sixty=bighth:

nnual Conference!

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST : OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS,

Tld in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, -April 6$.h, 7th, 8th and 10th, 1898, with a Full Report of the Discourses.

b an. Account of the General Conference of fe> the Deseret Sunday School Union.

COPYRIGHTED 18fl8. ALL RIGHTS RE=yERVED.

Deseret News Publtshinp Company. 1898.

.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

FIRST DAY.

The Sixty-eighth annual Conference PRESIDENT WILFORD WOOD- of the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- RUFF. ter-day Saints convened in the Taber- OPENING REMARKS nacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 a. m. on I feel very thankful to have the Wednesday, April 6th, 1898, President privilege of meeting with so many Wilford Woodruff presiding. of the Latter-day Saints in this, our Of the general authorities present on Sixty-eighth Annual Conference of the the stand there were of the First Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Presidency—Wilford Woodruff, George Saints. I had my fears that I would Q. Cannon and Joseph P. Smith; of not be able to attend this Conference the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles- at all, as I have been quite unwell the Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, last month; but the last day or two Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, I have been blessed with better health. John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, It is a great satisfaction to me to have Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mar- this privilege. I am satisfied myself riner W. Merrill, Matthias F. Cowley that there are many thousands in the and Abraham Owen Woodruff: Patri- spirit world, including the Prophet arch John Smith: of the First Seven Joseph Smith and other leaders of this Presidents of Seventies—Seymour B. Church, who are quite as deeply inter- Young, C. D. Fjelstead, B. H. Roberts, ested in this Conference and our work George Reynolds and Jonathan G. today as we possibly can be ourselves. Kimball; of the Presiding Bishopric— I hope, while we are together, that we William B. Preston, Robert T. Burton may enjoy the Spirit of God; that our and John R. Winder. minds may be opened, and our teach- Conference was called to order by ings and instructions be led in that President George Q. Cannon. channel which shall be unto the edifi- The choir and congregation sang the cation of the Saints and beneficial to hymn which begins: us. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of The signs of the times show that the Lord, the Lord has not forgotten His prom- Is laid for your faith in His excellent word. ises, made through the inspiration of Prophets and Apostles in generations Opening prayer by Elder John that are past and gone. There ha:5 Nicholson. been a great change in the world with All hail the glorious day, regard to "Mormonism" the last year By Prophets long foretold, of our lives, as shown in the increase When with harmonious lay, of the work and qf the labors of the The sheep of Israel's fold all the nation"-; On Zion's hill his praise proclaim, Elders of Israel among And shout Hosanna to His name, where they have been called to travel. a was sung by the choir. I hope and pray that^ve may be in 2 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

cold. he is condition to comprehend our duties to- severe attack of But here with us, and it is a cause of great satis- day and what is lying before us, that as faction and pleasure to all to see him the purposes of God concerning us to hear his voice, even if it is only Latter-day Saints may be carried out. and be for a brief period. I trust that the Spirit of God may has said, with not only those who speak and As President Woodruff the progress of the work is very gratifying. teach during this Conference, but with It is an important period in which we those also who sit and hear. My are living. A great change has taken prayer to God is that His blessing may place in relation to this work and its be over us, that our minds may be bearing upon the nations. No doubt open to comprehend our duties, our the greater portion of this congregation blessings, and those things which are will remember the promises that were required at our hands; that we may made by the servant of God during the be true and faithful in our labors dedication of the Salt Lake Temple five while we dwell in the flesh, so that years ago. Predictions were made then when we get through we may be satis- that seemed unlikely to be fulfilled, fied with our labors here, and be looking at affairs as men naturally look justified when we are called to give at them. But not a word was said an account of the deeds done in the concerning the progress of this work body. I say, God bless you. I pray and the favor that it would find from for His Holy Spirit to rest upon us that time forward that has not been as the Saints of God, and upon those literally fulfilled. who may address us; which is my de- As I have said, a great change has sire in the name of Jesus. Amen. taken place in relation to the work of the Lord. It occupies a different posi- PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. tion, in many, respects, to that which it has ever occupied before. It was a Dawning of a brighter day—Predictions in relation cause of consolation to the Saints, in to the work of God—Guided by the Spirit of prophecy—Trials and deliverances, past, present the dark hours that we witnessed some and prospective—the missionary department- ten or twelve years ago, to hear the El- Advisability of using women as missionaries. ders predict that a better day was about to dawn upon the people, and It is gratifying this morning to see that we should emerge from the trials assemblage in this building, so large an and difficulties and sorrows of those our Confer- at the commencement of days with greater influence and more the in- ence, and it is to be hoped that power, more respected as a people than terest that is manifested today by those we ever had been. It seemed highly im- present will be maintained dur- who are probable that those predictions would ing the Conference, that through that be fulfilled, because the bitterness en- interest we may obtain a goodly decree tertained toward the Latter-day Saints the Spirit of God, and all feel, of may and their religion was so widespread this Conference closes, that it has when and deep-seated. But those predictions at- been the best Conference we ever have been fulfilled. tended. This is is the usual feeling We have often been surrounded by which those who attend the Confer- very difficult circumstances, and there ences experience. At each Conference have been many times in our history blessings of God that are re- the when it seemed as though this work of ceived appear to be greater than God would be overthrown and all his before, and of course this ever purposes brought to naught. Those who feeling is produced by the in- have fought against this work have in- terest that each one has in attending dulged in those anticipations. \The the meetings and in listening to the in- measures which they undertook, and into the spirit structions and drinking which they endeavored to carry out, of the Conference. It is most gratify- had for their object the destruction of ing to all of us to see President Wood- this organization and the breaking up ruff and to hear his voice. As he of this people. They supposed these has said, he scarcely expected a few measures sufficient to accomplish the days ago to be able to attend this Con- ends they had in view. If they had ference, suffering as he did from a very not felt sure of this, they would, with- PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. 3 out doubt, have tried other plans. and separating the people in such a That which has sustained the Lat- way that they would never again be ter-day Saints during their times of united. But the people did gather to- trial has been the spirit of prophecy. gether again. It was the power of God The Lord has given to His Elders the that did this. It was the spirit of pro- spirit of prophecy. In the midst of the phecy that rested upon the servants of most terrible trials, when the people God, which encouraged the people, were broken up, driven out from their which told them that the Lord had re- homes and possessions, in a state of vealed and established His Church on utter destitution, without food, without the earth, and that there was neither proper clothing-, without shelter, home- power on earth nor in hell that could less wanderers, scattered by the ruth- destroy it, or that could thwart His less hand of violence—in those dark purposes, as predicted by the mouths hours the Lord gave unto His servants of His holy prophets. As in the past, the spirit of prophecy. It rested upon so it has been of late years. That them in power, and they predicted to same spirit has rested upon the people. the people that a better day would And there is this grand peculiarity con- dawn upon them, and they would nected wth this work; it has not been emerge from their trials stronger and those men alone who have been chosen better, more firmly rooted in the faith by the Lord to lead who have had this which the Lord had revealed to them, spirit.They have not prophesied without than they were before, more than a witness on the part of the faithful once in the history of the Latter-day people themselves that that which they Saints have mobs driven them from said was the truth and from the Al- their homes—the places the Lord had mighty. For in the hearts of all the designated as places of gathering; and Latter-day Saints there has been a they were a scattered people, brok- responsive echo to the words of hope, en up, and without an abiding place. cheer and comfort and prophesy that But under the inspiraton of the Al- have been given by those upon whom mighty, through the spirit of prophecy the spirit of prophecy has rested. The that He gave to His servants, and to people have felt the spirit, thev have the people themselves, they were been cheered and sustained by it. We drawn together and held by bonds that have seen this so often that we know were invisible to human eyes. And that that which the Lord has spoken though at times they were widely sep- concerning His work will be fulfilled. arated, they were drawn together to It is astonishing, when we reflect the new gathering place, which under upon it, what has been done in this the inspiration of the Almighty through respect. We have seen people driven His servants, and in which they them- out from their homes in utter desti- selves also shared, they knew to be the tution, crossing the plains, with im- place for them once more to assemble. provised wagons, made in the rudest How numerous soever the temptatona manner, out of the greenest material, all around them to induce them to with cows, or oxen, or ponies, or any- desert the cause of God, to leave a peo- thing that could be hitched up ple who were so persecuted and who to draw them; a few personal had to endure such trials, these in- effects thrown into the wagon, visible bonds of which I speak drew with a small amount of food, them together and prompted them to many of the men, and the women, too, again attempt to build up cities and almost barefooted, and the children in temples, where they could worship the the same condition—all inspired by one Almighty according to the command- spirit, and that the Spirit of God. There ments which He had given unto them. was nothing in their circumstances, natural eye It is truly marvelous to look back that could be seen by the upon the history of the Latter-day to cheer or to sustain them. But they their feel- Saints; to see the power that had been were full of hope, buoyant in confidence manifested in holding them together ings, traveling with as much as they have been. As I have said, and certainly as though they knew that those who framed plans against them, every step they had to take and supposed they could not fail in des- there was a good place ahead of them troying the organization of the Church which they would reach and in the 4 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

"pleasures of which they could partake. is the Spirit of prophecy. the We have seen this, I say, and it has Elders testified that this was the place been an astonishing- illustration of which God had chosen, and which He what God can do for a people; of how had appointed as a place of gathering He can sustain them, and inspire them for His Saints; and they themselves to do the work that He requires at their had the same testimony, the same liands. spirit. A peculiar love sprung up in When the Saints were in Iowa (then the hearts of the people for this land, a territory), traveling through, and af- even in those days. There was some- terwards at Winter Quarters, the wo- thing most attracive about its moun- men, in many instances, took their tains and valleys and these clear feather beds, and sent them down to streams of water that flowed from the Missouri to sell, in order to get a little mountains. One thing that added to provision. All sorts of expedients were its charm was, it was a land of liberty, resorted to in order to get a little food. a land of freedom, a land where mobs There was Missouri on the left, inviting could not come and attack us, as they the people—a good land, food in plenty, had done in the past; a place where a land where they could live with com- the families of the Saints, and the lead- parative ease. But did the Saints ing men among them, could go to bed swerve? Did they, during the dreadful in peace and quietness, undisturbed by days of Winter Quarters, think they the fear that they would be attacked must desert that place where so many during the night. This brought a died through exposure and the want strange and delightful feeling of relief. of suitable food, and gO' where they If they only had bread to eat, or suffi- could get some of the comforts and con- cient to sustain life; if they had only such thoughts veniences of life? Were water to drink, I believe that the great people? in the hearts of the No; no bulk of the people—with scarcely an feeling was manifested. If any de- such exception, I may say—would have been not to serted then, they were so few as content to remain here even under those people a mis- be remembered. The had circumstances.The idea of having fruit and child sion. Each man, woman such as we now have, and in (that was old enough) felt that God had such abundance, was scarcely an- to and to her a mission; entrusted him ticipated. If anticipated at all, and with unswerving integrity, with it was by but very few, be- unfaltering cpurage, they maintained cause the seeds that were sown their foothold there until the time when and the little trees that grew up were they could start further west. frozen down the first two or three It was that same spirit and intensity years. But there was a contented and of devotion that inspired them in com- a happy people here. They went to ing to this land. And it what was bed with their doors unlocked. There that kept the people here? What was no fear among them. They had influence was there operating upon been relieved from a terrible fear. them? there Was anything inviting Those who came under those circum- in this land? look it To at now, and stances could recall the nights and the to imagine that this was its condition hours they had spent watching and the when brethren and sisters came fearing for a mob to come upon them here in first the place, you would say, to drive them out of their homes, to "this is an inviting country, a de- burn their houses, perhaps to inflict lightful place to stop." But no such upon them personal violence. They re- sight as now witness we was beheld membered, too, that not one of their them. by Everything was forbidding. leading men could go to sleep in his It looked as though the people might house without having a guard to watch starve to death; and after the him. The relief from that condition of crickets came it certainly looked for affairs was such as to bring happiness a while as they though would in and of itself. But I say again, it starve to death. Did the Latter-day was the spirit of Prophecy that rested Saints falter then? No, they did not. upon the Elders and upon the neoDle What was it that sustained them? It that sustained them. God revealed by was this same spirit of prophecy that I His Holy Spirit the future that awaited have alluded to—the Spirit of God,which the people. The people knew, as they PRESIDENT GEORGE Q CANNON. 5 knew that they lived, that this work great change, as I have said, has taken was bound to triumph, that it was place in public feeling concerning us. bound to be successful, that those who Our Elders are treated generally with clung to it would be successful with it, a great deal of kindness. Of the thou- and that there was a great and glorious sand Elders that are now laboring in triumph awaiting them, not only in the United States, the report comes this life, but in the realms of bliss in from most of them that they are treat- the life to come. ed with kindness. Traveling without It has been that same spirit that has purse and scrip, they are entertained, rested down of late years upon the friends are raised up to them, doors are people. They have been comforted and opened to them, and they are treated sustained by the Spirit of God and the kindly, and not persecuted to anything predictions of the servants of God. It like the extent they were a few years is a wonderful blessing, my brethren ago. The same report comes from the and sisters. It is well for us to think five hundred Elders who are of it today as the members of the now engaged in the ministry Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day in Europe. Their testimony agrees Saints; think that we are in this happy with the testimony of the servants condition; that the heavens are in com- of God in the United States. This is munication with us, because it is from particularly the case in the German heaven that we receive these blessings empire. There was a time when it was that are so delightful and that have almost at the cost of personal liberty such an effect upon us and upon our that men preached the Gospel there. movements. It is a blessed thing to They had to do so in secrecy, in places think that the heavens are with us in where the police could not punish them this; that we are guided by the revela- because of the nature of their gather- tions of the Lord Jesus; that the gift ings. But now this is changed. Re- of prophecy has been restored in our ligious freedom has dawned in many of day, and has been received and enjoyed these countries, and the Elders now by men. Not a prediction has been can preach without being put in jeop- uttered concerning this work, so far as ardy as they were a few years ago. the work itself is concerned, that has On the islands of the Pacific there are not been fulfilled. Not a hope has been some two hundred Elders laboring, and inspired, not an encouragement has their labors are also attended with been given to the Latter-day Saints good results. They speak of the mani- by the prophets of God, that has not festation of the power and blessings up to the present hour been abundantly of God in their behalf, and of the kind- fulfilled, as far as we have gone. Much ly feeling that is manifested towards yet remains to be fulfilled. It would them by those with whom they are be impossible for the human mmd to brought in contact. conceive of that which remains; but Thus these seventeen hundred Elders we see the fufillment of the predictions are laboring now with an efficiency and as we progress day by day. They are with a success that is unparalled in fulfilled in our sight, when our eyes are the history of our Church. At no time open bo perceive them. Therefore, our has this Church held an annual Con- hearts ought to be filled with gladness ference where there was greater cause and exceeding thanksgiving to 'the for gratulation and thanksgiving than Lord our God that we are in this con- there is today in this Sixty-eighth An- dition; that the Lord has not forgotten nual Conference of the Church of Jesus us; that He has not closed His ears Christ of Latter-day Saints. Never against us, nor His mouth, so that He before were there so many cannot speak to us; that He has not Elders in the field. Never turned His face away from us; but that before did they meet with such suc- He smiles upon us, that He gives unto cess. Never before were there so many us the comforting, cheering and en- baptized in a single year apparently lightening influences of His Holy as there have been during this year. Spirit to be with us. These causes of thanksgiving ought to Now we are passing through other be remembered by us, and we ought to trials. "We have emerged from those thank our God from the bottom of our that environed us a few years ago. A hearts for that which He is doing for 6 GENERAL CONFEREALE. us, for the fulfillment of the words of is impressing strongly upon the minds the servant of God in the Temple when of the converts to His Gospel, may be it was dedicated; for he then proph- carried out there. esied what would be the result of that The Twelve Apostles at home, as you dedication and the glorious effects that all know, have been untiring in their would follow that work. labors in visiting the various confer- In our own country here we also ences and laboring with the Saints to have cause for thanksgiving. It is the extent of their ability. Brothers interesting to the Saints, no doubt, to John Henry Smith and John W. Tay- know, as many probably do know, lor, during a few weeks' absence, held that Brothers Lyman and Cowley 100 meetings with the Saints in the have visited the conferences and the various Stakes where they visited, and Elders in the Southern, Eastern and the reports that come to us show that Northern States, and their ministra- these labors have been attended with tions among those whom they have excellent effects. visited have been attended with good The Seven Presidents of Seventies, effects, in regulating affairs, giving also, either accompany the Twelve or instructions, correcting anything that go themselves. They are a traveling was improper or that was likely to ministry, laboring very assiduously in become improper. We have been their calling among the various Stakes greatly gratified at hearing the reports —those of them who are home. As which they have given to us of the you know, two of their number are results of their labors. The Presidents now in Europe, presiding over the and Elders in the Southern, Eastern, European Mission—Brothers Rulon S. Northern and Southwestern States Wells and Joseph W. McMurrin. missions are doing excellent work. A new step has been taken, that is, As you know probably, Brother to preach to the surrounding peoples. Anthon H. Lund has left here since Our attention has been drawn to the our last Conference for Palestine, ac- states surrounding us. Brother John companied by Brother Hintze (who W. Taylor has been laboring in Color- formerly labored in the Turkish mis- ado with a number of Elders, and with sion and who has a knowledge of the great success. In Denver, Pueblo and language) and an Armenian brother, other places they have been the mean* who wished to return to his own coun- of bringing many to the knowledge of try. The object of their going is to the truth. In Idaho and Montana, endeavor to secure a place of gather- also, the Elders have been laboring ing for the Saints of the Orient, so and have done and are doing a good that they may not be subjected to the work in different places there, ana restrictions that are imposed upon im- they report excellent results. The peo- migrants to this land from those coun- ple are listening to them, and furnish- tries. We do not know how successful ing them with places where they can they may be in their labors; but the meet and preach to the people. In word we have received is hopeful and our own State we have heard of the encouraging. The Elders have been brethren taking hold and visiting their greatly blessed so far in their journey, neighbors who are not of our faith. and have been successful at their first There is a class of people in Utah meeting in baptizing quite a large who' think what they do not know number of people who were prepared about the Mormons and their doctrines to receive the Gospel, and also con- is not worth knowing, and they are firming a number who had been bap- fill-/* with conceit respecting their tized, but who had not been con- knowledge of our principles, while they

firmed because of the absence of a. are densely ignorant concerning us. bearer of the Melchisedek Priesthood. That which they do know is of so shal- The brethren write very encourag- low a character that it deceives them. ingly on these matters, and we hope They sometimes go away and talk to

they will be successful in finding a. newspaper people, and tell what they spot, if it be the Lord's will, whert know, and how long they have re- the Saints of the Orient can commence sided here, and yet they really do not to gather in that land, so that tnt know anything about us. But besides principle of gathering, which the Lord this class there is another, composed PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. 7

of honest people who are not of our riage till they could ask some counsel. faith—honest, I mean, in regard to The young man and the young woman morality and in their conception of the were both morally and physically truth. A man may be a very honest capable of going on a mission, and man financially, and yet not be honest they had sufficient means also. The enough to receive the truth of heaven. question was asked, Would it be right It is, therefore, no impugnment of a for them to get married, and for the man's financial honesty to talk about young lady to accompany her hus- his not being honest enough to re- band? The First Presidency wrote ceive the truth. Some of the brethren back, "Yes, if she is such a young thought they could do a good work in woman as you describe; let her be sex. the different wards by visiting those apart as a missionary and go with who are not of our faith. Where this her husband and preach the Gospel has been done, the reports are that it as well as she can." We said the sam& has been attended with excellent re- In the president of the California mis- sults. Many of the people in the State sion; we said, "Yes, if these wives are have read our works with pleasure, prudent women." We do not want and have expressed their confidence unwise women sent any more than in their truth. unwise men, because they could do This is a good thing. It is a labor more injury than they could do good. encouraged us. that should be among But if they can get a recommend from Some of these people have complained their Bishops as wise, suitable women, of our exclusiveness. Of course, we. we will set them apart and send them can understand why we are exclusive. to their husbands, if their husbands We have had such a training as to can bear the expense of their trans- make us to a great extent exclusive. portation. Since then two other ladies They have had cause doubtless for were going to Europe, and the appli- thinking that we in our treatment of cation came up from the President of them, were exclusive; but where they the Stake and his counselors to know have been brought in contact with our whether they could not go in the ca- people, especially with our sisters, the pacity of missionaries. They were effects, as reported to us, have in- capable young ladies; they had kin- variably been good. We have felt to dred in Europe, one a brother and the encourage the Presidents of Stakes other an affianced, and the question and the Bishops of wards in this labor, was, what should be done about them. if they .are because we believe it will be attended We sent word back, "Yes, apart with most excellent effects, and many the kind you describe, set them to may thus be brought to the knowl- and let them go as missionaries can, edge of the truth. preach the Gospel, as far as they who In California the work has been pro- to their own sex and to others as gressing also in a very satisfactory will listen to them." It seems manner. The President of the Cali- though the Lord is preparing the way to do fornia Mission wrote a letter to the for the women of this Church some First Presidency a short time since, some good in this direction. To and said there were three Elders there lands and under some circumstances their that would like to have their wives suitable women might go with sent to them, as they thought they husbands as missionaries and be able could do a good work. About the to do a great deal of good. European same time we received a letter from The Presidency of the the European Mission, the Presidency mission wrote to us of several sisters of which suggested that where the who had been there with their hus- Elders could take their wives with bands, and they described the good them, and they were prudent women, they had done and the good influence they might do a great deal of good. they had carried. It was illustrated Just about those days a letter came by a conversation that was had a short from a president of a Stake, saying time ago at one of our social gather- there was a young couple in his Stake ings. Brother George D. Pyper and who were about to be married; but his wife had been East, and in the the young man had been called on a branch where they had visited there mission, and they delayed their mar- had been frequent expressions among 8 GENERAL CONFERENCE. those who had not joined the Church bright with hope, everything to en- to this effect: "Well, we have seen courage us. the Mormon Elders, but we have not We have our trials today of a finan- seen the Mormon women; we would cial character. Our people, many ot like to see some Mormon women, and them, are unemployed. In conse- see what kind of people they are." quence of this, the counsel has been There was one woman of some prom- given to not send the Saints here from inence that had not joined the Church, abroad, but rather to keen them in though her husband had; but she had the branches until they get groundea expressed herself several times in this in the faith. After a while, when they manner. Sister Pyper visited there, are established in the truth and are and became acquainted with this lady, better able to endure the trials they and the lady was so pleased at meet- will have to meet with in Zion, they intelligent ing one of our sisters—an can gather. But now it is not the not woman, and a woman that did voice of the Spirit that the Saints look as thought she was a poor, down- should gather from the nations of the trodden slave—that she entered the earth as they have been doing, coming the Church. No doubt, it was due to here full of inexperience, and then un- the fact that she had found that able to endure the trials that they have women were as intelligent, as pre- to contend with, and apostatize. Let in their sentable and as ladylike them stay in their branches, and if their sphere as the gentlemen were in they wish to apostatize let them apos- sphere. This is encouraging, and it tatize there, without being at the oper- no doubt will enlarge our field of trouble and expense of coming to Zion. ations to a very great extent. There In this way we may raise up strong will be an opportunity, doubtless, for branches, that will assist the Elders women who are capable and who de- in the various fields of labor, and sus- under sire to do good, to go out, tain and comfort them. This is the proper conditions; not to go unattend- counsel that has been given to the pru- ed and alone—that would not be Elders, and we think it correct coun- dent—but where they have husbands sel. In the meantime those at home who are going, and they are suitable can be strengthening themselves as as in other respects, it would seem best they can. As I say, we are pass- though there would be no impropriety ing through trials of this character. in their going and bearing their testi- There never has been a time since we mony. Of course, they cannot ad- have been in these mountains that we minister the ordinances. It is not have had such things to contend with. their province to officiate in the ordin- In the early days there was scarcity ances of the Gospel. But they can of comforts and of money; but there bear testimony; they can teach; the* was no debt. Now the great bulk of can do can distribute tracts, and they the people—that is, of the leading peo- a great many things that would as- ple—are in debt. The most prudent Gospei sist in the propagation of the men among us have got entangled. of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the condition of the people. Now, brethren and sisters, looking Shall we remain in this condition? at all the work in its entirety, have President Woodruff says he hopes not. we not cause to glorify God this day, Now it is a good chance to prophesy; at this Sixty-eighth Annual Confer- but I do not want to assume that role ence? Sixty-eight years the Church today. I feel assured, however, that has been organized. We look back to we shall emerge from these financial our sorrows, our tribulations and that troubles just as we have from other which the Saints have endured, but trials. I do not have the shadow of a for those who have been faithful to doubt in my mind about it. But I do the truth there is no sorrow mingled not wish to say what I feel, for I do with our contemplation of those scenes, not want to say too much about these great There is no cause to regret being things. But I think we have steadfast and maintaining our integ- cause for hope and encouragement. rity until today. And how does the Looking at the past, and remember- future look? Radiant with promise, ing the blessings that God has given PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH. 9 to us, the promises He has made to testimony which we have heard this: us, and the deliverances He has morning from President George Q. wrought our for us, I think we have Cannon is, from first to last, true; and cause to rejoice today and to put our I do not hesitate to believe that all trust in Him. He will bring us through this congregation of Latter-day Saints if we will only serve Him. He will can bear testimony to the truth of the teach us where we are ignorant; He remarks which we have heard. I cer- will give us knowledge, and knowl- tainly bear my testimony to these edge is power. Because there is knowl- things; for I not only know by ex- edge among the people is what makes perience of their truth, but the Spirit this Church a rjowerful organization. of the Lord bears record of it to my The Lord has given unto us knowl- heart, as I know it must do to all the edge concerning many things. Latter-day Saints. The Lord has At the present time all Europe is sustained His people. He has guided preparing for war. They do not know His servants. He has opened up our what may arise out of these Chinese way, and from time to time has lifted complications. America is disturbea the clouds of persecution and of dark- by the prospects of war with Spain. ness that have lowered over oui Capitalists are endeavoring to keep heads, and caused the sunlight of joy their money in a position where they and truth to shine down upon the can handle and control it. A general Latter-day Saints. The Lord has feeling of unrest prevails throughout blessed us in these valleys of the the nation. Now, as far as we are mountains, and has given us of His concerned, while we share to a certain abundance; for He has made the earth extent in all these feelings (for we are fruitful for our sake. He has blessed part of this nation, and nothing can us abundantly with the products of happen to the nation that will not the earth and with rich return for our affect us), there is among us an ab- labors, wherein we have labored sence of fear, a feeling of rest, an ab- wisely and with prudence have used sence of trepidation concerning the the blessings that the Lord has be- movements of the nation, and a senst stowed upon us. Many of us may of security that I believe no other peo- have been unwise in the management ple on the earth have. The reason of of our affairs, and because of this un- it is that we know that God doeth wisdom we today suffer the results of nothing, except He revealeth it unto our own short-sightedness and folly. His servants the Prophets. We know Where this has been the case, I hope the spirit of prophecy is in our midst, and pray that we may profit by this and that if there is any danger threat- experience for all time to eo::ie, and for it. ening us we shall be prepared that in the future we will live nearer The Lord will inspire His servants unto the Lord, that we 'may have more and His people so that they will not abundantly the light of His Spirit to be found unprepared. guide us, not only in our spiritual God bless you, my brethren and sis- affairs, but also in all temporal affairs. ters. God bless us all during this Con- The work that we are engaged in is- ference; bless every man that shall not designed to be limited by the speak, and inspire him with the Spirit spiritual necessities of the people and power of God; bless every one that alone. It is the purpose of God in shall listen that all may rejoice to- restoring the Gospel and the holy gether and be mutually edified; which Priesthood, not only to benefit man- I humbly ask in the name of Jesus. kind spiritually, but also to benefit Amen. them temporally. The Lord has ex- pressed this many times, in the word PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. SMITH. that He gave to His servant Joseph He designed that Righteousness brings temporal as well as spiritual Smith the Prophet; the richest blessings—Some protessing to ba Saints not con- His people should become sistent. of all people. And this not only means* the richest of all people in heavenly riches, As a few minutes remain, I have been gifts—in spiritual blessings and people of requested to bear my testimony. I but it also means that the people think I can safely declare that the God shall be the richest of all IO GENERAL CONFERENCE with regard to temporal matters, li bless and prosper them, and made faithful we have a right to claim the them notable among the nations of the blessings of the Lord upon the labor earth. But when they forgot their of our hands, our temporal labors. tithes and their offerings; when they The farmer has a right to ask the forgot their prayers, and became re- Lord for blessings upon his farm, upon bellious and disobedient to the laws the labor that he bestows upon it. and requirements of God, then were He has a right to claim the blessings the rains withheld, and the earth be- of the Lord upon the animals that are came dust beneath their feet, their necessary to the cultivation of his vines cast their fruit before their farm. He has a right to ask God to time; they yere cursed with the blight, bless the grain that he sows and the and with the mildew, and with the seeds of the fruit that he plant*, hi rust, and with the grasshopper, and the soil. It is his privilege, not only with the devouring insects, until the> to ask and claim these blessings a' the were brought down low : u poverty ana hand of the Lord, but it is his right in distress. The Lord felt after the and privilege to receive blessings from people in ancient times in this way. God upon his labor, upon his farm, (See Deut. 28.) and upon all that he puts his hand Now, what was true respecting unto in righteousness. It is our priv- God's dealings with the people of ilege to ask God to remove the curse Israel in ancient days is true ar.3 ap- from the earth, and to make it fruit- plicable today. ful. If we will live that we shall be This is my testimony anil 1 believe entitled to His favor, and that we this would be the testimony of every may justly and righteously clpim the faithful Latter-day ?aint. Every man blessings and gifts that He has prom- and woman who has labored in faith ised unto His Saints, then that which and humility, putting their trust in we ask will be given, and we shall the Lord, have this testimony in their receive and enjoy them more abund- hearts. But those who have labored

antly. It is our privilege to ask God without faith, without h>pr: . without to bless the elements that surround charity; those who ha /a not put their us and to temper them for our good, trust in the Lord, who have heevme and we know He will hear and anrwer worldly; who have allowed the spirit the prayers of His people, ace-mling of skepticism to enter into th'-.ir hearts; to their faith. Read the Scriptures, if who have labored ai the infidel labors, we believe them, and the testimonies without regard to the duties that men that are there borne of the dealings owe to God—such .is these may in- of God with ancient Israel, and see how deed be ba-ren of thifc lrnowl.^lgtv and God blessed the people when they testimony, and may be without the were faithful in keeping His c m- consolation, assurance and strength mandments. The earth was made this testimony gives. fruitful for them. Their vines did not I am not unaware of the fact that cast their fruit before their time Ihey there is more or less infidelity and were free from mildew, and from skepticism in the hearts of the people, rust, and from the devouring insects, i am aware of the fact that some arc and from drouth, and from every indifferent to the duties that devolve casualty and destructive evil. They upon us as Latter-day Saints. We were prospered in their outgoings and have exhibitons of this spirit of infi- in their incomings, and they had delity, of ridicule and of recklessness abundance, when they served the day after day as we walk along the Lord. This is according to the history streets and as we observe the con- that has been written of the dealings duct of men. We see it upon the Sab- of God with His ancient people. They bath day, when men professing to be were blessed with the earlv and the members of the Churcn should be but latter rains, and the earth was made are not honoring the Sabbath and fruitful for them. "When from Lcoes- keeping it holy. We see it when we sity they went out to battle against take into consideration the require- their enemies, their enemies fled be- ments the Lord has made of His peo- fore them seven ways, as the Scrip- ple with regard to the Word of Wis- tures tell us. In every way did Goa dom and contrast the same with Iboir 1

PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH. 1 doings. As we pass up and down the short-sighted and .hypocritical spirit. streets, and as we »o from place to Latter-day Saints cannot afford to in- place we see how iitt'.e regard is paid dulge in such actions or conduct as by a certain class to tliis instruction this, nor to harbor this spirit in their

that has been given l<> the people to hearts. It does not matter to me how make them Saints. We only need to much tea and coffee Z. O. M. I. sells, go to the mercantile houses in tht- so long as I do not buy it. If I do not

country and enquire there as to the drink it am I not all right ? And if amount of useless and hurtful things the poor creature that wants it can which are imported into the country get it there, that ought to satisfy hiin. and sold day by day and year fov year If he could not get it there, he would to the people. Some of our pretended not patronize Z. C. M. T, at all, but pious people, a few years ago, Avert? would go somewhere else to deal. shocked and horrified by seeing the But the object I had in view !n re- symbol of the All-Seeing Eye find the ferring to this matter was to bring to words "Holiness to the Lord" in gilt your minds how reckless some of the letters over the front of Zion's Co- people are with regard to keeping the operative Mercantile Institution. Es- commandments of God, and how many pecially was this the case with sonic of us will strain at a gnat and swallow of our brethren when they found these a camel; how many of us will criticise letters over the drug department of and find fault with that which exists Z. C. M. I. Why was it? Why some only in our own imagination, while of these pious(?) Mormons round that we ourselves are guilty of a great Z. C. M. I., under rhe symbol of the deal worse things than that which All-seeing Eye and the sacred words, we criticise and condemo. "Holiness to the Lord,' - sold tea and May the Lord bless the people, and coffee, and tobacco, and other things although many of us are not living possibly that Latter-dav Saints ought up to our privileges and are not worthy not to use; and at the drug store, to claim the fullness of the blessings T pra> Z. C. M. I. kept liquors of various of the Gospel upon our heads, forgive our sins, kinds for medicinal purposes. It was God that He will terribly shocking to some of the L&t- that He will bear patiently with us, ter-day Saints that under these holy that He will extend to us long suffer- assistance words liquor should be kept for sale. ing and forgiveness and the that whereas to- Has it ever injured me, in any sense of His Holy Spirit, with weaknesses of the word, because Z. C. M. I. drug day we are beset and we come far store kept liquor for .jale? Has it made and imperfections in time im- me a drunkard? Have £ been under short. we may -the necessity of guzzling liquid poison? prove, repent of our sins, and become the Have I made myself a sot because regenerated, that we may enjoy Gospel, liquor was kept for sale by Z C. M. I.? fullness of the blessings of the of Jesus. I am not the worse for it, thank the which I ask in the name Lord. And who else is? No one, ex- Amen. cept those pious Mormon st '•') who in The choir sang the anthem, open day or under the cover of night Jesus, I my cross have taken. would go into the drug store and buy Benediction by Patriarch John Smith. liquor to drink. They are the ones, of all others, who of course would be h< r- 2 p. m. rified at the fact that liquor was sold Opening hymn sung by the choir: in a place of merchandise. Those top who were the most horrified at seeing "High on the mountain A banner is unfurled, the All-Seeing Eye and "Holiness to Ye nations now look up, the Lord" over the front door of Z. C. It waves to all the world." M. I., I will guarantee are the ones Prayer by Elder Anthony Ivins. that have bought the most tea and Singing by the choir: coffee, tobacco and whisky there. "Awake, ye Saints of God, awake! Call on the Lord in mighty prayer, Anybody will apostatize with that That He will Zion's bondage break, sort of a spirit, if they do not repen\. And bring to naught the fowler's of it, because it is a sordid, bigoted, snare." I 2 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

PRESIDENT LORENZO SNOW. And very likely we put ourselves under certain obligations that we would dis- Necessity for Divine assistance—Leading object of charge certain duties devolving upon our present life—The Saints should be progres- us when we came here into our sec- sive—The United Order. ond estate. And we had rendered our- this I take pleasure in occupying this selves worthy to come upon earth position a short time, and with the aid for the purpose of securing those blessings that only of your prayers and the exercise of could be obtained by observing the laws pertaining to your faith, I would like to say some- estate. There are thing- that will prove of mutual benefit. our present many important things required at our It is the privilege of Latter-clay hands, and things which we Saints who have entered into cove- many do, assisted by the Spirit of nants with the Lord, who has revealed can when the Lord, which may at times seem Himself in these lattsr times, to con- Impossible to accomplish, and stantly improve, and especially under almost or should be discour- circumstances of the present where no man woman that they cannot we assemble together and can exercise aged when they feel they would like to per- our faith in the interest of those who complete what all should do what we address us. And no Latter-day form, but we out the grand Saints should withdraw from an as- can toward carrying are here. Paul semblage of this character without work for which we forward toward the having received something that will said, he pressed calling of God in be of importance in the future scenes mark in the high Jesus. this is a very good of their lives. In and of ourselves we Christ Now for us to keep constantly be- cannot possibly comply with all the principle by month commandments that God has given fore us day by day, month year. should labor unto us. Jesus himself could not with- and year by We far as possible, and out divine aid from His Father ac- for perfection so There is no man complish His work. He said on one seek to go onward. can stand still any occasion, "I can of mine own self do or woman who length of time. In this path nothing, as I hear I judge and my great are moving we are very judgment is just because I seek not over which we undertake my own will but the will of the Fath- likely to go backward if we still or act indifferently. We er who sent me." And we, if it was to stand because as the necessary for Him, our Lord, to have must push forward, moves on, it is very evident divine assistance, will fmd it all the Church difficult char- more important to receive His as- that things of a more

