October 1915
Eighty-sixth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1915). Report of Discourses. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News.
FIRST DAY
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Growth of the Church
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
True religion a help to eternal life
OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER ALMA MERRILL
(President of Benson Stake.)
ELDER JOHN F. TOLTON
(President of Beaver Stake.)
ELDER MILTON H. WELLING
(President of Bear River Stake.)
ELDER HENRY H. BLOOD
(President of North Davis Stake.)
ELDER JOHN G. M’QUARRIE
(Late President of Eastern States Mission.)
ELDER JOHN R. BARNES
ELDER GEORGE ALBERT SMITH
Blessings attending the inhabitants of Zion
OUTDOOR MEETING
ELDER WILLIAM H. SMART
(President of Duchesne Stake.)
ELDER WILLIAM T. JACK
(President of Cassia Stake.)
AFTERNOON SESSION
PREST. CHARLES W. PENROSE
How to draw near to God
ELDER JOHN W. HART
(President of Rigby Stake.)
ELDER MARK AUSTIN
(President of Fremont Stake.)
ELDER WALTER P. MONSON
(President of Eastern States Mission.)
ELDER CHARLES A. CALLIS
(President of Southern States Mission.)
SECOND OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER EDWARD H. SNOW
(President of St. George Stake.)
ELDER ROBERT D. YOUNG
(President of Sevier Stake.)
ELDER LEWIS ANDERSON
(President of South Sanpete Stake.)
ELDER ADOLPH MERZ
(President of North Sanpete Stake.)
ELDER GEORGE F. RICHARDS
All Church duties, though humble, are important
SECOND MEETING OUT-DOORS
ELDER WM. C. PARTRIDGE
(President of Big Horn Stake.)
ELDER JONATHAN C. CUTLER
(President of Curlew Stake.)
ELDER BENJAMIN GODDARD
(President of Temple Block Mission.)
ELDER EDWARD J. WOOD
(President of Alberta Stake.)
ELDER WM. H. RICHARDS
(President of Malad Stake.)
ELDER DAVID O. M’KAY
The key to eternal life
SECOND DAY
PREST. FRANCIS M. LYMAN
Safety in following counsel of leaders
ELDER MOSES W. TAYLOR
(President of Summit Stake.)
ELDER GERMAN E. ELLSWORTH
(President of Northern States Mission.)
ELDER HEBER C. AUSTIN
(President of Bingham Stake.)
ELDER SAMUEL O. BENNION
(President of Central States Mission.)
ELDER JOHN L. HERRICK
(President Western States Mission.)
ELDER EVAN STEPHENS
(Tabernacle Choir Conductor.)
AFTERNOON SESSION
BISHOP CHARLES W. NIBLEY
The tree of “Mormonism” produces good fruit
ELDER JOSEPH ECKERSLEY
(President of Wayne Stake.)
ELDER OLEEN N. STOHL
(President of Box Elder Stake.)
ELDER SERGE F. BALIFF
(President of Cache Stake.)
ELDER ALONZO A. HINCKLEY
(President of Deseret Stake.)
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Commending faithful services and worth of Stake Presidents
THIRD DAY
PREST. SEYMOUR B. YOUNG
(Of the First Council of Seventy.)
ELDER JOSEPH E. ROBINSON
(President of California Mission.)
ELDER ORVIL L. THOMPSON
(President of Millard Stake.)
ELDER SAMUEL E. WOOLLEY
(President of Hawaiian Mission.)
ELDER REY L. PRATT
(President of Mexican Mission.)
ELDER MELVIN J. BALLARD
(President of Northwestern States Mission.)
CLOSING SESSION
ELDER HUGH J. CANNON
(President of Liberty Stake.)
ELDER LARS P. OVERSON
(President of Emery Stake.)
ELDER LEMUEL H. REDD
(President of San Juan Stake.)
ELDER EDWARD H. SNOW
(President of St. George Stake.)
ELDER JOSEPH R. MURDOCK
(President of Wasatch Stake.)
ELDER JAMES WOTHERSPOON
(President of North Weber Stake.)
ELDER JOHN J. M’CLELLAN
(The Tabernacle Organist.)
ELDER EDWARD P. KIMBALL
(Assistant Organist)
ELDER TRACY Y. CANNON
(Assistant Organist)
ELDER REED SMOOT
Prayer for the world’s peace
AUTHORITIES SUSTAINED
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
FIRST DAY
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Growth of the Church
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND
True religion a help to eternal life
OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER ALMA MERRILL
(President of Benson Stake.)
ELDER JOHN F. TOLTON
(President of Beaver Stake.)
ELDER MILTON H. WELLING
(President of Bear River Stake.)
ELDER HENRY H. BLOOD
(President of North Davis Stake.)
ELDER JOHN G. M’QUARRIE
(Late President of Eastern States Mission.)
ELDER JOHN R. BARNES
ELDER GEORGE ALBERT SMITH
Blessings attending the inhabitants of Zion
OUTDOOR MEETING
ELDER WILLIAM H. SMART
(President of Duchesne Stake.)
ELDER WILLIAM T. JACK
(President of Cassia Stake.)
AFTERNOON SESSION
PREST. CHARLES W. PENROSE
How to draw near to God
ELDER JOHN W. HART
(President of Rigby Stake.)
ELDER MARK AUSTIN
(President of Fremont Stake.)
ELDER WALTER P. MONSON
(President of Eastern States Mission.)
ELDER CHARLES A. CALLIS
(President of Southern States Mission.)
SECOND OVERFLOW MEETING
ELDER EDWARD H. SNOW
(President of St. George Stake.)
ELDER ROBERT D. YOUNG
(President of Sevier Stake.)
ELDER LEWIS ANDERSON
(President of South Sanpete Stake.)
ELDER ADOLPH MERZ
(President of North Sanpete Stake.)
ELDER GEORGE F. RICHARDS
All Church duties, though humble, are important
SECOND MEETING OUT-DOORS
ELDER WM. C. PARTRIDGE
(President of Big Horn Stake.)
ELDER JONATHAN C. CUTLER
(President of Curlew Stake.)
ELDER BENJAMIN GODDARD
(President of Temple Block Mission.)
ELDER EDWARD J. WOOD
(President of Alberta Stake.)
ELDER WM. H. RICHARDS
(President of Malad Stake.)
ELDER DAVID O. M’KAY
The key to eternal life
SECOND DAY
PREST. FRANCIS M. LYMAN
Safety in following counsel of leaders
ELDER MOSES W. TAYLOR
(President of Summit Stake.)
ELDER GERMAN E. ELLSWORTH
(President of Northern States Mission.)
ELDER HEBER C. AUSTIN
(President of Bingham Stake.)
ELDER SAMUEL O. BENNION
(President of Central States Mission.)
ELDER JOHN L. HERRICK
(President Western States Mission.)
ELDER EVAN STEPHENS
(Tabernacle Choir Conductor.)
AFTERNOON SESSION
BISHOP CHARLES W. NIBLEY
The tree of “Mormonism” produces good fruit
ELDER JOSEPH ECKERSLEY
(President of Wayne Stake.)
ELDER OLEEN N. STOHL
(President of Box Elder Stake.)
ELDER SERGE F. BALIFF
(President of Cache Stake.)
ELDER ALONZO A. HINCKLEY
(President of Deseret Stake.)
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Commending faithful services and worth of Stake Presidents
THIRD DAY
PREST. SEYMOUR B. YOUNG
(Of the First Council of Seventy.)
ELDER JOSEPH E. ROBINSON
(President of California Mission.)
ELDER ORVIL L. THOMPSON
(President of Millard Stake.)
ELDER SAMUEL E. WOOLLEY
(President of Hawaiian Mission.)
ELDER REY L. PRATT
(President of Mexican Mission.)
ELDER MELVIN J. BALLARD
(President of Northwestern States Mission.)
CLOSING SESSION
ELDER HUGH J. CANNON
(President of Liberty Stake.)
ELDER LARS P. OVERSON
(President of Emery Stake.)
ELDER LEMUEL H. REDD
(President of San Juan Stake.)
ELDER EDWARD H. SNOW
(President of St. George Stake.)
ELDER JOSEPH R. MURDOCK
(President of Wasatch Stake.)
ELDER JAMES WOTHERSPOON
(President of North Weber Stake.)
ELDER JOHN J. M’CLELLAN
(The Tabernacle Organist.)
ELDER EDWARD P. KIMBALL
(Assistant Organist)
ELDER TRACY Y. CANNON
(Assistant Organist)
ELDER REED SMOOT
Prayer for the world’s peace
AUTHORITIES SUSTAINED
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Eighty-Sixth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
FIRST DAY
The Eighty-sixth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 a. m., Sunday, October 3, 1915, President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
AUTHORITIES PRESENT.
There were present of the First Presidency, Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose; of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., and James E. Talmage; Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith; of the First Council of Seventy, Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, J. Golden Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, Charles H. Hart, and Levi Edgar Young; of the Presiding Bishopric, Charles W. Nibley, Orrin P. Miller, and David A. Smith; Assistant Historians Andrew Jenson and A. Wm. Lund. There were also a large number of Presidents of Stakes with their Counselors, Presidents of Missions, Patriarchs, Bishops of Wards, and numerous other prominent men and women representing various quorums and organizations of the Church.
President Joseph F. Smith called the assembly to order, and announced that, in consequence of the over-crowded condition in the Tabernacle, overflow meetings will be held this morning and afternoon, in the adjoining Assembly Hall and in front of the Bureau of Information building.
The conference services were commenced by the choir and congregation singing the hymn:
Come, come, ye Saints
No toil nor labor fear,
But with joy wend your way;
Though hard to you
This journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder William McLaughlan.
The choir sang the anthem, “From afar, gracious Lord.”
(The choir was greatly augmented by members of other choirs from various stakes and wards of Zion.)
FIRST DAY
The Eighty-sixth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 a. m., Sunday, October 3, 1915, President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
AUTHORITIES PRESENT.
There were present of the First Presidency, Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose; of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., and James E. Talmage; Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith; of the First Council of Seventy, Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, J. Golden Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, Charles H. Hart, and Levi Edgar Young; of the Presiding Bishopric, Charles W. Nibley, Orrin P. Miller, and David A. Smith; Assistant Historians Andrew Jenson and A. Wm. Lund. There were also a large number of Presidents of Stakes with their Counselors, Presidents of Missions, Patriarchs, Bishops of Wards, and numerous other prominent men and women representing various quorums and organizations of the Church.
President Joseph F. Smith called the assembly to order, and announced that, in consequence of the over-crowded condition in the Tabernacle, overflow meetings will be held this morning and afternoon, in the adjoining Assembly Hall and in front of the Bureau of Information building.
The conference services were commenced by the choir and congregation singing the hymn:
Come, come, ye Saints
No toil nor labor fear,
But with joy wend your way;
Though hard to you
This journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder William McLaughlan.
The choir sang the anthem, “From afar, gracious Lord.”
(The choir was greatly augmented by members of other choirs from various stakes and wards of Zion.)
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Blessings Enjoyed by the Saints— Growth of the Church—Church Schools and Education—Care of the Worthy Poor—Teaching in the Home—Personal Duty and Power of Presidency—Why a Temple was Built in Canada—A New Temple Authorized to be Built in Hawaii.
I am delighted and most thankful for the privilege I enjoy of being with you to attend our 86th semiannual general conference of the Church. I am thankful, also, to see the very large number of our brethren and sisters who are assembled here this morning, and I sincerely hope that throughout our conference sessions the Spirit of the Lord may pervade our meetings and influence those who shall speak to us; and bless everything that may be done for the upbuilding of Zion and for the continuance of the work of the Lord.
I feel today, as I have always felt at the opening of our conferences, that the Church was never in a better condition spiritually or temporally, since its organization, than it is today. I believe that the people have never been more united nor come nearer seeing eye to eye on doctrine and policy and principle than they now do. I cannot recall the time when the Church, or the members of the Church, were more prosperous temporally than they are now. The earth has been blessed of the Lord. It has been made fruitful to those who have toiled upon it and tilled it; the people have reaped a bounteous harvest this season, the elements have been propitious, and all things seem to have conduced to the well-being; happiness and prosperity of the people throughout the length and breadth of the land. There is no great reason for wonderment that under these circumstances the adversary is active on the other side, and that his satanic majesty is still alive; he is not dead, nor is he conquered, but to a very large extent his power is curtailed. He cannot now inflict upon us the trouble and injury that he once did; neither can the agencies do so whom he employs in the work of opposition to the truth. I believe that from year to year this increase in the power of truth, and decrease in the power of evil, will grow in greater proportion, both as to the prosperity and happiness of the people of God, and also as to the curtailment of the power of their enemies, until the power of God shall prevail throughout the land; and the power of the adversary will wane, and truth will triumph and righteousness will reign.
I feel very thankful for the general good health that prevails throughout the land, among all the people. It is. true the great reaper, Death, has gathered some of the aged, the weak and infirm from among us, but our number has continued to increase from month to month and from year to year. I pray that the blessings of the Lord may abundantly rest upon His people, and upon all the people of our land. We live in the midst of our great country, and our interests continue unabated in the welfare and prosperity of all the people of our land, from ocean to ocean, and from the north to the south; not only toward our own people but our desire and our prayers are that all the people of the earth may be blessed of God, that they may so conform to His will and so unite themselves together in good works and upright purposes that they may be worthy of His favor and blessing.
We earnestly plead and hope and pray -that the spirit of peace may come upon the warring nations of the earth, that they may cease their strife one against another and learn the peaceable things of the kingdom of God. We would that it were possible for our elders and messengers of truth to penetrate every land and nation upon the earth, and carry to them the olive branch of peace, the principles of life, and the opening of the door of salvation to all the inhabitants of the world.
I have a few items to be mentioned at this meeting and I will read them:
Since our last conference we have organized four new stakes. Curlew, North Davis, Portneuf and Raft River, are the names which have been given to these four newly organized stakes of Zion. Of course, these new organizations are offshoots of older organized stakes. The people are increasing, spreading out, and settling upon the land. Therefore, it becomes necessary, to insure the proper teaching and organization of our young as well as the old, that new stakes should be organized to give opportunity for the people to enjoy the benefits and privileges of Church organization.
There have been organized twelve new wards, and five branches not connected with any wards. We have a number of branch organizations which are a part of wards, and are looked after and presided over by the bishops of the wards; a presiding elder being appointed over the branch; but in this mention they are independent branches, and are rapidly growing into sufficient numbers and strength soon to be organized into wards.
There are now seventy-two organized stakes of Zion with 764 wards and thirty-eight branches, which are not connected with any ward, making a total of 803 wards and branches.
During the past six months there have been changes made in the presidency of the Tahitian Mission, Ernest C. Rossiter succeeding Prank J. Fullmer; and in the Japan Mission, Joseph H. Stimpson succeeding Heber Grant Ivins.
During the current year eighty wards have been assisted in erecting ward meetinghouses, amusement halls, or to pay for indebtedness incurred on such buildings already erected; and we are continually receiving applications for assistance in the erection of new meetinghouses in the newly organized wards. We are continually contributing, out of the funds of the tithing so far as we have it at our command, to fill the promises that we have made to the various wards of the Church who are erecting their houses. We give to them from month to month, or from time to time, as they demand, and as they raise their proportion, that which we have promised to them. We have a large amount on our records which has been promised, and which is gradually being drawn upon.
I am happy to say, so far as the records show, that the tithing funds of the Church have been a little over the average of 1914. So far throughout this year (1915), the tithing funds have been a little in advance of those of the previous year. This is certainly very necessary, as the work is growing, the demands upon the Church are increasing, our schools are enlarging, and needing more and more assistance; we have already appropriated a very large sum of the yearly tithing to maintain our various Church schools. These schools need no praise from me on this occasion. Those who are associated with them or live within the stakes where they are conducted have come to realize what a great benefit they are to the youth of Zion, and we hope that they will continue to be conducted in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The object, I may say almost the only purpose, for the maintenance of Church schools is that true religion and undefiled before God the Father, may, be inculcated in the minds and hearts of our children while they are getting an education, to enable the heart, the soul and the spirit of our children to develop with proper teaching, in connection with the secular training that they receive in schools.
I hope that I may be pardoned for giving expression to my real conviction with reference to the question of education in the State of Utah. The government of the State has provided for the common schools up to the eighth grade, and meets the general expenses of these schools. The treasury of this state has provided for one of the best universities that can be found in any state in the Union; thoroughly equipped for the highest education in the land. The State Legislature has also provided out of the State treasury, for an agricultural college, a most worthy and efficient institution of instruction and training for the youth of the people of the state. In addition to these, we are having forced upon the people high schools throughout every part of the land. I believe that we are running education mad. I believe that we are taxing the people more for education than they should be taxed. This is my sentiment. And especially is it my sentiment when the fact is known that all these burdens are placed upon the tax payers of the state to teach the learning or education of this world. God is not in it. Religion is excluded from it. The Bible is excluded from it. And those who desire to have their children receive the advantages of moral and religious education are excluded from all these state organizations, and if we will have our children properly taught in principles of righteousness, morality and religion, we have to establish Church schools or institutions of education of our own, and thus the burdens of taxation are increased upon the people. We have to do it in order that our children may have the advantages of moral training in their youth. I know that I shall be criticized by professional “lovers of education,” for expressing my idea in relation to this matter.
We are striving to the best of our ability to provide for the poor; that is, for God’s poor. You know there are several kinds of poor, and we want to provide out of the funds of the tithing and of the offerings of the Saints as far as we possibly can, for the honest and the worthy poor, and not for the drunken poor or for those who bring poverty, and distress upon themselves by “riotous living,” extravagance, folly and sin. They should be put to work by some means or power, and kept at work until they learn to abstain from that which is vicious, and they will observe and-do that which is essential to life and to the well-being of mankind. I am not prepared to give you exact figures with reference to our fast offering fund, but it would be safe to say in view of past references to this matter, that if the Latter-day Saints would carefully, (I will not say honestly, because I do not believe they intend to be dishonest about it,) and thoughtfully observe the rule or law of fasting one day in each month, and give for the benefit of the poor just what it would cost them to maintain themselves and their families with food on that one day. we would have sufficient funds in the Church to feed all our poor without taking a dollar of tithing to do it. When it comes to the fact that the fast offering represents perhaps about three or four cents per head per year, it does not figure out to be a very unexhaustive fund, and does not, of course, meet the necessities of the really worthy poor.
I am glad to say that the policy to do ward teaching that has been urged upon the bishops and upon the bishops’ counselors, and teachers is being carried out to a greater extent than heretofore. It is advised that the bishops and their counselors themselves, by the aid of the teachers called to their assistance in their wards, shall visit every family within their ward, advise with them, and look after their temporal and their spiritual well-being. Not long ago I happened to be at the home of one of my children when the teachers came in. We called the family together and submitted ourselves to the duties of the teachers. The head teacher began by saying that he had been sent there by the bishop of the ward to inquire into the condition of the members of the family. He was instructed.to inquire of them if they held family prayer, morning and evening, if they asked the blessing upon their food, at each meal. He was required by the bishop to inquire as to whether they kept the word of wisdom, as to whether they attended to their Sabbath meetings and honored the Sabbath day. as to whether those who were of age to attend the various other organizations of the Church, such as the Relief Society, the Young Men's and Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations, the Sunday Schools, the Primary Associations, and the Religion Class, did so, and if they sustained in their hearts their bishop and his counselors and were united in feeling and sentiment with them, and if they were in harmony in their feelings and sentiment with the presidency of their stake. And as to whether they sustained, by their faith and prayers, the presiding authorities of the Church, the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles, the Patriarch, the Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. If they could pray for them in faith and in good feeling, and were in harmony with them. If they believed and observed the law of tithing, and were at peace with their neighbors, etc. Then he asked that the head of the family should arise and open his heart to the teachers and tell them just what he had to say in relation to all these inquiries and requirements that were made of the teacher by the bishop. I admired it. I thought it was just the right thing to do, and I approved of it. and so pronounced my approval of the thoroughness, the simplicity, and the honesty of the teacher to inquire into all these things. I was very happy indeed, to see and hear the young man of the house get up and say that the family were endeavoring, to the best of their ability and knowledge, to comply with every requirement that was made of them as members of the Church in that ward, as required by the bishop. Then I took the liberty to say to the teachers that I was pleased with their mission and with the performance of their duty, and to assure them that from the training and instruction that my children had had from their birth up. I felt quite sure that they would be found, wherever they were, complying with all the requirements that were there made. Namely: the keeping of the word of wisdom, eschewing the use of intoxicating drinks, the use of tobacco, of strong and hot drinks, etc. The word of wisdom comprises all these things. Do you have your prayers? Do you remember God, the Giver of all the good you get and have in the world? Do you acknowledge His hand in all things, and do you render the gratitude and thankfulness of your souls to the Giver of every good and perfect gift? These are the questions that we should put to the inhabitants and the home-makers in Zion, to the family organizations in the Church. Is the husband and the father conducting himself in such a way as to be worthy of the affection and confidence of his whole family? Is his conduct and his dealings with them such as will secure to him their unstinted love and approval? Are the father and the mother living peacefully together, without strife or contention? Do the children live harmoniously and peacefully together in their homes, and are they taught to be peaceful and gentle with their neighbors’ children? All these things should be taught by the teachers in the various wards, and by the bishops, visiting every house as far as possible, confirming the labors of the teachers in this work of love for the benefit of the inhabitants of Zion.
My brethren and sisters, these are some of the little things, perhaps. Some people would consider them trivial and of no importance, but I say there isn’t anything that I know of in a man’s life that is more essential to his happiness, and to the happiness of those with whom he is associated, than these little amenities by which he shows his love and respect for others and he is respected and loved, and his presence is cherished, by those with whom he associates. The father comes home, and the children are glad to see him; the mother welcomes him with all the affection of the true wife and mother, for he is good and true, he does all in his power to provide a home for them, to make them comfortable and to add to their happiness and well being, also to provide for their education and their proper training and instruction. The whole family is united, and the children grow up to honor their parents and say: “My father and mother were honest. They set me the example of their lives. They taught me what was good, and they practiced it. They set the example to me, as well as taught me the precept of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I love them for it. I will always love them for it.” When they shall go beyond, the children will carry with them forever a blessing for their parents. But the man who is rough, harsh, unkind and thoughtless, the man who spends his time away from his home and his children, when he should be with them, or who is absent for pleasures of his own. or for associations that are not. congenial to the family, what influence for good can he have with his children? Will they not follow in his footsteps? Will they not emulate his example? Will they not grow up to be even less observant of that which is required by the Lord of his children than the parents were, because of the example set before them?
Now, my brethren and sisters, my business, my duty, is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and risen from the dead and sitting enthroned in power, glory and majesty on the right hand of his Father, our God. That is my business and my duty, and I love to do that more than anything else in the world. I would deplore and dread the thought that I am neglecting my duty towards those whom I love more than my own life. I can’t afford it. I must do the best I can, the best I know how, for those whom God has entrusted to my care. I must also do my duty toward the people of God to whom He has willed that I should be a humble minister and teacher of the Gospel. It is my duty to set an example, to plead with the people to live their religion. I ought to pay my fast offering regularly, right along, as I pay my tithing; when the end of the month comes I go and pay my tithing. Why? So that I won’t neglect it nor forget it, and that is one of the things that the good teacher taught us the other evening at our home—the payment of tithing. Are we honest with the Lord? Do we remember him with the first fruits of our increase? If I were as punctual in observing my fast, and as careful to do all I should do for it. and a little more than would be really required of me, as I try to be in paying my tithing, I believe I would feel better over it, but sometimes I am a hundred, or a thousand miles away from my ward on the fast day, and then I can’t quite do it; but the family at home can attend to their part of the duty when I am away. It is my duty as the head of my family to set the example before all the members of my household.
I have the right to bless. I hold the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood and of the office and power of patriarch. It is my right to bless; for all the keys and authority and power pertaining to the government of the Church and to the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood are centered in the presiding officers of the Church. There is no business, nor office, within the Church that the President of the Church may not fill, and may not do, if it is necessary, or if it is required of him to do it. He holds the office of patriarch; he holds the office of high priest and of apostle, of seventy, of elder, of bishop, and of priest, teacher and deacon in the Church; all these belong to the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they can officiate in any and in all of these callings when occasion requires.
God bless you. May peace abide and abound in Israel, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west: and may the favor and mercy of God be extended unto all the nations of the world to their restoration to peace and unity and good will. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
I am reminded 'of one or two other items that I intended to mention. As you all know, we have been authorized and have undertaken. to build a temple in Alberta. Canada, and we have already expended very large sums of money upon that building. It is in course of erection and is progressing rapidly. The corner stone was laid only a week or so ago. The walls are being put up and it is nearing or will be nearing, soon, its completion, and readiness for the ordinances of the house of God. We took it there—why? Perhaps just one instance that was brought to our minds yesterday, or the day before, may illustrate. A young man, who has filled a good mission and returned home, living away off in the northern part of British Columbia, still clinging to the faith and wearing the harness of his ministry, doing all that he can for the benefit of mankind, desires to get married and to be married right. He lives hundreds and hundreds of miles away from a temple; lie has been on a mission for years and has exhausted all his means, he returns home almost penniless, and has found some good girl who is willing to enter life with him on the ground floor, and he says to us: “What can I do? I want to begin a home for myself, it is according to the law of nature and of God, but I haven’t the means to go to the temple. Will it be right for me to be married here, and then when I get the means sufficient to go to a temple, go and be sealed for time and for all eternity?”
Well, what can you do under circumstances of that kind? All we could do was to say to him: “Go to the nearest bishop or elder of the Church that you can find, and with our permission and approval ask him to unite you in marriage for time, and as soon as you are able to reach a temple, where vou can go to the altar and be united by the power of God, and not of man, for time and for all eternity, go and get your union sealed by the power of God that will unite you for eternity as well as for time, and will bring your children unto you under the bond of the new and everlasting covenant, as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.” What else could we say to him? Nothing else, so we said it; but by and by we will have a temple up there, and those who are in these circumstances will not be compelled to waste all their substance in travel to come to a temple here. We were in hopes, not many years ago of being able to build another temple near the borders of the United States, in Mexico; but that nation’s unfortunate people, oppressed by rulers ambitious for power at the cost of the lives of their fellowmen, have driven out or expelled practically our people from their land.
Now, away off in the Pacific Ocean are various groups of islands, from the Sandwich Islands down to Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand. On them are thousands of good people, dark-skinned but of the blood of Israel. When you carry the Gospel to them they receive it with open hearts. They need the same privileges that we do. and that we enjoy, but these are out of their power. They are poor, and they can't gather means to come up here to be endowed, and sealed for time and eternity, for their living and their dead, and to be baptized for their dead. What shall we do with them? Heretofore, we have suffered the conditions that exist there, and have adopted the best measures that we knew how, always looking to the better and fuller requirements of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Now, I say to my brethren and sisters this morning that we have come to the conclusion that it would be a good thing to build a temple that shall be dedicated to the ordinances of the house of God, down upon one of the Sandwich Islands, so that the good people of those islands may reach the blessing of the House of God within their own borders, and that the people from New Zealand, if they do not become strong enough to require a house to be built there also, by and by, can come to Laie, where they can get their blessings and return home and live in peace, having fulfilled all the requirements of the Gospel the same as we have the privilege of doing here.
It is moved that we build a temple at Laie, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. All who are in favor of it will please manifest it by raising the right hand [all hands raised]; contrary minded by the same sign. I do not see a contrary vote.
I want you to understand that the Hawaiian mission, and the good Latter-day Saints of that mission, with what help the Church can give, will be able to build their temple. They are a tithe-paying people, and the plantation is in a condition to help us. We have a gathering place there where we bring the people together, and teach them the best we can, in schools and under the various auxiliary organizations of the Church. I tell you that we (Brother Smoot, Bishop Nibley and I) witnessed there some of the most perfect and thorough Sunday School work on the part of the children of the Latter-day Saints that we had ever seen. God bless you. Amen.
A tenor solo, entitled “If with all your heart you truly seek Me,” was sung by Elder Melvin J. Ballard, President of Northwestern States Mission.
Blessings Enjoyed by the Saints— Growth of the Church—Church Schools and Education—Care of the Worthy Poor—Teaching in the Home—Personal Duty and Power of Presidency—Why a Temple was Built in Canada—A New Temple Authorized to be Built in Hawaii.
I am delighted and most thankful for the privilege I enjoy of being with you to attend our 86th semiannual general conference of the Church. I am thankful, also, to see the very large number of our brethren and sisters who are assembled here this morning, and I sincerely hope that throughout our conference sessions the Spirit of the Lord may pervade our meetings and influence those who shall speak to us; and bless everything that may be done for the upbuilding of Zion and for the continuance of the work of the Lord.
I feel today, as I have always felt at the opening of our conferences, that the Church was never in a better condition spiritually or temporally, since its organization, than it is today. I believe that the people have never been more united nor come nearer seeing eye to eye on doctrine and policy and principle than they now do. I cannot recall the time when the Church, or the members of the Church, were more prosperous temporally than they are now. The earth has been blessed of the Lord. It has been made fruitful to those who have toiled upon it and tilled it; the people have reaped a bounteous harvest this season, the elements have been propitious, and all things seem to have conduced to the well-being; happiness and prosperity of the people throughout the length and breadth of the land. There is no great reason for wonderment that under these circumstances the adversary is active on the other side, and that his satanic majesty is still alive; he is not dead, nor is he conquered, but to a very large extent his power is curtailed. He cannot now inflict upon us the trouble and injury that he once did; neither can the agencies do so whom he employs in the work of opposition to the truth. I believe that from year to year this increase in the power of truth, and decrease in the power of evil, will grow in greater proportion, both as to the prosperity and happiness of the people of God, and also as to the curtailment of the power of their enemies, until the power of God shall prevail throughout the land; and the power of the adversary will wane, and truth will triumph and righteousness will reign.
I feel very thankful for the general good health that prevails throughout the land, among all the people. It is. true the great reaper, Death, has gathered some of the aged, the weak and infirm from among us, but our number has continued to increase from month to month and from year to year. I pray that the blessings of the Lord may abundantly rest upon His people, and upon all the people of our land. We live in the midst of our great country, and our interests continue unabated in the welfare and prosperity of all the people of our land, from ocean to ocean, and from the north to the south; not only toward our own people but our desire and our prayers are that all the people of the earth may be blessed of God, that they may so conform to His will and so unite themselves together in good works and upright purposes that they may be worthy of His favor and blessing.
We earnestly plead and hope and pray -that the spirit of peace may come upon the warring nations of the earth, that they may cease their strife one against another and learn the peaceable things of the kingdom of God. We would that it were possible for our elders and messengers of truth to penetrate every land and nation upon the earth, and carry to them the olive branch of peace, the principles of life, and the opening of the door of salvation to all the inhabitants of the world.
I have a few items to be mentioned at this meeting and I will read them:
Since our last conference we have organized four new stakes. Curlew, North Davis, Portneuf and Raft River, are the names which have been given to these four newly organized stakes of Zion. Of course, these new organizations are offshoots of older organized stakes. The people are increasing, spreading out, and settling upon the land. Therefore, it becomes necessary, to insure the proper teaching and organization of our young as well as the old, that new stakes should be organized to give opportunity for the people to enjoy the benefits and privileges of Church organization.
There have been organized twelve new wards, and five branches not connected with any wards. We have a number of branch organizations which are a part of wards, and are looked after and presided over by the bishops of the wards; a presiding elder being appointed over the branch; but in this mention they are independent branches, and are rapidly growing into sufficient numbers and strength soon to be organized into wards.
There are now seventy-two organized stakes of Zion with 764 wards and thirty-eight branches, which are not connected with any ward, making a total of 803 wards and branches.
During the past six months there have been changes made in the presidency of the Tahitian Mission, Ernest C. Rossiter succeeding Prank J. Fullmer; and in the Japan Mission, Joseph H. Stimpson succeeding Heber Grant Ivins.
During the current year eighty wards have been assisted in erecting ward meetinghouses, amusement halls, or to pay for indebtedness incurred on such buildings already erected; and we are continually receiving applications for assistance in the erection of new meetinghouses in the newly organized wards. We are continually contributing, out of the funds of the tithing so far as we have it at our command, to fill the promises that we have made to the various wards of the Church who are erecting their houses. We give to them from month to month, or from time to time, as they demand, and as they raise their proportion, that which we have promised to them. We have a large amount on our records which has been promised, and which is gradually being drawn upon.
I am happy to say, so far as the records show, that the tithing funds of the Church have been a little over the average of 1914. So far throughout this year (1915), the tithing funds have been a little in advance of those of the previous year. This is certainly very necessary, as the work is growing, the demands upon the Church are increasing, our schools are enlarging, and needing more and more assistance; we have already appropriated a very large sum of the yearly tithing to maintain our various Church schools. These schools need no praise from me on this occasion. Those who are associated with them or live within the stakes where they are conducted have come to realize what a great benefit they are to the youth of Zion, and we hope that they will continue to be conducted in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The object, I may say almost the only purpose, for the maintenance of Church schools is that true religion and undefiled before God the Father, may, be inculcated in the minds and hearts of our children while they are getting an education, to enable the heart, the soul and the spirit of our children to develop with proper teaching, in connection with the secular training that they receive in schools.
I hope that I may be pardoned for giving expression to my real conviction with reference to the question of education in the State of Utah. The government of the State has provided for the common schools up to the eighth grade, and meets the general expenses of these schools. The treasury of this state has provided for one of the best universities that can be found in any state in the Union; thoroughly equipped for the highest education in the land. The State Legislature has also provided out of the State treasury, for an agricultural college, a most worthy and efficient institution of instruction and training for the youth of the people of the state. In addition to these, we are having forced upon the people high schools throughout every part of the land. I believe that we are running education mad. I believe that we are taxing the people more for education than they should be taxed. This is my sentiment. And especially is it my sentiment when the fact is known that all these burdens are placed upon the tax payers of the state to teach the learning or education of this world. God is not in it. Religion is excluded from it. The Bible is excluded from it. And those who desire to have their children receive the advantages of moral and religious education are excluded from all these state organizations, and if we will have our children properly taught in principles of righteousness, morality and religion, we have to establish Church schools or institutions of education of our own, and thus the burdens of taxation are increased upon the people. We have to do it in order that our children may have the advantages of moral training in their youth. I know that I shall be criticized by professional “lovers of education,” for expressing my idea in relation to this matter.
We are striving to the best of our ability to provide for the poor; that is, for God’s poor. You know there are several kinds of poor, and we want to provide out of the funds of the tithing and of the offerings of the Saints as far as we possibly can, for the honest and the worthy poor, and not for the drunken poor or for those who bring poverty, and distress upon themselves by “riotous living,” extravagance, folly and sin. They should be put to work by some means or power, and kept at work until they learn to abstain from that which is vicious, and they will observe and-do that which is essential to life and to the well-being of mankind. I am not prepared to give you exact figures with reference to our fast offering fund, but it would be safe to say in view of past references to this matter, that if the Latter-day Saints would carefully, (I will not say honestly, because I do not believe they intend to be dishonest about it,) and thoughtfully observe the rule or law of fasting one day in each month, and give for the benefit of the poor just what it would cost them to maintain themselves and their families with food on that one day. we would have sufficient funds in the Church to feed all our poor without taking a dollar of tithing to do it. When it comes to the fact that the fast offering represents perhaps about three or four cents per head per year, it does not figure out to be a very unexhaustive fund, and does not, of course, meet the necessities of the really worthy poor.
I am glad to say that the policy to do ward teaching that has been urged upon the bishops and upon the bishops’ counselors, and teachers is being carried out to a greater extent than heretofore. It is advised that the bishops and their counselors themselves, by the aid of the teachers called to their assistance in their wards, shall visit every family within their ward, advise with them, and look after their temporal and their spiritual well-being. Not long ago I happened to be at the home of one of my children when the teachers came in. We called the family together and submitted ourselves to the duties of the teachers. The head teacher began by saying that he had been sent there by the bishop of the ward to inquire into the condition of the members of the family. He was instructed.to inquire of them if they held family prayer, morning and evening, if they asked the blessing upon their food, at each meal. He was required by the bishop to inquire as to whether they kept the word of wisdom, as to whether they attended to their Sabbath meetings and honored the Sabbath day. as to whether those who were of age to attend the various other organizations of the Church, such as the Relief Society, the Young Men's and Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations, the Sunday Schools, the Primary Associations, and the Religion Class, did so, and if they sustained in their hearts their bishop and his counselors and were united in feeling and sentiment with them, and if they were in harmony in their feelings and sentiment with the presidency of their stake. And as to whether they sustained, by their faith and prayers, the presiding authorities of the Church, the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles, the Patriarch, the Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. If they could pray for them in faith and in good feeling, and were in harmony with them. If they believed and observed the law of tithing, and were at peace with their neighbors, etc. Then he asked that the head of the family should arise and open his heart to the teachers and tell them just what he had to say in relation to all these inquiries and requirements that were made of the teacher by the bishop. I admired it. I thought it was just the right thing to do, and I approved of it. and so pronounced my approval of the thoroughness, the simplicity, and the honesty of the teacher to inquire into all these things. I was very happy indeed, to see and hear the young man of the house get up and say that the family were endeavoring, to the best of their ability and knowledge, to comply with every requirement that was made of them as members of the Church in that ward, as required by the bishop. Then I took the liberty to say to the teachers that I was pleased with their mission and with the performance of their duty, and to assure them that from the training and instruction that my children had had from their birth up. I felt quite sure that they would be found, wherever they were, complying with all the requirements that were there made. Namely: the keeping of the word of wisdom, eschewing the use of intoxicating drinks, the use of tobacco, of strong and hot drinks, etc. The word of wisdom comprises all these things. Do you have your prayers? Do you remember God, the Giver of all the good you get and have in the world? Do you acknowledge His hand in all things, and do you render the gratitude and thankfulness of your souls to the Giver of every good and perfect gift? These are the questions that we should put to the inhabitants and the home-makers in Zion, to the family organizations in the Church. Is the husband and the father conducting himself in such a way as to be worthy of the affection and confidence of his whole family? Is his conduct and his dealings with them such as will secure to him their unstinted love and approval? Are the father and the mother living peacefully together, without strife or contention? Do the children live harmoniously and peacefully together in their homes, and are they taught to be peaceful and gentle with their neighbors’ children? All these things should be taught by the teachers in the various wards, and by the bishops, visiting every house as far as possible, confirming the labors of the teachers in this work of love for the benefit of the inhabitants of Zion.
My brethren and sisters, these are some of the little things, perhaps. Some people would consider them trivial and of no importance, but I say there isn’t anything that I know of in a man’s life that is more essential to his happiness, and to the happiness of those with whom he is associated, than these little amenities by which he shows his love and respect for others and he is respected and loved, and his presence is cherished, by those with whom he associates. The father comes home, and the children are glad to see him; the mother welcomes him with all the affection of the true wife and mother, for he is good and true, he does all in his power to provide a home for them, to make them comfortable and to add to their happiness and well being, also to provide for their education and their proper training and instruction. The whole family is united, and the children grow up to honor their parents and say: “My father and mother were honest. They set me the example of their lives. They taught me what was good, and they practiced it. They set the example to me, as well as taught me the precept of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I love them for it. I will always love them for it.” When they shall go beyond, the children will carry with them forever a blessing for their parents. But the man who is rough, harsh, unkind and thoughtless, the man who spends his time away from his home and his children, when he should be with them, or who is absent for pleasures of his own. or for associations that are not. congenial to the family, what influence for good can he have with his children? Will they not follow in his footsteps? Will they not emulate his example? Will they not grow up to be even less observant of that which is required by the Lord of his children than the parents were, because of the example set before them?
Now, my brethren and sisters, my business, my duty, is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and risen from the dead and sitting enthroned in power, glory and majesty on the right hand of his Father, our God. That is my business and my duty, and I love to do that more than anything else in the world. I would deplore and dread the thought that I am neglecting my duty towards those whom I love more than my own life. I can’t afford it. I must do the best I can, the best I know how, for those whom God has entrusted to my care. I must also do my duty toward the people of God to whom He has willed that I should be a humble minister and teacher of the Gospel. It is my duty to set an example, to plead with the people to live their religion. I ought to pay my fast offering regularly, right along, as I pay my tithing; when the end of the month comes I go and pay my tithing. Why? So that I won’t neglect it nor forget it, and that is one of the things that the good teacher taught us the other evening at our home—the payment of tithing. Are we honest with the Lord? Do we remember him with the first fruits of our increase? If I were as punctual in observing my fast, and as careful to do all I should do for it. and a little more than would be really required of me, as I try to be in paying my tithing, I believe I would feel better over it, but sometimes I am a hundred, or a thousand miles away from my ward on the fast day, and then I can’t quite do it; but the family at home can attend to their part of the duty when I am away. It is my duty as the head of my family to set the example before all the members of my household.
I have the right to bless. I hold the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood and of the office and power of patriarch. It is my right to bless; for all the keys and authority and power pertaining to the government of the Church and to the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood are centered in the presiding officers of the Church. There is no business, nor office, within the Church that the President of the Church may not fill, and may not do, if it is necessary, or if it is required of him to do it. He holds the office of patriarch; he holds the office of high priest and of apostle, of seventy, of elder, of bishop, and of priest, teacher and deacon in the Church; all these belong to the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they can officiate in any and in all of these callings when occasion requires.
God bless you. May peace abide and abound in Israel, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west: and may the favor and mercy of God be extended unto all the nations of the world to their restoration to peace and unity and good will. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
I am reminded 'of one or two other items that I intended to mention. As you all know, we have been authorized and have undertaken. to build a temple in Alberta. Canada, and we have already expended very large sums of money upon that building. It is in course of erection and is progressing rapidly. The corner stone was laid only a week or so ago. The walls are being put up and it is nearing or will be nearing, soon, its completion, and readiness for the ordinances of the house of God. We took it there—why? Perhaps just one instance that was brought to our minds yesterday, or the day before, may illustrate. A young man, who has filled a good mission and returned home, living away off in the northern part of British Columbia, still clinging to the faith and wearing the harness of his ministry, doing all that he can for the benefit of mankind, desires to get married and to be married right. He lives hundreds and hundreds of miles away from a temple; lie has been on a mission for years and has exhausted all his means, he returns home almost penniless, and has found some good girl who is willing to enter life with him on the ground floor, and he says to us: “What can I do? I want to begin a home for myself, it is according to the law of nature and of God, but I haven’t the means to go to the temple. Will it be right for me to be married here, and then when I get the means sufficient to go to a temple, go and be sealed for time and for all eternity?”
Well, what can you do under circumstances of that kind? All we could do was to say to him: “Go to the nearest bishop or elder of the Church that you can find, and with our permission and approval ask him to unite you in marriage for time, and as soon as you are able to reach a temple, where vou can go to the altar and be united by the power of God, and not of man, for time and for all eternity, go and get your union sealed by the power of God that will unite you for eternity as well as for time, and will bring your children unto you under the bond of the new and everlasting covenant, as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.” What else could we say to him? Nothing else, so we said it; but by and by we will have a temple up there, and those who are in these circumstances will not be compelled to waste all their substance in travel to come to a temple here. We were in hopes, not many years ago of being able to build another temple near the borders of the United States, in Mexico; but that nation’s unfortunate people, oppressed by rulers ambitious for power at the cost of the lives of their fellowmen, have driven out or expelled practically our people from their land.
Now, away off in the Pacific Ocean are various groups of islands, from the Sandwich Islands down to Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand. On them are thousands of good people, dark-skinned but of the blood of Israel. When you carry the Gospel to them they receive it with open hearts. They need the same privileges that we do. and that we enjoy, but these are out of their power. They are poor, and they can't gather means to come up here to be endowed, and sealed for time and eternity, for their living and their dead, and to be baptized for their dead. What shall we do with them? Heretofore, we have suffered the conditions that exist there, and have adopted the best measures that we knew how, always looking to the better and fuller requirements of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Now, I say to my brethren and sisters this morning that we have come to the conclusion that it would be a good thing to build a temple that shall be dedicated to the ordinances of the house of God, down upon one of the Sandwich Islands, so that the good people of those islands may reach the blessing of the House of God within their own borders, and that the people from New Zealand, if they do not become strong enough to require a house to be built there also, by and by, can come to Laie, where they can get their blessings and return home and live in peace, having fulfilled all the requirements of the Gospel the same as we have the privilege of doing here.
It is moved that we build a temple at Laie, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii. All who are in favor of it will please manifest it by raising the right hand [all hands raised]; contrary minded by the same sign. I do not see a contrary vote.
I want you to understand that the Hawaiian mission, and the good Latter-day Saints of that mission, with what help the Church can give, will be able to build their temple. They are a tithe-paying people, and the plantation is in a condition to help us. We have a gathering place there where we bring the people together, and teach them the best we can, in schools and under the various auxiliary organizations of the Church. I tell you that we (Brother Smoot, Bishop Nibley and I) witnessed there some of the most perfect and thorough Sunday School work on the part of the children of the Latter-day Saints that we had ever seen. God bless you. Amen.
A tenor solo, entitled “If with all your heart you truly seek Me,” was sung by Elder Melvin J. Ballard, President of Northwestern States Mission.
PRESIDENT ANTHON H. LUND.
Seemingly trivial things important to development—True religion a help to eternal life—Similarity or imitation not evidence of truth—Knowledge imparted by Holy Ghost the one sure evidence—Enduring trials, and overcoming evil, manifest true Saints—Need to be zealous in God’s service—Importance of teachers’ visits—Caution against false teachers.
I have enjoyed the remarks of our President, and I believe we will all be united in praying for him that his cold may leave him, and that his speaking to us may have no bad effect upon his system, for we all rejoice in hearing his voice and listening to his advice to the Saints. What he has told us is very essential to our salvation. They are not trivial things, they are the steps by which we can ascend. The steps of a ladder may be trivial in themselves, but we have to use them if we want to get to the top, and the steps he alluded to are necessary for our development.
He said our adversary is not dead. This is true, men are traveling through the states, berating the Latter-day Saints, accusing them of things that have never entered their hearts. Our young men who go out on missions are astonished to hear such things about their homes, things that never came to their knowledge before, but they have to go abroad to learn what a bad people the Mormons are! Why have you and I joined a people so despised by the world? Our answer is, We joined this Church because we were convinced that it was the Church of Jesus Christ. We are told in holy writ that “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” This shows the great importance of religion, for religion deals with the knowledge of God. Some may take it in their hearts to speak lightly of the necessity of religion; I have heard such people say: “If we do right to our neighbors and do not take advantage of them, that is good enough religion for me.” That is certainly a good course of conduct, and religion inculcates that doctrine upon all, but we are all looking forward to eternal life, and if eternal life is to know the only true God, we must seek to know Him, and hence the necessity of religion.
There are so many religious denominations in the world, and the question arises. How shall I find the correct one? Paul tells-us there is but one true faith, that none is allowed to preach any other gospel than the one he preached: for if one should do so, he says: “Let him be accursed.” It is therefore of vital consequence to know which is the true religion. The Lord has not left us without means to know this for ourselves. We have His word, which we can study, and it was written by men inspired by the Holy Ghost. While we are convinced of this, we do not believe that the word of God as contained in the sacred books is able to authorize men to officiate in the ordinances of the Gospel. The word of God is for our guidance, but we need the living oracles to direct and guide us and to administer the ordinances.
We joined this Church because we had investigated its principles, and we found that the teachings by the Prophet Joseph Smith were like those given by the Savior and His apostles formerly. I want to say that similarity is not a perfect test, for it might be possible for some reformer to imitate the outward form of the Church as given in the New Testament, and then establish a church, but even such likeness would not make it a true church, it would be a mere man-made imitation, which would be valueless, for the Lord says: “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” The true Church must be established by authority of God, and there must be the life of the Holy Spirit in it. The Holy Ghost must be conferred upon the members by the ordinance ordained for its bestowal, and when the Spirit is received it will testify unto the recipients that they have obeyed the demands of the true Gospel. Now we have not feared to tell men that this is the Gospel of Christ, and that those who would obey it should know for themselves that they have obeyed His teachings. We have applied the same test which He gave when those who listened to Him were loth to accept His teachings. He said to them, “If any man will do His [the Father’s] will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.” We have tested the teachings of the elders who came to us by doing the Father’s will as declared by them, and we have verified what they have promised. We went into the waters of baptism, and became members
<of the Church of Christ; we received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hand?, and it bore witness to our spirit of the truth, and that what was done was accepted by our Heavenly Father. For this reason we can say with Paul, that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, for we know it is the power of God unto salvation; doubt and darkness have fled and we have felt that we are in communion with our Heavenly Father and with the Son. Feeling this assurance and having-this testimony for ourselves, what manner of men ought we not to be? How grateful we ought to show ourselves, to our Heavenly Father for this knowledge. Men may deride us, mock at us, but what does it matter? We know we have the truth.
I want to say to my brethren, with this testimony in your hearts don't feel too secure and think, “I have done all that is necessary, I know I have entered through the door into the kingdom of God, and I need not fear.” Remember that if we shall obtain our salvation we must work it out in fear and trembling. Every day has its duties. It is not the one who enters through the door that shall be saved, but it is he who endures to the end, and enduring and overcoming are the lessons which we must learn. If we overcome ourselves, and everything that is contrary to the word of God, if we endure affliction, trials and persecution for the Master’s sake, then we shall realize the promises made to the faithful.
Let us examine ourselves and ascertain our real condition. Are we alert and zealous for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God, or has the desire to build ourselves up temporally taken away our zeal for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God? I am afraid that too many are seeking too much the things of the world, and forgetting that which is of greater importance. Remember that the things of the world we must leave behind us, but the good works done here upon the earth will follow us, they will be riches which we have laid up in the treasury above. Don’t be afraid that you shall lose your reward for the good that you do; records are kept both on earth and in heaven, and every good act you have performed will be remembered, and rewarded. On the other hand we are told by one who had authority to say so, that we shall give account of every idle word spoken, and if we shall be accountable for every idle word, what about evil acts and evil doings? They certainly will stand against us.
Latter-day Saints, honor the covenants you have made with the Lord, serve Him earnestly and faithfully, and don’t let anything shake your faith. The one who has lost his faith has lost more than the world can give; hence the necessity of our valuing at its true worth what the Lord has done for us.
I was pleased to hear the President relate about the teachers that came to his daughter’s home. I hope that the teachers all through Zion, will do like those teachers did. Let them sit down with the people and learn how they feel, pray with them and try to build them up. Let us receive the teachers when they come to our houses and tell them we are ready to have them teach us. The teacher’s duty is to teach the people in the house he visits, whether the head of the house holds a high position in the Church, or none at all, and he should not fear to do his duty because he thinks that the person visited may know more than he. He knows what he is called to go and teach, and let him do this in humility. Before he starts out let him pray to the Lord to be with him, and he will bring joy and edification to those in the homes he visits.
I am afraid there is a carelessness manifest among us in attending our meetings. In some stakes we find that there is a much greater percentage attending the sacrament meetings than in others. Don’t let us neglect this duty and stay away from the house of the Lord on His Holy day, but go there and worship Him, partake of the sacrament, and renew our covenant with the Lord, then we shall receive strength to perform our duties. Some excuse their absence from sacrament meetings by saying that they are afraid they might partake of the sacred emblems unworthily. Well, if you have any such fear in your hearts, see to it that you put yourselves in a condition that you know you can partake worthily, and remember also that it is a commandment to us that we shall go to the Lord’s house and partake of the sacrament. If we stay away or avoid partaking of the sacrament, we are cutting ourselves short of the blessings we could enjoy; in fact such a course will cause spiritual starvation. Go therefore to the house of worship, pray for the man that speaks, and he will be able to convey unto you that which you desire to know, and to build you up in your holy faith. The Lord will be with him. I urge you to attend your meetings, and to the performance of the many' other duties that rest upon a Latter-day Saint. It is the only way to feel happy and satisfied.
Remember the President's advice to us about fast offerings. What a beautiful custom it is to fast the first Sunday in the month, and then spend the means that it would cost for food that day' to help the poor. Jesus laid great stress upon helping the poor. He knew how liable we are to love the things of the world, and He asked those who had means to remember the poor. Now the Lord has blessed us with means, we may not be of the rich of the earth, but He has blessed us with the necessities of life, and we can spare enough of them to help our brethren.
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Remember to worship God first and foremost and not seek other gods. Mammon is a god that is very much worshiped nowadays. Don’t let greed and lust of property draw your minds away from that which you ought to attend to. Your last thoughts at night ought to be prayer and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, and when you wake let your thoughts ascend to Him and seek His aid and assistance during the day, and do as the Prophet Joseph says, let us get acquainted with our secret chamber also and go there and pour out our hearts to our Heavenly Father.
I want to say a word concerning giving heed to the servants of God, and not to those who are putting themselves forward as teachers, who have not been appointed under the priesthood. Ever since the first days of the Church we have found men who have set themselves up to teach and lead the people. You remember that Brother Hiram Page had a seer-stone through which he received revelations, and commenced to teach the Saints false doctrines. In a revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the Lord declared that these revelations were not of Him, and a conference of the Church found them to be false. We know at the time of the Prophet’s death that many different schisms arose and men went away from the body of the Church. What became of them? Did they succeed? They are not known today, and we can point to the different ones who have apostatized from the Church and tried to lead the Saints astray, and we find that they have not been successful. I want to read one saying of the Prophet Joseph’s:
''I will give unto you one of the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom. It is an eternal principle that existed with God from all eternity: The man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly that that man is in the high road to apostasy, and if he does not repent he will apostatize, as God lives.”
A man was telling nte yesterday of a visit he had made as a teacher, and he found a certain man that goes around and holds meetings with people who says that he believes all that the Prophet Joseph said, but the Church is gone somewhat astray, and he is going to be the man mighty and strong to reform the Church. I am surprised that men will listen to him. These words of the Prophet which I have read tell us that those who find fault with the Church and with those who are called to lead it, will apostatize. They may say they will not apostatize and that they believe what is taught in the Church, but they will add something else that js false and erroneous. They try to make people believe that they are very humble and are preaching the truth, and yet they declare that there is going to be a falling away of the Church as formerly. Let me bear this testimony to you, that there will be no falling away of this Church. This dispensation is not going to end as the others have ended. It began with revelation as the others did, but it will continue until the reign of Christ will be introduced upon the earth, and the Lord has said that He will not give it to any other people.
I see the time is going. I want to warn you against such influences. When men try to lead you astray and set you up against the priesthood of God, you be on your guard; don’t let seductive spirits and influences turn you away from the true path. Make it a matter of prayer, seek the Lord earnestly, do your duties and you will see your way clearly and not be led astray. May the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters, help us to serve Him who has been so gracious to us, who has given us a knowledge of Himself and of the true plan of salvation, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
President Smith read a notice, issued by the Presiding Bishopric, informing conference visitors concerning arrangements made for their lodging, etc.
The choir sang the Temple anthem, “Hosanna.”
Benediction was pronounced by Elder Andrew Kimball, President of St. Joseph Stake, Arizona.
Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.
Seemingly trivial things important to development—True religion a help to eternal life—Similarity or imitation not evidence of truth—Knowledge imparted by Holy Ghost the one sure evidence—Enduring trials, and overcoming evil, manifest true Saints—Need to be zealous in God’s service—Importance of teachers’ visits—Caution against false teachers.
I have enjoyed the remarks of our President, and I believe we will all be united in praying for him that his cold may leave him, and that his speaking to us may have no bad effect upon his system, for we all rejoice in hearing his voice and listening to his advice to the Saints. What he has told us is very essential to our salvation. They are not trivial things, they are the steps by which we can ascend. The steps of a ladder may be trivial in themselves, but we have to use them if we want to get to the top, and the steps he alluded to are necessary for our development.
He said our adversary is not dead. This is true, men are traveling through the states, berating the Latter-day Saints, accusing them of things that have never entered their hearts. Our young men who go out on missions are astonished to hear such things about their homes, things that never came to their knowledge before, but they have to go abroad to learn what a bad people the Mormons are! Why have you and I joined a people so despised by the world? Our answer is, We joined this Church because we were convinced that it was the Church of Jesus Christ. We are told in holy writ that “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” This shows the great importance of religion, for religion deals with the knowledge of God. Some may take it in their hearts to speak lightly of the necessity of religion; I have heard such people say: “If we do right to our neighbors and do not take advantage of them, that is good enough religion for me.” That is certainly a good course of conduct, and religion inculcates that doctrine upon all, but we are all looking forward to eternal life, and if eternal life is to know the only true God, we must seek to know Him, and hence the necessity of religion.
There are so many religious denominations in the world, and the question arises. How shall I find the correct one? Paul tells-us there is but one true faith, that none is allowed to preach any other gospel than the one he preached: for if one should do so, he says: “Let him be accursed.” It is therefore of vital consequence to know which is the true religion. The Lord has not left us without means to know this for ourselves. We have His word, which we can study, and it was written by men inspired by the Holy Ghost. While we are convinced of this, we do not believe that the word of God as contained in the sacred books is able to authorize men to officiate in the ordinances of the Gospel. The word of God is for our guidance, but we need the living oracles to direct and guide us and to administer the ordinances.
We joined this Church because we had investigated its principles, and we found that the teachings by the Prophet Joseph Smith were like those given by the Savior and His apostles formerly. I want to say that similarity is not a perfect test, for it might be possible for some reformer to imitate the outward form of the Church as given in the New Testament, and then establish a church, but even such likeness would not make it a true church, it would be a mere man-made imitation, which would be valueless, for the Lord says: “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” The true Church must be established by authority of God, and there must be the life of the Holy Spirit in it. The Holy Ghost must be conferred upon the members by the ordinance ordained for its bestowal, and when the Spirit is received it will testify unto the recipients that they have obeyed the demands of the true Gospel. Now we have not feared to tell men that this is the Gospel of Christ, and that those who would obey it should know for themselves that they have obeyed His teachings. We have applied the same test which He gave when those who listened to Him were loth to accept His teachings. He said to them, “If any man will do His [the Father’s] will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.” We have tested the teachings of the elders who came to us by doing the Father’s will as declared by them, and we have verified what they have promised. We went into the waters of baptism, and became members
<of the Church of Christ; we received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hand?, and it bore witness to our spirit of the truth, and that what was done was accepted by our Heavenly Father. For this reason we can say with Paul, that we are not ashamed of the Gospel, for we know it is the power of God unto salvation; doubt and darkness have fled and we have felt that we are in communion with our Heavenly Father and with the Son. Feeling this assurance and having-this testimony for ourselves, what manner of men ought we not to be? How grateful we ought to show ourselves, to our Heavenly Father for this knowledge. Men may deride us, mock at us, but what does it matter? We know we have the truth.
I want to say to my brethren, with this testimony in your hearts don't feel too secure and think, “I have done all that is necessary, I know I have entered through the door into the kingdom of God, and I need not fear.” Remember that if we shall obtain our salvation we must work it out in fear and trembling. Every day has its duties. It is not the one who enters through the door that shall be saved, but it is he who endures to the end, and enduring and overcoming are the lessons which we must learn. If we overcome ourselves, and everything that is contrary to the word of God, if we endure affliction, trials and persecution for the Master’s sake, then we shall realize the promises made to the faithful.
Let us examine ourselves and ascertain our real condition. Are we alert and zealous for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God, or has the desire to build ourselves up temporally taken away our zeal for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God? I am afraid that too many are seeking too much the things of the world, and forgetting that which is of greater importance. Remember that the things of the world we must leave behind us, but the good works done here upon the earth will follow us, they will be riches which we have laid up in the treasury above. Don’t be afraid that you shall lose your reward for the good that you do; records are kept both on earth and in heaven, and every good act you have performed will be remembered, and rewarded. On the other hand we are told by one who had authority to say so, that we shall give account of every idle word spoken, and if we shall be accountable for every idle word, what about evil acts and evil doings? They certainly will stand against us.
Latter-day Saints, honor the covenants you have made with the Lord, serve Him earnestly and faithfully, and don’t let anything shake your faith. The one who has lost his faith has lost more than the world can give; hence the necessity of our valuing at its true worth what the Lord has done for us.
I was pleased to hear the President relate about the teachers that came to his daughter’s home. I hope that the teachers all through Zion, will do like those teachers did. Let them sit down with the people and learn how they feel, pray with them and try to build them up. Let us receive the teachers when they come to our houses and tell them we are ready to have them teach us. The teacher’s duty is to teach the people in the house he visits, whether the head of the house holds a high position in the Church, or none at all, and he should not fear to do his duty because he thinks that the person visited may know more than he. He knows what he is called to go and teach, and let him do this in humility. Before he starts out let him pray to the Lord to be with him, and he will bring joy and edification to those in the homes he visits.
I am afraid there is a carelessness manifest among us in attending our meetings. In some stakes we find that there is a much greater percentage attending the sacrament meetings than in others. Don’t let us neglect this duty and stay away from the house of the Lord on His Holy day, but go there and worship Him, partake of the sacrament, and renew our covenant with the Lord, then we shall receive strength to perform our duties. Some excuse their absence from sacrament meetings by saying that they are afraid they might partake of the sacred emblems unworthily. Well, if you have any such fear in your hearts, see to it that you put yourselves in a condition that you know you can partake worthily, and remember also that it is a commandment to us that we shall go to the Lord’s house and partake of the sacrament. If we stay away or avoid partaking of the sacrament, we are cutting ourselves short of the blessings we could enjoy; in fact such a course will cause spiritual starvation. Go therefore to the house of worship, pray for the man that speaks, and he will be able to convey unto you that which you desire to know, and to build you up in your holy faith. The Lord will be with him. I urge you to attend your meetings, and to the performance of the many' other duties that rest upon a Latter-day Saint. It is the only way to feel happy and satisfied.
Remember the President's advice to us about fast offerings. What a beautiful custom it is to fast the first Sunday in the month, and then spend the means that it would cost for food that day' to help the poor. Jesus laid great stress upon helping the poor. He knew how liable we are to love the things of the world, and He asked those who had means to remember the poor. Now the Lord has blessed us with means, we may not be of the rich of the earth, but He has blessed us with the necessities of life, and we can spare enough of them to help our brethren.
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Remember to worship God first and foremost and not seek other gods. Mammon is a god that is very much worshiped nowadays. Don’t let greed and lust of property draw your minds away from that which you ought to attend to. Your last thoughts at night ought to be prayer and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, and when you wake let your thoughts ascend to Him and seek His aid and assistance during the day, and do as the Prophet Joseph says, let us get acquainted with our secret chamber also and go there and pour out our hearts to our Heavenly Father.
I want to say a word concerning giving heed to the servants of God, and not to those who are putting themselves forward as teachers, who have not been appointed under the priesthood. Ever since the first days of the Church we have found men who have set themselves up to teach and lead the people. You remember that Brother Hiram Page had a seer-stone through which he received revelations, and commenced to teach the Saints false doctrines. In a revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the Lord declared that these revelations were not of Him, and a conference of the Church found them to be false. We know at the time of the Prophet’s death that many different schisms arose and men went away from the body of the Church. What became of them? Did they succeed? They are not known today, and we can point to the different ones who have apostatized from the Church and tried to lead the Saints astray, and we find that they have not been successful. I want to read one saying of the Prophet Joseph’s:
''I will give unto you one of the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom. It is an eternal principle that existed with God from all eternity: The man who rises up to condemn others, finding fault with the Church, saying that they are out of the way, while he himself is righteous, then know assuredly that that man is in the high road to apostasy, and if he does not repent he will apostatize, as God lives.”
A man was telling nte yesterday of a visit he had made as a teacher, and he found a certain man that goes around and holds meetings with people who says that he believes all that the Prophet Joseph said, but the Church is gone somewhat astray, and he is going to be the man mighty and strong to reform the Church. I am surprised that men will listen to him. These words of the Prophet which I have read tell us that those who find fault with the Church and with those who are called to lead it, will apostatize. They may say they will not apostatize and that they believe what is taught in the Church, but they will add something else that js false and erroneous. They try to make people believe that they are very humble and are preaching the truth, and yet they declare that there is going to be a falling away of the Church as formerly. Let me bear this testimony to you, that there will be no falling away of this Church. This dispensation is not going to end as the others have ended. It began with revelation as the others did, but it will continue until the reign of Christ will be introduced upon the earth, and the Lord has said that He will not give it to any other people.
I see the time is going. I want to warn you against such influences. When men try to lead you astray and set you up against the priesthood of God, you be on your guard; don’t let seductive spirits and influences turn you away from the true path. Make it a matter of prayer, seek the Lord earnestly, do your duties and you will see your way clearly and not be led astray. May the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters, help us to serve Him who has been so gracious to us, who has given us a knowledge of Himself and of the true plan of salvation, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
President Smith read a notice, issued by the Presiding Bishopric, informing conference visitors concerning arrangements made for their lodging, etc.
The choir sang the Temple anthem, “Hosanna.”
Benediction was pronounced by Elder Andrew Kimball, President of St. Joseph Stake, Arizona.
Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.
OVERFLOW MEETING.
An overflow session of the Conference was held in the Assembly Hall, adjoining the Tabernacle, at 10 a. m. The services were presided over by Elder George Albert Smith, and the Miller and Burton Ward choirs furnished the music, under direction of W. S. Lamoreaux.
The choir sang the anthem, “Hosanna."
Elder Franklin R. Snow offered the invocation.
A male chorus rendered the song, “We love thee, Utah dear.”
An overflow session of the Conference was held in the Assembly Hall, adjoining the Tabernacle, at 10 a. m. The services were presided over by Elder George Albert Smith, and the Miller and Burton Ward choirs furnished the music, under direction of W. S. Lamoreaux.
The choir sang the anthem, “Hosanna."
Elder Franklin R. Snow offered the invocation.
A male chorus rendered the song, “We love thee, Utah dear.”
ELDER ALMA MERRILL.
(President of Benson Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice this morning with you in having the privilege of attending our conference. I always rejoice whenever I have the opportunity of meeting where so many of the Latter-day Saints assemble, because of the fact that, in assembling with the Latter-day Saints, it seems to bring a spirit of peace and contentment that makes a person feel as if he were at home. When we are in possession of this spirit, my brethren and sisters, surely we are in possession of the Spirit of the Lord.
We have engaged ourselves in the great latter-day work. A great many of us have been born and reared in the Church, and a large number also have heard the gospel in their native lands, and have gathered to this goodly land where we can serve God and keep His commandments. I often wonder if those of us who have come up to the Valleys of these Mountains, and those who have been born and reared here, and have arrived to the age of manhood and womanhood, if we really understand our true positions, if we really appreciate the great blessings and favors that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Do those who have come from foreign lands really appreciate the great favor that the Lord has granted them in establishing them safely on this soil, a place our Heavenly Father has designated for the establishment of His work? I wonder if we realize the great responsibility that rests upon us as His servants who have received the Holy Priesthood, who have accepted the priesthood of our own free will, and are we magnifying this priesthood as we should?
Now you all know, no doubt, that there is great responsibility being placed upon the authorities of the stakes and wards, by the general authorities of the Church, in regard to seeing that the acting teachers are doing their duty in visiting the homes of the Latter-day Saints. I wonder, my brethren and sisters, why we need so much urging, so much coaxing, so much pushing to get us to magnify our callings, and get us to do that which is required of us as the children of our Father. This is His work that we are engaged in, and each one should feel zealous; each one should feel that it is a privilege to take part in this great latter-day work, because we are working out our own salvation, and individually we are the ones who are receiving the blessing, and not those who visit us from time to time and urge us to do our duty, to keep ourselves moving, to keep in the path of life and honor before our Heavenly Father.
It is a great privilege to be associated with the great latter-day work our Father has established. He has allowed us, His children, to be born in this gospel dispensation, and have all the privileges of the Gospel vouchsafed to us. We have many things conferred upon us that our fathers did not have, opportunities that have cost them their lives, in some instances. It has cost our fathers and mothers a great deal to subdue this western country, and bring it into the splendid condition that we find it today, and the younger generation are enjoying the fruits of their arduous labors. Do we appreciate the great blessings that have been bestowed upon us? Are we serving God and keeping His commandments? Do we attend to our prayers in the morning and in the evening? Do we teach our children the principles of life eternal? or are we becoming neglectful in these things? Do we attend to our duties on the Sabbath day? or do we neglect them, and go pleasure-seeking? These things, my brethren and sisters, are confronting us as Latter-day Saints. I wonder how it will be with us if we do not keep the commandments of our Heavenly Father, for He has said that we must serve Him and keep His commandments, for this is the land of Zion.
I have had the privilege, on two occasions recently, of going west and visiting another part of our country, the Raft River stake of Zion, which is scattered over a considerable scope. I found that, while the people are much scattered, and have to go many miles to assemble to worship the Lord on the Sabbath day, yet they do assemble on the Sabbath day in mass, almost all of the people belonging to the Church, and many who do not, to worship God, our Heavenly Father. It made my heart rejoice when I visited that country and saw so many people gathered to worship our Heavenly Father. I had no idea that there were so many of our people located in that country. I found they were located in every nook and corner, so to speak. There are many such opportunities for settlement, where our people can build homes, and be taught the principles of the gospel and live in peace. They have many of the conveniences of life, and some they do not yet have. They have the auxiliary organizations of the Church, under direction of the priesthood. And so we find it, my brethren and sisters, over much of this western land.
I trust and pray that the Lord will bless us during our meetings in this conference. May the peace and blessings of our Father rest upon us.
I bear you my testimony that this is the work of the Lord, and Joseph Smith, the Prophet, stands at the head of this gospel dispensation. May the Lord continue His blessings upon us, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A duet, “Come Unto Me and Rest,” was sung by Luella Ferrin Sharp and L. Van den Akker.
(President of Benson Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice this morning with you in having the privilege of attending our conference. I always rejoice whenever I have the opportunity of meeting where so many of the Latter-day Saints assemble, because of the fact that, in assembling with the Latter-day Saints, it seems to bring a spirit of peace and contentment that makes a person feel as if he were at home. When we are in possession of this spirit, my brethren and sisters, surely we are in possession of the Spirit of the Lord.
We have engaged ourselves in the great latter-day work. A great many of us have been born and reared in the Church, and a large number also have heard the gospel in their native lands, and have gathered to this goodly land where we can serve God and keep His commandments. I often wonder if those of us who have come up to the Valleys of these Mountains, and those who have been born and reared here, and have arrived to the age of manhood and womanhood, if we really understand our true positions, if we really appreciate the great blessings and favors that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Do those who have come from foreign lands really appreciate the great favor that the Lord has granted them in establishing them safely on this soil, a place our Heavenly Father has designated for the establishment of His work? I wonder if we realize the great responsibility that rests upon us as His servants who have received the Holy Priesthood, who have accepted the priesthood of our own free will, and are we magnifying this priesthood as we should?
Now you all know, no doubt, that there is great responsibility being placed upon the authorities of the stakes and wards, by the general authorities of the Church, in regard to seeing that the acting teachers are doing their duty in visiting the homes of the Latter-day Saints. I wonder, my brethren and sisters, why we need so much urging, so much coaxing, so much pushing to get us to magnify our callings, and get us to do that which is required of us as the children of our Father. This is His work that we are engaged in, and each one should feel zealous; each one should feel that it is a privilege to take part in this great latter-day work, because we are working out our own salvation, and individually we are the ones who are receiving the blessing, and not those who visit us from time to time and urge us to do our duty, to keep ourselves moving, to keep in the path of life and honor before our Heavenly Father.
It is a great privilege to be associated with the great latter-day work our Father has established. He has allowed us, His children, to be born in this gospel dispensation, and have all the privileges of the Gospel vouchsafed to us. We have many things conferred upon us that our fathers did not have, opportunities that have cost them their lives, in some instances. It has cost our fathers and mothers a great deal to subdue this western country, and bring it into the splendid condition that we find it today, and the younger generation are enjoying the fruits of their arduous labors. Do we appreciate the great blessings that have been bestowed upon us? Are we serving God and keeping His commandments? Do we attend to our prayers in the morning and in the evening? Do we teach our children the principles of life eternal? or are we becoming neglectful in these things? Do we attend to our duties on the Sabbath day? or do we neglect them, and go pleasure-seeking? These things, my brethren and sisters, are confronting us as Latter-day Saints. I wonder how it will be with us if we do not keep the commandments of our Heavenly Father, for He has said that we must serve Him and keep His commandments, for this is the land of Zion.
I have had the privilege, on two occasions recently, of going west and visiting another part of our country, the Raft River stake of Zion, which is scattered over a considerable scope. I found that, while the people are much scattered, and have to go many miles to assemble to worship the Lord on the Sabbath day, yet they do assemble on the Sabbath day in mass, almost all of the people belonging to the Church, and many who do not, to worship God, our Heavenly Father. It made my heart rejoice when I visited that country and saw so many people gathered to worship our Heavenly Father. I had no idea that there were so many of our people located in that country. I found they were located in every nook and corner, so to speak. There are many such opportunities for settlement, where our people can build homes, and be taught the principles of the gospel and live in peace. They have many of the conveniences of life, and some they do not yet have. They have the auxiliary organizations of the Church, under direction of the priesthood. And so we find it, my brethren and sisters, over much of this western land.
I trust and pray that the Lord will bless us during our meetings in this conference. May the peace and blessings of our Father rest upon us.
I bear you my testimony that this is the work of the Lord, and Joseph Smith, the Prophet, stands at the head of this gospel dispensation. May the Lord continue His blessings upon us, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A duet, “Come Unto Me and Rest,” was sung by Luella Ferrin Sharp and L. Van den Akker.
ELDER JOHN F. TOLTON.
(President of Beaver Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice this morning in the opportunity we have of meeting together in conference capacity. I rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the fruits thereof, in the testimony of the Spirit, and in the evidences that we have of the great work that has been established by our Father in these latter days. I rejoice in the labors of the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the establishment of this work, in the testimony that he gave to the world, and that we who have succeeded him in the work are the beneficiaries of his life and labor, and what he did for humanity.
I was just reading in our hymn book the words that were written by Apostle John Taylor, immediately succeeding the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, wherein he says:
“O give me back my Prophet dear
And Patriarch, O give them back,
The Saints of Latter-days to cheer,
And lead them in the Gospel track.”
I wonder, my brethren and sisters, how it is possible to give back to the latter-day Saints, in this day and age of the world, our Prophet and our Patriarch. His words and his life work have been pictured by poets, by orators, and by historians—and these we have with us—that we may revere him, and know him as he was. We have gifted singers who sing the hymns of Zion, and tell us in beautiful language what the Prophet Joseph Smith has done for the Latter-day Saints and for the world. But I wonder, at times, if there is not yet in the future another means which will be used in order that we may have with us the Prophet of our God, in this age of the world. It occurs to me. inasmuch as it has been stated, that there never has been a true likeness and picture given to the world of the Prophet Joseph, that there must come a time in the future when, out of the gifted young men or women of Israel, there shall arise a sculptor or painter who will picture upon canvas, or in marble, a true likeness and representation of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Then I cast my eye back over the pages of history, and I wonder which of the many great incidents in his life is the most appropriate one. that reveals the true character and manhood of this wonderful man.
I see him first in Richmond jail, Missouri, manacled and in irons, as he lay there with his brethren, listening to the ribald stories that were being told by his jailers, of how they had ravished the daughters of Zion; and the beautiful picture of that scene which followed, as portrayed under the inspired pen of Parley P. Pratt, wherein he states that, suddenly, the Prophet arose to his feet and, in a voice of thunder, commanded those jailers to cease their ribald stories, declaring unto them that, unless they did cease, he or they would die that minute! Would not that be an inspired picture, as the servant of God, manacled as he was, commanded the guards and jailers to remain silent, and cease their ribald stories? It is said that the jailers were completely subdued, and slunk off into corners or begged for mercy at his feet.
I again see him upon the river bottoms near the city of Commerce, which afterwards became the beautiful city of Nauvoo, as he moved among the people who were living there in the agony of pain, suffering from the fever and disease which had come to them as the result of their exposures and hardships. I see him in the attitude of a ministering angel, as he goes from camp to camp, and from tent to tent, carrying with him the spirit of light, of truth, and of healing power, as he ministered to the afflicted Saints and commanded them to arise from their beds of affliction and how, when he was overcome with fatigue, he withdrew and left Wilford Woodruff and others to continue the good work he had begun.
I see him again as he stood upon the platform in the city of Nauvoo, delivering bis last address to the Saints before his departure for Carthage; and as he stands there,' addressing that vast multitude, he draws his sword and holds it out on high, and says: “I call on God. angels, and men to witness that I have drawn my sword in defense of the lives of my people, and that it shall not be sheathed again until they have received the legal rights to which they are entitled, or my blood shall flow as water upon the sand.”
I see him again the day before his martyrdom, as he is being guarded in a room of the hotel where officers of the Carthage Grays, and others, came into his presence out of curiosity, that they might behold this wonderful man that had been spoken of so freely. And as they stood in the presence of the prophet, he realized that curiosity prompted their presence there, and he said unto them. “Do you see anything in my appearance that would indicate the criminal that I have been pictured by my enemies?” One of the officers spoke up and said, “No, General Smith, we do not see anything in your appearance which would indicate that you are the hardened criminal that you have been pictured by your enemies; but we cannot see what is in your heart, neither do we know what is in your mind.” The Prophet Joseph replied to them, and said, “It is true, gentlemen, that you cannot see what is in my heart, neither do you know what my intentions are; but,” he said, “I can see what is in your hearts, and I know what your intentions are. You are thirsting for my blood, and you will not be satisfied until you have taken my life’s blood. But I want to say unto you that it is not for crime of any kind that I and my brethren have been persecuted, but it is because we have stood for truth and righteousness, and I tell you further that the time will come when you shall see blood to your hearts’ content. Men who are here in my presence will live to see the day and time when they will look into the cannon’s mouth, and when they will see blood and rapine to their hearts' content. This I leave with you, and when that time comes, you will realize that what I have spoken has been the words pf truth.”
