10,000 during 1903, and Elder Pyper asked the support of the officers in behalf of the magazine and urged upon them the necessity of reading it themselves in order to keep up with the Sunday school work.
Elder George M. Cannon offered the following resolution:
"Resolved, that as stake superintendents of Sunday schools we make an earnest effort to increase the number of subscribers to the Juvenile Instructor in our respective stakes at least ten per cent."
After some remarks the resolution was adopted.
Elder Joseph W. Summerhays said that the board was simply the agent of the schools in publishing the Juvenile Instructor, but it was plain to all that the Sunday school organization needed an organ and the Instructor was a necessity; all the board asked was that the stake and ward officers and workers should bear their part of the burden.
Elder Summerhays also stated that the board would like a Sunday School Union organized in every stake of Zion; that it was recommended that a Sunday school conference be held in each ward once a year; that stake Sunday school officers should go into the by-ways and corners and mining towns and organize Sunday schools wherever possible. No town, village, settlement or camp should be without its Sunday school.
Elder Horace Cummings related his experience in organizing a Sunday School Union in Juarez Stake, Mexico. All schools were represented except one composed of two families, living one hundred and fifty miles away. There were two hundred and ninety-nine present, and it took a month for some of the workers to come to the meetings and return to their homes. This, he thought, a complete answer to those who object to the organization of a union because of the scattered condition of the people of their stakes, as very few stakes are as scattered as Juarez, and yet they made a great success of it,, and he believed great good would follow.
Elder Joseph M. Tanner then announced the near completion of the Sunday school plans, and stated that, subject to the printer's ability to do the work, the committee hoped to have the plans in the hands of the teachers by December 1st.
General Treasurer George Reynolds submitted a proposition to offer premiums of ten volumes of the Juvenile Instructor to the stake remitting the nickel donation to the general treasurer by December 1, 1902, and five volumes to the stake remitting: by January 1, 1903.
On motion of Elder David O. McKay the offer was amended so as to require a payment of a full one hundred per cent of the nickel fund based on last year's report of enrollment, and on motion the time of payment was changed to December 15th and January 15th, instead of December 1st and January 1st.
Elder Thomas C. Griggs stated that with the exception of one stake and part of another all the jubilee histories had been sent to the various stakes in accordance with the resolution adopted by the stake officers, and there was still some $1,100 due. It was thought sufficient time had now been given and that these accounts should be squared up.
The meeting then adjourned with the benediction by Elder Seymour B. Young.
Preliminary Meeting of Superintendents.
The superintendents and assistants of the Sunday schools of the various stakes of Zion met with the Deseret Sunday School Union board, at room No. 25 of the Lion House, Salt Lake City, at 6 o'clock on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 1902, for the consideration of special business. The call was made by the general superintendency. Thirty-five stakes were represented.
The brethren sang, "Redeemer of Israel," and prayer was offered by Elder James H. Linford.
Elder George D. Pyper brought up the subject of the Juvenile Instructor and stated that a subscription v of 8,300 was secured last year and this had increased to 8,800 during the present season with the prospect of reaching what the board desired by the end of the year—nine thousand subscribers. It was claimed, however, that the list should be increased to at least 10,000 during 1903, and Elder Pyper asked the support of the officers in behalf of the magazine and urged upon them the necessity of reading it themselves in order to keep up with the Sunday school work.
Elder George M. Cannon offered the following resolution:
"Resolved, that as stake superintendents of Sunday schools we make an earnest effort to increase the number of subscribers to the Juvenile Instructor in our respective stakes at least ten per cent."
After some remarks the resolution was adopted.
Elder Joseph W. Summerhays said that the board was simply the agent of the schools in publishing the Juvenile Instructor, but it was plain to all that the Sunday school organization needed an organ and the Instructor was a necessity; all the board asked was that the stake and ward officers and workers should bear their part of the burden.
Elder Summerhays also stated that the board would like a Sunday School Union organized in every stake of Zion; that it was recommended that a Sunday school conference be held in each ward once a year; that stake Sunday school officers should go into the by-ways and corners and mining towns and organize Sunday schools wherever possible. No town, village, settlement or camp should be without its Sunday school.
Elder Horace Cummings related his experience in organizing a Sunday School Union in Juarez Stake, Mexico. All schools were represented except one composed of two families, living one hundred and fifty miles away. There were two hundred and ninety-nine present, and it took a month for some of the workers to come to the meetings and return to their homes. This, he thought, a complete answer to those who object to the organization of a union because of the scattered condition of the people of their stakes, as very few stakes are as scattered as Juarez, and yet they made a great success of it,, and he believed great good would follow.
Elder Joseph M. Tanner then announced the near completion of the Sunday school plans, and stated that, subject to the printer's ability to do the work, the committee hoped to have the plans in the hands of the teachers by December 1st.
General Treasurer George Reynolds submitted a proposition to offer premiums of ten volumes of the Juvenile Instructor to the stake remitting the nickel donation to the general treasurer by December 1, 1902, and five volumes to the stake remitting: by January 1, 1903.
On motion of Elder David O. McKay the offer was amended so as to require a payment of a full one hundred per cent of the nickel fund based on last year's report of enrollment, and on motion the time of payment was changed to December 15th and January 15th, instead of December 1st and January 1st.
Elder Thomas C. Griggs stated that with the exception of one stake and part of another all the jubilee histories had been sent to the various stakes in accordance with the resolution adopted by the stake officers, and there was still some $1,100 due. It was thought sufficient time had now been given and that these accounts should be squared up.
The meeting then adjourned with the benediction by Elder Seymour B. Young.
GENERAL MEETING.
The General Semi-Annual Conference of the Sunday schools of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday evening, October 5, 1902, at 7:30 o'clock, General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith presiding. There were present, of the General Superintendency, Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds, and Joseph M. Tanner; most of the members of the Sunday School Union board, several Apostles, officers and representatives from forty-three stakes, the absentees being Bingham, Maricopa, St. Johns, Sevier, Snowflake, Star Valley, and Union. Three missions were also represented, viz: California, Colorado and the Northern States.
This congregation of Sunday school officers and teachers and those interested in the work formed probably the largest Sunday School Union meeting ever held in the Church.
The conference was opened by the Tabernacle choir, led by Professor Evan Stephens, singing the anthem, "Let the Mountains Shout for Joy." Prayer was offered by Elder Reuben G. Miller of Emery Stake.
The choir then sang, "From afar, Gracious Lord."
