October 1903
Seventy-Fourth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1903). Report of Discourses. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Deseret News.
SEVENTY-FOURTH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Latter-day Saints should work in harmony—Obedience to the Gospel makes man free
ELDER HEBER J. GRANT
Joy In preaching the Gospel—The Japanese mission
AFTERNOON SESSION
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
Obedience to truth the basis of freedom—Sin productive of bondage
ELDER LEWIS S. POND
(President of Bannock Stake)
ELDER JAMES E. STEELE
(President of Bingham Stake)
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH
Duties and responsibilities of the Saints—Word of Wisdom
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF
An era of opportunity—About indebtedness—Real objects of missionary work
OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER JOSEPH W. M'MURRIN
ELDER EDWARD J. WOOD
(President of Alberta Stake)
ELDER RULON S. WELLS
ELDER HEBER S. ALLEN
(President of Taylor Stake)
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
ELDER MATTHIAS F. COWLEY
OPEN AIR MEETING
Elder Ben E. Rich
President of the Southern States mission
Elder J. G. Duffin
President of the Southwestern States mission
President Joseph E. Robinson
of the California mission
SECOND DAY. Monday, Oct. 5, 10 a. m.
ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR
References to Christian Science and hypnotism
ELDER WILLIAM H. LEWIS
(President of Benson Stake)
ELDER DAVID CAMERON
(President of Panguitch Stake)
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE
Should be in harmony with divine teachings — promises to the faithful
AFTERNOON SESSION
ELDER M. F. COWLEY
The Saints responsible to God—How we are regarded by the world
ELDER RUDGER CLAWSON
The sin of idleness
ELDER REED SMOOT
Relating to colonization- Religious education commended
THIRD DAY Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 a. m.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
Processes of going into debt—How to keep clear of it
ELDER WILLIS E. ROBINSON
(President of Wayne Stake)
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
Gospel truth being recognized in the world—Vision of the Prophets Lehi and Nephi
ELDER B. H. ROBERTS
Testimony—Prophetic character of Elder Pratt's hymn
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
CLOSING SESSION. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2 p. m.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
Distinction between gathering of the Saints and Salvation Army colonization
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
Comprehensive redemption — Salvation includes dead as well as living
PATRIARCH JOHN SMITH
A reference to the past—Encouragement to faithfulness
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Latter-day Saints a free people
THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
How the will of God can be known
DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
SECOND ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
PRESIDENT ANDREW KIMBALL
SUPT JOHN D. PETERS
SUPT. JOSEPH J. JACKSON
FIRST ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE REYNOLDS
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH
ELDER HEBER J. GRANT
SEVENTY-FOURTH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Latter-day Saints should work in harmony—Obedience to the Gospel makes man free
ELDER HEBER J. GRANT
Joy In preaching the Gospel—The Japanese mission
AFTERNOON SESSION
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
Obedience to truth the basis of freedom—Sin productive of bondage
ELDER LEWIS S. POND
(President of Bannock Stake)
ELDER JAMES E. STEELE
(President of Bingham Stake)
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH
Duties and responsibilities of the Saints—Word of Wisdom
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF
An era of opportunity—About indebtedness—Real objects of missionary work
OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER JOSEPH W. M'MURRIN
ELDER EDWARD J. WOOD
(President of Alberta Stake)
ELDER RULON S. WELLS
ELDER HEBER S. ALLEN
(President of Taylor Stake)
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
ELDER MATTHIAS F. COWLEY
OPEN AIR MEETING
Elder Ben E. Rich
President of the Southern States mission
Elder J. G. Duffin
President of the Southwestern States mission
President Joseph E. Robinson
of the California mission
SECOND DAY. Monday, Oct. 5, 10 a. m.
ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR
References to Christian Science and hypnotism
ELDER WILLIAM H. LEWIS
(President of Benson Stake)
ELDER DAVID CAMERON
(President of Panguitch Stake)
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE
Should be in harmony with divine teachings — promises to the faithful
AFTERNOON SESSION
ELDER M. F. COWLEY
The Saints responsible to God—How we are regarded by the world
ELDER RUDGER CLAWSON
The sin of idleness
ELDER REED SMOOT
Relating to colonization- Religious education commended
THIRD DAY Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 a. m.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
Processes of going into debt—How to keep clear of it
ELDER WILLIS E. ROBINSON
(President of Wayne Stake)
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
Gospel truth being recognized in the world—Vision of the Prophets Lehi and Nephi
ELDER B. H. ROBERTS
Testimony—Prophetic character of Elder Pratt's hymn
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
CLOSING SESSION. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2 p. m.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
Distinction between gathering of the Saints and Salvation Army colonization
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
Comprehensive redemption — Salvation includes dead as well as living
PATRIARCH JOHN SMITH
A reference to the past—Encouragement to faithfulness
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Latter-day Saints a free people
THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
How the will of God can be known
DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
SECOND ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
PRESIDENT ANDREW KIMBALL
SUPT JOHN D. PETERS
SUPT. JOSEPH J. JACKSON
FIRST ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE REYNOLDS
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH
ELDER HEBER J. GRANT
SEVENTY-FOURTH 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-fourth 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 Oct. 4th, 1903, President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
THE PROCEEDINGS.
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 Twelve Apostles: John Henry Smith, George Teasdale. Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, 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, presidents of missions and other leading men of the Priesthood.
The choir sang the hymn which begins:
"Sweetly may the blessed Spirit
On each faithful bosom shine;
May we every grace inherit;
Lord, we seek a boon divine."
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Charles W. Penrose.
The choir sang:
"May we, who know the joyful sound,
Still practice what we know;
Not hearers of the word alone,
But doers of it. too."
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. FIRST DAY The Seventy-fourth 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 Oct. 4th, 1903, President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
THE PROCEEDINGS.
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 Twelve Apostles: John Henry Smith, George Teasdale. Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, 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, presidents of missions and other leading men of the Priesthood.
The choir sang the hymn which begins:
"Sweetly may the blessed Spirit
On each faithful bosom shine;
May we every grace inherit;
Lord, we seek a boon divine."
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Charles W. Penrose.
The choir sang:
"May we, who know the joyful sound,
Still practice what we know;
Not hearers of the word alone,
But doers of it. too."
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
OPENING ADDRESS.
Latter-day Saints should work in harmony—Obedience to the Gospel makes man free—Progress of the community—Instructions about colonization— Division of Stakes—Prosperous Condition of missions—Recent prosperity—Trades versus professions for the young—Educational Interests—Suggestions to parents in the training of children.
I am gratified to see the large attendance present at the opening of this semi-annual conference, and I sincerely hope that throughout the sessions our people may continue to attend and participate in whatever duties or labors may be necessary to be performed during this conference. I would like all Latter-day Saints to feel in their hearts that the work in which they are engaged is not only the work that God has instituted in the latter days, but that it is a work in which each individual member of the Church is deeply and vitally interested. Every man and every woman should feel a deep and abiding interest in the work of the Lord, in the growth and development of the great latter-day cause, which cause is intended for the redemption of all men from the powers of sin, from all its contaminating effects, for the redemption of man from his own weakness and ignorance, and from the grasp that Satan holds upon the world, that men may be made free; for no man is or can be made free without possessing a knowledge of the truth and obeying the same. It is only the possession and observance of the truth that can make men free, and all those who do not possess and obey it are slaves and not freemen.
It is only by obedience to the laws of God, that men can rise above the petty weaknesses of mortality and exercise that breadth of affection, that charity and love, that should actuate the hearts and the motives of the children of men. The Gospel as it has been restored is intended to make men free indeed, free to choose the good and to forsake the evil, free to exercise that boldness in their choice of that which is good, by which they will not shrink from doing that which they are convinced is right, notwithstanding the great majority of the people of the world may point at them the finger of scorn and ridicule. It requires no especial bravery on the part of men to swim with the currents of the world. When a man makes up his mind to forsake the world and its follies and sins, and identify himself with God's people, who are everywhere spoken evil of, it takes courage, manhood, independence of character, superior intelligence, and a determination that is not common among men; for men shrink from that which is unpopular, from that which will not bring them praise and adulation, from that which will in any degree tarnish that which they call honor or a good name.
The Latter-day Saints are a people who have been and are still familiar with the ways of the world. They have been gathered from nearly all the nations of the earth, and were formerly associated with the various religious denominations extant. Hence they are familiar with the various religious creeds existing in the world, and they have had the courage, in the face of all the opposition that they have had to meet, and the contumely that has been heaped upon them, to forsake their former creeds, to sever their former ties and relationships, and to forsake their kindred, their homes, and everything that they have held dear, for the Gospel's sake; and they are not cowards; they are not slaves; they are not bondsmen, but they are freemen, because the Gospel has made them free. It is a knowledge of these things that will make a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints an entity in the Church to which he belongs— a living factor, an active participator in the cause in which he is engaged; one who feels, deep down in his soul, the truth of the Gospel; and the love of it moves him to works of righteousness and causes him to desire to become more and more united with those who are seeking to bring to pass the establishment of the kingdom of God and a reign of righteousness, that wickedness may be destroyed and truth prevail from sea to sea.
It was not and is not my intention to speak long this morning. I desired to make a few opening remarks at this conference, and the thought that seemed to be impressed upon my mind was that every Latter-day Saint here today should be here tomorrow, and should continue to attend this conference until it shall conclude on the 6th of this month, which is the semi-anniversary of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the latter days. I would like all to feel that interest in this work and the duties and responsibilities that rest upon them during this conference, that they will be prompt in attending here, as they have been today. I felt that it would be useless for me to speak of this tomorrow, when it is possible that many might be absent, attending to business or pleasure. I take this occasion, therefore, while all are here to hear my voice and the voices of those who shall follow me, that you may know what we desire, and that you may feel prompted in your hearts to carry out this desire.
I desire to say to this congregation that the work of the Lord, to the best of my knowledge, has continued to grow and spread since our conference last April. I can see no evidence of weakness, or of weakening among the Latter-day Saints. Everywhere that I have had the pleasure and opportunity of traveling to visit the people we have found them earnest in their work, earnest in their faith, earnest in their devotion to the cause of God in the earth, and living according to the knowledge that they possess, agreeable to the will of the Father, as it has been made known to them.
There have been great improvements. We have built, completed and dedicated many houses of worship throughout the various stakes of Zion during the six months that have passed. There are many more in course of erection, and many will no doubt be completed and dedicated and ready for the service of the people before we shall assemble again six months hence.
The stakes of Zion continue to increase in numbers and in strength, save, perhaps in the larger cities. We find that there is a disposition on the part of some of our people to desert the cities and those parts of the state that are more densely settled, and they are spreading out into newer countries and building up other settlements and other stakes of Zion. While we feel that this is a necessity, to a great extent, we also feel that it is unwise for our people to scatter abroad or leave their present homes, except when it becomes absolutely necessary for them to do so for their own good and for the good of their increasing families. And yet, we would advise such as have no homes, say in Salt Lake, or in Ogden, or in the larger towns and cities of our state, and who have no prospects of ever being able to obtain homes for themselves in these more crowded centers— to turn their eyes and their course toward the newer settlements, where they may have the privilege of obtaining homesteads and building up homes for themselves and their children. When you do this we would advise you to move under the direction and counsel of those who have these matters in charge, that instead of scattering abroad you may gather abroad and establish yourselves in communities where you can have the advantages of schools, of meetings of Mutual Improvement associations, and of all the other auxiliary organizations of the Church, and where you will be able to associate together in a community for self-protection and for self-culture and advancement in all that is good. We find that it is not those who desire the welfare of Zion who are disposed to scatter abroad; those who love the truth and who are interested in the work of the Lord are always desirous of being associated with the Saints, wherever they may choose to locate.
We have been under the necessity of dividing the Alberta stake of Zion, because it had grown to such dimensions that it was a very great burden upon the presidency of the stake, in its undivided condition, to attend to all the duties that devolved upon them and to visit all the people. They had grown until they had spread for a hundred miles or more from one point to the other. We divided it recently, making two stakes out of the one. There are other stakes that are growing, and we have already had appeals from the people and those who are in charge to establish other stakes out of the present existing ones, because of the increase of the people and the extent of those stakes; and in the near future it will be necessary, no doubt, to make other divisions of stakes in order that the people may be visited by their presiding officers and all may be kept in touch with the spirit of the Gospel and the work of the Lord.
Our missions are almost universally in a prosperous condition. The work is progressing in Europe and upon the islands of the sea. There has been some little difficulty in the German mission, of late, but matters there have quieted down and our Elders continue to prosecute their labors there as they are doing in other missionary fields. We have succeeded in completing and dedicating a very commodious and appropriate building in the city of Copenhagen, and also in Christiania, Norway, since the last conference, thus giving to these missions a permanency that they have not enjoyed to the same extent in the years that have gone by. Other meetinghouses for our people in other missions are in contemplation, and, perhaps, in the near future we may have headquarters for our Elders, and a meetinghouse, or church, if you please to call it that, in other mission fields, where we can advertise our name and our principles, and where we can have a permanent foothold and exhibit our works to those who are inquiring after the truth, and not leave the people, as in years gone by, under the impression that we are constantly on the wing' in these distant lands, having no permanent abiding places there. Our mission in Great Britain, for instance, has continued for the last 60 years or more, and yet we have never attempted to build houses of worship there, and many of the people have supposed that our work there was only temporary. But we desire it distinctly understood that "Mormonism," as it is called, has come to the world to stay. We expect to proclaim this Gospel to the nations of the earth until every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall have the privilege of hearing the sound thereof and the voices of the servants of God, lifted up in warning and in testimony to them that judgments will come upon the world and that righteousness has been made known and proclaimed from the heavens in the latter day.
We have unfortunately lost some three or four of our Elders, by the hand of death, in the mission field. We regret this very much, and we are impressed with the thought that it is largely due, in some instances at least, to the lack of caution and proper care on the part of the Elders themselves. I shall be most thankful and happy myself if after I have done all that I have the power and wisdom to do for my own protection, the Lord will preserve me by His power. Still I will give to Him the honor and the glory for all. If a man receives wisdom to guard himself against evil and dangers, it is because God has bestowed the gift of wisdom upon him. It is said that faith is a gift of God, and so it is; but faith does not come without works; faith does not come without obedience to the commandments of God. Men do not receive the gift of faith, nor the gift of wisdom, nor the gift of understanding, nor a testimony of the Spirit of the Living God in their hearts, without they seek for it. The principle is: Thou shalt knock and it shall be opened unto thee; thou shalt ask and receive; thou shalt seek if thou wilt find; and if you want wisdom, ask for it, as Solomon did; if you want knowledge and the testimony of the spirit in your hearts, seek for it earnestly. Put yourself in a position whereby you will be worthy to receive it, then it will come to you as a gift of God, and His name should be praised for the same.
I am grieved to say to this congregation— and yet perhaps I should not express myself so—that since our last conference we have been deprived of the presence, counsel and influence of one of our beloved brethren, one of the Twelve, President Brigham Young. Of course you are all aware of this, still I mention it here that you may know that we do not forget those with whom we have been associated in life from boyhood to old age, those, especially who have been faithful in all their callings and in the missions to which they have been appointed. We revere their memory and we regret their absence from us today.
I am delighted with the return and presence of Brother Heber J. Grant from Japan. He has been honorably released from that mission to return and to resume his labors here, or elsewhere, as he may be called and appointed. Brother Horace S. Ensign has been placed in charge of the Japan mission. Those who were laboring with him there are faithful, devoted, young men; but Brother Heber can speak of them more fully than it is possible perhaps for me to do.
There are many subjects, which should, perhaps, be dwelt upon and thought of during this conference. I desire to renew, in brief, what I said to you six months ago. Notwithstanding we have had six months more of prosperity in the land—our crops have been unusually good this year, and the labor of the husbandman has been crowned with abundant harvests—yet, while prosperity has abounded throughout the length and breadth of the land of Zion, I want to tell you that there has not been so much prosperity abroad. We frequently hear of financial failures and difficulties. We hear of labor troubles in various parts of our land, and of wars and rumors of wars; but here in the midst of these mountain valleys, inhabited by Latter-day Saints, the Lord has given us peace and has made us secure. Our business relations are healthy; our business institutions are prosperous, and everything looks promising for the future; but, notwithstanding the promising outlook that we behold, I desire that my brethren and sisters will not become over-confident in this condition of affairs. I tell you that it is better for us to be out of debt, free from obligations and mortgages, than it is for us to have mortgages plastered upon our homes, or upon our farms, or upon our stocks, or anything that we possess in the shape of values. I again admonish the Latter-day Saints to aim and diligently endeavor to free themselves from debt. Get out of debt and keep out of debt, and then you will be financially as well as spiritually free.
I desire again to say that I would be pleased to see more of our young men learning trades instead of trying to learn professions, such as the profession of the law, or of medicine or other professions. I would rather a man would become a good mechanic, a good builder, a good machinist, a good surveyor, a good farmer, a good blacksmith, or a good artisan of any kind than to see him follow these other kinds of professions. We need, however, those who are capable of teaching in the school, and I would like to see a greater interest manifested by our young men and women in normal training, that they might become proficient teachers and look forward to following, this profession, because it is a most important one, and great results will follow the faithful performance of the duties and labors of those who are engaged in it. The training of our young, the giving of proper instruction to those who are seeking education, and creating facilities in our midst for all who desire not only the common branches of education, but the higher branches; that they may obtain these privileges and benefits at home instead of being compelled to go abroad to complete their education.
Some of our friends took very grievous offense at what I said in respect to some of these things last April, I believe. I was sorry to hear what they said in relation to this. Why, bless your soul, the counsel that I gave last April in relation to these matters was in the interest of all parties and of all professions. I did not speak a disrespectful word of any profession, I simply advised, and I still advise, the young men of Zion to become artisans rather than to become lawyers. I repeat it; and yet I would to God that every intelligent man among the Latter-day Saints was able to read law and to be his own lawyer. I wish that every man could and would study and become familiar with the laws of his state and with the laws of his nation, and with the laws of other nations. You cannot learn too much in these directions; but I think there are too many trying to be lawyers, for the good of that profession. They are eating one another up, to some extent. Not long ago a young man who had studied law and hung out his shingle here, after waiting for business, trying to stir up business, for some length of time, came so near starving himself and family that he came and wanted to know what to do. He could not make a living in the profession of law. I asked him if he knew how to do anything else. He said yes, he was a good printer. Well, then, I said, abandon the profession of law and take up the profession of printing; do something that you can do and that you can make a living at. If he had any practice at all in law my counsel to him, if he had obeyed it — and he did—would have been, a benefit to those who remained in the profession. There are some men, most honorable, most genuine and most intelligent who are following the profession of the law. I wish I could say that much of all.
Then, my brethren and sisters, get -out of debt. My young friends, learn to become skillful in the arts and in mechanics and in something that will be material, useful in building up the commonwealth where we live and where all our interests are centered.
O, my brethren and sisters, I admonish you to look after your children, that they may grow up with proper habits, keeping the Word of Wisdom, keeping themselves morally clean and pure, avoiding the temptations and the allurements that beset them on every hand, that they may grow up to be men and women without spot and without blemish. This is the great desideratum of life, almost, at least to me. For me to see my children following in the ways of sin, departing from the ways of uprightness, would be the most grievous affliction that could befall me. Death itself would be more tolerable.
Now, I feel that it is not wise or proper for me to occupy more of the time this morning. There are many other things that might be said, and probably will be said by those who will address us during this conference. I trust that proper attention may be given to their counsels, and that we may be built up and strengthened in the faith and encouraged in our determinations to serve the Lord, to keep His commandments, work righteousness and try to do good to all men, whether they be Latter-day Saints or latter-day sinners. Let us do good to all men; that is our mission. It is our especial business to lift up those who are drooping, to strengthen the weak, to encourage those who are in doubt, and to lead on and up in the path of righteousness and of usefulness among men in the world, that we may be in deed and of a truth saviors upon Mount Zion. That God may grant this to every one of us is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The hymn on the first page of the book, was sung with excellent effect, by Brothers Wood and Noall Pratt, both grandsons of Parley P. Pratt, the author. The first verse is as follows:
The morning breaks, the shadows flee;
Lo! Zion's standard is unfurled!
The dawning of a brighter day
Majestic rises on the world.
OPENING ADDRESS.
Latter-day Saints should work in harmony—Obedience to the Gospel makes man free—Progress of the community—Instructions about colonization— Division of Stakes—Prosperous Condition of missions—Recent prosperity—Trades versus professions for the young—Educational Interests—Suggestions to parents in the training of children.
I am gratified to see the large attendance present at the opening of this semi-annual conference, and I sincerely hope that throughout the sessions our people may continue to attend and participate in whatever duties or labors may be necessary to be performed during this conference. I would like all Latter-day Saints to feel in their hearts that the work in which they are engaged is not only the work that God has instituted in the latter days, but that it is a work in which each individual member of the Church is deeply and vitally interested. Every man and every woman should feel a deep and abiding interest in the work of the Lord, in the growth and development of the great latter-day cause, which cause is intended for the redemption of all men from the powers of sin, from all its contaminating effects, for the redemption of man from his own weakness and ignorance, and from the grasp that Satan holds upon the world, that men may be made free; for no man is or can be made free without possessing a knowledge of the truth and obeying the same. It is only the possession and observance of the truth that can make men free, and all those who do not possess and obey it are slaves and not freemen.
It is only by obedience to the laws of God, that men can rise above the petty weaknesses of mortality and exercise that breadth of affection, that charity and love, that should actuate the hearts and the motives of the children of men. The Gospel as it has been restored is intended to make men free indeed, free to choose the good and to forsake the evil, free to exercise that boldness in their choice of that which is good, by which they will not shrink from doing that which they are convinced is right, notwithstanding the great majority of the people of the world may point at them the finger of scorn and ridicule. It requires no especial bravery on the part of men to swim with the currents of the world. When a man makes up his mind to forsake the world and its follies and sins, and identify himself with God's people, who are everywhere spoken evil of, it takes courage, manhood, independence of character, superior intelligence, and a determination that is not common among men; for men shrink from that which is unpopular, from that which will not bring them praise and adulation, from that which will in any degree tarnish that which they call honor or a good name.
The Latter-day Saints are a people who have been and are still familiar with the ways of the world. They have been gathered from nearly all the nations of the earth, and were formerly associated with the various religious denominations extant. Hence they are familiar with the various religious creeds existing in the world, and they have had the courage, in the face of all the opposition that they have had to meet, and the contumely that has been heaped upon them, to forsake their former creeds, to sever their former ties and relationships, and to forsake their kindred, their homes, and everything that they have held dear, for the Gospel's sake; and they are not cowards; they are not slaves; they are not bondsmen, but they are freemen, because the Gospel has made them free. It is a knowledge of these things that will make a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints an entity in the Church to which he belongs— a living factor, an active participator in the cause in which he is engaged; one who feels, deep down in his soul, the truth of the Gospel; and the love of it moves him to works of righteousness and causes him to desire to become more and more united with those who are seeking to bring to pass the establishment of the kingdom of God and a reign of righteousness, that wickedness may be destroyed and truth prevail from sea to sea.
It was not and is not my intention to speak long this morning. I desired to make a few opening remarks at this conference, and the thought that seemed to be impressed upon my mind was that every Latter-day Saint here today should be here tomorrow, and should continue to attend this conference until it shall conclude on the 6th of this month, which is the semi-anniversary of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the latter days. I would like all to feel that interest in this work and the duties and responsibilities that rest upon them during this conference, that they will be prompt in attending here, as they have been today. I felt that it would be useless for me to speak of this tomorrow, when it is possible that many might be absent, attending to business or pleasure. I take this occasion, therefore, while all are here to hear my voice and the voices of those who shall follow me, that you may know what we desire, and that you may feel prompted in your hearts to carry out this desire.
I desire to say to this congregation that the work of the Lord, to the best of my knowledge, has continued to grow and spread since our conference last April. I can see no evidence of weakness, or of weakening among the Latter-day Saints. Everywhere that I have had the pleasure and opportunity of traveling to visit the people we have found them earnest in their work, earnest in their faith, earnest in their devotion to the cause of God in the earth, and living according to the knowledge that they possess, agreeable to the will of the Father, as it has been made known to them.
There have been great improvements. We have built, completed and dedicated many houses of worship throughout the various stakes of Zion during the six months that have passed. There are many more in course of erection, and many will no doubt be completed and dedicated and ready for the service of the people before we shall assemble again six months hence.
The stakes of Zion continue to increase in numbers and in strength, save, perhaps in the larger cities. We find that there is a disposition on the part of some of our people to desert the cities and those parts of the state that are more densely settled, and they are spreading out into newer countries and building up other settlements and other stakes of Zion. While we feel that this is a necessity, to a great extent, we also feel that it is unwise for our people to scatter abroad or leave their present homes, except when it becomes absolutely necessary for them to do so for their own good and for the good of their increasing families. And yet, we would advise such as have no homes, say in Salt Lake, or in Ogden, or in the larger towns and cities of our state, and who have no prospects of ever being able to obtain homes for themselves in these more crowded centers— to turn their eyes and their course toward the newer settlements, where they may have the privilege of obtaining homesteads and building up homes for themselves and their children. When you do this we would advise you to move under the direction and counsel of those who have these matters in charge, that instead of scattering abroad you may gather abroad and establish yourselves in communities where you can have the advantages of schools, of meetings of Mutual Improvement associations, and of all the other auxiliary organizations of the Church, and where you will be able to associate together in a community for self-protection and for self-culture and advancement in all that is good. We find that it is not those who desire the welfare of Zion who are disposed to scatter abroad; those who love the truth and who are interested in the work of the Lord are always desirous of being associated with the Saints, wherever they may choose to locate.
We have been under the necessity of dividing the Alberta stake of Zion, because it had grown to such dimensions that it was a very great burden upon the presidency of the stake, in its undivided condition, to attend to all the duties that devolved upon them and to visit all the people. They had grown until they had spread for a hundred miles or more from one point to the other. We divided it recently, making two stakes out of the one. There are other stakes that are growing, and we have already had appeals from the people and those who are in charge to establish other stakes out of the present existing ones, because of the increase of the people and the extent of those stakes; and in the near future it will be necessary, no doubt, to make other divisions of stakes in order that the people may be visited by their presiding officers and all may be kept in touch with the spirit of the Gospel and the work of the Lord.
Our missions are almost universally in a prosperous condition. The work is progressing in Europe and upon the islands of the sea. There has been some little difficulty in the German mission, of late, but matters there have quieted down and our Elders continue to prosecute their labors there as they are doing in other missionary fields. We have succeeded in completing and dedicating a very commodious and appropriate building in the city of Copenhagen, and also in Christiania, Norway, since the last conference, thus giving to these missions a permanency that they have not enjoyed to the same extent in the years that have gone by. Other meetinghouses for our people in other missions are in contemplation, and, perhaps, in the near future we may have headquarters for our Elders, and a meetinghouse, or church, if you please to call it that, in other mission fields, where we can advertise our name and our principles, and where we can have a permanent foothold and exhibit our works to those who are inquiring after the truth, and not leave the people, as in years gone by, under the impression that we are constantly on the wing' in these distant lands, having no permanent abiding places there. Our mission in Great Britain, for instance, has continued for the last 60 years or more, and yet we have never attempted to build houses of worship there, and many of the people have supposed that our work there was only temporary. But we desire it distinctly understood that "Mormonism," as it is called, has come to the world to stay. We expect to proclaim this Gospel to the nations of the earth until every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall have the privilege of hearing the sound thereof and the voices of the servants of God, lifted up in warning and in testimony to them that judgments will come upon the world and that righteousness has been made known and proclaimed from the heavens in the latter day.
We have unfortunately lost some three or four of our Elders, by the hand of death, in the mission field. We regret this very much, and we are impressed with the thought that it is largely due, in some instances at least, to the lack of caution and proper care on the part of the Elders themselves. I shall be most thankful and happy myself if after I have done all that I have the power and wisdom to do for my own protection, the Lord will preserve me by His power. Still I will give to Him the honor and the glory for all. If a man receives wisdom to guard himself against evil and dangers, it is because God has bestowed the gift of wisdom upon him. It is said that faith is a gift of God, and so it is; but faith does not come without works; faith does not come without obedience to the commandments of God. Men do not receive the gift of faith, nor the gift of wisdom, nor the gift of understanding, nor a testimony of the Spirit of the Living God in their hearts, without they seek for it. The principle is: Thou shalt knock and it shall be opened unto thee; thou shalt ask and receive; thou shalt seek if thou wilt find; and if you want wisdom, ask for it, as Solomon did; if you want knowledge and the testimony of the spirit in your hearts, seek for it earnestly. Put yourself in a position whereby you will be worthy to receive it, then it will come to you as a gift of God, and His name should be praised for the same.
I am grieved to say to this congregation— and yet perhaps I should not express myself so—that since our last conference we have been deprived of the presence, counsel and influence of one of our beloved brethren, one of the Twelve, President Brigham Young. Of course you are all aware of this, still I mention it here that you may know that we do not forget those with whom we have been associated in life from boyhood to old age, those, especially who have been faithful in all their callings and in the missions to which they have been appointed. We revere their memory and we regret their absence from us today.
I am delighted with the return and presence of Brother Heber J. Grant from Japan. He has been honorably released from that mission to return and to resume his labors here, or elsewhere, as he may be called and appointed. Brother Horace S. Ensign has been placed in charge of the Japan mission. Those who were laboring with him there are faithful, devoted, young men; but Brother Heber can speak of them more fully than it is possible perhaps for me to do.
There are many subjects, which should, perhaps, be dwelt upon and thought of during this conference. I desire to renew, in brief, what I said to you six months ago. Notwithstanding we have had six months more of prosperity in the land—our crops have been unusually good this year, and the labor of the husbandman has been crowned with abundant harvests—yet, while prosperity has abounded throughout the length and breadth of the land of Zion, I want to tell you that there has not been so much prosperity abroad. We frequently hear of financial failures and difficulties. We hear of labor troubles in various parts of our land, and of wars and rumors of wars; but here in the midst of these mountain valleys, inhabited by Latter-day Saints, the Lord has given us peace and has made us secure. Our business relations are healthy; our business institutions are prosperous, and everything looks promising for the future; but, notwithstanding the promising outlook that we behold, I desire that my brethren and sisters will not become over-confident in this condition of affairs. I tell you that it is better for us to be out of debt, free from obligations and mortgages, than it is for us to have mortgages plastered upon our homes, or upon our farms, or upon our stocks, or anything that we possess in the shape of values. I again admonish the Latter-day Saints to aim and diligently endeavor to free themselves from debt. Get out of debt and keep out of debt, and then you will be financially as well as spiritually free.
I desire again to say that I would be pleased to see more of our young men learning trades instead of trying to learn professions, such as the profession of the law, or of medicine or other professions. I would rather a man would become a good mechanic, a good builder, a good machinist, a good surveyor, a good farmer, a good blacksmith, or a good artisan of any kind than to see him follow these other kinds of professions. We need, however, those who are capable of teaching in the school, and I would like to see a greater interest manifested by our young men and women in normal training, that they might become proficient teachers and look forward to following, this profession, because it is a most important one, and great results will follow the faithful performance of the duties and labors of those who are engaged in it. The training of our young, the giving of proper instruction to those who are seeking education, and creating facilities in our midst for all who desire not only the common branches of education, but the higher branches; that they may obtain these privileges and benefits at home instead of being compelled to go abroad to complete their education.
Some of our friends took very grievous offense at what I said in respect to some of these things last April, I believe. I was sorry to hear what they said in relation to this. Why, bless your soul, the counsel that I gave last April in relation to these matters was in the interest of all parties and of all professions. I did not speak a disrespectful word of any profession, I simply advised, and I still advise, the young men of Zion to become artisans rather than to become lawyers. I repeat it; and yet I would to God that every intelligent man among the Latter-day Saints was able to read law and to be his own lawyer. I wish that every man could and would study and become familiar with the laws of his state and with the laws of his nation, and with the laws of other nations. You cannot learn too much in these directions; but I think there are too many trying to be lawyers, for the good of that profession. They are eating one another up, to some extent. Not long ago a young man who had studied law and hung out his shingle here, after waiting for business, trying to stir up business, for some length of time, came so near starving himself and family that he came and wanted to know what to do. He could not make a living in the profession of law. I asked him if he knew how to do anything else. He said yes, he was a good printer. Well, then, I said, abandon the profession of law and take up the profession of printing; do something that you can do and that you can make a living at. If he had any practice at all in law my counsel to him, if he had obeyed it — and he did—would have been, a benefit to those who remained in the profession. There are some men, most honorable, most genuine and most intelligent who are following the profession of the law. I wish I could say that much of all.
Then, my brethren and sisters, get -out of debt. My young friends, learn to become skillful in the arts and in mechanics and in something that will be material, useful in building up the commonwealth where we live and where all our interests are centered.
O, my brethren and sisters, I admonish you to look after your children, that they may grow up with proper habits, keeping the Word of Wisdom, keeping themselves morally clean and pure, avoiding the temptations and the allurements that beset them on every hand, that they may grow up to be men and women without spot and without blemish. This is the great desideratum of life, almost, at least to me. For me to see my children following in the ways of sin, departing from the ways of uprightness, would be the most grievous affliction that could befall me. Death itself would be more tolerable.
Now, I feel that it is not wise or proper for me to occupy more of the time this morning. There are many other things that might be said, and probably will be said by those who will address us during this conference. I trust that proper attention may be given to their counsels, and that we may be built up and strengthened in the faith and encouraged in our determinations to serve the Lord, to keep His commandments, work righteousness and try to do good to all men, whether they be Latter-day Saints or latter-day sinners. Let us do good to all men; that is our mission. It is our especial business to lift up those who are drooping, to strengthen the weak, to encourage those who are in doubt, and to lead on and up in the path of righteousness and of usefulness among men in the world, that we may be in deed and of a truth saviors upon Mount Zion. That God may grant this to every one of us is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The hymn on the first page of the book, was sung with excellent effect, by Brothers Wood and Noall Pratt, both grandsons of Parley P. Pratt, the author. The first verse is as follows:
The morning breaks, the shadows flee;
Lo! Zion's standard is unfurled!
The dawning of a brighter day
Majestic rises on the world.
ELDER HEBER J. GRANT.
Joy In preaching the Gospel—The Japanese mission —Productivity of land in that country—Advantages of thorough cultivation—The sugar industry— Necessity of obedience to legitimate authority—Good words for Elders in Japan.
It is needless for me to say to the Latter-day Saints that I rejoice in having the privilege of again standing before you in this Tabernacle. It is indeed a pleasure, to every man and woman who possess a testimony of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged, to go forth and bear that testimony to his or her fellows. There is no joy that comes to the human heart, so far as my experience in life goes, that equals that which we feel when we are engaged in the work of the Lord, at home or abroad. I believe, as a rule, when we are away from home, and relieved of the cares generally associated with the ordinary affairs of life, which engross most of our attention, we then draw nearer to the Lord, and receive more abundantly of the manifestations of His Holy Spirit, than we do while at home. It is because of this fact that the young returned Elder, and the Elder who has been on a second or third mission, who has been faithful, can arise before congregations of the Saints and testify that he greatly enjoyed his missionary labors, notwithstanding he has been separated from his friends and not pursuing the usual avocations of life.
In case I may forget it, I want to say a word or two about the hymn we have just listened to—"The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee," etc. I will not take time to read it, but it is the first hymn in the book. It was written under the inspiration of the Lord, by one of the greatest of all the preachers and writers of the Gospel in his day—Parley P. Pratt. God be praised that he has a couple of grandsons who can sing it so beautifully! Read the hymn, and treasure in your hearts the sentiments of it. It fills my heart with joy when I realize that men who gave their lives, and all their time and talents to God's work, who never sought the accumulation of wealth, have left soils and grandsons who are following in their footsteps. The "Voice of Warning" is as much alive today, as when Parley P. Pratt finished writing it. It is sent forth by the tens of thousands, and there is an inspiration and power attending that work wherever it is distributed.
I know that the Latter-day Saints have been greatly interested in the mission I was called to preside over, and I regret I am not able to tell you that we have done something wonderful over in Japan. To be perfectly frank with you, I acknowledge I have accomplished very little indeed, as the president of that mission; and very little has been accomplished—so far as conversions are concerned—by the few Elders sent there to labor, or by the sisters who were with me. At the same time, I have the assurance in my heart there will yet be a great and important labor accomplished in that land. The inhabitants are a wonderful people. What they have accomplished during the past fifty years, since the country was opened to foreigners, is little less than marvelous. Verily, "a nation has been born in a day," in Japan! When I was coming home from that mission, as well as while I was on my way there, I was profoundly impressed with the great progress that has been made by that people. I traveled from Seattle to Japan, in returning to that country, upon one of the vessels of the Japan Steamship company. It is a vessel of between six and seven thousand tons capacity. It was built by the Japanese themselves. It is owned by Japanese capital, and it is competing in the markets of the world, so to speak, against English and American ships, and is holding its own. That company also has a large line of steamers running to England, Australia, and New Zealand. It is one of the greatest companies having vessels on the Pacific ocean. When you think of several thousand tons of coal loaded into a vessel you can imagine that it is a pretty good sized boat. It is nearly twice as long as Zion's Co-operative Mercantile store on Main street, and has twice as many stories, counting decks under and above the water, though they are not quite so high; and it is about 50 feet wide. It is certainly an immense vessel. I returned home by another vessel owned by the same company, just completed in Japan, and commanded by the man who was in charge of the one I 'went to Japan on. To give you an idea of how steadily those large vessels travel, I will state, we left Japan for home in the midst of what is known as an Asiatic typhoon, and notwithstanding the water occasionally dashed over the forward deck, which was, perhaps, 25 to 40 feet above the sea, (it is very hard to judge the height looking over the side of a vessel), and notwithstanding the waves were rolling high, I do not believe that a tumbler of water, set on the floor, would have tipped over during the storm.
While listening to President Smith's remarks, I was forcibly impressed with some lessons I have learned by going to Japan. One of them is that there is an abundance of opportunity in Utah for every wide-awake, active man, and really he does not need to rustle around to try and find a better country to go to. In Utah, we cultivate about 15 per cent of the soil. In Japan, it is claimed, they cultivate only 12 per cent. Japan is about 25 per cent larger than our state, therefore, the area of the land under cultivation is about the same as here; yet they support between forty and fifty millions of people on that amount of land! We think we are cultivating the land, why, we are simply scratching it over, my brethren and sisters. There has been a wonderful increase in the value of land in the vicinity of Lehi sugar factory, as well as land in the vicinity of Ogden, Logan, and Garland factories, because of superior cultivation and yielding larger crops. I know this is a problem that is before the Latter-day Saints. We should unitedly study to create improvements whereby the land will produce more, instead of trying to see where we can go to get a big piece of land. There are many men who, with a few acres properly looked after and cultivated, produce more than the men with large farms which they simply scratch over. We should have chickens to do the scratching, but we should thoroughly cultivate our land. I call to mind a man who lives at Lehi, a little more than a stone's throw from the railroad station. One year that man raised, on a little less than four acres of ground, 128 tons of beets. He was a very honest man, and he realized that many of those beets were no good for sugar. You know, in the early history of the Lehi sugar factory, we had to take everything in the shape of beets that the farmer raised. It was not like wheat; if the farmer raised some wheat and it got frost-bitten, and was no good, the miller did not have to buy it; but when we started the sugar industry we, figuratively, got down on our knees to the farmer, and if that would not do, we almost lay down and crawled to him, and begged him to raise beets. We had to take all the beets they brought us, and pay $5 a ton for them, and then had to feed some of them to the pigs, because they were no earthly good, not having any saccharine matter in them. The man of whom I speak, however, realizing that the large beets which had grown on the edge of his little garden farm, close to where the water ran, had but little sugar in them, and that they were not worth $5 a ton, picked out about eight tons of the large beets and kept them to feed his own stock, the rest he brought to us. and got $600 in cash for them—from four acres. Soon after that I went to the Snake river valley. I found a man there with 360 acres (I was rather sorry he did not have 400 acres), and I asked him how much he had raised that year. He said, about $500. He had scratched, and worked, and plowed, and harrowed, his big farm, and had raised that little; whereas, my friend with the four acres —by the way, he had a flower garden, and raised vegetables for his family, so he did not have the entire four acres in beets—made $600 in cash. He also had the pleasure of living right there with his friends, having the benefit of schools and other advantages for his children, instead of living away off on a ranch, with no educational advantages, no society, no improvement associations, no Sunday schools, and where he would have to scratch, walk, harrow, plow and wear himself out. Then, we gave prizes in those^ days (I do not know whether they still give them) for the best 10 acres, the best five acres, and the best two and a half acres; and this man's four acres were better than anybody else's two and a half, so he got a $50 prize. Consequently his land yielded him eight tons of beets, vegetables for his family, furnished him a house to live in, and gave him $650 in cash.
President Young tried to establish the silk industry, when I was a boy, and some of the people pooh-poohed and laughed at it. They also pooh-poohed and laughed at the sugar industry. I remember that every farmer I talked with said we could not afford to raise beets; that it would cost more to plant them, dig them up and take the tops off than they were actually worth. They have found out better now. A whole lot of them have discovered that it pays reasonably well to plant beets. Before I went to Japan, I priced many and many a farm in the vicinity of Lehi, and the owners had simply doubled the prices from what they were before the factory was built. I tell you that the actual increase in value of land in Utah county is more than the cost of building that factory. So, I am inclined to think it did benefit the farmer, that it was beneficial to the people as well as to the stockholder—that is, those who became stockholders after it was started, and not some of us who got in at the commencement and "went broke" on it.
I find there are many opportunities, if we will but take advantage of them, and constantly study to improve and increase the production of the soil, as well as make the best possible use of our means. I am told that much of the land in some sections of Cache valley, which was considered of but very little value, is today very valuable, because of the creamery industry. I rejoice to hear of this increase in values because of the establishment of manufactures. I have always worn home-made clothes. (Of course, I am wearing Japanese clothes now, but they will soon be worn out, and if I stay here long enough I will be wearing Provo goods again.) I always believed in wearing them. Why? Because a suit of clothes made at home keeps $20 to $30 at home; whereas, by sending the wool away to be made up the community would be enriched by the bringing back of 75 cents! By keeping the $30 here, if I do not get it somebody else does; and I was always of the opinion that, if it floated around, perhaps I would get even by seizing some of it. In buying home-made clothes there is part patriotism, and part a desire for my own pocket.
The people of Japan are industrious. They learn to economize, because they simply have to live on very little. I believe that if the Latter-day Saints would more generally practice economy, frugality, and increase the production of the soil, there would be greater opportunities for not only the people who are here, but for many times the number. We do not need to go to Mexico, Canada, Wyoming or any other place, to improve our condition, as a rule. Mind you, there are exceptions, and I do not want anybody to think I am not willing to see Canada, Wyoming, Colorado and Mexico built up. I rejoice to realize that Zion is spreading. But, in spreading, let the people try to improve. Do not get so much land that you will work yourself to death, and leave your children to quarrel over it. Be satisfied with a moderate size farm—one that you can cultivate, and make produce to the fullest extent. As I say, seeing that nation of forty or fifty millions of people being supported on practically the same amount of soil that we cultivate, it has given me the idea that there are wonderful opportunities for us in establishing other industries in addition to the sugar industry.
Now, I say to the Latter-day Saints, seek for the Spirit of the Lord. Pray to God for the desire and strength to carry out, to the full extent of the ability God has given you, the counsel and instruction of the servant of God and his counselors, who stand at the head of this people. I say to you that if Wilford Woodruff had leaned upon the Latter-day Saints, and the inspiration of the Latter-day Saints as individuals, you never would have had a sugar industry in this country, at least for many years to come. The Presidency of this Church, in the days of the "boom," and just before the collapse, wrote circular letters and sent them all over Israel, stating that they desired this industry established. They appealed to the Latter-day Saints, from one end of Zion to the other, to invest their money in it; and men who would invest ten, twenty, thirty, fifty thousand dollars in sheep, and then go in debt in addition, would not put more than fifty or sixty dollars in this industry intended to create employment for the Latter-day Saints, and to benefit the farmers. Some rich sheep man, if you showed him a herd of sheep that was worth fifteen thousand dollars, and told him he could have it for fourteen thousand, would go to the Deseret National bank, or the State bank, borrow the money, and take chances; but he would not borrow money to put into an industry that the man whom God had called to stand at the head of this people desired to have established. No; he would give the sixty dollars, and say he never expected to see it again, because the business would not succeed. All Israel, in the greatest industry that has yet been established here, invested the enormous amount of ten thousand dollars at the time the first payment had to be made on that factory. Many wealthy men whom I went to, with a letter from the Presidency of the Church, asking them to help that industry—and they were abundantly able to do it—declined to do so, and said they did not believe the Church had any business to put money in a sugar factory, that it was not within the province of the Church to do such things. I tell you it is the duty of the Presidency of this Church to ask the people to do anything and everything that the inspiration of God tells them to do. But for the wisdom of Brigham Young, under the inspiration of Almighty God, the Latter-day Saints would not be in this country at all. We are here in fulfillment of the prediction of Joseph Smith, in which he stated that we would be driven from city to city, from county to county, and finally be driven to the Rocky Mountains and become a great and prosperous people. It has been by the inspiration of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young that the people have been planted here; and it has been through the blessings of God and His watchcare over this people, that they have been prospered. Read in the Improvement Era (I believe it is in the first volume) an article entitled "A Voice from the Soil," by Professor Widtsoe; it shows the inspiration of God to these two men. We are in one of the greatest and finest producing countries on earth; and this scientist, Professor Widtsoe, says that this country is able to sustain the people from all nations of the earth, when they shall flee to Zion for safety. Let us be ready and willing to follow our file leaders, and to sustain them. I say to you that the establishment of the sugar industry here is the result of the inspiration of God to Wilford Woodruff, that meek and lowly man who was entitled to the inspiration of God, and who received it. Though business men, and others, criticized his action at the time, I have lived to see his wisdom prove superior to the criticism of the "wise" ones, and the people have been benefitted and blessed. You will always be blessed and benefitted in following the advice and counsel of those whom God has chosen to preside over the Church. By honoring the man God has chosen, God will honor and bless you; and as you individually do your duty, you will grow and increase in the light and inspiration of the Spirit of God. As we grow and increase individually, so will the Church grow and increase. I tell you, "obedience is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." I am willing to be utterly ruined financially, if that resulted from fulfilling the council and wishes of those whom God has placed to preside over me. This is the work of God. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; we must remember that. We must "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," and then shall all other things be added. Life eternal is what we are working for. Do not allow the wisdom, the riches or the education of the world, or anything else, to blind our eyes to the fact that this is God's work, and that the mouthpiece of God is on the earth; when he speaks, let us be ready and willing, with our time, our talents and all that has been given us, to labor to fulfill what God desires. I tell you, God will vindicate His mouthpiece, as He vindicated Wilford Woodruff and his counselors in the establishment of the sugar industry.
I forgot all about the Japanese mission, in preaching about the Lehi sugar factory. I rejoice to say we had a delightful trip to Japan; and a very pleasant trip home, except the first three days, when we were in the typhon. When we held a service, the captain paid us the compliment of coming to meeting. He had his seventieth birthday on the vessel as we were returning, and the passengers contributed a few dollars apiece, and gave it to a gentleman for the purpose of buying a very handsome silver loving cup to present to the captain, on his arrival in Seattle. I held services on the boat during the voyage, and spoke 40 or 50 minutes. The captain said he had been on the ocean from boyhood, but had seen so much hypocrisy in religion that he would never go to any of the meetings that were held on his vessel. But, it seems he learned to like us, as we went with him to Japan, and he came to meeting and listened to us; and, said he, "I declare it's pretty good sound sense that you folks talk. Tours is a pretty good practical sort of a religion, I rather like the Mormons, and will always be glad to have them travel on my boat."
In Japan we have many warm friends; and we rejoice to know that our Elders are all doing very well indeed; and the two sisters there have an excellent spirit. There was a dozen of us there, and I do not believe I ever was associated with the same number of brethren and sisters, for the same length of time, whom I loved any dearer. They are very choice. Of course, they are young and inexperienced, but the Lord Is. blessing them, and the younger ones are learning the language very rapidly. I am well satisfied with the progress they are making. Brother Ensign, I feel, will be able to take charge of the affairs of that mission just as well as I could possibly do if I had remained. He has had missionary experience; he loves the work of the Lord, and he would be ready and willing, if need be, to give his life for the cause, and that is all any man can do. He has found it difficult to learn that language, and once or twice has been a little discouraged. I do not blame him for this. We all get discouraged at times; but if we repent of our discouragement, and labor with increased zeal, the Lord never holds anything of that kind against us, neither do our brethren. One reason perhaps why Brother Ensign got a bit discouraged at times was, I think, because he had had such an active, energetic life as a missionary in Colorado. There he was at it early and late, singing, praying and preaching, outdoors and indoors; then to go over to Japan, sit down and study what people call "that abominable language" day after day, with nothing else to do—well, I tell you it takes a whole lot more courage and endurance than it does to get out and do active work. It tests a man more than it does to labor. It does not require much courage for a man to knock another down who hits him; but it takes a great deal of courage to take it without hitting back. It becomes monotonous to do nothing. Lots of men are first class in a fight, but of no account to guard. Brother Ensign is laboring faithfully and diligently, and the Lord is blessing him. All the Elders there love him, and he has sufficient wisdom, and enough of the Spirit of the Lord, to preside there successfully.
When I received my release, I felt I could not come home; that I must stay at least six months more; and the first night, instead of being happy, as one usually is when released to return home, I felt sad, for the first and only time in Japan. I did not go to sleep until three or four o'clock in the morning, and I felt I must cable home and ask permission to remain. But the next day I got to enquiring of myself, What good is there for you to stay here? How much more can you do than Brother Ensign? And I began to realize it was a desire to be able to come home and tell you I had done something which prompted my wish to stay there longer. It was a spirit of pride; I disliked to have to tell you that I had been there 15 months and done nothing. I wanted to stay six month more, to get some results from the active labor we had done there, so that I could come home and say I had done as well as other Apostles who had gone- out on missions. I concluded it was pride, and not the Spirit of the Lord, that prompted this feeling. Then, I thought I could come home and perhaps go somewhere else, if the Lord wanted me to do so; at least, I could do something more profitable than sitting down in Japan, and everything would go along all right there; perhaps I could move one stone, if not more, if I came home. The minute I got the right spirit I was wonderfully happy. Brother Kelsch was honorably released to return home, and I think it was about the same with him as with me; but, no doubt, after he thought about it one night, as I did, he was very glad to come home. You can ask him when you see him. Brother Kelsch and I, I am afraid, have got too far along in years to ever learn Japanese. I believe, as President Smith does, that the Lord will help us to do something if we try all we can to do it ourselves; but in this case the Lord would have to help Brother Grant and Brother Kelsch such a great deal, that I don't think either of us had the faith to believe He would do it.
Of the four who originally went to Japan, there are left Brothers Ensign and Taylor. Brother Ensign is now the president, and he will do well. Brother Taylor has done remarkably well. The Lord has blessed him abundantly. He has studied diligently, and he is a wonderfully intelligent, bright young man. Contrary to the usual effect, when the Lord has endowed a young man with remarkable ability, instead of his head swelling, and his thinking he knows everything, he is just as humble and modest as he is bright. I have never been associated with a more diligent, energetic, faithful young man in all my life. He is an honor to his parents, and to the work of God; and as sure as he lives, he will become an instrument in the hands of God of accomplishing a great and noble work. The five young men who went with me later have all been diligent. Some of them have found it easier to learn the language than others. They are all choice spirits and are progressing constantly. Those who have found it most difficult to learn the language have been the most abundantly blessed by our Heavenly Father. They have been diligent, and the Lord has seemed to make up to them what they lacked in learning readily. Those who have found it most difficult to talk Japanese, on several occasions, when they have been explaining the principles of the Gospel, the Lord has given them words to speak, and they have been enabled to talk beyond their knowledge of the language. We have rejoiced in this additional testimony of God's goodness unto us. The two sisters who are there have done remarkably well. My wife found it very difficult to learn the language, being more advanced in years than the other sisters. She learned it much better than I did, however; still it was a hard task for her. My daughter found it easier; and really I regretted exceedingly to come home on her account; for she was getting the missionary spirit; she was able to bear testimony, and did it humbly, and with the blessing of God. I felt that, if she could stay there a few more months, God would give her an increased testimony, and power and ability to do a remarkable labor in that land. I was sad to bring her home, because I felt she was gaining an experience, in her childhood, that would be of very great value to her.
The people there were as kind and considerate of us as we could possibly ask them to be. We followed out the advice we received from the Presidency, to the best of our ability. We have published two tracts. One of them was a short tract I wrote, containing a little information about the Church, which has been re-published in the "Era." The other was a tract written entirely by Brother Taylor, on God. He did not attempt to write on the Godhead, for fear of confusing that people. It is a very able tract. He first wrote one that would have been very satisfactory in any land where the people understood English; but it struck me that it would be too deep, and far beyond what the Japanese could understand; so I handed it to him and said, Brother Taylor, I wish you would ask the Lord to help you write this in a kind of second reader style. He wrote it again, and simplified it: and, if you had not known the same man had written the two tracts, you could hardly have believed it. It delighted us all, and we praised the Lord for the ability He had given Brother Taylor to write this tract; we feel it will do great good. The people there are wonderfully interested in learning English. At one time there were ten young men who wanted to be baptized. We told them not to be in a hurry, but to come around and see us occasionally, and we would talk with them, and after a while, when they understood the Gospel better, we would baptize them. Just as soon, however, as Brother Taylor and .others of the brethren got far enough along that when they would come there and talk English, the brethren would talk back in Japanese they commenced dropping off one by one. Nearly all our converts are of that kind. They love us very dearly, they know we have the truth, and they want to be baptized right away; but when we quit talking English to them they lose their love of the Gospel. It was very amusing to me to have an intelligent, bright Japanese sit down and talk a whole evening with Brother Taylor, determined to talk English and never a word of Japanese, and Brother Taylor, just as determined to never say a word of English, speaking to him in Japanese.
We have baptized only three people so far, and two of them I am afraid, are no good. The other one, I believe, is a converted man and a Latter-day Saint. The two who were baptized first were quite promising, and, when I came home before, I reported how good we felt over these two men. One of them could speak English, and had read the Bible. Oh! he believed it all —ready to give his life for it. I found out afterwards that he wanted to borrow some money from me to start a patent medicine establishment. The other man, a Shinto priest, I tried to persuade to wait awhile before being baptized, but he said he believed every word. I took Brother Kelsch's "Ready References," and went over it with him, through an interpreter, reference by reference, and he swallowed every one of them. Inside of a week after I first left Japan, he wanted some money from the brethren, and as soon as I got back there he wanted fifteen hundred dollars from me to start a job printing office, and when he didn't get it, his faith oozed out. The last convert just "went for us" in the beginning. He had been taught English by a Christian minister, and he knew all the arguments of our Christian friends. He used to come regularly and have battles with Brother Taylor, and Brother Taylor beat him every time, until it began to dawn on his mind that we must have the truth, seeing that everything he advanced was overcome. He commenced studying our faith, and read the Book of Mormon. He was finally baptized, and has been true ever since, and we hope he will continue so.
Now, I have not half told my story; but the time is past. God bless you. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins:
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear,
But with joy wend your way;
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Benediction by Elder David McKenzie.
Joy In preaching the Gospel—The Japanese mission —Productivity of land in that country—Advantages of thorough cultivation—The sugar industry— Necessity of obedience to legitimate authority—Good words for Elders in Japan.
It is needless for me to say to the Latter-day Saints that I rejoice in having the privilege of again standing before you in this Tabernacle. It is indeed a pleasure, to every man and woman who possess a testimony of the divinity of the work in which we are engaged, to go forth and bear that testimony to his or her fellows. There is no joy that comes to the human heart, so far as my experience in life goes, that equals that which we feel when we are engaged in the work of the Lord, at home or abroad. I believe, as a rule, when we are away from home, and relieved of the cares generally associated with the ordinary affairs of life, which engross most of our attention, we then draw nearer to the Lord, and receive more abundantly of the manifestations of His Holy Spirit, than we do while at home. It is because of this fact that the young returned Elder, and the Elder who has been on a second or third mission, who has been faithful, can arise before congregations of the Saints and testify that he greatly enjoyed his missionary labors, notwithstanding he has been separated from his friends and not pursuing the usual avocations of life.
In case I may forget it, I want to say a word or two about the hymn we have just listened to—"The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee," etc. I will not take time to read it, but it is the first hymn in the book. It was written under the inspiration of the Lord, by one of the greatest of all the preachers and writers of the Gospel in his day—Parley P. Pratt. God be praised that he has a couple of grandsons who can sing it so beautifully! Read the hymn, and treasure in your hearts the sentiments of it. It fills my heart with joy when I realize that men who gave their lives, and all their time and talents to God's work, who never sought the accumulation of wealth, have left soils and grandsons who are following in their footsteps. The "Voice of Warning" is as much alive today, as when Parley P. Pratt finished writing it. It is sent forth by the tens of thousands, and there is an inspiration and power attending that work wherever it is distributed.
I know that the Latter-day Saints have been greatly interested in the mission I was called to preside over, and I regret I am not able to tell you that we have done something wonderful over in Japan. To be perfectly frank with you, I acknowledge I have accomplished very little indeed, as the president of that mission; and very little has been accomplished—so far as conversions are concerned—by the few Elders sent there to labor, or by the sisters who were with me. At the same time, I have the assurance in my heart there will yet be a great and important labor accomplished in that land. The inhabitants are a wonderful people. What they have accomplished during the past fifty years, since the country was opened to foreigners, is little less than marvelous. Verily, "a nation has been born in a day," in Japan! When I was coming home from that mission, as well as while I was on my way there, I was profoundly impressed with the great progress that has been made by that people. I traveled from Seattle to Japan, in returning to that country, upon one of the vessels of the Japan Steamship company. It is a vessel of between six and seven thousand tons capacity. It was built by the Japanese themselves. It is owned by Japanese capital, and it is competing in the markets of the world, so to speak, against English and American ships, and is holding its own. That company also has a large line of steamers running to England, Australia, and New Zealand. It is one of the greatest companies having vessels on the Pacific ocean. When you think of several thousand tons of coal loaded into a vessel you can imagine that it is a pretty good sized boat. It is nearly twice as long as Zion's Co-operative Mercantile store on Main street, and has twice as many stories, counting decks under and above the water, though they are not quite so high; and it is about 50 feet wide. It is certainly an immense vessel. I returned home by another vessel owned by the same company, just completed in Japan, and commanded by the man who was in charge of the one I 'went to Japan on. To give you an idea of how steadily those large vessels travel, I will state, we left Japan for home in the midst of what is known as an Asiatic typhoon, and notwithstanding the water occasionally dashed over the forward deck, which was, perhaps, 25 to 40 feet above the sea, (it is very hard to judge the height looking over the side of a vessel), and notwithstanding the waves were rolling high, I do not believe that a tumbler of water, set on the floor, would have tipped over during the storm.
While listening to President Smith's remarks, I was forcibly impressed with some lessons I have learned by going to Japan. One of them is that there is an abundance of opportunity in Utah for every wide-awake, active man, and really he does not need to rustle around to try and find a better country to go to. In Utah, we cultivate about 15 per cent of the soil. In Japan, it is claimed, they cultivate only 12 per cent. Japan is about 25 per cent larger than our state, therefore, the area of the land under cultivation is about the same as here; yet they support between forty and fifty millions of people on that amount of land! We think we are cultivating the land, why, we are simply scratching it over, my brethren and sisters. There has been a wonderful increase in the value of land in the vicinity of Lehi sugar factory, as well as land in the vicinity of Ogden, Logan, and Garland factories, because of superior cultivation and yielding larger crops. I know this is a problem that is before the Latter-day Saints. We should unitedly study to create improvements whereby the land will produce more, instead of trying to see where we can go to get a big piece of land. There are many men who, with a few acres properly looked after and cultivated, produce more than the men with large farms which they simply scratch over. We should have chickens to do the scratching, but we should thoroughly cultivate our land. I call to mind a man who lives at Lehi, a little more than a stone's throw from the railroad station. One year that man raised, on a little less than four acres of ground, 128 tons of beets. He was a very honest man, and he realized that many of those beets were no good for sugar. You know, in the early history of the Lehi sugar factory, we had to take everything in the shape of beets that the farmer raised. It was not like wheat; if the farmer raised some wheat and it got frost-bitten, and was no good, the miller did not have to buy it; but when we started the sugar industry we, figuratively, got down on our knees to the farmer, and if that would not do, we almost lay down and crawled to him, and begged him to raise beets. We had to take all the beets they brought us, and pay $5 a ton for them, and then had to feed some of them to the pigs, because they were no earthly good, not having any saccharine matter in them. The man of whom I speak, however, realizing that the large beets which had grown on the edge of his little garden farm, close to where the water ran, had but little sugar in them, and that they were not worth $5 a ton, picked out about eight tons of the large beets and kept them to feed his own stock, the rest he brought to us. and got $600 in cash for them—from four acres. Soon after that I went to the Snake river valley. I found a man there with 360 acres (I was rather sorry he did not have 400 acres), and I asked him how much he had raised that year. He said, about $500. He had scratched, and worked, and plowed, and harrowed, his big farm, and had raised that little; whereas, my friend with the four acres —by the way, he had a flower garden, and raised vegetables for his family, so he did not have the entire four acres in beets—made $600 in cash. He also had the pleasure of living right there with his friends, having the benefit of schools and other advantages for his children, instead of living away off on a ranch, with no educational advantages, no society, no improvement associations, no Sunday schools, and where he would have to scratch, walk, harrow, plow and wear himself out. Then, we gave prizes in those^ days (I do not know whether they still give them) for the best 10 acres, the best five acres, and the best two and a half acres; and this man's four acres were better than anybody else's two and a half, so he got a $50 prize. Consequently his land yielded him eight tons of beets, vegetables for his family, furnished him a house to live in, and gave him $650 in cash.
President Young tried to establish the silk industry, when I was a boy, and some of the people pooh-poohed and laughed at it. They also pooh-poohed and laughed at the sugar industry. I remember that every farmer I talked with said we could not afford to raise beets; that it would cost more to plant them, dig them up and take the tops off than they were actually worth. They have found out better now. A whole lot of them have discovered that it pays reasonably well to plant beets. Before I went to Japan, I priced many and many a farm in the vicinity of Lehi, and the owners had simply doubled the prices from what they were before the factory was built. I tell you that the actual increase in value of land in Utah county is more than the cost of building that factory. So, I am inclined to think it did benefit the farmer, that it was beneficial to the people as well as to the stockholder—that is, those who became stockholders after it was started, and not some of us who got in at the commencement and "went broke" on it.
I find there are many opportunities, if we will but take advantage of them, and constantly study to improve and increase the production of the soil, as well as make the best possible use of our means. I am told that much of the land in some sections of Cache valley, which was considered of but very little value, is today very valuable, because of the creamery industry. I rejoice to hear of this increase in values because of the establishment of manufactures. I have always worn home-made clothes. (Of course, I am wearing Japanese clothes now, but they will soon be worn out, and if I stay here long enough I will be wearing Provo goods again.) I always believed in wearing them. Why? Because a suit of clothes made at home keeps $20 to $30 at home; whereas, by sending the wool away to be made up the community would be enriched by the bringing back of 75 cents! By keeping the $30 here, if I do not get it somebody else does; and I was always of the opinion that, if it floated around, perhaps I would get even by seizing some of it. In buying home-made clothes there is part patriotism, and part a desire for my own pocket.
The people of Japan are industrious. They learn to economize, because they simply have to live on very little. I believe that if the Latter-day Saints would more generally practice economy, frugality, and increase the production of the soil, there would be greater opportunities for not only the people who are here, but for many times the number. We do not need to go to Mexico, Canada, Wyoming or any other place, to improve our condition, as a rule. Mind you, there are exceptions, and I do not want anybody to think I am not willing to see Canada, Wyoming, Colorado and Mexico built up. I rejoice to realize that Zion is spreading. But, in spreading, let the people try to improve. Do not get so much land that you will work yourself to death, and leave your children to quarrel over it. Be satisfied with a moderate size farm—one that you can cultivate, and make produce to the fullest extent. As I say, seeing that nation of forty or fifty millions of people being supported on practically the same amount of soil that we cultivate, it has given me the idea that there are wonderful opportunities for us in establishing other industries in addition to the sugar industry.
Now, I say to the Latter-day Saints, seek for the Spirit of the Lord. Pray to God for the desire and strength to carry out, to the full extent of the ability God has given you, the counsel and instruction of the servant of God and his counselors, who stand at the head of this people. I say to you that if Wilford Woodruff had leaned upon the Latter-day Saints, and the inspiration of the Latter-day Saints as individuals, you never would have had a sugar industry in this country, at least for many years to come. The Presidency of this Church, in the days of the "boom," and just before the collapse, wrote circular letters and sent them all over Israel, stating that they desired this industry established. They appealed to the Latter-day Saints, from one end of Zion to the other, to invest their money in it; and men who would invest ten, twenty, thirty, fifty thousand dollars in sheep, and then go in debt in addition, would not put more than fifty or sixty dollars in this industry intended to create employment for the Latter-day Saints, and to benefit the farmers. Some rich sheep man, if you showed him a herd of sheep that was worth fifteen thousand dollars, and told him he could have it for fourteen thousand, would go to the Deseret National bank, or the State bank, borrow the money, and take chances; but he would not borrow money to put into an industry that the man whom God had called to stand at the head of this people desired to have established. No; he would give the sixty dollars, and say he never expected to see it again, because the business would not succeed. All Israel, in the greatest industry that has yet been established here, invested the enormous amount of ten thousand dollars at the time the first payment had to be made on that factory. Many wealthy men whom I went to, with a letter from the Presidency of the Church, asking them to help that industry—and they were abundantly able to do it—declined to do so, and said they did not believe the Church had any business to put money in a sugar factory, that it was not within the province of the Church to do such things. I tell you it is the duty of the Presidency of this Church to ask the people to do anything and everything that the inspiration of God tells them to do. But for the wisdom of Brigham Young, under the inspiration of Almighty God, the Latter-day Saints would not be in this country at all. We are here in fulfillment of the prediction of Joseph Smith, in which he stated that we would be driven from city to city, from county to county, and finally be driven to the Rocky Mountains and become a great and prosperous people. It has been by the inspiration of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young that the people have been planted here; and it has been through the blessings of God and His watchcare over this people, that they have been prospered. Read in the Improvement Era (I believe it is in the first volume) an article entitled "A Voice from the Soil," by Professor Widtsoe; it shows the inspiration of God to these two men. We are in one of the greatest and finest producing countries on earth; and this scientist, Professor Widtsoe, says that this country is able to sustain the people from all nations of the earth, when they shall flee to Zion for safety. Let us be ready and willing to follow our file leaders, and to sustain them. I say to you that the establishment of the sugar industry here is the result of the inspiration of God to Wilford Woodruff, that meek and lowly man who was entitled to the inspiration of God, and who received it. Though business men, and others, criticized his action at the time, I have lived to see his wisdom prove superior to the criticism of the "wise" ones, and the people have been benefitted and blessed. You will always be blessed and benefitted in following the advice and counsel of those whom God has chosen to preside over the Church. By honoring the man God has chosen, God will honor and bless you; and as you individually do your duty, you will grow and increase in the light and inspiration of the Spirit of God. As we grow and increase individually, so will the Church grow and increase. I tell you, "obedience is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." I am willing to be utterly ruined financially, if that resulted from fulfilling the council and wishes of those whom God has placed to preside over me. This is the work of God. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; we must remember that. We must "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," and then shall all other things be added. Life eternal is what we are working for. Do not allow the wisdom, the riches or the education of the world, or anything else, to blind our eyes to the fact that this is God's work, and that the mouthpiece of God is on the earth; when he speaks, let us be ready and willing, with our time, our talents and all that has been given us, to labor to fulfill what God desires. I tell you, God will vindicate His mouthpiece, as He vindicated Wilford Woodruff and his counselors in the establishment of the sugar industry.
I forgot all about the Japanese mission, in preaching about the Lehi sugar factory. I rejoice to say we had a delightful trip to Japan; and a very pleasant trip home, except the first three days, when we were in the typhon. When we held a service, the captain paid us the compliment of coming to meeting. He had his seventieth birthday on the vessel as we were returning, and the passengers contributed a few dollars apiece, and gave it to a gentleman for the purpose of buying a very handsome silver loving cup to present to the captain, on his arrival in Seattle. I held services on the boat during the voyage, and spoke 40 or 50 minutes. The captain said he had been on the ocean from boyhood, but had seen so much hypocrisy in religion that he would never go to any of the meetings that were held on his vessel. But, it seems he learned to like us, as we went with him to Japan, and he came to meeting and listened to us; and, said he, "I declare it's pretty good sound sense that you folks talk. Tours is a pretty good practical sort of a religion, I rather like the Mormons, and will always be glad to have them travel on my boat."