We have but to refer to the history of the civil war, which occurred some 17 years later, to see that very section of country where the Prophet was then imprisoned become the scene of blood, and resounded with the roar of cannon and musketry; and those who had killed the Prophet Joseph, who had sought his life’s blood, were thus given the opportunity to witness scenes of war, contention and bloodshed, rapine and violence to their hearts’ content, I do not believe there was ever a more true prophecy spoken by the mouth of a Prophet than that uttered on that memorable occasion by the Prophet Joseph. And so I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he realized that the burden of this work would eventually roll from his shoulders upon those of his successors; and that as a prophet of God he has attained to the eternal honor and glory that shall reward those who are faithful in keeping the commandments of God; which I testify, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Beaver Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice this morning in the opportunity we have of meeting together in conference capacity. I rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the fruits thereof, in the testimony of the Spirit, and in the evidences that we have of the great work that has been established by our Father in these latter days. I rejoice in the labors of the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the establishment of this work, in the testimony that he gave to the world, and that we who have succeeded him in the work are the beneficiaries of his life and labor, and what he did for humanity.
I was just reading in our hymn book the words that were written by Apostle John Taylor, immediately succeeding the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, wherein he says:
“O give me back my Prophet dear
And Patriarch, O give them back,
The Saints of Latter-days to cheer,
And lead them in the Gospel track.”
I wonder, my brethren and sisters, how it is possible to give back to the latter-day Saints, in this day and age of the world, our Prophet and our Patriarch. His words and his life work have been pictured by poets, by orators, and by historians—and these we have with us—that we may revere him, and know him as he was. We have gifted singers who sing the hymns of Zion, and tell us in beautiful language what the Prophet Joseph Smith has done for the Latter-day Saints and for the world. But I wonder, at times, if there is not yet in the future another means which will be used in order that we may have with us the Prophet of our God, in this age of the world. It occurs to me. inasmuch as it has been stated, that there never has been a true likeness and picture given to the world of the Prophet Joseph, that there must come a time in the future when, out of the gifted young men or women of Israel, there shall arise a sculptor or painter who will picture upon canvas, or in marble, a true likeness and representation of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Then I cast my eye back over the pages of history, and I wonder which of the many great incidents in his life is the most appropriate one. that reveals the true character and manhood of this wonderful man.
I see him first in Richmond jail, Missouri, manacled and in irons, as he lay there with his brethren, listening to the ribald stories that were being told by his jailers, of how they had ravished the daughters of Zion; and the beautiful picture of that scene which followed, as portrayed under the inspired pen of Parley P. Pratt, wherein he states that, suddenly, the Prophet arose to his feet and, in a voice of thunder, commanded those jailers to cease their ribald stories, declaring unto them that, unless they did cease, he or they would die that minute! Would not that be an inspired picture, as the servant of God, manacled as he was, commanded the guards and jailers to remain silent, and cease their ribald stories? It is said that the jailers were completely subdued, and slunk off into corners or begged for mercy at his feet.
I again see him upon the river bottoms near the city of Commerce, which afterwards became the beautiful city of Nauvoo, as he moved among the people who were living there in the agony of pain, suffering from the fever and disease which had come to them as the result of their exposures and hardships. I see him in the attitude of a ministering angel, as he goes from camp to camp, and from tent to tent, carrying with him the spirit of light, of truth, and of healing power, as he ministered to the afflicted Saints and commanded them to arise from their beds of affliction and how, when he was overcome with fatigue, he withdrew and left Wilford Woodruff and others to continue the good work he had begun.
I see him again as he stood upon the platform in the city of Nauvoo, delivering bis last address to the Saints before his departure for Carthage; and as he stands there,' addressing that vast multitude, he draws his sword and holds it out on high, and says: “I call on God. angels, and men to witness that I have drawn my sword in defense of the lives of my people, and that it shall not be sheathed again until they have received the legal rights to which they are entitled, or my blood shall flow as water upon the sand.”
I see him again the day before his martyrdom, as he is being guarded in a room of the hotel where officers of the Carthage Grays, and others, came into his presence out of curiosity, that they might behold this wonderful man that had been spoken of so freely. And as they stood in the presence of the prophet, he realized that curiosity prompted their presence there, and he said unto them. “Do you see anything in my appearance that would indicate the criminal that I have been pictured by my enemies?” One of the officers spoke up and said, “No, General Smith, we do not see anything in your appearance which would indicate that you are the hardened criminal that you have been pictured by your enemies; but we cannot see what is in your heart, neither do we know what is in your mind.” The Prophet Joseph replied to them, and said, “It is true, gentlemen, that you cannot see what is in my heart, neither do you know what my intentions are; but,” he said, “I can see what is in your hearts, and I know what your intentions are. You are thirsting for my blood, and you will not be satisfied until you have taken my life’s blood. But I want to say unto you that it is not for crime of any kind that I and my brethren have been persecuted, but it is because we have stood for truth and righteousness, and I tell you further that the time will come when you shall see blood to your hearts’ content. Men who are here in my presence will live to see the day and time when they will look into the cannon’s mouth, and when they will see blood and rapine to their hearts' content. This I leave with you, and when that time comes, you will realize that what I have spoken has been the words pf truth.”
We have but to refer to the history of the civil war, which occurred some 17 years later, to see that very section of country where the Prophet was then imprisoned become the scene of blood, and resounded with the roar of cannon and musketry; and those who had killed the Prophet Joseph, who had sought his life’s blood, were thus given the opportunity to witness scenes of war, contention and bloodshed, rapine and violence to their hearts’ content, I do not believe there was ever a more true prophecy spoken by the mouth of a Prophet than that uttered on that memorable occasion by the Prophet Joseph. And so I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he realized that the burden of this work would eventually roll from his shoulders upon those of his successors; and that as a prophet of God he has attained to the eternal honor and glory that shall reward those who are faithful in keeping the commandments of God; which I testify, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER MILTON H. WELLING.
(President of Bear River Stake.)
The brother who offered the opening prayer, this morning, gave inspiration to an oft-repeated thought that is in the hearts of men and women in this Church, when they call upon their Father in heaven. It was a simple expression of gratitude to God for membership in this Church. I rejoice that I have membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe that is the reason that you are here today also. Not because you desired to be seen or heard of men, but simply because you were grateful to God the Eternal Father that you had a membership in His Church. I am indeed grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I heard the same thought expressed over in my stake of Zion, the other day, by a little child, in a meeting where children had the privilege of participating, and the children gave the exercises of the afternoon. A little child, who was scarcely able to enunciate his words properly, stood up and said to the people with a spirit of simple dignity that touched my heart; “I am glad to have a membership in the Church of Christ.”
I believe, my brethren and sisters, that membership in this Church confers blessings and privileges, and power that men in all the world, if they but understood it, would be clamoring for. It does not matter whether one has money or not. It does not matter if we are compelled to get along without the wealth of the world. But we are here as members of this Church, expressing the gratitude that is in our hearts for simply belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ. I trust that, with the blessings that come with such membership, we Latter-day Saints realize that it has brought obligations to us as well, that membership in the Church is not a blessing that does not require that we who have it should pay for it, but that we should so live that our lives would make us worthy of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
I have heard so often in my life the thought expressed that it would have been a magnificent thing to have lived in the past ages, to have lived and been able and willing to suffer, if need be, with those who have been martyred for the sake of righteousness and truth, from the time when the Savior lived upon the earth. We marvel today that men did not understand His ministry, that those who ought to have befriended Him rejected His testimony, and crucified the Christ. When the Prophet Joseph lived upon the earth, as has been very beautifully and strikingly expressed to us this morning by President Tolton, the people misunderstood his ministry, rejected his testimony, and killed the prophet of the living God. We who live today feel that it is a remarkable thing that those people did not better understand the significance of the ministry and work of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. I am one of those, my brethren and sisters, who believe that being a member of the Church today is fraught with just as great significance as it ever has been in the history of the past, and I believe that it is just as needful today for us to be absolutely faithful, and devoted to the teachings that we receive from the servants of God, as it has ever been in the past history of this Church, or of any church instituted for the worship of our Father in heaven, in any dispensation of the gospel. I sometimes think that our people in studying and contemplating the history of the past lose the proper significance of their relationship to the Church of Christ today.
I wonder if, in hearing the splendid testimonies, and reading the splendid writings of these men who have lived and died for the interests of the Church, and the establishment of the Gospel in times past, if we feel that our lives and the lives of other men today are just as important in the work of God as any that have preceded them, humble though they be. I believe that the Lord requires of His children today a devotion and service in the interests of the Church that is just as binding upon us as it has ever been in times past. I cannot conceive of anything that we are doing, or trying to do, that would bring greater condemnation to us than a departure from the testimony and the faith that has been handed down to us from our fathers.
I believe, as President Tolton has said, that it is a proper thing to contemplate the ministry of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and to learn therefrom the great lessons which he presented to the world. I believe that these young men and women that live today, and older men and women, have had made plain to them the necessity of conforming their lives to the lives of these great leaders of the Church in the past; if we do not conform our lives to their testimony and teachings we will be under the greater condemnation because of our knowledge in that respect.
I have great pleasure in saying that I believe the young people in this Church at heart are true; but I wish that we could put away more of our indifference. I wish that we were more steadfast and more devoted in our attitude towards the servants of the Lord in this Church. I believe, if that was our attitude, we would be a better people than we are today, more worthy of the sacrifice that was made by the Prophet for the Church, more worthy of the sacrifice that was made, later on, by the indefatigable labor of our fathers, in conquering the desert for our sake. What condemnation could be greater today for us than to be unworthy of the men and women who have builded this great empire in the west?
It is my firm conviction and belief that the young people of today will be worthy of their fathers and mothers, will be worthy of every sacrifice that has been made in order that we might establish ourselves here in the very choicest spot, apparently, that there is upon the face of the whole earth. How grateful we ought to be, how devoted our service to our Father in Heaven! I say, fervently today, I am grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and being grateful, I desire to express that gratitude, that appreciation. in the service of the Church! I don’t believe there ever was a time in the history of this organization, or ever will be, when service for the Church of Christ is more important than it is today, when men should be faithful and true to the obligations they have entered into in holy places, when men should honor the Priesthood of the living God. and when they should he willing to go and testify to the world that they know of a truth the divinity of the Gospel which they have espoused.
I testify to you. my brethren and sisters, that I know that the Gospel is true, and I know that there is pleasure, satisfaction, and joy to those who devote themselves faithfully to the work of the Lord today.
May God bless the hosts of Israel who have assembled here at this conference, and ntay His Spirit direct and overrule everything that is said and done here for our good, is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sister Luella F. Sharp, and choir, sang the anthem, “Gospel Restoration.”
(President of Bear River Stake.)
The brother who offered the opening prayer, this morning, gave inspiration to an oft-repeated thought that is in the hearts of men and women in this Church, when they call upon their Father in heaven. It was a simple expression of gratitude to God for membership in this Church. I rejoice that I have membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe that is the reason that you are here today also. Not because you desired to be seen or heard of men, but simply because you were grateful to God the Eternal Father that you had a membership in His Church. I am indeed grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I heard the same thought expressed over in my stake of Zion, the other day, by a little child, in a meeting where children had the privilege of participating, and the children gave the exercises of the afternoon. A little child, who was scarcely able to enunciate his words properly, stood up and said to the people with a spirit of simple dignity that touched my heart; “I am glad to have a membership in the Church of Christ.”
I believe, my brethren and sisters, that membership in this Church confers blessings and privileges, and power that men in all the world, if they but understood it, would be clamoring for. It does not matter whether one has money or not. It does not matter if we are compelled to get along without the wealth of the world. But we are here as members of this Church, expressing the gratitude that is in our hearts for simply belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ. I trust that, with the blessings that come with such membership, we Latter-day Saints realize that it has brought obligations to us as well, that membership in the Church is not a blessing that does not require that we who have it should pay for it, but that we should so live that our lives would make us worthy of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
I have heard so often in my life the thought expressed that it would have been a magnificent thing to have lived in the past ages, to have lived and been able and willing to suffer, if need be, with those who have been martyred for the sake of righteousness and truth, from the time when the Savior lived upon the earth. We marvel today that men did not understand His ministry, that those who ought to have befriended Him rejected His testimony, and crucified the Christ. When the Prophet Joseph lived upon the earth, as has been very beautifully and strikingly expressed to us this morning by President Tolton, the people misunderstood his ministry, rejected his testimony, and killed the prophet of the living God. We who live today feel that it is a remarkable thing that those people did not better understand the significance of the ministry and work of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. I am one of those, my brethren and sisters, who believe that being a member of the Church today is fraught with just as great significance as it ever has been in the history of the past, and I believe that it is just as needful today for us to be absolutely faithful, and devoted to the teachings that we receive from the servants of God, as it has ever been in the past history of this Church, or of any church instituted for the worship of our Father in heaven, in any dispensation of the gospel. I sometimes think that our people in studying and contemplating the history of the past lose the proper significance of their relationship to the Church of Christ today.
I wonder if, in hearing the splendid testimonies, and reading the splendid writings of these men who have lived and died for the interests of the Church, and the establishment of the Gospel in times past, if we feel that our lives and the lives of other men today are just as important in the work of God as any that have preceded them, humble though they be. I believe that the Lord requires of His children today a devotion and service in the interests of the Church that is just as binding upon us as it has ever been in times past. I cannot conceive of anything that we are doing, or trying to do, that would bring greater condemnation to us than a departure from the testimony and the faith that has been handed down to us from our fathers.
I believe, as President Tolton has said, that it is a proper thing to contemplate the ministry of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and to learn therefrom the great lessons which he presented to the world. I believe that these young men and women that live today, and older men and women, have had made plain to them the necessity of conforming their lives to the lives of these great leaders of the Church in the past; if we do not conform our lives to their testimony and teachings we will be under the greater condemnation because of our knowledge in that respect.
I have great pleasure in saying that I believe the young people in this Church at heart are true; but I wish that we could put away more of our indifference. I wish that we were more steadfast and more devoted in our attitude towards the servants of the Lord in this Church. I believe, if that was our attitude, we would be a better people than we are today, more worthy of the sacrifice that was made by the Prophet for the Church, more worthy of the sacrifice that was made, later on, by the indefatigable labor of our fathers, in conquering the desert for our sake. What condemnation could be greater today for us than to be unworthy of the men and women who have builded this great empire in the west?
It is my firm conviction and belief that the young people of today will be worthy of their fathers and mothers, will be worthy of every sacrifice that has been made in order that we might establish ourselves here in the very choicest spot, apparently, that there is upon the face of the whole earth. How grateful we ought to be, how devoted our service to our Father in Heaven! I say, fervently today, I am grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and being grateful, I desire to express that gratitude, that appreciation. in the service of the Church! I don’t believe there ever was a time in the history of this organization, or ever will be, when service for the Church of Christ is more important than it is today, when men should be faithful and true to the obligations they have entered into in holy places, when men should honor the Priesthood of the living God. and when they should he willing to go and testify to the world that they know of a truth the divinity of the Gospel which they have espoused.
I testify to you. my brethren and sisters, that I know that the Gospel is true, and I know that there is pleasure, satisfaction, and joy to those who devote themselves faithfully to the work of the Lord today.
May God bless the hosts of Israel who have assembled here at this conference, and ntay His Spirit direct and overrule everything that is said and done here for our good, is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sister Luella F. Sharp, and choir, sang the anthem, “Gospel Restoration.”
ELDER HENRY H. BLOOD.
(President of North Davis Stake.)
This is a very inspiring sight that has met my gaze, as I have been sitting here upon the stand this morning, a very unusual one to me. I am sure that I shall be voicing the sentiment of all who are here present when I testify, as my brethren have who -have preceded me, that I am profoundly grateful for the gospel, and for the testimony which the Lord has given to me of its truth. I have no misgivings about the future of this Church. I am positive that it is founded upon the solid rock, and that it will stand, and though I expect there will be renewal from time to time of persecution, I am still quite sure that the membership of this Church will not decrease, but that it will increase year after year until the Church, and the influence of the Church, shall spread over the whole earth. I feel quite positive that the youth of Zion will stand true and firm. As a member or a representative of the third generation of a family of Latter-day Saints, I am proud to say that I have full faith and confidence in the authorities of the Church as constituted today, and in the power of God as made manifest through the ministrations of the brethren who stand at the head of the Church.
I have been thinking, this morning, of a conversation I had recently with a gentleman located in Utah, who came from one of the Eastern states, and has, for about four years, been quite intimately associated with our people, and is a student, more or less, of the gospel. He has studied our social conditions, and in the course of his residence among us has come to regard our people very highly. In the conversation referred to, the gentleman said: “I think I see signs of the time coming when we shall have arrived at a unity of faith. I believe that during my residence among your people I have observed a tendency of your coming somewhat toward us, and I think that, in some respects, the other churches are drifting toward you. I look forward to the time when your Church will not be quite so particular about its forms and ceremonies, and ordinances and the things you now hold sacred and necessary, and which differentiate you from other peoples and other churches of the world, when you will lay them aside and when we shall all view religious matters from almost if not quite one standpoint.”
Now, I have been thinking about that, and I have wondered if there is anything in connection with the outward expression, at least, of our religious life which would lead an outside observer to believe that we are veering somewhat from the straight line that our fathers and our mothers followed;, if, indeed, our faith in these ordinances, and our reverence and respect for them, is diminishing. I am not at all pessimistic about this, but if there should be some such tendency—and it may be that you who are assembled here will have observed it if there is such a thing—it is a good time for us to discover it and check it. We might profitably take stock of ourselves, and see if our faith is as surely and safely founded upon the rock of revelation as was that of our parents; if we recognize as fully as did they the necessity of having performed for us the sacred ordinances of the gospel; if, for instance, the young people of today are just as desirous as young men and young women were in earlier days of the Church that when they take partners unto themselves it shall be under the sanction of the priesthood of God, and in the places that He has appointed; or if there is a disposition to disregard this very important privilege, and to feel that it does not matter so much whether they are married by civil contract or in the temple of the Lord. If such a sentiment is found, it would be prudent for us to do all in our power to correct it, for, my brethren and sisters, the ordinances and ceremonies of this Church have been revealed as part of the gospel, and no one of them can be omitted or disobeyed by us, if we are to attain salvation in the celestial kingdom of God.
We sometimes hear it said, by those who have no faith in the Church, or in the efficacy of its ordinances, that so long as a man is honest and does right to his fellowmen, all will be well with him in the hereafter. There is doubtless truth in that statement, but it is not the whole truth. There is a just God, and every man will receive a reward for the good he does. If he is honest, he will receive the reward of an honest man. If he is virtuous, he will receive in this world and in the next the reward of the virtuous. If he is truthful, he will receive a truthful man’s reward. And so with others of the Christian virtues mentioned by the Apostle Paul, and which have been reiterated in our Articles of Faith, wherein it is said, “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” Men of the world can do and be all of these things, and many of them are perhaps living up to these laws equally as well as many of the Latter-day Saints. But these laws, my brethren and sisters, pertain to this world. They have to do with our relationships with men here on earth. They belong to the terrestrial plane, and living them will bring a terrestrial reward. Honorable men of the earth are entitled to this reward and this glory. But there are higher laws to be obeyed by those who wish to receive a celestial reward; spiritual laws that govern in the eternal world beyond. The principles of faith and repentance, the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and all the other forms, and ceremonies and ordinances which the friend of whom I spoke thought would sometime be dropped by the Church, these must all be observed and performed. I testify to you that not one of them can be or will be dropped, or changed or omitted by the Church. On the contrary, they will stand forever as essential principles and ordinances in the Gospel of Christ. Faith is the principle that unlocks the door to the higher kingdom. When men have faith in their hearts, they will repent of the sins they have committed, and penitently they will go before trie Lord as those devout Jews went penitently before the apostles on the day of Pentecost, when they cried with one voice, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Whenever a man exercises faith and turns unto the Lord with that question on his lips, the answer will be to him as it was given by the Apostle Peter on that memorable day: “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Thus baptism becomes the door to the higher kingdom of God. Without this ordinance no man can be saved and exalted. It touches particularly the spiritual part of his being. Baptism and the confirmation which follows it are absolutely necessary if a man is to get into communion with God, his Father. Hence these ordinances mean everything to us. They have always been, are now, and will always be a part of the Gospel of the Lord, and can never be taken away from it.
And there are other ordinances and ceremonies of like importance. If I were speaking to a group of young people contemplating marriage, I should suggest to them to be careful when selecting companions in life, that they choose those who can go with them before the priesthood of God, into the temples that have been prepared for that purpose, and there be united for time and for all eternity. Men of the world can unite them for time, and have authority to do so, but the power has never been given unto the ministers of the various denominations to unite a man and a woman in marriage for more than time, or only until death parts them.
But how different with the Latter-day Saints I We know that the Lord has given the priesthood unto men, and commissioned them to perform on earth the rites and ceremonies that are essential to prepare men and women for the life to come. Thus, to us, the ordinances of baptism, confirmation, blessing, administrations, ordinations, and marriage, are sacred and necessary parts of the gospel. We cannot dispense with them. And so, our young people are taught that when they marry they should do so under the blessing of the priesthood, and in the places prepared for this purpose, so that when they go beyond they may meet their life’s companions, and continue there the relationships that have been so dear to them in life.
My brethren and sisters, let us not lose the reverence our fathers and mothers have always had for these sacred ordinances. I thank the Lord that in this Church there has been established with the priesthood the right to bind upon earth and it shall be bound in heaven, to seal upon earth and it shall be sealed in heaven, and I hope and pray that the Lord will so temper the spirit and feeling of all the people of the Church that we of today may be in fact, as one of our singers has said:
“True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God's command, soul, heart and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.”
May God grant this to us all, and may our young people rise in the dignity of the positions they hold, as descendants of the stalwart men and devoted women who, under the power of God, and with His blessings, were instrumental in establishing this Church, and stand forth as worthy representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, and be willing always to proclaim these truths to all the world. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of North Davis Stake.)
This is a very inspiring sight that has met my gaze, as I have been sitting here upon the stand this morning, a very unusual one to me. I am sure that I shall be voicing the sentiment of all who are here present when I testify, as my brethren have who -have preceded me, that I am profoundly grateful for the gospel, and for the testimony which the Lord has given to me of its truth. I have no misgivings about the future of this Church. I am positive that it is founded upon the solid rock, and that it will stand, and though I expect there will be renewal from time to time of persecution, I am still quite sure that the membership of this Church will not decrease, but that it will increase year after year until the Church, and the influence of the Church, shall spread over the whole earth. I feel quite positive that the youth of Zion will stand true and firm. As a member or a representative of the third generation of a family of Latter-day Saints, I am proud to say that I have full faith and confidence in the authorities of the Church as constituted today, and in the power of God as made manifest through the ministrations of the brethren who stand at the head of the Church.
I have been thinking, this morning, of a conversation I had recently with a gentleman located in Utah, who came from one of the Eastern states, and has, for about four years, been quite intimately associated with our people, and is a student, more or less, of the gospel. He has studied our social conditions, and in the course of his residence among us has come to regard our people very highly. In the conversation referred to, the gentleman said: “I think I see signs of the time coming when we shall have arrived at a unity of faith. I believe that during my residence among your people I have observed a tendency of your coming somewhat toward us, and I think that, in some respects, the other churches are drifting toward you. I look forward to the time when your Church will not be quite so particular about its forms and ceremonies, and ordinances and the things you now hold sacred and necessary, and which differentiate you from other peoples and other churches of the world, when you will lay them aside and when we shall all view religious matters from almost if not quite one standpoint.”
Now, I have been thinking about that, and I have wondered if there is anything in connection with the outward expression, at least, of our religious life which would lead an outside observer to believe that we are veering somewhat from the straight line that our fathers and our mothers followed;, if, indeed, our faith in these ordinances, and our reverence and respect for them, is diminishing. I am not at all pessimistic about this, but if there should be some such tendency—and it may be that you who are assembled here will have observed it if there is such a thing—it is a good time for us to discover it and check it. We might profitably take stock of ourselves, and see if our faith is as surely and safely founded upon the rock of revelation as was that of our parents; if we recognize as fully as did they the necessity of having performed for us the sacred ordinances of the gospel; if, for instance, the young people of today are just as desirous as young men and young women were in earlier days of the Church that when they take partners unto themselves it shall be under the sanction of the priesthood of God, and in the places that He has appointed; or if there is a disposition to disregard this very important privilege, and to feel that it does not matter so much whether they are married by civil contract or in the temple of the Lord. If such a sentiment is found, it would be prudent for us to do all in our power to correct it, for, my brethren and sisters, the ordinances and ceremonies of this Church have been revealed as part of the gospel, and no one of them can be omitted or disobeyed by us, if we are to attain salvation in the celestial kingdom of God.
We sometimes hear it said, by those who have no faith in the Church, or in the efficacy of its ordinances, that so long as a man is honest and does right to his fellowmen, all will be well with him in the hereafter. There is doubtless truth in that statement, but it is not the whole truth. There is a just God, and every man will receive a reward for the good he does. If he is honest, he will receive the reward of an honest man. If he is virtuous, he will receive in this world and in the next the reward of the virtuous. If he is truthful, he will receive a truthful man’s reward. And so with others of the Christian virtues mentioned by the Apostle Paul, and which have been reiterated in our Articles of Faith, wherein it is said, “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” Men of the world can do and be all of these things, and many of them are perhaps living up to these laws equally as well as many of the Latter-day Saints. But these laws, my brethren and sisters, pertain to this world. They have to do with our relationships with men here on earth. They belong to the terrestrial plane, and living them will bring a terrestrial reward. Honorable men of the earth are entitled to this reward and this glory. But there are higher laws to be obeyed by those who wish to receive a celestial reward; spiritual laws that govern in the eternal world beyond. The principles of faith and repentance, the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and all the other forms, and ceremonies and ordinances which the friend of whom I spoke thought would sometime be dropped by the Church, these must all be observed and performed. I testify to you that not one of them can be or will be dropped, or changed or omitted by the Church. On the contrary, they will stand forever as essential principles and ordinances in the Gospel of Christ. Faith is the principle that unlocks the door to the higher kingdom. When men have faith in their hearts, they will repent of the sins they have committed, and penitently they will go before trie Lord as those devout Jews went penitently before the apostles on the day of Pentecost, when they cried with one voice, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Whenever a man exercises faith and turns unto the Lord with that question on his lips, the answer will be to him as it was given by the Apostle Peter on that memorable day: “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Thus baptism becomes the door to the higher kingdom of God. Without this ordinance no man can be saved and exalted. It touches particularly the spiritual part of his being. Baptism and the confirmation which follows it are absolutely necessary if a man is to get into communion with God, his Father. Hence these ordinances mean everything to us. They have always been, are now, and will always be a part of the Gospel of the Lord, and can never be taken away from it.
And there are other ordinances and ceremonies of like importance. If I were speaking to a group of young people contemplating marriage, I should suggest to them to be careful when selecting companions in life, that they choose those who can go with them before the priesthood of God, into the temples that have been prepared for that purpose, and there be united for time and for all eternity. Men of the world can unite them for time, and have authority to do so, but the power has never been given unto the ministers of the various denominations to unite a man and a woman in marriage for more than time, or only until death parts them.
But how different with the Latter-day Saints I We know that the Lord has given the priesthood unto men, and commissioned them to perform on earth the rites and ceremonies that are essential to prepare men and women for the life to come. Thus, to us, the ordinances of baptism, confirmation, blessing, administrations, ordinations, and marriage, are sacred and necessary parts of the gospel. We cannot dispense with them. And so, our young people are taught that when they marry they should do so under the blessing of the priesthood, and in the places prepared for this purpose, so that when they go beyond they may meet their life’s companions, and continue there the relationships that have been so dear to them in life.
My brethren and sisters, let us not lose the reverence our fathers and mothers have always had for these sacred ordinances. I thank the Lord that in this Church there has been established with the priesthood the right to bind upon earth and it shall be bound in heaven, to seal upon earth and it shall be sealed in heaven, and I hope and pray that the Lord will so temper the spirit and feeling of all the people of the Church that we of today may be in fact, as one of our singers has said:
“True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God's command, soul, heart and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.”
May God grant this to us all, and may our young people rise in the dignity of the positions they hold, as descendants of the stalwart men and devoted women who, under the power of God, and with His blessings, were instrumental in establishing this Church, and stand forth as worthy representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, and be willing always to proclaim these truths to all the world. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER JOHN G. M’QUARRIE.
(Late President of Eastern States Mission.)
Why, my brethren and sisters, should we be grateful for a standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? There is one reason why I am grateful, why I feel that it gives me strength and power; that is because I feel that I have a mission. I do not believe that any individual, or any nation, will ever accomplish anything great in the world until they feel that they have a mission, and until that mission is clearly defined in their minds. If we review the history of nations, we will realize that those nations that have been great, and strong and powerful, have been the nations that have felt that they had a mission, that they were to perform service not only for themselves but a service to the world. I do not believe that any individuals ever do anything very great, or make the most of all their powers until they love something, something bigger than themselves; I believe that our power is then increased to that degree that we feel the greatness of the cause with which we are associated. I was strongly reminded of this fact in listening to one of the beautiful songs that was sung here. The sister who led that song appeared one night in a great recital in New York City, in company with three other girls, and at the conclusion of their number they received a generous applause from the audience. Their instructor said to the audience, “It may be interesting to you to know that these three girls all come from far off Utah.” Of course they had an impression that they were all “Mormon girls.” It happened that this sister had another number to render later in the evening, and as she appeared before that audience she felt that she was not merely a student with this instructor, but that she then stood as the representative of a people, her people, and that their work would be judged somewhat by her ability and the way in which she rendered her part. Never before had she felt the necessity of using the gift that God had given her as she did on that occasion, and probably never before had she received such a tremendous applause as when she had finished that number. This may be considered only a little occasion, but I refer to it just to show what a power it gives to one to feel that he has a cause, that he is representing a people, and that he has a mission to perform in the world.
In visiting the great fair at San Francisco, where we saw represented the accomplishments of men, and where they were trying to single out what men had really done, and honor those who had really blessed the world, I noticed it was not great scholars, only those that had been content to merely preach to a congregation, and have ease and comfort in a well provided home; it was not that class of men that received honor upon that occasion. It was not the men who had accumulated vast sums of money and great wealth that were honored and noticed; but old Ezra Meeker with his ox team, who blazed the trail across the continent, men who did something to build up this great empire of the west, they were the men who were honored, whose statues were placed on high. I was proud when Utah was celebrating her pioneer anniversary, proud of the honor that was done to her, to feel that Utah and her pioneers, the men who have done something and felt that they had a mission, that they were really coming into their own. Both the mayor of San Francisco and the man who represented the Governor of the State of California said “We gladly take off our hats to old Dad Utah and we humbly and freely acknowledge that had it not been for the pioneers of Utah the present greatness of California would have been impossible.” The Mayor of San Francisco said: “We appreciate the wonderful work accomplished by the committee that has provided or reared these magnificent buildings. Their work is great; they have accomplished wonders, but it is nothing when compared with the wonderful work and great mission accomplished by the pioneers of Utah.”
If we receive any honor as the youth of Zion, boys and girls growing up in this great inter-mountain region, if any honor ever comes to us, if we have any real satisfaction when we have lived our lives, it will be because we have proven worthy, as has been stated, of the sacrifices that have been made for us by those who have gone before, and because we have-builded wisely upon the broad and strong, and splendid foundation that they have laid.
May God grant that we may never forget our obligations to God and to our fathers, and may He grant that we may never lose sight of the mission before us. May we feel that we have the greatest mission in the world, the mission of reechoing the voice of God, crying, “Come out of her, O ye my people.” Come out of the old world and build Mine alters in the new. Men who have the mission of calling out of the world those who feel worldly, calling them out to assemble together with those who want to serve Cod, to learn of His ways and to walk in His paths, and to establish righteousness here upon the earth, and work for the accomplishment and the consummation of the purposes of God, until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God; and I pray that we may be blessed in it, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Late President of Eastern States Mission.)
Why, my brethren and sisters, should we be grateful for a standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? There is one reason why I am grateful, why I feel that it gives me strength and power; that is because I feel that I have a mission. I do not believe that any individual, or any nation, will ever accomplish anything great in the world until they feel that they have a mission, and until that mission is clearly defined in their minds. If we review the history of nations, we will realize that those nations that have been great, and strong and powerful, have been the nations that have felt that they had a mission, that they were to perform service not only for themselves but a service to the world. I do not believe that any individuals ever do anything very great, or make the most of all their powers until they love something, something bigger than themselves; I believe that our power is then increased to that degree that we feel the greatness of the cause with which we are associated. I was strongly reminded of this fact in listening to one of the beautiful songs that was sung here. The sister who led that song appeared one night in a great recital in New York City, in company with three other girls, and at the conclusion of their number they received a generous applause from the audience. Their instructor said to the audience, “It may be interesting to you to know that these three girls all come from far off Utah.” Of course they had an impression that they were all “Mormon girls.” It happened that this sister had another number to render later in the evening, and as she appeared before that audience she felt that she was not merely a student with this instructor, but that she then stood as the representative of a people, her people, and that their work would be judged somewhat by her ability and the way in which she rendered her part. Never before had she felt the necessity of using the gift that God had given her as she did on that occasion, and probably never before had she received such a tremendous applause as when she had finished that number. This may be considered only a little occasion, but I refer to it just to show what a power it gives to one to feel that he has a cause, that he is representing a people, and that he has a mission to perform in the world.
In visiting the great fair at San Francisco, where we saw represented the accomplishments of men, and where they were trying to single out what men had really done, and honor those who had really blessed the world, I noticed it was not great scholars, only those that had been content to merely preach to a congregation, and have ease and comfort in a well provided home; it was not that class of men that received honor upon that occasion. It was not the men who had accumulated vast sums of money and great wealth that were honored and noticed; but old Ezra Meeker with his ox team, who blazed the trail across the continent, men who did something to build up this great empire of the west, they were the men who were honored, whose statues were placed on high. I was proud when Utah was celebrating her pioneer anniversary, proud of the honor that was done to her, to feel that Utah and her pioneers, the men who have done something and felt that they had a mission, that they were really coming into their own. Both the mayor of San Francisco and the man who represented the Governor of the State of California said “We gladly take off our hats to old Dad Utah and we humbly and freely acknowledge that had it not been for the pioneers of Utah the present greatness of California would have been impossible.” The Mayor of San Francisco said: “We appreciate the wonderful work accomplished by the committee that has provided or reared these magnificent buildings. Their work is great; they have accomplished wonders, but it is nothing when compared with the wonderful work and great mission accomplished by the pioneers of Utah.”
If we receive any honor as the youth of Zion, boys and girls growing up in this great inter-mountain region, if any honor ever comes to us, if we have any real satisfaction when we have lived our lives, it will be because we have proven worthy, as has been stated, of the sacrifices that have been made for us by those who have gone before, and because we have-builded wisely upon the broad and strong, and splendid foundation that they have laid.
May God grant that we may never forget our obligations to God and to our fathers, and may He grant that we may never lose sight of the mission before us. May we feel that we have the greatest mission in the world, the mission of reechoing the voice of God, crying, “Come out of her, O ye my people.” Come out of the old world and build Mine alters in the new. Men who have the mission of calling out of the world those who feel worldly, calling them out to assemble together with those who want to serve Cod, to learn of His ways and to walk in His paths, and to establish righteousness here upon the earth, and work for the accomplishment and the consummation of the purposes of God, until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God; and I pray that we may be blessed in it, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER JOHN R. BARNES.
My beloved brethren and sisters, this is indeed a surprise to me to be asked to address you this morning. I have listened with strict attention to the testimonies of my brethren who have preceded me, and I rejoice in the testimonies which they have borne. It is true they have been varied, but all lead in the same direction.
As Brother Smith said, I received the Gospel in my youth, in my native land, a little ‘more than sixty-seven years ago; and God in His mercy blessed me with a testimony prior to my entering into the Church. This may seem strange, but I fully understood that if I would ever attain to that glory and exaltation that is promised to the Saints, I must indeed obey the commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as they were taught by His humble elders in that day. Hence, in my fifteenth year, I obeyed the Gospel, and in due time received the priesthood, and later I gathered with the Saints to this valley. I have endeavored in a humble way to keep the commandments of God, although in my weakness I have made many mistakes. Today I rejoice in the testimony which God gave me in my youth, which has continued with me up to the present time.
I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, as my brethren who have preceded me have testified; and in my reflections I have long ago come to this conclusion that there was a necessity for God, the Eternal Father, and His Son Jesus Christ to manifest themselves to man upon the earth in this dispensation. When we look at the world and the condition in which mankind were, without a knowledge of God, no man, so far as I know, except only those who received the promise from the Savior that they should dwell upon the earth until His second coming, could arise and say that they knew that God lived. There was a great diversity of opinion as to what kind of being God was. Some believed that He was so big that He filled the whole earth, and others, that He was without body, parts or passions, and no man had authority to say that they knew that God lived and to give a description of His appearance and personage. Hence in order that this knowledge might be restored to men, in order to know God and His Son Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, it was necessary for the Father and the Son to appear to the Prophet Joseph.
I rejoice in the character of the Prophet, believing and knowing that he, like Jeremiah of old .was while yet in the spirit world, before he came to this stage of action, called to do this very work. And hence the Spirit of God moved upon that youth to heed the words which had been published to the world, that “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” He had faith in that divine promise, and in the humility of his soul he went before the Father, and there asked the question, “Which of all these conflicting sects are right?” He received the answer: “None of them, my son.” What a wonderful word! Did he expect that answer? I do not think he did, but it was nevertheless true. Why were none of them of God? They were manmade creeds, man-made theories, adopted by men who were not inspired, and among them there was not existing a shadow of authority to administer the ordinances of God, as President Blood has shown when touching upon that principle. They were without that authority, and did not know God. No sooner had he received this divine testimony than the world, almost unanimously, arose against him and persecuted him from that hour on. The powers of darkness knew the importance of the mission that that boy was about to be entrusted with, and hence used all the efforts and powers of the adversary 'to destroy him, but God preserved him until he had accomplished his work, through the various scenes that have been referred to this morning, the various conditions in which he was placed, the various trials and tribulations, winding up with the sacrifice of his life.
I rejoice in this testimony and the knowledge that the Lord has given me in reference to his Prophet Joseph. I know that the work in which we are engaged is true, and I reflect a great deal in regard to the conditions that surround us. Joseph fulfilled his great mission: and the others who have succeeded him as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints have filled their missions, and today we have a prophet of God upon the earth inspired similarly to His Prophet Joseph Smith. Out present leaders are indeed inspired of God, and so far as we listen to them they will lead us in the path of rectitude, in the path that will lead us back into the presence of our Father and our God. Are we listening to their counsel? Are we giving heed to their advice? or, are we every one going his own way, seeking to follow his own will instead of seeking to follow the will of the Father? We can answer these questions for ourselves. I know that it is our duty and privilege to live before God so that we can have for ourselves the inspiration and comfort of the Holy Ghost, and it is our duty to constantly uphold and sustain those who are called upon to preside over us, whether in the stake or the ward, and those who preside over the Church. It is our duty to uphold them and sustain them, not only by our prayers but by our actions also. I claim that actions speak louder than words. It is our duty, my brethren and sisters, to so live before God that our example will become an ensample to the world, that they seeing our good works and our daily course of conduct will discern that there is something more in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than there is in the religions of the world.
I presume that I am taking up more time than I ought. I thank God for the knowledge and testimony that He has given me, and while I live I hope to be able to bear this testimony. I have written this testimony and I want it to be read to those who shall attend my funeral, the testimony that God has given me in regard to this matter, for I know it is true.
Persecution may rage, and I know that yet many times the Saints of God will be called to suffer before we triumph, before the Church of God finally triumphs over the world. There is no doubt in my mind that persecution will come again. Does persecution hurt us? I thought when the brother spoke of those who wished that they had lived in the days that are past, when persecution raged, they need not wish for that, for persecution will come quick enough; it will come severe enough; it will test the faith of those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, for if I am not mistaken the day will come when it will be all a man’s life will be worth to testify as I am testifying this morning. How shall we be prepared for that day? By living near to God. Our daily lives must conform to the commandments which the Father has given. It is not enough that we attend conference. It is not enough that we attend our meetings; our daily lives must be pure, upright, honest before God, showing every man that .we are indeed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, that we have indeed a testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy, and that we have within us a knowledge which will lead us to enter the temples of God and perform the ordinances that President Blood referred to, ordinances for the dead as well as the living.
Is it of much importance to the young people that they go to the house of the Lord? Is it not just as well, some may ask, that they (be married by this minister or the other minister? No; if you want the promises and blessings of God to follow you in the life that is to come you must obey the laws upon which those blessings are predicated. If our young people want the society of one another in the life to come, as husband and wife, they must enter the house of God, and there receive the blessings through the authority of those who have the power to give them. The world has no authority beyond this life. This life is of vast importance to us, but the days and hours are fast flitting by us, and it behooves us, you and me, to let not a day pass by without seeing to it that we are in fellowship with the Spirit of God; that we have within our bosom that knowledge and testimony that causes us to seek to our Father, that causes us to seek diligently to do His will and keep His commandments.
I pray God ever to be with you. May His peace and blessings be with us, and with the youth of Zion. I claim that it is the duty of us of mature years to set examples before the young people of which we need not be ashamed that they can look upon us with respect and can hearken unto us, knowing that our desires and aims have been to do the will of God. May the blessings of God be with us all. Amen.
My beloved brethren and sisters, this is indeed a surprise to me to be asked to address you this morning. I have listened with strict attention to the testimonies of my brethren who have preceded me, and I rejoice in the testimonies which they have borne. It is true they have been varied, but all lead in the same direction.
As Brother Smith said, I received the Gospel in my youth, in my native land, a little ‘more than sixty-seven years ago; and God in His mercy blessed me with a testimony prior to my entering into the Church. This may seem strange, but I fully understood that if I would ever attain to that glory and exaltation that is promised to the Saints, I must indeed obey the commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as they were taught by His humble elders in that day. Hence, in my fifteenth year, I obeyed the Gospel, and in due time received the priesthood, and later I gathered with the Saints to this valley. I have endeavored in a humble way to keep the commandments of God, although in my weakness I have made many mistakes. Today I rejoice in the testimony which God gave me in my youth, which has continued with me up to the present time.
I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, as my brethren who have preceded me have testified; and in my reflections I have long ago come to this conclusion that there was a necessity for God, the Eternal Father, and His Son Jesus Christ to manifest themselves to man upon the earth in this dispensation. When we look at the world and the condition in which mankind were, without a knowledge of God, no man, so far as I know, except only those who received the promise from the Savior that they should dwell upon the earth until His second coming, could arise and say that they knew that God lived. There was a great diversity of opinion as to what kind of being God was. Some believed that He was so big that He filled the whole earth, and others, that He was without body, parts or passions, and no man had authority to say that they knew that God lived and to give a description of His appearance and personage. Hence in order that this knowledge might be restored to men, in order to know God and His Son Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, it was necessary for the Father and the Son to appear to the Prophet Joseph.
I rejoice in the character of the Prophet, believing and knowing that he, like Jeremiah of old .was while yet in the spirit world, before he came to this stage of action, called to do this very work. And hence the Spirit of God moved upon that youth to heed the words which had been published to the world, that “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” He had faith in that divine promise, and in the humility of his soul he went before the Father, and there asked the question, “Which of all these conflicting sects are right?” He received the answer: “None of them, my son.” What a wonderful word! Did he expect that answer? I do not think he did, but it was nevertheless true. Why were none of them of God? They were manmade creeds, man-made theories, adopted by men who were not inspired, and among them there was not existing a shadow of authority to administer the ordinances of God, as President Blood has shown when touching upon that principle. They were without that authority, and did not know God. No sooner had he received this divine testimony than the world, almost unanimously, arose against him and persecuted him from that hour on. The powers of darkness knew the importance of the mission that that boy was about to be entrusted with, and hence used all the efforts and powers of the adversary 'to destroy him, but God preserved him until he had accomplished his work, through the various scenes that have been referred to this morning, the various conditions in which he was placed, the various trials and tribulations, winding up with the sacrifice of his life.
I rejoice in this testimony and the knowledge that the Lord has given me in reference to his Prophet Joseph. I know that the work in which we are engaged is true, and I reflect a great deal in regard to the conditions that surround us. Joseph fulfilled his great mission: and the others who have succeeded him as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints have filled their missions, and today we have a prophet of God upon the earth inspired similarly to His Prophet Joseph Smith. Out present leaders are indeed inspired of God, and so far as we listen to them they will lead us in the path of rectitude, in the path that will lead us back into the presence of our Father and our God. Are we listening to their counsel? Are we giving heed to their advice? or, are we every one going his own way, seeking to follow his own will instead of seeking to follow the will of the Father? We can answer these questions for ourselves. I know that it is our duty and privilege to live before God so that we can have for ourselves the inspiration and comfort of the Holy Ghost, and it is our duty to constantly uphold and sustain those who are called upon to preside over us, whether in the stake or the ward, and those who preside over the Church. It is our duty to uphold them and sustain them, not only by our prayers but by our actions also. I claim that actions speak louder than words. It is our duty, my brethren and sisters, to so live before God that our example will become an ensample to the world, that they seeing our good works and our daily course of conduct will discern that there is something more in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than there is in the religions of the world.
I presume that I am taking up more time than I ought. I thank God for the knowledge and testimony that He has given me, and while I live I hope to be able to bear this testimony. I have written this testimony and I want it to be read to those who shall attend my funeral, the testimony that God has given me in regard to this matter, for I know it is true.
Persecution may rage, and I know that yet many times the Saints of God will be called to suffer before we triumph, before the Church of God finally triumphs over the world. There is no doubt in my mind that persecution will come again. Does persecution hurt us? I thought when the brother spoke of those who wished that they had lived in the days that are past, when persecution raged, they need not wish for that, for persecution will come quick enough; it will come severe enough; it will test the faith of those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, for if I am not mistaken the day will come when it will be all a man’s life will be worth to testify as I am testifying this morning. How shall we be prepared for that day? By living near to God. Our daily lives must conform to the commandments which the Father has given. It is not enough that we attend conference. It is not enough that we attend our meetings; our daily lives must be pure, upright, honest before God, showing every man that .we are indeed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, that we have indeed a testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy, and that we have within us a knowledge which will lead us to enter the temples of God and perform the ordinances that President Blood referred to, ordinances for the dead as well as the living.
Is it of much importance to the young people that they go to the house of the Lord? Is it not just as well, some may ask, that they (be married by this minister or the other minister? No; if you want the promises and blessings of God to follow you in the life that is to come you must obey the laws upon which those blessings are predicated. If our young people want the society of one another in the life to come, as husband and wife, they must enter the house of God, and there receive the blessings through the authority of those who have the power to give them. The world has no authority beyond this life. This life is of vast importance to us, but the days and hours are fast flitting by us, and it behooves us, you and me, to let not a day pass by without seeing to it that we are in fellowship with the Spirit of God; that we have within our bosom that knowledge and testimony that causes us to seek to our Father, that causes us to seek diligently to do His will and keep His commandments.
I pray God ever to be with you. May His peace and blessings be with us, and with the youth of Zion. I claim that it is the duty of us of mature years to set examples before the young people of which we need not be ashamed that they can look upon us with respect and can hearken unto us, knowing that our desires and aims have been to do the will of God. May the blessings of God be with us all. Amen.
ELDER GEORGE A. SMITH.
Blessings attending the inhabitants of Zion—Testimonies of missionaries bearing fruit—Importance of implanting faith in the hearts of the children—Peace in the souls of those who love God.
Brethren and sisters, the Tabernacle is full, this, the Assembly Hall is full, and there are hundreds of people on the block who cannot get into the buildings. This is the Lord’s day and Sunday naturally affords the best opportunity for attendance at conference, but I hone that during the remainder of this conference the Latter-day Saints will avail themselves of the privilege of attending the meetings—at least that the Tabernacle may be filled at every session.
I have enjoyed the testimonies of my brethren this morning and would be glad to hear from others if time permitted.
The world is in turmoil. War is poured out on a large part of the earth. The selfishness of mankind in this life is apparent on all sides, and in the midst of it all I know of no people that are so contented with this life, or who have such an assurance of eternal life, as the Latterday Saints. We are fortunate in having faith in God and His revelations to us and in having our feet planted on the land that He has said is choice above all other lands. This is Zion and will continue to be so unto the pure in heart. I am glad that so many of our Father’s children are seeking to learn His will, and are conforming their lives to teachings which will eventually take them back into His presence. The Gospel is finding a response whereever it is preached. Hundreds of our representatives are in the field in all parts of the world proclaiming the truth. My eyes have been dimmed with tears when in other lands, and among the peoples of this nation, when I have seen your sons and daughters arise and bear witness, their hearts overflowing with gratitude, that they did know that God had revealed His work in this latter day.
There is no blessing that could come to me that would be more joyful than to have my children, who have been given to me by our Heavenly Father, blessed with a testimony of the truth and live in obedience to that testimony throughout their lives. If there are any of us who lack faith in this work it is because we have not kept the commandments of God. If there are any who do not know that this is the work of our Father, it is because they have not done their duty. I know as I know that I live that this is the Lord’s work and that knowledge comes as a result of keeping His commandments. This latterday gospel is finding its way among men, because of the strength that is in the truth revealed in this day, and its promulgation by your faithful sons and daughters. It is winning its way, and oh, how I rejoice when I see Latter-day Saint youths and maidens of this generation stand before congregations who have assembled to hear the Gospel, and testify of its truth, in humility and faith, and with a desire to bless their fellowmen! They may be seen upon the street corners of the great cities of the world, teaching the truth as God gives them power and opportunity to do, proclaiming the principles that are necessary for mankind to know for their eternal exaltation.
This is our Father’s work, and is not to be trifled with. It is of the utmost importance to us. Let us so order our lives that when the call comes we may answer, “Father, here am I,” if need be to go to the ends of the earth. Let us have our houses in order, and endeavor to establish faith in our children, that they may be willing to respond to every call, and feel in the depths of their souls to say I am ready to go wherever my Heavenly Father desires me to go. Let us live so that the sweet influence enjoyed this morning may be ever with us. There is nothing that can compare with the joy that will be yours when, after keeping the faith, you are called home and permitted to meet with your loved ones in our Father’s kingdom. Let us love and sustain each other, and sustain those who preside over us; honor the servants of the Lord as He has honored them.
Though the world may be filled with distress, and the heavens gather blackness, and the vivid lightnings flash, and the earth quake from center to circumference, if we know that God lives, and our lives are righteous, we will be happy, there will be peace unspeakable because we know our Father approves our lives.
May the Lord have us in His keeping; may we live worthy of His love day by day and overcome the temptations of life, and, when the time comes for us to go home, may we be gathered with our dear ones on the other side, and there receive the welcome plaudit from the Master of heaven and earth: Well done, my children, come home and enjoy eternal life and continued progress throughout all eternity. This is my prayer for all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sister Ethel Anderson, and choir, sang the hymn, “As the dew from heaven distilling.”
The closing prayer was by Elder Thomas R. Cutler.
Blessings attending the inhabitants of Zion—Testimonies of missionaries bearing fruit—Importance of implanting faith in the hearts of the children—Peace in the souls of those who love God.
Brethren and sisters, the Tabernacle is full, this, the Assembly Hall is full, and there are hundreds of people on the block who cannot get into the buildings. This is the Lord’s day and Sunday naturally affords the best opportunity for attendance at conference, but I hone that during the remainder of this conference the Latter-day Saints will avail themselves of the privilege of attending the meetings—at least that the Tabernacle may be filled at every session.
I have enjoyed the testimonies of my brethren this morning and would be glad to hear from others if time permitted.
The world is in turmoil. War is poured out on a large part of the earth. The selfishness of mankind in this life is apparent on all sides, and in the midst of it all I know of no people that are so contented with this life, or who have such an assurance of eternal life, as the Latterday Saints. We are fortunate in having faith in God and His revelations to us and in having our feet planted on the land that He has said is choice above all other lands. This is Zion and will continue to be so unto the pure in heart. I am glad that so many of our Father’s children are seeking to learn His will, and are conforming their lives to teachings which will eventually take them back into His presence. The Gospel is finding a response whereever it is preached. Hundreds of our representatives are in the field in all parts of the world proclaiming the truth. My eyes have been dimmed with tears when in other lands, and among the peoples of this nation, when I have seen your sons and daughters arise and bear witness, their hearts overflowing with gratitude, that they did know that God had revealed His work in this latter day.
There is no blessing that could come to me that would be more joyful than to have my children, who have been given to me by our Heavenly Father, blessed with a testimony of the truth and live in obedience to that testimony throughout their lives. If there are any of us who lack faith in this work it is because we have not kept the commandments of God. If there are any who do not know that this is the work of our Father, it is because they have not done their duty. I know as I know that I live that this is the Lord’s work and that knowledge comes as a result of keeping His commandments. This latterday gospel is finding its way among men, because of the strength that is in the truth revealed in this day, and its promulgation by your faithful sons and daughters. It is winning its way, and oh, how I rejoice when I see Latter-day Saint youths and maidens of this generation stand before congregations who have assembled to hear the Gospel, and testify of its truth, in humility and faith, and with a desire to bless their fellowmen! They may be seen upon the street corners of the great cities of the world, teaching the truth as God gives them power and opportunity to do, proclaiming the principles that are necessary for mankind to know for their eternal exaltation.
This is our Father’s work, and is not to be trifled with. It is of the utmost importance to us. Let us so order our lives that when the call comes we may answer, “Father, here am I,” if need be to go to the ends of the earth. Let us have our houses in order, and endeavor to establish faith in our children, that they may be willing to respond to every call, and feel in the depths of their souls to say I am ready to go wherever my Heavenly Father desires me to go. Let us live so that the sweet influence enjoyed this morning may be ever with us. There is nothing that can compare with the joy that will be yours when, after keeping the faith, you are called home and permitted to meet with your loved ones in our Father’s kingdom. Let us love and sustain each other, and sustain those who preside over us; honor the servants of the Lord as He has honored them.
Though the world may be filled with distress, and the heavens gather blackness, and the vivid lightnings flash, and the earth quake from center to circumference, if we know that God lives, and our lives are righteous, we will be happy, there will be peace unspeakable because we know our Father approves our lives.
May the Lord have us in His keeping; may we live worthy of His love day by day and overcome the temptations of life, and, when the time comes for us to go home, may we be gathered with our dear ones on the other side, and there receive the welcome plaudit from the Master of heaven and earth: Well done, my children, come home and enjoy eternal life and continued progress throughout all eternity. This is my prayer for all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sister Ethel Anderson, and choir, sang the hymn, “As the dew from heaven distilling.”
The closing prayer was by Elder Thomas R. Cutler.
OUTDOOR MEETING.
A meeting was held in front of the Bureau of Information, at 10 a. m. Elder Rudger Clawson presided, and the 33rd Ward choir, conducted by Joseph Poll, furnished the music.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn:
We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
To guide us in these latter days;
We thank Thee for sending the gospel
To lighten our minds with its rays.
Elder Arthur W. Horsley offered the opening prayer.
The choir sang the hymn, “High on the mountain top.”
A meeting was held in front of the Bureau of Information, at 10 a. m. Elder Rudger Clawson presided, and the 33rd Ward choir, conducted by Joseph Poll, furnished the music.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn:
We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
To guide us in these latter days;
We thank Thee for sending the gospel
To lighten our minds with its rays.
Elder Arthur W. Horsley offered the opening prayer.
The choir sang the hymn, “High on the mountain top.”
ELDER WILLIAM H. SMART.
(President of Duchesne Stake.)
Brethren and sisters, we have come up from the four quarters of the earth to be in attendance upon the Semi-Annual General Conference, which opens this morning, that we may learn more fully of the ways of the Lord, and return to our homes and endeavor to walk more circumspectly in His paths.
I deem myself under sacrifice by being deprived of the privilege of a place in the Tabernacle this morning, that I might listen to the opening address of the President, and no doubt, in this respect, we all have harmonious sentiments; but it is willed otherwise, therefore, let us submit ourselves with becoming humility to our present lot.
We commenced these services by singing the hymn, “We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, to guide us in these latter-day days.” As we did so I wondered whether we really sense the full significance of these words, and in very truth feel the gratitude they convey. This has been designated as “The dispensation of the fulness of times.” It is designed to be laden with most important events, as the essential keys of the Gospel of all former dispensations are to be committed to it; and all important achievements, spiritually and temporally, are converging toward the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as a distinctive feature in fulfilment of the promise made at the time of His transfiguration, in the meridian of time.
The Prophet Isaiah foresaw that the Lord, at a certain time of the world’s history, would “proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder and the early revelations unto the Prophet Joseph Smith clearly indicated this day to be the time of its fulfilment, and set forth the Gospel, with all the achievements to be accomplished under its divine power and authority, to be that “work.” Doubtless, many worthy Saints who have gone before, who, through the eye of prophecy, were permitted to behold this age, well nigh envied those who should live during it and be successful participants in its accomplishments.
The first important event ushering in this dispensation was the visitation of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith, when he was a boy, and in answer to his query as to which of all the various churches was divinely recognized, he was told that they had all gone astray, and for him to go not after any of them, and that in due time the true Gospel would be restored.
A few years later, in the year 1823, the Angel Moroni was sent to Joseph, who acquainted him further regarding this work that was about to commence, and revealed to him the existence of a book of metallic plates, upon which were inscribed the history of the ancient inhabitants of this continent, of some of whom the American Indians are a remnant. After four years training, Moroni finally delivered unto Joseph these plates, together with the Urim and Thummim, by the aid of which, and through the gift and power of God. Joseph translated this history into the English language. He found that not only was it profane history, but that it related the hand dealings of God with branches of the House of Israel on this continent, and contained the Gospel as given unto the Nephites by Jesus in person, after His crucifixion. This same Moroni had stood, 1400 years before, as the last of his exterminated race, who had fallen through transgression. He being the last historian had, under divine instruction, hid these records in the Hill Cumorah, and it was fitting that he should restore them when the time arrived for their coming forth. On the east pinnacle of yonder Temple stands his statue, trumpet in hand, figuring the heralding of the Gospel, in fulfilment of the vision of John the Revelator, wherein he saw an angel bringing the Gospel again to earth.
Isaiah saw the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, in the day when the Lord would “proceed to do a marvelous work” when a certain people, through their history would “speak out of the ground.” Ezekiel foresaw that a stick, or book, of Joseph would be brought forth and would go hand in hand with the stick of Judah; and the Elders are now going forth into the world with these dual witnesses— the Bible and Book of Mormon—of the hand dealings of God with these branches of the House of Israel.
As this “marvelous work” unfolded, John the Baptist, in the year 1829, came and conferred upon Joseph the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and was followed by Peter, James and John, who conferred the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, they themselves having received the same in the Messianic dispensation.
A House of the Lord having been erected at Kirtland, Ohio, under divine instructions, the climax of these commitments seemed then to have been reached. The Savior appeared therein to the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery, proclaimed to them His identity, forgave them of sin, declared them to be clean before Him, and accepted the Temple. Following this visitation came Moses, Elias and Elijah and committed, respectively, the keys of the gathering of Israel; the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham, through whom all nations of the earth were to be blessed; and the keys of salvation of the dead. With respect to his mission, the Prophet Elijah declared that the time had fully come spoken of by Malachi, testifying that he (Elijah) would be sent “before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse.”
I humbly pray that through faith, repentance and good works, and through the blood of the Redeemer, we shall be cleansed from all sin, and finally prove ourselves wholly worthy of the privilege and the responsibility of being participants in this “marvelous work,” and of being partakers of its munificent blessings; which may Our Father grant in the name of His Son, Jesus. Amen.
(President of Duchesne Stake.)
Brethren and sisters, we have come up from the four quarters of the earth to be in attendance upon the Semi-Annual General Conference, which opens this morning, that we may learn more fully of the ways of the Lord, and return to our homes and endeavor to walk more circumspectly in His paths.
I deem myself under sacrifice by being deprived of the privilege of a place in the Tabernacle this morning, that I might listen to the opening address of the President, and no doubt, in this respect, we all have harmonious sentiments; but it is willed otherwise, therefore, let us submit ourselves with becoming humility to our present lot.
We commenced these services by singing the hymn, “We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, to guide us in these latter-day days.” As we did so I wondered whether we really sense the full significance of these words, and in very truth feel the gratitude they convey. This has been designated as “The dispensation of the fulness of times.” It is designed to be laden with most important events, as the essential keys of the Gospel of all former dispensations are to be committed to it; and all important achievements, spiritually and temporally, are converging toward the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as a distinctive feature in fulfilment of the promise made at the time of His transfiguration, in the meridian of time.
The Prophet Isaiah foresaw that the Lord, at a certain time of the world’s history, would “proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder and the early revelations unto the Prophet Joseph Smith clearly indicated this day to be the time of its fulfilment, and set forth the Gospel, with all the achievements to be accomplished under its divine power and authority, to be that “work.” Doubtless, many worthy Saints who have gone before, who, through the eye of prophecy, were permitted to behold this age, well nigh envied those who should live during it and be successful participants in its accomplishments.
The first important event ushering in this dispensation was the visitation of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith, when he was a boy, and in answer to his query as to which of all the various churches was divinely recognized, he was told that they had all gone astray, and for him to go not after any of them, and that in due time the true Gospel would be restored.
A few years later, in the year 1823, the Angel Moroni was sent to Joseph, who acquainted him further regarding this work that was about to commence, and revealed to him the existence of a book of metallic plates, upon which were inscribed the history of the ancient inhabitants of this continent, of some of whom the American Indians are a remnant. After four years training, Moroni finally delivered unto Joseph these plates, together with the Urim and Thummim, by the aid of which, and through the gift and power of God. Joseph translated this history into the English language. He found that not only was it profane history, but that it related the hand dealings of God with branches of the House of Israel on this continent, and contained the Gospel as given unto the Nephites by Jesus in person, after His crucifixion. This same Moroni had stood, 1400 years before, as the last of his exterminated race, who had fallen through transgression. He being the last historian had, under divine instruction, hid these records in the Hill Cumorah, and it was fitting that he should restore them when the time arrived for their coming forth. On the east pinnacle of yonder Temple stands his statue, trumpet in hand, figuring the heralding of the Gospel, in fulfilment of the vision of John the Revelator, wherein he saw an angel bringing the Gospel again to earth.
Isaiah saw the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, in the day when the Lord would “proceed to do a marvelous work” when a certain people, through their history would “speak out of the ground.” Ezekiel foresaw that a stick, or book, of Joseph would be brought forth and would go hand in hand with the stick of Judah; and the Elders are now going forth into the world with these dual witnesses— the Bible and Book of Mormon—of the hand dealings of God with these branches of the House of Israel.
As this “marvelous work” unfolded, John the Baptist, in the year 1829, came and conferred upon Joseph the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and was followed by Peter, James and John, who conferred the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, they themselves having received the same in the Messianic dispensation.
A House of the Lord having been erected at Kirtland, Ohio, under divine instructions, the climax of these commitments seemed then to have been reached. The Savior appeared therein to the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery, proclaimed to them His identity, forgave them of sin, declared them to be clean before Him, and accepted the Temple. Following this visitation came Moses, Elias and Elijah and committed, respectively, the keys of the gathering of Israel; the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham, through whom all nations of the earth were to be blessed; and the keys of salvation of the dead. With respect to his mission, the Prophet Elijah declared that the time had fully come spoken of by Malachi, testifying that he (Elijah) would be sent “before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse.”
I humbly pray that through faith, repentance and good works, and through the blood of the Redeemer, we shall be cleansed from all sin, and finally prove ourselves wholly worthy of the privilege and the responsibility of being participants in this “marvelous work,” and of being partakers of its munificent blessings; which may Our Father grant in the name of His Son, Jesus. Amen.
ELDER WILLIAM T. JACK.
(President of Cassia Stake.)
My dear brethren and sisters, we have gathered from our respective homes to attend this General Conference of the Church. Eighty-five and a half years have passed since the Lord, through the agency of the youthful Prophet Joseph Smith organized His Church in this dispensation. Marvelous progress has been made during the past, under the guiding care of the Almighty, but great as the development has been, we may look for and should expect to behold greater works than these, in the unfolding of the possibilities of the future, when those who are now careless, and indifferent to the responsibility of membership, and" the obligations of the Priesthood, shall awaken to the same righteous zeal, and intelligent efficiency in their religious duties that is manifest by the leaders in Israel, and by thousands of good, faithful men and women in all of the wards and stakes of Zion, as well as in the missions. Men are reaching out after greater efficiency in all the secular affairs of life, as the Church is urging its members to more zealous application and nobler results.
We were favored in this city, a few days ago, with a visit by Mr. Harold Bell Wright, the renowned author, who, in an address before the Bonneville Club’, took for his theme, “The Royal Family of Tomorrow.” After referring to the world war now in progress, and which is being sustained under the present systems of men and nations, where faith and love are alike being destroyed, and selfishness and pride have obscured the ’more important considerations of life, he said that the “future bore significant evidences of the approach of a New Royalty in which man would aim at an efficiency that would involve the study of man, an efficiency that meant greater service to humanity.” We sincerely hope that this statement is well founded, for it is a well known fact of history that man has ever been mans’ most deadly foe. When we consider that “God is the Father of the spirits of all flesh” it is easy to confess that the race should be a truly royal family, bound together in bonds of fellowship and righteousness.
The pitiable condition of men in the religious world, was portrayed in an address delivered some months prior to the commencement of the present European war, by Lord Winston Churchill, home secretary of the British government in which he says:
“The extreme restlessness seen everywhere is the. sign of a great spiritual wave in history,” and adds: "Most of us are like boys with cold hands, looking on at the ‘game.’ We . don’t understand it. Perhaps it looks ridiculous to us. We are at cross purposes, . with no anchorage of love or anything abiding. We want a religion. Perhaps we are waiting for a new one. We’d plunge into life, into usefulness, if only we knew what life were; but we don’t know. The conception of Christianity given us in our youth has failed to satisfy us. We are unable to say with the conviction of our fathers: ‘This is the absolute truth.’ The science and agnostic critics of the past have riddled that religion. We want to know! Whither shall we turn for a religion, a sanction, a guide to life? We start off on our modern Pilgrims' Progress, to seek after God, if happily we may find Hint.” Then he states: “That the religion chosen must have a positive militant righteousness, called the ‘New Patriotism,’ and will involve, when adopted, heart and soul, a change in the motive of life. It will require a life of. sacrifice. Not selfishness and acquisition. There must be a new birth. Man must become his brother’s
keeper. It must acknowledge the problems of evil, and grapple with them. A striking note of this ‘New Patriotism’ is open-mindedness; teachableness,
and hence a capacity for growth. Its greatest enemies are those with closed minds; the Pharisees of today, who neither ‘enter in’ themselves, nor permit others to do so. It involves the principle of individual worth, and individual responsibility. We must trust those whom God trusts, in this divine scheme, and love our neighbor as ourself.”
As Latter-day Saints, we recognize the beauty and logic of this statement, and we hasten to offer to all these modern “Pilgrims,” that religion for which they are seeking, for it is to be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed to Joseph, the Prophet of this last dispensation. And while the time allotted to me, at this Conference, will not permit me to enter upon this inviting phase of the subject, I will just say, that “Mormonism,” so called, embraces every principle and quality sought for by the honest in heart. This, is the “absolute truth,” and the stone which the builders have rejected is ready to become the chief corner stone in the structure of man’s eternal salvation. It is the divine scheme, and the only scheme, that will eliminate war, and envy, and strife and bitterness from among men and prepare the earth and her inhabitants for the rule of righteousness soon to be ushered into the world. We invite all men to look into the merits of this new, yet old religion.
I will only say, in conclusion, that the thought to be gathered from the utterances of the noted gentleman in these quotations, and which I desire to leave with you. is the possibility of greater efficiency and more extensive service in the Church of Christ. Each of us, as officers and members of the Church should labor diligently in the service of our fellow men, with faith and prayer and study, that our efforts may be directed with intelligence, and balanced with wisdom, and sustained with unfaltering faith and devoted love, so that the larger results may be achieved in this glorious cause.
God has given to His Church the most perfect organization in the world, and has made it possible for us to render the highest order of intelligent service, with divine authority to officiate in His name, therefore the responsibility rests with us, as to the quantity and the quality of the services rendered. There can be no more distinguished “royalty” than to honor our kinship with God, and no higher quality of “patriotism” than to devote our lives to the accomplishment of His purposes in the earth. May the Lord help us to so live and labor, is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Rain commenced falling heavily, and the service was closed by prayer by Elder Benjamin Goddard.
(President of Cassia Stake.)
My dear brethren and sisters, we have gathered from our respective homes to attend this General Conference of the Church. Eighty-five and a half years have passed since the Lord, through the agency of the youthful Prophet Joseph Smith organized His Church in this dispensation. Marvelous progress has been made during the past, under the guiding care of the Almighty, but great as the development has been, we may look for and should expect to behold greater works than these, in the unfolding of the possibilities of the future, when those who are now careless, and indifferent to the responsibility of membership, and" the obligations of the Priesthood, shall awaken to the same righteous zeal, and intelligent efficiency in their religious duties that is manifest by the leaders in Israel, and by thousands of good, faithful men and women in all of the wards and stakes of Zion, as well as in the missions. Men are reaching out after greater efficiency in all the secular affairs of life, as the Church is urging its members to more zealous application and nobler results.
We were favored in this city, a few days ago, with a visit by Mr. Harold Bell Wright, the renowned author, who, in an address before the Bonneville Club’, took for his theme, “The Royal Family of Tomorrow.” After referring to the world war now in progress, and which is being sustained under the present systems of men and nations, where faith and love are alike being destroyed, and selfishness and pride have obscured the ’more important considerations of life, he said that the “future bore significant evidences of the approach of a New Royalty in which man would aim at an efficiency that would involve the study of man, an efficiency that meant greater service to humanity.” We sincerely hope that this statement is well founded, for it is a well known fact of history that man has ever been mans’ most deadly foe. When we consider that “God is the Father of the spirits of all flesh” it is easy to confess that the race should be a truly royal family, bound together in bonds of fellowship and righteousness.
The pitiable condition of men in the religious world, was portrayed in an address delivered some months prior to the commencement of the present European war, by Lord Winston Churchill, home secretary of the British government in which he says:
“The extreme restlessness seen everywhere is the. sign of a great spiritual wave in history,” and adds: "Most of us are like boys with cold hands, looking on at the ‘game.’ We . don’t understand it. Perhaps it looks ridiculous to us. We are at cross purposes, . with no anchorage of love or anything abiding. We want a religion. Perhaps we are waiting for a new one. We’d plunge into life, into usefulness, if only we knew what life were; but we don’t know. The conception of Christianity given us in our youth has failed to satisfy us. We are unable to say with the conviction of our fathers: ‘This is the absolute truth.’ The science and agnostic critics of the past have riddled that religion. We want to know! Whither shall we turn for a religion, a sanction, a guide to life? We start off on our modern Pilgrims' Progress, to seek after God, if happily we may find Hint.” Then he states: “That the religion chosen must have a positive militant righteousness, called the ‘New Patriotism,’ and will involve, when adopted, heart and soul, a change in the motive of life. It will require a life of. sacrifice. Not selfishness and acquisition. There must be a new birth. Man must become his brother’s
keeper. It must acknowledge the problems of evil, and grapple with them. A striking note of this ‘New Patriotism’ is open-mindedness; teachableness,
and hence a capacity for growth. Its greatest enemies are those with closed minds; the Pharisees of today, who neither ‘enter in’ themselves, nor permit others to do so. It involves the principle of individual worth, and individual responsibility. We must trust those whom God trusts, in this divine scheme, and love our neighbor as ourself.”
As Latter-day Saints, we recognize the beauty and logic of this statement, and we hasten to offer to all these modern “Pilgrims,” that religion for which they are seeking, for it is to be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed to Joseph, the Prophet of this last dispensation. And while the time allotted to me, at this Conference, will not permit me to enter upon this inviting phase of the subject, I will just say, that “Mormonism,” so called, embraces every principle and quality sought for by the honest in heart. This, is the “absolute truth,” and the stone which the builders have rejected is ready to become the chief corner stone in the structure of man’s eternal salvation. It is the divine scheme, and the only scheme, that will eliminate war, and envy, and strife and bitterness from among men and prepare the earth and her inhabitants for the rule of righteousness soon to be ushered into the world. We invite all men to look into the merits of this new, yet old religion.
I will only say, in conclusion, that the thought to be gathered from the utterances of the noted gentleman in these quotations, and which I desire to leave with you. is the possibility of greater efficiency and more extensive service in the Church of Christ. Each of us, as officers and members of the Church should labor diligently in the service of our fellow men, with faith and prayer and study, that our efforts may be directed with intelligence, and balanced with wisdom, and sustained with unfaltering faith and devoted love, so that the larger results may be achieved in this glorious cause.
God has given to His Church the most perfect organization in the world, and has made it possible for us to render the highest order of intelligent service, with divine authority to officiate in His name, therefore the responsibility rests with us, as to the quantity and the quality of the services rendered. There can be no more distinguished “royalty” than to honor our kinship with God, and no higher quality of “patriotism” than to devote our lives to the accomplishment of His purposes in the earth. May the Lord help us to so live and labor, is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Rain commenced falling heavily, and the service was closed by prayer by Elder Benjamin Goddard.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
In the Tabernacle.
Conference was resumed at 2 p. m.
President Joseph F. Smith called the meeting to order, and stated that overflow meetings are to be held in the Assembly Hall and in front of the Bureau of Information, this afternoon.
The Tabernacle choir, and visiting choristers, sang the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
The invocation was offered by Elder Frank Y. Taylor.
The choir sang the anthem, “God is our refuge.”
In the Tabernacle.
Conference was resumed at 2 p. m.
President Joseph F. Smith called the meeting to order, and stated that overflow meetings are to be held in the Assembly Hall and in front of the Bureau of Information, this afternoon.
The Tabernacle choir, and visiting choristers, sang the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
The invocation was offered by Elder Frank Y. Taylor.
The choir sang the anthem, “God is our refuge.”
PREST. CHARLES W. PENROSE.
Privilege of attending Conference— How to draw near to God—The new birth— Need of being born of the Spirit as well as of water—Duty of teaching this to the Children— Experience of the Prophet Joseph Smith—Christ’s dual character— God’s power to hear prayer—Organization of the spiritual Kingdom — Personal experience — The new work about Christ—The Holy Trinity.
I feel it is a great privilege to be permitted to meet with my brethren and sisters at this conference. I never felt the value of it more in my life than I do today. I have attended a great many general conferences of the Church, as well as conferences abroad in the different missions, but I never felt any more grateful to God for the privilege of attending a conference than I do today. I fully enjoyed the services this morning, and I presume that most of the congregation this afternoon were here at the morning session and heard the addresses that were delivered by President Smith and President Lund, and heard the music, the singing of the choir and the song that was sung by Elder Ballard, which I enjoyed with the rest of the services.
President Lund, in the course of his remarks, asked the question: Why we became Latter-day Saints, why we joined the Church in spite of the obloquy upon it, in spite of the opposition of the world and in spite of the fact that the “Mormons” were and are now a people despised by the great majority of mankind. Well, I felt in my heart that the answer was in that song that Brother Ballard sang this morning. I believe the refrain was: “If ye with your whole heart seek unto God, ye shall ever surely find Him.” That may not be the exact words, but I think that was the sentiment and we can bear testimony that this is true and this is the great reason why most of the older members of this Church have become Latter-day Saints, receiving the truth in the various nations of the world and among the various denominations of Christendom. When the Elders of this Church were sent forth in the early days of its organization, they went out “without purse or scrip" in the way in which the ancient apostles traveled. They did not take money with them to pay their way; they had no wages, no salary, no stipend, no means of support but that which God raised by friends to administer to them. They had to seek to the Lord. They found Him and those who administered to them also received that blessing. I can bear testimony myself that when I heard the Gospel preached, away back early in 1850, I went to the Lord. I had been trained to believe in God. I did not know very much about Him, although I was brought up among “Christians,” so called.
I learned that when Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the nineteenth century, desired to obtain a knowledge of the true Church.to find out which was the true religion among all the various existing sects, he followed the advice of James who said: “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him; but let him ask in faith.” That is the great key to it. So Joseph in his boyhood retired to a grove near his father's residence and called upon God that he might learn which was the right religion, for a great number of the religions of the time were engaged in their revival gatherings. Many of you know what that is, some of you perhaps do not. Revivalism is a sort of religious enthusiasm, often religious and spiritual inebriety; people are “drunk but not with wine, and stagger but not with strong drink,” using the words of Isaiah the Prophet, and they become sometimes delirious and go into all kinds of excesses; and he was puzzled to know which was the true religion, and he followed the advice of the Apostle James, lie sought the Lord and he believed that God would hear his prayer and answer him and in response to his petition the Father and the Son, God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, for He was God and was in the beginning with God, we read in the scripture ancient and modern, and God the Father and the Son appeared to him and spake to him and he was told by the Father to hear the Son: “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.” And the Son spoke to Joseph and told him to go after none of them. There is a side to the character of Jesus of Nazareth a little different to that in which He is generally pictured.