' constantly, and we sistance. And in every circumstance r are occurring easy to overcome and condition surrounding tru» Latter- will find it far from day Saints, while in the performance hem. Unless we improve as we move difficult to of their duties, they are entitled to along we will find it very perform supernatural aid from the Holy Spirit, magnify our callings and to hands. to help in the various conditions sur- the work required at our rounding them, and in the duties that Latter-day Saints should not permit they are required to perform. themselves to stand still. It is a priv- and It is a mighty and glorious work in ilege we have to serve the Lord but which we are engaged, and its bene- enjoy His spirit in our labors, portion fits, so far as we accomplish the la- many of the people lose that bors assigned us, are attended with of happiness that they might enjoy the highest advantages to ourselves. because of not reflecting seriously I cannot imagine anything ihat is so upon their duties and acting wisely vastly important as to work for and and prudently. obtain one's own individual exalta- We are told that the Lord will re- tion ond glory. That undoubtedly Is veal unto our minds things past, one great purpose for which we came things present, and things to come. into the world. When we lived in the There is a certain amount of qualifica- other life we had no doubt some under- tion that could be had by becoming standing with reference to our duties possessed of a knowledge of things in this life when we were permitted that are past; that is to say, in to come to this our second estate. reference to ourselves, to the things PRESIDENT LOREAZO SNOtt. 13 we have done in the past—those duties shall see Him as He is, and every man imposed upon us. There is a satisfac- that hath this hope in him purifies tion and an enjoyment in such reflec- himself, even as He is pure." tions. And then when we reflect upon Every man having this hope in him the future, and the exaltation that the purifies himself. There then naturally XiOrd proposes to bestow upon us there arises a determination to work for that is joy in that. There is great enjoy- high and noble position, to work foi ment to be had in having done right in those wonderful promises made, the past and meditating upon the ^here is an inducement to pursue a fact, and feeling that we are doing course of righteousness. right now, because it is the privilege In this system of religion that you of every Latter-day Saint to know and I have received there is something when he is doing that which pertains grand and glorious, and something to the things of the Lord. If our past new to learn every day, that is of conduct has been such, and our pres- great value. And it is not only our ent conduct is such that we will be privilege but it is necessary that we entitled to receive glory and exalta- receive these things and gather these tion, and have our bodies free from new ideas. This Church, in its travels •disease and death, and be crowned from the beginning, has passed with immortal glory in the midst of through, as was told by President -our wives, children and friends, Cannon this morning, the most severe worlds without end, these are contem- trials which tried the heart and soul plations which cause us to enjoy our- of every man and woman in it. Now selves. This is the way Latter-day if we had not been pretty fair Latter- Saints should live. At present a great day Saints in the past we- could not deal of trouble, anxieties and vexa- have done as well as we have, and we tions are experienced by the Latter- could not have looked back with so day Saints, but we want to overcome much pleasure on what we have ac- these things and be qualified for the complished. When we get into the important duties required at our hands. other life and look back upon our past

The man who is sick is disqualified s, which we will undoubtedly un- to act in things required of a healthy derstand, some of our actions will be man. There is this privilege that of the highest pleasure to reflect upon, every Latter-day Saint should seek to and will add to our enjoyment in the •enjoy, to know positively that his work future life. For instance, Abraham, is accepted of God. I am afraid Lat- hen he reflects upon what he ac- ter-day Saints are not much better complished in this life, when in obedi- and perhaps they are worse than other ence to the command of God he took people if they do not have this knowl- his only son, through whom he had edge and seek to do right. been promised glorious blessings, up Paul was caught up to the third on the high mountain and was about heaven, and he heard and saw things to sacrifice him. The Lord praised that were of the highest advantage to him for doing this. Now if Abraham him, and, although he was not per- had not been faithful for some time be- mitted to say what he saw and heard fore this happened he would not have there, on account of the hardness of been able to accomplish this thing. We the hearts of the people, we can see ought to improve ourselves and move the effects of it in his teachings and faster toward the point of perfection. perfect. writings in that day. Paul said: "Let It is said that we cannot be this mind be in you, which was also in Jesus has commanded us to be perfect Christ Jesus, who, being in the form even as God, the Father, is perfect. perfect, and of God, thought it not robbery to be It is our duty to try to be each day, equal with God." Well, that was an it is our duty to improve extraordinary expression for Paul to and look upon our course last week week; do make at that time, but there was some- and do things better this than we did them thing in it. John says: "Beloved, things better today on from one now are we the sons of God, and it yesterday, and go on and doth not yet appear what we shall be, degree of righteousness to another. but we know that when He shall ap- Jesus will come by and by, and ap- appeared in pear we shall be like Him, for we pear in our midst, as He GENERAL CONFERENCE.

the day when upon the earth among will see the day, if you live properly, the Jews, and He will eat and drink observe the Word of Wisdom a»id *o with us and talk to us, and explain that which is required, you wnl go the mysteries of the Kingdom, and back to Jackson county, many of you tell us things that are not lawful to whom I am addressing this afternoon. talk about now. I am sure of this. We are going back to Jackson God bless you brethren and sisters, county, Missouri, one of these days. and also President Woodruff, the most Now if it was proper to wish it I would remarkable man that dwells on the r.ot care if it was tomorrow, if word face of the earth, and whom the Lord should come for us to go back to has most wonderfully blessed during Jackson county and build up a great all the scenes of life. It is grand and city there. The day will come when glorious to think what the Lord has Latter-day Saints will be selected—all accomplished with Brother Woodruff, may not be called at once, but those and with the Saints generally. God who are worthy will be called. There bless you, is my prayer continually, will be no poverty in that day. There Amen. will be plenty of food, clothing and ELDER HEBER J. GRANT. other necessaries of life; and the of inspiration true pjth of duty. father who has a family, if called The need —The life, will suddenly to depart this It is a source of pleasure to me to know that his wife and children will once more meet with the Latter-day be taken care of, that provision will Saints in General Conference, and 1 be made for their sustenance and com- hope that what shall be spoken here fort. But this is the United Order that this afternoon may be for our mutual we sometimes hear mentioned, but benefit. It has ever been my desire the time perhaps has not yet come to in addressing the Latter-day Saints, establish it. But the Latter-day Saints that my mind might be lighted up with will never be satisfied with any other the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I arrangement that might be proposed. realize that, in teaching the people, The nations of the earth have for a unless the speaker is inspired of our long time been trying to establish Father in Heaven it is impossible to some principle by which they can be say anything that will be of benefit or financially sustained, united and live worth to the Saints. I have nothing in peace, but have not succeeded. particular upon my mind that I desire But the Lord has revealed a principle to talk upon in addressing you this af- clearly and definitely so that there ternoon. I have enjoyed the remarks will oe no mistake about it. The sys- of the brethren who have spoken thus tem will bring financial union to the far during this Conference, and I hopt= Latter-day Saints, and we will be sat- that during its continuance we will be isfied with it as we are now with the blessed with the light and inspiration principles of the Gospel. It will suit of the Spirit from on high. I rejoice us. It is something that is natural. in the many testimonies of the truth- And then you and I will have no fulness of the Gospel that I have re- trouble about our children's temporal ceived. I rejoice in the evidence that

welfare. This will take place and who- comes to me from time tO' time, in ever goes to Jackson county will meet my labors, of the goodness of God to with that sympathy and friendship me and also to you—to one and all. I that were not met with in early days, find, in mingling with the Latter-day and because of Ihe absence of which Saints, that all who are striving to the people were allowed to be driven keep the commandments of the Lord out. are abundantly blessed, and they rea- These are things for the Latter-day lize that our Heavenly Father is with Saints ;ind fcr every man and woman them, and rejoice in their hearts be- to think about, and we should cum- cause of His goodness toward them. m.-nt' t-> prepare and fit ourselves (Vr When we stop to contemplate the the United Order. As far as spiritual great hardships that our fathers and things are concerned we are pretty mothers have had to pass through in well united, but when it comes to establishing the work of God in the temporalities we often differ. But you earth, it should cause us to be thank- ELDER HEBER J. GRANT. *5 ful because of our comparatively pleas- ple of God, that they had entered into ant surroundings. I sometimes feel covenants with the Lord. They know that we know but little of their sor- the covenants that they have made rows, and of what they have had to with our Heavenly r ather, and how endure. When we realize how easy many are there who carry out these it is for us to live we cannot begin to covenants that they have entered into? imagine what hardships they have had I have heard a great many people, in to pass through. I am truly grate- my time, pray unto the Lord for bless- ful that I have not been called to en- ings. And they would dedicate their dure such trials. I never had a desire, time and strength and all that they myself, to have experiences of this possessed for the onward advancement kind. We sometimes meet people who of the Kingdom of God, but when they say they would like to have witnessed are called upon to help the Church in the trials of the early Saints and taken a financial way they are very careful a part in them, but I have no wish to to keep their means hid from the Lord— nominate myself for a martyr. I tell they keep it for their own advancement. you what I do desire; it is to be tested We are not ready and willing to keep and tried only so far as is necessary the commandments of God, but we are to qualify me for the duties which ready and willing to carry out our own have been imposed upon me, and to wishes. We do not ask what it is de- gain an exaltation in the presence of sired that we should do, but generally my Heavenly Father. suit ourselves as to what we would like to do. Is this right? No, it is not. I regret exceedingly that from my I feel that there is plenty of room for earliest recollections I have had to lis- im- provement, and we should ten to the servants of the Lord plead- improve. We heard this morning about ing, with very little success, with the some of the trials and tribulations our fath- people to live their religion. My own ers had to pass through, and counsel and advice to the Latter-day President Cannon said he expected Saints have been to do their duties to- to see the day when our financial troubles wards God and to keep the command- would van- ish, as our other ments that He has given them. Not- troubles have dis- appeared. withstanding the brethren have labored I have faith that all those who have been honest hard to teach the Saints their duties, with God in the past will and have frequently repeated the com- scon be delivered from the bondage of debt. I mandments of the Lord unto this peo- expect that a great many of the Latter-day ple, many of them have not yet learned Saints, be- the necessity of performing their duties. fore the clay of that deliverance, will be to I believe if I were to call for those peo- made remember the covenants ple here today who have been taught which they have made with the Lord. and believe all the revelations contained They have not been honest with the in the book of Doctrine and Covenants Lord. As one of the inspired men of to be the inspired words of God, and old said, the people had robbed the that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of Lord in their tithes and offerings.. I God, nearly all who are in this congre- say when the Latter-day Saints will gation would raise their hands and say pay an honest tithing unto the Lord they knew these things to be true. But there will be no need of talking about if I were to call for all those who had debts and of being in the bondage of been absolutely honest with God in debt. But the trouble is we do not do keeping His commandments, I am it. Scores of men compromise with afraid a majority of the congregation the Lord on the basis of 10 cents on would not raise their hands. If I were the dollar, and they rob Him of the to ask for those who observed the other 90 cents. They discount their Word of Wisdom, and who did not debts to the Lord 25 per cent. Why, a spend a portion of their means for to- man would be ashamed of himself to baco and liquor, and who paid an hon- go into Z. C. M. I. and ask it to knock est tithing to the Lord, one-half of off 25 per cent from his bill, but with those here today would, I am afraid, God they discount their bills 10 cents, fail to lift their hands. A great 25 cents and 50 cents on the dollar, majority would answer that they had and then call themselves honest. I received their endowments in the tem- wish the Lord would inspire us with 6

1 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

3 determination to be honest, and that youngsters born in the Church now, the brethren could inspire this feeling a good many of them, do not enter among the Latter-day Saints, so that into the spirit of this work as it was we would all try to be upright witl entertained in the beginning. the Lord. A man will say, "I owe m> Now my mind is carried back to the neighbor and must pay him before 1 time when the Gospel came to me and can settle my tithing." Well, I know i to my kindred, in the state of Massa owe lots of my neighbors, and they try chusetts, in the year 1838, when 1 to collect from me. But I owe God an embraced it. The way we looked upon honest tithing;. He has given me a these things was somewhat on thia testimony of Jesus and a hope of eter- wise: We were willing to have our nal life, and I intend to pay Him first names cast out as evil. If we had and my neighbors afterwards. It Is any earthly substance at all ws, our duty to settle with the Lord first, were willing to lay it upon the altai and I intend to do it, with the help of of sacrifice for the Lord, who gave it my Heavenly Father. And I want to us. We dedicated it unto Him foi- to say to you, if you will be honest the establishment of His Church and -with the Lord, paying your tithing and kingdom. We did not stop there. The ^keeping His commandments, He will law of tithing had not been revealed at not only bless you with the light and that time; but, in addition to the good inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you name that we held among our friends will be blessed in dollars and cents, and neighbors, we gave a,ll that we you will be enabled to pay your debts, had and then we placed ourselves and the Lord will pour out temporal upon the altar with whatever we had, blessings upon you in great abund- or should have, to be given to the ance. Lord in consideration of the blessed May the Lord bless and guide us by Gospel that he had revealed to us. We the inspiration of His Spirit always, felt that this was our reasonable duty, is my prayer in the name of Jesus as well as our acceptable service. It 'Christ. Amen. was with that spirit that people joined the Church in those days when the FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS. ELDER Gospel was presented to them. It was Early Church experiences— Revelations of the Gos- in those times that Presidents Wood- pel—Faithful payment of tithes—New wine in old ruff and Snow and others embraced bottles—Destiny of our children— A work for all the Gospel, when it was first preached to do. among the people. We gave every- I esteem it a very precious favor to thing to the Lord, feeling that it was be privileged to meet with the Saints not our own, but belonged to Him, to In their general Conference; indeed, at do just as He wished with it. We all times in their assemblages; and be- started in to keep the commandments ing called upon to speak to you thia and were baptized for the remission afternoon, I greatly desire that meas- of our sins, and we received the Holy ure of the Spirit that will enable me Ghost as a Comforter throughout our to speak to your edification, as I re- future lives; and then, when we came alize that without it our time will be to that, oh! how we felt paid for unprofitably spent. We have had, everything .that we had done, and for since the opening of this Conference, every sacrifice we had made! a great deal of precious instructions, I remember well the first testimony and recalling of past circumstances to of the Holy Spirit that was given to refresh our minds with things that are me, in the first blessing of healing that important and profitable unto us. was conferred upon me when I had I was thinking, while listening to been laid up with sickness for a long the former speakers, how it was with time. It was between Grand Prairie us in the beginning of this work. Peo- and Missouri, during a snow storm, ple that are born into the Church now, such as we had last Sunday, with from enter into the various temporal pur- four to six inches of snow on the suits, such as have been spoken ot ground. I was traveling on foot to by previous speakers, and they seem Missouri. I recollect, on that blessed, to think the duty of paying tithing snowy day, how glorious all things is simply *a matter of convenience. Out were to me. Although at this time ELDER FRANKIN D. RICHARDS 17 the Prophet had been put in prison, of the Temple, conversed with the and about thirty of the brethren were Prophet Joseph and Oliver, and re- also imprisoned, it was revealed to vealed to them their duties, and in- me that this was the work of the formed them that the Gospel should go Lord, and that God was going to from there and be preached throughout bring' it out triumphantly. I knew the nations of the earth. It had not the Gospel was true, although I had then he preached throughout the not yet seen the Prophet Joseph United States even, because the north- Smith. The Lord revealed it to me, ern men were called abolitionists, and and I knew that Brother Joseph was the southern slaveholders had no use a Prophet, not by man's testimony, for us and would not tolerate us, but but in the same way that Peter knew now it can be spread throughout the that the Lord Jesus Christ was the nation. Savior, when the Lord asked, "But What an easy thing it is to pay ten whom say ye that I am?" and Peter per cent as a tithing unto the Lord! I answered, "Thou art Christ, the Son think this principle should be taken of the living God." And Christ said, into the Sabbath schools and the Mutu- "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: al Improvement Associations through- for flesh and blood hath not revealed out Zion, and taught to the young at it unto thee, but my Father which is home. They should be taught that in heaven." I had prayed to God for this is one of the means of salvation a knowledge of this Gospel, and when in the Church and Kingdom of God, I received this blessing I felt that if I and if they are thoroughly taught this owned the world I would willingly principle while young they will take to give it to the Lord for the further- it just as naturally as small ducks take ance of His work. When we received to water, but if you wait until they the Gospel and the testimony of the grow up before teaching them to pay Holy Ghost, we realized that we had their tithing, they will want to keep indeed found the "Pearl of Great it in their pockets. They see father do Price," and the weaver of God was it, and if father may do it, certainly upon us and in our hearts. How it is not wrong for the boys to follow the father's glorious it was to listen to the inspired example. men in that day, expounding the Now this great work we are engaged Scriptures and explaining the prophe- in, my brethren and sisters, is truly cies made by Daniel about the stone wonderful. The Lord's Spirit has gone being cut out without hands. We en- forth among the children of men, and tertained no idea of the circumstances they are beginning to listen to* the that would attend the rolling forth of Elders. The Lord has shed forth His that stone spoken of by Daniel, which Spirit upon the nations of the earth, was to roll forth and fill the whole causing mankind to look for the com- earth. We were but few in number ing of the Lord. The Lord has taught then, but have now lived to see the us through revelation to pray for His Church grow from a few hundred to coming with His Kingdom and power some 250,000 souls. (Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 65;, The law of tithing was not revealed that we may be prepared for it, and at that time, but we were commanded that we may be in a condition to re- to carry on the work with our means. ceive further revelation as our cir- The Temple at Kirtland was built in cumstances require. What have we this way. The Saints did all the work had given to us since we began to they could on the building, and then pray for these blessings? Why, my went out and obtained work here and brethren and sisters, it has been a there, and with the money they earned stream of revelation ever since. When they purchased those things that were I first heard the Prophet speak, it was necessary for its completion. It was a stream of revelation to me. He was done by sacrificing all that they had; placed in prison, and, when he re^ and when we had done all that we ceived his liberty again, he went right could do, Oh! how joyous it was to to work shepherding the Saints at. know the Lord accepted the work, Nauvoo and round about there. In when He stood upon the breastwork those days we had not heard of bap- 2 IS GENERAL C OA FERENCE tism for the dead. I remember when duties. This is the precious land of the Prophet brought forth that doc- Zion, to be occupied by God's people. trine. To some it was so strong it was When we first came here, we could like putting new wine into old bottles, scarcely imagine that we would be- some of them broke and the wine spilt come 250,000 in number. What is it to out, losing both bottle and wine. We be in the next sixty years if we con- could not fully comprehend so glorious tinue our teaching the word of the a principle. We did not receive every- Lord? We should realize that we are thing at once, but it was given to us in a state of preparation, preparing line upon line, and in this way it has our generations after us to live better been coming to us ever since as our than we, and to become sanctified in circumstances have required. the Church. Now, are we living up to these things We ought to have a generation in a as fast as we get them? And are we little while prepared to go down and living by "every word that proceedeth build up the New Jerusalem, accord- from the mouth of God?" Are we pre- ing to the promises of the Lord in re- paring ourselves for the work that is vealing the everlasting Gospel unto us. before us? Are we just in the work We are living too much upon the frac- of preparation? I look upon it that our tional part of the faith, as Brother children who are just growing up as Grant has been telling us. We should intimated by President Snow, are the know that our course is right, and then ones who will be permitted to build the continue in it. It is not half so im- New Jerusalem. You know the world portant for our neighbors to know that has departed from the Lord and from we are honest as it is for ourselves to the principles employed in building up know it. We should prepare ourselves Enoch's city, and we and our fathers to build up Zion, and we ought not have wandered from the Lord in our think these things so far off as we do, spiritual affairs. And we are trying to for it will not be long before we are be converted to the will of the Lord called upon to do this work. We ought in our spiritual things, so that we may to raise men that are fully qualified to become converted in temporal things. go into the world and build up the We are trying to understand the Gos- Church and spread the Gospel, thereby pel as Enoch understood it and as building up Zion. We should be will- Christ understood it, and to do busi- ing to work to this end. We want to ness as they did it, living in co-opera- increase our 1,700 missionaries now in tion and managing our affairs in the the field until we can get 200,000 out, same way, but many of us are not and until the work of the Lord can be willing to be taught in temporal mat- echoed from sea to sea, and from the ters. We should seek to carry out the north to the south. I want you to un- commandments of the Lord. We must derstand, brethren, that we have not teach our children, our families and come to a comfortable place, to squat friends and unite in building up the down on it not to move again, but we Kingdom of God. should labor and send forth the Gos- We sometimes forget these things pel to the nations of the earth, and help are required by the Lord in building up to build up Zion, and the man who is His Kingdom. They are the material too old to go abroad should work here things God requires of us. For our and help the younger men to go. earthly existence, and for the fruits of There is work for all to do. It is the earth that the Lord gives us, and our duty to teach righteousness in the for everything we should be thankful. earth. It is your business as truly as We are educating our Sabbath school it is the business of President Woodruff children to grow up and qualify them- or any of us, to preach and work selves to become apostles, judges, righiteousnes in the earth. I delight in bishops and all manner of officers in the work of the Lord. We have a the Church that shall be needed to rule great work in hunting up Elders to the Kingdom of God. And our young send abroad to preach to. the people. men should think upon these things Our Elders should feel that we owe a and remember that some time the power duty to the human family. It is our and authority will come upon them to duty to help to gather Israel and help enable them to discharge these various to build up Zion, not with the tenth of —

ABRAHAM Oil'EN WOODRUFF. 19 our incomes only, but with all that we so it is with our Heavenly Father. The have; directly and indirectly we should three great patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac give all. and Jacob, started with a small be- Well, we are beginning to see what ginning, and revelation tells us that is before us. We are beginning to un- they have become Gods, and the prom- derstand what blessings await those ise was given to -them that their seed who are faithful and truthful in all should be as numerous as the sands things, and to understand what our upon the seashore. We are their child- duties are. ren, and are not the blessings of Abra- I pray that the Lord will impart ham, Issac and Jacob our blessings? strength unto us, and inspire us in our It is our privilege to be exalted in the duties and make the fruits of our la- presence of Father Abraham. We have bors to be seen in our present life. And great encouragement to work right- I pray the Lord to bless us with His eousness and to qualify ourselves to spirit while are we together, so that teach the nations of the earth the Gos- Israel may read of the good pel. time we God bless you. May He bless us have had. I tell And want to you, all and inspire us to labor for eternal brethren, that these things spoken of lives, and may we be saved and exalt- regarding the coming of the Lord are ed in His presence with all the faithful not so far off. We have been praying men and women who have lived. I ask to our Heavenly Father, whom we do it in the name of Jesus, Amen. not behold; but His Spirit is here and The He answers our prayers, just as when choir sang the anthem, Let the mountains shout for we talk through a telephone we are joy. answered, although we do not see the Benediction by Elder Angus M. Can- person with whom we are talking, and non.

SECOND DAY-

April 7th. 10 a.m. will not be dictated by the Holy Spirit Singing by the choir: of God. We have learned in our ex- Softly beams the sacred dawning perience how easy it is for men to Of the great Millennial morn, speak to the edification of the Latter- And to Saints gives welcome warning day Saints and those are That the day is hasting on. who seeking the truth when they are inspired by Prayer by Elder Jonathan G. Kim- ball. the Spirit of Almighty God; but with Singing by the choir of the hymn all the oratory and learning of men, which begins: they are not able to convert those who What was witnessed in the heavens? are honest in heart, except they pos- Why, an angel, earthward bound. sess this Spirit. The men who have Had he something with 7 him bringing" had the greatest success Yes—the Gospel—joyful sound. in converting souls to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ELDER A. O. WOODRUFF. have not been men of very great learning; they have been The Holy Spirit makes all things clear—The Gospel men who have been taught of God, embraces everything needed for the advancement who have been God-fearing, of man— Good effects of home missionary work humblei and willing to give unto Him Necessity of wisdom ind union in temporal affaiFS the honor ( and the glory for all they were able to My beloved brethren and sisters, I accomplish. So I desire this morning pleased am to meet with you this to possess that same spirit of humility morning, and I trust that I may enjoy and the Spirit of the Lord, that I may the Spirit of the Lord during the be able to edify the Latter-day Saints few moments that I may address you, for a few moments and to touch upon our brethren as enjoyed that Spirit some points that will be for the bene- yesterday. I have no desire to speak fit of the people in general, or of some a word that cannot be heard by every of us at any rate. soul that is here this morning, and 1 In the Church of Jesus Christ of no desire to have speak a word that Latter-day Saints there is everything. —

"20 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

I believe, that is necessary for our At the same time it is our wish that happiness here upon earth and for our the Latter-day Saints should grow up salvation in the future. Within its with a knowledge of the Gospel. First organization we can find everything to implant the knowledge of the Gospel keep our minds occupied, everything of Christ within their hearts, and to instruct us in every labor of life, then they cannot be contaminated by and the Spirit of God to guide us in error, if they are true and faithful to all that we undertake to do. A great the principles of that Gospel. In va- many ministers who are not of our rious places throughout the Stakes of faith have made comments upon the Zion we find that the Latter-day Saints Gospel of Jesus Christ, and some of have been given to joining secret so> them have remarked that all that was cieties as well as other associations. necessary to thwart our purposes and This is forbidden by the Priesthood of to bring to naught the work that has the Son of God. There is all of the been set on foot by the Lord was to brotherhood and all of the insurance, show up our principles; yet those who if you please, contained in the Church make such comments have always been of Jesus Christ that are necessary for of that class that have never under- us. It is a fact that there are Latter- taken to expose any one of our prin- day Saints, in Salt Lake City and else- ciples, they knowing full well that the where, who cannot find time to attend principles of the Gospel which they to their duties in the Priesthood, but Iiave investigated are founded upon do find time to attend to their lodge Scriptures and upon the word of God. meetings. We are running wild in AH the comments that I have ever this respect. Irreverence for the lieard or read that our enemies have Priesthood of the Son of God is grow- ever made upon the doctrines of Jesus ing out of this. Those young men that they have avoided the direct who attend lodge meetings and do not bringing to light of any one of the attend their Priesthood meetings, what principles in which we believe; but they reverence do they have for the Priest- "have made incorrect assertions, they hood of the Son of God? They have liave misrepresented us in various very little, if any, because they have ways. This may be because they have never learned to reverence that Priest- not thoroughly understood our motives. hood. I have in my pocket a slip of paper Our missionaries, whose number has clipped from the Portland Oregonian of been increased some two hundred in March 26th, giving the opinion of one the world during the last year, have Mr. Stone, the secretary of the Young also been performing a great work at Men's Christian association. His com- home. One hundred and forty have ments are very much of the character been sent out among the Latter-day I bave mentioned. He says that the Saints in the various settlements, to Mormons who have been members of bring in the indifferent and those who bis association have not been per- have been negligent in their duties, ana mitted to vote or hold office because to try to get them to take a live in- they are not considered as Christians. terest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, We are excluded from the pale of the and to join the various Improvement Christian churches, as they term it, Associations. The effect that this and therefore our people have been ex- corps of missionaries has had upon the cluded from voting or holding office in people in general has been reported as that assocation. being very good. Not only the Toung I would like to say a few words upon Men's and the Young Ladies' Mutual this matter, inasmuch as the Latter- Improvement associations, but the day Saints are given to joining these various Priesthood meetings have various associations and societies that been better attended than ever are not part of the Church of Christ. before, or for years before, at In this city alone we have a great many any rate. The Presidents of young Latter-day Saints—at least, they Stakes have reported, in many in- are the children of Latter-day Saints stances, that the Sabbath schools who belong to these various associa- also have been improved through the tions. Now, we have no objection to work of these brethren, and also that people believing as they desire. the people have shown a more liberal ABRAHAM OWEN WOODRUFF. 21

spirit in the payment of their tithes that it reaches every man and every and donations. They have received woman and every child. a general wakening up in their re- Some things were spoken upon yes- ligion. I have ofttimes wondered terday of a temporal nature that might how it is that we could afford to send be taken to heart to good advantage so many missionaries abroad to preach by all of the Latter-day Saints. We the Gospel, and at the same time cannot separate our temporal salvation neglect our young men and young from our spiritual salvation. We should women here in Zion. When people be a people who believe in enterprise, are converted abroad and are brought in benefiting each other and sustaining to Zion, they see the example of some each other. There is one thing in. of the young, and they apostatize on connection with this that I would lika to mention. There has account of that. Therefore, it has been too much enmity or been deemed wise by the brethren to jealousy among the Latter- send out these missionaries, that they day Saints in relation to things that might go into the homes of the Lat- have been started for the benefit of the people. ter-day Saints and teach them the For instance, we go into a village Gospel. We understand that there and we find a blacksmith or a carpenter are a great many quorums of the who has been doing a good work able to earn fair Priesthood that have not been able to and a wage, perhaps well off. discharge their duties as they should he has become Then our brethren get jealous of that brother have done; the Teachers have not in becaue he is progressing, and the> all cases visited the Saints as they will start up a shop of the kind might have done; the Priests have not same next door to him, or very near. The gone from house to house and ex- result is, the profits have to be divid- pounded the Scriptures as it is their ed, and there is not enough for either duty to do; and one of the difficuties of them perhaps; whereas, had they has been that the members of the gone into something else, they would various quorums have not had any- have been able to assist in the general thing to do. Inactivity is death. prosperity. Our people at various times Wherever there is a body of people get a mill craze. They get a saw- upon the face of the earth that has mill craze, or a creamery craze, or nothing to do, that quorum or body something of that kind; and because of will die spiritually. The Spirit of their lack of union, they are cutting, God will not be with men who are in- each other's throat financially. It ap- active. The Spirit of God is a spirit pears to me that there is in the or- of progression. Therefore, my breth- ganization of the Church of Christ ren and sisters, we can see the neces- everything necessary for our temporal sity of the work that these mission- salvation as well as for our spiritual aries have been performing here at salvation, and if we would only make home. We cannot deny but that there use of this beautiful organization, it has been great need of this work. would not be as we find it today, our And they have worked just as zealous- people underbidding each other till their ly, for aught I know, and in many contracts are let so low in various cases I know they have—as they would places that they are unable to fill them. have done upon foreign missions. If Only a short time ago I noted in one we could keep those Elders who have of our valleys, which furnished sup- returned from missions and the vari- plies for Fort Duchesne, that on ac- ous quorums of the Priesthood at count of their lack of union in tem- work, there would be little poral affairs, they had underbid each doubt as to the final outcome of this other until the man who had secured work. wish to grow at home as We the wood contract was unable to fill it, well as abroad; not simply send our and his bondsmen had to do so. So it Elders abroad to preach the Gospel, is in relation to the grain, and to the but also encourage their here, work flour, and everything that is produced. that the people may have their interest When the stores made these contracts, renewed in the Gospel and every man the people got the idea that they were be at work. The organization of the making too much money and getting Church of Jesus Christ is so complete rich, so they went in and underbid each 2 2 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

other on government contracts and got must talk loud. I also desire your kind them down to such a low figure that faith and prayers, that the Spirit of the they could not possibly afford to de- Lord may suggest all that is said. liver at the price contracted for. This The work of the Lord is so broad is a suggestion, I believe, that it would and comprehensive that it meets the be well to give consideration in various requirements of the Saints in all con- places. We find that mail contracts in ditions of life and in all places, and it Utah are contracted for, in many in- is impossible for us to have any meas- stances, by men who do not live in the ured instructions, or anything pre- State. The last ones that were let were arranged. We are supposed to speak awarded to men in Kentucky, and they and to counsel by the inspiration of the sublet them to our people, who do the Holy Spirit, and every Latter-day work for less than what their horses' Saint that assembles in this Confer- feed will cost them, if their horses ence is under obligation to take an ac- were fed as they should be. Therefore, tive part in the proceedings of the we do the work and some one else gets Conference, in the way at least of the money. These matters pertaining having his mind clear and free from to our temporal welfare, I believe, outside influences, and come here with should be given attention by the a desire to be instructed and to receive Presidents of Stakes. We should not the word of the Lord through His ser- be jealous of our brethren and sisters vants who are called upon to address when we see they are progressing and us. 1 have rejoiced in the instructions prospering. We desire that they should of this Conference thus far. I have a do well. We should desire that not testimony in my heart that every only they should do well, but that all word which has been spoken and every Israel should do well, that we may be- suggestion which has been made is ap- come an independent people, and not propriate. be the payers of interest, but receive I recognize the hand of the Lord in interest; that we should have money the events that are occurring in the to loan, instead of borrowing and hav- midst of the Latter-day Saints, and ing the shingles mortgaged over our also abroad among the nations of the wives and children as they are today earth. It was stated yesterday that in many cases. the Lord had delivered His people I pray that the blessings of God may from every kind of oppression, so far rest upon this people, that we may be as we had gone. To my mind, this is blessed spiritually and temporally; a very striking evidence of the divin- that the power of God may be manifest ity of this work and of the divine in this Conference; that the brethren mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith; m-y all speak by the power of the Lord; and He will deliver His people from that His Spirit may be with each and every condition that is not as it should every one of us; that we may take to be, provided we do our duty. There heart the instructions that are given in is nothing more important to the Lat- this Conference, and carry them to our ter-day Saints than to understand oui homes, that this Conference may be individual duty and to perform it the means of refreshing us, as our every day. It is by compliance with Conferences always do, to cause us to the simple and plain obligations that be a more moral people, a better peo- the Gospel enjoins upon us that we are ple in every respect; which may God entitled to the inspiration of the Holy grant, for Christ's sake. Amen. Spirit to guide us into all truth and to establish us against every influence ELDER M. F. COWLEY. that may be brought to bear to destroy our faith and to turn us aside from The hand of God in past and current events—The the path which leads to eternal life. missionaries abroad— Mutual improvement work This is the day of the Lord's prepar- —Peace departing from the earth—Repeniance of preaching the needed. ation, and the work Gospel is being accelerated in the na- My brethren and sisters, I desire your tions of the earth. I have enjoyed kind attention, that I may be able to myself since our last General Confer- make you hear. My voice is not very ence in traveling among the Elders of strong, and we are reminded that we the Southern States, principally, and ELDER MATHIAS Fi COWLEY. 23