General Secretary George D. Pyper then called the roll, which was responded to by forty-three stakes and three missions, as before stated. The secretary also presented the general Sunday school authorities, who were sustained as follows:
Joseph F. Smith, General Superintendent.
George Reynolds, First Assistant General Superintendent.
Joseph M. Tanner, Second Assistant General Superintendent.
Members of the Board: Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds, Joseph M. Tanner, Thomas C. Griggs, Jos. W. Summerhays, Levi W. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, George Teasdale, Hugh J. Cannon, Andrew Kimball, John W. Taylor, L. John Nuttall, James W. Ure, John F. Bennett, John M. Mills, William D. Owen, Seymour B. Young, George D. Pyper, Henry Peterson, Anthon H. Lund, John R. Winder, James E. Talmage, George M. Cannon, Horace Cummings.
George D. Pyper, General Secretary.
George Reynolds, Treasurer.
Thomas C. Griggs, Business Manager.
The General Semi-Annual Conference of the Sunday schools of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday evening, October 5, 1902, at 7:30 o'clock, General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith presiding. There were present, of the General Superintendency, Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds, and Joseph M. Tanner; most of the members of the Sunday School Union board, several Apostles, officers and representatives from forty-three stakes, the absentees being Bingham, Maricopa, St. Johns, Sevier, Snowflake, Star Valley, and Union. Three missions were also represented, viz: California, Colorado and the Northern States.
This congregation of Sunday school officers and teachers and those interested in the work formed probably the largest Sunday School Union meeting ever held in the Church.
The conference was opened by the Tabernacle choir, led by Professor Evan Stephens, singing the anthem, "Let the Mountains Shout for Joy." Prayer was offered by Elder Reuben G. Miller of Emery Stake.
The choir then sang, "From afar, Gracious Lord."
General Secretary George D. Pyper then called the roll, which was responded to by forty-three stakes and three missions, as before stated. The secretary also presented the general Sunday school authorities, who were sustained as follows:
Joseph F. Smith, General Superintendent.
George Reynolds, First Assistant General Superintendent.
Joseph M. Tanner, Second Assistant General Superintendent.
Members of the Board: Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds, Joseph M. Tanner, Thomas C. Griggs, Jos. W. Summerhays, Levi W. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, George Teasdale, Hugh J. Cannon, Andrew Kimball, John W. Taylor, L. John Nuttall, James W. Ure, John F. Bennett, John M. Mills, William D. Owen, Seymour B. Young, George D. Pyper, Henry Peterson, Anthon H. Lund, John R. Winder, James E. Talmage, George M. Cannon, Horace Cummings.
George D. Pyper, General Secretary.
George Reynolds, Treasurer.
Thomas C. Griggs, Business Manager.
SECOND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER.
I am pleased to see so many present who are evidently interested in the great Sunday school cause; and I ask an interest in your faith and prayers that I may have the Spirit of God in the remarks which I may make.
The Sunday school work is something that comes home to us all and especially is it important to the home; and all those who look forward to the establishment of home, its elevation, its inspiration, must of necessity be particular friends of the Sunday school. It is that great organization of the Church used for the training of our children in spirit and mind, and therefore the methods adopted for its work are important, and the amount of the work is a matter in which the Deseret Sunday School Union board is greatly interested.
There have been remarkable changes in the Sunday schools in some of the stakes of Zion within the last few years. These changes are so great In some instances that it is hardly possible to realize the improvements made. The intense interest and enthusiasm that have been awakened have almost revolutionized some stakes. It has been a matter of great importance to the Union board to learn what has been the cause of these changes and why some stakes have advanced so much more rapidly than others, though no doubt all the stakes of Zion are ambitious to be in the first rank. One important cause is found in the fact that the teachers and students are now preparing themselves in their lessons before going into the Sunday schools. The teachers have union meetings, and once a month assemble and give instructions. It is now required of the teachers that they be prepared in advance before going into the school room, and this preparation of the teacher leads to preparation on the part of the pupil. The Deseret Sunday School Union board have noticed that these changes have been due to program and outlines prepared in advance; and in consequence it was proposed that uniform outlines be prepared for all the stakes of Zion, so that every Sunday in the year there is a lesson for the teachers to give. The plans will be uniform.
In the past some classes have spent years reading the Scriptures without any aim, and little children have been required to take up subjects not suited to them; subjects away beyond their years. We have endeavored to get up plans embodying the experience of the union board, stake boards, and teachers of ability, and by the first of December we hope to have the work in the hands of all the Sunday schools of the Church, that the teachers may begin their work on the first Sunday in January, 1903. Teachers, I desire to call your attention to the importance of preparation on your part. Some of the subjects cannot possibly be taught by the teachers not prepared before going to their classes.
It is desired that teachers should be more familiar with the Scripture. Read it in your homes. This will lead the pupils to study, and if the children read at home what an encouragement it will be to the parents! It will all result in families gathering around the fireside, reading the Scriptures and preparing lessons for the next Sunday. Home reading is a beautiful habit and a taste for it should be encouraged by example: it is not enough to admonish children to read. I have been asked when children should be taught the reading habit, and in answer I would say: Before they are old enough to read. If parents themselves will adopt the practice of reading aloud the children will be encouraged to read as soon as they are able to do co. There is no more beautiful habit than for a father or mother to read to their children in the evening. It will correct pernicious inclinations. This new plan should create a new love for, and interest in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Church works. The first volume of the History of the Church is just issued, and it should be in the home of every Latter-day Saint, as it is published at so low a price that it is within the reach of all.
We are especially anxious to encourage self-effort on the part of the young that they may realize the value of these good books, and that it will be discreditable to them not to understand the Scriptures and their own history. What a lovely thing it is to see a model home! It is a credit and an honor to any man to have a good family, and we respect those God-fearing men who are examples in the homes for upholding its purity, its enlightenment and its stability. We better help our country when we perform our duties in the home and in the Sunday school.
God bless our leader, a man among men, fitted in every way to stand at the head of this great work; and may all who labor for the advancement of the Sunday school interests find their reward a thousand fold; I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
I am pleased to see so many present who are evidently interested in the great Sunday school cause; and I ask an interest in your faith and prayers that I may have the Spirit of God in the remarks which I may make.
The Sunday school work is something that comes home to us all and especially is it important to the home; and all those who look forward to the establishment of home, its elevation, its inspiration, must of necessity be particular friends of the Sunday school. It is that great organization of the Church used for the training of our children in spirit and mind, and therefore the methods adopted for its work are important, and the amount of the work is a matter in which the Deseret Sunday School Union board is greatly interested.