In Japan we have many warm friends; and we rejoice to know that our Elders are all doing very well indeed; and the two sisters there have an excellent spirit. There was a dozen of us there, and I do not believe I ever was associated with the same number of brethren and sisters, for the same length of time, whom I loved any dearer. They are very choice. Of course, they are young and inexperienced, but the Lord Is. blessing them, and the younger ones are learning the language very rapidly. I am well satisfied with the progress they are making. Brother Ensign, I feel, will be able to take charge of the affairs of that mission just as well as I could possibly do if I had remained. He has had missionary experience; he loves the work of the Lord, and he would be ready and willing, if need be, to give his life for the cause, and that is all any man can do. He has found it difficult to learn that language, and once or twice has been a little discouraged. I do not blame him for this. We all get discouraged at times; but if we repent of our discouragement, and labor with increased zeal, the Lord never holds anything of that kind against us, neither do our brethren. One reason perhaps why Brother Ensign got a bit discouraged at times was, I think, because he had had such an active, energetic life as a missionary in Colorado. There he was at it early and late, singing, praying and preaching, outdoors and indoors; then to go over to Japan, sit down and study what people call "that abominable language" day after day, with nothing else to do—well, I tell you it takes a whole lot more courage and endurance than it does to get out and do active work. It tests a man more than it does to labor. It does not require much courage for a man to knock another down who hits him; but it takes a great deal of courage to take it without hitting back. It becomes monotonous to do nothing. Lots of men are first class in a fight, but of no account to guard. Brother Ensign is laboring faithfully and diligently, and the Lord is blessing him. All the Elders there love him, and he has sufficient wisdom, and enough of the Spirit of the Lord, to preside there successfully.
When I received my release, I felt I could not come home; that I must stay at least six months more; and the first night, instead of being happy, as one usually is when released to return home, I felt sad, for the first and only time in Japan. I did not go to sleep until three or four o'clock in the morning, and I felt I must cable home and ask permission to remain. But the next day I got to enquiring of myself, What good is there for you to stay here? How much more can you do than Brother Ensign? And I began to realize it was a desire to be able to come home and tell you I had done something which prompted my wish to stay there longer. It was a spirit of pride; I disliked to have to tell you that I had been there 15 months and done nothing. I wanted to stay six month more, to get some results from the active labor we had done there, so that I could come home and say I had done as well as other Apostles who had gone- out on missions. I concluded it was pride, and not the Spirit of the Lord, that prompted this feeling. Then, I thought I could come home and perhaps go somewhere else, if the Lord wanted me to do so; at least, I could do something more profitable than sitting down in Japan, and everything would go along all right there; perhaps I could move one stone, if not more, if I came home. The minute I got the right spirit I was wonderfully happy. Brother Kelsch was honorably released to return home, and I think it was about the same with him as with me; but, no doubt, after he thought about it one night, as I did, he was very glad to come home. You can ask him when you see him. Brother Kelsch and I, I am afraid, have got too far along in years to ever learn Japanese. I believe, as President Smith does, that the Lord will help us to do something if we try all we can to do it ourselves; but in this case the Lord would have to help Brother Grant and Brother Kelsch such a great deal, that I don't think either of us had the faith to believe He would do it.
Of the four who originally went to Japan, there are left Brothers Ensign and Taylor. Brother Ensign is now the president, and he will do well. Brother Taylor has done remarkably well. The Lord has blessed him abundantly. He has studied diligently, and he is a wonderfully intelligent, bright young man. Contrary to the usual effect, when the Lord has endowed a young man with remarkable ability, instead of his head swelling, and his thinking he knows everything, he is just as humble and modest as he is bright. I have never been associated with a more diligent, energetic, faithful young man in all my life. He is an honor to his parents, and to the work of God; and as sure as he lives, he will become an instrument in the hands of God of accomplishing a great and noble work. The five young men who went with me later have all been diligent. Some of them have found it easier to learn the language than others. They are all choice spirits and are progressing constantly. Those who have found it most difficult to learn the language have been the most abundantly blessed by our Heavenly Father. They have been diligent, and the Lord has seemed to make up to them what they lacked in learning readily. Those who have found it most difficult to talk Japanese, on several occasions, when they have been explaining the principles of the Gospel, the Lord has given them words to speak, and they have been enabled to talk beyond their knowledge of the language. We have rejoiced in this additional testimony of God's goodness unto us. The two sisters who are there have done remarkably well. My wife found it very difficult to learn the language, being more advanced in years than the other sisters. She learned it much better than I did, however; still it was a hard task for her. My daughter found it easier; and really I regretted exceedingly to come home on her account; for she was getting the missionary spirit; she was able to bear testimony, and did it humbly, and with the blessing of God. I felt that, if she could stay there a few more months, God would give her an increased testimony, and power and ability to do a remarkable labor in that land. I was sad to bring her home, because I felt she was gaining an experience, in her childhood, that would be of very great value to her.
The people there were as kind and considerate of us as we could possibly ask them to be. We followed out the advice we received from the Presidency, to the best of our ability. We have published two tracts. One of them was a short tract I wrote, containing a little information about the Church, which has been re-published in the "Era." The other was a tract written entirely by Brother Taylor, on God. He did not attempt to write on the Godhead, for fear of confusing that people. It is a very able tract. He first wrote one that would have been very satisfactory in any land where the people understood English; but it struck me that it would be too deep, and far beyond what the Japanese could understand; so I handed it to him and said, Brother Taylor, I wish you would ask the Lord to help you write this in a kind of second reader style. He wrote it again, and simplified it: and, if you had not known the same man had written the two tracts, you could hardly have believed it. It delighted us all, and we praised the Lord for the ability He had given Brother Taylor to write this tract; we feel it will do great good. The people there are wonderfully interested in learning English. At one time there were ten young men who wanted to be baptized. We told them not to be in a hurry, but to come around and see us occasionally, and we would talk with them, and after a while, when they understood the Gospel better, we would baptize them. Just as soon, however, as Brother Taylor and .others of the brethren got far enough along that when they would come there and talk English, the brethren would talk back in Japanese they commenced dropping off one by one. Nearly all our converts are of that kind. They love us very dearly, they know we have the truth, and they want to be baptized right away; but when we quit talking English to them they lose their love of the Gospel. It was very amusing to me to have an intelligent, bright Japanese sit down and talk a whole evening with Brother Taylor, determined to talk English and never a word of Japanese, and Brother Taylor, just as determined to never say a word of English, speaking to him in Japanese.
We have baptized only three people so far, and two of them I am afraid, are no good. The other one, I believe, is a converted man and a Latter-day Saint. The two who were baptized first were quite promising, and, when I came home before, I reported how good we felt over these two men. One of them could speak English, and had read the Bible. Oh! he believed it all —ready to give his life for it. I found out afterwards that he wanted to borrow some money from me to start a patent medicine establishment. The other man, a Shinto priest, I tried to persuade to wait awhile before being baptized, but he said he believed every word. I took Brother Kelsch's "Ready References," and went over it with him, through an interpreter, reference by reference, and he swallowed every one of them. Inside of a week after I first left Japan, he wanted some money from the brethren, and as soon as I got back there he wanted fifteen hundred dollars from me to start a job printing office, and when he didn't get it, his faith oozed out. The last convert just "went for us" in the beginning. He had been taught English by a Christian minister, and he knew all the arguments of our Christian friends. He used to come regularly and have battles with Brother Taylor, and Brother Taylor beat him every time, until it began to dawn on his mind that we must have the truth, seeing that everything he advanced was overcome. He commenced studying our faith, and read the Book of Mormon. He was finally baptized, and has been true ever since, and we hope he will continue so.
Now, I have not half told my story; but the time is past. God bless you. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins:
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear,
But with joy wend your way;
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Benediction by Elder David McKenzie.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The choir sang the sacred hymn: "Peace Be Still."
Prayer was offered by Elder Charles F. Middleton.
The anthem "Hosanna" was sung by the choir.
The choir sang the sacred hymn: "Peace Be Still."
Prayer was offered by Elder Charles F. Middleton.
The anthem "Hosanna" was sung by the choir.
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND.
Obedience to truth the basis of freedom—Sin productive of bondage—Preparatory work for the coming of Christ.
I sincerely ask an interest in your faith and prayers. I desire to speak to you under the influence of the Holy Spirit, for any other influence would not edify us. I rejoice in seeing this large attendance at our conference. It manifests to us that the Saints are desirous of coming together and receiving the word of the Lord. I was very much interested this morning in the remarks of our brethren who spoke to us. President Smith told us to be free, and not to be the slaves of sin. On one occasion, our Savior, in addressing the Jews who believed on Him, said to them, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They said to Him, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." In other words, the slave of sin. The Lord has commanded us that we shall loose the bands of wickedness and break every yoke. Now, we want to enjoy the blessing embodied in the words of Jesus: "The truth shall make you free." The Lord wants us to be free. In fact, one of the objects of our coming upon the earth was to be made free, and to learn the right use of freedom, or free agency. The Lord does not want us to be slaves, or even servants, in the sense of being in bondage; but He wants us to be His free sons and daughters. He wants us to learn the right use of free agency. The man who abstains from sin and from indulgence in sinful pleasures is not a servant or slave; he is a free man. Too many there are who do not understand this, and who lack the moral courage to use their free agency and do that which they know to be right. Too many there are who are afraid of what others shall say. Latter-day Saints, be not afraid of what others' may say; but be afraid of what He who knows the inmost thoughts of your hearts shall think and judge of you. The man who chooses to continue in the word of Christ, not only in the hearing but in the doing of it, though it may deprive him of the good opinion of many, shall know the truth, and the truth shall make him free indeed. We should examine ourselves, and find out whether the truth has made us free, or whether we be still slaves to those influences that we know are not of God. Are we doing the things which God has forbidden? If so, it is time for us to loose the bands of wickedness and break every yoke. It is time for us to get out of bondage, and feel within ourselves that we are free indeed.
When the Gospel was first preached to us we were full of doubt and darkness. By obeying the word of God we received an assurance that we had made a covenant with Him, and that He had accepted us. Doubt and darkness left us. The light of the Holy Spirit filled our whole beings, and we felt that we were free. Have we continued to be free like this? Have we not, in too many instances, yielded to temptation and indulged in that from which we had covenanted to keep ourselves free? I am afraid that too many of us will find this in our history. My exhortation is, Let us learn to know ourselves, and to know how we stand with our Heavenly Father; and, knowing this, so shape our course that we can gain His favor.
We rejoice in the fact that the work of God is growing in the earth, and that He has been with His servants in their labors to promulgate the glad tidings of salvation unto men. Our missionaries have gone to nearly all lands, and are proclaiming the will of our Heavenly Father and telling men that the time is quickly approaching when Christ will come the second time. When He came the first time, He descended below all things that He might redeem mankind, but He will come in glory to the earth, with His holy angels, to meet His Saints. That time is approaching. Much will have to be done, no doubt, before Christ will come to reign upon the earth. How long It will be we do not know; but we know this: the work in which we are engaged is the preparatory work for His coming. We call upon the whole world to repent, to turn unto God, to have faith in Him, to keep His commandments, and do the things which He has ordained for salvation; then lead such lives that they can say in truth that they have taken upon them the name of Christ.
We, the Latter-day Saints, partake of the Sacrament Sunday after Sunday, and every time we do this we make a covenant with the Lord that we will take upon us the name of Christ, and always remember Him, and keep His commandments. This covenant should not be an idle one. We should not lightly partake of the holy emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ; but in partaking we should form a strong resolve in our minds that we will do these things which the one who blesses the bread and the contents of the cup pronounces. When we say amen to his words, we make them our own, and we should show in our lives that we mean to keep the covenant which we make.
The Gospel of Christ as revealed unto us is the same as formerly. When John was shown that an angel should come with the Gospel, he was not told that it should be a new Gospel, but it was the "everlasting" Gospel—always new, and yet everlasting; the same Gospel, with no change in it. How thankful we are, brethren and sisters, that the Lord has been so gracious unto us that we have heard the glad tidings of the Gospel and received a testimony of its truth- Let us show our gratefulness unto our Heavenly Father by keeping His commandments and performing every duty required of us. It is the surest way to happiness; in fact, there is no other way by which we can be happy than by keeping the commandments of God. Choose any other way; feel in your hearts that you can do as you please—you have your free agency—and it will not be long till you find that the words of the Master are true when He said, "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." There is nothing that grows quicker upon anyone than indulgence in sin. It shows a person how weak he is. Those who are sunk in degradation will at times remember when they were innocent and good, and then wish they were back in that state; but when they attempt to get there they feel how weak they are, for they have become the slaves of sin. This should not be the case with us. After we have made covenants with the Lord, we should show ourselves strong enough to carry them out.
The Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, instructed His people to abstain from certain things in their diet, and if they would do it, certain blessings were promised. If I should ask you, Do you believe the Prophet received that revelation from God? I know you would say, Yes; and yet, how many of us are there who do not keep it? I allude now to the Word of Wisdom. Is it hard to keep? Yes, to those who have indulged in the things forbidden. They have found that the bands have become so strong that they can hardly break them. But the Lord commands us to do this. Let us show that we have strength. If we have it not, let us pray our Heavenly Father for strength to withstand these things, so that we can feel in our hearts that we are trying to live according to the commandments of God. Science gives evidence that the counsels given in that revelation are true and for man's best good. Now, as we believe not only that it is a word of wisdom, but that it is the will of God, let us resolve that we will keep it. Abstain from the use of tobacco, which is so hurtful to the constitution of man. Abstain from strong drinks, and from the use of tea and coffee and the excessive use of meat. Whatever there is in that commandment, let us make it the rule of our lives. Will we regret doing this? I remember my uncle said to me when I would not take these things—and he happened to offer me nearly every one of them—"It may be the best not to use them, but you are losing many pleasures in life by abstaining from them." I do not feel that this is the case. If we have not accustomed ourselves to them, we will not miss them. Those who have accustomed themselves to the use of such things and abstain from them will feel a greater self-respect and more strength to overcome other weaknesses.
My counsel to the Latter-day Saints is to keep the Word of Wisdom, also to remember their covenants, lead holy and pure lives, and keep the commandments as contained in the law and given in the Gospel. Remember the poor, keep the Sabbath day holy, pay your fast offerings, and let not your donations to sustain the poor be forgotten. Remember your tithing, and every duty required at your hands; and if you do, you can approach our Heavenly Father in confidence and trust, like a child to its natural parent, and ask for the things you desire, and they will be yours. God bless you all. Amen.
Obedience to truth the basis of freedom—Sin productive of bondage—Preparatory work for the coming of Christ.
I sincerely ask an interest in your faith and prayers. I desire to speak to you under the influence of the Holy Spirit, for any other influence would not edify us. I rejoice in seeing this large attendance at our conference. It manifests to us that the Saints are desirous of coming together and receiving the word of the Lord. I was very much interested this morning in the remarks of our brethren who spoke to us. President Smith told us to be free, and not to be the slaves of sin. On one occasion, our Savior, in addressing the Jews who believed on Him, said to them, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They said to Him, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." In other words, the slave of sin. The Lord has commanded us that we shall loose the bands of wickedness and break every yoke. Now, we want to enjoy the blessing embodied in the words of Jesus: "The truth shall make you free." The Lord wants us to be free. In fact, one of the objects of our coming upon the earth was to be made free, and to learn the right use of freedom, or free agency. The Lord does not want us to be slaves, or even servants, in the sense of being in bondage; but He wants us to be His free sons and daughters. He wants us to learn the right use of free agency. The man who abstains from sin and from indulgence in sinful pleasures is not a servant or slave; he is a free man. Too many there are who do not understand this, and who lack the moral courage to use their free agency and do that which they know to be right. Too many there are who are afraid of what others shall say. Latter-day Saints, be not afraid of what others' may say; but be afraid of what He who knows the inmost thoughts of your hearts shall think and judge of you. The man who chooses to continue in the word of Christ, not only in the hearing but in the doing of it, though it may deprive him of the good opinion of many, shall know the truth, and the truth shall make him free indeed. We should examine ourselves, and find out whether the truth has made us free, or whether we be still slaves to those influences that we know are not of God. Are we doing the things which God has forbidden? If so, it is time for us to loose the bands of wickedness and break every yoke. It is time for us to get out of bondage, and feel within ourselves that we are free indeed.
When the Gospel was first preached to us we were full of doubt and darkness. By obeying the word of God we received an assurance that we had made a covenant with Him, and that He had accepted us. Doubt and darkness left us. The light of the Holy Spirit filled our whole beings, and we felt that we were free. Have we continued to be free like this? Have we not, in too many instances, yielded to temptation and indulged in that from which we had covenanted to keep ourselves free? I am afraid that too many of us will find this in our history. My exhortation is, Let us learn to know ourselves, and to know how we stand with our Heavenly Father; and, knowing this, so shape our course that we can gain His favor.
We rejoice in the fact that the work of God is growing in the earth, and that He has been with His servants in their labors to promulgate the glad tidings of salvation unto men. Our missionaries have gone to nearly all lands, and are proclaiming the will of our Heavenly Father and telling men that the time is quickly approaching when Christ will come the second time. When He came the first time, He descended below all things that He might redeem mankind, but He will come in glory to the earth, with His holy angels, to meet His Saints. That time is approaching. Much will have to be done, no doubt, before Christ will come to reign upon the earth. How long It will be we do not know; but we know this: the work in which we are engaged is the preparatory work for His coming. We call upon the whole world to repent, to turn unto God, to have faith in Him, to keep His commandments, and do the things which He has ordained for salvation; then lead such lives that they can say in truth that they have taken upon them the name of Christ.
We, the Latter-day Saints, partake of the Sacrament Sunday after Sunday, and every time we do this we make a covenant with the Lord that we will take upon us the name of Christ, and always remember Him, and keep His commandments. This covenant should not be an idle one. We should not lightly partake of the holy emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ; but in partaking we should form a strong resolve in our minds that we will do these things which the one who blesses the bread and the contents of the cup pronounces. When we say amen to his words, we make them our own, and we should show in our lives that we mean to keep the covenant which we make.
The Gospel of Christ as revealed unto us is the same as formerly. When John was shown that an angel should come with the Gospel, he was not told that it should be a new Gospel, but it was the "everlasting" Gospel—always new, and yet everlasting; the same Gospel, with no change in it. How thankful we are, brethren and sisters, that the Lord has been so gracious unto us that we have heard the glad tidings of the Gospel and received a testimony of its truth- Let us show our gratefulness unto our Heavenly Father by keeping His commandments and performing every duty required of us. It is the surest way to happiness; in fact, there is no other way by which we can be happy than by keeping the commandments of God. Choose any other way; feel in your hearts that you can do as you please—you have your free agency—and it will not be long till you find that the words of the Master are true when He said, "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." There is nothing that grows quicker upon anyone than indulgence in sin. It shows a person how weak he is. Those who are sunk in degradation will at times remember when they were innocent and good, and then wish they were back in that state; but when they attempt to get there they feel how weak they are, for they have become the slaves of sin. This should not be the case with us. After we have made covenants with the Lord, we should show ourselves strong enough to carry them out.
The Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, instructed His people to abstain from certain things in their diet, and if they would do it, certain blessings were promised. If I should ask you, Do you believe the Prophet received that revelation from God? I know you would say, Yes; and yet, how many of us are there who do not keep it? I allude now to the Word of Wisdom. Is it hard to keep? Yes, to those who have indulged in the things forbidden. They have found that the bands have become so strong that they can hardly break them. But the Lord commands us to do this. Let us show that we have strength. If we have it not, let us pray our Heavenly Father for strength to withstand these things, so that we can feel in our hearts that we are trying to live according to the commandments of God. Science gives evidence that the counsels given in that revelation are true and for man's best good. Now, as we believe not only that it is a word of wisdom, but that it is the will of God, let us resolve that we will keep it. Abstain from the use of tobacco, which is so hurtful to the constitution of man. Abstain from strong drinks, and from the use of tea and coffee and the excessive use of meat. Whatever there is in that commandment, let us make it the rule of our lives. Will we regret doing this? I remember my uncle said to me when I would not take these things—and he happened to offer me nearly every one of them—"It may be the best not to use them, but you are losing many pleasures in life by abstaining from them." I do not feel that this is the case. If we have not accustomed ourselves to them, we will not miss them. Those who have accustomed themselves to the use of such things and abstain from them will feel a greater self-respect and more strength to overcome other weaknesses.
My counsel to the Latter-day Saints is to keep the Word of Wisdom, also to remember their covenants, lead holy and pure lives, and keep the commandments as contained in the law and given in the Gospel. Remember the poor, keep the Sabbath day holy, pay your fast offerings, and let not your donations to sustain the poor be forgotten. Remember your tithing, and every duty required at your hands; and if you do, you can approach our Heavenly Father in confidence and trust, like a child to its natural parent, and ask for the things you desire, and they will be yours. God bless you all. Amen.
ELDER LEWIS S. POND,
(President of Bannock Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, in reporting my labors and the condition of the Bannock stake of Zion, I sincerely trust I may be actuated by the Spirit of the Lord, that what I say may be directed thereby. In the stake of Zion where I preside, our numbers are not great. We have only 10 small wards, and about 2; 200 souls. In a general way, the people have been prosperous; but for years past one portion of the stake has been laboring under adverse circumstances, on account of having to haul water from four to seven miles. Two or three years ago, however, the stake was called upon to assist the people to get a portion of the waters of Bear river, at a cost of about $60,000. That has been accomplished, and many people are enjoying the benefits therefrom, though there is still a great indebtedness to meet. But that covers only a part of the arid lands in the stake, and the people in some instances have become discouraged. There has been a spirit of restlessness prevailing, and many in adverse circumstances, as well as some in better circumstances, have had this spirit. Some who have held stake and ward positions have felt they were at liberty to pull up and go to other lands just as they pleased, and the effects have been detrimental. Others have sought the counsel of those who presided over them, and have gone to seek better places, with the permission and blessing of the Priesthood.
The stake presidency have always been united in their labors, so far as the work of the stake is concerned; and the High Council have been assiduous workers in helping them carry the great responsibilities. They have been called to act also as home missionaries, and have done a good work in the midst of the people. The organizations in the Priesthood are complete, with the exception of one or two vacancies, which will soon be filled. One ward is at present without a Bishop, on account of that officer resigning and moving to another place. The auxiliary organizations are in a prosperous condition. Those who preside in them are energetic, and willing to do all that is possible. They travel a great deal amongst the young people, and their labors are productive of good. Most of these organizations hold sessions through the winter months only, as many of our young people go away from home during the summer season to earn a livelihood.
In a general way, there is a splendid feeling in the stake. Of course, as in other stakes, I suppose, we have a few that seem to think they do not have time to serve the Lord; they are more willing to give their time and attention to the things of this world. There is too much of a spirit of speculation prevalent in the stake; and those who visit the different wards complain that some of the people do not serve the Lord as they should do. Many have incurred great debt, and I am sorry indeed to report this condition. Many have been prosperous, and have sought to enlarge their possessions, the result is you can hear them say, "what shall I do to meet my obligations?" The implement men, and other agents who pass through our settlements, seem to have greater influence over some of the people, in a financial way, than do those who preside in the Priesthood. Many are buying far beyond their means, and in working to meet their obligations they are depriving themselves of privileges they might have in serving the Lord.
I believe our numbers are increasing a little. The water is being secured for arid lands, and people have begun to come in and enquire for homes among us. Some who moved there to be on the outskirts, still want to be on the outskirts, and are selling their homes and moving again. A number of very desirable brethren and sisters have joined us recently, and we invite more to come and make their homes with us. Generally speaking, unity prevails in the priesthood. Those who are active and energetic are stronger in the faith, I believe, than they ever were. We are striving hard to bring about a still better condition, both spiritually and temporally. Our wards are usually well represented in Priesthood meetings, as are the auxiliary organizations also; and in a general way the people take home the counsels that are given, and try to practice every principle that will make them better.
I trust the Spirit of the Lord will continue with us during the sessions of this conference. I bear testimony that I know the work of the Lord is here. I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that »in fulfillment of the Savior's words, if we will draw near unto Him He will draw near unto us. I have proved this in my own experience; the freedom and joy which has been spoken of during the conference has come to every Latter-day Saint. The better we serve the Lord, and the more diligent we are in His service, the greater amount of the Spirit of the Lord we enjoy, and the easier it is for us to make necessary sacrifices. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord may be with us continually, and that we may take the spirit of this conference to our homes, so that the people in general may be benefitted thereby. I ask these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of Bannock Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, in reporting my labors and the condition of the Bannock stake of Zion, I sincerely trust I may be actuated by the Spirit of the Lord, that what I say may be directed thereby. In the stake of Zion where I preside, our numbers are not great. We have only 10 small wards, and about 2; 200 souls. In a general way, the people have been prosperous; but for years past one portion of the stake has been laboring under adverse circumstances, on account of having to haul water from four to seven miles. Two or three years ago, however, the stake was called upon to assist the people to get a portion of the waters of Bear river, at a cost of about $60,000. That has been accomplished, and many people are enjoying the benefits therefrom, though there is still a great indebtedness to meet. But that covers only a part of the arid lands in the stake, and the people in some instances have become discouraged. There has been a spirit of restlessness prevailing, and many in adverse circumstances, as well as some in better circumstances, have had this spirit. Some who have held stake and ward positions have felt they were at liberty to pull up and go to other lands just as they pleased, and the effects have been detrimental. Others have sought the counsel of those who presided over them, and have gone to seek better places, with the permission and blessing of the Priesthood.
The stake presidency have always been united in their labors, so far as the work of the stake is concerned; and the High Council have been assiduous workers in helping them carry the great responsibilities. They have been called to act also as home missionaries, and have done a good work in the midst of the people. The organizations in the Priesthood are complete, with the exception of one or two vacancies, which will soon be filled. One ward is at present without a Bishop, on account of that officer resigning and moving to another place. The auxiliary organizations are in a prosperous condition. Those who preside in them are energetic, and willing to do all that is possible. They travel a great deal amongst the young people, and their labors are productive of good. Most of these organizations hold sessions through the winter months only, as many of our young people go away from home during the summer season to earn a livelihood.
In a general way, there is a splendid feeling in the stake. Of course, as in other stakes, I suppose, we have a few that seem to think they do not have time to serve the Lord; they are more willing to give their time and attention to the things of this world. There is too much of a spirit of speculation prevalent in the stake; and those who visit the different wards complain that some of the people do not serve the Lord as they should do. Many have incurred great debt, and I am sorry indeed to report this condition. Many have been prosperous, and have sought to enlarge their possessions, the result is you can hear them say, "what shall I do to meet my obligations?" The implement men, and other agents who pass through our settlements, seem to have greater influence over some of the people, in a financial way, than do those who preside in the Priesthood. Many are buying far beyond their means, and in working to meet their obligations they are depriving themselves of privileges they might have in serving the Lord.
I believe our numbers are increasing a little. The water is being secured for arid lands, and people have begun to come in and enquire for homes among us. Some who moved there to be on the outskirts, still want to be on the outskirts, and are selling their homes and moving again. A number of very desirable brethren and sisters have joined us recently, and we invite more to come and make their homes with us. Generally speaking, unity prevails in the priesthood. Those who are active and energetic are stronger in the faith, I believe, than they ever were. We are striving hard to bring about a still better condition, both spiritually and temporally. Our wards are usually well represented in Priesthood meetings, as are the auxiliary organizations also; and in a general way the people take home the counsels that are given, and try to practice every principle that will make them better.
I trust the Spirit of the Lord will continue with us during the sessions of this conference. I bear testimony that I know the work of the Lord is here. I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that »in fulfillment of the Savior's words, if we will draw near unto Him He will draw near unto us. I have proved this in my own experience; the freedom and joy which has been spoken of during the conference has come to every Latter-day Saint. The better we serve the Lord, and the more diligent we are in His service, the greater amount of the Spirit of the Lord we enjoy, and the easier it is for us to make necessary sacrifices. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord may be with us continually, and that we may take the spirit of this conference to our homes, so that the people in general may be benefitted thereby. I ask these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER JAMES E. STEELE.
(President of Bingham Stake.)
This seems to me an awkward position to occupy, but although I feel somewhat out of place, I am very pleased to have the privilege of making a report of the Bingham Stake of Zion. The Bingham Stake is located in the southeastern part of Idaho, in what is known as the Snake river valley. It is a part of the old Bannock Stake, or, as it is known now, the Fremont Stake. We number about ten thousand souls. We have seven or eight hundred families, scattered over a large area of country. We have twenty-four wards and seven branches. All of the wards are fully organized, and, so far as I know, all the ward organizations are complete. All the Stake offices are full, with the exception of one, and that is the President of the High Priests' quorum; the President moved from our Stake, and the vacancy has not yet been filled. Our High Council is complete, and its members are doings a good work. The Presidency of the Stake have been united on every question that has come up for our deliberation since the Stake was organized, in 1895. We are united with the High Council, and with all our Bishops. We are also united with the presidencies of the Stake auxiliary organizations. As far as I know, there is no contention but that can be readily settled between the members themselves. We have had but one or two High Council trials since the Stake was organized. The Stake Presidency meet every Thursday, at 2 o'clock, and deliberate upon the things pertaining to the welfare of the Stake. The High Council and the Stake Presidency meet once a month and counsel together for the good of the people.
We have a very prosperous community and the people are doing exceptionally well. We were largely in debt a few years ago. Many people who moved into the Stake from Utah had formerly lived on a city lot or in a small tract of land, possibly not to exceed five acres, and when they got into the Snake River valley and procured from 160 to 640 acres, they thought they could buy all things they wanted, and more too, because they had so much land at their command. But they soon found out their mistake, not, however, before many of them had to mortgage their homes to secure their indebtedness. I am very pleased to report today that these mortgages have largely been lifted. Our counsel to the people has always been to keep out of debt. They are now trying to comply with it, and are relieving themselves of that bondage. Our crops this year have been very good. We have the Snake river to draw from for our water supply. Our land is very productive, and consequently we are prosperous, as a rule. I feel that the Lord has blessed the country. The blessings that were petitioned for upon the land by President John Taylor, in 1884, have been realized by the Saints of the Snake River valley; end I feel that the Lord will continue to bless us if we will only keep His commandments. That He has done so is my testimony to you this afternoon. I have a testimony of this great latter-day work; I know it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the living God, and those who have succeeded him in the Presidency have been men whom God has recognized. They have been blessed and clothed with authority to lead and direct the affairs of His work from the beginning up to the present. I feel with all my heart to sustain them, to hold up their hands, and do my part so far as I have power. I ask God to bless us, to bless our President, to bless his associates, and to bless all Zion, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Bingham Stake.)
This seems to me an awkward position to occupy, but although I feel somewhat out of place, I am very pleased to have the privilege of making a report of the Bingham Stake of Zion. The Bingham Stake is located in the southeastern part of Idaho, in what is known as the Snake river valley. It is a part of the old Bannock Stake, or, as it is known now, the Fremont Stake. We number about ten thousand souls. We have seven or eight hundred families, scattered over a large area of country. We have twenty-four wards and seven branches. All of the wards are fully organized, and, so far as I know, all the ward organizations are complete. All the Stake offices are full, with the exception of one, and that is the President of the High Priests' quorum; the President moved from our Stake, and the vacancy has not yet been filled. Our High Council is complete, and its members are doings a good work. The Presidency of the Stake have been united on every question that has come up for our deliberation since the Stake was organized, in 1895. We are united with the High Council, and with all our Bishops. We are also united with the presidencies of the Stake auxiliary organizations. As far as I know, there is no contention but that can be readily settled between the members themselves. We have had but one or two High Council trials since the Stake was organized. The Stake Presidency meet every Thursday, at 2 o'clock, and deliberate upon the things pertaining to the welfare of the Stake. The High Council and the Stake Presidency meet once a month and counsel together for the good of the people.
We have a very prosperous community and the people are doing exceptionally well. We were largely in debt a few years ago. Many people who moved into the Stake from Utah had formerly lived on a city lot or in a small tract of land, possibly not to exceed five acres, and when they got into the Snake River valley and procured from 160 to 640 acres, they thought they could buy all things they wanted, and more too, because they had so much land at their command. But they soon found out their mistake, not, however, before many of them had to mortgage their homes to secure their indebtedness. I am very pleased to report today that these mortgages have largely been lifted. Our counsel to the people has always been to keep out of debt. They are now trying to comply with it, and are relieving themselves of that bondage. Our crops this year have been very good. We have the Snake river to draw from for our water supply. Our land is very productive, and consequently we are prosperous, as a rule. I feel that the Lord has blessed the country. The blessings that were petitioned for upon the land by President John Taylor, in 1884, have been realized by the Saints of the Snake River valley; end I feel that the Lord will continue to bless us if we will only keep His commandments. That He has done so is my testimony to you this afternoon. I have a testimony of this great latter-day work; I know it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the living God, and those who have succeeded him in the Presidency have been men whom God has recognized. They have been blessed and clothed with authority to lead and direct the affairs of His work from the beginning up to the present. I feel with all my heart to sustain them, to hold up their hands, and do my part so far as I have power. I ask God to bless us, to bless our President, to bless his associates, and to bless all Zion, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH.
Duties and responsibilities of the Saints—Word of Wisdom—Consistent treatment of strangers who come among us.
My brethren and sisters, I am most happy in the privilege of being with you in this conference, and in listening to the words that have been spoken by our brethren of the Presidency, as well as the reports made by the brethren representing some of the Stakes of Zion.
The duties and responsibilities that rest upon the Latter-day Saints are manifold. But no duty should be more sacred to them than a proper observance in their own lives of the rules and regulations established by the Redeemer of the world to maintain purity, uprightness and consistency in all the walks of life. If the claim we make be true, that the Father and the Son visited the Prophet Joseph Smith and revealed to him the character of the mission designed for His people, and that mission was to call the children of men to repentance; and if we have been made partakers of the truth, and subscribed to the conditions associated with our entrance into the waters of baptism, the consistency of our lives should be such that its impress will be made upon the minds of all with whom it may be our privilege to mingle. . No matter how little they esteem the faith we represent; no matter what their prejudices have been, or how they may have been engendered; if it shall be found, in our companionship with them, that our lives are above reproach, and our course is in keeping with the declarations we send forth to the world, that impress will cause men and women to change their views, and to regard with favor and consideration those of us who are obedient to the moral principles and doctrines of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. It may be that many, forming their judgment without an understanding of the purpose and mission of the Latter-day Saints, may fail to appreciate the character of the ministry of the Saints; but it has been my experience.as I have mingled among the children of men, that the more thoughtful and prudent are deeply impressed with that proposition presented in the scriptures, "by their fruits ye shall know them." It is not difficult to lead thoughtful men and women to believe in the man whose life is morally correct, who by his actions and sayings shows himself to be temperate, upright and exemplary, wherever he goes and with whomsoever he mingles. I am led to believe that our mission in the world, as the chosen people of the Almighty, will be more perfectly accomplished by the upright character of the lives we lead in our homes and social gatherings, in the impress made by the discharge of private obligations, and the fulfillment of such public duties as may be required at our hands, with high-mindedness, and a determination to uplift and better the moral conditions of those with whom we mingle, than it can be in any other way. The world today presents thousands of openings for men who are strictly sober, who refuse to use intoxicants under any circumstances, and who, in the fulfillment of their duties in lift, have displayed a proper regard for the rights and liberties of their fellows, and handled with consistency and honesty the trusts reposed in them. I believe that, in the providences of the Almighty, it is His purpose to equip and prepare His people to become the aids and helps in government, in all parts of the land. But we can never attain the place it is His purpose we should until we have thoroughly indoctrinated ourselves in an understanding of every moral principle, and have a full comprehension of the great responsibility imposed upon us in the handling of obligations and trusts. Our lives must be in harmony with everything that is pure, honest and upright.
The faith we have received covers every principle necessary to the equipment and preparation of men and women for the duties and responsibilities of the temporal as well as the spiritual life. The doctrines of the Redeemer affect not only the spiritual well-being, they apply also to the moral and temporal welfare of mankind. He laid upon each one the obligation to observe the moral principles and doctrines of the Gospel, and that it is his duty to conform to the ordinances of God's house, and walk in harmony with the rules laid down by Him. He also pointed the way to the great possibilities confronting our Father's children, sought to impress upon them, in such form that there could be no misunderstanding His purpose, His wishes as affecting their conduct in life. "Thou shalt not lie," was the declaration of the Redeemer of the world. Are we obedient to the mandate? Have we followed this rule? Have we written upon our minds the thought that the duty is ours to guard against the possibility of being a liar? "Thou shalt not steal," is the declaration of the same great leader of men. Are we mindful of that declaration? Has it truly found lodgment in our hearts? Is it written in the fibers of our being? Are we applying it as thoroughly in the discharge of the duties that rest upon us as we should do? Let ever;' man and woman ask themselves these questions, and see if the answer can truthfully come from their own lips, These requirements given by the Redeemer to the world have been accepted by me, and have been applied in my own life to the best of my ability. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." "Thou shalt not kill." "Though shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." Are these propositions with us in spirit and in truth? Have they riveted themselves upon our minds in such form that wherever we go, and with whomsoever we mingle, we maintain ourselves free from these grievous errors against which the warning voice of the Redeemer was uttered. I trust we have weighed these propositions rightly, thoroughly comprehend their import, and are striving to comply with them, so that none can question the consistency of our utterances and examples.
President Lund, in his remarks, touched upon the question of the observance of the Word of Wisdom. It is a singular thing that there should exist any necessity, among a people so fully taught in regard to the sacredness of that requirement of the Lord, for repeated admonitions concerning it. It was first given to us as instruction from the Lord, without constraint, and later more fully impressed upon our minds by the declaration of the prophet of God that it was in force upon us as a requirement. But little by little we drift with the stream, and it is difficult to find among the Saints entire families that are truly seeking to be in harmony with that principle. What a work could be accomplished in the world today if every man, woman and child who have been baptized into the Church would truly practice that principle! What an influence in the world for good we would be if ourselves, our children, and our children's children, would follow the good example, in this respect, of the patriarchs of the past! Men and women say, sometimes, they are too old to do it. If the generations who were conversant with the restored work of God, in the early rise of the Church had as fully obeyed the requirements of the Gospel as they should have done, concerning the Word of Wisdom, there would now be found but few of our sons recreant to their responsibilities in the line of temperate and consistent lives; there would more rarely be found among our daughters those whose lives are rendered unhappy because of nervous troubles, superinduced by the use of narcotics forbidden by the law of God; there would more seldom be found boys or old men shattered in their physical structures by the use of tobacco, and in large measure unfit for the duties and responsibilities of life. There would be a still larger number of men and women so fully established in every moral principle, and every temperate thought and idea, that wherever they went in the world their conduct and example would write itself upon the minds of men and impress them most favorably.
Upon one occasion it was my privilege to be in company with a large body of gentlemen, a number of whom were of our own faith. In this assembly was a man quite eminent in the sphere in which he moved. He had been an intense temperance orator and laborer in temperance interests. After studying and watching the character of the people who formed that association, he made this remark to me: "I have not discovered in this company a single man claiming to be of your faith who is a user of intoxicants or tobacco; and while I have been in their companionship I have not heard one of them profane the name of Deity." This had made a wonderful impression upon his mind. If this so impressed one man, what would be the impression upon the world at large if, as a people, we would fully apply these laws in our lives as we mingle among the children of men?
My brothers and my sisters, these are questions for our consideration. They are for us to weigh and study. Before us is the world, to whom the truth of the Gospel we have received is to be preached. It must be carried to every land, to every people. Its extension and spread can be brought about more successfully by the honesty, the truthfulness, the temperance and the industry of those who have received the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, than by all the words that we may speak. The conditions that surround the people, the efforts they make to hold themselves in subjection to the divine will, impress those who come into their companionship.
I say to you that the principles of the Gospel are true; every one that God has revealed is true. He has laid the foundation for the development of His great work upon legitimate lines. He knows the condition of His children in all the world. He has put upon us the responsibility of establishing in our own homes, so far as may lie within our power, the elements of truth in such form that its impress will continue to grow and spread until all shall come to an understanding of the Gospel and receive it.
Standing here before you, I desire to bear witness to the correctness of the views presented by President Smith, in sending forth his warning voice against the tendency to get into debt. The growth of business, the enlargement of our own concerns, the hope of a successful issue as we step into the business world, lead us into further investments, until perchance we find we have completely overreached ourselves. It is these matters that we want to guard against. Not that we should not take advantage of every desirable opportunity for legitimate business. We should seek to secure means as far as we can consistently to aid in the development of our commonwealth, to provide for the needs and necessities of those who are dependent upon us, and to open the door by which they who are in need may be furnished employment. Nor should we forget those who come to us as strangers from strange lands, and are of our own faith. These are matters upon which all of us should reflect. Another thought presents itself to my mind, it is this: I believe there is a degree of negligence upon our part in looking after, as fully as we should, the strangers that come into our midst. Men drop down among us who may be of our faith, and who not being conversant with our language, find themselves in a trying situation. I am fearful that the same thoughtful attention is not now given to this class of people that was extended to them in former day: and that too frequently they pass into the society of persons who embitter their minds against the truth, causing them to regret their alliance with the Latter-day Saints. I hope you will think of these things, my brothers and my sisters, and that, so far as possible all things will be done upon your part that shall tend to guide these newcomers along the pathway of truth and righteousness. People gather sometimes on their own responsibility, and drop into neighborhoods without realizing the character of their surroundings. Our thoughtlessness, perchance, permits them to pass beyond the pale of our communion into the hands of others who impress them with the thought that what they have come to receive is not here, and that they have been misled.
My brothers and my sisters, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus is indeed the power of God unto salvation. Every one of us should obey its requirements. The souls of our fellowmen should be most sacred to us; and, so far as lies within our power, we should put them in the way of the accomplishment of a life work that shall be creditable to themselves and prove a blessing to us. The Gospel is true. May heaven enable us to obey its commandments, live in harmony with its principles; fulfill the duties and responsibilities that rest upon us, being true to our obligations! guarding the rights and liberties of ourselves and of our fellowmen that the well-being of all our Father's children shall be, indeed, sacred to us; and that we shall not fail in the accomplishment of the proclamation of His word, the establishment of His work, the betterment of the condition of His children; that when we shall march forward to our reward, He may say to us, "Thou hast performed thy part in Judgment and mercy, and hast blessed those with whom thou hast mingled, and injured none." May heaven's blessings abound with you; and may the truth extend and spread until righteousness shall prevail among the children of men, and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus ameliorate the condition of the human family, causing them to glorify the name of the Savior of the world, and His truth as it has been revealed in the day and age in which we live, Is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, "Unfold, Ye Portals Everlasting."
Duties and responsibilities of the Saints—Word of Wisdom—Consistent treatment of strangers who come among us.
My brethren and sisters, I am most happy in the privilege of being with you in this conference, and in listening to the words that have been spoken by our brethren of the Presidency, as well as the reports made by the brethren representing some of the Stakes of Zion.
The duties and responsibilities that rest upon the Latter-day Saints are manifold. But no duty should be more sacred to them than a proper observance in their own lives of the rules and regulations established by the Redeemer of the world to maintain purity, uprightness and consistency in all the walks of life. If the claim we make be true, that the Father and the Son visited the Prophet Joseph Smith and revealed to him the character of the mission designed for His people, and that mission was to call the children of men to repentance; and if we have been made partakers of the truth, and subscribed to the conditions associated with our entrance into the waters of baptism, the consistency of our lives should be such that its impress will be made upon the minds of all with whom it may be our privilege to mingle. . No matter how little they esteem the faith we represent; no matter what their prejudices have been, or how they may have been engendered; if it shall be found, in our companionship with them, that our lives are above reproach, and our course is in keeping with the declarations we send forth to the world, that impress will cause men and women to change their views, and to regard with favor and consideration those of us who are obedient to the moral principles and doctrines of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. It may be that many, forming their judgment without an understanding of the purpose and mission of the Latter-day Saints, may fail to appreciate the character of the ministry of the Saints; but it has been my experience.as I have mingled among the children of men, that the more thoughtful and prudent are deeply impressed with that proposition presented in the scriptures, "by their fruits ye shall know them." It is not difficult to lead thoughtful men and women to believe in the man whose life is morally correct, who by his actions and sayings shows himself to be temperate, upright and exemplary, wherever he goes and with whomsoever he mingles. I am led to believe that our mission in the world, as the chosen people of the Almighty, will be more perfectly accomplished by the upright character of the lives we lead in our homes and social gatherings, in the impress made by the discharge of private obligations, and the fulfillment of such public duties as may be required at our hands, with high-mindedness, and a determination to uplift and better the moral conditions of those with whom we mingle, than it can be in any other way. The world today presents thousands of openings for men who are strictly sober, who refuse to use intoxicants under any circumstances, and who, in the fulfillment of their duties in lift, have displayed a proper regard for the rights and liberties of their fellows, and handled with consistency and honesty the trusts reposed in them. I believe that, in the providences of the Almighty, it is His purpose to equip and prepare His people to become the aids and helps in government, in all parts of the land. But we can never attain the place it is His purpose we should until we have thoroughly indoctrinated ourselves in an understanding of every moral principle, and have a full comprehension of the great responsibility imposed upon us in the handling of obligations and trusts. Our lives must be in harmony with everything that is pure, honest and upright.
The faith we have received covers every principle necessary to the equipment and preparation of men and women for the duties and responsibilities of the temporal as well as the spiritual life. The doctrines of the Redeemer affect not only the spiritual well-being, they apply also to the moral and temporal welfare of mankind. He laid upon each one the obligation to observe the moral principles and doctrines of the Gospel, and that it is his duty to conform to the ordinances of God's house, and walk in harmony with the rules laid down by Him. He also pointed the way to the great possibilities confronting our Father's children, sought to impress upon them, in such form that there could be no misunderstanding His purpose, His wishes as affecting their conduct in life. "Thou shalt not lie," was the declaration of the Redeemer of the world. Are we obedient to the mandate? Have we followed this rule? Have we written upon our minds the thought that the duty is ours to guard against the possibility of being a liar? "Thou shalt not steal," is the declaration of the same great leader of men. Are we mindful of that declaration? Has it truly found lodgment in our hearts? Is it written in the fibers of our being? Are we applying it as thoroughly in the discharge of the duties that rest upon us as we should do? Let ever;' man and woman ask themselves these questions, and see if the answer can truthfully come from their own lips, These requirements given by the Redeemer to the world have been accepted by me, and have been applied in my own life to the best of my ability. "Thou shalt not commit adultery." "Thou shalt not kill." "Though shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." Are these propositions with us in spirit and in truth? Have they riveted themselves upon our minds in such form that wherever we go, and with whomsoever we mingle, we maintain ourselves free from these grievous errors against which the warning voice of the Redeemer was uttered. I trust we have weighed these propositions rightly, thoroughly comprehend their import, and are striving to comply with them, so that none can question the consistency of our utterances and examples.
President Lund, in his remarks, touched upon the question of the observance of the Word of Wisdom. It is a singular thing that there should exist any necessity, among a people so fully taught in regard to the sacredness of that requirement of the Lord, for repeated admonitions concerning it. It was first given to us as instruction from the Lord, without constraint, and later more fully impressed upon our minds by the declaration of the prophet of God that it was in force upon us as a requirement. But little by little we drift with the stream, and it is difficult to find among the Saints entire families that are truly seeking to be in harmony with that principle. What a work could be accomplished in the world today if every man, woman and child who have been baptized into the Church would truly practice that principle! What an influence in the world for good we would be if ourselves, our children, and our children's children, would follow the good example, in this respect, of the patriarchs of the past! Men and women say, sometimes, they are too old to do it. If the generations who were conversant with the restored work of God, in the early rise of the Church had as fully obeyed the requirements of the Gospel as they should have done, concerning the Word of Wisdom, there would now be found but few of our sons recreant to their responsibilities in the line of temperate and consistent lives; there would more rarely be found among our daughters those whose lives are rendered unhappy because of nervous troubles, superinduced by the use of narcotics forbidden by the law of God; there would more seldom be found boys or old men shattered in their physical structures by the use of tobacco, and in large measure unfit for the duties and responsibilities of life. There would be a still larger number of men and women so fully established in every moral principle, and every temperate thought and idea, that wherever they went in the world their conduct and example would write itself upon the minds of men and impress them most favorably.
Upon one occasion it was my privilege to be in company with a large body of gentlemen, a number of whom were of our own faith. In this assembly was a man quite eminent in the sphere in which he moved. He had been an intense temperance orator and laborer in temperance interests. After studying and watching the character of the people who formed that association, he made this remark to me: "I have not discovered in this company a single man claiming to be of your faith who is a user of intoxicants or tobacco; and while I have been in their companionship I have not heard one of them profane the name of Deity." This had made a wonderful impression upon his mind. If this so impressed one man, what would be the impression upon the world at large if, as a people, we would fully apply these laws in our lives as we mingle among the children of men?
My brothers and my sisters, these are questions for our consideration. They are for us to weigh and study. Before us is the world, to whom the truth of the Gospel we have received is to be preached. It must be carried to every land, to every people. Its extension and spread can be brought about more successfully by the honesty, the truthfulness, the temperance and the industry of those who have received the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, than by all the words that we may speak. The conditions that surround the people, the efforts they make to hold themselves in subjection to the divine will, impress those who come into their companionship.
I say to you that the principles of the Gospel are true; every one that God has revealed is true. He has laid the foundation for the development of His great work upon legitimate lines. He knows the condition of His children in all the world. He has put upon us the responsibility of establishing in our own homes, so far as may lie within our power, the elements of truth in such form that its impress will continue to grow and spread until all shall come to an understanding of the Gospel and receive it.
Standing here before you, I desire to bear witness to the correctness of the views presented by President Smith, in sending forth his warning voice against the tendency to get into debt. The growth of business, the enlargement of our own concerns, the hope of a successful issue as we step into the business world, lead us into further investments, until perchance we find we have completely overreached ourselves. It is these matters that we want to guard against. Not that we should not take advantage of every desirable opportunity for legitimate business. We should seek to secure means as far as we can consistently to aid in the development of our commonwealth, to provide for the needs and necessities of those who are dependent upon us, and to open the door by which they who are in need may be furnished employment. Nor should we forget those who come to us as strangers from strange lands, and are of our own faith. These are matters upon which all of us should reflect. Another thought presents itself to my mind, it is this: I believe there is a degree of negligence upon our part in looking after, as fully as we should, the strangers that come into our midst. Men drop down among us who may be of our faith, and who not being conversant with our language, find themselves in a trying situation. I am fearful that the same thoughtful attention is not now given to this class of people that was extended to them in former day: and that too frequently they pass into the society of persons who embitter their minds against the truth, causing them to regret their alliance with the Latter-day Saints. I hope you will think of these things, my brothers and my sisters, and that, so far as possible all things will be done upon your part that shall tend to guide these newcomers along the pathway of truth and righteousness. People gather sometimes on their own responsibility, and drop into neighborhoods without realizing the character of their surroundings. Our thoughtlessness, perchance, permits them to pass beyond the pale of our communion into the hands of others who impress them with the thought that what they have come to receive is not here, and that they have been misled.
My brothers and my sisters, the Gospel of the Lord Jesus is indeed the power of God unto salvation. Every one of us should obey its requirements. The souls of our fellowmen should be most sacred to us; and, so far as lies within our power, we should put them in the way of the accomplishment of a life work that shall be creditable to themselves and prove a blessing to us. The Gospel is true. May heaven enable us to obey its commandments, live in harmony with its principles; fulfill the duties and responsibilities that rest upon us, being true to our obligations! guarding the rights and liberties of ourselves and of our fellowmen that the well-being of all our Father's children shall be, indeed, sacred to us; and that we shall not fail in the accomplishment of the proclamation of His word, the establishment of His work, the betterment of the condition of His children; that when we shall march forward to our reward, He may say to us, "Thou hast performed thy part in Judgment and mercy, and hast blessed those with whom thou hast mingled, and injured none." May heaven's blessings abound with you; and may the truth extend and spread until righteousness shall prevail among the children of men, and the Gospel of the Lord Jesus ameliorate the condition of the human family, causing them to glorify the name of the Savior of the world, and His truth as it has been revealed in the day and age in which we live, Is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, "Unfold, Ye Portals Everlasting."
ELDER ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF.
An era of opportunity—About indebtedness—Real objects of missionary work—Progress of auxiliary organizations—Duties of parents—Respect for Church officers.
My dear brothers and sister, I trust that the Lord may inspire the words I shall speak to you. I feel deeply interested in the work in which we are engaged, and in the general welfare of this people. I know that the Lord Is accomplishing a great and a marvelous work through His servants and handmaidens, who have been obedient to the principles of life and salvation as revealed, in these latter days, through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is .indeed, pleasing to hear of the growth of the stakes of Zion, and the splendid prospects there are before us at home. This is an era of opportunity for the Latter-day Saints. There never was a time I can remember when there were so many excellent opportunities before this people for the development of their resources, for home building, for the cultivation of the soil, for the establishment of industries, and for employment. Today men who want work can find it. The establishment of various industries has opened new avenues for the employment of both young and old, and there need be no unemployed among us. If we can only keep busy, and retain the Spirit of the Lord, we will be able to maintain our standing as the people of God.
While most of the reports have been very pleasing, it is lamentable to hear of the indebtedness existing among the Latter-day Saints, as reported by some of the brethren. How many have mortgages upon their homes today, notwithstanding we have been always counseled not to go in debt? True, there may be conditions when men, in order to save their honor, are compelled to incur debt; but such cases are rare. We have been counseled all the time in regard to this, and also in regard to other things we have not been entirely obedient to. The result is, many of our Elders, when called to go into mission fields, and labor to spread the Gospel among those) who sit in darkness, have to excuse themselves, for the reason they are under an obligation of debt, and are therefore unable to respond to the call. This, indeed, is an unfortunate condition of affairs. We ought to be obedient to the counsels of the servants of God. We should be willing and prepared to go wherever and whenever we are sent, and perform whatever labor we are called to engage in. No matter how apparently insignificant the labor may be, if we are where the Lord wants us, we ought to be satisfied. In listening to Brother Grant, it occurred to me, that his report would at least be encouraging to some of our mission presidents, who probably feel they are not accomplishing as much in spreading the work as they would like to do, and who receive no encouragement but that which they get from the Lord. Here is Brother Grant, one of the best preachers we have in the Church, and eleven other missionaries who have been fifteen months in Japan and have baptized only three souls, yet, no doubt, they have labored with as great diligence as any missionaries could do. Our mission is not to go out for the sole purpose of seeing how many we can baptize. Our mission is to convert people, and we want to be sure they are converted before they are led into the waters of baptism. We do not want people to accept the Gospel and afterwards turn from it. Better that they had never received it. We should be satisfied they are thoroughly converted to the principles which God has revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith before they are baptized. While, perhaps, conversions in the world have not been numerous during the past year, yet the labors of the Elders have been assiduous and untiring; they have been determined that people should understand the Gospel before being encouraged to accept the ordinances of baptism, and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. Some of our pessimistic friends entertain the idea that the work of the Lord is not advancing much, but that idea is not correct; there never was a time when such excellent reports were received from the various auxiliary organizations as are being delivered today. I am sure there never was anything like it in the history of Mutual Improvement and Sunday school work. It is encouraging to know that the young men and women born in the Church, and those who are being brought into the Church today, have such a good understanding of the Gospel that they rarely apostatize, or place themselves in a condition that makes it necessary to excommunicate them. Of course, here and there we hear of apostasy, or transgression; and yet I know wards in this Church, that have been organized fifteen or twenty years, where there has never been a case of immorality on the part of the members. We must bear in mind we are a large body of people, and, of course, we hear occasionally of cases of transgression; but I maintain that such things are becoming less and less frequent among us. I believe that, as a rule, the young men and young women feared in this Church will not permit it to be truthfully said of them that they have disregarded the faith of their fathers and mothers, and gone astray. When children go astray, and exhibit no faith in the Gospel, I believe that, In nine cases out of ten, they are from families wherein the parents have never taken the pains to gather their children around them, and teach them the word of God, morning and evening; where they have never taught them to pray, or where, in their children's presence, they have spoken evil against the Priesthood of the Son of God. They may not have wanted their children to become apostate, and yet they have, perhaps unconsciously, sown the seeds of apostasy in their hearts by speaking evil of those whom it was their duty to sustain and uphold.
To make good Latter-day Saints, we must respect our ward teachers, and teach our children to do the same. We must respect our ward and stake officers, not ignore them and yet profess great devotion to. the president of the Church, or to the Twelve Apostles and other men in high standing. The man who in his heart is loyal to the president of the Church is the man who honors his Deacon, his Teacher, his Bishop, and his stake officers; he does not jump over their heads, on the slightest excuse, and go to the president of the Church with little questions and troubles that ought to be settled at home. I know there are among the Latter-day Saints men who, if President Smith should ask them to do anything, would get up and do it in a hurry; but if their Bishop or their ward teacher asked them to do anything they would think it too insignificant. I think they are insignificant, for the reason they have not learned to honor the order of the Priesthood of the Son of Cod. They have not learned to respect the men whom the Lord desires them to sustain. If I were choosing a body of men who could be depended upon to always do the right thing in this kingdom, I would choose men who honor the Deacons, Teachers, and Bishops, who uphold the lesser as well as the higher Priesthood; and who are good, reliable men in their respective wards, not men who work only on dress parade. Almost any one will do that, but it is not every one who will get down and dig, who will work in the wards, and labor diligently for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God when probably they are seen only by the Lord. If I were presiding over a mission, I would think very little of an Elder who would work only when I was with him, or who, if he were not told just what to do, would sit down at mission headquarters and do nothing.
It is in these little affairs of life that we show our love for the work of God. If we really love the work, there is nothing, no matter how small it may be, that we will not be glad to do for the upbuilding of the kingdom, whether it be seen of men or not. God sees and knows our labors, and he will reward us sooner or later, according to the deeds done in the flesh. Therefore, I pray that we may give more attention to the details of life. Let us take time to instruct our children in the principles of the Gospel, that they may grow up with faith in the Lord; and do not shift this responsibility on to the Sabbath school or the Mutual Improvement Association. Let us instill into the hearts of those in our own homes the spirit of the Gospel, and through the consistency of our lives,, and the help of our Heavenly Father, inspire others with faith in the work God has called us to represent. The Latter-day Saints are as a light set upon a hill, which cannot be hid. People watch our actions and note our lives. What a beautiful thing it would be if we were all living according to the laws of the Gospel, as we ought to do! How many more people would have their hearts touched by the truth if we were living it in our homes, as we are taught to do. The trouble is, my brethren and sisters, we do not take seriously some of the principles of the Gospel that have been revealed. From their actions, many Latter-day Saints evidently think that when the Lord gave the Word of Wisdom He was not in earnest, that He did not mean what He said; for they have gone right along drinking tea and coffee, and smoking, as if not a word had been said. They have been telling their children all the time that these things are not good for them, and yet they themselves have been indulging in them continuously. What will such parents say if their children turn away from the truth, and point to them as the cause of it? What if a son or daughter- shall say, "The reason I have no faith in this Latter-day work is because my father and mother were inconsistent in their lives, they taught me to do what they would not do themselves? Will parents seek to destroy faith in the hearts of their children in this way? Those who do, the sins of the children will be upon their heads, just as sure as the Lord lives.
God bless you, my brothers and sisters. May He give us the spirit of this work. May we understand that the time has come when we must be Saints in the home as well as in public position; that we must honor the Priesthood of the Son of God in the ward, as well as in the stake and in the Church. If we would be blessed, we must take the counsel that has been given here in regard to being free, temporally and spiritually—free from sin and free from debt. May God put it into our hearts to receive this counsel as it comes to us from time to time, and give us courage and strength to carry it out. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins:
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah;
Jesus anointed that "Prophet and Seer" —
Blessed to open the last dispensation;
Kings shall extol him and nations revere.
Benediction by Presiding Patriarch John Smith.
An era of opportunity—About indebtedness—Real objects of missionary work—Progress of auxiliary organizations—Duties of parents—Respect for Church officers.
My dear brothers and sister, I trust that the Lord may inspire the words I shall speak to you. I feel deeply interested in the work in which we are engaged, and in the general welfare of this people. I know that the Lord Is accomplishing a great and a marvelous work through His servants and handmaidens, who have been obedient to the principles of life and salvation as revealed, in these latter days, through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is .indeed, pleasing to hear of the growth of the stakes of Zion, and the splendid prospects there are before us at home. This is an era of opportunity for the Latter-day Saints. There never was a time I can remember when there were so many excellent opportunities before this people for the development of their resources, for home building, for the cultivation of the soil, for the establishment of industries, and for employment. Today men who want work can find it. The establishment of various industries has opened new avenues for the employment of both young and old, and there need be no unemployed among us. If we can only keep busy, and retain the Spirit of the Lord, we will be able to maintain our standing as the people of God.
While most of the reports have been very pleasing, it is lamentable to hear of the indebtedness existing among the Latter-day Saints, as reported by some of the brethren. How many have mortgages upon their homes today, notwithstanding we have been always counseled not to go in debt? True, there may be conditions when men, in order to save their honor, are compelled to incur debt; but such cases are rare. We have been counseled all the time in regard to this, and also in regard to other things we have not been entirely obedient to. The result is, many of our Elders, when called to go into mission fields, and labor to spread the Gospel among those) who sit in darkness, have to excuse themselves, for the reason they are under an obligation of debt, and are therefore unable to respond to the call. This, indeed, is an unfortunate condition of affairs. We ought to be obedient to the counsels of the servants of God. We should be willing and prepared to go wherever and whenever we are sent, and perform whatever labor we are called to engage in. No matter how apparently insignificant the labor may be, if we are where the Lord wants us, we ought to be satisfied. In listening to Brother Grant, it occurred to me, that his report would at least be encouraging to some of our mission presidents, who probably feel they are not accomplishing as much in spreading the work as they would like to do, and who receive no encouragement but that which they get from the Lord. Here is Brother Grant, one of the best preachers we have in the Church, and eleven other missionaries who have been fifteen months in Japan and have baptized only three souls, yet, no doubt, they have labored with as great diligence as any missionaries could do. Our mission is not to go out for the sole purpose of seeing how many we can baptize. Our mission is to convert people, and we want to be sure they are converted before they are led into the waters of baptism. We do not want people to accept the Gospel and afterwards turn from it. Better that they had never received it. We should be satisfied they are thoroughly converted to the principles which God has revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith before they are baptized. While, perhaps, conversions in the world have not been numerous during the past year, yet the labors of the Elders have been assiduous and untiring; they have been determined that people should understand the Gospel before being encouraged to accept the ordinances of baptism, and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. Some of our pessimistic friends entertain the idea that the work of the Lord is not advancing much, but that idea is not correct; there never was a time when such excellent reports were received from the various auxiliary organizations as are being delivered today. I am sure there never was anything like it in the history of Mutual Improvement and Sunday school work. It is encouraging to know that the young men and women born in the Church, and those who are being brought into the Church today, have such a good understanding of the Gospel that they rarely apostatize, or place themselves in a condition that makes it necessary to excommunicate them. Of course, here and there we hear of apostasy, or transgression; and yet I know wards in this Church, that have been organized fifteen or twenty years, where there has never been a case of immorality on the part of the members. We must bear in mind we are a large body of people, and, of course, we hear occasionally of cases of transgression; but I maintain that such things are becoming less and less frequent among us. I believe that, as a rule, the young men and young women feared in this Church will not permit it to be truthfully said of them that they have disregarded the faith of their fathers and mothers, and gone astray. When children go astray, and exhibit no faith in the Gospel, I believe that, In nine cases out of ten, they are from families wherein the parents have never taken the pains to gather their children around them, and teach them the word of God, morning and evening; where they have never taught them to pray, or where, in their children's presence, they have spoken evil against the Priesthood of the Son of God. They may not have wanted their children to become apostate, and yet they have, perhaps unconsciously, sown the seeds of apostasy in their hearts by speaking evil of those whom it was their duty to sustain and uphold.
To make good Latter-day Saints, we must respect our ward teachers, and teach our children to do the same. We must respect our ward and stake officers, not ignore them and yet profess great devotion to. the president of the Church, or to the Twelve Apostles and other men in high standing. The man who in his heart is loyal to the president of the Church is the man who honors his Deacon, his Teacher, his Bishop, and his stake officers; he does not jump over their heads, on the slightest excuse, and go to the president of the Church with little questions and troubles that ought to be settled at home. I know there are among the Latter-day Saints men who, if President Smith should ask them to do anything, would get up and do it in a hurry; but if their Bishop or their ward teacher asked them to do anything they would think it too insignificant. I think they are insignificant, for the reason they have not learned to honor the order of the Priesthood of the Son of Cod. They have not learned to respect the men whom the Lord desires them to sustain. If I were choosing a body of men who could be depended upon to always do the right thing in this kingdom, I would choose men who honor the Deacons, Teachers, and Bishops, who uphold the lesser as well as the higher Priesthood; and who are good, reliable men in their respective wards, not men who work only on dress parade. Almost any one will do that, but it is not every one who will get down and dig, who will work in the wards, and labor diligently for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God when probably they are seen only by the Lord. If I were presiding over a mission, I would think very little of an Elder who would work only when I was with him, or who, if he were not told just what to do, would sit down at mission headquarters and do nothing.
It is in these little affairs of life that we show our love for the work of God. If we really love the work, there is nothing, no matter how small it may be, that we will not be glad to do for the upbuilding of the kingdom, whether it be seen of men or not. God sees and knows our labors, and he will reward us sooner or later, according to the deeds done in the flesh. Therefore, I pray that we may give more attention to the details of life. Let us take time to instruct our children in the principles of the Gospel, that they may grow up with faith in the Lord; and do not shift this responsibility on to the Sabbath school or the Mutual Improvement Association. Let us instill into the hearts of those in our own homes the spirit of the Gospel, and through the consistency of our lives,, and the help of our Heavenly Father, inspire others with faith in the work God has called us to represent. The Latter-day Saints are as a light set upon a hill, which cannot be hid. People watch our actions and note our lives. What a beautiful thing it would be if we were all living according to the laws of the Gospel, as we ought to do! How many more people would have their hearts touched by the truth if we were living it in our homes, as we are taught to do. The trouble is, my brethren and sisters, we do not take seriously some of the principles of the Gospel that have been revealed. From their actions, many Latter-day Saints evidently think that when the Lord gave the Word of Wisdom He was not in earnest, that He did not mean what He said; for they have gone right along drinking tea and coffee, and smoking, as if not a word had been said. They have been telling their children all the time that these things are not good for them, and yet they themselves have been indulging in them continuously. What will such parents say if their children turn away from the truth, and point to them as the cause of it? What if a son or daughter- shall say, "The reason I have no faith in this Latter-day work is because my father and mother were inconsistent in their lives, they taught me to do what they would not do themselves? Will parents seek to destroy faith in the hearts of their children in this way? Those who do, the sins of the children will be upon their heads, just as sure as the Lord lives.
God bless you, my brothers and sisters. May He give us the spirit of this work. May we understand that the time has come when we must be Saints in the home as well as in public position; that we must honor the Priesthood of the Son of God in the ward, as well as in the stake and in the Church. If we would be blessed, we must take the counsel that has been given here in regard to being free, temporally and spiritually—free from sin and free from debt. May God put it into our hearts to receive this counsel as it comes to us from time to time, and give us courage and strength to carry it out. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins:
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah;
Jesus anointed that "Prophet and Seer" —
Blessed to open the last dispensation;
Kings shall extol him and nations revere.
Benediction by Presiding Patriarch John Smith.
OVERFLOW MEETING.
An overflow meeting was held in the Assembly hall, at 2 o'clock p. m., Elder Matthias F. Cowley, of the Council of the Twelve, presiding. The Temple choir sang, "Ere long the veil will rend in twain."
Prayer by Elder Samuel Woolley.
Sisters Owen and Clayton sang the duet, "In Thy Temple." Chorus by the choir.
An overflow meeting was held in the Assembly hall, at 2 o'clock p. m., Elder Matthias F. Cowley, of the Council of the Twelve, presiding. The Temple choir sang, "Ere long the veil will rend in twain."