also touching briefly the mission of Christianity, but the distinctive fea- Colorado, of the Northern States at tures of Mormonism were kept in the Chicago and Cincinnati, and of the background. I want to say that there Eastern States in the city of New- is not a principle in the Gospel that York. I have witnessed a good inter- we have espoused that is not dis- est being exhibited by those young tinctive from the religions of the Elders who are abroad preaching the world. There may be a common ac- Gospel in those sections of the coun- ceptance of the mission of Christ as try. And I may say the same of the the Redeemer of mankind; but the Northwestern States mission, compris- very principle of faith in God and in ing the states of Oregon, northern His Son Jesus Christ is exemplified in Idaho and Washington, where I visit- the Elders traveling and preaching ed a few days ago in company with the Gospel without money and with- Elder John Henry Smith. In all of out price, and the faith which they these missions we have found a good manifest in doing this in the South- spirit among the Elders; and I am ern States is a standing rebuke to happy to bring this report to the fath- those who preach for money and di- ers and mothers of the sons and to vine for hire. People said to Brother the wives of their husbands who are Lyman and myself, in the Southern abroad preaching the Gospel in the States and elsewhere, "Why, we could nations of the earth. The Elders not expect that our ministers would usually are contented in their mis- do as your Elders do, travel and sionary fields. They labor under the preach, going on foot from place to influence of that testimony which place and from house to house, not gives them to understand that their missing the humblest and the poorest mission upon the earth is to preach in the land, without remuneration of a the Gospel, to assist in the gathering financial character." This is the of Israel and in the establishment of principle of faith exhibited in these the Church and kingdom of God upon young Elders, and we ought to en- the earth. But one of the causes courage this principle, and show our which lead Elders at times to be faith, when we are called upon to car- homesick is the letters which they get ry the Gospel abroad, by going and from their peonle at home. The Lat- performing the duty assigned unto us ter-day Saints should not in this way to the best of the ability with which discourage those who do us the honor the Lord shall endow us. The state- of representing the work of God ment was made by the Lord to the among the nations of the earth. The Prophet Joseph in the commence- letters that are sent abroad by wives, ment of this Church, and repeated by fathers, by mothers, by brothers, to many times in revelations given the Elders that are preaching the Gos- through him to David Whitmer, to pel, should be letters of encourage- Oliver Cowdery, to Ziba Peterson, and ment, and not discouragement. I la- to other men, that the harvest is great bored with one Elder many years ago, and the laborers are few. That state- in the state of Virginia, who had a ment is true today. Notwithstanding large family of children. His wife the expansion of the Church, and the was a good Latter-day Saint, with a thousands of Seventies whose busi- great deal of faith; and whenever she ness it is to carry the Gospel and to had any sickness at home, she kept it be especial witnesses of the name of from the knowledge of her husband Christ in all the world, and the thou- until the patient was well, and the sands of Elders from which their ranks Lord blessed her in so doing. can be supplied—notwithstanding that, I have read in the newspapers of the cry of the presidents of the differ- late the comments of ten ministers of ent missions is for more Elders. I be- modern Christianity, published in lieve that Brother Kelsch, of the Portland, Oregon, where Brother Wil- Northern States mission, has about liam Parkinson and his brother were 150 Elders in his mission, and says preaching the Gospel. Their com- that he could use 500 as well as not. ments were on this wise: that the The president of the Northwestern Latter-day Saint Elders were preach- States mission, Brother Parkinson, ing doctrine that was common to desires more Elders in that mission; 24 GENERAL CONFERENCE. they only have about 18. Brother tions of the earth. I wish to read a Elias Kimball says that he could use passage that comes to my mind be- in the Southern States 1,000 instead of fore I sit down: again, verily I say unto you, 500. I suppose that a similar testi- "And mony could be borne by the presidents inhabitants of the earth, I the Lord of the various missions in Europe and am willing to make these things on the Pacific islands. This should known unto all flesh." inspire us, my brethren and sisters, That is, the things of the Gospel, the with a desire that our sons shall ac- revelations of God to the Prophet quire a knowledge of the Gospel. Joseph Smith, the introduction of a I am glad to see that while this de- new dispensation and the authority of mand exists abroad, there is a corres- God establshed upon the earth to call ponding increase of interest at home men to repentance, and to administer in the Stakes of Zion, which has been by such authority and power that so encouragingly manifest this past when men are baptized in water they winter by the missionary work accom- shall receive the remission of their plished by the representatives of the sins, provided they are honest, and Mutual Improvement Associations, they shall have the gift of the Holy who have been traveling in the vari- Ghost by the imposition of hands. right to ous Stakes of Zion, getting This is the character of the dispensa- the hearts of the boys, on the street tion committed unto us in these last and elsewhere, and endeavoring to days. The Lord says, "I am willing show them the propriety of taking an to make these things known unto all interest in the Gospel, the necessity of flesh." He has been making them laying aside every evil habit, and of known for the last sixty-eight years. cultivating in their hearts the spirit He has been placing the people under of purity and of righteousness, that greater obligations by sending the they may enjoy the Spirit and power glad tidings of eternal life, and it has of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I un- been, to a great extent, rejected, al- derstand that many of these young though now the barriers that have men, through their labors, have de- been established and maintained by veloped a marked talent for mission- the priestcraft of the world and by ary work, in drawing into the fold of other influences have, to some extent, Mutual Improvement young men who been broken down, until the Elders had hitherto been indifferent and are reaching the honest in heart and careless in regard to this work. This bringing many of them to a knowl- missionary talent should be cultivated, edge of the truth. The revelation con- developed, and encouraged by the tinues: Saints Latter-day wherever it exists. "For I am no respecter of persons, I believe, through their labors, they and will that all men shall know that have added to the Young Men's Mu- the day speedily cometh; the hour is. tual Improvement Assocations through- not yet, but is at hand, when peace out the Stakes of Zion about thirteen shall be taken from the earth, and thousand members to those that were the devil shall have power over his already enrolled. This Is a glorious own dominion; work. I have heard reports of the "And also the Lord shall have power excellent labors of Brother Alphonso over His Saints, and shall reign in Snow, who labored in the Oneida their midst, and shall come down in Stake and in parts of Cache Valley. judgment upon Idumea, or the world." Good reports come from and his him Now, peace, to some extent, is being associates in that work. I understand taken from the nations of the earth. that the Elders who have labored in There are rumors of wars in the land. this Stake and in the southern Stakes There is agitation among the nations of Zi>on have also accomplished a good of the earth. These things have been work in their efforts among the young predicted by the prophets of God, and I rejoice in this. men. I commend 1 testify that every prophecy that has the young men for their work in the been uttered by the Prophet Joseph cause of Mutual Improvement. Smith, so far as the wheels of time I said, the Lord is preparing the As have brought it due, has been verified people. is also He preparing the na- to the letter, as much so as any ELDER BRIGHAM 10UNG. 25 prophecy that was ever uttered by- revelations of God, you shall receive Moses, or by Isaiah, or by any of the a testimony of the truth, and you ancient prophets of the living God. shall know for yourselves that this is will be War poured out upon the na- the work of God, and that it has come trons of the earth; and it shall come to stay, to extend abroad, and to es- to pass among the wicked that every tablish itself throughout the nations that man will not take up his sword of the earth. May God bless you, in against his neighbor must needs flee the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. unto Zion for safety. There shall be gathered unto Zion out of every na- ELDER BRIGHAM YOUNG. tion under heaven, and it shall be the The spirit of the world opposed to salvation—The only people that shall not be at war spirit of war abroad and of peace in Zion. one with another. If there is anyone It is a time of rejoicing with the that doubts the inspiration of the Latter-day Saints; for God has Prophet Joseph, I want them to read been merciful unto us as a people that prophecy, and to remember that and as individuals we the day will come when the people on have been blessed and there has been no time in the this land of Zion will be the only peo- his- tory of the Church when ple that shall not be at war one with we had greater cause to serve the Lord than another, and that the day will come this day. I am aware of when those that will not fight against the fact that there are forces exercised their neighbors will take up their in be- half of the Church of Christ, and also flight to Zion, that they may find a that opposition is place of safety. This prophecy agrees beginning to rear itself again more visibly than with the prophecy contained in the we have experienced for several years. 4th chapter of Isaiah and also in the Every- thing 13th chapter of Isaiah, where he that has been spoken here in this Tabernacle speaks of the judgments of God that yesterday and to-day shall come upon the wicked, and that has full force and is true, according to the ideas I there shall be desolation among the that have; and every children of men, because of their prophecy of God contained in the Book pride, their haughtiness, and their of Mormon, the Doctrine and Coven- wickedness. ants and the Bible, and also the oral instructions we receive, will be ful- Brethren and sisters, judgments be- gin filled. God is directing His servants at the house of the Lord. Let us, in establishing His work upon the therefore, repent of our sins, repent earth. There are obligations resting of our folly, of our pride, of our hypoc- risy, upon us that other people deride, scoff our inconsistency and our self- at, and treat as a thing of naught, righteousness in sitting in judgment those very obligations prompt upon others, while in our own hearts when us to use our means, our time, and there are faults and in our own eyes every energy of our natures in the there are many beams. I rejoice, my labor of saving souls. Yet the world brethren and sisters, in this work. I oppose us in this, and do not love us, have a testimony of its truth. I am is op- glad to say that we are not idle in because the spirit of the world our ministry; that we rejoice in our posed to salvation, wealthy and labors; that we are desirous of being poor, the high and low, the brethren a benefit and a blessing to the Latter- and sisters in this Church are gath- day Saints, that they may profit by ering treasures; they are laying up the ministration of the servants of treasures; they are banking with our God. I bear to you my testimony of Father and God. No matter who they the truth of this work. I bear to my are, the deposits are being made, and young brethren a testimony concern- the books are kept correctly. The ing this work and the divine mission debit and the credit is there, and we of the Prophet Joseph Smith. To the cannot escape it. Revelation has been young people especially I say, if you given to us and great favors shown, will take interest in this work, if you for a particular and a distinct pur- will seek unto God, in humble prayer, pose, because God has chosen us out and peruse the Book of Mormon with of the world, and they do not love us. a prayerful heart and these other But a work is given unto this people 26 GENERAL CONFEREACE. designed to benefit every human being "For, behold, he said, I have seen a that has lived or that lives upon the vision, in which I know that Jerusalem earth. It is not confined to the few is destroyed; and had we remained in millions that dwell upon the earth to- Jerusalem, we should also have per- day, but it extends into the spirit ished. world. I care not or what we say "But, he said, notwithstanding our what we do, it will be to our own ex- afflictions, we have obtained a land of altation or to our own condemnation. promise, a land which is choice above The night will come when no man all other lands; a land which the can is work. But the day given to us Lord God hath covenanted with me in which labor. I find in im- we my should be a land for the inheritance mediate circle of relatives and friends of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath cov- that which I witness among the peo- enanted this land unto me, and to my ple—a desire to do right. "Oh! I children for ever; and also all those want to do good; I want to live my who should be led out of other coun- religion." But we do not live it. It has tries by the hand of the Lord. been said that that lower place is "Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy ac- paved with good intentions. We do cording to the workings of the Spirit not live our religion. Need this peo- which is in me, that there shall none ple to be beholden to any race of men, come into this land, save they shall to capitalists, to business men, to com- be brought by the hand of the Lord. binations, to trusts, or to any society "Wherefore, this land is consecrated outside of their own limits? No. unto him whom he shall bring. And There is a magnificent whole, complete if it so be that they shall serve him in every particular planted in the according to the commandments which midst of this people, which is unas- he hath given, it shall be a land of sailable, only so far as we admit the liberty unto them; wherefore, they enemy in our hearts. The only vul- shall never be brought down into cap- nerable place in our armor is tivity; if so, it shall be because of where we ourselves leave it exposed, iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound, because God has armed us at all cursed shall be the land for their sakes; points. He has made us impervious but unto the righteous it shall be to outside attacks. But when we boil blessed for ever." Inside, destruction waits upon us. these words come true? Do What are the signs of the times? Will the fulfillment of the All people will be at war, save the we see today of Lehi, a who led his people in Zion. What will preserve promises man this the people in Zion? When Brother family, under the hand of God, to is choice above all other Cowley read a portion of that revela- land which lands, for the purpose of establishing tion in relation to this matter, I asked people here who should, under the myself the question, what will make a providences of God, write these writ- peace in Zion? Is it because we find prophecies, hide up disunion here, because we strew our ings, deliver these volume, to come forth in the lat- ways to strangers, or are in debt, or this to a people who should be harassed upon every side, or we yield ter days established upon this land, and who to temptation, or we affiliate with Gospel to the seed of those who will turn and rend us? should bring the Lehi and spread it abroad to the na- Will this bring peace to Zion while all tions of the earth; who should gather shall be at war around us? Oh, no! upon the land of Zion, and have peace We all know that peace will be here and joy, though mourning over the because God has given it for the tribulations of their brethren? Peace righteousness of His people, the union shall reign in Zion if we are righteous. of His sons and daughters, to whom if iniquity abound here, where is He has delegated the greatest work But peace promised to the Latter-day -ever committed to men upon the earth. Saints in that event? I know of no That is why peace will be in Zion. It place or refuge upon the earth that occurred to me to read a few verses not be affected when iniquity from the Book of Mormon in relation will abounds in the hearts of the sons of to this matter. Lehi, speaking to his that not so? family, says: our Father. Is ELDER B. H. ROBERTS 27

"And behold, it is wisdom that this to the spirit manifested through our land should be kept as yet from the brethren who have ministered unto knowledge of other nations; for be- us. Great truths have been spoken; hold, many nations would overrun the great testimonies, far reaching in their land, that there would be no place for effects in the earth, have been deliv- an inheritance." ered; and it does seem to me that the And Lehi goes on to prophesy in re- voice of warning is being sounded lation to this matter. through this Conference to the nations We are threatened with a war. The of the earth. nations of the earth are threatened While the brethren were speaking with war. Turmoil and confusion this morning the following passage in are in our own land. We are strewing the Doctrine and Covenants came very our ways to strangers. Your sons and forcibly to my mind. It is found my sons are joining with those who are in the 88th section. The Lord addresses not of our faith, and I testify that it the revelation to His servants who is a source of infidelity in the minds were engaged in the ministry, and it of those who do these things. God contains instructions to them; and in will have a people that will serve Him, this particular part the Lord said: and they will be a righteous people, "Abide ye in the liberty wherewith and the land will be blessed; for I ye are made free; entangle not your- testify to you this day that Zion will selves in sin, but let your hands be be weeded, the iniquitous acts of men clean, until the Lord come; will bring their own destruction, and "For not many days hence and the Zion will be cleansed before this great earth shall tremble and reel and dreadful day comes when war to and fro as a drunken man, and the sun shall be among all nations, and in shall hide his face, and shall refuse Zion there shall be peace. to give light, and the moon shall be God give us grace to understand the bathed in blood and the stars signs of the times, and to know that shall become exceeding angry, and we have no time to spare; that the shail cast themselves down as a fig time is now when we must prepare that falleth from off a fig tree. ourselves, that when those who de- after sire peace flee unto us they will not "And your testimony cometh find us wanting, but the faith and wrath and indignation upon the peo- power of God will be in the midst ot ple, for after your testimony cometh the people, to the salvation of every the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings the soul that seeks to dwell in peace and in midst of shall fall the serve God in an undisturbed manner. her, and men upon ground, and shall not be able to stand. May grace abound in our hearts, and also cometh the testimony of peace be in our homes, in the hearts "And the voice of thunderings, and the of our wives and children; and may voice of lightnings, and the voice of we set our faces as a flint to serve tempests, and the voice of the waves God with undivided hearts, is my of the sea, heaving themselves beyond prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. their bounds.

ELDER B. H. ROBERTS. "And all things shall be in commo- tion; and surely, men's hearts shall Great cause for serving the Lord—Righteousness fail them; for fear shall come upon all brings peace— The war spirit among the nations. people." My brethren and sisters, with you This revelation was given in the I have rejoiced exceedingly in the year 1832—66 years ago; and has been services of this Conference, and my Cod's voice unto the nations of the heart has been made glad by reason earth. If it was wisdom in Him so of the outpouring of the Spirit of God long ago to place upon record this upon His servants. I have felt for His word, how much more important myself very much encouraged by the it is, after the lapse of more than half words that have been spoken, and a century, that it should be repeated, have felt reproved when reproof has and especially in view of the commo- been administered. I rejoice that tion that exists among the children of my spirit has been so far responsive men, when great dynasties seem to be 28 GENERAL CONFERENCE. crumbling to pieces, and when nations cerning it is most supreme. And I have been arming and equipping them- ould, if I could, join with you all in selves for war, and when there is evi- sounding this warning unto the In- dence of the elements being disturbed, habitants of the earth, that the hour and when by experience the inhab- of God's judgment is at hand; and itants of the earth may know that de- He is vindicating His word and hath structive elements may sweep over given unto the people due warning the land at the will of God. and an opportunity to repent. I trust

I wish to bear testimony to you that that He will continue to do so—con- the testimony of the Spirit of God to tinue to soften the hearts of the chil- leave the my heart is that there is a wonderful dren of men and to open significance in the opening of the way gateway to their hearts until this work for the proclamation of the Gospel of of warning shall be thoroughly com- Jesus Christ among the nations. The pleted to His own great satisfaction. Lord hath softened the hearts of the I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen. children of men, and in fulfillment of The hymn which begins, prediction of servant, Presi- the His For the strength of the hills we bless dent, Prophet, Seer and Revelator of Thee, the Church of Christ, hath broken Our God, our fathers' God, down the barriers and opened up path- was sung by the choir. ways for the servants of God, that Benediction by Elder George Rey- they might cry repentance unto this nolds. generation, and that the warning might be sounded in their ears be- 2 p. m. fore judgment shall be poured out upon them. The Lord in this genera- Singing by the choir and congregation of the hymn which begins, tion hath not left Himself without witness unto the children of men. He Our God, we raise to Thee Thanks for Thy blessings free has not only given this I word that "We here enjoy. have read to you, for His servants to Prayer by Elder David H. Cannon. make proclamation of among the in- The choir sang: habitants of the earth; but He has gathered together a people from every Glory to God on high; Let heaven and earth reply, land, brought here by the proclamation Praise ye His name. of this warning message, and hath in this manner builded a monument of warning unto this generation. It seems PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF to me that He has taken more pains Strange personal experiences—Preserved by the to proclaim unto the present genera- revelations and power of God—Incidents of a remarkable ministry—Great change coming over tion of men the judgments that are in the earth—The work of God progressing. store for them than He did in the days of Noah; for if the teachings of Noah [At President Woodruff's request, and the building of an ark were a President Cannon read the 1st Section witness unto that generation of tht- of the Book of Doctrine and Cove- destruction that was threatened, sure- nants.] ly the gathering together of this peo- I want the attention and the prayers ple, together with every temple that of the Saints who have assembled they have erected, and every mighty upon this occasion. I have been sick Conference that they have held, is and very weak in my body for a God's witness and voice unto the in- month past, and did not feel that I habitants of the earth that the con- would be able to attend this Confer- troversy He hath with them is most ence till the day before it opened. I surely to take place. have been blessed in this respect to I want to bear my testimony to you, be with you. I desire to say some in connection with my brethren, that things to vou, and perhaps some the Gospel is true; that there is virtue strange things, too. I feel disposed to> and power in the work of God, and say something about myself, to give that my confidence in its accomplish- you a little of the history of my life, ing that which hath been decreed con- because of what I may want to say, PRESIDEN1 WILFORD WOODRUFF 29 before I get through, to the rising my life. When I was 14 years old I generation of Israel. My remarks may was bit by a mad dog, and ought to be very eccentric to any but Latter- have died; but I did not. So I contin- day Saints, and to them also, I expect. ued on, until I can say that I have I suppose when I was born the devil broken both of my legs, one twice; knew what I should be called to do; broken both of my arms, breast bone, ribs, for there has been from the day I was several and altogether been born until the present two powers with through a pretty hard experience for a had to be called to me—one to kill me, the other to save man who preach me. I stand before you today a pretty the Gospel, at least. I was a miller sound-looking, for a man ninety-one by trade. I have been in two water years of age. I stand before you with wheels under full head of water, and a body in which almost every bone has I suppose I ought to have been killed been broken except my back and neck. in either of them, but I was not hurt. That preserving power has followed I have had through my life a power af- me all the way through life. It ter me to take my life. When I was my has been with upon missions about three years old I was pushed me my well into a caldron of boiling water, which abroad as as at home. It has followed me until the present day, and had just been taken off the fire. My I have been placed in a great many grandmother took me out, and my skin strange places. all dropped off excepting off my head and feet. I was wrapped up for I was ordained to dedicate this Salt months in cotton and oil. That was Lake Temple fifty years before it was the beginning of my troubles. When dedicated. I knew I should live to I did live to do I was twelve years of age I was dedicate that Temple. it. great desire in boyhood drowned; at any rate, I lay in thirty I had a my Christ, to see feet of water long enough to drown to receive the Gospel of anyone. After several unsuccessful a prophet or somebody that could the Gospel of Christ as attempts, I was brought up out of the teach me Apostles as. water. This was under the Farming- taught by the ancient and in the Testament. 1 ton mill dam. I was just as dead as I read of New this with every sentiment of I shall be thirty years hence. I lay on desired heart, and on the first Gospel my back and saw the sun go out, and my I ever heard I was baptized, passed through all the sensations of sermon oldest brother. I immediate- death that any man would in drown- with my to Kirtland. I was in Zion's ing. After an hour's labor, I was ly went with the Prophet of God. I saw brought around to life again. I shall Camp with him. I saw not go into the particulars of many of the dealings of God of God with him. I saw that these things, but I have passed the power a Prophet. What was mani- •h what may be termed death a he was fest to him by the power of God upon number of times in my life. When I mission was of great value to was 15 years old I was in one of those that received his instruc- Connecticut blizzards. I walked four me and to all who refer to one instance. miles through a wood into the open tions. I will time before we landed in country, and I sought some place A short called the camp to- where I could hide from the storm Missouri Joseph there prophesied unto us, and rest. There was but one house gether. He what lay before us. He within a mile of me—that was the and told us why chastisement poor house, which was about twenty- gave us the reason before us. He says: "You con- five rods away. The man was moved was boy with the rest of you. upon to go up in his garret to get some sider me a realized my position be- pennyroyal to give to a sick woman, You have not Lord. But there is a chas- and he felt led to look out of the win- fore the this camp." He told us dow. He saw me crawling into the tisement before come upon us because hollow of a big tree. He knew what that this would in his counsels. the result of that would be better than he had not been obeyed In one hour after we landed in Mis- I did. He took his horse and sleigh our tents at Mr. and came to me, and when he got souri and pitched s, one man began to fall here, there I was asleep, and he preserved Burkett 3© GENERAL CONFERENCE. another there, and in a few moments Spirit told me to go and move my we had a dozen of our camp stretched animals away from that tree. I did upon blankets with the cholera. The that. My wife asked me why I did it. Prophet of God, when he saw this, I told her I did not know. I had not felt to smypathize with them, and he been in bed twenty minutes when and Hyrum laid their hands upon there came a whirlwind and took thai Brother Carter, the first man that oak tree, which had stood there per- was taken sick, but as soon as they haps fifty years, split it right through did it they were seized themselves, the trunk, and it swept through both and they both had to leave the camp. of those fences where my carriage had He said afterwards: "I told you what stood. It never touched Brother Hyde's was coming to pass, and when afflic- carriage, but it would have crushed tion came I stretched out my hand to me and my family to the tarth stay it, and I came very near falling if I had not listened to the voice of the by it myself." That mission was very Spirit. After spending two years and interesting to me. a half in New England and Canada, I want to say here that in all my getting the Saints out, I started back life since joining this Church and with the last lot, about a hundred, kingdom, notwithstanding these pow- from Boston. We landed in Pitts- ers that have been with me to kill burg at dusk. We were anxious not me, I have always had the revelations to stay there, but to go on to St. of God with me. That is something Louis. I saw a steamer making steam I want to talk about to Israel before ready to go out. I went to the cap- I get through. The power of God has tain and asked him how many passen- told me what to do and what not to gers he had. "Three hundred and fif- do. While the devil has had powei ty." "Could you take another hun- to afflict my body very seriously, th?re dred?" "Yes." I was just about to has been a power with me that has tell him we wanted to go aboard when saved me through it all. And, when- that Spirit said to me, "Don't go ever I have had the Holy Spirit with aboard that steamer, you nor your me to tell me what to do, I have had company." All right, said I. I had to do that. By that I have been learned something about that still, saved. By listening to that still small small voice. I did not go aboard that voice I am here today with you. There steamer, but waited till the next morn- are two reasons why I am here today. ing. In thirty minutes after that When I went back after the pioneer steamer left, it took fire. It had ropes journey, President Young said he instead of wheel chains, and they could wanted me to take my family and go not go ashore. It was a dark night, to Boston, and stay there till I could and not a soul was saved. If I had gather all the Saints of God in New not obeyed the influence of that moni- England and Canada and bring them tor within me, I would have been there to Zion. That was the mission he myself, with the rest of the company. gave me on my return from the pio- The Thirteenth ward would not have; neer journey to Winter Quarters. I had an Atwood for a Bishop; the went in the spring, as he told me, and Church would not have had a Leonard took my family. We came one even- W. Hardy as Bishop. They were both ing to one of the brethren's houses in with me, and their families, including Indiana. Several of us were th-?re. Brother Samuel Hardy, who is in St. Orson Hyde had a team as well as my- George now, upwards of ninety years self. We drove into a long yard. I old. I never disobeyed that Spirit set my carriage within six inches of but once in my life; I did it then his. I had my wife and children with through the urgency of other persons, me. I tied my animals to an oak tree and it nearly cost me my life. I have on the other side of where we camped. been acquainted with this Spirit. It I went to bed in my carriage. As I was not the blow of trumpets noi- laid down, the Spirit of the Lord lold thunder and lightning; it was the still me to get up and move my carriage. small voice to me. All the way from 1 did not ask the Lord what He my boyhood I have been governed and meant. I did as I was told. The same controlled by that Spirit. My missions PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF. 3 J have been by that Spirit of revelation. That is, perhaps, enough to I was told to go to Fox Islands by say about those things. Now, I that same still small voice. In the want to say to this congregation, to time of the great apostasy in Kirtland the young men of Israel, to the Elders the Spirit of the Lord said to me, "Gel of Israel, to all our missionaries, the you a partner and go to Islands." Fox day has come when the God of heaven I no knew more what was in Fox requires at my hands, as the President Islands than in Kolob. 1 what was of the Church of Jesus Christ of went there, however, baptized a hun- Latter-day Saints, to say unto you, it dred and brought them to Zion with up is the will of God for you to take this It that island I me. was upon where course. Get the Spirit of God before received a letter from Joseph Smith, you go on your missions or anywhere telling that I called me was by revela- else. Get the spirit of revelation with tion to fill the place of one of the you. And when you get that you are Twelve had fallen. will see who You safe, and you will do exactly what the it in the Doctrine and Covenants. That Lord wants you to do. I have felt thing was revealed to me before I re- strongly impressed to say that to this ceived the letter Joseph Smith, from Conference. What can you do with- but I did not feel disposed to tell it to out revelation? We cannot do the will any mortal man, for I knew it was my of God and accomplish what is re- duty to keep such things to myself. quired of us without it. We will make Through all my life and labors, when- no mistakes if we pursue that course. ever I have been told to do anything by That spirit is with the Apostles, and the Spirit of the Lord, I have always with the Elders of Israel who are true found it good to do it. I have been and faithful. The rising generation preserved by that power. That power should labor to obtain the Spirit of was with me when I went to Hereford- God. Get it within you and it will be shire. I was preaching every night a continual monitor with you. with Brother Cordon, and one night we That is one reason, brethren and sis- held a meeting in the town hall at ters, why my life has been preserved. Hanley, in Staffordshire. The Spirit- I will tell you another reason. Of that still small voice—said to me, "This course, this is my own reason for it. is the last meeting you will hold with One reason why I am here is because this people for many days." I told the the Lord has chosen the weak things congregation so when I got up. They of this world to preach the Gospel, to were very much astonished, and asked do His work, to build up His kingdom. me where I was going. I told them I I do not think He has ever had a did not know. After, I went to ask the weaker instrument on earth to work Lord what he wanted of me, and He through than myself. The Almighty told me to go to the south. That was has known that never for a minute all the answer I got. I took the stage since I have been a member of this and rode eighty miles south. The first Church have I had any power to take man's house I went into was John Ben- any honor or glory to myself with re- bow's. I had not been in his house gard to anything that I have been en- fifteen minutes till I understood why abled to in the work of the ministry the Lord had sent me there. There do or elsewhere. Why? Because I have was a people broken off from the Wes- God, and not leyan Methodists, who had banded known it has come from no other who has together and called themselves United from me. And man any pow- Brethren. They were watching for the engaged in this work has had This power has come coming of the Son of Man, watching er of himself. whereby we have for the Gospel of Christ, as they read of from God unto us, enabled to do the work He has re- it in the New Testament. The first been hands. thirty days after I got there I brought quired at our over the into the Church some two thousand, There is a change coming change coming with fifty ministers, and all their earth; there is a chapels, licensed according to law, were over the Christian world; and It read the in my hands. There was no blowing is at our door. You of of trumpets about that. The Spirit of revelations in the Bible, in the Book the Lord told me to go there, and when Mormon and in the Doctrine and Cove- to our day and the I got there I saw why I was sent. nants appertaining 32 GENERAL CONFERENCE. generation before the coming of the Son saken me, and my Lord hath forgotten of Man. War! Yes; war is one of the me. troubles that belong to the generation "Can a woman forget her suckling in which we live. It will come to pass, child, that she should not have com- and no power beneath the heavens can passion on the son of her womb? Yea, stay it. Who cannot open their eyes they may forget, yet will I not forget and see the change in the things around thee. us? Read these revelations—the revela- "Behold, I have graven thee upon the tion just read by Brother Cannon, and palms of my hands; thy walls are con- the others in these books. The God of tinually before me." (Isaiah, 49: 13-16.) heaven has set His hand to carry out All that has been spoken concerning these great purposes that you read of. Ziion will come to pass, and you and I They are as sure to come to pass as today are witnesses of these things. that God lives. There is no power on We are here for salvation and eter- earth, nor beneath the earth, nor any- nal life. We are here to obtain those where else, that can stay the fulfill- great blessings which Saints of God ment of these things. And they are at In every age of the world have obtained our doors. when they have obeyed the command- I am anxious that the Latter-day ments of God. Shall we fail? No, we Saints shall round up their shoulders shall not if we do our duty. The Gospel and bear off the kingdom of God. Many is just as good today as it was in to try the in the world have labored the days of the Savior. As to the glor- overthrow Mormonism. They have ious blessings of the Gospel of Christ, driven our people from their lands. they have been unpopular in almost They have persecuted and afflicted us. every age of the world. Take Christ They have put some to death, for the Himself: where was there a more un- word of God and testimony of Jesus. popular man than the Savior of the they have not thwarted the pur- But world in His day? And His Apostles poses of in of these things. God any were unpopular. They were put to The Lord, in mercy His and wisdom, death for the word of God and testi- has led this people to these valleys of mony of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the mountains. It is ordained of God Christ was the Son of God; and the Zion is be that to established here. Saducees, the Pharisees, the Essenes, Here is the Tabernacle that the and all the sects that warred against Prophet spoke of as a covering from Him were cursed and many of them the storm and the wind, etc. These were cast down to hell, while He re- temples are here in fulfillment of mains as the Savior of the world, and prophecy. have four of them this We in received the honor and the glory which State. President Young was honored His Father had ordained for of God in the establishment of these Him. I want our young things. He lived long enough to dedi- people especiallv to remem- cate the corner stone of this Temple on ber these things. Those who are going this bk ck, into which the Latter-day upon missions must not neglect them. Saints go and deliver their friends who Unless you have the Holy are in the prison house, and attend Ghost with you when you go out to the ordinances of the house of God to preach the Gospel, you cannot for them, in fulfillment of the ancient do your duty; but when you Prophets, who spake as they were have that you are safe, go where you moved upon by the Holy Ghost, to the will, and your words will have their effect that saviors should be raised effect in the hearts of the honest and Zion in the latter up on Mount days meek of the earth. while the kingdom is the Lord's. Zion Brethren and sisters, I feel to thank has got to arise. God that we are as well off as we are. "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O I feet to thank God that we are in the earth; and break forth into singing, O position we occupy in these valleys of mountains; for the Lord hath com- the mountains. Here is a safe place. forted His people, and will have mercy While in the dedication of that Temple upon His afflicted. I saw the judgments of God that were "But Zion said, The Lord hath for- about to be poured out upon this gen- —

PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. 33 eration. They will come to pass. I is in favor of Zion. All the revelation* read the other night of a terrible flood. appertaining to thiB day are in favor Who ever heard of such a flood in of Zion, and of preparing the way for America before? These floods, and the coming of the Son of Man. And troubles and tribulations are increasing Zion will arise and shine. in the earth, and they will increase un- God bless you, one and all. Let us til this scene is wound up. I pray God do our duty and seek to magnify our my Heavenly Father to bless you all, religion, that when we get through we to inspire our hearts, that the vision will rejoice in that. It is better to be of our minds may be open to compre- on the Lord's side than anywhere else. hend the position we are in and the re- I want salvation. I want to meet my sponsibility we are under. The eyes of forefathers and my friends whom I all heaven and earth and hell are over have labored here to redeem, who us. The eyes of the devils are over us. never heard the Gospel in their day They labor for our destruction; but and generation. God has given us this they have not power to do it. We are privilege. We have Elders of Israel the in the hands of God. He holds keys laboring in all these temples day by of the destinies of the inhabitants of day for the salvation of the children will bless the the earth, and He of men. We have been blessed in this righteous, no matter who they are nor labor, and we will continue to be where they are. I am thankful to blessed; and when we get on the other I listen to the teachings that have side of the veil there is not one of us- heard at this Conference from the El- but will rejoice for the good we have ders of Israel. I rejoice in the progress done. May God bless you. I feel to that has been made during the past bless the Latter-day Saints, as far as abroad. There has year in the Church I have power to bless. Our daughters been an addition to the Church that we and our mothers are laboring for the with in any other year have never met salvation of Israel in their line, and sc- of this Church. since the organization are the Elders of Israel in their line. And here at home there has been a But we want to increase and continue great addition. Our sisters have labored to increase, until we have power in faithfully in the Primary Associations, the earth to gather up all the honest in associations, the Mutuallmprovement and meek of the earth. God bless, and in in which they every capacity guide and direct us all in the path of called are to labor. The blessings of ' truth and righteousness, for Jesus' God are with them, and they are doing sake. Amen. much good. The Sunday schools have At the conclusion of his remarks also added to their numbers. They the vast congregation arose en masse have now over one hundred thousand and in unison with the choir, sang: members. The Young Men's Mutual We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, Improvement Associations, as has been To guide us in these latter days. said, have an addition of about thirteen thousand as a result of their PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. labors the past year. God is blessing those who labor among them. If you Providential preservation of President Wrodruff can save a soul from death, what bless- The Church controlled by the power of God—He Trouble results from ings you will have with that soul. As vindicates His servants— disunion—Selfishness defeats Itself—The Church the Lord said to Oliver Cowdery, "If will be cleansed. it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this The instructions that we have heard people, and bring, save it be one soul during this Conference have been ac- unto me, how great shall be your joy companied by the testimony of the with him in the kingdom of my Spirit of God, and I esteem it as a Father." We should continue in this great privilege that we have had this labor, that we may gain the salvation afternoon of listening to the testimony of the souls of men. Inasmuch as you of President Woodruff. If we have not will do this, the blessings of God will all heard that which he has said, we attend you. Zion has got to arise or shall have the opportunity of reading;

fall. Which shall it be? The it. I think it ought to be esteemed as proclamation of the Gospel of Christ a great pleasure and satisfaction for GENERAL CONFERENCE.

the Latter-day Saints to hear his Under all the circumstances, has testimony. President Woodruff is the there not been a providence in this? only surviving Apostle who held the Our God does not permit things of Apostleship at the time the Prophet this importance to happen haphazard, Joseph lived. He is the only man and without His overruling power living who received his endowments and providence being manifested. He at the hands of the Prophet Joseph. has selected His servants, and He hae. He is the only Apostle living who en- assigned them their labors; and He tered this valley when it was pene- will preserve them from accidents and trated by the Pioneers. To have him from death until they shall accom- survive as long as he has, and to plish that which they have been sent stand as a witness in the midst of this to perform—to fulfill the mission that people, is a great boon to the Church. has been given unto them. There is There has been, without doubt, a no such thing as accident in these in his preservation. providence The matters. It is not by chance that these Lord had purpose to accomplish. has a occurrences happen; but there is a His testimony, which has so often been providence which the Lord exercises borne and listened to by the members over His people and over the affairs of this will have lasting im- Church a of His Church, and over all things pression and influence upon the that happen. They are controlled by Church. I am, therefore, for one, His power for the accomplishment of greatly pleased to hear him once more His purposes. He gives unto us our address a congregation so large as agency, and that agency we can exer- at our General Conference. If this we cise to the fullest extent. There is no had been asked years ago as to who limit placed upon it. It is contrary to would be likely of the Apostles to sur- His mind and will and to the plan ot vive until now, we perhaps would not salvation that there should be a limit have selected President Woodruff, be- placed upon man's agency or upon its cause he was a man advanced in years, exercise. But He controls the results. and, as he has related to us today, had As President Young so often told us, passed through so many scenes of He controls affairs so as to bring to trial and had labored so hard physi- pass His purposes and His designs; cally, and had so many narrow escapes and there is no power that can prevail for his life, that it seemed almost im- against Him and the fulfillment of His possible that he would survive all the purposes. He supplements man's others. But, as he has told us, up- weakness, man's shortsightedness and wards of fifty years ago, while in man's inability by His strength, fore- Boston on a mission, the Lord re- knowledge and almighty power. These vealed to him concerning this Temple. men whom He has chosen to be His He has not related that which I Apostles are weak, fallible men. have heard him speak of at other As President Woodruff has told us, times. There was a discussion con- the Lord has chosen the weak things cerning the material of which this of the world, that they might not Temple should be built. Some of the glory in themselves nor in their own brethren advocated one material, and strength; and the man that does some another; and it looked as though claim the glory takes steps to destroy it would not be built of granite. But his influence and to lose his power President Woodruff had seen it in and gifts. . The Lord will not bless> granite, and he knew while this dis- men who seek to take the glory to cussion was in progress that when themselves. These men are fallible, the Temple was built it would be built and subject to all the infirmities of of that material. He also had dreams human nature; but God has chosen before the Temple was finished con- them, and when they do the best they cerning the duty that had been as- can, seeking to Him for His Spirit, He signed to him. The keys of the Temple inspires them; and where they come had been given to him by President short He makes it up by His blessing. Young, and he was told to open the That which would seem to the natural Temple, so that the people might go eye to be a mistaken course or polic> in. He overrules and controls for His ——

PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. 35 glory. That has been the course in ity, standing in His stead in the midst this Church from the beginning. The of the people, with the full weight of men that have instructed the people, responsibility upon them. Let me ask from Joseph himself down through all tins congregation, can you put your the ranks of the Priesthood, have been finger on a time when the people of fallible men; their judgment has been this Church have listened to the coun- imperfect; their conclusions have per- sel of the servants of God that they haps not always been as they should have had reason to repent of it? Tou have been; but if they have acted ac- all know that no such thing has ever cording to the light they had and the occurred. In every instance, in the Spirit that God has given them, and deepest peril, under the most trying they have sought the Lord for His and dark circumstances, when the peo- blessing and guidance, then He takes ple have listened to counsel God has charge after that and He brings to delivered them and brought them pass according to His own good will through safely. This you all know. and pleasure, and His power and wis- Hence it is that God designs and de- .dom are manifested in that which sires that His Saints shall listen to takes place, so that we are perfectly the voice of revelation, to the voice of fe. If it were not for this, we would His Prophet, to the voice of men be appalled at the responsibility that whom He has called to act in His rests upon us. Any man who feels stead in the midst of the people. And the weight of responsibility thinks and great condemnation will fall upon of the dreadful consequences that those who do not do this. might attend a misstep, could not en- Of all people upon the face of the dure it if there were not something earth we should be the most united. behind him to sustain and buoy him In union is our strength. But we are up. President Woodruff could not not united as we should be. And it stand under the pressure of the re- is this that brings trouble to us. The sponsibility upon him, neither could disunion of the people is the source of other who be near him any man may all our trouble. The Lord desires to or connected with the Apostleship and have us a united people, the people the Priesthood. that will listen to His voice. And But there is this reflection all the what does this mean? Does it mean time: God can be trusted. God will tyranny? Does it mean oppression? see to it that His servants are not put Does it mean the taking away of any to shame; that they do not become a human being's rights? Does it en- spectacle in the midst of the people croach upon the liberty of any soul? before the Saints or before the world. No, it does not. It never has. Tt He has never left His servants at any never will, because the Priesthood of time. God be thanked this day for the Son of God is not a tyrant. The this! He has never allowed them to operations of that Priesthood are be covered with shame and confusion beneficent under all circumstances. through failure. But He has sustained Look at the prosperity of this people. them, and He has borne them off vic- See how God has blessed them when torious, under all circumstances, when they have listened to counsel and been they have served Him and appealed guided aright. All our prosperity is to His Holy Spirit to guide them. traceable to this. Our misfortunes are And He will do it from this time forth traceable to our disobedience and neg- until the Lord Himself comes to reign lect. Everyone knows this that has on the earth. This will be the result any faith whatever in the work of is nothing asked of any if we continue to serve Him. Hence God. There cannot do with the ut- it is that the people are required by man that he the Lord—with these evidences before most pleasure and with the freest ex- It been so them of what God has done and the ercise of his agency. has it will be so to predictions that have been fulfilled from the beginning, and to listen to the voice of His servants, the end. to accept their counsels, to seek for We were told this morning, by His word through them, because He Brother A. O. Woodruff, of the division has given them power and the author- there is among the people in many 3« GENERAL CONFERENCE.

directions. It is a pitiable sight that ness. Yet, notwithstanding, the na- among the Latter-day Saints there tions behold it, Satan darkens their should be such things, such division, eyes so that they cannot see its grand such selfishness, such injury done by import. But to us the Lord has re- one to another. It is wrong, and we vealed this. And there is this remark- should avoid it. It is contrary to the able fact connected with this: almost will of God that we should be in this every man and woman that comes condition. We grieve His Holy Spirit from the nations has, himself and her- when we yield to this spirit that di- self, received a testimony that they vides us and arrays us one against ought to do this. They have done it another. "We ought to understand that under a divine impulse; not by any selfishness defeats itself; that God will human force that has been brought to bless men who love His work and love bear upon them, but by an inward their fellow men, and who do not al- force that has appealed to their souls, low selfishness to predominate in their coming to them irresistibly from God. hearts. That has to be extinguished These elements are being gathered among • the Latter-day Saints, if we from the nations of the earth in this ever would be the people that God has miraculous manner to accomplish the said we shall be. I believe the Lord purposes of our God. But there will will weed out from our midst all who be a cleansing in the floor—in the gar- contribute to this division among the ner, as it were. The work of cleansing people of God and who will not dis- is now going on. The net gathers a miss these evil influences. Unless we great many kinds of fish; but the bad are a united people we will not pros- fish will be thrown out. Having re- per temporally; we cannot prosper ceived these testimonies, and being in spiritually. We must love the Lord a position to know for ourselves con- with all our heart, and love we must cerning the work of God, it is for us our brethren as we do ourselves. If to square our lives to make them agree we do not attain to that we cannot with the principles of righteousness. reach the standard has He raised for As was read this afternoon, "My Spirit us. I do not expect that any of us will shall not always strive with man, saith get into the celestial kingdom until we the Lord of hosts." There never has have this Spirit and are imbued with been a time in this Church since it3 it and carry it out literally in all our organization when the Latter-day associations and dealings with our Saints have been preached to with fellow men—until, in fact, we shall be such diligence as they have been of a united people, living in the United late. The Twelve Apostles are travel- Order, which must be established be- ing constantly, visiting conferences, fore the reign of righteousness can be and the other brethren that are active- ushered in. ly engaged in the ministry are doing We come to these General Confer- the same. The people are being ences to be instructed in these prin- warned and taught, it seems to me, ciples, to have our minds refreshed, with a diligence and with a faith and to hear the testimony of the servants power that I have never seen before of God, and we ought to go away im- in the Church. I do not think the pressed with these principles, and Church ever was preached to as it is profiting by them sufficiently that we being preached to now. And this can- will make them a part of our lives. not be done without condemnation fol- We have been called as Latter-day lowing those who resist the influence Saints. By the miraculous power of of the Spirit of God, and who harden God we have been gathered from the their hearts against the teachings of nations of the earth. It is the greatest God's servants. miracle, it may be said, that ever was God help us, brethren and sisters, to seen by the human family. It is be faithful stu- to the truth, to cling to it, pendous. It is something unexampled to love the Lord with all our hearts, in the history of our race. And there to serve Him with all the diligence we is a grand purpose in it, which God can; which I humbly ask in the name has revealed. He is gathering from of Jesus Christ. Amen. the nations of the earth the elements The choir sang the anthem. that are necessary to lay the founda- tion for a new era, to prepare the way Light and Truth. for the coming of the Lord, for the Benediction by Elder Seymour B. establishment of the reign of righteous- Young. —

THIRD DAY.