I used to sing when I was a little boy and went to Sunday School: “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, look on me, a little child,” and I suppose He was meek and mild in His character, and we are told that we ought to entertain a Christian spirit when we feel a little disturbed by the falsehoods of our enemies. But Jesus had two sides to His character and one of them was shown on this occasion, but not so forcefully as it was shown at some periods of His ministry on the earth. He said to Joseph: “Go after none of them. “The professors of religion draw near to me with their mouth and with their lips do honor me while their hearts are far from me and their fear toward me is taught by the precepts of men. Go after none of them; they are all gone astray.” You remember, if you are acquainted with the history of Jesus, what little we have of it in the New Testament, that He had a great aversion to those self-righteous Pharisees and others of their ilk and the other sects who were hypocrites. “Woe unto you, scribes, pharisees, hypocrites! Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte and make him ten-fold more the child of hell than he was before.” He was not very meek and mild upon those occasions nor was He when He went into the temple and made a thong of cords and kicked over the tables of the money changers and drove out them that sold doves. “My Father’s house is a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves. Get out of here." That was the other side of His character but He was meek and mild and gentle to all when they were sincere, when He felt that they meant what they professed. When sinners were repentant, He was kind and gentle to them and welcomed them to Him. “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give thee rest.’ That is where His mildness shone out. You must remember that Jesus was not only the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world, but He was also the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the time is coming when He will shine forth in that character. When the work is being brought to a consummation and the kingdoms of this world are arrayed against Him He will come forth in His strength and the might and majesty of His power, and the kingdoms of this world will be broken in pieces before the kingdom of our God and His Christ.
Now, I speak thus concerning Jesus of Nazareth because He is at the head of this work in which we are engaged. This is no sect of religion. This is no mere man-made organization. It is divine and was from the beginning and the Father and His Son appeared and opened up the latter-day dispensation. The greatest of all dispensations of God’s mercy to man is opened and launched forth upon the earth and it will be brought to a grand and glorious consummation, for all things shall be subdued unto Him and He shall reign whose right it is to reign over all the earth. The promise is made to us as it was made of old by the Lord to the people: “Draw near unto me,” saith the Lord, and I will draw near unto you.” That is the process. We are to draw near unto Deity and Deity will stoop down and condescend to us and reveal to us that which shall be for our good, but we have to draw near to Him, as the song says, with our whole heart and to serve God and be determined to serve Him as He has commanded us in these latter days, with all our heart and might and mind and strength.
That is what the Lord commanded anciently and has renewed again in these latter days. For through the Prophet Joseph Smith to whom the Father and the Son spake in that heavenly vision, God has revealed the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, and has restored all the ordinances and rites and powers and privileges and gifts and blessings pertaining thereunto as they were enjoyed in times of old. God is the same “yesterday, today and forever,” and those who draw near unto Him with their whole heart shall find Him and shall learn of Him and understand Him. Of course we do not expect to comprehend Deity in the fulness thereof while we are in mortality, but the day is to come, according to both ancient and modern scripture, when we will come “face to face” with Him and “see Him as He is and be made like Him, but every man that hath this hope,” the apostle John says, “purifieth himself even as He is pure.” Here is something for us to consider, my brethren and sisters, and friends, if there be any here who are not of our faith: that is, that there is something more to religion than believing in Deity, something more than receiving ordinances and ceremonies and rites, and organizations. What is it? Jt is the Spirit and the power of God. Jesus Christ, when explaining to Nicodemus that peculiar saying that “except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God,” and Nicodemus could not understand it, expounded it this way: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the Kingdom of God.” This is something we should all understand. It is necessary that we should be horn of water. A great many of our modern religionists say that does not matter, that the water does not amount to anything and so it does not matter whether we are born of water or not. But Jesus Christ laid down as a fundamental that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”
To be born of water is very easy to understand, if we will look into the life and character and example of Jesus Christ. He started out on His ministry before entering into the preaching of the Gospel and accomplishing the work that the Father sent Him to do by going to John the Baptist and being immersed in the River Jordan. When He was baptized of John, we read, he came up straightway out of the water and lo! the heavens were opened unto Him and the Spirit of God rested down upon Him in the form or sign of a dove and the Father from the heavens said: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’’ He was born of water when He came up from the Jordan, and born of the Spirit when the Holy Ghost rested down upon Him in visible form. The voice of the Father proclaimed that He was well pleased with Him and He has “left us an example that we should follow in His steps.” I do not want to take up time in regard to that particular point. If we will read the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament we will notice the fact that whenever they went forth to preach the Gospel they proclaimed these principles, that if anybody wanted to enter into the Church or Kingdom of God they had to be baptized for the remission of sins; and that baptism was an immersion, it was a death to the old life and a new birth to the new life. It is being “buried with Christ in baptism,” being raised up in the likeness of the resurrection of Christ.
But then they laid their hands upon the baptized, repentant believers and conferred upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost. So that the Holy Ghost is necessary as a baptism; that the individual must be baptized, immersed in that influence, quickened by it, enlightened by it, thus becoming one of the sons of God by adoption in the Gospel. Verily, said the ancient apostle, “they that are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God'” Now, here is a double birth—the birth of the water and the birth of the Spirit. and I want to impress upon the minds of my brethren and sisters that they should teach this to their children, not only to be baptized in water when they are eight years old, but to be “born of the Spirit,” as the Lord has commanded. He says: “Inasmuch as there are parents having children in Zion or in any of her Stakes that are organized, who teach them not to understand the doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, and 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.” Doc. and Cov. 68:25. It is a splendid thing that in every month just before the fastday, which President Smith drew our attention to so strongly this morning, just before the fast-day there is a baptizing day and parents send their children, when they are cf proper age, to be baptized. It is to be hoped and believed that before they send them they instruct them in these things. The Lord says it they do not teach them to understand that doctrine the sin shall be upon the heads of the parents. On the fast-day, generally, the children, after being baptized, are taken to the fast meeting and under the direction of the bishops, hands are laid upon them by the Elders and the Holy Ghost is confirmed and sealed upon them in form. But it is for the children to be instructed how to reach out, to reach up to God with all their heart, and if they do they will find Him and they will receive that baptism and inspiration of the Holy Ghost from on high without which we cannot see and comprehend the things of God.
For, as man by the spirit of man. which is in him understands the things of this world, so no one can comprehend the things of God but under the influence and power of the Spirit of God, the light of the Lord, that divine light which proceedeth from His presence throughout the immensity of space, that which is in the sun, in the moon, in the stars, in the earth, and in all things, and by which He operated when He made the worlds and by which Jesus, the Son, who was with the Father in the beginning operated in the formation of this globe. It was He, Jesus the Christ, our elder brother in the spirit, that was spoken to by the Father in the beginning when He said: “Let us make man after our image and our likeness,” and so on. But the Holy Ghost, the Comforter that Jesus Christ said He would send when He went away, is “a personage of spirit.” When He left His disciples He said He would not leave them comfortless but He would send to them the Spirit of truth from the Father, who, when He came, would guide them into all truth and take of the things of the Father and of the 'an and show them to His apostles and unto those that received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thus the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct personalities; they each have their particular power and sphere of operations, but they are all one in mind and purpose, and in act; they three are one in that sense.
Now, we want our children to understand that they can learn of the Lord as Joseph the Prophet did. Not that every one of them is to receive visible manifestations as he did; for he was a special witness raised up by the Almighty to usher in the greatest and grandest of all dispensations, but to learn to be led by the Spirit of God, to understand its whisperings, its inspiration, and if they do learn that and walk in the light that they will not be led astray. When those foolish vagaries that President Lund alluded to this morning, come along from time to time and lead some foolish people away from the straight and narrow path, we know by the Spirit what they are. They are not of God. They come to deceive, to darken the mind, to becloud the understanding, to lead people from that which God has shown to them to be the truth. True. Latter-day Saints have his peculiarity about them that they are born of God, by the water and the Spirit. And that Spirit is a spirit of revelation. It is a spirit of inspiration; it enlightens the soul, as that which we call artificial light lightens the natural eyes. These lamps that shine here today give the same kind of light that comes from the sun and from the moon and is a property and a manifestation of the spirit of truth, the light of truth, the intelligence that always existed, that never was created or made, the Spirit by which God operates throughout all His creations and by which He can learn about us whenever He desires, and behold us, and can hear and answer our prayers. It is a great puzzle to some people how it can possibly be that a person, an individual, of form and stature, occupying but one place at a time, can hear the prayers of His people or can comprehend them as David said He does: Said he: “There is not a thought of my heart but lo! O God, thou knowest it altogether. If I ascend up into heaven behold thou art there. If I descend down into hell behold thou art there: and if I take the wings of the morning and flee to the uttermost parts of the earth, there will Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand guide me.” Of course these expressions are somewhat figurative, but there is the great fact that God cap be omnipresent by the power of His universally diffused spirit which proceeds from His presence throughout the immensity of space, and He can see and discern all things by that power, as He told Enoch, and Moses also, as you can read in The Pearl of Great Price. Moses and Enoch were each lifted up so that they could see, measurably, as Deity sees and they beheld the multiplicity of the creations of God; and when Enoch declared that if a man could count the particles of the earth or of a million earths like this, that would not be a beginning to the number of God’s creations, then God told him, “Yea, and mine eye can pierce them all.” By the power of that Spirit he sees and comprehends and understands all things, and His watchful care and His mercies are over all His works. There is another thing connected with that, which you can understand if you will read the 10th chapter of the book of Daniel. I will not take time to read it. I don’t want to take up too much time. There are others to speak this afternoon. But do you read it. Daniel, the prophet, whose words are being fulfilled, many of them, in our own time, Daniel predicted and saw in vision the rising of the great kingdom of God in the latter days, to supersede and overcome all kingdoms upon the face of the earth. He prayed to God on a certain occasion and his words were not immediately answered, and he fasted and prayed and fasted and prayed but his words were not answered in the way that he expected, and after three weeks had passed by. a heavenly being appeared before him. an angel of God. and he fell down on the ground, and the angel said to him: ‘Stand up like a man and when he stood un he told him. “Daniel, from the day that thou didst set thine heart to understand and seek unto the Lord thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words: but the Prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days, and lo! Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me and now I have come for thy words.” Three weeks had passed by since Daniel commenced to pray for the blessing that he desired, and at length the messenger came to answer him and give him the asked-for information.
Here is something disclosed that gives a little key to those who wish to understand the world behind the veil, the spiritual world, that it is organized. As the Church of Christ is organized here on the earth with quorums and organizations and institutions in all their beauty and harmony and order, so it is in the spiritual sphere, and there are personages appointed for different positions and districts of that sphere, and they can proceed and act according to their office and authority and according to the sphere of their labor. This angel that came from the presence of God was fought by the powers of evil, evidently, and was withstood on the way for three weeks—one and twenty days. Sometimes our prayers then, are not immediately answered. Daniel’s was postponed until the time when the angel came. Reading that chapter and reflecting a little may open the eyes of some of us in regard to the operations of God in His great universe in the spiritual world as well as in the natural world.
And this is a certainty: If with our whole heart we seek God, God will draw near to us and we will find Him, not expecting, of course, that we will behold Him, visibly, that He will come down to everybody and appear in His personality, but by the power of His divine spirit. He will draw near to us and we will draw near to Him, and every Latter-day Saint who has really been born of the Spirit as well as of the water, understands something of this. I don’t know of any joy or pleasure, any sensation that is delightful, to be compared with beholding the visions of eternity by the power of the Holy Ghost, and to have the soul lifted up above sublunary things and all earthly and material matters, to draw near to God our Heavenly Father. He is our Father, the Father of our spirits. We came from Him. He has sent us here. We are here for a purpose and an object and He designs our progress, our development into the fulness of His own image and likeness and power and glory; but to understand Him and His ways and to enjoy His light and His presence and to find Him really, we must be quickened by the power of the Holy Ghost and those who seek the Lord and try to serve Him with all their heart and mind and strength, will be able to draw near unto Him.
I know this is true. When I was a boy I learned of this Gospel and I went to the Lord and inquired of Him concerning it. Not one of the family to which I belong embraced this Gospel, not one of my friends or associates in the different sects have received it so far as I have learned; but I went to the Lord myself. I believed in Him, I prayed to Him, and He enlightened my mind, He lit up my soul, He gave me a conviction of the truth of this work and I went forth and received the ordinance of baptism and the ordinance of confirmation by the laying on of hands by men appointed of God to minister in these ordinances. I received the remission of my sins. I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and from that time to the present, I can testify that God has been with me on the land and on the sea, among the wicked and among the Saints. In all my labors and duties during the years that have intervened God has been “my refuge and strength;” in Him we shall prevail. Our enemies may continue their onslaughts: they may contemn the leaders of this Church as they are doing today; they may conspire against us, but we shall prevail, not because we are so wise or so mighty or so numerous, but because God is our refuge and our strength, and He hears our prayers, and He answers our requests when what we ask for is wise in Him to bestow.
We should remember that, my brethren and sisters. Sometimes in sickness, people call upon the Lord and they get angry because their prayers are not immediately answered. That is very foolish; we are all foolish, I suppose, to some extent, weak, for we are human: but we should understand that God is our Father, and fathers do not always give to their children everything they ask for. They know better than the children what they should have. So let us ask in faith and in trust, trust in God as well as faith in God, and keep His commandments, and all shall be well with us. and we will be guided of Him and inspired of Him and He will lead us in the path of life. Brethren and sisters, don’t let us leave prayers to God to times of trouble and sorrow and distress, but call upon the Lord in the morning and the evening, every day; and when we are full of joy and gladness call upon Him and offer our prayers of praise unto Him. We should praise the Lord with hallelujahs in our souls. If we can’t give them voice, like the choir has done so beautifully today; we can praise God in the soul: we can draw near to Him in gratitude for His mercies unto us, for they have been wonderful and manifold to this Church to which we belong. God has manifested His power from the beginning, and it will continue and will prevail.
Now let us understand another point, and that is, that when we pray to God, the Eternal Father, we pray to Him in the name of Jesus Christ, and Christ has promised that if even a few of us are agreed and call upon the Father in His name, what we ask for shall be granted. There is power in the name of Jesus the Christ.
I am glad to say before I sit down, that a splendid volume called “Jesus the Christ” has been issued from the press. Brother James E. Talmage of the Quorum of the Twelve was requested by the Presidency to write a real history of Christ. It begins away back in the beginning when He, as He has told us, was with the Father and was the first-born. It recounts His works from that time down, showing that the Jehovah of the Old Testament, was the Jesus of Nazareth of the New Testament. All this is set forth in excellent style, with quotations from ancient and modern revelations which make it a very valuable work for the Latter-day Saints in all their societies and organizations and in their private homes. I allude to this subject again so that you may not go astray. Some people get peculiar notions about who Jesus was. Understand, once for all, that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct individuals. We pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son, under the influence and power and guidance of the Holy Ghost: and if we will walk in the ways that the Lord has pointed out, we will not go astray.
Any man who is imbued with the spirit of this Gospel will understand that God has established an order in His Church, for its guidance and government, as we heard this morning, and when men start up here and there and over yonder and pretend to be some great, one to set things in order, they should understand and we should understand that in the very beginning of the Church, right in the very beginning, the Lord revealed that if He had anything to reveal to His Church He would give it through the man that stands at the head, and that has been the rule ever since. The man who stands at the head holds the keys and power of revelation for the Church; but for individuals the blessing is free to all; the spirit shall be poured out upon all. I know that God inspires the soul of man. I know that God qualifies His servants, weak though they may be. for the works that they are required to perform; and I thank Him and praise Him this afternoon for His mercies to me in all my labors and travels and toils through my past life, and I praise Him for the privilege of being here with my brethren and sisters this afternoon. I invoke His blessings upon all.
May the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, be our constant guide and companion, that we may be able to subdue all that there is in us that is wrong and contrary to the divine will, and be led and guided and subject to the Father of our spirits, through Jesus Christ, the Son, and the influence and power of the Holy Ghost. May God bless you and help us all to be faithful and true and save us in His glorious kingdom, for Christ's sake. Amen.
Prof. Evan Stephens’ new hymn. “Loyal to the Truth and the Right,” was sung by the choir.
Privilege of attending Conference— How to draw near to God—The new birth— Need of being born of the Spirit as well as of water—Duty of teaching this to the Children— Experience of the Prophet Joseph Smith—Christ’s dual character— God’s power to hear prayer—Organization of the spiritual Kingdom — Personal experience — The new work about Christ—The Holy Trinity.
I feel it is a great privilege to be permitted to meet with my brethren and sisters at this conference. I never felt the value of it more in my life than I do today. I have attended a great many general conferences of the Church, as well as conferences abroad in the different missions, but I never felt any more grateful to God for the privilege of attending a conference than I do today. I fully enjoyed the services this morning, and I presume that most of the congregation this afternoon were here at the morning session and heard the addresses that were delivered by President Smith and President Lund, and heard the music, the singing of the choir and the song that was sung by Elder Ballard, which I enjoyed with the rest of the services.
President Lund, in the course of his remarks, asked the question: Why we became Latter-day Saints, why we joined the Church in spite of the obloquy upon it, in spite of the opposition of the world and in spite of the fact that the “Mormons” were and are now a people despised by the great majority of mankind. Well, I felt in my heart that the answer was in that song that Brother Ballard sang this morning. I believe the refrain was: “If ye with your whole heart seek unto God, ye shall ever surely find Him.” That may not be the exact words, but I think that was the sentiment and we can bear testimony that this is true and this is the great reason why most of the older members of this Church have become Latter-day Saints, receiving the truth in the various nations of the world and among the various denominations of Christendom. When the Elders of this Church were sent forth in the early days of its organization, they went out “without purse or scrip" in the way in which the ancient apostles traveled. They did not take money with them to pay their way; they had no wages, no salary, no stipend, no means of support but that which God raised by friends to administer to them. They had to seek to the Lord. They found Him and those who administered to them also received that blessing. I can bear testimony myself that when I heard the Gospel preached, away back early in 1850, I went to the Lord. I had been trained to believe in God. I did not know very much about Him, although I was brought up among “Christians,” so called.
I learned that when Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the nineteenth century, desired to obtain a knowledge of the true Church.to find out which was the true religion among all the various existing sects, he followed the advice of James who said: “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him; but let him ask in faith.” That is the great key to it. So Joseph in his boyhood retired to a grove near his father's residence and called upon God that he might learn which was the right religion, for a great number of the religions of the time were engaged in their revival gatherings. Many of you know what that is, some of you perhaps do not. Revivalism is a sort of religious enthusiasm, often religious and spiritual inebriety; people are “drunk but not with wine, and stagger but not with strong drink,” using the words of Isaiah the Prophet, and they become sometimes delirious and go into all kinds of excesses; and he was puzzled to know which was the true religion, and he followed the advice of the Apostle James, lie sought the Lord and he believed that God would hear his prayer and answer him and in response to his petition the Father and the Son, God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, for He was God and was in the beginning with God, we read in the scripture ancient and modern, and God the Father and the Son appeared to him and spake to him and he was told by the Father to hear the Son: “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.” And the Son spoke to Joseph and told him to go after none of them. There is a side to the character of Jesus of Nazareth a little different to that in which He is generally pictured.
I used to sing when I was a little boy and went to Sunday School: “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, look on me, a little child,” and I suppose He was meek and mild in His character, and we are told that we ought to entertain a Christian spirit when we feel a little disturbed by the falsehoods of our enemies. But Jesus had two sides to His character and one of them was shown on this occasion, but not so forcefully as it was shown at some periods of His ministry on the earth. He said to Joseph: “Go after none of them. “The professors of religion draw near to me with their mouth and with their lips do honor me while their hearts are far from me and their fear toward me is taught by the precepts of men. Go after none of them; they are all gone astray.” You remember, if you are acquainted with the history of Jesus, what little we have of it in the New Testament, that He had a great aversion to those self-righteous Pharisees and others of their ilk and the other sects who were hypocrites. “Woe unto you, scribes, pharisees, hypocrites! Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte and make him ten-fold more the child of hell than he was before.” He was not very meek and mild upon those occasions nor was He when He went into the temple and made a thong of cords and kicked over the tables of the money changers and drove out them that sold doves. “My Father’s house is a house of prayer but ye have made it a den of thieves. Get out of here." That was the other side of His character but He was meek and mild and gentle to all when they were sincere, when He felt that they meant what they professed. When sinners were repentant, He was kind and gentle to them and welcomed them to Him. “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give thee rest.’ That is where His mildness shone out. You must remember that Jesus was not only the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world, but He was also the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and the time is coming when He will shine forth in that character. When the work is being brought to a consummation and the kingdoms of this world are arrayed against Him He will come forth in His strength and the might and majesty of His power, and the kingdoms of this world will be broken in pieces before the kingdom of our God and His Christ.
Now, I speak thus concerning Jesus of Nazareth because He is at the head of this work in which we are engaged. This is no sect of religion. This is no mere man-made organization. It is divine and was from the beginning and the Father and His Son appeared and opened up the latter-day dispensation. The greatest of all dispensations of God’s mercy to man is opened and launched forth upon the earth and it will be brought to a grand and glorious consummation, for all things shall be subdued unto Him and He shall reign whose right it is to reign over all the earth. The promise is made to us as it was made of old by the Lord to the people: “Draw near unto me,” saith the Lord, and I will draw near unto you.” That is the process. We are to draw near unto Deity and Deity will stoop down and condescend to us and reveal to us that which shall be for our good, but we have to draw near to Him, as the song says, with our whole heart and to serve God and be determined to serve Him as He has commanded us in these latter days, with all our heart and might and mind and strength.
That is what the Lord commanded anciently and has renewed again in these latter days. For through the Prophet Joseph Smith to whom the Father and the Son spake in that heavenly vision, God has revealed the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, and has restored all the ordinances and rites and powers and privileges and gifts and blessings pertaining thereunto as they were enjoyed in times of old. God is the same “yesterday, today and forever,” and those who draw near unto Him with their whole heart shall find Him and shall learn of Him and understand Him. Of course we do not expect to comprehend Deity in the fulness thereof while we are in mortality, but the day is to come, according to both ancient and modern scripture, when we will come “face to face” with Him and “see Him as He is and be made like Him, but every man that hath this hope,” the apostle John says, “purifieth himself even as He is pure.” Here is something for us to consider, my brethren and sisters, and friends, if there be any here who are not of our faith: that is, that there is something more to religion than believing in Deity, something more than receiving ordinances and ceremonies and rites, and organizations. What is it? Jt is the Spirit and the power of God. Jesus Christ, when explaining to Nicodemus that peculiar saying that “except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God,” and Nicodemus could not understand it, expounded it this way: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the Kingdom of God.” This is something we should all understand. It is necessary that we should be horn of water. A great many of our modern religionists say that does not matter, that the water does not amount to anything and so it does not matter whether we are born of water or not. But Jesus Christ laid down as a fundamental that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”
To be born of water is very easy to understand, if we will look into the life and character and example of Jesus Christ. He started out on His ministry before entering into the preaching of the Gospel and accomplishing the work that the Father sent Him to do by going to John the Baptist and being immersed in the River Jordan. When He was baptized of John, we read, he came up straightway out of the water and lo! the heavens were opened unto Him and the Spirit of God rested down upon Him in the form or sign of a dove and the Father from the heavens said: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’’ He was born of water when He came up from the Jordan, and born of the Spirit when the Holy Ghost rested down upon Him in visible form. The voice of the Father proclaimed that He was well pleased with Him and He has “left us an example that we should follow in His steps.” I do not want to take up time in regard to that particular point. If we will read the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament we will notice the fact that whenever they went forth to preach the Gospel they proclaimed these principles, that if anybody wanted to enter into the Church or Kingdom of God they had to be baptized for the remission of sins; and that baptism was an immersion, it was a death to the old life and a new birth to the new life. It is being “buried with Christ in baptism,” being raised up in the likeness of the resurrection of Christ.
But then they laid their hands upon the baptized, repentant believers and conferred upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost. So that the Holy Ghost is necessary as a baptism; that the individual must be baptized, immersed in that influence, quickened by it, enlightened by it, thus becoming one of the sons of God by adoption in the Gospel. Verily, said the ancient apostle, “they that are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God'” Now, here is a double birth—the birth of the water and the birth of the Spirit. and I want to impress upon the minds of my brethren and sisters that they should teach this to their children, not only to be baptized in water when they are eight years old, but to be “born of the Spirit,” as the Lord has commanded. He says: “Inasmuch as there are parents having children in Zion or in any of her Stakes that are organized, who teach them not to understand the doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, and 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.” Doc. and Cov. 68:25. It is a splendid thing that in every month just before the fastday, which President Smith drew our attention to so strongly this morning, just before the fast-day there is a baptizing day and parents send their children, when they are cf proper age, to be baptized. It is to be hoped and believed that before they send them they instruct them in these things. The Lord says it they do not teach them to understand that doctrine the sin shall be upon the heads of the parents. On the fast-day, generally, the children, after being baptized, are taken to the fast meeting and under the direction of the bishops, hands are laid upon them by the Elders and the Holy Ghost is confirmed and sealed upon them in form. But it is for the children to be instructed how to reach out, to reach up to God with all their heart, and if they do they will find Him and they will receive that baptism and inspiration of the Holy Ghost from on high without which we cannot see and comprehend the things of God.
For, as man by the spirit of man. which is in him understands the things of this world, so no one can comprehend the things of God but under the influence and power of the Spirit of God, the light of the Lord, that divine light which proceedeth from His presence throughout the immensity of space, that which is in the sun, in the moon, in the stars, in the earth, and in all things, and by which He operated when He made the worlds and by which Jesus, the Son, who was with the Father in the beginning operated in the formation of this globe. It was He, Jesus the Christ, our elder brother in the spirit, that was spoken to by the Father in the beginning when He said: “Let us make man after our image and our likeness,” and so on. But the Holy Ghost, the Comforter that Jesus Christ said He would send when He went away, is “a personage of spirit.” When He left His disciples He said He would not leave them comfortless but He would send to them the Spirit of truth from the Father, who, when He came, would guide them into all truth and take of the things of the Father and of the 'an and show them to His apostles and unto those that received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thus the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct personalities; they each have their particular power and sphere of operations, but they are all one in mind and purpose, and in act; they three are one in that sense.
Now, we want our children to understand that they can learn of the Lord as Joseph the Prophet did. Not that every one of them is to receive visible manifestations as he did; for he was a special witness raised up by the Almighty to usher in the greatest and grandest of all dispensations, but to learn to be led by the Spirit of God, to understand its whisperings, its inspiration, and if they do learn that and walk in the light that they will not be led astray. When those foolish vagaries that President Lund alluded to this morning, come along from time to time and lead some foolish people away from the straight and narrow path, we know by the Spirit what they are. They are not of God. They come to deceive, to darken the mind, to becloud the understanding, to lead people from that which God has shown to them to be the truth. True. Latter-day Saints have his peculiarity about them that they are born of God, by the water and the Spirit. And that Spirit is a spirit of revelation. It is a spirit of inspiration; it enlightens the soul, as that which we call artificial light lightens the natural eyes. These lamps that shine here today give the same kind of light that comes from the sun and from the moon and is a property and a manifestation of the spirit of truth, the light of truth, the intelligence that always existed, that never was created or made, the Spirit by which God operates throughout all His creations and by which He can learn about us whenever He desires, and behold us, and can hear and answer our prayers. It is a great puzzle to some people how it can possibly be that a person, an individual, of form and stature, occupying but one place at a time, can hear the prayers of His people or can comprehend them as David said He does: Said he: “There is not a thought of my heart but lo! O God, thou knowest it altogether. If I ascend up into heaven behold thou art there. If I descend down into hell behold thou art there: and if I take the wings of the morning and flee to the uttermost parts of the earth, there will Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand guide me.” Of course these expressions are somewhat figurative, but there is the great fact that God cap be omnipresent by the power of His universally diffused spirit which proceeds from His presence throughout the immensity of space, and He can see and discern all things by that power, as He told Enoch, and Moses also, as you can read in The Pearl of Great Price. Moses and Enoch were each lifted up so that they could see, measurably, as Deity sees and they beheld the multiplicity of the creations of God; and when Enoch declared that if a man could count the particles of the earth or of a million earths like this, that would not be a beginning to the number of God’s creations, then God told him, “Yea, and mine eye can pierce them all.” By the power of that Spirit he sees and comprehends and understands all things, and His watchful care and His mercies are over all His works. There is another thing connected with that, which you can understand if you will read the 10th chapter of the book of Daniel. I will not take time to read it. I don’t want to take up too much time. There are others to speak this afternoon. But do you read it. Daniel, the prophet, whose words are being fulfilled, many of them, in our own time, Daniel predicted and saw in vision the rising of the great kingdom of God in the latter days, to supersede and overcome all kingdoms upon the face of the earth. He prayed to God on a certain occasion and his words were not immediately answered, and he fasted and prayed and fasted and prayed but his words were not answered in the way that he expected, and after three weeks had passed by. a heavenly being appeared before him. an angel of God. and he fell down on the ground, and the angel said to him: ‘Stand up like a man and when he stood un he told him. “Daniel, from the day that thou didst set thine heart to understand and seek unto the Lord thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words: but the Prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days, and lo! Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me and now I have come for thy words.” Three weeks had passed by since Daniel commenced to pray for the blessing that he desired, and at length the messenger came to answer him and give him the asked-for information.
Here is something disclosed that gives a little key to those who wish to understand the world behind the veil, the spiritual world, that it is organized. As the Church of Christ is organized here on the earth with quorums and organizations and institutions in all their beauty and harmony and order, so it is in the spiritual sphere, and there are personages appointed for different positions and districts of that sphere, and they can proceed and act according to their office and authority and according to the sphere of their labor. This angel that came from the presence of God was fought by the powers of evil, evidently, and was withstood on the way for three weeks—one and twenty days. Sometimes our prayers then, are not immediately answered. Daniel’s was postponed until the time when the angel came. Reading that chapter and reflecting a little may open the eyes of some of us in regard to the operations of God in His great universe in the spiritual world as well as in the natural world.
And this is a certainty: If with our whole heart we seek God, God will draw near to us and we will find Him, not expecting, of course, that we will behold Him, visibly, that He will come down to everybody and appear in His personality, but by the power of His divine spirit. He will draw near to us and we will draw near to Him, and every Latter-day Saint who has really been born of the Spirit as well as of the water, understands something of this. I don’t know of any joy or pleasure, any sensation that is delightful, to be compared with beholding the visions of eternity by the power of the Holy Ghost, and to have the soul lifted up above sublunary things and all earthly and material matters, to draw near to God our Heavenly Father. He is our Father, the Father of our spirits. We came from Him. He has sent us here. We are here for a purpose and an object and He designs our progress, our development into the fulness of His own image and likeness and power and glory; but to understand Him and His ways and to enjoy His light and His presence and to find Him really, we must be quickened by the power of the Holy Ghost and those who seek the Lord and try to serve Him with all their heart and mind and strength, will be able to draw near unto Him.
I know this is true. When I was a boy I learned of this Gospel and I went to the Lord and inquired of Him concerning it. Not one of the family to which I belong embraced this Gospel, not one of my friends or associates in the different sects have received it so far as I have learned; but I went to the Lord myself. I believed in Him, I prayed to Him, and He enlightened my mind, He lit up my soul, He gave me a conviction of the truth of this work and I went forth and received the ordinance of baptism and the ordinance of confirmation by the laying on of hands by men appointed of God to minister in these ordinances. I received the remission of my sins. I received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and from that time to the present, I can testify that God has been with me on the land and on the sea, among the wicked and among the Saints. In all my labors and duties during the years that have intervened God has been “my refuge and strength;” in Him we shall prevail. Our enemies may continue their onslaughts: they may contemn the leaders of this Church as they are doing today; they may conspire against us, but we shall prevail, not because we are so wise or so mighty or so numerous, but because God is our refuge and our strength, and He hears our prayers, and He answers our requests when what we ask for is wise in Him to bestow.
We should remember that, my brethren and sisters. Sometimes in sickness, people call upon the Lord and they get angry because their prayers are not immediately answered. That is very foolish; we are all foolish, I suppose, to some extent, weak, for we are human: but we should understand that God is our Father, and fathers do not always give to their children everything they ask for. They know better than the children what they should have. So let us ask in faith and in trust, trust in God as well as faith in God, and keep His commandments, and all shall be well with us. and we will be guided of Him and inspired of Him and He will lead us in the path of life. Brethren and sisters, don’t let us leave prayers to God to times of trouble and sorrow and distress, but call upon the Lord in the morning and the evening, every day; and when we are full of joy and gladness call upon Him and offer our prayers of praise unto Him. We should praise the Lord with hallelujahs in our souls. If we can’t give them voice, like the choir has done so beautifully today; we can praise God in the soul: we can draw near to Him in gratitude for His mercies unto us, for they have been wonderful and manifold to this Church to which we belong. God has manifested His power from the beginning, and it will continue and will prevail.
Now let us understand another point, and that is, that when we pray to God, the Eternal Father, we pray to Him in the name of Jesus Christ, and Christ has promised that if even a few of us are agreed and call upon the Father in His name, what we ask for shall be granted. There is power in the name of Jesus the Christ.
I am glad to say before I sit down, that a splendid volume called “Jesus the Christ” has been issued from the press. Brother James E. Talmage of the Quorum of the Twelve was requested by the Presidency to write a real history of Christ. It begins away back in the beginning when He, as He has told us, was with the Father and was the first-born. It recounts His works from that time down, showing that the Jehovah of the Old Testament, was the Jesus of Nazareth of the New Testament. All this is set forth in excellent style, with quotations from ancient and modern revelations which make it a very valuable work for the Latter-day Saints in all their societies and organizations and in their private homes. I allude to this subject again so that you may not go astray. Some people get peculiar notions about who Jesus was. Understand, once for all, that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct individuals. We pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ the Son, under the influence and power and guidance of the Holy Ghost: and if we will walk in the ways that the Lord has pointed out, we will not go astray.
Any man who is imbued with the spirit of this Gospel will understand that God has established an order in His Church, for its guidance and government, as we heard this morning, and when men start up here and there and over yonder and pretend to be some great, one to set things in order, they should understand and we should understand that in the very beginning of the Church, right in the very beginning, the Lord revealed that if He had anything to reveal to His Church He would give it through the man that stands at the head, and that has been the rule ever since. The man who stands at the head holds the keys and power of revelation for the Church; but for individuals the blessing is free to all; the spirit shall be poured out upon all. I know that God inspires the soul of man. I know that God qualifies His servants, weak though they may be. for the works that they are required to perform; and I thank Him and praise Him this afternoon for His mercies to me in all my labors and travels and toils through my past life, and I praise Him for the privilege of being here with my brethren and sisters this afternoon. I invoke His blessings upon all.
May the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, be our constant guide and companion, that we may be able to subdue all that there is in us that is wrong and contrary to the divine will, and be led and guided and subject to the Father of our spirits, through Jesus Christ, the Son, and the influence and power of the Holy Ghost. May God bless you and help us all to be faithful and true and save us in His glorious kingdom, for Christ's sake. Amen.
Prof. Evan Stephens’ new hymn. “Loyal to the Truth and the Right,” was sung by the choir.
ELDER JOHN W. HART.
(President of Rigby Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I deem this a great privilege, and an honor to me personally, to be called by the President to occupy this position this afternoon. I can assure you that if I say anything that will be for our benefit the Lord will be responsible for it, and not me personally. It is very unexpected on my part to be honored with this call; and I might state farther that I have been suffering with a severe cold the past week, and I fear that I will not be able to satisfactorily occupy the time; but I pray that the Lord will be with us, that I may enjoy His help while I say a few words to you.
It was surely a great inspiration to me this morning to sit in the congregation and look in the faces of those on the stand, whom the Lord has chosen in this dispensation to have charge of His work in the earth; and to be called to occupy this position this afternoon, and face this vast audience, to me it is an added inspiration. It is a wonderful testimony to the Latter-day Saints to note the many representative people that have come from different parts of the earth, and do come to attend these general conferences, the business meetings of this great Church. The loyalty and devotion of those who have been selected to occupy positions in the Church is wonderful to me.
I could not help but reflect upon some things that were stated this morning by the President, and probably one statement of his that appealed to me and caused me to reflect more than any other was when he stated that the time had come when the adversaries’ efforts toward this people were growing weaker all the time. I can bear testimony to this statement my brethren and sisters. I come from the state of Idaho, where I have lived for over twenty years; I have seen the day there when a Latter-day Saint was not permitted to enjoy nor to exercise the privileges of citizenship, on account of his religion. I have seen, exhibited there, on the part of the enemies of this people, the greatest bitterness and antagonism I believe that existed anywhere since the Later-day Saints came to these valleys. I am glad, my brethren and sisters, to state in your hearing today that the bitterness, antagonism and unfriendly feeling have practically disappeared from our state, and our neighbors and friends with us are glad that it has gone, that it has left us. I want to say farther that our neighbors honor us for our sincerity of purpose, and our devotion to our religion, for our energetic efforts in furthering the principles of the Gospel in the parts of the state where we reside. We now have a high classed lot of people in Idaho who are not members of our Church, and they are willing and glad to meet with us, to enter into counsel with us to consider things, ways and means that are for the uplifting of the citizenship, for the inauguration and establishment of laws that would be for the betterment of all mankind. We are grateful and thankful that this condition prevails now.
The section of the country which the Latter-day Saints occupy, in that state, I believe is growing and progressing more rapidly than any other section where they live in these Western States. We are glad of this, and I believe that the people there are beginning to appreciate more fully the blessings of the Lord toward them, and the way that they are being prospered in their efforts, than they have done heretofore. We are grateful and thankful for this condition.
I want to say, my brethren and sisters, that I am proud to hold a membership in this Church. I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I know that the Lord is with us and that if we will continue to put forth our efforts for the establishment of truth in the earth, if we will go forward and battle against evil in the future as we have in the past, the time will come when truth and righteousness will conquer evil, and we will enjoy more fully the Spirit of the Lord, and peace and happiness will be in our midst more extensively.
I pray the blessings of the Lord upon this Church, upon those who have charge of its affairs, those who have been placed in authority, I hope and pray that they will have the Spirit of the Lord continually, that we may receive from them counsel and advice that will be for our good, and take it home to those over whom we preside, that they also may be benefitted by hearing the word of God, even if it does come second handed. I pray that the Lord will be with all who are occupying responsible positions, with the elders that go abroad, that they may continue to uphold the dignity of this Church, and that they may defend its principles loyally, and in a manner that will be acceptable in the sight of the Lord, in the future as they have in the past; that His blessings will precede them, and that they will be rewarded with the testimony of His work. May His testimony abide with us, may we have faith continually, and may we seek unto the Lord for guidance at all times, that we may receive the blessings that are in store for faithful Latter-day Saints, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Rigby Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I deem this a great privilege, and an honor to me personally, to be called by the President to occupy this position this afternoon. I can assure you that if I say anything that will be for our benefit the Lord will be responsible for it, and not me personally. It is very unexpected on my part to be honored with this call; and I might state farther that I have been suffering with a severe cold the past week, and I fear that I will not be able to satisfactorily occupy the time; but I pray that the Lord will be with us, that I may enjoy His help while I say a few words to you.
It was surely a great inspiration to me this morning to sit in the congregation and look in the faces of those on the stand, whom the Lord has chosen in this dispensation to have charge of His work in the earth; and to be called to occupy this position this afternoon, and face this vast audience, to me it is an added inspiration. It is a wonderful testimony to the Latter-day Saints to note the many representative people that have come from different parts of the earth, and do come to attend these general conferences, the business meetings of this great Church. The loyalty and devotion of those who have been selected to occupy positions in the Church is wonderful to me.
I could not help but reflect upon some things that were stated this morning by the President, and probably one statement of his that appealed to me and caused me to reflect more than any other was when he stated that the time had come when the adversaries’ efforts toward this people were growing weaker all the time. I can bear testimony to this statement my brethren and sisters. I come from the state of Idaho, where I have lived for over twenty years; I have seen the day there when a Latter-day Saint was not permitted to enjoy nor to exercise the privileges of citizenship, on account of his religion. I have seen, exhibited there, on the part of the enemies of this people, the greatest bitterness and antagonism I believe that existed anywhere since the Later-day Saints came to these valleys. I am glad, my brethren and sisters, to state in your hearing today that the bitterness, antagonism and unfriendly feeling have practically disappeared from our state, and our neighbors and friends with us are glad that it has gone, that it has left us. I want to say farther that our neighbors honor us for our sincerity of purpose, and our devotion to our religion, for our energetic efforts in furthering the principles of the Gospel in the parts of the state where we reside. We now have a high classed lot of people in Idaho who are not members of our Church, and they are willing and glad to meet with us, to enter into counsel with us to consider things, ways and means that are for the uplifting of the citizenship, for the inauguration and establishment of laws that would be for the betterment of all mankind. We are grateful and thankful that this condition prevails now.
The section of the country which the Latter-day Saints occupy, in that state, I believe is growing and progressing more rapidly than any other section where they live in these Western States. We are glad of this, and I believe that the people there are beginning to appreciate more fully the blessings of the Lord toward them, and the way that they are being prospered in their efforts, than they have done heretofore. We are grateful and thankful for this condition.
I want to say, my brethren and sisters, that I am proud to hold a membership in this Church. I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I know that the Lord is with us and that if we will continue to put forth our efforts for the establishment of truth in the earth, if we will go forward and battle against evil in the future as we have in the past, the time will come when truth and righteousness will conquer evil, and we will enjoy more fully the Spirit of the Lord, and peace and happiness will be in our midst more extensively.
I pray the blessings of the Lord upon this Church, upon those who have charge of its affairs, those who have been placed in authority, I hope and pray that they will have the Spirit of the Lord continually, that we may receive from them counsel and advice that will be for our good, and take it home to those over whom we preside, that they also may be benefitted by hearing the word of God, even if it does come second handed. I pray that the Lord will be with all who are occupying responsible positions, with the elders that go abroad, that they may continue to uphold the dignity of this Church, and that they may defend its principles loyally, and in a manner that will be acceptable in the sight of the Lord, in the future as they have in the past; that His blessings will precede them, and that they will be rewarded with the testimony of His work. May His testimony abide with us, may we have faith continually, and may we seek unto the Lord for guidance at all times, that we may receive the blessings that are in store for faithful Latter-day Saints, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER MARK AUSTIN.
(President of Fremont Stake.)
I, too, am very grateful, my brethren and sisters, for this opportunity of bringing to you the greeting and good feeling of the people of the Fremont Stake of Zion. I desire to say unto you that they are very much interested in the work of God in the earth. They are a good people, and the Lord has abundantly blessed them in the land to which they have gone under the direction of the prophets of God.
I have been very much interested in the remarks, teachings, counsel and advice we have received in this conference from President Smith, and the other brethren who have addressed us. Surely we can say in our hearts we are blessed of God. He has given unto Israel mighty men, clothed with the power of the holy priesthood for the blessing and salvation of the souls of men. We have listened to President Hart, who has lived in Idaho, as he has said, for twenty years. Because of his life and conduct, his straightforwardness in dealing with the people of Idaho, they have respected and honored him in their legislative assemblies; and everywhere that he has gone he has brought honor to our people. We are blessed by the labors of Brother Hart and those who are associated with him, and we are very grateful for this. The Lord softens the hearts of good men and women of the world, who have misunderstood us, when they come to know us; if they love righteousness.
I pray that the Lord may bless us and help us to understand the great mission that has been, given to us in the world, to teach men the truth, and when they know it they shall be made free. When men speak unkindly of those whom the Lord has called to positions in the Church, surely they are not our friends, or they would let us rest in peace, in the enjoyment of our right to happiness. But when some cry out falsely things that disturb our peace, surely those can not be regarded as our friends, and we feel justified in warning the Latter-day Saints against them. If a man loves you he will not try to disturb your happy condition. They who are unhappy, and desire to have you likewise, are inspired by Satan, like the adversaries of this work, who accomplished the martyrdom of the Prophet and his brother, and other faithful elders of this Church. Their power ends with the destruction of life, they are not able to go further. The old prophet said, “Fear God who may destroy both the body and the soul in hell.” We have no need to fear men who have power to harm the body only.
I thank God that He has called such splendid men to lead us, whose lives are an example of righteousness. God’s work is going onward and upward; and one stands at the head today who is fearless as a lion in defense of truth and righteousness. He has the admiration of good men and women in all the world, when they understand his motives. His counselors, the chosen twelve, and all the general authorities of the Church are also righteous men.
May the Lord bless us and help us to be loyal, in accord with the song that has just been sung. We should be thankful for the prophets and the poets; may the Lord bless them, and help us all to understand and properly perform our mission in the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Eight young girls, under direction of Sister Lizzie T. Edward, sang “The Lost Chord.”
(President of Fremont Stake.)
I, too, am very grateful, my brethren and sisters, for this opportunity of bringing to you the greeting and good feeling of the people of the Fremont Stake of Zion. I desire to say unto you that they are very much interested in the work of God in the earth. They are a good people, and the Lord has abundantly blessed them in the land to which they have gone under the direction of the prophets of God.
I have been very much interested in the remarks, teachings, counsel and advice we have received in this conference from President Smith, and the other brethren who have addressed us. Surely we can say in our hearts we are blessed of God. He has given unto Israel mighty men, clothed with the power of the holy priesthood for the blessing and salvation of the souls of men. We have listened to President Hart, who has lived in Idaho, as he has said, for twenty years. Because of his life and conduct, his straightforwardness in dealing with the people of Idaho, they have respected and honored him in their legislative assemblies; and everywhere that he has gone he has brought honor to our people. We are blessed by the labors of Brother Hart and those who are associated with him, and we are very grateful for this. The Lord softens the hearts of good men and women of the world, who have misunderstood us, when they come to know us; if they love righteousness.
I pray that the Lord may bless us and help us to understand the great mission that has been, given to us in the world, to teach men the truth, and when they know it they shall be made free. When men speak unkindly of those whom the Lord has called to positions in the Church, surely they are not our friends, or they would let us rest in peace, in the enjoyment of our right to happiness. But when some cry out falsely things that disturb our peace, surely those can not be regarded as our friends, and we feel justified in warning the Latter-day Saints against them. If a man loves you he will not try to disturb your happy condition. They who are unhappy, and desire to have you likewise, are inspired by Satan, like the adversaries of this work, who accomplished the martyrdom of the Prophet and his brother, and other faithful elders of this Church. Their power ends with the destruction of life, they are not able to go further. The old prophet said, “Fear God who may destroy both the body and the soul in hell.” We have no need to fear men who have power to harm the body only.
I thank God that He has called such splendid men to lead us, whose lives are an example of righteousness. God’s work is going onward and upward; and one stands at the head today who is fearless as a lion in defense of truth and righteousness. He has the admiration of good men and women in all the world, when they understand his motives. His counselors, the chosen twelve, and all the general authorities of the Church are also righteous men.
May the Lord bless us and help us to be loyal, in accord with the song that has just been sung. We should be thankful for the prophets and the poets; may the Lord bless them, and help us all to understand and properly perform our mission in the world, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Eight young girls, under direction of Sister Lizzie T. Edward, sang “The Lost Chord.”
ELDER WALTER P. MONSON.
(President of Eastern States Mission.)
I am deeply gratified for this opportunity of standing before you for a few moments this afternoon, bringing a word of good cheer from the Elders and scattered Saints who are living in the Eastern States mission, on the northeastern borders of this great republic, and also in the four eastern provinces of Canada. I trust that what I shall say, my brethren and sisters, will be actuated and inspired by the Holy Spirit. In and of myself I feel wholly incapable of edifying you. I often think of the example which Joseph, who was sold by his brethren into Egypt, furnishes. When he was brought from the dungeon, after he had prepared himself to go into the august presence of King Pharaoh, on which occasion he was required to give an interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, which had troubled him, he stated, “It is not in me, yet God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” I have found through my experience in the mission field, and at home, that the Lord will not leave those who are engaged in His service, so he finds cleanliness and devotion in long as they will put their trust in' their lives, he is compelled to change Him.
Today the thought has been passing through my mind, what would a mature person answer who should land upon the eastern shores of the United States, when asked, “Have you investigated Mormonism?” He may say, “I have never heard of such doctrine.” Perhaps he would set out in search for the truth or falsity of what the world would call “Mormonism.” He may go to one of the theatres in New York City, and he will find “Mormonism” made the coarse and vulgar jest of the wicked. He might go to the churches of New York City, and other eastern centers, and find the maledictions of the preachers poured out almost in liquid eloquence against this people. He will go upon the street corners and he will hear “Mormonism” spoken of as a hiss and a by-word. Eventually he may encounter two young men standing fearlessly before the passing crowd declaring that God has spoken from the heavens unto His Prophet Joseph Smith, and has revealed His mind and will to the children of men in this age as in former years. He might be impressed with the sincerity of these young and faithful ministers, and conclude to read some of their literature, and finally decide that he will come to where these people live, that he might learn for himself what “Mormonism” really is. He enters the valleys of these mountains, he sees the beautiful shade trees, and the orchards overburdened with fruit, the fields and the farms well cultivated and luxuriant with golden grain. Every way he turns there is beauty and thrift. When he associates with the people, his erroneous opinion of “Mormonism” to what it really is. He would say, “If this is the fruits of the system that has been mocked and made the subject of coarse theatre jests, and paraded ludicrously upon the vaudeville stage of this country, and has been made a theme of reproach in many a pulpit, then I say, ‘God speed Mormonism.’ ” “By their fruits shall ye know them,” and not by what their enemies say of them. I am sometimes constrained to wish that some of you western people could partake of the “luxuries” that we are having in the East. Conditions are not all pacific, I will say, in the East. There are all manner of representatives of various anti-Mormon organizations trying to deceive the people in regard to what we believe, and with words of eloquence they are blinding the eyes of many good and honest-hearted people. Comparatively speaking, we are just a mere handful, and though I speak of the Eastern States Mission, especially, the same may be said of all the missions in the United States, and those in Europe also. Missionaries clothed in the robes of the holy priesthood, going out meeting and contending with the education and the training of men of the world, missionaries who have not been met squarely, who have not been treated fairly, they are declaring that God lives, and is revealing His mind and will to the children of men. Some of the reports of our opponents’ efforts that come to our notice occasionally are not without comedy. I have with me a few newspaper clippings, which come from a Press Clipping Bureau, and I want to bring some of these “luxuries” home to you. I will read only three of them. Here is one from the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Inquirer under date of April 29th, 1915, quite recent:
PERIL SEEN IN MORMONISM.
Speaker Warns Mothers That Daughters Are in Danger.
“Mothers, it is time your eyes are opened to the dangers that threaten your daughters, that attend the high schools and colleges in this country," declared Mrs. May Leonard Woodfurd, recording secretary of the Women’s Home Mission Society, at the quarterly meeting of the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was held yesterday at the Arch Street M. E. Church, Broad and Arch Streets.
“Mrs. Woodford spoke of the number of people in this country, amounting, she said, to 68,000,000, that profess Christian religions. She spoke of the growth of ‘Mormonism’ in the Eastern States.”
[Now she is dealing with something that we know a little bit about.] “‘The Mormon Church has 2200 missionaries in and around Pittsburgh alone.’ ” [Laughter.]
I felt compelled to compliment Elder Watson, who is presiding over that conference. I turned to him, and to the four elders who were laboring in that great city, and said, “President Watson, you and your companions are a considerable crowd.”
“She said, they are attending schools and colleges, and frequently induced good girls to adopt the monstrosity they call religion.’
“The Membership Committee, consisting of Mrs. Seymour Eaton and Mrs. Leonard Woodford, announce an increase of fifteen hundred members [of the Mormon Church in that district] during the last quarter of this year.”
We are glad to know we are making this progress, and I am not sure but what there is some truth in the report from their point of view; not from our records, however. These people, who are thus antagonizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hold that all that is necessary for a person to do in order to join their church is to go to their prayer meeting and say, “I believe.” I am very grateful for Mrs. Woodruff’s opinion that there are fifteen hundred people who have gone to the ministers and said, “I believe in Mormonism but they haven't had the courage to be baptized yet. The harvest is coming.
At our conference six months ago a report was read of the expenditures of tithing paid during 1914, which amounted to nearly two million dollars. Here is a clipping taken from the Lutheran’s publication under date August 15th, 1915, even more recent than the last clipping:
“The advantages of centralized authority, and of a well-developed financial system, are well illustrated in the achievements of Mormonism. The hierarchy has just issued a report which accounts for nearly two billion dollars received in tithes the past year.” [Laughter.]
If the Church population is five hundred thousand, that makes four thousand dollars each individual paid in tithing. (Laughter.) I call upon all to give some substantial reason why an organization whose members are capable of earning forty thousand dollars each per year and of paving four thousand dollars each in tithes, should be opposed. Nor do the reports seem to be in consonance with each other. Of course everything must be true when it is against the “Mormons.” It is really surprising to see how some people will swallow bait, sinker and all. Here is a clipping from the Meadville Pennsylvania Messenger, September 15th, 1915, so recent that the ink almost smears under my fingers:
“Interesting Lecture on Mormonism.
“By Mrs. Deifenderfor in First Presbyterian Churches.
“Some startling facts concerning Mormonism were really brought to light by the lecture of Mrs. Deifenderfor at the Presbyterian Church. The following are a few extracts.
“Mormonism is the most highly organized institution in the world today. So perfect is the machinery that a command can be flashed from the head to its most remote member in just forty minutes.” [Laughter.]
“It numbers millions of adherents.” [Did you get that?] [Laughter.] “It numbers millions of adherents, and has at least three colonies in every state of our Union. It has. established churches in New York City,” [I wish that were true.] “in Chicago, and many other cities, and has two hundred missionaries in Pittsburgh.”
Someone has made a mistake of at least two thousand missionaries. One says two thousand two hundred and another says two hundred. We are being “exposed” before the world, and a great many honesthearted people are writing to our headquarters asking for literature, and we are only too pleased to supply the same, sending it by special messengers who have been set apart for that work; and we believe the work is growing. The sentiment is changing, notwithstanding the great effort that is being put forth by the adversary of men's souls to thwart the purposes of the Lord in sending this Gospel message to the ends of the earth. I feel we are camping on higher ground every night. We are trying to carry to the hearts of the children of men the doctrine of love for mankind, that man should love men as brothers, and that all should love and respect and obey God, our Father in heaven, as a father.
Now may the peace of our heavenly Father abide in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints forever, I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(President of Eastern States Mission.)
I am deeply gratified for this opportunity of standing before you for a few moments this afternoon, bringing a word of good cheer from the Elders and scattered Saints who are living in the Eastern States mission, on the northeastern borders of this great republic, and also in the four eastern provinces of Canada. I trust that what I shall say, my brethren and sisters, will be actuated and inspired by the Holy Spirit. In and of myself I feel wholly incapable of edifying you. I often think of the example which Joseph, who was sold by his brethren into Egypt, furnishes. When he was brought from the dungeon, after he had prepared himself to go into the august presence of King Pharaoh, on which occasion he was required to give an interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, which had troubled him, he stated, “It is not in me, yet God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” I have found through my experience in the mission field, and at home, that the Lord will not leave those who are engaged in His service, so he finds cleanliness and devotion in long as they will put their trust in' their lives, he is compelled to change Him.
Today the thought has been passing through my mind, what would a mature person answer who should land upon the eastern shores of the United States, when asked, “Have you investigated Mormonism?” He may say, “I have never heard of such doctrine.” Perhaps he would set out in search for the truth or falsity of what the world would call “Mormonism.” He may go to one of the theatres in New York City, and he will find “Mormonism” made the coarse and vulgar jest of the wicked. He might go to the churches of New York City, and other eastern centers, and find the maledictions of the preachers poured out almost in liquid eloquence against this people. He will go upon the street corners and he will hear “Mormonism” spoken of as a hiss and a by-word. Eventually he may encounter two young men standing fearlessly before the passing crowd declaring that God has spoken from the heavens unto His Prophet Joseph Smith, and has revealed His mind and will to the children of men in this age as in former years. He might be impressed with the sincerity of these young and faithful ministers, and conclude to read some of their literature, and finally decide that he will come to where these people live, that he might learn for himself what “Mormonism” really is. He enters the valleys of these mountains, he sees the beautiful shade trees, and the orchards overburdened with fruit, the fields and the farms well cultivated and luxuriant with golden grain. Every way he turns there is beauty and thrift. When he associates with the people, his erroneous opinion of “Mormonism” to what it really is. He would say, “If this is the fruits of the system that has been mocked and made the subject of coarse theatre jests, and paraded ludicrously upon the vaudeville stage of this country, and has been made a theme of reproach in many a pulpit, then I say, ‘God speed Mormonism.’ ” “By their fruits shall ye know them,” and not by what their enemies say of them. I am sometimes constrained to wish that some of you western people could partake of the “luxuries” that we are having in the East. Conditions are not all pacific, I will say, in the East. There are all manner of representatives of various anti-Mormon organizations trying to deceive the people in regard to what we believe, and with words of eloquence they are blinding the eyes of many good and honest-hearted people. Comparatively speaking, we are just a mere handful, and though I speak of the Eastern States Mission, especially, the same may be said of all the missions in the United States, and those in Europe also. Missionaries clothed in the robes of the holy priesthood, going out meeting and contending with the education and the training of men of the world, missionaries who have not been met squarely, who have not been treated fairly, they are declaring that God lives, and is revealing His mind and will to the children of men. Some of the reports of our opponents’ efforts that come to our notice occasionally are not without comedy. I have with me a few newspaper clippings, which come from a Press Clipping Bureau, and I want to bring some of these “luxuries” home to you. I will read only three of them. Here is one from the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Inquirer under date of April 29th, 1915, quite recent:
PERIL SEEN IN MORMONISM.
Speaker Warns Mothers That Daughters Are in Danger.
“Mothers, it is time your eyes are opened to the dangers that threaten your daughters, that attend the high schools and colleges in this country," declared Mrs. May Leonard Woodfurd, recording secretary of the Women’s Home Mission Society, at the quarterly meeting of the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was held yesterday at the Arch Street M. E. Church, Broad and Arch Streets.
“Mrs. Woodford spoke of the number of people in this country, amounting, she said, to 68,000,000, that profess Christian religions. She spoke of the growth of ‘Mormonism’ in the Eastern States.”
[Now she is dealing with something that we know a little bit about.] “‘The Mormon Church has 2200 missionaries in and around Pittsburgh alone.’ ” [Laughter.]
I felt compelled to compliment Elder Watson, who is presiding over that conference. I turned to him, and to the four elders who were laboring in that great city, and said, “President Watson, you and your companions are a considerable crowd.”
“She said, they are attending schools and colleges, and frequently induced good girls to adopt the monstrosity they call religion.’
“The Membership Committee, consisting of Mrs. Seymour Eaton and Mrs. Leonard Woodford, announce an increase of fifteen hundred members [of the Mormon Church in that district] during the last quarter of this year.”
We are glad to know we are making this progress, and I am not sure but what there is some truth in the report from their point of view; not from our records, however. These people, who are thus antagonizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hold that all that is necessary for a person to do in order to join their church is to go to their prayer meeting and say, “I believe.” I am very grateful for Mrs. Woodruff’s opinion that there are fifteen hundred people who have gone to the ministers and said, “I believe in Mormonism but they haven't had the courage to be baptized yet. The harvest is coming.
At our conference six months ago a report was read of the expenditures of tithing paid during 1914, which amounted to nearly two million dollars. Here is a clipping taken from the Lutheran’s publication under date August 15th, 1915, even more recent than the last clipping:
“The advantages of centralized authority, and of a well-developed financial system, are well illustrated in the achievements of Mormonism. The hierarchy has just issued a report which accounts for nearly two billion dollars received in tithes the past year.” [Laughter.]
If the Church population is five hundred thousand, that makes four thousand dollars each individual paid in tithing. (Laughter.) I call upon all to give some substantial reason why an organization whose members are capable of earning forty thousand dollars each per year and of paving four thousand dollars each in tithes, should be opposed. Nor do the reports seem to be in consonance with each other. Of course everything must be true when it is against the “Mormons.” It is really surprising to see how some people will swallow bait, sinker and all. Here is a clipping from the Meadville Pennsylvania Messenger, September 15th, 1915, so recent that the ink almost smears under my fingers:
“Interesting Lecture on Mormonism.
“By Mrs. Deifenderfor in First Presbyterian Churches.
“Some startling facts concerning Mormonism were really brought to light by the lecture of Mrs. Deifenderfor at the Presbyterian Church. The following are a few extracts.
“Mormonism is the most highly organized institution in the world today. So perfect is the machinery that a command can be flashed from the head to its most remote member in just forty minutes.” [Laughter.]
“It numbers millions of adherents.” [Did you get that?] [Laughter.] “It numbers millions of adherents, and has at least three colonies in every state of our Union. It has. established churches in New York City,” [I wish that were true.] “in Chicago, and many other cities, and has two hundred missionaries in Pittsburgh.”
Someone has made a mistake of at least two thousand missionaries. One says two thousand two hundred and another says two hundred. We are being “exposed” before the world, and a great many honesthearted people are writing to our headquarters asking for literature, and we are only too pleased to supply the same, sending it by special messengers who have been set apart for that work; and we believe the work is growing. The sentiment is changing, notwithstanding the great effort that is being put forth by the adversary of men's souls to thwart the purposes of the Lord in sending this Gospel message to the ends of the earth. I feel we are camping on higher ground every night. We are trying to carry to the hearts of the children of men the doctrine of love for mankind, that man should love men as brothers, and that all should love and respect and obey God, our Father in heaven, as a father.
Now may the peace of our heavenly Father abide in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints forever, I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
ELDER CHARLES A. CALLIS.
(President of Southern States Mission.)
The Book of Mormon declares that when we are engaged in the service of our fellow men we are only engaged in the service of our God. The service that wives and mothers in Israel, and the fathers, and the missionaries are rendering is as sacred in the sight of God as the service that angels are rendering around the throne of the Almighty. In the 17th chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, it is said that Jesus healed ten lepers; of the ten that were healed only one came back to glorify God. The sin of ingratitude is a most abhorrent one. I wonder if the account of this healing was intended for the admonition of Israel. I wonder if we who have been favored of God in our crops, and have been blessed in our basket and in our store, sometimes forget to glorify God by paying our tithing and by worshiping the Almighty with all our mind, and might, and heart and soul.
I believe, brethren and sisters, we ought not to look too far into the distant future, I believe there are blessings around and about us. Recently, when a photographer in Atlanta was taking the picture of our recently erected Church edifice, he invited me to look on the plate and I was endeavoring to look through the plate and could discern nothing; but he said to me: “Mr. Callis, look on the plate; don’t try to look through it;” and then I beheld a beautiful picture. On every hand, are testimonies of the truth of this Gospel. There are mighty prophecies being fulfilled now at our very doors that we can rejoice in and have our faith strengthened thereby.
When the President of the Church stood up this morning and announced the blessed news that a temple was to be erected on one of the far distant islands of the sea, I said in my heart that that glorious prediction, that the spirit and power of Elijah would be manifested in this dispensation among this people is being gloriously and splendidly fulfilled.
For these splendid things that are happening in our midst, for the great men who preside over us, for this great Gospel, for Israel—for Israel is a splendid people—I thank God, and bear testimony that this is the work of God and that we are the people of God; in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, “The Judgment;” the solos were rendered by Esther D. Stephens and Horace S. Ensign.
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith pronounced the benediction.
Conference adjourned until Monday, October 4th, at 10 a. m.
(President of Southern States Mission.)
The Book of Mormon declares that when we are engaged in the service of our fellow men we are only engaged in the service of our God. The service that wives and mothers in Israel, and the fathers, and the missionaries are rendering is as sacred in the sight of God as the service that angels are rendering around the throne of the Almighty. In the 17th chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, it is said that Jesus healed ten lepers; of the ten that were healed only one came back to glorify God. The sin of ingratitude is a most abhorrent one. I wonder if the account of this healing was intended for the admonition of Israel. I wonder if we who have been favored of God in our crops, and have been blessed in our basket and in our store, sometimes forget to glorify God by paying our tithing and by worshiping the Almighty with all our mind, and might, and heart and soul.
I believe, brethren and sisters, we ought not to look too far into the distant future, I believe there are blessings around and about us. Recently, when a photographer in Atlanta was taking the picture of our recently erected Church edifice, he invited me to look on the plate and I was endeavoring to look through the plate and could discern nothing; but he said to me: “Mr. Callis, look on the plate; don’t try to look through it;” and then I beheld a beautiful picture. On every hand, are testimonies of the truth of this Gospel. There are mighty prophecies being fulfilled now at our very doors that we can rejoice in and have our faith strengthened thereby.
When the President of the Church stood up this morning and announced the blessed news that a temple was to be erected on one of the far distant islands of the sea, I said in my heart that that glorious prediction, that the spirit and power of Elijah would be manifested in this dispensation among this people is being gloriously and splendidly fulfilled.
For these splendid things that are happening in our midst, for the great men who preside over us, for this great Gospel, for Israel—for Israel is a splendid people—I thank God, and bear testimony that this is the work of God and that we are the people of God; in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, “The Judgment;” the solos were rendered by Esther D. Stephens and Horace S. Ensign.
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith pronounced the benediction.
Conference adjourned until Monday, October 4th, at 10 a. m.
SECOND OVERFLOW MEETING.
Another meeting of the Conference was held in the Assembly Hall, at 2 p. m., at which Elder George F. Richards presided. Forest Dale and Richards Ward choirs, under direction of T. Albert Hooper, furnished the music.
The anthem, “Awake and Arise,” was sung by the choir.
Prayer was offered by Elder John R. Barnes.
The choir sang the hymn, “Ye simple souls who stray.”
Another meeting of the Conference was held in the Assembly Hall, at 2 p. m., at which Elder George F. Richards presided. Forest Dale and Richards Ward choirs, under direction of T. Albert Hooper, furnished the music.
The anthem, “Awake and Arise,” was sung by the choir.
Prayer was offered by Elder John R. Barnes.
The choir sang the hymn, “Ye simple souls who stray.”
ELDER EDWARD H. SNOW.
(President of St. George Stake.)
My brethren and sisters. Although your faces are new and strange to me, yet I know that your hearts beat with mine, in the same desire and the same aspirations. Therefore, in responding to this call this afternoon, I do so with the assurance in my heart that you have come up here to worship the Lord. and to receive encouragement and strength to help you to keep the vows, covenants and obligations which you have made unto the Lord as His covenant people. It is these covenants and vows which we have made that make us a peculiar people, the people of God, and which characterize Us differently from all other peoples of the earth. Because of the reverence and faith we have in those who preside over us we are thought not to be as independent in our lives as other people, but we have learned the principle of the freedom of obedience. We have tried and tested the advice of the leaders of this Church and people, for so many years that we have perfect confidence in what they advise and teach us as being the mind and the will of the Lord. And, in carrying out their teachings in our lives, the Spirit of the Lord has uniformly borne testimony to us we are truly shown the way of life, truth and righteousness.
In listening to the words of President Smith this morning, I thought of the principle that sometimes is inculcated in political platforms, to the effect that a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential for the perpetuity of the liberties of mankind, that it is necessary for us to go back to the simple life; it is necessary for us to remember the foundation stones and principles upon which our body politic is founded and upon which it rests; and upon which our rights, both social and personal are founded. We must not forget them, but that we must live them in our political life if we would preserve our political liberty. Likewise, President Smith has called us back to the fundamental principles of our home life, of our individual duties as-members of the Church. He has warned us against any departure from them, and has pointed out the benefits that would follow the performance of our duties, humbly and fully, as Latter-day Saints.
In every age, where God has had a people upon the earth, the cry has gone forth to repent of waywardness and indifference, and turn to God. The prophets of old exhorted Israel: “Turn, O back-sliding Israel, return to your God and to the ways and to the teachings of the prophets.” The Savior of the world cried out to Israel: “How often would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not.” The call of President Smith to the Saints to practice the minor as well as the weightier matters of the law is to us the word of the Lord. It means that we must, in our homes and in our wards and in our stakes, if we have departed from those simple, fundamental principles, go back to them, if we would maintain the truth and righteousness so characteristic of the people of God. All that we have accomplished as a people in this western commonwealth, and as a Church, has been accomplished because of obedience to these fundamental principles of the Gospel.
We must remember the Lord; we must be grateful to Him, night and morning, for the blessings that we receive. We must not forget to thank Him for bounties with which He has blessed us; we must not forget to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, to go to the house of the Lord upon the Sabbath day and partake of the sacrament. and worship with the Saints of God. We must not forget to pay our tithes and our offerings in the day and the season thereof. We must not forget to show by our acts and by our lives that we are in fellowship with our brethren and sisters, and that we uphold and sustain those who preside over us. These, my brethren and sisters, are some of the fundamental principles, some of the fundamental duties, of Latter-day Saints, and it is the doing of these duties, and the observance of the law of the Lord, which makes us strong and vigorous as a people, not only physically but intellectually and spiritually. and gives us power and influence in the earth for good among the honest and virtuous of the earth.
There is an oft-repeated passage in the New Testament, of Paul's, that he was not ashamed of the Gospel. for it was the power of God unto salvation. The Gospel. if we live it. is the power of God unto Salvation. Salvation, as the Prophet Joseph Smith interpreted it, means the placing of us beyond the power of all our enemies. Now these enemies are not personal enemies. They are not enemies of the flesh in the form of men that we are afraid of; but they are our own weaknesses, the weaknesses with which, perhaps, we were born, the weaknesses that perhaps we have acquired through bad habits which we have formed. The observance of the laws of the Gospel gives us power over all such enemies, in short, saves us from them. For instance. if we obey the Word of Wisdom by persisting year after year in the abstinence of the use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and intoxicating liquors. does not this persistence in this habit, and this determination on our part to keen this rule of life become so rooted in our natures and in our lives, and in our very existence. that we are saved from their degenerating influence? Thus the Gospel, so far as this one principle is concerned, has become to us the power of God unto salvation. We are saved from that enemy; we have overcome it. The strength of being clean proves effectually that the Gospel indeed, is the power of God unto salvation.
Likewise in the payment of our tithes and offerings. If we have paid our tithing honestly and scrupulously in the time and the season thereof for years and years, it has become to us the power of God unto salvation, because the temptations of the flesh, the sordidness with which we are possessed, and the love of money, are rooted out of our systems. It is no longer a temptation to us to retain that for our use which rightfully belongs to the Lord. We never think of withholding it. So we might go on from one principle to another, and we should find that if we persist in obeying principles of righteousness such persistence becomes unto us the power of God unto salvation, not only here but hereafter, for our salvation hereafter, we know, depends upon our life here.
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you in this gospel. I am thankful beyond words to express that I was born in the Church, of good parents. I am thankful for the influences that the Gospel has had upon my life. There is nothing that I would exchange my faith in this Gospel for. There is no wealth, no influence, nor possession for which I would exchange the simple faith that I have in God, and the knowledge that I have, that this is the kingdom of God, the Church of God. and that it is being led by the influence and power of God.
May the Lord bless us, and sanctify all, that we may receive during this conference to our good, that our determination shall be to do the will of God and keep His commandments, that we may enjoy salvation, here and hereafter; which I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of St. George Stake.)
My brethren and sisters. Although your faces are new and strange to me, yet I know that your hearts beat with mine, in the same desire and the same aspirations. Therefore, in responding to this call this afternoon, I do so with the assurance in my heart that you have come up here to worship the Lord. and to receive encouragement and strength to help you to keep the vows, covenants and obligations which you have made unto the Lord as His covenant people. It is these covenants and vows which we have made that make us a peculiar people, the people of God, and which characterize Us differently from all other peoples of the earth. Because of the reverence and faith we have in those who preside over us we are thought not to be as independent in our lives as other people, but we have learned the principle of the freedom of obedience. We have tried and tested the advice of the leaders of this Church and people, for so many years that we have perfect confidence in what they advise and teach us as being the mind and the will of the Lord. And, in carrying out their teachings in our lives, the Spirit of the Lord has uniformly borne testimony to us we are truly shown the way of life, truth and righteousness.
In listening to the words of President Smith this morning, I thought of the principle that sometimes is inculcated in political platforms, to the effect that a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential for the perpetuity of the liberties of mankind, that it is necessary for us to go back to the simple life; it is necessary for us to remember the foundation stones and principles upon which our body politic is founded and upon which it rests; and upon which our rights, both social and personal are founded. We must not forget them, but that we must live them in our political life if we would preserve our political liberty. Likewise, President Smith has called us back to the fundamental principles of our home life, of our individual duties as-members of the Church. He has warned us against any departure from them, and has pointed out the benefits that would follow the performance of our duties, humbly and fully, as Latter-day Saints.
In every age, where God has had a people upon the earth, the cry has gone forth to repent of waywardness and indifference, and turn to God. The prophets of old exhorted Israel: “Turn, O back-sliding Israel, return to your God and to the ways and to the teachings of the prophets.” The Savior of the world cried out to Israel: “How often would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not.” The call of President Smith to the Saints to practice the minor as well as the weightier matters of the law is to us the word of the Lord. It means that we must, in our homes and in our wards and in our stakes, if we have departed from those simple, fundamental principles, go back to them, if we would maintain the truth and righteousness so characteristic of the people of God. All that we have accomplished as a people in this western commonwealth, and as a Church, has been accomplished because of obedience to these fundamental principles of the Gospel.
We must remember the Lord; we must be grateful to Him, night and morning, for the blessings that we receive. We must not forget to thank Him for bounties with which He has blessed us; we must not forget to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, to go to the house of the Lord upon the Sabbath day and partake of the sacrament. and worship with the Saints of God. We must not forget to pay our tithes and our offerings in the day and the season thereof. We must not forget to show by our acts and by our lives that we are in fellowship with our brethren and sisters, and that we uphold and sustain those who preside over us. These, my brethren and sisters, are some of the fundamental principles, some of the fundamental duties, of Latter-day Saints, and it is the doing of these duties, and the observance of the law of the Lord, which makes us strong and vigorous as a people, not only physically but intellectually and spiritually. and gives us power and influence in the earth for good among the honest and virtuous of the earth.
There is an oft-repeated passage in the New Testament, of Paul's, that he was not ashamed of the Gospel. for it was the power of God unto salvation. The Gospel. if we live it. is the power of God unto Salvation. Salvation, as the Prophet Joseph Smith interpreted it, means the placing of us beyond the power of all our enemies. Now these enemies are not personal enemies. They are not enemies of the flesh in the form of men that we are afraid of; but they are our own weaknesses, the weaknesses with which, perhaps, we were born, the weaknesses that perhaps we have acquired through bad habits which we have formed. The observance of the laws of the Gospel gives us power over all such enemies, in short, saves us from them. For instance. if we obey the Word of Wisdom by persisting year after year in the abstinence of the use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and intoxicating liquors. does not this persistence in this habit, and this determination on our part to keen this rule of life become so rooted in our natures and in our lives, and in our very existence. that we are saved from their degenerating influence? Thus the Gospel, so far as this one principle is concerned, has become to us the power of God unto salvation. We are saved from that enemy; we have overcome it. The strength of being clean proves effectually that the Gospel indeed, is the power of God unto salvation.
Likewise in the payment of our tithes and offerings. If we have paid our tithing honestly and scrupulously in the time and the season thereof for years and years, it has become to us the power of God unto salvation, because the temptations of the flesh, the sordidness with which we are possessed, and the love of money, are rooted out of our systems. It is no longer a temptation to us to retain that for our use which rightfully belongs to the Lord. We never think of withholding it. So we might go on from one principle to another, and we should find that if we persist in obeying principles of righteousness such persistence becomes unto us the power of God unto salvation, not only here but hereafter, for our salvation hereafter, we know, depends upon our life here.
My brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you in this gospel. I am thankful beyond words to express that I was born in the Church, of good parents. I am thankful for the influences that the Gospel has had upon my life. There is nothing that I would exchange my faith in this Gospel for. There is no wealth, no influence, nor possession for which I would exchange the simple faith that I have in God, and the knowledge that I have, that this is the kingdom of God, the Church of God. and that it is being led by the influence and power of God.
May the Lord bless us, and sanctify all, that we may receive during this conference to our good, that our determination shall be to do the will of God and keep His commandments, that we may enjoy salvation, here and hereafter; which I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER ROBERT D. YOUNG.
(President of Sevier Stake.)
My brethren, sisters and friends, President Snow was speaking about our hearts beating, but I do not believe that your hearts are beating quite as fast as mine is in occupying this position.
It was stated when I was introduced that I was from Sevier. I remember the question being asked, are the people severe? Not at all. I feel that we have a splendid good people in the Sevier stake of Zion, a people that .are at peace with one another as well as with their Gentile friends, and God is blessing them always.
While I was looking over the congregation this afternoon, I thought how differently I viewed this grand congregation than a certain gentleman did. a Rev. Collins, of Australia. I labored in that far-off land, among goodly people for upwards of three years, and I enjoyed very much the hospitality and bigheartedness of that people. (By the way. I see faces in this congregation of some that I was instrumental in the hands of the Lord of taking into the waters of baptism. I feel grateful to my Heavenly Father that I was obedient to that call, to go as called by the Prophet of the Lord and perform missionary labors in that distant land.) This reverend gentleman I have alluded to paid Utah a visit to study the “Mormon” religion, and also to learn something of the character of the “Mormon" people. When he returned he advertised to his own congregation. giving them to distinctly understand that he did not want it to come to the missionaries’ ears, that he was going to deliver a lecture and expose “Mormonism,” and tell the people something true about the real character of the “Mormon” people. But some of his good people quietly informed us when the meeting would be. and we were in attendance, and sat immediately in front of the stand. When he beheld us it seemed to trouble him very much, and it was easily to be seen that he was not at ease. However. he told how he got on the boat at Sydney, and spoke of some of the customs of the Americans as he found them on the boat, which by the way was an American boat. In telling about when he landed in San Francisco he seemed to be a little worked up in his feelings, and as he told about how he came across what he called the barren waste of the desert parts of Nevada, he seemed to be a little more worked up in his feelings. But when he alluded to his arrival in Ogden, he stopped and hesitated, and evidently hardly knew what to say. However. he proceeded, and told about Brigham Young’s home and his “forty wives,” and other absurdities so on and so forth, which seemed to be very pleasant to some of the congregation. He said, “everything seemed to work in my favor. There was a ‘Mormon’ conference, and I attended the meeting in the Tabernacle. They had a choir leader who was a perfect genius of music from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, and they had a splendid large choir. But O Lord!” he said, “of all the careworn, poor, miserable looking mothers you ever saw, there were many in that congregation. And what was worse,” he said, “was when some of those ‘prophets,’ as they claim to be, arose to their feet and spoke, and of all the dry discourses that I ever listened to in my life I heard the worst there. But. fortunately, the congregation, practically all, feel asleep, and I prayed to the Lord that I could fall asleep also.”