Prayer by Elder Samuel Woolley.
Sisters Owen and Clayton sang the duet, "In Thy Temple." Chorus by the choir.
ELDER JOSEPH W. M'MURRIN.
It is very gratifying, my brethren and sisters, to see the hosts of Latter-day Saints who have assembled upon this the opening day of conference, to worship the Lord. I have rejoiced, in common with you; in the excellent spirit that was present in the meeting this morning, and greatly enjoyed the instructions that were imparted by the President, and by Apostle Grant. I sincerely hope that we may be blessed in this meeting with the same spirit, that our hearts may be made glad in the things of God, and that we may feel it is a blessed privilege we enjoy to be numbered among the Saints in this last dispensation.
I cannot help but feel that there is, in this great assemblage, a remarkable evidence of the glorious fact that as a people, as a church, we are in existence by the appointment of our great Father and God; that our organization has not been produced by the wisdom of men, but has come from above. We are assembled in this house, which has been erected for worshiping purposes, and in the Tabernacle there is a vast concourse of people, but these two buildings are not sufficient, and there is an open air meeting on the grounds of this block, that those who are outside of these buildings may also have the opportunity of hearing the servants of the Lord. When we think of the small beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and then view the host of people assembled upon this block today, we ought to feel that the words of the Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, are verily coming to pass. We heard Elder Grant this morning refer to the fact that it had been predicted by the Prophet that there was to come a time when the Latter- day Saints would no longer find an abiding place in the state of Illinois, or any other state in the east, but that ii was their destiny, and the decree of our Father in heaven, that they should go to the Rocky mountains; and that the time was to come when they would be a great and mighty commonwealth. We truly witness the fulfillment of this prophecy in the conditions that prevail today in this state, and in the surrounding country; and yet we only witness a fulfillment in part. It is easy to see that it is the destiny of this people to spread out, and become much greater than they are at the present time.
In some of the travels that I have made of late I have been impressed with the fulfillment of this prediction. It has fallen to my lot to visit the stakes that are established in Arizona, and the stake in Mexico, and also the stakes in Canada—or the stake there formerly that has been divided recently— and to visit the people who have been established in the Big Horn basin, in Wyoming. In making these journeys I have been greatly impressed with the feeling that the words of the Prophet of the Lord are having a remarkable fulfillment. I am confident that, in the future of this work, they will be completely fulfilled. We are not yet the mighty people we are to become in the midst of these mountains. It is the decree of our Father in heaven, it was His decree ages ago, before the Prophet Joseph had an existence upon the earth. It was the theme of the ancient prophets when they thought about Zion and the latter times; when they were filled with the inspiration of the Almighty. At those times they wrote and spoke of the latter days, and they were 'filled with the inspiration of the Lord in talking of Mount Zion, in describing its barrenness; and in saying it was the destiny of the people of the Lord in the latter times to subdue the wilderness, and to make the barren places blossom and become beautiful. This has been our mission, as a people, to subdue barren land, to go out into new sections of country and open up locations for habitation, that the increasing multitudes might have place on which to dwell. While we hear from time to time, from the leaders of the people, that it is not profitable, nor in harmony with the spirit and genius of the work in which we are engaged, for members of the Church to be running hither and thither in search of new places for homes, it has always been, and I suppose it always will be, necessary for locations to be selected, under the appointment of the Priesthood, that room may be made for the Israel of God. It gladdens my heart, and fills me with joy, when I witness the condition of the people, and the growth and expansion that is and has been taking place. While there are many thousands of people assembled here, we are but a small multitude compared with the hosts assembled in the various wards of Zion in religious worship today. We are but as a drop in the bucket when compared with the tens and hundreds of thousands who know that God has spoken, that the words of the prophets are beginning to come to pass, and that Zion is being established in the tops of the mountains, in fulfillment of those prophecies.
We are not only fulfilling the predictions of the prophets in relation to our location, but there is abundant evidence in the doctrines that are advocated, that were revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, to establish the fact that we have not been organized by the wisdom of men, and we are very thankful for it. It has not been in the power of man, in any age of the world, to give the children of men an organization such as we have today. There is nothing like it recorded in history from the beginning of time down to the present day. There can never be anything like it, unless it be revealed from God; it is above and beyond the wisdom and power of men.
In visiting the California mission recently, I was greatly impressed with the feeling that we should rejoice in the doctrines of the everlasting Gospel, and in the evidences that exist in the revelations that have been given through the Prophet Joseph Smith proving his divine inspiration. I desire to read a few words that were written by the Prophet Joseph:
"Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God."
I thought of these words when I met with the Latter-day Saints in the city of Los Angeles. A few months ago a great gathering of ministers of the Presbyterian church, after discussing this doctrine for a long time, having believed and taught that infants who had not been baptized, or who had not been christened, were damned, decided that this doctrine should no longer be a part of their faith. How was it, I would like to ask, that Joseph Smith, without any theological education, so far as the education given by men is concerned, could write these glorious words, "Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God?" Who can consistently disbelieve this glorious doctrine announced by Joseph Smith? Every child, it matters not of what parentage, whether white or black, bond or free, Christian or pagan, through the atonement wrought by the Redeemer of men, is made innocent before our Father in heaven. This doctrine was announced in another revelation, from which I desire to read:
"But, behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from before the foundation of the world, through mine Only Begotten; wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children until they begin to become accountable before me."
This revelation was given in 1830, at the commencement of the wonderful work in which we are engaged. Inasmuch as men of wisdom and education, from a worldly point of view, have been discussing this doctrine for many years, we might well ask the question, how was it that Joseph Smith received this knowledge so much in advance of his time? For it is a long time since Joseph Smith announced, in the name of the Redeemer, this truth that has recently been adopted by one of the greatest religious organizations extant among men, and that is now believed by millions of others.
It is too much to believe that Joseph Smith discovered this by his own wisdom, that he studied it out himself. But it is very reasonable for us to assume that it was revealed to him by our Father in heaven, and accept its truth without any argument. He made the startling announcement— for it was startling in the day in which it was given—that all children are saved, through the atonement of our blessed Redeemer. There is a breadth, there is a depth, there is a glory to that doctrine that stamps it as coming from a divine source. This same doctrine is stated, in positive language, in the Book of Mormon, in the writings of the Prophet Moroni, who lived on this continent many years ago. It has always been understood, and always been a doctrine of the Church, whenever there has been an inspired Priesthood among men. God never created His children to damn them, without giving them an opportunity to hear and understand His precious word.
Well, I say when I think of these things—and they are only one or two of the truths revealed to the prophet, it is burned upon my soul that Joseph Smith was called of God; that he was a prophet of God; that he did not establish an organization according to the ideas of men; that he did not introduce as doctrines the ideas of men; that he gave to the peoples of the earth principles of eternal truth, as they were revealed to him by our Heavenly Father.
I do not feel that it would be proper for me to trespass longer upon the time. I rejoice in this glorious work. I thank God with all my soul, and I have never found words to express my gratitude, that my parents, in the long ago, away off in Scotland, in the great city of Glasgow, heard and believed the everlasting Gospel. O, I thank God their hearts were touched. I thank the Lord they were converted, and that they were drawn into the fold of the good Master, and that because of their faith, and their firmness, and their love of truth, they came to Zion, and I was born in these mountains of Israel and was reared in the midst of the Latter-day Saints. In traveling through the cities of the old world, especially in my father's native land, and witnessing some of the things that are to be seen there, and in thinking of what might have been, I felt as though I could fall down and worship my father and mother for my birth here, for their coming out of the world, and believing the truth of God, as revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am not a believer in Joseph Smith because of my birth. I know by investigation, I know through prayer, and I know through revelation from the Almighty, that the doctrines given through Joseph Smith are the doctrines of the everlasting Gospel, the power of God unto salvation. It is the truth; it cannot he destroyed; it cannot be overturned; it cannot be stopped in its advancement, in penetrating the hearts of men, in gathering the honest from the nations of the earth. It cannot be stayed. God has so decreed it, and God has always fulfilled His decrees, and will continue to do so.
God help us to believe the truth and to sustain it. and to maintain and uphold the authority that God has given us, that we may be blessed, is my prayer, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
It is very gratifying, my brethren and sisters, to see the hosts of Latter-day Saints who have assembled upon this the opening day of conference, to worship the Lord. I have rejoiced, in common with you; in the excellent spirit that was present in the meeting this morning, and greatly enjoyed the instructions that were imparted by the President, and by Apostle Grant. I sincerely hope that we may be blessed in this meeting with the same spirit, that our hearts may be made glad in the things of God, and that we may feel it is a blessed privilege we enjoy to be numbered among the Saints in this last dispensation.
I cannot help but feel that there is, in this great assemblage, a remarkable evidence of the glorious fact that as a people, as a church, we are in existence by the appointment of our great Father and God; that our organization has not been produced by the wisdom of men, but has come from above. We are assembled in this house, which has been erected for worshiping purposes, and in the Tabernacle there is a vast concourse of people, but these two buildings are not sufficient, and there is an open air meeting on the grounds of this block, that those who are outside of these buildings may also have the opportunity of hearing the servants of the Lord. When we think of the small beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and then view the host of people assembled upon this block today, we ought to feel that the words of the Lord, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, are verily coming to pass. We heard Elder Grant this morning refer to the fact that it had been predicted by the Prophet that there was to come a time when the Latter- day Saints would no longer find an abiding place in the state of Illinois, or any other state in the east, but that ii was their destiny, and the decree of our Father in heaven, that they should go to the Rocky mountains; and that the time was to come when they would be a great and mighty commonwealth. We truly witness the fulfillment of this prophecy in the conditions that prevail today in this state, and in the surrounding country; and yet we only witness a fulfillment in part. It is easy to see that it is the destiny of this people to spread out, and become much greater than they are at the present time.
In some of the travels that I have made of late I have been impressed with the fulfillment of this prediction. It has fallen to my lot to visit the stakes that are established in Arizona, and the stake in Mexico, and also the stakes in Canada—or the stake there formerly that has been divided recently— and to visit the people who have been established in the Big Horn basin, in Wyoming. In making these journeys I have been greatly impressed with the feeling that the words of the Prophet of the Lord are having a remarkable fulfillment. I am confident that, in the future of this work, they will be completely fulfilled. We are not yet the mighty people we are to become in the midst of these mountains. It is the decree of our Father in heaven, it was His decree ages ago, before the Prophet Joseph had an existence upon the earth. It was the theme of the ancient prophets when they thought about Zion and the latter times; when they were filled with the inspiration of the Almighty. At those times they wrote and spoke of the latter days, and they were 'filled with the inspiration of the Lord in talking of Mount Zion, in describing its barrenness; and in saying it was the destiny of the people of the Lord in the latter times to subdue the wilderness, and to make the barren places blossom and become beautiful. This has been our mission, as a people, to subdue barren land, to go out into new sections of country and open up locations for habitation, that the increasing multitudes might have place on which to dwell. While we hear from time to time, from the leaders of the people, that it is not profitable, nor in harmony with the spirit and genius of the work in which we are engaged, for members of the Church to be running hither and thither in search of new places for homes, it has always been, and I suppose it always will be, necessary for locations to be selected, under the appointment of the Priesthood, that room may be made for the Israel of God. It gladdens my heart, and fills me with joy, when I witness the condition of the people, and the growth and expansion that is and has been taking place. While there are many thousands of people assembled here, we are but a small multitude compared with the hosts assembled in the various wards of Zion in religious worship today. We are but as a drop in the bucket when compared with the tens and hundreds of thousands who know that God has spoken, that the words of the prophets are beginning to come to pass, and that Zion is being established in the tops of the mountains, in fulfillment of those prophecies.
We are not only fulfilling the predictions of the prophets in relation to our location, but there is abundant evidence in the doctrines that are advocated, that were revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, to establish the fact that we have not been organized by the wisdom of men, and we are very thankful for it. It has not been in the power of man, in any age of the world, to give the children of men an organization such as we have today. There is nothing like it recorded in history from the beginning of time down to the present day. There can never be anything like it, unless it be revealed from God; it is above and beyond the wisdom and power of men.
In visiting the California mission recently, I was greatly impressed with the feeling that we should rejoice in the doctrines of the everlasting Gospel, and in the evidences that exist in the revelations that have been given through the Prophet Joseph Smith proving his divine inspiration. I desire to read a few words that were written by the Prophet Joseph:
"Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God."
I thought of these words when I met with the Latter-day Saints in the city of Los Angeles. A few months ago a great gathering of ministers of the Presbyterian church, after discussing this doctrine for a long time, having believed and taught that infants who had not been baptized, or who had not been christened, were damned, decided that this doctrine should no longer be a part of their faith. How was it, I would like to ask, that Joseph Smith, without any theological education, so far as the education given by men is concerned, could write these glorious words, "Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God?" Who can consistently disbelieve this glorious doctrine announced by Joseph Smith? Every child, it matters not of what parentage, whether white or black, bond or free, Christian or pagan, through the atonement wrought by the Redeemer of men, is made innocent before our Father in heaven. This doctrine was announced in another revelation, from which I desire to read:
"But, behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from before the foundation of the world, through mine Only Begotten; wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children until they begin to become accountable before me."
This revelation was given in 1830, at the commencement of the wonderful work in which we are engaged. Inasmuch as men of wisdom and education, from a worldly point of view, have been discussing this doctrine for many years, we might well ask the question, how was it that Joseph Smith received this knowledge so much in advance of his time? For it is a long time since Joseph Smith announced, in the name of the Redeemer, this truth that has recently been adopted by one of the greatest religious organizations extant among men, and that is now believed by millions of others.
It is too much to believe that Joseph Smith discovered this by his own wisdom, that he studied it out himself. But it is very reasonable for us to assume that it was revealed to him by our Father in heaven, and accept its truth without any argument. He made the startling announcement— for it was startling in the day in which it was given—that all children are saved, through the atonement of our blessed Redeemer. There is a breadth, there is a depth, there is a glory to that doctrine that stamps it as coming from a divine source. This same doctrine is stated, in positive language, in the Book of Mormon, in the writings of the Prophet Moroni, who lived on this continent many years ago. It has always been understood, and always been a doctrine of the Church, whenever there has been an inspired Priesthood among men. God never created His children to damn them, without giving them an opportunity to hear and understand His precious word.
Well, I say when I think of these things—and they are only one or two of the truths revealed to the prophet, it is burned upon my soul that Joseph Smith was called of God; that he was a prophet of God; that he did not establish an organization according to the ideas of men; that he did not introduce as doctrines the ideas of men; that he gave to the peoples of the earth principles of eternal truth, as they were revealed to him by our Heavenly Father.
I do not feel that it would be proper for me to trespass longer upon the time. I rejoice in this glorious work. I thank God with all my soul, and I have never found words to express my gratitude, that my parents, in the long ago, away off in Scotland, in the great city of Glasgow, heard and believed the everlasting Gospel. O, I thank God their hearts were touched. I thank the Lord they were converted, and that they were drawn into the fold of the good Master, and that because of their faith, and their firmness, and their love of truth, they came to Zion, and I was born in these mountains of Israel and was reared in the midst of the Latter-day Saints. In traveling through the cities of the old world, especially in my father's native land, and witnessing some of the things that are to be seen there, and in thinking of what might have been, I felt as though I could fall down and worship my father and mother for my birth here, for their coming out of the world, and believing the truth of God, as revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am not a believer in Joseph Smith because of my birth. I know by investigation, I know through prayer, and I know through revelation from the Almighty, that the doctrines given through Joseph Smith are the doctrines of the everlasting Gospel, the power of God unto salvation. It is the truth; it cannot he destroyed; it cannot be overturned; it cannot be stopped in its advancement, in penetrating the hearts of men, in gathering the honest from the nations of the earth. It cannot be stayed. God has so decreed it, and God has always fulfilled His decrees, and will continue to do so.
God help us to believe the truth and to sustain it. and to maintain and uphold the authority that God has given us, that we may be blessed, is my prayer, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER EDWARD J. WOOD,
(President of Alberta Stake.)
I am very pleased, my brethren and sisters, to meet with so many of the Latter-day Saints. It is also a pleasure that we are favored with such a beautiful day, and that so many of the Latter-day Saints have come together to worship.
I feel honored in being requested to represent the Alberta Stake, in the far north. The people there are as good as can be found in any of the Stakes of Zion I have visited. I regard it as a privilege to live with the Latter-day Saints and to be associated with them. I will state, for the benefit of those who are not acquainted with our people in the north, that we are in a prosperous condition; that the stake is building up and increasing in numbers. Our people are prospering financially; and improving spiritually. The wards are becoming numerous; and consequently our stake has been divided recently. We very much appreciated the presence of the First Presidency, and a number of the Twelve Apostles, at our last quarterly conference, which was held in September at which time the Alberta Stake was divided, and a new Stake, known as the Taylor Stake, created. I am grateful to be associated with you in this conference, and to be a partaker of the good things and the good Spirit that is felt by all of us. I have always been proud of bearing the name of Latter-day Saint. It is gratifying to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands for advancement continually, that it teaches all of us to become better men and Women, better boys and girls, better from the cradle to the grave.
In listening to the remarks of Brother McMurrin, the object of our being here on earth, and the glorious privileges we have of being members of the Church of Christ, came to my mind forcibly. I see those present who have gathered from many nations of the earth, and who have a desire to learn what will be best for them to do in order that they may please their Heavenly Father. It is sometimes a great sacrifice for our brethren and sisters to come from their homes in the different nations. I have been on a foreign mission and know something about the difficulties they have to pass through; and I esteem a man or woman who extends the hand of kindness to them when they emigrate to this country.
I have been reading, while sitting here, a beautiful hymn on prayer, a subject which should receive consideration from all of us:
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast."
How beautiful it is to come together and engage in prayer. In listening to the appropriate prayer this morning by Brother Penrose, I thought what a desirable thing it is to know how to express ourselves in prayer. Our children should be taught at home to pray, and in the different organizations for the training of youth. How gratifying it would be if all children knew how to pray, and properly understood what to ask for.
"Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near."
We should accustom ourselves to pray in secret, and thus have communion with our Heavenly Father; and exercise faith that our prayers may be answered. In my experience, I have never seen a prayerful member of the Church go astray.
"Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try,
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.
This is a particular point to which I wish to call attention: Through prayer we are made one, and there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish when we become a united prayerful people. In that condition we would more fully appreciate the authority of the Priesthood here upon earth, and cheerfully carry out what the servants of God ask us to do.
"The Saints in prayer appear as one
In word, in deed, in mind,
While with the Father and the Son
Their fellowship they find.
God bless you. Amen.
"Trust in the Lord" was sung by a quartet of the Temple Choir.
(President of Alberta Stake.)
I am very pleased, my brethren and sisters, to meet with so many of the Latter-day Saints. It is also a pleasure that we are favored with such a beautiful day, and that so many of the Latter-day Saints have come together to worship.
I feel honored in being requested to represent the Alberta Stake, in the far north. The people there are as good as can be found in any of the Stakes of Zion I have visited. I regard it as a privilege to live with the Latter-day Saints and to be associated with them. I will state, for the benefit of those who are not acquainted with our people in the north, that we are in a prosperous condition; that the stake is building up and increasing in numbers. Our people are prospering financially; and improving spiritually. The wards are becoming numerous; and consequently our stake has been divided recently. We very much appreciated the presence of the First Presidency, and a number of the Twelve Apostles, at our last quarterly conference, which was held in September at which time the Alberta Stake was divided, and a new Stake, known as the Taylor Stake, created. I am grateful to be associated with you in this conference, and to be a partaker of the good things and the good Spirit that is felt by all of us. I have always been proud of bearing the name of Latter-day Saint. It is gratifying to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands for advancement continually, that it teaches all of us to become better men and Women, better boys and girls, better from the cradle to the grave.
In listening to the remarks of Brother McMurrin, the object of our being here on earth, and the glorious privileges we have of being members of the Church of Christ, came to my mind forcibly. I see those present who have gathered from many nations of the earth, and who have a desire to learn what will be best for them to do in order that they may please their Heavenly Father. It is sometimes a great sacrifice for our brethren and sisters to come from their homes in the different nations. I have been on a foreign mission and know something about the difficulties they have to pass through; and I esteem a man or woman who extends the hand of kindness to them when they emigrate to this country.
I have been reading, while sitting here, a beautiful hymn on prayer, a subject which should receive consideration from all of us:
"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast."
How beautiful it is to come together and engage in prayer. In listening to the appropriate prayer this morning by Brother Penrose, I thought what a desirable thing it is to know how to express ourselves in prayer. Our children should be taught at home to pray, and in the different organizations for the training of youth. How gratifying it would be if all children knew how to pray, and properly understood what to ask for.
"Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near."
We should accustom ourselves to pray in secret, and thus have communion with our Heavenly Father; and exercise faith that our prayers may be answered. In my experience, I have never seen a prayerful member of the Church go astray.
"Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try,
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach
The Majesty on high.
This is a particular point to which I wish to call attention: Through prayer we are made one, and there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish when we become a united prayerful people. In that condition we would more fully appreciate the authority of the Priesthood here upon earth, and cheerfully carry out what the servants of God ask us to do.
"The Saints in prayer appear as one
In word, in deed, in mind,
While with the Father and the Son
Their fellowship they find.
God bless you. Amen.
"Trust in the Lord" was sung by a quartet of the Temple Choir.
ELDER RULON S. WELLS.
My brethren and sisters, it is very inspiring to me to observe the congregating of the Latter-day Saints at a general conference of the Church. It increases my faith and causes me to rejoice, because it is an evidence of the fact that God is with His people. It is a manifestation of the love that is in the hearts of the people for the precious truths of the everlasting Gospel. It is an evidence that the Gospel is bearing fruit among the Latter-day Saints, and that a people is being raised up with a desire to know the will and the mind of the Lord. They come from the far north and the far south, from the east and the west, and from all the Stakes of Zion. Representatives from all the settlements of the Latter-day Saints, have come up hither to worship the Lord our God, and to be taught in His ways.
Of course there is plenty of room for improvement; but I do not know of a people who have so great a desire in their hearts to overcome their weaknesses and imperfections, and to grow in the knowledge of God, as do the Latter- day Saints. We are probably the only people who believe in immediate revelation from God; at least, I have never come in contact with any other community that so generally believes that God manifests His divine will to the individual man or woman, and that through the observance of the laws which have been revealed, and the commandments which have been given, we can grow in the knowledge of our Heavenly Father. I do not know another community that is seeking to gain salvation by inculcating the doctrine that "this is eternal life; To know Thee, the only true and living God." We are the only people I am acquainted with who are endeavoring to come to a knowledge of God, in order that we might indeed obtain eternal life. In evidence of this desire, the people come up from all parts of Zion to hear the living oracles of God, those who have been called and ordained to stand at the head of this people and to deliver unto them the word of the Lord. When I observe the great concourse, not only in this building, but in the large Tabernacle, and out in the open air on this block, as referred to by Brother McMurrin, and see our streets literally thronged with the multitudes who have come to the city of the center stake of Zion, that they might be taught in the ways of the Lord, I tell you, my brethren and sisters, it is an inspiring occasion to me; and it fills me with a desire and with an ambition to know more, and to advance and grow in the knowledge of God. It thrills my whole being, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, because I realize that these feelings not only fill my bosom, but they are in the hearts of this great multitude of Latter-day Saints.
"By their fruits ye shall know them." What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ doing for us? In what manner are we being bettered by yielding obedience to the laws of God, as contained in the principles of the Gospel, and as made known to us through His servants from time to time? Are we refraining from those things that are forbidden, and are we seeking to do works of righteousness. I believe that a great and glorious work is being accomplished in this direction among the Latter-day Saints, and that there is a desire in their hearts to overcome their petty weaknesses and faults.
A short time ago I had occasion, which I frequently have, of talking to my own boys. I desired to show them the difference between an honest man and a thief. You know, of course, that there is a great deal of difference between these two propositions, and how easy it is to learn to distinguish the two men. You may see a man walking along the street, a man who is known for his good works, and you know him by his every day conduct, and some will say, 'There goes an honest man." Now, how did they find out that he was an honest man? There are a great many men of whom we do not bear this testimony. We do not feel at liberty to speak of some men and say that they are honest men, simply from the fact that they have never been caught in doing a dishonest deed, not by any means. A great many thieves have not been detected. There are many men and women who are dishonest, and yet they have never been convicted, for it has never been found out by anyone; but, because of something in their conduct and lives, no one would ever say of them that they are honest. With the honest man it is different; there is something in his character that manifests itself. Honesty oozes out of his very being. You can see in every act of his life that he is honest and upright. He does not do anything in a stealthy manner; it is not born in him, and It does not manifest itself in his daily life. It is the Gospel that is developing these traits of character in the Latter-day Saints. It is the observance of the law of tithing that is helping to develop noble attributes in the children of men. We learn to overcome our selfishness and greed for gain, inasmuch as we live according to the laws of the Gospel. That is what the Gospel will do for us. By observing those principles which our Father has revealed to us we are enabled to show the positive features of honesty, and not the negative features of dishonesty. We live above the law when we manifest honesty, integrity and virtue; these attributes are characteristics of Latter-day Saints. That is the effect the Gospel is having upon all those who are striving to live up to its divine teachings. I rejoice in this Gospel that we have received, for the reason that it lifts us up and brings us nearer to our Father in heaven; and when these fruits are being made manifest among" the Latter-day Saints we have cause to rejoice.
There are many men who are dishonest and many who are thieves. Now, I would not like to accuse a young man who works in a store of being a thief simply because he may put his hand into a barrel of nuts and take and eat one of them. If that young man should do that in the presence of his employer, it might probably be said that he received the silent consent of his employer; but, if he waits for an opportunity when no one is looking, and takes and eats one of those nuts, that is the act of a thief. If a person, with the intent to deceive and to rob, and with such thoughts in his heart, takes that which does not belong to him, it is a stealthy act, and he is a thief. Many persons have developed this quality, though they may not have been detected and arrested; they are thieves; everybody acquainted and familiar with such an individual will feel there is something in his nature that debars confidence. You cannot trust him. An employer would not entrust him with his money, or give him the control of his business.
Now, we have been reading in the papers recently of people called shoplifters, who enter into stores and, when no one is looking, will put an article under their cloak or secrete it in some manner and carry it off. One "lady" that I heard of took a beautiful and valuable hat, worth about $30 from a certain dry goods establishment, without being seen. The hat was missed the same night, and all to clerks were asked if they had sold it, but they said they had not. The following Sunday one of the employees of the store discovered a lady at church with this identical hat upon her head. Next Monday morning it was reported, and a bill for $30 was sent to the lady, and a check came back very promptly indeed. I might mention the fact to the ladies that there are some advantages in taking your hats off in church. (Laughter.) I would not like to infer, though, that there are ladies here who have on hats that do not belong to them. That is one instance in which a thief came to light. There are others who are suspected of doing the same thing. Why? Because there is something in their conduct that does not inspire confidence.
Now, the Gospel teaches us to love honesty for honesty's sake, to love virtue for virtue's sake, and to exhibit the positive qualities that go to make up our individual characters. A person who has this reputation and the confidence of the people, and in whom you can see the manifestations of honesty on every hand, will be trusted, and no one will suspect him of doing anything wrong; they would think it absolutely impossible for a person of that kind to be guilty of a dishonest act. That is what I like to see demonstrated and exhibited among the Latter-day Saints.
I also have a testimony that this is the work of the Lord in which we are engaged. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet sent of God. Everywhere we see the evidence of his divine mission. A few of those evidences were pointed out by Elder McMurrin here, and I was very much pleased with the testimony he bore. Such a testimony can be enjoyed by all of us. How grateful we ought to feel to our Heavenly Father, we who have been born under the new and everlasting covenant, for the great privilege we have had, and for the blessings we enjoy. I, too, am grateful that my parents embraced the Gospel and came out to the land of Zion; and that they sacrificed all they had in the world and identified themselves with the people of God. I am proud of the fact that my father yielded obedience to the principles of the Gospel. I am proud of the heritage he has given to me. O how I wish I could make others feel the same as I do regarding the privilege of being born in Zion.
Have we obtained the testimonies that we have from our parents? No. The testimonies that we have gained have come through the inspiration of the Spirit of God, "For no man knoweth the things of God but by the Spirit of God that is in him." A few days ago I was conversing with a brother, a good Latter-day Saints, at least I had always considered him a good Latter-day Saint, and he is generally reputed to be one—and he told me, much to my astonishment, that he was rather skeptical as to the Latter-day Saints having a knowledge that this is the work of God. He said, "we get up and bear testimony that we know that this is the work of God, that we know Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; but I am a little skeptical on that point." He further said, "When I went on my mission I made it a point never to say that I knew these things to be true." I said: Well, brother, some men have come to an absolute knowledge of those things. "Well, possibly," said he, "but I hardly think they have." We got to talking of the sons of perdition, and he said he did not believe that Judas knew that Jesus was the Christ. I said, Perhaps not; but Peter knew it, because our Father had revealed it to him, and if Peter had done what Judas did, there is no question but what he would have become a son of perdition. Then, I said, there was also the Prophet Joseph Smith who saw the Father and the Son. He said, "I am a little skeptical about that." I was astonished. This man, claiming to be a Latter-day Saint, felt that he could not believe that with all his heart. He said that when he was on his mission he only testified once that these things were true; he said he could not help himself on that occasion. He stated to me that he believed with all his heart that this was the work of God; that he was willing to die for it, if necessary, and to do anything on earth to further it; but he said he would not say he knew the Gospel was true. On the occasion referred to he said he could not help it; he felt in his whole being that if he did not declare that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God he would be damned. I told him he would have been damned if he had not borne this testimony, and that the reason he felt and spoke as he did was because he had the Spirit of God, for no man could know that without he had the Spirit of God. I took it for granted he would thus learn that the reason he does not know it now is because he has not the Spirit of God.
My brethren and sisters, let us live in such a way and manner that we may enjoy the Spirit of God at all times, that we may have a testimony of the truth, and never doubt that the Father and the Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph at the beginning of this great latter-day work. We ought to feel grateful in our hearts that this testimony is with us. May God help up to be faithful to the end, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
My brethren and sisters, it is very inspiring to me to observe the congregating of the Latter-day Saints at a general conference of the Church. It increases my faith and causes me to rejoice, because it is an evidence of the fact that God is with His people. It is a manifestation of the love that is in the hearts of the people for the precious truths of the everlasting Gospel. It is an evidence that the Gospel is bearing fruit among the Latter-day Saints, and that a people is being raised up with a desire to know the will and the mind of the Lord. They come from the far north and the far south, from the east and the west, and from all the Stakes of Zion. Representatives from all the settlements of the Latter-day Saints, have come up hither to worship the Lord our God, and to be taught in His ways.
Of course there is plenty of room for improvement; but I do not know of a people who have so great a desire in their hearts to overcome their weaknesses and imperfections, and to grow in the knowledge of God, as do the Latter- day Saints. We are probably the only people who believe in immediate revelation from God; at least, I have never come in contact with any other community that so generally believes that God manifests His divine will to the individual man or woman, and that through the observance of the laws which have been revealed, and the commandments which have been given, we can grow in the knowledge of our Heavenly Father. I do not know another community that is seeking to gain salvation by inculcating the doctrine that "this is eternal life; To know Thee, the only true and living God." We are the only people I am acquainted with who are endeavoring to come to a knowledge of God, in order that we might indeed obtain eternal life. In evidence of this desire, the people come up from all parts of Zion to hear the living oracles of God, those who have been called and ordained to stand at the head of this people and to deliver unto them the word of the Lord. When I observe the great concourse, not only in this building, but in the large Tabernacle, and out in the open air on this block, as referred to by Brother McMurrin, and see our streets literally thronged with the multitudes who have come to the city of the center stake of Zion, that they might be taught in the ways of the Lord, I tell you, my brethren and sisters, it is an inspiring occasion to me; and it fills me with a desire and with an ambition to know more, and to advance and grow in the knowledge of God. It thrills my whole being, from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, because I realize that these feelings not only fill my bosom, but they are in the hearts of this great multitude of Latter-day Saints.
"By their fruits ye shall know them." What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ doing for us? In what manner are we being bettered by yielding obedience to the laws of God, as contained in the principles of the Gospel, and as made known to us through His servants from time to time? Are we refraining from those things that are forbidden, and are we seeking to do works of righteousness. I believe that a great and glorious work is being accomplished in this direction among the Latter-day Saints, and that there is a desire in their hearts to overcome their petty weaknesses and faults.
A short time ago I had occasion, which I frequently have, of talking to my own boys. I desired to show them the difference between an honest man and a thief. You know, of course, that there is a great deal of difference between these two propositions, and how easy it is to learn to distinguish the two men. You may see a man walking along the street, a man who is known for his good works, and you know him by his every day conduct, and some will say, 'There goes an honest man." Now, how did they find out that he was an honest man? There are a great many men of whom we do not bear this testimony. We do not feel at liberty to speak of some men and say that they are honest men, simply from the fact that they have never been caught in doing a dishonest deed, not by any means. A great many thieves have not been detected. There are many men and women who are dishonest, and yet they have never been convicted, for it has never been found out by anyone; but, because of something in their conduct and lives, no one would ever say of them that they are honest. With the honest man it is different; there is something in his character that manifests itself. Honesty oozes out of his very being. You can see in every act of his life that he is honest and upright. He does not do anything in a stealthy manner; it is not born in him, and It does not manifest itself in his daily life. It is the Gospel that is developing these traits of character in the Latter-day Saints. It is the observance of the law of tithing that is helping to develop noble attributes in the children of men. We learn to overcome our selfishness and greed for gain, inasmuch as we live according to the laws of the Gospel. That is what the Gospel will do for us. By observing those principles which our Father has revealed to us we are enabled to show the positive features of honesty, and not the negative features of dishonesty. We live above the law when we manifest honesty, integrity and virtue; these attributes are characteristics of Latter-day Saints. That is the effect the Gospel is having upon all those who are striving to live up to its divine teachings. I rejoice in this Gospel that we have received, for the reason that it lifts us up and brings us nearer to our Father in heaven; and when these fruits are being made manifest among" the Latter-day Saints we have cause to rejoice.
There are many men who are dishonest and many who are thieves. Now, I would not like to accuse a young man who works in a store of being a thief simply because he may put his hand into a barrel of nuts and take and eat one of them. If that young man should do that in the presence of his employer, it might probably be said that he received the silent consent of his employer; but, if he waits for an opportunity when no one is looking, and takes and eats one of those nuts, that is the act of a thief. If a person, with the intent to deceive and to rob, and with such thoughts in his heart, takes that which does not belong to him, it is a stealthy act, and he is a thief. Many persons have developed this quality, though they may not have been detected and arrested; they are thieves; everybody acquainted and familiar with such an individual will feel there is something in his nature that debars confidence. You cannot trust him. An employer would not entrust him with his money, or give him the control of his business.
Now, we have been reading in the papers recently of people called shoplifters, who enter into stores and, when no one is looking, will put an article under their cloak or secrete it in some manner and carry it off. One "lady" that I heard of took a beautiful and valuable hat, worth about $30 from a certain dry goods establishment, without being seen. The hat was missed the same night, and all to clerks were asked if they had sold it, but they said they had not. The following Sunday one of the employees of the store discovered a lady at church with this identical hat upon her head. Next Monday morning it was reported, and a bill for $30 was sent to the lady, and a check came back very promptly indeed. I might mention the fact to the ladies that there are some advantages in taking your hats off in church. (Laughter.) I would not like to infer, though, that there are ladies here who have on hats that do not belong to them. That is one instance in which a thief came to light. There are others who are suspected of doing the same thing. Why? Because there is something in their conduct that does not inspire confidence.
Now, the Gospel teaches us to love honesty for honesty's sake, to love virtue for virtue's sake, and to exhibit the positive qualities that go to make up our individual characters. A person who has this reputation and the confidence of the people, and in whom you can see the manifestations of honesty on every hand, will be trusted, and no one will suspect him of doing anything wrong; they would think it absolutely impossible for a person of that kind to be guilty of a dishonest act. That is what I like to see demonstrated and exhibited among the Latter-day Saints.
I also have a testimony that this is the work of the Lord in which we are engaged. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet sent of God. Everywhere we see the evidence of his divine mission. A few of those evidences were pointed out by Elder McMurrin here, and I was very much pleased with the testimony he bore. Such a testimony can be enjoyed by all of us. How grateful we ought to feel to our Heavenly Father, we who have been born under the new and everlasting covenant, for the great privilege we have had, and for the blessings we enjoy. I, too, am grateful that my parents embraced the Gospel and came out to the land of Zion; and that they sacrificed all they had in the world and identified themselves with the people of God. I am proud of the fact that my father yielded obedience to the principles of the Gospel. I am proud of the heritage he has given to me. O how I wish I could make others feel the same as I do regarding the privilege of being born in Zion.
Have we obtained the testimonies that we have from our parents? No. The testimonies that we have gained have come through the inspiration of the Spirit of God, "For no man knoweth the things of God but by the Spirit of God that is in him." A few days ago I was conversing with a brother, a good Latter-day Saints, at least I had always considered him a good Latter-day Saint, and he is generally reputed to be one—and he told me, much to my astonishment, that he was rather skeptical as to the Latter-day Saints having a knowledge that this is the work of God. He said, "we get up and bear testimony that we know that this is the work of God, that we know Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; but I am a little skeptical on that point." He further said, "When I went on my mission I made it a point never to say that I knew these things to be true." I said: Well, brother, some men have come to an absolute knowledge of those things. "Well, possibly," said he, "but I hardly think they have." We got to talking of the sons of perdition, and he said he did not believe that Judas knew that Jesus was the Christ. I said, Perhaps not; but Peter knew it, because our Father had revealed it to him, and if Peter had done what Judas did, there is no question but what he would have become a son of perdition. Then, I said, there was also the Prophet Joseph Smith who saw the Father and the Son. He said, "I am a little skeptical about that." I was astonished. This man, claiming to be a Latter-day Saint, felt that he could not believe that with all his heart. He said that when he was on his mission he only testified once that these things were true; he said he could not help himself on that occasion. He stated to me that he believed with all his heart that this was the work of God; that he was willing to die for it, if necessary, and to do anything on earth to further it; but he said he would not say he knew the Gospel was true. On the occasion referred to he said he could not help it; he felt in his whole being that if he did not declare that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God he would be damned. I told him he would have been damned if he had not borne this testimony, and that the reason he felt and spoke as he did was because he had the Spirit of God, for no man could know that without he had the Spirit of God. I took it for granted he would thus learn that the reason he does not know it now is because he has not the Spirit of God.
My brethren and sisters, let us live in such a way and manner that we may enjoy the Spirit of God at all times, that we may have a testimony of the truth, and never doubt that the Father and the Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph at the beginning of this great latter-day work. We ought to feel grateful in our hearts that this testimony is with us. May God help up to be faithful to the end, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER HEBER S. ALLEN.
(President of Taylor Stake).
My brethren and sisters, I feel very much in need of your sympathy and the Spirit of the Lord while I stand before you this afternoon, because I feel very weak indeed in addressing this vast audience.
I certainly appreciate the privilege of meeting with the Saints in general conference, and I appreciate the friendship, love and confidence of the Latter-day Saints.
While I have never had the privilege of going abroad among the nations of the earth to promulgate the Gospel in which we are engaged. I have spent perhaps the best part of my life in a foreign land—or at least what is to the people of the United States a foreign land—in Canada. I am glad my lot has been cast in that land. A great many people in Utah and other places know but little about Canada; they feel we are away off on the outskirts, and that we do not have the advantages enjoyed here and elsewhere. Of course, there are many things you have and enjoy that we do not have. But we can say that the Lord's hand has been over us for good. President Card was called by President Taylor to go there. I remember that, about fifteen years ago, President Card related a dream he had. He said that when he first went to Canada everything looked forbidding, and only a few of our people accompanied him to that country the first season. He dreamed he saw a hive of bees, or at least a few bees, and more continued to come, until the hive they had entered became too full, and they swarmed and went out, and other colonies were formed. Now, that dream has been fulfilled, I have lived to see it. The beginning in that country was a very small one, but the Saints have kept "swarming," and new settlements have been formed, until they became so numerous that the stake had to be divided and a new one created. While we have had a great many difficulties to contend with, which are incidental to the establishment of homes in a new country, the hand of the Lord has been over the people. I presume the Taylor stake of Zion, which was organized about a month ago, is the smallest stake in the Church, that is as to the number of wards; we have but three at the present time. However, we have between 3,000 and 3,500 people in those three wards. . They are the newest settlements of our people in Canada, two of them having been founded about four years ago, under the direction of President Woodruff and President Snow, and the other is only about two years old. Now, while we are a very small stake in that country, we do not expect to remain thus long. I believe that within three years the Taylor stake will be larger than the whole of the Alberta stake was previous to the division. We have a large country to grow in, and when the dividing lines between the two stakes were set, Apostle Taylor said it would extend from the United States boundary line to the north pole; so we have much room in which to grow.
I do not believe in people leaving their good homes in Utah to go to Canada. I believe the advice President Smith gave in the morning meeting was good; I know it is, for I have had experience in that country, and I would not advise people who own comfortable homes to go to Canada. There is much room for good homes in that country; but we do not want people to emigrate to that land without the advice and consent of those who preside over them.
There is a great gathering of young people in that land; the Lord has blessed us abundantly in that respect. The last census shows that one-third of the entire people are under eight years of age; so, within 25 years we will build up a great country there, without any more emigration to assist us.
The Saints there have a good name. We are striving to build up the kingdom of God, and are interested in all the affairs of Zion. We like to mingle with the brethren and sisters of other stakes to learn how they are doing things. I was much gratified, on my way from Canada, to see the improvements in meetinghouses in Pocatello stake, and also in Utah stake, which I visited recently. We attended Priesthood meeting in Provo yesterday and gained something there. The progress the Saints are making is gratifying to me. We in Canada hope to prove to the king, and his representatives who preside over the affairs of the Dominion, that the Latter-day Saints are what they profess to be, a God-fearing people. We desire to become a people who will be recognized as the most virtuous in all of the king's domains; that is what we are striving to be, and I believe we are at the present time. We aim to be the most honest and most law-abiding people that the king has. We desire to set an example in all of our settlements to all people who are looking for that which is good, noble and elevating.
I believe ours is the only district in western Canada where prohibition prevails. The laws in Canada permit the people to decide whether liquor shall be sold in their settlements or not, and if three-fifths are in favor of its not being sold, it is prohibited, so far as open saloons are concerned. The "Mormons" in western Canada have the name of being the only community that has taken advantage of this law; the saloons in our midst were abolished a little over a year ago, and we now have none.
In all our organizations we are doing a good work; and, although we are a long way from headquarters, I feel we are not behind some of "the other stakes in many things. Our Sunday schools are doing exceedingly well, as are also the Mutual Improvement associations; and, while we have but two stakes in that region today, I believe we will have many within a few years.
The Lord has blessed us temporally, but we feel that the temporal blessings are not those the Saints should seek for most. There are things more important for the Latter-day Saints than temporal blessings—though if we can get the temporal along with the spiritual, so much the better— but we feel, as Latter- day Saints, that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the principles it teaches are dearer to us than anything else on earth. If all our people will continue to feel that way, honor the Priesthood and strive to magnify it in all the affairs of life, we will become a power for good in the king's dominion.
I presume there are hundreds here this afternoon who know the Gospel is true, that the Book of Mormon is true, and that the Prophet Joseph Smith established, through the help of the Lord, the work of God upon the earth. They know this and do not guess at it. I know that the Church and Kingdom of God Is with us, the Lord has given that testimony to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, and I could not deny, it, for He has manifested the truth of this work to me on many occasions.
If all the Latter-day Saints, and especially those who hold the Priesthood, could fully understand the great responsibilities they have taken upon themselves in receiving a portion of the Priesthood, and live up to their knowledge, we would be a much greater power in the land than we are today. I have noticed in the papers, that, in referring to the success and advancement of the Saints, they attribute it to various causes. Some say it is irrigation that has made the Latter-day Saints great; others say it is the cunning of the financier, because of the money accumulated through the tithes of the people. But we know these things are only a secondary consideration. We know that the Priesthood which the Lord has restored to the earth in this day and age of the world, and the power it gives to us, and our being baptized into one body and one spirit, is the foundation of the success of the great latter-day work. Take these away and we will be just as other men and women are. I wish that all the Latter-day Saints could realize and feel alike in relation to these things; and that every man who holds the Priesthood, could realize that nearly everything depends upon how we magnify that Priesthood.
The people of the nations of the earth, some of them, recognize that there is a power with the Latter-day Saints that they do not meet elsewhere. The people of Canada, those who have launched large colonization schemes, acknowledge there is a peculiar power with the Latter-day Saints .that has enabled them to become established in that land, and that has helped them to accomplish all they have done. They cannot understand this, but they acknowledge it; and they know there is some characteristic of the Latter-day Saints, something in their communism that holds them together that is not found in other communities in the Northwest Territories. The Latter-day Saints in Canada have made greater progress than any other colonies have done in the same length of time. We attribute this to the blessings of the Lord, to the power of the Holy Priesthood and to the Spirit we enjoy; and I rejoice in all these things. I wish that all men would be honest and sincere enough to investigate the principles of the Gospel that the Latter-day Saints are promulgating in the world.
I feel well, my brethren and sisters, and rejoice that my parents embraced the Gospel, and that. I have been born under the new and everlasting covenant; I fear if I had not been thus favored I would not now be a member of the Church. I am grateful for all these things, and for the progress the Latter-day Saints have made. I hope to see Zion arise and shine until she becomes the glory of the whole earth, and that all men and women shall feel to say, "Let us not go up to fight against Zion because of her terrible ones." May the Lord bless us, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Taylor Stake).
My brethren and sisters, I feel very much in need of your sympathy and the Spirit of the Lord while I stand before you this afternoon, because I feel very weak indeed in addressing this vast audience.
I certainly appreciate the privilege of meeting with the Saints in general conference, and I appreciate the friendship, love and confidence of the Latter-day Saints.
While I have never had the privilege of going abroad among the nations of the earth to promulgate the Gospel in which we are engaged. I have spent perhaps the best part of my life in a foreign land—or at least what is to the people of the United States a foreign land—in Canada. I am glad my lot has been cast in that land. A great many people in Utah and other places know but little about Canada; they feel we are away off on the outskirts, and that we do not have the advantages enjoyed here and elsewhere. Of course, there are many things you have and enjoy that we do not have. But we can say that the Lord's hand has been over us for good. President Card was called by President Taylor to go there. I remember that, about fifteen years ago, President Card related a dream he had. He said that when he first went to Canada everything looked forbidding, and only a few of our people accompanied him to that country the first season. He dreamed he saw a hive of bees, or at least a few bees, and more continued to come, until the hive they had entered became too full, and they swarmed and went out, and other colonies were formed. Now, that dream has been fulfilled, I have lived to see it. The beginning in that country was a very small one, but the Saints have kept "swarming," and new settlements have been formed, until they became so numerous that the stake had to be divided and a new one created. While we have had a great many difficulties to contend with, which are incidental to the establishment of homes in a new country, the hand of the Lord has been over the people. I presume the Taylor stake of Zion, which was organized about a month ago, is the smallest stake in the Church, that is as to the number of wards; we have but three at the present time. However, we have between 3,000 and 3,500 people in those three wards. . They are the newest settlements of our people in Canada, two of them having been founded about four years ago, under the direction of President Woodruff and President Snow, and the other is only about two years old. Now, while we are a very small stake in that country, we do not expect to remain thus long. I believe that within three years the Taylor stake will be larger than the whole of the Alberta stake was previous to the division. We have a large country to grow in, and when the dividing lines between the two stakes were set, Apostle Taylor said it would extend from the United States boundary line to the north pole; so we have much room in which to grow.
I do not believe in people leaving their good homes in Utah to go to Canada. I believe the advice President Smith gave in the morning meeting was good; I know it is, for I have had experience in that country, and I would not advise people who own comfortable homes to go to Canada. There is much room for good homes in that country; but we do not want people to emigrate to that land without the advice and consent of those who preside over them.
There is a great gathering of young people in that land; the Lord has blessed us abundantly in that respect. The last census shows that one-third of the entire people are under eight years of age; so, within 25 years we will build up a great country there, without any more emigration to assist us.
The Saints there have a good name. We are striving to build up the kingdom of God, and are interested in all the affairs of Zion. We like to mingle with the brethren and sisters of other stakes to learn how they are doing things. I was much gratified, on my way from Canada, to see the improvements in meetinghouses in Pocatello stake, and also in Utah stake, which I visited recently. We attended Priesthood meeting in Provo yesterday and gained something there. The progress the Saints are making is gratifying to me. We in Canada hope to prove to the king, and his representatives who preside over the affairs of the Dominion, that the Latter-day Saints are what they profess to be, a God-fearing people. We desire to become a people who will be recognized as the most virtuous in all of the king's domains; that is what we are striving to be, and I believe we are at the present time. We aim to be the most honest and most law-abiding people that the king has. We desire to set an example in all of our settlements to all people who are looking for that which is good, noble and elevating.
I believe ours is the only district in western Canada where prohibition prevails. The laws in Canada permit the people to decide whether liquor shall be sold in their settlements or not, and if three-fifths are in favor of its not being sold, it is prohibited, so far as open saloons are concerned. The "Mormons" in western Canada have the name of being the only community that has taken advantage of this law; the saloons in our midst were abolished a little over a year ago, and we now have none.
In all our organizations we are doing a good work; and, although we are a long way from headquarters, I feel we are not behind some of "the other stakes in many things. Our Sunday schools are doing exceedingly well, as are also the Mutual Improvement associations; and, while we have but two stakes in that region today, I believe we will have many within a few years.
The Lord has blessed us temporally, but we feel that the temporal blessings are not those the Saints should seek for most. There are things more important for the Latter-day Saints than temporal blessings—though if we can get the temporal along with the spiritual, so much the better— but we feel, as Latter- day Saints, that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the principles it teaches are dearer to us than anything else on earth. If all our people will continue to feel that way, honor the Priesthood and strive to magnify it in all the affairs of life, we will become a power for good in the king's dominion.
I presume there are hundreds here this afternoon who know the Gospel is true, that the Book of Mormon is true, and that the Prophet Joseph Smith established, through the help of the Lord, the work of God upon the earth. They know this and do not guess at it. I know that the Church and Kingdom of God Is with us, the Lord has given that testimony to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, and I could not deny, it, for He has manifested the truth of this work to me on many occasions.
If all the Latter-day Saints, and especially those who hold the Priesthood, could fully understand the great responsibilities they have taken upon themselves in receiving a portion of the Priesthood, and live up to their knowledge, we would be a much greater power in the land than we are today. I have noticed in the papers, that, in referring to the success and advancement of the Saints, they attribute it to various causes. Some say it is irrigation that has made the Latter-day Saints great; others say it is the cunning of the financier, because of the money accumulated through the tithes of the people. But we know these things are only a secondary consideration. We know that the Priesthood which the Lord has restored to the earth in this day and age of the world, and the power it gives to us, and our being baptized into one body and one spirit, is the foundation of the success of the great latter-day work. Take these away and we will be just as other men and women are. I wish that all the Latter-day Saints could realize and feel alike in relation to these things; and that every man who holds the Priesthood, could realize that nearly everything depends upon how we magnify that Priesthood.
The people of the nations of the earth, some of them, recognize that there is a power with the Latter-day Saints that they do not meet elsewhere. The people of Canada, those who have launched large colonization schemes, acknowledge there is a peculiar power with the Latter-day Saints .that has enabled them to become established in that land, and that has helped them to accomplish all they have done. They cannot understand this, but they acknowledge it; and they know there is some characteristic of the Latter-day Saints, something in their communism that holds them together that is not found in other communities in the Northwest Territories. The Latter-day Saints in Canada have made greater progress than any other colonies have done in the same length of time. We attribute this to the blessings of the Lord, to the power of the Holy Priesthood and to the Spirit we enjoy; and I rejoice in all these things. I wish that all men would be honest and sincere enough to investigate the principles of the Gospel that the Latter-day Saints are promulgating in the world.
I feel well, my brethren and sisters, and rejoice that my parents embraced the Gospel, and that. I have been born under the new and everlasting covenant; I fear if I had not been thus favored I would not now be a member of the Church. I am grateful for all these things, and for the progress the Latter-day Saints have made. I hope to see Zion arise and shine until she becomes the glory of the whole earth, and that all men and women shall feel to say, "Let us not go up to fight against Zion because of her terrible ones." May the Lord bless us, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH.
To the Latter-day Saints these great gatherings are a source of strength and hope, and enjoyment. I believe that, through thus meeting together and partaking of the Spirit that the Lord pours out upon His children, and by receiving the words which are spoken by the servants of the Lord, we go home filled with a greater incentive to serve God and to keep His commandments.
We should be impressed with the remark of President Smith this morning, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a temporary organization, but that it is an organization which is permanent, 'which is and will be everlasting. It has been founded by God Almighty, and He has placed His stamp of approval upon, His people, and will ever do so, if they will keep His commandments and walk in His paths. To the Latter-day Saints, the walking in the paths of righteousness, the keeping of the commandments of God, and the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit, ought to be a source of satisfaction and gratification beyond the power of words to express. We ought to strive, individually, to make the Church of Christ stronger. The Church ought to be strong, because of the multitude of its members; and each member should take a particular pride in adding strength to the Church because he or she is a member of it.
We have the privilege of knowing of a surety that this is the work of God. It is no chance proposition with the Latter-day Saints; it is a surety. There is no doubt in the mind of a conscientious and fully converted Latter-day Saint that God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son, the Savior of the world, appeared in person to the Prophet Joseph Smith. That is a knowledge that is possessed by tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints, and it is a knowledge, furthermore, that can be gained and possessed by every individual born into this world, if that individual will but follow the instructions given of the Lord whereby men can come to a knowledge of the truth. Why, our children know it; the little boys and girls of the Sabbath schools know it. They are taught it, and learn .it in their associations with one another and with the people of God; and the Spirit of the Lord which is upon and in them bears witness to them, even as children, that the things their parents teach, and which are taught by their Sunday school teachers, and by those who hold the Priesthood, are true. The Spirit of the Lord bears that witness, and there is no doubt in their minds; it is a knowledge; it is just as simple and easy to understand as the simplest proposition that any child may learn. Notwithstanding this, there are those in our midst for the purpose, so they say, of reclaiming us, and converting us to the standard of Christ, as they term it.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints stands in this world today for purity, for honesty, for righteousness, for virtue, for truth, for nobleness, and for every good, beautiful and glorious principle that has ever been made known to man. The Church of Christ stands for all these things, and it is the only organization in the world today that has the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Savior Himself taught it when He was upon the earth. It is just as ridiculous for those not of us, who do not understand the Gospel of Christ, who have not a knowledge of it (except from a sectarian standpoint, which is not a knowledge,) to come among the Latter-day Saints and declare unto them that Joseph Smith was nor a Prophet of God, as it would be for a teacher to go among our school children who have passed through a number of grades and declare unto them that two plus two does not make four. It would be just as ridiculous for them to do that as to declare that the sun does not appear first in the morning in the east and that it does not disappear from view in the evening in the west. It would be just as ridiculous, and is, for men and women to declare to the Latter-day Saints, who have a knowledge of the truth, that they are mistaken as it would be to tell them that water will not seek its own level, or that it will of itself rise higher than its source.
The Spirit of God has borne witness to the Latter-day Saints that these things are true, and we know they are true; therefore, it is foolishness for men to come into our midst and declare unto us that these things are false; we know better. It is God's truth revealed from heaven, confirmed in our souls by the Holy Ghost, which we have received by the laying on of hands by those who have been ordained of God and upon whom has been conferred the holy Priesthood. Consequently, that is the reason there are so very few ever converted from the Church of Christ into the churches of those who pretend to be of Christ. One of our friends here, a minister of the Gospel, complained bitterly a short time since, because, said he, "After a man has been a Mormon, no matter what he does, if he can be converted and is won away from the Church, he is of no use to us anyway; he is of no use to anybody. We can do nothing with him, as those ideas hang to him while he lives and are always cropping out to disturb the doctrines which we have to teach him." If they only knew it, if they who fight the Gospel of Christ in anyway whatever, from the pulpit or the press, only knew that all of their efforts in contending against the truth and endeavoring to bring the Latter-day Saints into a false light would be reactionary and would be overruled by an all-wise Providence for the good of His Church, they would perhaps not work so hard as they do. If they only knew that in converting an individual who has had a knowledge of the truth and has fallen away, or who has gotten into the dark, and doubts, through sin and transgression— for men can fall from a knowledge of the truth only through disobedience of some kind—if they knew that in winning such persons from us they were but adding strength to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were weakening their own organizations in gaining such individuals, they, perhaps, would not be so anxious to get them.
It is obvious that if you take from any proposition, from any mechanism, the weak parts, those parts that threaten the rest of the machinery or the rest of the organization, you strengthen that organization; and if you take that weak portion and add it to yourself, you do not add strength to yourself, but weakness instead. Now, take those Latter-day Saints who are in transgression and who have joined other churches, some people think they are converted from the truth, but they are not; they have lost a knowledge of the truth through their transgression, and when they are cut off from the Church of Christ and join some other organization they weaken that organization, and it makes the Church of Christ stronger because of the absence of those persons in transgression. We would be pleased to have them repent; but some people, you know, will not repent; they cannot repent. On the other hand, take the ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that Church which sends forth its ministers with divine authority to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and declare repentance to the world, whom do they convert? Is it those who have been ostracized and cast away from all religious doors? No. Is it those who are in transgression in the other churches, or in the world among men? No. Who is it? Why, it is the people who are most devout, who are most conscientious in serving God, so far as their knowledge and light goes. They want to serve the Lord, and they are striving to serve Him; they are prayerful; they are meeting-goers; in fact, those converted to the Church of Christ are the very best parishioners that are to be found in the churches of the world. In other words, they are the strongest individuals to be found in the various organizations of Christendom, and in gaining them we add strength to the true Church. We see the evidence of this fact when we look around at the hundreds and thousands of good, noble, conscientious, devout men and women who have been fathers and mothers of such men as Brother McMurrin and Brother Allen here, and tens of thousands of others who are making or have made their mark in this land, who are endeavoring to build up the Church of Christ on the earth, and who are a benefit to any community, wherever they may be. It is fathers and mothers of other young men who shall carry on the work of God in the world that our Elders are converting in Christendom. In adding such people to the Church we add strength to it, and we make the sectarian churches weaker every time one is won from them and is brought to a knowledge of the truth.
We stand, as I said, for truth, for honesty, for honor, for integrity, for everything that is good, my brethren and sisters, and those who will not yield obedience to these principles and who will not serve God, must, sooner or later, be cast off from the true Church of Christ. People who are sinful and unrepentant, people who are in transgression, men and women who are wicked in their hearts and who will not repent. can never enter into the kingdom of God; and no man or woman who is full of iniquity and sin can stand in this Church very long; no, they will be weeded out. There are sins, my brethren and sisters, which may be committed that cannot be repented of in this life, nor will they be forgiven in this life nor the life to come, and men and women who commit these sins cannot be retained in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Show me another church in the world that invariably excommunicates men or women because of transgression or wickedness: there are none. Murderers, whoremongers, keepers of saloons, gambling hells and brothels, the doers of all evil, may be members in the denominations of the world. Apparently there is no sin a person can commit that would cause other denominations to excommunicate one of their members from their churches. A member can repudiate the church, and then there is nothing else for the church to do than to cast him out. The Catholic church would not even do that in by gone years; they would burn them at the stake, and then pray for their salvation. As a general thing, no matter how wicked, or what the occupation of a man may be, he can occupy the very best pew in the church, if he will but sustain it with his means. That cannot be done in the true Church of Christ. We must serve God; we must keep His commandments; we must eschew the very appearance of evil and do that which is right to retain our standing in the Church, which has been founded in this earth by God, the Father, and by the Son, Jesus Christ. If your deeds are such as were mentioned by Brother Wells, that is, if they are not known by men, let me assure you that God knows them, and while you may continue in this secret sin a member of the Church, a professed member of the Church, the day will come, my brethren and sisters, if those sins are not .repented of most sincerely, God, the Eternal Father will separate you from those who are faithful, and will cast you out from His presence and from His salvation, because of your sins. Therefore, we say, repent, ye Latter-day Saints; repent and call upon the world to repent. You who are warned, warn your neighbors; you who have a knowledge of the truth, teach your children; you who know that God lives, bear your testimony to the world, that all may have the privilege of knowing that God lives and that this is His Church, and that the Latter-day Saints are God's people.
Now, may the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters. May you be benefitted in this conference and go forth and serve the Lord with singleness of purpose, and with an eye single to the glory of God and to the building up of His kingdom, that the earth may be prepared for Christ's reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, when we may bask in His approbation and smiles of approval because of our faithfulness in doing His will and carrying out the counsel given to us through His servants. May the Lord bless us to this end, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
To the Latter-day Saints these great gatherings are a source of strength and hope, and enjoyment. I believe that, through thus meeting together and partaking of the Spirit that the Lord pours out upon His children, and by receiving the words which are spoken by the servants of the Lord, we go home filled with a greater incentive to serve God and to keep His commandments.
We should be impressed with the remark of President Smith this morning, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a temporary organization, but that it is an organization which is permanent, 'which is and will be everlasting. It has been founded by God Almighty, and He has placed His stamp of approval upon, His people, and will ever do so, if they will keep His commandments and walk in His paths. To the Latter-day Saints, the walking in the paths of righteousness, the keeping of the commandments of God, and the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit, ought to be a source of satisfaction and gratification beyond the power of words to express. We ought to strive, individually, to make the Church of Christ stronger. The Church ought to be strong, because of the multitude of its members; and each member should take a particular pride in adding strength to the Church because he or she is a member of it.
We have the privilege of knowing of a surety that this is the work of God. It is no chance proposition with the Latter-day Saints; it is a surety. There is no doubt in the mind of a conscientious and fully converted Latter-day Saint that God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son, the Savior of the world, appeared in person to the Prophet Joseph Smith. That is a knowledge that is possessed by tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints, and it is a knowledge, furthermore, that can be gained and possessed by every individual born into this world, if that individual will but follow the instructions given of the Lord whereby men can come to a knowledge of the truth. Why, our children know it; the little boys and girls of the Sabbath schools know it. They are taught it, and learn .it in their associations with one another and with the people of God; and the Spirit of the Lord which is upon and in them bears witness to them, even as children, that the things their parents teach, and which are taught by their Sunday school teachers, and by those who hold the Priesthood, are true. The Spirit of the Lord bears that witness, and there is no doubt in their minds; it is a knowledge; it is just as simple and easy to understand as the simplest proposition that any child may learn. Notwithstanding this, there are those in our midst for the purpose, so they say, of reclaiming us, and converting us to the standard of Christ, as they term it.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints stands in this world today for purity, for honesty, for righteousness, for virtue, for truth, for nobleness, and for every good, beautiful and glorious principle that has ever been made known to man. The Church of Christ stands for all these things, and it is the only organization in the world today that has the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Savior Himself taught it when He was upon the earth. It is just as ridiculous for those not of us, who do not understand the Gospel of Christ, who have not a knowledge of it (except from a sectarian standpoint, which is not a knowledge,) to come among the Latter-day Saints and declare unto them that Joseph Smith was nor a Prophet of God, as it would be for a teacher to go among our school children who have passed through a number of grades and declare unto them that two plus two does not make four. It would be just as ridiculous for them to do that as to declare that the sun does not appear first in the morning in the east and that it does not disappear from view in the evening in the west. It would be just as ridiculous, and is, for men and women to declare to the Latter-day Saints, who have a knowledge of the truth, that they are mistaken as it would be to tell them that water will not seek its own level, or that it will of itself rise higher than its source.
The Spirit of God has borne witness to the Latter-day Saints that these things are true, and we know they are true; therefore, it is foolishness for men to come into our midst and declare unto us that these things are false; we know better. It is God's truth revealed from heaven, confirmed in our souls by the Holy Ghost, which we have received by the laying on of hands by those who have been ordained of God and upon whom has been conferred the holy Priesthood. Consequently, that is the reason there are so very few ever converted from the Church of Christ into the churches of those who pretend to be of Christ. One of our friends here, a minister of the Gospel, complained bitterly a short time since, because, said he, "After a man has been a Mormon, no matter what he does, if he can be converted and is won away from the Church, he is of no use to us anyway; he is of no use to anybody. We can do nothing with him, as those ideas hang to him while he lives and are always cropping out to disturb the doctrines which we have to teach him." If they only knew it, if they who fight the Gospel of Christ in anyway whatever, from the pulpit or the press, only knew that all of their efforts in contending against the truth and endeavoring to bring the Latter-day Saints into a false light would be reactionary and would be overruled by an all-wise Providence for the good of His Church, they would perhaps not work so hard as they do. If they only knew that in converting an individual who has had a knowledge of the truth and has fallen away, or who has gotten into the dark, and doubts, through sin and transgression— for men can fall from a knowledge of the truth only through disobedience of some kind—if they knew that in winning such persons from us they were but adding strength to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were weakening their own organizations in gaining such individuals, they, perhaps, would not be so anxious to get them.
It is obvious that if you take from any proposition, from any mechanism, the weak parts, those parts that threaten the rest of the machinery or the rest of the organization, you strengthen that organization; and if you take that weak portion and add it to yourself, you do not add strength to yourself, but weakness instead. Now, take those Latter-day Saints who are in transgression and who have joined other churches, some people think they are converted from the truth, but they are not; they have lost a knowledge of the truth through their transgression, and when they are cut off from the Church of Christ and join some other organization they weaken that organization, and it makes the Church of Christ stronger because of the absence of those persons in transgression. We would be pleased to have them repent; but some people, you know, will not repent; they cannot repent. On the other hand, take the ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that Church which sends forth its ministers with divine authority to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and declare repentance to the world, whom do they convert? Is it those who have been ostracized and cast away from all religious doors? No. Is it those who are in transgression in the other churches, or in the world among men? No. Who is it? Why, it is the people who are most devout, who are most conscientious in serving God, so far as their knowledge and light goes. They want to serve the Lord, and they are striving to serve Him; they are prayerful; they are meeting-goers; in fact, those converted to the Church of Christ are the very best parishioners that are to be found in the churches of the world. In other words, they are the strongest individuals to be found in the various organizations of Christendom, and in gaining them we add strength to the true Church. We see the evidence of this fact when we look around at the hundreds and thousands of good, noble, conscientious, devout men and women who have been fathers and mothers of such men as Brother McMurrin and Brother Allen here, and tens of thousands of others who are making or have made their mark in this land, who are endeavoring to build up the Church of Christ on the earth, and who are a benefit to any community, wherever they may be. It is fathers and mothers of other young men who shall carry on the work of God in the world that our Elders are converting in Christendom. In adding such people to the Church we add strength to it, and we make the sectarian churches weaker every time one is won from them and is brought to a knowledge of the truth.
We stand, as I said, for truth, for honesty, for honor, for integrity, for everything that is good, my brethren and sisters, and those who will not yield obedience to these principles and who will not serve God, must, sooner or later, be cast off from the true Church of Christ. People who are sinful and unrepentant, people who are in transgression, men and women who are wicked in their hearts and who will not repent. can never enter into the kingdom of God; and no man or woman who is full of iniquity and sin can stand in this Church very long; no, they will be weeded out. There are sins, my brethren and sisters, which may be committed that cannot be repented of in this life, nor will they be forgiven in this life nor the life to come, and men and women who commit these sins cannot be retained in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Show me another church in the world that invariably excommunicates men or women because of transgression or wickedness: there are none. Murderers, whoremongers, keepers of saloons, gambling hells and brothels, the doers of all evil, may be members in the denominations of the world. Apparently there is no sin a person can commit that would cause other denominations to excommunicate one of their members from their churches. A member can repudiate the church, and then there is nothing else for the church to do than to cast him out. The Catholic church would not even do that in by gone years; they would burn them at the stake, and then pray for their salvation. As a general thing, no matter how wicked, or what the occupation of a man may be, he can occupy the very best pew in the church, if he will but sustain it with his means. That cannot be done in the true Church of Christ. We must serve God; we must keep His commandments; we must eschew the very appearance of evil and do that which is right to retain our standing in the Church, which has been founded in this earth by God, the Father, and by the Son, Jesus Christ. If your deeds are such as were mentioned by Brother Wells, that is, if they are not known by men, let me assure you that God knows them, and while you may continue in this secret sin a member of the Church, a professed member of the Church, the day will come, my brethren and sisters, if those sins are not .repented of most sincerely, God, the Eternal Father will separate you from those who are faithful, and will cast you out from His presence and from His salvation, because of your sins. Therefore, we say, repent, ye Latter-day Saints; repent and call upon the world to repent. You who are warned, warn your neighbors; you who have a knowledge of the truth, teach your children; you who know that God lives, bear your testimony to the world, that all may have the privilege of knowing that God lives and that this is His Church, and that the Latter-day Saints are God's people.