April 8th, 10 a.m. the payment of our tithes and our of- The choir and congregation sang: ferings. This is a condition that many Redeemer of Israel, people do not realize, and they do not Our only delight, have to cope with these things. The On whom for a blessing we call, Lord, however, requires these conditions Our shadow by day, at our hands, and apparently He opens And our pillar by night, Our King, our Deliv'rer, our All! up the way and provides the means whereby these things are accomplished. Prayer by Elder John W. Hess. The Elders are sent out, their The hymn which begins, fares are paid, they are supported hills Zion stands with surrounded by their friends while abroad; and it Zion kept by power divine, all costs money, and the money ooraes was sung by the choir. from somewhere. The Lord through His providences opens up the way ELDER M. W. MERRILL. whereby these things are accom- The Path of Duty Leads to Prosperity—Need for plished. I was conversing with a Retrenchment—Future Expansion of Missionary brother some three or four years ago, Work. I think at the Conference in this city, It is always a little difficult for me and he was telling me his condition. to start out upon a high key, and I He was very much depressed finan- have discovered that it is more or less cially. He had been under the neces- the case with others. However, if you sity (he thought) to mortgage his will give me your attention and your home, and he was very much embar- prayers and faith, I hope to be able to rassed. He felt very bad over it, so make you all hear the few minutes I much so that he could hardly enjoy shall occupy your attention. I have the Spirit of the Conference. He was been much interested in our Confer- a very intimate friend of mine, and ence, and can say that I heartily en- he asked me what to do. I told him dorse the remarks that have thus far that I believed that I could tell him been made in our hearing. I was very what to do to extricate himself. He much interested in the remarks of our said he would be very glad to know President on yesterday, though it is not what to do that he might be free very pleasant to contemplate the scenes again. I said, "have you paid your that he has passed through; the tithing of late years?" "Well," he troubles and ordeals, going through said, "no, not so strictly as I ought to waterwheels, having bones broken and have done." I told him I thought that all this; and I conclude that Very few was one cause of his financial trouble. people could, under such circum- I said to him, "you go home now, and stances, endure for a long time. pay your tithing strictly, as you re- I have a testimony of this work. I ceive it; don't you sign any more know it is true. I know the Lord is notes to anybody; don't give mort- with His people; the manifestations of gages on any more of your property; His power are realized and felt curtail your expenses at home, re- by many of the Latter-day Saints. Of trench a little, for I believe there is all people we have the most reason to room for retrenchment; pay your be grateful and thankful to our tithing; trust in the Lord, and ways Heaveny Father. While, perhaps, our will be opened up whereby you may financial condition as a body is not so extricate yourself." I met him at this desirable as we would like it, yet I Conference, and he said that he wa3 believe that we are as well off financial- getting along finely. He has near.'y ly, better off, than people lift- and perhaps all of his debts paid, and he has in other states of our Union. It is won- ed the mortgage from his homo. I contemplate the derful to me, when I said, "then you have paid your tith- people, to realize the affairs of our ing, have you?" He said, "yes, paid of money that goes from vast amount my tithing strictly and honestly." us in the transportation and support of believe there is a principle in this. our Elders on missions abroad, and in I 38 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

It is said that Paul may plant and doing pretty well in paying their tithes Apollos water, may but the Lord gl\- and offerings. This principle of tith- eth the increase. And I have conclud- ing was not instituted by man. The ed from experience the my that Lord authorities of the Church have not in- is able to. The Lord gives us the stituted it, God revealed it in the increase. He blesses some people early history of the Church, and He abundantly for a wise purpose in made it a requirement of the Latter- Himself. cannot always compre- We day Saints. It is a law of the Lord, hend he blesses why some men above -nd it is important that the Latter-day other men, but there is a purpose in Saints live up to the law, that this it, and I just as confident as I am am land may be a land of Zion unto the that I am standing before you, that people. if the Latter-day Saints from this very Brethren and sisters, I want to make day, will pay their tithes honestly and you a promise in my own name, that strictly, and cease to mortgage their if you will observe these things, begin homes, cease to incur obligations as now to pay your tithes and your individuals, and begin a system of re- offerings in full, if you will cease to trenchment in all their homes, the sign notes, if you will cease to give Lord will prosper them and they will mortgages on your homes, and re- be free from debt—for is there a fam- trench from this time forth, and turn ily in Israel that cannot retrench a to the Lord with full purpose of heart, little? I know that it can be done; and I will promise you that the way will if the Latter-day Saints will do these be opened up and every faithful man things as a people, the time is not far and woman will be able to extricate distant when will be we relieved from himself and herself, and the time will our financial troubles. The Church be in your life time, when you will be will also be relieved of its financial a free people. There are some few peo- troubles. Why is the Church finan- ple that are free now, and they do not cially depressed? Because we are owe any man anything, and they are financially depressed. We are the happy and contented; but too many of Church—the people of the Church, and the people have mortgages on their if we will retrench and observe the homes. I have always raised my voice rules of propriety in regard to our against mortgaging and obligating family affairs I believe that we all ourselves. Wait until we have the may be relieved; and I believe the means and then make the purchase, time is not far distant when it may be and do not make the purchase until said of the Latter-day Saints, that we have the means. Do you not know they are lenders of money and not bor- that the whole system of our banking rowers. This should be our situation. institutions in our midst is based upon Now the evidence is before the people the interest paid by the people for that far we come short of what the money borrowed? It is not a good Lord requires at our hands in tithes thing, in my view, for individuals to and offerings. I heard President do. It may be justifiable in the case Young once say in the old Tabernacle of some large enterprise that would here, "if the Latter-day Saints will benefit the country and people, but as pay their tithes honestly, every man a rule for individuals to pattern after and every family, I will pay all their large corporations, they will fail if taxes, their school bills and their gen- they do it. How many people in Salt eral expenses." It is the evident that Lake City, and in the country, have people it. did not do We may search lost their homes, their families turned the Church from one end to the other, out without a shelter over their heads, we mav search the records, and we because, peradventure, they have been will find that there are not many men, unwise! They thought they were go- (of course there are some, and perhaps ing to make a great deal of money by a good number) that pay their tithing some speculation, and they have failed. in full. large majority of the A people, The Lord did not bless the enterprise, I believe, come short in this, and they and unless the Lord does so we will think they are doing pretty well too. fail every time; no matter whether it They make themselves think they are be Jews or Gentiles, or Latter-day ELDER MARRJNER MERRILL. 39 Saints, that enter into it. But if the We are trying to do Lord will bless the Lord's the enterprise it will work, to preach the Gospel to the be a success. As a rule, however, it world. We are sending out a few has not been the mis- counsel of the sionaries, but, I tell you, so far as i Priesthood, so far as I have learned, can see in the future, and understand for the people to obligate themselves the future, we are not sending out a beyond that which they were able to drop in the bucket today, to what we meet at any time. will send out in the future. Only This system of retrenchment is im- think of it for a moment. We have, portant and necessary. Not only here it is said, 1,700 Elders abroad in the in the city, but everywhere through- world. Take these 1,700 Elders, cut out the country, we see extravagance them in two, place half in London and among the Saints, and carelessness half in New York, two of the great and indifference with regard to the cities of the world, and the people of things that the Lord blesses us with. these cities would hardly know there There is extravagance in the house- was an Elder among them, because the hold; there is not that care and at- inhabitants are so numerous. But we tention bestowed that ought to be. are doing the best we can in regard You will excuse me if I talk about to this matter, and the work is in- myself and my own family, but I am creasing and progressing and spread- reminded of an incident that occurred ing abroad, and the Gospel of the with me a few years ago. I had a Kingdom will eventually be preached brother who emigrated from England, as a witness to all people and all na- working at my place. He had left his tions. We are here to do that, ana family there and had not the means we want to train our sons and prepare to get them out. He said to me one them to be honorable representatives day, "I wish my family could go to of the Latter-day Saints. We do not your swill barrel; they would get want to send men out that are not plenty of food right from it to supply honorable men. We want young men them." It set me to thinking. Do to go imbued with the spirit of this my family waste things like that? Do work, and we would like them to have they waste provisions to such an ex- a testimony from the Lord before they tent that this man and his family so and be able to give a reason for the could live out of the swill barrel? I hope they have within them. Then began to examine the matter a little, when they go into their fields of labor and I had to talk a little about it. I they are prepared to at once take not only found it was profitable to hold of the work. They go to teach talk at home, but also to talk among the world; they do not go to be taugh* my friends and neighbors. There ha& by the world. They go from Zion been more or less of extravagances blessed under the hands of the ser- financially; it is very important that vants of God, to teach the Gospel and nothing should be wasted. President to warn the world. Young men must Young used to talk about these things remember that they are not sent abroad everywhere he went. I have heard hliu to be taught of the world, but we in the settlements of Saints caution- must be acquainted with some of the ing the people to be prudent, and to be principles and doctrines of the Church, careful with the means that the Lord in order to set before the people thosw had blessed them with. I believe we principles and doctrines that God has ought to observe this counsel, and if revealed for the salvation and redemp- we will do it, as I said before, I think tion of the human family. we may rely upon it that the Lord will Brethren and sisters, I desire that we open up our way whereby we may be may reflect upon all these things and relieved. President Cannon was al- consider our affairs. We are here in most on the point of saying so, the this General Conference from the other day. I felt the spirit that he different parts of the State and from was possessed of, that he felt to prom- the states surrounding us. We are ise the people that the time would here to be taught; to have our minds come when we would be in a different stirred up by way of remembrance of condition. the duties and responsibilities that rest GENERAL CONFERENCE.

upon us as Latter-day Saints. We are "That as the Lord liveth, and as we a peculiar people—that peculiar peo- live, we will not go down unto out ple which Isaiah spoke of, and we are father in the wilderness, until we have here to learn the way of the Lord. accomplished the thing which the Whether this teaching be temporal or Lord hath commanded us." whether it be spiritual it is all the When I heard President Cannon same for us in the advancement of speaking about the success of the work this work. We have to be engaged in of the Lord I could see he partook of temporal affairs as well as in spiritual the same spirit, and the brethren that affairs to bring about the consumma- have followed him since the first day tion of God's purposes in the earth. have also manifested that spirit. 1 I pray that the blessings of God may have been considerably impressed by be upon Zion, and upon her Stakes, all the remarks that have been made, that the spirit of humility may possess and I feel that any one who has not our souls; that we may have an op- been melted and made tender and pli- portunity to be taught, to be instruct- able by that which has been said, ed and to follow in the counsels of the must be as -"old as an iceberg. Priesthood of the Son of God; then I desire to touch upon the idea pre- we are safe, we are upon the sure sented by President Cannon, that oc- foundation; our house is founded upon casionally wise and prudent women the rock, and when the winds come and would be permitted to go forth and the rains beat upon it, it will stand accompany their husbands in preach- unmoved; but if we are tossed to and ing the Gospel to the nations of the fro by every wind of doctrine, and earth. I have been away on mission- follow after "Christian Science" or ary labor, more or less, for some some other myth or folly, we shall not months past; our experience is, espe- be saved. As one of the brethren cially during the pleasant warm weath- we have all in the Church of er, that about one-half of the men in Christ that will exalt and ennoble us. the country are away to the mines, Our insurance agencies in the Church they are absent from home looking af- are safe and sure, and if we are faith- ter their business, and it would be im- ful in keeping the commandments of prudent for us to teach men's wives, God we will be sure of eternal lives. and to take them into the waters of God bless you. Amen. baptism without the consent of then husbands. A great number of men ELDER JOHN W. TAYLOR. in the Western States and territories are away from home, and leave their A field of usefullness for women—Divine agen. cies at work. wives for a season. It would not be wise for Elders to enter such homes, My brethren and sisters, I pray that in fact, they are advised against this the Spirit of the Lord which guides us and they observe this counsel. The> in the ways of all truth will direct do not go to the homes of women me in what I shall say this morning. where the husbands are absent, or I bear testimony to the advice that where there are no men folks living has been given unto us by Elder Mer- in the house. What is the result? The rill. I was pleased with the remarks result is there are thousands of fami- that were given on the first day of this lies to whom we cannot explain our Conference, because they partook ot views, simply because there are no the spirit of encouragement. I feel men at home; they probably would re- encouraged in the work of the Lord, ceive us with pleasure and listen to and I can see that the spirit which our message if it were practicable to the brethren are imbued with is sim- visit them. But I can see now the ilar to that which was possessed by possibility of this being corrected. I Nephi, the Prophet, while going up have in view now, one of the sisters to the city of Jerusalem to get the rec- that was laboring in the state of Colo- ord of his forefathers. His brothers rado. In the district where she re- protested against him going for this sided there were some five families purpose, and he answered them in this where the husbands were away from wise: home. She became acquainted with ELDER JOHN W TAYLOR. 4i those families. She distributed tracts, try, before that I was lifted up ;>y in their midst, and they came to un- the Jews, desired of me; derstand our views in regard to our "Therefore more blessed are ye, for religion, but so far as the Elders ye shall never taste of death, but ye are concerned these families would shall live to behold all the doings of have been passed by. There are the Father, unto the children of men, probably thousands of families in this even until all things shall be fulfilled, condition. I iust mention this to cor- according to the will of the Father, roborate the remarks of President when I shall come in my glory, with Cannon, and to bear testimony to the the powers of heaven; good work that women can do. "And ye shall never endure the pains I feel to rejoice in the work in which of death; but when I shall come in my we are engaged and in hearing of the glory, ye shall be changed in the twin- great success of the Elders of Israel kling of an eye from mortality to im- abroad. I was struck very much with mortality: and then shall ye be blessed a remark made yesterday by Elder in the kingdom of my Father. Roberts; it was a very slight remark, "And again, ye shall not have pain but it impressed me. He said that while ye shall dwell in the flesh, nei- God had witnesses upon the earth of ther sorrow, save it be for the sins His work. The witnesses Elder Rob- of the world: and all this will I do be- erts referred to, I presume, were the cause of the thing which ye have de- Elders of Israel who hold the Priest- sired of me, for ye have desired that hood and have the testimony of Jesus ye might bring the souls of men unto Christ. I desire to read to you about me, while the world shall stand; other witnesses which possibly he did "And for this cause ye shall have in not have in his mind. I find in the fullness of joy; and ye shall sit down 28th chapter of the Third Book of the kingdom of my Father; yea, your Nephi. the following, spoken by Jesus joy shall be full, even as the Father Christ unto the Twelve Apostles upon hath given me fullness of joy; and ye this continent: shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and 1 "And it came to pass when Jesus had are one; said these words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto "And the Holy Ghost beareth record Father them, What is it that ye desire of me, of the Father and me; and the chil- after that I am gone to the Father? giveth the Holy Ghost unto the "And they all spake, save it were dren of men, because of me. three, we desire that after we have "And it came to pass that when Je- lived unto the age of man, that our sus had spoken these words He touched ministry, wherein thou hast called us, every one of them with his finger, save tarry, may have an end, that we may speedi- it were the three who were to ly come unto thee, in thy kingdom. and then He departed. "And He said unto them, Blessed are "And behold, the heavens were ye, because ye desired this thing of opened, and they were caught up into me; therefore after that ye are seven- heaven, and saw and heard unspeak- ty and two years old, ye shall come able things. unto me in my kingdom, and with me "And it was forbidden them that ye shall find rest. they should utter; neither was it given "And when He had spoken unto them, unto them power that they could utter he turned himself unto the three, and the things which they saw and heard; said unto them, What will ye that 1 "And whether they were in the body should do unto you, when I am gone or out of the body, they could not tell; unto the Father? for it did seem unto them like a trans- them, that they were "And they sorrowed in their hearts, figuration of this body of flesh into for they durst not speak unto Him the changed from immortal state, that they could be- thing which they desired. an hold the things of God. "And he said unto them, Behold, 1 know your thoughts, and ye have de- "But it came to pass that they did sired the thing which John, my be- again minister upon the face of the loved, who was with me in my minis- earth: nevertheless they did not min- 42 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

lster of the things which they had tribes of Israel, and unto all nations, heard and seen, because of the com- kindreds, tongues and people, and shall mandment which was given them in bring out of them unto Jesus many heaven. souls, that their desire may be ful- "And now whether they were mortal filled, and also because of the convinc- or immortal, from the day of their ing power of God which is in them." transfiguration, I know not; It seems that these men shall have "But this much I know, according a peculiar endowment, and that en- to the record which hath been given, dowment shall be the convincing pow- they did go forth upon the face of the er of God. land, and did minister unto all the peo- "And they are as the angels of God, ple.uniting as many to the Church that and if they shall pray unto the Father would believe in their preaching; bap- in the name of Jesus, they can shew tizing them; and as many as were themselves unto whatsoever man it baptized, did receive the Holy Ghost; seemeth them good; "And they were cast into prison by "Therefore great and marvelous them who did not belong to the Church. works shall be wrought by them, be- And the prisons could not hold them, fore the great and coming day, when for they were rent in twain, all people must surely stand before "And they were cast down into the the judgment seat of Christ; earth. But they did smite the earth "Yea even among the Gentiles shall with the word of God, insomuch that there be a great and marvelous work by his power they were delivered out wrought by them, before that judg- of the depths of the earth; and there- ment day." fore they could not dig pits sufficient Now, you wonder why so many Gen- to hold them. tiles are turning their hearts toward "And thrice they were cast into a the truth. can learn that there is a furnace, and received no harm. We change brought about by agencies in "And twice were they cast into a den addition to the witnesses that were of wild beasts; and behold they did spoken of yesterday by Elder Roberts. play with the beasts, as a child with God bless you. a suckling lamb, and received no Amen. harm. "And it came to pass that thus they ELDER JONATHAN GOLDEN KIM- did go forth among all the people of BALL. Nephi, and did preach the Gospel of Thoughts on temporal interests— The need of Christ unto all people upon the face being devotional and self-sacrificing. of the land; and they were converted unto the Lord, and were united unto I readily discover, my brethren and the Church of Christ, and thus the peo» sisters, that this congregation do hun- pie of that generation were blessed, ac- ger and thirst for the word of God, cording to the word of Jesus. and it is through this that the Apostles "And how I, Mormon, make an end and those that have spoken unto you of speaking concerning these things have been given such great liberty, for a time. and why you have been fed by the "Behold, I was about to write the servants of the Lord under the influ- names of those who were never to ence of the Holy Spirit. It is now your taste of death; but the Lord forbade, duty to not only listen but to digest; therefore I write them not, for they not only to ' make resolutions, but to are hid from the world. live up to the instructions that have "But behold I have seen them, and been given, if you expect to receive they have ministered unto me; the blessings of the Lord. "And behold they will be among the There is a principle that I desire to Gentiles, and the Gentiles knoweth talk upon for a few moments. I have them not. the idea, but it is not yet clothed, but "They will also be among the Jews, I pray the Lord that He may move and the Jews shall know them not. upon me through your faith and "And it shall come to pass, when the prayers, to explain my views upon a Lord seeth fit in His wisdom, that they certain subject. I am very much in- shall minister unto all the scattered terested myself in the financial wel- ELDER JONATHAN G. KIMBALL. 43 fare of this people, because I realize Bishop. When I asked them to come from my own experience that when and assist my wife—and I offered them men are in financial difficulties, and the best I had (for which I was grate- their honesty is in question, and they ful to my Heavenly Father), that is, are unable to fulfill their agreements, tithing office scrip—they said, "we can it is very difficult for honest men who get enough of that without working." are sensitive to the reproach of the I have told some of my brethren that children of men to feel joyous and there is no man in this Church that happy, and to appreciate the bless- has been treated better than I have ings with which they are surrounded. by the authorities of the Church, and of I want to say to you that the sun I am wonder-struck when I think not shine brightly to such men, how I have been blessed; but I tell my employ- the grass is not green, and sometimes brethren, "when you have not will I fancy, they hardly feel that water ment for me, say the word, and I and I runs down hill. It is a most terrible take my family by the hand, the land." condition to be in. One of the great will again be a pioneer in young difficulties that menace this people We have hundreds of brilliant

• experience; is the lack of employment for our men, men that have around people. I know how some of us wor- but they are hanging starving ship gold and silver, but I tell you these streets and what is the that is not so great a problem among to death. Do you know is a great deal this people as employment. I am not matter with us? There it. It is not in much doubt that the time will be of pride connected with log hut if in these United States when the people a difficult thing to live in a anything better, will worship work more than they do you have never had difficult thing to drop to a money, and it is one of the demands but it is a have been living that I make upon thlB people, that log house when you our pride has got to they see to it that the people of this in a castle. But There are a Church are employed. If you have be humbled, young men. ought to be large farms, and you are poor and great many of us that missionary work; poverty stricken with so much land, sent out. Talk about to call out of this city 500 see to it that the people are given em- they ought missions to colonize ployment. Then the people must see and send them on the tens of thousands of to it that they are willing to take the and build up this great State of produce of the country as pay for acres that are in State of Utah is not good their labor, and not ask the farmer to Utah. If the for you, go to Canada. That give them gold and silver, which it enough wonderful country, and you can is very difficult for him to get. is a get rich and prosper if you keep the With all due respect to some things commandments of the Lord. Then you that are being done, I believe that it can come back to Salt Lake City, and is absolutely necessary—God requires put on all the style you want to, if it of this people—that they pay their you pay for it. tithes and offerings, and that the read to you from the Book offerings be used for the people that I desire to Doctrine and Covenants. I will put are old, aged and infirm. It is one of of the last part of my dis- the most destructive things that has my text to course, instead of the first. I wish to happened in this Church when strong, your mind what the Lord able-bodied men and women, and call to young men and women are provided says: out the from its offerings which are given for "I, the Lord, stretched the earth as a very the poor. I know the spirit that is heavens, and built things therein creeping in among this people. I re- handy work, and all member a certain experience I had are mine: for when the scarlet fever struck my fam- "And it is my purpose to provide ily. After they had recovered I sought my Saints, for all things are mine; most diligently in one of our own "But it must needs be done in mine thriving settlements for a little help. own way; and behold this is the way I found families that were poor, and that I, the Lord, have decreed to pro- that were being supported by the vide for my Saints, that the poor shall 44 GENERAL CONFERENCE. be exalted, in that the rich are made ance, that we will have the pride of a low; Latter-day Saint, and not receive any- "For the earth is full, and there is thing when we are able to work, un- enough and to spare; yea, I prepared less we be furnished employment. all things, and have given unto the That demand should be made upon the children of men to be agents unto Latter-day Saints, and I felt impressed thcnselves. that if the time ever came that I had "Therefore, if any man shall take no food for my family, I would go of the abundance which I have made, among the Latter-day Saints and as a and impart not his portion, according servant of God I would demand work. to the law of my Gospel, unto the poor And if you would not give me work the and the needy, he shall, with the Lord would take from the abundance wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being which you are blessed with. in torment." Now I want to prophesy, as the son So that I fancy we had better com- of a prophet, that if this people want mence to get generous and impart of to be blessed they must labor for Zion; the abundance which the Lord has giv- for if you labor for money you shall en us and give employment to the perisb. You are under covenant, and it thousands of people that are in need. is a demand that God makes of this The trouble that came upon the peo- people that they redeem Zion. You ple in Kirtland was brought about have got to be generous, and you have for these reasons which I will read to got to place all that you have and you: are upon the altar and learn to live "But behold they have not learned the law of the celestial kingdom. to be obedient to the things which "But," says one to me, "you I required at their hands, but are full would not preach that way four years of all manner of evil, and do not im- ago when you had something." Well, part of their substance, as becometh if you have got to learn to preach the Saints, to the poor and afflicted among way I am doing you will learn it just them, the way I learned it. You will pay

"And are not united according to for it. The Lord will take from you the union required by the law of the what you have if you don't humble celestial kingdom; yourselves, and He will chasten you. "And Zion cannot be built up un- I want to say to you the Gospel is to less it is by the principles of the laws be preached to every nation, kindred, of the celestial kingdom; otherwise tongue and people. We are spending I cannot receive her unto myself; no less than $300,000 a year, if I have "And my people must needs be chast- figured right. If your Elders are ened until they learn obedience, if it traveling without money they spend mvit needs be by the things which an awful sight of it, it seems to me, they suffer." and you will be called upon to spend a Now, Zion will be redeemed, and I good deal more. You will be called upon want to say to you, my brethren and to place all that you have and are upon sisters, that all is not well in Zion; the altar; and if you do not have but if you wish to be popular you your feet right and know that this is want to say that all is well in Zion. the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- The Lord requires it at the hands of day Saints, when you are asked to this people that they pay their tithes give up your means, you will and their offerings, and that they see flounder and lose the faith; but to it that they impart of the abundance if you have not got anything you will which the Lord has given, to those be just as Peter was. I am in the that need work, and give them employ- same fix. If I leave this Church, where ment. The hands of the Presidency and in heaven will I go. That is the way the Apostles of this Church are tied I feel. because we are raising up among this I feel to bless the people. I feel that people, what I call paupers. It is not you are being blessed and that you will the fault of the people altogether, it continue to be blessed as long as you is because they cannot find work. I keep the commandments of God. When pray the Lord that He may move upon you cease keeping the commandments all of us that are in need of assist- of God then the judgments of God will PRESIDEN T JOSEPH F. SMITH. 45 commence at the house of the Lord, "And ye will not have a mind to and I pray that that may be averted. injure one another, but to live peaceably, I pray that we may not pass through and to render to every man according the experience that the people had in to that which is his due. Kirtland because they transgressed the "And ye will not suffer your children, laws of God. May the Lord bless you. that they go hungry, or naked; Amen. neither will ye suffer that they trans- gress the laws of God, and fight and PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH. quarrel with one another, and serve the

The Saints a charitable people- -Idleness and pau- devil, who is the master of sin, or who perism should not be fostered—Value of inde- is the evil spirit which hath been pendence and industry. spoken of by our fathers; he being an all righteousness; My brethren and sisters, I have been enemy to unexpectedly called upon to make a "But ye will teach them to walk the of truth and soberness; few remarks and as I have not pre- in ways to love one another, meditated upon what to say, it is just ye will teach them occurred to me to follow some of the and to serve one another; remarks that have already been made "And also, ye yourselves will suc- to us this morning, by reading from cor those that stand in need of your the fourth chapter of Mosiah: succor; ye will administer of your that standeth in "Believe in God; believe that He is, substance unto him will not suffer that the and that He created all things, both need; and ye petition to you in heaven and in earth; believe that beggar putteth up his out to perish. He has all wisdom, and all power, both in vain, and turn him in heaven and in earth; believe that "Perhaps thou shalt say, the man upon himself his misery, man doth not comprehend all the has brought and will things which the Lord can compre- therefore I will stay my hand, nor hend. not give unto him of my food, substance that "And again: Believe that ye must impart unto him of my not suffer, for his punishments repent of your sins and forsake them, he may and humble yourselves before God; are just. I say unto you, O man, whoso- and ask in sincerity of heart that He "But ever doeth this, the same hath great would forgive you; and now, if you be- to repent; and except he re- lieve all these things see that ye do cause he hath done, them. penteth of that which he perisheth for ever, and hath no in- "And again I say unto you as I have terest in the kingdom of God. said before, that ye have known of behold, are we not all beggars? His goodness, and have tasted of His "For all depend upon the same love and have received a remission Do we not Being, even God, for all the substance of your sins, which causeth such ex- have; for both food and rai- ceeding great joy in your souls, even which we ment, and for gold and for silver, and so I would that ye should remember, all the riches which we have of and always retain in remembrance, for the greatness of God, and your own every kind? nothingness, and His goodness and long "And behold, even at this time, ye suffering towards you, unworthy have been calling on His name, and creatures, and humble yourselves even begging for a remission of your sins. in the depths of humility, calling on And has He suffered that ye have the name of the Lord daily, and stand- begged in vain? Nay He has poured ing steadfastly in the faith of that out His Spirit upon you, and has should be filled which is to come, which was spoken by caused that your hearts the mouth of the angel; with joy, and has caused that your that ye "And behold, I say unto you, that if mouths should be stopped, so exceeding ye do this, ye shall always rejoice, could not find utterance, and be filled with the love of God, and great was your joy. created always retain a remission of your sins; "And now, if God, who has for and ye shall grow in the knowledge you, on whom you are dependent ye have of the glory of Him that created you, your lives, and for all that unto you whatso- or in the knowledge of that which is and are, doth grant right, in faith, be- just and true. ever ye ask that is 46 GENERAL CONFERENCE. lieving that ye shall receive, O then, "And finally, I cannot tell you all the how had ye ought to impart of the things whereby ye may commit sin; for substance that ye have one to an- there are divers ways and means, even other? so many, that I cannot number them.

"And if ye judge the man who "But this much I can tell you, that putteth P" his petition to you for your if ye do not watch yourselves, and substance that he perish not, and con- your thoughts, and your words, demn him, how much more just will be and your deeds. and observe your condemnation for withholding the commandments of God, and con- your substance, which doth not belong tinue in the faith of what ye have to you but to God, to whom also your heard concerning the coming of our life belongeth; and yet ye put up no Lord, even unto the end of your lives, petition, nor repent of the thing which ye must perish. And now, O man, re- thou hast done. member, and perish not." I have been reading the words of "I say unto you, Wo be unto that King Benjamin to the people as re- man, for his substance shall perish corded in the fourth chapter of with him; and now, I say these things Mosiah in the Book of Mormon, and unto those who are rich, as pertaining I don't know but what they apply to to the things of this world. us today, in many ways, as com- "And again, I say unto the poor, Ye pletely as they applied to those unto who have not and yet have sufficient, whom they were spoken. Yet, I believe that ye remain from day to day; I I can confidently say that the Latter- mean all you who deny the beggar, be- day Saints, as a rule, are among the cause ye have not; I would that ye say most hospitable, generous and kind- in your hearts, that I give not because hearted people that can be found upon I have not; but if I had, I would give. the earth. Not long ago one of our "And now, if ye say this in your Elders returned from a mission in the hearts, ye remain guiltless, otherwise South. There had been a question ye are condemned, and your condemna- raised in his mind as to whether the tion is just; for ye covet that which Latter-day Saints in Zion would be ye have not received. as open-hander" as hospitable, as kind- "And now, for the sake of these hearted and as willing to receive and things which I have spoken unto you; entertain a stranger as were the peo- that is, for the sake of retaining a re- ple of the South, and he determined mission of your sins from to day day, to put the matter to the test. The story that ye may walk guiltless before God, of his visits to some of our people here I would that ye should impart of your is published in the Improvement Era, substance to the poor, every ac- man No. 6. I canot give it to you in de- cording to that which he hath, such =is tail, but will only attempt a brief out- feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, line. Representing himself as a minis- visiting the sick, and administering to ter of the Gospel from the state of their relief, both spiritually and tem- Tennessee, traveling without purse or porally, according to their wants; scrip, as the Elders of the Church of "And see that all m these things are Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were done in wisdom and order; for it is not generally doing, he called upon Brother requisite that a man should run faster B. Y. Hampton of the Hampton House than he has strength. And again: It is and asked for entertainment without expedient that he should be diligent, charge. Brother Hampton readily con- that thereby he might win the prize; sented to take care of him. He next therefore, all things must be done in or- called at the Temple Barber Shop, der. with a similar representation, and "And I would that ye should remem- asked for a "shave and shingle," on ber, that whosoever among you that the same terms, which was readily borroweth of his neighbor, should re- complied with, and he was asked to turn the thing that he borroweth, ac- "come again." He next called upon cording as he doth agree, or else thou Brother Henry Dinwoodey, and pre- shalt commit sin, and perhaps thou senting himself a6 before, asked shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin for means to pay his fare on the rail- also. road, going north, whereupon Brother PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMPPH 47

Dinwoodey handed him out the money. and I said, "My friend, what is the Needing a mainspring in his watch he matter with you?" He pointed to his called upon Brother John Daynes and feet and said, "look at my feet." The Son, and introduced himself as before, remnants of shoes which he had on and they cheerfully repaired his them were too small for him. He had watch. He then called upon Col. worn them through the soles and Thomas G. Webber of Z. C. M. I. and through the sides, and his feet were in the same guise asked for a pair of out upon the ground. They were shoes, which Col. Webber generously blistered and inflamed and painfully gave him. Having a tooth which needed sore. He said he had been driven out filling, he called at the dental parlors of Davis county by the officers of the of Dr. Fred Clawson, whom he con- law, and was told that if he did not vinced, after some difficulty, that he get out of the county he would be put was not an old friend and school mate, in jail for vagrancy, and he had come but really a minister of the Gospel here and asked for food, and the peo- from Tennessee, having a similar name, ple who had given him food had not the doctor readily consented to his invited him into the house. Now I "having his tooth filled without money said, "my friend, why do you swear or price. Thus it was proven that the about it? It seems to me that a man Latter-day Saints were as generous, in your circumstances ought to pray as kind-hearted, as ready to help the rather than swear. It would be much stranger of another religion, as were more becoming in you to humble your- the good people of the Southern States, self and appeal to the Lord for a little and for that matter of any other coun- assistance from Him, rather than to try. Having put these people to the curse and swear as I have heard you test, in other words, having weighed do. I said to him, "this is my home, them in the balance and found them not this is my family who live here, I have wanting in each case he fully ex- a very large family and I have all I plained his motive and who he was, can do to provide for them. So far as to their mutual delight. And I can find or provide labor for my chil- when the Elder returned their dren they are out at work, indeed gifts or declined to receive some of them are at work who ought the favors granted him without to be going to school. Notwithstand- proper remuneration, in each case, ing all this, we are willing to help you as I understand, the brethren insisted or any other person, so far as we can, in good that what they had done was who comes to us in need; but I don't andi faith on their part, he was wel- like any one to come upon my premises come to the same, believing that an and use profane language, or curst years Elder who had spent two and up- and swear. Now, I advise you never wards on a mission, laboring without to swear again, hold sacred the name or scrip, would be likely to purse of the Lord, and do a little praying, stand almost as much in need of such and I'll promise you, you will get strange minister help as would the along better in this world than you whom he had personated. have done." Now some of us are a little more I then called my wife's attention fco fortunate than others. For instance, the condition of this poor boy, and she I have several doors, and beggars prepared him a good warm bath, gave come to all of them; and if ever a him a clean undershirt and a pair of beggar was turned away from one of socks, and a pair of boots, and a good my doors I never knew it. I have al- breakfast, and sent him on his way. ways, and so have my family, contrib- This is the way we treated this poor uted food, and such clothing as we creature. But we do not treat them could snare to every one who came all that way. We could not afford to asking for it. Last summer a poor give all that come boots and socks boy came to my house. I happened to and clothes and baths, for we have not be out of doors, around the corner of the enough to go round, but we have al- house; I heard the voice of a man, I ways managed to give something to looked, and he was sitting on a box. the poor, and refuse no one who asks I heard that he was murmuring and for food. I believe this is the general cursing and swearing. I stepped out 4 S GENERAL CONFERENCE.