There have been remarkable changes in the Sunday schools in some of the stakes of Zion within the last few years. These changes are so great In some instances that it is hardly possible to realize the improvements made. The intense interest and enthusiasm that have been awakened have almost revolutionized some stakes. It has been a matter of great importance to the Union board to learn what has been the cause of these changes and why some stakes have advanced so much more rapidly than others, though no doubt all the stakes of Zion are ambitious to be in the first rank. One important cause is found in the fact that the teachers and students are now preparing themselves in their lessons before going into the Sunday schools. The teachers have union meetings, and once a month assemble and give instructions. It is now required of the teachers that they be prepared in advance before going into the school room, and this preparation of the teacher leads to preparation on the part of the pupil. The Deseret Sunday School Union board have noticed that these changes have been due to program and outlines prepared in advance; and in consequence it was proposed that uniform outlines be prepared for all the stakes of Zion, so that every Sunday in the year there is a lesson for the teachers to give. The plans will be uniform.
In the past some classes have spent years reading the Scriptures without any aim, and little children have been required to take up subjects not suited to them; subjects away beyond their years. We have endeavored to get up plans embodying the experience of the union board, stake boards, and teachers of ability, and by the first of December we hope to have the work in the hands of all the Sunday schools of the Church, that the teachers may begin their work on the first Sunday in January, 1903. Teachers, I desire to call your attention to the importance of preparation on your part. Some of the subjects cannot possibly be taught by the teachers not prepared before going to their classes.
It is desired that teachers should be more familiar with the Scripture. Read it in your homes. This will lead the pupils to study, and if the children read at home what an encouragement it will be to the parents! It will all result in families gathering around the fireside, reading the Scriptures and preparing lessons for the next Sunday. Home reading is a beautiful habit and a taste for it should be encouraged by example: it is not enough to admonish children to read. I have been asked when children should be taught the reading habit, and in answer I would say: Before they are old enough to read. If parents themselves will adopt the practice of reading aloud the children will be encouraged to read as soon as they are able to do co. There is no more beautiful habit than for a father or mother to read to their children in the evening. It will correct pernicious inclinations. This new plan should create a new love for, and interest in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Church works. The first volume of the History of the Church is just issued, and it should be in the home of every Latter-day Saint, as it is published at so low a price that it is within the reach of all.
We are especially anxious to encourage self-effort on the part of the young that they may realize the value of these good books, and that it will be discreditable to them not to understand the Scriptures and their own history. What a lovely thing it is to see a model home! It is a credit and an honor to any man to have a good family, and we respect those God-fearing men who are examples in the homes for upholding its purity, its enlightenment and its stability. We better help our country when we perform our duties in the home and in the Sunday school.
God bless our leader, a man among men, fitted in every way to stand at the head of this great work; and may all who labor for the advancement of the Sunday school interests find their reward a thousand fold; I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND.
My dear brothers and sisters: I rejoice in seeing the interest the Latter-day Saints take in the Sunday school work. This is the largest organization in the Church, and I believe in every ward, and in every branch of the Church where there are children we have a Sunday school. There is a growing desire to make these schools interesting to the children. I am pleased with the steps taken to have the work laid out beforehand and the lessons planned so that the teachers and children may be prepared for their Sunday mornings' work. It is a great work: That of teaching the children the plan of salvation and the moral law. Our Sunday schools are used for this purpose. We believe there is hardly an organization in the Church that has such far-reaching consequences as the Sunday school. The work done there is not only for the present, but it will leave its imprint in the years to come.
Sunday school teachers should be exemplary men who teach not only by precept but by example. If you want children to do right show them the way. The teacher who indulges in things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom will not accomplish much in teaching the children. The little ones soon find out the teacher's way and manner of living and the effort to instruct will be in vain. If you want to have influence with the children show them that you are in earnest and believe what you teach and mean it, and thus load them in the paths of virtue and right.
The Sunday school is not only for the education of the head but we must reach the heart; we must make the children love that which is right; make them love virtue for virtue's sake; make them have an abiding faith in God their Creator, and a knowledge of the infinite love shown to all mankind by the Redeemer; to partake of that love which must show itself in good works.
Teachers, this is a noble work in which you are engaged. Go to your secret chamber and there pray that the Spirit of God may be with you; that you may secure the love and confidence of the little ones placed in your care. And that you may succeed in this great work I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
My dear brothers and sisters: I rejoice in seeing the interest the Latter-day Saints take in the Sunday school work. This is the largest organization in the Church, and I believe in every ward, and in every branch of the Church where there are children we have a Sunday school. There is a growing desire to make these schools interesting to the children. I am pleased with the steps taken to have the work laid out beforehand and the lessons planned so that the teachers and children may be prepared for their Sunday mornings' work. It is a great work: That of teaching the children the plan of salvation and the moral law. Our Sunday schools are used for this purpose. We believe there is hardly an organization in the Church that has such far-reaching consequences as the Sunday school. The work done there is not only for the present, but it will leave its imprint in the years to come.
Sunday school teachers should be exemplary men who teach not only by precept but by example. If you want children to do right show them the way. The teacher who indulges in things forbidden in the Word of Wisdom will not accomplish much in teaching the children. The little ones soon find out the teacher's way and manner of living and the effort to instruct will be in vain. If you want to have influence with the children show them that you are in earnest and believe what you teach and mean it, and thus load them in the paths of virtue and right.
The Sunday school is not only for the education of the head but we must reach the heart; we must make the children love that which is right; make them love virtue for virtue's sake; make them have an abiding faith in God their Creator, and a knowledge of the infinite love shown to all mankind by the Redeemer; to partake of that love which must show itself in good works.
Teachers, this is a noble work in which you are engaged. Go to your secret chamber and there pray that the Spirit of God may be with you; that you may secure the love and confidence of the little ones placed in your care. And that you may succeed in this great work I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
My beloved brethren and sisters: I do not intend to say very much on this occasion. There are many brethren present who have subjects upon their minds and I desire to give them as much time as possible. But I feel like saying something in relation to our children. It does not need argument to convince our minds that our children will be just about what we make them. They are born without knowledge or understanding—the most helpless creatures of the animal creation born into the world. The little one begins to learn after it is born, and all that it knows greatly depends upon its environment, the influences under which it is brought up, the kindness with which it is treated, the noble examples shown it, the hallowed influences of father and mother, or otherwise, over its infant mind. And it will be largely what its environment and its parents and teachers make it.