Now, may the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters. May you be benefitted in this conference and go forth and serve the Lord with singleness of purpose, and with an eye single to the glory of God and to the building up of His kingdom, that the earth may be prepared for Christ's reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, when we may bask in His approbation and smiles of approval because of our faithfulness in doing His will and carrying out the counsel given to us through His servants. May the Lord bless us to this end, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER MATTHIAS F. COWLEY.
My brethren and sisters, I have no desire to prolong the meeting. We have had a good one, and very much excellent counsel and admonition, and I trust that each one of us will make it the business of our lives to carry them out.
I wish to remind the brethren and sisters who are here of the counsel given by President Smith this morning, that just as far as possible you will attend the conference meetings tomorrow and the next day, until the conference ends.
I have been very much impressed with the remarks of all the brethren, and especially the last remarks of Brother Hyrum in regard to the teaching of our children, and I desire to say just a word or two on this subject. Recently I enjoyed the honor and privilege of accompanying President Smith and his party to Canada, and the Big Horn. In the Big Horn Stake of Zion I had occasion to stop all night in various places, and I believe that, at every place where I stayed, before they had prayer at night, the family was called together and sat down and sang a hymn, one of our sacred songs, and they were attended by the influence of the Holy Spirit. A chapter was read from the Book of Mormon or the Bible, and, if time permitted, some remarks were made upon it for the benefit of the children. The father, mother, and children, each in turn, from time to time offered the family prayer. Now, this is a very simple thing. I inquired of the President of the Stake if that was the practice of every family in the Stake, and he said he believed it was; it had been counseled. I wish to say that this is a very good practice. It has been recommended to us time and time again, by the Presidency and other brethren of the Church. It simply means this, my brethren and sisters: That it is establishing- the Church of God in our homes; it is establishing the worship of God around the family altar, and I believe if we try it we will find that good results from it. I desire to carry it out myself, in order that I may consistently recommend the same to others. I believe that the great cause, possibly in about nine cases out of ten, of the transgression of our children, and the cause of skepticism in some instances, is not that they naturally drift away, but because they have been neglected; we have not sat down and talked to them. We have got to establish the order of heaven in our families, in the spirit of prayer and supplication, and must teach our children the principles of divine truth.
I want to say another thing to the Latter-day Saints: If you have any grievances against any of your neighbors or against the servants of God who stand in authority in this Church, do not talk about those grievances before your children. I give that out as the word of the Lord. If you do, you will poison the minds of your children, and the day will come when you will regret it, when you would like to fill their souls with interest in the work of God and with the spirit of this Gospel, and then you will remember you have poisoned them. I give this counsel because I feel impressed with it.
Now, just one more item occurs to my mind. I suggest to the brethren and sisters, and especially the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of wards, that when they attend conference in Salt Lake City they should take advantage of every opportunity afforded at the meetings for informing their minds in regard to the work of God. I do not mean by this our attendance alone at the general assemblages, but also at the other meetings we are invited to attend. (The speaker here invited the Saints, especially those in authority, to attend the Religion Class meeting to be held at the close of this service.) God has established these auxiliary organizations in the Church for the education and training of our children, and no man is justified in depreciating them, in casting any reflection upon them, nor in saying they are not necessary in the work of God. Every sound Latter-day Saint will welcome every institution in this Church as a help in the education of our children in the principles of the Gospel.
I bear my testimony to the truth of this work, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. This testimony comes to us by the Spirit of God; and, outside of this, they of the world are proving he was a Prophet of God. Brother McMurrin, in speaking of the Presbyterian Church dogma regarding infant damnation, which they have taught for the last 250 years, might have added that the Methodist Church is adopting the law of tithing. The Epworth League also has made a covenant to give one-tenth of its income to the service of the Lord. The sectarians are now adopting what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught over seventy years ago. They are not doing it to sustain the Prophet, but it proves he was a Prophet, for he said the Gospel would revolutionize the world. God bless you. Amen.
The choir sang:
"Now we'll sing with one accord,
For a Prophet of the Lord," etc.
The benediction was offered by Elder Stephen L. Chipman.
My brethren and sisters, I have no desire to prolong the meeting. We have had a good one, and very much excellent counsel and admonition, and I trust that each one of us will make it the business of our lives to carry them out.
I wish to remind the brethren and sisters who are here of the counsel given by President Smith this morning, that just as far as possible you will attend the conference meetings tomorrow and the next day, until the conference ends.
I have been very much impressed with the remarks of all the brethren, and especially the last remarks of Brother Hyrum in regard to the teaching of our children, and I desire to say just a word or two on this subject. Recently I enjoyed the honor and privilege of accompanying President Smith and his party to Canada, and the Big Horn. In the Big Horn Stake of Zion I had occasion to stop all night in various places, and I believe that, at every place where I stayed, before they had prayer at night, the family was called together and sat down and sang a hymn, one of our sacred songs, and they were attended by the influence of the Holy Spirit. A chapter was read from the Book of Mormon or the Bible, and, if time permitted, some remarks were made upon it for the benefit of the children. The father, mother, and children, each in turn, from time to time offered the family prayer. Now, this is a very simple thing. I inquired of the President of the Stake if that was the practice of every family in the Stake, and he said he believed it was; it had been counseled. I wish to say that this is a very good practice. It has been recommended to us time and time again, by the Presidency and other brethren of the Church. It simply means this, my brethren and sisters: That it is establishing- the Church of God in our homes; it is establishing the worship of God around the family altar, and I believe if we try it we will find that good results from it. I desire to carry it out myself, in order that I may consistently recommend the same to others. I believe that the great cause, possibly in about nine cases out of ten, of the transgression of our children, and the cause of skepticism in some instances, is not that they naturally drift away, but because they have been neglected; we have not sat down and talked to them. We have got to establish the order of heaven in our families, in the spirit of prayer and supplication, and must teach our children the principles of divine truth.
I want to say another thing to the Latter-day Saints: If you have any grievances against any of your neighbors or against the servants of God who stand in authority in this Church, do not talk about those grievances before your children. I give that out as the word of the Lord. If you do, you will poison the minds of your children, and the day will come when you will regret it, when you would like to fill their souls with interest in the work of God and with the spirit of this Gospel, and then you will remember you have poisoned them. I give this counsel because I feel impressed with it.
Now, just one more item occurs to my mind. I suggest to the brethren and sisters, and especially the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of wards, that when they attend conference in Salt Lake City they should take advantage of every opportunity afforded at the meetings for informing their minds in regard to the work of God. I do not mean by this our attendance alone at the general assemblages, but also at the other meetings we are invited to attend. (The speaker here invited the Saints, especially those in authority, to attend the Religion Class meeting to be held at the close of this service.) God has established these auxiliary organizations in the Church for the education and training of our children, and no man is justified in depreciating them, in casting any reflection upon them, nor in saying they are not necessary in the work of God. Every sound Latter-day Saint will welcome every institution in this Church as a help in the education of our children in the principles of the Gospel.
I bear my testimony to the truth of this work, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. This testimony comes to us by the Spirit of God; and, outside of this, they of the world are proving he was a Prophet of God. Brother McMurrin, in speaking of the Presbyterian Church dogma regarding infant damnation, which they have taught for the last 250 years, might have added that the Methodist Church is adopting the law of tithing. The Epworth League also has made a covenant to give one-tenth of its income to the service of the Lord. The sectarians are now adopting what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught over seventy years ago. They are not doing it to sustain the Prophet, but it proves he was a Prophet, for he said the Gospel would revolutionize the world. God bless you. Amen.
The choir sang:
"Now we'll sing with one accord,
For a Prophet of the Lord," etc.
The benediction was offered by Elder Stephen L. Chipman.
OPEN AIR MEETING.
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon an open-air meeting was held near the bureau of information building on the Temple block.
The meeting was called to order by President Jos. E. Taylor and opened with the hymn: "High on the Mountain Top."
Prayer was offered by Elder D. H. Grow, of Huntsville.
Singing, "Praise to the Man."
President Taylor then introduced
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon an open-air meeting was held near the bureau of information building on the Temple block.
The meeting was called to order by President Jos. E. Taylor and opened with the hymn: "High on the Mountain Top."
Prayer was offered by Elder D. H. Grow, of Huntsville.
Singing, "Praise to the Man."
President Taylor then introduced
Elder Ben E. Rich,
president of the Southern States mission,
who gave an interesting and spirited address, touching upon the divine mission of Jos. Smith and the wonderful spread of his teachings throughout the world.
president of the Southern States mission,
who gave an interesting and spirited address, touching upon the divine mission of Jos. Smith and the wonderful spread of his teachings throughout the world.
Elder J. G. Duffin,
president of the Southwestern States mission,
next spoke. He referred to the ancestry of the Prophet Joseph and said that his every act proved him to be a prophet of the living God.
president of the Southwestern States mission,
next spoke. He referred to the ancestry of the Prophet Joseph and said that his every act proved him to be a prophet of the living God.
President Joseph E. Robinson,
of the California mission,
was then introduced. He showed from the Bible that prophets from the earliest days were persecuted, and believed in by but few, hence the treatment received by Joseph Smith and the rejection of his teachings by so many, is but a repetition of sacred history.
The meeting was attended by fully 1,000 people, and closed with the singing of "The Doxology," and benediction by Elder James Sharp.
of the California mission,
was then introduced. He showed from the Bible that prophets from the earliest days were persecuted, and believed in by but few, hence the treatment received by Joseph Smith and the rejection of his teachings by so many, is but a repetition of sacred history.
The meeting was attended by fully 1,000 people, and closed with the singing of "The Doxology," and benediction by Elder James Sharp.
SECOND DAY. Monday, Oct. 5, 10 a. m.
The choir and congregation sang:
Our God, we raise to Thee
Thanks for Thy blessings free
We here enjoy.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Jonathan G. Kimball.
The choir sang the hymn which begins:
High on the mountain top
A banner is unfurled;
Ye nations, now look up,
It waves to all the world.
The choir and congregation sang:
Our God, we raise to Thee
Thanks for Thy blessings free
We here enjoy.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Jonathan G. Kimball.
The choir sang the hymn which begins:
High on the mountain top
A banner is unfurled;
Ye nations, now look up,
It waves to all the world.
ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR.
References to Christian Science and hypnotism — Clergymen seeking to rectify defects in their religions—The revealed Gospel of Christ the only pathway to salvation.
My dear brethren and sisters, I humbly pray that the Spirit of the Lord, which is the spirit of truth and righteousness, may prompt me in all that I shall say this morning, and I trust you will pray unto our Father for me, that He will enable me to talk in such a way as shall be pleasing in His sight. I am a firm believer in inspiration. I believe the statement in the Scriptures that the word of God "came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
On my way to this meeting I met a neighbor of mine, and he said, "Brother Taylor, have you noticed any blight in your pear orchard?" I told him I had not noticed it particularly, and asked him what it was. "Why," said he, "if you will notice carefully, there will be a few limbs toward the top of the tree where the wood begins to wither a little bit, and the leaves then wither and dry up." I asked him what the effect of this blight was upon the tree, for he seemed to be well posted on the subject. He replied that it had the effect, if the evil is not corrected in its incipiency, to kill out not only the tree affected, but the entire orchard. What is the remedy? said I. He answered promptly, "The remedy is to cut off the blighted part about one foot below where it is dead, and be careful to gather all the leaves and branches, take them out of the orchard, and burn them up." I have since been thinking about the trees in my orchard, and I remember that several of them have some dead limbs, and are evidently blighted a little. It would be well for us all to look after our orchards carefully.
Now, my brethren and sisters, I have imagined I can see a blight, not only upon our orchards, but in some of the families of the Latter-day Saints, and that is much more serious than having our orchards blighted. Christ said: "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." If the families in Salt Lake City were an orchard, and each one represented a tree, I can imagine there are a few dead branches that may be likened unto the blighted trees referred to in my conversation this morning. The Apostle John, in writing to the Saints in his day, used this expression:
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
"If there come any unto you, and bring- not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid. him God-speed:
"For he that biddeth him God-speed is partaker of his evil deeds."—II John, 9-11.
This is one of the best guides we have received from inspired men of olden times. "Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." We are also told:
"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."—John, 17:3.
"No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him."—Matthew, 11:27.
"No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."—I Corinthians, 12:3.
We learn, then, that if we abide in the doctrines of Christ we have both the Father and the Son, and being in fellowship with them and with the Holy Ghost, which constitute the Godhead, we are heirs of glory, immortality and eternal life.
Various doctrines are being promulgated among the Latter-day Saints at the present time that. I would like to refer to briefly. One of these is Christian Science, which has spread to some extent in this city, and to my mind it is like the blight upon the orchard. If it is not "cut off about one foot below the dead branches," it may kill the tree and affect the whole orchard. Let us reason together a few moments upon this. In olden times, certain gifts and blessings were promised the Saints. One was the gift of prophecy, another the gift of healing, another the gift of tongues, another the interpretation of tongues, another the gift oi wisdom, another the gift of knowledge, etc. Now, I say to you there is not one of these gifts that is a principle of salvation in and of itself. Though they were promised by the Savior, and exercised by His Apostles, and always exist in the true Church of Christ, there is not one of them that, of itself, will save and exalt the children of men in the kingdom of God; for they are not principles of salvation when segregated from the doctrines of Christ.
Take Christian Science, as it is called, and it rests largely upon what they term "being happy," and the healing of their bodies when afflicted. I testify to you, as a servant of the Lord, that you may lay hands on the dead and raise them to life again, as Christ did the widow's son, or you may heal the afflicted by the rower of God, and the fact that they are healed or brought to life again will not save them in the kingdom of God; for they may afterwards go into transgression, and wander from the straight and narrow path which leadeth to the lives eternal. Therefore, I say it is not a principle of salvation apart from the Gospel. Another thing: Is the fact that we may be temporarily happy going to save us in the kingdom of God? Have we not got to abide in the doctrines of Christ, or we have not the Father and the Son? What are the doctrines of Christ? Look at His example; He was the Redeemer of the world. He said, "I am the life and the light of the world," and he invited all to follow Him. What did He do? He went unto John and requested baptism of him. At first, John forbade Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" But the Redeemer of the world was not satisfied with that expression of John's humility, for He knew that if He did not yield obedience to that principle of righteousness—one of His own doctrines—He could not fulfill the law of all righteousness and be the Redeemer of the world, to which He was ordained before He came into this world. Therefore, He said unto John: "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John suffered Him, and He went down into the water and was baptized. He came up out of the water, and the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove; "and lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." I would say to all the Christian Scientists in the world, to all men —the kings and queens upon their thrones, and those who are in the humbler walks of life—to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people: Except you are born of the water and of the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Except you abide in this doctrine which Christ taught and practiced, you can never enter into His kingdom, worlds without end. You must abide in the doctrines of Christ. You may say, "I am happy in this religion." Bless your soul, is not the Mongolian happy when he is lying upon his couch smoking the deadly fumes of opium? In the hallucination of his mind, does he not imagine that he is having pleasure and joy? I tell you there is no true happiness except that which comes from a faithful performance of duty, under the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. The Lord hath said:
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."—I Corinthians, 2:9.
But they say, "we are so happy:" and one woman will go to another, and together they will go from house to house teaching these doctrines. What is the result? The result is the blight begins to show upon another tree. Men and women who have been faithful in the Church of Christ begin to neglect their duty, forget their prayers, speak against the Holy Priesthood. and wander into by and forbidden paths which leadeth to destruction. Show me a man or woman who has adopted this single principle of faith, and has neglected the weightier things of the kingdom; show me any member of the Church who has joined any of these Christian Science associations, and I will show you a man or woman who has been finding fault with the authorities of the Church, neglecting to pay tithing, and not praying unto God for light and wisdom. I ask how the Lord could ever have built up His Church in ancient days by somebody simply saying they felt happy? People with such ideas may be enjoying the happy hallucinations of dreamland, but they are sleeping the sleep of death. The Prophet Moroni spoke of the good gifts that God had placed in the Church of Christ, and then said, "Touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." What is the evil gift and the unclean thing? It is any gift, or inspiration or inclination that will lead men from the straight and narrow path, and from serving the true and living God—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Could Solomon have satisfied the Lord, when He commanded him to build a temple, by saying, "Lord, I am happy all day long; I am not sick, I am not in distress, and I do not need to build a temple? Certainly not. The Lord would undoubtedly have said to him that He wanted him to build a temple unto God, no matter whether he was happy or sad, and He would have reproved him sharply. He does not expect us merely to satisfy our own desires. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Suppose Noah, when he was called upon to build an ark to save a few of the sons and daughters of God, that the human race might be perpetuated, had said, "I am happy, I am never afflicted, and I enjoy myself;" would that have saved anybody from the flood? The Lord our God wants the children of men to do something. He wanted Noah to build on ark, and Noah built it. You cannot build arks and temples, you cannot gather Israel and establish the kingdom of God, on one principle of the Gospel alone. You cannot make a watch or clock go with only one of its wheels. You cannot make the human body active by separating the head or the feet from it. The body as created is perfect, in beautiful symmetry, and it cannot be complete if we take one part of it and reject the rest; it takes the whole to make the perfect man. It is so with the kingdom of God.
Another thing that we have in our midst is what is called hypnotism. There is a sprinkling of Latter-day Saints tainted a little with this. You can see the blight and the wither of hypnotism "on the tops of the trees." Men are being- carried away with it, and are beginning to exercise unrighteous dominion over the children of men, because they have stronger wills than others. They try to charm others, and make them do as they please. Don't you know that, in the days of Moses and the prophets, charmers were put to death? The Lord so despised the idea of one man exercising unrighteous dominion and influence over another that he gave a law, commanding that charmers should be put to death. And He has opened His mouth in this day and said:
"The rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood or the authority of that man."
This hypnotic power is not of God. It is an evil gift. A short time ago I was in the Malad stake of Zion, where a man had been studying this art of hypnotism, and he proposed to the Bishop of the ward that he take lessons so that he could hypnotize the people to make them do as he pleased. My brethren and sisters, that is the doctrine the devil proposed in heaven, when the Lord our God was preparing to people this earth. He proposed to take away the agency of men, and to exercise unrighteous dominion over them. But the Lord rejected his plan, and chose His Son Jesus Christ to come into the world with the plan of life and salvation that we now teach. The doctrines of Christ are plain and simple, and they do not sanction the use of unrighteous dominion upon the souls of the children of men. Therefore, I say unto you, hypnotism is not of God.
Women go from house to house, and say they were healed, or their children were healed, by Christian Science; or they had been hypnotized and got such great relief from it, and "it would astonish you how happy I've been ever since." I say to you, my friends, we should not seek in this life to become happy by exercising evil gifts among the children of men. You can .read of the magicians in, ancient times casting down their rods, and, through the exercise of the evil gift, their rods became serpents, as did the rods of Moses and Aaron. But, when it came to slaying the firstborn, the Lord said in effect, Thus far shalt thou go, and no further. The first born of the children of Israel were saved, while the firstborn of the children of Pharaoh and the other Egyptians were destroyed. I speak of this to show you that the wisdom of the Lord is greater than the cunning of the devil, and the power of the Priesthood is pre-eminent over every other power on the earth.
There are Latter-day Saints who apparently place their whole faith upon one of the gifts of the Gospel. Some may place their faith upon the gift of healing, others upon the gift of prophecy, others upon the gift of tongues or the interpretation of tongues. I say again that these gifts, in and of themselves, are not principles of salvation. They are given for the temporary comfort of the Saints. But the Holy Priesthood is 'without beginning of days or end of years; it will remain with the Saints throughout the eternal ages to come.
The Apostle Paul says:
"Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."—I Corinthians, 13: 810.
That is perfectly natural; for when that which is perfect is come, we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known. There will be no need for men to prophesy what shall take place, for we shall all see and understand it. In that day it will not be necessary for one to say to another, Know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him. Perfect knowledge 'will be enjoyed by all. We shall see eye to eye, and be of one heart and mind in the kingdom of God. It will not be necessary for any to speak in an unknown tongue: for the original Adamic language will be restored, and all shall speak in the one tongue. Hence how consistent it is to say, "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." These gifts are now given to us as a lamp to lighten our pathway, to encourage us when our spirits are drooping, to heal our bodies when we are afflicted, and to give us knowledge of things to come, that we may be buoyed up and go on to perfection. My brethren and sisters, this doctrine of Christian Science is not of God. Hypnotism is displeasing in the sight of the Lord, and those who practice it may be likened unto the charmers, soothsayers, sorcerers, and idolaters of ancient times. They were so repugnant in the sight of the Lord that He gave special laws to Israel in relation to them. Now, shall we, who have come out of darkness into light, turn away as the sow to wallow in the mire, or like the dog to his vomit? Shall we go back to the beggarly elements of the world? I say unto you, as said the old prophet, Let those who bear the vessels of the Lord be clean. Jesus said, "No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
I testify unto you, my friends, that the Lord our God has raised up Joseph Smith the Prophet in this our day. He has delivered unto the world the Book of Mormon, which is a history of the ancient inhabitants of this continent. It is the word of God to the people of the earth. It is the writings of prophets who have lived upon this land, just as the Bible is the writings of prophets in the land of Palestine, and a history of the dealings of God with ancient Israel. The heavens have been opened in our day. The Father and the Son appeared unto Joseph Smith, and the Gospel has been restored. This Gospel is being preached according to the commandment of the Savior. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." How can we keep the commands of God? By listening to His voice and doing His will. There are those m the world who are blighted with the idea that if they only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ they can be saved. This is a convenient and very popular doctrine. But Jesus said:
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."—Matthew 7: 22 23
"Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."—Matthew 7: 21.
This is the true doctrine of Christ. The world today are adopting some of the principles revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. A short time ago a great conclave of ministers met at Los Angeles for the purpose of remodeling their creed. Did you ever hear of the prophets of God in any age meeting to remodel the revelations of God, the Eternal Father, or His Son Jesus Christ? He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The word of God never changes. The Lord our God revealed unto His Prophet in this day the principle of infant salvation. What about infants? Why, it has been preached by sectarians for generations, that little infants who died without being baptized would be damned. Is there any man under the sound of my voice who can deny that this doctrine has been taught? You cannot deny it, because it is in the sectarian writings.' Yet Joseph Smith proclaimed the doctrine that little children come into the world pure and innocent, and they are not responsible for sin until they arrive at the years of accountability. I am very glad to see these ministers beginning to receive a little light. I believe there are no men so reluctant to get light into their heads as ministers. That is why they have received so little during the last sixty years. But, they are gradually beginning to observe the light; and I am glad they have, in a measure, adopted in their creed the revelation of God to Joseph Smith concerning infants. Another thing: Joseph Smith, under the command of God, taught the principle of tithing, and now some of our Christian friends are beginning to recommend the payment of tithing in their churches. I tell you the time will come when every principle that was revealed to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, in this last dispensation, will be adopted, one by one, until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess ;that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God. I have just had handed to me written evidence of what I have said regarding tithing. It is a card published by one of the churches, and reads as follows:
GOD'S FINANCIAL PLAN.
Believing that all Christians should systematically and sacredly set aside a certain proportion of their income for the cause of Christ; and furthermore, that it is the plain teaching of God's Word, and His Financial Plan, that one-tenth of our income belongs to Him;
Therefore, we hereby covenant with God and one another, that we will set aside one-tenth of our income, hold it as a sacred trust and give it for the cause of Christ;
That we, who make this covenant, by attaching our names hereto shall be known as members of the Tithing Band of the Epworth League, First Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles.
Date Name .
If I had been printing it, I would have had it like this:
"We hereby pledge ourselves, and sign our names, as members of Joseph Smith the Prophet Tithing League." Another thing: If I was going to do away with that wicked and corrupt doctrine of infant damnation, I would not get together a lot of ministers and learned men to make a fuss about it, as if they had made some wonderful discovery; but I would get up like a straightforward, honest man, and say, Joseph Smith the Prophet taught this years ago, I know it is true; therefore, let us adopt it. I say once more, my brethren and sisters, every principle which has been revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet will have to be acknowledged by every man, woman and child who desire to enter into the kingdom of our God, or they will never get there. This is my testimony unto you; for the Lord has spoken. This is not the work of man. It is not the work of these men who sit upon this stand. It is the work of the great Jehovah. And that day is at hand which was spoken of by the ancient prophets, and emphasized by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who 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."—Matthew 5: 17, 18.
There are some portions of the law, and some prophecies, that have not yet been fulfilled, while others are being fulfilled; and the day is at hand when these words of the Savior will be fully verified. Jeremiah the Prophet, after speaking of the scattering of Israel, and the curse of David for the sin which he committed in the matter of the wife of Uriah the Hittite, writes these words of the Lord:
"And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
"And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David, a righteous branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
"In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness.
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
"But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own lands."—Jeremiah 23: 3-8.
"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." — Jeremiah 16: 16.
"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."— Jeremiah 3: 14, 15.
My friends, this is the destiny God has in store for His people.
"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."—Isaiah 2: 2, 3.
This is the word of God, and the gathering is now taking place. Jesus would have gathered the people in His day, but they would not receive Him: He said:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"—Matthew 23: 37.
The day, my friends, has arrived when Israel is being gathered from the four corners of the earth, and when Zion is arising and will shine, and will become the light and brightness of the whole earth. This is the work spoken of by the Prophet Daniel. He saw that "a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands," which "became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." The proclamation of this work will go from nation to nation, until every soul that lives upon the earth will have the privilege of hearing the sound thereof, and every honest man and woman will have the privilege of embracing it and becoming heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. The blood of our Lord and Savior was split, that He might redeem mankind, and it is only through His name we can be saved.
My brethren and sisters, the work is growing. We have still a great work to perform, and we should not waste our time on hypnotism, or Christian Science, or evolution, and such things. We have believers in evolution in our midst, and there is a little "blight upon the top of the trees" in this regard. As a servant of God I tell you mankind cannot be redeemed, worlds without end; cannot evolve, or crystalize, or get into the condition entitling them to become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and to partake of the fulness of His glory; cannot go on to perfection, and sit down in the councils of heaven with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and those bright intelligences who created this world and others, only through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. All the evolution in the world will not save a single soul; neither will all the Christian Science, neither will spiritualism, nor hypnotism, nor any other ism that is not of God. The Gospel of Christ is so plain that a wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. Do you think the Lord was mistaken when He said light had come into the world, and that the children of sin might be known by their rejection of the light? Some of them acknowledge the principle of infant salvation, and some will receive the principle of tithing; but what is the effect of it? Just like the Savior said—they put a new patch on an old garment, and it only makes it the more unsightly. When they begin to accept the principle of tithing, the question arises, Where is your Prophet, the mouthpiece of the Lord, to guide and direct the people in the use of tithing? Some of them, I suppose, will have to go to the Pope or someone else to get instructions. Let me say to you, these are matters which should be considered seriously. If you allow any man or woman to coi.ie into your house and teach false doctrine, you are responsible. I do not want anyone to come into my house and teach doctrines that are not of God. Just as soon as I hear of them coming I lift up my voice against them. The idea of people assuming to teach the Latter-day Saints principles of salvation is to me the very height of absurdity. We are commanded to live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Then if I want the word of God concerning His kingdom, to whom shall I go? To His mouthpiece. I will go to President Joseph F. Smith and say, What is the word of the Lord concerning this matter? That is my duty, for he is the mouthpiece of the Lord, and it is his right to direct me, to bless me when I keep the commandments of God, and to admonish and correct me when I do not.
My brethren and sisters, let us walk in the light of the everlasting Gospel, and not be cherishing a dead faith. Let us not be haggling and talking about other religions, but be active members in the Church of Christ, doing our duty in all things, and setting examples before the children of men that shall be worthy of their imitation. If we are called to go and build up a Stake of Zion, let us do it. If we are called to build a temple, let us be on hand to fulfill the requirement. If we are called upon to build a sugar factory, let us willingly respond. If we are called upon to build a city, town or village, let us do that. That is the Spirit of the Gospel, as I understand it. Joseph Smith the Prophet said: Show me a man or woman who has the spirit of the Gospel within them, and I will show you a man or woman whose greatest desire is to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth. Jesus admonished His disciples not to seek after houses and lands, gold and silver, but to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Do we want anything more than that?
There are some people among the Latter-day Saints who have a little blight upon them in another way. When Lehi, in his vision, saw those who partook of the fruit of the tree of life, he beheld that the great multitude pointed the finger of scorn at them, insomuch that some turned their faces away and felt ashamed. I say, never let the blush of shame come upon your countenance on account of having kept the commandments of God. He will sustain you, and give you strength according to your day.
I feel well in my labors in the Church of Christ. I am thankful I am considered worthy to be numbered amongst you; and I hope to be humble and diligent in the performance of my duty as an Apostle of the Lord. Jesus Christ. I trust there will be no duty required of me that I will not be able to respond to. We all should feel alike in regard to these things. The Lord is no respecter of persons. He thinks just as much of you as He does of me. Which of you having children can justly say, I love this one, and hate the other? Neither is it so with our Father in heaven. He loves all His sons and daughters, and is willing to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon our heads that we shall not have room to receive. But no blessing will come unto the children of men, except by obedience to law. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." '"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." etc. Let us not attempt take any part of the Church of Christ away, nor add anything thereto. Let us accept it in all its beautiful symmetry; and then work in harmony with the authorities whom God has placed in His Church. Who are they? There need be no question about that, the Apostle said: "God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," etc. What for? "For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ laid His hands upon Peter and said unto him:
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
The other day I heard of a young man—an exemplary young- man as far as I can understand— who was about to marry a wife, and he was so busy with his labors (he is a school teacher, I think) that he had not time to go to the temple—which was only half a day’s journey—to be sealed with an eternal union and bond that never should be broken; but he intended to pass by the temple, go to the court house, get out a license, and there be married for time. Do you not know that people married for time are among those spoken of by Isaiah the Prophet when he said, "They have broken the everlasting covenant"—the everlasting covenant of marriage; for in ancient times they were married for time and eternity. God bless you. Amen.
Elder Willard Christophersen sang the favorite hymn "Shepherds of Israel."
References to Christian Science and hypnotism — Clergymen seeking to rectify defects in their religions—The revealed Gospel of Christ the only pathway to salvation.
My dear brethren and sisters, I humbly pray that the Spirit of the Lord, which is the spirit of truth and righteousness, may prompt me in all that I shall say this morning, and I trust you will pray unto our Father for me, that He will enable me to talk in such a way as shall be pleasing in His sight. I am a firm believer in inspiration. I believe the statement in the Scriptures that the word of God "came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
On my way to this meeting I met a neighbor of mine, and he said, "Brother Taylor, have you noticed any blight in your pear orchard?" I told him I had not noticed it particularly, and asked him what it was. "Why," said he, "if you will notice carefully, there will be a few limbs toward the top of the tree where the wood begins to wither a little bit, and the leaves then wither and dry up." I asked him what the effect of this blight was upon the tree, for he seemed to be well posted on the subject. He replied that it had the effect, if the evil is not corrected in its incipiency, to kill out not only the tree affected, but the entire orchard. What is the remedy? said I. He answered promptly, "The remedy is to cut off the blighted part about one foot below where it is dead, and be careful to gather all the leaves and branches, take them out of the orchard, and burn them up." I have since been thinking about the trees in my orchard, and I remember that several of them have some dead limbs, and are evidently blighted a little. It would be well for us all to look after our orchards carefully.
Now, my brethren and sisters, I have imagined I can see a blight, not only upon our orchards, but in some of the families of the Latter-day Saints, and that is much more serious than having our orchards blighted. Christ said: "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." If the families in Salt Lake City were an orchard, and each one represented a tree, I can imagine there are a few dead branches that may be likened unto the blighted trees referred to in my conversation this morning. The Apostle John, in writing to the Saints in his day, used this expression:
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
"If there come any unto you, and bring- not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid. him God-speed:
"For he that biddeth him God-speed is partaker of his evil deeds."—II John, 9-11.
This is one of the best guides we have received from inspired men of olden times. "Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." We are also told:
"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."—John, 17:3.
"No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him."—Matthew, 11:27.
"No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."—I Corinthians, 12:3.
We learn, then, that if we abide in the doctrines of Christ we have both the Father and the Son, and being in fellowship with them and with the Holy Ghost, which constitute the Godhead, we are heirs of glory, immortality and eternal life.
Various doctrines are being promulgated among the Latter-day Saints at the present time that. I would like to refer to briefly. One of these is Christian Science, which has spread to some extent in this city, and to my mind it is like the blight upon the orchard. If it is not "cut off about one foot below the dead branches," it may kill the tree and affect the whole orchard. Let us reason together a few moments upon this. In olden times, certain gifts and blessings were promised the Saints. One was the gift of prophecy, another the gift of healing, another the gift of tongues, another the interpretation of tongues, another the gift oi wisdom, another the gift of knowledge, etc. Now, I say to you there is not one of these gifts that is a principle of salvation in and of itself. Though they were promised by the Savior, and exercised by His Apostles, and always exist in the true Church of Christ, there is not one of them that, of itself, will save and exalt the children of men in the kingdom of God; for they are not principles of salvation when segregated from the doctrines of Christ.
Take Christian Science, as it is called, and it rests largely upon what they term "being happy," and the healing of their bodies when afflicted. I testify to you, as a servant of the Lord, that you may lay hands on the dead and raise them to life again, as Christ did the widow's son, or you may heal the afflicted by the rower of God, and the fact that they are healed or brought to life again will not save them in the kingdom of God; for they may afterwards go into transgression, and wander from the straight and narrow path which leadeth to the lives eternal. Therefore, I say it is not a principle of salvation apart from the Gospel. Another thing: Is the fact that we may be temporarily happy going to save us in the kingdom of God? Have we not got to abide in the doctrines of Christ, or we have not the Father and the Son? What are the doctrines of Christ? Look at His example; He was the Redeemer of the world. He said, "I am the life and the light of the world," and he invited all to follow Him. What did He do? He went unto John and requested baptism of him. At first, John forbade Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" But the Redeemer of the world was not satisfied with that expression of John's humility, for He knew that if He did not yield obedience to that principle of righteousness—one of His own doctrines—He could not fulfill the law of all righteousness and be the Redeemer of the world, to which He was ordained before He came into this world. Therefore, He said unto John: "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John suffered Him, and He went down into the water and was baptized. He came up out of the water, and the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove; "and lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." I would say to all the Christian Scientists in the world, to all men —the kings and queens upon their thrones, and those who are in the humbler walks of life—to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people: Except you are born of the water and of the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Except you abide in this doctrine which Christ taught and practiced, you can never enter into His kingdom, worlds without end. You must abide in the doctrines of Christ. You may say, "I am happy in this religion." Bless your soul, is not the Mongolian happy when he is lying upon his couch smoking the deadly fumes of opium? In the hallucination of his mind, does he not imagine that he is having pleasure and joy? I tell you there is no true happiness except that which comes from a faithful performance of duty, under the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. The Lord hath said:
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."—I Corinthians, 2:9.
But they say, "we are so happy:" and one woman will go to another, and together they will go from house to house teaching these doctrines. What is the result? The result is the blight begins to show upon another tree. Men and women who have been faithful in the Church of Christ begin to neglect their duty, forget their prayers, speak against the Holy Priesthood. and wander into by and forbidden paths which leadeth to destruction. Show me a man or woman who has adopted this single principle of faith, and has neglected the weightier things of the kingdom; show me any member of the Church who has joined any of these Christian Science associations, and I will show you a man or woman who has been finding fault with the authorities of the Church, neglecting to pay tithing, and not praying unto God for light and wisdom. I ask how the Lord could ever have built up His Church in ancient days by somebody simply saying they felt happy? People with such ideas may be enjoying the happy hallucinations of dreamland, but they are sleeping the sleep of death. The Prophet Moroni spoke of the good gifts that God had placed in the Church of Christ, and then said, "Touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." What is the evil gift and the unclean thing? It is any gift, or inspiration or inclination that will lead men from the straight and narrow path, and from serving the true and living God—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Could Solomon have satisfied the Lord, when He commanded him to build a temple, by saying, "Lord, I am happy all day long; I am not sick, I am not in distress, and I do not need to build a temple? Certainly not. The Lord would undoubtedly have said to him that He wanted him to build a temple unto God, no matter whether he was happy or sad, and He would have reproved him sharply. He does not expect us merely to satisfy our own desires. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Suppose Noah, when he was called upon to build an ark to save a few of the sons and daughters of God, that the human race might be perpetuated, had said, "I am happy, I am never afflicted, and I enjoy myself;" would that have saved anybody from the flood? The Lord our God wants the children of men to do something. He wanted Noah to build on ark, and Noah built it. You cannot build arks and temples, you cannot gather Israel and establish the kingdom of God, on one principle of the Gospel alone. You cannot make a watch or clock go with only one of its wheels. You cannot make the human body active by separating the head or the feet from it. The body as created is perfect, in beautiful symmetry, and it cannot be complete if we take one part of it and reject the rest; it takes the whole to make the perfect man. It is so with the kingdom of God.
Another thing that we have in our midst is what is called hypnotism. There is a sprinkling of Latter-day Saints tainted a little with this. You can see the blight and the wither of hypnotism "on the tops of the trees." Men are being- carried away with it, and are beginning to exercise unrighteous dominion over the children of men, because they have stronger wills than others. They try to charm others, and make them do as they please. Don't you know that, in the days of Moses and the prophets, charmers were put to death? The Lord so despised the idea of one man exercising unrighteous dominion and influence over another that he gave a law, commanding that charmers should be put to death. And He has opened His mouth in this day and said:
"The rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood or the authority of that man."
This hypnotic power is not of God. It is an evil gift. A short time ago I was in the Malad stake of Zion, where a man had been studying this art of hypnotism, and he proposed to the Bishop of the ward that he take lessons so that he could hypnotize the people to make them do as he pleased. My brethren and sisters, that is the doctrine the devil proposed in heaven, when the Lord our God was preparing to people this earth. He proposed to take away the agency of men, and to exercise unrighteous dominion over them. But the Lord rejected his plan, and chose His Son Jesus Christ to come into the world with the plan of life and salvation that we now teach. The doctrines of Christ are plain and simple, and they do not sanction the use of unrighteous dominion upon the souls of the children of men. Therefore, I say unto you, hypnotism is not of God.
Women go from house to house, and say they were healed, or their children were healed, by Christian Science; or they had been hypnotized and got such great relief from it, and "it would astonish you how happy I've been ever since." I say to you, my friends, we should not seek in this life to become happy by exercising evil gifts among the children of men. You can .read of the magicians in, ancient times casting down their rods, and, through the exercise of the evil gift, their rods became serpents, as did the rods of Moses and Aaron. But, when it came to slaying the firstborn, the Lord said in effect, Thus far shalt thou go, and no further. The first born of the children of Israel were saved, while the firstborn of the children of Pharaoh and the other Egyptians were destroyed. I speak of this to show you that the wisdom of the Lord is greater than the cunning of the devil, and the power of the Priesthood is pre-eminent over every other power on the earth.
There are Latter-day Saints who apparently place their whole faith upon one of the gifts of the Gospel. Some may place their faith upon the gift of healing, others upon the gift of prophecy, others upon the gift of tongues or the interpretation of tongues. I say again that these gifts, in and of themselves, are not principles of salvation. They are given for the temporary comfort of the Saints. But the Holy Priesthood is 'without beginning of days or end of years; it will remain with the Saints throughout the eternal ages to come.
The Apostle Paul says:
"Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."—I Corinthians, 13: 810.
That is perfectly natural; for when that which is perfect is come, we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known. There will be no need for men to prophesy what shall take place, for we shall all see and understand it. In that day it will not be necessary for one to say to another, Know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him. Perfect knowledge 'will be enjoyed by all. We shall see eye to eye, and be of one heart and mind in the kingdom of God. It will not be necessary for any to speak in an unknown tongue: for the original Adamic language will be restored, and all shall speak in the one tongue. Hence how consistent it is to say, "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." These gifts are now given to us as a lamp to lighten our pathway, to encourage us when our spirits are drooping, to heal our bodies when we are afflicted, and to give us knowledge of things to come, that we may be buoyed up and go on to perfection. My brethren and sisters, this doctrine of Christian Science is not of God. Hypnotism is displeasing in the sight of the Lord, and those who practice it may be likened unto the charmers, soothsayers, sorcerers, and idolaters of ancient times. They were so repugnant in the sight of the Lord that He gave special laws to Israel in relation to them. Now, shall we, who have come out of darkness into light, turn away as the sow to wallow in the mire, or like the dog to his vomit? Shall we go back to the beggarly elements of the world? I say unto you, as said the old prophet, Let those who bear the vessels of the Lord be clean. Jesus said, "No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
I testify unto you, my friends, that the Lord our God has raised up Joseph Smith the Prophet in this our day. He has delivered unto the world the Book of Mormon, which is a history of the ancient inhabitants of this continent. It is the word of God to the people of the earth. It is the writings of prophets who have lived upon this land, just as the Bible is the writings of prophets in the land of Palestine, and a history of the dealings of God with ancient Israel. The heavens have been opened in our day. The Father and the Son appeared unto Joseph Smith, and the Gospel has been restored. This Gospel is being preached according to the commandment of the Savior. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." How can we keep the commands of God? By listening to His voice and doing His will. There are those m the world who are blighted with the idea that if they only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ they can be saved. This is a convenient and very popular doctrine. But Jesus said:
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."—Matthew 7: 22 23
"Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."—Matthew 7: 21.
This is the true doctrine of Christ. The world today are adopting some of the principles revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. A short time ago a great conclave of ministers met at Los Angeles for the purpose of remodeling their creed. Did you ever hear of the prophets of God in any age meeting to remodel the revelations of God, the Eternal Father, or His Son Jesus Christ? He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The word of God never changes. The Lord our God revealed unto His Prophet in this day the principle of infant salvation. What about infants? Why, it has been preached by sectarians for generations, that little infants who died without being baptized would be damned. Is there any man under the sound of my voice who can deny that this doctrine has been taught? You cannot deny it, because it is in the sectarian writings.' Yet Joseph Smith proclaimed the doctrine that little children come into the world pure and innocent, and they are not responsible for sin until they arrive at the years of accountability. I am very glad to see these ministers beginning to receive a little light. I believe there are no men so reluctant to get light into their heads as ministers. That is why they have received so little during the last sixty years. But, they are gradually beginning to observe the light; and I am glad they have, in a measure, adopted in their creed the revelation of God to Joseph Smith concerning infants. Another thing: Joseph Smith, under the command of God, taught the principle of tithing, and now some of our Christian friends are beginning to recommend the payment of tithing in their churches. I tell you the time will come when every principle that was revealed to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, in this last dispensation, will be adopted, one by one, until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess ;that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God. I have just had handed to me written evidence of what I have said regarding tithing. It is a card published by one of the churches, and reads as follows:
GOD'S FINANCIAL PLAN.
Believing that all Christians should systematically and sacredly set aside a certain proportion of their income for the cause of Christ; and furthermore, that it is the plain teaching of God's Word, and His Financial Plan, that one-tenth of our income belongs to Him;
Therefore, we hereby covenant with God and one another, that we will set aside one-tenth of our income, hold it as a sacred trust and give it for the cause of Christ;
That we, who make this covenant, by attaching our names hereto shall be known as members of the Tithing Band of the Epworth League, First Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles.
Date Name .
If I had been printing it, I would have had it like this:
"We hereby pledge ourselves, and sign our names, as members of Joseph Smith the Prophet Tithing League." Another thing: If I was going to do away with that wicked and corrupt doctrine of infant damnation, I would not get together a lot of ministers and learned men to make a fuss about it, as if they had made some wonderful discovery; but I would get up like a straightforward, honest man, and say, Joseph Smith the Prophet taught this years ago, I know it is true; therefore, let us adopt it. I say once more, my brethren and sisters, every principle which has been revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet will have to be acknowledged by every man, woman and child who desire to enter into the kingdom of our God, or they will never get there. This is my testimony unto you; for the Lord has spoken. This is not the work of man. It is not the work of these men who sit upon this stand. It is the work of the great Jehovah. And that day is at hand which was spoken of by the ancient prophets, and emphasized by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who 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."—Matthew 5: 17, 18.
There are some portions of the law, and some prophecies, that have not yet been fulfilled, while others are being fulfilled; and the day is at hand when these words of the Savior will be fully verified. Jeremiah the Prophet, after speaking of the scattering of Israel, and the curse of David for the sin which he committed in the matter of the wife of Uriah the Hittite, writes these words of the Lord:
"And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
"And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David, a righteous branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
"In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness.
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;
"But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own lands."—Jeremiah 23: 3-8.
"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." — Jeremiah 16: 16.
"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."— Jeremiah 3: 14, 15.
My friends, this is the destiny God has in store for His people.
"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."—Isaiah 2: 2, 3.
This is the word of God, and the gathering is now taking place. Jesus would have gathered the people in His day, but they would not receive Him: He said:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"—Matthew 23: 37.
The day, my friends, has arrived when Israel is being gathered from the four corners of the earth, and when Zion is arising and will shine, and will become the light and brightness of the whole earth. This is the work spoken of by the Prophet Daniel. He saw that "a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands," which "became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." The proclamation of this work will go from nation to nation, until every soul that lives upon the earth will have the privilege of hearing the sound thereof, and every honest man and woman will have the privilege of embracing it and becoming heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. The blood of our Lord and Savior was split, that He might redeem mankind, and it is only through His name we can be saved.
My brethren and sisters, the work is growing. We have still a great work to perform, and we should not waste our time on hypnotism, or Christian Science, or evolution, and such things. We have believers in evolution in our midst, and there is a little "blight upon the top of the trees" in this regard. As a servant of God I tell you mankind cannot be redeemed, worlds without end; cannot evolve, or crystalize, or get into the condition entitling them to become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, and to partake of the fulness of His glory; cannot go on to perfection, and sit down in the councils of heaven with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and those bright intelligences who created this world and others, only through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. All the evolution in the world will not save a single soul; neither will all the Christian Science, neither will spiritualism, nor hypnotism, nor any other ism that is not of God. The Gospel of Christ is so plain that a wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. Do you think the Lord was mistaken when He said light had come into the world, and that the children of sin might be known by their rejection of the light? Some of them acknowledge the principle of infant salvation, and some will receive the principle of tithing; but what is the effect of it? Just like the Savior said—they put a new patch on an old garment, and it only makes it the more unsightly. When they begin to accept the principle of tithing, the question arises, Where is your Prophet, the mouthpiece of the Lord, to guide and direct the people in the use of tithing? Some of them, I suppose, will have to go to the Pope or someone else to get instructions. Let me say to you, these are matters which should be considered seriously. If you allow any man or woman to coi.ie into your house and teach false doctrine, you are responsible. I do not want anyone to come into my house and teach doctrines that are not of God. Just as soon as I hear of them coming I lift up my voice against them. The idea of people assuming to teach the Latter-day Saints principles of salvation is to me the very height of absurdity. We are commanded to live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Then if I want the word of God concerning His kingdom, to whom shall I go? To His mouthpiece. I will go to President Joseph F. Smith and say, What is the word of the Lord concerning this matter? That is my duty, for he is the mouthpiece of the Lord, and it is his right to direct me, to bless me when I keep the commandments of God, and to admonish and correct me when I do not.
My brethren and sisters, let us walk in the light of the everlasting Gospel, and not be cherishing a dead faith. Let us not be haggling and talking about other religions, but be active members in the Church of Christ, doing our duty in all things, and setting examples before the children of men that shall be worthy of their imitation. If we are called to go and build up a Stake of Zion, let us do it. If we are called to build a temple, let us be on hand to fulfill the requirement. If we are called upon to build a sugar factory, let us willingly respond. If we are called upon to build a city, town or village, let us do that. That is the Spirit of the Gospel, as I understand it. Joseph Smith the Prophet said: Show me a man or woman who has the spirit of the Gospel within them, and I will show you a man or woman whose greatest desire is to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth. Jesus admonished His disciples not to seek after houses and lands, gold and silver, but to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Do we want anything more than that?
There are some people among the Latter-day Saints who have a little blight upon them in another way. When Lehi, in his vision, saw those who partook of the fruit of the tree of life, he beheld that the great multitude pointed the finger of scorn at them, insomuch that some turned their faces away and felt ashamed. I say, never let the blush of shame come upon your countenance on account of having kept the commandments of God. He will sustain you, and give you strength according to your day.
I feel well in my labors in the Church of Christ. I am thankful I am considered worthy to be numbered amongst you; and I hope to be humble and diligent in the performance of my duty as an Apostle of the Lord. Jesus Christ. I trust there will be no duty required of me that I will not be able to respond to. We all should feel alike in regard to these things. The Lord is no respecter of persons. He thinks just as much of you as He does of me. Which of you having children can justly say, I love this one, and hate the other? Neither is it so with our Father in heaven. He loves all His sons and daughters, and is willing to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon our heads that we shall not have room to receive. But no blessing will come unto the children of men, except by obedience to law. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." '"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." etc. Let us not attempt take any part of the Church of Christ away, nor add anything thereto. Let us accept it in all its beautiful symmetry; and then work in harmony with the authorities whom God has placed in His Church. Who are they? There need be no question about that, the Apostle said: "God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," etc. What for? "For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ laid His hands upon Peter and said unto him:
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
The other day I heard of a young man—an exemplary young- man as far as I can understand— who was about to marry a wife, and he was so busy with his labors (he is a school teacher, I think) that he had not time to go to the temple—which was only half a day’s journey—to be sealed with an eternal union and bond that never should be broken; but he intended to pass by the temple, go to the court house, get out a license, and there be married for time. Do you not know that people married for time are among those spoken of by Isaiah the Prophet when he said, "They have broken the everlasting covenant"—the everlasting covenant of marriage; for in ancient times they were married for time and eternity. God bless you. Amen.
Elder Willard Christophersen sang the favorite hymn "Shepherds of Israel."
ELDER WILLIAM H. LEWIS.
(President of Benson Stake.)
I take pleasure in reporting the Benson Stake in this Conference, and I trust that my remarks may be dictated by the Spirit of Almighty God.
The Benson stake of Zion is situated near the north boundary line of the state; and there are seven wards in it, which formerly belonged to Cache Stake. The population of the Stake is about six thousand. This season we have been blessed with a reasonably good harvest on the east side and in the center of the valley; but on the west side of the valley, which is an arid district without water, the crops have not been so good. We are endeavoring to keep pace with the other Stakes of Zion, in observing the instructions that are given by the servants of God. At Richmond we have in course of erection, and nearing completion, a condensed milk factory, which we anticipate will furnish employment for a large number of people, so that the young people need not have to go far to find work. We are mainly an agricultural community; farming and dairying constitute our chief occupations. From a financial standpoint, the people are fairly prosperous. On the west side of the valley, we have in course of construction a canal, upon which has been expended $120,000, and we are still bending our efforts in that direction, that we may increase facilities to make successful and pleasant homes for the Latter-day Saints. There is a great deal of good farming country that has not been brought to the state of high cultivation we hope to see it attain in the near future. We feel it our mission to do all the good we can for the people of whom we are a part; our united efforts are to build up Zion. In the north part of the valley, lands have been purchased with a view to the erection of a sugar factory. The project has not taken practical shape at the present time, but it is progressing in a fair way. We believe it is an enterprise that would help to develop the resources of the country.
The people as a rule, have paid a good proportion of tithing; we cannot say yet what it will amount to this year.
The presidency of the Stake meet together once a week, on Thursday evenings, and discuss matters pertaining to the spiritual and temporal interests of the people. The presiding authorities are united, and our efforts are to benefit the people over whom we preside. The High Counselors are good men, and we meet with them once a month. The members of the High Council visit among the people as home missionaries, and we aim to have return missionaries who come home filled with the spirit of their calling, act in this capacity also. We release them at the end of six months, and appoint others. The quorums and auxiliary organizations are in good working order, and the officers of the various societies visit the settlements every week or two, in the interest of their respective organizations. They are endeavoring to carry out the instructions given by the general boards. There has been and is a disposition on the part of some of the people, I have thought, to incur debt beyond their financial ability to make payment. We have warned them earnestly in regard to the bondage of debt, and advised them to extricate themselves. Where their homes are mortgaged, they are urged to raise the mortgages as quickly as possible; and not get anything they cannot pay for, so that they may be free to go and preach the Gospel when called upon, either at home or abroad. We have a generally good people in the Benson Stake. The presidency, the missionaries, and others who have to labor among the people, can go to the farthest settlement, hold two meetings, and return the same day, the distance being only about IS miles. We think it not a great task to go that far. Before Cache Stake was divided, some of us had to go 20 miles to Logan. Whatever is necessary to do in the interest of our Stake, we hope to be able to do it.
I bear my testimony that this is the work of Almighty God, and that it has come to stay. There is nothing of value to me outside of His kingdom. I know that Joseph Smith was truly a Prophet, and that Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith are his lawful successors. I pray that God may bless those who are endeavoring to roll on His work and to establish His purposes in the earth, and give them wisdom and power to do so to their entire satisfaction, and to the approval of the Master. That this may be our happy lot, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(President of Benson Stake.)
I take pleasure in reporting the Benson Stake in this Conference, and I trust that my remarks may be dictated by the Spirit of Almighty God.
The Benson stake of Zion is situated near the north boundary line of the state; and there are seven wards in it, which formerly belonged to Cache Stake. The population of the Stake is about six thousand. This season we have been blessed with a reasonably good harvest on the east side and in the center of the valley; but on the west side of the valley, which is an arid district without water, the crops have not been so good. We are endeavoring to keep pace with the other Stakes of Zion, in observing the instructions that are given by the servants of God. At Richmond we have in course of erection, and nearing completion, a condensed milk factory, which we anticipate will furnish employment for a large number of people, so that the young people need not have to go far to find work. We are mainly an agricultural community; farming and dairying constitute our chief occupations. From a financial standpoint, the people are fairly prosperous. On the west side of the valley, we have in course of construction a canal, upon which has been expended $120,000, and we are still bending our efforts in that direction, that we may increase facilities to make successful and pleasant homes for the Latter-day Saints. There is a great deal of good farming country that has not been brought to the state of high cultivation we hope to see it attain in the near future. We feel it our mission to do all the good we can for the people of whom we are a part; our united efforts are to build up Zion. In the north part of the valley, lands have been purchased with a view to the erection of a sugar factory. The project has not taken practical shape at the present time, but it is progressing in a fair way. We believe it is an enterprise that would help to develop the resources of the country.
The people as a rule, have paid a good proportion of tithing; we cannot say yet what it will amount to this year.
The presidency of the Stake meet together once a week, on Thursday evenings, and discuss matters pertaining to the spiritual and temporal interests of the people. The presiding authorities are united, and our efforts are to benefit the people over whom we preside. The High Counselors are good men, and we meet with them once a month. The members of the High Council visit among the people as home missionaries, and we aim to have return missionaries who come home filled with the spirit of their calling, act in this capacity also. We release them at the end of six months, and appoint others. The quorums and auxiliary organizations are in good working order, and the officers of the various societies visit the settlements every week or two, in the interest of their respective organizations. They are endeavoring to carry out the instructions given by the general boards. There has been and is a disposition on the part of some of the people, I have thought, to incur debt beyond their financial ability to make payment. We have warned them earnestly in regard to the bondage of debt, and advised them to extricate themselves. Where their homes are mortgaged, they are urged to raise the mortgages as quickly as possible; and not get anything they cannot pay for, so that they may be free to go and preach the Gospel when called upon, either at home or abroad. We have a generally good people in the Benson Stake. The presidency, the missionaries, and others who have to labor among the people, can go to the farthest settlement, hold two meetings, and return the same day, the distance being only about IS miles. We think it not a great task to go that far. Before Cache Stake was divided, some of us had to go 20 miles to Logan. Whatever is necessary to do in the interest of our Stake, we hope to be able to do it.
I bear my testimony that this is the work of Almighty God, and that it has come to stay. There is nothing of value to me outside of His kingdom. I know that Joseph Smith was truly a Prophet, and that Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith are his lawful successors. I pray that God may bless those who are endeavoring to roll on His work and to establish His purposes in the earth, and give them wisdom and power to do so to their entire satisfaction, and to the approval of the Master. That this may be our happy lot, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ELDER DAVID CAMERON,
(President of Panguitch Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, it is a little surprise to me to be called today to report the Panguitch stake, as I reported it at the last conference; but I am pleased and willing to do so again. In meeting with the people in general conference, and receiving the Spirit of the Lord, I always feel an increased determination to do better in the future than I have in the past.
The Panguitch stake is located in the southern part of Utah, adjoining Arizona. We have ten wards and one branch, and a little over 3,600 souls. The ward closest to the town of Panguitch is about 20 miles distant, the farthest one is about 70. It is a journey of about 200 miles to go around the Panguitch stake. We do not calculate on visiting all the wards on one trip; for we try to arrange to visit the people, as much as possible, on Sundays, consequently, it takes from two to four days to visit each ward. We have, in a general sense, a good people in Panguitch stake; nevertheless, there are some who are not living up to the requirements of the Gospel. There.. are individuals on the records of the Church who take no interest whatever in the work; they pay no tithing, and do none of the works pertaining to the Gospel. The teachers visit them, but they heard some of the teachers remark they were about tired visiting certain families or individuals. We are required to visit every non-tithepayer in the stake. Some who are visited give reasons for not paying, and they are reported to the Presiding Bishop; others state they do not believe in the principle. I have wondered if such individuals should be allowed to remain as members of the Church; apparently they cannot be converted. The stake report goes to the Presiding Bishop's office, with a record of tithepayers, part tithepayers, and non-tithepayers, and not only is every individual judged according to his works, but the stake is judged also. I have said to such people that if they do not propose to keep the laws of God, they should ask to be separated from the Church, because it is a detriment for them to remain members and do nothing. We have in our stake about 60 missionaries; they visit the various wards once a month. Every ward in the stake is visited on the same Sabbath; if any of the missionaries are unable to visit on the appointed Sabbath, they notify the Bishop of the ward, and inform him when they will visit. As far as our tithing is concerned, we cannot tell anything about this year's payments. Last year's was a little less than usual. There were various reasons for this shortage, the principal one being the drouth.
I remember many years ago, when I was a boy, hearing President Young state in Provo, where I lived, something like this: "Some people may think I am not leading the Church aright. Now, I will tell you how you may know when I do not lead the Church aright. The Lord will just nip my wind; for He will never allow any man to lead this Church astray." I have had a great deal of confidence in that saying, and I have not been the least alarmed in regard to the leading of this Church. I know it is the Church of Christ; I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet; and I know, if we live according to the requirements of the Gospel, we will be saved and exalted. That God may bless us and give us His Spirit, that we may observe His laws and keep His commandments, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Panguitch Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, it is a little surprise to me to be called today to report the Panguitch stake, as I reported it at the last conference; but I am pleased and willing to do so again. In meeting with the people in general conference, and receiving the Spirit of the Lord, I always feel an increased determination to do better in the future than I have in the past.
The Panguitch stake is located in the southern part of Utah, adjoining Arizona. We have ten wards and one branch, and a little over 3,600 souls. The ward closest to the town of Panguitch is about 20 miles distant, the farthest one is about 70. It is a journey of about 200 miles to go around the Panguitch stake. We do not calculate on visiting all the wards on one trip; for we try to arrange to visit the people, as much as possible, on Sundays, consequently, it takes from two to four days to visit each ward. We have, in a general sense, a good people in Panguitch stake; nevertheless, there are some who are not living up to the requirements of the Gospel. There.. are individuals on the records of the Church who take no interest whatever in the work; they pay no tithing, and do none of the works pertaining to the Gospel. The teachers visit them, but they heard some of the teachers remark they were about tired visiting certain families or individuals. We are required to visit every non-tithepayer in the stake. Some who are visited give reasons for not paying, and they are reported to the Presiding Bishop; others state they do not believe in the principle. I have wondered if such individuals should be allowed to remain as members of the Church; apparently they cannot be converted. The stake report goes to the Presiding Bishop's office, with a record of tithepayers, part tithepayers, and non-tithepayers, and not only is every individual judged according to his works, but the stake is judged also. I have said to such people that if they do not propose to keep the laws of God, they should ask to be separated from the Church, because it is a detriment for them to remain members and do nothing. We have in our stake about 60 missionaries; they visit the various wards once a month. Every ward in the stake is visited on the same Sabbath; if any of the missionaries are unable to visit on the appointed Sabbath, they notify the Bishop of the ward, and inform him when they will visit. As far as our tithing is concerned, we cannot tell anything about this year's payments. Last year's was a little less than usual. There were various reasons for this shortage, the principal one being the drouth.
I remember many years ago, when I was a boy, hearing President Young state in Provo, where I lived, something like this: "Some people may think I am not leading the Church aright. Now, I will tell you how you may know when I do not lead the Church aright. The Lord will just nip my wind; for He will never allow any man to lead this Church astray." I have had a great deal of confidence in that saying, and I have not been the least alarmed in regard to the leading of this Church. I know it is the Church of Christ; I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet; and I know, if we live according to the requirements of the Gospel, we will be saved and exalted. That God may bless us and give us His Spirit, that we may observe His laws and keep His commandments, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE.
Should be in harmony with divine teachings — promises to the faithful—A marvelous work Obedient enticed to a testimony of the truth—Training in the family circle.
While listening to the instructions given, especially this morning, with regard to the false influences that are in the world, it brought to my mind a revelation that was given in 1831. You will find it in the 46th section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; I will commence reading at the 7th verse:
"But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you, even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that we may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men for some are of men, and others of devils.
"Wherefore, beware lest ye be deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given."
When the Lord commenced this "marvelous work and a wonder," He gave some instruction to all who became members of His Church. You will find in the fourth section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, commencing at the 2nd verse, these words:
"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve Him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
"Therefore if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work."
What work? Why, this "marvelous work and a wonder" that the Lord said He was going to usher in among the children of men. This revelation was given in 1829, and the Lord said, "Now, behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." The revelation continues:
"And faith hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance patience brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
"Ask and ye shall receive knock and it shall be opened unto you."
I regard these as precious instructions that have come unto the members of the Church of Christ, in order that by their observance they may make their calling and election sure. I fear we do not sufficiently value the blessing that has been bestowed upon us in having the privilege of living upon the earth in the dispensation of the fulness of times; nor fully realize the need of being in harmony with these choice principles that the Lord has revealed; nor appreciate as we should the precious promises made to those who love Him and keep His commandments. In connection with this, I want to refer to the benefits resulting to us individually from keeping the commandments of God. I will now read from the 93rd section of the Doctrine and Covenants:
"Verily, thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am."
I consider this is a most precious promise. Of course, in the service of God we have something to do. We who have been warned, and have a living testimony, the Lord requires us to be faithful in bearing that testimony, so that the nations may be left without excuse. We need not say much more than state the results of our experience. We who were raised in the world, were subject to priestcraft, and false doctrine, and evil influences, but the Lord, in His loving kindness and tender mercy, and in the wonderful dispensations of His providence, brought us into His Church. He drew us into the fold. Very few of us would have had the moral courage to accept, the unpopular doctrine of Christ, under the circumstances in which we were placed, had we not been sustained by the power of God; for we are human, and it is natural to shrink from being on the unpopular side. We like to enjoy the good feeling and affection of our relatives and friends; but when we accepted the unpopular doctrine of Jesus Christ, they looked upon us as being deluded, deceived, and subject to priestcraft and false doctrine. Well, if we had been deceived, would it not have been better for them to have tried to lead us from the error of our ways, instead of condemning us so severely? But, we were convinced we had embraced the everlasting Gospel, which the Lord had restored to the earth. We inquired of the Lord, and He heard and answered our prayers.
We believe the revelations Joseph Smith received from the Almighty, and know they did not emanate from ignorance and superstition. I have read some of them to you; surely they cannot impress anybody that they are false doctrines. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whenever He has had a people upon the earth He has communicated with them. That is the object of the Gospel. How could we seek the Lord if we did not believe that He lives, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him? How could we ask of him if we did not believe He is our loving Father, our Creator; that we are in His likeness, and are His children, eternal as He Himself is? The thought of having the privilege to communicate with our Creator should be an inspiration to any man or woman who desires to be kind to himself or to herself.
There is no misrepresentation about this; simple facts are what we deal with. When we declare to the inhabitants of the earth that the Lord has spoken again from the heavens, has revealed Himself, and has restored to the earth His Church, as He promised, with apostles, .prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, we simply speak the truth. In this restoration the Lord gave to all the opportunity of obtaining redemption from death and hell, and of being associated with the "marvelous work and a wonder" spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah. The Lord said through that Prophet:
"Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me and their fear toward me, is taught by the precept of men:
"Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." — Isaiah, 29: 13, 14.
The Apostle Paul said, "the things oi God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God," showing that it is necessary for us to be taught of God by His Spirit. Jesus promised that whoso would do the will of the Father should know of the doctrine. He also said, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." The Latter-day Saints have received, and are continually receiving testimonies. During the past 50 years I have heard many individuals testify that they knew Joseph Smith was a true Prophet sent of God, they knew Jesus was the Christ, and they knew that God the Eternal Father lived, by the evidences they have had in their individual experiences. Now, God is no respecter of persons. We are all His children, and the Gospel is being preached in all the world for a witness, that all who desire eternal life may have the privilege of receiving it. Those who are in darkness, in idolatry, and under false impressions, may have the privilege of beholding the light that shines forth. They may obtain this living testimony by seeking to the Lord for it. Ask of God the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for light and truth, and a knowledge as to whether this wonderful work is of God. He has promised to draw nigh unto those who will draw nigh unto Him. God has chosen the weak things of the earth "and things which are naught, to bring to naught things which are."
We are not a people gifted in the wisdom of the world; in fact, it is said that the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. But we know what we are doing; we know that we have the truth. We know that we can have communion with the Almighty; we know that He hears and answers prayer. In every well-regulated family, prayer is offered at least twice a day—morning and evening. In the morning, when we are entering upon the duties of the day, if we have wisdom, and understand the value of the fellowship of the Spirit of God, we naturally ask for what we need, and, of course, we go down on our knees to do so. If we believe we are the children of God, that He hears and answers prayer: and that He can protect us from all evil, naturally we will pray to Him, because we want His blessing for ourselves, and for our wives and children. We should also pray for those upon whom rests the responsibility of guiding and directing the affairs of the Church of Christ on the earth. Then, if we acknowledge the hand of God in all things, we will naturally ask a blessing on our food, believing that the Lord is able to make it nourishing and strengthening to us, and impart to us the principle of life. He has given unto us the Word of Wisdom for our temporal salvation—not by commandment or constraint, but teaching us how to live that we may enjoy health, and have nerve power to live out our full time, and not be guilty of partaking of anything that will bring distress and pain upon us. That shows how kind and loving a Father we have, He even teaches His children what to eat and drink, and what to avoid.
Because of the way many of us have been educated, it was difficult to think it possible for us to hold communion with the Great Creator of the heavens, the earth and the fountains of water. But we now know that this is possible. We must remember, however, that we cannot do anything without His Spirit. We must have the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, and we can obtain it by righteous conduct, and by asking with an honest heart. The Lord knows our hearts; He knows our secret lives; He understands everything concerning us. He hath said to the sinner, "When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive." This is a precious promise to the erring children of the Father. Our message to the sinner is that if he will repent, cease to do evil and learn to do well, he shall receive a remission of his sins, through obedience to the Gospel and dedicating the rest of his life to the service of God. What a bright and glorious outlook, to be redeemed from sin and to have the privilege of walking in the light, receiving salvation, and obtaining a glorious resurrection! The Creator hath given us these glad tidings of great joy to carry to the people. Our testimonies are true. We know we shall have to meet the people to whom we have borne testimony, and then they will know most assuredly that we taught them the truth. All the faithful advocates of the Church of Christ have a living testimony concerning this work. The Lord desires to establish His righteousness upon the earth, and to make us better individually. We have an individuality, and I suppose each of us is pretty well satisfied with it: I don't know that any of us ever wanted to be anybody else. The object of the Gospel is to improve that individuality.
I say to this congregation there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, we all have to submit to the same conditions. The Lord Jesus Christ said, when John objected to baptizing Him, "Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Well, we must fulfill "all righteousness." We must have faith in the living and true God, and in the atonement of Jesus Christ, and worship God in His name. These conditions are common to all the world, and must be complied with by those who desire to be redeemed. It is also essential that we repent, and offer unto the Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is necessary that we be baptized by immersion, for the remission of sins, that we be born of the water, and thus be fitted and prepared for sanctification by the blood of Christ. Then, we must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the only way by which mankind can be redeemed, and obtain a glorious resurrection. Then we will be in harmony with the eternal principles of the Gospel.