sentiment and character of the Latter- pendence, a self-sustaining spirit, that day Saints. I think all the would prompt him or her to say, when Mormon people are kindly dis- they are In need, "I am willing to posed, and are generous toward give my labor in exchange for that the poor and unfortunate, and that which you give me." No man ought there is not a Latter-day Saint under to be satisfied to receive, and to do the sound of my voice or anywhere nothing for it. After a man is brought that would not divide his portion with down to poverty and is under the his fellow creature in case of need. necessity of receiving aid, and his I have this testimony to bear to the friends give it him, he should feel that Latter-day Saints. President Cannon it is an obligation under which he is asks whether I would advise, where placed, and when the Lord should men come asking for food, that they open his way he would return the gift. be invited to do a little work for it. That is the feeling we should culti- I should most decidedly be in favor of vate in our hearts, to make us a free asking a man who had plenty of time and independent people. The cultiva- on his hands, and nothing else, and tion of any other feeling or spirit than who had physical strength, to devote this is calculated to make paupers, to a little of his time and strength by degrade and bring mankind down to way of compensating for that which beggary, which is a most wretched he received. But you want to watch condition for men to be in. It is a bad them a little; I am not talking now o£ thing for men to think the world owes the Latter-day Saints who seek for them a living, and all they have to do employment. There are very few Lat- is to beg or steal to get it. When it ter-day Saints who have to beg, in- comes to this class of people I am very deed I know of none, and I am sorry much of the mind expressed once by there are any professing to be Latter- Dr. Johnson, when a beggar came to day Saints who do beg; there ought him and asked alms and insisted that not to be any Latter-day Saint beg- the doctor should be generous in help- gars. The beggars that we have are ing him, "for," said he, "doctor, you those that are not of us, and they are know that I must live." But the doc- sometimes very wicked in their hearts, tor said, "I don't see the least neces- and not at all grateful at times for sity for it." When a man becomes a what they receive. I have seen men parasite, living upon the charity of his go away from my door with good friends, I confess it is hard to see the bread and butter in their hands (good necessity for him to live. He is no enough for any king to eat, for my good to any one. I speak this way folks make good bread and good but- only of such as are able-bodied, such ter, as good as I ever ate on earth) as have their faculties and can devote and when out of the gate they have these to some industry, to some use- thrown it into the street. It was not ful labor. I don't refer to the cripple, food they wanted. They wanted to those who are enfeebled by age, be- money. For what? That they might cause I look at them in an entirely go to some gambling hell or to some different light; there is a necessity for drinking saloon. Of course they are them to live, and there is a necessity responsible for that. "We can only for us to assist such, but there is no judge by appearances and by the great need in this world for men and promptings of the good spirit within women who. are able to work and will us; and it is better to give to a dozen not work. Men come to our Bishop that are unworthy than to turn away and to the Apostles and ask, "What empty one worthy person. shall we do? "We are without employ- There is another phase of this ques- ment. "We cannot get anything to do, tion that I want to refer to. There is and what shall we do?" The Bishop such a thing as encouraging idleness says, "pack up your knapsack, if you and fostering pauperism among men. have one, or if you have not take Men and women ought not to be will- your bandana handkerchief to put ing to receive charity unless they are your clothes into, if you have any- compelled to do so to keep them from thing but what is on your back, and suffering. Every man and woman go out into the outer settlements ought to possess the spirit of inde- where there is land to take up, where PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH 49 there is water to take out of the river, are useful and where for mankind. The Lord there is an opportunity for has provided these things; and you to take up a farm, cultivate there the is nothing on the soil, and face of the globe eventually raise cows, sheep, nor in its depths that God has chickens, pigs and other pro- useful ani- vided for the use mals of man, that is and produce from mother earth not legitimate for us to enough to feed take and use and clothe you, and if we do so wisely and prudently. thereby make yourself an independent They are all designed for our good. citizen, a useful member of society, Now let us not and encourage pauperism, contribute something to the or beggary; wel- let us not encourage the fare of mankind, and prove thought that the that the Church or that the world is better for your being world in it. owes any man a living, except -Well, but," one of our good brethren it be the worthy poor—the says, Lord's poor "that was all right enough, —or by his honest labor he earns it. Bishop, in olden times, but times are I heard a fellow one time say, "the different now." Of course world the times owes me a living and I will be are different now. A boy starting out damned if I don't have it." Such a in the world now-a-days as we used man as that would have it if he had to do, without anything, sees his to steal it, and after a while he would neighbors enjoying the possession of have it if he had to murder some man good, comfortable homes, he sees a who had riches, in order to rob him great many people that are rich, who of his possessions. This is the spirit can ride in their carriages, and have of murder and robbery. The spirit every luxury, and he, under the im- which creeps into the hearts of men pression that he js as good as they to receive alms and obtain something and as much entitled to riches as they for nothing, making them believe it is are, feels that because he has not as due them without honest work is, in much as they have, he is in some way part, the same spirit, at least it is a injured or persecuted, and envy and spirit that leads on to murder and enmity spring up in his soul toward robbery, in order that its passion the rich, and he feels that they are might get what "the world owes" him, his enemies and that he has a right to as he imagines. Now the world owes be theirs. That is wrong. It is just me a living provided I will go to work as easy to make a living out of the soil to produce it by honest labor. The now with comparatively nothing to be- earth has been good and generous to gin with as it was for the Pioneers all those who have honestly labored when they first came into this valley, upon its bosom, and who have sought were it not for the pride that we have, succor and assistance from it. It has providing we go where land and watei been a good mother. It has yielded await the labor necessary to subdue in its strength for the good of man and utilize them, instead of idly cov- when he has put his labor upon it eting the possessions of others, ana industriously and faithfully; such have nursing the thought that we ought to reaped their harvest in its season and have as good as they have. If we will have partaken of its fruits in abund- go to work and earn and produce that ance. Let us seek then to obtain our which we need, we are entitled to it, living in this way, if the Lord per- and the Lord will bless every man who mits us to do it; and if He calls us to honestly and faithfully undertakes to any other business let us attend to get it out of mother earth. The Lord that as faithfully as we would attend Almighty in the beginning, designed to the cultivation of the soil if we were that we should earn our bread by the permitted to occupy ourselves in that sweat of our brow, and we should direction. produce from the earth that which Is God bless you is my prayer in the needful for food and clothing and to name of Jesus. Amen. build us habitations. He has provided The choir sang: gold and silver and iron and precious On the mountain's top appearing stones in vast abundance in the earth, Lo! the sacred herald stands! and it is legitimate for men to gather Benediction by Elder George B. Wal- all these from the earth, because they lace. —

50 GENERAL CONFERENCE..

2 p. m. Southern States mission alone, and The choir sang: more than 130 on the isles of the Pa- cific. O, God. our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE. eternal home. And our Restoration of the Gospel— Its promises to the Prayer by Elder. Ellas H. Blackburn. obedient—Joseph Smith ^ent of God— The Word of the Lord unto all people—Wo must give onr Singing by the choir: hearts to God. Behold, the mountain of the Lord In latter days shall rise, "There was a man of the Pharisees On mountain tops, above the hills, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the And draw the wond'ring eyes. Jews: The following abstracts of reports "The same came to Jesus by night, were read by President Joseph F. and said unto Him, Rabbi, we knoAv Smith: that thou art a teacher come from Synopsis of Primary association re- God: for no man can do these miracles ports for year ending December 31st, that thou doest, except God be with 1897. him. This report lacks those of four "Jesus answered and said unto him. Stakes of Zion. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a be born again, cannot see No. of associations 459 man he No. of officers 2,893 the kingdom of God. No. of members 33,449 "Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Total 36,342 Showing an increase of 2,190 can he enter the second time into his No. of regular and other meet- mother's womb, and be born? ings held 14,738 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I readings No. of testimonies, and say unto thee, Except a man be born other exercises 149,953 of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot B. Felt, President. Louie enter into the kingdom of God. Lillie T. Freeze, First Counselor. Josephine R. West, Second Counselor. "That which is born of the flesh, is May Anderson, Secretary and Treas- flesh; and that which is born of the urer. Spirit, is spirit. "Marvel not that I said unto thee. Synopsis of Sunday school statistical Ye must be born again. report for 1897: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, Number of Sunday schools and thou hearest the sound thereof, In the organized Stakes of Zion. 630 but canst not tell whence it cometh, In the foreign missions of the Church 361 and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Total 991 "Nicodemus answered and said unto Number of schools held during Him, How can these things be? the year 39,470 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Total number of pupils—males. 48,454 Females 49,578 Art thou a master of Israel, and know- Total number of officers, teach- est not these things? ers and missionaries 12,596 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify Total 110,728 that we have seen; and ye receive not Considerably more than one-third our witness." of the children attending these schools It has been demonstrated at this are in the primary department (includ- Conference that the same Spirit that ing the kindergarten). existed in the primitive Chruch ex- In the Stakes of Zion the average ists in the Church of Jesus Christ of number of times school has been held Latter-day Saints today. The testi- during the year is 45%. monies that have been borne by those The most noticeable feature of the who have addressed us have all given report is the great increase in schools witness of the same thing, that we and attendance in the foreign missions are living in the dispensation of the of the Church. There are 150 in the fullness of times. We are bearing oui ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE. testimony to the world that the angel to prepare a man to declare the word that John saw on the Isle of Patmos, of the Lord unto the peopie. It is not when he received that wonderful rev- by wisdom, it is not by might, it is elation, showing things that should not by oratory, it is not by logic; but happen hereafter, has come. In that it is "by my Spirit, saith the Lord." revelation was given a description of Our message unto the people is on<; the Church of Christ going into the that every individual is interested in, wilderness, the Priesthood being taken no matter what his profession may be. from the earth, Rev. XII, the estab- The word of the Lord is to. every in- lishment of false systems that would dividual. As the Lord Jesus Christ made all nations to drink of the wine said to His ancient Apostles, so He of the wrath of her fornication. Rev. hath said in these last days: XVII. Jchn also saw a mighty angel "Go ye into all the world, fly in the midst of heaven, having the and preach the Gospel to every creature. everlasting Gospel to preach to those "He that believeth who dwell upon the earth, crying with and is baptized shall be saved; but a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory he that believeth not shall be damned." to Him, for the hour of His judg- You ment is come. Rev. XIV. We testi- may ask why this condemna- tion fy that this angel has come, should come unto the people. Simply that this everlasting Gospel has> because it is not our message; it is been restored, and that the Gospel of the message of God Almighty'. Whoso the kingdom is being preached by the receiveth us receiveth Him; Latter-day Saints in all the world for whoso rejecteth us rejecteth Him. a witness. We take unto them the The great problem before the world glad tidings of great joy. We call is, was Joseph Smith sent of God, or upon mankind everywhere, no matter was he not? No matter how much you what their profession may be, to wor- may vilify him, no matter how ship the living and true God, who much evil may be said concerning him, hath spoken in these last days. We it is a solemn fact that he was sent or cry unto them repentance, reformation, God, and we bear testimony that wt to cease from their evil ways, and to know it. We have been gathered out worship the living and true God, and of the world. We were Catholics, we to obey His Gospel. We entreat them were Protestants of various denomin- to be baptized by immersion for the ations, and when the word of the Lord remission of sins, that they may en- came to us we obeyed it. A great joy the blessings resulting therefrom, many of our friends rejected it; but and that they may be sanctified by those of us who have obeyed it have the precious blood of Christ, which this living testimony that we know follows the water, and be prepared for that God lives, we know that Jesus me reception of the Holy Ghost. We is the Christ, we know that Joseph promise unto them if they will obey Smith was a true Prophet of God, and this form of doctrine; if they will we know that the Church of Christ, humble themselves before the Lord, in its present organized state upon the and seek wisdom at His hands; if earth, is the Church of the Redeemer, they will give unto the Lord the and that the signs follow the believer. broken heart and the contrite spirit, Test our principles. As far as we are they shall know, as we know, that concerned as a people, we are a these principles are true. variety. The wheat and tares are We are sending our missionaries all growing together, are they not? The the time, and when they return they wise and the foolish virgins are living v.<*n testify that God lives, that Jesus together, are they not? But the Lord's is the Christ, that Joseph Smith wa& own love Him and keep His command- a true Prophet sent of God. If they ments. They do not rob Him in tithes did not know it when they staited out and offerings. They are consistent tu to preach the Gospel, they obtained their profession and in their faith. this information before they came They hear the word of God and do it. back, simply because our Father in Although none of us pretend to be heaven is doing His own work. It good (for our Royal Master said that does not require an artificial education no one was good save God), still by 5? GENERAL CONFERENCE.

way of comparison we say we have kingdom, simply because they do not the good, the King's own, those who love God and are lukewarm. love Him and keep His command- I do not know how far we may ments. You may know them when be justified in going into debt; you take them by the hand. They are but we were admonished years ago by filed with thanksgiving and praise to President John Taylor to keep out of God for the redemption that He has debt. We are too generous. We are wrought out; and we say with the too thoughtless. There has been an Psalmist of old: immense amount of means spent for educational purposes. It is a good "O give thanks unto the Lord, for thing, if we do not get an arti- "he is good; for His mercy endureth for ficial education. I regard the «ver. education of the world as an the of the Lord say "Let redeemed artificial education. You do not see so, whom he hath redeemed from the faith manifested; you do not see the Tiand of the enemy; power of God maifested. You have a gathered out of the lands, "And them people that are lifted up because of from the east, and from the west, from their scholastic attainments, like men the north, from the south. and are lifted up when they acquire the praise the Lord "Oh, that men would riches of this world. They are lifted for His goodness, and for his wonder- up in pride, and think themselves bet- ful works to the children of men!" ter than those who have not been so Ps. CVII. fortunate as themselves to obtain that We are the redeemed of the Lord. class of an education. I say it is an We have accepted of the principles of artificial education. If we are going redemption, and consequently have to redeem Zion, we will have to re- been sanctified in the precious blood deem it by faith. And Zion could be of Christ. Those who love God and redeemed today if we would live the keep His commandments represent principles of the Gospel. But as long Htm and the Lord Jesus Christ. They as we are hearers of the word and we love one another, and they are known do not do the will of the Lord, Zion "by their works. Their faith is mani- will never be redeemed by us. It will fested by their works. Then we have be redeemed by the laws of the celes- a class that are not so good, that aie tial kingdom. If we cannot live the not so faithful. They have not the laws of the terrestrial kingdom, how faith of the Gospel so much as this is it possible we can attain to celestial first class, who represent the celestial glory? If we cannot live the condi- kingdom. But they are those who rob tion that lead to the celestial glory, the Lord in tithes and offerings. They we cannot obtain it. If we cannot live are those who are not valiant for the the principles that lead to the terres- testimony of Jesus. They are those trial glory, we cannot attain to it. who do not magnify their calling. This Gospel of the kingdom is to Consequently we say they are not so every individual, whether they are good. Then we have another class, I Jew or Gentile, bond or free, Catholic presume, representing the telestial. or Protestant. It is the word of the They are good for nothing. But we Lord to them to cease from all their call them all good. These are the sim- evil ways; and all their false worship, ple facts In the case. We manifest and from teaching for commandments our position by our works. This im- the doctrines of men; for the Lord has mense congregation here, I suppose stretched forth His hand again. As we represent the different degrees of He declared by the Prophet Isaiah: glory. It is to be hoped not. It is to "For as much as this people draw be hoped that we represent the celes- near me with their mouth, and with tial kingdom. But according to the their lips do honor me, but have re- testimony of the Spirit that was moved their heart far from me, ana manifested here by some of the breth- their fear toward me is taught by tht ren who spoke, there are quite a num- precept of men; ber who profess to be Latter-day "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to Saints, but are not of the celestial do a marvelous work and a wonder, ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE. for the wisdom of their wise men shali it? Will we cease from our conten- perish, and the understanding of their tion? Will we cease from our back- prudent men shall be hid." [Isa. biting, our evil speaking? Will we XXIX, 13. 14.] cease from all evil and learn to do Here is an object lesson—the gather- right, and walk in the light as He is ing of this people today at this Confer- in the light, that we may have sweet ence, under the shadow of a Temple fellowship with each other, and that of God, pointing to the nations that the blood of Christ may cleanse us God has restored His Priesthood and from all sin? This is the question that given authority to men to officiate in comes to every individual. The word the ordinances of the House of the of the Lord is to us individually. Will Lord. Here is the fulfillment of the we love Him and keep His command- prophecy: ments, and seek to establish His "And it shall come to pass in the last Zion? It is no use coming to Con- days, that the mountain of the Lord's ference and hearing the word of the house shall be established in the top Lord unless we do it. There have of the mountains, and shall be exalt- been powerful testimonies borne here ed above the hills; and all nations from the commencement, when Pres- shall flow unto it. ident Cannon referred to the fulfillment "And many people shall go and say. of prophecy. It is common amongst Come ye, and let us go up to the us. We have the testimony of Jesus of mountain of the Lord, to the house and it is the spirit of prophecy. We the God of Jacob; and He will teach do not say this boastingly; we say it us of His ways, and we will walk in because it is true. We understand our His paths." [Isa. II, 2, 3.] own nothingness, our own insignifi- That is what I came here for. That cance, and that we are entirely de- is what my fellow laborers came here pendent upon God our Eternal Father. for. We came to this country to learn We do not profess to any partlculai the ways of God and to walk in His virtues; but we are striving to love paths. We had a testimony given unto God and keep His commandments, and us in the lands where we were born, to glorify Him in our good works. God revealed himself unto us by the We preach the Gospel of righteousness; power of His Spirit, and bore testi- and we are just as much responsible mony to us that Joseph Smith was to carry out these principles as those sent of God. We testified of this unto whom the word is given through, forty-five years ago, and have been us. The Lord will have our heartb, testifying of it ever since. We do not and He will not allow us to put our beguile the people. We are their affections upon anything that would friends. We do not teach them in- overshadow our affection for Him. correct principles. We do not dis- Let me say, in conclusion, that the tribute in various counties anti-Cath- principle of tithing is a correct prin- tracts. one-tenth of olic tracts or anti-Protestant ciple. The Lord requires We have respect for every man's everything that He gives to us. I sim- opinion. We show him the better never heard this principle more one of our good way. If he has something good, we ply explained than by a Primary class in show him there is something better, sisters in teaching the we have the truth, the light and the the Sabbath school. She said to father was way, and we invite all mankind to children, "Supposing your he asked come and assist us in the establish- to give you ten apples, and back again, ment of the righteousness of God upon you to give one of them not do it, would you the earth. and you would covetous?" My beloved brethren and sisters, the not be considered very that the Lord requires our appreciation. He Why, they smiled to think ten apples wants us to appreciate Him and His father should give them to give loving kindness. He wants us to ac- and they should be unwilling just the knowledge His hand in all things. He him one back again. That is we are not wants our hearts. He wants us to love position we are in when The Lord Him and keep His commandments. willing to obey this law. of everything that This is the word of the Lord, will we do requires one-tenth 54 GENERAL CONFERENCE. in the dispensation of His providence ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH. He gives unto us. That is all He Impetus to mutual Improvement—Organization asks, and that we should have our of home beneficent societies—The crisis in o>r ears open to the cry of the widow and National affairs. the fatherless, that we should be gen- I do not remember erous and large-hearted, that we having heard a single word, should not be covetous. Can you not either read or spoken, by our brethren during understand this principle? We want this Conference that I did not endorse. It to give Him half, or a quarter, or we seems to me that each one of the want to bite a piece off the apple and brethren has presented some item that should give it to Him. Anything but what is cause us to reflect seriously due Him! Do not, for our own sake, upon the good- ness and mercy make this record. As we value our hap- extended unto us by our Heavenly Father. piness and our own advancement, let The aged who heard the cry in us be true and faithful in the discharge the land from whence they came, of our duties, and not rob the Lord "Come out of her my peo- ple, that our God; for everything that we have ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of is given unto us by Him. And He her plagues," should rejoice, and their has declared that if we will love Him children and their and keep His commandments, we shall children's children should prosper in the land. Do you believe continue in that rejoicing. One suggestion it? I bear testimony that the law of contained in the remarks of Elder Merrill this forenoon, tithing is true. "Prove me now of the herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, brother who would have been pleased if I will not open you the to have taken from his swill barrel windows of heaven, and pour you the food that was applied in the di- out a blessing, that there shall not be rection of providing for domestic ani- room enough to receive it." [Mai. Ill, mals, is one, probably, that hosts of 10.] young people whose homes have been in this mountain region, cannot as yet I can bear testimony to the truth fully appreciate. Fathers and mothers of the remarks of Brother Merrill, of mature years may appreciate this that if a man will love God and keep suggestion; some of our brothers and His commandments, He will deliver sisters who have been unsuccessful in him from all evil and from all his securing proper labor, within re- financial troubles. We exhort the cent years, have been made to world to do this; but here are a num- may ber of people, gathered from the north taste in some limited degree these and the south, the east and the west, conditions, as did the early Pioneers in their experiences and they demonstrate that they do not —the blessing that a well-stocked swill barrel would pre- appreciate it. How do they demon- sent to the hungry man or woman. strate it? By robbing Him in tithe» Each suggestion presented for our and offerings; by being slothful in consideration during this Conference their duties; by being indifferent to has been of a practical character, the magnifying of the Aaronic and whether applied directly to tem- Melchisedek Priesthoods. And Zion the poral conditions that surround us in can never be redeemed under such a life or to those conditions that we condition. I say to all, especially to speak of as spiritual. The labors and myself, repent, and let us turn over a ministrations of the past few months new leaf; let us cease our slothfulness, by quite an army of young men, un- our indifference, and let it be manifest der the direction of President Wood- to Almighty God that we appreciate ruff and his aids, who made a tour of His loving kindness, that we appre- the various Stakes in Zion, and visit- ciate His redemption, that we appre- ed the homes of the people, interviewed ciate the glorious hope of everlasting their sons and their daughters, and lives, in a glorious resurrection, by our awakened an interest in the minds of works being coupled with our faith to those sons in those associations estab- the glory of the Father, through lished in connection with the work of Jesus Christ. Amen. God, and the calling in, as suggested ELDER JOHN HENRY SMITH. 55 in the remarks Of one of the brethren, —which calls from the den of infamy, of about 13,000 souls, give to us the from the places where loafers congre- possibilities of missionary work among gate and from the places where evil the covenant people of God and pre- and crime is begotten, through the sent before our vision the opportunity gathering together of young men and to consider the possibilities that at- young boys, assailing each man in the tend the spread of the truth among spirit of that missionary labor which those spirits who have been forgotten has called so many during the brief and reared among that gathered Is- period of the last winter season to at rael who have been called to come least enroll themselves in the hope of forth from among the people of the a nobler and better development of world. Many received and believed themselves, and all maintaining the the testimonies of our young brethren spirit of that work who have been whose hearts and minds were bent aroused from the sleep of idleness to upon arousing to life by nurturing it, the understanding of the relationship the Gospel that had been planted in the of the Holy Spirit, will continue their breasts of the number that I have ministrations until every son and every named. It cannot be anticipated that daughter in Zion, every stranger with- the brief but earnest efforts made in her borders in every home shall during the winter season to gather hear the voice of testimony making its the young men into these associations declaration that God indeed does live, organized for them can have accom- and that His holy truths restored in plished all that should be desired in these latter days are surely among connection with this matter. But it the children of men. I trust, my breth- is a matter of joy to those who have ren and sisters, that the same spirit been engaged in this ministry, that that has actuated these young men our Father did sweeten their words and who have gone forth to prove Zion, arouse to reflection the hosts of young to test the faith of parents, to scatter de- men who will remain earnest and the seeds of life, to point out the way voted laborers within this fold, and of the Gospel of the Son of God, will who, perchance, will be found when- have touched your hearts in such form ever they will be needed in connection that in no home where the truth of the with the development of the work of Gospel has come shall the father or God, using the talents with which mother, the son or daughter fail in for their Maker has endowed them any degree, having received the sweet purposes. the furtherance of His influence, heard the still small voice large There remains, without doubt, of the spirit, to nurture and care for aroused numbers who may have been and develop its force and its power temporarily to reflect upon the sacred within their breasts. obligations of the Gospel, and who There is another item that I have temporarily from may have fallen upon my mind, upon which I wish to grace to be followed by the laborers speak for a few moments, as I discovei in these various fields with a devo- in my associations among the peopie tion and earnestness that shall cause that there is a continuous tendency them to continue, at least, to strive for our young men, as wall as many of of to know more fully of the work our middle aged men, to ally them- God. With their hearts gladdened selves with the various organizations, and their minds aroused, their under- clubs and societies formed outside of standings educated, the spirit of truth the Church, many of them for the pur- shall fasten pose cf insurance, that they may be distilled upon those minds f there, that none of them, perchance, enabled to secure, perchance, a few may fail in the receipt of the impress hundred dollars in the interest of their of the Spirit of the living God in such families, should accident happen them, form as to brighten their entire lives. or in their own interest provided they I trust, my brethren and my sisters, are enfeebled and unable to discharge fathers and mothers, Bishops and the duties and responsibilities that counselors, Presidents of Stakes and attach to them. It seems to me that High Councilors, that the work that in every Stake of Zion there is ample has been inaugurated in this direction capacity to organize mutual aid soci- 56 GENERAL CONFEREACE. eties within our own circles, among shedding of blood, to the most reason- oui own members, and retain at home able extreme. I feel, my brethren any profits and that may ar«se from stitch sisters, to thus give utterance to the organizations. All the organizations sentiments of my own heart and mind of this character within our State are upon this question, and that the sending off hundreds of dollars to aid prayers of the people should go up in in the maintenance of people in other an appeal that God shall guide the sections of the land. We have the destinies of this great government in skill, we have the ability, we ought to such form that its mission of liberty have the practical common sense, to to the human race may be accom- be able to form and adjust these as- plished, in that way that life and sociations within our own circles. One property, and happiness and peace, hundred men, or three hundred, pay- and not bloodshed, shall come to the ing their dollar a week or dollar a children of men. We recognize our month into a fund manipulated and Father's purpose in connection with managed by themselves, within their the development of this work, and the own circle, and thus utilize to profit world receiving the message we have and aid their brother who may be to bear will be remembered by Him afflicted, or to pay to a sister should in the wars and rumors of wars that a brother be removed from the home shall exist among the nations, and in circle. As it is, these organizations the seas heaving themselves beyond are reviving their money and sending their bounds. But we claim, with a certain percentage continuously to hands lifted to high heaven, that we the heads of the various societies from believe the Constitution of the United which they receive their organizations, States was a revelation from God, and and keeping a portion of it possibly at opened the door of liberty in such form home. I believe that care and atten- that His sons and daughters should tion should be bestowed upon these be permitted to possess every right matters, and the formation of mem- and every privilege that mortal should bership in those organizations that be permitted to enjoy in the flesh. look after and guard you in some The extension of these sentiments and measure should not occur among the these views lie dearest to the heart of Latter-day Saints, but I would not every man and every woman who has arouse a spirit of antagonism in become conversant with the Gospel of this respect. It is just as legitimate, the Lord Jesus Christ, and I trust that just as proper for you to form your we will not permit ourselves in the organizations in your circles in which midst of the excitement that arises you legitimately move as that others to shout for bloodshed, but on the con- should form them and you pay tribute trary to desire that God shall direct to them. the hand that has been placed to guide I desire to raise my voice in com- the destinies of this nation at the pres- mendation of the position that has ent time, and make the minds of been assumed by President McKinley leading men of the nation wise and his cabinet on the question affect- and broad and firm upon the princi- ing Spain, and to say to you, my ples of right. brethren and sisters, it should be the prayer of the Latter-day Saints that May heaven's peace and blessing our nation be preserved from war, abound in every heart; may God be and that the efforts to maintain peace glorified, the' truth spread, liberty in- should be carried to the utmost limit crease, justice and mercy abound, is before bloodshed should be resorted to. my prayer, in the name of Jesus. I trust that this feeling pervades the hearts of the people called Latter-day Amen. Saints, and that all of us feel within At the conclusion of Elder Smith's our souls a determination to stand for remarks the great congregation arose the principles of right, and sustain our and, with the choir, sang, with deep government in every proposition of feeling, liberty, justice and mercy and the "My country 'tis of thee, maintenance of these principles of Sweet land of Liberty." righteousness, the prevention of the PRESIDEN1 WILFORD WOODRUFF 51

PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF I have named spoke, and a good many Origin of Zlon'sj camps—Notable prophecy by that I have not named, bore their Joseph Smith—Christ to come to the Saints In the testimonies. When they got through mountains. the Prophet said, "Brethren I have been very much edified and instruct- In 1833 the Church of Jesus Christ of ed in your testimonies here tonight, Latter-day Saints was driven out of but I want to say to you before the Jackson County, Mo., for the word of Lord, that you know no more concern- God and testimony of Jesus Christ. ing the destinies of this Church and There Bishop Partridge was tarred kingdom than a babe upon its mother's and feathered by the mob. That was lap. You don't comprehend it." I the time of the falling of the stars jn was rather surprised. He said "it is that country. Soon afterwards Bish- only a little handfull of Priesthood op Partridge called for volunteers to you see here tonight, but this Church go to Kirtland to see the Prophet. will fill North and South America—it Two men volunteered out of those who will fill the world." Among other had been driven from Jackson County. things he said, "it will fill the Rocky One was Parley P. Pratt and the other Mountains. There will he tens of thou- was Lyman Wight. They went to sands of Latter-day Saints who will Kirtland and laid before the Prophet be gathered in the Rocky Mountains, the circumstances, and the Prophet and there they will open the door for called these two men, and others, to establishing of the Gospel anions go abroad and gather up the strength 7 the Lamanites, who will receive the of the Lord's house and to prepare Gospel and their endowments and the the camp of Zion. Parley P. Pratt &43yhSTs of God. This people will go came to my house. I had just been* into the Rocky Mountains; they will baptized. I was engaged for a year in there build temples to the Most High. furnishing lumber by contract. Parley They will raise up a posterity there, P. Pratt told me it was my duty to and the Latter-day Saints who dwell lay aside all my temporal matters, go in these mountains will stand in thi? to Kirtland, and join Zion's camp. I flesh until the coming of the Son of obeyed his counsel. I arrived in Kirt- Man. The Son of Man will come to land on Saturday and there met with them while in the Rocky Mountains." Joseph and Hyrum Smith in the street. I was introduced to Joseph Smith. It I name these things because I want before angels was the first time that I had ever seen to bear testimony God, eyes behold the him in my life. He invited me home and men that mine to spend the Sabbath with him, and I day, and have beheld for the last fifty fulfillment of did so. They had meeting on Sunday. years of my life, the On Sunday night the Prophet called that prophecy. I never expected to see on all who held the Priesthood to the Rocky Mountains when I listened gather into the little log school house to that man's voice, but I have, and I shall they had there. It was a small house, do today. I will say here that live to perhaps 14 feet square. But it held not live to see it, you may not the whole of the Priesthood of the see it; but these thousands of Latter- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day day Saint children that belong to the Saints who were then in the town of Sabbath schools, I believe many of Kirtland, and who had gathered to- them will stand in the flesh when the gether to go off in Zion's camp. That Lord Jesus Christ visits the Zion of Israel. was the first time I ever saw Oliver God here in the mountains of Cowdery, or heard him speak; the And while I bear testimony before first time I ever saw Brigham Young God, angels and men, that mine eyes and Heber C. Kimball, and the two behold the fulfillment of the revelation Pratts, and Orson Hyde and many given that night, I just as much be- others. There were no Apostles in the lieve the remaining part of it will be Church then except Joseph Smith and fulfilled as I stand here in the flesh. Oliver Cowdery. When we got to- I rejoice at seeing the progress of the gether the Prophet called upon the work that lies before us. There is a Elders of Israel with him to bear great work before this people in the testimony of this work. Those that fulfillment of these prophecies that .

58 GENERAL. CONFEREE CE have been given. Joseph Smith was great extent, but when we have been full of revelation. He foresaw this called upon we have always respond- people, and this work until it was ed; and if our nation should be In up. wound trouble today, as It seems to be threat- My prayer to God is that we may ened, the government of our country pursue such a course that we may en- will find as generous a response from joy receive all these blessings, and and this State as from any other state in our posterity after us. Amen. the Union, according to the number of the people; for we love the insti- ELDER FRANCIS M. LYMAN. tutions of liberty and of freedom. But The volume of progress Increasing—The Renins of we want peace, because we are a peace and the 8 lrlt of patriotism—Portents of peaceable people, and we want to war—Hospitality of southern people— Salvation preach the Gospel that has been re- and life In the Gospel stored to us. The authority of the The time of this Conference is very Lord has been conferred upon us that precious, but it is sufficient for us to the Gospel may be preached among bear our testimonies to one another all nations. That is our mission, and and to speak of the goodness of the we don't want war. The mothers Lord. This is a great day in Zion; a don't want war. The fathers don't great day for Israel. This is the want war. We wish to avoid it if it nucleus of the work of our Heavenly can possibly be done. We desire to be Father. This Tabernacle, this great numbered among the peacemakers who Temple, this great people gathered to- shall be called the children of God. gether, is the great center for the work Our faith should be exercised to ob- of the Lord in the earth, and the honor tain peace and to maintain it in the and the glory shall be the Lord's and earth; for war is terrible. It was ter- not ours. The work is progressing rible when there was war in heaven, more rapidly than ever before. We and the rebels were overcome and cast are working harder abroad and at out, and then peace reigned there. home. The Presidency and the Apos- War may come to our country. Ru- tles, and home missionaries and for- mors of wars are heard in every land. eign missionaries are all laboring dili- We will see what the Savior says in gently, and their efforts are being regard to this matter: crowned with success. "For as the lightning cometh out of The time will never come, probably, the east, and shineth even unto the until the Savior appears, when we will west; so shall also the coming of the not have difficulties to overcome and Son of man be. trials to pass through. We are here "And Jesus went out, and departed for that purpose, and every trial that from the temple; and His disciples has been given to us, of every nature, came to him for to shew him the has been for our benefit, and has buildings of the temple. tended to try and prove us. We may "And Jesus said unto them, See ye be tried in war as well as in peace, but not all these things? Verily I say unto we should be peacemakers. "Blessed you, There shall not be left here one are the peacemakers, for they shall be stone upon another, that shall not be called the children of God." We want thrown down. peace. We should preach peace, teach "And as He sat upon the mount of peace, pray for it, live for it, and do Olives, the .disciples came unto Him everything on earth for peace that is privately, saying, Tell us, when shall honorable before we engage in war. these things be? and what shall be We love our country. We love our the sign of Thy coming, and of the end kindred and friends, like other people, of the world? and are willing to serve our country; "And Jesus answered and said unto and there is no doubt, if the difficulties them, Take heed that no man deceive are to commence at the house of the you.

Lord, that the Latter-day Saints will • "For many shall come in my name, be proven in this regard. So far, we saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive have not had occasion to engage in many. the wars of our country to any very "And ye shall hear of wars, and ru- ELDER ERAAC. 'S M. LYMAN 59 mors of wars; see that ye be not must be; but let Ud attend to our labor troubled; for all these things must and let us pray that this cup of come to pass, but the end Is not yet. trouble and war may pass, because It "For nation shall rise against nation, would be terrible. It always has been and kingdom against kingdom; and terrible and it will always be, to the there shall be famines, and pestilences, end, when wars and trouble come. and earthquakes in divers places. Christians should always pray and la- "All these are the beginning of sor- bor for peace. The last thing for rows." Christians to ever do is to fight for "Watch, therefore; for ye know not peace. what hour your Lord doth come. When I listened to President Smith "But know this, that if the good man this morning relating the experience of the house had known in what watch of an Elder who had been traveling the thief would come, he would have here without purse and scrip, and how watched, and would not have suffered generously he was treated, I could not his house to be broken up. help but remember how not only one "Therefore be ye also ready; for in Elder was treated in the Southern such an hour as ye think not, the Son States, but how the Elders were treat- of Man cometh. ed by the forties—not in a city like "Who then is a faithful and wise Salt Lake City, but in the country servant, whom his lord hath made where people were sparsely settled. ruler over his household, to give them They would take in forty and fifty of meat in due season? us at a time, and they were not Lat- "Blessed is that servant, whom his ter-day Saints either. They would lord, when he cometh, shall find so do- feed us, and lodge us, take care of us ing. and move us for four days at a time. "Verily I say unto you. That he shall They did this in numbers of instances make him ruler over all his goods. in the Southern States. The Elders "But and if that evil servant shall there are feeling splendidly, and their say in his heart, My lord delayeth hib influence among the people and th-? coming; officials of the country is good. The "And shall begin to smite his fellow- great change that has been wrought servants, and to eat and drink with in the hearts of the people in that the drunken; country is remarkable, since President "The lord of that servant shall come Woodruff announced, at the dedica- in a day when he looketh not for him, tion of the Salt Lake Temple, that and in an hour that he is not aware that great change would come. It has of, come, and the word of God through "And shall cut him asunder, and ap- him has been fulfilled and continues point him his portion with the hypo- to be fulfilled and will be to the very crites; there shall be weeping and letter. The words of the Lord will all gnashing of teeth." be verified that are contained in this We have heard today from Presi- sacred book (the Bible), though infi- dent Woodruff the words of the Proph- dels and others may war upon it, it is et Joseph, spoken sixty-five years ago. the truth, it is the word of God. Men He told at that time what we see to- may do as they please with it, but it day, and that this is the preparation contains the truth. And it contains of the people of God for the coming of the history of the dealings of God the Lord upon the earth. And He will with His children. The same is true come, and His coming will not be de- with regard to the Book of Mormon layed. The end, however, is not yet, and the Book of Doctrine and Cov- but approaches. And it is important enants. Men will war upon them, as that those who have received author- they have upon the Bible, but they successfully ity from heaven should be like watch- will not war any more men upon the walls of Zion, and speak or industriously. For these books, be of the forth to the multitude when God com- it known, contain the words mands, and say, be not troubled, for Lord. I bear my testimony to their the divinity the end is not yet. Be not troubled truth and divinity, and to because there are wars and rumors of the mission of the Prophet Joseph of the of wars in the earth, for these things Smith, and of the mission 6o GENERAL CONFERENCE.