The child of the lowest of our native tribes born in a wigwam and the child born in luxury start out almost equal so far as the possibilities of learning are concerned. A great deal depends upon the influences under which it is brought up. You will observe that the most potent influence over the mind of a child to persuade it to learn, to progress, or to accomplish anything is the influence of love. More can be accomplished for good by unfeigned love, in bringing up a child, than by any other influence that can be brought to bear upon it. A child that cannot be conquered by the lash, or subdued by violence, may be controlled in an instant by unfeigned affection and sympathy. I know this is true; and this principle obtains in every condition of life.
The Sunday school teacher should govern the children, not by passion, by bitter words or scolding, but by affection and by winning their confidence. If a teacher gets the confidence of a child it is not impossible to accomplish every desired good with that child.
I would have it understood that I believe that the greatest law and commandment of God is to love the Lord our God with all our mind, might and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves; and if this principle is observed at home the brothers and sisters will love each other, they will be kind and helpful to one another, showing forth the principle of kindness and being solicitous for each other's good. Under these circumstances the home comes nearer being a heaven on earth, and children brought up under these influences will never forget them, and though they may be in trying places their memories will revert to the homes where they enjoyed such hallowed influences, and their better natures will assert themselves no matter what the trials or temptations may be.
Brethren and sisters of the Sunday school, I implore you to teach and control by the spirit of love and forbearance until you can conquer. If children are defiant and difficult to control, be patient with them until you can conquer by love and you will have gained their souls, and you can then mold their characters as you please.
Sometimes children do not like their teachers, and the teachers are impatient with the children and complain of them as being very uncouth, uncontrollable and bad. The children in their turn tell their parents how they despise their teacher and say they don't want to go to school any more because the teacher is so cross. I have heard of these things and know them to be true. On the other hand, if children say to father or mother, "We think we have the best teacher in the world in our Sunday School," or "We have the best teacher in our district school that ever lived," it proves that those teachers have won the affections of the children, and the little ones are as clay in the hands of the potter to be molded in any shape desired. This is the position you teachers should occupy, and if you get their affections this will be the report the children will make regarding you. God bless you. Amen.
"Scatter Seeds of Kindness" was beautifully sung by a ladies' quartet from the Eleventh ward, Salt Lake City. The quartet was composed of Sisters Maggie Bassett, Etta Felt, Olive Cushing and Anna Vine.
My beloved brethren and sisters: I do not intend to say very much on this occasion. There are many brethren present who have subjects upon their minds and I desire to give them as much time as possible. But I feel like saying something in relation to our children. It does not need argument to convince our minds that our children will be just about what we make them. They are born without knowledge or understanding—the most helpless creatures of the animal creation born into the world. The little one begins to learn after it is born, and all that it knows greatly depends upon its environment, the influences under which it is brought up, the kindness with which it is treated, the noble examples shown it, the hallowed influences of father and mother, or otherwise, over its infant mind. And it will be largely what its environment and its parents and teachers make it.
The child of the lowest of our native tribes born in a wigwam and the child born in luxury start out almost equal so far as the possibilities of learning are concerned. A great deal depends upon the influences under which it is brought up. You will observe that the most potent influence over the mind of a child to persuade it to learn, to progress, or to accomplish anything is the influence of love. More can be accomplished for good by unfeigned love, in bringing up a child, than by any other influence that can be brought to bear upon it. A child that cannot be conquered by the lash, or subdued by violence, may be controlled in an instant by unfeigned affection and sympathy. I know this is true; and this principle obtains in every condition of life.
The Sunday school teacher should govern the children, not by passion, by bitter words or scolding, but by affection and by winning their confidence. If a teacher gets the confidence of a child it is not impossible to accomplish every desired good with that child.
I would have it understood that I believe that the greatest law and commandment of God is to love the Lord our God with all our mind, might and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves; and if this principle is observed at home the brothers and sisters will love each other, they will be kind and helpful to one another, showing forth the principle of kindness and being solicitous for each other's good. Under these circumstances the home comes nearer being a heaven on earth, and children brought up under these influences will never forget them, and though they may be in trying places their memories will revert to the homes where they enjoyed such hallowed influences, and their better natures will assert themselves no matter what the trials or temptations may be.
Brethren and sisters of the Sunday school, I implore you to teach and control by the spirit of love and forbearance until you can conquer. If children are defiant and difficult to control, be patient with them until you can conquer by love and you will have gained their souls, and you can then mold their characters as you please.
Sometimes children do not like their teachers, and the teachers are impatient with the children and complain of them as being very uncouth, uncontrollable and bad. The children in their turn tell their parents how they despise their teacher and say they don't want to go to school any more because the teacher is so cross. I have heard of these things and know them to be true. On the other hand, if children say to father or mother, "We think we have the best teacher in the world in our Sunday School," or "We have the best teacher in our district school that ever lived," it proves that those teachers have won the affections of the children, and the little ones are as clay in the hands of the potter to be molded in any shape desired. This is the position you teachers should occupy, and if you get their affections this will be the report the children will make regarding you. God bless you. Amen.
"Scatter Seeds of Kindness" was beautifully sung by a ladies' quartet from the Eleventh ward, Salt Lake City. The quartet was composed of Sisters Maggie Bassett, Etta Felt, Olive Cushing and Anna Vine.
JOSEPH W. SUMMERHAYS.
I trust, my brethren and sisters, that during the few moments I may address you I may have the Spirit of the Lord to dictate my remarks.
Previous to coming to this meeting the Deseret Sunday School Union Board met with the stake superintendents; and one of the subjects spoken upon at that meeting I desire to speak of here. I have reference to cottage Sunday Schools and to looking after wards which have no Sunday Schools established.
Some years ago in a near-by stake there was a certain mining camp without any Sunday School organization. A brother was called upon a mission to visit the locality, search out the Latter-day Saints and effect an organization. He did so, and by the blessing of the Lord his efforts were crowned with success. A Sunday School was organized, and it has grown and increased from that day to the present and has done some glorious work. On one fast day, early in the spring, some sixteen baptisms took place, and most of the subjects were children taught in that Sunday School, but whose parents were not of our faith. This is but one instance of several which have occurred in Utah.
Now, brethren, you who have been called to be watchmen upon the towers of Zion, when you go home look into the nooks and corners of your stakes and see if there are not many children who need the bread of life. We do not desire to interfere with the duties of the bishops, but it is our duty to do all that we can toward getting every child in Zion to attend Sunday School.