I sat in front of the “reverend.” and when he got through I asked him for the privilege of reading a statement from a cosmopolitan gentleman. who had circumnavigated our globe three times, and who. during his travels, had visited Utah. In Australia, I said, this gentleman that I desire to quote to you, is esteemed to be one of your greatest men. a man whose integrity is unimpeachable. a man who is known throughout this land for his honesty and uprightness. I want you to permit me, before you dismiss this meeting, to read to this people his views along the same line that von have been speaking here the waning. Mr. Collins replied. “This is my meeting, and I want von to distinctly understand that I don’t want any ‘Mormon’ to open his month here and speak to my people.” And, after a few words more, he dismissed his meeting.
I want to state that was an example of a prejudiced mind, a man who had vainly tried to stop the work, and had done all in his power to destroy the effect of the diligent labors of the elders in that far-off land But we find a different example in that gentleman who came here with an unprejudiced mind, with a view to ascertain the truth, and learn for himself whether these stories were true or not. That gentleman made a statement, in words to this effect: that the people should cease striving against the “Mormon” elders, for “I beheld in the State of Utah the most noble women and mothers that I have seen in all my travels. I advise that you cease fighting their boys, because the whole ministerial world can never thwart the progress of sons born of such noble mothers." However. Hie reverend gentleman did not let me tell the congregation that. Later we had the privilege of delivering our tracts to the greater part of his congregation, and we were instrumental in the hands of the Lord in baptizing some of his foremost people, which vexed him very much.
Now, my brethren and sisters, I feel grateful when fair-minded persons come in our midst and praise the people. They find the fruits of the Gospel to be good: they find young men who are clean, and highminded. They find that our young women are pure, modest and refined. They have been taught by their fathers and mothers the principles of life and salvation. They are young men and women who, with their fathers and mothers, sincerely thank God every day of their lives for His blessings.
When we sing this beautiful hymn. “We thank thee. O God. for a Prophet.” our hearts are made glad, and we rejoice we live in the day and age when prophets are with us. We heard inspired words from the lips of the prophet this morning, and I believe they met responsive welcome in every heart, and that our determination is now more than ever before to go forth and diligently perform the sacred work that is assigned to us.
A great thinker and writer has said, “It is not possible for God to be everywhere, therefore He gave us mothers.” I wonder if we appreciate our good mothers, our fathers also, those who have taught us all the days of our life to he pure, to be upright, to be honest and to let our light so shine that the world may see it and glorify our Father in heaven. I was just thinking that my mother in far-off Scotland. (pardon me to refer to it), was one of the first in the neighborhood where she resided to join the Church. She had lost her father and mother, and was staying with a family as a servant girl. When she told this family about “Mormonism,” they became very angry. She was then only 14 years old, and they stated to her that if she did not cease visiting the meetings they would dismiss her from their service. She asked them not to be so harsh, and said, “I know it is true, I have a testimony it is true.” They tried to convince her that it was just a hallucination of the mind, but they could not, and finally she was baptized, and they drove her from their home. All the money she had in her pocket at that time was 24 cents—one shilling—and she gave that, the night she was driven from home, to secure a hall, which was known as Townhead Hall, for the elders to preach in that night. Those elders blessed her and told her that she would never want; and that blessing, I want to testify, has been literally fulfilled. She remained firm, steadfast, and immovable to the cause of Truth. One of the members of that family, a young man, became converted, and finally the entire family were converted, and came to Utah, and their testimony was to the effect that it was all due to the integrity and faith of that little girl. My mother was also instrumental in getting my father to attend meetings, and finally he became converted. When my father and mother came to Salt Lake City with the other emigrants, there was a dinner already prepared for them by this very family that had driven her from their home because of her belief in “Mormonism." I thank the Lord for her immovable faith. I wonder if we are all appreciative of the trials and sacrifices that our fathers and mothers have made to bring us to this goodly land, this great land of America. Are we appreciative of the fact that we are recipients of the true Gospel, that we understand the plan of life and salvation, and that we have so many blessings showered down upon us day by day? I wonder if we are counting these many blessings, thanking the Lord for them, and regarding the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as the biggest thing in all the world. That we may do this, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Sevier Stake.)
My brethren, sisters and friends, President Snow was speaking about our hearts beating, but I do not believe that your hearts are beating quite as fast as mine is in occupying this position.
It was stated when I was introduced that I was from Sevier. I remember the question being asked, are the people severe? Not at all. I feel that we have a splendid good people in the Sevier stake of Zion, a people that .are at peace with one another as well as with their Gentile friends, and God is blessing them always.
While I was looking over the congregation this afternoon, I thought how differently I viewed this grand congregation than a certain gentleman did. a Rev. Collins, of Australia. I labored in that far-off land, among goodly people for upwards of three years, and I enjoyed very much the hospitality and bigheartedness of that people. (By the way. I see faces in this congregation of some that I was instrumental in the hands of the Lord of taking into the waters of baptism. I feel grateful to my Heavenly Father that I was obedient to that call, to go as called by the Prophet of the Lord and perform missionary labors in that distant land.) This reverend gentleman I have alluded to paid Utah a visit to study the “Mormon” religion, and also to learn something of the character of the “Mormon" people. When he returned he advertised to his own congregation. giving them to distinctly understand that he did not want it to come to the missionaries’ ears, that he was going to deliver a lecture and expose “Mormonism,” and tell the people something true about the real character of the “Mormon” people. But some of his good people quietly informed us when the meeting would be. and we were in attendance, and sat immediately in front of the stand. When he beheld us it seemed to trouble him very much, and it was easily to be seen that he was not at ease. However. he told how he got on the boat at Sydney, and spoke of some of the customs of the Americans as he found them on the boat, which by the way was an American boat. In telling about when he landed in San Francisco he seemed to be a little worked up in his feelings, and as he told about how he came across what he called the barren waste of the desert parts of Nevada, he seemed to be a little more worked up in his feelings. But when he alluded to his arrival in Ogden, he stopped and hesitated, and evidently hardly knew what to say. However. he proceeded, and told about Brigham Young’s home and his “forty wives,” and other absurdities so on and so forth, which seemed to be very pleasant to some of the congregation. He said, “everything seemed to work in my favor. There was a ‘Mormon’ conference, and I attended the meeting in the Tabernacle. They had a choir leader who was a perfect genius of music from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, and they had a splendid large choir. But O Lord!” he said, “of all the careworn, poor, miserable looking mothers you ever saw, there were many in that congregation. And what was worse,” he said, “was when some of those ‘prophets,’ as they claim to be, arose to their feet and spoke, and of all the dry discourses that I ever listened to in my life I heard the worst there. But. fortunately, the congregation, practically all, feel asleep, and I prayed to the Lord that I could fall asleep also.”
I sat in front of the “reverend.” and when he got through I asked him for the privilege of reading a statement from a cosmopolitan gentleman. who had circumnavigated our globe three times, and who. during his travels, had visited Utah. In Australia, I said, this gentleman that I desire to quote to you, is esteemed to be one of your greatest men. a man whose integrity is unimpeachable. a man who is known throughout this land for his honesty and uprightness. I want you to permit me, before you dismiss this meeting, to read to this people his views along the same line that von have been speaking here the waning. Mr. Collins replied. “This is my meeting, and I want von to distinctly understand that I don’t want any ‘Mormon’ to open his month here and speak to my people.” And, after a few words more, he dismissed his meeting.
I want to state that was an example of a prejudiced mind, a man who had vainly tried to stop the work, and had done all in his power to destroy the effect of the diligent labors of the elders in that far-off land But we find a different example in that gentleman who came here with an unprejudiced mind, with a view to ascertain the truth, and learn for himself whether these stories were true or not. That gentleman made a statement, in words to this effect: that the people should cease striving against the “Mormon” elders, for “I beheld in the State of Utah the most noble women and mothers that I have seen in all my travels. I advise that you cease fighting their boys, because the whole ministerial world can never thwart the progress of sons born of such noble mothers." However. Hie reverend gentleman did not let me tell the congregation that. Later we had the privilege of delivering our tracts to the greater part of his congregation, and we were instrumental in the hands of the Lord in baptizing some of his foremost people, which vexed him very much.
Now, my brethren and sisters, I feel grateful when fair-minded persons come in our midst and praise the people. They find the fruits of the Gospel to be good: they find young men who are clean, and highminded. They find that our young women are pure, modest and refined. They have been taught by their fathers and mothers the principles of life and salvation. They are young men and women who, with their fathers and mothers, sincerely thank God every day of their lives for His blessings.
When we sing this beautiful hymn. “We thank thee. O God. for a Prophet.” our hearts are made glad, and we rejoice we live in the day and age when prophets are with us. We heard inspired words from the lips of the prophet this morning, and I believe they met responsive welcome in every heart, and that our determination is now more than ever before to go forth and diligently perform the sacred work that is assigned to us.
A great thinker and writer has said, “It is not possible for God to be everywhere, therefore He gave us mothers.” I wonder if we appreciate our good mothers, our fathers also, those who have taught us all the days of our life to he pure, to be upright, to be honest and to let our light so shine that the world may see it and glorify our Father in heaven. I was just thinking that my mother in far-off Scotland. (pardon me to refer to it), was one of the first in the neighborhood where she resided to join the Church. She had lost her father and mother, and was staying with a family as a servant girl. When she told this family about “Mormonism,” they became very angry. She was then only 14 years old, and they stated to her that if she did not cease visiting the meetings they would dismiss her from their service. She asked them not to be so harsh, and said, “I know it is true, I have a testimony it is true.” They tried to convince her that it was just a hallucination of the mind, but they could not, and finally she was baptized, and they drove her from their home. All the money she had in her pocket at that time was 24 cents—one shilling—and she gave that, the night she was driven from home, to secure a hall, which was known as Townhead Hall, for the elders to preach in that night. Those elders blessed her and told her that she would never want; and that blessing, I want to testify, has been literally fulfilled. She remained firm, steadfast, and immovable to the cause of Truth. One of the members of that family, a young man, became converted, and finally the entire family were converted, and came to Utah, and their testimony was to the effect that it was all due to the integrity and faith of that little girl. My mother was also instrumental in getting my father to attend meetings, and finally he became converted. When my father and mother came to Salt Lake City with the other emigrants, there was a dinner already prepared for them by this very family that had driven her from their home because of her belief in “Mormonism." I thank the Lord for her immovable faith. I wonder if we are all appreciative of the trials and sacrifices that our fathers and mothers have made to bring us to this goodly land, this great land of America. Are we appreciative of the fact that we are recipients of the true Gospel, that we understand the plan of life and salvation, and that we have so many blessings showered down upon us day by day? I wonder if we are counting these many blessings, thanking the Lord for them, and regarding the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as the biggest thing in all the world. That we may do this, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER LEWIS ANDERSON.
(President of South Sanpete Stake.)
I am very grateful, my brethren and sisters, for the privilege of attending this splendid conference. The sessions that we have already attended, and the remarks that have been made by those that have addressed us, have been full of inspiration and good things for the Latter-day Saints. The vast gathering in this building, and in the adjoining building, which is much larger than this, is a great testimony of the grand work that we are engaged in. It seems to me that in each conference the throngs become greater who gather here to hear the words of the Lord through His servants, the prophets.
I am very thankful for the testimony of Jesus, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has been revealed through His servants the prophets. I want to say that I am thankful for the priesthood. I am thankful for the faith that I have in the cause of Zion, and in her people, in the servants of the Lord. I am thankful to God that He has given to me the faith that I have in my heart to uphold and sustain them in all the various conditions in which we have been placed, and they have been placed. It is a wonderful work that we are engaged in. preaching the Gospel in the nations of the earth, and at home, and in performing the duties and labors devolving upon us as Latter-day Saints.
I desire this afternoon also to express my feelings in relation to what was said by the First Presidency, Presidents Smith and Lund, and the words of counsel that were given unto us by them concerning what was termed “small things;” but I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that those things that were referred to are great things. Those things referred to by President Edward H. Snow this afternoon also are great, and are necessary for the building up of the work of God.
We as Latter-day Saints, I believe, are thoroughly conversant, and in harmony, and in tune, with the principles of the Gospel, at least with what we sometimes call the first principles of the Gospel, faith, repentance, and baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. All these things, I believe, we are in harmony with, our hearts are in tune with them, believing that they are necessary unto our salvation and to our exaltation. In these things I believe we have come to the unity of the faith, as being essential in every particular. I believe that the Latter-day Saints throughout are believers in those principles, because they manifest them in their lives, and their children manifest them in their lives. As a rule, we find that the children of Latter-day Saints are anxious to become members of the Church of Christ when they attain eight years of age. The parents likewise are anxious that they shall receive the ordinance of baptism, being initiated into the Church of Christ. In these things it may be said we have come to the unity of the faith.
There are other matters, however, pertaining unto our every day life, in which we sometimes do not see eye to eye. They were mentioned this morning by our beloved President, and I was very much pleased in the illustration that he made in relation to home life, and to the teaching. There has been a great deal said of late in relation to the necessity of the teachers among the Latter-day Saints, the ward teachers, performing their duties in visiting the homes of the people, and making what is known as the one hundred per cent. I take it, my brethren and sisters, that those that are called to this great ministry of being ward teachers to the Latter-day Saints, should place themselves in a position that they will be able to teach, that good results may come from the teachings and visits of our brethren in the homes of the Saints. I believe that is essential in order to be successful. We who are doing this work should bring ourselves into harmony with the Lord and His purposes, so that, when visiting we can ask these questions in the way and manner that was stated by President Smith this morning; and that we can truthfully answer them ourselves in our homes, that we are living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we are at peace in our homes, in our families, in our every day walk and conversation, and with our neighbors.
I believe that this Gospel includes all that is good; it is a splendid thing for the Latter-day Saints to practice upon every day of their lives. The payment of tithing also has been referred to by President Smith. To those who keep this law, it becomes second nature to them, as well as in obeying the other commandments of the Lord. I believe that if we observe these things they become a source of joy and satisfaction to us. Also the payment of our fast offerings, and observing that day as a day of fasting and prayer, a day of contributing of that which the Lord has given us, in the spirit and meaning thereof, for the benefit and comfort of the Lord’s poor that we have among us. It was said by President Smith, this morning, that there would be ample in the hands of the bishops, that there would be no suffering among the poor people, and there would be no necessity of drawing from the tithing funds of the Church for their support, if all members of the Church would remember to observe this duty. I am thoroughly persuaded in my experience that that is true.
I am thankful for what was said to us in relation to the building of temples. My life, for twenty-seven years and upwards, has been, in a way, devoted to that work, and I want to tell you that this work is growing among the Latter-day Saints. In the city where I live, Manti, during the nine months just past there has been an increase of more than ten thousand ordinances performed in that temple above the record of a year ago, or of any other except the opening year of that temple. The Spirit of the Lord is upon the people, encouraging them to work for the redemption of the dead as well as the living, and be diligent in preaching the Gospel in the nations of the earth. The preaching of the Gospel to the dead, and doing ordinance work for those that have probably accepted it beyond the veil, is progressing; and the Spirit of the Lord is working upon men among the nations of the earth, that their hearts are turned to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers are turned to their children. This is evident everywhere.
We noted at the Congress that was held in California not long since, some of the effects of the spirit that is poured out upon the various nations of the earth. Delegates were there from various countries, many from our own land of the United States, expressing their great interest in this important work, the gathering of genealogies of the people, of their forefathers and mothers and other ancestors. This is a work that has been long engaged in by the Latter-day Saints, and they enjoy the blessings thereof. In the nations of the earth men, that know not why these things are, are inspired to gather together records by which the Latter-day Saints are greatly assisted to prosecute the great work of redemption for their kindred dead.
I pray my Heavenly Father to bless the Saints. May His Spirit shine within them, that we may be able to accomplish the labors that are enjoined upon us, in a way and manner that shall be pleasing to our Heavenly Father, and that shall give blessing, consolation, and salvation to ourselves, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of South Sanpete Stake.)
I am very grateful, my brethren and sisters, for the privilege of attending this splendid conference. The sessions that we have already attended, and the remarks that have been made by those that have addressed us, have been full of inspiration and good things for the Latter-day Saints. The vast gathering in this building, and in the adjoining building, which is much larger than this, is a great testimony of the grand work that we are engaged in. It seems to me that in each conference the throngs become greater who gather here to hear the words of the Lord through His servants, the prophets.
I am very thankful for the testimony of Jesus, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has been revealed through His servants the prophets. I want to say that I am thankful for the priesthood. I am thankful for the faith that I have in the cause of Zion, and in her people, in the servants of the Lord. I am thankful to God that He has given to me the faith that I have in my heart to uphold and sustain them in all the various conditions in which we have been placed, and they have been placed. It is a wonderful work that we are engaged in. preaching the Gospel in the nations of the earth, and at home, and in performing the duties and labors devolving upon us as Latter-day Saints.
I desire this afternoon also to express my feelings in relation to what was said by the First Presidency, Presidents Smith and Lund, and the words of counsel that were given unto us by them concerning what was termed “small things;” but I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that those things that were referred to are great things. Those things referred to by President Edward H. Snow this afternoon also are great, and are necessary for the building up of the work of God.
We as Latter-day Saints, I believe, are thoroughly conversant, and in harmony, and in tune, with the principles of the Gospel, at least with what we sometimes call the first principles of the Gospel, faith, repentance, and baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. All these things, I believe, we are in harmony with, our hearts are in tune with them, believing that they are necessary unto our salvation and to our exaltation. In these things I believe we have come to the unity of the faith, as being essential in every particular. I believe that the Latter-day Saints throughout are believers in those principles, because they manifest them in their lives, and their children manifest them in their lives. As a rule, we find that the children of Latter-day Saints are anxious to become members of the Church of Christ when they attain eight years of age. The parents likewise are anxious that they shall receive the ordinance of baptism, being initiated into the Church of Christ. In these things it may be said we have come to the unity of the faith.
There are other matters, however, pertaining unto our every day life, in which we sometimes do not see eye to eye. They were mentioned this morning by our beloved President, and I was very much pleased in the illustration that he made in relation to home life, and to the teaching. There has been a great deal said of late in relation to the necessity of the teachers among the Latter-day Saints, the ward teachers, performing their duties in visiting the homes of the people, and making what is known as the one hundred per cent. I take it, my brethren and sisters, that those that are called to this great ministry of being ward teachers to the Latter-day Saints, should place themselves in a position that they will be able to teach, that good results may come from the teachings and visits of our brethren in the homes of the Saints. I believe that is essential in order to be successful. We who are doing this work should bring ourselves into harmony with the Lord and His purposes, so that, when visiting we can ask these questions in the way and manner that was stated by President Smith this morning; and that we can truthfully answer them ourselves in our homes, that we are living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we are at peace in our homes, in our families, in our every day walk and conversation, and with our neighbors.
I believe that this Gospel includes all that is good; it is a splendid thing for the Latter-day Saints to practice upon every day of their lives. The payment of tithing also has been referred to by President Smith. To those who keep this law, it becomes second nature to them, as well as in obeying the other commandments of the Lord. I believe that if we observe these things they become a source of joy and satisfaction to us. Also the payment of our fast offerings, and observing that day as a day of fasting and prayer, a day of contributing of that which the Lord has given us, in the spirit and meaning thereof, for the benefit and comfort of the Lord’s poor that we have among us. It was said by President Smith, this morning, that there would be ample in the hands of the bishops, that there would be no suffering among the poor people, and there would be no necessity of drawing from the tithing funds of the Church for their support, if all members of the Church would remember to observe this duty. I am thoroughly persuaded in my experience that that is true.
I am thankful for what was said to us in relation to the building of temples. My life, for twenty-seven years and upwards, has been, in a way, devoted to that work, and I want to tell you that this work is growing among the Latter-day Saints. In the city where I live, Manti, during the nine months just past there has been an increase of more than ten thousand ordinances performed in that temple above the record of a year ago, or of any other except the opening year of that temple. The Spirit of the Lord is upon the people, encouraging them to work for the redemption of the dead as well as the living, and be diligent in preaching the Gospel in the nations of the earth. The preaching of the Gospel to the dead, and doing ordinance work for those that have probably accepted it beyond the veil, is progressing; and the Spirit of the Lord is working upon men among the nations of the earth, that their hearts are turned to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers are turned to their children. This is evident everywhere.
We noted at the Congress that was held in California not long since, some of the effects of the spirit that is poured out upon the various nations of the earth. Delegates were there from various countries, many from our own land of the United States, expressing their great interest in this important work, the gathering of genealogies of the people, of their forefathers and mothers and other ancestors. This is a work that has been long engaged in by the Latter-day Saints, and they enjoy the blessings thereof. In the nations of the earth men, that know not why these things are, are inspired to gather together records by which the Latter-day Saints are greatly assisted to prosecute the great work of redemption for their kindred dead.
I pray my Heavenly Father to bless the Saints. May His Spirit shine within them, that we may be able to accomplish the labors that are enjoined upon us, in a way and manner that shall be pleasing to our Heavenly Father, and that shall give blessing, consolation, and salvation to ourselves, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER ADOLPH MERZ.
(President of North Sanpete Stake.)
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you in having the opportunity to attend this excellent conference. For many years these General Conferences have been a feast of blessings to me, and I have never gone home from one of these gatherings disappointed. I have felt in my heart, every time I attended them, that I had received strength in my soul and new testimony of the divinity of the work of God. I thank God for this testimony, and I desire to bear it to you this afternoon, if I may be led by the Spirit of God to do so, for I know in my heart that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet of the living God.
I rejoice in the remarkable growth of this people. For many years I have watched their gatherings, and it seems to me that the numbers who attend conferences are constantly increasing. When I heard President Robert D. Young speak this morning of the Rev. Mr. Collins, I felt sorry that the gentleman could not have attended one of these great General Conferences of the Saints, and I wondered what he would have thought of it, or what effect it would have had upon his mind. The impression that I have always received at these conferences has been, that the people who attended them were filled with the Spirit of God and were hungering and thirsting for His word, and that they were eager to hear the voice of the true shepherd.
I rejoiced this morning to hear the voice of our beloved President and Prophet, the mouthpiece of God to this people, and I feel to sustain him with all my heart. When he arose to speak this morning and said that probably his condition was not such that he would be able to occupy much time owing to severe cold, I prayed in my heart that God might strengthen him, and I felt like one of the Elders of Israel of old, to uphold and sustain his arms, that God might give him strength to speak to the Latter-day Saints. And how remarkably impressive the word of God came to us; I am sure that we all rejoiced in hearing the words of our beloved leader.
There is no danger, my brethren and sisters, as far as I can see, that can come from the outside to injure this Church, as long as the people are united, and as long as we are performing our duties and labors in our humble callings in life. There is no danger of the adversary having power over, and prevailing against this people so long as we serve God and keep His commandments. The only danger that I can see to this Church, and that not collectively, but to the individual, is the danger which comes to the man and the woman who do not keep the commandments of God, those who neglect their prayers, who desecrate the Sabbath day, or who refuse to pay their tithes and their offerings, and who are not in harmony with their bishops and the authorities of the Church. There I can see danger, for as sure as we live, if we do not keep the commandments of God, little by little our faith will become weaker, and eventually we will lose interest in the work of God.
For some time we have endeavored in our stake to bring a larger number of people to our Sacrament meetings, and to accomplish this we called into service some thirty missionaries and singers and musicians, who for the last two or three months have visited alternately every ward in the stake, preaching the Gospel and calling the people to repentance. So far we have seen some fairly good results. But it seems to me, my brethren and sisters, that the distinction is becoming more and more apparent between the men and the women who serve the Lord and keep His commandments and the ones who do not. I can see the need of labor, the need of visiting the homes of the Saints, and of praying with them, and bearing testimony to them of the truth of the Gospel. I know the words of President Smith, which he uttered in his opening address this morning, are true. I am convinced that great good will result from the faithful and devoted labor of the ward teachers, and of the officers of the Church, by prayerfully admonishing the people and teaching them the word of God. We sometimes go to our meetings to hear certain men speak, and we hear the question asked, “Who is going to speak today?” “Why, Brother so and so.” “Well, I have heard him before, I do not care about going to meeting today.” On the other hand we hear it said, “Elder so and so is going to speak, let us go and hear him, he is a good speaker.” And so we go to our meetings. And I have wondered sometimes how many people, how many of us, go to our sacrament meetings irrespective of who shall sing or pray or speak, but because we love the Lord with all our hearts, and because we feel to go to the house of worship to offer up our oblations to the Lord our God by partaking, in humility, of the emblems of the atonement, in remembrance of the sufferings and the mercy of our Savior, judging our hearts, our conduct, and our worthiness, to partake of the emblems of the broken flesh and spilt blood of our Redeemer. My brethren and sisters, I am sure that if we love the Lord we will obey all His commandments, and if we do not keep His commandments, it is because we lack faith and devotion to the work which He has intrusted to us.
I rejoice in the work of the Lord. I rejoice greatly in the labor, which I am permitted to perform. There is nothing compared with the privilege that we enjoy to labor in the vineyard, whether at home or abroad. Money-making, my brethren and sisters, does not compare with it. It does not bring the peace and the satisfaction which comes to the soul of the man and the woman who faithfully and devotedly do their duty in the Church. I have this testimony in my soul. I have rejoiced greatly in my travels abroad among the people of the world, preaching repentance to them, and warning them of the judgments and the calamities, which would overtake the wicked, because of their unbelief and their rebellion against the warning voice of God. But I have experienced as great a joy and satisfaction in laboring at home, in the ward and in the stake in which I live. I have found inexpressible joy in teaching the boys and girls among our people, and I have oft returned to my home from Sunday School, or from the Mutual Improvement meeting, or from the homes of the Saints which I had visited, filled with gratitude to God for the privilege given unto me to labor in the vineyard, and of aiding someone, especially the youth of Zion, to obtain an understanding of the glorious principles of life and salvation.
Brethren and sisters, let us all put our shoulders to the wheel, and labor faithfully and devotedly for the progress and advancement of the work of God, that we may stand blameless before Him in the day of judgment, which is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of North Sanpete Stake.)
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice with you in having the opportunity to attend this excellent conference. For many years these General Conferences have been a feast of blessings to me, and I have never gone home from one of these gatherings disappointed. I have felt in my heart, every time I attended them, that I had received strength in my soul and new testimony of the divinity of the work of God. I thank God for this testimony, and I desire to bear it to you this afternoon, if I may be led by the Spirit of God to do so, for I know in my heart that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet of the living God.
I rejoice in the remarkable growth of this people. For many years I have watched their gatherings, and it seems to me that the numbers who attend conferences are constantly increasing. When I heard President Robert D. Young speak this morning of the Rev. Mr. Collins, I felt sorry that the gentleman could not have attended one of these great General Conferences of the Saints, and I wondered what he would have thought of it, or what effect it would have had upon his mind. The impression that I have always received at these conferences has been, that the people who attended them were filled with the Spirit of God and were hungering and thirsting for His word, and that they were eager to hear the voice of the true shepherd.
I rejoiced this morning to hear the voice of our beloved President and Prophet, the mouthpiece of God to this people, and I feel to sustain him with all my heart. When he arose to speak this morning and said that probably his condition was not such that he would be able to occupy much time owing to severe cold, I prayed in my heart that God might strengthen him, and I felt like one of the Elders of Israel of old, to uphold and sustain his arms, that God might give him strength to speak to the Latter-day Saints. And how remarkably impressive the word of God came to us; I am sure that we all rejoiced in hearing the words of our beloved leader.
There is no danger, my brethren and sisters, as far as I can see, that can come from the outside to injure this Church, as long as the people are united, and as long as we are performing our duties and labors in our humble callings in life. There is no danger of the adversary having power over, and prevailing against this people so long as we serve God and keep His commandments. The only danger that I can see to this Church, and that not collectively, but to the individual, is the danger which comes to the man and the woman who do not keep the commandments of God, those who neglect their prayers, who desecrate the Sabbath day, or who refuse to pay their tithes and their offerings, and who are not in harmony with their bishops and the authorities of the Church. There I can see danger, for as sure as we live, if we do not keep the commandments of God, little by little our faith will become weaker, and eventually we will lose interest in the work of God.
For some time we have endeavored in our stake to bring a larger number of people to our Sacrament meetings, and to accomplish this we called into service some thirty missionaries and singers and musicians, who for the last two or three months have visited alternately every ward in the stake, preaching the Gospel and calling the people to repentance. So far we have seen some fairly good results. But it seems to me, my brethren and sisters, that the distinction is becoming more and more apparent between the men and the women who serve the Lord and keep His commandments and the ones who do not. I can see the need of labor, the need of visiting the homes of the Saints, and of praying with them, and bearing testimony to them of the truth of the Gospel. I know the words of President Smith, which he uttered in his opening address this morning, are true. I am convinced that great good will result from the faithful and devoted labor of the ward teachers, and of the officers of the Church, by prayerfully admonishing the people and teaching them the word of God. We sometimes go to our meetings to hear certain men speak, and we hear the question asked, “Who is going to speak today?” “Why, Brother so and so.” “Well, I have heard him before, I do not care about going to meeting today.” On the other hand we hear it said, “Elder so and so is going to speak, let us go and hear him, he is a good speaker.” And so we go to our meetings. And I have wondered sometimes how many people, how many of us, go to our sacrament meetings irrespective of who shall sing or pray or speak, but because we love the Lord with all our hearts, and because we feel to go to the house of worship to offer up our oblations to the Lord our God by partaking, in humility, of the emblems of the atonement, in remembrance of the sufferings and the mercy of our Savior, judging our hearts, our conduct, and our worthiness, to partake of the emblems of the broken flesh and spilt blood of our Redeemer. My brethren and sisters, I am sure that if we love the Lord we will obey all His commandments, and if we do not keep His commandments, it is because we lack faith and devotion to the work which He has intrusted to us.
I rejoice in the work of the Lord. I rejoice greatly in the labor, which I am permitted to perform. There is nothing compared with the privilege that we enjoy to labor in the vineyard, whether at home or abroad. Money-making, my brethren and sisters, does not compare with it. It does not bring the peace and the satisfaction which comes to the soul of the man and the woman who faithfully and devotedly do their duty in the Church. I have this testimony in my soul. I have rejoiced greatly in my travels abroad among the people of the world, preaching repentance to them, and warning them of the judgments and the calamities, which would overtake the wicked, because of their unbelief and their rebellion against the warning voice of God. But I have experienced as great a joy and satisfaction in laboring at home, in the ward and in the stake in which I live. I have found inexpressible joy in teaching the boys and girls among our people, and I have oft returned to my home from Sunday School, or from the Mutual Improvement meeting, or from the homes of the Saints which I had visited, filled with gratitude to God for the privilege given unto me to labor in the vineyard, and of aiding someone, especially the youth of Zion, to obtain an understanding of the glorious principles of life and salvation.
Brethren and sisters, let us all put our shoulders to the wheel, and labor faithfully and devotedly for the progress and advancement of the work of God, that we may stand blameless before Him in the day of judgment, which is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER GEORGE F. RICHARDS.
Individual responsibility an essential characteristic in welfare of the Church—Aggregate of “little things” immensely valuable—Prayer one of the most important of "little things”—All Church duties, though humble, are important.
MY dear brethren and sisters, I cheerfully and unreservedly bear my testimony to the truth of the remarks of our brethren who have addressed us this afternoon and the spirit which has prompted those remarks. I commend the same to you all, including myself. It will be profitable for us to ponder these things, and to put them, as far as possible, into the practice of our lives.
The remarks made in this meeting and in the meeting this morning in the large tabernacle, reminded me of some of the savings of the Apostle Paul, which I desire to read to you briefly from the first chapter of First Corinthians:
“For ye see your calling, brethren, bow that not many wise .men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God bath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh shall glory in his presence.”
And then in the next chapter the Apostle Paul says:
"But as it is written, ye hath not Seen, nor ear beard, neither have entered into the heart of man. the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things, of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, hut the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. B'-t the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for theyare foolishness unto him: neither can be know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
The little things, my brethren and sisters, which go to make up our religious life are the things which count in the end, both for the individual members and also for the Church as a whole, just as the details in any business go toward making the success of that business enterprise.
During the conference we have had detailed some of the things that indicate the growth of this great work in which we are engaged, additional stakes and wards, an increase of population, of tithings paid. etc.
If we would have Zion strong and so recognized in the world, with powers for good, we as members of the Church of Testis Christ of Latter-day Saints ought each to take his share of responsibility in making it so. If the members are all strong. Zion will indeed be strong and potent for good. Neither does our strength as individuals in a religions capacity nor as an organization of the Church consist in a spirit of independence, of being proud and boastful. or blasphemous, or of exercising our agency so as to show our independence in doing things which no honorable, good man or woman would stoop to do. Our strength is in God, our Eternal Father, through living the laws of the Gospel which He has revealed, and they are made up of little things; and as the Apostle Paul said, “These are as foolishness in the eyes of the world,” of men who see not the things of God because they enjoy not the Spirit of God. But not so with us who have entered in at the door of the sheepfold in the way that has been appointed, who have had sealed upon our heads the Holy Ghost, with the rights and privileges of having Him ever with us to guide us in life, strengthen us against evil, giving us power to overcome self, to see and understand the truth, to love and obey it, and to finally obtain salvation.
“Except ye be converted and become as a little child ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus did not say, except ye become a king upon the throne, or a judge upon the bench. No—ye must be humble even as a little child, so humble that ye can worship God your Father and acknowledge Him and give Him reverence, so humble that ye can acknowledge Jesus Christ the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and serve and follow Him. There is no salvation except through Jesus Christ our Savior, and except through acknowledging Him as such, and by yielding obedience unto the laws and ordinances of His Gospel, simple though they may be.
Brethren and sisters, the little things of life, such as the saying of our prayers, are important. Are we trying to go through life without the help of our Heavenly Father, expecting to obtain a salvation? If we expect His help, and we must have it if we succeed in this great enterprise, we must obtain it through the means which He has ordained, and that is through the inspiration of the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, we must obtain it by seeking after it. The promise is only to those who seek. “To those who ask it shall be given,” and our asking must be in faith, nothing wavering, for he that wavers is like the waves of the sea, driven of the winds and tossed.
Who of us are grown, and were taught when we were children at our mother’s knee to pray in secret before laying our heads down to rest at night, and again in the morning after we had risen to offer to Him our prayers, have outgrown these things? Is it possible, brethren and sisters, that we need less of the protecting care of the Lord? less of His guiding hand and inspiration now when we are grown, and have a multitude of responsibilities, than when we were little children? Or is it because we think the Lord will hear the prayers of children, and will not hear us? Or is it because we have so far departed from the way of the Lord that we feel embarrassed and ashamed when we undertake to approach Him in prayer? Or what is the reason that we have forsaken our secret prayers? And have we adopted the order in the Church of praying in our families? If not. why not. brethren and sisters? If we have not adopted this custom in our religious life we are not in full harmony with the Church and the Latter-day Saints. We could call attention to other little things that have been spoken of. The attending to our fasts, for instance. Was the fast day instituted for a few, and they of a certain class! No, it was instituted for every man and woman, from the highest to the least in the Church, and I cannot justify myself in neglecting to fast on fast day. I cannot justify myself in withholding my offerings from the poor which should be given upon the fast day. And so with our tithing. If I am justified in not paying my tithing, why should you be required, my brethren and sisters, to pay tithing? Is not this a common cause in which we are engaged, the building up of the kingdom, and are not the tithes of the people used for that purpose? On the other hand, if you who do not pay your tithing are justified before the Lord, why should not I be justified without paying tithing, or every other member of the Church? And so with every religious duty that devolves upon us. I admonish you to an exercise of care, my brethren and sisters, to all these little details which go to make up the consistent, faithful, devoted Latter-day Saint, and promise you that if you will do so you will have peace of mind such as cannot be purchased with gold and silver or with houses and lands or flocks and herds, yea, that which will surpass by far everything earthly. You will have joy in life, and a hope and an assurance that you will obtain eternal life with all its attendant blessings.
We must know that our course of life is approved of God or we never can exercise that faith in Him which is necessary to take hold upon the blessings of eternal life. And let us remember, too, that we are dependent creatures, that we need the Lord’s help to do these simple little things, to live the true and consistent life that is required of the Latter-day Saints.
Now the Lord bless you all, my brethren and sisters, and sanctify to our mutual good, our happiness and our salvation, the remarks, the spirit, the prayers,’ the singing of this session of our conference, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, “Praise ye the Father.”
Closing prayer by Elder John G. McQuarrie.
Individual responsibility an essential characteristic in welfare of the Church—Aggregate of “little things” immensely valuable—Prayer one of the most important of "little things”—All Church duties, though humble, are important.
MY dear brethren and sisters, I cheerfully and unreservedly bear my testimony to the truth of the remarks of our brethren who have addressed us this afternoon and the spirit which has prompted those remarks. I commend the same to you all, including myself. It will be profitable for us to ponder these things, and to put them, as far as possible, into the practice of our lives.
The remarks made in this meeting and in the meeting this morning in the large tabernacle, reminded me of some of the savings of the Apostle Paul, which I desire to read to you briefly from the first chapter of First Corinthians:
“For ye see your calling, brethren, bow that not many wise .men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God bath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh shall glory in his presence.”
And then in the next chapter the Apostle Paul says:
"But as it is written, ye hath not Seen, nor ear beard, neither have entered into the heart of man. the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things, of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, hut the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. B'-t the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for theyare foolishness unto him: neither can be know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
The little things, my brethren and sisters, which go to make up our religious life are the things which count in the end, both for the individual members and also for the Church as a whole, just as the details in any business go toward making the success of that business enterprise.
During the conference we have had detailed some of the things that indicate the growth of this great work in which we are engaged, additional stakes and wards, an increase of population, of tithings paid. etc.
If we would have Zion strong and so recognized in the world, with powers for good, we as members of the Church of Testis Christ of Latter-day Saints ought each to take his share of responsibility in making it so. If the members are all strong. Zion will indeed be strong and potent for good. Neither does our strength as individuals in a religions capacity nor as an organization of the Church consist in a spirit of independence, of being proud and boastful. or blasphemous, or of exercising our agency so as to show our independence in doing things which no honorable, good man or woman would stoop to do. Our strength is in God, our Eternal Father, through living the laws of the Gospel which He has revealed, and they are made up of little things; and as the Apostle Paul said, “These are as foolishness in the eyes of the world,” of men who see not the things of God because they enjoy not the Spirit of God. But not so with us who have entered in at the door of the sheepfold in the way that has been appointed, who have had sealed upon our heads the Holy Ghost, with the rights and privileges of having Him ever with us to guide us in life, strengthen us against evil, giving us power to overcome self, to see and understand the truth, to love and obey it, and to finally obtain salvation.
“Except ye be converted and become as a little child ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus did not say, except ye become a king upon the throne, or a judge upon the bench. No—ye must be humble even as a little child, so humble that ye can worship God your Father and acknowledge Him and give Him reverence, so humble that ye can acknowledge Jesus Christ the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and serve and follow Him. There is no salvation except through Jesus Christ our Savior, and except through acknowledging Him as such, and by yielding obedience unto the laws and ordinances of His Gospel, simple though they may be.
Brethren and sisters, the little things of life, such as the saying of our prayers, are important. Are we trying to go through life without the help of our Heavenly Father, expecting to obtain a salvation? If we expect His help, and we must have it if we succeed in this great enterprise, we must obtain it through the means which He has ordained, and that is through the inspiration of the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, we must obtain it by seeking after it. The promise is only to those who seek. “To those who ask it shall be given,” and our asking must be in faith, nothing wavering, for he that wavers is like the waves of the sea, driven of the winds and tossed.
Who of us are grown, and were taught when we were children at our mother’s knee to pray in secret before laying our heads down to rest at night, and again in the morning after we had risen to offer to Him our prayers, have outgrown these things? Is it possible, brethren and sisters, that we need less of the protecting care of the Lord? less of His guiding hand and inspiration now when we are grown, and have a multitude of responsibilities, than when we were little children? Or is it because we think the Lord will hear the prayers of children, and will not hear us? Or is it because we have so far departed from the way of the Lord that we feel embarrassed and ashamed when we undertake to approach Him in prayer? Or what is the reason that we have forsaken our secret prayers? And have we adopted the order in the Church of praying in our families? If not. why not. brethren and sisters? If we have not adopted this custom in our religious life we are not in full harmony with the Church and the Latter-day Saints. We could call attention to other little things that have been spoken of. The attending to our fasts, for instance. Was the fast day instituted for a few, and they of a certain class! No, it was instituted for every man and woman, from the highest to the least in the Church, and I cannot justify myself in neglecting to fast on fast day. I cannot justify myself in withholding my offerings from the poor which should be given upon the fast day. And so with our tithing. If I am justified in not paying my tithing, why should you be required, my brethren and sisters, to pay tithing? Is not this a common cause in which we are engaged, the building up of the kingdom, and are not the tithes of the people used for that purpose? On the other hand, if you who do not pay your tithing are justified before the Lord, why should not I be justified without paying tithing, or every other member of the Church? And so with every religious duty that devolves upon us. I admonish you to an exercise of care, my brethren and sisters, to all these little details which go to make up the consistent, faithful, devoted Latter-day Saint, and promise you that if you will do so you will have peace of mind such as cannot be purchased with gold and silver or with houses and lands or flocks and herds, yea, that which will surpass by far everything earthly. You will have joy in life, and a hope and an assurance that you will obtain eternal life with all its attendant blessings.
We must know that our course of life is approved of God or we never can exercise that faith in Him which is necessary to take hold upon the blessings of eternal life. And let us remember, too, that we are dependent creatures, that we need the Lord’s help to do these simple little things, to live the true and consistent life that is required of the Latter-day Saints.
Now the Lord bless you all, my brethren and sisters, and sanctify to our mutual good, our happiness and our salvation, the remarks, the spirit, the prayers,’ the singing of this session of our conference, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, “Praise ye the Father.”
Closing prayer by Elder John G. McQuarrie.
SECOND MEETING OUT-DOORS.
Another meeting was held in front of the Bureau of Information building, at 2 p. m. Elder David O. McKay presided, and the 33rd ward choir, directed by Joseph Poll, again furnished the music.
(By actual count, there were 11,954 persons in the Tabernacle, at 2p. m.; also, about 3,000 in the Assembly Hall. Standing as well as sitting room was completely occupied in both of these edifices. About 2,000 were present at the outdoor meeting, and a great many others were unable to find accommodation for hearing at either of the meetings.)
The opening hymn, “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah,” was sung by the choir and congregation.
Elder Wm. H. Richards offered the invocation.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Guide us, oh Thou great Jehovah.”
Another meeting was held in front of the Bureau of Information building, at 2 p. m. Elder David O. McKay presided, and the 33rd ward choir, directed by Joseph Poll, again furnished the music.
(By actual count, there were 11,954 persons in the Tabernacle, at 2p. m.; also, about 3,000 in the Assembly Hall. Standing as well as sitting room was completely occupied in both of these edifices. About 2,000 were present at the outdoor meeting, and a great many others were unable to find accommodation for hearing at either of the meetings.)
The opening hymn, “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah,” was sung by the choir and congregation.
Elder Wm. H. Richards offered the invocation.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Guide us, oh Thou great Jehovah.”
ELDER WM. C. PARTRIDGE.
(President of Big Horn Stake.)
I feel to rejoice, my brethren and sisters, in the privilege of attending this conference, and the privilege of listening to the authorities of the Church. You know, I live a long way off. and feel that it is a great treat when we can come here to headquarters, and listen to the words of inspiration of the servants of the Lord.
I rejoiced this morning in listening to President Smith’s opening remarks. I could not help but think while he was speaking, especially about the lack on our part of paying sufficient fast offerings, and other things that we should feel in duty bound to do. I thought to myself, we are certainly somewhat careless and indifferent in regard to those matters. We come to these conferences, and listen to the servants of the Lord, and they touch our hearts: they come out in our midst, to the different stakes of Zion, and speak words of good cheer to us. and we feel encouraged, we feel that they teach the very things that we most need, when they urge us to live our religion; yet in a few days we seemingly forget, in a measure, the good things that we have heard. We really do not forget, but a spirit of indifference apparently takes hold of us.
When the authorities undertake to bring about a reformation in certain lines, we realize that these things are good for us, yet we are slow to carry them out. Take for instance, the one day a month that we are asked to observe as “home evening.” get our children together around us in our homes, and teach them the principles of the Gospel. I have discovered, in traveling around among the people in our stake, that they all think this is a splendid thing, but many are so careless that they let the day that is set apart go by without observing it. I believe it is the same in other places, so far as I have been able to learn. Most of us are slow to do those things that we know are for our good. I believe it is one of the greatest things that has been given to us recently, the carrying out of this idea of bringing the members of our families together and teaching the principles of the Gospel to them, in the home. Most of us leave the teaching of our children to the Mutuals, the Sunday Schools, and the Primaries. I venture to . say that a large proportion of the people belonging to the Church are not carrying out this counsel, and are not yet bringing their families together on the home evening, and teaching them the principles of the Gospel.
When the Big Horn stake was first organized, Apostle Woodruff told us to hold devotional exercises every night and morning in our families, and most of us did that for a long time. But we began to get careless in that matter, and I can say today that there is not as much of the spirit of unity, of love, good feeling and contentment that there was a few years back when we were carrying out this practice more fully. I believe that one of our greatest failings is that we are not more diligent in teaching our families the principles of the Gospel. Perhaps we do not realize what the result is. I can see it. I can see that some of our young people grow up without a knowledge of the Gospel, except what they gain in the organizations. There are some families that attend to these things strictly, but I am afraid the majority of us do not yet carry them out. We acknowledge it is the proper thing to do, but we are careless, and fail to put them into practice to the full extent.
The law of fast offering we acknowledge is one of the finest laws in the Church, to donate of our substance for the support of the poor. There are very few in the Church that do not believe in this law; but I find, in our stake, that not one half of the people pay their fast offerings fully. According to the bulletins that come out to us every year, we are not below the average of the Church. I do not want you to think that I am running our stake down. We are above the average in a number of good things; but with the aggregate membership of the Church, we are behind in these things, as President Smith said today: we are not paying all we should in fast offerings, and the Church has to furnish means from the tithing for the support of the poor.
Brothers and sisters, I want to bear my testimony to you that we cannot keep the spirit of the Gospel in our hearts, we cannot have the proper love and respect for the authorities, unless we try to carry out their counsel in these little things. We cannot do it. We cannot be spiritually alive if we neglect our meetings, and neglect to partake of the sacrament. In fact, unless we keep the commandments of the Lord, we are in danger of getting luke-warm, and drifting away from the Church. I feel to plead with you, my brothers and sisters, to look to it, that your children are taught the principles of the Gospel, that they are not allowed to be entrapped by the snares of the adversary. Our children are precious gifts from God, and we should use every means in our power to bring them up aright, and not wait until we see them falling away into by and forbidden paths, but commence as soon as they can talk to teach them the principles of the Gospel.
Let us commence with ourselves, let us commence right now and resolve within our hearts that we will live nearer to the Lord than we have done, that we will keep the commandments of the Lord, and that we will be exemplary as Latter-day Saints, that we will help with all our might to teach the people of the world that we have the truth, for we have it, and we know it. May the Lord help us to do this, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Big Horn Stake.)
I feel to rejoice, my brethren and sisters, in the privilege of attending this conference, and the privilege of listening to the authorities of the Church. You know, I live a long way off. and feel that it is a great treat when we can come here to headquarters, and listen to the words of inspiration of the servants of the Lord.
I rejoiced this morning in listening to President Smith’s opening remarks. I could not help but think while he was speaking, especially about the lack on our part of paying sufficient fast offerings, and other things that we should feel in duty bound to do. I thought to myself, we are certainly somewhat careless and indifferent in regard to those matters. We come to these conferences, and listen to the servants of the Lord, and they touch our hearts: they come out in our midst, to the different stakes of Zion, and speak words of good cheer to us. and we feel encouraged, we feel that they teach the very things that we most need, when they urge us to live our religion; yet in a few days we seemingly forget, in a measure, the good things that we have heard. We really do not forget, but a spirit of indifference apparently takes hold of us.
When the authorities undertake to bring about a reformation in certain lines, we realize that these things are good for us, yet we are slow to carry them out. Take for instance, the one day a month that we are asked to observe as “home evening.” get our children together around us in our homes, and teach them the principles of the Gospel. I have discovered, in traveling around among the people in our stake, that they all think this is a splendid thing, but many are so careless that they let the day that is set apart go by without observing it. I believe it is the same in other places, so far as I have been able to learn. Most of us are slow to do those things that we know are for our good. I believe it is one of the greatest things that has been given to us recently, the carrying out of this idea of bringing the members of our families together and teaching the principles of the Gospel to them, in the home. Most of us leave the teaching of our children to the Mutuals, the Sunday Schools, and the Primaries. I venture to . say that a large proportion of the people belonging to the Church are not carrying out this counsel, and are not yet bringing their families together on the home evening, and teaching them the principles of the Gospel.
When the Big Horn stake was first organized, Apostle Woodruff told us to hold devotional exercises every night and morning in our families, and most of us did that for a long time. But we began to get careless in that matter, and I can say today that there is not as much of the spirit of unity, of love, good feeling and contentment that there was a few years back when we were carrying out this practice more fully. I believe that one of our greatest failings is that we are not more diligent in teaching our families the principles of the Gospel. Perhaps we do not realize what the result is. I can see it. I can see that some of our young people grow up without a knowledge of the Gospel, except what they gain in the organizations. There are some families that attend to these things strictly, but I am afraid the majority of us do not yet carry them out. We acknowledge it is the proper thing to do, but we are careless, and fail to put them into practice to the full extent.
The law of fast offering we acknowledge is one of the finest laws in the Church, to donate of our substance for the support of the poor. There are very few in the Church that do not believe in this law; but I find, in our stake, that not one half of the people pay their fast offerings fully. According to the bulletins that come out to us every year, we are not below the average of the Church. I do not want you to think that I am running our stake down. We are above the average in a number of good things; but with the aggregate membership of the Church, we are behind in these things, as President Smith said today: we are not paying all we should in fast offerings, and the Church has to furnish means from the tithing for the support of the poor.
Brothers and sisters, I want to bear my testimony to you that we cannot keep the spirit of the Gospel in our hearts, we cannot have the proper love and respect for the authorities, unless we try to carry out their counsel in these little things. We cannot do it. We cannot be spiritually alive if we neglect our meetings, and neglect to partake of the sacrament. In fact, unless we keep the commandments of the Lord, we are in danger of getting luke-warm, and drifting away from the Church. I feel to plead with you, my brothers and sisters, to look to it, that your children are taught the principles of the Gospel, that they are not allowed to be entrapped by the snares of the adversary. Our children are precious gifts from God, and we should use every means in our power to bring them up aright, and not wait until we see them falling away into by and forbidden paths, but commence as soon as they can talk to teach them the principles of the Gospel.
Let us commence with ourselves, let us commence right now and resolve within our hearts that we will live nearer to the Lord than we have done, that we will keep the commandments of the Lord, and that we will be exemplary as Latter-day Saints, that we will help with all our might to teach the people of the world that we have the truth, for we have it, and we know it. May the Lord help us to do this, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JONATHAN C. CUTLER.
(President of Curlew Stake.)
While sitting here, this thought came to my mind this afternoon: “Why am I a ‘Mormon?’ Was it because my parents were Latter-day Saints, that I was born under the New and Everlasting Covenant? or have I a stronger reason why I am a ‘Mormon’ than this?” It is true the environments that we are under have a great deal to do with forming our life, morally, socially, as well as spiritually. I thank the Lord that I have been born under the New and Everlasting Covenant, with goodly parents; and that I have been led and guided by the hands of kind men who hold the Priesthood, who have guarded my footsteps until I became old enough to think and study for myself. This answer comes to me: "I have many reasons why I am a ‘Mormon.’ ”
In the first place, take history, start from the creation, from the time that Father Adam was placed upon the earth, and we find that he was led and guided by the Lord. Angels visited him, conversed with him, taught him the way. We also find the same mode of procedure in the lives of the holy prophets, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all the other ancient prophets. We find one of the prophets making this declaration, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing except He reveals His secrets unto His servants the prophets.” Here, then, is a strong declaration. When the Lord has a people upon the earth, they must be led, according to Malachi, by the word of the Lord, through the voice of a prophet. This, then, gives us a key to the position to start from. The people of the Lord must be dictated to and led by Him, through a prophet of the Lord.
We find the Savior came in the meridian of time. He did the greatest work ever done among the children of men. What did he teach the people? He taught them faith, repentance, and baptism. He made it very emphatic: Unless a man be baptized, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, and before He left the people, we find Him thoroughly organizing the Church upon the earth. How was the Church organized? It was organized with prophets and apostles, etc., “for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to a unity of the faith.”
Now, these were the teachings of the Great Master, and they are applicable to us. This same organization must exist with us, if we are truly people of God. This thought appeals to me—I must look for the church which has these characteristics. It is true the “Mormons” are not considered Christians, by some of our good friends; but, as Isaiah says, we can judge according to the law and the testimony, and we appeal to these to prove that we are Christians in very deed. Today we are preaching Christ and Him crucified. No people hold higher the name of the Lord Jesus Christ than do the Latter-day Saints. No people have proclaimed higher ideals than do the prophets, we acknowledge them as being true servants of the Lord, and we follow them.
We learn from history, that the Gospel was taken from the earth. In this last dispensation, we find a boy making the declaration to the people that he has been called of the Lord, that angels had appeared unto him, instructed him, counseled him, and told him what to do. Here then we find verified the words of the Prophet Malachi, “The Lord reveals Himself to His servants the prophets, etc.” Now I have considered this question seriously: “Was this boy called to be a prophet of the Lord, or did he call himself?” I answer, We find that the boy Joseph Smith, during a great excitement of the religious world, declared that he had talked with the Father and the Son, and that later angels came and administered unto him. He made the bold declaration to the world that these were actual facts. Did he stop there? No, he followed the voice of those Divine Beings who had called him. They were his teachers, he followed them, and did as they dictated. Finally, God made him a prophet, the head of the last dispensation, and authorized him to be a mouthpiece unto the people. What are the fruits of his work? We find him advancing from step to step, and the Church was organized. We find him preaching the same doctrines as Christ and His apostles taught—faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost— and telling the people that obedience to these doctrines was necessary to salvation. And was this all? No, he organized the Church as perfectly as it was in the meridian of time, with prophets, apostles, and all the other essential officers, as we find Paul tells the Corinthians. They are necessary to the development of the Church, and thus we find it fully organized and equipped.
We follow him from the early rise of the Church, and the history of the people that followed him, until his martyrdom; then follow the Church from the time they left Nauvoo until they arrived in these valleys of the mountains. In all these conditions we find the same perfect doctrines and organization prevailing that existed in the primitive Church. We are led today by the voice of God through His mouthpiece, and, as we are told by the Lord Himself, that “whether I speak by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is all the same.” These thoughts appeal to me. They are reasons why I am a “Mormon.” They convince me.
I have a living testimony that I wish to leave with you this afternoon: not the testimony that my mother planted within my soul, but I have one for myself. I know that the Lord lives, I know the Gospel is true, and I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; and I bear it to you this afternoon, and feel, as Paul of old felt, that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because I know it is the power of God unto salvation.”
May the Lord bless you, bless us all, and help us to do His will, and may those of us who have not a testimony seek and find it, is my humble prayer and desire, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the hymn, “Israel, Israel, God is calling.”
(President of Curlew Stake.)
While sitting here, this thought came to my mind this afternoon: “Why am I a ‘Mormon?’ Was it because my parents were Latter-day Saints, that I was born under the New and Everlasting Covenant? or have I a stronger reason why I am a ‘Mormon’ than this?” It is true the environments that we are under have a great deal to do with forming our life, morally, socially, as well as spiritually. I thank the Lord that I have been born under the New and Everlasting Covenant, with goodly parents; and that I have been led and guided by the hands of kind men who hold the Priesthood, who have guarded my footsteps until I became old enough to think and study for myself. This answer comes to me: "I have many reasons why I am a ‘Mormon.’ ”
In the first place, take history, start from the creation, from the time that Father Adam was placed upon the earth, and we find that he was led and guided by the Lord. Angels visited him, conversed with him, taught him the way. We also find the same mode of procedure in the lives of the holy prophets, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all the other ancient prophets. We find one of the prophets making this declaration, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing except He reveals His secrets unto His servants the prophets.” Here, then, is a strong declaration. When the Lord has a people upon the earth, they must be led, according to Malachi, by the word of the Lord, through the voice of a prophet. This, then, gives us a key to the position to start from. The people of the Lord must be dictated to and led by Him, through a prophet of the Lord.
We find the Savior came in the meridian of time. He did the greatest work ever done among the children of men. What did he teach the people? He taught them faith, repentance, and baptism. He made it very emphatic: Unless a man be baptized, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, and before He left the people, we find Him thoroughly organizing the Church upon the earth. How was the Church organized? It was organized with prophets and apostles, etc., “for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to a unity of the faith.”
Now, these were the teachings of the Great Master, and they are applicable to us. This same organization must exist with us, if we are truly people of God. This thought appeals to me—I must look for the church which has these characteristics. It is true the “Mormons” are not considered Christians, by some of our good friends; but, as Isaiah says, we can judge according to the law and the testimony, and we appeal to these to prove that we are Christians in very deed. Today we are preaching Christ and Him crucified. No people hold higher the name of the Lord Jesus Christ than do the Latter-day Saints. No people have proclaimed higher ideals than do the prophets, we acknowledge them as being true servants of the Lord, and we follow them.
We learn from history, that the Gospel was taken from the earth. In this last dispensation, we find a boy making the declaration to the people that he has been called of the Lord, that angels had appeared unto him, instructed him, counseled him, and told him what to do. Here then we find verified the words of the Prophet Malachi, “The Lord reveals Himself to His servants the prophets, etc.” Now I have considered this question seriously: “Was this boy called to be a prophet of the Lord, or did he call himself?” I answer, We find that the boy Joseph Smith, during a great excitement of the religious world, declared that he had talked with the Father and the Son, and that later angels came and administered unto him. He made the bold declaration to the world that these were actual facts. Did he stop there? No, he followed the voice of those Divine Beings who had called him. They were his teachers, he followed them, and did as they dictated. Finally, God made him a prophet, the head of the last dispensation, and authorized him to be a mouthpiece unto the people. What are the fruits of his work? We find him advancing from step to step, and the Church was organized. We find him preaching the same doctrines as Christ and His apostles taught—faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost— and telling the people that obedience to these doctrines was necessary to salvation. And was this all? No, he organized the Church as perfectly as it was in the meridian of time, with prophets, apostles, and all the other essential officers, as we find Paul tells the Corinthians. They are necessary to the development of the Church, and thus we find it fully organized and equipped.
We follow him from the early rise of the Church, and the history of the people that followed him, until his martyrdom; then follow the Church from the time they left Nauvoo until they arrived in these valleys of the mountains. In all these conditions we find the same perfect doctrines and organization prevailing that existed in the primitive Church. We are led today by the voice of God through His mouthpiece, and, as we are told by the Lord Himself, that “whether I speak by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is all the same.” These thoughts appeal to me. They are reasons why I am a “Mormon.” They convince me.
I have a living testimony that I wish to leave with you this afternoon: not the testimony that my mother planted within my soul, but I have one for myself. I know that the Lord lives, I know the Gospel is true, and I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; and I bear it to you this afternoon, and feel, as Paul of old felt, that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because I know it is the power of God unto salvation.”
May the Lord bless you, bless us all, and help us to do His will, and may those of us who have not a testimony seek and find it, is my humble prayer and desire, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir sang the hymn, “Israel, Israel, God is calling.”
ELDER BENJAMIN GODDARD.
(President of Temple Block Mission.)
I trust, my brethren and sisters, that I may be able to speak under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, and that I may have an interest in your faith and prayers. My voice is somewhat husky as I have participated in several gatherings of late. I have been interested in all that has been said this afternoon, and also in the open air meeting this morning, with regard to the great latter-day work.
I endorse the remarks of my brethren who have testified that the Lord has commenced a great work in this dispensation. You have heard them comment upon the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. They have referred to the organization of the Church, to the coming of prophets, the appearance of angels upon the earth and their messages to the Prophet Joseph.
This story, wonderful as it is, would have little effect upon the minds of the people if it were not for the evidences of truth following these great events. We declare unto all men, and to all people, that God has not only established His Church, and given unto us prophets and apostles, pastors and teachers, but He has placed His seal upon this work by permitting fruits to follow the ministry of His servants.
I refer particularly to some of the revelations mentioned in your hearing this day, viz:—that angels have come to the earth, that the Prophet Moroni, whose statue is upon our Temple here, appeared unto the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being, and revealed unto him the records from which the Book of Mormon has been translated.
At a previous meeting, the statement was made that Moses, the prophet, appeared in Kirtland and gave unto the Prophet Joseph the keys of the gathering of Israel, that Elijah the Prophet had also appeared and conferred the keys for the redemption of the dead, that the Gospel with all its authority was now upon the earth, and that we are ministering by virtue of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, the power of God given to men. We are often asked for proofs indicating that these statements are true. Allow me therefore to draw attention to the following facts. In this congregation there are members of the Church who heard the Gospel in Europe, or upon the islands of the sea, or in various parts of this continent. We appeal to you and ask, why are you here in these valleys of the mountains? What incentive brought you here? You will answer by saying that you have believed, with all your hearts, the declaration of Isaiah, that “in the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the tops of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.” You are here in fulfilment of that prophecy. God has implanted in your hearts a desire to be with His people; and therefore you have gathered from the nations of the earth, the islands of the sea, and from various parts of this country. Man alone could not have brought together such a wonderful assemblage of people as we see now upon Temple Block. We have sung, “Israel, Israel, God is calling.”
I testify that we have heard that call and by our presence give evidence that the keys of the gathering were indeed conferred upon Joseph Smith by Moses the prophet. We have felt the inspiration of the Almighty and the impress has been made upon our souls that this is God’s work.
In response to a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph, our elders are preaching the Gospel in many lands, and the promise was renewed “these signs shall follow them that believe, in My name they shall do many wonderful works; in My name they shall cast out devils, in My name they shall heal the sick; etc.” These words have been verily fulfilled in the ministry, and we bear testimony that God has thus sanctioned and confirmed the labors of these humble elders of Israel.
We also solemnly declare that Elijah the prophet has come to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the fathers." This is a simple declaration but it is true. We testify that Elijah the Prophet appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in Kirtland Temple. You may read the wonderful story in Section 110 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Friends ask, can this be true? Has Elijah the Prophet really ministered to men in our day? This great Temple, a monument in stone, bears testimony to the faith of the Saints, that the spirit of Elijah’s mission is here, for in that Holy House, day after day, year after year, thousands of our members are entering the Temple and ministering therein for the salvation of their dead. If you have opportunity, converse with these faithful workers, ask them how they feel when they enter that sacred building, and they will testify to you that the spirit of their mission is upon them. ' They rejoice in its saving power. They go to be baptized for their ancestry in full faith that when the departed ones, in the spirit world, receive the Gospel message that the work thus done will be efficacious. Thus do we demonstrate our faith in the mission of Elijah the Prophet.
We believe that every angelic messenger has come with a message, and each message to the believer has been followed by signs following.
The priesthood has been restored to the earth. John the Baptist came, laid his hands upon the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, as recorded in the 13th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants. I commend this book of revelations unto you and suggest that it be read often, that the truth may be in your minds and in your hearts, that you may all know that the great forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ in the meridian of time has again appeared and through Him has come unto us the authority of the Priesthood which he held upon earth and by virtue of that Priesthood our deacons, priests, and teachers are ministering in the work of God.
We also declare that Peter, James and John came and conferred the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the head of the prophet. I exhort you all to read the story. This Church is of God. Our boys are ministering in the Aaronic Priesthood, our elders are abroad ministering in the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the power of God follows them in their work. We have all seen the fruits of their faithful labors.
I trust that we shall receive an incentive today to be more diligent in this work, to meet with and teach it to our families, to inspire our associates as we bear this testimony, for the Master will require an account from ns of our labors to advance His great work among the children of men.
May the Lord help us in every good work, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Temple Block Mission.)
I trust, my brethren and sisters, that I may be able to speak under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, and that I may have an interest in your faith and prayers. My voice is somewhat husky as I have participated in several gatherings of late. I have been interested in all that has been said this afternoon, and also in the open air meeting this morning, with regard to the great latter-day work.
I endorse the remarks of my brethren who have testified that the Lord has commenced a great work in this dispensation. You have heard them comment upon the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. They have referred to the organization of the Church, to the coming of prophets, the appearance of angels upon the earth and their messages to the Prophet Joseph.
This story, wonderful as it is, would have little effect upon the minds of the people if it were not for the evidences of truth following these great events. We declare unto all men, and to all people, that God has not only established His Church, and given unto us prophets and apostles, pastors and teachers, but He has placed His seal upon this work by permitting fruits to follow the ministry of His servants.
I refer particularly to some of the revelations mentioned in your hearing this day, viz:—that angels have come to the earth, that the Prophet Moroni, whose statue is upon our Temple here, appeared unto the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being, and revealed unto him the records from which the Book of Mormon has been translated.
At a previous meeting, the statement was made that Moses, the prophet, appeared in Kirtland and gave unto the Prophet Joseph the keys of the gathering of Israel, that Elijah the Prophet had also appeared and conferred the keys for the redemption of the dead, that the Gospel with all its authority was now upon the earth, and that we are ministering by virtue of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, the power of God given to men. We are often asked for proofs indicating that these statements are true. Allow me therefore to draw attention to the following facts. In this congregation there are members of the Church who heard the Gospel in Europe, or upon the islands of the sea, or in various parts of this continent. We appeal to you and ask, why are you here in these valleys of the mountains? What incentive brought you here? You will answer by saying that you have believed, with all your hearts, the declaration of Isaiah, that “in the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the tops of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.” You are here in fulfilment of that prophecy. God has implanted in your hearts a desire to be with His people; and therefore you have gathered from the nations of the earth, the islands of the sea, and from various parts of this country. Man alone could not have brought together such a wonderful assemblage of people as we see now upon Temple Block. We have sung, “Israel, Israel, God is calling.”
I testify that we have heard that call and by our presence give evidence that the keys of the gathering were indeed conferred upon Joseph Smith by Moses the prophet. We have felt the inspiration of the Almighty and the impress has been made upon our souls that this is God’s work.
In response to a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph, our elders are preaching the Gospel in many lands, and the promise was renewed “these signs shall follow them that believe, in My name they shall do many wonderful works; in My name they shall cast out devils, in My name they shall heal the sick; etc.” These words have been verily fulfilled in the ministry, and we bear testimony that God has thus sanctioned and confirmed the labors of these humble elders of Israel.
We also solemnly declare that Elijah the prophet has come to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the fathers." This is a simple declaration but it is true. We testify that Elijah the Prophet appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in Kirtland Temple. You may read the wonderful story in Section 110 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Friends ask, can this be true? Has Elijah the Prophet really ministered to men in our day? This great Temple, a monument in stone, bears testimony to the faith of the Saints, that the spirit of Elijah’s mission is here, for in that Holy House, day after day, year after year, thousands of our members are entering the Temple and ministering therein for the salvation of their dead. If you have opportunity, converse with these faithful workers, ask them how they feel when they enter that sacred building, and they will testify to you that the spirit of their mission is upon them. ' They rejoice in its saving power. They go to be baptized for their ancestry in full faith that when the departed ones, in the spirit world, receive the Gospel message that the work thus done will be efficacious. Thus do we demonstrate our faith in the mission of Elijah the Prophet.
We believe that every angelic messenger has come with a message, and each message to the believer has been followed by signs following.
The priesthood has been restored to the earth. John the Baptist came, laid his hands upon the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, as recorded in the 13th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants. I commend this book of revelations unto you and suggest that it be read often, that the truth may be in your minds and in your hearts, that you may all know that the great forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ in the meridian of time has again appeared and through Him has come unto us the authority of the Priesthood which he held upon earth and by virtue of that Priesthood our deacons, priests, and teachers are ministering in the work of God.
We also declare that Peter, James and John came and conferred the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the head of the prophet. I exhort you all to read the story. This Church is of God. Our boys are ministering in the Aaronic Priesthood, our elders are abroad ministering in the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the power of God follows them in their work. We have all seen the fruits of their faithful labors.
I trust that we shall receive an incentive today to be more diligent in this work, to meet with and teach it to our families, to inspire our associates as we bear this testimony, for the Master will require an account from ns of our labors to advance His great work among the children of men.
May the Lord help us in every good work, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER EDWARD J. WOOD.
(President of Alberta Stake.)
I come from the extreme north, the Alberta stake of Zion—of Alberta, Canada. I am reminded of a story. There was a Swedish man applying for work as a collector. He went to a gentleman that had a store with a lot of old accounts to be collected. So the employer said, “All right. Brother Johnson, we will be glad to employ you, here are three or four accounts I would like you to go and collect.” “All right,” Brother Johnson said. So he took the accounts and went out, and came back. Soon the employer said. "Well, what did they say?” “Well, Bill Key, he say him pay when he sell him hogs. John Thomas, he pay when he sell him wheat, Yohn Johnson, he pay in Yanuary.” Well, that is the first time that that man ever promised to pay his bill. Are you sure he said he would pay it in January?" “Ya, veil, he say he tank it be a cold day when he pay that bill, and I tank it be a cold day in Yanuary.”
It is a cold day when the people of our stake, the Alberta stake, one of the largest in the Church, do not attend their meetings. I heard what Brother Partridge said. I am rather glad I live in Alberta. We do attend our meetings there. We stand at the head of the list, having the largest percentage of people attending sacrament meetings, and we are proud of it.
We are told that our stake extends from the Canadian boundary line on the south to the North Pole on the north. When I saw President Lund yesterday he said, “And the north shall give up—” “Not its dead,” I said, “the sea will give up its dead, but the Israelites’ army shall come from the North.” Two weeks ago today, Apostle David O. McKay and others participated in the laying of the corner stone of the new Temple in Cardston, Brother McKay offering the dedicatory prayer. It rained and it hailed, and it stormed; but it did not discourage us. We have a tabernacle, about the distance of this Tabernacle from the Temple. Brother McKay expected everybody to run to the Tabernacle. But no. We stood it out, and we had a good time.
We appreciate the blessings of the Lord; and we appreciate the people that we live with there. The great Dominion of Canada sent one of their representatives to witness the ceremonies I speak of. We have the only member of the British Parliament who is one of our people who also attended, representing our constituency in the Provincial Government in Alberta; and a great many other people were in attendance. We are visited often by many people who travel through the country. They are very interested in the Temple. This member of the British Parliament complimented us by saying that, when the Temple was finished, it would be the best church edifice in Western Canada.
I have listened with interest to what the other brethren have said. I was pleased this morning on hearing that a temple was to be built in the Sandwich Islands. I have been there a number of times, and spent many years on the Samoan Islands. I love the Polynesian Islanders, who we believe are of the same family as our Indians, all of whom I love very much. We have them in our country. I thought I would tell you of a dream that an Indian had, in the far eastern boundaries of Canada. Brother Goddard spoke about the fruits of the Gospel, the signs that should follow the believer. The story is of today, not anything that my grandfather heard, or that I have read in books, but an incident which happened recently.
A tribe of Indians came to our country, called the Kree Indians. They were headed by a man named “Yellow Face.” He said that he was a member of a council of five who lived in the eastern part of Saskachewan, the Province to the east of Alberta. They spend their time in the winter hunting and fishing. They roam around the country for that purpose, and then go back again in the spring. This man and his one hundred twenty-eight families came into our country, and camped in the woods by a river, right where the road led from two of our wards. We did not know anything of their business. They went about hunting and fishing. One day this man “Yellow Face” sent to a ward for the “high chief” of that ward, as he called him—we call them bishops—and wanted him to come to his tent and have a visit with him. These people had visited us. We had asked them into our meetings. They had come to our entertainments, and we had become interested in them. They are a very intelligent people, the Kree nation—not like the Indians here. They dress as we do, and they are educated. They have a written language of their own, not made by white men according to signs and sounds, but of hieroglyphics, composing a nice looking alphabet. This man sent for our bishop, and when our bishop came, he found a large tent, with the heads of these one hundred twenty-eight families there, and Yellow Face was sitting right in front, with one lady. So Yellow Face said to this bishop, "We want you to talk to us. We have been to your meetings. We have been to your parties. You have asked us to dine with you. Now we return the compliment. We want you to come and visit us.” Bishop Parker did not know what to say. He had never been on a mission, wasn’t prepared to preach the Gospel. But he was struck with the sincerity he noticed in the people’s faces as they sat in the circle. They were pleased to see him. So he told them about the restoration of the Gospel, and about our work of colonizing in that country. They did not seem much interested in that. After he got through, they said, is that all you know about your Gospel? He thought and said, “Well, I believe I have told about all I know.” “Well,” Yellow Face said, “don’t you have any book that you talk about?” “O yes,” and Brother Parker then thought of the Book of Mormon. “Well, tell about that book.” Brother Parker told all he could. It did not take very long, and when he got through, the Chief said, “That is all,” and Brother Parker went home.
About a week after, he sent for him again. Brother Parker did not know this time what would be expected of him. But he went, and found the same crowd there. This time, Yellow Face said to Brother Parker, “When you were here before, I sat there, and you stood here. This time I’ll stand here, and you sit there, and so he related this story to Brother Parker:
“Two years ago the high chief of our council had a vision.” [Mind you this man never knew anything about our Gospel, never knew there was such a thing as visions or heavenly manifestations.] “Our high chief, the great chief of the Kree nation, had a messenger come to him that he never knew, and he told this chief, You are going to die, but you won’t die all over. The chief did not know what he meant, and he said, When you die, I do not want you to be buried until you get cold all over. So the chief said all right; and he said he went with this messenger, as he thought he died. All the other chiefs thought he was dead. But he had told his nearest associates to watch his body when he went cold, from the extremities of his fingers, his toes, to follow how far his body was cold, and if they found a warm spot, not to bury him yet. So he was watched for five days, and only above his heart was a small place of his body yet warm. On the end of the fifth day, he came to, and he called all his council together, and told them he had been into a country where he saw his forefathers, walked with them, talked with them; and they told him that he would not yet die when he came to the earth, and that he was to go all over the country until he found a people who had the book in which was the history of the very people he had been with in the spirit world; and he said, I will give unto you four signs by which you may know the people. First, they will not drive you out of their country. Second, you can turn your horses loose. They won’t steal them. Third, they will go through your village, and they won’t rob the virtue of your Indian women. Fourth, they will let you hunt and fish on their domain.” So he said to Brother Parker, “with my family two years we have hunted for such a people. You invited us into your meetings. We sat at the table with you in your picnic parties.” [He had an interpreter tell all this.] “ You have come through our village. You have not molested our women. We are fishing and hunting today on your Church lands. So I asked you. I watched you. We have watched your men, your young men, we have watched every action of all your people. When I heard you speak, it sounded like good news to me, and when you said that was all, I thought again I am disappointed. So I asked you if you had a book. You told me you had. That is our book. That is our history, not yours.”
So Brother Parker went and got the book, and brought it back to the Indians. The Indians took it, gave it to the interpreter, and had him sit down and read by the hour. And when he got through, the Indian took the book—did not think he had to buy it. He said, “It is our book, our history,” and wrapped it up and took it away.
They have visited us several times. They are a fine people. I pray that God will help us to remember some of the words of this book. I will read just one verse: “Ye cannot say when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this, for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this life shall possess your bodies in eternity.”
May God prepare us that when we lay down our bodies, when we go into the grave, that we may have the spirit with us of love and belief in eternity that these Indians have, because as sure as the sun shines and we stand in the shadow of God’s house, here on this Temple square, I testify we shall meet our friends on the other side. May we have the Spirit of the Gospel ever with us, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Alberta Stake.)
I come from the extreme north, the Alberta stake of Zion—of Alberta, Canada. I am reminded of a story. There was a Swedish man applying for work as a collector. He went to a gentleman that had a store with a lot of old accounts to be collected. So the employer said, “All right. Brother Johnson, we will be glad to employ you, here are three or four accounts I would like you to go and collect.” “All right,” Brother Johnson said. So he took the accounts and went out, and came back. Soon the employer said. "Well, what did they say?” “Well, Bill Key, he say him pay when he sell him hogs. John Thomas, he pay when he sell him wheat, Yohn Johnson, he pay in Yanuary.” Well, that is the first time that that man ever promised to pay his bill. Are you sure he said he would pay it in January?" “Ya, veil, he say he tank it be a cold day when he pay that bill, and I tank it be a cold day in Yanuary.”