Prophet Brigham Young, and of Presi- among the Latter-day Saints today, to dent John Taylor and of President meet all the obligations of individuals Wilford Woodruff, Prophets of the and of the people generally. And we Lord, and their brethren who are here. ought to so order our lives in harmony I bear testimony to the divinity of youi with the instructions given us today mission as well as ours. For your mis- by Elder Merrill, which are so choice, sion is just as sacred as ours. You are that we may meet our obligations. the children of God. You have had Let those who have ample themselves His testimony and spirit burning in assist those who have not. And let your souls. He has endowed you rich- them live together as one family and ly with it—all of us more generously bring salvation to each and all. The than we deserve. He has thus led us very Words of Wisdom given to us for and He has established and settled utj the temporal salvation of the people in the truth. would, in three years, meet all the ob- In the doctrines of the Gospel there ligations of this Church and of every is salvation and life, and they meet member in it, if we would observe that every requirement of the human heart. counsel. Not only to save the means coffee, There is not a thing that the soul of that are spent for tea, tobacco of meats man or woman needs in this life, or and liquor, but to eat less to others, and in the life to come, that is not met in and let the meat be sold vege- the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and this let us live upon the fruits and is fortune in these organization which is so perfect and tables. There a so complete. We can therefore afford things for the people, and in this way free. ought to be generous. I did thank the Lord we can easily become We people upon when I was in the Southern States and to be the most independent every in the Eastern and Northern States, the face of the earth for means of that I could stand before those people kind. and invite their ministers to come to I pray the Lord to bless you, my Utah and we would offer them congre- brethren and sisters, and to bless ut> gations and an auditorium such as during this Conference. Oh, how 1 President cannot be found elsewhere in the thank the Lord whenever United States. We invite them to Woodruff stands up and talks to the come and lay their doctrines before Church! And we want that voice for the people. We want to know what so many years yet to remain among his voice stilled. the doctrine of the world is. We don't us. We do not want want the people kept in ignorance of For the voices of the others of the bore what there is in the earth. If it were older ones have been stilled who so would we be found putting, today, the Apostleship in the days of the in our magazine for the young people, Prophet Joseph. President Woodruff what we are publishing—the doctrines is the only man living that enjoyed of Catholics and of Protestants of that honor during the life of the every denomination, written from Prophet Joseph. Let me exhort you, their own standpoint, and laying them my brethren and sisters, to be indeed before the people? Our pulpits are Latter-day Saints. Take care of your- open to all men of reputable standing selves individually and be Saints of in the world, who are made welcome God; and remember if we do not sur- to talk to us. It gave us strength and vive until the coming of the Son of an influence in the earth to be able to Man, we are. then, anyway, in the very state these facts. Why, there is no condition we ought to be in to pass, such sight to be seen in the world as away. We are ready to die and to this Tabernacle of the Lord. There is meet the Lord. It is as necessary that nothing to compare with it. In its we should be ready to meet Him on design it is remarkable. Just realize the other side, as to be prepared for what has been accomplished by a poor Him at His coming here. But He will people. And if we be poor today, the come, and He will come in the pres- way is open to us to have all the ence of the nations of the earth. They means we need. We should retrench shall know it and shall fear and trem- in our living, and save means. There ble at the coming of the great God to is means in abundance and to spare reign upon the earth. This is my tes- PRESIDENT LORENZO SNO lb. 61

timony to you and to the world. And The choir and congregation sang: I speak as one who is authorized thus Praise God from Whom All Blessings to speak of the Son of God, the Re- Plow. deemer of the world. God bless you. Amen. Conference adjourned till 10 a. m. Sunday, April 11th. "The Holy City," was beautifully sung by Brother George D. Pyper. Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.

FOURTH DAY.

Sunday, April 10th, 10 a.m. Spirit unto the renewing of their The choir and congregation sang the bodies; hymn commencing: "They become the sons of Moses and Now let us rejoice in the day of salva- of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, tion; and the church and kingdom, and the No longer as strangers on earth need elect of God; we roam; Good tidings are sounding to us and "And also all they who receive this each nation, Priesthood receiveth me, saith the And shortly the hour of redemption Lord; will come. "For he that receiveth my servants Prayer by Elder Orson Smith. receiveth me; Singing by the choir of the hymn "And he that receiveth me receiveth which begins: my Father; Lo! the mighty God appearing. "And he that receiveth my Father, From on high Jehovah speaks! receiveth my Father's kingdom; there- Eastern lands the summons hearing, fore all that my Father hath shall be O'er the west His thunder breaks. Earth behold Him! given unto him; Universal nature speaks. "And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the PRESIDENT LORENZO SNOW. Priesthood. "Therefore, all those who receive the Contemplation of past and present—Prepara- Priesthood, receiveth this oath and tion for the future—Saving results of self-denial —Existence and progress of man eternal—Mag- covenant of my Father, which he can- nanimity of Moses and fidelity of Abraham—The not break, neither can it be moved." return to Missouri. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 84, pars. 33 to 40.) With the exercise of your faith, I Brethren sisters, and for our instruc- wish to say a few words, perhaps not this tion morning, in part at least, I altogether in connection with what will read paragraphs in some the Book I have read, but as the Spirit shall of Doctrine and Covenants: dictate. I always feel very dependent "My disciples, in days of old, sought and humble when I stand before and occasion against one another, and for- attempt to address a people that have gave not one another in their hearts, been serving the Lord and, at least and for this evil they were afflicted, as a general thing, are worthy to be and sorely chastened; called Latter-day Saints, a people that "Wherefore I say unto you, that ye have received a knowledge of the ought to forgive one another, for he things of God, and are moving onward that forgiveth not his brother his tres- in the path of exaltation and glory to passes, standeth condemned before the fulness of their salvation. As I the Lord, for there remaineth in him believe, when we come together as we the greater sin. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. have this beautiful morning, it be- 64, pars. 8 and 9.) comes our privilege to receive instruc- "For whoso is faithful unto the ob- tion from those persons that address taining these two Priesthoods of which ws, and if we do not the fault, gen- I have spoken, and the magnifying erally, is in ourselves. It is our priv- their calling, are sanctified by the ilege as Latter-day Saints to seize 62 GENERAL C OA FEREACE upon those opportunities that are ure. That has been the case with the afforded us to make a proper prepar- Latter-day Saints. We have been ation for the scenes that are before us called to suffer and to sacrifice that and in which we may be called to act; which was more dear to ourselves and as the difficulties which we hav* than our lives, and some have been to meet shall increase upon us per- called to sacrifice their mortal exist- haps and become harder to overcome, ence, having been placed in circum- we need more strength in order to re- stances that they could not avoil sist the temptations and to discharge suffering the loss of their lives. We the obligations that devolve upon us. are called upon daily to make sacri- I suppose it would be with Latter-day fices. The Lord requiring this at our Saints generally as with me in regard hands, and we as a general thing to this point—that as we advance in having complied, it is our privilege to years and come nearer to what we know something in regard to the fu- generally consider as the time of our ture—what will be the result of this departure into the other life we are sacrifice, what will be the result of more inclined to devote our thoughts traveling upon this path. Indeed a and reflections upon those things that Latter-day Saint can hardly sustain we anticipate we may receive in the himself in the Church of God unless he next life, the circumstances that may does get some knowledge nt this kind, surround us there, and the proper that cannot be unfolded ov common preparation that we have made and wisdom. We are no better than other are making to reach that which we people if this be not so. anticipate. I know it is so with me. I have read something that is very In my 85th year it naturally occurs to peculiar in 3-egard to the promises that me that it is very well to take into are made, and which I know will be consideration these matters, and deep- fulfilled, if we on our part do our duty. ly too; to reflect upon the past, to sec not lived in this Church for whether we have improved the oppor- I have about sixty-two years without finding tunities along the line of our trave», something. I devoted myself to and been making the proper prepara- out to receive something that tion; and if we have not done this, to be worthy receive except seek now to make amends with double no mortal man can power of the diligence. We have a perfect right to through the spirit and shown understand something of what we may Holy Ghost, and the Lord has me to understand receive in the other life. We have to me things and made at noon- suffer almost everything in accom- them as clearly as the sun out- plishing the duties that are imposed day in regard to what shall be the upon us in moving along in this line come of those Latter-day Saints thut Jasus that we have chosen. In the past, if are faithful to their callings. we had time we might relate the vari- says: ous sacrifices the Latter-day Saints "He that receiveth me receiveth. my have been called to make; and if they Father; did not make these sacrifices their "And he that receiveth my Father, own consciences would condemn them, receiveth my Father's kingdom, there- be because of the light which they had fore all that my Father hath shall received and the knowledge they had given unto him." of what they should do. It has proved This is in the Book of Doctrine and very truly with the Latter-day Saints Covenants. Now, if it were in the New what Jesus said on a certain occasion, Testament some people, though they when He compared the kingdom of might not understand it, would pass in God to a man seeking pearls. Having it as being true, because it was found one of very great value, he wen: the Bible. Weil, I am just as sure of and sold all that he possessed that he its truth as if it were found in the might secure that pearl. Then again New Testament. And the New Testa- He compared it unto a man that found ment bears us out in this doctrine. a treasure in a field, which, having Jesus said, as recorded in the Revela- found, he went and sold everything tion of St. John: that he possesssed in order that he "To him that overcometh will I grant might come in possession of that treas- to sit with me on my throne, even as a

PRESIDENT LORENZO SNOW. 63

I also overcame, and am sat down forgives not his brother, we are told, with my Father in his throne." there remaineth in him the greater- There are many Scriptures bearing sin—that is, he is a greater sinner than upon this point. I believe in this. I the person that offended him. The believe that we are the sons and Lord requires us to love our neighbor daughters of God, and that He has as we do ourselves—a pretty difficult bestowed upon us the capacity for in- matter under many circumstances; finite wisdom and knowledge, because but we will have to reach that point He has given us a portion of Himself, of perfection, and we will reach it. we are told that we were made in His Moses, through the divinity that was own image, and we find that there is always with him, did some extraor- a character of immortality in the soul dinary things. The people of Israel of man. There is a spiritual organism had abused him in every condition. within this tabernacle, and that spirit- They continually went contrary to his ual organism has a divinity in itself, counsel, and on a certain occasion they though perhaps in an infantile state; appointed a captain to take them back but it has within itself the capability into Egyptian bondage. It was as of improving and advancing, as the much as he could possibly bear to put infant that receives sustenance from up with their indignities. Finally the its mother. Though the infant may Lord became angry, His patience be- be very ignorant, yet there are possi- came exhausted, and He made up His bilities in it that by passing through mind that He would destroy every the various ordeals of childhood to one of them, except Moses, and He maturity enable it to rise to a superi- would take him and make him what ority that is perfectly marvellous, he proposed to do with Israel— compared with its infantile ignorance. mighty nation. There are very few in Why and how is it that this is ac- these days but would have jumped at complished? Because it possesses the that opportunity, to become as it were susceptibilities and the capabilities of the starter of a new world, of a mighty its father. So in regard to ourselves. and an everlasting kingdom. That There is a divinity within ourselves was proposed to Moses by the Lord. that is immortal and never dies. Thou- Well, Moses had educated himself by sands and thousands of years hence the spirit of God that he was able to- we will be ourselves, and nobody else, act in that way that he might save so far as our individuality is con- the house of Israel on that very ex- cerned. That never dies from all traordinary occasion. He called upon eternity to all eternity. Immortality th-> Lord with mighty faith, and con- never dies, and it is immortal. We versed with Him. He tried to explain are as children growing and increas- to Him that it was not a good proposi- ing in knowledge and wisdom. Some tion at the least. He argued with Him men we read of, like Elijah, Elisha, as one man argues with another. How Samuel, or Moses, great prophets, ad- was he capable of doing this? Why, vanced themselves to that degree of he had seen God face to face, as some knowledge, and develop their immor- men have seen Him in these latter tal possibilities to an extent that is days, and he knew that he could rea- perfectly astonishing. And you and I son and talk with Him. He told the will have to advance in this line until Lord that if He did what He pro- we control those things that the world posed—destroy Israel—the nations cannot possibly do. around would say that He had under- As I read here, there was one thing taken a task that He could not suc- that the disciples of the Savior did not ceed in accomplishing. Well, the Lord accomplish—they did not succeed in changed His mind, so it reads, and establishing that union of spirit and did not that which He had intended feeling that they ought to have had, to do. Now, whether the Lord had a and the Lord chastened them for it. disposition in this matter to try Moses, The Lord requires, that men should may be a question; but the distinct forgive one another, even seventy times understanding with Moses was that if seven. And even if the party does not He did not plead with the Lord all ask forgiveness, we are to forgive for Israel would be destroyed. It was the a certain number of times. He that divinity within Moses, brought up to — —

64 G&NERAL conference.

such a high point, that enabled him —we do not want to talk very much, to do this. There was a divinity with- though, about going to Jackson Coun- in Abraham also. No mortal man ty, Missouri, because through our could have done what Abraham did foolishness and weakness we would taking up on Mount Moriah his only not care anything about building son as a sacrifice—except he were in- houses and making ourselves com- spired and had a divinity within him fortable here. I know when we first to receive that inspiration. We read started a colony in Brigham City, the of these extraordinary manifestations people generally thought it was non- in the lives of the prophets. We find sense, perfectly useless, to plant peach men at the present day that never trees, apple trees, currant bushes and could have done what they have done, the like, because we were going to sacrifices never could have made the Jackson County so speedily; and it they have, unless there had been a was with the utmost effort that we receiving and comprehending of the were enabled to disabuse them of this language of divinity—the Spirit. idea. We are not going tomorrow, nor As to our receiving these wonderful next day, this week or next week; but things about which I have read to you, we are going, and there are many I am just as sure of it as I am that hundreds and hundreds within the I am talking to you today. Although sound of my voice that will live to go it seems marvelous, it is here so stat- back to Jackson County and build a ed, and I know the Lord tells that holy temple to the Lord our God. Be which is true. When He gives com- prepared to do these things that have fort to His Saints in His promises, been taught us during this Confer- those promises when fulfilled are vast- ence, and make ourselves worthy, and ly greater than the words seem to have we will receive everything that I have indicated. President Woodruff could read to you in this section. We have not have gone through the scenes that not time to explain these things. We he has, and come out alive as He has, bear our testimony in regard to what unless there had been a divinity within we know, and what God has done for him—a part of God himself—receiving us, and what we hope to do with His and understanding that divine Spirit assistance, and leave it in that way. that came to him and enabling him to God bless you, Latter-day Saints. accomplish what he has. Other men We love to serve you, and to do every- might be mentioned in the same way. thing that the Lord enables us to do, Joseph Smith, the Prophet, with whom because we expect to be together in I was intimately acquainted for years, the other life, from all eternity to all as well as I was with my brother, I eternity. May God help us, in the know him to have been a man of in- name of Jesus. Amen. tegrity, a man devoted to the interests At the conclusion of President Snow's of humanity and to the requirements discourse the choir sang: of God all the days in which he was O, my Father Thou that dwellest, permitted to live. There never was a In the high and glorious place! man that possessed a higher degree When shall I regain Thy presence, behold face? of integrity and more devotedness to And again Thy In Thy holy habitation the interest the of mankind than Did my spirit once reside; Prophet Joseph Smith. I can say this In my first primeval childhood from a personal acquaintance with Was I nurtured near Thy side? him. Latter-day Saints, we have had a PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH. lovely Conference, and the weather has The oath and covenant of the Priesthood—The been very beautiful. The Lord has promise to those who abide conditions—The blessed us abundantly. Here we are, fate of those who whdllyrenounce them—The house conveyed gathered from many of the nations of of God a house of order— His will as through His servants should be obeyed—Anony- the earth, and it has been a most mous false accusers. marvelous accomplishment. God alone could have accomplished it. And the My brethren and sisters, I desire the prospects before us are grand and faiith, the goodwill and the prayers of glorious. The time is speedily coming my hearers, that I may be able to PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH 65 speak the truth, and that the Lord may it, and cease to do righteously and to give me a knowledge of His will, that honor this covenant, and will to abide what I say may be in accordance in sin, and repent not, there is no for- therewith and for the benefit of all of giveness for them either In this life or us. If I should fall to speak toward in the world to come. That is the lan- that pillar in front, I ask my brethren guage of this book, and this is doctrine behind me to call me to order; for it is and truth which was revealed from one of my failings to turn to the right God to men through the instrumental- and to the left when I am speaking. ity of Joseph Smith the Prophet. And Not that I am disobedient in my spirit, this word is reliable. It is God's word, but I do not bear in mind always that and God's word is truth; and it be- all which is for the best good. comes necessary for those who en- I will take the liberty of re-reading a ter into this covenant to understand portion of the Scripture that was read this word, that they may indeed abide this morning by President Lorenzo in it, and may not be turned out of the Snow; not that I expect to throw any way. additional light upon the subject, but In connection with this Scripture which I have read, I will take the liberty may perhaps continue it to some little of little extertt: reading a more, upon a similar subject, from the Book of Mormon. "For whoso is faithful unto the ob- And while these words which I shall taining of these two Priesthoods of now read were the words of a Prophet which I have spoken, and the magnify- who lived anciently upon this continent, ing their calling, are sanctified by the and were given before the coming of Spirit unto the renewing of their Christ in the flesh, and before the Gos- bodies; pel was established in its fullness, with "They become the sons of Moses and the Holy Priesthood, in the earth, yet of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and it relates to the same oath and cove- the and kingdom, and the elect Church nant that is spoken of in the Book of of God; Doctrine and Covenants. "And also all they who receive this "And now it came to pass that when Priesthood receiveth me, saith the king Benjamin had thus spoken to his Lord; people, he sent among them, desiring to "For he that receiveth my servants know of his people, if they believed the receiveth me; words which he had spoken unto them. "And he that receiveth me receiveth "And they all cried with one voice, my Father; saying. Tea, we believe all the words he that receiveth Father, "And my which thou hast spoken unto us; and receiveth Father's kingdom; there- my also, we know of their surety and fore all that my Father hath shall be truth, because of the Spirit of the given unto him; Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought "And this is according to the oath a mighty change in us, or in our hearts and covenant which belongeth to the that we have no more disposition to do Priesthood. evil, but to do good continually." "Therefore, all those who receive the What a glorious condition was this! Priesthood, receive this oath and cov- a condition in which the Lord God Om- enant of my Father, which he cannot nipotent, by the power of His Spirit, break, neither can it be moved; had wrought a mighty change in the "But whoso breaketh this covenant, hearts of that people, that they no after he hath received it, and alto- longer had any desire to do evil, but gether turneth therefrom, shall not were filled only with a fervent desire have forgiveness of sins in this world to do that which was good. This was nor in the world to come." indeed a great change, and yet it is This makes a very serious matter of precisely that change that comes today receiving this covenant and this Priest- to every son and daughter of God who hood; for those who receive it must, repents of his or her sins, who humble like God himself, abide in it, and must themselves before the Lord, and who not fail, and must not be moved out of seek forgiveness and remission of sin by the way; for those who receive this baptism by immersion, by one having oath and covenant and turn away from anthority to administer this sacred or- 66 GENERAL CONFERENCE dinance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. wrath move us to say and do things

For it lis this new birth that was spoken which are not pleasing in the sight of by Christ to Nicodemus as absolute- of God, yet instantly, on regaining ly essential that men might see the our sober senses and recovering from Kingdom of God, and without which our lapse into the power of darkness, no man could enter into the Kingdom. we feel humble, repentant, and to ask Each of us can remember, perhaps, the forgiveness for the wrong that we change that came into our hearts when have done to ourselves, and perchance we were baptized for the remission of to others. The great, earnest, over- our sins. Perhaps it is not proper for whelming desire, which is born of one to speak of himself or of his own the truth and of the witness of the experiences, because there may be those Holy Spirit, in the hearts of the peo- within the sound of my voice who ob- ple who obey the truth, assumes sway ject to a man speaking of himself, and and again takes possession of our especially when he shall say any good souls, to lead us on in the path of of himself; yet I speak not of myself, duty. This is my testimony, and 1 I speak of the influence and power of know it is true. the Holy Spirit that I experienced "And we, ourselves, also, through when I had been baptized for the remis- the infinite goodness of God, and the sion of my sins. The feeling that came manifestations of His Spirit, have upon me was that ot pure peace, or great views of that which is to come; love and of light. I felt in my soul and were it expedient, we could proph- that if I had sinned—and surely I was esy of all things. not without sin—that it had been for- "And it is the faith which we have given me; that I was indeed cleansed had on the things which our king has from sin; my heart was touched and spoken unto us, that has brought ut> I felt that T would not injure the small- to this great knowledge, whereby we est insect beneath my feet. I felt as do rejoice with such exceeding great though I wanted to do good every- joy." [Mosiah, Book of Mormon, chap. where to everybody and to everything. 5, vs. 3 and 4.] I felt a newness of life, a newness Here now in the following words is of desire to do that which was what I wish to call your attention to, right. There was not one particle it being especially in harmony with the of desire for evil left in my soul. I reference I have read from the Doc- was but a little boy, it is true, when I trine and Covenants in relation to the was baptized; but this was the influ- oath and covenant of the everlasting ence that came upon me, and I know Priesthood: that it was from God, and was and "And we are willing to enter into a ever has been a living witness to me covenant with our God to do His will, of my acceptance of the Lord. and to be obedient to His command- Oh! that I could have kept that same ments in all things, that He shall com- spirit and that same earnest desire in mand us, all the remainder of our my heart every moment of my life days, that we may not bring upon from that day to this. Yet many of ourselves a never ending torment, as us who have received that witness, has been spoken by the angel, that we that new birth, that change of heart, may not drink out of the cup of the while we may have erred in judgment wrath of God. or have made many mistakes, and "And now, these are the words which often perhaps come short of the true King Benjamin desired of them; and standard in our lives, we have re- therefore he said unto them, Ye have pented of the evil, and we have sought spoken the words that I desired; and from time to time forgiveness at the the' covenant which ye have made is hand of the Lord; so that until this a righteous covenant." [Mosiah, chap. day the same desire and purpose which 5, vs. 5 and 6.] pervaded our souls when we were bap- Surely, it is a righteous covenant. tized and received a remission of our It could not be other than a righteous sins still holds possession of our hearts, covenant; for the covenant was with will, to be obedient to and is still the ruling sentiment and God, to do His passion of our souls. Though we may His commandments in all things all at times be stirred to anger, and our the remainder of their days. Cer- PRESIDENT JOSEPH I SMITH. 67 tainly this is good; this is a proper be through transgression; therefore, covenant to make on the part of falli- take heed that ye do not transgress, ble man, and it is an eternal covenant, that the name be not blotted out of entered into with that Eternal God your hearts." [vs. 10 and 11.] who deals with His children not as In other words, as the Doctrine and temporal or mortal beings, who appear Covenants has it: to live but a short span in the earth "Therefore, all those who receive the and then pass away, but who deals Priesthood, receive this oath and cove- with reference to the immortality of nant of my Father, which he cannot is their being. There nothing that God break, neither can It be moved; has done for the children of men that "But whoso breaketh this covenant, is solely of a temporal character. He after he hath received it, and alto- deals with us with a view to our eter- gether turneth therefrom, shall not nal being, our immortality; with refer- have forgiveness of sins in this world ence to the fact that we are His chil- nor in the world to come." dren, or ought to be, and will be when I wish to admonish this vast con- we enter into this covenant and ob- course of people to take this great tain the change of heart which enter- truth to their hearts. Let it take pos- ing into this covenant is sure to bring session of your minds, think upon it, the honest in heart. to consider well your standing, and your "And now, because of the covenant continuance in repentance and the re- which ye have made, ye shall be called mission of sins, and in the love of the children of Christ, His sons, and truth, and in the earnest desire to do His daughters; for behold, this day right and forsake all evil. Consider He hath spiritually begotten you; for yourselves and see whether you have ye say that your hearts are changed transgressed this great covenant into through faith in His name; therefore, which you have entered, because if ye are born of Him, and have become you have and you do not repent of it, His sons and His daughters. but continue in disobedience to this "And under this head, ye are made covenant, and choose to remain in sin, free, and there is no other head where- then, as God lives, and as He has by ye can be made free. There is no spoken in His word, there is no for- other name given whereby salvation giveness for you in this world nor in cometh; therefore, I would that ye the world to come. If God's word Is should take upon you the name of true at all, then this is true; and it of us as entered Christ, all you that have entered into applies to such have the covenant with God, that ye should into the new and everlasting covenant, be obedient unto the end of your lives. having been born again, or spiritually begotten of Christ, and having be- "And it shall come to pass that who- soever doeth this, shall be found at come the sons and daughters of God. the right hand of God, for he shall I continue from the Book of Mor- know the name by which he is called; mon : for he shall be called by the name ot "I say unto you, I would that ye Christ." [Mosiah, 5th chap. vs. 7, 8 should remember to retain the name and 9.] written always in your hearts, that ye Think of that! Who understands are not found on the left hand of God, its import, the scope of its meaning? but that ye hear and know the voice "Ye shall be called by the name of by which ye shall be called, and also, Christ." the name by which He shall call you; "For how knoweth a man the mas- "And now it shall come to pass, ter whom he has not served, and who that whosoever shall not take upon is a stranger unto him, and is far from them the name of Christ, must be the thoughts and intents of his heart? called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of 'And again: Doth a man take an God. ass which belongeth to his neighbor, "And I would that ye should re- and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; member also, that this is the name he will not even suffer that he shall will that I said I should give unto you that feed among his flocks, but drive never should be blotted out, except it him away, and cast him out. I say 68 GENERAL CO NFERENCE. untn you, even so .shall It be among This is the Gospel that we have cov- you, if ye know not the name by which enanted to obey. We have entered into ye are called. the bond of that new and everlasting "Therefore, I would that ye should covenant agreeng that we would obey be steadfast and Immovable, always the commandments of God in all things shall abounding in good works, that Christ, whatsoever He command us. the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal This is an everlasting covenant the end of our days. you his, that you may be brought to even unto And heaven, that ye may have everlasting when 1b the end of our days ? We may it reference to the of salvation and eternal life, through think has end the wisdom, the power, and Justice, our mortal life; that a time will come and mercy of Him, wno created all after we have finished this probation things, in heaven and in earth, who is when we can live without obedience to of This is God above all. Amen." [Book of Mor- the commandments God. a mon, Mosiah, 5th chap. 12 to 15 vs.] great error. We shall never see the day, will There is a great deal of this kind of in time nor eternity, when it not be instruction contained within the lids obligatory, and when it will not be a of this sacred book, which it would be pleasure as well as a duty, for us as well for us as believers in Christ, as His children, to obey all the command- sons and daughters of God, having ments of the Lord throughout the end- been spiritually begotten by Him, less ages of eternity. It is upon this having been born anew, and the old principle that we keep in touch with man of sin having been put away, the God, and remain in harmony with His carnal, devilish and sensual desires of purposes. It is only in this way that our human natures having been sub- we can consummate our mission, and dued or conquered and banished from obtain our crown and the gift of eter- our souls and the new desire for nal lives, which is the greatest gift of righteousness and purity having been God. Can you imagine any other begotten within us, that we have been way ? redeemed from the spiritual death God has established all things in their which came upon our first parents, and order. The house of God is a house which by reason of the fall is upon all of order, and not a house of confusion. flesh until they repent of their sins In this house, God himself is the su- and receive a remission of them by preme head, and He must be obeyed. baptism, or by the new birth—that is, Christ is in the image and likeness of by the birth of the water and of the His being, His begotten Son, and He Spirit; for the birth of the Spirit comes stands as our Saviour and our God. by or through the birth of the water, We must walk in His paths, and ob- and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We serve His precepts to do them, or we are first required to be buried with will be cut off. Next unto God and Christ in baptism, typical of His death Christ, in the earth is placed one unto and burial, burying the "old man" with whom the keys of power and the au- his sensual and devilish nature, and thority of the Holy Priesthood are rising to a newness of life, and thus conferred, and unto whom the right by the spiritual baptism which follows of presidency is given. He is God's through the laying on of hands we be- mouthpiece to His people, in all things come a son or a daughter of God, an pertaining to the building up of Zion heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus and to the spiritual and temporal sal- Christ. It is through this ordinance that vation of the people. He is as God's men are begotten spiritually. It is vicegerent; I do not hesitate to an- the door through which Jesus him- nounce this truth; for it is His word, self passed. He is the door, the and therefore it is true. The people light and the life of the word; who have entered into covenant to and if anyone enter by Him, then keep the commandments of the Lord shall he have eternal life; but must: hearken unto the voice of him whoso attempteth to get through in who is placed to preside over them; any other way shall be counted a thief and secondarily, to those who are and a robber, and we may well judge called to act with him as his counsel- how far he will succeed. ors in the Holy Priesthood. It takes PRESIDENT JOSEPH E. SMITH. 69 this council of three to constitute the make reparation if we have done presiding and governing authority of wrong; and let him not cowardly hide the Priesthood in the earth. God the himself behind a nom de plume, or Father, God the Son, and God the Holy anonymous letters breathing wrath Ghost, constitute the Godhead and the and vengeance toward the servants of matchless governing quorum over all the Lord and of the people. We have the creations of the Father. Three to reprove sometimes in sharpness; but men stand at the head of the Church if by reproving we have wounded them on the earth. Yet there are those who unnecessarily, we will pour out a call themselves Saints who hesitate double portion of the balm of meek- not to rise up in condemnation of and ness, humility and love toward them, to express words of hatred and malice that we may heal the wounds we have toward these men who stand at the made, just as the Prophet has said in head of the Church of Jesus Christ of the 121st section of the Doctrine and Latter-day Saints! Of course, they Covenants. Read it for yourselves. often do it clandestinely; ashamed of Now, these thoughts have simply their own acts, too cowardly to at- come to me on the spur of the mo- tach their names to their writings; own ment. They may have been unneces- but they nevertheless rise up against sary altogether. But I feel Justified, these men—men whose only thought so far as I am concerned, in making is to do good to all mankind, whose these remarks. If these threatening greatest care is for the welfare of the letters were from backsliders or an- people of the Lord, and whose constant tagonistic Gentiles, we would not be endeavor is to unite them and cause surprised; but when they come signed them to labor, each in his place and "Your brother in the Gospel" we sup- calling, to help build up Zion. They pose, though of course we do not know, earnestly desire that every man shall that they come from men who profess be a working bee in "the hive of to be Latter-day Saints. Deseret," in the house of God. If any The other day I spoke of counsel man feels offended at me, let him that was often given to some of our to like a man, and tell me come me poor brethren who were seeking work; wrong, thus wherein I have done and among other things, that they should explain myself. I give me a chance to go out into the new parts of the coun- ashamed of some people who pro- am try and take up land, cultivate the soil, fess to be Latter-day Saints. I have and build themselves up among begin- letters, teem- on my desk anonymous ners in new settlements, and thereby ing with a spirit of violence, hatred, establish homes for themselves. I malice condemnation toward me, and have been told that I had better try especially toward and my brethren, the medicine myself. Now, I want to myself, for what President Cannon and tell those who do not know it that I we have never done, or thought of have tried that very medicine. The doing in the world, condemning us for first plow that I plowed with in this evils that exist only in their valley was made from wagon tires. own wicked imaginations; for no We did not have any plows from the man with the Spirit of God East. It was all we could do to bring in his heart will ever condemn ourselves into this valley with suffi- these men openly, in secret or through cient to keep soul and body together anonymous letters, numbers of which when I came here in 1848. We then fed are sent to us from time to time. Par- on close rations until the Lord gave don me for referring to this matter, us the fruits of our labors from the because it is perhaps trivial; but I soil. I know what it is to go out on look upon the authors of anonymous to the deserts and break up the bar- letters as sneaks, as cowards of the ren ground, and then go to the creeks lowest type, as among the meanest of and make ditches to convey the water God's creatures. If a man has any from their natural channels upon the fault to find with me, let him come to soil. I know what it is to earn my me; or if he has any fault to find with living by the sweat of my brow. 1 Brother Cannon, let him go to him. have done it before; and if the Lord Let him pour out his grievances to us, wills, and will give me strength to do and give us a chance to explain or to it, I can do it again. I am not above 7o GENERAL CONFERENCE.

(loin* it, if the Lord requires it. 1 ELDER DAVID H. CANNON. believe there is no labor on earth more I trust that while I shall endeavor essential to the wellbelng of a com- to address you, I may have the benefit munity or more honorable than the of your faith, that our Father may sug- labor which Is necessary to produce gest words to mind that will food from mother earth. It is one of my be beneficial to those are the most noble occupations. And next who here as* sc-mbled to it is the tending of the flocks of sheep and cattle. This fs another I have re joiced very much in the tes- noble, occupation, if it is only carried timony of the Holy Spirit that was on properly and righteously. These manifest through the Prophets and are the foundation of the prosperity Apostles of God who have addressed