Our average attendance is altogether too low. Some Sunday Schools report an average attendance of as low as fifty and fifty-five per cent. I speak advisedly when I say that there are some places within the organized stakes of Zion where there have been no meetings of any kind held for two years. These are places, too, in near-by localities, and there are many children there who are anxious to be baptized. What is needed is some attention to the matter by the brethren whose duty it is to look after the sheep of Christ's fold. It is my mission and yours to work while it is yet day. Think of it for one moment! Consider the numbers of our youth throughout the Church who should be in the Sunday Schools, and who are not. We plod along from one week to another and allow these souls to decay. "We are willing to preach the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and this is right. It should be so. We all understand the God-given feeling we experience when we take the candidate into the waters of baptism. But I want to say that it is just as important to save souls in Zion as in the ten thousands of cities in foreign climes. Remember the cottage Sunday Schools, establish them wherever needed, and seek to care for the lambs God has given to your care. Remember the suggestions given by the Savior to Peter, "Feed my lambs."
That we may have power to work righteously for the Sunday School cause as we should do, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
I trust, my brethren and sisters, that during the few moments I may address you I may have the Spirit of the Lord to dictate my remarks.
Previous to coming to this meeting the Deseret Sunday School Union Board met with the stake superintendents; and one of the subjects spoken upon at that meeting I desire to speak of here. I have reference to cottage Sunday Schools and to looking after wards which have no Sunday Schools established.
Some years ago in a near-by stake there was a certain mining camp without any Sunday School organization. A brother was called upon a mission to visit the locality, search out the Latter-day Saints and effect an organization. He did so, and by the blessing of the Lord his efforts were crowned with success. A Sunday School was organized, and it has grown and increased from that day to the present and has done some glorious work. On one fast day, early in the spring, some sixteen baptisms took place, and most of the subjects were children taught in that Sunday School, but whose parents were not of our faith. This is but one instance of several which have occurred in Utah.
Now, brethren, you who have been called to be watchmen upon the towers of Zion, when you go home look into the nooks and corners of your stakes and see if there are not many children who need the bread of life. We do not desire to interfere with the duties of the bishops, but it is our duty to do all that we can toward getting every child in Zion to attend Sunday School.
Our average attendance is altogether too low. Some Sunday Schools report an average attendance of as low as fifty and fifty-five per cent. I speak advisedly when I say that there are some places within the organized stakes of Zion where there have been no meetings of any kind held for two years. These are places, too, in near-by localities, and there are many children there who are anxious to be baptized. What is needed is some attention to the matter by the brethren whose duty it is to look after the sheep of Christ's fold. It is my mission and yours to work while it is yet day. Think of it for one moment! Consider the numbers of our youth throughout the Church who should be in the Sunday Schools, and who are not. We plod along from one week to another and allow these souls to decay. "We are willing to preach the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and this is right. It should be so. We all understand the God-given feeling we experience when we take the candidate into the waters of baptism. But I want to say that it is just as important to save souls in Zion as in the ten thousands of cities in foreign climes. Remember the cottage Sunday Schools, establish them wherever needed, and seek to care for the lambs God has given to your care. Remember the suggestions given by the Savior to Peter, "Feed my lambs."
That we may have power to work righteously for the Sunday School cause as we should do, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER HENRY PETERSON.
My brethren and sisters: While I stand before you I trust I may be guided by the same Spirit as were those who have spoken before me. President Smith in his remarks spoke of o le great qualification that every teacher should possess, namely, the spirit of love for the pupils. A teacher who has that one great qualification will probably acquire all others necessary to the successful doing of his work. Love inspires him with a desire to benefit those placed under his watchcare. He studies their needs and prepares himself to supply his class with the necessary spiritual food.
A teacher filled with love for his students learns to love the Gospel as the means by which he can lead them into the right kind of spiritual life and draw them nearer to the Master. He enjoys searching the Scriptures and leads others into that same enjoyment. He carries a life into the class that is felt by all present and leads them to regularity of attendance.
A teacher who loves his pupils will seek unto the Lord for assistance that he may be helpful to them. He will thus acquire the Spirit of the Lord, whose mission it is to bring to remembrance things past and to show things to come; and which gives the power of discernment that he may see the needs of others and be instrumental in supplying them.
If the hearts of all who are called to teach were filled with love, it would not be necessary for others to plan for them. That feeling would prompt them to make the necessary outside preparation, and the Spirit of God would use them as instruments and guide them into natural and wholesome methods of work. Instead of cramming the minds of pupils mechanically with disconnected religious and historical facts, they would give them the daily bread of spiritual life.
As the qualification mentioned does not universally inspire teachers and spur all on to the right kind of effort, the plans of which have been spoken have been prepared. Their chief value will be that they aid the teacher to make the proper outside preparation. A commendable feature of the plans being prepared is that they do not do the work for the teacher. The lessons are not prepared for the teacher, nor can he prepare them from the plans; but if he is willing to put forth effort the plans will guide him in making the right kind of preparation directly from the Scriptures.
The plans will help him to make this preparation easily and to find the most inspiring parts of the scripture.
It is to be hoped that the plans will be properly received and used, and that they will help teachers to get inspiration from the scriptures and a love for their work and for the children whom they teach. May God grant the aid of His Spirit and fill the teachers will love for their pupils, that they may be successful in winning souls to Christ. Amen.
"The Pilgrim's Song of Hope" was then rendered upon the great organ by Prof. John J. McClellan.
My brethren and sisters: While I stand before you I trust I may be guided by the same Spirit as were those who have spoken before me. President Smith in his remarks spoke of o le great qualification that every teacher should possess, namely, the spirit of love for the pupils. A teacher who has that one great qualification will probably acquire all others necessary to the successful doing of his work. Love inspires him with a desire to benefit those placed under his watchcare. He studies their needs and prepares himself to supply his class with the necessary spiritual food.
A teacher filled with love for his students learns to love the Gospel as the means by which he can lead them into the right kind of spiritual life and draw them nearer to the Master. He enjoys searching the Scriptures and leads others into that same enjoyment. He carries a life into the class that is felt by all present and leads them to regularity of attendance.
A teacher who loves his pupils will seek unto the Lord for assistance that he may be helpful to them. He will thus acquire the Spirit of the Lord, whose mission it is to bring to remembrance things past and to show things to come; and which gives the power of discernment that he may see the needs of others and be instrumental in supplying them.