The family altar should be in every man's house; he is the patriarch of the family, and everything should be done under his direction. He should offer prayer; his wife and children also should offer prayer in turn around the family altar. You cannot be a Saint without the fellowship of the Spirit of God; and you should train your children that they also may know the benefit of having its fellowship. We have embarked in the service of God, and He desires us to obey Him and keep His commandments. He hath said, "Ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not." Now, you know whether you do this or not, and whether you train your children to do it. You know if the voice of prayer, thanksgiving and praise is heard in your habitations. I say that is the way to train up our children. They have their individuality, and we cannot give unto them the testimony we possess; they have to receive the light in the same way we received it. They have to receive revelation from the source from which we obtained it. The only way we can help them in this matter is to manifest unto them that we believe in God, and in the worship of God; and tell them what they should ask for. If we train our children properly, they won't go far astray. It is the duty of the wife when the husband is away, to continue prayers and the worship of God in the household, and to see that the children are properly trained, and are taught the law of tithing, and the other essential principles of the Gospel.
The law of tithing is a divine law. The Lord does not require more of one than of another. One-tenth is required of all, no matter what our circumstances may be. A man is no friend to himself if he rejects the laws of God. He is unkind to himself when he ignores principles that lead to everlasting life. I would not for the world be without the living testimony that God has given to me; the voice of thanksgiving and praise is heard from me, because I am grateful for that testimony. When I think of what I might have been, if I had been left in the beggarly elements of the world; and when I think that God, in His loving kindness, brought me out of the world, and gave me the moral courage to endure contumely, and to be evil spoken of, I feel to praise and glorify His holy name.
I pray God that the spirit of this conference may be and abide with us. I pray that we may remain converted, and that we may serve the Lord with full purpose of heart, doing His will and keeping His commandments, that His name may be glorified, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the hymn:
All hail the glorious day,
By Prophets long foretold.
Benediction by Elder Seymour B. Young.
Should be in harmony with divine teachings — promises to the faithful—A marvelous work Obedient enticed to a testimony of the truth—Training in the family circle.
While listening to the instructions given, especially this morning, with regard to the false influences that are in the world, it brought to my mind a revelation that was given in 1831. You will find it in the 46th section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; I will commence reading at the 7th verse:
"But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you, even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that we may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men for some are of men, and others of devils.
"Wherefore, beware lest ye be deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given."
When the Lord commenced this "marvelous work and a wonder," He gave some instruction to all who became members of His Church. You will find in the fourth section of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, commencing at the 2nd verse, these words:
"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve Him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
"Therefore if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work."
What work? Why, this "marvelous work and a wonder" that the Lord said He was going to usher in among the children of men. This revelation was given in 1829, and the Lord said, "Now, behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men." The revelation continues:
"And faith hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance patience brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
"Ask and ye shall receive knock and it shall be opened unto you."
I regard these as precious instructions that have come unto the members of the Church of Christ, in order that by their observance they may make their calling and election sure. I fear we do not sufficiently value the blessing that has been bestowed upon us in having the privilege of living upon the earth in the dispensation of the fulness of times; nor fully realize the need of being in harmony with these choice principles that the Lord has revealed; nor appreciate as we should the precious promises made to those who love Him and keep His commandments. In connection with this, I want to refer to the benefits resulting to us individually from keeping the commandments of God. I will now read from the 93rd section of the Doctrine and Covenants:
"Verily, thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am."
I consider this is a most precious promise. Of course, in the service of God we have something to do. We who have been warned, and have a living testimony, the Lord requires us to be faithful in bearing that testimony, so that the nations may be left without excuse. We need not say much more than state the results of our experience. We who were raised in the world, were subject to priestcraft, and false doctrine, and evil influences, but the Lord, in His loving kindness and tender mercy, and in the wonderful dispensations of His providence, brought us into His Church. He drew us into the fold. Very few of us would have had the moral courage to accept, the unpopular doctrine of Christ, under the circumstances in which we were placed, had we not been sustained by the power of God; for we are human, and it is natural to shrink from being on the unpopular side. We like to enjoy the good feeling and affection of our relatives and friends; but when we accepted the unpopular doctrine of Jesus Christ, they looked upon us as being deluded, deceived, and subject to priestcraft and false doctrine. Well, if we had been deceived, would it not have been better for them to have tried to lead us from the error of our ways, instead of condemning us so severely? But, we were convinced we had embraced the everlasting Gospel, which the Lord had restored to the earth. We inquired of the Lord, and He heard and answered our prayers.
We believe the revelations Joseph Smith received from the Almighty, and know they did not emanate from ignorance and superstition. I have read some of them to you; surely they cannot impress anybody that they are false doctrines. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whenever He has had a people upon the earth He has communicated with them. That is the object of the Gospel. How could we seek the Lord if we did not believe that He lives, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him? How could we ask of him if we did not believe He is our loving Father, our Creator; that we are in His likeness, and are His children, eternal as He Himself is? The thought of having the privilege to communicate with our Creator should be an inspiration to any man or woman who desires to be kind to himself or to herself.
There is no misrepresentation about this; simple facts are what we deal with. When we declare to the inhabitants of the earth that the Lord has spoken again from the heavens, has revealed Himself, and has restored to the earth His Church, as He promised, with apostles, .prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, we simply speak the truth. In this restoration the Lord gave to all the opportunity of obtaining redemption from death and hell, and of being associated with the "marvelous work and a wonder" spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah. The Lord said through that Prophet:
"Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me and their fear toward me, is taught by the precept of men:
"Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." — Isaiah, 29: 13, 14.
The Apostle Paul said, "the things oi God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God," showing that it is necessary for us to be taught of God by His Spirit. Jesus promised that whoso would do the will of the Father should know of the doctrine. He also said, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." The Latter-day Saints have received, and are continually receiving testimonies. During the past 50 years I have heard many individuals testify that they knew Joseph Smith was a true Prophet sent of God, they knew Jesus was the Christ, and they knew that God the Eternal Father lived, by the evidences they have had in their individual experiences. Now, God is no respecter of persons. We are all His children, and the Gospel is being preached in all the world for a witness, that all who desire eternal life may have the privilege of receiving it. Those who are in darkness, in idolatry, and under false impressions, may have the privilege of beholding the light that shines forth. They may obtain this living testimony by seeking to the Lord for it. Ask of God the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for light and truth, and a knowledge as to whether this wonderful work is of God. He has promised to draw nigh unto those who will draw nigh unto Him. God has chosen the weak things of the earth "and things which are naught, to bring to naught things which are."
We are not a people gifted in the wisdom of the world; in fact, it is said that the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. But we know what we are doing; we know that we have the truth. We know that we can have communion with the Almighty; we know that He hears and answers prayer. In every well-regulated family, prayer is offered at least twice a day—morning and evening. In the morning, when we are entering upon the duties of the day, if we have wisdom, and understand the value of the fellowship of the Spirit of God, we naturally ask for what we need, and, of course, we go down on our knees to do so. If we believe we are the children of God, that He hears and answers prayer: and that He can protect us from all evil, naturally we will pray to Him, because we want His blessing for ourselves, and for our wives and children. We should also pray for those upon whom rests the responsibility of guiding and directing the affairs of the Church of Christ on the earth. Then, if we acknowledge the hand of God in all things, we will naturally ask a blessing on our food, believing that the Lord is able to make it nourishing and strengthening to us, and impart to us the principle of life. He has given unto us the Word of Wisdom for our temporal salvation—not by commandment or constraint, but teaching us how to live that we may enjoy health, and have nerve power to live out our full time, and not be guilty of partaking of anything that will bring distress and pain upon us. That shows how kind and loving a Father we have, He even teaches His children what to eat and drink, and what to avoid.
Because of the way many of us have been educated, it was difficult to think it possible for us to hold communion with the Great Creator of the heavens, the earth and the fountains of water. But we now know that this is possible. We must remember, however, that we cannot do anything without His Spirit. We must have the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, and we can obtain it by righteous conduct, and by asking with an honest heart. The Lord knows our hearts; He knows our secret lives; He understands everything concerning us. He hath said to the sinner, "When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive." This is a precious promise to the erring children of the Father. Our message to the sinner is that if he will repent, cease to do evil and learn to do well, he shall receive a remission of his sins, through obedience to the Gospel and dedicating the rest of his life to the service of God. What a bright and glorious outlook, to be redeemed from sin and to have the privilege of walking in the light, receiving salvation, and obtaining a glorious resurrection! The Creator hath given us these glad tidings of great joy to carry to the people. Our testimonies are true. We know we shall have to meet the people to whom we have borne testimony, and then they will know most assuredly that we taught them the truth. All the faithful advocates of the Church of Christ have a living testimony concerning this work. The Lord desires to establish His righteousness upon the earth, and to make us better individually. We have an individuality, and I suppose each of us is pretty well satisfied with it: I don't know that any of us ever wanted to be anybody else. The object of the Gospel is to improve that individuality.
I say to this congregation there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, we all have to submit to the same conditions. The Lord Jesus Christ said, when John objected to baptizing Him, "Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Well, we must fulfill "all righteousness." We must have faith in the living and true God, and in the atonement of Jesus Christ, and worship God in His name. These conditions are common to all the world, and must be complied with by those who desire to be redeemed. It is also essential that we repent, and offer unto the Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is necessary that we be baptized by immersion, for the remission of sins, that we be born of the water, and thus be fitted and prepared for sanctification by the blood of Christ. Then, we must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the only way by which mankind can be redeemed, and obtain a glorious resurrection. Then we will be in harmony with the eternal principles of the Gospel.
The family altar should be in every man's house; he is the patriarch of the family, and everything should be done under his direction. He should offer prayer; his wife and children also should offer prayer in turn around the family altar. You cannot be a Saint without the fellowship of the Spirit of God; and you should train your children that they also may know the benefit of having its fellowship. We have embarked in the service of God, and He desires us to obey Him and keep His commandments. He hath said, "Ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not." Now, you know whether you do this or not, and whether you train your children to do it. You know if the voice of prayer, thanksgiving and praise is heard in your habitations. I say that is the way to train up our children. They have their individuality, and we cannot give unto them the testimony we possess; they have to receive the light in the same way we received it. They have to receive revelation from the source from which we obtained it. The only way we can help them in this matter is to manifest unto them that we believe in God, and in the worship of God; and tell them what they should ask for. If we train our children properly, they won't go far astray. It is the duty of the wife when the husband is away, to continue prayers and the worship of God in the household, and to see that the children are properly trained, and are taught the law of tithing, and the other essential principles of the Gospel.
The law of tithing is a divine law. The Lord does not require more of one than of another. One-tenth is required of all, no matter what our circumstances may be. A man is no friend to himself if he rejects the laws of God. He is unkind to himself when he ignores principles that lead to everlasting life. I would not for the world be without the living testimony that God has given to me; the voice of thanksgiving and praise is heard from me, because I am grateful for that testimony. When I think of what I might have been, if I had been left in the beggarly elements of the world; and when I think that God, in His loving kindness, brought me out of the world, and gave me the moral courage to endure contumely, and to be evil spoken of, I feel to praise and glorify His holy name.
I pray God that the spirit of this conference may be and abide with us. I pray that we may remain converted, and that we may serve the Lord with full purpose of heart, doing His will and keeping His commandments, that His name may be glorified, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the hymn:
All hail the glorious day,
By Prophets long foretold.
Benediction by Elder Seymour B. Young.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The choir sang the hymn:
How are Thy servants blessed;
O Lord, How sure is their defense!
Eternal wisdom is their guide,
Their help, Omnipotence.
Opening prayer by Bishop William B. Preston.
Singing by the choir:
We're not ashamed to own our Lord,
And worship Him on earth;
We love to learn his holy word,
And know what souls are worth.
The choir sang the hymn:
How are Thy servants blessed;
O Lord, How sure is their defense!
Eternal wisdom is their guide,
Their help, Omnipotence.
Opening prayer by Bishop William B. Preston.
Singing by the choir:
We're not ashamed to own our Lord,
And worship Him on earth;
We love to learn his holy word,
And know what souls are worth.
ELDER M. F. COWLEY.
The Saints responsible to God—How we are regarded by the world—United order versus socialism— Necessity of exact compliance with law of tithing—Development of natural resources— Important general duties.
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you in the privilege of attending this conference, and, feeling my weakness in standing before you. I am anxious that you will sustain ma by your prayers of faith, that the Holy Spirit may suggest, as He has done to the other brethren, what ought to be said.
Many good things are said to us, and the benefit that we shall derive from them will depend upon the use we make of them. We should not be hearers of the word alone; we should be doers of it. It is the doing of the word of God, the keeping of His commandments in all things, that will count to our credit, to our salvation from the evils of this life, and to our complete redemption from the effects of sin and the fall, in the life which is to come.
This is a practical work. It is a work in which every individual should feel a personal responsibility—a responsibility that awakens a consciousness in our souls that God expects something of us, and that we are accountable to Him for the light which we have received. We are indebted to the Lord, and not to man, for the light that we have, and for the situation that we occupy before the world in a religious sense. I claim that every favorable condition surrounding the Latter-day Saints and every blessing we enjoy, whether it be spiritual or temporal, is due to the Gospel and the great work God has established. Our situation in these mountains is not the result of the wisdom of man. A gentleman said to me the other day, as we were coming through Echo, "When Brigham Young established himself and his people in these mountain valleys he made no mistake. He understood that it was the best spot of earth between the Missouri river and the Pacific coast, and was the place for the people." Of course, he told the truth, but he did not wish to acknowledge that President Brigham Young was guided in the selection of this land by the spirit of revelation from God. He did not feel to acknowledge that God had His hand in it at all. It is the same in regard to every other feature of this work. We had pointed out to us this morning very clearly, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost upon Elder Taylor, how that the Gospel, restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, is affecting the religious world. This is true, and they are proving that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, whether they believe it or not. But they are not adopting our ideas for the purpose of drawing interest to this work, or of establishing any disposition in the hearts of the people to investigate what they call "Mormonism." They have no such purpose in view. And in this connection I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that understanding as we do that these truths have emanated from God, and have been presented to us in His revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith, we ought not to be so blind as to go off after some kind of a side issue.
I met a brother some time ago who was quite prominent in the community where he lived, and he had organized a little socialistic party, which, I suppose, from a political standpoint, he had a right to do; but he told me that all the people ought to be socialists, for the reason that socialism, he said, is the United Order, and the more we can get .to join the Socialist party the easier it will be to establish the United Order when the time comes. I had to ask him if he was so blind as to believe that after God has revealed the principles of the United Order, and the people are not prepared to carry them out, you can go to some institution of the world and find those principles and exemplify them for the benefit of mankind. I told him that no matter how near the world come to the theories of the Gospel, no matter how much they try to establish them, without the Spirit of the Gospel and the authority of the Holy Priesthood they never can carry them out, worlds without end. Humanity is too selfish to carry out these great laws of God. The disposition of the world to accept some of the theories and doctrines of the Gospel as enunciated by the Prophet Joseph Smith over 70 years ago, is designed by the adversary as a delusion more than anything else. I remember trying to show a preacher that these doctrines, some of which he claimed to believe, had been advanced by the Prophet Joseph Smith over 70 years ago. He wanted to deny it, but could not bring the proof to sustain his denial. He said that the principle of the redemption of the dead was intimated by some theologians before the days of Joseph Smith. In this way they are trying to keep the people from the fountain of truth. In effect they say to the people: We have the law of tithing, we have the doctrine of the atonement of Christ, and we believe in infant salvation, and you need not join the Latter-day Saints for these doctrines. They are commencing to say that they have the doctrine of the redemption of the dead, and that the spirits are preached to in the spirit world, and it is not necessary to go to the Latter-day Saints to find out those things. By this means they are seeking to keep the people in the dark and away from the authority of God where the ordinances of eternal life are" to be found.
With the testimony that we have of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I say that no Latter-day Saint is justified in going after these spirits and following after these institutions in the world, whether they be of a spiritual or of a temporal nature. God has established His work, and within it is found every element that is essential for the salvation of the people, temporally and spiritually. The Lord has revealed unto us a plan of temporal salvation. He has given us the law of tithing. He has said that if we abide by that law this land shall be a land of Zion unto us, and by this law it shall be consecrated. This is the word of the Lord to the Latter-day Saints, and in connection with it He has promised that the seed of the righteous shall never be found begging for bread. Have we faith, my brethren and sisters, to carry out the laws of God, that we may enjoy the blessings which come from obedience thereto? As has been stated, men of the world have discernment enough to see that there is some power in this work which they do not comprehend. One of our leading senators, who is now deceased, made the statement in California that the "Mormon" Church was the only religious institution on earth that contemplated the temporal salvation of its members. He stated that in the city of San Francisco were people reveling in wealth, while side by side with them were others in the dregs of poverty; but the "Mormon" Church, he said, looked after the poor. By their law of tithing they see that no one suffers, they build their temples and their sacred houses; and after a while, by their law of consecration and stewardship they claim to have a union in spiritual and temporal things that will bind the people together completely.
My brethren and sisters, it is our duty to keep these glorious principles in view. I do not know of any path of safety for the Latter-day Saints, only that which finds us in the discharge of every duty. When our tithing is due, we should pay it, and not put it off to the end of the year. If we use that which belongs to the Lord, when we come to settle our tithing it will not be on hand, and in all probability we shall find ourselves unable to pay an honest tithing. Those who have indulged in this practice ought to repent of it. We should pay our tithes when our substance comes to us. And we should pay in kind, and not substitute something that is inferior to that which we ought to pay. In ancient times the Lord forbade this. I recall that the Lord actually pronounced a curse upon anyone who would offer as a sacrifice anything that had a blemish, or that was old and useless. It was designed that the offering should be clean and pure and without blemish, that it might symbolize in the best possible manner the offering of the Son of God. The law of tithing is similar. God does not demand of us the very best, and yet He would not be displeased if we were disposed to offer the best; but He is not pleased when we select from our substance that which is the poorest and bring it into His storehouse. You perhaps remember the law in ancient Israel regarding the selection of animals that were to be consecrated as tithing. The Lord said. that every one that passed under the rod should be holy to the Lord. As I understand this, they had what we would call a corral, and as the animals passed out one at the time, every tenth one was marked by a rod in the hands of the man who stood at the entrance, and that one was holy unto the Lord. He did not demand the best, nor did He justify the selection of the poorest; but He dealt fairly with the people. Yet He has dealt with us far more generously than He did with ancient Israel. When we think of how He has blessed us in this glorious land—how the people are extended from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south — Fifty-one stakes of Zion—and how we have increased and prospered, surely He has blessed us exceedingly.
I almost shudder sometimes when I hoar men say they have made great sacrifices for the Gospel's sake. Have we made any sacrifice for the Gospel's sake? Is it a sacrifice for a man to lay aside his sins? Is it a sacrifice for a man who is addicted to tobacco, to lay it aside? or addicted to liquor, to repent of that evil? or addicted to profanity, to lay that aside and honor the name of Deity? or a violator of the Sabbath day, or guilty of any vice, to lay that aside and purify himself by obedience to the laws of God? Why, it is no more of a sacrifice to the immortal spirit of man than it is to wash our bodies when they are unclean. Now, I have never been across the ocean, and I have not personally witnessed the temporal condition of the Saints of God in Europe; but I have been in the United States, and I have mingled with the Saints in various parts of the Union, and I have found scores and scores of families that did not own one foot of land, did not own the house that covered them, and did not own a horse or a cow. They were simply tenants. What has brought a change to these families and made them prosperous in these mountain valleys? Has it not been the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Has it not been the principle of gathering? I see the Salvation Army has adopted the principle of gathering now. They are gathering and colonizing. But it is the great work of God that has brought us here. Where in all these Stakes of Zion are the families that have no home of their own? What percentage of those living in rural districts do not possess their own homes, with teams and cows, and other resources of employment? How many are there in such a destitute condition as they were in the world? I will venture to say that there are very few indeed. And let me say further, if the Latter-day Saints were prepared to carry out the counsel of the servants of God there would be a still better condition among us than there is today, speaking from a temporal standpoint.
You heard what Brother Heber J. Grant said yesterday in regard to the effort that had to be made to establish and maintain one little sugar factory in the community. Men feared to invest for the benefit of the people, and the Lord came to the assistance of His servants. He inspired President Woodruff to say that it was the will of the Lord that that should not be a failure. Nevertheless we had to send outside and borrow money of the Gentiles, in order to establish that industry; but they have been paid back, and the enterprise is a great success. So I say we have not sacrificed very much temporally for the Gospel's sake. When it comes to religious matters, what kind of houses of worship had we in the world? It is only recently that we had any of our own at all. Down in the Southern States they used to burn them up almost as soon as they were built. I believe the last one they built was in Kentucky, and in order that it might not be burned down they insured it; but the mob took axes and cattle and tore it down, and pulled the logs apart with their oxen, in order to beat around the protection our people had placed upon it. No matter about that; as I was saying, our people had very few nice houses of worship to meet in before they gathered to Zion. What do we find here? In almost every ward we find a suitable place of worship, and we are improving in this direction all the time. We have a most beautiful house in Pocatello—just as good as any in Salt Lake City, I believe. They are building another one at Wellsville. Then, we have not sacrificed anything in that direction, have we? And when you talk about forsaking father and mother, sister and brother for the Gospel's sake, how much of a sacrifice have we made? What did Jesus say to His disciples when they asked, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" He said unto them, "Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Maybe you forsook your father and mother; maybe they turned their backs upon you. What if they did? You have come to this land and found fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, just as the Son of God said to His disciples. One came unto him and said, "Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee;" and He asked, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?" Answering the question himself, He pointed to His disciples and said, '"Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." And have you not found it thus? What else can we say? Why this: that the man who forsakes his father and mother for the Gospel's sake has accepted something in the Gospel that will bring his father and mother, his sister and brother to him, and they will fulfill the words of the Prophet Obadiah that "saviors shall come up on mount Zion."
I might say more in this line if there were time, but let me say to the Latter- day Saints that we ought not to talk about sacrificing for the Gospel's sake. We ought not to forget the obligations we are under to God for the great blessings that He has bestowed upon us. We ought not to be unmindful of the fact that it is through the Gospel that all these blessings have come unto us. Now, it does not matter what the world do—whether they are friendly to us or not—so far as the work of God is concerned. It matters to them materially, however, whether they treat the work of God properly or not. If they do not treat it right, if they persecute the people of God, woe unto them! for thus saith the Lord, I will fight against those who fight against Zion. That is the word of the Lord to the inhabitants of the earth. But whether they oppose it or not, the work of God is onward and upward, and the principles of the Gospel are spreading abroad among the nations of the earth. I am happy to say that our Elders bring good reports, as a rule. The more they put their trust in God and travel without money and without price, the better report they bring, the stronger testimonies they come back with in regard to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power connected with it.
I rejoice in this work, and in the opportunity of mingling my testimony with that of my brethren. I know that this is the work of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that the men who have succeeded him in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been men of God, and that our President today is a man of God, a man of righteousness and justice, a man of example in the Gospel that is worthy of our following in every sense of the word. I say to the brethren and sisters, do not only sustain the presidency of the Church, but also sustain your Bishops, sustain your stake presidents, sustain your ward teachers, and sustain the humblest in the holy Priesthood whom God has appointed unto the work of the ministry In the fourth chapter of Ephesians Paul names the purpose of apostles, prophets, etc. He said they were for the work of the ministry, for the perfecting of the Saints, and for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to a unity of the faith. But he mentions another purpose— a very distinct purpose, and I thought, in listening to the remarks of Elder Taylor, that it was a very important purpose among the Latter-day Saints. The purpose is, "that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." My brethren and sisters, if you will bear in mind that purpose, and follow the ordained ministry that God has established in your midst, you will not go astray. Follow their counsel, pay your tithes and offerings, and sustain the work of God temporally and spiritually, and I am willing to promise you, in the name of the Lord, that you will not be led astray by the winds of doctrine that are going forth in the land. If you do not do this, you will be led away. We want men and women who accept the Gospel in its fulness; good, substantial Latter-day Saints; not those who, like the world, make a hobby of one principle and neglect all others, but Latter-day Saints who, if they go on missions and are greatly blessed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, are willing on their return to be ward teachers, or Sunday school teachers, or Deacons in the house of the Lord, and not expect to occupy all their time in standing before the people and preaching big sermons. Some of the best Latter-day Saints we have do not say much, but they do a great deal. The thing for us to do is to go to work, and we need not talk about it either. When we pay our tithing, we need not sound a trumpet before us. When we pay our fast offerings we need not publish it in the papers. But do our duty, honor God and keep His commandments, and say nothing about it. The Lord will see us, and He will bless us. The Son of God pointed out the hypocrisy of the world in this direction. He said, "They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you. They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and they Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Remember that, my brethren and sisters, and seek God in secret prayer. And when I say this to you, I say it to myself also.
Before I close, I want to ask the Latter- day Saints to sustain the religion classes of this Church. I say that we need them. There is no family in the Church so perfect in its family government, no man and no woman has such unbounded influence over their families, but what these auxiliary institutions will be of some benefit unto them.
I want to say another thing. I said it yesterday in the Assembly Hall, and the Lord revealed it to me while I was upon my feet. If any of you have any grievances with your brethren or your sisters; if any of you stand adverse to the authorities of your Ward or Stake, or have anything against them, I ask you not to talk about it before your children. If you do, you will poison the minds of your children against the work of God, and the day will come when you will wish that you could draw it back. You will have cause to be sorry for their condition, and you will have a consciousness that you have helped to poison their minds against the servants of God and against the principles of divine truth. Remember this. It is the simple things that will secure our safety. It is the little foxes that spoil the vines, Solomon and Bishop Reuben Miller used to say. It is the performance of the little duties that will establish us in the work of God.
God bless you, my brethren and sisters. May you return to your homes renewed in your determination to serve God. Sustain the religion class work, and all the institutions that the Lord has established in the work of God, and God Himself will sustain you by His power in time and in all eternity. Amen.
The Saints responsible to God—How we are regarded by the world—United order versus socialism— Necessity of exact compliance with law of tithing—Development of natural resources— Important general duties.
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you in the privilege of attending this conference, and, feeling my weakness in standing before you. I am anxious that you will sustain ma by your prayers of faith, that the Holy Spirit may suggest, as He has done to the other brethren, what ought to be said.
Many good things are said to us, and the benefit that we shall derive from them will depend upon the use we make of them. We should not be hearers of the word alone; we should be doers of it. It is the doing of the word of God, the keeping of His commandments in all things, that will count to our credit, to our salvation from the evils of this life, and to our complete redemption from the effects of sin and the fall, in the life which is to come.
This is a practical work. It is a work in which every individual should feel a personal responsibility—a responsibility that awakens a consciousness in our souls that God expects something of us, and that we are accountable to Him for the light which we have received. We are indebted to the Lord, and not to man, for the light that we have, and for the situation that we occupy before the world in a religious sense. I claim that every favorable condition surrounding the Latter-day Saints and every blessing we enjoy, whether it be spiritual or temporal, is due to the Gospel and the great work God has established. Our situation in these mountains is not the result of the wisdom of man. A gentleman said to me the other day, as we were coming through Echo, "When Brigham Young established himself and his people in these mountain valleys he made no mistake. He understood that it was the best spot of earth between the Missouri river and the Pacific coast, and was the place for the people." Of course, he told the truth, but he did not wish to acknowledge that President Brigham Young was guided in the selection of this land by the spirit of revelation from God. He did not feel to acknowledge that God had His hand in it at all. It is the same in regard to every other feature of this work. We had pointed out to us this morning very clearly, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost upon Elder Taylor, how that the Gospel, restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, is affecting the religious world. This is true, and they are proving that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, whether they believe it or not. But they are not adopting our ideas for the purpose of drawing interest to this work, or of establishing any disposition in the hearts of the people to investigate what they call "Mormonism." They have no such purpose in view. And in this connection I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that understanding as we do that these truths have emanated from God, and have been presented to us in His revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith, we ought not to be so blind as to go off after some kind of a side issue.
I met a brother some time ago who was quite prominent in the community where he lived, and he had organized a little socialistic party, which, I suppose, from a political standpoint, he had a right to do; but he told me that all the people ought to be socialists, for the reason that socialism, he said, is the United Order, and the more we can get .to join the Socialist party the easier it will be to establish the United Order when the time comes. I had to ask him if he was so blind as to believe that after God has revealed the principles of the United Order, and the people are not prepared to carry them out, you can go to some institution of the world and find those principles and exemplify them for the benefit of mankind. I told him that no matter how near the world come to the theories of the Gospel, no matter how much they try to establish them, without the Spirit of the Gospel and the authority of the Holy Priesthood they never can carry them out, worlds without end. Humanity is too selfish to carry out these great laws of God. The disposition of the world to accept some of the theories and doctrines of the Gospel as enunciated by the Prophet Joseph Smith over 70 years ago, is designed by the adversary as a delusion more than anything else. I remember trying to show a preacher that these doctrines, some of which he claimed to believe, had been advanced by the Prophet Joseph Smith over 70 years ago. He wanted to deny it, but could not bring the proof to sustain his denial. He said that the principle of the redemption of the dead was intimated by some theologians before the days of Joseph Smith. In this way they are trying to keep the people from the fountain of truth. In effect they say to the people: We have the law of tithing, we have the doctrine of the atonement of Christ, and we believe in infant salvation, and you need not join the Latter-day Saints for these doctrines. They are commencing to say that they have the doctrine of the redemption of the dead, and that the spirits are preached to in the spirit world, and it is not necessary to go to the Latter-day Saints to find out those things. By this means they are seeking to keep the people in the dark and away from the authority of God where the ordinances of eternal life are" to be found.
With the testimony that we have of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I say that no Latter-day Saint is justified in going after these spirits and following after these institutions in the world, whether they be of a spiritual or of a temporal nature. God has established His work, and within it is found every element that is essential for the salvation of the people, temporally and spiritually. The Lord has revealed unto us a plan of temporal salvation. He has given us the law of tithing. He has said that if we abide by that law this land shall be a land of Zion unto us, and by this law it shall be consecrated. This is the word of the Lord to the Latter-day Saints, and in connection with it He has promised that the seed of the righteous shall never be found begging for bread. Have we faith, my brethren and sisters, to carry out the laws of God, that we may enjoy the blessings which come from obedience thereto? As has been stated, men of the world have discernment enough to see that there is some power in this work which they do not comprehend. One of our leading senators, who is now deceased, made the statement in California that the "Mormon" Church was the only religious institution on earth that contemplated the temporal salvation of its members. He stated that in the city of San Francisco were people reveling in wealth, while side by side with them were others in the dregs of poverty; but the "Mormon" Church, he said, looked after the poor. By their law of tithing they see that no one suffers, they build their temples and their sacred houses; and after a while, by their law of consecration and stewardship they claim to have a union in spiritual and temporal things that will bind the people together completely.
My brethren and sisters, it is our duty to keep these glorious principles in view. I do not know of any path of safety for the Latter-day Saints, only that which finds us in the discharge of every duty. When our tithing is due, we should pay it, and not put it off to the end of the year. If we use that which belongs to the Lord, when we come to settle our tithing it will not be on hand, and in all probability we shall find ourselves unable to pay an honest tithing. Those who have indulged in this practice ought to repent of it. We should pay our tithes when our substance comes to us. And we should pay in kind, and not substitute something that is inferior to that which we ought to pay. In ancient times the Lord forbade this. I recall that the Lord actually pronounced a curse upon anyone who would offer as a sacrifice anything that had a blemish, or that was old and useless. It was designed that the offering should be clean and pure and without blemish, that it might symbolize in the best possible manner the offering of the Son of God. The law of tithing is similar. God does not demand of us the very best, and yet He would not be displeased if we were disposed to offer the best; but He is not pleased when we select from our substance that which is the poorest and bring it into His storehouse. You perhaps remember the law in ancient Israel regarding the selection of animals that were to be consecrated as tithing. The Lord said. that every one that passed under the rod should be holy to the Lord. As I understand this, they had what we would call a corral, and as the animals passed out one at the time, every tenth one was marked by a rod in the hands of the man who stood at the entrance, and that one was holy unto the Lord. He did not demand the best, nor did He justify the selection of the poorest; but He dealt fairly with the people. Yet He has dealt with us far more generously than He did with ancient Israel. When we think of how He has blessed us in this glorious land—how the people are extended from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south — Fifty-one stakes of Zion—and how we have increased and prospered, surely He has blessed us exceedingly.
I almost shudder sometimes when I hoar men say they have made great sacrifices for the Gospel's sake. Have we made any sacrifice for the Gospel's sake? Is it a sacrifice for a man to lay aside his sins? Is it a sacrifice for a man who is addicted to tobacco, to lay it aside? or addicted to liquor, to repent of that evil? or addicted to profanity, to lay that aside and honor the name of Deity? or a violator of the Sabbath day, or guilty of any vice, to lay that aside and purify himself by obedience to the laws of God? Why, it is no more of a sacrifice to the immortal spirit of man than it is to wash our bodies when they are unclean. Now, I have never been across the ocean, and I have not personally witnessed the temporal condition of the Saints of God in Europe; but I have been in the United States, and I have mingled with the Saints in various parts of the Union, and I have found scores and scores of families that did not own one foot of land, did not own the house that covered them, and did not own a horse or a cow. They were simply tenants. What has brought a change to these families and made them prosperous in these mountain valleys? Has it not been the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Has it not been the principle of gathering? I see the Salvation Army has adopted the principle of gathering now. They are gathering and colonizing. But it is the great work of God that has brought us here. Where in all these Stakes of Zion are the families that have no home of their own? What percentage of those living in rural districts do not possess their own homes, with teams and cows, and other resources of employment? How many are there in such a destitute condition as they were in the world? I will venture to say that there are very few indeed. And let me say further, if the Latter-day Saints were prepared to carry out the counsel of the servants of God there would be a still better condition among us than there is today, speaking from a temporal standpoint.
You heard what Brother Heber J. Grant said yesterday in regard to the effort that had to be made to establish and maintain one little sugar factory in the community. Men feared to invest for the benefit of the people, and the Lord came to the assistance of His servants. He inspired President Woodruff to say that it was the will of the Lord that that should not be a failure. Nevertheless we had to send outside and borrow money of the Gentiles, in order to establish that industry; but they have been paid back, and the enterprise is a great success. So I say we have not sacrificed very much temporally for the Gospel's sake. When it comes to religious matters, what kind of houses of worship had we in the world? It is only recently that we had any of our own at all. Down in the Southern States they used to burn them up almost as soon as they were built. I believe the last one they built was in Kentucky, and in order that it might not be burned down they insured it; but the mob took axes and cattle and tore it down, and pulled the logs apart with their oxen, in order to beat around the protection our people had placed upon it. No matter about that; as I was saying, our people had very few nice houses of worship to meet in before they gathered to Zion. What do we find here? In almost every ward we find a suitable place of worship, and we are improving in this direction all the time. We have a most beautiful house in Pocatello—just as good as any in Salt Lake City, I believe. They are building another one at Wellsville. Then, we have not sacrificed anything in that direction, have we? And when you talk about forsaking father and mother, sister and brother for the Gospel's sake, how much of a sacrifice have we made? What did Jesus say to His disciples when they asked, "Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" He said unto them, "Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Maybe you forsook your father and mother; maybe they turned their backs upon you. What if they did? You have come to this land and found fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, just as the Son of God said to His disciples. One came unto him and said, "Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee;" and He asked, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?" Answering the question himself, He pointed to His disciples and said, '"Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." And have you not found it thus? What else can we say? Why this: that the man who forsakes his father and mother for the Gospel's sake has accepted something in the Gospel that will bring his father and mother, his sister and brother to him, and they will fulfill the words of the Prophet Obadiah that "saviors shall come up on mount Zion."
I might say more in this line if there were time, but let me say to the Latter- day Saints that we ought not to talk about sacrificing for the Gospel's sake. We ought not to forget the obligations we are under to God for the great blessings that He has bestowed upon us. We ought not to be unmindful of the fact that it is through the Gospel that all these blessings have come unto us. Now, it does not matter what the world do—whether they are friendly to us or not—so far as the work of God is concerned. It matters to them materially, however, whether they treat the work of God properly or not. If they do not treat it right, if they persecute the people of God, woe unto them! for thus saith the Lord, I will fight against those who fight against Zion. That is the word of the Lord to the inhabitants of the earth. But whether they oppose it or not, the work of God is onward and upward, and the principles of the Gospel are spreading abroad among the nations of the earth. I am happy to say that our Elders bring good reports, as a rule. The more they put their trust in God and travel without money and without price, the better report they bring, the stronger testimonies they come back with in regard to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power connected with it.
I rejoice in this work, and in the opportunity of mingling my testimony with that of my brethren. I know that this is the work of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that the men who have succeeded him in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been men of God, and that our President today is a man of God, a man of righteousness and justice, a man of example in the Gospel that is worthy of our following in every sense of the word. I say to the brethren and sisters, do not only sustain the presidency of the Church, but also sustain your Bishops, sustain your stake presidents, sustain your ward teachers, and sustain the humblest in the holy Priesthood whom God has appointed unto the work of the ministry In the fourth chapter of Ephesians Paul names the purpose of apostles, prophets, etc. He said they were for the work of the ministry, for the perfecting of the Saints, and for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to a unity of the faith. But he mentions another purpose— a very distinct purpose, and I thought, in listening to the remarks of Elder Taylor, that it was a very important purpose among the Latter-day Saints. The purpose is, "that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." My brethren and sisters, if you will bear in mind that purpose, and follow the ordained ministry that God has established in your midst, you will not go astray. Follow their counsel, pay your tithes and offerings, and sustain the work of God temporally and spiritually, and I am willing to promise you, in the name of the Lord, that you will not be led astray by the winds of doctrine that are going forth in the land. If you do not do this, you will be led away. We want men and women who accept the Gospel in its fulness; good, substantial Latter-day Saints; not those who, like the world, make a hobby of one principle and neglect all others, but Latter-day Saints who, if they go on missions and are greatly blessed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, are willing on their return to be ward teachers, or Sunday school teachers, or Deacons in the house of the Lord, and not expect to occupy all their time in standing before the people and preaching big sermons. Some of the best Latter-day Saints we have do not say much, but they do a great deal. The thing for us to do is to go to work, and we need not talk about it either. When we pay our tithing, we need not sound a trumpet before us. When we pay our fast offerings we need not publish it in the papers. But do our duty, honor God and keep His commandments, and say nothing about it. The Lord will see us, and He will bless us. The Son of God pointed out the hypocrisy of the world in this direction. He said, "They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you. They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and they Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Remember that, my brethren and sisters, and seek God in secret prayer. And when I say this to you, I say it to myself also.
Before I close, I want to ask the Latter- day Saints to sustain the religion classes of this Church. I say that we need them. There is no family in the Church so perfect in its family government, no man and no woman has such unbounded influence over their families, but what these auxiliary institutions will be of some benefit unto them.
I want to say another thing. I said it yesterday in the Assembly Hall, and the Lord revealed it to me while I was upon my feet. If any of you have any grievances with your brethren or your sisters; if any of you stand adverse to the authorities of your Ward or Stake, or have anything against them, I ask you not to talk about it before your children. If you do, you will poison the minds of your children against the work of God, and the day will come when you will wish that you could draw it back. You will have cause to be sorry for their condition, and you will have a consciousness that you have helped to poison their minds against the servants of God and against the principles of divine truth. Remember this. It is the simple things that will secure our safety. It is the little foxes that spoil the vines, Solomon and Bishop Reuben Miller used to say. It is the performance of the little duties that will establish us in the work of God.
God bless you, my brethren and sisters. May you return to your homes renewed in your determination to serve God. Sustain the religion class work, and all the institutions that the Lord has established in the work of God, and God Himself will sustain you by His power in time and in all eternity. Amen.
ELDER RUDGER CLAWSON.
The sin of idleness—Arduous duties of the First Presidency, the Twelve, Seven Presidents or Seventies, Presiding Bishopric and other quorums of the Priesthood.
Brethren and sisters, I trust that I shall be able to make you hear. I have rejoiced exceedingly in the spirit and teachings of this conference. We have had a rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and we are indeed a blessed people.
While sitting here, the thought occurred to me that the system and order of the Priesthood in this Church is so perfect, there is no need for any of us to waste time; and it would be a shame for a man in this Church, holding any portion of the holy Priesthood, to say he had nothing to do. It is a mistaken idea for any man to entertain, for there is plenty to do. I remember, reading in one of the revelations, a passage that bears upon this point. You will find it in Section 107 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and these are the closing words of the revelation:
"Wherefore now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
"He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand."
In another revelation—Section 68 — these words occur:
"And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remember their labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord."
Again, in Section 75:
"Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the Church, except he repents and mends his ways."
From these passages, we can see that idleness is a positive sin, and that those who indulge in this spirit, to the neglect of their- duties, shall be found unworthy of fellowship in the Church.
Brethren and sisters, if I can have the freedom of the Spirit, I would like to make a brief report concerning some of the general authorities of the Church. I think the Saints are justified in looking to the general authorities for an example. If the head is sick, the body will also be sick; but if the head is wide awake, the body will be full of light. This is true of the Church in all ages of the world.
First, I would like to say a word about the First Presidency of the Church. We have them with us today. They are in good health and form. We have heard their voices. I think I can truthfully say there are no three men in the Church who are busier, more industrious or whose time is more occupied, than the Presidency. There is a great weight of responsibility resting upon them. They are called to stand at the head of the Church, and direct matters pertaining to fifty-one stakes of Zion and fourteen missions. These brethren have to consider matters of moment that are submitted to them from the stakes of Zion. Many written communications of great importance are received by them, which require the most thoughtful consideration. They are in session almost daily, giving their attention to these matters. In addition to the very large correspondence which they have to answer, many of the officers of the stakes come in person and seek interviews with the Presidency of the Church. They must be seen; it is their right to be seen; they come for counsel on matters of moment and interest to the Latter-day Saints. Furthermore, many strangers call at the president's office, anxious to meet the president and his counselors, and to shake hands with them. The reputation of this people has gone abroad to the world, and many eminent people, in passing through, stop in Zion, being anxious to see those who preside over this peculiar people. And let me say to you, brethren and sisters, the stranger within our gates who desires an interview is never denied. The Presidency are very happy to see them, talk with them, and bear testimony to them. In addition to these arduous and strenuous labors, the President of the Church presides over some very important auxiliary organizations. He is the head of the great Sunday school organization in the Church. We had some evidence of its magnitude last night, when this Tabernacle was crowded, every seat occupied and people standing up, all interested in the Sunday schools. He is also general superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, which embrace about 28,000 young men of Israel—a whole army; and they acknowledge him as their special leader, counselor and director. He is also editor of the "Improvement Era" and the "Juvenile Instructor." In addition to all this, the President has been called—and very fittingly—to stand at the head of some of the great temporal institutions of Zion. Does it not seem right to you that he has been called to represent the great co-operative movement that was instituted by President Brigham Young, and that has accomplished so much good for Zion? I refer now to Z. C. M. I. We all know about this institution, and what it has done for the people. To use a common expression, it has "set the pace" in business. It has a wonderful influence in the business affairs of this and other states, in adjusting prices, and conducting business in a right and proper manner. If you do not always trade there, brethren and sisters, you want to remember this: when you go to other places and get low prices, Z. C. M. I. has helped to establish those prices, by its powerful influence. The President has also been called to stand at the head of two or three sugar factories, which are great and prosperous industries, benefitting the people of Zion. Therefore, he is not only our spiritual leader, but also our temporal leader in some important directions. In our Church the spiritual and temporal, it may be said, go hand in hand, the dividing line cannot be drawn. In addition to all these duties, which I have but briefly mentioned, the Presidency of the Church often go into the different Stakes of Zion to visit among the people. I cannot understand how they get the time to do it. First, you hear of the Presidency being down in Arizona, or in Mexico; and next you hear of them in Canada, or in the Big Horn country, or in Oregon. So far as I understand, they are very happy indeed to go and mingle with the Latter-day Saints, and lift their voices in counsel or warning. I have sometimes wondered if the Presidency realize, to the fullest extent, the amount of good accomplished through their visits to the Stakes of Zion. The Apostles who follow them understand it. I reiterate my former statement, that there are no three men in all Israel who are busier and more active than the Presidency of the Church. I rejoice in the truth of this testimony.
Now we come to consider the labors of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Let me speak briefly in. relation to the quorum, which stands next to the Presidency. The quorum of the Twelve Apostles meets regularly once a week with the Presidency. They meet as a quorum every quarter, for three days. To the members of the quorum, these meetings are of the very highest importance. The brethren come together in order to pray, bear testimony and take into consideration such matters as may be brought before them. Wherever duty calls, the Twelve must go. They are willing and anxious to visit the Saints in Stake conferences, or to go into the world. They hold themselves in readiness to respond at a moment's notice to the calls of the Presidency of the Church. When they return from such visits, they must render an account of their stewardship. The labors of each week must be reported to the Presidency. In this way the Presidency of the Church are made familiar with conditions in Zion. Let me say, there is not a stake in all Zion that escapes notice. There is not a president of a Stake nor a counselor and, in a general way, I may say, there is not a Bishop but who comes under the notice of the Presidency of the Church, through these reports. We want the brethren in the various stakes to understand that their labors are appreciated, and that their faithfulness is known. And when things are all right, oh how grand and beautiful it is! How pleased the Twelve are to report favorable conditions in the stakes of Zion! When anything is wrong, when there is a lack of faithfulness upon the part of any holding the Priesthood in the stakes of Zion, it is known; and known only to be corrected. We would like the people to understand that the Priesthood is mindful of them. We know your faithfulness; and where there is indifference, we are aware of it. Although existing evils may not be corrected at once, let me say to you that generally they are known and discussed in the councils of the Holy Priesthood. The Twelve esteem it as binding upon them, when in the city, to be present at their meetings. They regard it as one of their highest duties; they feel they must be there, unless perchance there is sickness or death in the family, or they are sent elsewhere by the Presidency. That is how they feel in relation to their quorum meetings. That is how we want the brethren of the Priesthood throughout the Church to feel, in relation to their respective quorum meetings. We rejoice in our labors. I testify that there is a spirit of oneness, and of love, in the quorum of the Twelve, and existing also between them and the Presidency of the Church, such as you will hardly find among any other men upon earth. A love for one another that almost exceeds the love of a man for his wife. It is the love of the Priesthood—the love of God.
Next to the Twelve Apostles are the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies. Oh, what a heavy weight of responsibility rests upon these seven men! They are called to preside over 143 quorums of Seventy—ten thousand men! Suppose they were lined up in the Tabernacle yard in one body, what an army of the Lord it would be! These seven presidents are called to look after the interests of this great body of Seventies, to counsel, to direct, to warn them against the spirit of neglect and indifference, or commend them for their good works. Have they any time fop idleness? Have they any time to waste? No. indeed! These men meet together regularly once a week, that they may counsel concerning the affairs of the quorums of Seventy, which are scattered throughout the Church, from Canada in the north to Mexico in the south. Then, they are constantly visiting the quorums, organizing and reorganizing. They have some serious difficulties to meet in this work, because, when, in some instances, they get a right good man to fill an office and do the work, he is called to another position in the Church, and then they must select some other man in the quorum to meet the requirements. It needs constant watchfulness upon their part to keep the members active in their quorum duties. In addition to this, the seven presidents of Seventies labor under the direction of the Twelve Apostles, and hold themselves in constant readiness to respond to every call. They are always on hand; we know where to find them. They go with the Twelve into the stakes of Zion, or wherever duty calls, in a spirit of cheerfulness and willingness. These brethren are faithful to their duty.
Then, we have the Presiding Bishopric of the Church. They are called to a great and heavy responsibility. Three men who look after the temporal interests of Zion and supervise the tithing donated by the people. The principle of tithing is an important one. One of the speakers said today, if the members in some of the other Christian denominations pay tithing, who will take care of it? Where is the prophet to direct how the tithing shall be used and handled for the Lord? It belongs to the Lord, and not to the people; it must go into the storehouse of the Lord, and where is the servant of God authorized to direct its proper use? Here are the Bishopric called to this sacred duty, under the Presidency of the Church, and who are held to strict accountability for their stewardship. As the 600, and more, Bishops of the Church must report to them, so they must report to the Presidency of the Church. It is a heavy duty that rests upon these brethren, and they are in session—I was going to say day and night; but every day they consult together, and many important questions come up before them. They have many things to look after, which necessitates their going into the different stakes and correcting errors that may arise. I bear testimony that never in the history of the Church, so far as I know, has the tithing of the people been so carefully looked after and accounted for, cent for cent, as it is today. The Latter-day Saints need have no anxiety upon this point. The tithing is taken care of scrupulously, under the direction of the First Presidency, and this according to the revelation and commandment. It entails great anxiety and labor upon these three men, and they cannot escape it, in fact, they cheerfully sustain the responsibility. Through the blessing of the Lord, they successfully perform this duty. If it were not for His blessing, they could not bear up under the pressure.
Some people have said to me, "Oh, what a lovely time you Apostles have! You are traveling here and there, and enjoy yourselves and have a delightful time." Yes, yes, a very delightful time. (?) If the Apostles have the spirit of their calling resting upon them, it is delightful, it is happiness and joy to them; but if the spirit of the Apostleship did not rest upon them, it would be a very strenuous duty. The Apostles are away from their families about two-thirds of the time, and are seldom at home on the Sabbath day. Others can go to the house of worship with wives and children, and have the children under their supervision; it is not so with the Apostles, they are usually absent in the stakes of Zion. With them it is a constant change—change of diet, change of lodging, change of surroundings; which would make it a very disagreeable and strenuous life to lead, were it not for the sustaining power of the spirit of their calling. So it is with the Seven Presidents of Seventies; and so, I apprehend, it is with the Bishopric. Doubtless the presiding Bishopric have a great deal of joy and satisfaction in their labors, because the spirit and power of the Bishopric is upon them; but if they were without that spirit, their position would be very undesirable. And so it is with all the Bishops, and all the presiding authorities.
In conclusion, I wish to say that the presidents of stakes are desired to meet regularly every week, to counsel, and devise plans for the benefit of those over whom they preside. We expect them to hold these weekly meetings without fail, and to give attention to the purposes of them. We also desire the Bishops of wards and their counselors to meet regularly once a week, with the same faithfulness as is shown by the presiding authorities. No Bishopric should let a week pass without coming together, to enquire into the conditions that prevail in the ward, and to correct any evils that may exist. These meetings also bring them into greater harmony, and they become better acquainted with one another. It is necessary that the Bishop and his counselors should understand each other thoroughly, that they may labor unitedly for the benefit and blessing of their people. So with the High Council; and so with the presidency of quorums. We want the leaders to be alive and wide awake, and faithful to duty in all things.
May God bless you and all Israel; and, above all things, may He bless the priesthood, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The sin of idleness—Arduous duties of the First Presidency, the Twelve, Seven Presidents or Seventies, Presiding Bishopric and other quorums of the Priesthood.
Brethren and sisters, I trust that I shall be able to make you hear. I have rejoiced exceedingly in the spirit and teachings of this conference. We have had a rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and we are indeed a blessed people.
While sitting here, the thought occurred to me that the system and order of the Priesthood in this Church is so perfect, there is no need for any of us to waste time; and it would be a shame for a man in this Church, holding any portion of the holy Priesthood, to say he had nothing to do. It is a mistaken idea for any man to entertain, for there is plenty to do. I remember, reading in one of the revelations, a passage that bears upon this point. You will find it in Section 107 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and these are the closing words of the revelation:
"Wherefore now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
"He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand."
In another revelation—Section 68 — these words occur:
"And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remember their labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord."
Again, in Section 75:
"Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the Church, except he repents and mends his ways."
From these passages, we can see that idleness is a positive sin, and that those who indulge in this spirit, to the neglect of their- duties, shall be found unworthy of fellowship in the Church.
Brethren and sisters, if I can have the freedom of the Spirit, I would like to make a brief report concerning some of the general authorities of the Church. I think the Saints are justified in looking to the general authorities for an example. If the head is sick, the body will also be sick; but if the head is wide awake, the body will be full of light. This is true of the Church in all ages of the world.
First, I would like to say a word about the First Presidency of the Church. We have them with us today. They are in good health and form. We have heard their voices. I think I can truthfully say there are no three men in the Church who are busier, more industrious or whose time is more occupied, than the Presidency. There is a great weight of responsibility resting upon them. They are called to stand at the head of the Church, and direct matters pertaining to fifty-one stakes of Zion and fourteen missions. These brethren have to consider matters of moment that are submitted to them from the stakes of Zion. Many written communications of great importance are received by them, which require the most thoughtful consideration. They are in session almost daily, giving their attention to these matters. In addition to the very large correspondence which they have to answer, many of the officers of the stakes come in person and seek interviews with the Presidency of the Church. They must be seen; it is their right to be seen; they come for counsel on matters of moment and interest to the Latter-day Saints. Furthermore, many strangers call at the president's office, anxious to meet the president and his counselors, and to shake hands with them. The reputation of this people has gone abroad to the world, and many eminent people, in passing through, stop in Zion, being anxious to see those who preside over this peculiar people. And let me say to you, brethren and sisters, the stranger within our gates who desires an interview is never denied. The Presidency are very happy to see them, talk with them, and bear testimony to them. In addition to these arduous and strenuous labors, the President of the Church presides over some very important auxiliary organizations. He is the head of the great Sunday school organization in the Church. We had some evidence of its magnitude last night, when this Tabernacle was crowded, every seat occupied and people standing up, all interested in the Sunday schools. He is also general superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, which embrace about 28,000 young men of Israel—a whole army; and they acknowledge him as their special leader, counselor and director. He is also editor of the "Improvement Era" and the "Juvenile Instructor." In addition to all this, the President has been called—and very fittingly—to stand at the head of some of the great temporal institutions of Zion. Does it not seem right to you that he has been called to represent the great co-operative movement that was instituted by President Brigham Young, and that has accomplished so much good for Zion? I refer now to Z. C. M. I. We all know about this institution, and what it has done for the people. To use a common expression, it has "set the pace" in business. It has a wonderful influence in the business affairs of this and other states, in adjusting prices, and conducting business in a right and proper manner. If you do not always trade there, brethren and sisters, you want to remember this: when you go to other places and get low prices, Z. C. M. I. has helped to establish those prices, by its powerful influence. The President has also been called to stand at the head of two or three sugar factories, which are great and prosperous industries, benefitting the people of Zion. Therefore, he is not only our spiritual leader, but also our temporal leader in some important directions. In our Church the spiritual and temporal, it may be said, go hand in hand, the dividing line cannot be drawn. In addition to all these duties, which I have but briefly mentioned, the Presidency of the Church often go into the different Stakes of Zion to visit among the people. I cannot understand how they get the time to do it. First, you hear of the Presidency being down in Arizona, or in Mexico; and next you hear of them in Canada, or in the Big Horn country, or in Oregon. So far as I understand, they are very happy indeed to go and mingle with the Latter-day Saints, and lift their voices in counsel or warning. I have sometimes wondered if the Presidency realize, to the fullest extent, the amount of good accomplished through their visits to the Stakes of Zion. The Apostles who follow them understand it. I reiterate my former statement, that there are no three men in all Israel who are busier and more active than the Presidency of the Church. I rejoice in the truth of this testimony.
Now we come to consider the labors of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Let me speak briefly in. relation to the quorum, which stands next to the Presidency. The quorum of the Twelve Apostles meets regularly once a week with the Presidency. They meet as a quorum every quarter, for three days. To the members of the quorum, these meetings are of the very highest importance. The brethren come together in order to pray, bear testimony and take into consideration such matters as may be brought before them. Wherever duty calls, the Twelve must go. They are willing and anxious to visit the Saints in Stake conferences, or to go into the world. They hold themselves in readiness to respond at a moment's notice to the calls of the Presidency of the Church. When they return from such visits, they must render an account of their stewardship. The labors of each week must be reported to the Presidency. In this way the Presidency of the Church are made familiar with conditions in Zion. Let me say, there is not a stake in all Zion that escapes notice. There is not a president of a Stake nor a counselor and, in a general way, I may say, there is not a Bishop but who comes under the notice of the Presidency of the Church, through these reports. We want the brethren in the various stakes to understand that their labors are appreciated, and that their faithfulness is known. And when things are all right, oh how grand and beautiful it is! How pleased the Twelve are to report favorable conditions in the stakes of Zion! When anything is wrong, when there is a lack of faithfulness upon the part of any holding the Priesthood in the stakes of Zion, it is known; and known only to be corrected. We would like the people to understand that the Priesthood is mindful of them. We know your faithfulness; and where there is indifference, we are aware of it. Although existing evils may not be corrected at once, let me say to you that generally they are known and discussed in the councils of the Holy Priesthood. The Twelve esteem it as binding upon them, when in the city, to be present at their meetings. They regard it as one of their highest duties; they feel they must be there, unless perchance there is sickness or death in the family, or they are sent elsewhere by the Presidency. That is how they feel in relation to their quorum meetings. That is how we want the brethren of the Priesthood throughout the Church to feel, in relation to their respective quorum meetings. We rejoice in our labors. I testify that there is a spirit of oneness, and of love, in the quorum of the Twelve, and existing also between them and the Presidency of the Church, such as you will hardly find among any other men upon earth. A love for one another that almost exceeds the love of a man for his wife. It is the love of the Priesthood—the love of God.
Next to the Twelve Apostles are the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies. Oh, what a heavy weight of responsibility rests upon these seven men! They are called to preside over 143 quorums of Seventy—ten thousand men! Suppose they were lined up in the Tabernacle yard in one body, what an army of the Lord it would be! These seven presidents are called to look after the interests of this great body of Seventies, to counsel, to direct, to warn them against the spirit of neglect and indifference, or commend them for their good works. Have they any time fop idleness? Have they any time to waste? No. indeed! These men meet together regularly once a week, that they may counsel concerning the affairs of the quorums of Seventy, which are scattered throughout the Church, from Canada in the north to Mexico in the south. Then, they are constantly visiting the quorums, organizing and reorganizing. They have some serious difficulties to meet in this work, because, when, in some instances, they get a right good man to fill an office and do the work, he is called to another position in the Church, and then they must select some other man in the quorum to meet the requirements. It needs constant watchfulness upon their part to keep the members active in their quorum duties. In addition to this, the seven presidents of Seventies labor under the direction of the Twelve Apostles, and hold themselves in constant readiness to respond to every call. They are always on hand; we know where to find them. They go with the Twelve into the stakes of Zion, or wherever duty calls, in a spirit of cheerfulness and willingness. These brethren are faithful to their duty.
Then, we have the Presiding Bishopric of the Church. They are called to a great and heavy responsibility. Three men who look after the temporal interests of Zion and supervise the tithing donated by the people. The principle of tithing is an important one. One of the speakers said today, if the members in some of the other Christian denominations pay tithing, who will take care of it? Where is the prophet to direct how the tithing shall be used and handled for the Lord? It belongs to the Lord, and not to the people; it must go into the storehouse of the Lord, and where is the servant of God authorized to direct its proper use? Here are the Bishopric called to this sacred duty, under the Presidency of the Church, and who are held to strict accountability for their stewardship. As the 600, and more, Bishops of the Church must report to them, so they must report to the Presidency of the Church. It is a heavy duty that rests upon these brethren, and they are in session—I was going to say day and night; but every day they consult together, and many important questions come up before them. They have many things to look after, which necessitates their going into the different stakes and correcting errors that may arise. I bear testimony that never in the history of the Church, so far as I know, has the tithing of the people been so carefully looked after and accounted for, cent for cent, as it is today. The Latter-day Saints need have no anxiety upon this point. The tithing is taken care of scrupulously, under the direction of the First Presidency, and this according to the revelation and commandment. It entails great anxiety and labor upon these three men, and they cannot escape it, in fact, they cheerfully sustain the responsibility. Through the blessing of the Lord, they successfully perform this duty. If it were not for His blessing, they could not bear up under the pressure.
Some people have said to me, "Oh, what a lovely time you Apostles have! You are traveling here and there, and enjoy yourselves and have a delightful time." Yes, yes, a very delightful time. (?) If the Apostles have the spirit of their calling resting upon them, it is delightful, it is happiness and joy to them; but if the spirit of the Apostleship did not rest upon them, it would be a very strenuous duty. The Apostles are away from their families about two-thirds of the time, and are seldom at home on the Sabbath day. Others can go to the house of worship with wives and children, and have the children under their supervision; it is not so with the Apostles, they are usually absent in the stakes of Zion. With them it is a constant change—change of diet, change of lodging, change of surroundings; which would make it a very disagreeable and strenuous life to lead, were it not for the sustaining power of the spirit of their calling. So it is with the Seven Presidents of Seventies; and so, I apprehend, it is with the Bishopric. Doubtless the presiding Bishopric have a great deal of joy and satisfaction in their labors, because the spirit and power of the Bishopric is upon them; but if they were without that spirit, their position would be very undesirable. And so it is with all the Bishops, and all the presiding authorities.
In conclusion, I wish to say that the presidents of stakes are desired to meet regularly every week, to counsel, and devise plans for the benefit of those over whom they preside. We expect them to hold these weekly meetings without fail, and to give attention to the purposes of them. We also desire the Bishops of wards and their counselors to meet regularly once a week, with the same faithfulness as is shown by the presiding authorities. No Bishopric should let a week pass without coming together, to enquire into the conditions that prevail in the ward, and to correct any evils that may exist. These meetings also bring them into greater harmony, and they become better acquainted with one another. It is necessary that the Bishop and his counselors should understand each other thoroughly, that they may labor unitedly for the benefit and blessing of their people. So with the High Council; and so with the presidency of quorums. We want the leaders to be alive and wide awake, and faithful to duty in all things.
May God bless you and all Israel; and, above all things, may He bless the priesthood, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER REED SMOOT.
Relating to colonization—Religious education commended— A plea for righteousness—Training of children—Importance of scholastic education.
I am very thankful, my brothers and sisters, for the privilege I have had of listening to the remarks that have been made during this conference. I have enjoyed the testimonies that have been borne, and the Spirit of God that has been present. I am thankful for the prayers that have been offered. Each prayer in itself has been a sermon. I am thankful for the statements of principles that have been given during this conference, and that I am in harmony with the same. I am thankful that the world is growing in knowledge pertaining to some of the revelations that God has given His children. I am thankful that the Presbyterian ministers have seen the error of their position in advocating the detestable doctrine of infant damnation, and have announced to the world that they no more will preach that false theory. I am thankful that some of the Methodist ministers have seen the light, and are advocating the observance of the law of tithing. I am thankful that General Booth-Tucker, of the Salvation Army, is preaching to the world the great principle of colonization. At the National Irrigation Congress, held recently at Ogden, Utah, the gentleman named read a paper on the subject that was indeed praiseworthy. I listened with rapt attention to every idea he expressed upon that important theme. The mode of colonization adopted by the Salvation Army, compared with that established and followed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shows to me, and must ultimately prove to the world, that there is always a difference between the ways of God and the ways of man. The general told us that the Salvation Army people believe in colonization, and that the body of religious people he represented were spending money, time, and influence in gathering their people from this and other countries, placing them upon farms, and making homes for them. But they are (doing it, my brethren and sisters, by the help of the great money powers of the world. They are borrowing money by the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and making the land on which they colonize their people, together with the labor of the colonists, become security for the money advanced. With them it is simply a business proposition. I have thought to myself, however, what would they do if they were in the same condition as the Latter-day Saints were when the great principle of gathering and colonizing was revealed and established, with no friends anywhere upon the face of the earth, no credit with the money powers of the world, and hardly a dollar to buy lands for the people to go to. I thought of the perpetual emigration fund that was started with a small sum of money, through which a few souls here and there were brought to the valleys of the mountains; and, as soon as God blessed them with sufficient means, they paid it back to the Presidency of the Church, who controlled that fund, and it in turn brought others here. It was slower; it was a great deal more of a sacrifice and required a great deal more faith, but it brought many an honest soul here, and they learned what colonization was in its truest sense. They learned also what gathering meant, and believed the revelations that God had given concerning it; and they learned through hardships, trials and troubles that it was God's will they should gather, and that they were here for the purpose of living their religion and serving God more fully.
I am thankful, too, that many of the leading men in great institutions of learning in the United States, are at the present time deploring the lack of church training shown by the average student attending these great universities. Not later than last Wednesday, September 30, Chancellor McCracken of New York University, in his address to the student body, made the following statement:
"I wish we could require from every freshman a Sunday school diploma that would certify that he knew by heart the ten commandments, the sermon on the mount, a church catechism of some kind, a score of scripture psalms and best classic hymns. This university will join any association of universities and colleges that will demand this as an entrance requirement. So much as in us lies, we will make the college a place for preserving and strengthening reverence for things divine."
President Brigham Young, when establishing the Brigham Young Academy at Provo, and the Brigham Young College at Logan, told the people, and required of those who had these institutions in charge, that nothing should be taught therein, not even the simplest studies in arithmetic, reading, or grammar, or a lesson on any subject, without the Spirit of God being with the teacher and in his instructions. I see in Chancellor McCracken's remark that they are beginning- to see the light, and I care not whether the world gives us credit as the original teachers of these truths or not. The honest people of the world, those who read and think, those who are watching the events of life as they pass, will learn ere long who were the first teachers of these great truths; and ascertain what Church first taught the law of tithing in this dispensation, and that it was the Lord's revealed plan for raising means to carry on His work. The world will have to acknowledge sooner or later that it was no other than the Latter-day Saints; that it was the Prophet Joseph Smith who received that revelation in this dispensation. The truths revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we are presenting to the world, will demonstrate that he was a Prophet of God, and not a man with false ideas or vicious doctrines, as our enemies declare. I feel that every step forward, every advance we have made is towards the goal of success, and the firm establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ, representing the little stone cut out of the mountain that will roll forth and fill the whole earth.
I thought yesterday, when President Lund was pleading with the people, asking them to keep the commandments of God, also when President Joseph F. Smith referred to the proper training of our children, calling particular attention of the people to these two important items, how natural it sounds. Have not these admonitions been given by every inspired man of God from the day of father Adam down to the present time—men whom God recognized as His mouthpieces upon earth? I thought of the words recorded in Deuteronomy, chapter 11, commencing at the 13th verse:
"And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,
"That I will give you the rain of your land in due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
"And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
"Take heed to yourselves that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
"And then the Lord's wrath will be kindled against you, and he shut up the heavens, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you.
"Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
"And ye shall teach them unto your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down and when thou risest up.
"And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates.
"That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth."
Away back in the beginning of the history of this world we find these teachings, and they are repeated to the Latter-day Saints. I call to mind a revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet teaching the same subject. It is in section 68:
"And, again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents;
"For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her Stakes which are organized;
"And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of hands,
"And they shall also teach their children to pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord.
"And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
"And the inhabitants of Zion shall also remember their labors inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord."
I believe every word of this revelation, and I believe that one of the most important things that rests upon every Latter-day Saint, father and mother, is the training of their children, teaching them the laws and commandments of God. Do we teach our children to pray? If there is a home in all Zion; if there is a father or mother in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who do not teach their children to pray they will live to see the day when they will repent of that neglect. I believe with all my heart that God revealed those words to the prophet Joseph Smith, and that parent should follow them strictly.
I believe it was two years ago that Elder A. O. Woodruff in conference referred to the duty of praying in the family, not only praying, but before prayers, reading some part of the scriptures, and advised all to do so. I accepted that advice. We should designate a certain time, just before supper, or breakfast, or just after as the case may be, to get all the family together, and then take 10 or 15 minutes for the purpose of reading to them the word of God, and offering devotion to Him. I promise the father and mother who adopt this as a family rule that they will be blessed in so doing. Their children will bless them in years to come, and they will feel blessed in doing it as long as they live. I have heard others say they have adopted this plan for family devotion in their homes, and through it they have become better acquainted with the scriptures: that they have been better able to teach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ than ever they were before. I earnestly ask every Latter-day Saint family to adopt this plan. I see in the audience Brother E. J. Wood of Cardston, Canada. I stopped at his home on a recent visit to Canada. Every morning there was a chapter read from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or some other book containing the principles of the Gospel; a hymn was sung, and prayers were offered. He took his turn as mouth, his wife took her turn; his wife's sister was there, and she took her turn; the children took their turn, and the spirit of prayer and peace was in his home, as it will be in every home where that is done. Not only that, it makes people better, and has an influence for good on all who visit the home. In my home we have prayers night and morning, and my children pray in turn. No matter who comes to visit us, we pray as usual, and they cannot help but feel the spirit of prayer. I have had individuals who are strangers to this people and to the Gospel we believe in, come to my home, and they have heard my children ask a blessing upon the food; they have seen them kneel with the family and heard them offer their simple but earnest prayers to God, and I tell you it has had an influence upon them, and it has been an influence for good. Afterwards I have heard of it, outside of the state, while in conversation with men and women who said that the person who visited me reported to them what they had seen and heard.