It is a cold day when the people of our stake, the Alberta stake, one of the largest in the Church, do not attend their meetings. I heard what Brother Partridge said. I am rather glad I live in Alberta. We do attend our meetings there. We stand at the head of the list, having the largest percentage of people attending sacrament meetings, and we are proud of it.
We are told that our stake extends from the Canadian boundary line on the south to the North Pole on the north. When I saw President Lund yesterday he said, “And the north shall give up—” “Not its dead,” I said, “the sea will give up its dead, but the Israelites’ army shall come from the North.” Two weeks ago today, Apostle David O. McKay and others participated in the laying of the corner stone of the new Temple in Cardston, Brother McKay offering the dedicatory prayer. It rained and it hailed, and it stormed; but it did not discourage us. We have a tabernacle, about the distance of this Tabernacle from the Temple. Brother McKay expected everybody to run to the Tabernacle. But no. We stood it out, and we had a good time.
We appreciate the blessings of the Lord; and we appreciate the people that we live with there. The great Dominion of Canada sent one of their representatives to witness the ceremonies I speak of. We have the only member of the British Parliament who is one of our people who also attended, representing our constituency in the Provincial Government in Alberta; and a great many other people were in attendance. We are visited often by many people who travel through the country. They are very interested in the Temple. This member of the British Parliament complimented us by saying that, when the Temple was finished, it would be the best church edifice in Western Canada.
I have listened with interest to what the other brethren have said. I was pleased this morning on hearing that a temple was to be built in the Sandwich Islands. I have been there a number of times, and spent many years on the Samoan Islands. I love the Polynesian Islanders, who we believe are of the same family as our Indians, all of whom I love very much. We have them in our country. I thought I would tell you of a dream that an Indian had, in the far eastern boundaries of Canada. Brother Goddard spoke about the fruits of the Gospel, the signs that should follow the believer. The story is of today, not anything that my grandfather heard, or that I have read in books, but an incident which happened recently.
A tribe of Indians came to our country, called the Kree Indians. They were headed by a man named “Yellow Face.” He said that he was a member of a council of five who lived in the eastern part of Saskachewan, the Province to the east of Alberta. They spend their time in the winter hunting and fishing. They roam around the country for that purpose, and then go back again in the spring. This man and his one hundred twenty-eight families came into our country, and camped in the woods by a river, right where the road led from two of our wards. We did not know anything of their business. They went about hunting and fishing. One day this man “Yellow Face” sent to a ward for the “high chief” of that ward, as he called him—we call them bishops—and wanted him to come to his tent and have a visit with him. These people had visited us. We had asked them into our meetings. They had come to our entertainments, and we had become interested in them. They are a very intelligent people, the Kree nation—not like the Indians here. They dress as we do, and they are educated. They have a written language of their own, not made by white men according to signs and sounds, but of hieroglyphics, composing a nice looking alphabet. This man sent for our bishop, and when our bishop came, he found a large tent, with the heads of these one hundred twenty-eight families there, and Yellow Face was sitting right in front, with one lady. So Yellow Face said to this bishop, "We want you to talk to us. We have been to your meetings. We have been to your parties. You have asked us to dine with you. Now we return the compliment. We want you to come and visit us.” Bishop Parker did not know what to say. He had never been on a mission, wasn’t prepared to preach the Gospel. But he was struck with the sincerity he noticed in the people’s faces as they sat in the circle. They were pleased to see him. So he told them about the restoration of the Gospel, and about our work of colonizing in that country. They did not seem much interested in that. After he got through, they said, is that all you know about your Gospel? He thought and said, “Well, I believe I have told about all I know.” “Well,” Yellow Face said, “don’t you have any book that you talk about?” “O yes,” and Brother Parker then thought of the Book of Mormon. “Well, tell about that book.” Brother Parker told all he could. It did not take very long, and when he got through, the Chief said, “That is all,” and Brother Parker went home.
About a week after, he sent for him again. Brother Parker did not know this time what would be expected of him. But he went, and found the same crowd there. This time, Yellow Face said to Brother Parker, “When you were here before, I sat there, and you stood here. This time I’ll stand here, and you sit there, and so he related this story to Brother Parker:
“Two years ago the high chief of our council had a vision.” [Mind you this man never knew anything about our Gospel, never knew there was such a thing as visions or heavenly manifestations.] “Our high chief, the great chief of the Kree nation, had a messenger come to him that he never knew, and he told this chief, You are going to die, but you won’t die all over. The chief did not know what he meant, and he said, When you die, I do not want you to be buried until you get cold all over. So the chief said all right; and he said he went with this messenger, as he thought he died. All the other chiefs thought he was dead. But he had told his nearest associates to watch his body when he went cold, from the extremities of his fingers, his toes, to follow how far his body was cold, and if they found a warm spot, not to bury him yet. So he was watched for five days, and only above his heart was a small place of his body yet warm. On the end of the fifth day, he came to, and he called all his council together, and told them he had been into a country where he saw his forefathers, walked with them, talked with them; and they told him that he would not yet die when he came to the earth, and that he was to go all over the country until he found a people who had the book in which was the history of the very people he had been with in the spirit world; and he said, I will give unto you four signs by which you may know the people. First, they will not drive you out of their country. Second, you can turn your horses loose. They won’t steal them. Third, they will go through your village, and they won’t rob the virtue of your Indian women. Fourth, they will let you hunt and fish on their domain.” So he said to Brother Parker, “with my family two years we have hunted for such a people. You invited us into your meetings. We sat at the table with you in your picnic parties.” [He had an interpreter tell all this.] “ You have come through our village. You have not molested our women. We are fishing and hunting today on your Church lands. So I asked you. I watched you. We have watched your men, your young men, we have watched every action of all your people. When I heard you speak, it sounded like good news to me, and when you said that was all, I thought again I am disappointed. So I asked you if you had a book. You told me you had. That is our book. That is our history, not yours.”
So Brother Parker went and got the book, and brought it back to the Indians. The Indians took it, gave it to the interpreter, and had him sit down and read by the hour. And when he got through, the Indian took the book—did not think he had to buy it. He said, “It is our book, our history,” and wrapped it up and took it away.
They have visited us several times. They are a fine people. I pray that God will help us to remember some of the words of this book. I will read just one verse: “Ye cannot say when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this, for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this life shall possess your bodies in eternity.”
May God prepare us that when we lay down our bodies, when we go into the grave, that we may have the spirit with us of love and belief in eternity that these Indians have, because as sure as the sun shines and we stand in the shadow of God’s house, here on this Temple square, I testify we shall meet our friends on the other side. May we have the Spirit of the Gospel ever with us, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER WM. H. RICHARDS.
(President of Malad Stake.)
This is the first time in my life that I have had the privilege of talking to an audience of this kind outdoors. It generally gives me heart failure to stand before a congregation to try to expound the principles of eternal truth to them. It is not that I am ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because, I can say as Paul said. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because I know it is the power of God unto salvation so, as I have stated, it is not because I am ashamed of the testimony that I have of the Gospel that makes me fear when I am called to bear it before a congregation.
I feel to thank the Lord today, my brothers and sisters, that my parents were converted to the principles of the Gospel in their native land, and that they saw fit, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to yield obedience to the Gospel, to leave their native land, and to gather where the Lord has appointed for the gathering of Israel. I feel thankful today when I read of what is going on in their native land, thankful that they were converted to the Gospel and to the principle of the gathering, and that they came to this country where their children have been brought up and nurtured in the principles of eternal truth.
I have never seen the time in my life, although I have been amongst a great many people who have not had much use for the Gospel, for the Latter-day Saints, or for any of their teachings, but I have never in my life seen the time when I felt that I needed to hang my head in shame because I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have always held my head un. and felt to thank the Lord that that great privilege has come to me.
While I have not had the privilege of going out into the world as a missionary, I have had some experience in working in the Gospel at home: but it has always been in a presiding capacity, and being backward in public sneaking I have always called on others to do the talking. Nevertheless, as I have told vou. I have a testimony of the Gospel, and I have never seen the time when I was afraid to bear it to outsiders or anyone else. I know that the principles of the Gospel are true. When we take into consideration the principles that are taught to us today by our Church leaders, we find that they compare favorably with the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as has been explained to us this afternoon.
May the Lord bless us, my brothers and sisters, that we may realize the position that we hold, and that in every action of our life the world may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven, are the blessings I ask, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Malad Stake.)
This is the first time in my life that I have had the privilege of talking to an audience of this kind outdoors. It generally gives me heart failure to stand before a congregation to try to expound the principles of eternal truth to them. It is not that I am ashamed of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because, I can say as Paul said. “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because I know it is the power of God unto salvation so, as I have stated, it is not because I am ashamed of the testimony that I have of the Gospel that makes me fear when I am called to bear it before a congregation.
I feel to thank the Lord today, my brothers and sisters, that my parents were converted to the principles of the Gospel in their native land, and that they saw fit, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to yield obedience to the Gospel, to leave their native land, and to gather where the Lord has appointed for the gathering of Israel. I feel thankful today when I read of what is going on in their native land, thankful that they were converted to the Gospel and to the principle of the gathering, and that they came to this country where their children have been brought up and nurtured in the principles of eternal truth.
I have never seen the time in my life, although I have been amongst a great many people who have not had much use for the Gospel, for the Latter-day Saints, or for any of their teachings, but I have never in my life seen the time when I felt that I needed to hang my head in shame because I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have always held my head un. and felt to thank the Lord that that great privilege has come to me.
While I have not had the privilege of going out into the world as a missionary, I have had some experience in working in the Gospel at home: but it has always been in a presiding capacity, and being backward in public sneaking I have always called on others to do the talking. Nevertheless, as I have told vou. I have a testimony of the Gospel, and I have never seen the time when I was afraid to bear it to outsiders or anyone else. I know that the principles of the Gospel are true. When we take into consideration the principles that are taught to us today by our Church leaders, we find that they compare favorably with the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as has been explained to us this afternoon.
May the Lord bless us, my brothers and sisters, that we may realize the position that we hold, and that in every action of our life the world may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven, are the blessings I ask, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER DAVID O. M’KAY.
An antagonistic minister subdued— The key to eternal life—Knowledge gained by doing—The will of God defined—Service to God and fellow men.
With one exception, during a visit to the Central States Mission, this is the first time that I have attended an open air meeting since we met on City Road, in old Glasgow. And an incident that occurred one night, about the last night that I was in the mission field, has been called to mind.
We were met. as we approached the place of meeting, by a motherly woman, whom I had never seen before, and have never seen since, who said. “The minister wi’ a’ his congregation is here the nicht, to break un your meetin’. Stand close thegither, so he canna get in the circle.” And he and some of her friends joined in that circle and helped us keep it. When the first sneaker began to testify to the restoration of the Gospel, this alleged minister cried out. “These men are ‘Mormons,’ ” and the Elder, who at that time was giving his first address in public out in the field, became somewhat confused, said a few more words, and stepped back in the ring. Then this interrupter had the crowd, and among other things, said, “These men come from Salt Lake City; they are after your daughters, and they want to take them out there and hitch them to the plow and make them work, and make slaves of them.” Well, we called on Brother Leggatt, who was a resident of Glasgow, and he stepped out in the ring and said, “Fellow Townsmen,” which gave the lie right at once to the minister’s statement that we were all from Salt Lake City, and then Brother Leggatt bore his testimony in an excellent address. Well, that man continued his railing until our meeting was about half over, at which time the crowd began to realize that his heart was filled with animosity, and they silenced him, and listened to the message which the Elders had to give.
That misguided brother and those who joined with him did not realize the importance of the message which those humble boys—for some of us were mere boys—had to give to the world. He thought, and those who sympathized with him thought, I grant sincerely, that those men holding that meeting were representatives of an organization whose purpose is to injure the people.
They did not know—or if so then they were wicked indeed—that the message which those Elders had to give to the world was indeed, and is, the message of life, a philosophy which is the true science of living.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, is in very deed, every way, the power of God unto salvation. It is salvation here—here and now. It gives to every man the perfect life, here and now as well as hereafter.
Life is the dearest thing to us in all the world. Nothing else that you cherish as you cherish your life. You who would give your life today for some one else would give it in order to save the life of one who is dearer to you than your own life. So life is the one thing we hold to. It is the one thing we desire here and hereafter. Eternal life is God’s greatest gift to man.
What is eternal life? In that glorious prayer of intercession offered by Jesus, our Redeemer, just before he crossed the brook Cedron and received the traitor’s kiss that betrayed him into the hands of the soldiers, we find these words, “This is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” To know God and His Son is eternal life. There is the key. Life eternal is what I desire. I desire it more than I desire anything else in the world—life eternal for me and mine and all the world. And there in the words of the Redeemer I have the secret given to me in a simple sentence, “To know God and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent, is eternal life.”
But how shall I know him? That is the next question. How may I know Him? Has He, at any time, or on any occasion, answered that question? If so, I want the answer, because it is vital. In searching the record as it is given to us by men who associated daily with the Lord, I find upon one occasion that men out in His audience cried out against Him. They opposed His works as men today opposed you, my fellow missionaries, when yon were out in the field. And one voice cried out and said in effect, “How do we know that what you tell us is true? How do we know that your profession of being the Son of God is true?” And He answered in just a simple way; and note the test: “If ye will do the will of My Father, which is in heaven, ye shall know whether the doctrine is of God or whether I speak of myself.” That test is most sound. It is most philosophical. It is the most simple test to give knowledge to an individual of which the human mind can conceive. Doing a thing, introducing it into your very being, will convince you whether it is good or whether it is bad. You may not be able to convince me of that which you know, but you know it because you have lived it. That is the test that the Savior gave to those men when they asked Him how they should know whether the doctrine was of God or whether it was of man.
But in considering His answer there is another question arises. If ye will do the will—what is the will? We can see what conditions will bring eternal life. We have the spoken statement that if we will do His will, we shall know; but now comes the question, what is the will? And therein, my brethren and sisters, is the whole essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as plainly as Jesus stated and defined what was eternal life or how we should know it. just as plainly as He laid down that test, just as plainly has He expressed what His will is.
These brethren, who have addressed us today, presidents of stakes, presidents of missions, have defined one by one in different ways, some of those principles which constitute the will of God. I am not going to take time—it would not be wise, even if I could—to narrate all the principles that constitute that will; but they are so simple that as the scriptures say, a wayfaring man though a fool, need not err therein.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears testimony to the world that this will of God has been made manifest in this dispensation, that the principles of the Gospel, the principles of life Have been revealed. They are in harmony with the principles which Christ taught in the meridian of times. In harmony! they are the same; because they are eternal, as the principles given in all dispensations of the world: Faith—Why, who can dispute that faith is an eternal principle? You cannot live without it. It is as eternal as love, eternal, active and may be as constant as the force of gravity that is acting every day. Repentance. Why, it is not just in Scripture that you find that repentance is an eternal principal. Read Carlysle. you who take him as a guide, and like his reasoning. Do you know that in contemplating this principle of repentance, he makes this statement. “The man who cannot repent is dead.” And he is right. He felt the eternal element in that saving principle. It is part of life. It is a fatal condition to reach when one cannot repent.
So we might go on with our principles. But then you can sum it up in this, my fellow workers, that after obeying the principles and the ordinances of the Gospel the will of God is to serve your fellow man. benefitting them, making this world better for your being in it. Christ gave His all to teach us that principle. And He made the statement, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Why, Elders going out to injure! to entrap the innocent! It is just the opposite. Their message is to bless. Their duty is to serve. There is the message which God has given us in the perfect organization of the Church referred to by our brother. That Church is God’s Church, which is so perfectly organized that every man and every woman, every child, may have an opportunity to do something good to somebody else. Such is the organization of our Church, and that is the obligation of you ward teachers, the choir members, the high priests, seventies, and elders, and priests, teachers, and deacons, all the auxiliaries in the Church, to serve and do God’s will; and if we do. the more we do it, the more we shall become convinced that is the work of God; because we are testing it, and we shall know. Bobby Burns says, “The proof o’ the puddin’ is the’ preein’ o’t which is just another way of expressing the same thing.
Then, by doing the will of God, we get to know God. and get close to Him, and feel then that life eternal is ours. We shall feel to love humanity everywhere, and we can cry out with the apostle of old, “I know that I have passed from death unto life, because I love the brethren.”
In conclusion, let us all go from this meeting with a sincere determination to do what the poet has said he would like to do.
It may not be on the mountain’s height.
Or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front
My Lord shall have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths that I do not know.
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where you want me to go.
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak,
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand’rer whom I should seek,
O, Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide,
Though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message
I'll say what you want me to say.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place,
In earth’s harvest fields so wide.
Where I may labor through life’s short day
For Jesus the crucified,
So trusting my all to Thy tender care,
And knowing Thou lovest me,
I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what you want me to be.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord.
I’ll be what you want me to be.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “High on the mountain top.”
Elder Heber C. Austin offered the closing prayer.
An antagonistic minister subdued— The key to eternal life—Knowledge gained by doing—The will of God defined—Service to God and fellow men.
With one exception, during a visit to the Central States Mission, this is the first time that I have attended an open air meeting since we met on City Road, in old Glasgow. And an incident that occurred one night, about the last night that I was in the mission field, has been called to mind.
We were met. as we approached the place of meeting, by a motherly woman, whom I had never seen before, and have never seen since, who said. “The minister wi’ a’ his congregation is here the nicht, to break un your meetin’. Stand close thegither, so he canna get in the circle.” And he and some of her friends joined in that circle and helped us keep it. When the first sneaker began to testify to the restoration of the Gospel, this alleged minister cried out. “These men are ‘Mormons,’ ” and the Elder, who at that time was giving his first address in public out in the field, became somewhat confused, said a few more words, and stepped back in the ring. Then this interrupter had the crowd, and among other things, said, “These men come from Salt Lake City; they are after your daughters, and they want to take them out there and hitch them to the plow and make them work, and make slaves of them.” Well, we called on Brother Leggatt, who was a resident of Glasgow, and he stepped out in the ring and said, “Fellow Townsmen,” which gave the lie right at once to the minister’s statement that we were all from Salt Lake City, and then Brother Leggatt bore his testimony in an excellent address. Well, that man continued his railing until our meeting was about half over, at which time the crowd began to realize that his heart was filled with animosity, and they silenced him, and listened to the message which the Elders had to give.
That misguided brother and those who joined with him did not realize the importance of the message which those humble boys—for some of us were mere boys—had to give to the world. He thought, and those who sympathized with him thought, I grant sincerely, that those men holding that meeting were representatives of an organization whose purpose is to injure the people.
They did not know—or if so then they were wicked indeed—that the message which those Elders had to give to the world was indeed, and is, the message of life, a philosophy which is the true science of living.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, is in very deed, every way, the power of God unto salvation. It is salvation here—here and now. It gives to every man the perfect life, here and now as well as hereafter.
Life is the dearest thing to us in all the world. Nothing else that you cherish as you cherish your life. You who would give your life today for some one else would give it in order to save the life of one who is dearer to you than your own life. So life is the one thing we hold to. It is the one thing we desire here and hereafter. Eternal life is God’s greatest gift to man.
What is eternal life? In that glorious prayer of intercession offered by Jesus, our Redeemer, just before he crossed the brook Cedron and received the traitor’s kiss that betrayed him into the hands of the soldiers, we find these words, “This is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” To know God and His Son is eternal life. There is the key. Life eternal is what I desire. I desire it more than I desire anything else in the world—life eternal for me and mine and all the world. And there in the words of the Redeemer I have the secret given to me in a simple sentence, “To know God and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent, is eternal life.”
But how shall I know him? That is the next question. How may I know Him? Has He, at any time, or on any occasion, answered that question? If so, I want the answer, because it is vital. In searching the record as it is given to us by men who associated daily with the Lord, I find upon one occasion that men out in His audience cried out against Him. They opposed His works as men today opposed you, my fellow missionaries, when yon were out in the field. And one voice cried out and said in effect, “How do we know that what you tell us is true? How do we know that your profession of being the Son of God is true?” And He answered in just a simple way; and note the test: “If ye will do the will of My Father, which is in heaven, ye shall know whether the doctrine is of God or whether I speak of myself.” That test is most sound. It is most philosophical. It is the most simple test to give knowledge to an individual of which the human mind can conceive. Doing a thing, introducing it into your very being, will convince you whether it is good or whether it is bad. You may not be able to convince me of that which you know, but you know it because you have lived it. That is the test that the Savior gave to those men when they asked Him how they should know whether the doctrine was of God or whether it was of man.
But in considering His answer there is another question arises. If ye will do the will—what is the will? We can see what conditions will bring eternal life. We have the spoken statement that if we will do His will, we shall know; but now comes the question, what is the will? And therein, my brethren and sisters, is the whole essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as plainly as Jesus stated and defined what was eternal life or how we should know it. just as plainly as He laid down that test, just as plainly has He expressed what His will is.
These brethren, who have addressed us today, presidents of stakes, presidents of missions, have defined one by one in different ways, some of those principles which constitute the will of God. I am not going to take time—it would not be wise, even if I could—to narrate all the principles that constitute that will; but they are so simple that as the scriptures say, a wayfaring man though a fool, need not err therein.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears testimony to the world that this will of God has been made manifest in this dispensation, that the principles of the Gospel, the principles of life Have been revealed. They are in harmony with the principles which Christ taught in the meridian of times. In harmony! they are the same; because they are eternal, as the principles given in all dispensations of the world: Faith—Why, who can dispute that faith is an eternal principle? You cannot live without it. It is as eternal as love, eternal, active and may be as constant as the force of gravity that is acting every day. Repentance. Why, it is not just in Scripture that you find that repentance is an eternal principal. Read Carlysle. you who take him as a guide, and like his reasoning. Do you know that in contemplating this principle of repentance, he makes this statement. “The man who cannot repent is dead.” And he is right. He felt the eternal element in that saving principle. It is part of life. It is a fatal condition to reach when one cannot repent.
So we might go on with our principles. But then you can sum it up in this, my fellow workers, that after obeying the principles and the ordinances of the Gospel the will of God is to serve your fellow man. benefitting them, making this world better for your being in it. Christ gave His all to teach us that principle. And He made the statement, "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Why, Elders going out to injure! to entrap the innocent! It is just the opposite. Their message is to bless. Their duty is to serve. There is the message which God has given us in the perfect organization of the Church referred to by our brother. That Church is God’s Church, which is so perfectly organized that every man and every woman, every child, may have an opportunity to do something good to somebody else. Such is the organization of our Church, and that is the obligation of you ward teachers, the choir members, the high priests, seventies, and elders, and priests, teachers, and deacons, all the auxiliaries in the Church, to serve and do God’s will; and if we do. the more we do it, the more we shall become convinced that is the work of God; because we are testing it, and we shall know. Bobby Burns says, “The proof o’ the puddin’ is the’ preein’ o’t which is just another way of expressing the same thing.
Then, by doing the will of God, we get to know God. and get close to Him, and feel then that life eternal is ours. We shall feel to love humanity everywhere, and we can cry out with the apostle of old, “I know that I have passed from death unto life, because I love the brethren.”
In conclusion, let us all go from this meeting with a sincere determination to do what the poet has said he would like to do.
It may not be on the mountain’s height.
Or over the stormy sea;
It may not be at the battle’s front
My Lord shall have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths that I do not know.
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where you want me to go.
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak,
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand’rer whom I should seek,
O, Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide,
Though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message
I'll say what you want me to say.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place,
In earth’s harvest fields so wide.
Where I may labor through life’s short day
For Jesus the crucified,
So trusting my all to Thy tender care,
And knowing Thou lovest me,
I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what you want me to be.
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord.
I’ll be what you want me to be.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “High on the mountain top.”
Elder Heber C. Austin offered the closing prayer.
SECOND DAY.
In the Tabernacle, Monday, October 4th, 10 a. m.
Conference was called to order by President Joseph F. Smith.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Our God, we raise to Thee.”
The opening prayer was by Elder Heber Q. Hale.
The choir sang the hymn, “All hail the glorious day.”
In the Tabernacle, Monday, October 4th, 10 a. m.
Conference was called to order by President Joseph F. Smith.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Our God, we raise to Thee.”
The opening prayer was by Elder Heber Q. Hale.
The choir sang the hymn, “All hail the glorious day.”
PREST. FRANCIS M. LYMAN.
Large numbers of influential people visiting Utah—Peace and prosperity prevailing here—All who hold Priesthood are teachers—Duty of prayer generally observed by Saints—High character of leading men in Church—War deplored—Peace extolled—Safety in following counsel of leaders.
It is very delightful to be in this conference, so generously attended on yesterday and a good-sized congregation this morning. The last six months have been remarkable for a variety of reasons. The war in the world, the peace at home, and our very remarkable Panama-Pacific expositions, have marked the period in a way never to be forgotten. The people of our nation, instead of going across the waters to the East, seem to have all come West, to see us, and we have been better seen and are becoming better understood than ever before. A larger volume of people, interested and influential in our nation, as well as from other parts of the world, have come to visit us, to look us over, and to learn of us. And although the troubles in the world have prevented many of our elders from going into the mission fields to preach the Gospel, yet those who are there have been very faithful and have accomplished a splendid work. Opportunities are given to local people to take care of the branches and to enter into the ministry, to assist the brethren sent from Zion, and the work is progressing, and Zion triumphs and prospers gloriously in the earth. We have very little reason to complain—fruitful season, peace abiding with us. and union and good fellowship among us and with many peoples of the world.
We were certainly interested in the report of conditions of the Church and what it had accomplished, by the President yesterday, and the doctrinal talks and discourses by his counselors and other brethren were intensely interesting. I am delighted to have laid before the Latter-day Saints, so generally as was done by the President yesterday, in regard to the course of the labors of our elders in the midst of the people, officiating as teachers among the people, and the lesson laid, down that will be preserved, and that will be remembered much better than though the same lesson, possibly, had been taught by each of the bishops of the Church, to their company of officiating teachers and elders. It was simple, brief, and to the point. Of course, every man who serves as a teacher among the people is expected to officiate, and labor, and instruct as the Spirit of the Lord gives him utterance; but the principle was laid down so nicely and beautifully for us yesterday, it may well be remembered and practiced upon. For every man is a teacher who labors among the people, from the Presidency of the Church and the general authorities, down to those who bear the Aaronic Priesthood. All are teachers, and are expected to be occupied in that calling on all occasions, living teachers, working among the people by their precept and by their example. And thus the Latter-day Saints are better taken care of, possibly, than any other people in the world.
And the Latter-day Saints are a prayerful people. It was announced a day or two ago in the papers that the President of the United States had let it be known to his cabinet that he believed in prayer. It seemed to be quite an event in the history of so prominent and remarkable a man as the leader of this nation. He is, of course, a religious man and announced the fact to his cabinet that he believed in prayer, but he had not, at that time, found out whether his cabinet were believers in prayer or not. They belong, no doubt, to different faiths, different churches. But the Latter-day Saints are all prayerful. From day to day we pray, morning and evening in a general manner for the welfare, not only of the Latter-day Saints and Zion, but we pray for our neighbors, we pray for our friends, we pray for the President of the United States, we pray for his cabinet, we pray for the members of Congress, we pray for the officials who serve us politically as well as those who serve us religiously, and possibly we are remarkable in that regard. I have not known, so far as my acquaintance goes, any people that have been so strictly trained, and are held to an account to remember the Lord. And every week of our lives, when we attend strictly, as we should do, to our worship, we pray before the Lord and partake of the emblems of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, witnessing to the Father that we remember Him and His Son, and that we are under obligation and covenant with Him to serve Him and keep His commandments. And how thoroughly the brethren and sisters who were with us yesterday, and those who are here today, are trained in this discipline! We are in close touch with the inspiration of the Lord, through our faith, through our works, and a lifelong training; and we are a people of peace, a people of justice, and a people of righteousness and morality.
A moral people are the Latter-day Saints, for no true Latter-day Saint is immoral. When a Latter-day Saint becomes immoral, he ceases to be a Latter-day Saint. If he becomes dishonest, if he is wicked and corrupt in any degree whatever, it deprives him of being a Latter-day Saint. We have a testimony abiding in our hearts in regard to the truth, in regard to the revelations of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and the doctrines that were stated so simply and plainly, and interestingly, to us yesterday by President Penrose in a very brief manner, yet covering the ground, and indicating to us the way of life and salvation, how to serve the Lord, how to come into His presence and fellowship and to enter into covenant with Him, to serve Him while we live in the flesh and while engaged in a struggle and warfare with Satan in this probation.
The brethren who sit before me here, leading, prominent brethren of the Church, coming from all over gathered Israel, Zion, are model men. I thought, when two of our stake presidents and two of our mission presidents appeared and spoke to us yesterday afternoon, that we have 72 just such men as those who talked to us, and they have each two counselors; and we have quite a number of mission presidents, the same as those who talked to us yesterday. These are leading men, and they are surrounded by men of strength and influence, and character, that are devoted and faithful to the cause of Zion and to the truth, and in the hearts of these men burn always the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And we are so delighted to recognize the fact that we are dwelling in the land of Zion, that peace abides here, and is to abide here upon this land. We have had our share already, I trust, in war and trouble, and bloodshed, that commenced in the division between the North and the South very many years ago, as a fulfillment of prophecy. For the Lord had revealed to the Prophet Joseph that such would be the case. And we had war for years. Thousands and hundreds of thousands of our brethren went to their death in defense of the union. The war was fought, and I hope that our troubles, so far as war is concerned, are over, and that we shall not be drawn into the wars of the Eastern world, and have none of our own, and that our nation will be a nation of peace makers. The President seems to be thoroughly pledged, and his cabinet and his advisors, to maintain peace with honor, which is most delightful. And we expect the time to come that in Europe, and other parts of the world, where men are not willing to take up their swords against their neighbor, they will need flee to the land of Zion for safety, and that here they shall find peace. We pray for peace, we live for it, we labor for it, and make some sacrifices and do all that is possible for us at all times. We pray for those who are in trouble. There is no sense, no judgment, no wisdom in the prosecution of wars as is being done in the world today. It is a shame and a disgrace to Christians or pagans to do what is being done today in the world. It ought not to be, and we are laboring to correct those conditions as far as we possibly can in our own lives.
I want to say for the Latter-day Saints, according to my observation, we have been so well trained, so thoroughly trained for so many years until peace abides in our own homes, in our own families, in our neighborhoods, in our wards, in our stakes; and the bishops with their courts, presidencies and high councils of stakes, with their courts, have very little serious difficulties to attend to, because the people are so thoroughly trained that they know just exactly how to settle their own difficulties, and to live in peace and to make peace and pursue it with each other. Zion is triumphing and prospering in the earth, and the Latter-day Saints are becoming known and those who war upon us and try to make us trouble, do so at the expense of conscientiousness and honesty and morality, for we are working for righteousness in the earth and to save the people. We travel for the salvation of the children of men. That is the ministry that has been conferred upon the Latter-day Saints through the revelations of the Gospel to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The testimony in regard to the divinity of his mission and the divinity of the mission of the Savior, is established thoroughly in the hearts of all Latter-day Saints. For, having done the will of the Lord, the testimony abides in our souls and we are grateful and thankful to our brethren, who are one with us in our ministry in officiating at home or officiating abroad. We are making every effort that we possibly can to put able, well-informed and influential men into the field to preach the Gospel, and we trust that the time will soon come when the Gospel shall be preached to every nation, that it may be taken everywhere, and there shall be no obstacles in the way, and that peace may be established among the nations.
We thank you, my brethren and sisters, for your generous attendance here. We love to have you come to headquarters and meet with us. We go to you, we go to every stake and give attention and care, not only to the stakes, but to wards and quorums and organizations in the Church, giving our attention all the time to the labor that is required, that the Church may be in order and the Latter-day Saints may be thoroughly instructed and trained. And they have before them always in their midst established and reliable men. upon whose counsel and instruction they can always depend. And the Latter-day Saints never go astray when they rely upon counsel. And they know the counsel that they should rely upon and depend upon, for it is always in their reach. We not only have the presidency of the Church and the general authorities, but in every stake, in every ward and in every mission, there is a head that can be relied upon, depended upon and trusted to give forth the word and will and counsel of the Almighty. Always when brethren or sisters have gone astray in any degree whatever, it is because they have done so contrary to the counsels of the Lord to His servants, and His servants are always at our elbow ready to give us correct and reliable direction and instruction. Let us remember this and never do what we do not know to be right. Be sure that we are right and then go ahead. And if we follow our file leader, we will not go far astray; and our file leaders are those that walk the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
We should not be led astray by those who are in error. We want to be established and firm and settled and fixed in our purposes to serve the Lord and keep His commandments while we live in the flesh. Our lives are not very lengthy, this probation is short, and possibly well enough that it is. but we should magnify our callings and position and responsibility in the Priesthood, and as members of this Church, as advocates of the truth, and examplars in all things. These brethren that stand at our head and are entrusted with the care of the people, are model men, or should be, in all things, serving God and giving forth the true sound, that we are one with those who lead us and we should be one with our Savior and Redeemer, as also with the prophet who has been before us, and those who have served us since his passing away, for these men have been true and devout and faithful without exception. They have honored God and have listened to His counsel and direction in all things and have been reliable, as they are today. Those who lead us today, you can depend upon their counsel and it is our duty and business to know exactly where they stand, what they advise, what they counsel, and what they direct us to do, and Zion will triumph and prosper gloriously.
I do not care to take much time this morning. Time is brief of course, in our conference. The Lord is with us by His Spirit and He is softening the hearts of men toward us. He is helping us to maintain peace upon this side of the world. And He moves not only upon the hearts of Latter-day Saints and the people of this Church, but He is moving upon the hearts of men as far as men will listen and heed His warning. He is sounding the truth to them and calling them to repentance and reformation, and works of righteousness. Let us take our part and carry the responsibility that is upon our shoulders and magnify our callings and positions as Latter-day Saints in the earth, and we will have great joy in time, and salvation and exaltation in the world to come, when Satan will have been baffled and defeated and we will be victorious, not only in the world to come, but in this world also, for the Lord will vindicate the truth on earth as well as in heaven.
May the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters, may His Spirit fill our hearts and souls now and forever in all departments where we labor. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Large numbers of influential people visiting Utah—Peace and prosperity prevailing here—All who hold Priesthood are teachers—Duty of prayer generally observed by Saints—High character of leading men in Church—War deplored—Peace extolled—Safety in following counsel of leaders.
It is very delightful to be in this conference, so generously attended on yesterday and a good-sized congregation this morning. The last six months have been remarkable for a variety of reasons. The war in the world, the peace at home, and our very remarkable Panama-Pacific expositions, have marked the period in a way never to be forgotten. The people of our nation, instead of going across the waters to the East, seem to have all come West, to see us, and we have been better seen and are becoming better understood than ever before. A larger volume of people, interested and influential in our nation, as well as from other parts of the world, have come to visit us, to look us over, and to learn of us. And although the troubles in the world have prevented many of our elders from going into the mission fields to preach the Gospel, yet those who are there have been very faithful and have accomplished a splendid work. Opportunities are given to local people to take care of the branches and to enter into the ministry, to assist the brethren sent from Zion, and the work is progressing, and Zion triumphs and prospers gloriously in the earth. We have very little reason to complain—fruitful season, peace abiding with us. and union and good fellowship among us and with many peoples of the world.
We were certainly interested in the report of conditions of the Church and what it had accomplished, by the President yesterday, and the doctrinal talks and discourses by his counselors and other brethren were intensely interesting. I am delighted to have laid before the Latter-day Saints, so generally as was done by the President yesterday, in regard to the course of the labors of our elders in the midst of the people, officiating as teachers among the people, and the lesson laid, down that will be preserved, and that will be remembered much better than though the same lesson, possibly, had been taught by each of the bishops of the Church, to their company of officiating teachers and elders. It was simple, brief, and to the point. Of course, every man who serves as a teacher among the people is expected to officiate, and labor, and instruct as the Spirit of the Lord gives him utterance; but the principle was laid down so nicely and beautifully for us yesterday, it may well be remembered and practiced upon. For every man is a teacher who labors among the people, from the Presidency of the Church and the general authorities, down to those who bear the Aaronic Priesthood. All are teachers, and are expected to be occupied in that calling on all occasions, living teachers, working among the people by their precept and by their example. And thus the Latter-day Saints are better taken care of, possibly, than any other people in the world.
And the Latter-day Saints are a prayerful people. It was announced a day or two ago in the papers that the President of the United States had let it be known to his cabinet that he believed in prayer. It seemed to be quite an event in the history of so prominent and remarkable a man as the leader of this nation. He is, of course, a religious man and announced the fact to his cabinet that he believed in prayer, but he had not, at that time, found out whether his cabinet were believers in prayer or not. They belong, no doubt, to different faiths, different churches. But the Latter-day Saints are all prayerful. From day to day we pray, morning and evening in a general manner for the welfare, not only of the Latter-day Saints and Zion, but we pray for our neighbors, we pray for our friends, we pray for the President of the United States, we pray for his cabinet, we pray for the members of Congress, we pray for the officials who serve us politically as well as those who serve us religiously, and possibly we are remarkable in that regard. I have not known, so far as my acquaintance goes, any people that have been so strictly trained, and are held to an account to remember the Lord. And every week of our lives, when we attend strictly, as we should do, to our worship, we pray before the Lord and partake of the emblems of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, witnessing to the Father that we remember Him and His Son, and that we are under obligation and covenant with Him to serve Him and keep His commandments. And how thoroughly the brethren and sisters who were with us yesterday, and those who are here today, are trained in this discipline! We are in close touch with the inspiration of the Lord, through our faith, through our works, and a lifelong training; and we are a people of peace, a people of justice, and a people of righteousness and morality.
A moral people are the Latter-day Saints, for no true Latter-day Saint is immoral. When a Latter-day Saint becomes immoral, he ceases to be a Latter-day Saint. If he becomes dishonest, if he is wicked and corrupt in any degree whatever, it deprives him of being a Latter-day Saint. We have a testimony abiding in our hearts in regard to the truth, in regard to the revelations of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and the doctrines that were stated so simply and plainly, and interestingly, to us yesterday by President Penrose in a very brief manner, yet covering the ground, and indicating to us the way of life and salvation, how to serve the Lord, how to come into His presence and fellowship and to enter into covenant with Him, to serve Him while we live in the flesh and while engaged in a struggle and warfare with Satan in this probation.
The brethren who sit before me here, leading, prominent brethren of the Church, coming from all over gathered Israel, Zion, are model men. I thought, when two of our stake presidents and two of our mission presidents appeared and spoke to us yesterday afternoon, that we have 72 just such men as those who talked to us, and they have each two counselors; and we have quite a number of mission presidents, the same as those who talked to us yesterday. These are leading men, and they are surrounded by men of strength and influence, and character, that are devoted and faithful to the cause of Zion and to the truth, and in the hearts of these men burn always the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And we are so delighted to recognize the fact that we are dwelling in the land of Zion, that peace abides here, and is to abide here upon this land. We have had our share already, I trust, in war and trouble, and bloodshed, that commenced in the division between the North and the South very many years ago, as a fulfillment of prophecy. For the Lord had revealed to the Prophet Joseph that such would be the case. And we had war for years. Thousands and hundreds of thousands of our brethren went to their death in defense of the union. The war was fought, and I hope that our troubles, so far as war is concerned, are over, and that we shall not be drawn into the wars of the Eastern world, and have none of our own, and that our nation will be a nation of peace makers. The President seems to be thoroughly pledged, and his cabinet and his advisors, to maintain peace with honor, which is most delightful. And we expect the time to come that in Europe, and other parts of the world, where men are not willing to take up their swords against their neighbor, they will need flee to the land of Zion for safety, and that here they shall find peace. We pray for peace, we live for it, we labor for it, and make some sacrifices and do all that is possible for us at all times. We pray for those who are in trouble. There is no sense, no judgment, no wisdom in the prosecution of wars as is being done in the world today. It is a shame and a disgrace to Christians or pagans to do what is being done today in the world. It ought not to be, and we are laboring to correct those conditions as far as we possibly can in our own lives.
I want to say for the Latter-day Saints, according to my observation, we have been so well trained, so thoroughly trained for so many years until peace abides in our own homes, in our own families, in our neighborhoods, in our wards, in our stakes; and the bishops with their courts, presidencies and high councils of stakes, with their courts, have very little serious difficulties to attend to, because the people are so thoroughly trained that they know just exactly how to settle their own difficulties, and to live in peace and to make peace and pursue it with each other. Zion is triumphing and prospering in the earth, and the Latter-day Saints are becoming known and those who war upon us and try to make us trouble, do so at the expense of conscientiousness and honesty and morality, for we are working for righteousness in the earth and to save the people. We travel for the salvation of the children of men. That is the ministry that has been conferred upon the Latter-day Saints through the revelations of the Gospel to the Prophet Joseph Smith. The testimony in regard to the divinity of his mission and the divinity of the mission of the Savior, is established thoroughly in the hearts of all Latter-day Saints. For, having done the will of the Lord, the testimony abides in our souls and we are grateful and thankful to our brethren, who are one with us in our ministry in officiating at home or officiating abroad. We are making every effort that we possibly can to put able, well-informed and influential men into the field to preach the Gospel, and we trust that the time will soon come when the Gospel shall be preached to every nation, that it may be taken everywhere, and there shall be no obstacles in the way, and that peace may be established among the nations.
We thank you, my brethren and sisters, for your generous attendance here. We love to have you come to headquarters and meet with us. We go to you, we go to every stake and give attention and care, not only to the stakes, but to wards and quorums and organizations in the Church, giving our attention all the time to the labor that is required, that the Church may be in order and the Latter-day Saints may be thoroughly instructed and trained. And they have before them always in their midst established and reliable men. upon whose counsel and instruction they can always depend. And the Latter-day Saints never go astray when they rely upon counsel. And they know the counsel that they should rely upon and depend upon, for it is always in their reach. We not only have the presidency of the Church and the general authorities, but in every stake, in every ward and in every mission, there is a head that can be relied upon, depended upon and trusted to give forth the word and will and counsel of the Almighty. Always when brethren or sisters have gone astray in any degree whatever, it is because they have done so contrary to the counsels of the Lord to His servants, and His servants are always at our elbow ready to give us correct and reliable direction and instruction. Let us remember this and never do what we do not know to be right. Be sure that we are right and then go ahead. And if we follow our file leader, we will not go far astray; and our file leaders are those that walk the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
We should not be led astray by those who are in error. We want to be established and firm and settled and fixed in our purposes to serve the Lord and keep His commandments while we live in the flesh. Our lives are not very lengthy, this probation is short, and possibly well enough that it is. but we should magnify our callings and position and responsibility in the Priesthood, and as members of this Church, as advocates of the truth, and examplars in all things. These brethren that stand at our head and are entrusted with the care of the people, are model men, or should be, in all things, serving God and giving forth the true sound, that we are one with those who lead us and we should be one with our Savior and Redeemer, as also with the prophet who has been before us, and those who have served us since his passing away, for these men have been true and devout and faithful without exception. They have honored God and have listened to His counsel and direction in all things and have been reliable, as they are today. Those who lead us today, you can depend upon their counsel and it is our duty and business to know exactly where they stand, what they advise, what they counsel, and what they direct us to do, and Zion will triumph and prosper gloriously.
I do not care to take much time this morning. Time is brief of course, in our conference. The Lord is with us by His Spirit and He is softening the hearts of men toward us. He is helping us to maintain peace upon this side of the world. And He moves not only upon the hearts of Latter-day Saints and the people of this Church, but He is moving upon the hearts of men as far as men will listen and heed His warning. He is sounding the truth to them and calling them to repentance and reformation, and works of righteousness. Let us take our part and carry the responsibility that is upon our shoulders and magnify our callings and positions as Latter-day Saints in the earth, and we will have great joy in time, and salvation and exaltation in the world to come, when Satan will have been baffled and defeated and we will be victorious, not only in the world to come, but in this world also, for the Lord will vindicate the truth on earth as well as in heaven.
May the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters, may His Spirit fill our hearts and souls now and forever in all departments where we labor. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER MOSES W. TAYLOR.
(President of Summit Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I have been very much impressed in this conference by the counsels given. One statement that strongly impressed me was the remark of President Lund when he was quoting the Prophet Joseph Smith in regard to these who find fault with the authorities, that it leads to apostasy. This was brought forcibly to my mind from some experiences I have had as President of a stake. When I first went to the Summit stake of Zion, there were a few of the people that were very much offended, and they continually found fault with the actions of the authorities of the Church. I want to tell you one of the things that influenced me more than anything else in my life. Quite frequently, when I would come into the city, the President of the Church would ask me how we were getting along, and I thought I had better tell about what these men were saying, the fault that they were finding with the Church, and I did so several times as I had opportunity. One day in the President’s office, when nearly all the authorities of the Church were present, President Smith asked me that question again, and I started in to tell him and he stopped me. He said, “Moses, say ‘Shoo-fly, don’t bother me,’ about things of that kind.” When I went out of the office, one of the prominent men who was present came to me and said, “It is all right for President Smith to say that to you, but he couldn’t say ‘Shoo-fly, don’t bother me.’ ” I said to him. “I don’t care what President Smith can do, the prophet of the Lord has said to me. ‘say shoo-fly. don’t bother me,’ and I am going to do it.”
I want to testify to the Latter-day Saints that of all the counsels that I ever received in my life, I have received the greatest benefit from that “shoo-fly” counsel. Now it don’t matter what the unwise say or what they do, I say, “shoo-fly, don’t bother me;” and I find that I am magnified in the eyes of the people by taking that course. What called it to my attention, more than anything else, happened the other day. I met a prominent lawyer, and the name of President Smith came up in our conversation, and he said, “I would like to meet President Joseph F. Smith,” and I asked “Why.” “Well,” said he, “he appears to be one of the most remarkable men in the world today, and for this reason, I followed up that period of vituperation, when some of the newspapers were vilifying him day by day and day by day. He never answered a word; he must know that he is right, he must know that he is absolutely right.” I told him this “shoo-fly” story, and he said, “That accounts for it, that is the way that he lives himself.”
I am impressed with the thought that, in our stake we are very anxious that there shall not be anybody find fault with the authorities of the Church. I always tell them that whenever a man starts to find fault with the authorities of the Church, and thinks that the authorities have it “in for him,” that it is a sign of insanity, and we tell them right out. “You are going crazy always tell them. “You are going crazy, and the sooner you stop it the better.” I thought I would like to say that much in regard to that point, because it is one of the greatest counsels I ever received in my life.
There is another thing that pleased me very much. A son of mine came here to the city to work, and lodged in the 20th ward. He had not been there but a short time before the Bishop came and invited him to be one of the teachers. I appreciated that very much. This fall I sent one of my boys in to school, and he stays at his brother’s house. I met the Bishop the other day and he said to me, “Have you any objection to me using that other boy of yours as a teacher?” He said, “He came into the ward the other day and your son, on account of work, could not go teaching, but he said, ‘I will send my brother,’ and now the teacher comes and says, ‘I want the brother to be my companion, the boy that is going to school.’ ” Of course I had no objection, I wanted to thank the Bishop for taking care of my boys when away from home, and I felt like saying this to the bishops and others in Salt Lake City here. The boys that come from the country have got pure blood, pure minds, and clean thoughts, and you can’t get better teachers in all the world than the boys that come from the country. We parents that live out in the country appreciate it when you take care of them, and use them in the Priesthood; they will prove their worth to you if you will use them.
Now may the peace and blessing of heaven be with us. I know that the Gospel is true, and I know that this is the greatest work in all the world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the greatest organization in all the world, and the greater position you can get in it, the greater you will be in this world. I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that I never have seen a bishop, or other prominent man in this Church, sacrifice his position in the Church, for some financial position or otherwise, that succeeded. They lay down the greater for the less. So brethren, when you have received a position in the Church, magnify it, as President Lyman said, and the Lord will magnify you before the people, and you will realize that God is your father, your friend and benefactor. May the peace and blessing of heaven be with us, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The sacred song, “Abide with me,” was sung by Sister Francisca R. Parkinson.
(President of Summit Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I have been very much impressed in this conference by the counsels given. One statement that strongly impressed me was the remark of President Lund when he was quoting the Prophet Joseph Smith in regard to these who find fault with the authorities, that it leads to apostasy. This was brought forcibly to my mind from some experiences I have had as President of a stake. When I first went to the Summit stake of Zion, there were a few of the people that were very much offended, and they continually found fault with the actions of the authorities of the Church. I want to tell you one of the things that influenced me more than anything else in my life. Quite frequently, when I would come into the city, the President of the Church would ask me how we were getting along, and I thought I had better tell about what these men were saying, the fault that they were finding with the Church, and I did so several times as I had opportunity. One day in the President’s office, when nearly all the authorities of the Church were present, President Smith asked me that question again, and I started in to tell him and he stopped me. He said, “Moses, say ‘Shoo-fly, don’t bother me,’ about things of that kind.” When I went out of the office, one of the prominent men who was present came to me and said, “It is all right for President Smith to say that to you, but he couldn’t say ‘Shoo-fly, don’t bother me.’ ” I said to him. “I don’t care what President Smith can do, the prophet of the Lord has said to me. ‘say shoo-fly. don’t bother me,’ and I am going to do it.”
I want to testify to the Latter-day Saints that of all the counsels that I ever received in my life, I have received the greatest benefit from that “shoo-fly” counsel. Now it don’t matter what the unwise say or what they do, I say, “shoo-fly, don’t bother me;” and I find that I am magnified in the eyes of the people by taking that course. What called it to my attention, more than anything else, happened the other day. I met a prominent lawyer, and the name of President Smith came up in our conversation, and he said, “I would like to meet President Joseph F. Smith,” and I asked “Why.” “Well,” said he, “he appears to be one of the most remarkable men in the world today, and for this reason, I followed up that period of vituperation, when some of the newspapers were vilifying him day by day and day by day. He never answered a word; he must know that he is right, he must know that he is absolutely right.” I told him this “shoo-fly” story, and he said, “That accounts for it, that is the way that he lives himself.”
I am impressed with the thought that, in our stake we are very anxious that there shall not be anybody find fault with the authorities of the Church. I always tell them that whenever a man starts to find fault with the authorities of the Church, and thinks that the authorities have it “in for him,” that it is a sign of insanity, and we tell them right out. “You are going crazy always tell them. “You are going crazy, and the sooner you stop it the better.” I thought I would like to say that much in regard to that point, because it is one of the greatest counsels I ever received in my life.
There is another thing that pleased me very much. A son of mine came here to the city to work, and lodged in the 20th ward. He had not been there but a short time before the Bishop came and invited him to be one of the teachers. I appreciated that very much. This fall I sent one of my boys in to school, and he stays at his brother’s house. I met the Bishop the other day and he said to me, “Have you any objection to me using that other boy of yours as a teacher?” He said, “He came into the ward the other day and your son, on account of work, could not go teaching, but he said, ‘I will send my brother,’ and now the teacher comes and says, ‘I want the brother to be my companion, the boy that is going to school.’ ” Of course I had no objection, I wanted to thank the Bishop for taking care of my boys when away from home, and I felt like saying this to the bishops and others in Salt Lake City here. The boys that come from the country have got pure blood, pure minds, and clean thoughts, and you can’t get better teachers in all the world than the boys that come from the country. We parents that live out in the country appreciate it when you take care of them, and use them in the Priesthood; they will prove their worth to you if you will use them.
Now may the peace and blessing of heaven be with us. I know that the Gospel is true, and I know that this is the greatest work in all the world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the greatest organization in all the world, and the greater position you can get in it, the greater you will be in this world. I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that I never have seen a bishop, or other prominent man in this Church, sacrifice his position in the Church, for some financial position or otherwise, that succeeded. They lay down the greater for the less. So brethren, when you have received a position in the Church, magnify it, as President Lyman said, and the Lord will magnify you before the people, and you will realize that God is your father, your friend and benefactor. May the peace and blessing of heaven be with us, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The sacred song, “Abide with me,” was sung by Sister Francisca R. Parkinson.
ELDER GERMAN E. ELLSWORTH
(President of Northern States Mission.)
I rejoice in the testimony that I have of the great work our Father is doing in the earth. It is very like the work that has been done by God during all dispensations of the world’s history. We find that Father Adam offered sacrifice because he was commanded of the Lord; Enoch worked righteousness among the people in his day, under direction of the Father; and Abraham won the title of the “Father of the Faithful” because he was willing to keep the commandments of the Lord. Moses, under the directions of Jehovah, became the leader of Israel in his generation. Daniel the Prophet, and the three Hebrew children, were preserved by the Lord through divine interposition. Zachariah. though he doubted the visitation, became the father of the great Prophet John. Mary, the mother of Christ, likewise was visited by heavenly messengers; and the birth of our Savior was announced by personal visitors from heaven, as also the resurrection.
In every part of the work of our Heavenly Father, He has been in close communion with His servants who dwell in the earth. He tells us in Holy Writ that He would do nothing but what He made His mind and will known to His servants, the prophets. He has promised likewise that, in the last days, He would send His messengers to prepare the way before His face. He has likewise told us that Elijah should come for a special mission. John, while on the isle of Patmos, was visited by a heavenly messenger, who said to John, when he was about to fall down and worship the visitor, “See that thou do it not, for I am one of thy fellow servants, worship God.”
When I stop and think of the work that is being done in this day, it is so much like the work that has been done by our Father in all ages of the world. It makes me rejoice that I am blessed with a testimony of what God is doing in the same work this day. The beginning of the work was under the direction of the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, renewing again the true conception of the Father and the Son. and telling what would come to pass in this generation, beginning with the establishing of the Church that bears the name of the Master, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We then find that the messengers promised in the scripture have been sent, and the work that they are doing is identical with the work that has been done in the past ages. John, who preceded the coming of the Christ in his day, preached faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. He proclaimed the same doctrine in this day, and instructed the prophet how to proceed to follow this counsel, and be in harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ. Following his instructions, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of their sins. Then Peter, James, and John, at the right time, came and delivered a certain message, certain authority and instructions concerning the great work of our Father in the earth in this day. Following that visit, other messengers, who were prophets of the Lord, came and delivered keys and power which they held under the directions of the Father.
And so, when I stop and think that, in this day. God has established a Church that bears His name, and in the very way He did it in former days, by sending His servants, it makes me happy to think that I have part in such a great work. The very name of the Church is a great testimony to me. I rejoice in the principle of faith in the Father of the spirits of the human race, faith in Jesus Christ, who is His Son in very deed, and our resurrected Redeemer. Faith or conviction of this sort will bring men to repentance, turn them from their sins and evil walks in life to a godly life. When they yield to the instruction of the Spirit of the Lord, they are led into the waters of baptism and come forth in newness of life. I bear witness that I have seen the convert come out of the waters of baptism with a look upon their face as pure as though they were new born. I have seen them reform their lives and walk in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus, as they had never done before.
When I think that I belong to the Church that bears the name of the Master, and teaches doctrines that were taught by the prophets of old and by Christ Himself, it makes me rejoice that I am thus favored in the world. It makes me rejoice to see the power of the Lord manifest through the young men and young women who come into the Northern States Mission, when they stand forth and bear their testimony to the people of the world. God has truly revealed to their hearts, and has put it in their souls, and has made their tongues to testify of His name, and of the great work that is being done in this our day. I rejoice that I believe in the coming of angels, that I believe God our Father can send prophets in this day, and instruct His children how to live and what to do to come back into His presence. It is a glorious thing to believe that the heavens and the earth are so near together, and that our Father has personal charge in this day as in other days.
I rejoice in the testimony that has come into my heart that. God sent angels in this day to instruct the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the great work to be done. I rejoice that I believe in the prophets that followed the first angels, and the keys that they delivered. I rejoice, more than I have the language to express, that I have received a testimony in my soul that Joseph F. Smith is a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that the work of our Father in this day is under His direction. The counsel and advice given by the Prophet to the Latter-day Saints in this conference, and in all previous conferences, if heeded, will make men and women after the similitude of our Heavenly Father and prepare them to go back and dwell with Him eternally. I bear witness that the heavens have been opened, that God has sent His angels, not only in ages past but in our day and age. The angels have been with the missionaries, going before their faces and preparing the hearts of the people to receive them. They have seen them, and heard their promptings concerning what to do and say. I rejoice in my testimony, and pray God that He will bless me and all the rising generations, and implant within our hearts a desire to magnify the name of God in the earth, and fulfill the mission that has been given to this generation. I bear witness that what has been done up to the present time is only a beginning of the work. There will be a time, not very far away, when it will require every man, in whose heart dwells the testimony of Jesus, to go out and bear that witness. and teach the people of the world the straight and narrow wav. that His work may be established, and His name may be glorified.
In the hearts of many young men are being implanted a love of the goods of this world, and the honor of men, a love of things that will pass away, while, on the other hand, they should have a desire to be able to bear testimony of the restored Gospel, above all other desires of their hearts; for it is the greatest work in the earth. It has been established by our Father. He is directing it. I know that. I should think that every man and woman in the world, who is seeking salvation, would rejoice to know that God has visited the earth, that He has sent His angels, that He has established His Church, putting upon it His name, teaching the doctrines that will make men and women His children in very deed. There is power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to work righteousness and salvation in the hearts of all those who will hear and obey the message.
Mav the Lord bless the Latter-day Saints: may He bless our President and his counselors; may He bless President Lyman and the Quorum of the Twelve. I bear testimony that they are prophets of the Lord, and that God is directing His work through them. May He help us all to magnify His name and to prove worthy of the wonderful blessings that have come into our lives. I ask it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of Northern States Mission.)
I rejoice in the testimony that I have of the great work our Father is doing in the earth. It is very like the work that has been done by God during all dispensations of the world’s history. We find that Father Adam offered sacrifice because he was commanded of the Lord; Enoch worked righteousness among the people in his day, under direction of the Father; and Abraham won the title of the “Father of the Faithful” because he was willing to keep the commandments of the Lord. Moses, under the directions of Jehovah, became the leader of Israel in his generation. Daniel the Prophet, and the three Hebrew children, were preserved by the Lord through divine interposition. Zachariah. though he doubted the visitation, became the father of the great Prophet John. Mary, the mother of Christ, likewise was visited by heavenly messengers; and the birth of our Savior was announced by personal visitors from heaven, as also the resurrection.
In every part of the work of our Heavenly Father, He has been in close communion with His servants who dwell in the earth. He tells us in Holy Writ that He would do nothing but what He made His mind and will known to His servants, the prophets. He has promised likewise that, in the last days, He would send His messengers to prepare the way before His face. He has likewise told us that Elijah should come for a special mission. John, while on the isle of Patmos, was visited by a heavenly messenger, who said to John, when he was about to fall down and worship the visitor, “See that thou do it not, for I am one of thy fellow servants, worship God.”
When I stop and think of the work that is being done in this day, it is so much like the work that has been done by our Father in all ages of the world. It makes me rejoice that I am blessed with a testimony of what God is doing in the same work this day. The beginning of the work was under the direction of the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, renewing again the true conception of the Father and the Son. and telling what would come to pass in this generation, beginning with the establishing of the Church that bears the name of the Master, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We then find that the messengers promised in the scripture have been sent, and the work that they are doing is identical with the work that has been done in the past ages. John, who preceded the coming of the Christ in his day, preached faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. He proclaimed the same doctrine in this day, and instructed the prophet how to proceed to follow this counsel, and be in harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ. Following his instructions, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of their sins. Then Peter, James, and John, at the right time, came and delivered a certain message, certain authority and instructions concerning the great work of our Father in the earth in this day. Following that visit, other messengers, who were prophets of the Lord, came and delivered keys and power which they held under the directions of the Father.
And so, when I stop and think that, in this day. God has established a Church that bears His name, and in the very way He did it in former days, by sending His servants, it makes me happy to think that I have part in such a great work. The very name of the Church is a great testimony to me. I rejoice in the principle of faith in the Father of the spirits of the human race, faith in Jesus Christ, who is His Son in very deed, and our resurrected Redeemer. Faith or conviction of this sort will bring men to repentance, turn them from their sins and evil walks in life to a godly life. When they yield to the instruction of the Spirit of the Lord, they are led into the waters of baptism and come forth in newness of life. I bear witness that I have seen the convert come out of the waters of baptism with a look upon their face as pure as though they were new born. I have seen them reform their lives and walk in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus, as they had never done before.
When I think that I belong to the Church that bears the name of the Master, and teaches doctrines that were taught by the prophets of old and by Christ Himself, it makes me rejoice that I am thus favored in the world. It makes me rejoice to see the power of the Lord manifest through the young men and young women who come into the Northern States Mission, when they stand forth and bear their testimony to the people of the world. God has truly revealed to their hearts, and has put it in their souls, and has made their tongues to testify of His name, and of the great work that is being done in this our day. I rejoice that I believe in the coming of angels, that I believe God our Father can send prophets in this day, and instruct His children how to live and what to do to come back into His presence. It is a glorious thing to believe that the heavens and the earth are so near together, and that our Father has personal charge in this day as in other days.
I rejoice in the testimony that has come into my heart that. God sent angels in this day to instruct the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning the great work to be done. I rejoice that I believe in the prophets that followed the first angels, and the keys that they delivered. I rejoice, more than I have the language to express, that I have received a testimony in my soul that Joseph F. Smith is a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that the work of our Father in this day is under His direction. The counsel and advice given by the Prophet to the Latter-day Saints in this conference, and in all previous conferences, if heeded, will make men and women after the similitude of our Heavenly Father and prepare them to go back and dwell with Him eternally. I bear witness that the heavens have been opened, that God has sent His angels, not only in ages past but in our day and age. The angels have been with the missionaries, going before their faces and preparing the hearts of the people to receive them. They have seen them, and heard their promptings concerning what to do and say. I rejoice in my testimony, and pray God that He will bless me and all the rising generations, and implant within our hearts a desire to magnify the name of God in the earth, and fulfill the mission that has been given to this generation. I bear witness that what has been done up to the present time is only a beginning of the work. There will be a time, not very far away, when it will require every man, in whose heart dwells the testimony of Jesus, to go out and bear that witness. and teach the people of the world the straight and narrow wav. that His work may be established, and His name may be glorified.
In the hearts of many young men are being implanted a love of the goods of this world, and the honor of men, a love of things that will pass away, while, on the other hand, they should have a desire to be able to bear testimony of the restored Gospel, above all other desires of their hearts; for it is the greatest work in the earth. It has been established by our Father. He is directing it. I know that. I should think that every man and woman in the world, who is seeking salvation, would rejoice to know that God has visited the earth, that He has sent His angels, that He has established His Church, putting upon it His name, teaching the doctrines that will make men and women His children in very deed. There is power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to work righteousness and salvation in the hearts of all those who will hear and obey the message.
Mav the Lord bless the Latter-day Saints: may He bless our President and his counselors; may He bless President Lyman and the Quorum of the Twelve. I bear testimony that they are prophets of the Lord, and that God is directing His work through them. May He help us all to magnify His name and to prove worthy of the wonderful blessings that have come into our lives. I ask it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER HEBER C. AUSTIN.
(President of Bingham Stake.)
I assure you, my brethren and sisters and friends, that I feel very weak in occupying this position. I desire an interest in your faith and prayers the few moments that I may stand before vou. that I may be directed to say something that will be in harmony with the spirit of this conference.
I rejoice in the work of the Lord. I know that the Gospel is true. I rejoice in association with the brethren who are called to preside over the Church; I love them. I am very much benefited, as you are benefited by the influence that they carry with them. I appreciate the responsibility that is resting upon our brethren who are directing the affairs of the work of the Lord in this day, and it is my desire, in my weak and humble way, to aid and assist them, and to sustain them in the labor which they are called to perform.
I know that the Lord is with us, that the Lord is with His work, that it is divine in its nature, and it has within it the power of salvation for all of those who will render obedience unto its principles. I have a living testimony of its divine truths. I am thankful to the Lord for the knowledge that I have concerning this work. I am thankful to the Lord for my standing and membership in the Church. I pray God that I may prove faithful,’ that I may be able, in my weakness, to keep His commandments, to set an example before those with whom I labor, those with whom I am associated that will encourage them in the performance of their duty.
I am from the north: I am living among the people of the Southern part of Idaho, in the Bingham stake of Zion, with Idaho Falls as its headquarters. Idaho Falls is a city of about 7,000 people, with only 600 Latter-day Saints there, so you will readily see that, to all intents and purposes, it is what is termed a “Gentile” town; but I want to bear testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, and friends, that there is perfect harmony there. We are living in peace with our neighbors, there is no contention. The bitterness that used to be has all passed away. Those men who used to fight the “Mormon” people have lost their influence. They carry with them no harmful influence any more. Many of them have passed away, or moved away. We are living in peace with our neighbors: we respect them, and they respect us; and they are willing to grant unto us all the rights and privileges that belong to us. We work in harmony with them, and conjointly with them in measures of reformation.
We have been very actively engaged in the cause of temperance, for a few years. We have worked together until we have been able to bring about wonderful reformation along that line, wonderful as compared with the old conditions. It is almost unknown now to see a man, in our section of the country, under the influence of liquor. It is becoming very unpopular to foster, or encourage, or defend the use of liquors. Men who used to have some sympathy for it, a little time ago, have changed their views, and they have been convinced that the cause of temperance is for better citizenship, better living, more comforts in our homes, better providing for our families, and eliminating from our midst those evil tendencies that are kindred to the use of liquor.
Mv brethren and sisters. I thank God that I have been identified with men and women who have labored for the betterment of the human race, and that we have lived to see, in a measure, some of the fruits of our labors. Now, my brethren, there are responsibilities resting upon us as the servants of the Lord, because we are in the service of the Lord. We have been honored with the priesthood, and that priesthood carries with it responsibilities and obligations, and we will be blessed according to the measure that we magnify our calling.
I pray that the Lord may bless the Latter-day Saints, that the work of the Lord may grow, that the Gospel may he carried to the nations of the earth until every honest man and woman shall be convinced of the truth, and be gathered into the fold and be blessed as we are blessed.
Oh, I am so thankful that I can scarcely express my gratitude to my Father in heaven that, in the early days of the Church, before I was born, my father and mother heard the Gospel, and that their hearts were touched with divine inspiration, that they knew it was true, and that their children have been raised and reared under their teachings, and, through our experiences, we have gained a testimony of the divinity of this work. May God grant that we may ever be worthy of His blessings, I pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Bingham Stake.)
I assure you, my brethren and sisters and friends, that I feel very weak in occupying this position. I desire an interest in your faith and prayers the few moments that I may stand before vou. that I may be directed to say something that will be in harmony with the spirit of this conference.
I rejoice in the work of the Lord. I know that the Gospel is true. I rejoice in association with the brethren who are called to preside over the Church; I love them. I am very much benefited, as you are benefited by the influence that they carry with them. I appreciate the responsibility that is resting upon our brethren who are directing the affairs of the work of the Lord in this day, and it is my desire, in my weak and humble way, to aid and assist them, and to sustain them in the labor which they are called to perform.
I know that the Lord is with us, that the Lord is with His work, that it is divine in its nature, and it has within it the power of salvation for all of those who will render obedience unto its principles. I have a living testimony of its divine truths. I am thankful to the Lord for the knowledge that I have concerning this work. I am thankful to the Lord for my standing and membership in the Church. I pray God that I may prove faithful,’ that I may be able, in my weakness, to keep His commandments, to set an example before those with whom I labor, those with whom I am associated that will encourage them in the performance of their duty.
I am from the north: I am living among the people of the Southern part of Idaho, in the Bingham stake of Zion, with Idaho Falls as its headquarters. Idaho Falls is a city of about 7,000 people, with only 600 Latter-day Saints there, so you will readily see that, to all intents and purposes, it is what is termed a “Gentile” town; but I want to bear testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, and friends, that there is perfect harmony there. We are living in peace with our neighbors, there is no contention. The bitterness that used to be has all passed away. Those men who used to fight the “Mormon” people have lost their influence. They carry with them no harmful influence any more. Many of them have passed away, or moved away. We are living in peace with our neighbors: we respect them, and they respect us; and they are willing to grant unto us all the rights and privileges that belong to us. We work in harmony with them, and conjointly with them in measures of reformation.
We have been very actively engaged in the cause of temperance, for a few years. We have worked together until we have been able to bring about wonderful reformation along that line, wonderful as compared with the old conditions. It is almost unknown now to see a man, in our section of the country, under the influence of liquor. It is becoming very unpopular to foster, or encourage, or defend the use of liquors. Men who used to have some sympathy for it, a little time ago, have changed their views, and they have been convinced that the cause of temperance is for better citizenship, better living, more comforts in our homes, better providing for our families, and eliminating from our midst those evil tendencies that are kindred to the use of liquor.
Mv brethren and sisters. I thank God that I have been identified with men and women who have labored for the betterment of the human race, and that we have lived to see, in a measure, some of the fruits of our labors. Now, my brethren, there are responsibilities resting upon us as the servants of the Lord, because we are in the service of the Lord. We have been honored with the priesthood, and that priesthood carries with it responsibilities and obligations, and we will be blessed according to the measure that we magnify our calling.
I pray that the Lord may bless the Latter-day Saints, that the work of the Lord may grow, that the Gospel may he carried to the nations of the earth until every honest man and woman shall be convinced of the truth, and be gathered into the fold and be blessed as we are blessed.
Oh, I am so thankful that I can scarcely express my gratitude to my Father in heaven that, in the early days of the Church, before I was born, my father and mother heard the Gospel, and that their hearts were touched with divine inspiration, that they knew it was true, and that their children have been raised and reared under their teachings, and, through our experiences, we have gained a testimony of the divinity of this work. May God grant that we may ever be worthy of His blessings, I pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER SAMUEL O. BENNION.
(President of Central States Mission.)
Yesterday, the words of the Lord came to my mind as He spoke them unto Abraham, when lie said to him: “In thee and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” The remarks of President Smith brought this to my mind. A few conferences since, we voted that a temple be built in Canada. Yesterday the same privilege was granted us to vote for a temple to be built on one of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, that the work of the Lord which, in a measure, has been hampered might be extended, that those brethren and sisters who have heard the voice of the Redeemer might have the privilege of looking after their dead and uniting their families: and that the doctrine might be made plain and shown unto all men that, though men and women die, they shall live again, and shall have the privilege of hearing the Gospel.
No wonder Paul made the statement that “if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we of all men are most miserable.” There would be no happiness or pleasure at all in this life if it were not for the fact that we are laying a foundation for the future. We build today for the future, so far as temporal affairs are concerned; and we prepare for our future existence by our actions of today. The only blessing that can come to the children of men, whether in this world or out of it, will be through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel which Abraham taught, the gospel which he lived, and the gospel which made him the prominent character that he was and is in the hearts of the Christian world.
The Latter-day Saints teach nothing more than the Lord has revealed We believe in a restoration of the Gospel. We have never been accused of a reformation of it. We believe in the same Gospel that the Lord established in the days of Adam, in the days of Abraham, in the days of Christ. We do not teach continued priesthood but we do teach a restoration of the gospel, the gospel plan which the Lord told Abraham would save or bless all men and all women. The strength of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lies in its principles and in its doctrines. It takes men to the isles of the sea and to foreign countries, and wherever the Gospel is to be preached, and it will continue until the Son of Man comes again in the flesh.
Men and women who have died without a knowledge of the Gospel will have the privilege of hearing it, as was stated here yesterday, and I know that it is the truth. There is an organization of the Church on the other side. I can look back on my life and see men that I have known who have died, faithful men. men of integrity, men of character, filled with love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it would be absolutely impossible for me to believe that they are inactive. I know that they are active, and that they are preparing a way for the Lord to come to His people, in His temple. when He shall have it erected in His own due time.
The statement has been made that if polygamy should be stamped from among this people, the time would come that the Church would die; that those who practiced that principle were fanatics; and that the generations who were to folio”' would not have the strength and courage that their fathers had. But facts prove otherwise. The children who have been born from parents who came into this western country are here as a witness unto the world that the faith of their fathers is increased in them, and that there is no such thing as cowardice, neither will there be, but that the strength of these everlasting hills, which has come unto them through their fathers, shall be among them to give them power to carry the Gospel unto the ends of the earth, until the Lord shall cry “Enough.” There is no such thing as failure: there is no such a thing as this Church not having the power to go into all the world. It will go into all the world and it will not only teach a man to look after himself but it will teach him to look after his dead kindred. Thus will the plan of salvation, through which the children of Abraham shall be blessed, be manifested unto every man, woman and child.
I want to tell you it is my firm belief that the children of this country, and men and women of this land, in other states of this Union, who know us not, shall become acquainted with us. In their being flows the blood of Abraham. I tell you that as I have placed my hands upon the shoulders of men and talked to them in the world,—my neighbors, men that I know to be good, honorable men,—I have felt that the day will come when the promptings of the Holy Spirit shall have its power and effect upon them, and they will listen to the voice of their Redeemer. They shall know it, and they shall stand for what they know to be the truth. They have grown up to be Methodists, Presbyterians, and so forth, and their environment has made them largely what they are. but the fact remains that, when they grow old enough to see and know for themselves that the gospel which they are following is not preparing them for the future, they will break away from those bonds and will reach out for the truth; for the truth, after all. is loved by the honorable men of the earth, and this earth has millions of them. You will find them in every church and in every part of the country. This thing called prejudice is rapidly vanishing and it Will depart entirely; for that spirit of truth, that spark of light which came into the world when the Lord appeared to Joseph Smith, will dispel the darkness and doom that cover the earth, and the children of men will see it. They will become acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, and they will come to this land and to the islands of the sea and receive their blessings for themselves and for their dead. And they will all know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that the people who were brought into this country were led here by divine appointment, by a man who had been prepared from before the foundations of the earth. They will know and recognize that man as one who knew the truth and who dared to live it and who dared to come in the face of all trials and adversity and establish a place where men and women could rear children of faith, and through them the world would be blessed.
This blood of Abraham has never ceased to flow among God’s children who have passed on before, those who died during the dark ages and entered into the eternal worlds. There were men and women who knew the truth, and it is my firm belief that they have never ceased to importune the Father until He sent His messengers again. I believe that the spirit and power of prayer is in the eternal world as it is here; that men and women pray there as they do here. I don’t believe that our Father, who has the power to make and arrange such a beautiful world as this, and who has the power to fashion such creatures as men and women are, would leave His world and His people anywhere in an unorganized condition but rather that He does organize them, that His angels ascend and descend, and that they live with His children and are there to minister for good.
I know that the power of the Lord is with the Latter-day Saints. I know that it is with the elders of Israel. My experience has been this: that of all who have labored in the ministry under my direction I don’t know one who has left the Church, and there have been perhaps a thousand of them, clean honorable men and women who are going to carry the burden that shall be placed upon them, and who will do it under the direction of those who preside over them.
I stood upon the streets of a city, a short time ago, holding a street meeting. The elder who was with me was a pale-faced young man that looked to me as if he could accomplish very little, just as frail as he could possibly be. His mother was struggling hard to keep him in the field. I never had such a manifestation of God’s power in my life as I stood upon the streets of that city and listened to that quivering boy bear his testimony—without a dollar in the world, not knowing really how long he could stay, or what he would do when he returned home. But he stood there as brave and bold as a lion, bearing testimony unto those people that the Lord had revealed Himself unto the Prophet Joseph Smith and that the gospel which the prophets had predicted would be restored, was restored. I thought of the words again, that through the blood of Abraham would all the nations of the earth be blessed.
All men will accept “Mormonism” sooner or later, when they are brought face to face with it. They may go into the other world without it. undoubtedly many will, but they will receive the truth when they are shown their path of duty. So as a Latter-day Saint, as one of the thousands of Israel, I feel to thank the Lord that He has so favored me, and I bear my testimony to it all the time. I have never seen a time in my experience when I did not tell people who I was. I never saw a time when I lost any favor through it. J want to tell you that, after all, the people of this world like to meet the “Mormon” people and like to talk to them, and like to become acquainted with our people. As young men and young women in Israel, we will prove that the faith of our fathers shall be manifested in us, and that we will not cease to carry the burden that has been placed upon us. We will do our duty and prove unto the world that we know the Lord lives and that we know that this is His people, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that “Mormonism” is true; that the Lord has a prophet to guide and counsel men, assigned to take care of His work on the earth; that He is here with His people, and that He has a people in the earth who are keeping His commandments each day to the best of their ability, looking after their dead and looking after the living.
I pray that we may find joy and happiness always in the knowledge of the Gospel principles we receive from time to time, and I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Central States Mission.)
Yesterday, the words of the Lord came to my mind as He spoke them unto Abraham, when lie said to him: “In thee and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” The remarks of President Smith brought this to my mind. A few conferences since, we voted that a temple be built in Canada. Yesterday the same privilege was granted us to vote for a temple to be built on one of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, that the work of the Lord which, in a measure, has been hampered might be extended, that those brethren and sisters who have heard the voice of the Redeemer might have the privilege of looking after their dead and uniting their families: and that the doctrine might be made plain and shown unto all men that, though men and women die, they shall live again, and shall have the privilege of hearing the Gospel.
No wonder Paul made the statement that “if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we of all men are most miserable.” There would be no happiness or pleasure at all in this life if it were not for the fact that we are laying a foundation for the future. We build today for the future, so far as temporal affairs are concerned; and we prepare for our future existence by our actions of today. The only blessing that can come to the children of men, whether in this world or out of it, will be through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel which Abraham taught, the gospel which he lived, and the gospel which made him the prominent character that he was and is in the hearts of the Christian world.
The Latter-day Saints teach nothing more than the Lord has revealed We believe in a restoration of the Gospel. We have never been accused of a reformation of it. We believe in the same Gospel that the Lord established in the days of Adam, in the days of Abraham, in the days of Christ. We do not teach continued priesthood but we do teach a restoration of the gospel, the gospel plan which the Lord told Abraham would save or bless all men and all women. The strength of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lies in its principles and in its doctrines. It takes men to the isles of the sea and to foreign countries, and wherever the Gospel is to be preached, and it will continue until the Son of Man comes again in the flesh.