If the hearts of all who are called to teach were filled with love, it would not be necessary for others to plan for them. That feeling would prompt them to make the necessary outside preparation, and the Spirit of God would use them as instruments and guide them into natural and wholesome methods of work. Instead of cramming the minds of pupils mechanically with disconnected religious and historical facts, they would give them the daily bread of spiritual life.
As the qualification mentioned does not universally inspire teachers and spur all on to the right kind of effort, the plans of which have been spoken have been prepared. Their chief value will be that they aid the teacher to make the proper outside preparation. A commendable feature of the plans being prepared is that they do not do the work for the teacher. The lessons are not prepared for the teacher, nor can he prepare them from the plans; but if he is willing to put forth effort the plans will guide him in making the right kind of preparation directly from the Scriptures.
The plans will help him to make this preparation easily and to find the most inspiring parts of the scripture.
It is to be hoped that the plans will be properly received and used, and that they will help teachers to get inspiration from the scriptures and a love for their work and for the children whom they teach. May God grant the aid of His Spirit and fill the teachers will love for their pupils, that they may be successful in winning souls to Christ. Amen.
"The Pilgrim's Song of Hope" was then rendered upon the great organ by Prof. John J. McClellan.
ELDER HORACE CUMMINGS.
To say that I am surprised to be called upon to address this congregation would he a mild representation of my feelings; but I trust with the Spirit of the Lord I may be able to say something of interest to you and to me in connection with the subject of children.
One phase of the remarks of President Smith struck me with force. He stated that the characters of our children are about as we make them.
But we do not apply this fact as we should do. If we wish to become mechanics we find it necessary to be apprenticed to learn the trade. If we are to practice medicine, we must study the human body and how it responds to treatment. But we get married and begin to rear families without giving any. or but little, consideration to the nature of the children we bring into the world. We often rebuke them in the most bungling and hurtful manner. The time has come when more attention must be given to the training of the young.
A little incident which occurred in my neighborhood recently will show how thoughtless we sometimes are in correcting our children. A good mother who had been toiling hard all day found herself somewhat behind in her work of getting supper in the evening. She was tired, nervous, and worried lest it should not be ready by the time her husband returned from work. Her little daughter, six years of age, was helping her by tending the baby as best she could, but the baby was fretful and would cry in spite of the best attentions the little sister could give. "Maybe baby is hungry," said the little girl, "I'll get him some milk." So saying, she laid him in the crib and hurried into the pantry and got him a glass of milk. In her hurry and anxiety—for the baby was crying—she stubbed her toe and fell, spilling the milk on the carpet. The mother, without inquiring into the motives of the child, flew into a passion, rushed up and gave the little girl a smart blow on the head and called her a naughty girl for making such a grease spot on the carpet. The little girl, who had been doing her best to help her mother, shrank into a corner broken-hearted at the treatment she had received.
What a grave mistake this mother made! How little consideration she gave to the motives of the child, or the real effects of the punishment! Could that child continue long to love and respect that mother under such unwise treatment? Punishment may be necessary at times, but we should be careful and know that we are right in giving it.
The same error often occurs in giving instructions. Sometimes we are clear upon a certain point ourselves, but cannot get out thoughts down to the capacity or condition, of the children. For instance, on a recent trip I visited a certain class of pupils who were from six to eight years of age. The teacher was trying to explain the passage from Isaiah which speaks of seven women taking hold of one man. What would little children know about such a subject? The subject as well as its treatment should be suited to the child. Other lessons from the Bible might have been given with profit, indeed, the greatest good may be derived by the use of the beautiful, simple stories which the Scriptures contain. Through them impressions may be made upon the young mind that will never be forgotten, and ever exert a good influence over their lives. But they must be chosen and presented wisely.
Our children are the greatest blessing God can give us, and we should bestow more attention and study upon child nature. Inquire into their motives, and give our best thought to their training.
The plans prepared are good ones for live teachers, but they are not good for lazy ones. Some people think it a sin to prepare a lesson beforehand. I remember a story told by Brother Maeser. This beloved teacher once visited a theological class, the teacher of which went—as Brother Maeser expressed it — from "Dan to Beersheba" and "from Genesis to Revelation" in his address to the class, without making clear any point or principle. Brother Maeser, at the proper time and place, asked him what preparations he had made for that recitation. The teacher in evident surprise answered, "I never make any. I don't propose to lariat the Spirit of God." "My dear brother," responded Brother Maeser, "let me assure you there was not a particle of the Spirit of God in all your teaching this morning."
Read one of the lessons on the subject in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery were both blessed with the gift to translate. Oliver lost it and the revelation tells us why. He thought all he had to do was to ask God and he would get the translation without further effort. Because he did not exercise his own mind, to think it out, his gift was taken away. So with the teacher. The plan is given you from the Union Board. Take each lesson, think it out, ask God's blessing upon it, and give it your best effort; your gift will grow; you will succeed.
To say that I am surprised to be called upon to address this congregation would he a mild representation of my feelings; but I trust with the Spirit of the Lord I may be able to say something of interest to you and to me in connection with the subject of children.
One phase of the remarks of President Smith struck me with force. He stated that the characters of our children are about as we make them.
But we do not apply this fact as we should do. If we wish to become mechanics we find it necessary to be apprenticed to learn the trade. If we are to practice medicine, we must study the human body and how it responds to treatment. But we get married and begin to rear families without giving any. or but little, consideration to the nature of the children we bring into the world. We often rebuke them in the most bungling and hurtful manner. The time has come when more attention must be given to the training of the young.
A little incident which occurred in my neighborhood recently will show how thoughtless we sometimes are in correcting our children. A good mother who had been toiling hard all day found herself somewhat behind in her work of getting supper in the evening. She was tired, nervous, and worried lest it should not be ready by the time her husband returned from work. Her little daughter, six years of age, was helping her by tending the baby as best she could, but the baby was fretful and would cry in spite of the best attentions the little sister could give. "Maybe baby is hungry," said the little girl, "I'll get him some milk." So saying, she laid him in the crib and hurried into the pantry and got him a glass of milk. In her hurry and anxiety—for the baby was crying—she stubbed her toe and fell, spilling the milk on the carpet. The mother, without inquiring into the motives of the child, flew into a passion, rushed up and gave the little girl a smart blow on the head and called her a naughty girl for making such a grease spot on the carpet. The little girl, who had been doing her best to help her mother, shrank into a corner broken-hearted at the treatment she had received.