This is one way of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and teaching it to strangers. Everything we do in this life that leads people to understand that we love Jesus, that we love His Gospel, and that we are trying to serve him and keep his commandments, is preaching, by action at least, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It will have its influence upon every soul. The fruits of the Gospel should be shown in the lives of the members of the Church. I have heard it said that missionaries have been called, set apart, and gone to their fields of labor, never having prayed in public or in the family circle. Thank the Lord there are not many of these, but as long as there is one such there is one too many. I hope and trust that no father, claiming to be a Latter-day Saint, will ever raise a boy or girl in the Church of Jesus Christ to manhood or womanhood and not teach them how to pray.
Last night, Brother Joseph J. Jackson, superintendent of the Alpine Sunday schools, paid a tribute to the results of teaching in our Church schools. He said the Saints in that stake are favored by living close to the Brigham Young Academy, and the teachers in their Sunday schools were nearly all educated in that grand institution. They had received special training that fitted them for teachers, and had also a testimony that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ; consequently the Sunday schools of the Alpine stake are in a flourishing condition, being blessed with such teachers. I am an advocate of church school education, they are doing valuable work among the Latter-day Saints. I also call attention to the fact that the district schools are doing a good work in this state; and, fathers and mothers, you should let your younger children go to the district schools. Do not take them out when they reach the sixth grade. Let them remain long enough to complete the eighth grade in the district school. Why do I say this? Because, if you take your child out as soon as it reaches the sixth grade, in years to come it will become dissatisfied with the limited education received. There are hundreds of young men, many of them married and too old to attend the district schools, who decide that they must have a better education, after learning the necessity of it, and they are now attending our Church schools. This would not have been necessary if they had not been taken from school so soon. God bless them for the energy that they display in this regard. Many of them, if they had been left in the district school a couple of years longer, would have completed a course in the two higher grades, and, more than likely, would have been satisfied, and received education enough to have fitted them for the occupation they had to follow. Therefore, I hope and trust that the fathers and mothers will see that the boys and girls are educated sufficiently. The world cannot deplore the lack of religious training, or devotion to religion, any more than the Latter-day Saints do. We have been taught the need of it from the first, and the benefits have been shown to us in our Church schools, and in our lives here in the Rocky Mountains.
I ask the blessings of God upon all the people, and upon His Church. I am proud indeed to belong to the Church that has all of the principles in it that Jesus Christ taught. I want to emphasize the statement made here by Brother John W. Taylor this morning, that no one principle will ever save a soul in the kingdom of heaven. One good act will never save a person, but one bad act may be the means of his downfall and damnation. We, as Latter- day Saints, know what the teachings of Jesus Christ are. We know what the revelations are that have been given to us through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and all of the prophets of God in this dispensation, and we should try to honor every one of them. In order to receive the exaltation we all so much desire, I know we must obey them all. God give us strength to do it, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang. "We thank Thee, O God for a Prophet," and benediction was pronounced by Elder David H. Cannon.
Relating to colonization—Religious education commended— A plea for righteousness—Training of children—Importance of scholastic education.
I am very thankful, my brothers and sisters, for the privilege I have had of listening to the remarks that have been made during this conference. I have enjoyed the testimonies that have been borne, and the Spirit of God that has been present. I am thankful for the prayers that have been offered. Each prayer in itself has been a sermon. I am thankful for the statements of principles that have been given during this conference, and that I am in harmony with the same. I am thankful that the world is growing in knowledge pertaining to some of the revelations that God has given His children. I am thankful that the Presbyterian ministers have seen the error of their position in advocating the detestable doctrine of infant damnation, and have announced to the world that they no more will preach that false theory. I am thankful that some of the Methodist ministers have seen the light, and are advocating the observance of the law of tithing. I am thankful that General Booth-Tucker, of the Salvation Army, is preaching to the world the great principle of colonization. At the National Irrigation Congress, held recently at Ogden, Utah, the gentleman named read a paper on the subject that was indeed praiseworthy. I listened with rapt attention to every idea he expressed upon that important theme. The mode of colonization adopted by the Salvation Army, compared with that established and followed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shows to me, and must ultimately prove to the world, that there is always a difference between the ways of God and the ways of man. The general told us that the Salvation Army people believe in colonization, and that the body of religious people he represented were spending money, time, and influence in gathering their people from this and other countries, placing them upon farms, and making homes for them. But they are (doing it, my brethren and sisters, by the help of the great money powers of the world. They are borrowing money by the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and making the land on which they colonize their people, together with the labor of the colonists, become security for the money advanced. With them it is simply a business proposition. I have thought to myself, however, what would they do if they were in the same condition as the Latter-day Saints were when the great principle of gathering and colonizing was revealed and established, with no friends anywhere upon the face of the earth, no credit with the money powers of the world, and hardly a dollar to buy lands for the people to go to. I thought of the perpetual emigration fund that was started with a small sum of money, through which a few souls here and there were brought to the valleys of the mountains; and, as soon as God blessed them with sufficient means, they paid it back to the Presidency of the Church, who controlled that fund, and it in turn brought others here. It was slower; it was a great deal more of a sacrifice and required a great deal more faith, but it brought many an honest soul here, and they learned what colonization was in its truest sense. They learned also what gathering meant, and believed the revelations that God had given concerning it; and they learned through hardships, trials and troubles that it was God's will they should gather, and that they were here for the purpose of living their religion and serving God more fully.
I am thankful, too, that many of the leading men in great institutions of learning in the United States, are at the present time deploring the lack of church training shown by the average student attending these great universities. Not later than last Wednesday, September 30, Chancellor McCracken of New York University, in his address to the student body, made the following statement:
"I wish we could require from every freshman a Sunday school diploma that would certify that he knew by heart the ten commandments, the sermon on the mount, a church catechism of some kind, a score of scripture psalms and best classic hymns. This university will join any association of universities and colleges that will demand this as an entrance requirement. So much as in us lies, we will make the college a place for preserving and strengthening reverence for things divine."
President Brigham Young, when establishing the Brigham Young Academy at Provo, and the Brigham Young College at Logan, told the people, and required of those who had these institutions in charge, that nothing should be taught therein, not even the simplest studies in arithmetic, reading, or grammar, or a lesson on any subject, without the Spirit of God being with the teacher and in his instructions. I see in Chancellor McCracken's remark that they are beginning- to see the light, and I care not whether the world gives us credit as the original teachers of these truths or not. The honest people of the world, those who read and think, those who are watching the events of life as they pass, will learn ere long who were the first teachers of these great truths; and ascertain what Church first taught the law of tithing in this dispensation, and that it was the Lord's revealed plan for raising means to carry on His work. The world will have to acknowledge sooner or later that it was no other than the Latter-day Saints; that it was the Prophet Joseph Smith who received that revelation in this dispensation. The truths revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we are presenting to the world, will demonstrate that he was a Prophet of God, and not a man with false ideas or vicious doctrines, as our enemies declare. I feel that every step forward, every advance we have made is towards the goal of success, and the firm establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ, representing the little stone cut out of the mountain that will roll forth and fill the whole earth.
I thought yesterday, when President Lund was pleading with the people, asking them to keep the commandments of God, also when President Joseph F. Smith referred to the proper training of our children, calling particular attention of the people to these two important items, how natural it sounds. Have not these admonitions been given by every inspired man of God from the day of father Adam down to the present time—men whom God recognized as His mouthpieces upon earth? I thought of the words recorded in Deuteronomy, chapter 11, commencing at the 13th verse:
"And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,
"That I will give you the rain of your land in due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
"And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
"Take heed to yourselves that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
"And then the Lord's wrath will be kindled against you, and he shut up the heavens, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you.
"Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
"And ye shall teach them unto your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down and when thou risest up.
"And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates.
"That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth."
Away back in the beginning of the history of this world we find these teachings, and they are repeated to the Latter-day Saints. I call to mind a revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet teaching the same subject. It is in section 68:
"And, again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents;
"For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her Stakes which are organized;
"And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of hands,
"And they shall also teach their children to pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord.
"And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
"And the inhabitants of Zion shall also remember their labors inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord."
I believe every word of this revelation, and I believe that one of the most important things that rests upon every Latter-day Saint, father and mother, is the training of their children, teaching them the laws and commandments of God. Do we teach our children to pray? If there is a home in all Zion; if there is a father or mother in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who do not teach their children to pray they will live to see the day when they will repent of that neglect. I believe with all my heart that God revealed those words to the prophet Joseph Smith, and that parent should follow them strictly.
I believe it was two years ago that Elder A. O. Woodruff in conference referred to the duty of praying in the family, not only praying, but before prayers, reading some part of the scriptures, and advised all to do so. I accepted that advice. We should designate a certain time, just before supper, or breakfast, or just after as the case may be, to get all the family together, and then take 10 or 15 minutes for the purpose of reading to them the word of God, and offering devotion to Him. I promise the father and mother who adopt this as a family rule that they will be blessed in so doing. Their children will bless them in years to come, and they will feel blessed in doing it as long as they live. I have heard others say they have adopted this plan for family devotion in their homes, and through it they have become better acquainted with the scriptures: that they have been better able to teach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ than ever they were before. I earnestly ask every Latter-day Saint family to adopt this plan. I see in the audience Brother E. J. Wood of Cardston, Canada. I stopped at his home on a recent visit to Canada. Every morning there was a chapter read from the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or some other book containing the principles of the Gospel; a hymn was sung, and prayers were offered. He took his turn as mouth, his wife took her turn; his wife's sister was there, and she took her turn; the children took their turn, and the spirit of prayer and peace was in his home, as it will be in every home where that is done. Not only that, it makes people better, and has an influence for good on all who visit the home. In my home we have prayers night and morning, and my children pray in turn. No matter who comes to visit us, we pray as usual, and they cannot help but feel the spirit of prayer. I have had individuals who are strangers to this people and to the Gospel we believe in, come to my home, and they have heard my children ask a blessing upon the food; they have seen them kneel with the family and heard them offer their simple but earnest prayers to God, and I tell you it has had an influence upon them, and it has been an influence for good. Afterwards I have heard of it, outside of the state, while in conversation with men and women who said that the person who visited me reported to them what they had seen and heard.
This is one way of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and teaching it to strangers. Everything we do in this life that leads people to understand that we love Jesus, that we love His Gospel, and that we are trying to serve him and keep his commandments, is preaching, by action at least, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It will have its influence upon every soul. The fruits of the Gospel should be shown in the lives of the members of the Church. I have heard it said that missionaries have been called, set apart, and gone to their fields of labor, never having prayed in public or in the family circle. Thank the Lord there are not many of these, but as long as there is one such there is one too many. I hope and trust that no father, claiming to be a Latter-day Saint, will ever raise a boy or girl in the Church of Jesus Christ to manhood or womanhood and not teach them how to pray.
Last night, Brother Joseph J. Jackson, superintendent of the Alpine Sunday schools, paid a tribute to the results of teaching in our Church schools. He said the Saints in that stake are favored by living close to the Brigham Young Academy, and the teachers in their Sunday schools were nearly all educated in that grand institution. They had received special training that fitted them for teachers, and had also a testimony that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ; consequently the Sunday schools of the Alpine stake are in a flourishing condition, being blessed with such teachers. I am an advocate of church school education, they are doing valuable work among the Latter-day Saints. I also call attention to the fact that the district schools are doing a good work in this state; and, fathers and mothers, you should let your younger children go to the district schools. Do not take them out when they reach the sixth grade. Let them remain long enough to complete the eighth grade in the district school. Why do I say this? Because, if you take your child out as soon as it reaches the sixth grade, in years to come it will become dissatisfied with the limited education received. There are hundreds of young men, many of them married and too old to attend the district schools, who decide that they must have a better education, after learning the necessity of it, and they are now attending our Church schools. This would not have been necessary if they had not been taken from school so soon. God bless them for the energy that they display in this regard. Many of them, if they had been left in the district school a couple of years longer, would have completed a course in the two higher grades, and, more than likely, would have been satisfied, and received education enough to have fitted them for the occupation they had to follow. Therefore, I hope and trust that the fathers and mothers will see that the boys and girls are educated sufficiently. The world cannot deplore the lack of religious training, or devotion to religion, any more than the Latter-day Saints do. We have been taught the need of it from the first, and the benefits have been shown to us in our Church schools, and in our lives here in the Rocky Mountains.
I ask the blessings of God upon all the people, and upon His Church. I am proud indeed to belong to the Church that has all of the principles in it that Jesus Christ taught. I want to emphasize the statement made here by Brother John W. Taylor this morning, that no one principle will ever save a soul in the kingdom of heaven. One good act will never save a person, but one bad act may be the means of his downfall and damnation. We, as Latter- day Saints, know what the teachings of Jesus Christ are. We know what the revelations are that have been given to us through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and all of the prophets of God in this dispensation, and we should try to honor every one of them. In order to receive the exaltation we all so much desire, I know we must obey them all. God give us strength to do it, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang. "We thank Thee, O God for a Prophet," and benediction was pronounced by Elder David H. Cannon.
THIRD DAY Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 a. m.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn:
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.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph W. McMurrin.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
O ye mountains high, Where the clear blue sky.
Arches over the vales of the free,
Where the pure breezes blow, And the clear streamlets flow,
How I've longed to thy bosom to flee.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn:
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.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph W. McMurrin.
Singing by the choir and congregation:
O ye mountains high, Where the clear blue sky.
Arches over the vales of the free,
Where the pure breezes blow, And the clear streamlets flow,
How I've longed to thy bosom to flee.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER.
Processes of going into debt—How to keep clear of it.
My brethren and sisters, I have almost lost my voice through a cold, and I scarcely feel able to occupy this position; but I do desire to say to you that I heartily endorse, and am in full accord with, the remarks made by President Smith on Sunday morning. Many things were mentioned that I would like to speak of if I were able to do so, but one in particular, I think, is important for the Latter-day Saints to observe, and that is in relation to going into debt. Evidences come before us frequently that many of our brethren are still contracting debts which they are hardly able to meet. If you ask a man how he first got into debt, sometimes the reply will be after this manner: "Well, I had a piece of land, on which I wanted to build me a house. I had at my command about $1,000, but I wanted a house that would cost at least $3,000. A $1,000 house in these days is not sufficient and I felt that the land was worth $1,000, and I would lay out $1,000 on it, and then I could borrow at least $1,000 more and mortgage the place." What is the result? The man had his land, and he had $1,000. He borrows $1,000 or $1,500 on what he has, and places the whole under a mortgage. He perhaps has to pay exorbitant interest. The first thing he knows his circumstances may change. He may lose his situation, or he may have sickness, and his pay stops; but the interest continues on, and by and by he finds himself unable to meet it. His obligation becomes due, his property is foreclosed, it is probably sold at a discount, and he loses his home and all he had. Now, I know some in our community today that are just in this condition. Hence I want to sustain what President Smith said, and to warn our brethren, especially our young brethren, not to go in debt. If you have $1,000, and that is all you do have, be satisfied and content with a $1,000 house, until you have more means to enable you to add to it and avoid paying interest, which, It is said, never sleeps; it is always going on.
The report made here by Brother Pond president of Bannock stake, showed how easy it is for us to launch out beyond our means. He said that some of the brethren who had gone up to Snake river valley would take up 160 acres of land, spend means on it and improve it, and then when the payments for the land became due they could not meet them. In this emergency they would borrow, and mortgage the land with all they had put on it and the first thing they knew the note became due, they could not meet it, and they were sold out. It seems to me that it would be far more judicious for a man to take up 40 acres that he could pay for than to take up 160 acres that he could not pay for. Let him cultivate the smaller piece carefully, and probably he would find it sufficient. At all events, he would be secure against obligations.
I would say, if you will pardon me for doing it, that from the day I came into the valley I have proposed never to go in debt. I. have always tried to live within my means. A person who has $100 a month salary is on the safe side if he lives on $90 a month; but if he spends $110 or $120, he is going downhill all the time, and this is too much the case among us at the present time.
There are other things that come to my mind. Sometimes we are extravagant. For instance, a farmer has a vehicle, and it is growing old. It perhaps needs a new spoke or two, or the tires need setting, and $10 would repair it sufficiently to last him another year; but along comes an agent and offers him a new carriage for $100, and the farmer thinks he might just as well have the new one as to fix up the old one. So he gives his note for the $100, drawing 10 per cent interest probably. At the end of the year the $10 it would have cost him to fix up the old carriage has gone for interest, and he owes the $100, and perhaps in a worse condition to meet it than he was when he incurred the debt.
I might go on and enumerate many things of this kind, and I feel, as President Smith said, that the time has come when we should carefully look into these matters. We may not always have sunshine; we may not always have prosperous times, and now is the time for us to trim our sails and keep as close to shore as possible.
I do not feel able to say more, but I repeat what I said in the beginning: I am in full accord and harmony with my president and with Brother Lund. The three of us work in unison together. God bless you all, brethren and sisters, in all your labors, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Processes of going into debt—How to keep clear of it.
My brethren and sisters, I have almost lost my voice through a cold, and I scarcely feel able to occupy this position; but I do desire to say to you that I heartily endorse, and am in full accord with, the remarks made by President Smith on Sunday morning. Many things were mentioned that I would like to speak of if I were able to do so, but one in particular, I think, is important for the Latter-day Saints to observe, and that is in relation to going into debt. Evidences come before us frequently that many of our brethren are still contracting debts which they are hardly able to meet. If you ask a man how he first got into debt, sometimes the reply will be after this manner: "Well, I had a piece of land, on which I wanted to build me a house. I had at my command about $1,000, but I wanted a house that would cost at least $3,000. A $1,000 house in these days is not sufficient and I felt that the land was worth $1,000, and I would lay out $1,000 on it, and then I could borrow at least $1,000 more and mortgage the place." What is the result? The man had his land, and he had $1,000. He borrows $1,000 or $1,500 on what he has, and places the whole under a mortgage. He perhaps has to pay exorbitant interest. The first thing he knows his circumstances may change. He may lose his situation, or he may have sickness, and his pay stops; but the interest continues on, and by and by he finds himself unable to meet it. His obligation becomes due, his property is foreclosed, it is probably sold at a discount, and he loses his home and all he had. Now, I know some in our community today that are just in this condition. Hence I want to sustain what President Smith said, and to warn our brethren, especially our young brethren, not to go in debt. If you have $1,000, and that is all you do have, be satisfied and content with a $1,000 house, until you have more means to enable you to add to it and avoid paying interest, which, It is said, never sleeps; it is always going on.
The report made here by Brother Pond president of Bannock stake, showed how easy it is for us to launch out beyond our means. He said that some of the brethren who had gone up to Snake river valley would take up 160 acres of land, spend means on it and improve it, and then when the payments for the land became due they could not meet them. In this emergency they would borrow, and mortgage the land with all they had put on it and the first thing they knew the note became due, they could not meet it, and they were sold out. It seems to me that it would be far more judicious for a man to take up 40 acres that he could pay for than to take up 160 acres that he could not pay for. Let him cultivate the smaller piece carefully, and probably he would find it sufficient. At all events, he would be secure against obligations.
I would say, if you will pardon me for doing it, that from the day I came into the valley I have proposed never to go in debt. I. have always tried to live within my means. A person who has $100 a month salary is on the safe side if he lives on $90 a month; but if he spends $110 or $120, he is going downhill all the time, and this is too much the case among us at the present time.
There are other things that come to my mind. Sometimes we are extravagant. For instance, a farmer has a vehicle, and it is growing old. It perhaps needs a new spoke or two, or the tires need setting, and $10 would repair it sufficiently to last him another year; but along comes an agent and offers him a new carriage for $100, and the farmer thinks he might just as well have the new one as to fix up the old one. So he gives his note for the $100, drawing 10 per cent interest probably. At the end of the year the $10 it would have cost him to fix up the old carriage has gone for interest, and he owes the $100, and perhaps in a worse condition to meet it than he was when he incurred the debt.
I might go on and enumerate many things of this kind, and I feel, as President Smith said, that the time has come when we should carefully look into these matters. We may not always have sunshine; we may not always have prosperous times, and now is the time for us to trim our sails and keep as close to shore as possible.
I do not feel able to say more, but I repeat what I said in the beginning: I am in full accord and harmony with my president and with Brother Lund. The three of us work in unison together. God bless you all, brethren and sisters, in all your labors, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER WILLIS E. ROBINSON.
(President of Wayne Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I appreciate the privilege of attending this conference and of listening to the good instructions we have received. If I shall be blessed with a portion of the Spirit that has been poured out upon other speakers, I will endeavor to represent the Wayne stake of Zion.
The Wayne stake of Zion, geographically speaking, is situated in the southeastern portion of this state, with the Sevier stake upon the west (from which it was detached), the Panguitch stake upon the south, the San Juan stake on the east, and the Emery stake on the north. It is located partially upon what we would call the rim of the basin. The western portion is high, and it is somewhat difficult to mature crops there; while in the eastern portion we have a semi-tropical climate similar to that of southern Utah, where the people can raise almost anything they are inclined to plant and cultivate. So that we have a variety of products in the Wayne stake of Zion. We are isolated from the railroads, and we have no corporate properties to aid us in taxation, but are compelled to rely upon our own resources in this respect. Generally speaking, the people own their own homes. While the subject of mortgages has been discussed here. I have been reflecting on the condition of the people in our stake, and I believe that a conservative estimate would show that there are not a score of mortgaged homes in the Wayne stake of Zion. I am very well conversant with the situation, as I live near the recorder's office, and know pretty well what homes are mortgaged, and I am thankful for this condition. The people in our stake are not wealthy. While they own their own homes, they are upon the frontiers. They have been struggling to maintain their foothold, and have succeeded in making themselves somewhat comfortable; yet the outflow of emigration to the north, during the past two or three years, has been of such a nature that we are barely holding our own, so far as numbers are concerned. I can speak of the people of Wayne stake as a good people. We have eight organized wards, and five branches. The country is so situated that branches are almost as numerous as wards. From one end of the stake to the other it is about 80 miles in almost a direct line, and it includes all of Wayne county and a small portion of Garfield county. I believe that all our wards are fully organized, excepting one ward, which is lacking a Bishop's counselor. The people are trying to live their religion. Our High Councilors are good men, our home missionaries are active, and the people, as a rule, are feeling as well in the principles of the Gospel as I have known them to be for many years. In fact, I think we are trying to keep pace with Zion. In looking abroad in other stakes of Zion, where I occasionally am called on business or otherwise, and making inquiries in relation to existing conditions, I have come to the conclusion that the Latter-day Saints are about equal in point of religious devotion. There may be instances where they are more mixed up with an outside element than we are in the Wayne stake, and this, of course, must be taken into consideration. We have been fortunate in this regard, and we have only one saloon in our stake, and that has such a lonesome appearance that I am inclined to think it will soon die a natural death. We teach the people not to sustain it, and let it go its own way—and I was going to say, then we pray for its early demise.
We have many opportunities there that are yet undeveloped. We have a well-watered county, and the people are engaged in taking out canals and making reservoirs, and we hope in the near future that we may be able to present at the State Fair some of our products which, we feel, are equal in merit to many that are on exhibition at the fair.
I feel well in this work. I am pleased to say that the presidency of the stake stand as they did when it was organized, and I trust so long as I may be permitted to remain in that presidency this condition of affairs may continue. There has never yet been a time when we have had to say that the majority rules in the presidency. We have reached unanimous conclusion on every occasion before taking action upon anything. We are in harmony with our High Council, and with the various wards and organizations.
I can testify to you of the truthfulness of this great work. If our friends in the world should come here and see the devotion that is manifested by this people, they would be forced to the conclusion that there is something more in "Mormonism" than they have given it credit for. I ask the blessings of the Lord upon our efforts to serve Him and keep His commandments, that we may be in harmony with one another and with our Father in heaven; that what we hear during this conference may not fall idly upon our ears, but that we may take it to our homes and put it into practice, so that when we come to another conference we may be able to say that good has resulted from our teachings, and thus keep pace with the onward progress of this great work. That the Lord may grant these blessings, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of Wayne Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I appreciate the privilege of attending this conference and of listening to the good instructions we have received. If I shall be blessed with a portion of the Spirit that has been poured out upon other speakers, I will endeavor to represent the Wayne stake of Zion.
The Wayne stake of Zion, geographically speaking, is situated in the southeastern portion of this state, with the Sevier stake upon the west (from which it was detached), the Panguitch stake upon the south, the San Juan stake on the east, and the Emery stake on the north. It is located partially upon what we would call the rim of the basin. The western portion is high, and it is somewhat difficult to mature crops there; while in the eastern portion we have a semi-tropical climate similar to that of southern Utah, where the people can raise almost anything they are inclined to plant and cultivate. So that we have a variety of products in the Wayne stake of Zion. We are isolated from the railroads, and we have no corporate properties to aid us in taxation, but are compelled to rely upon our own resources in this respect. Generally speaking, the people own their own homes. While the subject of mortgages has been discussed here. I have been reflecting on the condition of the people in our stake, and I believe that a conservative estimate would show that there are not a score of mortgaged homes in the Wayne stake of Zion. I am very well conversant with the situation, as I live near the recorder's office, and know pretty well what homes are mortgaged, and I am thankful for this condition. The people in our stake are not wealthy. While they own their own homes, they are upon the frontiers. They have been struggling to maintain their foothold, and have succeeded in making themselves somewhat comfortable; yet the outflow of emigration to the north, during the past two or three years, has been of such a nature that we are barely holding our own, so far as numbers are concerned. I can speak of the people of Wayne stake as a good people. We have eight organized wards, and five branches. The country is so situated that branches are almost as numerous as wards. From one end of the stake to the other it is about 80 miles in almost a direct line, and it includes all of Wayne county and a small portion of Garfield county. I believe that all our wards are fully organized, excepting one ward, which is lacking a Bishop's counselor. The people are trying to live their religion. Our High Councilors are good men, our home missionaries are active, and the people, as a rule, are feeling as well in the principles of the Gospel as I have known them to be for many years. In fact, I think we are trying to keep pace with Zion. In looking abroad in other stakes of Zion, where I occasionally am called on business or otherwise, and making inquiries in relation to existing conditions, I have come to the conclusion that the Latter-day Saints are about equal in point of religious devotion. There may be instances where they are more mixed up with an outside element than we are in the Wayne stake, and this, of course, must be taken into consideration. We have been fortunate in this regard, and we have only one saloon in our stake, and that has such a lonesome appearance that I am inclined to think it will soon die a natural death. We teach the people not to sustain it, and let it go its own way—and I was going to say, then we pray for its early demise.
We have many opportunities there that are yet undeveloped. We have a well-watered county, and the people are engaged in taking out canals and making reservoirs, and we hope in the near future that we may be able to present at the State Fair some of our products which, we feel, are equal in merit to many that are on exhibition at the fair.
I feel well in this work. I am pleased to say that the presidency of the stake stand as they did when it was organized, and I trust so long as I may be permitted to remain in that presidency this condition of affairs may continue. There has never yet been a time when we have had to say that the majority rules in the presidency. We have reached unanimous conclusion on every occasion before taking action upon anything. We are in harmony with our High Council, and with the various wards and organizations.
I can testify to you of the truthfulness of this great work. If our friends in the world should come here and see the devotion that is manifested by this people, they would be forced to the conclusion that there is something more in "Mormonism" than they have given it credit for. I ask the blessings of the Lord upon our efforts to serve Him and keep His commandments, that we may be in harmony with one another and with our Father in heaven; that what we hear during this conference may not fall idly upon our ears, but that we may take it to our homes and put it into practice, so that when we come to another conference we may be able to say that good has resulted from our teachings, and thus keep pace with the onward progress of this great work. That the Lord may grant these blessings, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER HYRUM M. SMITH
Gospel truth being recognized in the world—Vision of the Prophets Lehi and Nephi—Fulfillment of their predictions— Charity toward those who know not the truth.
I pray that the words which I may speak may be guided by the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord, that they may follow appropriately that which has already been spoken, and be of benefit to the Latter-day Saints who have gathered here. I have rejoiced greatly in the conference, and I have been very glad in my heart to be permitted to meet with you in these great memorial meetings, which have been held, by commandment of the Lord, annually and semi-annually since the Church was established in the year 1830. I feel in my heart to praise the Lord for the advancement and progress that has been made by His people; that His hand has been and is over His Saints; that He is leading them, and that they are not being led by men. We are often inclined to speak of the brethren whom the Lord has placed at the head of His Church, as the leaders of the Church; but they themselves rejoice that they have not the full responsibility of leading this people, but that the Lord himself is leading us, and that He is inspiring those whom He has chosen to stand at our head on the earth.
I have been impressed by the many testimonies that have been borne by the brethren who have spoken, and the great stress that has been laid upon the fact that the Gospel has been restored in this day; that Joseph Smith was raised up of God and was indeed an inspired prophet, and that he was the instrument in the hands of the Lord to establish the Church which has convened this great conference. The hand of man has not been in it, only so far as that hand has been guided by the inspiration of God Almighty.
We have also listened to some comparisons made between the true Church and the other churches of the world, and some very sharp contrasts have been defined. We have been given to understand that some of the principles of the Gospel of Christ revealed in this dispensation are finding their way into the systems of men. What do we see in this? So far as I am concerned, I do not see that those who are incorporating the principles of Christ in their systems are doing it with the view of getting nearer to the Church of God, because they already believe that they have the Church of Christ. They have believed it for many years. I see in this the fulfillment of the prophecies of God made in times gone by, and repeated to the Prophet Joseph Smith by the angel Moroni and other angelic ministers who came to him during his boyhood. I see in it the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Prophet Joel, through whom the Lord said:
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions;
"And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."
I do not believe that these principles are being incorporated into the systems of the world because the man-appointed leaders of the systems have particularly desired it. I am of the opinion that they have had to yield to the public sentiment that is growing in the breasts of mankind, demanding that these truths be adopted. And this is the Spirit of God working among the children of men; and it will continue to work among them. This prophecy will be fulfilled, and mankind shall desire to know the truth. Many of them will seek it, and they will go to their leaders and inquire of them concerning the restoration of the Gospel arid the principles of the Gospel of Christ as now promulgated in the world by the Elders of this Church. If satisfaction cannot be given them, then the sentiment will become so strong and so universal that the leaders of the systems of men will have to yield to the demands of the people as they shall be influenced by this unseen power, which is nothing more nor less than the Spirit of God being poured out in measure upon the children of men.
It is no source of rejoicing to the Latter-day Saints that so many millions are ignorant of the truth. It is no great reason for boasting on our part, that changes are being made in the systems of men, and that revealed principles are being adopted by them. While it may show forth their vulnerable parts, and give an opening against which the atheist may direct his shafts of sarcasm, yet the Latter-day Saints will not raise their voices in derision concerning them. Rather will we rejoice that mankind will receive principles of truth, incorporate them in their systems, and live them in their lives. The Gospel has been restored in our day for the benefit of the world, and we deplore the fact that the world to such a great extent are without a knowledge of it. And I am not inclined to believe that they are in this condition of ignorance because they prefer it. The Book of Mormon does not lead one to that conclusion. Read the great vision that was given to the Prophet Nephi, after it had been shown to his father Lehi. Lehi had related the vision to his sons, and Nephi had been filled with a desire to see it himself. The Lord granted him his desire, according to his faith; and a vision of the world, from the beginning to the end of it, was shown unto Nephi, and he was permitted to write much of it. This was six hundred years before the time of Christ. In the vision, Nephi beheld the Virgin Mary, and he saw an infant in her arms, who was the Redeemer of the world. He saw the ministry of the Savior; saw Him heal the sick, perform mighty miracles, and declare righteousness and redemption to the world; saw Him lifted upon the cross by evil men, and suffer ignominy and death. He saw the labors and ministry of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb of God, and afterwards saw the people rise up against them, persecute them, put them to death, and almost exterminate the Saints of God. Nephi saw all this, and wrote of it. Furthermore, he tells us, in the 13th chapter of I Nephi:
"And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the foundation of a great church.
"And the angel said unto me, Behold the foundation of a church, which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the Saints of God, yea, and tortureth them, and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity.
* * *
"And after they (the Jewish scriptures) go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the foundation of a great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the Gospel of the Lamb, many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.
"And all this have they done, that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men.
"Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. And after these plain and precious things were taken away, it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity; thou seest because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God; because of these things which are taken away out of the Gospel of the Lamb, an exceeding: great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them."
From this you may gather some idea as to why the world is in ignorance of the Gospel.
Nephi saw that when the seed of his father had dwindled in unbelief and most of them had been destroyed because of their wickedness, people came to this land out of captivity, where they might be secure in the worship of God. The blessings of the Lord, he says, were with them, and in due time, when the mother nation came to make war upon them and were arrayed in battle against them, God was with them. They had left the nations of the Gentiles and had come to this land of promise, where they might worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and the Lord preserved them from their enemies. He saw these people going forth among the seed of his brethren (who are now as we know, the Lamanites), taking with them the Bible, the book which had proceeded from the mouth of the Jews, and from which had been taken, by the great and abominable church, many great and glorious principles of the Gospel of Christ, and he beheld that many people did stumble because of the most plain and precious parts of the Gospel which had been taken from the book. But he goes on to say that the Lord would give unto the people who dwelt upon this continent the Gospel in its purity.
"For behold, saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren; behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb;
"And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb."
Brethren and sisters, we see the fulfillment of this great prophecy in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. That is the book which Nephi saw come forth unto the Gentiles, containing those plain and precious principles which had been taken from the other book, by reason of which mankind were in doubt and without a knowledge of the pure Gospel. Therefore, I say I do not believe the people are in this condition of unbelief, indifference and contention because they prefer to be in that condition, but because for centuries they have been led by men who had not themselves a knowledge of the truth. Their eyes have been blinded to the truth, while they have been led to believe that what they received was the truth. By reading this glorious revelation that has come forth in our day, in the Book of Mormon, we shall find these great principles of truth revealed anew. Furthermore, the Lord pronounced a woe upon those who will stand up and declare, "We have a Bible, and we want no more Bible." He has denounced such; for who is the Lord that He cannot give more to His children? He has made other promises in addition to this. He has declared that there are many other records still to come forth, containing His word to men who have lived upon this earth, and they will come forth in due time to corroborate the words of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and to establish the fact that all the children of the world are the sons and daughters of God; that He is mindful of them all, and that to all of them will He reveal His word. He spoke thus to the Nephites:
"For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews, and they shall write it; and I shall speak unto the Nephites, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth, and they shall write it."
These records shall come forth, my brethren and sisters, and it ill becomes any man to stand up and attempt to limit God in the exercise of His divine right to speak when and to whom He pleases. We have an evidence of the truth of this in connection with the Book of Mormon itself. A portion of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated was sealed, and has not yet been translated, but under the promise of God shall be made known to the people. When these things shall come forth, they will furnish additional and incontrovertible proof that the Book of Mormon is indeed from God. And why should it not be? Have you read the book? Does it not contain revelations and visions similar to the Bible? Does it not contain the same glorious Gospel, and the same mighty exhortations to men to serve God and to turn from their evil ways? Yes. And furthermore, it is a book that has never been contaminated or tampered with by man; and none of the words written in that book have ever been changed by any man or church. They are the pure words of God, as they were given through the inspiration of the Spirit to the prophets who wrote them anciently. Thank and praise God, that in His mercy He has revealed these things to the earth in these days, in fulfillment of prophecy, and that the truth is spreading abroad, and this spirit is being poured out upon the world. Because of the teaching of these additional precious principles of the truth, which have been lost for centuries, the world is enquiring after the truth, and the denominations are being compelled, little by little, to yield to this demand and sentiment of the people through the workings of the Spirit. That is the way I view it. May the Spirit of God continue to be poured out upon the people, that they may desire the truth, aim to do right, strive to know God, and never rest satisfied until they receive the pure Gospel of Christ and enjoy its privileges and blessings, even to the extent that it shall come to them in power, in majesty, and with much assurance, leaving no room whatever for doubt. In this way has the Gospel come to you. So is it being carried to the nations of the world. So is it being accepted by thousands. And so shall this great and mighty power which has been revealed in our day — the Holy Ghost—come to man, and the authority of Almighty God be spread abroad, until all mankind shall be redeemed from their sins, when it shall be a pleasure for men to adopt the truth in their religions.
You Latter-day Saints ought to praise God; but in your thankfulness for the greater blessings which you enjoy, you ought not to denounce others because they have not so much good as you have. No; our whole souls should be filled with pity because of their condition, and we should sympathize with them because of their ignorance and blindness because they are being led by blind guides. We should go forth among them with the sole desire in our hearts to manifest unto them that which God has revealed unto us, and carry to them that which has made us free and happy, and which has made us in very deed the Church and people of God. That should be the feeling of the Latter-day Saints. I feel so at the present time, my brothers and sisters. Sometimes I feel otherwise, because the spirit of humanity and the weakness of the flesh overcome me and cause me to do and say things which are not in accord with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May the Lord forgive it, and help me to become so strong that I may overcome it, so that I may see in all men the children of God, and that I may understand that it is the desire of our Father in heaven that all shall be saved in His kingdom. May I feel a great pleasure and joy in doing my part, and a greater pleasure and joy in seeing all the Latter-day Saints doing their part towards carrying this grand Gospel to all the nations of the earth, that they may hear and, if it please God, yield obedience to the truth. May the Lord bless the Latter-day Saints. May He bless the people of the world. May His Spirit be poured out in more abundance than it has heretofore been. May the people of the world seek after truth to a greater extent than they have already done. May they desire to serve God. May the spirit of good, and not of evil, of love, and not of hatred, of philanthropy, and not of envy, be poured out upon the people, to the consummation of all the righteous purposes of the Lord, and may we live long to see the accomplishment of much of it, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Elder Thomas Ashworth sang a sacred song, of which Sister Mary Kelly is the author. The music is the composition of Brother Joseph J. Daynes.
Gospel truth being recognized in the world—Vision of the Prophets Lehi and Nephi—Fulfillment of their predictions— Charity toward those who know not the truth.
I pray that the words which I may speak may be guided by the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord, that they may follow appropriately that which has already been spoken, and be of benefit to the Latter-day Saints who have gathered here. I have rejoiced greatly in the conference, and I have been very glad in my heart to be permitted to meet with you in these great memorial meetings, which have been held, by commandment of the Lord, annually and semi-annually since the Church was established in the year 1830. I feel in my heart to praise the Lord for the advancement and progress that has been made by His people; that His hand has been and is over His Saints; that He is leading them, and that they are not being led by men. We are often inclined to speak of the brethren whom the Lord has placed at the head of His Church, as the leaders of the Church; but they themselves rejoice that they have not the full responsibility of leading this people, but that the Lord himself is leading us, and that He is inspiring those whom He has chosen to stand at our head on the earth.
I have been impressed by the many testimonies that have been borne by the brethren who have spoken, and the great stress that has been laid upon the fact that the Gospel has been restored in this day; that Joseph Smith was raised up of God and was indeed an inspired prophet, and that he was the instrument in the hands of the Lord to establish the Church which has convened this great conference. The hand of man has not been in it, only so far as that hand has been guided by the inspiration of God Almighty.
We have also listened to some comparisons made between the true Church and the other churches of the world, and some very sharp contrasts have been defined. We have been given to understand that some of the principles of the Gospel of Christ revealed in this dispensation are finding their way into the systems of men. What do we see in this? So far as I am concerned, I do not see that those who are incorporating the principles of Christ in their systems are doing it with the view of getting nearer to the Church of God, because they already believe that they have the Church of Christ. They have believed it for many years. I see in this the fulfillment of the prophecies of God made in times gone by, and repeated to the Prophet Joseph Smith by the angel Moroni and other angelic ministers who came to him during his boyhood. I see in it the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Prophet Joel, through whom the Lord said:
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions;
"And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."
I do not believe that these principles are being incorporated into the systems of the world because the man-appointed leaders of the systems have particularly desired it. I am of the opinion that they have had to yield to the public sentiment that is growing in the breasts of mankind, demanding that these truths be adopted. And this is the Spirit of God working among the children of men; and it will continue to work among them. This prophecy will be fulfilled, and mankind shall desire to know the truth. Many of them will seek it, and they will go to their leaders and inquire of them concerning the restoration of the Gospel arid the principles of the Gospel of Christ as now promulgated in the world by the Elders of this Church. If satisfaction cannot be given them, then the sentiment will become so strong and so universal that the leaders of the systems of men will have to yield to the demands of the people as they shall be influenced by this unseen power, which is nothing more nor less than the Spirit of God being poured out in measure upon the children of men.
It is no source of rejoicing to the Latter-day Saints that so many millions are ignorant of the truth. It is no great reason for boasting on our part, that changes are being made in the systems of men, and that revealed principles are being adopted by them. While it may show forth their vulnerable parts, and give an opening against which the atheist may direct his shafts of sarcasm, yet the Latter-day Saints will not raise their voices in derision concerning them. Rather will we rejoice that mankind will receive principles of truth, incorporate them in their systems, and live them in their lives. The Gospel has been restored in our day for the benefit of the world, and we deplore the fact that the world to such a great extent are without a knowledge of it. And I am not inclined to believe that they are in this condition of ignorance because they prefer it. The Book of Mormon does not lead one to that conclusion. Read the great vision that was given to the Prophet Nephi, after it had been shown to his father Lehi. Lehi had related the vision to his sons, and Nephi had been filled with a desire to see it himself. The Lord granted him his desire, according to his faith; and a vision of the world, from the beginning to the end of it, was shown unto Nephi, and he was permitted to write much of it. This was six hundred years before the time of Christ. In the vision, Nephi beheld the Virgin Mary, and he saw an infant in her arms, who was the Redeemer of the world. He saw the ministry of the Savior; saw Him heal the sick, perform mighty miracles, and declare righteousness and redemption to the world; saw Him lifted upon the cross by evil men, and suffer ignominy and death. He saw the labors and ministry of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb of God, and afterwards saw the people rise up against them, persecute them, put them to death, and almost exterminate the Saints of God. Nephi saw all this, and wrote of it. Furthermore, he tells us, in the 13th chapter of I Nephi:
"And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the foundation of a great church.
"And the angel said unto me, Behold the foundation of a church, which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the Saints of God, yea, and tortureth them, and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity.
* * *
"And after they (the Jewish scriptures) go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the foundation of a great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the Gospel of the Lamb, many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.
"And all this have they done, that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men.
"Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. And after these plain and precious things were taken away, it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity; thou seest because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God; because of these things which are taken away out of the Gospel of the Lamb, an exceeding: great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them."
From this you may gather some idea as to why the world is in ignorance of the Gospel.
Nephi saw that when the seed of his father had dwindled in unbelief and most of them had been destroyed because of their wickedness, people came to this land out of captivity, where they might be secure in the worship of God. The blessings of the Lord, he says, were with them, and in due time, when the mother nation came to make war upon them and were arrayed in battle against them, God was with them. They had left the nations of the Gentiles and had come to this land of promise, where they might worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and the Lord preserved them from their enemies. He saw these people going forth among the seed of his brethren (who are now as we know, the Lamanites), taking with them the Bible, the book which had proceeded from the mouth of the Jews, and from which had been taken, by the great and abominable church, many great and glorious principles of the Gospel of Christ, and he beheld that many people did stumble because of the most plain and precious parts of the Gospel which had been taken from the book. But he goes on to say that the Lord would give unto the people who dwelt upon this continent the Gospel in its purity.
"For behold, saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren; behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb;
"And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb."
Brethren and sisters, we see the fulfillment of this great prophecy in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. That is the book which Nephi saw come forth unto the Gentiles, containing those plain and precious principles which had been taken from the other book, by reason of which mankind were in doubt and without a knowledge of the pure Gospel. Therefore, I say I do not believe the people are in this condition of unbelief, indifference and contention because they prefer to be in that condition, but because for centuries they have been led by men who had not themselves a knowledge of the truth. Their eyes have been blinded to the truth, while they have been led to believe that what they received was the truth. By reading this glorious revelation that has come forth in our day, in the Book of Mormon, we shall find these great principles of truth revealed anew. Furthermore, the Lord pronounced a woe upon those who will stand up and declare, "We have a Bible, and we want no more Bible." He has denounced such; for who is the Lord that He cannot give more to His children? He has made other promises in addition to this. He has declared that there are many other records still to come forth, containing His word to men who have lived upon this earth, and they will come forth in due time to corroborate the words of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and to establish the fact that all the children of the world are the sons and daughters of God; that He is mindful of them all, and that to all of them will He reveal His word. He spoke thus to the Nephites:
"For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews, and they shall write it; and I shall speak unto the Nephites, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth, and they shall write it."
These records shall come forth, my brethren and sisters, and it ill becomes any man to stand up and attempt to limit God in the exercise of His divine right to speak when and to whom He pleases. We have an evidence of the truth of this in connection with the Book of Mormon itself. A portion of the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated was sealed, and has not yet been translated, but under the promise of God shall be made known to the people. When these things shall come forth, they will furnish additional and incontrovertible proof that the Book of Mormon is indeed from God. And why should it not be? Have you read the book? Does it not contain revelations and visions similar to the Bible? Does it not contain the same glorious Gospel, and the same mighty exhortations to men to serve God and to turn from their evil ways? Yes. And furthermore, it is a book that has never been contaminated or tampered with by man; and none of the words written in that book have ever been changed by any man or church. They are the pure words of God, as they were given through the inspiration of the Spirit to the prophets who wrote them anciently. Thank and praise God, that in His mercy He has revealed these things to the earth in these days, in fulfillment of prophecy, and that the truth is spreading abroad, and this spirit is being poured out upon the world. Because of the teaching of these additional precious principles of the truth, which have been lost for centuries, the world is enquiring after the truth, and the denominations are being compelled, little by little, to yield to this demand and sentiment of the people through the workings of the Spirit. That is the way I view it. May the Spirit of God continue to be poured out upon the people, that they may desire the truth, aim to do right, strive to know God, and never rest satisfied until they receive the pure Gospel of Christ and enjoy its privileges and blessings, even to the extent that it shall come to them in power, in majesty, and with much assurance, leaving no room whatever for doubt. In this way has the Gospel come to you. So is it being carried to the nations of the world. So is it being accepted by thousands. And so shall this great and mighty power which has been revealed in our day — the Holy Ghost—come to man, and the authority of Almighty God be spread abroad, until all mankind shall be redeemed from their sins, when it shall be a pleasure for men to adopt the truth in their religions.
You Latter-day Saints ought to praise God; but in your thankfulness for the greater blessings which you enjoy, you ought not to denounce others because they have not so much good as you have. No; our whole souls should be filled with pity because of their condition, and we should sympathize with them because of their ignorance and blindness because they are being led by blind guides. We should go forth among them with the sole desire in our hearts to manifest unto them that which God has revealed unto us, and carry to them that which has made us free and happy, and which has made us in very deed the Church and people of God. That should be the feeling of the Latter-day Saints. I feel so at the present time, my brothers and sisters. Sometimes I feel otherwise, because the spirit of humanity and the weakness of the flesh overcome me and cause me to do and say things which are not in accord with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May the Lord forgive it, and help me to become so strong that I may overcome it, so that I may see in all men the children of God, and that I may understand that it is the desire of our Father in heaven that all shall be saved in His kingdom. May I feel a great pleasure and joy in doing my part, and a greater pleasure and joy in seeing all the Latter-day Saints doing their part towards carrying this grand Gospel to all the nations of the earth, that they may hear and, if it please God, yield obedience to the truth. May the Lord bless the Latter-day Saints. May He bless the people of the world. May His Spirit be poured out in more abundance than it has heretofore been. May the people of the world seek after truth to a greater extent than they have already done. May they desire to serve God. May the spirit of good, and not of evil, of love, and not of hatred, of philanthropy, and not of envy, be poured out upon the people, to the consummation of all the righteous purposes of the Lord, and may we live long to see the accomplishment of much of it, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Elder Thomas Ashworth sang a sacred song, of which Sister Mary Kelly is the author. The music is the composition of Brother Joseph J. Daynes.
ELDER B. H. ROBERTS.
Testimony—Prophetic character of Elder Pratt's hymn—Recent literature on Mormonism—Philosophical attempt to account for it—Accounting for Mormonism tested—The Church the witness of its own divinity—Home ministry of the Church—Concluding reflections.
My brethren and sisters, I desire to bear you my testimony that during this conference there has been a rich outpouring of the Spirit of God upon His servants; my heart has been made glad, and I have rejoiced in the truths we have received. I do not bear this testimony to you because I think it is necessary to confirm the words that have been spoken, nor in the hope of adding emphasis to what has been said, nor to convince you that you have listened to the truth. The Spirit of the Lord, I am confident, has borne record to your souls already as it has to mine, that what we have heard in this conference is true, is precious, and is the word of the Lord unto the people. I merely bear you my testimony that you may know that in my heart also the Spirit has given witness of the good things we have received from God, and that I am one with you in the enjoyment of these blessings.
I am now called upon to address you for a short time, and I desire to be under the same influence that my brethren have enjoyed while speaking. Yet when I come to view my own life, I confess that it is with some degree of fear and trembling that I ask God in my heart for this blessing; for the reason that I cannot feel altogether that I merit it, but am under the necessity of trusting in the mercy and grace of God. Such is the weakness of human nature that I presume—at least I speak for myself—if it were not for God's goodness and grace and for His willingness to help those who are striving to overcome and to be His servant's, it would be almost beyond man's power to approach God with sufficient confidence to obtain the outpouring of His Spirit and power. It is in this spirit, my brethren and sisters, that I approach the Lord on this occasion— with fear and trembling, acknowledging my own weakness and imperfections before you all; and if God in His mercy will pour out His Spirit and grant us a blessing through the words I may speak, then shall the honor and the praise and the glory be accorded unto Him. Moreover, we desire, in this way, that is, through His Spirit, to be taught of God, and not of man, nor by the spirit of man.
Many beautiful thoughts were awakened in my mind by the singing of that splendid hymn composed by the late Elder Parley P. Pratt, and sung by his grandsons in this conference. The hymn was originally published upon the cover of the first number of the "Millennial Star," in the month of April, 1840; and if I were going to take a text on this occasion it would be the first verse of that hymn:
The morning breaks the shadows flee;
Lo! Zion's standard is unfurled,
The dawning of a brighter day
Majestic rises on the world.
Sixty-three years of experience has demonstrated the inspiration of God in that utterance. If in thought you will go back to that time—1840—and take account of the progress made by the nations of the earth since then, you will find that there has been more advancement in arts, in sciences, in mechanics, in scientific and religious thought, than in any five hundred years previous to that time. Truly the dawning of a brighter day has arisen majestically on the world! The dawn of that day began when God once more renewed divine communication with men. When He graciously revealed Himself and His Son Jesus Christ to a Prophet and announced the incoming of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, in which should be gathered together all things in one, even in Christ, whether they were things in heaven, or things on earth. That was the beginning of the dawn of that brighter day. Since that event flood upon flood of light has come to the earth, making it radiant with intelligence. The direct result of the dawning of that brighter day has been the restoration of the holy Priesthood of God—the power of God given to man, by which man may co-operate with Gods and angels in bringing to pass the purposes of Jehovah. Also with the restoration of the Priesthood has come a profounder knowledge of the things of God; a better understanding of the character and being of God; of the relationship which man sustains to Him; the establishment of the Church of Christ; together with broader views of the plan of man's salvation and the redemption of the earth. I believe also that with this flood of knowledge concerning these highly spiritual things, there has come into the world, almost imperceptibly, a more generally diffused and brighter spirit of intelligence than was known before; like collateral rays shooting oft to right and left from the more direct light of God's revelations which ushered in the great work of the last days. By those collateral rays of light men have been led to those great discoveries in the arts and sciences and in mechanics, which make our age so wonderful as an age of progress and enlightenment. If I am right in this conjecture respecting this diffusion of a more general spirit of intelligence in the world as a result of the renewed direct communication between heaven and earth, then we should not be surprised, and I am sure that none of us are envious in the matter—we should not be surprised, that the sects and parties in the world, outside of the organization known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, should partake of some of the rays of light emanating from this central spiritual sun. Why, in olden times, even the beggars and strangers were welcome to the crumbs that fell from the Master's table and so the inhabitants of the earth, now if they cannot accept the fullness of the Gospel, are welcome to such fragments of that truth as may penetrate their understandings. I rejoice that they are partaking in a measure of these things; and while I believe with Elder Cowley that perhaps they are not designedly accepting them in order to honor God, still I am of the opinion that such is the wisdom of our Father that He will overrule their partial acceptance of the truth to His glory, and ultimately to a more rapid moving forward of the great work that He has in hand. After a while, those who are now taking up fragments of the truth into their creeds will be under the necessity of comparing notes and tracing things to their source, and when they do that they will learn that these great religious truths are not man's discovery, but God's revelation unto the inhabitants of the earth, and that they were revealed through His chosen instrument, the Prophet Joseph Smith.
It is not, however, in this direction that I would lead your thoughts on this occasion. I want to speak, if I shall enjoy the liberty of God's Spirit, upon another subject. Some of you perhaps are aware of the fact that I have been giving some attention of late to the literature on "Mormonism;" not only that which we ourselves publish, but that also which is published by others. The publications on "Mormonism" during the last five years, I believe, are more numerous than in any 20 years previous to that time. The last five years have witnessed an awakening of thought upon our religion. More, and ever more attention is being given to it. More newspaper articles, more magazine articles, more volumes—some of them quite pretentious—have been written on "Mormonism" than ever before, and indicate the universal interest taken in the subject. The books and magazine articles have been written from various standpoints; some of them in the old spirit of bitterness, and some of them are intended to be written in a spirit of fairness. Yet I marvel at their ideas of fairness. One work, written by a noted professor, pretending to be an impartial history, and issued by one of the first publishing houses in the United States, with the view evidently of establishing a standard history of "Mormonism," gives full credence to everything that has been said against us, but the author invariably cautions his readers against every quotation he makes from our own works—and yet that book is put forth as an impartial history of "Mormonism!” Some have attempted to write from a philosophical standpoint, but with the result that they plainly manifest that they have not yet reached foundation principles upon which they can satisfactorily account for Joseph Smith the Prophet, and the great work that he accomplished. Whenever I see my enemy shifting his ground; whenever I see that his eye is not steady, but shifts to the right or to the left, or looks behind, that evidence of uncertainty, of indecision, tells me that I am his master. So, too! with reference to the great work of God. When I see men shifting their grounds, and advancing first one theory and then another to account for "Mormonism," and there is confusion among them, uncertainty, indecision—I know that the citadel of our mighty faith is secure from harm from their attacks; that "Mormonism" cannot fall a victim to their philosophies or their arguments.
Let me, for a little while, draw your attention to at least one of the so-called philosophical solutions of "Mormonism;" a scientific accounting for Joseph Smith. The work I allude to was offered to Yale University as a thesis upon which the author hoped to secure, and I think he did secure, the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He candidly confesses that it is an effort to account for Joseph Smith upon some other hypothesis than that he was a conscious fraud, bent on deceiving mankind. When an intelligent man makes such an announcement as that, I know, and you know, that the theories heretofore advanced to account for Joseph Smith are unsatisfactory, that they have failed. The theory that Joseph Smith was a conscious fraud has fallen to the ground. The charges frequently made and persistently urged that "Mormonism" had its origin in deception and conscious fraud have failed of their purpose. The floods of falsehood with which some men have sought to overwhelm "Mormonism" have not accomplished the end proposed. The Latter-day Saints, after about three-quarters of a century of existence, stand above all the floods of falsehood that have been belched out against them. The work of God has not broken down, it has survived; and the Saints smilingly pity those who would make use of such contemptible means with which to combat the truth of Almighty God. Now, however, we are to be treated philosophically. And the philosophy that is advanced is, unconscious hallucination in the mind of Joseph Smith; partly unconscious and partly conscious possession of hypnotic power, by which the minds of those around him were dominated and made to see things which in reality had no existence; and while the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and others testify of visions and voices from God honestly enough, still as a matter of fact those revelations had really no objective existence, but were mental hallucinations. And as for Joseph Smith, he was deceived by epileptic conditions. The author I am considering is at great pains to trace the ancestry of the Prophet, pointing out their mental peculiarities and supposed defects, leading up to the conclusion that these defects of mind in his ancestors culminated in epilepsy in Joseph Smith. And hence, we have as the explanation of "Mormonism," epileptic fits in its Prophet, whose hallucinations are honestly mistaken for inspired visions, with partly conscious and partly unconscious hypnotic powers over others! And this theory if presented seriously to one of the first institutions of learning in America as a rational explanation of how "Mormonism" came into existence!
Ernest Renan, the French philosopher, when considering a similar hypothesis to account for the Lord Jesus Christ, overthrew all that kind of sophistry with this simple statement: "It has never been given to the mere aberrations of the human mind to result in the establishment of permanent institutions that influence any considerable number of people." In other words, the dreams and hallucinations of the epileptic end in mere dreams and hallucinations; they never crystalize into great systems of philosophy or into rational religious institutions. They never crystalize into great organizations capable of perpetuating that philosophy and that religion in the world. No matter how nearly genius may be allied to madness, it must remain genius and not degenerate to madness if it exercises any permanent influence over the minds of men.
There is much glamor of sophistry, which may be taken for profound reason and argument, in the work to which I call your attention. But one word answers this philosophical accounting for our Prophet. The work accomplished by him, the institutions he founded, destroy the whole fabric of premises and argument on which this theory is based. Great as was the Prophet Joseph Smith—and he was great; to him more than to any other man of modern times was it given to look deep into the things that are; to comprehend the heavens and the laws that obtain there; to understand the earth, its history, and its mission. He looked into the deep things of God—always, be it remembered, by the inspiration of God—and cut of the rich treasure of divine knowledge he brought forth things both new and old for the instruction of our race, the like of which, in some respects, had not been known in previous dispensations. Hence I repeat that Joseph Smith was great; but great as he was, rising up and towering far above him is the work that he accomplished through divine guidance; that work is infinitely greater than the prophet—greater than all the prophets connected with it. Its consistency, its permanency, its power, its institutions, contradict the hallucination theory advanced to account for its origin.
Let us look at this work for a moment. If one could but draw it clearly in outline, and present it in its originality and greatness, it would be its own witness of its divinity; for in all things it transcends the mere wit of man. Take the Church organization for illustration; and look at it with reference to its being and assemblage of means to the accomplishment of an end. As I understand the Church of Christ its mission is two-fold: first, it is to proclaim the truth; second, it is to perfect those who receive the truth. I think these two things cover, in a general way, the entire mission of the Church. Is its organization competent to attain those two mighty ends? Let us see; and first as to the proclamation of the truth—the work really of the foreign ministry. What provision has God made for that? He has in His Church, first of all Twelve Special Witnesses, the Twelve Apostles, who were chosen in the first instance, by the Three Special Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. I remark in passing that there is a peculiar fitness in the Twelve Apostles—the Twelve Special Witnesses being chosen by those who had been made Witnesses for God by the great vision and revelation He had given them concerning the absolute truth and correctness of the Book of Mormon. Upon these Twelve Apostles rests the responsibility of being witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ in all the world. That is their special, peculiar calling. You can see, however, if you take into account the extent of their field of labor—for it encompasses the whole round world—that twelve men would not be adequate to meet all the requirements of the foreign ministry. God knew this, and hence He called into existence other special witnesses, to labor under the direction of these twelve, they holding the keys to open the door of the Gospel to all the nations of the earth; for all must hear it, from the greatest to the least. The Twelve, I say, hold the keys of this foreign ministry; and hence whenever there has been an opening of the door of the Gospel to a foreign nation, one or more of these men holding the keys have been sent to do it. It was for this reason that Heber C. Kimball, one of the Twelve Apostles, was sent to Great Britain in 1837, to open the door of the Gospel in that land; why Elder John Taylor was sent to France and Germany; why Elder Lorenzo Snow was sent to Italy and Switzerland; why Erastus Snow was sent to the Scandinavian countries; why Parley P. Pratt went to Chili and opened the door of the Gospel to the South American Republics; why, more recently, Elder Heber J. Grant was sent to Japan to open a mission. Whether he has accomplished, in his own estimation much or little, it was for the reason that he held the Keys of this ministry that he was sent to the great empire of Japan, to open the door of the Gospel in that land; and to open the door of the Gospel to so great an empire is of itself a very great work; and will be accounted as one of the chief items in Elder Grant's career as an Apostle. The Twelve then hold the keys of this ministry, and upon them devolves this responsibility of opening the door of salvation to the nations. But after them, other witnesses are chosen. These are the seventy apostles, or special witnesses, the assistants of the Twelve; under whose directions they labor. At first, two quorums of Seventy only were organized; but with the promise of the Prophet that as the work should expand other quorums would be organized, not only till seven times seven quorums should be brought into existence, but until seventy times seven; "aye," said he, "until there shall be a hundred and forty and four thousand seventies chosen, if the work of the ministry shall require it." So we have continued organizing quorums of Seventy, to labor in the foreign ministry, until now we have one hundred and forty-three quorums in the Church— a body of nearly ten thousand men. They are special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, and when their numbers are considered, together with the privilege we have of increasing them, you can see that ample provision is made, in this respect, for the work of the foreign ministry.
But now let us consider their organization for a moment. Sixty-three members with seven presidents, when the quorum is complete, constitute a quorum. Suppose you were to send an entire quorum of Seventy bodily into the world—I hope that will be done some day—you could break that quorum into groups of ten. You could send with each group a President. It should be remembered here that these Presidents are equal in authority. The council of a quorum of Seventy is made up of seven Presidents, not one President and six Counselors—but of seven Presidents equal in authority. For the sake of order in administration, however, the right of initiative and presidency in the council is recognized as being vested in the senior member by ordination, not of age. And this principle is observed not only in the case of the first or senior president, but all down the line in the First Council, and in all quorum councils of the Seventies. By this simple arrangement, all confusion as to the right of presidency is obviated; for no sooner does the Council of a quorum, or any part thereof, meet, in any part of the world than each President knows at once upon whom the responsibility of initiative, of presidency, rests. But to return to the groups of ten into which the quorum can be divided, with a President for each group. You could break each group of ten into five pairs, and scatter them out among the people, to bear effectual witness of the truth of the Gospel under the provision of the law of the Gospel; for it is the law of the Gospel that the Elders should travel two and two, mainly for the reason, I suppose, that God has declared that He would establish his word in the mouth of two or three witnesses; and it is good when bearing testimony to the world that there should be the legal number of witnesses provided for in the law of God. Moreover, there is a very much needed companionship and sympathy provided for when the Elders travel two and two; and they are a protection one to the other. You could scatter these groups of ten in one or more states or countries; and they could occasionally meet in group conferences, exchange experiences, give advice and counsel; after which refreshing they could again divide into pairs, scatter and so continue their ministry. Occasionally the seven groups of the quorum could be brought together in general quorum conference, to take counsel for making their ministry more and ever more effectual: to readjust methods; to plan new campaigns; to strengthen each other by a mutual exchange of experiences and sympathy; and do whatever else their combined wisdom, helped by the inspiration of the Lord, would suggest as right and proper to do in the furtherance of their high aim in bringing to pass the salvation of men. Such are the possibilities of a quorum of Seventy. It may become a veritable flying column of witnesses for God, sweeping the earth with the testimony of Jesus, and calling the inhabitants of the earth unto repentance! Can you think of this beautiful arrangement for the foreign ministry as having its origin in the alleged epileptic hallucinations of man? Such a conception is palpably absurd, and utterly revolting to reason.
Turn now for a moment to the home ministry of the Church, and what have you? You have your stake organization, with its Presidency of three presiding High Priests, aided in their counsels and labors by the High Council of the stake, consisting of twelve High Priests. This council also constitutes a judicial body for the settlement of difficulties that may not be satisfactorily adjusted in the Bishop's courts. It is, however, an ecclesiastical court of original as well as of appellate jurisdiction. You have a Bishopric in the respective wards of the Church, constituting the local presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, with quorums of Priests, Teachers and Deacons to aid them in the work of their ministry. The Deacons take care of the house of the Lord, and are to be assistants to the Teachers when occasion requires. The Teachers are the watchmen upon the towers of Zion, and it is their business to see that there is no iniquity in the Church—no backbiting, no faultfinding-, and that the members attend to their religious duties. The Priests' duty is to visit the homes of the people and instruct them in the Gospel. Parenthetically I might say that T marvel sometimes that the Saints do not avail themselves of this help in the management of their households. Where they have sons or daughters who will not be amenable to the instructions of parents, the priests with very great propriety could be invited to meet with them and teach the sublime truths of the Gospel. In addition to these officers of the wards and the stakes,, there is in each stake a quorum of High Priests, and one or more quorums of Elders. These constitute the standing ministry in the stakes of Zion, and are authorized to teach the Gospel, to warn all men against evil, and to invite and persuade all men to come unto Christ. These are the Provisions made for the home ministry, in the Church organization proper. Time will not admit reference to the auxiliary organizations — the Sabbath schools, Improvement associations, Relief societies, Primary societies, and Religion classes. But from the fireside of the people to the public assembly of worship; from the cradle to the grave, every provision is made for carding on the work of the ministry, at home, instructing the Saints in the things of God, inviting all to come unto Christ; the object of the Church being to lift to higher, and still higher levels the lives of the Saints of God, until they shall become perfect men and women in Christ Jesus the Lord. Such are the arrangements, in brief, for the home ministry.
Notwithstanding the clear distinctions between the foreign ministry and the home ministry, the lines that separate them may be crossed on occasion. You remember how Paul compares the Church of Christ to the body of a man, and insists that every member and every organ is necessary to the perfect working of that organism; that the head cannot say to the feet I have no need of thee; neither can the feet say to the head, I have no need of thee; nor the hand to the eye, I have no need of thee; all the members of the body, he argues, are necessary. Now, what would you think of a body that possessed a right hand and left hand, yet the right hand would not at need come to the help of the left hand; or the left hand refuse to come to the aid of the right hand? You expect the two hands and arms of a man's body to help each other, under the direction of the intelligence of the mind. And so in the Church of Christ. The home ministry and the foreign ministry cross the line of separation as occasion requires, and come to the assistance of one another in accomplishing the purposes of God. Sometimes the officers who are particularly charged with the foreign ministry help at home; the home ministry sometimes help in the foreign ministry; but all work harmoniously together.
Rising above both these great divisions of the Priesthood stands, as the keystone in the arch, the Presidency of the Church, having control over both departments, and directing the work of God in all the world. Their jurisdiction extends to every corner of the earth. No branch of the Church, however remote, is beyond their oversight. No Elder, let him be traveling where he will, is outside the pale of their authority. Talk of catholicity being one of the marks of the true Church of Christ, as our Catholic friends sometimes do, they shall find here in the Church of Christ a catholicity such as they have never dreamed of. The Church is the church universal; and the President of the Church holds universal jurisdiction. Moreover, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church he is the source through which God speaks, not only to this people, not only to the Church of Christ, but to all the inhabitants of the earth, and God will hold them accountable for the use they make of the words He shall speak through His appointed mouthpiece. Do not think that this man's authority is limited to this Church alone. All the inhabitants of the earth are children of God, and He will deliver His word unto them through His prophet. I rather like the idea that all the inhabitants of the earth belong to us—they are God's children, though some of them are in rebellion and will not heed the commandments of their Father just now. But here in the Church of Christ is the center of ecclesiastical government. Here shine forth those rays of light that will grow brighter and brighter until all the inhabitants of the earth are enlightened by them.
Now, what do you think of this effort of philosophy to account for "Mormonism?" How insipid, how foolish, how contemptible, how inadequate are the theories of men to account for even the organization of this Church! The Church is its own witness! As the stars, "singing ever as they shine, proclaim the hand that made them is divine," so, too, this work, the restored Gospel—the Church of Christ—proclaims that it has a divine origin, and that there is in it a divine power working out the purposes of God. Then let the imitators go on. Let them choose Apostles, if they want to—and some of them have them; let them have Seventies, if they want to, and some of them have them; let them accent this doctrine and that doctrine until they shall have the complete organization and the complete doctrine in form, if they want to; but there is one thing they never can get, worlds without end, and that is the spirit of this work, which gives it life and power. This work will always be distinguished from the works of men, in that there will be imminent in it the Spirit of God working His sovereign will. And that is something they cannot imitate.