Men and women who have died without a knowledge of the Gospel will have the privilege of hearing it, as was stated here yesterday, and I know that it is the truth. There is an organization of the Church on the other side. I can look back on my life and see men that I have known who have died, faithful men. men of integrity, men of character, filled with love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it would be absolutely impossible for me to believe that they are inactive. I know that they are active, and that they are preparing a way for the Lord to come to His people, in His temple. when He shall have it erected in His own due time.
The statement has been made that if polygamy should be stamped from among this people, the time would come that the Church would die; that those who practiced that principle were fanatics; and that the generations who were to folio”' would not have the strength and courage that their fathers had. But facts prove otherwise. The children who have been born from parents who came into this western country are here as a witness unto the world that the faith of their fathers is increased in them, and that there is no such thing as cowardice, neither will there be, but that the strength of these everlasting hills, which has come unto them through their fathers, shall be among them to give them power to carry the Gospel unto the ends of the earth, until the Lord shall cry “Enough.” There is no such thing as failure: there is no such a thing as this Church not having the power to go into all the world. It will go into all the world and it will not only teach a man to look after himself but it will teach him to look after his dead kindred. Thus will the plan of salvation, through which the children of Abraham shall be blessed, be manifested unto every man, woman and child.
I want to tell you it is my firm belief that the children of this country, and men and women of this land, in other states of this Union, who know us not, shall become acquainted with us. In their being flows the blood of Abraham. I tell you that as I have placed my hands upon the shoulders of men and talked to them in the world,—my neighbors, men that I know to be good, honorable men,—I have felt that the day will come when the promptings of the Holy Spirit shall have its power and effect upon them, and they will listen to the voice of their Redeemer. They shall know it, and they shall stand for what they know to be the truth. They have grown up to be Methodists, Presbyterians, and so forth, and their environment has made them largely what they are. but the fact remains that, when they grow old enough to see and know for themselves that the gospel which they are following is not preparing them for the future, they will break away from those bonds and will reach out for the truth; for the truth, after all. is loved by the honorable men of the earth, and this earth has millions of them. You will find them in every church and in every part of the country. This thing called prejudice is rapidly vanishing and it Will depart entirely; for that spirit of truth, that spark of light which came into the world when the Lord appeared to Joseph Smith, will dispel the darkness and doom that cover the earth, and the children of men will see it. They will become acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, and they will come to this land and to the islands of the sea and receive their blessings for themselves and for their dead. And they will all know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that the people who were brought into this country were led here by divine appointment, by a man who had been prepared from before the foundations of the earth. They will know and recognize that man as one who knew the truth and who dared to live it and who dared to come in the face of all trials and adversity and establish a place where men and women could rear children of faith, and through them the world would be blessed.
This blood of Abraham has never ceased to flow among God’s children who have passed on before, those who died during the dark ages and entered into the eternal worlds. There were men and women who knew the truth, and it is my firm belief that they have never ceased to importune the Father until He sent His messengers again. I believe that the spirit and power of prayer is in the eternal world as it is here; that men and women pray there as they do here. I don’t believe that our Father, who has the power to make and arrange such a beautiful world as this, and who has the power to fashion such creatures as men and women are, would leave His world and His people anywhere in an unorganized condition but rather that He does organize them, that His angels ascend and descend, and that they live with His children and are there to minister for good.
I know that the power of the Lord is with the Latter-day Saints. I know that it is with the elders of Israel. My experience has been this: that of all who have labored in the ministry under my direction I don’t know one who has left the Church, and there have been perhaps a thousand of them, clean honorable men and women who are going to carry the burden that shall be placed upon them, and who will do it under the direction of those who preside over them.
I stood upon the streets of a city, a short time ago, holding a street meeting. The elder who was with me was a pale-faced young man that looked to me as if he could accomplish very little, just as frail as he could possibly be. His mother was struggling hard to keep him in the field. I never had such a manifestation of God’s power in my life as I stood upon the streets of that city and listened to that quivering boy bear his testimony—without a dollar in the world, not knowing really how long he could stay, or what he would do when he returned home. But he stood there as brave and bold as a lion, bearing testimony unto those people that the Lord had revealed Himself unto the Prophet Joseph Smith and that the gospel which the prophets had predicted would be restored, was restored. I thought of the words again, that through the blood of Abraham would all the nations of the earth be blessed.
All men will accept “Mormonism” sooner or later, when they are brought face to face with it. They may go into the other world without it. undoubtedly many will, but they will receive the truth when they are shown their path of duty. So as a Latter-day Saint, as one of the thousands of Israel, I feel to thank the Lord that He has so favored me, and I bear my testimony to it all the time. I have never seen a time in my experience when I did not tell people who I was. I never saw a time when I lost any favor through it. J want to tell you that, after all, the people of this world like to meet the “Mormon” people and like to talk to them, and like to become acquainted with our people. As young men and young women in Israel, we will prove that the faith of our fathers shall be manifested in us, and that we will not cease to carry the burden that has been placed upon us. We will do our duty and prove unto the world that we know the Lord lives and that we know that this is His people, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that “Mormonism” is true; that the Lord has a prophet to guide and counsel men, assigned to take care of His work on the earth; that He is here with His people, and that He has a people in the earth who are keeping His commandments each day to the best of their ability, looking after their dead and looking after the living.
I pray that we may find joy and happiness always in the knowledge of the Gospel principles we receive from time to time, and I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOHN L. HERRICK.
(President Western States Mission.)
As I listened to the interesting portrayal, by President Smith, of the condition of the Church, yesterday morning, and those who followed him during the day and today, the thought uppermost in my mind was and is now: How thankful we should be for the knowledge we possess pertaining to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and how best can we indicate our appreciation for the blessings and remarkable opportunities that come to us as Latter-day Saints. If you parents could look upon the faces of your sons and your daughters, who have been in the mission field for a few weeks and have become imbued with the missionary spirit, and see there the determination to be servants in very deed of the Master, or if, after they have been in the mission for two years or more, you could hear them say that they regretted going home more than the regret that they experienced when they left their home to go into the mission, you would be astonished and gratified beyond measure, but you would thank the Lord for the opportunity that had come to them. If the young men of Zion could but realize the breadth of knowledge and of training that comes to the earnest missionary, they would all welcome the time to come, and pray for the opportunity to come speedily, when they could go into the world and preach the Gospel.
Upon the occasion when Christ had been instructing His disciples as to their duties, and about the time He answered the question of the young man who was rich, when He said that he should sell all that he had and give to the poor and follow Him, He intended, undoubtedly, to convey to them a thought of sacrifice, for He said:
“And every man 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.”
It was immaterial perhaps what kind of sacrifice they made, but if they sacrificed for the least of the things thus enumerated, He would have them believe that they should receive an hundred fold. So I believe in our great work, if we shall go forth as emissaries of Him, if we shall be ready to sacrifice when the time comes, we too shall receive an hundred fold.
The year before this Church was organized, when the Prophet Joseph received a revelation regarding missionary work, this thought was expressed: “Behold the field is white already to harvest, and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store and perish not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.” That was the burden of the message given to those staunch and fearless men, in the early days of this Church, when they went forth without money, when they went forth giving everything they had and laying it all at the altar of the Church. That I repeat was the burden of their message; thrust in your sickle with your might and you shall bring salvation to your soul.
In the experience of that mighty man Nephi there was an exhibition of faith, the like of which we ought to endeavor to emulate all our lives. When Nephi received the call from his father to return to Jerusalem to obtain the records that should later form a part of that great record of two peoples upon the Western hemisphere, which we have today, what was the reply? “I will go and do the things the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments to the children of men. save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing he commandeth them.” I believe, too, that the Lord requires nothing of us excepting He shall prepare the way for us to do it. It is my faith and my hope in this great latter-day work. I believe that His prophet is placed at the head of the Church to guide and direct this people. I believe that his associates are entitled to the same kind of respect and love that we should have for him. I believe that the Council of Twelve are men of God, and I believe the Lord expects us to heed their instructions, to love them and honor them in their position.
I call attention to the words of Elijah, when he was put to the severe test, when it came to a question of authority, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but, if Baal, then follow him;” and so I say to you, my brethren and sisters, shall we hesitate in our allegiance to our Church and its authorized leaders? If we believe that the God of the ancient prophets is our God then likewise believe that President Joseph F. Smith and his associates are prophets, seers and revelators, and as such we should honor them, and give to them our loyal support. We shall then undoubtedly find it to be our duty to sacrifice when the time comes regardless of what that sacrifice may be. It is not only for the poor man, or for the one in moderate circumstances to sacrifice; the professional man, the rich man, the business man, must be called upon to sacrifice sooner or later, and when the time comes I earnestly pray that we may be ready to answer any call made of us to further this great latter-day work, the greatest and most vital thing in all the world. This is my prayer for all of us, in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(President Western States Mission.)
As I listened to the interesting portrayal, by President Smith, of the condition of the Church, yesterday morning, and those who followed him during the day and today, the thought uppermost in my mind was and is now: How thankful we should be for the knowledge we possess pertaining to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, and how best can we indicate our appreciation for the blessings and remarkable opportunities that come to us as Latter-day Saints. If you parents could look upon the faces of your sons and your daughters, who have been in the mission field for a few weeks and have become imbued with the missionary spirit, and see there the determination to be servants in very deed of the Master, or if, after they have been in the mission for two years or more, you could hear them say that they regretted going home more than the regret that they experienced when they left their home to go into the mission, you would be astonished and gratified beyond measure, but you would thank the Lord for the opportunity that had come to them. If the young men of Zion could but realize the breadth of knowledge and of training that comes to the earnest missionary, they would all welcome the time to come, and pray for the opportunity to come speedily, when they could go into the world and preach the Gospel.
Upon the occasion when Christ had been instructing His disciples as to their duties, and about the time He answered the question of the young man who was rich, when He said that he should sell all that he had and give to the poor and follow Him, He intended, undoubtedly, to convey to them a thought of sacrifice, for He said:
“And every man 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.”
It was immaterial perhaps what kind of sacrifice they made, but if they sacrificed for the least of the things thus enumerated, He would have them believe that they should receive an hundred fold. So I believe in our great work, if we shall go forth as emissaries of Him, if we shall be ready to sacrifice when the time comes, we too shall receive an hundred fold.
The year before this Church was organized, when the Prophet Joseph received a revelation regarding missionary work, this thought was expressed: “Behold the field is white already to harvest, and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store and perish not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.” That was the burden of the message given to those staunch and fearless men, in the early days of this Church, when they went forth without money, when they went forth giving everything they had and laying it all at the altar of the Church. That I repeat was the burden of their message; thrust in your sickle with your might and you shall bring salvation to your soul.
In the experience of that mighty man Nephi there was an exhibition of faith, the like of which we ought to endeavor to emulate all our lives. When Nephi received the call from his father to return to Jerusalem to obtain the records that should later form a part of that great record of two peoples upon the Western hemisphere, which we have today, what was the reply? “I will go and do the things the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments to the children of men. save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing he commandeth them.” I believe, too, that the Lord requires nothing of us excepting He shall prepare the way for us to do it. It is my faith and my hope in this great latter-day work. I believe that His prophet is placed at the head of the Church to guide and direct this people. I believe that his associates are entitled to the same kind of respect and love that we should have for him. I believe that the Council of Twelve are men of God, and I believe the Lord expects us to heed their instructions, to love them and honor them in their position.
I call attention to the words of Elijah, when he was put to the severe test, when it came to a question of authority, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but, if Baal, then follow him;” and so I say to you, my brethren and sisters, shall we hesitate in our allegiance to our Church and its authorized leaders? If we believe that the God of the ancient prophets is our God then likewise believe that President Joseph F. Smith and his associates are prophets, seers and revelators, and as such we should honor them, and give to them our loyal support. We shall then undoubtedly find it to be our duty to sacrifice when the time comes regardless of what that sacrifice may be. It is not only for the poor man, or for the one in moderate circumstances to sacrifice; the professional man, the rich man, the business man, must be called upon to sacrifice sooner or later, and when the time comes I earnestly pray that we may be ready to answer any call made of us to further this great latter-day work, the greatest and most vital thing in all the world. This is my prayer for all of us, in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.
ELDER EVAN STEPHENS.
(Tabernacle Choir Conductor.)
My brethren and sisters: About a month ago a letter was sent out addressed to choir leaders, in the various wards of the Church, asking them to ascertain how many of their choir members expected to attend the General Conference, in October of this year, and asking such as so intended to accept an invitation to join with the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir in the singing during said Conference. A large number of choir leaders responded, in all reporting over six hundred singers who would attend, at least, some of the meetings. Tickets admitting all such to the choir gallery were sent out. Some two or three hundred took part with us yesterday, (Sunday), and about one hundred are present this (Monday) morning. But we have reason to believe that a great many have taken seats in the congregation, being timid about appearing in these conspicuous seats, fearing lest it might seem pretentious to take seats with this noted choir. To any such I desire to say there is not a choir in this or any other church where less classification or “aristocracy” can be found than in this choir. The best singers we have in the community lend their services freely in it, without even a select seat assigned. Each and every one quietly take whatever vacant seat is most convenient in the section used by the “part” they sing. Not in all the twenty-five years that I have had, charge has there been an honorary, or special seat assigned on account of rank or merit. The visiting singers, therefore, need not fear that they will be trespassing upon places reserved even for regular singers, or that they will be greeted by any one with other than a welcoming nod or smile. We are most grateful for the presence of those who have so kindly joined us, and especially for the hearty responses of the choir leaders throughout the Church.
I desire to emphasize again the invitation to all choir members to come into the choir loft, at each future session of the conference that you may attend. May the Lord continue to bless us, that we may perform well our special task in His great work is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah.”
Elder Joseph R. Shepherd pronounced the benediction. Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.
(Tabernacle Choir Conductor.)
My brethren and sisters: About a month ago a letter was sent out addressed to choir leaders, in the various wards of the Church, asking them to ascertain how many of their choir members expected to attend the General Conference, in October of this year, and asking such as so intended to accept an invitation to join with the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir in the singing during said Conference. A large number of choir leaders responded, in all reporting over six hundred singers who would attend, at least, some of the meetings. Tickets admitting all such to the choir gallery were sent out. Some two or three hundred took part with us yesterday, (Sunday), and about one hundred are present this (Monday) morning. But we have reason to believe that a great many have taken seats in the congregation, being timid about appearing in these conspicuous seats, fearing lest it might seem pretentious to take seats with this noted choir. To any such I desire to say there is not a choir in this or any other church where less classification or “aristocracy” can be found than in this choir. The best singers we have in the community lend their services freely in it, without even a select seat assigned. Each and every one quietly take whatever vacant seat is most convenient in the section used by the “part” they sing. Not in all the twenty-five years that I have had, charge has there been an honorary, or special seat assigned on account of rank or merit. The visiting singers, therefore, need not fear that they will be trespassing upon places reserved even for regular singers, or that they will be greeted by any one with other than a welcoming nod or smile. We are most grateful for the presence of those who have so kindly joined us, and especially for the hearty responses of the choir leaders throughout the Church.
I desire to emphasize again the invitation to all choir members to come into the choir loft, at each future session of the conference that you may attend. May the Lord continue to bless us, that we may perform well our special task in His great work is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Guide us, O Thou great Jehovah.”
Elder Joseph R. Shepherd pronounced the benediction. Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Conference was resumed at 2 p. m., President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.”
Elder John S. Geddes offered the opening prayer.
The choir sang the hymn, “Though deep’ning trials throng your way.”
Conference was resumed at 2 p. m., President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.”
Elder John S. Geddes offered the opening prayer.
The choir sang the hymn, “Though deep’ning trials throng your way.”
BISHOP CHARLES W. NIBLEY.
Great outlay for Temples, etc.—General spirit of helpfulness in members of Church—Our religion embraces all that is good in other religions—What the Lord has provided is greater and better than man has devised—The Priesthood, auxiliary organizations, revenue system, etc., given of God—Duties required of all alike, no discrimination in blessings—Great good accomplished by Protestants—The tree of “Mormonism” produces good fruit.
It is a great satisfaction to mingle and associate with the Latter-day Saints. I rejoice very much in our meetings of this conference. I am sure the hearts of the Latter-day Saints were made glad at the opening of our conference, in receiving the information that was given by President Smith, more particular^ with respect to the growth of the Church and in receiving the news that a temple was to be built on the Sandwich Islands. With two temples being constructed at this time, and other work of the Church that is going on in the erection of Church offices, and in the assistance rendered in building meetinghouses, stake tabernacles and amusement halls, in the' different wards and stakes, the brethren can readily understand that a great amount of means is called for in all of these expenditures. So far as my knowledge goes, we are in a better shape to entertain these expenditures today than the Church has ever been, before, and I am sure that this information must be gratifying to the Latter-day Saints. Nevertheless, it is expected of us that we will keep the commandments of the Lord, and that we will assist with our tithes and our offerings in building up the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth.
What a splendid organization this is. What a spirit of helpfulness there is in every one of the different societies, and associations, and quorums of priesthood that constitute this great Church. Where is the like of it to be found? May we not, with truth and with pride, say to all the world, Where can you find so much of the spirit of helpfulness, the spirit of brotherly love, the sincere desire of being of assistance and blessing, benefit and help to one another, as you will find in this organization? Can we not say to our brethren of other churches, Protestants, Catholics, Christian Scientists, and all other organizations, We have all that you have that goes to make right living and good citizenship, good order and peace, good government and the well-being of mankind; we have all of that. There isn’t anything that any one of those organizations can point to that makes for the betterment of mankind and the uplift of humanity that we do not have. Indeed, one of the articles of our faith is that “if there is anything lovely or of good report, or praiseworthy” in the world, that belongs to us, we have it, we incorporate it. it is part of our system.
And now, in addition to all that these have, and they have the best that man has been able to devise, we have much more. I have no criticism or complaint on that score, the best that such men as John Knox or Martin Luther, or Wesley or any man has ever devised, it is the best they could devise, hut it is not as good as we have. Why? Because the Lord has devised this system; this is t’’° Lord's wav. We ought not to be blamed or censured by our brethren of the outside because our system is better than theirs. Neither ought we to be praised particularly because it is so much better, but we should give praise to the Lord because it is so much more efficient, so much more helpful, so much more strong in doing things, in accomplishing results. We put it before all the world as the most excellent in the world in producing the results of peace on earth and good will to all men, and the blessings and comforts that are included in all that.
We have in this organization a different spirit. We are not to be given the credit for having that especially: we did not devise it or send it here. Neither are our neighbors to be blamed because they do not have it; a spirit, an impelling spirit, a spirit that constrains always to righteousness, and to the wellbeing of humanity and to the uplifting and upbuilding of righteousness in the earth. We are not entitled to the credit for that particularly, an; more than we are entitled to credit if we follow it. but it is the Lord that has given it, that makes it different from all other organizations.
We have our organizations of the quorums of the priesthood, which is that much more than any other organization in the world has. They don’t have them; they are not to 'be blamed for not having them because they didn't know about them. Man could not devise it and man has not devised it. Neither ought we to be so much praised because we have it because it is the Lord, I say again, that has given it to us, and it is His wav of working things out. In addition we have our auxiliary organizations, like the Relief Society. What a splendid organization that is. how magnificent in its activity, how beautiful in its service and work among the poor, and among the sick! The Lord gave it to us. Others have tried to copy after what the Lord has given and that is good, we are glad to see that, but the spirit that goes with this work, the world cannot give and the world cannot take away. The Lord has given it and so it makes the organization better than anything the world has to offer.
And so with our revenue system, our system of collecting revenue for the Church, the old way the Lord had ages ago, the same way, it is not anything new, but it is the Lord’s way and we did not know about it, but the Lord revealed it to His servant the Prophet, and gave unto us a system of collecting the revenue for the sustenance of the Church, for the building of these temples that we hear about, for the spread of the Gospel, for the building of meeting houses, for the maintaining of all the activities of the Church, and the Lord gave us that system different from anything else in all the world. Some of our neighbors are trying to copy after it and we are glad of that, but they don’t seem to quite get it as we have, because, of course, the spirit of the thing in this organization is different from the spirit of any other organization in the world. It is easy, perhaps, for a sculptor to make a clay model of a man, to make it perfect in form, but it is another thing altogether to breathe into its nostrils the breath of life, the lifegiving spirit. That is a very different proposition, and the Lord has empowered and given to this organization. to this Church, that living spirit, that living force of power and potency that impels and constrains me and you to works of righteousness and to impart of our substance.
We cannot call it sacrifice because it isn’t any sacrifice. It is a law general in its nature, it applies to all. Not like the laws we have enacted in our government and in other governments, too, that apply to special individuals, individuals who have means, and does not apply to others who have not any means to speak of, but the Lord’s law, the just law, is that all who receive the benefits of the Gospel shall sustain the Gospel by their means, shall sustain the Church. The widow at the wash tub, yes. She has the blessing of the temple, she has the blessing of the meeting house, she has the blessings of the Church in all that it can give; the widow’s mite is acceptable, and she may do more proportionately than we all; yet she is expected to do, that is the Lord’s law. Not so with man-made laws. They say one-half of one percent of the community shall pay to support the blessings of good government, and the other 99j4 percent shall be exempt. The Lord’s law is different from that. It applies to all alike, and so the rich pay according to their means and so the poor give according to their means, and all receive equally the blessings of the house of the Lord. So it is a little different, don’t you see, from anything else in the world.
Another thing different from any of the organizations of our brethren on the outside is this, that if a man is doing the works of unrighteousness, although he may claim membership in the Church, if he persists in his unrighteousness, no matter how rich he is or how powerful, or how great, or how much some may think the Church depends upon him, that man will be dealt with and dealt with quickly; he must cease his wickedness or his unrighteousness, and repent, and repentance means to stop it, quit doing the evil thing, or he will be dealt with, excommunicated from the Church. Now I don’t find that in many other organizations. I find men in good membership in other organizations who are known to be not living correct lives, and they are not dealt with, they are let go. Now in this, we are a little different. This is the Lord’s way of doing it, to bring me or you upstanding, so to speak, to demand of us that we keep the commandments of God and work the works of righteousness.
Another thing that makes us distinctive and a little different from any others—and I am not finding fault with any others. I am only trying to show you what the Lord has done, to count our many blessings, and show what the Lord has done for you and for me, and for this organization—another thing, this organization, in its spirit of helpfulness. tries to get the people to own their own homes, to get out of debt, and to stay out of debt, and so in consequence, in our community 73% of all the Latter-day Saints own their own homes. Now isn’t that a good thing? Are not all of these activities that I have mentioned good things? Are they hurtful. do they make for anything that is wrong and unrighteous No. no, they are all good, they are all blessings.
We heard here from President Smith, in his opening remarks, of the work of the teachers of the ward, different from anything in the world. I challenge the attention of every one with respect to this matter, that here, in this things that I have called attention to, in this special thing also of the work of the teachers, in this special thing of the work of our Relief Society, and in our revenue matters pertaining to the Church, in all these there is nothing like it in all the world. How beautiful the work of those teachers that the President so well explained to us yesterday morning! Could anything be better? Could anything be more beautiful in giving assistance, the spirit of the helping hand and brotherly, and sisterly affection and love, to the brother or sister who needs it? Could there be anything better devised? Is there any other way, has anybody in the world got anything like it to offer? No, no. of course not, and I say again, no one is to blame for that, because they have the best, the very best that man could devise through all the ages, and I don’t decry these churches of Protestantism. I take off my hat to Protestantism. I recall, with gratitude and praise in my heart, how that the Protestants fought and suffered, and were persecuted and worried, and contended with down through all the time of Knox and Luther, Cromwell and Wesley, Blake and Drake and all those firm Protestant people, warring against tyranny, against oppression, and against that which would be subversive of liberty and of the rights of man, and I am here today and you are here, in the enjoyment of liberty, because of the Protestant world that accomplished these results for us. Otherwise, we probably would not have been enjoying these liberties; so all honor and praise to Protestantism.
But when it comes to matters of religion, and organization of churches and so on, I repeat again they have the very best that man could devise, but here is something better, and I have shown you a few of the things that the Lord has added, which they have not got. In addition we have the spirit of the thing, the life-giving power, the Holy Ghost, they have not that, that has not been given to them. We see an elder of the Church taking a person down in the water to be baptized and, raising his right hand before God, he says “having been commissioned of Jesus Christ,”—just let that sink in,—“having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you,” etc. Who else has been commissioned, what other organization? You cannot blame an organization that has not got it, we cannot take praise to ourselves because we have got it. It is the Lord that has given it to you and to me, and to this organization, and all praise and glory and honor be to Him. So in all the organizations of the Church, I find, notwithstanding our weaknesses, and they are many, I find this spirit of helpfulness, this spirit or desire to be of service and of benefit to mankind. I do not believe that, as a people, our hearts are set altogether upon the things of the world. I believe that in the main our hearts are for the Church and Kingdom of God and His righteousness, that it may be established in the earth, and that His work may spread.
Now in assisting people, bishops of the different wards sometimes assist people to get a piece of land. Assisting people, poor people who don’t know so much, trying to teach them in the way that they should improve their stock, for example.
In every way to try and help and be a benefit and a blessing. Can any one say that there is a single thing connected with all this that is bad, that ought to be uprooted and extirpated? I thought this morning when some of the brethren were saying. Brother Austin, from Bingham Stake, how well their neighbors and they got along together, that they loved one another, they got along peaceably; and why not, why shouldn’t they? It is different from a while ago, it is different even now where we are not known and understood, but the time is fast coming my brethren and sisters, when we are apt to get a little heady because of the things that the Lord has done for us, and take credit to ourselves, and outrank our neighbors so far that’ we will feel perhaps a little above them. We ought to be careful of that feeling if we have anything, and we have so much that is different and so much better than all the world, we ought to always remember that it is the Lord that is giving it, that it is the Lord that is continuing it. This is not President Smith’s work, or Joseph Smith the Prophet’s work alone, that is to say, it is their work, of course, as it is your work and mine, but they didn’t devise it, they didn’t breath into its nostrils the breath of life, and give it that living, potent, powerful, helpful spirit. They didn’t do it. They could not do it but the Lord has done it.
Now of all these good things, and many more that I could mention if I only had time, can anyone say that any of these are bad? Can anyone in the world stand up and say that they have anything to compare with it in' the organizations of the world, or all of them put together? No. no they haven’t. Well then, when Joseph Smith the prophet stated to those few people in Palmyra, in 1820, that he had had a heavenly visitation, the Father and the Son, and that these results now have been brought about in consequence of that small or that great beginning did he. tell the truth or was it a lie? when he stated that the Book of Mormon and those golden plates had been delivered to him, and the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon stated that fact and published it to the world, was it true or was it false? Can it be possible that an evil tree of falsehood, built upon falsehood and lies can produce such good and excellent fruit? If that is so, then the Savior of the world’s words are false, because His word is that an evil tree can not bring forth good fruit, and by their fruits ye shall know them. Men do not gather grapes of thorns nor figs from thistles; they do not come that way. So with all these good results, and so many more that I could stand here and point to you, I bear testimony that Joseph Smith the prophet, that the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, that everything connected with the work of the Lord is true and not false. It is God’s way of doing it. He is in the earth by the power of His Priesthood to accomplish these results and greater results than these, for the time shall come as one of our brethren said this morning, when all will believe, when every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.—they will bow down and confess to this fact that Jesus is the Christ to the honor and glory of God the Father, which I humbly pray may speedily come to pass for the blessing of mankind everywhere, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Great outlay for Temples, etc.—General spirit of helpfulness in members of Church—Our religion embraces all that is good in other religions—What the Lord has provided is greater and better than man has devised—The Priesthood, auxiliary organizations, revenue system, etc., given of God—Duties required of all alike, no discrimination in blessings—Great good accomplished by Protestants—The tree of “Mormonism” produces good fruit.
It is a great satisfaction to mingle and associate with the Latter-day Saints. I rejoice very much in our meetings of this conference. I am sure the hearts of the Latter-day Saints were made glad at the opening of our conference, in receiving the information that was given by President Smith, more particular^ with respect to the growth of the Church and in receiving the news that a temple was to be built on the Sandwich Islands. With two temples being constructed at this time, and other work of the Church that is going on in the erection of Church offices, and in the assistance rendered in building meetinghouses, stake tabernacles and amusement halls, in the' different wards and stakes, the brethren can readily understand that a great amount of means is called for in all of these expenditures. So far as my knowledge goes, we are in a better shape to entertain these expenditures today than the Church has ever been, before, and I am sure that this information must be gratifying to the Latter-day Saints. Nevertheless, it is expected of us that we will keep the commandments of the Lord, and that we will assist with our tithes and our offerings in building up the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth.
What a splendid organization this is. What a spirit of helpfulness there is in every one of the different societies, and associations, and quorums of priesthood that constitute this great Church. Where is the like of it to be found? May we not, with truth and with pride, say to all the world, Where can you find so much of the spirit of helpfulness, the spirit of brotherly love, the sincere desire of being of assistance and blessing, benefit and help to one another, as you will find in this organization? Can we not say to our brethren of other churches, Protestants, Catholics, Christian Scientists, and all other organizations, We have all that you have that goes to make right living and good citizenship, good order and peace, good government and the well-being of mankind; we have all of that. There isn’t anything that any one of those organizations can point to that makes for the betterment of mankind and the uplift of humanity that we do not have. Indeed, one of the articles of our faith is that “if there is anything lovely or of good report, or praiseworthy” in the world, that belongs to us, we have it, we incorporate it. it is part of our system.
And now, in addition to all that these have, and they have the best that man has been able to devise, we have much more. I have no criticism or complaint on that score, the best that such men as John Knox or Martin Luther, or Wesley or any man has ever devised, it is the best they could devise, hut it is not as good as we have. Why? Because the Lord has devised this system; this is t’’° Lord's wav. We ought not to be blamed or censured by our brethren of the outside because our system is better than theirs. Neither ought we to be praised particularly because it is so much better, but we should give praise to the Lord because it is so much more efficient, so much more helpful, so much more strong in doing things, in accomplishing results. We put it before all the world as the most excellent in the world in producing the results of peace on earth and good will to all men, and the blessings and comforts that are included in all that.
We have in this organization a different spirit. We are not to be given the credit for having that especially: we did not devise it or send it here. Neither are our neighbors to be blamed because they do not have it; a spirit, an impelling spirit, a spirit that constrains always to righteousness, and to the wellbeing of humanity and to the uplifting and upbuilding of righteousness in the earth. We are not entitled to the credit for that particularly, an; more than we are entitled to credit if we follow it. but it is the Lord that has given it, that makes it different from all other organizations.
We have our organizations of the quorums of the priesthood, which is that much more than any other organization in the world has. They don’t have them; they are not to 'be blamed for not having them because they didn't know about them. Man could not devise it and man has not devised it. Neither ought we to be so much praised because we have it because it is the Lord, I say again, that has given it to us, and it is His wav of working things out. In addition we have our auxiliary organizations, like the Relief Society. What a splendid organization that is. how magnificent in its activity, how beautiful in its service and work among the poor, and among the sick! The Lord gave it to us. Others have tried to copy after what the Lord has given and that is good, we are glad to see that, but the spirit that goes with this work, the world cannot give and the world cannot take away. The Lord has given it and so it makes the organization better than anything the world has to offer.
And so with our revenue system, our system of collecting revenue for the Church, the old way the Lord had ages ago, the same way, it is not anything new, but it is the Lord’s way and we did not know about it, but the Lord revealed it to His servant the Prophet, and gave unto us a system of collecting the revenue for the sustenance of the Church, for the building of these temples that we hear about, for the spread of the Gospel, for the building of meeting houses, for the maintaining of all the activities of the Church, and the Lord gave us that system different from anything else in all the world. Some of our neighbors are trying to copy after it and we are glad of that, but they don’t seem to quite get it as we have, because, of course, the spirit of the thing in this organization is different from the spirit of any other organization in the world. It is easy, perhaps, for a sculptor to make a clay model of a man, to make it perfect in form, but it is another thing altogether to breathe into its nostrils the breath of life, the lifegiving spirit. That is a very different proposition, and the Lord has empowered and given to this organization. to this Church, that living spirit, that living force of power and potency that impels and constrains me and you to works of righteousness and to impart of our substance.
We cannot call it sacrifice because it isn’t any sacrifice. It is a law general in its nature, it applies to all. Not like the laws we have enacted in our government and in other governments, too, that apply to special individuals, individuals who have means, and does not apply to others who have not any means to speak of, but the Lord’s law, the just law, is that all who receive the benefits of the Gospel shall sustain the Gospel by their means, shall sustain the Church. The widow at the wash tub, yes. She has the blessing of the temple, she has the blessing of the meeting house, she has the blessings of the Church in all that it can give; the widow’s mite is acceptable, and she may do more proportionately than we all; yet she is expected to do, that is the Lord’s law. Not so with man-made laws. They say one-half of one percent of the community shall pay to support the blessings of good government, and the other 99j4 percent shall be exempt. The Lord’s law is different from that. It applies to all alike, and so the rich pay according to their means and so the poor give according to their means, and all receive equally the blessings of the house of the Lord. So it is a little different, don’t you see, from anything else in the world.
Another thing different from any of the organizations of our brethren on the outside is this, that if a man is doing the works of unrighteousness, although he may claim membership in the Church, if he persists in his unrighteousness, no matter how rich he is or how powerful, or how great, or how much some may think the Church depends upon him, that man will be dealt with and dealt with quickly; he must cease his wickedness or his unrighteousness, and repent, and repentance means to stop it, quit doing the evil thing, or he will be dealt with, excommunicated from the Church. Now I don’t find that in many other organizations. I find men in good membership in other organizations who are known to be not living correct lives, and they are not dealt with, they are let go. Now in this, we are a little different. This is the Lord’s way of doing it, to bring me or you upstanding, so to speak, to demand of us that we keep the commandments of God and work the works of righteousness.
Another thing that makes us distinctive and a little different from any others—and I am not finding fault with any others. I am only trying to show you what the Lord has done, to count our many blessings, and show what the Lord has done for you and for me, and for this organization—another thing, this organization, in its spirit of helpfulness. tries to get the people to own their own homes, to get out of debt, and to stay out of debt, and so in consequence, in our community 73% of all the Latter-day Saints own their own homes. Now isn’t that a good thing? Are not all of these activities that I have mentioned good things? Are they hurtful. do they make for anything that is wrong and unrighteous No. no, they are all good, they are all blessings.
We heard here from President Smith, in his opening remarks, of the work of the teachers of the ward, different from anything in the world. I challenge the attention of every one with respect to this matter, that here, in this things that I have called attention to, in this special thing also of the work of the teachers, in this special thing of the work of our Relief Society, and in our revenue matters pertaining to the Church, in all these there is nothing like it in all the world. How beautiful the work of those teachers that the President so well explained to us yesterday morning! Could anything be better? Could anything be more beautiful in giving assistance, the spirit of the helping hand and brotherly, and sisterly affection and love, to the brother or sister who needs it? Could there be anything better devised? Is there any other way, has anybody in the world got anything like it to offer? No, no. of course not, and I say again, no one is to blame for that, because they have the best, the very best that man could devise through all the ages, and I don’t decry these churches of Protestantism. I take off my hat to Protestantism. I recall, with gratitude and praise in my heart, how that the Protestants fought and suffered, and were persecuted and worried, and contended with down through all the time of Knox and Luther, Cromwell and Wesley, Blake and Drake and all those firm Protestant people, warring against tyranny, against oppression, and against that which would be subversive of liberty and of the rights of man, and I am here today and you are here, in the enjoyment of liberty, because of the Protestant world that accomplished these results for us. Otherwise, we probably would not have been enjoying these liberties; so all honor and praise to Protestantism.
But when it comes to matters of religion, and organization of churches and so on, I repeat again they have the very best that man could devise, but here is something better, and I have shown you a few of the things that the Lord has added, which they have not got. In addition we have the spirit of the thing, the life-giving power, the Holy Ghost, they have not that, that has not been given to them. We see an elder of the Church taking a person down in the water to be baptized and, raising his right hand before God, he says “having been commissioned of Jesus Christ,”—just let that sink in,—“having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you,” etc. Who else has been commissioned, what other organization? You cannot blame an organization that has not got it, we cannot take praise to ourselves because we have got it. It is the Lord that has given it to you and to me, and to this organization, and all praise and glory and honor be to Him. So in all the organizations of the Church, I find, notwithstanding our weaknesses, and they are many, I find this spirit of helpfulness, this spirit or desire to be of service and of benefit to mankind. I do not believe that, as a people, our hearts are set altogether upon the things of the world. I believe that in the main our hearts are for the Church and Kingdom of God and His righteousness, that it may be established in the earth, and that His work may spread.
Now in assisting people, bishops of the different wards sometimes assist people to get a piece of land. Assisting people, poor people who don’t know so much, trying to teach them in the way that they should improve their stock, for example.
In every way to try and help and be a benefit and a blessing. Can any one say that there is a single thing connected with all this that is bad, that ought to be uprooted and extirpated? I thought this morning when some of the brethren were saying. Brother Austin, from Bingham Stake, how well their neighbors and they got along together, that they loved one another, they got along peaceably; and why not, why shouldn’t they? It is different from a while ago, it is different even now where we are not known and understood, but the time is fast coming my brethren and sisters, when we are apt to get a little heady because of the things that the Lord has done for us, and take credit to ourselves, and outrank our neighbors so far that’ we will feel perhaps a little above them. We ought to be careful of that feeling if we have anything, and we have so much that is different and so much better than all the world, we ought to always remember that it is the Lord that is giving it, that it is the Lord that is continuing it. This is not President Smith’s work, or Joseph Smith the Prophet’s work alone, that is to say, it is their work, of course, as it is your work and mine, but they didn’t devise it, they didn’t breath into its nostrils the breath of life, and give it that living, potent, powerful, helpful spirit. They didn’t do it. They could not do it but the Lord has done it.
Now of all these good things, and many more that I could mention if I only had time, can anyone say that any of these are bad? Can anyone in the world stand up and say that they have anything to compare with it in' the organizations of the world, or all of them put together? No. no they haven’t. Well then, when Joseph Smith the prophet stated to those few people in Palmyra, in 1820, that he had had a heavenly visitation, the Father and the Son, and that these results now have been brought about in consequence of that small or that great beginning did he. tell the truth or was it a lie? when he stated that the Book of Mormon and those golden plates had been delivered to him, and the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon stated that fact and published it to the world, was it true or was it false? Can it be possible that an evil tree of falsehood, built upon falsehood and lies can produce such good and excellent fruit? If that is so, then the Savior of the world’s words are false, because His word is that an evil tree can not bring forth good fruit, and by their fruits ye shall know them. Men do not gather grapes of thorns nor figs from thistles; they do not come that way. So with all these good results, and so many more that I could stand here and point to you, I bear testimony that Joseph Smith the prophet, that the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, that everything connected with the work of the Lord is true and not false. It is God’s way of doing it. He is in the earth by the power of His Priesthood to accomplish these results and greater results than these, for the time shall come as one of our brethren said this morning, when all will believe, when every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.—they will bow down and confess to this fact that Jesus is the Christ to the honor and glory of God the Father, which I humbly pray may speedily come to pass for the blessing of mankind everywhere, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH ECKERSLEY.
(President of Wayne Stake.)
It has been my privilege to be called to lift up my voice upon street corners, and in halls hired by the Latter-day Saints, in this and foreign countries, to preach repentance to the people, and I never remember assuming this responsibility in my life without feeling a sense of human weakness, but never have I felt that responsibility more than I feel it in facing this mighty congregation this afternoon; but notwithstanding this feeling, my heart cries out: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless and praise His holy name.” These words of the psalmist are expressive of my feelings this afternoon, as nearly as I can express them, for the good things that the Lord has done for me and. doubtless, for hundreds of my brethren and sisters who are in this congregation this afternoon. I remember very well that when,
as a lad of nineteen years of age, I first heard the message of the Gospel proclaimed by the elders of this Church in my native land, that my mind was beclouded and somewhat prejudiced, for at that tender age, I had read a great deal about so-called “Mormonism.” I had read something about what the Christian Herald had to say upon the subject. I had read much from apostate “Mormons;” but, unfortunately, up to that time I had read little or nothing in favor of the Latter-day Saints; and, like many others, having been taught to believe in the traditions in the churches—that Bishop Nibley has alluded to this afternoon—or rather in the tenets of faith of the various churches, having read the kind of literature that I have referred to, you may know that my mind was deeply prejudiced, but I was very greatly impressed with the 13th article of the “Mormon” faith:
"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul. We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Those words greatly impressed me. I knew that a people who had such ideals, who believed in such saving principles, could not be of the character that I had read they were, and on investigating I became acquainted with the truth that they were teaching, the plain, simple gospel that I had been seeking for from the earliest days of my childhood, but had never found to my satisfaction. It never occurred to me, my brethren and sisters, in my early youth, that it would be my privilege to find a church possessed of the gifts and blessings of the Gospel that were enjoyed in the primitive church, or of the doctrines as they were proclaimed in their perfection by the Son of God.
Bishop Nibley this afternoon has referred to some of the reformers, and in thinking of their work, I am reminded that those honest men never made the claims that have since been made by the authorities of this Church. John Wesley never bore a testimony to the world such as the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed. To the contrary, he taught the people according to the light, knowledge, and inspiration that he possessed from God, and we honor the memory of John Wesley, as we honor the memory of other reformers, and those who have not been named this afternoon. You will remember that John Wesley was the spokesman. He preached what he believed to be the Gospel, and that to the best of his understanding. He suffered much, as all good men have suffered for what they believed to be the truth that they taught to the people. Charles Wesley, his brother, was the poet, and in many of his poems he expressed the feelings not only of himself, but of his brother and those who believed in the doctrines that they advocated. I remember that there is to be found in our hymn book one of the poems of Charles Wesley, and in speaking of the days of the primitive church, in reviewing conditions that then obtained, he was led to give expression to these words, thinking of the time when men held the authority to speak and to act in God's name, that Brother Nibley has referred to this afternoon, when men go forth clothed in the authority of the holy priesthood, to call people to repentance, and if they repent with all their hearts and come to God with a contrite heart and a broken spirit, they are endowed with the authority to lead them into the waters of baptism and, in the name of Messiah, to baptize them for the remission of their sins. I think that Charles Wesley was thinking of that day when he said:
“Oh, what an age of golden days,
Oh, what a choice, peculiar race,
Washed in the Lamb's atoning blood.
Anointed kings and priests to God.”
He seemed to have had something of the inspiration of the Spirit, and what it meant to men and woman when the priesthood was enjoyed by men upon the earth; and further, he realized that that power no longer existed with men upon earth. He realized that people were not living in that golden age, that they were not enjoying the apostolic blessings, hence, in looking around in the world, in reviewing the conditions, in thinking of the various religious denominations that existed, he said:
“Where shall we wander now to find Successors they have left behind? The faithful whom we seek in vain Are ’minished from the sons of men."
Oh, what a confession for a man of this character to make! If there were time, and we could review some of the writings, we would find that John Wesley and his brother, and hosts of believers looked forward in fond hope to a day dawning when the fulness of gospel light should shine upon men.
My brethren and sisters, we are living in that glorious age and dispensation, the time foretold that was predicted by the prophets. We are enjoying the blessings of the Church of God that has been established upon the earth. We have been gathered, hundreds of us, as one of a family and two of a city, and the Lord has brought us up to Zion. He has established our feet in these valleys of the mountains. He has given us the opportunities that have so beautifully been portrayed during this conference. I wonder if we are making the best of our opportunities. Reference has been made to the conditions that now obtain in Europe, to the strife and contention that now prevail. Is it not possible that, had it not been for the saving power of God, had it not been that the Gospel of the Redeemer appealed to you and me, we should have been today where many of our relatives are, engaged in that terrible conflict; but instead we are here engaged in the work of the Lord, a work of peace, a work of righteousness, a work of love, a work that brings joy to our hearts as we wake in the morning and as we close our eyes in slumber at night. When I think of all these things, my brothers and sisters, my heart is full, to overflowing, of gratitude to God for His loving kindness to me and to His people.
I deem the privilege of being a member of the Church of Jesus. Christ of Latter-day Saints the greatest honor that could possibly come to me in this life, and the Lord knows that I feel grateful that I have been counted worthy to bear a portion of His priesthood, to be associated with my brethren who are willing to make sacrifice for the work of God. My heart goes out in love and admiration for these men who are willing to give of their time and their substance to bear witness of the truth to the nations. I love these presidents of missions. I love the missionaries who are in the world carrying the message of salvation, in their weakness, to the people; for they will find many among the children of men such as you and I, who are willing to be impressed with the truth when they hear it, who know the voice of the true shepherd and who respond to that voice, for they are of the seed of Abraham, as referred to this morning, of the blood of Israel, and all they are waiting for is an opportunity to hear and receive the truth. It is a glorious privilege, my brethren and sisters, to be associated with a prophet of God, with apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, endowed with power and authority from on high, and with men and women who love God above all other things, and delight to keep His commandments.
I bear you witness that I know that my Father in heaven responds to every seeking soul. I know that every man and woman who will seek the Lord in earnestness, with a desire to know the way of right, will be led into the paths of righteousness. I know by experience that God is no respecter of persons, but that out of all nations and among all peoples, He gives liberally of His Spirit to all who seek Him and desire to do the things that are right. I know that the Lord is working in the hearts of the children of men just as powerfully today as ever before in all the history of men. I believe that the Lord is doing just as marvelous things today as He ever did at any time since Father Adam commenced the great work in this world. I believe it because of the things that I see and the things that I hear, and because of the feelings that are in my own soul. The Lord is doing His work in such a way that unless we are in touch with the inspiration of His Spirit, perhaps we are not cognizant of the marvelous changes that are taking place; but in the events that are transpiring every day, I see the fulfillment of prophecies; I see that God is bringing to pass His purposes, and I rejoice in this work.
I pray, my brethren and sisters, that we may heed the kindly counsels that have been given to us during this conference; for I know that a man who will listen to and obey the counsel of the servants of God and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, to which he is entitled, as he does the will of God, he will be blessed and have joy in this life, and glory, immortality and eternal increase will be added to him in the world to come. There is no reason why we should mourn over the past. There is opportunity for us in the future. Let us find today wherein we have failed, wherein we have been weak, wherein we have not followed always the dictation of our conscience. Let us, from this day henceforth and forever, seek to be diligent in the service of God, and in the end we shall have salvation in His presence. That God may grant us this boon and blessing in the world that is to come, and that we may have joy while we live, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of Wayne Stake.)
It has been my privilege to be called to lift up my voice upon street corners, and in halls hired by the Latter-day Saints, in this and foreign countries, to preach repentance to the people, and I never remember assuming this responsibility in my life without feeling a sense of human weakness, but never have I felt that responsibility more than I feel it in facing this mighty congregation this afternoon; but notwithstanding this feeling, my heart cries out: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless and praise His holy name.” These words of the psalmist are expressive of my feelings this afternoon, as nearly as I can express them, for the good things that the Lord has done for me and. doubtless, for hundreds of my brethren and sisters who are in this congregation this afternoon. I remember very well that when,
as a lad of nineteen years of age, I first heard the message of the Gospel proclaimed by the elders of this Church in my native land, that my mind was beclouded and somewhat prejudiced, for at that tender age, I had read a great deal about so-called “Mormonism.” I had read something about what the Christian Herald had to say upon the subject. I had read much from apostate “Mormons;” but, unfortunately, up to that time I had read little or nothing in favor of the Latter-day Saints; and, like many others, having been taught to believe in the traditions in the churches—that Bishop Nibley has alluded to this afternoon—or rather in the tenets of faith of the various churches, having read the kind of literature that I have referred to, you may know that my mind was deeply prejudiced, but I was very greatly impressed with the 13th article of the “Mormon” faith:
"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul. We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Those words greatly impressed me. I knew that a people who had such ideals, who believed in such saving principles, could not be of the character that I had read they were, and on investigating I became acquainted with the truth that they were teaching, the plain, simple gospel that I had been seeking for from the earliest days of my childhood, but had never found to my satisfaction. It never occurred to me, my brethren and sisters, in my early youth, that it would be my privilege to find a church possessed of the gifts and blessings of the Gospel that were enjoyed in the primitive church, or of the doctrines as they were proclaimed in their perfection by the Son of God.
Bishop Nibley this afternoon has referred to some of the reformers, and in thinking of their work, I am reminded that those honest men never made the claims that have since been made by the authorities of this Church. John Wesley never bore a testimony to the world such as the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed. To the contrary, he taught the people according to the light, knowledge, and inspiration that he possessed from God, and we honor the memory of John Wesley, as we honor the memory of other reformers, and those who have not been named this afternoon. You will remember that John Wesley was the spokesman. He preached what he believed to be the Gospel, and that to the best of his understanding. He suffered much, as all good men have suffered for what they believed to be the truth that they taught to the people. Charles Wesley, his brother, was the poet, and in many of his poems he expressed the feelings not only of himself, but of his brother and those who believed in the doctrines that they advocated. I remember that there is to be found in our hymn book one of the poems of Charles Wesley, and in speaking of the days of the primitive church, in reviewing conditions that then obtained, he was led to give expression to these words, thinking of the time when men held the authority to speak and to act in God's name, that Brother Nibley has referred to this afternoon, when men go forth clothed in the authority of the holy priesthood, to call people to repentance, and if they repent with all their hearts and come to God with a contrite heart and a broken spirit, they are endowed with the authority to lead them into the waters of baptism and, in the name of Messiah, to baptize them for the remission of their sins. I think that Charles Wesley was thinking of that day when he said:
“Oh, what an age of golden days,
Oh, what a choice, peculiar race,
Washed in the Lamb's atoning blood.
Anointed kings and priests to God.”
He seemed to have had something of the inspiration of the Spirit, and what it meant to men and woman when the priesthood was enjoyed by men upon the earth; and further, he realized that that power no longer existed with men upon earth. He realized that people were not living in that golden age, that they were not enjoying the apostolic blessings, hence, in looking around in the world, in reviewing the conditions, in thinking of the various religious denominations that existed, he said:
“Where shall we wander now to find Successors they have left behind? The faithful whom we seek in vain Are ’minished from the sons of men."
Oh, what a confession for a man of this character to make! If there were time, and we could review some of the writings, we would find that John Wesley and his brother, and hosts of believers looked forward in fond hope to a day dawning when the fulness of gospel light should shine upon men.
My brethren and sisters, we are living in that glorious age and dispensation, the time foretold that was predicted by the prophets. We are enjoying the blessings of the Church of God that has been established upon the earth. We have been gathered, hundreds of us, as one of a family and two of a city, and the Lord has brought us up to Zion. He has established our feet in these valleys of the mountains. He has given us the opportunities that have so beautifully been portrayed during this conference. I wonder if we are making the best of our opportunities. Reference has been made to the conditions that now obtain in Europe, to the strife and contention that now prevail. Is it not possible that, had it not been for the saving power of God, had it not been that the Gospel of the Redeemer appealed to you and me, we should have been today where many of our relatives are, engaged in that terrible conflict; but instead we are here engaged in the work of the Lord, a work of peace, a work of righteousness, a work of love, a work that brings joy to our hearts as we wake in the morning and as we close our eyes in slumber at night. When I think of all these things, my brothers and sisters, my heart is full, to overflowing, of gratitude to God for His loving kindness to me and to His people.
I deem the privilege of being a member of the Church of Jesus. Christ of Latter-day Saints the greatest honor that could possibly come to me in this life, and the Lord knows that I feel grateful that I have been counted worthy to bear a portion of His priesthood, to be associated with my brethren who are willing to make sacrifice for the work of God. My heart goes out in love and admiration for these men who are willing to give of their time and their substance to bear witness of the truth to the nations. I love these presidents of missions. I love the missionaries who are in the world carrying the message of salvation, in their weakness, to the people; for they will find many among the children of men such as you and I, who are willing to be impressed with the truth when they hear it, who know the voice of the true shepherd and who respond to that voice, for they are of the seed of Abraham, as referred to this morning, of the blood of Israel, and all they are waiting for is an opportunity to hear and receive the truth. It is a glorious privilege, my brethren and sisters, to be associated with a prophet of God, with apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, endowed with power and authority from on high, and with men and women who love God above all other things, and delight to keep His commandments.
I bear you witness that I know that my Father in heaven responds to every seeking soul. I know that every man and woman who will seek the Lord in earnestness, with a desire to know the way of right, will be led into the paths of righteousness. I know by experience that God is no respecter of persons, but that out of all nations and among all peoples, He gives liberally of His Spirit to all who seek Him and desire to do the things that are right. I know that the Lord is working in the hearts of the children of men just as powerfully today as ever before in all the history of men. I believe that the Lord is doing just as marvelous things today as He ever did at any time since Father Adam commenced the great work in this world. I believe it because of the things that I see and the things that I hear, and because of the feelings that are in my own soul. The Lord is doing His work in such a way that unless we are in touch with the inspiration of His Spirit, perhaps we are not cognizant of the marvelous changes that are taking place; but in the events that are transpiring every day, I see the fulfillment of prophecies; I see that God is bringing to pass His purposes, and I rejoice in this work.
I pray, my brethren and sisters, that we may heed the kindly counsels that have been given to us during this conference; for I know that a man who will listen to and obey the counsel of the servants of God and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, to which he is entitled, as he does the will of God, he will be blessed and have joy in this life, and glory, immortality and eternal increase will be added to him in the world to come. There is no reason why we should mourn over the past. There is opportunity for us in the future. Let us find today wherein we have failed, wherein we have been weak, wherein we have not followed always the dictation of our conscience. Let us, from this day henceforth and forever, seek to be diligent in the service of God, and in the end we shall have salvation in His presence. That God may grant us this boon and blessing in the world that is to come, and that we may have joy while we live, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER OLEEN N. STOHL.
(President of Box Elder Stake.)
I sincerely pray that the Lord will bless me while I attempt to speak to you for a few moments. ,1 need not say to you that I feel my weakness and dependence upon the Lord in standing before you, but I know that this is our Father’s work, and that we are engaged in His service, and I know that He has been with us, and that He has blessed us thus far during our conference, and that He will continue to bless us.
I was reminded, while Bishop Nibley was addressing us, of a statement made by President Welling at the dedication of the Bear River Stake Tabernacle. He said, in the course of his remarks, that since the organization of the Bear River Stake, some six years ago, that they had expended in that stake for meetinghouses and tabernacle, and other church houses erected for the blessing of the people, some eighty thousand dollars, and he testified before the people who were assembled on that occasion, that the people of that stake were better off financially, and enjoying more of the spiritual blessings of the Lord at that particular time than ever before. In other words, there were none of them who were poorer because of their willingness to take of their means and use them for the upbuilding of the work of the Lord. And I began to think of our own stake. The Bear River stake was largely taken from the Box Elder stake. In fact if we go back to the early history of the Box Elder stake, I can say that it was wholly taken from the Box Elder stake. I began to make a little calculation to see what the Box Elder stake had expended for meetinghouses and other church edifices during the past ten years, and I found that we had expended in the neighborhood of ninety thousand dollars in similar improvements to those referred to by President Welling. And I want to bear testimony, brethren and sisters, that the people of Box Elder stake are not poorer because they have done this, but better off. And this was done in addition to the payment of their tithes and offerings. The Lord has poured out His blessings upon them and they are more prosperous than they ever were before.
I remember at the time that two or three of our wards were building their meetinghouses and making improvements that ran up into a considerable sum of money. At the close of the year the bishops reported that the people had paid more tithing that year than any previous year, so it showed again that the Lord poured out His blessings upon the people; and while they were willing to take of their means for the upbuilding of the Church, they were also willing to observe the law of tithing and did better than they had done formerly, I know, my brethren and sisters, from my experience, that when we are willing to serve the Lord and to use our means for the upbuilding of His kingdom, that He will pour out His blessings upon us.
I am thankful for the testimony I have of this work. I am reminded of the words of the Savior and was reminded of them, and have been during this conference, wherein He said: “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it is of God or whether I speak of myself.” Now that is our privilege; that saying applies to us. If we will do the will of the Father we shall know the doctrine, and know whether it is of Him or of man, and the gratifying thing connected with this is that those who have tried the doctrines and the laws, by living them, they are the ones who can testify that they know that the doctrines are of God. That testimony has come to you and to me, and we know that the doctrines of the kingdom of our Father can be tested in this way, and that is very gratifying to us. We are not dependent upon man or men, simply dependent upon our own humble obedience and righteous living, and the blessings of our Heavenly Father.
Now, my brethren and sisters, I feel this way, that while we are enjoying all of these blessings, many of us laying up treasures upon earth, we must not let our hearts be so fixed upon the earthly treasures that we will forget God who has given them to us, but if we will use our treasures for the upbuilding of our Father's kingdom, and thereby lay up treasures in heaven, the peace and power and blessing of God will abide with us, and we will have that living testimony within our hearts that we will daily and hourly know that this is our Father’s work. I rejoice in the spiritual things of the kingdom. While we are dealing with the material things, we are also in daily touch and contact with the spiritual things, and I want to say that I know that the signs follow the believers, that the blessings promised through obedience to the Gospel follow the believers, just as much today as at any time. I feel to praise the Lord because I know that my life through His blessing and power was spared, and as one of my brethren said to me today, I was given a new lease of life of the Lord.
Now I feel that it is not my privilege to take up your time. I rejoice in the work of God; and I know that it gives that joy to us that we cannot obtain in any other calling or labor. Let us go forth and serve our Maker, and let our hearts be centered upon Him and upon His work, and upon helping our fellow men, and serve them and bless them, and if we will do this, our Father will bless us.
May His peace and blessings continue to abide with our leaders, with those who preside over us, and all who labor for His cause, whether it be at home or abroad, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A contralto solo, entitled, “A World of Love,” was sung by Sister Mabel Cooper.
(President of Box Elder Stake.)
I sincerely pray that the Lord will bless me while I attempt to speak to you for a few moments. ,1 need not say to you that I feel my weakness and dependence upon the Lord in standing before you, but I know that this is our Father’s work, and that we are engaged in His service, and I know that He has been with us, and that He has blessed us thus far during our conference, and that He will continue to bless us.
I was reminded, while Bishop Nibley was addressing us, of a statement made by President Welling at the dedication of the Bear River Stake Tabernacle. He said, in the course of his remarks, that since the organization of the Bear River Stake, some six years ago, that they had expended in that stake for meetinghouses and tabernacle, and other church houses erected for the blessing of the people, some eighty thousand dollars, and he testified before the people who were assembled on that occasion, that the people of that stake were better off financially, and enjoying more of the spiritual blessings of the Lord at that particular time than ever before. In other words, there were none of them who were poorer because of their willingness to take of their means and use them for the upbuilding of the work of the Lord. And I began to think of our own stake. The Bear River stake was largely taken from the Box Elder stake. In fact if we go back to the early history of the Box Elder stake, I can say that it was wholly taken from the Box Elder stake. I began to make a little calculation to see what the Box Elder stake had expended for meetinghouses and other church edifices during the past ten years, and I found that we had expended in the neighborhood of ninety thousand dollars in similar improvements to those referred to by President Welling. And I want to bear testimony, brethren and sisters, that the people of Box Elder stake are not poorer because they have done this, but better off. And this was done in addition to the payment of their tithes and offerings. The Lord has poured out His blessings upon them and they are more prosperous than they ever were before.
I remember at the time that two or three of our wards were building their meetinghouses and making improvements that ran up into a considerable sum of money. At the close of the year the bishops reported that the people had paid more tithing that year than any previous year, so it showed again that the Lord poured out His blessings upon the people; and while they were willing to take of their means for the upbuilding of the Church, they were also willing to observe the law of tithing and did better than they had done formerly, I know, my brethren and sisters, from my experience, that when we are willing to serve the Lord and to use our means for the upbuilding of His kingdom, that He will pour out His blessings upon us.
I am thankful for the testimony I have of this work. I am reminded of the words of the Savior and was reminded of them, and have been during this conference, wherein He said: “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it is of God or whether I speak of myself.” Now that is our privilege; that saying applies to us. If we will do the will of the Father we shall know the doctrine, and know whether it is of Him or of man, and the gratifying thing connected with this is that those who have tried the doctrines and the laws, by living them, they are the ones who can testify that they know that the doctrines are of God. That testimony has come to you and to me, and we know that the doctrines of the kingdom of our Father can be tested in this way, and that is very gratifying to us. We are not dependent upon man or men, simply dependent upon our own humble obedience and righteous living, and the blessings of our Heavenly Father.
Now, my brethren and sisters, I feel this way, that while we are enjoying all of these blessings, many of us laying up treasures upon earth, we must not let our hearts be so fixed upon the earthly treasures that we will forget God who has given them to us, but if we will use our treasures for the upbuilding of our Father's kingdom, and thereby lay up treasures in heaven, the peace and power and blessing of God will abide with us, and we will have that living testimony within our hearts that we will daily and hourly know that this is our Father’s work. I rejoice in the spiritual things of the kingdom. While we are dealing with the material things, we are also in daily touch and contact with the spiritual things, and I want to say that I know that the signs follow the believers, that the blessings promised through obedience to the Gospel follow the believers, just as much today as at any time. I feel to praise the Lord because I know that my life through His blessing and power was spared, and as one of my brethren said to me today, I was given a new lease of life of the Lord.
Now I feel that it is not my privilege to take up your time. I rejoice in the work of God; and I know that it gives that joy to us that we cannot obtain in any other calling or labor. Let us go forth and serve our Maker, and let our hearts be centered upon Him and upon His work, and upon helping our fellow men, and serve them and bless them, and if we will do this, our Father will bless us.
May His peace and blessings continue to abide with our leaders, with those who preside over us, and all who labor for His cause, whether it be at home or abroad, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
A contralto solo, entitled, “A World of Love,” was sung by Sister Mabel Cooper.
ELDER SERGE F. BALIFF.
(President of Cache Stake.)
My beloved brethren and sisters, I have faced policemen in Germany, Austria and Hungary, but I do not believe that I trembled so much as I tremble this afternoon in standing before you; and I hope and trust that the Lord will bless me with His spirit, that I may be enabled to say a few suitable words this afternoon. I appreciate more than I am able to say my standing in the Church of Christ. I have a testimony burning in my bosom that tells me that this is indeed the work of God, that God is directing His work here upon the earth.
I am pleased and honored to say that I reside in the Cache Stake of Zion. We have many things there to be thankful for. I don’t know of a valley in all the world, that I have visited, that is so blessed as Cache Valley. You only need to ride through the country and see our crops, the bounteous harvest. The people are being blessed on every hand. The Lord is blessing the earth for their sakes; and I do hope and pray that the people will appreciate the great blessings that the Lord is pouring out upon them. We are farming in Cache Valley scientifically. We have a fine lot of educated farmers; they are raising splendid crops of beets, and grain; and when you compare the condition of the farmer of today with that of twenty years ago, I say that we have a great deal to be proud of and grateful for.
The conditions that have brought about the blessings that we are enjoying today, in a great measure, come through those great institutions that have been established in our valley, the Agricultural College and the Brigham Young College. Those two institutions are doing a wonderful work in educating our young men and young women in farming and dairying. As has been stated today, this is the temporal part of the building up of the kingdom of God upon the earth, and I deem it as one of the essential features of this great work.
We look with pride to the presidents of those colleges; they are doing a splendid work. We have professors in those institutions who come from many parts of this great nation, and I want to say to you that when these men leave our institutions, they are better men than they were when they came there. The spirit of the Gospel is impressed upon the students of those institutions, and they go from our city filled with the spirit of faith in the gospel. In a great degree they are being taught scientific principles, but they naturally partake of the spiritual influences that are to be found in our city. I am very thankful for this. I am very thankful, my brethren and sisters, for the good support that these college men are giving us in our state. I want to say to the people who are sending their children to Logan to be schooled, that we have a system there, in all of our wards, whereby our young men and young women can be looked after, to become active in the organizations of the Church. Whether they be of Latter-day Saint parents or not, we are looking after their best interests.
I was very favorably impressed this morning with the remarks of one of the mission presidents, when he spoke of a young man who was preaching the gospel on a street corner in some eastern city, and he said that he was a poor boy. His mother, I believe he said, was a widow, and the boy scarcely knew where the next meal was coming from, at the same time, he said, that when he stood before the congregation he was fearless, and bore a marvelous testimony of the Gospel. I want to say to the Latter-day Saints my experience has been that when you send your boys out into the mission field, if you will clothe them with the Spirit of God, the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and let them leave their money at home, let them go into the mission field depending upon the Lord, that they will be blessed and they will give the Lord an opportunity to bless them, they will give the Lord an opportunity to show them what they can accomplish if they will put their trust in Him. I am an advocate, and believe in the first principle as our fathers did, to go unto the nations of the earth and trust in the Lord, and go without money and without price. I have demonstrated beyond all question of doubt that the Lord can and will take care of our young men. He will take care of us when we go into the world to represent Him.
I pray that the blessings of the Lord may continue with us. May we be united in our supplications to the Lord that He will bless our prophet, that He will bless all those who are called to preside over this great work here upon the earth, this is my prayer and I ask it in the name of the Lord. Amen.
(President of Cache Stake.)
My beloved brethren and sisters, I have faced policemen in Germany, Austria and Hungary, but I do not believe that I trembled so much as I tremble this afternoon in standing before you; and I hope and trust that the Lord will bless me with His spirit, that I may be enabled to say a few suitable words this afternoon. I appreciate more than I am able to say my standing in the Church of Christ. I have a testimony burning in my bosom that tells me that this is indeed the work of God, that God is directing His work here upon the earth.
I am pleased and honored to say that I reside in the Cache Stake of Zion. We have many things there to be thankful for. I don’t know of a valley in all the world, that I have visited, that is so blessed as Cache Valley. You only need to ride through the country and see our crops, the bounteous harvest. The people are being blessed on every hand. The Lord is blessing the earth for their sakes; and I do hope and pray that the people will appreciate the great blessings that the Lord is pouring out upon them. We are farming in Cache Valley scientifically. We have a fine lot of educated farmers; they are raising splendid crops of beets, and grain; and when you compare the condition of the farmer of today with that of twenty years ago, I say that we have a great deal to be proud of and grateful for.
The conditions that have brought about the blessings that we are enjoying today, in a great measure, come through those great institutions that have been established in our valley, the Agricultural College and the Brigham Young College. Those two institutions are doing a wonderful work in educating our young men and young women in farming and dairying. As has been stated today, this is the temporal part of the building up of the kingdom of God upon the earth, and I deem it as one of the essential features of this great work.
We look with pride to the presidents of those colleges; they are doing a splendid work. We have professors in those institutions who come from many parts of this great nation, and I want to say to you that when these men leave our institutions, they are better men than they were when they came there. The spirit of the Gospel is impressed upon the students of those institutions, and they go from our city filled with the spirit of faith in the gospel. In a great degree they are being taught scientific principles, but they naturally partake of the spiritual influences that are to be found in our city. I am very thankful for this. I am very thankful, my brethren and sisters, for the good support that these college men are giving us in our state. I want to say to the people who are sending their children to Logan to be schooled, that we have a system there, in all of our wards, whereby our young men and young women can be looked after, to become active in the organizations of the Church. Whether they be of Latter-day Saint parents or not, we are looking after their best interests.
I was very favorably impressed this morning with the remarks of one of the mission presidents, when he spoke of a young man who was preaching the gospel on a street corner in some eastern city, and he said that he was a poor boy. His mother, I believe he said, was a widow, and the boy scarcely knew where the next meal was coming from, at the same time, he said, that when he stood before the congregation he was fearless, and bore a marvelous testimony of the Gospel. I want to say to the Latter-day Saints my experience has been that when you send your boys out into the mission field, if you will clothe them with the Spirit of God, the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and let them leave their money at home, let them go into the mission field depending upon the Lord, that they will be blessed and they will give the Lord an opportunity to bless them, they will give the Lord an opportunity to show them what they can accomplish if they will put their trust in Him. I am an advocate, and believe in the first principle as our fathers did, to go unto the nations of the earth and trust in the Lord, and go without money and without price. I have demonstrated beyond all question of doubt that the Lord can and will take care of our young men. He will take care of us when we go into the world to represent Him.
I pray that the blessings of the Lord may continue with us. May we be united in our supplications to the Lord that He will bless our prophet, that He will bless all those who are called to preside over this great work here upon the earth, this is my prayer and I ask it in the name of the Lord. Amen.
ELDER ALONZO A. HINCKLEY.
(President of Deseret Stake.)
I sincerely pray, my brethren and sisters, that the Lord will calm my spirit, and let His Spirit rest upon me for the few moments that I may stand before you. I ask myself the question why should I so fear and tremble, and I cannot answer further than to say that I sense, measurably at least, the great responsibility that rests upon me when I stand up to take the attention of this vast audience. One thing I can do, and perhaps that is all that is necessary upon this occasion, is to bear testimony to the divinity of this great work. I cannot remember the time, and never in my life have been perplexed with any doubts as to the divinity of this work; in harmony with the teachings of a good father and a good mother, who from my childhood up taught me that this was the work of God, and that if I was a prayerful, humble boy, the Lord would manifest to my spirit the truthfulness of their testimony. I believed them, and the Lord has given me that testimony. He gave it to me before I went abroad, called as a missionary to proclaim the Gospel.
Now I am very happy, in my visit at this conference, to have with me my son, a boy of twenty years of age, who stands up to his father's height, and looks me in the face and says: “Father, I am glad that I am here to be blessed and set apart to go and bear testimony, as you have borne before, to the nations of the earth that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” When asked, “Wouldn't you rather go to some English-speaking people than to go to far-off New Zealand?” “No,” he said, “I would rather go where the Lord wishes me to go, for He knows where I can accomplish the best work.”
I was delighted with this spirit, and I thought when Brother Austin stood here and bore his testimony, and testified of the faith of his father, and of the teachings of his father and mother who received the gospel in the world, I shed tears of joy as I sat there and listened to that humble testimony, and I blessed the name of my father. My father never could stand up and preach the Gospel with any degree of eloquence, but with his wives and children, he taught them the Gospel. he bore testimony to them, and he had them grow up to pray, and to lead clean lives, and to seek the Lord and keep His commandments. Oh, it is my hope that my life shall be worthy of such a sire, worthy of such a mother, that when I shall have finished my work, and I shall appear before my father, that I can say, “Father I have cherished the testimony, I have lived the principles of the Gospel as you taught me, and after you left, as the Spirit of the Lord has led me, I have followed in your footprints.” And then I want to be able to say further: “Now father, that your sons and daughters have gathered with you, and your family unit is complete, I hope also that I can bear testimony that my sons and daughters, with their good mother, are following: we have faith and reason to believe that they will come also, and then our happiness will be complete.” I cannot conceive of anything that can minister to our happiness so completely as to see our sons and daughters in their daily life manifest that they have full faith in God. that they are not led off after the things of the world, but that they prize the Gospel and the truths thereof above all things else, and that they fear not in the face, of men to stand up and bear testimony of the divinity of this great work.
I feel happy when I think of my associations. I delight to bear testimony concerning the good men with whom I associate, and I say, as has been said in this conference, look at the fruits of the gospel. It has been our experience recently, in the Deseret stake of Zion, in visiting the priesthood, to call the men together and catechize them, to question them in every quorum, and we find the high priests, seventies, elders, priests, teachers and deacons, all working faithfully in the Church and kingdom of God. We discover that they pray, that their lives are clean, and that they are morally clean in every way; they are observers of the word of wisdom, and accept it as the word of the Lord. The fruits of “Mormonism” surrounds us in men of this kind, in fathers and mothers of this kind. We discover, by careful examination, that the officers of auxiliary organizations are also leading exemplary lives. What else can we have them than the best of men and women? Why should we be astonished to find men and women such as these stand up and bear testimony that this is the work of God. that the Lord has spoken from the heavens, that He has restored His everlasting gospel. and that He has established His priesthood: that men sneak in the name of the Lord, and that it comes to us with the same weight, authority and significance as though the Lord Himself has spoken, for they sneak as they are moved upon by the Spirit of God.
The Lord help us to appreciate all that we have, and to live worthy to receive the blessings that He has in store for us. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Deseret Stake.)
I sincerely pray, my brethren and sisters, that the Lord will calm my spirit, and let His Spirit rest upon me for the few moments that I may stand before you. I ask myself the question why should I so fear and tremble, and I cannot answer further than to say that I sense, measurably at least, the great responsibility that rests upon me when I stand up to take the attention of this vast audience. One thing I can do, and perhaps that is all that is necessary upon this occasion, is to bear testimony to the divinity of this great work. I cannot remember the time, and never in my life have been perplexed with any doubts as to the divinity of this work; in harmony with the teachings of a good father and a good mother, who from my childhood up taught me that this was the work of God, and that if I was a prayerful, humble boy, the Lord would manifest to my spirit the truthfulness of their testimony. I believed them, and the Lord has given me that testimony. He gave it to me before I went abroad, called as a missionary to proclaim the Gospel.
Now I am very happy, in my visit at this conference, to have with me my son, a boy of twenty years of age, who stands up to his father's height, and looks me in the face and says: “Father, I am glad that I am here to be blessed and set apart to go and bear testimony, as you have borne before, to the nations of the earth that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” When asked, “Wouldn't you rather go to some English-speaking people than to go to far-off New Zealand?” “No,” he said, “I would rather go where the Lord wishes me to go, for He knows where I can accomplish the best work.”
I was delighted with this spirit, and I thought when Brother Austin stood here and bore his testimony, and testified of the faith of his father, and of the teachings of his father and mother who received the gospel in the world, I shed tears of joy as I sat there and listened to that humble testimony, and I blessed the name of my father. My father never could stand up and preach the Gospel with any degree of eloquence, but with his wives and children, he taught them the Gospel. he bore testimony to them, and he had them grow up to pray, and to lead clean lives, and to seek the Lord and keep His commandments. Oh, it is my hope that my life shall be worthy of such a sire, worthy of such a mother, that when I shall have finished my work, and I shall appear before my father, that I can say, “Father I have cherished the testimony, I have lived the principles of the Gospel as you taught me, and after you left, as the Spirit of the Lord has led me, I have followed in your footprints.” And then I want to be able to say further: “Now father, that your sons and daughters have gathered with you, and your family unit is complete, I hope also that I can bear testimony that my sons and daughters, with their good mother, are following: we have faith and reason to believe that they will come also, and then our happiness will be complete.” I cannot conceive of anything that can minister to our happiness so completely as to see our sons and daughters in their daily life manifest that they have full faith in God. that they are not led off after the things of the world, but that they prize the Gospel and the truths thereof above all things else, and that they fear not in the face, of men to stand up and bear testimony of the divinity of this great work.
I feel happy when I think of my associations. I delight to bear testimony concerning the good men with whom I associate, and I say, as has been said in this conference, look at the fruits of the gospel. It has been our experience recently, in the Deseret stake of Zion, in visiting the priesthood, to call the men together and catechize them, to question them in every quorum, and we find the high priests, seventies, elders, priests, teachers and deacons, all working faithfully in the Church and kingdom of God. We discover that they pray, that their lives are clean, and that they are morally clean in every way; they are observers of the word of wisdom, and accept it as the word of the Lord. The fruits of “Mormonism” surrounds us in men of this kind, in fathers and mothers of this kind. We discover, by careful examination, that the officers of auxiliary organizations are also leading exemplary lives. What else can we have them than the best of men and women? Why should we be astonished to find men and women such as these stand up and bear testimony that this is the work of God. that the Lord has spoken from the heavens, that He has restored His everlasting gospel. and that He has established His priesthood: that men sneak in the name of the Lord, and that it comes to us with the same weight, authority and significance as though the Lord Himself has spoken, for they sneak as they are moved upon by the Spirit of God.
The Lord help us to appreciate all that we have, and to live worthy to receive the blessings that He has in store for us. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
Commending faithful services and worth of Stake Presidents.
We have had the honor of listening to a few of the good and great men from among the seventy-two, who stand at the head of that many stakes of Zion. Surely the sheep in the folds over which these good shepherds preside cannot take any hurt if they will listen to the counsel and drink freely of the spirit manifested here by the men who preside over them, as we have heard and witnessed by their fervent spirit and powerful testimonies borne to us during this conference. For my own part I cannot but express the sincerest gratitude of my soul for such men; and from the depths of my heart I bless them and invoke the blessing of Almighty God upon them. We will not be able to hear, from all of these good men, but we propose to hear from as many of them as the time will permit, and we would like our brethren of the presidencies of the stakes, to make up their minds to be called upon. They do not know where the call will hit, nor who will come next; but we would like them to be in possession of the spirit of their calling and ministry so that when they come up here to address the conference, they can express themselves as those have done who have already spoken to us. God bless the people who dwell under the watch-care of these good men and help them to humble themselves before them and be submissive to the counsel and direction of their leaders.
The choir sang the anthem, “Let the Mountains Shout for joy.”
Elder George E. Stoddard pronounced the benediction.
Conference was adjourned until 10 a. m., Wednesday, Oct. 6th.
Commending faithful services and worth of Stake Presidents.
We have had the honor of listening to a few of the good and great men from among the seventy-two, who stand at the head of that many stakes of Zion. Surely the sheep in the folds over which these good shepherds preside cannot take any hurt if they will listen to the counsel and drink freely of the spirit manifested here by the men who preside over them, as we have heard and witnessed by their fervent spirit and powerful testimonies borne to us during this conference. For my own part I cannot but express the sincerest gratitude of my soul for such men; and from the depths of my heart I bless them and invoke the blessing of Almighty God upon them. We will not be able to hear, from all of these good men, but we propose to hear from as many of them as the time will permit, and we would like our brethren of the presidencies of the stakes, to make up their minds to be called upon. They do not know where the call will hit, nor who will come next; but we would like them to be in possession of the spirit of their calling and ministry so that when they come up here to address the conference, they can express themselves as those have done who have already spoken to us. God bless the people who dwell under the watch-care of these good men and help them to humble themselves before them and be submissive to the counsel and direction of their leaders.