What a grave mistake this mother made! How little consideration she gave to the motives of the child, or the real effects of the punishment! Could that child continue long to love and respect that mother under such unwise treatment? Punishment may be necessary at times, but we should be careful and know that we are right in giving it.
The same error often occurs in giving instructions. Sometimes we are clear upon a certain point ourselves, but cannot get out thoughts down to the capacity or condition, of the children. For instance, on a recent trip I visited a certain class of pupils who were from six to eight years of age. The teacher was trying to explain the passage from Isaiah which speaks of seven women taking hold of one man. What would little children know about such a subject? The subject as well as its treatment should be suited to the child. Other lessons from the Bible might have been given with profit, indeed, the greatest good may be derived by the use of the beautiful, simple stories which the Scriptures contain. Through them impressions may be made upon the young mind that will never be forgotten, and ever exert a good influence over their lives. But they must be chosen and presented wisely.
Our children are the greatest blessing God can give us, and we should bestow more attention and study upon child nature. Inquire into their motives, and give our best thought to their training.
The plans prepared are good ones for live teachers, but they are not good for lazy ones. Some people think it a sin to prepare a lesson beforehand. I remember a story told by Brother Maeser. This beloved teacher once visited a theological class, the teacher of which went—as Brother Maeser expressed it — from "Dan to Beersheba" and "from Genesis to Revelation" in his address to the class, without making clear any point or principle. Brother Maeser, at the proper time and place, asked him what preparations he had made for that recitation. The teacher in evident surprise answered, "I never make any. I don't propose to lariat the Spirit of God." "My dear brother," responded Brother Maeser, "let me assure you there was not a particle of the Spirit of God in all your teaching this morning."
Read one of the lessons on the subject in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery were both blessed with the gift to translate. Oliver lost it and the revelation tells us why. He thought all he had to do was to ask God and he would get the translation without further effort. Because he did not exercise his own mind, to think it out, his gift was taken away. So with the teacher. The plan is given you from the Union Board. Take each lesson, think it out, ask God's blessing upon it, and give it your best effort; your gift will grow; you will succeed.
ELDER JAMES E. TALMAGE.
It is a great thing to be one of an -organization of this kind, and be identified with a cause represented by such numbers. I thought while looking over this immense congregation that we might search the world In vain for a similar gatherings on Sunday School or auxiliary matters. And this occasion is not a unique one amongst us; for twice every year thousands gather here in the interest of the Sunday School cause.
You will learn doubtless from what has been said by the brethren that much improvement is evident in the Sunday School work. I rejoice in this improvement but still think there is room for greater advancement. You will also gather from what has been said that we cannot get to a condition when we are beyond doing better. If I thought I could get to a heaven where there was no advancement possible, I don't believe I should want to go there.
When we feel that we have done the best possible we should. give God the glory and say "That and better will do." One characteristic of true perfection is the capacity for improvement and progress. Development is a characteristic of everything that lives.
Reference has been made to teachers who do not teach in the way to make the most lasting impression. Now, something depends upon the dress of the teacher; and a failure is often traced to the fact that a teacher is not dressed right. Much of the impression we make on those with whom we come in contact depends upon our dress and address. I do not refer to the mannerisms of society, nor to the cut of the coat, the style of the gown or to the flowers and feathers on the hat, but to the clothing of the spirit. The teachers should wear the garment of their calling in Sunday School or they will never make the impression necessary. When the garment of Elijah fell upon his successor it was manifested that the spirit of his calling was transmitted. Without this spirit we cannot accomplish anything. So, my brethren and sisters, strive for it, work for it and the spirit of your calling will engender the spirit of industry—God fearing industry, which will bring with it efficiency in the work to which you have been appointed.
My heart bounded with joy in listening to the voice of authority calling upon the teachers to prepare by study and earnest effort for their work and not expect the Lord to do it all for us. That injunction would at one time have been considered heresy, at least by a few. The Spirit of the Lord comes to him who seeks for it. I find I can prepare a lesson at home in as prayerful a spirit and with as much of the influence of the Lord, as if I stood here and attempted to talk to you on the subject.
When we pray for all we undertake then will we have the Divine Influence always with us. This is the way to fulfill the admonition, "Pray ye without ceasing."
Some teachers are veritable prophets, bringing out things suitable for every occasion. The spirit of a calling enables one to overcome every obstacle.
When I am called by authority to perform a certain mission if I have the spirit of my calling I feel that I am better able to do it than is any other man, because it is my calling, my authorized labor; and I can go forth, confidently, knowing that the Lord never calls a man to perform any work without opening the way for him to do it.
The following question, handed in, has been given me to answer:
"What should be done with a member of the superintendency or a teacher in a Sunday School who does not observe the Word of Wisdom?"
It is not my function to give a law on this matter, but I will say this: That a teacher who professes to be directed by the Spirit of the Lord, and who violates the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, will not have that spirit in strength to enable him to realize what is intended. Such a teacher should be labored with and an effort made to bring him to the proper standard. I don't believe there are very many teachers who are not observing the Word of Wisdom. We are all trying to secure the same glory and we cannot continue to do an evil or the Spirit of God will cease to strive with us, and that man who persists in breaking the law of God is bereft of his power as truly as was Sampson when his locks were shorn from his head.
We must live by the law of God. Look around you and you can tell the men and women who are what they pretend to be; not those with lips ever guarded lest they show what is within, but those who show purity by every act. I testify from experience that when I obey the laws of righteousness the Lord comes to my help. And a teacher who is thus governed and who prepares a lecture or address upon the Scriptures puts forth the very spirit of the Scriptures.
In teaching put away the disposition to present personal theories. We have no authority to interfere with individual opinions; but neither you nor I have any right to teach a principle or doctrine as a tenet of the Church unless it has been sanctioned by the Church or the authorities. We are not to let fads lead us away. I was delighted with a couple of articles on fads and hobbies recently printed in the Juvenile Instructor over the signature of General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith. I could read in it the spirit of revelation.
The Spirit of God will not tell you that a thing is true and tell someone else that it is false. If I speak tonight and you do not find an echo of the truth of it in your hearts it is because I am not truthful or you don't know the truth when you hear it.
Reference has been made to the home. I recently paid a visit to one of the stakes of Zion and I asked the superintendent, a very earnest man and the very man for the place, what was the greatest difficulty he had to contend with. He answered that he had the most trouble on account of a lack of interest among parents. A teacher will be faithful Sunday after Sunday and then of a sudden she is absent from school, off to the lake or some other place of recreation or amusement. The mother says to the daughter: "You have been very punctual for a long time and there is no harm in taking a day off for a rest." Sundays are not given to us for that purpose, and that mother was not doing her duty. The Sunday School work is not so arduous that we have to take a day off to rest up.