My brethren and sisters I rejoice in the truth. I rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It satisfies me completely. It responds to the hungering of my spirit. It meets the demands also of my intellectual nature. And as I see the growth of intelligence among men, an increase of scientific knowledge, a broader understanding of the universe, a comprehension of the extent and grandeur of the works of God, I see in "Mormonism" that which rises up to meet this enlarged knowledge of man. "Mormonism" teaches man that he is a child of God; it tells him that he has in him divine elements that partake of the nature of God; that he may live forever, and that he may go on from one degree of excellence unto another until he shall attain unto something that is truly grand, truly great, worthy of a God to give, and worthy of a Son of God to receive.
I rejoice in these truths. They cannot be accounted for by any theory that refers their origin to hallucinations of an epileptic's mind. They are too substantial, too grand, too rational, too sublime, too soul inspiring, to have any such contemptible origin. Their own intrinsic value—their own self-evident truth—the institution to which they are committed as to a sacred depository for the benefit of mankind — The Church—all this proclaims their divine origin.
May God seal the truths of the Gospel upon our hearts, and make them precious to us, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Testimony—Prophetic character of Elder Pratt's hymn—Recent literature on Mormonism—Philosophical attempt to account for it—Accounting for Mormonism tested—The Church the witness of its own divinity—Home ministry of the Church—Concluding reflections.
My brethren and sisters, I desire to bear you my testimony that during this conference there has been a rich outpouring of the Spirit of God upon His servants; my heart has been made glad, and I have rejoiced in the truths we have received. I do not bear this testimony to you because I think it is necessary to confirm the words that have been spoken, nor in the hope of adding emphasis to what has been said, nor to convince you that you have listened to the truth. The Spirit of the Lord, I am confident, has borne record to your souls already as it has to mine, that what we have heard in this conference is true, is precious, and is the word of the Lord unto the people. I merely bear you my testimony that you may know that in my heart also the Spirit has given witness of the good things we have received from God, and that I am one with you in the enjoyment of these blessings.
I am now called upon to address you for a short time, and I desire to be under the same influence that my brethren have enjoyed while speaking. Yet when I come to view my own life, I confess that it is with some degree of fear and trembling that I ask God in my heart for this blessing; for the reason that I cannot feel altogether that I merit it, but am under the necessity of trusting in the mercy and grace of God. Such is the weakness of human nature that I presume—at least I speak for myself—if it were not for God's goodness and grace and for His willingness to help those who are striving to overcome and to be His servant's, it would be almost beyond man's power to approach God with sufficient confidence to obtain the outpouring of His Spirit and power. It is in this spirit, my brethren and sisters, that I approach the Lord on this occasion— with fear and trembling, acknowledging my own weakness and imperfections before you all; and if God in His mercy will pour out His Spirit and grant us a blessing through the words I may speak, then shall the honor and the praise and the glory be accorded unto Him. Moreover, we desire, in this way, that is, through His Spirit, to be taught of God, and not of man, nor by the spirit of man.
Many beautiful thoughts were awakened in my mind by the singing of that splendid hymn composed by the late Elder Parley P. Pratt, and sung by his grandsons in this conference. The hymn was originally published upon the cover of the first number of the "Millennial Star," in the month of April, 1840; and if I were going to take a text on this occasion it would be the first verse of that hymn:
The morning breaks the shadows flee;
Lo! Zion's standard is unfurled,
The dawning of a brighter day
Majestic rises on the world.
Sixty-three years of experience has demonstrated the inspiration of God in that utterance. If in thought you will go back to that time—1840—and take account of the progress made by the nations of the earth since then, you will find that there has been more advancement in arts, in sciences, in mechanics, in scientific and religious thought, than in any five hundred years previous to that time. Truly the dawning of a brighter day has arisen majestically on the world! The dawn of that day began when God once more renewed divine communication with men. When He graciously revealed Himself and His Son Jesus Christ to a Prophet and announced the incoming of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, in which should be gathered together all things in one, even in Christ, whether they were things in heaven, or things on earth. That was the beginning of the dawn of that brighter day. Since that event flood upon flood of light has come to the earth, making it radiant with intelligence. The direct result of the dawning of that brighter day has been the restoration of the holy Priesthood of God—the power of God given to man, by which man may co-operate with Gods and angels in bringing to pass the purposes of Jehovah. Also with the restoration of the Priesthood has come a profounder knowledge of the things of God; a better understanding of the character and being of God; of the relationship which man sustains to Him; the establishment of the Church of Christ; together with broader views of the plan of man's salvation and the redemption of the earth. I believe also that with this flood of knowledge concerning these highly spiritual things, there has come into the world, almost imperceptibly, a more generally diffused and brighter spirit of intelligence than was known before; like collateral rays shooting oft to right and left from the more direct light of God's revelations which ushered in the great work of the last days. By those collateral rays of light men have been led to those great discoveries in the arts and sciences and in mechanics, which make our age so wonderful as an age of progress and enlightenment. If I am right in this conjecture respecting this diffusion of a more general spirit of intelligence in the world as a result of the renewed direct communication between heaven and earth, then we should not be surprised, and I am sure that none of us are envious in the matter—we should not be surprised, that the sects and parties in the world, outside of the organization known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, should partake of some of the rays of light emanating from this central spiritual sun. Why, in olden times, even the beggars and strangers were welcome to the crumbs that fell from the Master's table and so the inhabitants of the earth, now if they cannot accept the fullness of the Gospel, are welcome to such fragments of that truth as may penetrate their understandings. I rejoice that they are partaking in a measure of these things; and while I believe with Elder Cowley that perhaps they are not designedly accepting them in order to honor God, still I am of the opinion that such is the wisdom of our Father that He will overrule their partial acceptance of the truth to His glory, and ultimately to a more rapid moving forward of the great work that He has in hand. After a while, those who are now taking up fragments of the truth into their creeds will be under the necessity of comparing notes and tracing things to their source, and when they do that they will learn that these great religious truths are not man's discovery, but God's revelation unto the inhabitants of the earth, and that they were revealed through His chosen instrument, the Prophet Joseph Smith.
It is not, however, in this direction that I would lead your thoughts on this occasion. I want to speak, if I shall enjoy the liberty of God's Spirit, upon another subject. Some of you perhaps are aware of the fact that I have been giving some attention of late to the literature on "Mormonism;" not only that which we ourselves publish, but that also which is published by others. The publications on "Mormonism" during the last five years, I believe, are more numerous than in any 20 years previous to that time. The last five years have witnessed an awakening of thought upon our religion. More, and ever more attention is being given to it. More newspaper articles, more magazine articles, more volumes—some of them quite pretentious—have been written on "Mormonism" than ever before, and indicate the universal interest taken in the subject. The books and magazine articles have been written from various standpoints; some of them in the old spirit of bitterness, and some of them are intended to be written in a spirit of fairness. Yet I marvel at their ideas of fairness. One work, written by a noted professor, pretending to be an impartial history, and issued by one of the first publishing houses in the United States, with the view evidently of establishing a standard history of "Mormonism," gives full credence to everything that has been said against us, but the author invariably cautions his readers against every quotation he makes from our own works—and yet that book is put forth as an impartial history of "Mormonism!” Some have attempted to write from a philosophical standpoint, but with the result that they plainly manifest that they have not yet reached foundation principles upon which they can satisfactorily account for Joseph Smith the Prophet, and the great work that he accomplished. Whenever I see my enemy shifting his ground; whenever I see that his eye is not steady, but shifts to the right or to the left, or looks behind, that evidence of uncertainty, of indecision, tells me that I am his master. So, too! with reference to the great work of God. When I see men shifting their grounds, and advancing first one theory and then another to account for "Mormonism," and there is confusion among them, uncertainty, indecision—I know that the citadel of our mighty faith is secure from harm from their attacks; that "Mormonism" cannot fall a victim to their philosophies or their arguments.
Let me, for a little while, draw your attention to at least one of the so-called philosophical solutions of "Mormonism;" a scientific accounting for Joseph Smith. The work I allude to was offered to Yale University as a thesis upon which the author hoped to secure, and I think he did secure, the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He candidly confesses that it is an effort to account for Joseph Smith upon some other hypothesis than that he was a conscious fraud, bent on deceiving mankind. When an intelligent man makes such an announcement as that, I know, and you know, that the theories heretofore advanced to account for Joseph Smith are unsatisfactory, that they have failed. The theory that Joseph Smith was a conscious fraud has fallen to the ground. The charges frequently made and persistently urged that "Mormonism" had its origin in deception and conscious fraud have failed of their purpose. The floods of falsehood with which some men have sought to overwhelm "Mormonism" have not accomplished the end proposed. The Latter-day Saints, after about three-quarters of a century of existence, stand above all the floods of falsehood that have been belched out against them. The work of God has not broken down, it has survived; and the Saints smilingly pity those who would make use of such contemptible means with which to combat the truth of Almighty God. Now, however, we are to be treated philosophically. And the philosophy that is advanced is, unconscious hallucination in the mind of Joseph Smith; partly unconscious and partly conscious possession of hypnotic power, by which the minds of those around him were dominated and made to see things which in reality had no existence; and while the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and others testify of visions and voices from God honestly enough, still as a matter of fact those revelations had really no objective existence, but were mental hallucinations. And as for Joseph Smith, he was deceived by epileptic conditions. The author I am considering is at great pains to trace the ancestry of the Prophet, pointing out their mental peculiarities and supposed defects, leading up to the conclusion that these defects of mind in his ancestors culminated in epilepsy in Joseph Smith. And hence, we have as the explanation of "Mormonism," epileptic fits in its Prophet, whose hallucinations are honestly mistaken for inspired visions, with partly conscious and partly unconscious hypnotic powers over others! And this theory if presented seriously to one of the first institutions of learning in America as a rational explanation of how "Mormonism" came into existence!
Ernest Renan, the French philosopher, when considering a similar hypothesis to account for the Lord Jesus Christ, overthrew all that kind of sophistry with this simple statement: "It has never been given to the mere aberrations of the human mind to result in the establishment of permanent institutions that influence any considerable number of people." In other words, the dreams and hallucinations of the epileptic end in mere dreams and hallucinations; they never crystalize into great systems of philosophy or into rational religious institutions. They never crystalize into great organizations capable of perpetuating that philosophy and that religion in the world. No matter how nearly genius may be allied to madness, it must remain genius and not degenerate to madness if it exercises any permanent influence over the minds of men.
There is much glamor of sophistry, which may be taken for profound reason and argument, in the work to which I call your attention. But one word answers this philosophical accounting for our Prophet. The work accomplished by him, the institutions he founded, destroy the whole fabric of premises and argument on which this theory is based. Great as was the Prophet Joseph Smith—and he was great; to him more than to any other man of modern times was it given to look deep into the things that are; to comprehend the heavens and the laws that obtain there; to understand the earth, its history, and its mission. He looked into the deep things of God—always, be it remembered, by the inspiration of God—and cut of the rich treasure of divine knowledge he brought forth things both new and old for the instruction of our race, the like of which, in some respects, had not been known in previous dispensations. Hence I repeat that Joseph Smith was great; but great as he was, rising up and towering far above him is the work that he accomplished through divine guidance; that work is infinitely greater than the prophet—greater than all the prophets connected with it. Its consistency, its permanency, its power, its institutions, contradict the hallucination theory advanced to account for its origin.
Let us look at this work for a moment. If one could but draw it clearly in outline, and present it in its originality and greatness, it would be its own witness of its divinity; for in all things it transcends the mere wit of man. Take the Church organization for illustration; and look at it with reference to its being and assemblage of means to the accomplishment of an end. As I understand the Church of Christ its mission is two-fold: first, it is to proclaim the truth; second, it is to perfect those who receive the truth. I think these two things cover, in a general way, the entire mission of the Church. Is its organization competent to attain those two mighty ends? Let us see; and first as to the proclamation of the truth—the work really of the foreign ministry. What provision has God made for that? He has in His Church, first of all Twelve Special Witnesses, the Twelve Apostles, who were chosen in the first instance, by the Three Special Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. I remark in passing that there is a peculiar fitness in the Twelve Apostles—the Twelve Special Witnesses being chosen by those who had been made Witnesses for God by the great vision and revelation He had given them concerning the absolute truth and correctness of the Book of Mormon. Upon these Twelve Apostles rests the responsibility of being witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ in all the world. That is their special, peculiar calling. You can see, however, if you take into account the extent of their field of labor—for it encompasses the whole round world—that twelve men would not be adequate to meet all the requirements of the foreign ministry. God knew this, and hence He called into existence other special witnesses, to labor under the direction of these twelve, they holding the keys to open the door of the Gospel to all the nations of the earth; for all must hear it, from the greatest to the least. The Twelve, I say, hold the keys of this foreign ministry; and hence whenever there has been an opening of the door of the Gospel to a foreign nation, one or more of these men holding the keys have been sent to do it. It was for this reason that Heber C. Kimball, one of the Twelve Apostles, was sent to Great Britain in 1837, to open the door of the Gospel in that land; why Elder John Taylor was sent to France and Germany; why Elder Lorenzo Snow was sent to Italy and Switzerland; why Erastus Snow was sent to the Scandinavian countries; why Parley P. Pratt went to Chili and opened the door of the Gospel to the South American Republics; why, more recently, Elder Heber J. Grant was sent to Japan to open a mission. Whether he has accomplished, in his own estimation much or little, it was for the reason that he held the Keys of this ministry that he was sent to the great empire of Japan, to open the door of the Gospel in that land; and to open the door of the Gospel to so great an empire is of itself a very great work; and will be accounted as one of the chief items in Elder Grant's career as an Apostle. The Twelve then hold the keys of this ministry, and upon them devolves this responsibility of opening the door of salvation to the nations. But after them, other witnesses are chosen. These are the seventy apostles, or special witnesses, the assistants of the Twelve; under whose directions they labor. At first, two quorums of Seventy only were organized; but with the promise of the Prophet that as the work should expand other quorums would be organized, not only till seven times seven quorums should be brought into existence, but until seventy times seven; "aye," said he, "until there shall be a hundred and forty and four thousand seventies chosen, if the work of the ministry shall require it." So we have continued organizing quorums of Seventy, to labor in the foreign ministry, until now we have one hundred and forty-three quorums in the Church— a body of nearly ten thousand men. They are special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, and when their numbers are considered, together with the privilege we have of increasing them, you can see that ample provision is made, in this respect, for the work of the foreign ministry.
But now let us consider their organization for a moment. Sixty-three members with seven presidents, when the quorum is complete, constitute a quorum. Suppose you were to send an entire quorum of Seventy bodily into the world—I hope that will be done some day—you could break that quorum into groups of ten. You could send with each group a President. It should be remembered here that these Presidents are equal in authority. The council of a quorum of Seventy is made up of seven Presidents, not one President and six Counselors—but of seven Presidents equal in authority. For the sake of order in administration, however, the right of initiative and presidency in the council is recognized as being vested in the senior member by ordination, not of age. And this principle is observed not only in the case of the first or senior president, but all down the line in the First Council, and in all quorum councils of the Seventies. By this simple arrangement, all confusion as to the right of presidency is obviated; for no sooner does the Council of a quorum, or any part thereof, meet, in any part of the world than each President knows at once upon whom the responsibility of initiative, of presidency, rests. But to return to the groups of ten into which the quorum can be divided, with a President for each group. You could break each group of ten into five pairs, and scatter them out among the people, to bear effectual witness of the truth of the Gospel under the provision of the law of the Gospel; for it is the law of the Gospel that the Elders should travel two and two, mainly for the reason, I suppose, that God has declared that He would establish his word in the mouth of two or three witnesses; and it is good when bearing testimony to the world that there should be the legal number of witnesses provided for in the law of God. Moreover, there is a very much needed companionship and sympathy provided for when the Elders travel two and two; and they are a protection one to the other. You could scatter these groups of ten in one or more states or countries; and they could occasionally meet in group conferences, exchange experiences, give advice and counsel; after which refreshing they could again divide into pairs, scatter and so continue their ministry. Occasionally the seven groups of the quorum could be brought together in general quorum conference, to take counsel for making their ministry more and ever more effectual: to readjust methods; to plan new campaigns; to strengthen each other by a mutual exchange of experiences and sympathy; and do whatever else their combined wisdom, helped by the inspiration of the Lord, would suggest as right and proper to do in the furtherance of their high aim in bringing to pass the salvation of men. Such are the possibilities of a quorum of Seventy. It may become a veritable flying column of witnesses for God, sweeping the earth with the testimony of Jesus, and calling the inhabitants of the earth unto repentance! Can you think of this beautiful arrangement for the foreign ministry as having its origin in the alleged epileptic hallucinations of man? Such a conception is palpably absurd, and utterly revolting to reason.
Turn now for a moment to the home ministry of the Church, and what have you? You have your stake organization, with its Presidency of three presiding High Priests, aided in their counsels and labors by the High Council of the stake, consisting of twelve High Priests. This council also constitutes a judicial body for the settlement of difficulties that may not be satisfactorily adjusted in the Bishop's courts. It is, however, an ecclesiastical court of original as well as of appellate jurisdiction. You have a Bishopric in the respective wards of the Church, constituting the local presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, with quorums of Priests, Teachers and Deacons to aid them in the work of their ministry. The Deacons take care of the house of the Lord, and are to be assistants to the Teachers when occasion requires. The Teachers are the watchmen upon the towers of Zion, and it is their business to see that there is no iniquity in the Church—no backbiting, no faultfinding-, and that the members attend to their religious duties. The Priests' duty is to visit the homes of the people and instruct them in the Gospel. Parenthetically I might say that T marvel sometimes that the Saints do not avail themselves of this help in the management of their households. Where they have sons or daughters who will not be amenable to the instructions of parents, the priests with very great propriety could be invited to meet with them and teach the sublime truths of the Gospel. In addition to these officers of the wards and the stakes,, there is in each stake a quorum of High Priests, and one or more quorums of Elders. These constitute the standing ministry in the stakes of Zion, and are authorized to teach the Gospel, to warn all men against evil, and to invite and persuade all men to come unto Christ. These are the Provisions made for the home ministry, in the Church organization proper. Time will not admit reference to the auxiliary organizations — the Sabbath schools, Improvement associations, Relief societies, Primary societies, and Religion classes. But from the fireside of the people to the public assembly of worship; from the cradle to the grave, every provision is made for carding on the work of the ministry, at home, instructing the Saints in the things of God, inviting all to come unto Christ; the object of the Church being to lift to higher, and still higher levels the lives of the Saints of God, until they shall become perfect men and women in Christ Jesus the Lord. Such are the arrangements, in brief, for the home ministry.
Notwithstanding the clear distinctions between the foreign ministry and the home ministry, the lines that separate them may be crossed on occasion. You remember how Paul compares the Church of Christ to the body of a man, and insists that every member and every organ is necessary to the perfect working of that organism; that the head cannot say to the feet I have no need of thee; neither can the feet say to the head, I have no need of thee; nor the hand to the eye, I have no need of thee; all the members of the body, he argues, are necessary. Now, what would you think of a body that possessed a right hand and left hand, yet the right hand would not at need come to the help of the left hand; or the left hand refuse to come to the aid of the right hand? You expect the two hands and arms of a man's body to help each other, under the direction of the intelligence of the mind. And so in the Church of Christ. The home ministry and the foreign ministry cross the line of separation as occasion requires, and come to the assistance of one another in accomplishing the purposes of God. Sometimes the officers who are particularly charged with the foreign ministry help at home; the home ministry sometimes help in the foreign ministry; but all work harmoniously together.
Rising above both these great divisions of the Priesthood stands, as the keystone in the arch, the Presidency of the Church, having control over both departments, and directing the work of God in all the world. Their jurisdiction extends to every corner of the earth. No branch of the Church, however remote, is beyond their oversight. No Elder, let him be traveling where he will, is outside the pale of their authority. Talk of catholicity being one of the marks of the true Church of Christ, as our Catholic friends sometimes do, they shall find here in the Church of Christ a catholicity such as they have never dreamed of. The Church is the church universal; and the President of the Church holds universal jurisdiction. Moreover, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church he is the source through which God speaks, not only to this people, not only to the Church of Christ, but to all the inhabitants of the earth, and God will hold them accountable for the use they make of the words He shall speak through His appointed mouthpiece. Do not think that this man's authority is limited to this Church alone. All the inhabitants of the earth are children of God, and He will deliver His word unto them through His prophet. I rather like the idea that all the inhabitants of the earth belong to us—they are God's children, though some of them are in rebellion and will not heed the commandments of their Father just now. But here in the Church of Christ is the center of ecclesiastical government. Here shine forth those rays of light that will grow brighter and brighter until all the inhabitants of the earth are enlightened by them.
Now, what do you think of this effort of philosophy to account for "Mormonism?" How insipid, how foolish, how contemptible, how inadequate are the theories of men to account for even the organization of this Church! The Church is its own witness! As the stars, "singing ever as they shine, proclaim the hand that made them is divine," so, too, this work, the restored Gospel—the Church of Christ—proclaims that it has a divine origin, and that there is in it a divine power working out the purposes of God. Then let the imitators go on. Let them choose Apostles, if they want to—and some of them have them; let them have Seventies, if they want to, and some of them have them; let them accent this doctrine and that doctrine until they shall have the complete organization and the complete doctrine in form, if they want to; but there is one thing they never can get, worlds without end, and that is the spirit of this work, which gives it life and power. This work will always be distinguished from the works of men, in that there will be imminent in it the Spirit of God working His sovereign will. And that is something they cannot imitate.
My brethren and sisters I rejoice in the truth. I rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It satisfies me completely. It responds to the hungering of my spirit. It meets the demands also of my intellectual nature. And as I see the growth of intelligence among men, an increase of scientific knowledge, a broader understanding of the universe, a comprehension of the extent and grandeur of the works of God, I see in "Mormonism" that which rises up to meet this enlarged knowledge of man. "Mormonism" teaches man that he is a child of God; it tells him that he has in him divine elements that partake of the nature of God; that he may live forever, and that he may go on from one degree of excellence unto another until he shall attain unto something that is truly grand, truly great, worthy of a God to give, and worthy of a Son of God to receive.
I rejoice in these truths. They cannot be accounted for by any theory that refers their origin to hallucinations of an epileptic's mind. They are too substantial, too grand, too rational, too sublime, too soul inspiring, to have any such contemptible origin. Their own intrinsic value—their own self-evident truth—the institution to which they are committed as to a sacred depository for the benefit of mankind — The Church—all this proclaims their divine origin.
May God seal the truths of the Gospel upon our hearts, and make them precious to us, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
While I realize, as you all do doubtless, that it may be wholly unnecessary for me to say what I am going to say, yet I feel prompted to say it, and let it go for what it is worth. I have been delighted with the most excellent discourse that we have listened to; but I desire to say that it is a wonderful revelation to the Latter-day Saints, and especially to those who were familiar with the Prophet Joseph Smith, to learn in these latter days that he was an epileptic! I will simply remark, God be praised, that there are so many still living who knew the Prophet Joseph well, and who are in a position to bear testimony to the truth that no such condition ever existed in the man. He was never troubled with epilepsy. Of course, this may be unnecessary to say, after the magnificent arraignment made by Brother Roberts of this fallacious, foolish, nonsensical theory — this "fried froth"—gotten up by vain philosophers to account for something they would like to destroy from off the face of the earth, but are impotent to do it.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins: Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah.
Benediction was pronounced by Elder Joseph M. Tanner.
While I realize, as you all do doubtless, that it may be wholly unnecessary for me to say what I am going to say, yet I feel prompted to say it, and let it go for what it is worth. I have been delighted with the most excellent discourse that we have listened to; but I desire to say that it is a wonderful revelation to the Latter-day Saints, and especially to those who were familiar with the Prophet Joseph Smith, to learn in these latter days that he was an epileptic! I will simply remark, God be praised, that there are so many still living who knew the Prophet Joseph well, and who are in a position to bear testimony to the truth that no such condition ever existed in the man. He was never troubled with epilepsy. Of course, this may be unnecessary to say, after the magnificent arraignment made by Brother Roberts of this fallacious, foolish, nonsensical theory — this "fried froth"—gotten up by vain philosophers to account for something they would like to destroy from off the face of the earth, but are impotent to do it.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn which begins: Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah.
Benediction was pronounced by Elder Joseph M. Tanner.
CLOSING SESSION. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2 p. m.
The choir and congregation sang:
How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge hath fled.
Opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph E. Taylor.
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.
The choir and congregation sang:
How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge hath fled.
Opening prayer was offered by Elder Joseph E. Taylor.
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.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER.
Distinction between gathering of the Saints and Salvation Army colonization—Law of tithing — Acceptance of principles of the Gospel would benefit the world—Sacredness of Temple work.
I am very glad, brethren and sisters, to have another opportunity of meeting with you in this conference, and I pray that the Spirit of the Lord may be abundantly poured out upon us this afternoon, as it has been thus far.
Two or three things were mentioned yesterday that I have thought about today. One was in relation to gathering. A comparison was made between the gathering of the Latter-day Saints and the colonization or gathering of the Salvation Army. It struck me very forcibly that there was no proper comparison between them. The gathering of the Latter-day Saints was inaugurated by revelation, through Joseph Smith the Prophet. It is part and parcel of the Gospel of this last dispensation, and it was preached in a very early day. I remember distinctly that when I first heard the Gospel there was little said about the gathering; but, it was very remarkable that every person who received the Gospel began to prepare to gather with the Saints. When they received the Gospel they received the spirit of gathering with it. As I understand it, the Salvation Army is simply colonizing. Consequently, I think there is considerable difference between the gathering of the Latter-day Saints and the colonization of the Salvation Army.
Another matter mentioned was in relation to tithing. It was stated that some of the Christian denominations are commencing to pay tithing. Now, I remember that as long ago as when I was a member of the Church of England, the principle of tithing was taught in that church. But, there was one difference between the tithing collected there and the tithing of the Latter-day Saints: one was collected by law, the other is a voluntary contribution. I have known a parson to send his team into the grain field and take the tenth shock of grain out of the field, if the man did not pay the money. I have seen this done myself. So it is nothing particularly new to them, though it may be to the Methodists. I look upon the tithing of the Latter-day Saints as entirely different to that practised by other denominations. The principle of tithing came to us by revelation, the same as did all the ordinances of the Church.
Again, while the brethren were speaking of these organizations accepting some of the principles of the Gospel, it occurred to me that it would not be a bad thing if they accepted every one of the principles of the Gospel, provided they practised them, because it would have the effect to better the condition of all the people in the world. I have the same opinion regarding that as I have in relation to the ordinances in the temples. It has been said that things are taught in the temples which cannot be spoken of outside. I want to tell you—and you who have been there know what I say is the truth—that every principle taught there is of a holy and sacred character. They are all calculated to make people better, to make better fathers, better mothers, and better citizens of the United States. This statement could be verified by thousands in this congregation. So true is this that one president of a stake has commenced to organize the people in his stake to go to the temple and work for the dead; and one reason he assigns for doing this is that the people who attend to ordinance work in the temple make better members of a ward, better fathers and mothers, and better citizens; consequently he wants all the people in his stake to go to the temple, and partake of the blessings and spirit of that holy house. I think this is an example that might well be followed by other stakes of Zion, where they are so situated that they can do it. The Prophet Joseph Smith said shortly before his death, that the one thing that was exercising his mind more than any other was in relation to the ordinances for the dead. It is true, a considerable work has been and' is being done in our temples. About 2,490,000 ordinances have been performed in all the temples, and about 78,000 have been performed during the past year in the Salt Lake Temple. But we can do more. If this is as important as the Prophet Joseph said it was surely it is our duty to attend to it, and not put it off when we have the opportunity. This is a matter worthy the consideration of all the presidents of stakes. Let them encourage their people to go to the house of the Lord, and redeem the dead.
May the Lord bless us in all our labors, and may we so live before the Lord that we may always have a claim upon His promised blessings, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Distinction between gathering of the Saints and Salvation Army colonization—Law of tithing — Acceptance of principles of the Gospel would benefit the world—Sacredness of Temple work.
I am very glad, brethren and sisters, to have another opportunity of meeting with you in this conference, and I pray that the Spirit of the Lord may be abundantly poured out upon us this afternoon, as it has been thus far.
Two or three things were mentioned yesterday that I have thought about today. One was in relation to gathering. A comparison was made between the gathering of the Latter-day Saints and the colonization or gathering of the Salvation Army. It struck me very forcibly that there was no proper comparison between them. The gathering of the Latter-day Saints was inaugurated by revelation, through Joseph Smith the Prophet. It is part and parcel of the Gospel of this last dispensation, and it was preached in a very early day. I remember distinctly that when I first heard the Gospel there was little said about the gathering; but, it was very remarkable that every person who received the Gospel began to prepare to gather with the Saints. When they received the Gospel they received the spirit of gathering with it. As I understand it, the Salvation Army is simply colonizing. Consequently, I think there is considerable difference between the gathering of the Latter-day Saints and the colonization of the Salvation Army.
Another matter mentioned was in relation to tithing. It was stated that some of the Christian denominations are commencing to pay tithing. Now, I remember that as long ago as when I was a member of the Church of England, the principle of tithing was taught in that church. But, there was one difference between the tithing collected there and the tithing of the Latter-day Saints: one was collected by law, the other is a voluntary contribution. I have known a parson to send his team into the grain field and take the tenth shock of grain out of the field, if the man did not pay the money. I have seen this done myself. So it is nothing particularly new to them, though it may be to the Methodists. I look upon the tithing of the Latter-day Saints as entirely different to that practised by other denominations. The principle of tithing came to us by revelation, the same as did all the ordinances of the Church.
Again, while the brethren were speaking of these organizations accepting some of the principles of the Gospel, it occurred to me that it would not be a bad thing if they accepted every one of the principles of the Gospel, provided they practised them, because it would have the effect to better the condition of all the people in the world. I have the same opinion regarding that as I have in relation to the ordinances in the temples. It has been said that things are taught in the temples which cannot be spoken of outside. I want to tell you—and you who have been there know what I say is the truth—that every principle taught there is of a holy and sacred character. They are all calculated to make people better, to make better fathers, better mothers, and better citizens of the United States. This statement could be verified by thousands in this congregation. So true is this that one president of a stake has commenced to organize the people in his stake to go to the temple and work for the dead; and one reason he assigns for doing this is that the people who attend to ordinance work in the temple make better members of a ward, better fathers and mothers, and better citizens; consequently he wants all the people in his stake to go to the temple, and partake of the blessings and spirit of that holy house. I think this is an example that might well be followed by other stakes of Zion, where they are so situated that they can do it. The Prophet Joseph Smith said shortly before his death, that the one thing that was exercising his mind more than any other was in relation to the ordinances for the dead. It is true, a considerable work has been and' is being done in our temples. About 2,490,000 ordinances have been performed in all the temples, and about 78,000 have been performed during the past year in the Salt Lake Temple. But we can do more. If this is as important as the Prophet Joseph said it was surely it is our duty to attend to it, and not put it off when we have the opportunity. This is a matter worthy the consideration of all the presidents of stakes. Let them encourage their people to go to the house of the Lord, and redeem the dead.
May the Lord bless us in all our labors, and may we so live before the Lord that we may always have a claim upon His promised blessings, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND.
Comprehensive redemption — Salvation includes dead as well as living—Sacredness of work done in Temples.
The subject Brother Winder alluded to—work for the dead—is a very interesting one. It is a principle peculiar to the Gospel as preached by us. There are churches whose members believe in praying for the dead; but we believe in working for the dead. It was a new thing when the Prophet Joseph laid this principle before the world. The Christian world had been taught for hundreds of years that death ends all with man; that if he did not believe in Christ at his death there was no hope for him. When you consider the small number of the inhabitants of the world who have heard of the name of Christ, and then think of all the rest being damned because they did not obey that which they had never heard, the inconsistency and injustice of such a doctrine as that is very apparent. The Gospel of Christ was formulated in love. God is love. He loved His children so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son, who gave Himself a sacrifice for the sins of all. Jesus came and filled His mission. His name has been preached to the nations for centuries. Yet the Christian world today does not constitute a third of the whole population of the globe. The other two-thirds do not believe in Christ, and when they die, according to some, their chance of salvation is gone. We believe that the Gospel is much broader than this. We believe that the plan of salvation, formulated before this earth rolled into existence, was framed by heavenly beings who could see the future, and who understood what would take place, and were able to provide for the salvation of all who should inhabit this earth. They did so. We have learned, through the Prophet Joseph, that there is a possibility for those who have departed, to hear the truth, to believe in God and in His Son, to repent, and to have the ordinances of the Gospel performed for them. I know that many have held that these doctrines are blasphemous; but they are not. They are principles that give hope unto men. You have heard perhaps of the Dutch chief who was converted by the Christians, and, as he was going to step into the waters of baptism, he asked what had become of his father and his forefathers. The priest who was to baptize him, being a little more zealous than wise perchance, told him they had all gone to hell. He stepped back and said, "Then I want to go where they have gone." Now, those who hear the Gospel today may ask where their forefathers have gone, and it can be said to them, "They all shall hear the name of Christ, for the Gospel will be preached unto them. If they have not heard it here, they will hear it yonder; and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess His name." Remember, it is the spirit in man that hears, and understands, and wills. This tabernacle of clay is not capable of these functions. The spirit uses the different senses to obtain perceptions from the outer world. And when the spirit, after leaving the body, goes into the spirit world, it can still think, and will, and reason. The intelligent part of man does not die. At some time or other, those authorized to preach the Gospel will minister unto the spirits in the spirit world and lay before them the glorious principles of truth. When the thief on the cross asked the Savior to remember him when He came into His kingdom, Jesus saw that the man was penitent, that he had a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and he comforted him with the promise that "today shalt thou be with me in paradise." I do not think He held out a fallacious hope to this man when He said that he should be with Him in paradise that day. I believe that when the Savior's spirit left His body hanging upon the tree, it went into paradise, and He gladdened the hearts of the spirits there with the glorious tidings that He had conquered, that He had given His life for their redemption, and that everything they had done in their worship pointing forward to His great sacrifice had been fulfilled, thereby giving validity to their acts.
What joy must have filled them when they heard this! But He did not visit them alone. He went further into the spirit world. He visited the spirits in prison who had once heard and rejected the Gospel. He preached the Gospel unto them, so Peter tells us. Peter also gives us to understand who they were. They were the antediluvians who rejected the message of salvation as preached by the Gospel-preacher Noah. These heard the voice of the Savior in the spirit world. No doubt they had ample time to consider and repent of their acts, and were longing for the time spoken of by Isaiah, when the prison doors should be opened and the captives should go free. Christ did this, according to Peter's (testimony. Why did He preach to them? Some have held that He did so to tantalize them over what they had lost. Oh, no! That was not the mission of Jesus. He preached glad tidings unto them, and He opened their prison doors. An opportunity was given in the spirit world for them to receive and obey the Gospel. So with our forefathers, who died without a knowledge of the purposes of God. They will have a chance to hear and receive the Gospel.
Jesus, in His interview with Nicodemus, laid down the law which must be obeyed by all who shall enter the kingdom of heaven. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." In other words, the law was laid down in the eternal councils that baptism is necessary to salvation. But the spirits cannot be baptized. How, therefore, can they obey this law? It must be borne in mind that Jesus extended this law to all. Some have gone so far as to say that it includes little children also; but the Lord has revealed unto us that children, before they arrive at the years of accountability, are without sin, and therefore it is not necessary to baptize them, baptism being for the remission of sin. On one occasion Jesus held up a little child and said unto His disciples, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." On another occasion, in speaking of children, He said, 'Of such is the kingdom of heaven." But after they arrive at the years of accountability they must obey this law. This law applying to all men, how shall those who have died obey it? God, in His mercy, has provided that others may perform this ordinance for them in the flesh, and this vicarious work is attended to in temples. We thank the Lord for this glorious doctrine. It raises our hopes for those whom we love and who did not obey the requirements of the Gospel in life. We rejoice that they can have the opportunity in the other life. But those in this mortal life must be baptized for them.
This is not a new doctrine. Paul understood it, and used it in his day as a strong argument in favor of the resurrection. Of what use would it be to baptize anyone if there were no resurrection? Read the 29th verse of the 15th chapter of First Corinthians:
"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
When in England I attended the funeral of a member of the English church and heard the officiating clergyman read the beautiful chapter containing this verse, I wondered what they thought of that verse. But they read it and never commented upon it. I see, though, that Dean Farrar in his book on "The Early Days of Christianity," says, "If Christ preached to dead men who were once disobedient then Scripture shows us that the moment of death does not necessarily involve a final and hopeless torment for every sinful soul." Now, we believe that the law laid down by Jesus to Nicodemus must be obeyed, and that men in the flesh can obey it by proxy for those who have departed. For this reason we have built temples. You may say we have only a small number of temples, that very few can enter there, and that the myriads of spirits in the spirit world cannot be reached by the mere handful of people who are performing vicarious work here on the earth. In answer to this I will say we believe there will be ample time in the future. We do all that is in our power while God gives us days to live in, and we know there are many more going to join the ranks of the Saints. The Gospel will spread, this land will be the land of Zion, temples will be built in various localities, from one end of it to the other, and the Saints of God living in the Millennium will have this precious labor to perform. Then the veil, I believe, will be much thinner between the spirit world and this; and we will work for the dead, not only in faith that those for whom we labor will accept the Gospel, but with an actual knowledge that they are longing for the work to be done. I look upon the work for the dead as a most glorious principle.
While I am speaking about the Temples, I want to make a declaration here before you, my brethren and sisters. We have been accused of entering into covenants in those holy edifices which are unpatriotic and against our government. Now. I declare here solemnly before you that there is not a word of truth in it; that nobody is called upon to take oath or covenant that militates against our government in the least degree. On the other hand, I will say that those who obey the covenants they enter into there will be better citizens because of it. They cannot help it, because they make covenants there to serve the Lord, to do right unto their neighbors, to live pure lives; and when men do this they will be the best citizens. I suppose there are thousands before me in this Tabernacle who have gone into our temples, and they know it is true what I say. I would not dare to say this before you, if it were not so. I hear that sectarian organizations are going to bring up the alleged endowment oath against Senator Smoot, arguing that he is not capable of giving allegiance to the government on account of the oath he is said to have taken in the Temple. First, there is no oath given or taken; but sacred covenants are entered into; and secondly, there is not one—I say it again—that is against the government or against a man being patriotic and sustaining the laws of his country.
Brethren and sisters, I feel well to be present with you. I have rejoiced in this conference. I hope the spirit of it will go with us to our different places of abode, and that the spirit of Zion may grow, and union and prosperity prevail amongst the Saints. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Comprehensive redemption — Salvation includes dead as well as living—Sacredness of work done in Temples.
The subject Brother Winder alluded to—work for the dead—is a very interesting one. It is a principle peculiar to the Gospel as preached by us. There are churches whose members believe in praying for the dead; but we believe in working for the dead. It was a new thing when the Prophet Joseph laid this principle before the world. The Christian world had been taught for hundreds of years that death ends all with man; that if he did not believe in Christ at his death there was no hope for him. When you consider the small number of the inhabitants of the world who have heard of the name of Christ, and then think of all the rest being damned because they did not obey that which they had never heard, the inconsistency and injustice of such a doctrine as that is very apparent. The Gospel of Christ was formulated in love. God is love. He loved His children so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son, who gave Himself a sacrifice for the sins of all. Jesus came and filled His mission. His name has been preached to the nations for centuries. Yet the Christian world today does not constitute a third of the whole population of the globe. The other two-thirds do not believe in Christ, and when they die, according to some, their chance of salvation is gone. We believe that the Gospel is much broader than this. We believe that the plan of salvation, formulated before this earth rolled into existence, was framed by heavenly beings who could see the future, and who understood what would take place, and were able to provide for the salvation of all who should inhabit this earth. They did so. We have learned, through the Prophet Joseph, that there is a possibility for those who have departed, to hear the truth, to believe in God and in His Son, to repent, and to have the ordinances of the Gospel performed for them. I know that many have held that these doctrines are blasphemous; but they are not. They are principles that give hope unto men. You have heard perhaps of the Dutch chief who was converted by the Christians, and, as he was going to step into the waters of baptism, he asked what had become of his father and his forefathers. The priest who was to baptize him, being a little more zealous than wise perchance, told him they had all gone to hell. He stepped back and said, "Then I want to go where they have gone." Now, those who hear the Gospel today may ask where their forefathers have gone, and it can be said to them, "They all shall hear the name of Christ, for the Gospel will be preached unto them. If they have not heard it here, they will hear it yonder; and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess His name." Remember, it is the spirit in man that hears, and understands, and wills. This tabernacle of clay is not capable of these functions. The spirit uses the different senses to obtain perceptions from the outer world. And when the spirit, after leaving the body, goes into the spirit world, it can still think, and will, and reason. The intelligent part of man does not die. At some time or other, those authorized to preach the Gospel will minister unto the spirits in the spirit world and lay before them the glorious principles of truth. When the thief on the cross asked the Savior to remember him when He came into His kingdom, Jesus saw that the man was penitent, that he had a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and he comforted him with the promise that "today shalt thou be with me in paradise." I do not think He held out a fallacious hope to this man when He said that he should be with Him in paradise that day. I believe that when the Savior's spirit left His body hanging upon the tree, it went into paradise, and He gladdened the hearts of the spirits there with the glorious tidings that He had conquered, that He had given His life for their redemption, and that everything they had done in their worship pointing forward to His great sacrifice had been fulfilled, thereby giving validity to their acts.
What joy must have filled them when they heard this! But He did not visit them alone. He went further into the spirit world. He visited the spirits in prison who had once heard and rejected the Gospel. He preached the Gospel unto them, so Peter tells us. Peter also gives us to understand who they were. They were the antediluvians who rejected the message of salvation as preached by the Gospel-preacher Noah. These heard the voice of the Savior in the spirit world. No doubt they had ample time to consider and repent of their acts, and were longing for the time spoken of by Isaiah, when the prison doors should be opened and the captives should go free. Christ did this, according to Peter's (testimony. Why did He preach to them? Some have held that He did so to tantalize them over what they had lost. Oh, no! That was not the mission of Jesus. He preached glad tidings unto them, and He opened their prison doors. An opportunity was given in the spirit world for them to receive and obey the Gospel. So with our forefathers, who died without a knowledge of the purposes of God. They will have a chance to hear and receive the Gospel.
Jesus, in His interview with Nicodemus, laid down the law which must be obeyed by all who shall enter the kingdom of heaven. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." In other words, the law was laid down in the eternal councils that baptism is necessary to salvation. But the spirits cannot be baptized. How, therefore, can they obey this law? It must be borne in mind that Jesus extended this law to all. Some have gone so far as to say that it includes little children also; but the Lord has revealed unto us that children, before they arrive at the years of accountability, are without sin, and therefore it is not necessary to baptize them, baptism being for the remission of sin. On one occasion Jesus held up a little child and said unto His disciples, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." On another occasion, in speaking of children, He said, 'Of such is the kingdom of heaven." But after they arrive at the years of accountability they must obey this law. This law applying to all men, how shall those who have died obey it? God, in His mercy, has provided that others may perform this ordinance for them in the flesh, and this vicarious work is attended to in temples. We thank the Lord for this glorious doctrine. It raises our hopes for those whom we love and who did not obey the requirements of the Gospel in life. We rejoice that they can have the opportunity in the other life. But those in this mortal life must be baptized for them.
This is not a new doctrine. Paul understood it, and used it in his day as a strong argument in favor of the resurrection. Of what use would it be to baptize anyone if there were no resurrection? Read the 29th verse of the 15th chapter of First Corinthians:
"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?"
When in England I attended the funeral of a member of the English church and heard the officiating clergyman read the beautiful chapter containing this verse, I wondered what they thought of that verse. But they read it and never commented upon it. I see, though, that Dean Farrar in his book on "The Early Days of Christianity," says, "If Christ preached to dead men who were once disobedient then Scripture shows us that the moment of death does not necessarily involve a final and hopeless torment for every sinful soul." Now, we believe that the law laid down by Jesus to Nicodemus must be obeyed, and that men in the flesh can obey it by proxy for those who have departed. For this reason we have built temples. You may say we have only a small number of temples, that very few can enter there, and that the myriads of spirits in the spirit world cannot be reached by the mere handful of people who are performing vicarious work here on the earth. In answer to this I will say we believe there will be ample time in the future. We do all that is in our power while God gives us days to live in, and we know there are many more going to join the ranks of the Saints. The Gospel will spread, this land will be the land of Zion, temples will be built in various localities, from one end of it to the other, and the Saints of God living in the Millennium will have this precious labor to perform. Then the veil, I believe, will be much thinner between the spirit world and this; and we will work for the dead, not only in faith that those for whom we labor will accept the Gospel, but with an actual knowledge that they are longing for the work to be done. I look upon the work for the dead as a most glorious principle.
While I am speaking about the Temples, I want to make a declaration here before you, my brethren and sisters. We have been accused of entering into covenants in those holy edifices which are unpatriotic and against our government. Now. I declare here solemnly before you that there is not a word of truth in it; that nobody is called upon to take oath or covenant that militates against our government in the least degree. On the other hand, I will say that those who obey the covenants they enter into there will be better citizens because of it. They cannot help it, because they make covenants there to serve the Lord, to do right unto their neighbors, to live pure lives; and when men do this they will be the best citizens. I suppose there are thousands before me in this Tabernacle who have gone into our temples, and they know it is true what I say. I would not dare to say this before you, if it were not so. I hear that sectarian organizations are going to bring up the alleged endowment oath against Senator Smoot, arguing that he is not capable of giving allegiance to the government on account of the oath he is said to have taken in the Temple. First, there is no oath given or taken; but sacred covenants are entered into; and secondly, there is not one—I say it again—that is against the government or against a man being patriotic and sustaining the laws of his country.
Brethren and sisters, I feel well to be present with you. I have rejoiced in this conference. I hope the spirit of it will go with us to our different places of abode, and that the spirit of Zion may grow, and union and prosperity prevail amongst the Saints. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PATRIARCH JOHN SMITH.
A reference to the past—Encouragement to faithfulness— The youth should prepare for the work of the ministry.
My brothers and sisters, it is with peculiar feelings that I stand before you on this occasion. For one thing, it is rather unexpected to me. I feel to ask for your faith and prayers, that something may be brought to my mind that shall edify you and myself. I have listened attentively to the remarks made by those who have addressed us during this conference, and I bear testimony that what has been said to us is true and profitable. Those who have talked to us have done so under the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord. The counsels they have given to us are good, and should sink deep into our hearts, and cause us to profit by what we have heard.
In looking at this congregation, my mind reverts to early youth. In my association with the Church, from its early history up to the present, I have seen vast changes among the people. When I look around and try to discover those who were companions of my youth, I find they are getting very scarce. I met one man this morning who was a member of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio. He is the first one I have met for a long time. Very few remain of those who were my companions in Nauvoo, and I sometimes become lonesome, because the faces of those I was acquainted with then have faded away. In their stead, others have become prominent, and as has been predicted, we have become a great and mighty people in the valleys of the mountains.
I want to encourage the Saints to faithfulness, and diligence in the performance of duty. Realizing that our time in this probation is short, we should strive to perform the labors and duties enjoined upon us in that way and manner that shall meet the approval of our Father in heaven. I often hear people speak of a hobby. If I have one, it is to exhort my young brethren especially to faithfulness, to diligence in duty, to listen to and be guided by the whisperings of the Spirit, and to acquire learning and information that will prepare them for the duties of the future. The Gospel must be preached to all nations, kindred, tongues and people, and our boys must learn their duty and prepare their minds for that important work. We understand that the greater the harvest, the more harvest hands we need. I exhort the boys particularly to prepare themselves for the ministry; to attend Mutual Improvement associations and schools; get their lessons properly, and be ready when they are called to go on missions on this continent, or to the other nations of the earth, or upon the islands of the sea, that they may go with an understanding of what they are sent for, and be qualified to carry the message of life and salvation unto all those who will listen. In this Church every person has certain duties to perform. We understand that we should pay tithes and offerings, and attend to our prayers. We also understand the meaning of the old adage, Do unto others as we would they should do unto us. Let us act according to our understanding, that we may fill our mission upon the earth in honor before God.
May the blessings of our Heavenly Father attend all Israel. May He continue to guide us in the true path, and fit and prepare us for every event of His providence, and, when we have finished our course, may we be worthy of the blessings He has in store for His people, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sister Lottie Owen sang sweetly the song entitled: "Oh, Dry Those Tears."
A reference to the past—Encouragement to faithfulness— The youth should prepare for the work of the ministry.
My brothers and sisters, it is with peculiar feelings that I stand before you on this occasion. For one thing, it is rather unexpected to me. I feel to ask for your faith and prayers, that something may be brought to my mind that shall edify you and myself. I have listened attentively to the remarks made by those who have addressed us during this conference, and I bear testimony that what has been said to us is true and profitable. Those who have talked to us have done so under the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord. The counsels they have given to us are good, and should sink deep into our hearts, and cause us to profit by what we have heard.
In looking at this congregation, my mind reverts to early youth. In my association with the Church, from its early history up to the present, I have seen vast changes among the people. When I look around and try to discover those who were companions of my youth, I find they are getting very scarce. I met one man this morning who was a member of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio. He is the first one I have met for a long time. Very few remain of those who were my companions in Nauvoo, and I sometimes become lonesome, because the faces of those I was acquainted with then have faded away. In their stead, others have become prominent, and as has been predicted, we have become a great and mighty people in the valleys of the mountains.
I want to encourage the Saints to faithfulness, and diligence in the performance of duty. Realizing that our time in this probation is short, we should strive to perform the labors and duties enjoined upon us in that way and manner that shall meet the approval of our Father in heaven. I often hear people speak of a hobby. If I have one, it is to exhort my young brethren especially to faithfulness, to diligence in duty, to listen to and be guided by the whisperings of the Spirit, and to acquire learning and information that will prepare them for the duties of the future. The Gospel must be preached to all nations, kindred, tongues and people, and our boys must learn their duty and prepare their minds for that important work. We understand that the greater the harvest, the more harvest hands we need. I exhort the boys particularly to prepare themselves for the ministry; to attend Mutual Improvement associations and schools; get their lessons properly, and be ready when they are called to go on missions on this continent, or to the other nations of the earth, or upon the islands of the sea, that they may go with an understanding of what they are sent for, and be qualified to carry the message of life and salvation unto all those who will listen. In this Church every person has certain duties to perform. We understand that we should pay tithes and offerings, and attend to our prayers. We also understand the meaning of the old adage, Do unto others as we would they should do unto us. Let us act according to our understanding, that we may fill our mission upon the earth in honor before God.
May the blessings of our Heavenly Father attend all Israel. May He continue to guide us in the true path, and fit and prepare us for every event of His providence, and, when we have finished our course, may we be worthy of the blessings He has in store for His people, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sister Lottie Owen sang sweetly the song entitled: "Oh, Dry Those Tears."
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Latter-day Saints a free people.
We will now present before the conference the names of the general authorities of the Church with the earnest desire that all the members of the Church present, who by reason of their good standing before the Lord are entitled to the privilege, will express their will according to the God-given agency that every man in the world enjoys and which is not lessened, but rather increased, in all those who have made covenant with God by sacrifice and through obedience to the principles of the Gospel. The freedom of the Latter-day Saints has never been curtailed or lessened one whit by their becoming members of the Church of Christ. Rather has it been enlarged. There are no freer people upon the face of the earth today than the Latter-day Saints. They are bound to the Church by no ties or strings, but their own conviction of the truth. And whenever a man makes up his mind that he has had enough of what is called "Mormonism," all he has to do is to make it known and we will sever the bond that unites him with the body, and let him go his own way, only bearing toward him the feeling of sympathy and of true brotherly kindness, and wishing him still the mercies of God. We will cry, Father, have mercy upon him, because he knows not what he is doing. For when a man denies the truth, when he departs from the right way, when he rejects the right of God to counsel in the affairs of men, he is either ignorant or wilfully wicked, and it only excites our pity for him. As the Savior cried upon the cross, so will we cry in the same spirit, Father, forgive him; have mercy upon him; for he knows not what he does. Therefore, we expect only those to vote at this time who are members of the Church in good standing; but all such we do expect to vote, according to their own free will, whether it be yea or nay. However, we wish it distinctly understood that no questions upon these matters will be discussed in this conference; for this is not the place to discuss questions of difference or of feeling that we may possess one towards another. Still we can manifest our approval or our disapproval by the uplifted hand; and if there are any disapprovals, we will have them heard and adjusted later on, but not here.
Latter-day Saints a free people.
We will now present before the conference the names of the general authorities of the Church with the earnest desire that all the members of the Church present, who by reason of their good standing before the Lord are entitled to the privilege, will express their will according to the God-given agency that every man in the world enjoys and which is not lessened, but rather increased, in all those who have made covenant with God by sacrifice and through obedience to the principles of the Gospel. The freedom of the Latter-day Saints has never been curtailed or lessened one whit by their becoming members of the Church of Christ. Rather has it been enlarged. There are no freer people upon the face of the earth today than the Latter-day Saints. They are bound to the Church by no ties or strings, but their own conviction of the truth. And whenever a man makes up his mind that he has had enough of what is called "Mormonism," all he has to do is to make it known and we will sever the bond that unites him with the body, and let him go his own way, only bearing toward him the feeling of sympathy and of true brotherly kindness, and wishing him still the mercies of God. We will cry, Father, have mercy upon him, because he knows not what he is doing. For when a man denies the truth, when he departs from the right way, when he rejects the right of God to counsel in the affairs of men, he is either ignorant or wilfully wicked, and it only excites our pity for him. As the Savior cried upon the cross, so will we cry in the same spirit, Father, forgive him; have mercy upon him; for he knows not what he does. Therefore, we expect only those to vote at this time who are members of the Church in good standing; but all such we do expect to vote, according to their own free will, whether it be yea or nay. However, we wish it distinctly understood that no questions upon these matters will be discussed in this conference; for this is not the place to discuss questions of difference or of feeling that we may possess one towards another. Still we can manifest our approval or our disapproval by the uplifted hand; and if there are any disapprovals, we will have them heard and adjusted later on, but not here.
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.
As President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Francis M. Lyman.
As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles, 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, Hyrum M. Smith, and George A. Smith.
John Smith, as Presiding Patriarch of the Church.
The counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Patriarch as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
First Seven Presidents of Seventies — Seymour B. Young, Christian D. Fjeldsted, Brigham H. 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.
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, with Arthur Winter, as secretary.
Anthon H. Lund, as Church historian and general Church recorder.
Andrew Jenson, O. F. Whitney, A. M. Musser and Brigham H. Roberts, assistant historians.
John Nicholson, as clerk of the conference.
Evan Stephens, as leader and conductor of the Tabernacle choir; Robert T. McEwan, as first counselor and secretary; George C. Smith, as second counselor and treasurer; John J. McClellan, as organist; and all the members of the choir.
RELIEF SOCIETY.
General Officers and General Board of the Relief Society, Bathsheba W. Smith, general president; Annie T. Hyde, first counselor; Ida S. Dusenberry, second counselor; Emmeline B. Wells, general secretary; Clarissa S. Williams, general treasurer.
Board—Jane S. Richards, Sarah J. Cannon, M. Isabella Home, Romania B. Pratt, Susan Grant, Martha A. Cannon, Emma S. Woodruff, Julina L. Smith, Emily S. Richards, Ellis R. Shipp, Julia P. M. Parnsworth, Elizabeth J. Stevenson, Phebe Young Beatie, Carrie S. Thomas, Alice Merrilll Home, Annie Wells Cannon, Priscilla P. Jennings, Margaret A. Caine.
ADDITIONAL MISSIONARIES.
Harriet Ann Badger, Sophia T. Nuttall, Mary T. Smith, Mary A. C. Lambert, Rebecca E. Little, Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Leila Merrill Allen, Priscilla Smith, Hattie B, Harker.
RELIEF SOCIETY NURSES' CLASS.
Emma A. Empey, superintendent; Margaret C. Roberts, instructor; Phebe Young Beatie, corresponding secretary and treasurer.
OFFICERS OF THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
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, 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, Abraham O. Woodruff.
George D. Pyper, general secretary; George Reynolds, general treasurer; William A. Morton, business manager.
Joseph F. Smith, editor Juvenile Instructor; George Reynolds and Joseph M. Tanner, assistant editors; George D. Pyper, business manager.
Y. M. M. I. A.
Officers of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement associations: Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; Heber J. Grant, Brigham H. Roberts, assistants; Thomas Hull, secretary and treasurer; Evan Stephens, 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, Joseph W. McMurrin, Reed Smoot, Bryant S. Hinckley, Moses W. Taylor, Brigham F. Grant, Henry S. Tanner, Hyrum M. Smith, William B. Dougall, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., Ovando C. Beebe, Lewis T. Cannon.
Y. L. M. I. A.
Officers of 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 T. Nystrom, corresponding secretary; Joan Campbell, recording secretary.
Aids—Adella W. Eardley, Sarah Eddington, Agnes Campbell, Lillie T. Freeze, Susa Young Gattes, Minnie J. Snow, May B. 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.
Alice C. Tuddenham, choir leader; Mattie Read, organist; Lizzie Thomas, assistant organist.
PRIMARY BOARD.
Members of the general board of Primary associations—Louie B. Felt, president; Lillie 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. Lulu Greene Richards, Isabelle S. Ross, Camilla C. Cobb, Edna L. Smith, Eliza Slade Bennion, Fanny Woolley, Josephine G. Smith, Ida B. Smith.
RELIGION CLASS BOARD.
Members of Religion Class Board— Anthon H. Lund, general superintendent; Rudger Clawson, first assistant general superintendent; Joseph M. Tanner, second assistant general superintendent; L. John Nuttall, general secretary; John M. Mills, Henry Peterson, Horace Cummings, Joseph W. Summerhays, Matthias F. Cowley, Hyrum M. Smith, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. Mc- Murrin, Louis A. Kelsch, John H. Evans.
Board of Examiners of Church Schools—Jos. M. Tanner, Benj. Cluff, Jr., George H. Brimhall, Joshua H. Paul, James Linford, Jos. M. Tanner, general superintendent of Church schools.
EUROPEAN MISSION.
Elder Heber J. Grant to succeed Elder Francis M. Lyman as president of the European mission. All the voting was unanimously in the affirmative.
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.
As President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Francis M. Lyman.
As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles, 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, Hyrum M. Smith, and George A. Smith.
John Smith, as Presiding Patriarch of the Church.
The counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Patriarch as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
First Seven Presidents of Seventies — Seymour B. Young, Christian D. Fjeldsted, Brigham H. 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.
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, with Arthur Winter, as secretary.
Anthon H. Lund, as Church historian and general Church recorder.
Andrew Jenson, O. F. Whitney, A. M. Musser and Brigham H. Roberts, assistant historians.
John Nicholson, as clerk of the conference.
Evan Stephens, as leader and conductor of the Tabernacle choir; Robert T. McEwan, as first counselor and secretary; George C. Smith, as second counselor and treasurer; John J. McClellan, as organist; and all the members of the choir.
RELIEF SOCIETY.
General Officers and General Board of the Relief Society, Bathsheba W. Smith, general president; Annie T. Hyde, first counselor; Ida S. Dusenberry, second counselor; Emmeline B. Wells, general secretary; Clarissa S. Williams, general treasurer.
Board—Jane S. Richards, Sarah J. Cannon, M. Isabella Home, Romania B. Pratt, Susan Grant, Martha A. Cannon, Emma S. Woodruff, Julina L. Smith, Emily S. Richards, Ellis R. Shipp, Julia P. M. Parnsworth, Elizabeth J. Stevenson, Phebe Young Beatie, Carrie S. Thomas, Alice Merrilll Home, Annie Wells Cannon, Priscilla P. Jennings, Margaret A. Caine.
ADDITIONAL MISSIONARIES.
Harriet Ann Badger, Sophia T. Nuttall, Mary T. Smith, Mary A. C. Lambert, Rebecca E. Little, Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Leila Merrill Allen, Priscilla Smith, Hattie B, Harker.
RELIEF SOCIETY NURSES' CLASS.
Emma A. Empey, superintendent; Margaret C. Roberts, instructor; Phebe Young Beatie, corresponding secretary and treasurer.
OFFICERS OF THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
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, 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, Abraham O. Woodruff.
George D. Pyper, general secretary; George Reynolds, general treasurer; William A. Morton, business manager.
Joseph F. Smith, editor Juvenile Instructor; George Reynolds and Joseph M. Tanner, assistant editors; George D. Pyper, business manager.
Y. M. M. I. A.
Officers of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement associations: Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent; Heber J. Grant, Brigham H. Roberts, assistants; Thomas Hull, secretary and treasurer; Evan Stephens, 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, Joseph W. McMurrin, Reed Smoot, Bryant S. Hinckley, Moses W. Taylor, Brigham F. Grant, Henry S. Tanner, Hyrum M. Smith, William B. Dougall, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., Ovando C. Beebe, Lewis T. Cannon.
Y. L. M. I. A.
Officers of 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 T. Nystrom, corresponding secretary; Joan Campbell, recording secretary.
Aids—Adella W. Eardley, Sarah Eddington, Agnes Campbell, Lillie T. Freeze, Susa Young Gattes, Minnie J. Snow, May B. 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.
Alice C. Tuddenham, choir leader; Mattie Read, organist; Lizzie Thomas, assistant organist.
PRIMARY BOARD.
Members of the general board of Primary associations—Louie B. Felt, president; Lillie 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. Lulu Greene Richards, Isabelle S. Ross, Camilla C. Cobb, Edna L. Smith, Eliza Slade Bennion, Fanny Woolley, Josephine G. Smith, Ida B. Smith.
RELIGION CLASS BOARD.
Members of Religion Class Board— Anthon H. Lund, general superintendent; Rudger Clawson, first assistant general superintendent; Joseph M. Tanner, second assistant general superintendent; L. John Nuttall, general secretary; John M. Mills, Henry Peterson, Horace Cummings, Joseph W. Summerhays, Matthias F. Cowley, Hyrum M. Smith, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. Mc- Murrin, Louis A. Kelsch, John H. Evans.
Board of Examiners of Church Schools—Jos. M. Tanner, Benj. Cluff, Jr., George H. Brimhall, Joshua H. Paul, James Linford, Jos. M. Tanner, general superintendent of Church schools.
EUROPEAN MISSION.
Elder Heber J. Grant to succeed Elder Francis M. Lyman as president of the European mission. All the voting was unanimously in the affirmative.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
How the will of God can be known—All offices, callings and authority embraced in the holy Melchisedek Priesthood— Material affairs of the Church.
If I regret anything at all, it is that we have not time to hear the testimonies of many more of the brethren who are in attendance at this conference. Nothing would delight me more than to have the privilege of remaining here and listening to a score or two of presidents of stakes, presidents of missions, and other prominent men who are at this conference representing the different interests of the Church. I regret more than anything I can think of in connection with our conferences, that we do not have more time, and that we cannot hear from more of our brethren. But I think the time so far has been well employed, and I trust that all that has been said, all the counsel that has been given, the exhortations that have been offered and the admonitions that have been voiced, will be blessed and sanctified through the spirit of truth to the good and encouragement of all who have heard them.
The one thing now that I desire to impress upon the minds of my brethren of the Holy Priesthood is that we should live so near to the Lord, be so humble in our spirits, so tractable and pliable, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that we will be able to know the mind and will of the Father concerning us as individuals and as officers in the Church of Christ under all circumstances. And when we live so that we can hear and understand the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God, let us do whatsoever that Spirit directs, without fear of the consequences. It does not make any difference whether it meet the minds of carpers or critics, or of the enemies of the kingdom of God, or not. Is it agreeable to the will of the Lord? Is it compatible with the spirit of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged? Is the end aimed at likely to advance the Church and to strengthen it in the earth? If its trend is in that direction, let us do it, no matter what men may say or think.
I know, as I know that I live, that this is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I say this, I say it with a full understanding1 of the meaning of the term. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. It is not the church of man. The Lord laid the foundations of it. It was He who inspired the boy Prophet, Joseph Smith, and gave to him wisdom and understanding to organize the councils of the Priesthood and to establish His Church upon the foundation of prophets, apostles, evangelists, and inspired men. It was the Lord Jesus who restored the Holy Melchisedek Priesthood, through the instrumentality that He used; and all blessings, all offices, all callings, and all authority in this Church come under and are embraced in the holy Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God. There is no office growing out of this Priesthood that is or can be greater than the Priesthood itself. It is from the Priesthood that the office derives its authority and power. No office gives authority to the Priesthood. No office adds to the power of the Priesthood. But all offices in the Church derive their power, their virtue, their authority, from the Priesthood. If our brethren would get this principle thoroughly established in their minds, there would be less misunderstanding in relation to the functions of government in the Church than there is. Today the question is, which is the greater—the High Priest or the Seventy, the Seventy or the High Priest? I tell you that neither of them is the greater, and neither of them Is the lesser. Their callings lie in different directions, but they are from the same Priesthood. If it were necessary, the Seventy, holding the Melchisedek Priesthood, as he does, I say IF IT WERE NECESSARY—he could ordain a High Priest; and if it were necessary for a High Priest to ordain a Seventy, he could do that. Why? Because both of them hold the Melchisedek Priesthood. Then again, if it were necessary—though I do not expect the necessity will ever arise — and there was no man left on earth holding the Melchisedek Priesthood, except an Elder, that Elder, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and by the direction of the Almighty, could proceed, and should proceed, to organize the Church of Jesus Christ in all its perfection, because he holds the Melchisedek Priesthood. But the house of God is a house of order, and while the other offices remain in the Church, we must observe the order of the Priesthood, and we must perform ordinances and ordinations strictly in accordance with that order, as it has been established in the Church through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successors.
I am aware of the fact that there are those who in the past have held different views to this. They may still hold different views; and if they do, they will have to change them by and by, if they ever get a correct knowledge of the Priesthood. No office of an Apostle, no office of a President, no office of a High Priest, or a Seventy, or an Elder, is greater than the Melchisedek Priesthood. I hope you will understand that. If an Apostle has any authority at all, he derives it from the Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after God's order, and he cannot have it in any other way. There is no authority except it comes from that Priesthood. It holds the keys of the administering of blessings, ordinances and promises upon the heads of all the members of the Church. Out of the Melchisedek Priesthood grows the Lesser Priesthood, which is called the Priesthood after the order of Aaron. This is an appendage to the Melchisedek Priesthood. The office of an Elder, of a High Priest, of a Seventy—all the offices in the Church are simply appendages to the Melchisedek Priesthood, and grow out of it. You can read the revelations regarding this in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and you must see it just as I have told it.