The choir sang the anthem, “Let the Mountains Shout for joy.”
Elder George E. Stoddard pronounced the benediction.
Conference was adjourned until 10 a. m., Wednesday, Oct. 6th.
THIRD DAY.
Conference was resumed in the Tabernacle, at 10 a. m., Wednesday, October 6th; President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Redeemer of Israel, our only delight.”
The opening prayer was by Elder William H. Smart.
The choir sang the hymn, “High on the mountain top.”
Conference was resumed in the Tabernacle, at 10 a. m., Wednesday, October 6th; President Joseph F. Smith presiding.
The choir and congregation sang the hymn, “Redeemer of Israel, our only delight.”
The opening prayer was by Elder William H. Smart.
The choir sang the hymn, “High on the mountain top.”
PREST. SEYMOUR B. YOUNG.
(Of the First Council of Seventy.)
I want to make a confession. I find myself a little bit lame, through carelessness. In trying to catch a car last night I was thrown off my feet, and a sprained ankle resulted. I am reminded of what my father said: “Never allow yourself to get careless. Wherever you are, and wherever you go, remember to be careful, take in the situation around you, watch and guard every avenue of danger so that no accident may happen to you, if you will do this through life, you will be free from hurt.” I have considered that very good advice for me to follow all my life; but I missed the car, however, and limped down to the theatre, where I enjoyed the opera given by the Emma Lucy Gates Company. I must say to you that I enjoyed one of the best musical treats that I have witnessed for many a day. I secured a seat near the orchestra where I could hear and see all the fine points of the vocal and instrumental music, and was amply repaid for my painful experience in limping to the theatre.
I was happily reminded of the builder of that great institution of amusement. President Brigham Young. When I saw and heard his grand-daughter and the talented company that gave her support, in that beautiful production of the opera taken from Camille, the great French play which President Young used to enjoy so much. I was reminded of old times, and thoughts and memories came welling up in my heart and brain. I almost fancied I could see President Young, President Kimball, and President Wells, in their accustomed seats, witnessing the beautiful plays on that dear old stage. President Young understood the wants of his people. In constructing this house of amusement, he said that the people had seen too many serious phases of life, had witnessed so many sad scenes in their drivings and journeyings from city to city, and from state to state, finally making the difficult exodus across the plains, and enduring privations here for several years, being short of food and the necessaries of life. He deemed it very proper to give the people an opportunity to see the pleasant side of life and he gave them a chance to witness on the mimic stage less serious phases of existence, providing places for them to dance and to enjoy social life with each other. Those social gatherings, as well as the theatres, I well remember, were opened by prayer, by a servant of the Lord stepping forth upon the stage of the theatre, or upon the musicians’ platform in the ball room, before the play or ball began, and praying before the Lord that the influence of His Spirit might be present and prompt those who acted upon the mimic stage, or those who danced, that their thoughts and actions might be clean and pure, and that this recreation might be a reminder of things that were good, and bring happy enjoyment of the specially selected plays rendered in a proper manner. I must say that, if Brigham Young were present, he would have been pleased with the rendition of that beautiful music, both vocal and instrumental. under the direction, and participated in, by one of his granddaughters. ably assisted by a company of bright young men and women. The orchestra was efficiently led by her brother, Cecil Gates.
T am very glad to say that I am enjoying the spirit of this conference. I am in accord with the remarks of President Smith and his counselors, and all those that have spoken. I endorse the remarks of President Smith in regard to the welfare of the people, educationally; and I am in accord with every effort that is made to maintain the prestige of our Church schools. I see the necessity for them, as the authorities do, and I agree with them that it is better for us to represent ourselves and the principles that we love, the principles of the gospel, in a proper manner before our children, while their minds are in a condition to absorb true principles. Let the pure principles of the gospel be taught them in our Church schools, the Latter-day Saint high schools and colleges. I am glad to know that the University of Utah has become one of the leading institutions of learning in the West. I had the privilege of attending school in the old Council House, that stood on the corner where the Deseret News Building now stands. In that little stone and adobe building the university was begun. Orson Spencer was the chancellor or president of the university, as well as chief instructor, Orson Pratt. W. W. Phelps, and others were instructors also, and members of the regency, and as best they could with the facilities they had. they conducted the institution. I had the pleasure of attending the university when it was advanced still further. Dr. Park was then at the head of the university, and the Doctors Benedict were instructors in chemistry and physiology; Dr. Bellieve was the professor of languages. There was at this time marked improvement over former years, because of improved facilities. Today. I am glad to say. it stands high among the institutions of this western country; and when I consider the efforts that are being made for progress in every educational department that this people are concerned in. my heart rejoices at the success we are making.
The L. D. S. Hospital had a very small beginning. It was first called the Deseret Hospital and was located in a large adobe building, opposite the Sixteenth Ward square, where the University of Utah was established later. This building was occupied as a hotel by David Wilkin, a partner of mine in the handcart missionary company. We started an institution to relieve suffering humanity, and did the best we could to make an institution where people could be cared for who were maimed or ill. The Dr. Groves' L. D. S. Hospital, is a credit to any people and to any country; and I am glad to say this of all the institutions of the Latter-day Saints.
I was pleased to be reminded, in the prayer this morning, of our privilege of voting to establish temples, one in Canada and at this conference, one upon the Island of Oahu. This is in keeping with the progress of the work of the Lord, in providing for the spiritual education of the living, also for the development of those great principles which shall reach through time and beyond the vale, for the welfare of Zion, and her children, for the blessing of the living and redemption of the dead. This in fulfillment of the promise made by the Angel Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith, when he said, the Lord will send Elijah, the Prophet, and he shall turn the hearts of the children to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers to the children. That promise was fulfilled literally in the Kirtland Temple, for the Prophet records that he. in company with one of his chosen elders, prayed at the altar of the Kirtland Temple, and the Savior appeared to them and declared that He was their advocate with the Father. Then came Moses, committing to the Prophet the dispensation of the gathering of Israel; and Elias, committing the dispensation of the Gospel; and then came Elijah, the Prophet, fulfilling the promise that he would come and turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. I rejoice today in the prospects that are before the Latter-day Saints. When I look around and see the many blessings that have been given to us in this year of our Lord, in the way of bounteous harvest, and in the encouragement the people have received to pay their tithes and their offerings; I see a time of prosperity before this people such as they have never known, if they shall prove faithful and true to the trust committed to them.
I was very much pleased not long ago when one of my grandsons, the fifth generation from my grandfather, John Young, who had just returned from Camas. He had gone over to Camas, immediately his school closed, in search of work, and he had a very good position given him. He was manager, clerk, and operator in loading and unloading a hay wagon for thirty days, earning two dollars a day. When he came home, he said, “Grandpa. I want to pay my tithing. Where shall I go? We haven’t located yet in a ward since we came from the canyon.” Someone has said, in criticism of this people and their doctrines, the doctrines of the Gospel. “Oh, you just wait till the third, fourth and fifth generation come along and you will find that faith has gone out of the hearts of your children and your grand children.” It is not so, for I find faith existing in the hearts of our children today, bright and untarnished: and there is more faith, and greater numbers are evidencing that faith in the midst of this people, than ever before. And so it will be if we shall do our part, perform our full duties, in teaching our children in the pure love of God and the Gospel of His dear Son. Thus enabling them to recognize the light of truth and the right.
I do not in this matter wish to be understood to have any censure for our district schools, for the high schools, for our splendid University of Utah, they are in their proper place and they are doing great good. But I wish to encourage the thought that our Latter-day Saint schools are very necessary for in them our children are taught to receive, in their youthful and innocent minds, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Now, my brothers and sisters, in closing I bear testimony to you that the Gospel is true, that this Church has the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and that those who preside over the Church today are men God has chosen to preside over His people, and I say may God bless them forever, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Of the First Council of Seventy.)
I want to make a confession. I find myself a little bit lame, through carelessness. In trying to catch a car last night I was thrown off my feet, and a sprained ankle resulted. I am reminded of what my father said: “Never allow yourself to get careless. Wherever you are, and wherever you go, remember to be careful, take in the situation around you, watch and guard every avenue of danger so that no accident may happen to you, if you will do this through life, you will be free from hurt.” I have considered that very good advice for me to follow all my life; but I missed the car, however, and limped down to the theatre, where I enjoyed the opera given by the Emma Lucy Gates Company. I must say to you that I enjoyed one of the best musical treats that I have witnessed for many a day. I secured a seat near the orchestra where I could hear and see all the fine points of the vocal and instrumental music, and was amply repaid for my painful experience in limping to the theatre.
I was happily reminded of the builder of that great institution of amusement. President Brigham Young. When I saw and heard his grand-daughter and the talented company that gave her support, in that beautiful production of the opera taken from Camille, the great French play which President Young used to enjoy so much. I was reminded of old times, and thoughts and memories came welling up in my heart and brain. I almost fancied I could see President Young, President Kimball, and President Wells, in their accustomed seats, witnessing the beautiful plays on that dear old stage. President Young understood the wants of his people. In constructing this house of amusement, he said that the people had seen too many serious phases of life, had witnessed so many sad scenes in their drivings and journeyings from city to city, and from state to state, finally making the difficult exodus across the plains, and enduring privations here for several years, being short of food and the necessaries of life. He deemed it very proper to give the people an opportunity to see the pleasant side of life and he gave them a chance to witness on the mimic stage less serious phases of existence, providing places for them to dance and to enjoy social life with each other. Those social gatherings, as well as the theatres, I well remember, were opened by prayer, by a servant of the Lord stepping forth upon the stage of the theatre, or upon the musicians’ platform in the ball room, before the play or ball began, and praying before the Lord that the influence of His Spirit might be present and prompt those who acted upon the mimic stage, or those who danced, that their thoughts and actions might be clean and pure, and that this recreation might be a reminder of things that were good, and bring happy enjoyment of the specially selected plays rendered in a proper manner. I must say that, if Brigham Young were present, he would have been pleased with the rendition of that beautiful music, both vocal and instrumental. under the direction, and participated in, by one of his granddaughters. ably assisted by a company of bright young men and women. The orchestra was efficiently led by her brother, Cecil Gates.
T am very glad to say that I am enjoying the spirit of this conference. I am in accord with the remarks of President Smith and his counselors, and all those that have spoken. I endorse the remarks of President Smith in regard to the welfare of the people, educationally; and I am in accord with every effort that is made to maintain the prestige of our Church schools. I see the necessity for them, as the authorities do, and I agree with them that it is better for us to represent ourselves and the principles that we love, the principles of the gospel, in a proper manner before our children, while their minds are in a condition to absorb true principles. Let the pure principles of the gospel be taught them in our Church schools, the Latter-day Saint high schools and colleges. I am glad to know that the University of Utah has become one of the leading institutions of learning in the West. I had the privilege of attending school in the old Council House, that stood on the corner where the Deseret News Building now stands. In that little stone and adobe building the university was begun. Orson Spencer was the chancellor or president of the university, as well as chief instructor, Orson Pratt. W. W. Phelps, and others were instructors also, and members of the regency, and as best they could with the facilities they had. they conducted the institution. I had the pleasure of attending the university when it was advanced still further. Dr. Park was then at the head of the university, and the Doctors Benedict were instructors in chemistry and physiology; Dr. Bellieve was the professor of languages. There was at this time marked improvement over former years, because of improved facilities. Today. I am glad to say. it stands high among the institutions of this western country; and when I consider the efforts that are being made for progress in every educational department that this people are concerned in. my heart rejoices at the success we are making.
The L. D. S. Hospital had a very small beginning. It was first called the Deseret Hospital and was located in a large adobe building, opposite the Sixteenth Ward square, where the University of Utah was established later. This building was occupied as a hotel by David Wilkin, a partner of mine in the handcart missionary company. We started an institution to relieve suffering humanity, and did the best we could to make an institution where people could be cared for who were maimed or ill. The Dr. Groves' L. D. S. Hospital, is a credit to any people and to any country; and I am glad to say this of all the institutions of the Latter-day Saints.
I was pleased to be reminded, in the prayer this morning, of our privilege of voting to establish temples, one in Canada and at this conference, one upon the Island of Oahu. This is in keeping with the progress of the work of the Lord, in providing for the spiritual education of the living, also for the development of those great principles which shall reach through time and beyond the vale, for the welfare of Zion, and her children, for the blessing of the living and redemption of the dead. This in fulfillment of the promise made by the Angel Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith, when he said, the Lord will send Elijah, the Prophet, and he shall turn the hearts of the children to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers to the children. That promise was fulfilled literally in the Kirtland Temple, for the Prophet records that he. in company with one of his chosen elders, prayed at the altar of the Kirtland Temple, and the Savior appeared to them and declared that He was their advocate with the Father. Then came Moses, committing to the Prophet the dispensation of the gathering of Israel; and Elias, committing the dispensation of the Gospel; and then came Elijah, the Prophet, fulfilling the promise that he would come and turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. I rejoice today in the prospects that are before the Latter-day Saints. When I look around and see the many blessings that have been given to us in this year of our Lord, in the way of bounteous harvest, and in the encouragement the people have received to pay their tithes and their offerings; I see a time of prosperity before this people such as they have never known, if they shall prove faithful and true to the trust committed to them.
I was very much pleased not long ago when one of my grandsons, the fifth generation from my grandfather, John Young, who had just returned from Camas. He had gone over to Camas, immediately his school closed, in search of work, and he had a very good position given him. He was manager, clerk, and operator in loading and unloading a hay wagon for thirty days, earning two dollars a day. When he came home, he said, “Grandpa. I want to pay my tithing. Where shall I go? We haven’t located yet in a ward since we came from the canyon.” Someone has said, in criticism of this people and their doctrines, the doctrines of the Gospel. “Oh, you just wait till the third, fourth and fifth generation come along and you will find that faith has gone out of the hearts of your children and your grand children.” It is not so, for I find faith existing in the hearts of our children today, bright and untarnished: and there is more faith, and greater numbers are evidencing that faith in the midst of this people, than ever before. And so it will be if we shall do our part, perform our full duties, in teaching our children in the pure love of God and the Gospel of His dear Son. Thus enabling them to recognize the light of truth and the right.
I do not in this matter wish to be understood to have any censure for our district schools, for the high schools, for our splendid University of Utah, they are in their proper place and they are doing great good. But I wish to encourage the thought that our Latter-day Saint schools are very necessary for in them our children are taught to receive, in their youthful and innocent minds, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Now, my brothers and sisters, in closing I bear testimony to you that the Gospel is true, that this Church has the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and that those who preside over the Church today are men God has chosen to preside over His people, and I say may God bless them forever, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH E. ROBINSON.
(President of California Mission.)
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.”
“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: For they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion."
These words of the poet Prophet, Isaiah, came to my mind frequently during this conference, when hearing the testimony of our brethren as to the increase in membership and faith, and integrity and loyalty of our people, of their growth in temporal things, of the prominence that we have among our friends for everything that goes for the uplift of humanity, and for the conservation of social virtues. And my heart was made to rejoice because I felt that Isaiah, in these words, was prophesying of this very time and day, and in prophetic vision had seen the Saints gathered in the tops of the mountains, had heard the reports of the brethren relative to Zion, which God has brought again and established for the last time.
During the past season we have had, as reported, a great many visitors, and it has been my privilege in common with many of my brethren, to meet not only the leaders of our own state, but the leaders among men of affairs in this country and from the nations abroad. It was my high honor recently to become a member of several conventions, among which was the International Irrigation Congress. We held several sessions in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, and then one in San Francisco, at the great Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It added to my faith to sit under the teachings of world renowned men day after day, to learn that in their ideals and striving after that which will benefit mankind most, they were following in the wake of the leaders of Zion. Men were present to this Congress from Australia, from New Zealand, from Hindoostan even, from China, and from the Dominion of Canada. Representative men of our own government. who. had been sent abroad to look into the civil and sociological conditions of Ireland, of France, of Germany and of Italy and to study their modes of co-operation and community growth, brought home the knowledge thus gained to the United States, to enable our people to foster their best interests, to conserve the strength, and the manhood and virtue of her people, and to husband her finances by the subjugation of the soil, etc.
To find that these men in their ideals, as I have said, were following in the wake of the leaders of Israel, made my heart rejoice and sing for the testimony of the truth it brought to me. I learned again that God is with His people, that He led them in the beginning of our history, that it was no chance at all that a modem Moses struck his plow share into the barren soil of the West here, and married the waters to the land, and made of this wilderness a garden of the Lord where “joy and peace, thanksgiving and the voice of melody’’ is found. I learned again that the spirit of cooperation and of Jthe building oif communities for the conservation of social virtues, for fostering of the drama, the school and the church, that they commend as essentially necessary for the growth of America, and for the proper redemption of the soil, and to turn away from the cities the thousands of men and women that become there “the slaves of clock and bell and prisoners of walled up streets,” was the very methods that established our people in this land and made our little towns and villas and cities appear “like apples of gold in a platter of silver” held in the hands of plenty. It was an inspiration to me to hear these men say how they “must get nearer the colonist,” and they “must study his interests,” “must see that land is procured at a more reasonable rate, that interest shall not be so heavy, a longer time for payment given,” and that in this they are looking abroad for the best of the land, for the best men and women, the men of heart and blood as well as of mind and education, men who love mother earth, and nursing deeply from her precious and luscious breast, shall receive full and rich compensation for their trust and toil. They will welcome the laboring classes, from Europe to America, and will assume the necessity of earing for them after they have been planted upon the soil; for we learn that the original purchaser has in most instances made a failure, and it is the second and third settler who has made a success of farming.
We learn that as the cities have increased from sixteen to twenty-two per cent in population during the last decade, that in the country our increase has been but four per cent, so they are saying to you, “we must seek after the immigrant and, feel after him, look after the colonist, and nurse him, and not let interest abate just so soon as he has purchased a piece of ground. How familiar this doctrine must be to the ears of my aged brethren and sisters who were found by the Gospel in the old world, and were brought to this land by the “perpetual immigration fund,” had their feet planted here upon the soil, then were nursed tenderly and carefully until they in turn were able to help care for themselves and aid others. In all these things, in all these avenues and vocations of trade mentioned by our leading men at our recent congress, I found an added testimony to the worth, integrity and divine guidance of the prophets of God.
May the Lord guide us to His praise, and deliver us from evil, and enable us to recognize His hand in all things, that we shall keep the faith, and when we have finished our labors in earth have the same acknowledged by our Father, and be crowned with eternal lives in His presence, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of California Mission.)
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.”
“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: For they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion."
These words of the poet Prophet, Isaiah, came to my mind frequently during this conference, when hearing the testimony of our brethren as to the increase in membership and faith, and integrity and loyalty of our people, of their growth in temporal things, of the prominence that we have among our friends for everything that goes for the uplift of humanity, and for the conservation of social virtues. And my heart was made to rejoice because I felt that Isaiah, in these words, was prophesying of this very time and day, and in prophetic vision had seen the Saints gathered in the tops of the mountains, had heard the reports of the brethren relative to Zion, which God has brought again and established for the last time.
During the past season we have had, as reported, a great many visitors, and it has been my privilege in common with many of my brethren, to meet not only the leaders of our own state, but the leaders among men of affairs in this country and from the nations abroad. It was my high honor recently to become a member of several conventions, among which was the International Irrigation Congress. We held several sessions in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, and then one in San Francisco, at the great Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It added to my faith to sit under the teachings of world renowned men day after day, to learn that in their ideals and striving after that which will benefit mankind most, they were following in the wake of the leaders of Zion. Men were present to this Congress from Australia, from New Zealand, from Hindoostan even, from China, and from the Dominion of Canada. Representative men of our own government. who. had been sent abroad to look into the civil and sociological conditions of Ireland, of France, of Germany and of Italy and to study their modes of co-operation and community growth, brought home the knowledge thus gained to the United States, to enable our people to foster their best interests, to conserve the strength, and the manhood and virtue of her people, and to husband her finances by the subjugation of the soil, etc.
To find that these men in their ideals, as I have said, were following in the wake of the leaders of Israel, made my heart rejoice and sing for the testimony of the truth it brought to me. I learned again that God is with His people, that He led them in the beginning of our history, that it was no chance at all that a modem Moses struck his plow share into the barren soil of the West here, and married the waters to the land, and made of this wilderness a garden of the Lord where “joy and peace, thanksgiving and the voice of melody’’ is found. I learned again that the spirit of cooperation and of Jthe building oif communities for the conservation of social virtues, for fostering of the drama, the school and the church, that they commend as essentially necessary for the growth of America, and for the proper redemption of the soil, and to turn away from the cities the thousands of men and women that become there “the slaves of clock and bell and prisoners of walled up streets,” was the very methods that established our people in this land and made our little towns and villas and cities appear “like apples of gold in a platter of silver” held in the hands of plenty. It was an inspiration to me to hear these men say how they “must get nearer the colonist,” and they “must study his interests,” “must see that land is procured at a more reasonable rate, that interest shall not be so heavy, a longer time for payment given,” and that in this they are looking abroad for the best of the land, for the best men and women, the men of heart and blood as well as of mind and education, men who love mother earth, and nursing deeply from her precious and luscious breast, shall receive full and rich compensation for their trust and toil. They will welcome the laboring classes, from Europe to America, and will assume the necessity of earing for them after they have been planted upon the soil; for we learn that the original purchaser has in most instances made a failure, and it is the second and third settler who has made a success of farming.
We learn that as the cities have increased from sixteen to twenty-two per cent in population during the last decade, that in the country our increase has been but four per cent, so they are saying to you, “we must seek after the immigrant and, feel after him, look after the colonist, and nurse him, and not let interest abate just so soon as he has purchased a piece of ground. How familiar this doctrine must be to the ears of my aged brethren and sisters who were found by the Gospel in the old world, and were brought to this land by the “perpetual immigration fund,” had their feet planted here upon the soil, then were nursed tenderly and carefully until they in turn were able to help care for themselves and aid others. In all these things, in all these avenues and vocations of trade mentioned by our leading men at our recent congress, I found an added testimony to the worth, integrity and divine guidance of the prophets of God.
May the Lord guide us to His praise, and deliver us from evil, and enable us to recognize His hand in all things, that we shall keep the faith, and when we have finished our labors in earth have the same acknowledged by our Father, and be crowned with eternal lives in His presence, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER ORVIL L. THOMPSON.
(President of Millard Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I hope that I may enjoy that same good spirit that has been enjoyed so abundantly by our brethren, as they have occupied this position during the sessions of this conference. My testimony has been strengthened and my faith increased in listening to the counsels and the testimony of those who have spoken in this conference, and I have felt that it is good to be here.
I have been impressed most deeply by the comparisons that were made in the preceding session of the conference by Bishop Nibley, his statement of the activities and the spirit that characterizes the work of the Latter-day Saints as compared with others. As he spoke, the words of the Lord as they were given ancient Israel came to my mind, wherein He said, as He was preparing His ancient people that they might inherit the land that had been promised to them, He used these words: “Thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord has chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself above the nations that live upon the earth.” I thought that latter-day Israel is measuring up to the standard that was set by the Lord for ancient Israel before they entered into their inheritance. The bishop made comparison of the forms and ceremonies of the latter-day work and those who have tried to copy, in a degree, some of these ordinances and forms, and pointed out the distinctive peculiarity that pertains to the Latter-day Saints and their worship. I thought of one other great feature of this work that he did not mention in his remarks This item was brought to my attention in the opening session of the conference, in the remarks of President Smith, and the announcement that was so heartily seconded and approved by the great assemblage on that occasion in regard to the establishment of a temple on an island of the Pacific.
One of the peculiar and distinctive features of the gospel, of this latter-day work, has been the building of temples Very early in the history of the Church, even as early as December,1830,a very few months after its organization, it was made known unto the prophet that there should be a house built unto His name, and a promise was made that the Lord would visit it, or suddenly come to His temple Early in the year 1831, at a counsel of the brethren held in Kirtland, a company of them were selected, and they were sent out into the then far west, and finally congregated in Missouri according to appointment, and there, on the 2nd day of August, 1831, a site was selected for the rearing of a house of the Lord, in Independence, Jackson County, but the building of this great temple was to be postponed for a time And again the Lord spoke to His people and pointed out the necessity of speedily erecting such a building wherein the ordinances of His house might be properly performed. And so, revelations were again given and a place selected, and a spot dedicated for the rearing of a temple in Kirtland, Ohio, and in 1833 this work was begun, in the days of the poverty of the people, and amidst the bitterest persecution; in the days of limited numbers and means was this were made. The keys of the gathering of Israel, and of the blessing of the people, and the spirit of Elijah, all of these blessings were bestowed upon the brethren on this work begun. In 1835 the building solemn occasion But persecution had so far been completed that some rooms could be used for sacred purposes, and in that year some of the most glorious manifestations of the power of God and His goodness and mercy were given unto the prophet Joseph Smith, and those that were associated with him in the ministry at that time.
It is stated in the history of the Church that a glorious vision was given previous to the final completion and dedication of the Kirtland temple, in which it is said that they beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and saw the transcendent glory of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom should enter; they saw the Father sitting upon His blazing throne and the Son at His right hand; they saw the streets of the kingdom having the appearance of being paved with gold. Many other things of a marvelous nature, and of great encouragement to the people in their distressed condition, were given to the people at that time, which encouraged them to press forward in their splendid work so that the temple might be completed, which was accomplished in the year 1836 At the dedication of that temple more of the wonderful manifestations of the power of the Lord was given, so eloquently referred to in the opening prayer of President Smart this morning, and further referred to by President Seymour B. Young, wherein the Lord was seen standing upon the breastwork of the temple, and the veil was taken from their eyes, and wonderful promises came, they were forced to leave the edifice which they had built to the name of the Lord, and to move away from that sacred spot. Another site was selected and dedicated for the erection of a temple, in Far West, but the building of it was not allowed, and again, in November, having been forced to vacate the places where they had gathered and the Church centered for a time, and found a new gathering place at Nauvoo, again the voice of the Lord comes that a temple shall be built there. As they begin upon the twelfth year of their existence as a Church, in April, 1841, again dedicator)' services are held, and the operation of building a temple is again begun. Persecution continues but, amidst all the trials that came upon them our brethren and sisters were faithful to their trust, and prosecuted their labors in faithfulness tinder the direction of the prophet and his associates.
They were not permitted to see the completion of the temple at Nauvoo, for the Prophet and his brother were murdered by assassins in 1844, and the temple was not completed and ready for dedication until the spring of 1846. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, who took up the work where it was laid down by the prophet and his brother the patriarch, was successfully carried to completion that great work, in the days of the great poverty and persecution of the people. Again they were forced to flee from their homes, but after crossing the wilderness, as they entered this valley from the canyons on our east and looked over its barren waste, the prophet of the Lord saw in vision that this was the place; and four days later a site had been selected, and on that spot designated the prophet said, “Here shall we raise the temple of our God.”
And so, this has been a characteristic from the beginning, a distinctive feature of this Church, the building of temples. Then arose the necessity of a temple before this great edifice that now stands upon the Temple Block might be completed, and so in St. George, in the far south, one is erected, and dedicated, and one at Logan in the north, and another in Manti, the central part of the state, and later, in 1893, the completion and dedication of the splendid edifice that stands upon these grounds. Now we hear with joy and our hearts do rejoice at the work proceeding on the erection of a temple in Canada, and the decision to erect another at Laie, on one of the islands of the Pacific ocean. It certainly is a testimony unto us that the spirit of Elijah is operating upon the hearts of the children of men today. I bear record that in the stake over which I preside this spirit is active, and is being manifested in the labors of our brethren and sisters, particularly the sisters of the Relief Society, who have taken great interest in this work. We have not many sick nor many poor that require the charitable attention of the sisters of our Relief Society, and therefore their efforts are being directed in preparing the records of the people for the work of salvation for the dead.
I rejoice in the testimony which the Lord has given me of the truth of His work. I desire to bear it to you, my brethren and sisters, on this occasion, in connection with those who have borne testimony before. I know that this is the work of the Lord. May we live so that we may merit His blessings, and finally achieve salvation in His kingdom, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The hymn, “Ye simple souls who stray,” was sung by John W. Summerhays as a tenor solo.
(President of Millard Stake.)
My brethren and sisters, I hope that I may enjoy that same good spirit that has been enjoyed so abundantly by our brethren, as they have occupied this position during the sessions of this conference. My testimony has been strengthened and my faith increased in listening to the counsels and the testimony of those who have spoken in this conference, and I have felt that it is good to be here.
I have been impressed most deeply by the comparisons that were made in the preceding session of the conference by Bishop Nibley, his statement of the activities and the spirit that characterizes the work of the Latter-day Saints as compared with others. As he spoke, the words of the Lord as they were given ancient Israel came to my mind, wherein He said, as He was preparing His ancient people that they might inherit the land that had been promised to them, He used these words: “Thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord has chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself above the nations that live upon the earth.” I thought that latter-day Israel is measuring up to the standard that was set by the Lord for ancient Israel before they entered into their inheritance. The bishop made comparison of the forms and ceremonies of the latter-day work and those who have tried to copy, in a degree, some of these ordinances and forms, and pointed out the distinctive peculiarity that pertains to the Latter-day Saints and their worship. I thought of one other great feature of this work that he did not mention in his remarks This item was brought to my attention in the opening session of the conference, in the remarks of President Smith, and the announcement that was so heartily seconded and approved by the great assemblage on that occasion in regard to the establishment of a temple on an island of the Pacific.
One of the peculiar and distinctive features of the gospel, of this latter-day work, has been the building of temples Very early in the history of the Church, even as early as December,1830,a very few months after its organization, it was made known unto the prophet that there should be a house built unto His name, and a promise was made that the Lord would visit it, or suddenly come to His temple Early in the year 1831, at a counsel of the brethren held in Kirtland, a company of them were selected, and they were sent out into the then far west, and finally congregated in Missouri according to appointment, and there, on the 2nd day of August, 1831, a site was selected for the rearing of a house of the Lord, in Independence, Jackson County, but the building of this great temple was to be postponed for a time And again the Lord spoke to His people and pointed out the necessity of speedily erecting such a building wherein the ordinances of His house might be properly performed. And so, revelations were again given and a place selected, and a spot dedicated for the rearing of a temple in Kirtland, Ohio, and in 1833 this work was begun, in the days of the poverty of the people, and amidst the bitterest persecution; in the days of limited numbers and means was this were made. The keys of the gathering of Israel, and of the blessing of the people, and the spirit of Elijah, all of these blessings were bestowed upon the brethren on this work begun. In 1835 the building solemn occasion But persecution had so far been completed that some rooms could be used for sacred purposes, and in that year some of the most glorious manifestations of the power of God and His goodness and mercy were given unto the prophet Joseph Smith, and those that were associated with him in the ministry at that time.
It is stated in the history of the Church that a glorious vision was given previous to the final completion and dedication of the Kirtland temple, in which it is said that they beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and saw the transcendent glory of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom should enter; they saw the Father sitting upon His blazing throne and the Son at His right hand; they saw the streets of the kingdom having the appearance of being paved with gold. Many other things of a marvelous nature, and of great encouragement to the people in their distressed condition, were given to the people at that time, which encouraged them to press forward in their splendid work so that the temple might be completed, which was accomplished in the year 1836 At the dedication of that temple more of the wonderful manifestations of the power of the Lord was given, so eloquently referred to in the opening prayer of President Smart this morning, and further referred to by President Seymour B. Young, wherein the Lord was seen standing upon the breastwork of the temple, and the veil was taken from their eyes, and wonderful promises came, they were forced to leave the edifice which they had built to the name of the Lord, and to move away from that sacred spot. Another site was selected and dedicated for the erection of a temple, in Far West, but the building of it was not allowed, and again, in November, having been forced to vacate the places where they had gathered and the Church centered for a time, and found a new gathering place at Nauvoo, again the voice of the Lord comes that a temple shall be built there. As they begin upon the twelfth year of their existence as a Church, in April, 1841, again dedicator)' services are held, and the operation of building a temple is again begun. Persecution continues but, amidst all the trials that came upon them our brethren and sisters were faithful to their trust, and prosecuted their labors in faithfulness tinder the direction of the prophet and his associates.
They were not permitted to see the completion of the temple at Nauvoo, for the Prophet and his brother were murdered by assassins in 1844, and the temple was not completed and ready for dedication until the spring of 1846. Under the leadership of Brigham Young, who took up the work where it was laid down by the prophet and his brother the patriarch, was successfully carried to completion that great work, in the days of the great poverty and persecution of the people. Again they were forced to flee from their homes, but after crossing the wilderness, as they entered this valley from the canyons on our east and looked over its barren waste, the prophet of the Lord saw in vision that this was the place; and four days later a site had been selected, and on that spot designated the prophet said, “Here shall we raise the temple of our God.”
And so, this has been a characteristic from the beginning, a distinctive feature of this Church, the building of temples. Then arose the necessity of a temple before this great edifice that now stands upon the Temple Block might be completed, and so in St. George, in the far south, one is erected, and dedicated, and one at Logan in the north, and another in Manti, the central part of the state, and later, in 1893, the completion and dedication of the splendid edifice that stands upon these grounds. Now we hear with joy and our hearts do rejoice at the work proceeding on the erection of a temple in Canada, and the decision to erect another at Laie, on one of the islands of the Pacific ocean. It certainly is a testimony unto us that the spirit of Elijah is operating upon the hearts of the children of men today. I bear record that in the stake over which I preside this spirit is active, and is being manifested in the labors of our brethren and sisters, particularly the sisters of the Relief Society, who have taken great interest in this work. We have not many sick nor many poor that require the charitable attention of the sisters of our Relief Society, and therefore their efforts are being directed in preparing the records of the people for the work of salvation for the dead.
I rejoice in the testimony which the Lord has given me of the truth of His work. I desire to bear it to you, my brethren and sisters, on this occasion, in connection with those who have borne testimony before. I know that this is the work of the Lord. May we live so that we may merit His blessings, and finally achieve salvation in His kingdom, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The hymn, “Ye simple souls who stray,” was sung by John W. Summerhays as a tenor solo.
ELDER SAMUEL E. WOOLLEY.
(President of Hawaiian Mission.)
Aloha no ia oukou apau. (A love greeting to you all.)
I feel that I have as much reason to rejoice this morning as any other person present, for truly the spirit of Elijah has been upon the people over whom it has been my good pleasure to preside for the past twenty years. The spirit of temple work, looking after themselves and their dead, has been in the hearts of that people for years, and now we have voted to build a temple upon a piece of ground chosen of the Lord.
That land, the land of Laie, was chosen by revelation, by a committee appointed by President Brigham Young, our President Joseph F. Smith being one of that committee. President Young appeared in spirit to one of the committee and said to him, “Upon this land we will build a temple.” That was after the Church had been established upon the islands, and Lanai had been chosen as a gathering place for the Saints of that mission, and after the notorious Walter Gibson had taken advantage of the people, and procured deeds and bills of sale of all their lands, and their goats and their sheep, and their turkeys or whatever they may have had, in his own name. He was excommunicated from the Church after a committee chosen and sent by President Young had investigated his case, and the people were forced to get away from Lanai. A committee of those sent remained and sought out a gathering place that the Saints might have a home. Now, this particular land, the land of Laie, now owned by the Church since 1864, was a city of refuge in olden times, because that people are of the pure blood of Israel, and we find among them until this day rites and ceremonies that were practiced by ancient Israel, and they had cities of refuge and Laie was one of those, and it will be an eternal city of refuge to the remnant of that portion of the house of Israel.
I have felt for years that there would be a temple there, and I have put forth what effort the Lord has given me to that end trying to build up and beautify that sacred land. I believe in the near future that it will grow more than it has ever grown before, and the feeling and sentiment of the people, not only the Latter-day Saints but the sentiment of the outside, is coming toward us. A gentleman said to me only recently, he is manager of a large mercantile institution: “Mr. Woolley if I had my wav. if I were the directing authority of this institution, I wouldn’t have anybody but ‘Mormons' work for me.” Many others have the same good reports to make of our people in that land. A. few years ago we had the privilege of voting on a temperance move in that land. A committee was sent out over the whole group to ask the people, the Hawaiian people in particular, their sentiments regarding prohibition, and the tabulation, according to the secretary of that committee, who introduced himself to me one day upon the street saying, “Are you Mr. Woolley of Laie?” I said, “Yes, sir,” He said, “I want to compliment you on the good work you people have done. I have the tabulation of the committee sent out to inquire after the feelings of the people, and I have this to say: “seventy-five per cent of those visited who are ‘Mormons’ are in favor of prohibition, seventeen per cent Catholic, and eight per cent of the church of whom I am a member, the Protestant, eight per cent only.” He said: “I am ashamed, the missionaries who brought the Bible that we hold dear, to this land and only eight per cent are willing to abolish liquor.” There were a number of people, local elders, chosen as members of a committee of one hundred to labor for prohibition, those who selected them not knowing they belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but they were recognized as good solid men. One of the number of our people was one of the three who came here a number of years ago as a committee that went to Washington to intercede for her Excellency the Queen, who was dethroned, the late David Kalauokalani. He said to the chairman of the committee, Mr. J. P. Cook, “I have believed in this for the last forty years, I have been taught it in the church that I belong to.” He says: “What church do you belong to?” “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” “Do they teach these things?” “Yes. and every other good thing." “Well." he said, “I never knew that before.” “Because you never went to our meetings." was the reply.
From that time we have grown in influence. Those men that took up and labored, in connection with the other denominations, for prohibition have grown and our influence is spreading out, and there is a good feeling towards us today, generally speaking. So I believe that, now we have voted for a temple, when that is completed and dedicated I believe that the spirit of prejudice will be allayed more and more, as it has been in every land and at every time we have dedicated a temple unto the Lord from the beginning.
My heart rejoices in these things, and I love that people because the Lord loves them. They are a good people, and I want to tell you they will be on hand with their means whatever they possess, if it is called for; they will be there to assist, every one of them, and we have now 9,310 souls in the mission. I believe they will come and respond cheerfully with all they have, and they will help to maintain the Temple, because that is one of the characteristics of that people. Last August the Relief Society of Honolulu gave a public feast, on a square right in the center of the city, opposite the Alexander Young Hotel, a beautiful little place, and they were asked twenty dollars for the use of it. They gave this feast. It was upon a Saturday, and they cleared $1,265.00 over and above expenses, to erect a house for the poor at Honolulu. Before twelve o’clock Saturday night everything was cleared away, and left neat and clean, and the man in charge said, “Here is your twenty dollars, I took that because every other feast that has been given at this place has cost us twenty dollars to clear the refuse away." Another mark for our people.
I feel now as I have felt for years, that every time I hear reports from other parts of the world concerning the people, (I have talked with President Smith about these things), I feel in my heart to mark Hawaii up one, and today I feel to mark her up another one. Think of it, the only mission, I believe, since the Church was organized that is going to have a temple, and I rejoice in it. Thank God for good men that the Lord can reveal His mind and will to. I sustain them every one in my heart and in my soul, and I hope to be true, true to the people, true to the Lord, true to the priesthood, and true to the covenants that I have made, and I hope to continue faithful to the end. I hope this for all of us, and for the Hawaiian people especially, because I am most interested in them. The Lord loves them; He chose men to go there in early days. He spoke to President Cannon with His own voice in that land. He came to Brother Cannon at Lahaina, Maui, and told him that He would lead him to a people that would receive the truth, and He did. Now there are tens of thousands of people who have joined the Church in that land, who have passed away without the Temple blessings, and there are tens of thousands who never did belong to the Church who were honest hearted. They will have to be worked for. and the Lord will have to help us to obtain their genealogies, because they haven’t kept genealogy, but He can do it. He knows how, and He will do it in the right way too.
May the Lord help us to prove true and faithful to the end, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of Hawaiian Mission.)
Aloha no ia oukou apau. (A love greeting to you all.)
I feel that I have as much reason to rejoice this morning as any other person present, for truly the spirit of Elijah has been upon the people over whom it has been my good pleasure to preside for the past twenty years. The spirit of temple work, looking after themselves and their dead, has been in the hearts of that people for years, and now we have voted to build a temple upon a piece of ground chosen of the Lord.
That land, the land of Laie, was chosen by revelation, by a committee appointed by President Brigham Young, our President Joseph F. Smith being one of that committee. President Young appeared in spirit to one of the committee and said to him, “Upon this land we will build a temple.” That was after the Church had been established upon the islands, and Lanai had been chosen as a gathering place for the Saints of that mission, and after the notorious Walter Gibson had taken advantage of the people, and procured deeds and bills of sale of all their lands, and their goats and their sheep, and their turkeys or whatever they may have had, in his own name. He was excommunicated from the Church after a committee chosen and sent by President Young had investigated his case, and the people were forced to get away from Lanai. A committee of those sent remained and sought out a gathering place that the Saints might have a home. Now, this particular land, the land of Laie, now owned by the Church since 1864, was a city of refuge in olden times, because that people are of the pure blood of Israel, and we find among them until this day rites and ceremonies that were practiced by ancient Israel, and they had cities of refuge and Laie was one of those, and it will be an eternal city of refuge to the remnant of that portion of the house of Israel.
I have felt for years that there would be a temple there, and I have put forth what effort the Lord has given me to that end trying to build up and beautify that sacred land. I believe in the near future that it will grow more than it has ever grown before, and the feeling and sentiment of the people, not only the Latter-day Saints but the sentiment of the outside, is coming toward us. A gentleman said to me only recently, he is manager of a large mercantile institution: “Mr. Woolley if I had my wav. if I were the directing authority of this institution, I wouldn’t have anybody but ‘Mormons' work for me.” Many others have the same good reports to make of our people in that land. A. few years ago we had the privilege of voting on a temperance move in that land. A committee was sent out over the whole group to ask the people, the Hawaiian people in particular, their sentiments regarding prohibition, and the tabulation, according to the secretary of that committee, who introduced himself to me one day upon the street saying, “Are you Mr. Woolley of Laie?” I said, “Yes, sir,” He said, “I want to compliment you on the good work you people have done. I have the tabulation of the committee sent out to inquire after the feelings of the people, and I have this to say: “seventy-five per cent of those visited who are ‘Mormons’ are in favor of prohibition, seventeen per cent Catholic, and eight per cent of the church of whom I am a member, the Protestant, eight per cent only.” He said: “I am ashamed, the missionaries who brought the Bible that we hold dear, to this land and only eight per cent are willing to abolish liquor.” There were a number of people, local elders, chosen as members of a committee of one hundred to labor for prohibition, those who selected them not knowing they belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but they were recognized as good solid men. One of the number of our people was one of the three who came here a number of years ago as a committee that went to Washington to intercede for her Excellency the Queen, who was dethroned, the late David Kalauokalani. He said to the chairman of the committee, Mr. J. P. Cook, “I have believed in this for the last forty years, I have been taught it in the church that I belong to.” He says: “What church do you belong to?” “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” “Do they teach these things?” “Yes. and every other good thing." “Well." he said, “I never knew that before.” “Because you never went to our meetings." was the reply.
From that time we have grown in influence. Those men that took up and labored, in connection with the other denominations, for prohibition have grown and our influence is spreading out, and there is a good feeling towards us today, generally speaking. So I believe that, now we have voted for a temple, when that is completed and dedicated I believe that the spirit of prejudice will be allayed more and more, as it has been in every land and at every time we have dedicated a temple unto the Lord from the beginning.
My heart rejoices in these things, and I love that people because the Lord loves them. They are a good people, and I want to tell you they will be on hand with their means whatever they possess, if it is called for; they will be there to assist, every one of them, and we have now 9,310 souls in the mission. I believe they will come and respond cheerfully with all they have, and they will help to maintain the Temple, because that is one of the characteristics of that people. Last August the Relief Society of Honolulu gave a public feast, on a square right in the center of the city, opposite the Alexander Young Hotel, a beautiful little place, and they were asked twenty dollars for the use of it. They gave this feast. It was upon a Saturday, and they cleared $1,265.00 over and above expenses, to erect a house for the poor at Honolulu. Before twelve o’clock Saturday night everything was cleared away, and left neat and clean, and the man in charge said, “Here is your twenty dollars, I took that because every other feast that has been given at this place has cost us twenty dollars to clear the refuse away." Another mark for our people.
I feel now as I have felt for years, that every time I hear reports from other parts of the world concerning the people, (I have talked with President Smith about these things), I feel in my heart to mark Hawaii up one, and today I feel to mark her up another one. Think of it, the only mission, I believe, since the Church was organized that is going to have a temple, and I rejoice in it. Thank God for good men that the Lord can reveal His mind and will to. I sustain them every one in my heart and in my soul, and I hope to be true, true to the people, true to the Lord, true to the priesthood, and true to the covenants that I have made, and I hope to continue faithful to the end. I hope this for all of us, and for the Hawaiian people especially, because I am most interested in them. The Lord loves them; He chose men to go there in early days. He spoke to President Cannon with His own voice in that land. He came to Brother Cannon at Lahaina, Maui, and told him that He would lead him to a people that would receive the truth, and He did. Now there are tens of thousands of people who have joined the Church in that land, who have passed away without the Temple blessings, and there are tens of thousands who never did belong to the Church who were honest hearted. They will have to be worked for. and the Lord will have to help us to obtain their genealogies, because they haven’t kept genealogy, but He can do it. He knows how, and He will do it in the right way too.
May the Lord help us to prove true and faithful to the end, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER REY L. PRATT.
(President of Mexican Mission.)
"Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me. I speak these things.
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
And as he spake these words many believed on him.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him. 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.”
I rejoice very greatly, my brethren and sisters, at this opportunity of bearing my testimony to you of the truthfulness of the Gospel. Since the opening remarks at this Conference, by President Smith, this scripture has been in my mind, and it occurs to me that our duty as a people, is to continue in obedience to the words of the Lord as they are given unto us by His prophet, and by His inspired teachers, that we have among us. By thus doing we will become in very deed the disciples of the Lord, and we shall be able to know and discern the truth in all things, and the truth will make us, in the future, as it has done in the past, free from the evils of the age in which we live. It occurs to me that there is no other way given in the wide world, whereby the world may be rid of those things that are an abomination today, save it be giving heed to the word of the Lord as it comes to us, and living in accordance with that word.
I want to ask the question if there is any system existing in the world today that can rid the world of the evils of war, and of strife and bloodshed that exist in the nations, save it be by living in accordance with the doctrines as laid down in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And. has there ever been any institution established that will rid men entirely of the evil of liquor, that will rid them of the evils of ambition, of profanity, and every other evil that we might mention, save it be the word of the Lord as taught in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The Lord said, at the conclusion of that memorable sermon, the greatest sermon ever delivered to man on the earth, that sermon upon the mount: “He that heareth these words and doeth them, the same is likened unto a man who built his house on a rock,” and whatever might come afterwards in the way of temptation, in the way of storms that come into the human life, nothing could shake that man who built his edifice, or faith, on the word of the Lord as delivered there, and who obeyed those words. The Lord has said to those that doubt, “My doctrine is not mine but His that sent me; He that shall do the will of the Father shall know the doctrine, whether it is of God or whether I speak of myself.” And the Apostle James said: “But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Therefore I say to you, brethren and sisters, the thought that has come to me is, that it is our duty as listeners, our duty as the people of the Lord in this generation, to give heed to the word of the Lord as it has come to us and do according to that word, and thus shall we be made free, and we shall know of the doctrine that it is of God, and we shall rejoice as nothing else in the world can make us rejoice.
I rejoice to be able to bear to you my testimony, my brethren and sisters, that I know that the Gospel is true. I know that the angel spoken of by John the Revelator has flown through the midst of heaven, and I know that through him the Gospel has been restored to the earth again. I bear you my testimony that Joseph Smith did in very deed receive a vision of the Father and the Son, because I know that it is true; and I bear you my testimony that he received, at the hands of angels sent from God, the holy priesthood that holds the keys and powers to establish this great work. By that authority he received, he did establish the kingdom of God upon the earth in this day and age of the world. Tn this Church exists the authority to administer in all of the ordinances necessary for the salvation of the living, and for the redemption of the dead.
As a people we rejoice today in seeing the work grow, extending not only in behalf of the living but also in behalf of the many hundreds of thousands of people of honest hearts who have died without this privilege, and whose descendants now have the temple doors opened to them to work out for them, as far as it is possible for mortals to do for those who have passed beyond, a salvation in the kingdom of our Father in heaven. I rejoice also in the great missionary spirit among the living, and in the opportunity that I have had of laboring among the nations of the earth. I wish to bear testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, that there are very many people in the world whom the Lord loves, many who are not yet members of this Church for the simple reason that they have not had explained to them the principles of the Gospel. When the Gospel is carried to them they will with gladness receive it. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be laboring in the ministry abroad find such people every day in our labors. Very recently it has been my privilege to travel in parts of the country where the gospel has not been taken before, among descendants of the original natives of this land of America, down in Colorado and in New Mexico, and we find the people anxious and willing to receive the teachings of the Gospel. I rejoice in having the privilege of carrying it to them.
I do not desire to occupy your time, my brethren and sisters. I feel good in this work, and I rejoice at the privilege of bearing this testimony, that I do know that God lives and that his priesthood is among us, and our duty is to hear His word, with open hearts, from those men who have authority to give it to us, because it is the word of God Let us, my brethren and sisters, live each day of our lives in accord with the word of the Lord as it comes to us, and we shall indeed be made happy, and free from all of the sins that exist in the world today. May the Lord help us to understand His purposes and to live in accordance with the light that we receive, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Mexican Mission.)
"Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me. I speak these things.
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
And as he spake these words many believed on him.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him. 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.”
I rejoice very greatly, my brethren and sisters, at this opportunity of bearing my testimony to you of the truthfulness of the Gospel. Since the opening remarks at this Conference, by President Smith, this scripture has been in my mind, and it occurs to me that our duty as a people, is to continue in obedience to the words of the Lord as they are given unto us by His prophet, and by His inspired teachers, that we have among us. By thus doing we will become in very deed the disciples of the Lord, and we shall be able to know and discern the truth in all things, and the truth will make us, in the future, as it has done in the past, free from the evils of the age in which we live. It occurs to me that there is no other way given in the wide world, whereby the world may be rid of those things that are an abomination today, save it be giving heed to the word of the Lord as it comes to us, and living in accordance with that word.
I want to ask the question if there is any system existing in the world today that can rid the world of the evils of war, and of strife and bloodshed that exist in the nations, save it be by living in accordance with the doctrines as laid down in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And. has there ever been any institution established that will rid men entirely of the evil of liquor, that will rid them of the evils of ambition, of profanity, and every other evil that we might mention, save it be the word of the Lord as taught in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The Lord said, at the conclusion of that memorable sermon, the greatest sermon ever delivered to man on the earth, that sermon upon the mount: “He that heareth these words and doeth them, the same is likened unto a man who built his house on a rock,” and whatever might come afterwards in the way of temptation, in the way of storms that come into the human life, nothing could shake that man who built his edifice, or faith, on the word of the Lord as delivered there, and who obeyed those words. The Lord has said to those that doubt, “My doctrine is not mine but His that sent me; He that shall do the will of the Father shall know the doctrine, whether it is of God or whether I speak of myself.” And the Apostle James said: “But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Therefore I say to you, brethren and sisters, the thought that has come to me is, that it is our duty as listeners, our duty as the people of the Lord in this generation, to give heed to the word of the Lord as it has come to us and do according to that word, and thus shall we be made free, and we shall know of the doctrine that it is of God, and we shall rejoice as nothing else in the world can make us rejoice.
I rejoice to be able to bear to you my testimony, my brethren and sisters, that I know that the Gospel is true. I know that the angel spoken of by John the Revelator has flown through the midst of heaven, and I know that through him the Gospel has been restored to the earth again. I bear you my testimony that Joseph Smith did in very deed receive a vision of the Father and the Son, because I know that it is true; and I bear you my testimony that he received, at the hands of angels sent from God, the holy priesthood that holds the keys and powers to establish this great work. By that authority he received, he did establish the kingdom of God upon the earth in this day and age of the world. Tn this Church exists the authority to administer in all of the ordinances necessary for the salvation of the living, and for the redemption of the dead.
As a people we rejoice today in seeing the work grow, extending not only in behalf of the living but also in behalf of the many hundreds of thousands of people of honest hearts who have died without this privilege, and whose descendants now have the temple doors opened to them to work out for them, as far as it is possible for mortals to do for those who have passed beyond, a salvation in the kingdom of our Father in heaven. I rejoice also in the great missionary spirit among the living, and in the opportunity that I have had of laboring among the nations of the earth. I wish to bear testimony to you, my brethren and sisters, that there are very many people in the world whom the Lord loves, many who are not yet members of this Church for the simple reason that they have not had explained to them the principles of the Gospel. When the Gospel is carried to them they will with gladness receive it. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be laboring in the ministry abroad find such people every day in our labors. Very recently it has been my privilege to travel in parts of the country where the gospel has not been taken before, among descendants of the original natives of this land of America, down in Colorado and in New Mexico, and we find the people anxious and willing to receive the teachings of the Gospel. I rejoice in having the privilege of carrying it to them.
I do not desire to occupy your time, my brethren and sisters. I feel good in this work, and I rejoice at the privilege of bearing this testimony, that I do know that God lives and that his priesthood is among us, and our duty is to hear His word, with open hearts, from those men who have authority to give it to us, because it is the word of God Let us, my brethren and sisters, live each day of our lives in accord with the word of the Lord as it comes to us, and we shall indeed be made happy, and free from all of the sins that exist in the world today. May the Lord help us to understand His purposes and to live in accordance with the light that we receive, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER MELVIN J. BALLARD.
(President of Northwestern States Mission.)
It is not always possible for the younger element in the Church, who have been born and raised in these peaceful valleys, to understand what it has cost to produce those wonderful results that we have heard something about today, and during the other sessions of this conference. We have not contributed very much, some of us, in comparison to what our parents and grand-parents have done. I believe that no man can fully appreciate and deeply love this gospel unless he or she does something for it. I have discovered that those who have labored earnestly, who have sacrificed much, loved much, and I believe that if the young men and women of this Church shall continue to love God’s truth they must serve in the proclamation of that truth, and in the establishment of that truth in their lives.
No great things have ever come to the world, of any value, except through sacrifice. We recount the experiences of the past and discover that Jesus gave His life for the most precious thing that we have in the earth today—the plan of life and salvation. Apparently it could not come without sacrifice. It required great sacrifice on the part of the founders, under God, of this work. Many of them gave their lives for it. It required sacrifice on the part of the founders of this great government. I have felt, as I have come to understand and realize, in part, the purposes of God, that this glorious work, “Mormonism.” in some manner and way is linked with the great and glorious institutions God our Father has established in America, that they shall go forward, these two great forces, one to break down political bars that have kept men’s minds and hearts in slavery, and make the way for liberty to come to all lands, judging among the nations in the settlement of wars, and the establishment of righteousness, politically, among the nations of the earth. As a handmaiden and companion with this mighty force looking to the establishment of political liberty shall be found that other great companion of truth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which shall destroy the error and superstition, and false notions that men have had with respect to God, His purposes and desires; and they shall accomplish ultimately the human redemption and emancipation of our Father's children.
My heart goes out in gratitude that, notwithstanding it has not been permitted to many of us young members of the Church to stand in those perilous positions that have been occupied by our fathers, in building the bridges, subduing the wilderness or in standing before mob violence; that here, after all, are chances perhaps grander than any that ever came to them, to show our manhood, our integrity, and our devotion to the work of God at a time when, perhaps, it takes more strength, more moral courage, to stand out against the allurement of the world, and to be a true, clean, honest, upright servants of God. I feel that if the young men and the young women of this Church can succeed in weathering the insidious influences that are arrayed about us everywhere to destroy true ideals of life, if we can resist and become triumphant by the mastery of ourselves, subjecting ourselves to these gospel principles that we have heard about today, we shall win laurels, place and positions of renown that shall not be excelled by any who have preceded us.
I believe with all my heart, my brethren and sisters, that it is possible to do a service today that shall be as acceptable to the Lord as any that has been performed. I feel that we are in unfinished stages of the work of the Lord. I thank God that we have watchmen upon the towers, such as the President of this Church and these leading brethren, constantly calling our attention to the unfinished work that is yet to be accomplished. I believe that the Lord Almighty intended to establish here, as the result of the introduction of this gospel, a perfect race of men and women who shall be an inspiration to the world, the very light upon the hill. We haven't yet perfected ourselves; there is much yet to be done to bring to pass that perfection in our lives. I am thankful that there are teachers in the Church willing to devote their time to visit the members of the Church. I feel that this is one of the great and important labors of this present hour and time, that we shall reach out to every home, that every father and every mother shall be anxious to keep prominently and conspicuously before the minds of their children the true picture in the mind of our Father when He established this truth, that we shall build on the foundations that have been laid until we shall perfect our lives and by this prove to the world that the great philosophy of “Mormonism,” the wonderful truth God has given is practical, it is workable.
The world is full of theories that are not practical. These theories and philosophies of eternal truth are practical; they work out. We must prove that they work out. and then we shall have no difficulty in persuading men and women to believe in the truth that the Lord has given to us. While at the present time, in some sections of the world, the delivery of the message of the gospel is curtailed because of the great distress of the nations involved in war, it may be the winter of the preaching of the gospel, so far as the European nations are concerned. If it be so, I pray you, my brethren and sisters, that we shall be wise during this winter season, that thousands of able and efficient men in this Church shall get out of debt and shall prepare themselves, by gathering strength during this waiting season, that when the cry shall come once again, “Lo, the harvest is ripe,” we shall be prepared. I testify to you that there will be called hundreds where tens have gone into the European nations, when this mighty struggle is ended, and it is essential that we shall be preparing ourselves now, to save faith in God in the world.
I believe that men’s faith is being shaken; they are being tried, and they are turning away from God and away from Christ, and away from their hope and belief that the gospel which they had would solve the world's difficulties and bring peace on earth and good will toward men. We shall have to preserve that faith. We shall have to preserve the eternal principles by the message that God has given to us. Now don’t imagine, my brothers and sisters, that while the Lord has been merciful and kind to us and has brought us, one of a city and two of a family.—and oh, how thankful I am that that is true,—away from Babylon, away from the turmoil and strife of the world, that we be not partakers of her plagues and her judgments, don’t imagine that the Lord has brought us here to enjoy this gospel alone. I conceive that He has called us simply to persuade others, simply to be qualified as teachers for the nations of the earth, and our mission is to all the world. We did not come to these valleys of the mountains just to reap and to sow, to plant and to gather the good things of the earth and be contented enjoying the blessings of a material and a spiritual character, for our families and ourselves. We came here true to the prophecies of old, to become teachers unto the nations, the salt of the earth, the light on a hill. Our mission is unto the East and the West, the North and the South, and I am beginning to feel, I believe, as I come in contact with our Father's children, more of that spirit and feeling that the Lord really has.
I was impressed a few months ago, by an appeal that a father made concerning an only son who was in the mission field. The boy had not shown much interest in the work of the Lord, and the father said, “Oh, go to my son; do something for him. He is my only son, and I love him with all my heart, but I can’t reach him. Won’t you please go and do something for him?” And then the vision arose up in my mind of another father, the very Eternal Father who loves His children with a love greater than that exhibited by this father, and I in fancy could hear the appeal of that Father in heaven to you and to me and to those who have been called and who have listened: go unto them, my children, for I love them. Call them away from the folly of the world; call them away from the powers of the adversary and bring them back unto me. And so I do love the children of men in the world. I don’t love their wickedness, but I do love their souls. They are precious before the Lord, and I must have burning in my heart an anxious desire to call them to the Father, away from error, and away from superstition and darkness.
My heart rejoices in this work. The more I do for it, the more I love it and the more I appreciate it. I feel thankful that in this western country, out in the northwest where I have the joy to labor, that there are a good people, broadminded. liberal, not so narrow as many in other sections. I felt, while President Monson was referring to the apparent success of those who are traducing the character of the Latter-day Saints in the East, that not one of such workers as those could succeed in the Northwest. There is a broad, liberal, generous spirit there. Only a few weeks ago. to illustrate, in the city of Portland, where delegates from seven western states had gathered in a great water-power congress, the governor of this state presided over the deliberations of that body the entire time. Everybody knew he was a “Mormon” and nobody objected. President Hart, who spoke to you, was the chairman of the committee on credentials, and Brother Smoot was honored with that most important position of being chairman of the committee on resolutions. Everybody knew who these men were.' There was not one to raise a voice of complaint, but all were pleased to see them. I feel that we were blessed indeed, surrounded in this western country by broad-minded, liberal men in these western states who are our friends. They will help us to win the East.
God bless us that we shall continue, out in the settlements where we live, to be exemplary and to win the respect of good men and women, and I know we will do it if we come up to the teachings of this conference.
There is no revolt against the leaders of this Church that corresponds to the vain babblings of some who thought they had discovered a schism and a break. I tell you, and I am sure that I speak for and in behalf of the tens of thousands of young men in this Church, that there never was a spirit of loyalty exhibited by any generation of men in this Church that excels the spirit of loyalty, devotion and faith manifested by the young men of this Church today. If there is a revolt, I pray that it may be a revolt against evil, a revolt against the sins of the world and a resolution and determination that we, the young men of this Church, shall prepare ourselves to step forward in the grand work of the future, perfecting our own lives and calling the world to God and to our Christ, which may the Lord grant in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, "Rouse oh ye mortals.”
Elder Louis W. Shurtliff pronounced the benediction.
Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.
(President of Northwestern States Mission.)
It is not always possible for the younger element in the Church, who have been born and raised in these peaceful valleys, to understand what it has cost to produce those wonderful results that we have heard something about today, and during the other sessions of this conference. We have not contributed very much, some of us, in comparison to what our parents and grand-parents have done. I believe that no man can fully appreciate and deeply love this gospel unless he or she does something for it. I have discovered that those who have labored earnestly, who have sacrificed much, loved much, and I believe that if the young men and women of this Church shall continue to love God’s truth they must serve in the proclamation of that truth, and in the establishment of that truth in their lives.
No great things have ever come to the world, of any value, except through sacrifice. We recount the experiences of the past and discover that Jesus gave His life for the most precious thing that we have in the earth today—the plan of life and salvation. Apparently it could not come without sacrifice. It required great sacrifice on the part of the founders, under God, of this work. Many of them gave their lives for it. It required sacrifice on the part of the founders of this great government. I have felt, as I have come to understand and realize, in part, the purposes of God, that this glorious work, “Mormonism.” in some manner and way is linked with the great and glorious institutions God our Father has established in America, that they shall go forward, these two great forces, one to break down political bars that have kept men’s minds and hearts in slavery, and make the way for liberty to come to all lands, judging among the nations in the settlement of wars, and the establishment of righteousness, politically, among the nations of the earth. As a handmaiden and companion with this mighty force looking to the establishment of political liberty shall be found that other great companion of truth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which shall destroy the error and superstition, and false notions that men have had with respect to God, His purposes and desires; and they shall accomplish ultimately the human redemption and emancipation of our Father's children.
My heart goes out in gratitude that, notwithstanding it has not been permitted to many of us young members of the Church to stand in those perilous positions that have been occupied by our fathers, in building the bridges, subduing the wilderness or in standing before mob violence; that here, after all, are chances perhaps grander than any that ever came to them, to show our manhood, our integrity, and our devotion to the work of God at a time when, perhaps, it takes more strength, more moral courage, to stand out against the allurement of the world, and to be a true, clean, honest, upright servants of God. I feel that if the young men and the young women of this Church can succeed in weathering the insidious influences that are arrayed about us everywhere to destroy true ideals of life, if we can resist and become triumphant by the mastery of ourselves, subjecting ourselves to these gospel principles that we have heard about today, we shall win laurels, place and positions of renown that shall not be excelled by any who have preceded us.
I believe with all my heart, my brethren and sisters, that it is possible to do a service today that shall be as acceptable to the Lord as any that has been performed. I feel that we are in unfinished stages of the work of the Lord. I thank God that we have watchmen upon the towers, such as the President of this Church and these leading brethren, constantly calling our attention to the unfinished work that is yet to be accomplished. I believe that the Lord Almighty intended to establish here, as the result of the introduction of this gospel, a perfect race of men and women who shall be an inspiration to the world, the very light upon the hill. We haven't yet perfected ourselves; there is much yet to be done to bring to pass that perfection in our lives. I am thankful that there are teachers in the Church willing to devote their time to visit the members of the Church. I feel that this is one of the great and important labors of this present hour and time, that we shall reach out to every home, that every father and every mother shall be anxious to keep prominently and conspicuously before the minds of their children the true picture in the mind of our Father when He established this truth, that we shall build on the foundations that have been laid until we shall perfect our lives and by this prove to the world that the great philosophy of “Mormonism,” the wonderful truth God has given is practical, it is workable.
The world is full of theories that are not practical. These theories and philosophies of eternal truth are practical; they work out. We must prove that they work out. and then we shall have no difficulty in persuading men and women to believe in the truth that the Lord has given to us. While at the present time, in some sections of the world, the delivery of the message of the gospel is curtailed because of the great distress of the nations involved in war, it may be the winter of the preaching of the gospel, so far as the European nations are concerned. If it be so, I pray you, my brethren and sisters, that we shall be wise during this winter season, that thousands of able and efficient men in this Church shall get out of debt and shall prepare themselves, by gathering strength during this waiting season, that when the cry shall come once again, “Lo, the harvest is ripe,” we shall be prepared. I testify to you that there will be called hundreds where tens have gone into the European nations, when this mighty struggle is ended, and it is essential that we shall be preparing ourselves now, to save faith in God in the world.
I believe that men’s faith is being shaken; they are being tried, and they are turning away from God and away from Christ, and away from their hope and belief that the gospel which they had would solve the world's difficulties and bring peace on earth and good will toward men. We shall have to preserve that faith. We shall have to preserve the eternal principles by the message that God has given to us. Now don’t imagine, my brothers and sisters, that while the Lord has been merciful and kind to us and has brought us, one of a city and two of a family.—and oh, how thankful I am that that is true,—away from Babylon, away from the turmoil and strife of the world, that we be not partakers of her plagues and her judgments, don’t imagine that the Lord has brought us here to enjoy this gospel alone. I conceive that He has called us simply to persuade others, simply to be qualified as teachers for the nations of the earth, and our mission is to all the world. We did not come to these valleys of the mountains just to reap and to sow, to plant and to gather the good things of the earth and be contented enjoying the blessings of a material and a spiritual character, for our families and ourselves. We came here true to the prophecies of old, to become teachers unto the nations, the salt of the earth, the light on a hill. Our mission is unto the East and the West, the North and the South, and I am beginning to feel, I believe, as I come in contact with our Father's children, more of that spirit and feeling that the Lord really has.
I was impressed a few months ago, by an appeal that a father made concerning an only son who was in the mission field. The boy had not shown much interest in the work of the Lord, and the father said, “Oh, go to my son; do something for him. He is my only son, and I love him with all my heart, but I can’t reach him. Won’t you please go and do something for him?” And then the vision arose up in my mind of another father, the very Eternal Father who loves His children with a love greater than that exhibited by this father, and I in fancy could hear the appeal of that Father in heaven to you and to me and to those who have been called and who have listened: go unto them, my children, for I love them. Call them away from the folly of the world; call them away from the powers of the adversary and bring them back unto me. And so I do love the children of men in the world. I don’t love their wickedness, but I do love their souls. They are precious before the Lord, and I must have burning in my heart an anxious desire to call them to the Father, away from error, and away from superstition and darkness.
My heart rejoices in this work. The more I do for it, the more I love it and the more I appreciate it. I feel thankful that in this western country, out in the northwest where I have the joy to labor, that there are a good people, broadminded. liberal, not so narrow as many in other sections. I felt, while President Monson was referring to the apparent success of those who are traducing the character of the Latter-day Saints in the East, that not one of such workers as those could succeed in the Northwest. There is a broad, liberal, generous spirit there. Only a few weeks ago. to illustrate, in the city of Portland, where delegates from seven western states had gathered in a great water-power congress, the governor of this state presided over the deliberations of that body the entire time. Everybody knew he was a “Mormon” and nobody objected. President Hart, who spoke to you, was the chairman of the committee on credentials, and Brother Smoot was honored with that most important position of being chairman of the committee on resolutions. Everybody knew who these men were.' There was not one to raise a voice of complaint, but all were pleased to see them. I feel that we were blessed indeed, surrounded in this western country by broad-minded, liberal men in these western states who are our friends. They will help us to win the East.
God bless us that we shall continue, out in the settlements where we live, to be exemplary and to win the respect of good men and women, and I know we will do it if we come up to the teachings of this conference.
There is no revolt against the leaders of this Church that corresponds to the vain babblings of some who thought they had discovered a schism and a break. I tell you, and I am sure that I speak for and in behalf of the tens of thousands of young men in this Church, that there never was a spirit of loyalty exhibited by any generation of men in this Church that excels the spirit of loyalty, devotion and faith manifested by the young men of this Church today. If there is a revolt, I pray that it may be a revolt against evil, a revolt against the sins of the world and a resolution and determination that we, the young men of this Church, shall prepare ourselves to step forward in the grand work of the future, perfecting our own lives and calling the world to God and to our Christ, which may the Lord grant in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The choir sang the anthem, "Rouse oh ye mortals.”
Elder Louis W. Shurtliff pronounced the benediction.
Conference adjourned until 2 p.m.
CLOSING SESSION.
In the Tabernacle, at 2 p. m.
President Joseph F. Smith called the meeting to order.
The choir sang the hymn, “Zion stands, with hills surrounded.”
The invocation was offered by Elder James Duckworth.
The choir sang a hymn, composed by Prof. Evan Stephens, entitled, “True to the Faith.”
In the Tabernacle, at 2 p. m.
President Joseph F. Smith called the meeting to order.
The choir sang the hymn, “Zion stands, with hills surrounded.”
The invocation was offered by Elder James Duckworth.
The choir sang a hymn, composed by Prof. Evan Stephens, entitled, “True to the Faith.”
ELDER HUGH J. CANNON.
(President of Liberty Stake.)
My brothers and sisters, I realize that it will be impossible for me to say anything which will be beneficial or profitable to this conference unless the Lord shall direct me. The spirit which has accompanied the remarks to which we have listened bears ample evidence to my mind that the thousands of people congregated in this city have come together hungering and thirsting for the word of the Lord, and they have been fed, they have been given instruction which will make for their eternal salvation. It seems to me that never in my life, have I attended a conference which has made me feel so determined to press on. and with the help of the Lord, to work out my salvation, and to discharge the duties which devolve upon me.
I thought this morning, while Brother Woolley was speaking, that even he, who has spent twenty years in the Hawaiian mission, presiding over that people, could not feel more joyous than I felt with the announcement that a temple is to be built in that land, for from my earliest infancy, I have had instilled into my heart a love for that people. It was on the Sandwich Islands that my father demonstrated to his own satisfaction that the Lord is willing to hear His humble servants. At a time when he was alone, when he was friendless, when those to whom he should naturally have looked for instruction, were wavering, at least some of them, he found that the Lord was his friend, and he learned from the lips of the Almighty that He loved the people of those islands, and that He intended the gospel of salvation should be preached to them. I rejoice more than I can tell at the action which has been taken that a temple is to be built there, that our brethren and sisters are to have the rights and privileges which we enjoy in this land.
I see in this, as has been stated by a number of speakers, the fulfillment of prophecy. On one occasion I heard President Snow, speaking in the Salt Lake Temple, declare that temples would be built outside of the confines of Utah and outside of the United States. At that time, it had never dawned upon my mind that temples would be built outside of Utah until we got ready to commence the edifice in Jackson county; but he made the statement positively, and I see in this the fulfillment of that prophecy. I see in it more than the fulfillment of prophecy. I see that a people who are worthy and anxious to do the work for their dead are to have the opportunity of doing so, and not only for their dead, but for themselves as well. In several sessions of this conference. I have seen a young man who labored as president of one of the conferences of the Swiss and German mission during the time that I was there. He is now principal of one of the Church schools, a very studious, thoughtful, high-minded man. who said to me on one occasion: “I feel that my parents have deprived me of a blessing which should have been mine, because they might have gone to the temple of the Lord and been sealed together for time and all eternity. but they permitted trivial matters to come in the way and I was not born under the covenant.” I wondered at the time and I have often thought about it since, what excuse can the parents of such a man offer to themselves and to him? It seems to me that if they know his feelings, they will receive sufficient condemnation in the knowledge that their son feels as he does. He is a man who would be a credit to any parent, to any father, to any mother, and the last time I talked with him. he felt that his parents had deprived him of a blessing which belonged to him, and robbed him through their carelessness, of something which was his, or should have been his, because they were indifferent or careless, did not attach to this duty the importance which should belong to it. And I wondered how many more parents are in the same condition. actually robbing posterity of the blessings which should be theirs, because of indifference or carelessness, or because they feel their unworthiness, and will not put themselves into a proper condition to go to the house of the Lord to be sealed together for time and eternity.
It seems to me that we owe posterity something as well as ourselves. The steps which are being taken by the Church to erect temples in the outlying parts will give people a better opportunity to go to the house of the Lord than they have ever had before. There are doubtless very many cases, as has been suggested here, of people who cannot possibly, because of their conditions, reach the temples, and have to be married in some other wav. but I thank the Lord for my own part, that I was born under the covenant, not because I feel that I am any better than those who are not. but I have thought all my life, that if this had not been the case with me, I perhaps, would not have been faithful. I thank God for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for what it has done for me. Insignificant as I am in the work of the Lord, I know that I am very much better and more useful in life than I would have been without the gospel. I fear and tremble when I think of what my lot might have been if it had not been for these truths and for the teachings of my parents in my youth. I thank the Lord for my parentage and I thank Him more than I can express that I too have had the privilege of going to the house of the Lord. Those who are near to me are mine forever and cannot be taken from me by any power on earth or beneath the earth or above the earth, save through wrong-doing on my own part.
I think we do not appreciate these blessings. We are as little children. “We see as through a glass darkly." but sometime we will be able to understand what this all means, and will be more faithful and more diligent than we have been. I think that the Latter-day Saints have abundant cause to rejoice. In my opinion, there never has been a time, at least not within my memory, when the people were as well looked after as they are at the present time. I think there never was a time when the organizations were doing the good that they are doing at the present time, when the people were being visited and being labored with and looked after as they are now. The Church districts are being divided and sub-divided, and now there are seventy-two stakes in the Church, a very remarkable increase in the last few years, and the result is that people are being better cared for and labored with, and they are becoming more diligent in their duties. No uncommon thing now to see wards that have one hundred per cent of block teaching, wards where a hundred per cent of block teaching has been done for four or five years, not a single family missed in any month in that time. And we are seeing the fruit of this diligence in the lives of the people. Faith is increasing and the Saints love the gospel as they never loved it before. They are more diligent, they are striving more earnestly to keep the commandments, they are paying their tithes and offerings, they are keeping the word of wisdom and living nearer the Lord than they have ever done, at least within my experience.
I bear testimony to the divinity of the gospel and the power and authority of the men who stand at the head. All we have to do as Latter-day Saints, is to follow in their footsteps and give heed to their instructions, and we are absolutely safe. It does not matter to us, or it should not matter, whether we approve always of that which is done. The Lord will sustain those who sustain His authority. And men lose the power and spirit of the gospel the moment they begin to find fault and criticize. I know men who, notwithstanding the fact that their lives were not exemplary for years and years, had a knowledge of the gospel burning in their souls. They frequently bore testimony before the world that they knew this was the truth, but when they reached forth their hands to “steady the ark.” the Lord deserted them in that moment, and they were left in darkness; and when once light becomes darkness, that darkness is something terrible. I pray the Lord to bless this people and help us all to work out our salvation, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(President of Liberty Stake.)
My brothers and sisters, I realize that it will be impossible for me to say anything which will be beneficial or profitable to this conference unless the Lord shall direct me. The spirit which has accompanied the remarks to which we have listened bears ample evidence to my mind that the thousands of people congregated in this city have come together hungering and thirsting for the word of the Lord, and they have been fed, they have been given instruction which will make for their eternal salvation. It seems to me that never in my life, have I attended a conference which has made me feel so determined to press on. and with the help of the Lord, to work out my salvation, and to discharge the duties which devolve upon me.
I thought this morning, while Brother Woolley was speaking, that even he, who has spent twenty years in the Hawaiian mission, presiding over that people, could not feel more joyous than I felt with the announcement that a temple is to be built in that land, for from my earliest infancy, I have had instilled into my heart a love for that people. It was on the Sandwich Islands that my father demonstrated to his own satisfaction that the Lord is willing to hear His humble servants. At a time when he was alone, when he was friendless, when those to whom he should naturally have looked for instruction, were wavering, at least some of them, he found that the Lord was his friend, and he learned from the lips of the Almighty that He loved the people of those islands, and that He intended the gospel of salvation should be preached to them. I rejoice more than I can tell at the action which has been taken that a temple is to be built there, that our brethren and sisters are to have the rights and privileges which we enjoy in this land.