I rejoice in the good work of our teachers: I rejoice that the harvest is coming in forty and fifty fold. I hope it may soon be one hundred, yes two hundred fold, and on without limit or stop. God bless you. Amen.
It is a great thing to be one of an -organization of this kind, and be identified with a cause represented by such numbers. I thought while looking over this immense congregation that we might search the world In vain for a similar gatherings on Sunday School or auxiliary matters. And this occasion is not a unique one amongst us; for twice every year thousands gather here in the interest of the Sunday School cause.
You will learn doubtless from what has been said by the brethren that much improvement is evident in the Sunday School work. I rejoice in this improvement but still think there is room for greater advancement. You will also gather from what has been said that we cannot get to a condition when we are beyond doing better. If I thought I could get to a heaven where there was no advancement possible, I don't believe I should want to go there.
When we feel that we have done the best possible we should. give God the glory and say "That and better will do." One characteristic of true perfection is the capacity for improvement and progress. Development is a characteristic of everything that lives.
Reference has been made to teachers who do not teach in the way to make the most lasting impression. Now, something depends upon the dress of the teacher; and a failure is often traced to the fact that a teacher is not dressed right. Much of the impression we make on those with whom we come in contact depends upon our dress and address. I do not refer to the mannerisms of society, nor to the cut of the coat, the style of the gown or to the flowers and feathers on the hat, but to the clothing of the spirit. The teachers should wear the garment of their calling in Sunday School or they will never make the impression necessary. When the garment of Elijah fell upon his successor it was manifested that the spirit of his calling was transmitted. Without this spirit we cannot accomplish anything. So, my brethren and sisters, strive for it, work for it and the spirit of your calling will engender the spirit of industry—God fearing industry, which will bring with it efficiency in the work to which you have been appointed.
My heart bounded with joy in listening to the voice of authority calling upon the teachers to prepare by study and earnest effort for their work and not expect the Lord to do it all for us. That injunction would at one time have been considered heresy, at least by a few. The Spirit of the Lord comes to him who seeks for it. I find I can prepare a lesson at home in as prayerful a spirit and with as much of the influence of the Lord, as if I stood here and attempted to talk to you on the subject.
When we pray for all we undertake then will we have the Divine Influence always with us. This is the way to fulfill the admonition, "Pray ye without ceasing."
Some teachers are veritable prophets, bringing out things suitable for every occasion. The spirit of a calling enables one to overcome every obstacle.
When I am called by authority to perform a certain mission if I have the spirit of my calling I feel that I am better able to do it than is any other man, because it is my calling, my authorized labor; and I can go forth, confidently, knowing that the Lord never calls a man to perform any work without opening the way for him to do it.
The following question, handed in, has been given me to answer:
"What should be done with a member of the superintendency or a teacher in a Sunday School who does not observe the Word of Wisdom?"
It is not my function to give a law on this matter, but I will say this: That a teacher who professes to be directed by the Spirit of the Lord, and who violates the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, will not have that spirit in strength to enable him to realize what is intended. Such a teacher should be labored with and an effort made to bring him to the proper standard. I don't believe there are very many teachers who are not observing the Word of Wisdom. We are all trying to secure the same glory and we cannot continue to do an evil or the Spirit of God will cease to strive with us, and that man who persists in breaking the law of God is bereft of his power as truly as was Sampson when his locks were shorn from his head.
We must live by the law of God. Look around you and you can tell the men and women who are what they pretend to be; not those with lips ever guarded lest they show what is within, but those who show purity by every act. I testify from experience that when I obey the laws of righteousness the Lord comes to my help. And a teacher who is thus governed and who prepares a lecture or address upon the Scriptures puts forth the very spirit of the Scriptures.
In teaching put away the disposition to present personal theories. We have no authority to interfere with individual opinions; but neither you nor I have any right to teach a principle or doctrine as a tenet of the Church unless it has been sanctioned by the Church or the authorities. We are not to let fads lead us away. I was delighted with a couple of articles on fads and hobbies recently printed in the Juvenile Instructor over the signature of General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith. I could read in it the spirit of revelation.
The Spirit of God will not tell you that a thing is true and tell someone else that it is false. If I speak tonight and you do not find an echo of the truth of it in your hearts it is because I am not truthful or you don't know the truth when you hear it.
Reference has been made to the home. I recently paid a visit to one of the stakes of Zion and I asked the superintendent, a very earnest man and the very man for the place, what was the greatest difficulty he had to contend with. He answered that he had the most trouble on account of a lack of interest among parents. A teacher will be faithful Sunday after Sunday and then of a sudden she is absent from school, off to the lake or some other place of recreation or amusement. The mother says to the daughter: "You have been very punctual for a long time and there is no harm in taking a day off for a rest." Sundays are not given to us for that purpose, and that mother was not doing her duty. The Sunday School work is not so arduous that we have to take a day off to rest up.
I rejoice in the good work of our teachers: I rejoice that the harvest is coming in forty and fifty fold. I hope it may soon be one hundred, yes two hundred fold, and on without limit or stop. God bless you. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH M. TANNER.
I desire to call your attention to the fact that the outline plans will be published in pamphlet form; not all of the departments in one, because the teachers in the primary department may not want to use the theological plans and vice versa. The parts will be published for a very few cents. The plans are merely sketches and model lessons will be published from time to time in the Juvenile Instructor. The Juvenile Instructor, by the way, is the organ of the great Sunday School organization, and President Smith has taken a great interest in it and uses it as one of the channels to communicate his thoughts to the Saints throughout the Church.
The congregation sang the "Doxology" and the conference adjourned with the benediction of Assistant Superintendent George Reynolds.
GEO. D. PYPER, Secretary.
I desire to call your attention to the fact that the outline plans will be published in pamphlet form; not all of the departments in one, because the teachers in the primary department may not want to use the theological plans and vice versa. The parts will be published for a very few cents. The plans are merely sketches and model lessons will be published from time to time in the Juvenile Instructor. The Juvenile Instructor, by the way, is the organ of the great Sunday School organization, and President Smith has taken a great interest in it and uses it as one of the channels to communicate his thoughts to the Saints throughout the Church.
The congregation sang the "Doxology" and the conference adjourned with the benediction of Assistant Superintendent George Reynolds.
GEO. D. PYPER, Secretary.