Now, I think I can say, without any reservation, that the brethren who are placed in charge to look after the interests of the Church are doing their whole duty to the utmost of their ability. Brother Clawson, in his discourse, alluded to the condition of our books and records of tithing. Never since the Church was organized were they in so perfect a condition as they are today. We can tell you the name of every man, woman and child in the Church who pays tithing, and we can tell you exactly what they pay. Not only so, but we have records by which we can show the names and the number of the members of the Church who are not tithepayers. Furthermore, we can tell you that not one dollar of the tithings of the Church is used for any purpose except that which is legitimate and proper, according to the necessities of the Church. I say to you, too, that we are paying the debts of the Church, and the tithing is being used carefully and exclusively at present to meet all current expenses and to cancel our obligations, both bonded and note. I am happy to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that the people are doing as well in this direction, if not better than they have ever done before, with the exception, perhaps, of one year. There was one year wherein more tithing was paid than has been in any one year since; but we presume that was the result of unprecedented prosperity, and we are not disposed to measure subsequent years by that one, but rather to compare them year by year, on a consistent basis. It gives me pleasure to say to you that if you will continue to do your duty in this matter, it will not be long before the Church will owe nobody except God. So far as I am concerned, I have not cared particularly whether I shall live a long or short time; still I may say it would be pleasing to me if I could have the privilege of living until every dollar that the Church owes shall be paid, and a handsome surplus remain in the treasury. I want to see that day, if the Lord is willing. But if He is not willing for me to live till that day shall come. I intend at any rate to carry out that purpose to the best of my ability, and to work to that end so long as I do live and am permitted to occupy my present position. Moreover, I say to you that I have two strong, staunch, faithful counselors to assist and encourage me in this endeavor—Presidents Winder and Lund. I think if there is one of the three of us more inclined to be liberal than the others, perhaps it is Brother Lund. His generous, large soul sometimes expands a little farther than Brother Winder's or mine. We do not disagree about it, but we try to be economical and prudent, and eke out that which we have. We are endeavoring to assist the widow and the fatherless, and, as far as our means will go, the different wards and stakes of Zion, in the erection of their meetinghouses. We are trying to do the best we can for the maintenance of our temples and for the continuance of the work that is going on in them. And this requires considerable means. According to our means and the obligations resting upon us, Ave are doing handsomely, I think, for our Church schools, of which we have a number and they are a credit to the people and to the cause of education. We have at last succeeded in completing the Deseret News building, •the foundations of which were laid by President Lorenzo Snow. We have also completed the Deseret News annex. These buildings are truly a credit to our city, but they have been a source of great expense to the Church. They are both costly buildings, especially the main one, built solidly and in the most expensive way, and will stand as a monument to the city for many years to come. They are now paid for, and that obligation is off our hands. Now we have undertaken to assist—not to do it all—in the erection of a Latter-day Saints hospital in this city, where the sick and unfortunate of our people may be taken in an emergency. It will be conducted under the auspices of the Latter-day Saints, and we hope to be able to assist in completing that and still go on paying our debts. But if anybody possessing a surplus of means is generous enough to voluntarily contribute towards the erection of that hospital, we will be glad to receive it from him. Others do such things, but we have not many rich among us, and therefore we do not expect so much from our brethren; but where men have abundance of means and desire to put some of it where it will do good, if they will offer it freely to this hospital, we will accept it with our blessing, and with the blessing of the sick and unfortunate that may be taken there in time to come. The blessing of all will be upon the generous giver. Still we expect to be able to go on with the building until it is completed—that is, the main part. By and by, doubtless, it will have to be enlarged to meet our necessities. Then again, we want the good sisters who have contributed means in the past for the erection of a woman's building in this city, for which a piece of land was designated, to understand that their efforts in this direction are not in vain. Inasmuch as you have contributed your means and have it in safe keeping, it will come in very nicely when we begin to lay the foundations of a memorial building to the name and honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in that building the Relief society, the various quorums of the Priesthood and the general Authorities of the Church will have official habitation and offices. We will erect a building, I hope, that will be creditable to the Church—not, however, until we pay our debts. We do not want to begin to incur new debts until the old ones are wiped out, nor then if we can avoid it. But when we get the means and are otherwise in a position to do it, we hope to put up a building on the old Deseret News corner that will afford headquarters to the presidency of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, the presiding Bishopric, the Seven Presidents of Seventies, and the general and auxiliary organizations of the Church. So we do not want you sisters to be discouraged because you do not see the work going on just at present. We have not used your money; in fact, you control it, and it is where you have put it. It will be there, and perhaps bring you in a little interest, until we get ready to use it. When that time shall come, we will then call upon you to help build yourselves and us a home.
I feel happy in this work. I know it is good. I feel it in every fibre of my being. I am satisfied that the Lord's hand is over His people for good, and that He is lengthening the cords of Zion and strengthening her stakes. I have not been able to travel as much as I would like, but I have had the pleasure of visiting, this summer, our settlements in Canada, in Oregon, and in the Big Horn Basin; and wherever I have gone I have seen unmistakable evidences of God's blessing and approval upon the people. On all sides there are evidences of progress, of increase, of the development of the resources of the land, and of building up and strengthening the stakes of Zion. I feel in my heart that the Lord will continue to bless and prosper Zion. As an evidence that He is doing so, we see that the devil is not dead yet, and he won't die as long as the work of God is alive in the earth.
The Lord bless Zion. Peace be unto you, my brethren and my sisters, and in all your habitations. The peace and blessing of God be upon your families, upon your flocks and your herds, your substance, and all that He has made you stewards over, that these things may be sanctified unto the Lord and blessed of Him to your good and continued happiness in time and to your exaltation in eternity. God bless these faithful men who preside over the stakes of Zion, with their counselors and the members of the High Councils, and the Bishops and their counselors. God bless the presidents of Seventies, the Presiding Bishopric, the Twelve Apostles, and all those who are engaged in the labor of the ministry, until the Saints shall be brought to a knowledge of the truth unto the perfect stature of a man in Christ Jesus; that we may know as we are known, and not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine and by the cunning craftiness of men whereby they lie in wait to deceive. God deliver us from the snares of the adversary, and from the traps that are set for our feet and the pits that are dug for our destruction, and make us to prosper in the land now and forever, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
By request, President Smith pronounced the benediction.
The conference then adjourned for six months.
The stenographic work in taking an account of the proceedings was done by Arthur Winter.
JOHN NICHOLSON,
Clerk of Conference.
How the will of God can be known—All offices, callings and authority embraced in the holy Melchisedek Priesthood— Material affairs of the Church.
If I regret anything at all, it is that we have not time to hear the testimonies of many more of the brethren who are in attendance at this conference. Nothing would delight me more than to have the privilege of remaining here and listening to a score or two of presidents of stakes, presidents of missions, and other prominent men who are at this conference representing the different interests of the Church. I regret more than anything I can think of in connection with our conferences, that we do not have more time, and that we cannot hear from more of our brethren. But I think the time so far has been well employed, and I trust that all that has been said, all the counsel that has been given, the exhortations that have been offered and the admonitions that have been voiced, will be blessed and sanctified through the spirit of truth to the good and encouragement of all who have heard them.
The one thing now that I desire to impress upon the minds of my brethren of the Holy Priesthood is that we should live so near to the Lord, be so humble in our spirits, so tractable and pliable, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that we will be able to know the mind and will of the Father concerning us as individuals and as officers in the Church of Christ under all circumstances. And when we live so that we can hear and understand the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God, let us do whatsoever that Spirit directs, without fear of the consequences. It does not make any difference whether it meet the minds of carpers or critics, or of the enemies of the kingdom of God, or not. Is it agreeable to the will of the Lord? Is it compatible with the spirit of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged? Is the end aimed at likely to advance the Church and to strengthen it in the earth? If its trend is in that direction, let us do it, no matter what men may say or think.
I know, as I know that I live, that this is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I say this, I say it with a full understanding1 of the meaning of the term. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. It is not the church of man. The Lord laid the foundations of it. It was He who inspired the boy Prophet, Joseph Smith, and gave to him wisdom and understanding to organize the councils of the Priesthood and to establish His Church upon the foundation of prophets, apostles, evangelists, and inspired men. It was the Lord Jesus who restored the Holy Melchisedek Priesthood, through the instrumentality that He used; and all blessings, all offices, all callings, and all authority in this Church come under and are embraced in the holy Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God. There is no office growing out of this Priesthood that is or can be greater than the Priesthood itself. It is from the Priesthood that the office derives its authority and power. No office gives authority to the Priesthood. No office adds to the power of the Priesthood. But all offices in the Church derive their power, their virtue, their authority, from the Priesthood. If our brethren would get this principle thoroughly established in their minds, there would be less misunderstanding in relation to the functions of government in the Church than there is. Today the question is, which is the greater—the High Priest or the Seventy, the Seventy or the High Priest? I tell you that neither of them is the greater, and neither of them Is the lesser. Their callings lie in different directions, but they are from the same Priesthood. If it were necessary, the Seventy, holding the Melchisedek Priesthood, as he does, I say IF IT WERE NECESSARY—he could ordain a High Priest; and if it were necessary for a High Priest to ordain a Seventy, he could do that. Why? Because both of them hold the Melchisedek Priesthood. Then again, if it were necessary—though I do not expect the necessity will ever arise — and there was no man left on earth holding the Melchisedek Priesthood, except an Elder, that Elder, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and by the direction of the Almighty, could proceed, and should proceed, to organize the Church of Jesus Christ in all its perfection, because he holds the Melchisedek Priesthood. But the house of God is a house of order, and while the other offices remain in the Church, we must observe the order of the Priesthood, and we must perform ordinances and ordinations strictly in accordance with that order, as it has been established in the Church through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successors.
I am aware of the fact that there are those who in the past have held different views to this. They may still hold different views; and if they do, they will have to change them by and by, if they ever get a correct knowledge of the Priesthood. No office of an Apostle, no office of a President, no office of a High Priest, or a Seventy, or an Elder, is greater than the Melchisedek Priesthood. I hope you will understand that. If an Apostle has any authority at all, he derives it from the Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after God's order, and he cannot have it in any other way. There is no authority except it comes from that Priesthood. It holds the keys of the administering of blessings, ordinances and promises upon the heads of all the members of the Church. Out of the Melchisedek Priesthood grows the Lesser Priesthood, which is called the Priesthood after the order of Aaron. This is an appendage to the Melchisedek Priesthood. The office of an Elder, of a High Priest, of a Seventy—all the offices in the Church are simply appendages to the Melchisedek Priesthood, and grow out of it. You can read the revelations regarding this in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and you must see it just as I have told it.
Now, I think I can say, without any reservation, that the brethren who are placed in charge to look after the interests of the Church are doing their whole duty to the utmost of their ability. Brother Clawson, in his discourse, alluded to the condition of our books and records of tithing. Never since the Church was organized were they in so perfect a condition as they are today. We can tell you the name of every man, woman and child in the Church who pays tithing, and we can tell you exactly what they pay. Not only so, but we have records by which we can show the names and the number of the members of the Church who are not tithepayers. Furthermore, we can tell you that not one dollar of the tithings of the Church is used for any purpose except that which is legitimate and proper, according to the necessities of the Church. I say to you, too, that we are paying the debts of the Church, and the tithing is being used carefully and exclusively at present to meet all current expenses and to cancel our obligations, both bonded and note. I am happy to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that the people are doing as well in this direction, if not better than they have ever done before, with the exception, perhaps, of one year. There was one year wherein more tithing was paid than has been in any one year since; but we presume that was the result of unprecedented prosperity, and we are not disposed to measure subsequent years by that one, but rather to compare them year by year, on a consistent basis. It gives me pleasure to say to you that if you will continue to do your duty in this matter, it will not be long before the Church will owe nobody except God. So far as I am concerned, I have not cared particularly whether I shall live a long or short time; still I may say it would be pleasing to me if I could have the privilege of living until every dollar that the Church owes shall be paid, and a handsome surplus remain in the treasury. I want to see that day, if the Lord is willing. But if He is not willing for me to live till that day shall come. I intend at any rate to carry out that purpose to the best of my ability, and to work to that end so long as I do live and am permitted to occupy my present position. Moreover, I say to you that I have two strong, staunch, faithful counselors to assist and encourage me in this endeavor—Presidents Winder and Lund. I think if there is one of the three of us more inclined to be liberal than the others, perhaps it is Brother Lund. His generous, large soul sometimes expands a little farther than Brother Winder's or mine. We do not disagree about it, but we try to be economical and prudent, and eke out that which we have. We are endeavoring to assist the widow and the fatherless, and, as far as our means will go, the different wards and stakes of Zion, in the erection of their meetinghouses. We are trying to do the best we can for the maintenance of our temples and for the continuance of the work that is going on in them. And this requires considerable means. According to our means and the obligations resting upon us, Ave are doing handsomely, I think, for our Church schools, of which we have a number and they are a credit to the people and to the cause of education. We have at last succeeded in completing the Deseret News building, •the foundations of which were laid by President Lorenzo Snow. We have also completed the Deseret News annex. These buildings are truly a credit to our city, but they have been a source of great expense to the Church. They are both costly buildings, especially the main one, built solidly and in the most expensive way, and will stand as a monument to the city for many years to come. They are now paid for, and that obligation is off our hands. Now we have undertaken to assist—not to do it all—in the erection of a Latter-day Saints hospital in this city, where the sick and unfortunate of our people may be taken in an emergency. It will be conducted under the auspices of the Latter-day Saints, and we hope to be able to assist in completing that and still go on paying our debts. But if anybody possessing a surplus of means is generous enough to voluntarily contribute towards the erection of that hospital, we will be glad to receive it from him. Others do such things, but we have not many rich among us, and therefore we do not expect so much from our brethren; but where men have abundance of means and desire to put some of it where it will do good, if they will offer it freely to this hospital, we will accept it with our blessing, and with the blessing of the sick and unfortunate that may be taken there in time to come. The blessing of all will be upon the generous giver. Still we expect to be able to go on with the building until it is completed—that is, the main part. By and by, doubtless, it will have to be enlarged to meet our necessities. Then again, we want the good sisters who have contributed means in the past for the erection of a woman's building in this city, for which a piece of land was designated, to understand that their efforts in this direction are not in vain. Inasmuch as you have contributed your means and have it in safe keeping, it will come in very nicely when we begin to lay the foundations of a memorial building to the name and honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in that building the Relief society, the various quorums of the Priesthood and the general Authorities of the Church will have official habitation and offices. We will erect a building, I hope, that will be creditable to the Church—not, however, until we pay our debts. We do not want to begin to incur new debts until the old ones are wiped out, nor then if we can avoid it. But when we get the means and are otherwise in a position to do it, we hope to put up a building on the old Deseret News corner that will afford headquarters to the presidency of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, the presiding Bishopric, the Seven Presidents of Seventies, and the general and auxiliary organizations of the Church. So we do not want you sisters to be discouraged because you do not see the work going on just at present. We have not used your money; in fact, you control it, and it is where you have put it. It will be there, and perhaps bring you in a little interest, until we get ready to use it. When that time shall come, we will then call upon you to help build yourselves and us a home.
I feel happy in this work. I know it is good. I feel it in every fibre of my being. I am satisfied that the Lord's hand is over His people for good, and that He is lengthening the cords of Zion and strengthening her stakes. I have not been able to travel as much as I would like, but I have had the pleasure of visiting, this summer, our settlements in Canada, in Oregon, and in the Big Horn Basin; and wherever I have gone I have seen unmistakable evidences of God's blessing and approval upon the people. On all sides there are evidences of progress, of increase, of the development of the resources of the land, and of building up and strengthening the stakes of Zion. I feel in my heart that the Lord will continue to bless and prosper Zion. As an evidence that He is doing so, we see that the devil is not dead yet, and he won't die as long as the work of God is alive in the earth.
The Lord bless Zion. Peace be unto you, my brethren and my sisters, and in all your habitations. The peace and blessing of God be upon your families, upon your flocks and your herds, your substance, and all that He has made you stewards over, that these things may be sanctified unto the Lord and blessed of Him to your good and continued happiness in time and to your exaltation in eternity. God bless these faithful men who preside over the stakes of Zion, with their counselors and the members of the High Councils, and the Bishops and their counselors. God bless the presidents of Seventies, the Presiding Bishopric, the Twelve Apostles, and all those who are engaged in the labor of the ministry, until the Saints shall be brought to a knowledge of the truth unto the perfect stature of a man in Christ Jesus; that we may know as we are known, and not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine and by the cunning craftiness of men whereby they lie in wait to deceive. God deliver us from the snares of the adversary, and from the traps that are set for our feet and the pits that are dug for our destruction, and make us to prosper in the land now and forever, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang:
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
By request, President Smith pronounced the benediction.
The conference then adjourned for six months.
The stenographic work in taking an account of the proceedings was done by Arthur Winter.
JOHN NICHOLSON,
Clerk of Conference.
DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
Its Semi-Annual Conference, Held in the Tabernacle, Sunday Evening, October 4, 1903.
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, Sunday, Oct, 4, 1903, at 7:30 p. m., General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith presiding.
Present of the General Superintendency: President Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds and Joseph M. Tanner; all the members of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board except President John R. Winder, and those members who are absent on foreign missions; and an immense audience of Sunday School workers and Saints.
The Tabernacle choir sang, "The Trumpeters."
Prayer was offered by Superintendent George M. Cannon.
The choir then sang "O, My Father."
Secretary George D. Pyper called the roll which showed a representation from 44 stakes.
The secretary also presented the officers of the Deseret Sunday School Union, who were unanimously 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, 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, Abraham O. Woodruff.
George D. Pyper, general secretary; George Reynolds, treasurer; Wm. A. Morton, business manager.
Joseph F. Smith, editor Juvenile Instructor; George Reynolds, Joseph M. Tanner, assistant editors.
George D. Pyper, business manager. Second Assistant General Superintendent
Its Semi-Annual Conference, Held in the Tabernacle, Sunday Evening, October 4, 1903.
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, Sunday, Oct, 4, 1903, at 7:30 p. m., General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith presiding.
Present of the General Superintendency: President Joseph F. Smith, George Reynolds and Joseph M. Tanner; all the members of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board except President John R. Winder, and those members who are absent on foreign missions; and an immense audience of Sunday School workers and Saints.
The Tabernacle choir sang, "The Trumpeters."
Prayer was offered by Superintendent George M. Cannon.
The choir then sang "O, My Father."
Secretary George D. Pyper called the roll which showed a representation from 44 stakes.
The secretary also presented the officers of the Deseret Sunday School Union, who were unanimously 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, 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, Abraham O. Woodruff.
George D. Pyper, general secretary; George Reynolds, treasurer; Wm. A. Morton, business manager.
Joseph F. Smith, editor Juvenile Instructor; George Reynolds, Joseph M. Tanner, assistant editors.
George D. Pyper, business manager. Second Assistant General Superintendent
SECOND ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER
said: It is very gratifying to see so many present here tonight and I trust that we shall enjoy God's blessings, and that this may be an occasion which we shall long remember. You may have noticed in the presentation of the authorities, that there was one change. Since our last meeting, Elder Thomas C. Griggs has been called from our midst. For years he has acted as the business manager of our Union, and has been a most efficient laborer, and we greatly miss him today. Elder Griggs has for many years been devoted to the Sunday school cause. He has likewise been fond of music, and shown marked ability in composing tunes for some of our favorite hymns. But God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to call him from us, and] so you find a change tonight — Brother William A. Morton having been called to act in his place, as our business manager.
I am very pleased to report that there has been a marked improvement in our Sunday school work during the past year. It has been one of some innovation. We have prepared a course of "Outlines," covering sixteen years, containing a sufficient amount of study to give our young people a liberal theological education, if they but have the ambition and the pride to learn the lessons every week as they come along. These lessons are so arranged as to give a testimony to our young people, to implant in their hearts a love for the scriptures to attach to their minds the importance of a knowledge of Holy Writ; and we are anxious that these "Outlines" should be adhered to; for no one can tonight say what great benefit they may be to our young people. They are upon trial, and so far as we can learn, they are received with satisfaction, and with assurances of good, by practically all the workers in the Sunday school course. Along with these "Outlines" there are given from time to time such instructions as are intended to help the Sunday School workers in the discharge of their duties. We are not only anxious that our young people should know the Scriptures, but also that they should put them into practice. We are anxious that they should observe the word of God. We are anxious that testimonies concerning the Gospel should be implanted in their hearts at an early period of their lives. God has made no distinction as to when a testimony of the truth may be received. A testimony may be as true and as beautiful in the life of a child as it is in matured persons. There may not be the experience in youth that there is in maturer years, but there may be a purity and a devotion and a fidelity in the hearts of the children that will cause the Holy Ghost to abide in them and make "Mormonism," or the work of God in this dispensation a permanent truth in their lives; and it is beautiful when young men and women can testify in all truth that they never knew a time in their lives that "Mormonism" was not to them a living truth. It is beautiful when their lives conform to every principle of the Gospel. Thousands of our young people today are growing up without any knowledge or experience, in those things forbidden of God, never knowing the taste of tea or coffee, of tobacco or spirituous drinks. Their bodies are strong, their minds are pure, and they love the work, and there is a growing interest in it among them. We are enlisting many young men and women who heretofore have not taken much interest in this work. We are interesting men of ability, young men of energy. They are devoting their time and their talents to this work. There is one thing, however, to which I desire to call your attention. There is a growing disposition among some of the Latter- day Saints to leave the religious training of their children to the various auxiliary organizations of the Church, that is,\their children are to be taught in the Sunday schools, in the Mutual Improvement associations, the Religion classes, etc., and they feel that these organizations are doing practically all that is necessary for them; I fear that in proportion to the extent to which we furnish means for educating our children that some of the parents look upon this work as something wholly within the sphere of these organizations, and that, therefore, they are not occupying their time in bearing their testimony to their children and giving them such instruction as they need from their parents. I desire to say that there is something in the testimony of a father and a mother; there is something in the word of life and light to the child that gives authority to them when it comes from the father and the mother; and no organization in the church can supersede the authority of the home, the authority of the father and the authority of the mother. And as our faith is based upon the authority of the Priesthood and upon the authority of the home, the instructions that should come from us or to us through the Priesthood must also be supplemented by the instruction and the authority of the home. And so a testimony is necessary from the parents, and if they neglect it, their children will feel the results of that neglect, and they will realize a weakness in consequence. We therefore ask the parents to sit down in the home circle wherever and whenever they can, and read the Sunday school lessons with their children. They are carefully prepared, the references are given, and the work is such that it can be taken up advantageously in the home, and studied and read with the children. If the parents will co-operate with us, it will have a wonderful effect upon the lives of our young people.
This is a glorious work. It is growing. It is becoming more systematic, and I believe that there is more of the Spirit thrown into this work, and our young people are receiving the spirit of it, and praise be to God for the conditions of our Sunday schools. We thank Him and we thank you for the arduous labor that is devoted and dedicated to the cause of the youth of Zion. They are the real inheritance of God, and we can nowhere manifest our love for Him in any greater way than by thus manifesting our love for these children that He has given into our charge.
God grant that we may enjoy His blessings tonight, and that we may have, during the subsequent exercises of this meeting a rich outpouring of the Spirit of God. I know this is the work of God. I have known it from my infancy, and I don't remember the day when "Mormonism" to me was not a fundamental truth, and this is my testimony tonight. God bless you, and God bless our superintendent and all those who labor for the upbuilding of Zion, I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A quartet composed of Brothers Thomas Ashworth, Fred Graham, Willard Christopherson and Willard Squires sang "Sweet Sabbath Eve."
said: It is very gratifying to see so many present here tonight and I trust that we shall enjoy God's blessings, and that this may be an occasion which we shall long remember. You may have noticed in the presentation of the authorities, that there was one change. Since our last meeting, Elder Thomas C. Griggs has been called from our midst. For years he has acted as the business manager of our Union, and has been a most efficient laborer, and we greatly miss him today. Elder Griggs has for many years been devoted to the Sunday school cause. He has likewise been fond of music, and shown marked ability in composing tunes for some of our favorite hymns. But God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to call him from us, and] so you find a change tonight — Brother William A. Morton having been called to act in his place, as our business manager.
I am very pleased to report that there has been a marked improvement in our Sunday school work during the past year. It has been one of some innovation. We have prepared a course of "Outlines," covering sixteen years, containing a sufficient amount of study to give our young people a liberal theological education, if they but have the ambition and the pride to learn the lessons every week as they come along. These lessons are so arranged as to give a testimony to our young people, to implant in their hearts a love for the scriptures to attach to their minds the importance of a knowledge of Holy Writ; and we are anxious that these "Outlines" should be adhered to; for no one can tonight say what great benefit they may be to our young people. They are upon trial, and so far as we can learn, they are received with satisfaction, and with assurances of good, by practically all the workers in the Sunday school course. Along with these "Outlines" there are given from time to time such instructions as are intended to help the Sunday School workers in the discharge of their duties. We are not only anxious that our young people should know the Scriptures, but also that they should put them into practice. We are anxious that they should observe the word of God. We are anxious that testimonies concerning the Gospel should be implanted in their hearts at an early period of their lives. God has made no distinction as to when a testimony of the truth may be received. A testimony may be as true and as beautiful in the life of a child as it is in matured persons. There may not be the experience in youth that there is in maturer years, but there may be a purity and a devotion and a fidelity in the hearts of the children that will cause the Holy Ghost to abide in them and make "Mormonism," or the work of God in this dispensation a permanent truth in their lives; and it is beautiful when young men and women can testify in all truth that they never knew a time in their lives that "Mormonism" was not to them a living truth. It is beautiful when their lives conform to every principle of the Gospel. Thousands of our young people today are growing up without any knowledge or experience, in those things forbidden of God, never knowing the taste of tea or coffee, of tobacco or spirituous drinks. Their bodies are strong, their minds are pure, and they love the work, and there is a growing interest in it among them. We are enlisting many young men and women who heretofore have not taken much interest in this work. We are interesting men of ability, young men of energy. They are devoting their time and their talents to this work. There is one thing, however, to which I desire to call your attention. There is a growing disposition among some of the Latter- day Saints to leave the religious training of their children to the various auxiliary organizations of the Church, that is,\their children are to be taught in the Sunday schools, in the Mutual Improvement associations, the Religion classes, etc., and they feel that these organizations are doing practically all that is necessary for them; I fear that in proportion to the extent to which we furnish means for educating our children that some of the parents look upon this work as something wholly within the sphere of these organizations, and that, therefore, they are not occupying their time in bearing their testimony to their children and giving them such instruction as they need from their parents. I desire to say that there is something in the testimony of a father and a mother; there is something in the word of life and light to the child that gives authority to them when it comes from the father and the mother; and no organization in the church can supersede the authority of the home, the authority of the father and the authority of the mother. And as our faith is based upon the authority of the Priesthood and upon the authority of the home, the instructions that should come from us or to us through the Priesthood must also be supplemented by the instruction and the authority of the home. And so a testimony is necessary from the parents, and if they neglect it, their children will feel the results of that neglect, and they will realize a weakness in consequence. We therefore ask the parents to sit down in the home circle wherever and whenever they can, and read the Sunday school lessons with their children. They are carefully prepared, the references are given, and the work is such that it can be taken up advantageously in the home, and studied and read with the children. If the parents will co-operate with us, it will have a wonderful effect upon the lives of our young people.
This is a glorious work. It is growing. It is becoming more systematic, and I believe that there is more of the Spirit thrown into this work, and our young people are receiving the spirit of it, and praise be to God for the conditions of our Sunday schools. We thank Him and we thank you for the arduous labor that is devoted and dedicated to the cause of the youth of Zion. They are the real inheritance of God, and we can nowhere manifest our love for Him in any greater way than by thus manifesting our love for these children that He has given into our charge.
God grant that we may enjoy His blessings tonight, and that we may have, during the subsequent exercises of this meeting a rich outpouring of the Spirit of God. I know this is the work of God. I have known it from my infancy, and I don't remember the day when "Mormonism" to me was not a fundamental truth, and this is my testimony tonight. God bless you, and God bless our superintendent and all those who labor for the upbuilding of Zion, I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A quartet composed of Brothers Thomas Ashworth, Fred Graham, Willard Christopherson and Willard Squires sang "Sweet Sabbath Eve."
PRESIDENT ANDREW KIMBALL
Of the St. Joseph stake, and a member of the general board, said:
It is a pleasure to me, my brethren and sisters, to participate in these meetings. I desire to say, as far as my understanding goes, that the people in Arizona are following the line of the Sunday school work and they are equally progressive with those in the other stakes of Zion.
I have been very much impressed the last two or three weeks with the necessity of speaking upon the subject of punctuality. I believe that the parents can do much towards assisting the Sunday schools in this direction. I fear that we leave too much to be done on the Sabbath morning, and I would like to urge upon the mothers, that they do the washing of the babies on Saturday night and place their clothing in readiness, that the children may not be embarrassed on the Sunday morning in going to Sabbath school late.
I have listened with a great deal of pleasure to the remarks that have been made during this conference, and am reminded of a circumstance in line with what we have heard in reference to the training of our children. It was my pleasure to assist in the territorial legislature, some three years ago, in Arizona, in securing a company of the national guard to be under the auspices of our academy in Thatcher, Arizona. Brother Emil Maeser, who has been the principal of our academy for some five years, and has done a splendid work, succeeded, through the training he has had here, in training our boys so that they stood ahead of all the national guards in the territory. During the past summer, a strike broke out in a mining camp, some 45 miles from us. There were in the neighborhood of 1,200 miners broke away from the regulations of the camp, and would not submit to the requirements of their employers. The Legislature had passed an eight-hour law, the miners wanted 10 hours' pay for eight hours' work. The company made them an offer to give them nine hours' pay for eight hours' work, but they wouldn't accept that. The governor called out the territorial national guard, and our boys were mustered into service. They were green boys who had attended the academy; they were Sunday school boys who had been trained at home. When one of the lieutenants came to my door about 3 o'clock in the morning and told me of a telegram he had received, and asked if I would meet the boys on the campus about six in the morning', and encourage them, for it was their first encounter; my feelings were wrought upon considerably. Then I thought for the first time of my labors in connection with the national guard, which had resulted in our boys being mustered in. Well, I thought the situation over, and I asked the Lord to bless and protect our boys, and when I thought of the training they had received in the Sabbath school, and in the academy, then the peace of the Lord rested upon me, and I was impressed to say, These boys will go in peace and return in safety, if they live up to the teachings that they have received at home and in these institutions. I asked the captain to line them up before me at the railroad station, and I said: "Boys, you are going away to where there is much danger. If you will live up to the instructions you have received from your mothers and your fathers and in the institutions of the Church, I promise you that you shall go in safety and return in peace, and you will not be called upon to shoot any person, and they will not be called upon to do you any harm." I am pleased to bear my testimony, that those boys came back full of happiness and joy in the testimony that they had received, for they said that a peace came over them, in the hour of their greatest danger, and my promise came to their minds. Then they said: We will go and do our duty, and no harm will befall us." So it was: and they came home unmolested, and the word came back to us from the government officers and officers of the regular army that our boys conducted themselves better than any other of the national guard, and they were so trusted that the officers had them go into the saloons and other places and get out regular soldiers and bring them back to duty. They were blessed to go in safety and return in peace.
I am going to suggest to you a method that we have pursued in our little stake. We are of small consequence away down there, but it may be possible that we can suggest something that will be for your good. The suggestion is that the presidencies of the stakes establish one regulation time. The time of this entire country, I believe, is the mountain time. Get the same time in all your settlements, so that when our brethren come and visit the Sabbath schools they will not come with one time and you have another time to start your schools. We have the time alike all over our stake, and at the same moment, at 10 o'clock in the morning, all of our Sabbath schools start up. I was thinking today, in the conference of our method, when the brethren, the presidents of stakes and others who have reserved seats, were coming in late, the large congregation waiting for them, to take the seats if they were not taken, by those for whom they were reserved. The way we do, is to reserve seats for the Priesthood, and we expect them to set an example to the people, and if they are not there "on the dot" the ushers let others have their seats. We urge upon the parents to send their children to Sunday school on time.
God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and bless the Sunday school workers. May the peace of heaven be upon them, and may they reap the reward of their untiring efforts to save the children of our Father, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prof. John J. McClellan then rendered on the great organ an arrangement of "Kind Words are Sweet Tones of the Heart," played on the male voice pipes.
Elder Seymour B. Young recited "The Dream of Pilate's Wife."
Of the St. Joseph stake, and a member of the general board, said:
It is a pleasure to me, my brethren and sisters, to participate in these meetings. I desire to say, as far as my understanding goes, that the people in Arizona are following the line of the Sunday school work and they are equally progressive with those in the other stakes of Zion.
I have been very much impressed the last two or three weeks with the necessity of speaking upon the subject of punctuality. I believe that the parents can do much towards assisting the Sunday schools in this direction. I fear that we leave too much to be done on the Sabbath morning, and I would like to urge upon the mothers, that they do the washing of the babies on Saturday night and place their clothing in readiness, that the children may not be embarrassed on the Sunday morning in going to Sabbath school late.
I have listened with a great deal of pleasure to the remarks that have been made during this conference, and am reminded of a circumstance in line with what we have heard in reference to the training of our children. It was my pleasure to assist in the territorial legislature, some three years ago, in Arizona, in securing a company of the national guard to be under the auspices of our academy in Thatcher, Arizona. Brother Emil Maeser, who has been the principal of our academy for some five years, and has done a splendid work, succeeded, through the training he has had here, in training our boys so that they stood ahead of all the national guards in the territory. During the past summer, a strike broke out in a mining camp, some 45 miles from us. There were in the neighborhood of 1,200 miners broke away from the regulations of the camp, and would not submit to the requirements of their employers. The Legislature had passed an eight-hour law, the miners wanted 10 hours' pay for eight hours' work. The company made them an offer to give them nine hours' pay for eight hours' work, but they wouldn't accept that. The governor called out the territorial national guard, and our boys were mustered into service. They were green boys who had attended the academy; they were Sunday school boys who had been trained at home. When one of the lieutenants came to my door about 3 o'clock in the morning and told me of a telegram he had received, and asked if I would meet the boys on the campus about six in the morning', and encourage them, for it was their first encounter; my feelings were wrought upon considerably. Then I thought for the first time of my labors in connection with the national guard, which had resulted in our boys being mustered in. Well, I thought the situation over, and I asked the Lord to bless and protect our boys, and when I thought of the training they had received in the Sabbath school, and in the academy, then the peace of the Lord rested upon me, and I was impressed to say, These boys will go in peace and return in safety, if they live up to the teachings that they have received at home and in these institutions. I asked the captain to line them up before me at the railroad station, and I said: "Boys, you are going away to where there is much danger. If you will live up to the instructions you have received from your mothers and your fathers and in the institutions of the Church, I promise you that you shall go in safety and return in peace, and you will not be called upon to shoot any person, and they will not be called upon to do you any harm." I am pleased to bear my testimony, that those boys came back full of happiness and joy in the testimony that they had received, for they said that a peace came over them, in the hour of their greatest danger, and my promise came to their minds. Then they said: We will go and do our duty, and no harm will befall us." So it was: and they came home unmolested, and the word came back to us from the government officers and officers of the regular army that our boys conducted themselves better than any other of the national guard, and they were so trusted that the officers had them go into the saloons and other places and get out regular soldiers and bring them back to duty. They were blessed to go in safety and return in peace.
I am going to suggest to you a method that we have pursued in our little stake. We are of small consequence away down there, but it may be possible that we can suggest something that will be for your good. The suggestion is that the presidencies of the stakes establish one regulation time. The time of this entire country, I believe, is the mountain time. Get the same time in all your settlements, so that when our brethren come and visit the Sabbath schools they will not come with one time and you have another time to start your schools. We have the time alike all over our stake, and at the same moment, at 10 o'clock in the morning, all of our Sabbath schools start up. I was thinking today, in the conference of our method, when the brethren, the presidents of stakes and others who have reserved seats, were coming in late, the large congregation waiting for them, to take the seats if they were not taken, by those for whom they were reserved. The way we do, is to reserve seats for the Priesthood, and we expect them to set an example to the people, and if they are not there "on the dot" the ushers let others have their seats. We urge upon the parents to send their children to Sunday school on time.
God bless you, my brethren and sisters, and bless the Sunday school workers. May the peace of heaven be upon them, and may they reap the reward of their untiring efforts to save the children of our Father, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prof. John J. McClellan then rendered on the great organ an arrangement of "Kind Words are Sweet Tones of the Heart," played on the male voice pipes.
Elder Seymour B. Young recited "The Dream of Pilate's Wife."
SUPT JOHN D. PETERS,
of the Box Elder stake, said:
Brethren and sisters, for me to say that I am surprised this evening is to express the matter very, very mildly.
We have in the Box Elder stake twenty-six Sabbath schools, twelve of these schools are within a radius of about ten miles; fourteen of them within' a radius of seventy-five miles. We have a very energetic and active Sunday school board, whose members endeavor to visit all of the schools within a reasonable distance once a month. The chief work of our board this past year has been to impress upon our teachers the necessity of preparing the work, in order that the "Outlines" (which we are very pleased with,) may be strictly carried out, that is, carried out in the true spirit of their intended meaning-. We have found that quite a number of our teachers become somewhat bewildered, especially in the theological "Outlines," because of the numerous references that are given and we are endeavoring to impress upon them the necessity of only taking those that are most adapted to the capacity of the classes; in other words, to get the teachers to prepare themselves in their work, and not only review their classes but have a spirit of pre-view, if you will allow me to so call it, or at least to indicate to the students what will be the most important facts and truths in the lesson to be taken up, and thereby obviate the necessity of attempting to look up all the references. We hold, as a board, weekly meetings regularly, where we receive the reports of the condition of our schools. We feel that in a weak way we are doing our duty.
Our schools are in a fair condition. As far as the discipline of the schools is concerned, we feel very satisfied; more satisfied with the "Outlines" than we do with the actual teaching work in the school. We have no particular complaint regarding the "Outlines." We feel that they are the very thing to have, and also that it is an opportune time to give them to our schools. We are endeavoring as far as possible, to carry them out, and to carry out any instructions which the general board may give us.
We are holding regular monthly union meetings. These meetings we endeavor to carry out as a well-regulated Sabbath school. We divide into our various departments, and the members of the union board take charge of the respective classes. Their special work is to prepare, or at least look over the most important truths in the lessons of the month following the day on which the meeting is held. We think that in this way we are doing some good. However, we find that because of the scattered condition of our stake, that it will be necessary for us to hold a consecutive union session, that is, a sort of convention, where we can meet in three, four or five consecutive sessions, and thereby prepare the work, especially the work that will come in the winter months.
Brethren and sisters, we rejoice in the work of the Sabbath school. Though we are weak and in many ways fall short of our ideal, we feel, that God is blessing us. We think that we have a good school board, excellent superintendents and good teachers, and that the blessings of God are attending us. We desire to support and sustain the general board. We endeavor to uphold them, and we present their names to our Sabbath school children, as also those of the authorities of the Church, in order that they may know who are the leaders for them to follow. May God bless you. my brethren and sisters, and bless all who are interested and actively engaged in Sabbath school work, is my desire, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
of the Box Elder stake, said:
Brethren and sisters, for me to say that I am surprised this evening is to express the matter very, very mildly.
We have in the Box Elder stake twenty-six Sabbath schools, twelve of these schools are within a radius of about ten miles; fourteen of them within' a radius of seventy-five miles. We have a very energetic and active Sunday school board, whose members endeavor to visit all of the schools within a reasonable distance once a month. The chief work of our board this past year has been to impress upon our teachers the necessity of preparing the work, in order that the "Outlines" (which we are very pleased with,) may be strictly carried out, that is, carried out in the true spirit of their intended meaning-. We have found that quite a number of our teachers become somewhat bewildered, especially in the theological "Outlines," because of the numerous references that are given and we are endeavoring to impress upon them the necessity of only taking those that are most adapted to the capacity of the classes; in other words, to get the teachers to prepare themselves in their work, and not only review their classes but have a spirit of pre-view, if you will allow me to so call it, or at least to indicate to the students what will be the most important facts and truths in the lesson to be taken up, and thereby obviate the necessity of attempting to look up all the references. We hold, as a board, weekly meetings regularly, where we receive the reports of the condition of our schools. We feel that in a weak way we are doing our duty.
Our schools are in a fair condition. As far as the discipline of the schools is concerned, we feel very satisfied; more satisfied with the "Outlines" than we do with the actual teaching work in the school. We have no particular complaint regarding the "Outlines." We feel that they are the very thing to have, and also that it is an opportune time to give them to our schools. We are endeavoring as far as possible, to carry them out, and to carry out any instructions which the general board may give us.
We are holding regular monthly union meetings. These meetings we endeavor to carry out as a well-regulated Sabbath school. We divide into our various departments, and the members of the union board take charge of the respective classes. Their special work is to prepare, or at least look over the most important truths in the lessons of the month following the day on which the meeting is held. We think that in this way we are doing some good. However, we find that because of the scattered condition of our stake, that it will be necessary for us to hold a consecutive union session, that is, a sort of convention, where we can meet in three, four or five consecutive sessions, and thereby prepare the work, especially the work that will come in the winter months.
Brethren and sisters, we rejoice in the work of the Sabbath school. Though we are weak and in many ways fall short of our ideal, we feel, that God is blessing us. We think that we have a good school board, excellent superintendents and good teachers, and that the blessings of God are attending us. We desire to support and sustain the general board. We endeavor to uphold them, and we present their names to our Sabbath school children, as also those of the authorities of the Church, in order that they may know who are the leaders for them to follow. May God bless you. my brethren and sisters, and bless all who are interested and actively engaged in Sabbath school work, is my desire, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
SUPT. JOSEPH J. JACKSON,
of the Alpine stake, said:
My brethren and sisters, I can say that I am pleased to meet with you in this Sunday school conference tonight. If there is any meeting in the Church that gives me pleasure, it is Sunday school meeting.
We have in Alpine stake seventeen Sunday schools; all of which except one are in good running condition, and I am pleased to report to this body of workers that the Sunday schools in the Alpine stake of Zion are on the improve. We have now increased the average attendance from 50 per cent at the last conference to 67 per cent; and we expect to increase it before our next conference in May to at least 75 per cent or even 80 per cent. We feel that, with the direction of the president of the stake, we can do so; for I want to bear testimony here that the president of the Alpine stake and his counselors are deeply interested in the Sunday school work, and lately they have been visiting our meetings of the union board, and they appoint missionaries among the Sunday schools, and those missionaries go out, and one of their duties is to see whether or not the Sunday schools of the stake are carrying out the instructions that are given by our general superintendent, and his co-laborers.
I am pleased to state that we have in our stake a union board, that is not surpassed. I believe, in the Church. We have every school represented in our union meetings, and the board meetings have been for the last few months devoted, not so much to the consideration of what we can teach the children but how to teach them. We have had presented to us by the general union board sufficient subject matter to teach, but the question now is, how we can best teach it; and I am pleased to state that we find matters easier by reason of that beautiful academy that was established by President Brigham Young at Provo. From there we have some excellent teachers. We have young men and young ladies that are filled with the Spirit of God, that go there during the winter months, and when they come back during the summer months we put them in the Sunday school. I want to say that the Alpine stake board is composed of fifteen energetic workers. Many of them are young men and young women who have been educated in and who graduated from the Brigham Young academy.
We have now adopted a plan, that every Sunday school in the stake should send in a report to the board once a month, that we can know the condition of the school, that we may know whether or not the pupils are improving in attendance, whether or not they are improving in keeping the Word of Wisdom. We have had printed and we send out to the different schools a number of questions, and among these questions are: "Do you attend to your prayers at home?"
My brethren and sisters, it is our object in the Alpine stake to place no teachers to instruct the children of God, these choice spirits who have been sent down here to tabernacle upon the earth, unless they are men of God, unless they can hold up their hands in support of the authorities of the Church and of the stake. We ask them whether or not they are keepers of the Word of Wisdom; whether or not they are tithe payers; whether or not they are members of secret societies. And I tell you, my brethren and sisters, that we see the benefit of these questions. I can say, that our Sunday school corps of teachers are keeping the commandments of God, and that the Sunday schools are being benefited thereby, and I believe that it is just to the children that it should be so. Why shouldn't we educate the children to keep the commandments of God? I ask the teachers if there are any under the sound of my voice who are breakers of the Word of Wisdom, whether or not they can stand up before their Sunday school class and teach them to keep it?
My brethren and sisters, I am interested in the Sunday school work; and that the work in the stake in which I preside, I am pleased to state, is progressing nicely, and we hope that every Sunday school therein ere long can say that 98 per cent keep the Word of Wisdom. One of the Alpine stake Sunday schools reported that 98 per cent were keepers of the Word of Wisdom. My brethren and sisters, I tell you when the time comes that 98 per cent of the children who attend Sunday schools are keepers of the Word of Wisdom, that President Smith will receive more aid from the Church than he is receiving now. If they are keepers of the Word of Wisdom, they will pay an honest tithing unto God, our Eternal Father, the work of God will roll on, and His name will be glorified in the earth, and the hopes that are in the hearts of our leaders will be consummated and the glorious promises fulfilled. May God bless you, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
of the Alpine stake, said:
My brethren and sisters, I can say that I am pleased to meet with you in this Sunday school conference tonight. If there is any meeting in the Church that gives me pleasure, it is Sunday school meeting.
We have in Alpine stake seventeen Sunday schools; all of which except one are in good running condition, and I am pleased to report to this body of workers that the Sunday schools in the Alpine stake of Zion are on the improve. We have now increased the average attendance from 50 per cent at the last conference to 67 per cent; and we expect to increase it before our next conference in May to at least 75 per cent or even 80 per cent. We feel that, with the direction of the president of the stake, we can do so; for I want to bear testimony here that the president of the Alpine stake and his counselors are deeply interested in the Sunday school work, and lately they have been visiting our meetings of the union board, and they appoint missionaries among the Sunday schools, and those missionaries go out, and one of their duties is to see whether or not the Sunday schools of the stake are carrying out the instructions that are given by our general superintendent, and his co-laborers.
I am pleased to state that we have in our stake a union board, that is not surpassed. I believe, in the Church. We have every school represented in our union meetings, and the board meetings have been for the last few months devoted, not so much to the consideration of what we can teach the children but how to teach them. We have had presented to us by the general union board sufficient subject matter to teach, but the question now is, how we can best teach it; and I am pleased to state that we find matters easier by reason of that beautiful academy that was established by President Brigham Young at Provo. From there we have some excellent teachers. We have young men and young ladies that are filled with the Spirit of God, that go there during the winter months, and when they come back during the summer months we put them in the Sunday school. I want to say that the Alpine stake board is composed of fifteen energetic workers. Many of them are young men and young women who have been educated in and who graduated from the Brigham Young academy.
We have now adopted a plan, that every Sunday school in the stake should send in a report to the board once a month, that we can know the condition of the school, that we may know whether or not the pupils are improving in attendance, whether or not they are improving in keeping the Word of Wisdom. We have had printed and we send out to the different schools a number of questions, and among these questions are: "Do you attend to your prayers at home?"
My brethren and sisters, it is our object in the Alpine stake to place no teachers to instruct the children of God, these choice spirits who have been sent down here to tabernacle upon the earth, unless they are men of God, unless they can hold up their hands in support of the authorities of the Church and of the stake. We ask them whether or not they are keepers of the Word of Wisdom; whether or not they are tithe payers; whether or not they are members of secret societies. And I tell you, my brethren and sisters, that we see the benefit of these questions. I can say, that our Sunday school corps of teachers are keeping the commandments of God, and that the Sunday schools are being benefited thereby, and I believe that it is just to the children that it should be so. Why shouldn't we educate the children to keep the commandments of God? I ask the teachers if there are any under the sound of my voice who are breakers of the Word of Wisdom, whether or not they can stand up before their Sunday school class and teach them to keep it?
My brethren and sisters, I am interested in the Sunday school work; and that the work in the stake in which I preside, I am pleased to state, is progressing nicely, and we hope that every Sunday school therein ere long can say that 98 per cent keep the Word of Wisdom. One of the Alpine stake Sunday schools reported that 98 per cent were keepers of the Word of Wisdom. My brethren and sisters, I tell you when the time comes that 98 per cent of the children who attend Sunday schools are keepers of the Word of Wisdom, that President Smith will receive more aid from the Church than he is receiving now. If they are keepers of the Word of Wisdom, they will pay an honest tithing unto God, our Eternal Father, the work of God will roll on, and His name will be glorified in the earth, and the hopes that are in the hearts of our leaders will be consummated and the glorious promises fulfilled. May God bless you, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
FIRST ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT GEORGE REYNOLDS.
I have a few items of business to present to this congregation. In the first place, I shall draw your attention to Nickel day,—the last Sunday in this month. The envelopes are now ready for distribution; they will be in the hands of the superintendents in a few days: Distribute them, brethren of the superintendency, on the Sunday previous to the day of collection, and collect them the next Sunday, and as promptly have your Sunday school treasurer remit the amount to the stake treasurer, who, I hope, will remit as promptly to the general board. We ask you to be as liberal as you can this year with your donation, as the Sunday School Union board has had to meet several unexpected expenses, and consequently we are heavily in debt, and we hope, by means of a liberal contribution on Nickel day, to set ourselves on our feet again.
The offices of the Deseret Sunday School Union and of the Juvenile Instructor have been changed from the Templeton building to No. 46 east South Temple street, a new building lately erected, immediately west of the Historian's office. We shall be pleased to see you. There, as before, we have a room, where, my brethren and sisters who are members and workers m the Sunday school cause, we invite you to make your headquarters when you come to Salt Lake, and where we shall be pleased to see you at any time. This change of our office we trust will be very convenient to you.
You will also notice that by reason of the demise of our lamented Brother Thomas C. Griggs, that Elder William A. Morton, who has been acting as one of the canvassers for the Juvenile Instructor, is now manager of the business department of the Union.
I wish to say a word or two with regard to our theological department. The superintendent of the Box Elder stake drew attention to one point upon which there is a little misunderstanding.
We gave them many references, that they might select therefrom those passages and references that apply most directly to their lesson, in the manner in which they were pleased to treat it; but it is not expected that you will take up all the references that are given. Some of the brethren have so misunderstood, and have tried to use all the references given, Sunday by Sunday. The numerous references are given that you may select those that best suit your purpose.
I wish to draw your attention to the fact that we are publishing in the Juvenile Instructor a series of articles by Elder Osborne Widtsoe on those portions of Jewish history that the lessons in the first year theological department now directly consider. There have been quite a number of complaints with regard to these lessons, from the fact that so many of our teachers are not well acquainted with the latter portions of the Old Testament. This will help them. This will make their lessons much easier, and give them that information that they do not possess, and which they have not books of reference to refer to. These lessons will be continued in the Juvenile until all are considered that appertain to the first year's course in the theological department.
One item more: That is in regard to the percentage of preparation. We are getting out forms, as promised in the late letter of the general superintendency, which will be sent out and put in your hands, on which you will tabulate the reports that you receive with regard to the percentage of preparation during four Sundays in November. By these reports we hope to be enabled to form some idea of the percentage of lesson preparation throughout the various schools in those departments for which this request has been made. And now, before I sit down, I trust the example of the Alpine stake will stimulate you, my brethren and sisters, that none of you will be satisfied with having an average percentage of attendance of less than 75, and all of you will, as soon as possible, keep abreast of the Alpine stake and not be satisfied until you have reached the highest possible number. God bless you. Amen.
I have a few items of business to present to this congregation. In the first place, I shall draw your attention to Nickel day,—the last Sunday in this month. The envelopes are now ready for distribution; they will be in the hands of the superintendents in a few days: Distribute them, brethren of the superintendency, on the Sunday previous to the day of collection, and collect them the next Sunday, and as promptly have your Sunday school treasurer remit the amount to the stake treasurer, who, I hope, will remit as promptly to the general board. We ask you to be as liberal as you can this year with your donation, as the Sunday School Union board has had to meet several unexpected expenses, and consequently we are heavily in debt, and we hope, by means of a liberal contribution on Nickel day, to set ourselves on our feet again.
The offices of the Deseret Sunday School Union and of the Juvenile Instructor have been changed from the Templeton building to No. 46 east South Temple street, a new building lately erected, immediately west of the Historian's office. We shall be pleased to see you. There, as before, we have a room, where, my brethren and sisters who are members and workers m the Sunday school cause, we invite you to make your headquarters when you come to Salt Lake, and where we shall be pleased to see you at any time. This change of our office we trust will be very convenient to you.
You will also notice that by reason of the demise of our lamented Brother Thomas C. Griggs, that Elder William A. Morton, who has been acting as one of the canvassers for the Juvenile Instructor, is now manager of the business department of the Union.
I wish to say a word or two with regard to our theological department. The superintendent of the Box Elder stake drew attention to one point upon which there is a little misunderstanding.
We gave them many references, that they might select therefrom those passages and references that apply most directly to their lesson, in the manner in which they were pleased to treat it; but it is not expected that you will take up all the references that are given. Some of the brethren have so misunderstood, and have tried to use all the references given, Sunday by Sunday. The numerous references are given that you may select those that best suit your purpose.
I wish to draw your attention to the fact that we are publishing in the Juvenile Instructor a series of articles by Elder Osborne Widtsoe on those portions of Jewish history that the lessons in the first year theological department now directly consider. There have been quite a number of complaints with regard to these lessons, from the fact that so many of our teachers are not well acquainted with the latter portions of the Old Testament. This will help them. This will make their lessons much easier, and give them that information that they do not possess, and which they have not books of reference to refer to. These lessons will be continued in the Juvenile until all are considered that appertain to the first year's course in the theological department.
One item more: That is in regard to the percentage of preparation. We are getting out forms, as promised in the late letter of the general superintendency, which will be sent out and put in your hands, on which you will tabulate the reports that you receive with regard to the percentage of preparation during four Sundays in November. By these reports we hope to be enabled to form some idea of the percentage of lesson preparation throughout the various schools in those departments for which this request has been made. And now, before I sit down, I trust the example of the Alpine stake will stimulate you, my brethren and sisters, that none of you will be satisfied with having an average percentage of attendance of less than 75, and all of you will, as soon as possible, keep abreast of the Alpine stake and not be satisfied until you have reached the highest possible number. God bless you. Amen.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH M. TANNER.
In addition to the remarks of Brother Reynolds, I desire to call your attention tonight to the value of the present volume of the Juvenile Instructor to all Sunday school teachers, and recommend that all of you get the volume for this year bound, as it will be of great help to you in your work.
Brother John Robinson then rendered a solo entitled "Stilling the Tempest."
In addition to the remarks of Brother Reynolds, I desire to call your attention tonight to the value of the present volume of the Juvenile Instructor to all Sunday school teachers, and recommend that all of you get the volume for this year bound, as it will be of great help to you in your work.
Brother John Robinson then rendered a solo entitled "Stilling the Tempest."
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
I think all have been delighted during this meeting with the remarks that have been made, the testimonies that have been borne, and the reports that have been given, and with the delightful music that has gratified our ears. I endorse all that has been said, and I commend it to all the Sunday School workers within the sound of my voice. I hope that we will struggle on and upward to attain the highest mark of excellence that it is possible for us to attain, by diligent effort, by study and preparation on the part of the teachers, that they may be able to assist their pupils in their labors and studies to attain a higher excellence.
I desire to commend to this congregation the Juvenile Instructor, for I think I may do so without any egotism on my part, for it is not the little that is said in the Juvenile Instructor, over my own signature that I commend particularly, but the articles that are written by our correspondents, such as have been named here this evening, by those who are cultured and who are studious and experienced.
I was startled a few days ago when a very prominent man in one of our stakes began to flatter me a little, over something that had been published in the Era, in relation to card playing. After he had given me a little taffy, I said to him, "But have you read my articles in the Juvenile?" "Oh, no, I quit taking the Juvenile." Why so?" "Oh, it shoots over the mark." I began to wonder how long since he had been reading the "little letters" and the communications found in the Letter-box in the Juvenile. I came to the conclusion that my good brother had not been reading the Juvenile for some time past—for a long time past. I am afraid he quit reading it before he quit subscribing for it. Now I will say that the brethren associated with me who are more actively connected with the publication of the Juvenile, because of the duties that otherwise devolve upon me, are doing their utmost, and are exerting themselves in great wisdom to publish matter that will be instructive, interesting and profitable to all who read. I desire to say at this time to this congregation that I have felt very strongly of late a desire, a responsibility, I may say, resting upon me, to admonish the Latter-day Saints everywhere to cease loitering away their precious time, to cease from all idleness. It is said in the revelations that the idler in Zion shall not eat the bread of the laborer, and there is vastly too much, in some parts—not universally; but there is far too much precious time wasted by the youth of Zion, and perhaps by some that are older and more experienced and who ought to know better, in the foolish, vain and unprofitable practice of card-playing. We hear of card parties here and card parties there, and entertainments where the playing of cards is the principal amusement; and the whole evening is thus wasted. The whole precious time of those that are gathered together on occasions of this kind, aggregating many hours, absolutely wasted. If there was nothing else to be said against this practice, that alone should be sufficient to induce Latter-day Saints not to indulge in this foolish and unprofitable pastime.
Read good books. Learn to sing and to recite, and to converse upon subjects that will be of interest to your associates, and at your social gatherings, instead of wasting the time in senseless practices that lead only to mischief and sometimes to serious evil and wrongdoing, instead of doing this, seek out of the best books knowledge and understanding. Read history. Read philosophy, if you wish. Read anything that is good, that will elevate the mind and will add to your stock of knowledge, that those who associate with you may feel an interest in your pursuit of knowledge and of wisdom.
I endorse most heartily the remarks that were made here tonight by Brother Jackson. How can a man or a woman as a teacher in the Sunday school or as one occupied in any other ecclesiastical duty, who is in the habit of playing cards, say to the children, "You must not do it, because it is a waste of time and it may result in your ruin?" Who can give such advice who is in the habit of doing it himself? Who can say to the drunkard, the tippler, the frequenter of saloons, "You must not tipple; you must not frequent saloons you should not darken the doors of such places," if he is in the habit of doing those things himself? What good mother can say to her daughter, "You must keep the word of wisdom," when she does not do it herself? What good father can say to his son, "My son you must not gamble, you must not play games of chance, you must not venture upon unholy ground," when the father himself is guilty of the same practices? It cannot be done, or, if it is done, it will be without force and without effect, except, perhaps, to brand with hypocrisy any such parent who gives such advice to his children and it breeds contempt in the minds of the children when the parents undertake to teach them to be better than they are themselves, or not to do things which they themselves indulge in.
One of the essentials to a good Sunday school is to have good, pure-minded, intelligent, noble, true, and faithful teachers. If you will have a child develop to what he should be, he that teaches the child should be developed to what he ought to be; and until he is developed in intelligence, in faith, in works of righteousness, in purity of heart and mind and spirit, he is not in a very good position to elevate others to it.
Take the Juvenile. Remember the Nickel fund. The Lord is blessing Zion. It is but little that is necessary or needed from each when all will do their duty. Now regarding tithing, which is only a just claim upon us. If all the Latter-day Saints will pay an honest tithing of that which the Lord gives to them year by year, the trustee-in-trust, the presiding bishopric and others who are entrusted with the care of the funds of the Church, will have ample means to meet every requirement that is made of them. We shall have plenty to pay all the debts that were incurred during the persecutions of the last few years, and we shall have means on hand, instead of being behind, and we shall have plenty, and the earth will teem with plenty, and the Lord will open the windows of heaven and bless His people. Let me tell you for your consolation, if it is any consolation to those that are reluctant in paying their tithing, that the sectarian preachers of the world are seeking to adopt, in their churches, the principle of tithe paying as the scriptural doctrine and as the most consistent and proper way of raising funds for the maintenance of their church work, instead of having to pass around the hat every time they have a meeting. Tithe paying is according to the law of God, and it will not be a great while, I will venture to say before almost all the sectarian churches that have any tendency towards progress will have adopted the principle of tithing. And I am happy to say that the Latter-day Saints, through the revelation of this principle to the Prophet Joseph Smith, set this example to the world. It is the proper thing to do.
I hope to see the time when we shall not have to ask you for assistance, save it be to pay your fast offerings and your free will offerings, that which you offer for the benefit of the poor or for the accomplishment of some special work in the ministry; that beyond that we shall not have to ask you for anything but your tithing, and that day will come, if we will only do our duty.
Now, my brethren and sisters, let us; do our duty—I do not say, "Do your duty." I say, Let us do our duty, all the time, and God will bless us. Amen.
I think all have been delighted during this meeting with the remarks that have been made, the testimonies that have been borne, and the reports that have been given, and with the delightful music that has gratified our ears. I endorse all that has been said, and I commend it to all the Sunday School workers within the sound of my voice. I hope that we will struggle on and upward to attain the highest mark of excellence that it is possible for us to attain, by diligent effort, by study and preparation on the part of the teachers, that they may be able to assist their pupils in their labors and studies to attain a higher excellence.
I desire to commend to this congregation the Juvenile Instructor, for I think I may do so without any egotism on my part, for it is not the little that is said in the Juvenile Instructor, over my own signature that I commend particularly, but the articles that are written by our correspondents, such as have been named here this evening, by those who are cultured and who are studious and experienced.
I was startled a few days ago when a very prominent man in one of our stakes began to flatter me a little, over something that had been published in the Era, in relation to card playing. After he had given me a little taffy, I said to him, "But have you read my articles in the Juvenile?" "Oh, no, I quit taking the Juvenile." Why so?" "Oh, it shoots over the mark." I began to wonder how long since he had been reading the "little letters" and the communications found in the Letter-box in the Juvenile. I came to the conclusion that my good brother had not been reading the Juvenile for some time past—for a long time past. I am afraid he quit reading it before he quit subscribing for it. Now I will say that the brethren associated with me who are more actively connected with the publication of the Juvenile, because of the duties that otherwise devolve upon me, are doing their utmost, and are exerting themselves in great wisdom to publish matter that will be instructive, interesting and profitable to all who read. I desire to say at this time to this congregation that I have felt very strongly of late a desire, a responsibility, I may say, resting upon me, to admonish the Latter-day Saints everywhere to cease loitering away their precious time, to cease from all idleness. It is said in the revelations that the idler in Zion shall not eat the bread of the laborer, and there is vastly too much, in some parts—not universally; but there is far too much precious time wasted by the youth of Zion, and perhaps by some that are older and more experienced and who ought to know better, in the foolish, vain and unprofitable practice of card-playing. We hear of card parties here and card parties there, and entertainments where the playing of cards is the principal amusement; and the whole evening is thus wasted. The whole precious time of those that are gathered together on occasions of this kind, aggregating many hours, absolutely wasted. If there was nothing else to be said against this practice, that alone should be sufficient to induce Latter-day Saints not to indulge in this foolish and unprofitable pastime.
Read good books. Learn to sing and to recite, and to converse upon subjects that will be of interest to your associates, and at your social gatherings, instead of wasting the time in senseless practices that lead only to mischief and sometimes to serious evil and wrongdoing, instead of doing this, seek out of the best books knowledge and understanding. Read history. Read philosophy, if you wish. Read anything that is good, that will elevate the mind and will add to your stock of knowledge, that those who associate with you may feel an interest in your pursuit of knowledge and of wisdom.
I endorse most heartily the remarks that were made here tonight by Brother Jackson. How can a man or a woman as a teacher in the Sunday school or as one occupied in any other ecclesiastical duty, who is in the habit of playing cards, say to the children, "You must not do it, because it is a waste of time and it may result in your ruin?" Who can give such advice who is in the habit of doing it himself? Who can say to the drunkard, the tippler, the frequenter of saloons, "You must not tipple; you must not frequent saloons you should not darken the doors of such places," if he is in the habit of doing those things himself? What good mother can say to her daughter, "You must keep the word of wisdom," when she does not do it herself? What good father can say to his son, "My son you must not gamble, you must not play games of chance, you must not venture upon unholy ground," when the father himself is guilty of the same practices? It cannot be done, or, if it is done, it will be without force and without effect, except, perhaps, to brand with hypocrisy any such parent who gives such advice to his children and it breeds contempt in the minds of the children when the parents undertake to teach them to be better than they are themselves, or not to do things which they themselves indulge in.
One of the essentials to a good Sunday school is to have good, pure-minded, intelligent, noble, true, and faithful teachers. If you will have a child develop to what he should be, he that teaches the child should be developed to what he ought to be; and until he is developed in intelligence, in faith, in works of righteousness, in purity of heart and mind and spirit, he is not in a very good position to elevate others to it.
Take the Juvenile. Remember the Nickel fund. The Lord is blessing Zion. It is but little that is necessary or needed from each when all will do their duty. Now regarding tithing, which is only a just claim upon us. If all the Latter-day Saints will pay an honest tithing of that which the Lord gives to them year by year, the trustee-in-trust, the presiding bishopric and others who are entrusted with the care of the funds of the Church, will have ample means to meet every requirement that is made of them. We shall have plenty to pay all the debts that were incurred during the persecutions of the last few years, and we shall have means on hand, instead of being behind, and we shall have plenty, and the earth will teem with plenty, and the Lord will open the windows of heaven and bless His people. Let me tell you for your consolation, if it is any consolation to those that are reluctant in paying their tithing, that the sectarian preachers of the world are seeking to adopt, in their churches, the principle of tithe paying as the scriptural doctrine and as the most consistent and proper way of raising funds for the maintenance of their church work, instead of having to pass around the hat every time they have a meeting. Tithe paying is according to the law of God, and it will not be a great while, I will venture to say before almost all the sectarian churches that have any tendency towards progress will have adopted the principle of tithing. And I am happy to say that the Latter-day Saints, through the revelation of this principle to the Prophet Joseph Smith, set this example to the world. It is the proper thing to do.
I hope to see the time when we shall not have to ask you for assistance, save it be to pay your fast offerings and your free will offerings, that which you offer for the benefit of the poor or for the accomplishment of some special work in the ministry; that beyond that we shall not have to ask you for anything but your tithing, and that day will come, if we will only do our duty.
Now, my brethren and sisters, let us; do our duty—I do not say, "Do your duty." I say, Let us do our duty, all the time, and God will bless us. Amen.
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND.
I endorse with all my heart the good: counsel that has been given us by our president. I hope that we will remember it.
I have enjoyed the evening very much, and have listened with pleasure to the singing and all that has taken place here. When the song was sung, "Peace, be Still," it brought me back to a little sail which I took on the Lake Geneseret. I there opened my Testament, and I read to my brethren the chapter where it speaks of Jesus stilling the storm on that same lake. I imagined myself back to that time, when he was lying in the boat asleep, and his disciples were afraid that they would be •swallowed by the mad waves. As we sailed along, I wanted to steer, but our Arab friends were afraid to go far from the shore. They said that we might have just such a storm any time, and hence they wanted to hug the shore. We sailed near enough to the shore to have the flowers, the beautiful oleanders, drop into the boat. I think lessons of this kind should be instilled into the hearts of the children. We want them to have faith. We want them, when passion moves them, to be able to still the storm of passion, to control themselves, and when they are subjected to storms of persecution, we want them to be trained in our Sunday schools to have faith and to put their trust in our Master, who has power to overrule even the storms of persecution for our good.
Let the Sunday schools prosper. May you, my brethren and sisters, engaged in the good work, succeed in training the young minds entrusted to your care, that they may grow up and be an honor to their parents and to Zion. It is a blessed work you are engaged in. God bless you. Amen.
I endorse with all my heart the good: counsel that has been given us by our president. I hope that we will remember it.
I have enjoyed the evening very much, and have listened with pleasure to the singing and all that has taken place here. When the song was sung, "Peace, be Still," it brought me back to a little sail which I took on the Lake Geneseret. I there opened my Testament, and I read to my brethren the chapter where it speaks of Jesus stilling the storm on that same lake. I imagined myself back to that time, when he was lying in the boat asleep, and his disciples were afraid that they would be •swallowed by the mad waves. As we sailed along, I wanted to steer, but our Arab friends were afraid to go far from the shore. They said that we might have just such a storm any time, and hence they wanted to hug the shore. We sailed near enough to the shore to have the flowers, the beautiful oleanders, drop into the boat. I think lessons of this kind should be instilled into the hearts of the children. We want them to have faith. We want them, when passion moves them, to be able to still the storm of passion, to control themselves, and when they are subjected to storms of persecution, we want them to be trained in our Sunday schools to have faith and to put their trust in our Master, who has power to overrule even the storms of persecution for our good.
Let the Sunday schools prosper. May you, my brethren and sisters, engaged in the good work, succeed in training the young minds entrusted to your care, that they may grow up and be an honor to their parents and to Zion. It is a blessed work you are engaged in. God bless you. Amen.
ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH.
My brethren and sisters, I have been most happy in being with you here tonight, and I heartily endorse every word that has been spoken, and trust the spirit that has actuated the utterances of our brethren will find lodgment in our hearts, and that each one of us will determine to do our part in every respect and to the best of our ability.
May God bless your superintendents and teachers, and inspire them to do their full part in all things that pertain to the work of God, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
My brethren and sisters, I have been most happy in being with you here tonight, and I heartily endorse every word that has been spoken, and trust the spirit that has actuated the utterances of our brethren will find lodgment in our hearts, and that each one of us will determine to do our part in every respect and to the best of our ability.
May God bless your superintendents and teachers, and inspire them to do their full part in all things that pertain to the work of God, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER HEBER J. GRANT.
I am very happy to be with you again. I rejoice in the labors that are being accomplished in the Sunday school.
I read the Juvenile, or at least I did read it in Japan, with a great deal of pleasure. I think it is well edited, that every Latter-day Saint ought to read it. I feel that every teacher and superintendent that does not read it is failing, in fact not qualifying himself or herself for duty. May God help us to fulfill every duty, I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The Tabernacle choir sang "Peace, Be Still," and the conference adjourned with the benediction of Elder George Teasdale.
I am very happy to be with you again. I rejoice in the labors that are being accomplished in the Sunday school.
I read the Juvenile, or at least I did read it in Japan, with a great deal of pleasure. I think it is well edited, that every Latter-day Saint ought to read it. I feel that every teacher and superintendent that does not read it is failing, in fact not qualifying himself or herself for duty. May God help us to fulfill every duty, I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The Tabernacle choir sang "Peace, Be Still," and the conference adjourned with the benediction of Elder George Teasdale.