I see in this, as has been stated by a number of speakers, the fulfillment of prophecy. On one occasion I heard President Snow, speaking in the Salt Lake Temple, declare that temples would be built outside of the confines of Utah and outside of the United States. At that time, it had never dawned upon my mind that temples would be built outside of Utah until we got ready to commence the edifice in Jackson county; but he made the statement positively, and I see in this the fulfillment of that prophecy. I see in it more than the fulfillment of prophecy. I see that a people who are worthy and anxious to do the work for their dead are to have the opportunity of doing so, and not only for their dead, but for themselves as well. In several sessions of this conference. I have seen a young man who labored as president of one of the conferences of the Swiss and German mission during the time that I was there. He is now principal of one of the Church schools, a very studious, thoughtful, high-minded man. who said to me on one occasion: “I feel that my parents have deprived me of a blessing which should have been mine, because they might have gone to the temple of the Lord and been sealed together for time and all eternity. but they permitted trivial matters to come in the way and I was not born under the covenant.” I wondered at the time and I have often thought about it since, what excuse can the parents of such a man offer to themselves and to him? It seems to me that if they know his feelings, they will receive sufficient condemnation in the knowledge that their son feels as he does. He is a man who would be a credit to any parent, to any father, to any mother, and the last time I talked with him. he felt that his parents had deprived him of a blessing which belonged to him, and robbed him through their carelessness, of something which was his, or should have been his, because they were indifferent or careless, did not attach to this duty the importance which should belong to it. And I wondered how many more parents are in the same condition. actually robbing posterity of the blessings which should be theirs, because of indifference or carelessness, or because they feel their unworthiness, and will not put themselves into a proper condition to go to the house of the Lord to be sealed together for time and eternity.
It seems to me that we owe posterity something as well as ourselves. The steps which are being taken by the Church to erect temples in the outlying parts will give people a better opportunity to go to the house of the Lord than they have ever had before. There are doubtless very many cases, as has been suggested here, of people who cannot possibly, because of their conditions, reach the temples, and have to be married in some other wav. but I thank the Lord for my own part, that I was born under the covenant, not because I feel that I am any better than those who are not. but I have thought all my life, that if this had not been the case with me, I perhaps, would not have been faithful. I thank God for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for what it has done for me. Insignificant as I am in the work of the Lord, I know that I am very much better and more useful in life than I would have been without the gospel. I fear and tremble when I think of what my lot might have been if it had not been for these truths and for the teachings of my parents in my youth. I thank the Lord for my parentage and I thank Him more than I can express that I too have had the privilege of going to the house of the Lord. Those who are near to me are mine forever and cannot be taken from me by any power on earth or beneath the earth or above the earth, save through wrong-doing on my own part.
I think we do not appreciate these blessings. We are as little children. “We see as through a glass darkly." but sometime we will be able to understand what this all means, and will be more faithful and more diligent than we have been. I think that the Latter-day Saints have abundant cause to rejoice. In my opinion, there never has been a time, at least not within my memory, when the people were as well looked after as they are at the present time. I think there never was a time when the organizations were doing the good that they are doing at the present time, when the people were being visited and being labored with and looked after as they are now. The Church districts are being divided and sub-divided, and now there are seventy-two stakes in the Church, a very remarkable increase in the last few years, and the result is that people are being better cared for and labored with, and they are becoming more diligent in their duties. No uncommon thing now to see wards that have one hundred per cent of block teaching, wards where a hundred per cent of block teaching has been done for four or five years, not a single family missed in any month in that time. And we are seeing the fruit of this diligence in the lives of the people. Faith is increasing and the Saints love the gospel as they never loved it before. They are more diligent, they are striving more earnestly to keep the commandments, they are paying their tithes and offerings, they are keeping the word of wisdom and living nearer the Lord than they have ever done, at least within my experience.
I bear testimony to the divinity of the gospel and the power and authority of the men who stand at the head. All we have to do as Latter-day Saints, is to follow in their footsteps and give heed to their instructions, and we are absolutely safe. It does not matter to us, or it should not matter, whether we approve always of that which is done. The Lord will sustain those who sustain His authority. And men lose the power and spirit of the gospel the moment they begin to find fault and criticize. I know men who, notwithstanding the fact that their lives were not exemplary for years and years, had a knowledge of the gospel burning in their souls. They frequently bore testimony before the world that they knew this was the truth, but when they reached forth their hands to “steady the ark.” the Lord deserted them in that moment, and they were left in darkness; and when once light becomes darkness, that darkness is something terrible. I pray the Lord to bless this people and help us all to work out our salvation, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ELDER LARS P. OVERSON.
(President of Emery Stake.)
My brothers and sisters, it makes me shake a little to face this large congregation, but nevertheless, I rejoice in having the privilege to bear my testimony to the truthfulness of the work of the Lord in which we are engaged. I have rejoiced exceedingly during this conference in listening to the timely counsel, and the testimony that has been borne, and to the instructions that we have so abundantly received. I feel as though I would be able to go back to my home and be a better man than I have been in the past, that I would be able to bear a stronger and better testimony to the people of the section of the country where I live than I have ever done before.
I come from one of the remote stakes of the Church away off across the mountains, but over in that country we have some splendid, good people, people who are striving to serve the Lord and to live up to the requirements of the gospel to the best of their ability. I rejoice in being associated with them, and to have the privilege to minister in the midst of the people of God.
I have had for many years an unquestionable testimony burning within my bosom of the truthfulness of this work. I realize and fully know to my own satisfaction that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he was inspired of the Lord to bring forth this mighty work, which has spread abroad and grown in the few years since it was first organized, till today it is reaching into all parts of the world. I appreciate the blessings that have come to this people through the establishment of this gospel, through the organization of this Church and through the ministry of the servants of the Lord who have labored in the midst of the people for the establishment of the work of the Lord upon the earth. I sustain and uphold the servants of the Lord who are called and placed at the head at the present time. I know that they are men of God, I know that they are called of God and that they are capable of leading this people onward and upward in the paths of righteousness; and if we, my brethren and sisters, will follow their admonitions and counsel, we will be able to reach that glory and exaltation in our Father’s kingdom for which we have started.
I rejoice to know that the gospel is spreading abroad, that the work of the Lord is growing in all parts of the world and that steps are being taken to establish more fully the work of the Lord in the nations of the earth. It has been my privilege to be associated with this Church from my childhood, although I was born in a foreign land, but my parents embraced the gospel while I was a child and brought me to this goodly land, and I have had the privilege to be tutored and instructed in the principles of the gospel, by the servants of the Lord, all the days of my life, and I cannot sufficiently thank my Heavenly Father for this privilege. I know that this gospel will continue to grow: I know that it has been established, never more to be thrown down, never to be given to another people, but that it will continue to spread abroad whether we, my brothers and sisters, keep pace with the work of the Lord or not.
I hope and pray we may all be faithful and true, that we may continue steadfast in the cause of truth, that we may be valiant in its defense, and stand up for the principles of righteousness wherever it may be our lot to be cast amongst our fellow men. That the Lord will help us and bless us to this end and enable us to be faithful all the days of our lives, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Emery Stake.)
My brothers and sisters, it makes me shake a little to face this large congregation, but nevertheless, I rejoice in having the privilege to bear my testimony to the truthfulness of the work of the Lord in which we are engaged. I have rejoiced exceedingly during this conference in listening to the timely counsel, and the testimony that has been borne, and to the instructions that we have so abundantly received. I feel as though I would be able to go back to my home and be a better man than I have been in the past, that I would be able to bear a stronger and better testimony to the people of the section of the country where I live than I have ever done before.
I come from one of the remote stakes of the Church away off across the mountains, but over in that country we have some splendid, good people, people who are striving to serve the Lord and to live up to the requirements of the gospel to the best of their ability. I rejoice in being associated with them, and to have the privilege to minister in the midst of the people of God.
I have had for many years an unquestionable testimony burning within my bosom of the truthfulness of this work. I realize and fully know to my own satisfaction that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he was inspired of the Lord to bring forth this mighty work, which has spread abroad and grown in the few years since it was first organized, till today it is reaching into all parts of the world. I appreciate the blessings that have come to this people through the establishment of this gospel, through the organization of this Church and through the ministry of the servants of the Lord who have labored in the midst of the people for the establishment of the work of the Lord upon the earth. I sustain and uphold the servants of the Lord who are called and placed at the head at the present time. I know that they are men of God, I know that they are called of God and that they are capable of leading this people onward and upward in the paths of righteousness; and if we, my brethren and sisters, will follow their admonitions and counsel, we will be able to reach that glory and exaltation in our Father’s kingdom for which we have started.
I rejoice to know that the gospel is spreading abroad, that the work of the Lord is growing in all parts of the world and that steps are being taken to establish more fully the work of the Lord in the nations of the earth. It has been my privilege to be associated with this Church from my childhood, although I was born in a foreign land, but my parents embraced the gospel while I was a child and brought me to this goodly land, and I have had the privilege to be tutored and instructed in the principles of the gospel, by the servants of the Lord, all the days of my life, and I cannot sufficiently thank my Heavenly Father for this privilege. I know that this gospel will continue to grow: I know that it has been established, never more to be thrown down, never to be given to another people, but that it will continue to spread abroad whether we, my brothers and sisters, keep pace with the work of the Lord or not.
I hope and pray we may all be faithful and true, that we may continue steadfast in the cause of truth, that we may be valiant in its defense, and stand up for the principles of righteousness wherever it may be our lot to be cast amongst our fellow men. That the Lord will help us and bless us to this end and enable us to be faithful all the days of our lives, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER LEMUEL H. REDD.
(President of San Juan Stake.)
My brothers and sisters, I feel very timid indeed in standing before this great congregation. I trust that the few words I utter may be directed by the Spirit of the Lord. I can say that I have rejoiced in attending this conference. I endorse every word that has been spoken. I know that the word of the Lord has been given unto us, and I trust, my brothers and sisters, that we will carry with us the good spirit that has been so manifest here during our conference.
I come from the San Juan stake of Zion, perhaps the farthest stake from Salt Lake City. I have lived there for the last thirty-five years, was called there when I was a mere boy. It was a wild Indian country when I went there, but I can say we have a splendid country out there, and a good people and a good place for young men and young women to go to get homes. There is lots of good land, and the conditions are good. If the young people are willing to go there and labor, and be economical and industrious, they can make good homes. It is a splendid experience for young people to go through. I can say that those who are willing to go and be directed by the Spirit of the Lord, and be governed by those who are placed over them, they will enjoy life, they will prosper in the land. This has been my experience.
I am in love with the Latter-day Saints. I am in love with the principles of the gospel. I know they are true. I bear testimony to you, my brothers and sisters, that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord; that no man could do the things that he did unless he was directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Those who have succeeded him also are men of God. I have had the honor and pleasure of visiting with those who preside in this Church, and I know that they are splendid men. I never heard a word or sentiment come from them but what I know to be true.
My brothers and sisters. I pray the Lord, to bless each one of us. that we may be enabled to go to our homes and possess the good spirit we have enjoyed here, that we may learn to be better men and better women, to be more faithful than we have ever been before and finally may be saved in our Father’s presence, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of San Juan Stake.)
My brothers and sisters, I feel very timid indeed in standing before this great congregation. I trust that the few words I utter may be directed by the Spirit of the Lord. I can say that I have rejoiced in attending this conference. I endorse every word that has been spoken. I know that the word of the Lord has been given unto us, and I trust, my brothers and sisters, that we will carry with us the good spirit that has been so manifest here during our conference.
I come from the San Juan stake of Zion, perhaps the farthest stake from Salt Lake City. I have lived there for the last thirty-five years, was called there when I was a mere boy. It was a wild Indian country when I went there, but I can say we have a splendid country out there, and a good people and a good place for young men and young women to go to get homes. There is lots of good land, and the conditions are good. If the young people are willing to go there and labor, and be economical and industrious, they can make good homes. It is a splendid experience for young people to go through. I can say that those who are willing to go and be directed by the Spirit of the Lord, and be governed by those who are placed over them, they will enjoy life, they will prosper in the land. This has been my experience.
I am in love with the Latter-day Saints. I am in love with the principles of the gospel. I know they are true. I bear testimony to you, my brothers and sisters, that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord; that no man could do the things that he did unless he was directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Those who have succeeded him also are men of God. I have had the honor and pleasure of visiting with those who preside in this Church, and I know that they are splendid men. I never heard a word or sentiment come from them but what I know to be true.
My brothers and sisters. I pray the Lord, to bless each one of us. that we may be enabled to go to our homes and possess the good spirit we have enjoyed here, that we may learn to be better men and better women, to be more faithful than we have ever been before and finally may be saved in our Father’s presence, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER EDWARD H. SNOW.
(President of St. George Stake.)
My brothers and sisters. I have had an opportunity already during this conference of sneaking to the Latter-day Saints, but President Smith advises me that I may bear my testimony to von. It is a great privilege and of course carries with it a great responsibility.
Like my brethren who preside over stakes of Zion, I have grown to love the work of the Lord and the people of the Lord. We have in the St. George stake of Zion, one of the best peoples in the Church. It is a desolate region, full of sand and rocks, but the people have become so habituated to battling with the elements for subsistence, and wresting from them some of the comforts of life, that these sands and rocks have grown dear to us, and we love the everlasting hills. We love to ride through your, fertile valleys from St. George to Cache, as we can do it now, and see what you have and what we have, and while we know and realize that you are living in better lands than we, yet we are glad that our mission is in that part of the country; and we are glad, also, that we have held onto the mission of our fathers and we have made it better land to live in than when they first went there, that we have builded well upon the foundations which they laid, not only temporally, but, I hope, spiritually.
I love the work of the Lord, I love the association of my brethren and sisters, especially do I prize my association with the servants of the Lord. It is a good thing that the human heart does not deceive itself. We are not deceived in our attachment to these brethren, and our loyalty has been won from us by a service for mankind and for God. that we cannot and would not gainsay. I am glad that it is so. I am glad to give them my support. I am glad to be guided by their counsel and their advice. I know that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and the more we do for the Church and kingdom of God the greater we love it.
We sometimes think we have discovered psychological principles, among which is that we learn to do by doing. The Lord is a great psychologist. He knew well we would learn to do by doing, and He knew that we love the things we make sacrifices for, and consequently I think He gave us principles in the gospel such as tithing and offerings, donations and things that we call sacrifices on our part, that would cause us to love the work of the Lord, for it is well known by all of us that the more we do for it and the more service we perform for the benefit of mankind, the greater is our love for the children of men. And we all realize and know too, it is in the service of mankind, that we best serve our God.
May the Lord bless us, that the desire may always be with us to serve Him and to serve our fellow men, that we may enjoy and merit the favor of God, which is the source of all true happiness, I pray for it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of St. George Stake.)
My brothers and sisters. I have had an opportunity already during this conference of sneaking to the Latter-day Saints, but President Smith advises me that I may bear my testimony to von. It is a great privilege and of course carries with it a great responsibility.
Like my brethren who preside over stakes of Zion, I have grown to love the work of the Lord and the people of the Lord. We have in the St. George stake of Zion, one of the best peoples in the Church. It is a desolate region, full of sand and rocks, but the people have become so habituated to battling with the elements for subsistence, and wresting from them some of the comforts of life, that these sands and rocks have grown dear to us, and we love the everlasting hills. We love to ride through your, fertile valleys from St. George to Cache, as we can do it now, and see what you have and what we have, and while we know and realize that you are living in better lands than we, yet we are glad that our mission is in that part of the country; and we are glad, also, that we have held onto the mission of our fathers and we have made it better land to live in than when they first went there, that we have builded well upon the foundations which they laid, not only temporally, but, I hope, spiritually.
I love the work of the Lord, I love the association of my brethren and sisters, especially do I prize my association with the servants of the Lord. It is a good thing that the human heart does not deceive itself. We are not deceived in our attachment to these brethren, and our loyalty has been won from us by a service for mankind and for God. that we cannot and would not gainsay. I am glad that it is so. I am glad to give them my support. I am glad to be guided by their counsel and their advice. I know that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and the more we do for the Church and kingdom of God the greater we love it.
We sometimes think we have discovered psychological principles, among which is that we learn to do by doing. The Lord is a great psychologist. He knew well we would learn to do by doing, and He knew that we love the things we make sacrifices for, and consequently I think He gave us principles in the gospel such as tithing and offerings, donations and things that we call sacrifices on our part, that would cause us to love the work of the Lord, for it is well known by all of us that the more we do for it and the more service we perform for the benefit of mankind, the greater is our love for the children of men. And we all realize and know too, it is in the service of mankind, that we best serve our God.
May the Lord bless us, that the desire may always be with us to serve Him and to serve our fellow men, that we may enjoy and merit the favor of God, which is the source of all true happiness, I pray for it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JOSEPH R. MURDOCK.
(President of Wasatch Stake.)
I feel rather timid in attempting to address so many as there are assembled together on this occasion, brethren and sisters that I know are well versed in the principles of the gospel, and have received a testimony of its truth as well as I have. Nevertheless, I feel to corroborate and add my testimony to those that have been rendered on this occasion by my brethren.
I know that the principles of the gospel are true, and the teachings which I have heard from my infancy, or from my boyhood days to the present time, have been for my welfare and the welfare of my brethren and sisters, for our best interest in this life and in the eternal world. I rejoice in association with my brethren and sisters. I love my brethren; I court their acquaintance, and desire to be associated with them in whatever may come to this people. I love this land, and our homes in these valleys of the mountains. I feel, with all my heart, that God has brought us to these lands, and this is the place which God has provided for the gathering of His people.
It was my pleasure to be associated with President Robinson, for a few days, in the Irrigation Congress, in our neighboring state upon the Pacific Coast. Truly they have a wonderful country there, a place desirable to men who are seeking aggrandizement, wealth and the honors of men, a state which, in the near future, if the suggestions of the Irrigation Congress are carried out, will become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, state in all the Union. But it does not compare for our purposes, for the Latter-day Saints, with these little vales in the tops of the mountains, the place God has appointed for His people to gather unto, that they might become united, and work hand in hand in carrying out the principles of the everlasting gospel, a condition which could not have possibly been developed in that great and glorious state of California.
God bless California and the people. They, I believe, are friendly toward us; but they are seeking the things of the world. To those among us who want the things of this world and its pleasures, I would say go to California; but if you want to serve God and keep His commandments, stay in these vales of the mountains, surrounded by brethren and sisters who are seeking God’s truths, and desire to carry out His principles. I am assured that we will make much greater success in keeping God’s commandments in the place which He has appointed. I thank our Father for these lofty hills and mountains, which gather the snows and make it possible for us to establish homes at their base, in our beautiful little valleys, just big enough for us, developing as we grow, and not-attractive, particularly, to those who are seeking for the good things of the world, which is the case in great cities, and in the great state in the west at the shores of the sea.
I feel that the Lord has been good to us to let us live in this dispensation, and given us inspired men to guide and direct us; and in revealing the everlasting gospel for our salvation. We should show our appreciation by keeping the commandments of God. for in doing so there is peace, happiness, and contentment. of the mind, and eternal rest in the kingdom of our Father in heaven; which may God grant will be the lot and condition of every Latter-day Saint, and every honest-hearted man and woman throughout the earth, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(President of Wasatch Stake.)
I feel rather timid in attempting to address so many as there are assembled together on this occasion, brethren and sisters that I know are well versed in the principles of the gospel, and have received a testimony of its truth as well as I have. Nevertheless, I feel to corroborate and add my testimony to those that have been rendered on this occasion by my brethren.
I know that the principles of the gospel are true, and the teachings which I have heard from my infancy, or from my boyhood days to the present time, have been for my welfare and the welfare of my brethren and sisters, for our best interest in this life and in the eternal world. I rejoice in association with my brethren and sisters. I love my brethren; I court their acquaintance, and desire to be associated with them in whatever may come to this people. I love this land, and our homes in these valleys of the mountains. I feel, with all my heart, that God has brought us to these lands, and this is the place which God has provided for the gathering of His people.
It was my pleasure to be associated with President Robinson, for a few days, in the Irrigation Congress, in our neighboring state upon the Pacific Coast. Truly they have a wonderful country there, a place desirable to men who are seeking aggrandizement, wealth and the honors of men, a state which, in the near future, if the suggestions of the Irrigation Congress are carried out, will become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, state in all the Union. But it does not compare for our purposes, for the Latter-day Saints, with these little vales in the tops of the mountains, the place God has appointed for His people to gather unto, that they might become united, and work hand in hand in carrying out the principles of the everlasting gospel, a condition which could not have possibly been developed in that great and glorious state of California.
God bless California and the people. They, I believe, are friendly toward us; but they are seeking the things of the world. To those among us who want the things of this world and its pleasures, I would say go to California; but if you want to serve God and keep His commandments, stay in these vales of the mountains, surrounded by brethren and sisters who are seeking God’s truths, and desire to carry out His principles. I am assured that we will make much greater success in keeping God’s commandments in the place which He has appointed. I thank our Father for these lofty hills and mountains, which gather the snows and make it possible for us to establish homes at their base, in our beautiful little valleys, just big enough for us, developing as we grow, and not-attractive, particularly, to those who are seeking for the good things of the world, which is the case in great cities, and in the great state in the west at the shores of the sea.
I feel that the Lord has been good to us to let us live in this dispensation, and given us inspired men to guide and direct us; and in revealing the everlasting gospel for our salvation. We should show our appreciation by keeping the commandments of God. for in doing so there is peace, happiness, and contentment. of the mind, and eternal rest in the kingdom of our Father in heaven; which may God grant will be the lot and condition of every Latter-day Saint, and every honest-hearted man and woman throughout the earth, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
ELDER JAMES WOTHERSPOON.
(President of North Weber Stake.)
My brethren and sisters. I feel it an honor to have been called to this stand today. and like the brethren who have already addressed you, I rejoice in the statements that have been made, and in the counsel and advice that have been given to us at the different sessions of this conference.
I rejoice with the brethren and sisters at all times, when they are enjoying that spirit and influence that comes from our Father in Heaven. He has given to us the Gospel of His Son, He has given to us the plan of life and salvation, which, if followed out in our lives, will lead us back into His holy presence. To me there can be nothing greater come to mankind than to have lived in this dispensation in which God has been so merciful to open up our understanding and give us the light of truth, that we might be able to receive a testimony of this great latter-day work. I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that I know this is the work of God.
I am thankful that the elders came to Scotland in early days, and that my father and mother had the hardihood to accept the principles which they taught, to accept their testimony, and afterwards to obey the Gospel and receive a testimony for themselves. I thank God for this, because I know not whether I would have had the hardihood of myself to accept it or not, but I do appreciate the fact that they did. and that I have been brought to this goodly land; and that so far as the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord has been with me, I have tried to follow in the path of truth. To a man full of weakness and imperfections, it is a hard thing to do. But I have tried in my weakness to do that which is right and, whether I have made a success in it or not, the Lord will judge me when the great day shall come. I pray that His blessings may be with us as Latter-day Saints, that we may realize that we are God’s children, and that the blessings of heaven are given us, inasmuch as we will do that which He requires at our hands.
Mention has been made at one of the sessions of this conference in regard to the great principle of uniting families together for time and for all eternity. To me, this is the grandest and most glorious principle that the latter-day work presents to us, the fact that God has given to His servants in this dispensation, authority to bind men and women together as husband and wife eternally. Nothing can be more joyful than to know that after the troubles of this life are over, after we have passed through scenes of adversity, and sometimes prosperity, and have finished this course of life, that we shall arise on the morning of the resurrection and meet those that we loved on earth, and those that loved us. To me, this is one of the greatest and grandest principles that has been revealed in this latter dispensation. We know the troubles there are in life; we know the adversities we have to pass through, we know the struggle there is, and then to think that, after death claims us, those we have loved and who have loved us would not be our associates in the ages that are to come, to me it is impossible, it is not God-like, it can’t be true.
God is a lover of His children, just the same as we are lovers of our children, and we want to meet and associate with each other through the countless ages of eternity; and may God grant it to us all, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
A seventeenth ward choir double quartette, under direction of James H. Neilson, rendered Prof. Evan Stephens’ new song, “Loyal to the Truth and the Right.”
(President of North Weber Stake.)
My brethren and sisters. I feel it an honor to have been called to this stand today. and like the brethren who have already addressed you, I rejoice in the statements that have been made, and in the counsel and advice that have been given to us at the different sessions of this conference.
I rejoice with the brethren and sisters at all times, when they are enjoying that spirit and influence that comes from our Father in Heaven. He has given to us the Gospel of His Son, He has given to us the plan of life and salvation, which, if followed out in our lives, will lead us back into His holy presence. To me there can be nothing greater come to mankind than to have lived in this dispensation in which God has been so merciful to open up our understanding and give us the light of truth, that we might be able to receive a testimony of this great latter-day work. I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that I know this is the work of God.
I am thankful that the elders came to Scotland in early days, and that my father and mother had the hardihood to accept the principles which they taught, to accept their testimony, and afterwards to obey the Gospel and receive a testimony for themselves. I thank God for this, because I know not whether I would have had the hardihood of myself to accept it or not, but I do appreciate the fact that they did. and that I have been brought to this goodly land; and that so far as the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord has been with me, I have tried to follow in the path of truth. To a man full of weakness and imperfections, it is a hard thing to do. But I have tried in my weakness to do that which is right and, whether I have made a success in it or not, the Lord will judge me when the great day shall come. I pray that His blessings may be with us as Latter-day Saints, that we may realize that we are God’s children, and that the blessings of heaven are given us, inasmuch as we will do that which He requires at our hands.
Mention has been made at one of the sessions of this conference in regard to the great principle of uniting families together for time and for all eternity. To me, this is the grandest and most glorious principle that the latter-day work presents to us, the fact that God has given to His servants in this dispensation, authority to bind men and women together as husband and wife eternally. Nothing can be more joyful than to know that after the troubles of this life are over, after we have passed through scenes of adversity, and sometimes prosperity, and have finished this course of life, that we shall arise on the morning of the resurrection and meet those that we loved on earth, and those that loved us. To me, this is one of the greatest and grandest principles that has been revealed in this latter dispensation. We know the troubles there are in life; we know the adversities we have to pass through, we know the struggle there is, and then to think that, after death claims us, those we have loved and who have loved us would not be our associates in the ages that are to come, to me it is impossible, it is not God-like, it can’t be true.
God is a lover of His children, just the same as we are lovers of our children, and we want to meet and associate with each other through the countless ages of eternity; and may God grant it to us all, I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
A seventeenth ward choir double quartette, under direction of James H. Neilson, rendered Prof. Evan Stephens’ new song, “Loyal to the Truth and the Right.”
ELDER JOHN J. M’CLELLAN.
(The Tabernacle Organist.)
My dear brethren and sisters: I have faced audiences in many parts of the world, and feel that probably I have done myself justice, but this is the most trying position I have ever occupied. I am very grateful to God our Heavenly Father for this recognition. I am thankful to be counted worthy to stand in your midst, and proud to bear my testimony. I have known all my life that this is the work of God, and I expect to spend all my time in this glorious work. I expect to live and die among this people, because they are the best people in the world. I have traveled a great deal and I know we have the best people, that we have the Gospel in its true and pure state, and that the Church is blest with revelations from time to time. I know that President Joseph F. Smith is, and all his predecessors have been, prophets of God. I don’t merely think it, I know it!
I testify that those associated with the President, his counselors, the apostles and the general officers of the Church are men inspired. Of course, I appreciate my standing in the Church, though I feel sometimes that I am a rather poor Latter-day Saint, but I am trying to do the best I know how. You will agree that I am a poor preacher; but though I seldom express my love for the Gospel with my lips, I try to do that in my own way, at the great organ. God has given me a musical gift and I am trying to develop that; and if I do my duty in that way, I feel that I am doing, partly, that for which I was sent here on earth.
I know that the Gospel is true, and I have never been ashamed to say that I belong to this people; I have always been proud of that fact, and have always associated myself with the Church, and shall always strive to do so.
My standing in this Church, that I thank God for, means more to me that all the rest of the world’s interests. I am sincere in this because I believe it with all my heart. In my way I shall dedicate my life to this work, under the direction of the authorities of the Church. I love our people. There is one thought I would like to present to this magnificent audience, and it is this: We have been the most persecuted people of modern times; you well know that. I remember the persecution among our people in the early days, when I was a child, and my heart ached; I thought we were the most abused people in the world. Having been so situated, having been so persecuted, we should as a people, I believe, possess a great degree of charity, one for the other. There should be no back-biting; there should be more evidences of brotherly love, and we should give the “other fellow” the benefit of the doubt. It is easy, as our dear president here, can testify, to be in the public eye and be hammered to death almost. Have you ever thought about it that we are most uncharitable sometimes toward our very own? I wish I had the power and eloquence of an orator to present this subject as it should be presented. This great thought, charity and forgiveness to one another, so beautifully touched upon in this conference, should be religiously cultivated among us. It would prove to be a wonderful blessing, if we bore a more kindly attitude to the erring ones. Let us do away with the habit of “knocking,” which is prevalent to some extent in our communities. It is surely always bad for the “knocker” as well as for the one maligned. My dear brothers and sisters, I feel that being followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, and believers in His Gospel, as revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and knowing as we do that brotherly love is a great feature in our profession of religion, that it is a divine factor, we should encourage in each other kindly feelings, exhibit a forgiving spirit, and be in very deed brothers and sisters in the Gospel.
I thank God for the Gospel, and I shall try in my humble way to assist in its upbuilding in the earth. I am grateful for this privilege of speaking to you; and I pray that the Lord of Hosts will bless and help us all to do our duty according to the light that is given us. Amen.
(The Tabernacle Organist.)
My dear brethren and sisters: I have faced audiences in many parts of the world, and feel that probably I have done myself justice, but this is the most trying position I have ever occupied. I am very grateful to God our Heavenly Father for this recognition. I am thankful to be counted worthy to stand in your midst, and proud to bear my testimony. I have known all my life that this is the work of God, and I expect to spend all my time in this glorious work. I expect to live and die among this people, because they are the best people in the world. I have traveled a great deal and I know we have the best people, that we have the Gospel in its true and pure state, and that the Church is blest with revelations from time to time. I know that President Joseph F. Smith is, and all his predecessors have been, prophets of God. I don’t merely think it, I know it!
I testify that those associated with the President, his counselors, the apostles and the general officers of the Church are men inspired. Of course, I appreciate my standing in the Church, though I feel sometimes that I am a rather poor Latter-day Saint, but I am trying to do the best I know how. You will agree that I am a poor preacher; but though I seldom express my love for the Gospel with my lips, I try to do that in my own way, at the great organ. God has given me a musical gift and I am trying to develop that; and if I do my duty in that way, I feel that I am doing, partly, that for which I was sent here on earth.
I know that the Gospel is true, and I have never been ashamed to say that I belong to this people; I have always been proud of that fact, and have always associated myself with the Church, and shall always strive to do so.
My standing in this Church, that I thank God for, means more to me that all the rest of the world’s interests. I am sincere in this because I believe it with all my heart. In my way I shall dedicate my life to this work, under the direction of the authorities of the Church. I love our people. There is one thought I would like to present to this magnificent audience, and it is this: We have been the most persecuted people of modern times; you well know that. I remember the persecution among our people in the early days, when I was a child, and my heart ached; I thought we were the most abused people in the world. Having been so situated, having been so persecuted, we should as a people, I believe, possess a great degree of charity, one for the other. There should be no back-biting; there should be more evidences of brotherly love, and we should give the “other fellow” the benefit of the doubt. It is easy, as our dear president here, can testify, to be in the public eye and be hammered to death almost. Have you ever thought about it that we are most uncharitable sometimes toward our very own? I wish I had the power and eloquence of an orator to present this subject as it should be presented. This great thought, charity and forgiveness to one another, so beautifully touched upon in this conference, should be religiously cultivated among us. It would prove to be a wonderful blessing, if we bore a more kindly attitude to the erring ones. Let us do away with the habit of “knocking,” which is prevalent to some extent in our communities. It is surely always bad for the “knocker” as well as for the one maligned. My dear brothers and sisters, I feel that being followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, and believers in His Gospel, as revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and knowing as we do that brotherly love is a great feature in our profession of religion, that it is a divine factor, we should encourage in each other kindly feelings, exhibit a forgiving spirit, and be in very deed brothers and sisters in the Gospel.
I thank God for the Gospel, and I shall try in my humble way to assist in its upbuilding in the earth. I am grateful for this privilege of speaking to you; and I pray that the Lord of Hosts will bless and help us all to do our duty according to the light that is given us. Amen.
ELDER EDWARD P. KIMBALL.
(Assistant Organist)
When President Smith called me over and whispered in my ear, I thought I was going to be sent on some errand, but when he said “Will you bear your testimony for five minutes?” my heart stopped. Nevertheless, my brethren and sisters, I am grateful for this privilege.
It is the rather unhappy lot of men associated with the musical profession to have to live down the fallacy that a man cannot be a latter-day Saint and be a professional musician. For one, I am doing my best to live down that untruth. I believe there is nothing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will act upon any man or woman in any other way, if he or she be engaged in an honorable, upright profession, than to make him or her excel in the line of work which they take up. I admire the physician or the surgeon who has courage enough to administer the ordinances of the Church to his patient before performing an operation, recognizing the hand of God and his own limitation, putting himself as a humble instrument in the hands of God for the cure which he hopes, through the power of God, to be instrumental in bringing to pass upon those to whom he is called to administer. I admire any man or woman engaged in any lawful pursuit who has the courage to stand up and bear testimony of his conviction.
I hope you will pardon me for a few personal reminiscences. Some of you may not know, others may, that I was in Europe, in Berlin, at the time war broke out. I could see no reason for coming home. Friends were raised up to us on ever side, and we were not expecting to return home until we received the word from the president of the mission that President Joseph F. Smith had called the priesthood out of Germany. That was sufficient for us. We sold our household belongings and came home, broken-hearted, along with fifteen or sixteen other students who were continuing their studies in that country. I testify to you that there is not one of those students who had to return to the United States, as he believed without having completed his work, who has not been able to accomplish more in the eastern cities than had he remained in Europe under present conditions Now, to me that is a testimony that President Smith was inspired of God, and that no man or woman will ever lose anything by following the counsel of those who stand at the head of the priesthood in this world.
I was compelled at one time to give up the dearest desire of my heart. I had the chance of entering a musical conservatory in the East. My brother was called upon a mission at the same time. It was a question of him remaining home or I. I was able to forego the privilege at the time and he went on a mission. Another time I thought the time was ripe for me to go, and I was called on a mission myself. I set my work aside and went into the missionary field as any other elder would do. Those who knew me as a missionary did not know, until weeks afterwards, that music was the profession of my life and the thing to which I hoped to devote my entire time. I put this aside, devoted myself according to my best ability, in weakness and humility, to the labor as a servant of the Lord in the missionary field. I testify to you that I am of the same opinion today, if the authorities of the Church should ask me to lay down my profession, which to me, next to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and my loved ones, is the dearest thing in the world, as I feel now, I would do it, to take up labor in any capacity to which I might be called.
I take my work here in the tabernacle, as assistant organist in the Church, very seriously. There are preaching missionaries in the Church. I consider my work, and I consider the work of my associates here as that of playing missionaries of the Church. It is a matter of prayer with me. I remember not more than ten days ago I had an extremely difficult pro-, gram to render, and I bowed my knees in prayer, as I always do, to ask for the help of the Lord, that those people who heard my effort here might receive at least a comparative idea of the musical ability of our people, for such I consider the work which we render here gives. After I had finished, I was told by one of the janitors in the east end of the building, that a couple had come to him and had made this statement: “I don't know who that young man is, but he surely is imbued with the Spirit of God.” This was an answer to my prayer. Now, my brethren and sisters, I hope that the time is coming when you, all of you, will recognize that a man or woman can follow any lawful occupation in the world and succeed, and still be even a better Latter-day Saint. I believe the Gospel with all my heart. I am proud of my lineage. The statement was made by Brother Seymour B. Young this morning that it was prophesied of this Church in the early days, by enemies of this people, that the third and fourth generation would leave the faith. I am of the third generation on the side of my father, and I am of the fourth generation on the side of mother, and I want to testify to you that the faith in the Gospel has not died out within my soul; there is no sacrifice which I would not make if called upon, providing I can keep the same spirit of humility and faith which I now have, and I intend to see to it that the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the testimony of the divinity of the work of Joseph Smith shall not die within the hearts of my children, if the Lord will permit me to give them the example which has been given to me by my parents and grandparents.
I believe the most potent thing in the Church today is the bearing of testimony. I don’t believe there is a servant of the Church who is so humble and who is so unlearned that, if he will put himself in condition and bear the simplest testimony it will not have a tendency to increase the faith in the heart of some one. Now we who have been born in the Church have most of us had the testimony of the Gospel given to us by continuous hearing of the word, until the Lord has touched our souls; and I think that we should never stop bearing testimony. I am grateful that the authorities have seen fit to set me to work as a missionary here on the block. I have borne my testimony to more thousands here this summer than I did in the three years of my missionary experience in the world.
Now, may the Lord bless you; may He preserve the lives of the older brethren and sisters who have made it possible to meet under such auspicious circumstances. May He preserve the life of His servant, President Smith, and his counselors, and the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, until they shall have fulfilled the work which God has outlined for them here.
Once more my brethren and sisters, in my humble, weak way I bear to you the testimony that I know, so far as it is possible for a man in weak mortality to know, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I don’t know that South Africa exists, I don’t know that there is such a place as South America except through the testimony of those who have been there and who do know it I don’t know that God lives through having heard His voice or seen His face. I don’t know that Joseph Smith received the visions which he did, through having come personally in contact with Him at the time, but the testimony of faith has been established within my soul through hearing the testimonies of those who do know, and I believe it is possible for every member of the Church of Jesus Christ to have not only the testimony of belief and of desire, but a testimony of positive knowledge. There will come a time when the hearts of every one of us will burn within us, as the Doctrine and Covenants says, if a man will know that a thing is right he can only know by the burning sensation which comes within the soul.. We all know that the things of this world, our occupations, fade into insignificance compared with the things we enjoy—compared with some of the rich outpourings of the Spirit in our priesthood meetings. What is the reason? Simply because we are in tune with the Infinite, and the things of the world disappear, and become as naught.
I hope the Lord will give me long life, and allow me to devote my entire time in whatever capacity I may be called, to the promulgation, and the furtherance of His purposes, and that I may always allow the solemnities of eternity to rest upon my soul, that I may treasure up continually the word of the Lord, and that I may be ready at any time, wherever I may be, in any clime or under any conditions, to testify to the truth of the Gospel, as I really and sincerely feel it in my heart today. God bless you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
President Smith: “God bless our boys from generation to generation continually.”
(Assistant Organist)
When President Smith called me over and whispered in my ear, I thought I was going to be sent on some errand, but when he said “Will you bear your testimony for five minutes?” my heart stopped. Nevertheless, my brethren and sisters, I am grateful for this privilege.
It is the rather unhappy lot of men associated with the musical profession to have to live down the fallacy that a man cannot be a latter-day Saint and be a professional musician. For one, I am doing my best to live down that untruth. I believe there is nothing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will act upon any man or woman in any other way, if he or she be engaged in an honorable, upright profession, than to make him or her excel in the line of work which they take up. I admire the physician or the surgeon who has courage enough to administer the ordinances of the Church to his patient before performing an operation, recognizing the hand of God and his own limitation, putting himself as a humble instrument in the hands of God for the cure which he hopes, through the power of God, to be instrumental in bringing to pass upon those to whom he is called to administer. I admire any man or woman engaged in any lawful pursuit who has the courage to stand up and bear testimony of his conviction.
I hope you will pardon me for a few personal reminiscences. Some of you may not know, others may, that I was in Europe, in Berlin, at the time war broke out. I could see no reason for coming home. Friends were raised up to us on ever side, and we were not expecting to return home until we received the word from the president of the mission that President Joseph F. Smith had called the priesthood out of Germany. That was sufficient for us. We sold our household belongings and came home, broken-hearted, along with fifteen or sixteen other students who were continuing their studies in that country. I testify to you that there is not one of those students who had to return to the United States, as he believed without having completed his work, who has not been able to accomplish more in the eastern cities than had he remained in Europe under present conditions Now, to me that is a testimony that President Smith was inspired of God, and that no man or woman will ever lose anything by following the counsel of those who stand at the head of the priesthood in this world.
I was compelled at one time to give up the dearest desire of my heart. I had the chance of entering a musical conservatory in the East. My brother was called upon a mission at the same time. It was a question of him remaining home or I. I was able to forego the privilege at the time and he went on a mission. Another time I thought the time was ripe for me to go, and I was called on a mission myself. I set my work aside and went into the missionary field as any other elder would do. Those who knew me as a missionary did not know, until weeks afterwards, that music was the profession of my life and the thing to which I hoped to devote my entire time. I put this aside, devoted myself according to my best ability, in weakness and humility, to the labor as a servant of the Lord in the missionary field. I testify to you that I am of the same opinion today, if the authorities of the Church should ask me to lay down my profession, which to me, next to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and my loved ones, is the dearest thing in the world, as I feel now, I would do it, to take up labor in any capacity to which I might be called.
I take my work here in the tabernacle, as assistant organist in the Church, very seriously. There are preaching missionaries in the Church. I consider my work, and I consider the work of my associates here as that of playing missionaries of the Church. It is a matter of prayer with me. I remember not more than ten days ago I had an extremely difficult pro-, gram to render, and I bowed my knees in prayer, as I always do, to ask for the help of the Lord, that those people who heard my effort here might receive at least a comparative idea of the musical ability of our people, for such I consider the work which we render here gives. After I had finished, I was told by one of the janitors in the east end of the building, that a couple had come to him and had made this statement: “I don't know who that young man is, but he surely is imbued with the Spirit of God.” This was an answer to my prayer. Now, my brethren and sisters, I hope that the time is coming when you, all of you, will recognize that a man or woman can follow any lawful occupation in the world and succeed, and still be even a better Latter-day Saint. I believe the Gospel with all my heart. I am proud of my lineage. The statement was made by Brother Seymour B. Young this morning that it was prophesied of this Church in the early days, by enemies of this people, that the third and fourth generation would leave the faith. I am of the third generation on the side of my father, and I am of the fourth generation on the side of mother, and I want to testify to you that the faith in the Gospel has not died out within my soul; there is no sacrifice which I would not make if called upon, providing I can keep the same spirit of humility and faith which I now have, and I intend to see to it that the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the testimony of the divinity of the work of Joseph Smith shall not die within the hearts of my children, if the Lord will permit me to give them the example which has been given to me by my parents and grandparents.
I believe the most potent thing in the Church today is the bearing of testimony. I don’t believe there is a servant of the Church who is so humble and who is so unlearned that, if he will put himself in condition and bear the simplest testimony it will not have a tendency to increase the faith in the heart of some one. Now we who have been born in the Church have most of us had the testimony of the Gospel given to us by continuous hearing of the word, until the Lord has touched our souls; and I think that we should never stop bearing testimony. I am grateful that the authorities have seen fit to set me to work as a missionary here on the block. I have borne my testimony to more thousands here this summer than I did in the three years of my missionary experience in the world.
Now, may the Lord bless you; may He preserve the lives of the older brethren and sisters who have made it possible to meet under such auspicious circumstances. May He preserve the life of His servant, President Smith, and his counselors, and the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, until they shall have fulfilled the work which God has outlined for them here.
Once more my brethren and sisters, in my humble, weak way I bear to you the testimony that I know, so far as it is possible for a man in weak mortality to know, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I don’t know that South Africa exists, I don’t know that there is such a place as South America except through the testimony of those who have been there and who do know it I don’t know that God lives through having heard His voice or seen His face. I don’t know that Joseph Smith received the visions which he did, through having come personally in contact with Him at the time, but the testimony of faith has been established within my soul through hearing the testimonies of those who do know, and I believe it is possible for every member of the Church of Jesus Christ to have not only the testimony of belief and of desire, but a testimony of positive knowledge. There will come a time when the hearts of every one of us will burn within us, as the Doctrine and Covenants says, if a man will know that a thing is right he can only know by the burning sensation which comes within the soul.. We all know that the things of this world, our occupations, fade into insignificance compared with the things we enjoy—compared with some of the rich outpourings of the Spirit in our priesthood meetings. What is the reason? Simply because we are in tune with the Infinite, and the things of the world disappear, and become as naught.
I hope the Lord will give me long life, and allow me to devote my entire time in whatever capacity I may be called, to the promulgation, and the furtherance of His purposes, and that I may always allow the solemnities of eternity to rest upon my soul, that I may treasure up continually the word of the Lord, and that I may be ready at any time, wherever I may be, in any clime or under any conditions, to testify to the truth of the Gospel, as I really and sincerely feel it in my heart today. God bless you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
President Smith: “God bless our boys from generation to generation continually.”
ELDER TRACY Y. CANNON.
(Assistant Organist)
My dear brethren and sisters, I am glad that I was called upon to speak, although I believe this is one of the most trying times of my whole life. But I have noticed this; that since I came from my mission, quite a number of years ago, I have been called upon, perhaps, only twice to administer the sacrament in our meetings, because I have always been busy with the choir or at the organ; and I have felt sometimes that the brethren forget that we musicians hold the priesthood, and that we want to exercise our rights therein. For this reason I am happy indeed, my brethren and sisters, to bear unto you the testimony which burns within my soul, for I have a testimony of this Gospel, that it is the work of God.
I have traveled quite a good deal in my short life, and have studied somewhat concerning other faiths, and I have noticed that each particular faith that I have studied has its own peculiar spirit. There was a certain spirit attending me, it seemed, when I studied the beliefs of the great Catholic Church, and there was an entirely different spirit when I read somewhat concerning the Hindoo faiths; and I notice this, and always have noticed it, that when I have gone into one of our meetings or picked up one of our Church works, that there was an entirely different spirit from any one of them. A sweet, beautiful spirit came to my soul and testified that this was the greatest of all works among mankind, and so, my brethren and sisters. I am thankful, from the bottom of my heart, to be a member of this Church.
I am thankful for the opportunities that are presented, from day to day, for us to play to the thousands of people that come through here; because I know from experience, in speaking to the tourists, that their hearts are softened towards us, because of the beautiful music from this great and wonderful organ in this still greater and more wonderful building, thus preparing thousands of people to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know, my brethren and sisters, that this Gospel is true. I feel this testimony burning within my soul, and I know that when I am doing my full duty that the spirit is burning deepest in my heart. I feel to uphold President Smith, his counselors, and the Twelve, the missionaries and every man and woman who is working in this Church for the furtherance of truth; and I feel like Brother Kimball, and I know Brother McClellan feels the same, that I would be willing to lay down my professional work to go out as a humble elder, trading from door to door. I have done it once, and it was really and truly a joy and power to me. even as is playing this wonderful organ; and you can imagine what a great joy and what a wonderful amount of satisfaction and happiness comes to one in having the great opportunity of playing to so many thousands of strangers.
I pray God to bless you all, my brethren and sisters, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
President Joseph F. Smith said:
In this tabernacle, and in the assembly hall, and in our opening meetings during this conference, 39 presidents of stakes and 10 presidents of missions have spoken and borne testimony, and I regret that we did not occupy all day yesterday, as well as the Sabbath and Monday and today, in hearing the testimonies of our brethren who stand at the head of the various stakes and missions of the Church. I think we have heard very much to convince us that the Lord has made wise choice in the selection of those men, who have spoken to us, to occupy the important positions they are called unto.
It will be necessary on account of the shortness of time to change our course a little. Brother Smoot will be leaving us to attend to his duties at Washington, we would like to have him express himself and bear his testimony before he goes. The other brethren of the Twelve and of the Seventies will be with us and will visit you from time to time, and you will hear from them again. We will now give a few moments of the time to Brother Smoot.
(Assistant Organist)
My dear brethren and sisters, I am glad that I was called upon to speak, although I believe this is one of the most trying times of my whole life. But I have noticed this; that since I came from my mission, quite a number of years ago, I have been called upon, perhaps, only twice to administer the sacrament in our meetings, because I have always been busy with the choir or at the organ; and I have felt sometimes that the brethren forget that we musicians hold the priesthood, and that we want to exercise our rights therein. For this reason I am happy indeed, my brethren and sisters, to bear unto you the testimony which burns within my soul, for I have a testimony of this Gospel, that it is the work of God.
I have traveled quite a good deal in my short life, and have studied somewhat concerning other faiths, and I have noticed that each particular faith that I have studied has its own peculiar spirit. There was a certain spirit attending me, it seemed, when I studied the beliefs of the great Catholic Church, and there was an entirely different spirit when I read somewhat concerning the Hindoo faiths; and I notice this, and always have noticed it, that when I have gone into one of our meetings or picked up one of our Church works, that there was an entirely different spirit from any one of them. A sweet, beautiful spirit came to my soul and testified that this was the greatest of all works among mankind, and so, my brethren and sisters. I am thankful, from the bottom of my heart, to be a member of this Church.
I am thankful for the opportunities that are presented, from day to day, for us to play to the thousands of people that come through here; because I know from experience, in speaking to the tourists, that their hearts are softened towards us, because of the beautiful music from this great and wonderful organ in this still greater and more wonderful building, thus preparing thousands of people to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know, my brethren and sisters, that this Gospel is true. I feel this testimony burning within my soul, and I know that when I am doing my full duty that the spirit is burning deepest in my heart. I feel to uphold President Smith, his counselors, and the Twelve, the missionaries and every man and woman who is working in this Church for the furtherance of truth; and I feel like Brother Kimball, and I know Brother McClellan feels the same, that I would be willing to lay down my professional work to go out as a humble elder, trading from door to door. I have done it once, and it was really and truly a joy and power to me. even as is playing this wonderful organ; and you can imagine what a great joy and what a wonderful amount of satisfaction and happiness comes to one in having the great opportunity of playing to so many thousands of strangers.
I pray God to bless you all, my brethren and sisters, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
President Joseph F. Smith said:
In this tabernacle, and in the assembly hall, and in our opening meetings during this conference, 39 presidents of stakes and 10 presidents of missions have spoken and borne testimony, and I regret that we did not occupy all day yesterday, as well as the Sabbath and Monday and today, in hearing the testimonies of our brethren who stand at the head of the various stakes and missions of the Church. I think we have heard very much to convince us that the Lord has made wise choice in the selection of those men, who have spoken to us, to occupy the important positions they are called unto.
It will be necessary on account of the shortness of time to change our course a little. Brother Smoot will be leaving us to attend to his duties at Washington, we would like to have him express himself and bear his testimony before he goes. The other brethren of the Twelve and of the Seventies will be with us and will visit you from time to time, and you will hear from them again. We will now give a few moments of the time to Brother Smoot.
ELDER REED SMOOT.
The Saints pray for the President and leading men of the nation.—American people opposed to war, and conquest of countries.—Intense interest in welfare of Country and Church.—An appeal for thrift and economy.—Prayer for the world’s peace.
What a splendid conference we have had, and what wonderful testimonies have been given, and what a rich outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord has attended those who have addressed this conference. During the few moments that I stand before you today I pray the blessings of heaven to be with me I want the people to know that my whole being has been in tune with the testimonies that have been borne and the admonitions that have been given, and I thank my Father in heaven for the privilege I have had of being with you at this conference.
My heart rejoiced when President Smith, in his opening statement to this conference, said that the Church never was in a better condition spiritually and temporally than it is today. Mv brethren and sisters. I believe that God intends that as the people grow in the spiritual things of life so shall they be blessed with the temporal things of life. We have heard many testimonies during this conference of the wonderful prosperity of the people of Utah, and I am so thankful for it. I am thankful to my heavenly father that our country is enjoying peace, and as far as I am concerned. I believe that there has not been a moment that our country was in danger of becoming involved in this wicked and unjustifiable European Avar. I have been taught all my life, and so have von. to pray for the rulers of the world, to pray for the President of the United States, to pray for the lawmakers of all countries, and particularly our own ;to pray for the governors of states, the legislatures of states and all who make and administer the law: but, my brethren and sisters, that does not mean that we must approve of all that men do in those positions. Itis our right to ask our heavenly Father to give all men wisdom and judgment. I measured my words when I said that I do not believe that there has been a moment that our country was in danger of becoming involved m this wicked and unjustifiable European war. There are so many reasons for this that I haven’t the time this afternoon to even mention a tithe of them, but first and above all is the fact that there are a hundred million of American people that are opposed to war. And again, I believe when the true history of the war is written, after the close of the war, it will be found that the greed for expansion of territory, the ambition for greater power, and not least, if the last that I mention, a desire to control the commerce of the world will be recorded as the fundamental reasons for the war. We should thank our Creator that our country, the one in which our liberties are so well protected. has no ambition to rule the world by force; that it has more interest in the commerce of its own country than it has to control the commerce of the world, and that her people do not want another foot of land of any foreign power.
I believe what has been testified to in relation to the prosperity of the people today. I wish that it had come through some other way than through the channels of murder and war; and I now call the attention of the people to the fact that this horrible massacre of human beings must cease before long, and when it does the products of our state and of the intermountain country will not be so highly prized, and will not bring in dollars and cents what they are bringing today. And I plead with all that while this prosperity exists, unfortunate as the cause of it is, that you save a part of your gains for the future. I am deeply sensitive of the jealousy I have for the growth and development and thrift of my country and my Church, and I desired to speak upon the subject of thrift, but I haven’t time to discuss it at length. I must be content with the time at my disposal, to present the question as it were in headlines, and let every one present make the argument for himself.
In speaking of thrift I mean thrift in its broadest sense, the kind that makes better men, better women. better children, thrift that will build a better nation. We often mistake what thrift means. It means more than the mere saving of money. It means prosperity, good husbandry, good farming, economical management, frugality. It means individual efficiency. It means order and system. It means character building in its broadest sense, morally, temporally and spiritually. The thrift that I desire to impress upon you today does not mean stinginess; it does not mean miserliness, nor does it mean upon the other hand a wild extravagance; rather would I say that it means a walk of life between the two that I believe our heavenly Father intended His children to follow. Thrift and thriving mean the same thing. A farmer who lets his broken fences go unrepaired, his farm implements remain in the field all winter is not a thrifty farmer. A wife who throws into the garbage can enough food to feed another family, which often is the case, is not a thrifty woman. And do you know, my brethren and sisters, that it is estimated that there is wasted through the garbage cans of the United States over a billion dollars a year. There is enough in that one statement to make a sermon. I remember preaching a sermon, years ago, upon the waste of the swill barrel and many told me it was greatly appreciated. Remember that leakage and waste are the universal enemies of all forms of thrift and progress. We find it in smoking, we find it in drinking, we find in homes that we enter thousands of little things going to waste for want of immediate care. I never see such waste but that I think, “A stitch in time saves nine.” I wish that every one fully understood the true significance of that statement. Thrift never despises little beginnings.
One day President McKinley and Mark Hanna were entering a street car. It was when McKinley was a congressman, and just after he had secured the passage of the McKinley tariff bill through the House of Representatives; and as they stepped on a car Mr. McKinley paid ten cents for tickets for himself and Mark Hanna. As soon as they sat down Hanna turned to McKinley and said: “I wish that I could make a tariff bill such as you passed through the House today, yet I think you are the most wasteful man that I ever knew.” McKinley asked him why. “Why,” Hanna said, “you could have bought six tickets for a quarter, and you paid ten cents for two of them, a clear loss of nearly twenty per cent. No wonder you have been poor all your life.”
Remember the first hundred dollars that you save will be the hardest for you to acquire. To do so sometimes requires self-sacrifice and it always requires self-control. Now, my brothers and sisters, I have trespassed on the time allotted me already. I wish that I had time to discuss fully the question of thrift. I would like to have the principle of thrift made a part of your lives; for the Lord has promised that His people should he blessed as no other people in temporal affairs as well as spiritually; and remember this, that “God helps those who help themselves.” I trust that the Latter-day Saints will by honesty, energy and thrift help themselves that our heavenly Father can better help them.
I want to leave with you my testimony; for I know that this is the work of the Lord. I never felt prouder of my standing in the Church than I do today. I never felt a stronger desire to accomplish all that God would have me accomplish than I do at this moment; and I pray that His blessing may be upon all the people, not only the Latter-day Saints, but all the honest in heart throughout the world and may peace come to the world in the Lord’s own due time; may the European war be overruled for good and the people of the world be ultimately blessed through it. God knows how this can be brought about. May peace ever be with us is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Saints pray for the President and leading men of the nation.—American people opposed to war, and conquest of countries.—Intense interest in welfare of Country and Church.—An appeal for thrift and economy.—Prayer for the world’s peace.
What a splendid conference we have had, and what wonderful testimonies have been given, and what a rich outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord has attended those who have addressed this conference. During the few moments that I stand before you today I pray the blessings of heaven to be with me I want the people to know that my whole being has been in tune with the testimonies that have been borne and the admonitions that have been given, and I thank my Father in heaven for the privilege I have had of being with you at this conference.
My heart rejoiced when President Smith, in his opening statement to this conference, said that the Church never was in a better condition spiritually and temporally than it is today. Mv brethren and sisters. I believe that God intends that as the people grow in the spiritual things of life so shall they be blessed with the temporal things of life. We have heard many testimonies during this conference of the wonderful prosperity of the people of Utah, and I am so thankful for it. I am thankful to my heavenly father that our country is enjoying peace, and as far as I am concerned. I believe that there has not been a moment that our country was in danger of becoming involved in this wicked and unjustifiable European Avar. I have been taught all my life, and so have von. to pray for the rulers of the world, to pray for the President of the United States, to pray for the lawmakers of all countries, and particularly our own ;to pray for the governors of states, the legislatures of states and all who make and administer the law: but, my brethren and sisters, that does not mean that we must approve of all that men do in those positions. Itis our right to ask our heavenly Father to give all men wisdom and judgment. I measured my words when I said that I do not believe that there has been a moment that our country was in danger of becoming involved m this wicked and unjustifiable European war. There are so many reasons for this that I haven’t the time this afternoon to even mention a tithe of them, but first and above all is the fact that there are a hundred million of American people that are opposed to war. And again, I believe when the true history of the war is written, after the close of the war, it will be found that the greed for expansion of territory, the ambition for greater power, and not least, if the last that I mention, a desire to control the commerce of the world will be recorded as the fundamental reasons for the war. We should thank our Creator that our country, the one in which our liberties are so well protected. has no ambition to rule the world by force; that it has more interest in the commerce of its own country than it has to control the commerce of the world, and that her people do not want another foot of land of any foreign power.
I believe what has been testified to in relation to the prosperity of the people today. I wish that it had come through some other way than through the channels of murder and war; and I now call the attention of the people to the fact that this horrible massacre of human beings must cease before long, and when it does the products of our state and of the intermountain country will not be so highly prized, and will not bring in dollars and cents what they are bringing today. And I plead with all that while this prosperity exists, unfortunate as the cause of it is, that you save a part of your gains for the future. I am deeply sensitive of the jealousy I have for the growth and development and thrift of my country and my Church, and I desired to speak upon the subject of thrift, but I haven’t time to discuss it at length. I must be content with the time at my disposal, to present the question as it were in headlines, and let every one present make the argument for himself.
In speaking of thrift I mean thrift in its broadest sense, the kind that makes better men, better women. better children, thrift that will build a better nation. We often mistake what thrift means. It means more than the mere saving of money. It means prosperity, good husbandry, good farming, economical management, frugality. It means individual efficiency. It means order and system. It means character building in its broadest sense, morally, temporally and spiritually. The thrift that I desire to impress upon you today does not mean stinginess; it does not mean miserliness, nor does it mean upon the other hand a wild extravagance; rather would I say that it means a walk of life between the two that I believe our heavenly Father intended His children to follow. Thrift and thriving mean the same thing. A farmer who lets his broken fences go unrepaired, his farm implements remain in the field all winter is not a thrifty farmer. A wife who throws into the garbage can enough food to feed another family, which often is the case, is not a thrifty woman. And do you know, my brethren and sisters, that it is estimated that there is wasted through the garbage cans of the United States over a billion dollars a year. There is enough in that one statement to make a sermon. I remember preaching a sermon, years ago, upon the waste of the swill barrel and many told me it was greatly appreciated. Remember that leakage and waste are the universal enemies of all forms of thrift and progress. We find it in smoking, we find it in drinking, we find in homes that we enter thousands of little things going to waste for want of immediate care. I never see such waste but that I think, “A stitch in time saves nine.” I wish that every one fully understood the true significance of that statement. Thrift never despises little beginnings.
One day President McKinley and Mark Hanna were entering a street car. It was when McKinley was a congressman, and just after he had secured the passage of the McKinley tariff bill through the House of Representatives; and as they stepped on a car Mr. McKinley paid ten cents for tickets for himself and Mark Hanna. As soon as they sat down Hanna turned to McKinley and said: “I wish that I could make a tariff bill such as you passed through the House today, yet I think you are the most wasteful man that I ever knew.” McKinley asked him why. “Why,” Hanna said, “you could have bought six tickets for a quarter, and you paid ten cents for two of them, a clear loss of nearly twenty per cent. No wonder you have been poor all your life.”
Remember the first hundred dollars that you save will be the hardest for you to acquire. To do so sometimes requires self-sacrifice and it always requires self-control. Now, my brothers and sisters, I have trespassed on the time allotted me already. I wish that I had time to discuss fully the question of thrift. I would like to have the principle of thrift made a part of your lives; for the Lord has promised that His people should he blessed as no other people in temporal affairs as well as spiritually; and remember this, that “God helps those who help themselves.” I trust that the Latter-day Saints will by honesty, energy and thrift help themselves that our heavenly Father can better help them.
I want to leave with you my testimony; for I know that this is the work of the Lord. I never felt prouder of my standing in the Church than I do today. I never felt a stronger desire to accomplish all that God would have me accomplish than I do at this moment; and I pray that His blessing may be upon all the people, not only the Latter-day Saints, but all the honest in heart throughout the world and may peace come to the world in the Lord’s own due time; may the European war be overruled for good and the people of the world be ultimately blessed through it. God knows how this can be brought about. May peace ever be with us is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
AUTHORITIES SUSTAINED.
Elder Heber J. Grant presented the names of the General Authorities of the Church, to be voted upon by the assembly, as follows:
Joseph F. Smith, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Anthon H. Lund, as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
Charles W. Penrose, as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Francis M. Lyman as President of the Twelve Apostles.
As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles: Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., and James E. Talmage.
Hyrum G. Smith, as presiding Patriarch of the Church.
The counselors in the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Patriarch, as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
First Seven Presidents of Seventies: Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts. Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin. Charles H. Hart and Levi Edgar Young.
Charles W. Nibley, as Presiding Bishop, with Orrin P. Miller and David A. Smith, as his first and second Counselors.
Joseph F. Smith, as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Anthon H. Lund, as Church Historian and General Church Recorder.
Andrew Jenson, Brigham H. Roberts, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., and August William Lund, assistant Historians.
As members of the General Church Board of Education; Joseph F. Smith, Willard Young. Anthon H. Lund, George H. Brimhall, Rudger Clawson. Charles W. Penrose, Horace H. Cummings. Orson F. Whitney and Francis M. Lyman.
Arthur Winter, as Secretary and Treasurer of the General Church Board of Education.
Horace H. Cummings. General Superintendent of Church Schools.
Board of Examiners for Church Schools: Horace H. Cummings, chairman; George H. Brimhall, C. N. Jensen and Guy C. Wilson. Auditing Committee: William W. Riter, Henry H. Rolapp, John C. Cutler, Heber Scowcroft, and Joseph S. Wells.
Tabernacle Choir: Evan Stephens, conductor; Horace S. Ensign, assistant conductor; John J. McClellan, organist; Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon, assistant organists; George C. Smith, secretary and treasurer; John Drakeford, librarian; and all the members.
General Board of Relief Society: Emmeline B. Wells, president; Clarissa S. Williams, first counselor; Julina L. Smith, second counselor; Amy Brown Lyman, secretary; Susa Young Gates, corresponding secretary; Emma A. Empey, treasurer; Lizzie Thomas Edward, musical director; Edna H. Coray, organist; Sarah Jenna Cannon, Romania B. Penrose, Emily S. Richards, Julia P. M. Farnsworth. Phebe Y. Beatie, Ida S. Dusenberry, Carrie S. Thomas, Alice M. Horne, Priscilla P. Jennings, Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Rebecca N. Nibley, Elizabeth C. McCune. Edna May Davis, Sarah M. McLelland. Elizabeth C. Crismon, Jeanette A. Hyde and Sarah Eddington.
General Board of Deseret Sunday School Union—Joseph F. Smith, superintendent; David O. McKay, first assistant superintendent; Stephen L. Richards, second assistant superintendent; George D. Pyper, secretary; John F. Bennett, treasurer. Other 'members of board: Francis M. Lyman. Heber J. Grant, Hugh J. Cannon, Andrew Kimball, John M. Mills, William D. Owen. Seymour B. Young, Anthon H. Lund. James E. Talmage. George M. Cannon, Horace H. Cummings, Josiah Burrows. William A. Morton, Horace S. Ensign, Henry H. Rolapp, Harold G. Reynolds, Charles B. Felt, George H. Wallace, Howard R. Driggs, Nathan T. Porter, Milton Bennion, Charles W. Penrose, Edwin' G. Woolley, Jr., Hyrum G. Smith, Charles H. Hart, Joseph Ballantyne, J. Leo Fairbanks, J. W. Walker, E. G. Gowans, E. Conway Ashton and Adam S. Bennion.
General Board Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association— Joseph F. Smith, superintendent; Heber J. Grant and-Brigham H. Roberts, assistant superintendents; Moroni Snow, secretary; Francis M. Lyman, J. Golden Kimball, Junius F. Wells, George H. Brimhall, Edward H. Anderson, Thomas Hull, Willard Done, LeRoi C. Snow, Rudger Clawson, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, Bryant S. Hinckley, Brigham F. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., Lewis T. Cannon, Benjamin Goddard, George Albert Smith, Thomas A. Clawson, Lyman R. Martineau, Charles H. Hart, John A. Widtsoe, James H. Anderson, Anthony W. Ivins, Oscar A. Kirkham, Anthon H. Lund, George F. Richards, Nephi Anderson, John H. Taylor, Charles W. Penrose, James E. Talmage, Hyrum G. Smith, Henry C. Lund, George J. Cannon, Nicholas G. Morgan, Claude Richards, John F. Bowman, Levi Edgar Young, Roscoe W. Eardley, Richard W. Young and Preston D. Richards.
General Board Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association—Martha Horne Tingey, president; Ruth May Fox, first counselor; Mae Taylor Nystrom, second counselor; Clarissa A. Beesley, secretary; Joan M. Campbell, recording secretary; .Alice K. Smith, treasurer; Margaret Summerhays land Mabel Cooper, music directors. Aids: Maria Young Dougall, Adella W. Eardley, Agnes S. Campbell, Ann M. Cannon, May Booth Talmage, Emma Goddard, Rose W. Bennett, Julia M. Brixen, Augusta W. Grant, Estelle Neff Caldwell, Emily Caldwell Adams, Mary E. Connelly, Elen Wallace, Lucy Woodruff Smith, Jane B. Anderson, Edith R. Lovsey, Laura Bennion Dimond, Rachel Grant Taylor, Sarah E. Richards, Lucy S. Carter and Charlotte Stewart.
General board of Primary associations—Louie B. Felt, 'president; May Anderson, first counselor; Clara W. Beebe, second counselor; Frances K. Thomassen, secretary; Edith E. Hunter, treasurer; Ida B. Smith, librarian, Adelaide U. E. Hardy, assistant librarian; Emma Ramsey Morris, chorister; Matilda W. Cahoon, assistant chorister; Ivy Allen, organist; Isabella S. Ross and Ann Nebeker, physical directors. Advisors to the board; George F. Richards and Anthony W. Ivins. Aids: Lillie T. Freeze. Josephine R. West, Aurelia Rogers, L. L. Greene Richards, Camilla C. Cobb, Eliza S. Bennion, Margaret C. Eastmond, Edna Harker Thomas, Alice L. Howarth, Emma P. Romney, Zina Y. Card, Laura L. Foster, Erma Bitner Evans, Eleanor R. Jeremy, Ella S. Carpenter, Mary F. Young, Annie S. Milne, Georgina F. Richards, Vilate S. Chambers, Beatrice Cannon, Helen Davis, Florence Summerhays, Marion Belnap Kerr.
General board of Religion classes—Anthon H. Lund, superintendent; Rudger Clawson, first assistant superintendent; Hyrum M. Smith, second assistant superintendent; Edwin S. Sheets, secretary; Horace H. Cummings, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, John Henry Evans, William A. Morton, Joseph J. Cannon, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, Orson F. Whitney, James E. King, George F. Richards, Heber J. Grant. Anthony W. Ivins, George H. Brimhall, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., P. J. Jenson, Willard Young, James E. Talmage, N. Andrew Jensen and Guy C. Wilson.
General board of the Genealogical society of Utah—Anthon H. Lund, president; Charles W. Penrose, vice president; Joseph F. Smith, Jr., secretary and treasurer; Joseph Christenson, librarian; Anthony W. Ivins, D. M. McAllister and Heber J. Grant.
Duncan M. McAllister as Clerk of the Conference.
Each and all of those named were duly sustained in the positions designated, by unanimous vote of the Conference.
Elder Heber J. Grant presented the names of the General Authorities of the Church, to be voted upon by the assembly, as follows:
Joseph F. Smith, as Prophet, Seer and Revelator and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Anthon H. Lund, as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
Charles W. Penrose, as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Francis M. Lyman as President of the Twelve Apostles.
As members of the Council of Twelve Apostles: Francis M. Lyman, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., and James E. Talmage.
Hyrum G. Smith, as presiding Patriarch of the Church.
The counselors in the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles and the Presiding Patriarch, as Prophets, Seers and Revelators.
First Seven Presidents of Seventies: Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts. Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin. Charles H. Hart and Levi Edgar Young.
Charles W. Nibley, as Presiding Bishop, with Orrin P. Miller and David A. Smith, as his first and second Counselors.
Joseph F. Smith, as Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshipers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Anthon H. Lund, as Church Historian and General Church Recorder.
Andrew Jenson, Brigham H. Roberts, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., and August William Lund, assistant Historians.
As members of the General Church Board of Education; Joseph F. Smith, Willard Young. Anthon H. Lund, George H. Brimhall, Rudger Clawson. Charles W. Penrose, Horace H. Cummings. Orson F. Whitney and Francis M. Lyman.
Arthur Winter, as Secretary and Treasurer of the General Church Board of Education.
Horace H. Cummings. General Superintendent of Church Schools.
Board of Examiners for Church Schools: Horace H. Cummings, chairman; George H. Brimhall, C. N. Jensen and Guy C. Wilson. Auditing Committee: William W. Riter, Henry H. Rolapp, John C. Cutler, Heber Scowcroft, and Joseph S. Wells.
Tabernacle Choir: Evan Stephens, conductor; Horace S. Ensign, assistant conductor; John J. McClellan, organist; Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon, assistant organists; George C. Smith, secretary and treasurer; John Drakeford, librarian; and all the members.
General Board of Relief Society: Emmeline B. Wells, president; Clarissa S. Williams, first counselor; Julina L. Smith, second counselor; Amy Brown Lyman, secretary; Susa Young Gates, corresponding secretary; Emma A. Empey, treasurer; Lizzie Thomas Edward, musical director; Edna H. Coray, organist; Sarah Jenna Cannon, Romania B. Penrose, Emily S. Richards, Julia P. M. Farnsworth. Phebe Y. Beatie, Ida S. Dusenberry, Carrie S. Thomas, Alice M. Horne, Priscilla P. Jennings, Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Rebecca N. Nibley, Elizabeth C. McCune. Edna May Davis, Sarah M. McLelland. Elizabeth C. Crismon, Jeanette A. Hyde and Sarah Eddington.
General Board of Deseret Sunday School Union—Joseph F. Smith, superintendent; David O. McKay, first assistant superintendent; Stephen L. Richards, second assistant superintendent; George D. Pyper, secretary; John F. Bennett, treasurer. Other 'members of board: Francis M. Lyman. Heber J. Grant, Hugh J. Cannon, Andrew Kimball, John M. Mills, William D. Owen. Seymour B. Young, Anthon H. Lund. James E. Talmage. George M. Cannon, Horace H. Cummings, Josiah Burrows. William A. Morton, Horace S. Ensign, Henry H. Rolapp, Harold G. Reynolds, Charles B. Felt, George H. Wallace, Howard R. Driggs, Nathan T. Porter, Milton Bennion, Charles W. Penrose, Edwin' G. Woolley, Jr., Hyrum G. Smith, Charles H. Hart, Joseph Ballantyne, J. Leo Fairbanks, J. W. Walker, E. G. Gowans, E. Conway Ashton and Adam S. Bennion.
General Board Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association— Joseph F. Smith, superintendent; Heber J. Grant and-Brigham H. Roberts, assistant superintendents; Moroni Snow, secretary; Francis M. Lyman, J. Golden Kimball, Junius F. Wells, George H. Brimhall, Edward H. Anderson, Thomas Hull, Willard Done, LeRoi C. Snow, Rudger Clawson, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, Bryant S. Hinckley, Brigham F. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., Lewis T. Cannon, Benjamin Goddard, George Albert Smith, Thomas A. Clawson, Lyman R. Martineau, Charles H. Hart, John A. Widtsoe, James H. Anderson, Anthony W. Ivins, Oscar A. Kirkham, Anthon H. Lund, George F. Richards, Nephi Anderson, John H. Taylor, Charles W. Penrose, James E. Talmage, Hyrum G. Smith, Henry C. Lund, George J. Cannon, Nicholas G. Morgan, Claude Richards, John F. Bowman, Levi Edgar Young, Roscoe W. Eardley, Richard W. Young and Preston D. Richards.
General Board Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association—Martha Horne Tingey, president; Ruth May Fox, first counselor; Mae Taylor Nystrom, second counselor; Clarissa A. Beesley, secretary; Joan M. Campbell, recording secretary; .Alice K. Smith, treasurer; Margaret Summerhays land Mabel Cooper, music directors. Aids: Maria Young Dougall, Adella W. Eardley, Agnes S. Campbell, Ann M. Cannon, May Booth Talmage, Emma Goddard, Rose W. Bennett, Julia M. Brixen, Augusta W. Grant, Estelle Neff Caldwell, Emily Caldwell Adams, Mary E. Connelly, Elen Wallace, Lucy Woodruff Smith, Jane B. Anderson, Edith R. Lovsey, Laura Bennion Dimond, Rachel Grant Taylor, Sarah E. Richards, Lucy S. Carter and Charlotte Stewart.
General board of Primary associations—Louie B. Felt, 'president; May Anderson, first counselor; Clara W. Beebe, second counselor; Frances K. Thomassen, secretary; Edith E. Hunter, treasurer; Ida B. Smith, librarian, Adelaide U. E. Hardy, assistant librarian; Emma Ramsey Morris, chorister; Matilda W. Cahoon, assistant chorister; Ivy Allen, organist; Isabella S. Ross and Ann Nebeker, physical directors. Advisors to the board; George F. Richards and Anthony W. Ivins. Aids: Lillie T. Freeze. Josephine R. West, Aurelia Rogers, L. L. Greene Richards, Camilla C. Cobb, Eliza S. Bennion, Margaret C. Eastmond, Edna Harker Thomas, Alice L. Howarth, Emma P. Romney, Zina Y. Card, Laura L. Foster, Erma Bitner Evans, Eleanor R. Jeremy, Ella S. Carpenter, Mary F. Young, Annie S. Milne, Georgina F. Richards, Vilate S. Chambers, Beatrice Cannon, Helen Davis, Florence Summerhays, Marion Belnap Kerr.
General board of Religion classes—Anthon H. Lund, superintendent; Rudger Clawson, first assistant superintendent; Hyrum M. Smith, second assistant superintendent; Edwin S. Sheets, secretary; Horace H. Cummings, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, John Henry Evans, William A. Morton, Joseph J. Cannon, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, Orson F. Whitney, James E. King, George F. Richards, Heber J. Grant. Anthony W. Ivins, George H. Brimhall, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., P. J. Jenson, Willard Young, James E. Talmage, N. Andrew Jensen and Guy C. Wilson.
General board of the Genealogical society of Utah—Anthon H. Lund, president; Charles W. Penrose, vice president; Joseph F. Smith, Jr., secretary and treasurer; Joseph Christenson, librarian; Anthony W. Ivins, D. M. McAllister and Heber J. Grant.
Duncan M. McAllister as Clerk of the Conference.
Each and all of those named were duly sustained in the positions designated, by unanimous vote of the Conference.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
I need only to say at the conclusion of this conference, that the Lord has truly blessed us with a glorious outpouring of His Spirit, and by virtue of my calling and the priesthood that I hold, I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
In accordance with his authority, as Presiding Patriarch of the Church, Hyrum G. Smith blessed the people and pronounced the benediction.
Conference adjourned for six months.
Prof. Evan Stephens conducted the singing of the choir and congregation at the Conference meetings in the Tabernacle, and Prof. John J. McClellan played the accompaniments, interludes, etc., on the great organ, assisted by Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon.
The stenographic reports of the discourses were taken by Elders Franklin W. Otterstrom, Frederick E. Barker, Fred G. Barker, and Clarence Cramer.
Duncan M. McAllister,
Clerk of Conference.
I need only to say at the conclusion of this conference, that the Lord has truly blessed us with a glorious outpouring of His Spirit, and by virtue of my calling and the priesthood that I hold, I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
In accordance with his authority, as Presiding Patriarch of the Church, Hyrum G. Smith blessed the people and pronounced the benediction.
Conference adjourned for six months.
Prof. Evan Stephens conducted the singing of the choir and congregation at the Conference meetings in the Tabernacle, and Prof. John J. McClellan played the accompaniments, interludes, etc., on the great organ, assisted by Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon.
The stenographic reports of the discourses were taken by Elders Franklin W. Otterstrom, Frederick E. Barker, Fred G. Barker, and Clarence Cramer.
Duncan M. McAllister,
Clerk of Conference.