" of every community in the world. us during the t rious meetings of this When the farming community is pros- Conference. And I feel that, so far, perous, when the Lord blesses the it has been t<> me one of the best Con- earth and makes it fruitful, then the ferences that it has been my privilege blacksmith, the carpenter, and those to attend, because of the plain manner who follow other pursuits, will also be in which our duties have been made prosperous. But when the earth re- manifest to us as a people. And 1 fuses to yield of its strength for the felt, when listening to our venerable good of mankind, then all other busi- President Woodruff in his testimony ness is stagnant and will languish. regarding the financial condition of Therefore, let us till the earth; let us this Church, that I would not only my- cultivate the soil; let us produce our self endeavor to do my duty and pay own living out of the earth, by the my tithes and offerings, but that 1 blessing of God, as far as we possibly would use my influence with those can, always keeping in mind that we whom I associate with in the Stake have entered into a solemn covenant where my labor calls me, to get others with God, which is an eternal cove- to do likewise. For I believe it to be nant, and from which He cannot de- a veritable truth that if we as a people part or be moved, and which we can would draw near unto the Lord and only fail in by ourselves transgressing observe the commandments that He that new and everlasting covenant has given to us more strictly, greater- and turning away from it. prosperity would attend our efforts, God help us to be true and faithful and we would become free from the to our calling and standing in His thraldom of debt with which we are is Church, my prayer in the name of ait the present time oppressed. Jesus. Amen. I am satisfied that this work with Singing by the choir: which we have become identified, is "the Though in the outward church below power of God unto salvation" to all The wheat and tares together grow, Jesus e're long will weed the crop, who will render obedience to its re- And pluck the tares, in anger, up. quirements, and that it is destined in Benediction by Elder Joseph E. Tay- the due time of the Lord to revolution- lor. ize the whole world and bring man- kind generally into a condition when OVERFLOW MEETING. "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ," to Assembly hall, 2 p. m. the honor and glory of God our eternal As the great Tabernacle was not Father. near large enough to accomodate the people, an overflow meeting was held At the time of the dedication of in the Assembly Hall. the Salt Lake Temple, I remember The choir singing the hymn which with a great deal of pleasure the prom- begins ises that were made to the people by Great God, attend while Zion sings. President Woodruff, that if we would Prayer was offered by Elder Willard go forth from that time and seek to Done. keep the commandments of God, and The choir sang the hymn, conform our lives to the requirements God moves in a mysterious way, of the Gospel, that our sins as a people His wonders to perform. though as scarlet should become as ELDER DAVID H. CANNOA. 71 white as wool, and that we should be these people have lived within the free to serve God, and have greater shadow of the Temple, in close prox- influence in the midst of the nations imity with the House of God. The of the earth, and that the persecution people have been reminded of their that is being brought to bear upon the tithes and offerings wherein the people would cease. I say I remember Saints could place blessings and en- these predictions with a great deal of dowments in the Holy Priesthood in the pleasure; and I have watched with hands of the kindred dead, and some equal satisfaction the fulfillment of have been perfectly indifferent in re- every prediction that was ever made to gard to this matter. In many instances the people. Wherever we have gone forth men and women Who have consider- failed laboring to promote righteousness in able of their genealogies have the earth, God has blessed our labors, to go into the Temple to do the neces- instances and His Spirit has attended His people sary work. There are other in their undertakings. His servants where they have done all that they to have gone forth to the nations and could do. To these I have nothing have had influence and power wher- say, but to the ones that have failed, In ever they have traveled, to an extent and who do not attend to anything that was never before experienced this line. I have been wondering what since the organization of the Church these would say if they should be sum- their friends upon the earth. And if the Saints con- moned to the presence of believe that tinue to improve in their lives, as a in the spirit world. We with the people, this Spirit will continue to in- we have identified ourselves be- crease, and more success will attend Gospel of the Son of God. We for a the preaching of the Gospel. lieve that it is necssary man or woman, in order to be I notice in traveling among the eternally saved in the presence Saints and in our experience in the God, to go down into the water Temple, in the House of God, at St. of our for the remission of George, where my labors are more and be baptized sins; then receive the imposition particularly known, that there is a their of the servants of the great improvement in the people with of the hands for the reception of the Holy regard to the work that is necessary Lord, all that is necessary to for the redemption of their kindred Ghost; and person in immortality in the dead. Many more people are coming save a Kingdom of our Father, is to the House of the Lord. Many there Celestial for those who have are that are desirous of obtaining their equally necessary a knowledge of the pre- genealogical records, that they may be died without principles with which you and I able to perform the work necessary cious so familiar. And if the for the redemption of their kindred have become goes forth to the nations of dead. The spirit of this labor, I be- Elder who earth experiences joy in meeting lieve, is increasing throughout the the that he has had the privilege Stakes of Zion, as also in the nations those into the waters of bap- earth. And, while I do not be- of conductine of the at I say if he experiences joy lieve that it is proper for us as a peo- tism, them, how much more joy will ple to turn our attention exclusively reaching experience when he meets those indi- to any one direction, to carry out one he into whose hands he has placed branch or one part of the Gospel, yet viduals Priesthood that will need to keys of power and I believe that as a people we present enable them to pass from their disturb ourselves a little in regard to Fa- condition into the presence of the this vicarious labor. I have said very immor- ther and partake of glory and many times, when addressing the peo- not tality in His Celestial Kingdom; ple, that I do not know what the only going down into the waters and Saints would do if called from mor- baptized for the individual who meet their being tality and permitted to ordinance for is unable to receive this kindred who have preceded them to of himself or herself, but coming up out the spirit world, I do not know what laying on the water and receiving the excuse they could offer for not having for the reception of the Holy for the amelioration of their of hands done more of suffi- Ghost, and if it be a brother condition; because, in many instances, X/ A' //. CONFERENCE. 7 2 afforded the people, those who are so cient age, receiving the Holy Priesthood disposed, of laboring to bring about for him, and then all the other bless- upon the earth, assisting ings that are necessary for him to en- His purposes in accomplishing that which is neces- Joy. I say that If an Individual has joy to firmly establish this Gospel in In meeting them, what joy will they sary a people, have when they meet the Individual the earth. And if we do, as necessary for us to do, that who performed all the ordi- all that is the heavens will be nances that saved them, doing the work is in our power, the blessing of the Al- for them vicariously. I cannot think of opened and prosper- anything that would be of greater joy mighty will descend upon us, our labors, and we to the person when he meets his friend ity will atend all and that than this labor would afford. Then we will have that peace of mind have the simpler ordinances, that we contentment and joy in contemplating term simple because they are so easy the great plan God has instituted for say of accomplishment, by which they can the redemption of the people. I have sealed husband and wife for time we will have such joy in contemplat- us so and all eternity, and have conferred ing these things that will make upon them the privilege of coming forth happy that we will never regret labor- In in the morning of the first resurrection, ing for Him and for His purposes clothed with glory, immortality and the earth. eternal life and all the blessings of May God bless you, and may we as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the a people ever remember the import- other blessings that pertain to the new ance of the age in which we live, and and everlasting covenant. Then if they not lose sight of the signs of the times children the children have have had and in which we live, and may be per- passed away without a knowledge of form our duties to His acceptance, the Gospel, they gather the names and through Christ our Lord. Amen. do the work that is necessary for them, At the close of Elder Cannon's re- and seal the children to the parents, marks the general authorities of the and this is the work that was spoken of Church were presented by Elder Sey- forth to, the Prophet and looked when mour B. Young, and sustaind by unan- Elijah should come to turn the hearts imous vote. of the children to the fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. ELDER SEYMOUR B. YOUNG. Now, this is why the Latter-day Saints build temples: They are calculated to My brethren and sisters, I see in this exalt us in the Celestial Kingdom of assembly a large body of our Seventies, our God. But there are labors whom I am very glad to welcome to for us to perform which should oc- our General Conference. cupy every moment of time that we have to spare, going forth and labor- Some four or five weeks ago and also ing in whatever capacity we may be a month previous to that date, we called upon to labor. And as the Lord published an invitation for the Seven- blesses our labors, we should take a ties to meet with us in this hall, on tenth of that which we receive and pay Sunday,the 10th inst.,at 2 o'clock p.m. it to the storehouse of the Lord; then And I find that very many of the pay our fast offerings, that there may Seventies have come to accept of the be plenty in the hands of the Bishop invitation, and are here this afternoon. to provide for the wants of the poor Yesterday the First Presidency ad- in the ward where we reside; then go- vised us not to make of it an exclu- ing forth and performing every duty sively Seventies' meeting.but to have it that is necessary for us to perform. an overflow meeting as usual, for the If there is anything that has caused, benefit of all the Saints that might my heart to rejoice in my labors in wish to assemble. Consequently their connection with this people, my breth- suggestion was the keynote to us, and ren and sisters, it is the provision that we cheerfully and gladly adopt the God our Father has made for the re- counsel they gave us on this matter. demption of mankind, both living and But I believe that there was nothing dead, and the opportunities that are in their minds to prevent us from ELDER SEYMOUR B. YOUNG. 73 saying whatever we considered neces- Church and the Apostles shall find sary to say to our brethren of the a fit representative of the Church of Seventies who should assemble here Christ, and a man that knows the hope today. that is within him and can give a Then, by way of conveying some of reason for that hope in good, intelli- our wishes to the Seventies that are gent English language, or in what- scattered through all the Stakes of ever language he may be called upon Zion, we wish to remind you that we to teach the Gospel, and that will de- have 1,700 brethren, and nearly all of pend upon the nation or people to those are Seventies, laboring in the whom he is sent. Now, in connection ministerial field today as missionaries with this, I want to suggest to my of the Church of Jesus Christ. They Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Ger- are laboring in all the states of man brethren, and brethren from the the Union, they are also laboring islands of the sea, that you maintain in all the Scandinavian countries, that the gift and power of speaking you: Is, in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, own native tongue or language in also in Germany and in Holland, or your family circles. And those who the Netherlands; also a small corps of can speak German, Danish, Swedish, missionaries are now laboring in the Norwegian or French and who are na- Holy Land, under the direction of tives of these countries, that every one Apostle Anton H. Lund. We have will maintain their native tongue a large corps of missionaries in the and dialect, speak it in the family cir- British mission, and upon the Sandwich cles and train their children to speak Islands, upon the Society Islands, up- the same as well as the English, so on the Samoan Islands, in New Zea- that when they are called and sent out land, in Australia and pretty much in our young Elders may be prepared to all the civilized world wherever Chris- preach and teach immediately, and tian nations are known, and wherever thus gain an advantage in time, and Christianity is preached. "We have time saved is expense saved. And missions in all those lands and islands those Elders who come from foreign of the seas representing the Church missions and who have been in the of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. habit of speaking foreign languages, We hope that our brethren of the by all means take every opportunity to Seventies have become impressed with speak in those languages that you may the fact that they, to a large extent, maintain the knowledge you have are the missionary corps of the Church, gained while you have been in a for- and from these quorums of Seventies eign nation, and continue to be able the brethren are chosen who go out to speak fluently those different dia- on missions; or if they are chosen from lects and tongues, that when you are the Elders' quorums, when they are again called you will be prepared to sent forth they are ordained Seventies, go immediately into the field and labor and sent with the Gospel message to as efficient Elders, having a thorough the nations of the earth—as minute knowledge of the language in which men, calling upon the people of the you are called to teach. We also wish world to repent of their sins. We have our Seventies and Elders to learn all some very excellent missionaries in they can, to make themselves pro- the field today. But we want to im- ficient by attending to their Mutual press upon the minds of our brethren Improvement Associations, and their who preside over these quorums and Sunday schools, for in both of these those who are members of the same, institutions are to be found wonderful and also upon the minds of the Elders facilities for learning the principles the necessity of us all preparing of the Gospel, that they may be able ourselves to be better missionaries in to give a reason intelligently for the the future than we have been able to hopes that are within them. As I send out in the past. We desire an have said before, mutual improvement improvement all the time. We desire and individual improvement are the or- that our brethren should be imbued der of the day. with the spirit of improvement, and Now, in regard to dealing with mem- that in every Elder and Seventy that bers of quorums who are careless or is called out, the Presidency of the delinquent: There was a brother came 74 < 1ENKRAL CONFERENCE.

shall be sought after, that they to me today und presented his recom- they mendation from a quorum in the south, shall be earnestly taught with hu- of life, also his genealogy, which was taken mility and kindness the way from the quorum record, and he stated that they shall be admonished from that he had been Identified with no time to time in the quorum meetings. quorum since leaving the south, and If you cannot get them to act with you, that was as much as eight or ten go to them and meet with them in years ago. He said. "I have been very their own houses and labor with them in spirit careless, but I hope the brethren will by their own firesides the of not cast me off. I have been a wan- meekness and love unfeigned, seeking derer, a trader, a stock man, and I their welfare and salvation, and only have been wandering around all over desiring that through their repentance creation and not attending to my they may be forgiven, and learn to lay duties as a Seventy during all that hold of the spirit of the Gospel. time: yet I would like very much to be There has been very much said dur- received into a quorum, where I am ing this Conference regarding the way going to locate, and I would not like that we show our determination to be to be cast out from the midst of my in accord with our brethren, to be in brethren." I said, "Brother, there unison with them, to be united with are no persons that I have ever met that them in every good word and in every were too old to repent of their sins, of good work. And who has not felt his their baekslidings, careless ways and heart or her heart burn within his to turn over a new leaf, serve the bosom during the services of this great Lord and keep His commandments. If Conference, in listening to the voice of you are one of those who desire to do our President, Wilford Woodruff, and this you can certainly receive the hearing his admonitions? He stands benefit of your good resolutions; and a living monument of God's mercy if you will prove to your brethren that and pleasure in preserving his life you are indeed repentant and that you and keeping a living witness within will do better, they will have no desire his breast of the truths of the Gospel to cast you off." The Gospel of life that he embraced when in the days of and salvation is a Gospel of repent- his youth; always maintaining that ance. Jesus truly said, when Peter same living witness that the same asked Him how many times we should light burned brightly, for it has never forgive our erring brother, and said as gone out of his heart for one moment a suggestion, shall we forgive him since he received it. See what a wit- seven times? Jesus said to him, not ness and testimony he has borne of only shall you forgive him seven times, these facts to the people during this but you shall forgive him seventy Conference. I say never for one times seven, if he repent. Now, this moment has the light gone out of his is a wide latitude, and I am not re- heart, and I do not think it has ever sponsible for it; but I am satisfied in burned dimly; for the power of God this matter that it is a very great and has been manifest in him from that inestimable favor and blessing that day and hour unto the present time. the Lord has given unto His children, See the watch-care of the Spirit of the that as often as they will repent and Lord and of the holy angels of God's forsake their sins, He will f -rgive presence, how they have been over them. We all need to repent every that man and guarded him and pre- day of our lives, and we all need Ibe served him to do the work that he is spirit of repentance, and we all ought called upon to do at this stage and in to cultivate this spirit r»f forgiveness this age of the Church. And so I be- one to another. For the Lord has lieve we might testify of those associ- said, "If you forgive not each other his ated with him—his Counselors and the trespasses, the Lord will not forgive Twelve Apostles, today. They have you your trespa^se-i.' Now, In deal- shown by their works, labors, teach- ing with scattered and careless mem- ings and constant endeavors among bers of Seventies, we dtsire, as we the people to lead, guide, counsel and have ir.strurt.il nr b ethr^n y ihe admonish in all meekness and in all presidency of these quorums, that these humility and by the power of God brethren shall be labored with, that manifested to them, that their lamps ELDER JONATHAN G KIMBALL 75 have never grown dim, but that the come to us, and that we shall not bar Spirit of the Lord has burned within ourselves from having the light, even their hearts all the time; and there is the lamp of the Holy Spirit constantly burning within their hearts today a de- burning within our hearts. I felt sire for the welfare of Israel, a de- called to make these remarks, for I sire for the gathering of Israel, a de- have seen with some sorrow, recently, sire that the Gospel may be preached that some of our brethren who are in in every land and that the chosen seed political positions have turned a deaf of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob may be ear to the admonitons of their brethren, gathered from all the nations whither and who have seemingly put at de- they have been scattered. Now, this fiance every wish or suggestion that is the course they are taking.and what might be made to them. And I want ought we to do, my brethren and sis- to raise my voice in admonition to my ters, and especially my brethren of brethren about the matter, and to call the Seventies and Elders, what ought the attention of the Latter-day Saints, to be our course in life? Should we one and all, to the fact that we owe not possess in our hearts the same allegiance to our heavenly Father, light and the same love of truth that and that between us and Him stand they have evidenced, and should we our brethren who preside over us, and not stand shoulder to shoulder with that if we wish to maintain an in- them and be united in all things with fluence with God and with the heavens, our brethren who preside over us, we must subject ourselves to the coun- seeking diligently to know the mind sel of our leaders, and labor diligently and will of the Lord, and be led by and faithfully in the cause of Christ. that Spirit which comes from Him all May the Lord bless us and help us to the time, into the way of life and do good, is my prayer in the name of truth, making our words and actions Jesus. Amen. agree entirely? And when we testify that we have received the Gospel, that ELDER JONATHAN G. KIMBALL. we have a living witness in our hearts, should we not keep that lamp constant- I pray the Lord that I may be wise ly and brightly burning, that it may in what I shall say, and be under the never grow dim through carelessness influence of the Spirit of the Lord; for on our part? I have no desire to express my own feelings. I wish to remind you today, my brethren of the Seventies, that there is I frankly confess that I am disap- a very great necessity for every one, pointed; and when I am disappointed every president and member of these you find it out, for it shows upon the quorums to be united together and to be very lineaments of my face. I am not ready for the word of counsel from our like a brother I once had—and he was file leaders all the time, and to prepare the only one I ever did have like that ourselves for any field of action or —when he was disappointed and felt labor, or any duty that we may be badly, he could whistle and sing. 1 called upon to perform. Let us re- cannot whistle or sing when I feel dis- member another thing, that though appointed. we may be called upon to perform I have not learned the lesson of obe- some political duty or labors that are dience yet, but I shall before I get secular and not connected with our through. It is our duty when we are calling as Seventies, this should not confronted with anything that we do take us outside of the influence of the not understand, or go against any ob- Church nor of the brethren who pre- struction, to plow around it. I have side over us. "We should be subject always been accustomed to going over to the laws of the Lord, to the law of it. If I ran against a snag when plow- the Gospel, which means a determina- ing, it did me a whole lot of good to tion to carry out all the requirements see my team pull, to test the plow and made of us and to perform every duty see how good it was. I have broken as servants of the Lord. Let us feel many a plow and done considerable that we are in duty bound to so con- damage by not plowing around the ob- duct our lives that no reproach may stacle. 76 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

There is an animal that when It to touch their hearts in some instances. reaches out with its feelers and runs They seemed determined to have their against anything, it pulls Its feelers own way, even though it be a bad way. hack and crawls Into Its shell, and I When a father or mother said anything suppose remains there and reflects until to them about their bad associations, the scene changes. they would not believe it. I have done Now, we were very desirous of meet- so myself when I was wayward, and ing with the Seventies in a special con- when my mother counseled me that ference meeting. We are not deprived those young men were not proper as-

of the privilege of talking to them as sociates for me, I could not believe it. It Is; for the brethren of the authori- I sympathize with a young man that ties have seemingly reconsidered the has had bad companions and improp- previous arrangements we made. It er associates. Yet, when those young was with their consent, (I desire that men repent of their sins, and get a fully understood by the Seventies), and glimmering of the spirit of the Gospel, their full approval that this notice was they are just like clay in the hands of sent to you to be here, at 2 p. m. today. the potter. And, as one of the Apostles Out of it great good has come, because that has lately visited the Southern hundreds of Seventies would not have States stated to me, that when he com- been here had it n^t been for the no- pared what he saw in the South with tice. Some have come long distances what he had seen at home, the South- and they have been fully rewarded by ern mission grows bigger and larger what they have heard. If they will every day. Yes, and it will keep grow- follow out the counsels that have been ing larger, too. It is not the only given to them by the Presidency of this mission on the earth either, for they Church, and by the Apostles, they need are all growing larger. no further instructions from us, be- Now about your boys. I have la- cause when they return to their homes bored among the Elders who are work- they will not neglect their duties a* ing in the South and I have never seen Latter-day Saints. You know, we the time in my Ave years' experience should be like clay in the hands of the there, that Elders have rebelled against potter. We have got to be ground, the counsel that was given them. They moulded and fashioned into a vessel sometimes put their own interpretation of honor. And a great many of us are upon that counsel, but always acted lumpy, although some of these old to the best of their ability. When a Seventies have been ground for sixty man does that, he does pretty well; he years. It has taken a long time to is trying to do right and to carry out grind them, so that they will become the instructions. I never had a diffi- tractable like little children. It will culty in the South with an Elder, ex- take just as long, perhaps, to grind ah cepting one. He told the people things the lumps out of me, and other young that never did transpire and never men. will. That was the only time I had I have a testimony that the Gospel occasion to say a harsh word and to is true. I can preach it a great deal correct an Elder. I have never felt better it. than I can live Under the the Spirit so manifest at home as 1 influence of the Spirit of God men of- have when surrounded by our Elders ten say things that are a marvel to in council meetings in the mission them. "Sudden strokes of ideas" come fields. It is often asked, Wbat are to them when they stand upon theii they doing in the South? I speak of it feet that they never thought of before. because I am familiar with that mis- It may be very sudden and brief; but sion. I am familiar with the workings every man that has spoken under that of the South. There are few men as Spirit knows there is such a thing as familiar with the Southern States mis- the Holy Ghost; is, that the Spirit of sion as I am; because I have been in inspiration revelation. and That is touch with it almost constantly for the the lesson that we have to learn. 1 last seven years. We find they are often think of our Elders that you have trying to educate your five hundred El- sent out into the world. Many of ders to pay their tithing, and it is sur- them were wayward, careless, and in- prising how people criticise the Presi- different; their parents were unable dent of that mission on that subject. JOAA THAN G. KIMBALL.

If some of the kind people are moved with, except the early Apostles and the upon by the Spirit to give your sons men who commenced this work. He money, they pay their tithing, and it is went to the South in abject poverty, sent to Chattanooga. And you will and he made railroad officials his find every one of these Elders' names friends, and he built up a reputation upon the tithing records. They paid for honesty that can never be shaken. a large tithing last year. The Lord He made business men his friends, will open the way before the Elders. from which associations all his suc- They will not suffer in the South. They cessors have received benefit. The Chat- are treated like kings. What is the tanooga Times, in 1884, when bitterness reason? They have struck the key was at its highest ebb, said, to shake note, and I hope they have struck it the hand of John Morgan was to be everywhere in the world, and that is, his friend. I was introduced to a pas- to pray, fast, travel without purse and senger agent at Memphis, Tenn., by scrip, pay their tithing, and climb out the general passenger agent of the East of old ruts. I heard that a missionary Tennessee railway, and he said, "I can committee of brethren have been ap- give you no better recommend of Mr.. pointed to counsel with the brethren ot Kimball than to say, if he applied to the authorities, so that the European me for one thousand railroad tickets to mission can be placed on a higher plat- Salt Lake City, and had no money with form. It makes my heart rejoice. I him to pay the same, I would feel per- wish they would take the headquarters fectly secure in letting him have them." in Liverpool and place it on a hill some- This is the reputation John Morgan where, that it may be seen. I pray established in the South. His succes- the Lord to move upon His Elders that sors have followed in his wake. they may reach a higher standard ot The Latter-day Saints do not fully perfection. God intended His people comprehend the persecution, hardships to be progressive, and He never in- and difficulties Elders Morgan, Roberts tended them to locate themselves in and Spry had to meet. They and the the slums of the world. And I told Elders laboring under their direction the Elders laboring in the South so. were hounded, hunted, whipped, shot God does not ask you to go in the at, and some were killed. I stand be- slums and remain over night, getting fore you as a living witness of these contagious skin diseases that are things.

prevalent in such places. You can I was in the South on my first mis- visit them, but I ask of you Elders, sion in the year 1884, and it was the to go in respectable places when upon dark period in the life of the mission. your missions, for you are servants ot Hardly a day passed, that letters were God. And if people do not keep them- not received at the office at Chatta- selves clean they are unworthy to have nooga, stating that Elders had been our Elders sleep in their beds. I would threatened, whipped or surrounded by rather rest in the woods. Our Elders, mobs, and Elders would ask if they through their great kindness, have should hold the fort. All that could brought upon themselves skin diseases be said was as Jesus had stated, that have afflicted them for years and "When they persecute you in one place, years, and the Lord does not require flee ye to another." it. The Holy Ghost will not dwell in The Lord, through His servant, the unclean tabernacles, nor in unclean Prophet Wilford Woodruff, told you places. Latter-day Saints, at the time that I desire to tell you how the South great Temple [pointing to the Temple) got out of trouble. Tou know the diffi- was being dedicated, that the bitter- culties that Elder John Morgan coped ness would be taken out of the hearts with. And let me say here, that man of our enemies, and their hearts would laid a broad foundation, and no man be softened towards us. can take the honor from him, because The Elders who were laboring in the it is his, through his faith, persever- South at the time of the dedication, ance and the blessings of the Lord. He and there were 160 of them, testify that worked under great difficulties, that a very marked and radical change has. very few men in this Church have met taken place in their experience, for the 78 <;/ \ AAV//, CONFERENCE.

referred to wmds of the Prophet are being ful- mour B. Young To my he referred to is quite an filled. mind what Some Elders now laboring In the important matter: With regard to the South fancy tli.y arc the only ones foreign people, the Scandianvian, Ger- who ever traveled without money. El- man, French and every people who ders were never more faithful, ener- speak foreign languages, teaching getic ami persevering than at present, their children to speak the niothir yet thousands of Elders have been just tongue, to speak the foreign lmguage as true and faithful. that the fathers and mothers are ac- quainted with. In some instances I tilled my first mission, and thought acquaintej money was an essential, which to some where the mother is with the foreign language and ..he father is Elders it Is, yet the only time I laid not, or the father is acquainted and out in the woods was with a $10 bill in the mother is not, a great d-;al of pains my pocket and I thanked the Lord should be exercised by th ? parents in when the money was gone. children their language. Brethren and sisters, cease yout teaching their are sending Elders to different severe criticisms of the Presidents or We parts of the world; and a grftat major- missions. Stop finding fault, and re- ity of our Elders, I believe, have to frain from troubling Elders about their learn foreign language, if they ar

and I took occasion to visit them people, nations, kindreds, tongues and about six weeks ago, and after tribes. If we can learn the language hunting them up I went into the house here at home, how much better it is to renew acquaintance. Of course they than to spend months when you go knew me, but I would not have known abroad to learn the foreign language. You people that the them. I asked them about it, and the know French lan- mother said, "Yes, we have four chil- guage ought to cultivate it and not for- dren," they had lost one or two, 'and get it, but practice, talk and read it. every one of these can now talk The Germans ought to read their lan- Swedish to you, if you can understand guage and have the children read it, them." They brought those children to and so with the Scandinavian people. talk and sing for me, and the little They ought to have books and teach children were quite young, the oldest the children to read the language as being about twelve years old, or nearly well as to speak it. It is one thing to so. The mother said they talked very read it and another thing to speak it. It is that it correctly. Of course 1 could not Judge not everybody can speak that read it correctly. as to that, but suffice it to say they can We ought could talk their mother tongue; and to take these matters into considera- that sister carried out and kept the tion. I think we have time to devote promise they had made, to the very to this important matter. Now I think letter. The father comes in and takes that is enough. the little girl on his knee, but he does I want to say something in relation not know a word she says. I was very to what Brother David H. Cannon, much pleased in listening to thsse chil- President of the St. George Temple, dren talk their mother tongue. Now said. this will apply to all the foreign broth- Temple work has been my theme and ers and sisters. You brethren that have labor for a great many years, and, of been to Germany, do not forget the course, those subjects naturally im- German language, the language that press themselves upon my mind. It is you have so studiously acquired when a very important matter, laboring in you were preaching the Gospel. Now, the interest of our kindred dead. We the German people are quite numerous feel sometimes that we have done a in this State, and every one of them great amount of labor in the Temple. ought to take greater pains in teaching We have four Temples now in opera- their boys their own language. Now, tion, and they are open most of the Brother Young referred to this, and I year, and people are going there, but thought you were not impressed with we are just commencing now; we will the idea so fully as you ought to be continue during our life time to work with regard to this important matter, here, and the life time of our children, for I tell you it is important. There and the life time of our children's was a young man raised by the side of children, and then through the Millen- me and his family lived by the side of nium, and how much longer I am not me for forty years; they had a family prepared to say, but suffice it to say of boys, and they were good boys too, the work will go on and continue to Both father and mother were Norwe- go on during these periods. Now, I gian. A little while ago one of the suppose there are people here in this boys was sent to Norway on a mission, congregation that have almost lived and it was with a great deal of diffi- under the shadow of some Temple, and culty that he learned the language. have done nothing. You are liable, as to called He had not learned it at home and did well as myself, be to the other side to your children relatives not make a success learning it on his meet and mission, did not make a success learn- that have died without the Gospel, and ing his mother tongue. Now, if you who will, no doubt—no question in my take children in their infancy you can mind—receive the Gospel if we will give soon teach them a foreign language. them the opportunity. Talk in that language to the baby and Now I want to exhort you, my breth- it will soon learn what you are talking ren and sisters, to consider these mat- about. Now, this thing ought to be ob- ters more seriously. Remember the served throughout the whole Church. obligations to your ancestors. If it had We are here to preach the Gospel to all not been for them, you and I would —

A' So <;/ \7 A'. //. r< >. v//: /:\\( /:. not have nn existence. Remember our with John Jaques, Charles W. Pen- kindred, and our fathers, and see to it rose and Andrew Jenson as his assist- that the hearts <>f the fathers are ants. turned to the children and the hearts As the General Church Board of of the children are turned to the fath- Education—Wilford Woodruff, Loren- ers. God bless you. Amen. zo Snow, George Q. Cannon, Karl G. The choir sang the hymn: Maeser, Willard Young, Anthon H. Oo, ye messengers of glory, Lund, James Sharp. Joseph F. Smith Run, ye legates of the skies. and John Nicholson. Benediction by Elder M. W. Merrill. As Trustee-in-Trust for the body of religious worshippers known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Tabernacle, 2 p. m. Saints—Wilford Woodruff. John Nicholson as clerk of the Gen- Singing by the choir: eral Conference. Glorious things of thee are spoken, All of the voting to sustain the au- Zion, city of our God! He whose word can not be broken, thorities was unanimous. Chose thee for His own abode. Prayer by Elder Abraham Hatch. ELDER FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS. The choir sang the anthem, Ho- sannah. Signs of the times—Fulfilment of prophecy Spirit of war—Work for the dead. THE GENERAL, AUTHORITIES. I have been requested to occupy a were presented to the Conference by few moments of your precious time President George Q. Cannon, as fol- this afternoon. I greatly desire the lows: sweet and enlightening influences of Wilford Woodruff, as Prophet, Seer the Holy Spirit to direct what I shall and Revelator, and President of the say to you, that the time may be oc- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day cupied acceptably and profitably. I Saints in all the world. have been greatly edified in the in- George Q. Cannon as First Counselor structions that have been given from in the First Presidency. day to day during this protracted and Joseph F. Smith as Second Counselor exceedingly interesting Conference. in the First Presidency. A great deal has been brought for- Lorenzo Snow as President of the ward for our consideration, deeply in- Twelve Apostles. teresting, and should be exceedingly As members of the quorum of the profitable unto us. Twelve Apostles — Lorenzo Snow, We are living in times of momentous Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, importance, times which are marvel- Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith. ously significant from every point of George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John view in which we may consider the W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, An- conditions of the human family at thon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and the present time, whether religiously Abraham O. Woodruff. or politically, or whatever view we The counselors in the First Presi- may take of it. Jesus, when on the dency and the Twelve Apostles as earth, informed His associates that Prophets, Seers and Revelators. in the latter times there should come Patriarch to the Church—John many false Christs, and there would Smith. be a great deal of wars and rumors First Seven Presidents of the Seven- of wars in the earth, etc. This same ties—Seymour B. Young, C. D. Fjeld- Jesus, risen from the dead, and again sted, B. H. Roberts, George Reynolds, speaking to His Prophet in the last Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Weils days, has spoken to us more definitely and Joseph W. McMurrin. and significantly upon this point than William B. Preston as Presiding He did at that time to the brethren Bishop, with Robert T. Burton as his with Him. He was pleased to say to first and John R. Winder as his sec- His Prophet, Joseph Smith, on the 25th ond counselor. day of December, 1832, the day cele- Franklin D. Richards as Church brated as the anniversary of the birth historian and general Church recorder, of Christ, that there should come wars —

ELDER FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS. in this land, and specifically stated up their sword against their neighbors that they should commence in the and have to contend for their liberties, state of South Carolina. This revela- and are at the present time in a hor- tion was preserved in the archives of ribly distressed condition, objects of the Church until July, 1851. Some the charity of the whole nation and of nineteen years after this revelation the other nations of the earth. was given to the Prophet Joseph it Living then in times when these was brought out and published to the tremendous prophecies are hanging nations of the earth. Since then it has over the heads of the human family, become common property to all the partly fulfilled, partly unfulfilled, and inhabitants of the earth who have been when the angel of the Lord came with pleased to examine the revelations of his message in these last days de- God to the Latter-day Saints. It was claring the Gospel revealed again and stated that this was to be the com- bringing especially the word, "the mencement of wars that should cause hour of his judgment is come,", shall the death and misery of many souls. we take no notice of these great and It was not until 1861—about ten years wonderfully significant sayings? The after this revelation was published brethren who have ears to hear and that this was fulfilled. And it was not hearts to understand, will feel the done in a corner, nor in any obscure necessity of maintaining closer busi- part of the earth, but it was fulfilled ness relations than we have been in just as the Prophet said it should be. the habit of doing for the last decade The first guns of that war were dis- to two. If we had hearkened to the charged at Fort Sumter, in Charleston good counsels that were given to us harbor, South Carolina. It is now a by our President, and made it a point, matter of national history, and all as they and the officers of our cities the human family should know that and counties did, to make once a year it was given to Joseph Smith in 1832, a clean sheet, and get no further into some twenty-nine years before it oc- debt, we would have been in a much curred, and which cost this nation so stronger business condition today much anguish and the lives of nearly than we now are, and many a million of precious souls. men would have saved them- This has come to pass, and the same selves sleepless hours who now Lord Jesus Christ has given us have to lie awake to study how they through the same Prophet Joseph are going to raise the money to meet Smith to understand that the day is their obligations and to save their near at hand when peace shall be taken homes from being taken away from from the earth, and that it has be- them. gun to be taken from the earth. These We live in a time when the na- things have been read in our hearing tions of all the earth are so disunitedly during this Conference. Now, we may united that the tension of their con- as well understand that as the other nection is drawn to its utmost limit in great revelation of 1832 was fulfilled, many places. We need not only to which the whole human family know notice the case here on our coast, but who are of civilized or semi-civilized it is so on the other side of the globe. condition, just so certain is this also Nations are ready to go to war, and likely to be fulfilled. It furthermore anxious for the opportunity. It seems states in the revelation that has been as if the spirit of war had gone forth read to us, that the time will come until great men who pose as patriots, when all nations shall be at war; when and would like to be considered states- every man that will not take up his men, are ready and clamoring for war. sword to defend himself against his Latter-day Saints have always taught neighbor will have to flee to Zion. the principles of peace and good will. These prophecies indicate a growing This came to us through our Savior. tendency in that direction. And I won- But He told us that we were going to der if the latter part that I have just come to a time when we would have quoted is not already tasted in its contention and strife even in our bitterness in the island of Cuba near to families; when a man's enemies should our coast though they have not the be they of his own household—another chance to flee to Zion, but have to take affirmative statement of that terrible 8a CI \ I R. //. ( ONFERENCE.

consummation that was before re- and strife. The union that used to be ferred to. The world are tending to felt among people in neighborhoods is that. But the Latter-day Saints are being lost. The confidence of men tending to peace, to union, to fellow- with men is being lost. We hear it ship, and love. While in the midst of common among the people that we our deepest affliction, harrassed, tor- must treat every man in that way mented, scattered and peeled, and that we do not know but he may turn ooming here as far as we could get to be dishonest. away from civilization to make a Now, in the light of the great work home. I say while we have been pass- that is going on, we want to cultivate ing through these things we have had every grace and virtue, and keep the a peace within us; we have a settled commandments of God and the cove- conviction of the knowledge of God; rts we have made with each other. us as we know that He has accepted It is our integrity, our faithfulness, His children; we know that He has and our devotion to do these things to us frequently manifested himself and to walk in the law of the Lord, by gifts and blessings and manifesta- that we may have the light of His tions not few. Thus have we been a Spirit to increase with us constantly right along. And while we do not —it is this that is going to enable us nor are we under any necessity to, to get through and accomplish the make any great demonstration or in- work that is laid upon us for our- dulge in any spread-eagle discourses selves and for our dead. I want to to convince the people that we are at say that in our appointing the Elders peace, and that we wish they would to the nations we have an eye con- keep the peace, that has been the way tinually to their efforts among their we have felt. But the Lord has told kindred in distant lands, and the ob- us that Zion would be the only people taining of the genealogy of their an- on the earth that would be at peace cestry, that they may labor for their in the earth. Therefore, we want to dead. overcome evil with good, cultivate this spirit and the keeping of the command- I know this is the work of the Lord. ments of God, and get that spirit that I sense it continually. The only thing Brother Joseph was talking to us of that I have to concern myself about is this morning, to know that we are to be able to live it, to be counted born again, that His Spirit is in u,s, worthy of the multiplied blessings that we live by it and are guided by which He has bestowed upon us. In those principles; that it is the light other lands people are dying by the that leadeth our feet, and we want to hundreds and thousands, through live so as to keep it growing brighter famine and terrible diseases and pesti- and brighter till the perfect day. lences, which are God's messengers Considering these are the times and sent forth to convince the people. As conditions in which we live, it seems it was said to an ancient Prophet, to me that the teachings we have had when the judgments of the Lord were during this Conference have been in the earth people would learn wonderfully adapted to our condition, righteousness. Perhaps they will; but not only the spiritual portion, but the I am afraid it is going to be too late exhortation to the wise management for the great mass of them, the way of our temporal concerns. I would they act. It seems as if the human urge the brethren to make all reason- family were anxious to become drunk able effort to get out of debt, and with blood and imbrue their hands in live honest and honorable before all each other's blood. And what a work men. If you have but little, realize will it be when peace is taken from that that much comes as near being the earth! Let us cultivate peace. yours as anybody's, except the Lord's, Let us walk in all the ways of the who has made you the steward over Lord and serve Him continually. it. I pray that the blessings of God may see then that We the growth and be upon all the interests of Zion; that tendency of all influences existing the spirit of this Conference may go among the human family are towards to the ends of the earth as far as discord, violence, warfare, contention there are Saints or honest in heart PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. that want to hear and to learn of it, be no kings upon the land, who shall that it may be a blessing and a benefit rise up unto the Gentiles; to us and to the human family; that "And I will fortify this land against the work of the Lord may go on and all other nations." prosper, increase and spread abroad Here is a promise given to the peo- until the Gospel has gone to all na- ple of this land, that if we will serve tions, and until all the ends of the the God of this land no nation shall earth shall be made to know that He prevail against us; for the Lord says is God, and that there is none else in he will fortify this land against all the earth like unto Him. And may other nations. Of course, it is under- His blessings be upon us, and upon stood that to have this we must be a all we have to do with—our persons, righteous nation. our, families, our flocks, our herds, Other prophets have spoken in sim- our gardens and our orchards, and all ilar language. It is recorded by Mor- that the Lord hath made us the stew- oni, in the book of Ether, as follows: ards over, in the name of our Lord "And now we can behold the decrees Christ. Jesus Amen. of God concerning this land, that it is PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. a land of promise, and whatsoever nation shall possess it, shall Prophetic promises concerning the land of America serve God, and Its people—It is choice above all other lands or they shall be swept off when the ful- —Designs of God in regard to it —Law in relation ness of his wrath shall come upon to war—Course of the government of our nation them. And the fulness of his wrath commended— Our duty to our country. cometh upon them when they are The remarks which have been made ripened in iniquity; by Brother Franklin D. Richards con- For behold, this is a land which is cerning the position the inhabitants choice above all other lands; where- of the earth are in, and particularly fore he that doth possess it shall serve our position, and his reference to the God, or shall be swept off; for it is revelation that was read the other the everlasting decree of God. And it day concerning the necessity there is not until the fulness of iniquity would be for those who desired peace among the children of this land, that to flee to Zion, suggests the reading they are swept off. of some promises and predictions that "And this cometh unto you, O ye the Lord has made concerning this Gentiles, that ye may know the de- land. Lehi, before his death, in speak- crees of God, that ye may repent, and ing about this land to which he and not continue in your iniquities until his family had been led, made the fol- the fulness come, that ye may not lowing remarks: bring down the fulness of the wrath "Wherefore, this land is consecrated of God upon you, as the inhabitants unto him whom he shall bring. And of the land hath hitherto done. if it so be that they shall serve Him "Behold, this is a choice land, and

according to the commandment which whatsoever nation shall possess it, he hath given, it shall be a land of shall be free from bondage, and from liberty unto them; wherefore, they captivity, and from all other nations shall never be brought down under heaven, if they will but serve into captivity; if so, it shall be because the God of the land, who is Jesus of iniquity; for if iniquity shall Christ, who hath been manifested by abound, cursed shall be the land for the things which we have written." their sakes; but unto the righteous it These are great promises which the shall be blessed for ever." Lord has given unto the inhabitants His son Jacob also spoke concerning of this land; not to the Latter-day this land, and those who had charge Saints alone, but to all the people of of the records have left on record some- the land. You remember, no doubt, thing that He has said respecting it: the effort that was made to establish "But behold, this land, saith God, a king on this land of North America, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the destruction which resulted to and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon many of those who attempted it. The the land. word of God as recorded in this Book "And this land shall be a land of lib- of Mormon, which was revealed erty unto the Gentiles, and there shall through the Prophet Joseph Smith, CONFERENCE. 84 GENERAL

concerning the results of any attempt Irish also have a tradition that some to set up a king on this land, was of their race penetrated the western land. literally fulfilled In that instance. ocean and reached the But who- Mnximilllan was destroyed, and the ever did this. If any, left nothing on attempt to establish an empire was record to incite the nations of the earth there lay brought to naught. The Mexican peo- to the belief that hidden, mists of the western ple, inspired wth a grand patriotism enveloped In the and an Intense love for country, rose sea, a large hemisphere such as the South America. up, led by a pure descendant of Lehi— continent of North and of it was completely a pure Lamanite—and overthrew the The knowledge armies of Europe that were brought hidden, as completely as if it did not sailed here to conquer the land and to es- belong to our globe. Navigators tablish upon this sacred soil—this soil to and fro; but through the long cen- dedicated by the Almighty to liberty turies that elapsed from the confusion and freedom—an empire. The flower of tongues at the Tower of Babel, when earth of the French army, and most dis- the inhabitants of the were tinguished of her generals, with the scattered, until the time that Colum- Emperor Napoleon himself as the de- bus, inspired of God, went from court signer of the enterprise, backed and to court, pleading with the govern- sustained by Austria, were ignomin- ments of nations to give him the means ious] y overthrown and brought to to penetrate the ocean and find what shame and confusion. The Lord ful- he supposed was the Indies—during filled His word exactly as it had been all that time the knowledge of this predicted long before. Upwards of land was kept from all the nations of six hundred years before the birth of the earth. Is not this wonderful? the Savior Ether, a Prophet of God, How can we account for it? There is had made predictions concerning this only one way, and that is the way the land. Not long after that Lehi made Lord accounts for it; He tells us similar predictions. Shortly after that through His servant that the knowl- Jacob, a Prophet of God, made pre- edge of this land should be kept from dictions concerning the fate of those all the nations of the earth, because if who should attempt to bring the in- it were not they would overrun the habitants of this land into bondage, land. It was a land too choice to be and he said that no king should be left unoccupied, possessed of too many established upon the land. So that we of those elemnts that enrich indi- have on record great predictions by viduals and peoples. The nations of these three men of God concerning the earth would have swarmed here the future of America. This is a sa- by the hundreds of thousands, and cred land. It is a land choice above there would have been no place found all other lands upon the face of the upon the land for the great events that earth. It was kept hidden from the are taking place now and for the peo- nations for long centuries, and the ple who now possess the land. There reason for this has been given to us; would have been no room for the it was that the land might, not be over- Church of Christ, no room for the run by the nations of the earth, and kingdom of God, no room for the gath- that it might be reserved for the great ering of the millions that will yet drama of the last days. come to Zion, to build up the kingdom prepare the It is a remarkable thing, and we of God on this land and to would be incapable of understanding way for the establishment of the New the reason why this land had been Jerusalem; for this is the favored land hidden for so many centuries from the upon which the New Jerusalem will knowledge of the nations of the earth, be established. We, therefore, can see

if the Lord had not revealed it. There today how the Lord has prepared the is said to be a record among the way for the gathering of the people Scandianvians that some of that race from all the nations of the earth, and penetrated the western sea and land- how His providence has been over this ed on the coast of North America. choice land above all other lands. This may or may not be so. The There is plenty of room here; not Welsh also claim that a prince of their crowding upon anybody; not com- blood also reached this land. The pelled to come as conquerors have in a

PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. 85 other ages who have overrun other There has been so manifest a desire lands and driven out or destroyed the and determination on the part of people who occupied the land. In order President McKinley and those imme- that they might possess it. No neces- diately connected with him, to keep sity for this; for God has made down excitement, to prevent the cir- abundant provisions. He has kept in culation of falsehood and everything reserve this glorious land, in order that would disturb the public mind that in the last days His kingdom and inflame it against Spain, that I could be established, and that under have been very much pleased. the inspiration which He should give, In connection with this I would like a government might be founded— to read a revelation which the Lord government of liberty, a government has given to us as a people, because of freedom, giving to all the utmost I see in the conduct of the adminis- liberty they could desire, and promis- tration some features that agree with ing to those who should possess the the instructions of the Lord. The land many precious things; for He Lord, in speaking about the plan that has told us that none should be He recommended to His ancients, brought here except they should come says: by His permission. Therefore, the "Behold, this is the law I gave unto emigration that has come from the be- my servant Nephi, and thy fathers ginning, and that is still coming, Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and comes by the permission of the Al- Abraham, and all mine ancient Proph- mighty. He is watching over it, and ets and Apostles. that I He will control it and bring to pass "And again, this is the law His purposes in connection with it. gave unto mine ancients, that they battle against He has told us that if we will only should not go out unto worship the God of this land, Jesus any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, them. Christ, we cannot be brought into save I, the Lord, commanded bondage or into captivity by any other Here is a law given that is of the ut- inhabitants of nation. The powers of Europe may most importance to the a people. band together and indulge in hopes of the earth, as well as to us as inhabitants conquering this nation; but the Lord It is the law by which the earth should be governed, and has said—and it will be fulfilled if we of the Saints especially, do right—that they will be defeated we, as Latter-day should understand this law and ba in all their schemes, and this shall be it; and not, as we have a land of liberty unto the righteous. governed by Conference, indulge This nation of ours, so glorious in its been told at this demonstrations or manifest past, so glorious in its prospects of in warlike disposition. We should the future, will stand and never be a bloodthirsty seeking peace, overthrown, unless the inhabitants of be a peaceful people, escape all the hor- the land reject Jesus Christ, the King and endeavoring to avert them from and the God of the land. Now we rors of war, and to particularly know the conditions upon which vic- the nations of the earth, The Lord says: tory will be assured to us as a nation. our own nation. nation, tongue, or peo- If this nation had listened to Joseph "And if any war against Smith, the Prophet of God; if they had ple, should proclaim lift a standard been counseled by him, God would them, they should first people, nation, or have adopted this nation and its gov- of peace unto that ernment, and made it His; for the tongue." this promises are to that effect. Now, what I have been impressed (and I say the future will be depends upon the aside from any political bias, not wish- conduct of those who possess the land ing political feeling to enter into a and upon the administration of affairs question of this kind) with the conduct relation to in the land. of the administration in There has seemed to me to be a There is one thing that has glad- this. part of President dened me very much during this re- determination on the those immediately as- cent agitation concerning war; I have McKinley and push off war and been pleased exceedingly at the course sociated with him to their power to avert it. that has been taken by the adminis- to do all in their apparent hesitation tration in this threatened difficulty. Because of 86 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

some have become Inflamed against "And if that people did not accept them, and have felt that the dignity the offering of peace neither the sec- of the nation was not being main- ond nor the third time," tained, and that we were not doing Not only ought we to extend the as we should do to punish Spain for offering of peace the first time to a her supposed action In relation to the nation that proclaims war against us. destruction of the battleship Maine, but again the second time; and if that and because of her treatment of the should be rejected, again the third Cubans. The feelings of our nation time; and if it be rejected the third have been stirred up by reports in the time, then newspapers, many of which have been "They should bring these testimonies incorrect and without foundation. before the Lord." While the examination concerning Go to the Lord, and say, "Here are the destruction of the Maine was go- our testimonies. We have offered peace ing on, the administration has been the first time; we have offered it under the continued necessity of pub- twice; we have offered it three times; licly denying the false stories that but our offerings are rejected, and this had obtained circulation; and they did nation is determined to have war with this in the interests of peace, to keep us. Now we bring these testimonies the people of our nation from being before thee, Lord." misled and stirred up to such a de- "Then I, the Lord, would give unto gree of indignation that they could them a commandment, and justify not be controlled. I have admired this, them in going out to battle against and I have thanked God that this that nation, tongue, or people, spirit has been given unto the men "And I, the Lord, would fight their that have our nation and its affairs battles, and their children's battles, in charge, because I have recognized and their children's children's, until how much it agreed with what the they had avenged themselves on all Lord has said. Spain has not yet pro- their enemies, to the third and fourth claimed war against this nation; but generation. if she has countenanced (which I do "Behold, this is an ensample unto all not believe she did) the destruction of people, saith the Lord your God, for the battleship Maine, or even if the justification before me. ruling powers in Spain have done it, I do not look for our nation to do and were determined to have war with this. It is scarcely to be expected, in us, the Lord says we should lift up a the nature of things, that they would standard of peace unto that nation. do it. But it is the true principle, and That is the duty of this nation. That we as a people should use our influ- is the duty of the Latter-day Saints, ence for this purpose. Our prayers when their enemies come against them should ascend to God; our petitions to make war upon them. We must should ascend to the government of proclaim peace; do all in our power our nation to do everything that hon- to appease the wrath of our enemies; orable people can to avert war. We make any sacrifice that honorable peo- have no fear of the effect of the com- ple can to avert war, with all its hor- binations against us. Spain might in- rors, entailing as it does dreadful con- flict great damage upon our coasts. sequences so numerous that they can- Her naval strength is equal if not su- not be mentioned. It is our duty, I perior to ours. We have a very ex- say, as a nation. The influence of the tended line of seacoast, and a diffi- Latter-day Saints should be used in cult line to defend against a strong this direction. We should seek to naval power. And we might suffer in quell these feelings of anxiety to fight the beginning. But the promise of God and to shed blood. Our influence is that if we will do right as a nation, should go forth like oil poured upon if we will serve Him, they shall not the troubled waters, quieting the have power over us, or be able to waves of discontent and wrath that bring us into bondage; and in the end are aroused by this fearful spirit. The we shall prevail. This is a glorious Lord then tells us what should be promise which is made to the inhab- done: itants of this land. I would to God PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON. 87

that the whole nation would believe is worth while for us to bear in mind: it. I would to God that they would "For he will give unto the faithful accept the testimonies of the past, the line upon line, precept upon precept; prophecies that have been referred to and I will try you and prove you here- this afternoon; for I say to you, as I with; would like to say to this entire nation, "And whoso layeth down his life in i nere are prophets of God in the land. my cause, for my name's sake, shall The word of God is in the midst of the find it again, even life eternal: people. The Lord reveals His mind "Therefore be not afraid of your ene- and will unto His servants the Proph- mies, for I have decreed in my heart, ets. The Droofs of it are before all saith the Lord, that I will prove you the nations of the earth. There is in all things, whether you will abide abundant evidence to substantiate the in my covenant, even unto death, that statements which have been made that you may be found worthy." the Lord has revealed His will, and In this revelation the Lord requires that there are Prophets in the land. us to be a brave people, a true and And if the nation would believe, the faithful people. As one of our hymns Lord would make them the great and says: mighty power that we are told by the "We want no cowards in our band, ancient Prophets this nation might Who will our colors fly; become. We call for valiant-hearted men, To us as Latter-day Saints these Who're not afraid to die." principles are of the utmost import- This is the kind of people that ance. I do not want to see our young are wanted in the Church of Christ; men get filled with the spirit of war not cowards, or men who will shirk and be eager for the conflict. God for- and fly in the hour of danger. Such bid that such a spirit should prevail people are not wanted. At the same in our land, or that we should con- time the Lord expects us to be a tribute in any manner to the propaga- peace-loving people, willing to do tion of a spirit of that kind! But one everything in our power for peace, to may say, "Is it not our duty to defend preserve the lives of the human family, our country and our flag? Is it not to deliver every person, to the extent our duty to maintain the institutions of our ability, from all the evils that which the Lord has given to us?" Satan would bring upon them. There- Certainly it is. And it is no part of fore, I hope if there is a disposition cowardice to take the plan that the not to clamor for war that it will not Lord has pointed out. No man need be be attributed to cowardice or to the afraid that the Lord or any just man fear of losing life. God has command- will look upon him as a coward. ed us to be ready to lay down our lives There was a time when men who be- whenever it shall be necessary. If it came angry at each other fought should be to defend our religion, we duels. A man of honor considered it have in days past shown our fearless- his if duty, he received an insult, to ness in that direction. Speaking gen- challenge the insulter, and the man erally, our people have not been afraid that was challenged had the choice of to lay down their lives for their re- weapons, and they fought in single ligion. We should be equally willing, combat to avenge their honor. And if it should be necessary, to lay down such a feeling prevailed on this ques- our lives for our country, for its in- tion that brave men were liable to be stitutions, for the preservation of its charged with cowardice if they did not liberty, that these glorious blessings fight. It took the bravest kind of men and privileges shall be preserved to all to refuse to fight. But it is not an mankind, and especially to those with evidence of true courage to be willing whom we are immediately connected. to rush into a fight. Sometimes the A man is of very little value that bravest of people shrink from any such would not be willing to take the action as this; when the time comes to chances in a contest where these im- fight, however, they are the bravest, portant interests were at stake; for and the slowest to yield. these interests are of far more value The Lord has given us a command than life itself. I believe that the day in connection with this subject that will come, or is here now, that if this —

88 GENERAL CONFERENCE. people called Latter-day Saints should men in this nation, who visited Cuba be required to go to defend their personally. Of course, we all have country and Its institutions, their seen what the newspapers have said. homes and their religion, and the rights Under these circumstances, men and of their fellow-men, there would be an women who have the least feeling for almost universal response In favor of their fellow creatures must cry out that. Therefore, that which I say upon against the continued perpetration of these points is not in favor of shrink- such horrors, and the word should go ing from the defense of everything forth that they must cease. We cannot that is right, or of doing anything that allow a continuation of these scenes would be craven and unworthy of while we have the power as a nation honorable people. I would not like to to put an end to them. Then if Spain see our government put itself in a po- is determined, because of this position sition that it would not stand fair be- that we have assumed, to make war fore all the nations of the earth; and upon us, let us do the best we can every effort that we make for peace under the circumstances. But I hope will make us stand fair, because there that Spain will see the folly of continu- is a feeling throughout the world ing this, and will give those poor, that the American people are strong wretched people the liberty they are enough to be magnanimous, and that contending for. when they are magnanimous, it is not I pray God the Eternal Father to be prompted by any craven or unworthy with us as a people, to fill us with feeling. sentiments of justice and mercy, with Brethren and sisters, I have en- comprehensive views concerning our deavored to lay before you some of the relationship to mankind in general, promises that God has made to us. and the duties that devolve upon us I say "us," because we are inhabitants because of our position. For I say to of this land and possessors in com- you this day that the Latter-day mon with our fellow citizens. I have Saints, in some respects, occupy the read this to you so that if you need most influential position of any people comfort it may be imparted unto you. upon the face of the earth, according There need be no trepidation in our to our numbers. And our influence hearts concerning the threatening as- will be felt more and more, especially pect of affairs. If war should come, if we will only be united. It is our union it will no doubt come because of the that gives us power. Take that away determination of Spain to force it from us and we are weak as water. upon us. I feel confident that there But united, bound together in holiness, is no disposition on the part of our in purity, and in the love of liberty own government, whatever may be and of truth, we are the strongest the feeling of the masses of the people, people upon the face of the earth. to create war. The freedom of Cuba God grant that this may continue, and has nothing particularly to do with increase, until all shall be fulfilled us, only this far: They are on our that has been spoken concerning Zion borders, and the atrocities which have and this glorious land >f ours. I ask been committed have been of so aw- it in the name of Jesus. Amen. ful a character that we would be less than human if we did not sympathize PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF with them. Our government is amply justified in demanding that these Historical incidents—Keys of power from Joseph to the Twelve—Founders of our nation Inspired atrocities shall cease. We would be Afflictions awaiting the world—Importance of re- less than human if we could sit quiet- deeming the dead. ly by and see people massacred and starved to death as they have been At the close of this Conference I and are being on the island of Cuba. have a desire to bear my testimony It is not the newspaper correspondents before you upon a few principles. I alone who have brought these tidings have rejoiced very much during this to us; but men of the highest repute Conference in listening to the testi- have told of the conditions there. I mony of the Apostles and Elders who have myself had communications upon have spoken. It has brought to my the subject from one of the leading remembrance a little of my history. —

PRESIDEN1 WILFORD WOODRUFF 89

In April, 1838, while in the town of revelator, standing at the head of this Kirtland, in walking across the street dispensation, every key, every or- I met two men who held the Apostle- dinance, every principle and every ship. They said to me, "Brother Priesthood that belongs to the last Woodruff, we have something that we dispensation and fulness of times. And want you to join us in." Said I, "What I have sealed all these things upon is it?" "We want another Prophet to your heads. Now, you Apostles, if_ lead us." "Whom do you want?" you do not rise up and bear off this "We want Oliver Cowdery. Joseph kingdom, as I have given it to you, Smith has apostatized." After listen- you will be damned." ing to them, I said to them: "Unless I am the only witness left on earth you repent of your sins you will be that can bear record of this, and I damned and go to hell, and you will am thankful that I have lived to see go through the fulness of eternal the day in which I stand. I am thank- damnation, and all your hopes in this ful to see the sons of these Prophets life will pass before you like the frosi and Apostles holding the Holy Priest- before the rising sun. You are false. hood in our day and generation. I do Joseph Smith has not apostatized. not believe the day will ever come He holds the keys of the kingdom of it is too late in the day, in my opinion God on earth, and will hold them until —when any Elder in this Church will the coming of the Son of Man, whether be called to stand before any two of in this world or in the world to come." the Apostles with us today and give I am happy to say that those men did unto them the declaration that I gaAie repent pretty soon, turned to the unto the two Apostles I have referred

Church, and died in it. to. I do not think any of the Apostles I feel thankful today that Joseph F. will occupy that position. I have faith Smith is with us as a son of Hyrum to believe that these men who bear Smith. He bears a true and faithful the Apostleship will hold it and live testimony of his father. I would to their religion. They have been called God that Joseph Smith had a son in and ordained of God for this purpose. the flesh who would do as Joseph F. I do not think that one of them will Smith does here—bear testimony to apostatize. I believe they will be with the truth of his father. The Prophet you and with this Church while they Joseph Smith has no son that stands stand in the flesh, true and faithful in the midst of the Church of God and to God. bears record of his father. He never Brother Cannon has been laying be- has had; possibly never will have. fore you something with regard to the I will give you a testimony here that nation in which we live and what has will show you where I stand with re- been said concerning it. I am going gard to this matter. Joseph Smith to bear my testimony to this assembly, never ordained his son Joseph, never if I never do it again in my life, that blessed him, never set him apart, to those men who laid the foundation of lead this Church and kingdom on the this American government and signed face of the earth. When he or any the Declaration of Independence were other man says he did, they state that the best spirits the God of heaven which is false before high heaven. could find on the face of the earth. The last speech that Joseph Smith They were choice spirits, not wicked ever made to the quorum of the Apos- men. General Washington and all the tles was in a building in Nauvoo, and men that labored for the purpose were it was such a speech as I never heard inspired of the Lord. from mortal man before or since. He Another thing I am going to say was clothed upon with the Spirit and here, because I have a right to say it. power of God. His face was clear Every one of those men that signed as amber. The room was filled as the Declaration of Independence, with with consuming fire. He stood three General Washington, called upon me, hours upon his feet. Said he: "You as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Apostles of the Lamb of God hare in the Temple at St. George, two con- been chosen to carry out the purposes secutive nights, and demanded at my of the Lord on the earth. Now, I hands that I should go forth and at- have received, as the Prophet, seer and tend to the ordinances of the House of 90 GENERAL CONFERENCE.

God for them. Men are here, I believe, last dispensation and in the midst of that know of this, Brothers J. D. T. the great work that all the Patriarchs McAllister, David H. Cannon and and Prophets since God made the James G. Bleak. Brother McAllister world have spoken of. Afflictions and baptized me for all those men, and tribulations await the world. The then I told those brethren that it was destroying angels have got their sharp their duty to go Into the Temple and sickles in their hands, and they are labor until they had got endowments going to reap the earth. Everything for all of them. They did it. Would that has been spoken by the prophets those spirits have called upon me, as under the inspiration of the Holy an Elder in Israel, to perform that Ghost will come to pass in the genera- work if they had not been noble tion in which we live. Do not forget spirits before God? They would not. it. I thank God we are as well as we

I bear this testimony, because it is are; that we have as many as we have true. The Spirit of God bore record who are united together in the Priest- to myself and the brethren while we hood. Let us try to live our religion, were laboring in that way. do our duty, and magnify our calling What has been said with regard to while we are here. The eyes of all us. this nation and to our position is com- heaven are over The eyes of the ing to pass. All the powers of earth world are over us. The eyes of the and hell will not stay the hand of angels are over us. The Lord has Almighty God in the fulfillment of looked upon us and upon the house of those great prophecies that have Israel to be saviors of the nations. to come to pass to prepare the way We are here to fulfill these principles. for the coming of the Son of Man. I pray God my Heavenly Father You who have gathered here are my that as Elders of Israel and as Lat- witnesses of this. I feel as though the ter-day Saints we may prize these day has come when every Elder and principles, and that we may do oui every Latter-day Saint ought to stop duty what time we spend here in the and consider the position he is in and flesh. These Apostles and all the the covenants he has entered into. Is quorums of the Priesthood have a there anything on the face of the earth great work upon them. Every father, that will pay you to depart from the and mother has a great responsibility oracles of God and from the Gospel of resting upon them, to redeem their Christ? Is there anything that will dead. Do not neglect it. You will pay you to lose the principles of sal- have sorrow if you do. Any man will vation, to lose a part in the first resur- who neglects the redemption of his rection with the privilege of standing dead that he has power to officiate for in the morning of the resurrection here. When you get to the other side clothed with glory, immortality of the veil, if you have entered into and eternal life at the head of these Temples and redeemed you pro- your father's house? No, there is genitors by the ordinances of the nothing. I feel sorry many times when House of God, you will hold the keys I see men who have the Priesthood of their redemption from eternity to forget almost that they have any in- eternity. Do not neglect this! God terest in the work of God. bless you. Amen. I feel to thank God that I have lived The anthem, as long as I have, and to see as much God of Israel, hear our prayer, as I have in fulfillment of the words of the Prophet of God. His days were was sung by the choir. few. The lives of great men have been Benediction by Elder C. W. Penrose. strange. The idea of Jesus Christ, the Conference adjourned for six months. Son of the living God, only laboring three years and a half in the ministry and then He was put to death! His apostles, too, were put to death, ex- The stenographic work in taking cepting John the Revelator, and they the account of the proceedings wa^ would have killed him if they could done by Arthur Winter. have done so. He lived because God JOHN NICHOLSON, wanted him to live. We live in the Clerk of Conference. DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

Its Annual General Conference.

Minutes of Annual Sunday School FIRST ASSISTANT GENERAL SU- Conference held in the Tabernacle, Salt PERINTENDENT GEORGE Lake City, Sunday evening, April 10, GODDARD 189c', at 7 p. m. requested all Sunday school teachers The General Superintendency, Mem- and Sunday school children present to bers and Aids of the Union Board, rise to their feet. In response to President Joseph F. Smith, several this request almost the entire vast Apostles, a large number of Stake and congregation arose. Ward Officers and Sunday School FIRST ASSISTANT SUPERINTEND- workers were present. ENT GEORGE GODDARD The choir, under the direction of then said. It is very pleasing to see Prof. Evan Stephens, sang: so many that are interested in the Great God attend while Zion sings. youth of Zion. You may have noticed Prayer was offerel by LM"r Andrew that when Brother Seymour B. Young Kimball. called the names of the thirty-seven Stakes The choir sang: Lord, Thou wilt of Zion, representatives of all responded with the exception of eight. hear me when I pray. Elder During the last year Seymour B. Young called the annual Sunday school conferences have been held in roll, which was responded to by of those twenty-nine out of the thirty-seven every one Stakes, and at each of these conferences or of Stakes. He also presented the Gen- one more the of the general board eral Sunday School Authorities, who members have had the privilege of pres- were unanimously sustained as fol- being lows: ent. It is very gratifying, and I, for one, George Q. Cannon, general superin- felt extremely grateful to our Heavenly tendent; George Goddard first assistant Father while listening to the statistics general superintendent; Karl G. Mae- that were read the other day. Dur- ser, second assistant general superin- ing the last year we have had an in- tendent; George Reynolds, general crease of 165 Sunday schools, and of treasurer. between five and six thousand Sunday As members of the Deseret Sunday school children. These are very en- School Union Board: George Q. Can- couraging facts. non, George Goddard, Karl G. Maeser, In these annual conferences there is George Reynolds, Thomas C. Griggs, one subject that we seldom forget to Joseph W. Summerhays, Levi W. speak about, it is to train our chil- Richards, Francis M. Lyman, Heber dren in concert singing in the Sunday J. Grant, Joseph M. Tanner, George schools; to teach them to sing and Teasdale, Hugh J. Cannon and An- take part in the praises of our Heaven- drew Kimball. ly Father. And, in connection with As aids of the board: L. John Nut- that subject, I have been led to recom- tall, James W. Ure, John F. Bennett, mend that the fathers and the mothers John M. Mills, W. B. Dougall. W. D. bring their hymn books with them Owen, Seymour B. Young and C. D. when they come to our religious as- Fjeldsted. semblies. Who is expected to take 92 ni:si:i

part In the Blnglng? All the Latter- strict observers of the law of tithing duy Saints have the privilege of Join- and of the Word of Wisdom. Superin- ing In the song. It Is good to have tendents, will you kindly labor to this choirs to keep up the tone of the song end .that we may show forth the and to lead; but to enjoy the singing, fruits of our labors, scattered through the of Zion. that this If you cannot sing without making Stakes And may discord, you must follow and take note be the case, is my prayer, in the of what Is being sung and enjoy the name of Jesus. Amen. principle or the doctrine that is con- E. tained In that song In our prayers ELDER LARS EGGERTSEN, one person speaks, all the rest close superintendent of Utah Stake, said: their eyes and open their ears and My brethren and sisters, I have the when the prayer is ended for a re- pleasure this evening of representing sponse, they say amen. the Stake superintendencies of Zion. Our Sunday school institution is a My remarks will be specially addressed very elaborate one. The grand object to First Assistant Superintendent and chief aim of our Sunday school George Goddard. efforts are to train up our children to Brother George Goddard, this occa- become Latter-day Saints; that when casion, with permission, has been se- they grow up they may show by their lected by the Stake superintendencies daily example that they have been of the Sunday schools of Zion as a taught the principles of the Gospel, fitting occasion to express to you our and that they have been trained to esteem for the untiring efforts with true religious habits. which you have labored in the Sunday There are two grand principles that school cause, for holding up before us, have been especially spoken upon both in precept and example, that en- during this conference. Since 1852 it sign of the millennium—the Word of has been my privilege to attend Wisdom; for showing to us what a eighty-five conferences in this city, complete and consecrated devotion to and I feel that the one that has just a noble cause means. Accept, there- terminated has been better than any fore, our appreciation of your wise conference hitherto held. And I am counsel; our love by reason of your going to prophesy about this confer- solcitude in our behalf; our determi- ence. There will be more tithe payers, nation to be true to the principles resulting from the instructions given that have caused you to be so devoted- this at conference, than there has ever ly interested in bringing God's chil- been from any previous conference. dren near to Him. We say with the More will go away from this confer- poet: ence and observe the Word of Wisdom "Master, go on, and I will follow Thee than ever left have any previous con- To the last gasp, with truth and ference. The Saints are improving. loyalty." The object of our conferences is to We thank God for one whose life has better Saints make than we have exemplified Christ's teaching, "Let been, and to remind us of the duties your light so shine before men that that we must henceforth rigidly more they may see your good works and observe. glorify your Father which is in Many subjects have yet to be treated heaven." Accept the veneration upon in relation to our Sunday schools. which we would offer to one who has But I feel grateful to the acknowledge had an unfaltering faith in God's hand of my Heavenly Father that has laws; the reverence we feel for one been over us in this direction. God whose life has been unselfish. bless the superintendents, the teachers "He who strives the world to lift and and the children connected with our save schools. By deeds of sweet self-sacrifice We are waiting, anxiously waiting, And noble Christian love, for the superintendent of some Stake Will find e'en though he seek an early grave, of Zion to send word to headquarters His image, pure as morning skies that not only the superintendents but Reflected there above." all the teachers and children, that ar.e Among the number who do you honor, old enough to learn anything, are some are crowned with hairs of silver DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 93

and are named among the first in the formal motion was carried, that a great Sunday school cause of the Lat- letter be written to each Stake super- ter-day Saints. There are those, who, intendent, explaining the matter, and years, for many have borne the heat asking for $1, and for suggestions as of much anxiety. And there are those to what would be suitable for a pres- who first knew you, when as little ent, and best express to you the feel- children, they heard your voice in lings of the Sunday school workers. melody sing, "Who's on the Lord's side, To this letter came a hearty response who?" from nearly all of the Stakes, some Tonight, Brother Goddard.we united- giving one suggestion, some another; ly ask you to accept a token, and to a number felt that the amount pro- permit us, by the hand of one of Zion's posed was entirely inadequate. Those fair daughters, to place upon your who did not make any suggestion left breast this medal, inscribed as follows: the matter with the Utah Stake officers "To George Goddard, April 10th, 1898. to select whatever they thought proper. Who'se on the Lord's side, who? From Among the letters most ardently ad- Zion's Sunday School Stake Superin- vocating that more should be done tendencies, representing 37 Stakes, 630 than was at first intended, was that Schools, 10,429 officers and teachers of the superintendency of the Salt and 88,497 pupils." And at the same Lake Stake, these brethren being time we assure you by this token that really the fathers of the idea which we shall ever strive to follow your has now taken bodily shape—that the precepts and emulate your worthy ex- present to you be a medal and a purse. ample. We also ask you to accept It was acted upon, a report was made this purse, the contents of which you to the various Stake officers, and are to use in the manner that will give again encouragement in the labor of you the most joy. love was given. Almost every letter Sister Alice McLachlan then pinned has had words something like the fol- the gold clasp and medal on Brother lowing: Goddard's bosom, and the purse con- "I heartily concur in the idea of taining $100 was handed him. making a present to Superintendent The Tabernacle choir and congrega- George Goddard, who has labored so tion sang "Who'se on the Lord's side, long and so faithfully in behalf of who ?." the Sunday schools of Zion, and think that too much cannot be done for him. To Elder George Goddard, First As- Enclosed you will find a postoffice or- sistant General Superintendent der and if you need more, let us Latter-day Saints' Sunday Schools, know." Salt Lake City, Utah: Not only did the Stake officers re- Dear Brother: —In connection with spond to the suggestion, but private the medal and purse presented to you parties who heard of the affair inci- by the various Stake superintendencies dentally, desired and asked for the of the Sunday schools of Zion, it may privilege of contributing for the pur- not be improper to give you a brief out- pose of showing the esteem in which line of the movement from its incep- you are held by all of the Latter-day tion, and it is with that object in view Saints. that this sketch is written. Arrangements were made with your Let us say by way of introduction co-laborers in the general superin- that this movement has been in mind tendency, Brothers George Q. Cannon for two years, but the method of pro- and Karl G. Maeser, to have the pre- cedure was not definitely settled until sentation made at the regular Deseret the beginnig of the present year. Since Sunday school conference on the even- the idea first presented itself, several ing of April 10, 1898, and a short pro- of the Stake Sunday school superin- gram was arranged with their consent tendents were consulted, and each one and approval. expressed himself in favorable terms, The letters relating to the affair have and pledged co-operation in whatever been carefully filed and will be pre- might be undertaken. served for future reference; they form At a meeting of the Utah Stake a portion of the history of what was, superintendency in January, 1898 , a up to the present time, perhaps, the —

94 P i.SI'.R I: T Sf NDA } SCHOOL UNION. largest surprise party in the history "I use neither tea, coffee, tobacco, of the world. wine, beer, or liquor, and I am blest And now, dear brother, in behalf of of the Lord with good health, which all the Sunday schools of Zlon, per- causes my heart to rejoice exceed- mit us to congratulate you upon the ingly." work you have done, a general sum- We ask God to spare your life until mary of whkh you have compiled as you are entirely satisfied. We know follows: that so long as any one of the thou- "Fourteen months' mission to Cana- sands of children shall be alive, who da, by hand-cart to Missouri river, in have heard your voice in songs of 1857 and 1858. prayer and praise, and in exhortation, "Three years gathering rags for you will not be forgotten; and after paper, 1861-62-63, as a mission. all the present generation shall pass " Nine years superintendent Thir- away, your labors will be read of by teenth ward Sunday schools, from 1867 the Saints, and encouragement will be to 1876. occasioned in the hearts of the faith- "Nine years superintendent Salt ful, who cannot but know of some of Lake Stake Sunday school, from 1873 the difficulties which you have over- to 1882. come by your persistent and untiring "Twenty-seven years clerk to Pre- efforts to advance the interests of the siding Bishop Edward Hunter, from Kingdom of God on the earth. 1856 to 1883. Your brethren in the Sunday school "Twenty-five years first assistant cause, and in behalf of the Stake general superintendent of Deseret Sun- superntendencies, day School Union, from 1872. LARS E. EGGERTSEN, "Ten years clerk of general confer- ALFRED L. BOOTH, ence, from 1874 to 1884. WM. S. RAWLINS. "Four years clerk of the School of the Sec'y Stake. Prophets. E. H. HOLT, Utah "Three years clerk and treasurer to Father reverend and friend beloved, the Salt Lake Assembly Hall, from And brother, true through many years: Reap here tonight, a little sheaf 1877 to 1S80. From seeds thous't sown in smiles and "Twenty years Teacher in Thlrtenth tears. ward. Reap from our o'er laden hearts "Twenty years member of Taber- A mite of what thous't scattered there nacle choir. In "Seeds of Kindness:" let thy song Prove its own worth: its truth de- "Twenty-five years member Thir- clare. teenth ward choir. Our good absorbs the very life: "Twenty-two years member of the Thine every thought our constant Old Folks' committee from 1875. weal: What pleasure, in return, for us, "Paid in tithing, temple and fast To feebly show the love we feel. offerings over $12,000, or an average of No, not in vain thine earnest word noble voice in song and prayer: $270 a year for over forty-four years. Thy The youth throughout the land have "During the past forty-four years, I heard have missed very few ward meetings, And pondered o'er their sense most rare. Tabernacle, quorum, and fast meet- a valiant hero brave ings. And many Stands "On the Lord's Side" firm "I have had the pleasure of being today; present at over eighty of our general Who but for thee might still have been conferences in Salt Lake City, and at- But loitering, heedless, on the way. tending nearly every meeting at each Give us the joy with thee to feel conference. That love to love may here express Its very self in "I am now between 81 and 82 years gratitude; For loving deeds and power to bless. old, and during the past three years, p ow blest thou. art in ripened age; have traveled between twenty and How blest to work while life shall last; thirty thousand miles in the interest In deeds of good still be thou blest and for the benefit of the youth of Forever more, as in the past. Zion who are connected with our Sun- To Brother George Goddard, from day schools. Evan Stephens. —

DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 95

GENERAL, SUPERINTENDENT come to the weight of years that he is GEORGE Q. CANNON under tonight, that good things can be said of us, and that we too may live said. To me this is an unusu- in the hearts of the people because of ally interesting occasion; and I our many years of faithful labor. am sure every heart present re- I desire to speak a few words to you joices exceedingly in this oppor- in regard to the subject of presiding tunity of expressing the feelings in the Sunday schools, that is by the that we all have towards Elder George have noticed oc- Goddard. There has nothing been superintendents. We casionally that the superintendent of said here that he has not deserved. a Sunday school is inclined to be so There is no eulogy that has been pro- generous that he divides up the honor nounced that is unmerited. Brother assistants, when George Goddard has been especially of presiding with his is present himself. And I wonder endowed in this direction. His labors he if the brethren have not have been indefatigable. And none sometimes taken from what they have seen, or who have known his course can feel what appears before us, in presiding in otherwise than that this testimonial is the general conferences and other well deserved. I thought, while Brother places, that the duty of a president or Eggertson was describing the feelings a superintendent is intended to be which prompted and speaking of the shared and divided, so that one may testimonial, that there is another oc- be president on one ocasion and his as- casion—I hope that it is some distance sistant or counselor upon another. 1 off, that is if it involves the life of our believe that the proper way is for the beloved brother—an occasion when he superintendent to preside, when he is will be crowned in the presence of God present, and to direct all the affairs of and the Lamb. That time will come the Sunday schools as a superintendent and we shall witness it; because or president should do. So that visit- George Goddard, as I fully believe, will ing a Sunday school you may know be faithful to the end, and will earn who the superintendent is, or know a crown of glory in the presence of God who the presiding person is in that and the Lamb. That he may be school. It is the duty of a president or blessed during the remainder of his superintendent to preside when present; life, that he may have physical vigor when he is absent it is the business you all know that his voice has been of his first assistant or counselor; and prserved; I trust it will be while he in the absence of the superintendent shall live physical vigor to go, as he — and the first assistant it is the duty of delights in going, to visit the various the second assistant. But the man conferences of the Church in the vari- whose duty it is to preside cannot lay ous Stakes of Zion, until the Lord shall off that responsibility; it is his be fully satisfied with his labors, and business to exercise it; not that he he himself feel that he has completed should do all that is to be done, but the work assigned to him below, what is done should be under his presi- which is prayer in his behalf, in my dency and direction, when present. We the of Christ. name Jesus Amen. notice here in our general conference that President Cannon and President ELDER FRANCIS M. LYMAN. Smith are called upon to present tht I dislike to change the course of business before the conference, just as pleasure and joy that we have tasted President S. B. Toung here acting as because of this movement in favor of the clerk, calls the roll and presents the Elder Goddard. I have been on his authorities of the Sunday school. track for a great many years and I Brother Goddard, as the first assistant have never found a person disposed to superintendent, here, does his talking speak otherwise than to this great cred- and often the work as general superin- it and honor. He lives in the hearts of tendent. But in the presence of Gen- all the Saints, the children and their eral Superintendent George Q. Cannon, parents and everybody. And I wonder who is the head and who is the chief, why we shall not emulate the great everything is conducted here just as he example that he has set before us. 1 directs. I have noticed that Bishops as trust we may, and that when we have well in their council and ward meeting* 96 DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. and presidents of Stakes also, some- the way and manner in which annual times surrender their meetings to the Sunday School Stake conferences counselors Instead of the chief or pres- should be conducted. According to the ident attending to the business of pre- view of the Sunday School Union siding. My view of this Is, In order to Board, all the exercises of our annual avoid confusion, that the chief or presi- Stake conferences should be patterns dent who is called to preside is en- and models for everything that is done titled to the presiding Inspiration ot in the Sunday schools; so that when the occasion, and that the presiding in- the superintendents, teachers, officers spiration rests upon his first assistant and pupils of the various Sunday in the absence of the superintendent schools of the Stake return or president. But otherwise conducted home they can say, "That is we find it produces confusion. I want- the way it was done at con- ed to make this suggestion. I have one ference, and that is the way it should more word to say and then I will finish. be done in our Sunday school." This The time is precious. means in regard to the discipline, seat- I have noticed in my travels through- ing, good order and also in the carry- out the Church that the Sunday schools ing out of the program. The singing and the parents of the Sunday school also should be a pattern. There 3hould children are not patronizing the organ be two or three choirs, the best that can of the Sunday schools as it ought to be found in the Stake, to perform the be patronized. They are not failing singing, so that the Sunday schools of on every occasion, for there are many the Stake may have something on that wards where the Juvenile Instructor is point as a pattern and model to fol- well sustained, but we find very many low after. The marching to the various wards where it is not sustained as it classes, the recitation of the classes ought to be. It should be in every fam- that have exercises, should be done in ily; it should be in the homes of the such a beautiful, well trained way, that people. It is worthy of the patronage all the other Sunday schools can take of the Latter-day Saints, and we want pattern and follow them. to see it patronized and encouraged by There has been, to the sorrow and re- the Church. It is suited to the parents, gret of the members of the Sunday it is suited to the children and all ages; School Union Board, here and there it is an authority, it speaks with the among the conferences, a failure in re- voice of authority unto the Latter-day gard to these matters. Programs have Saints, and ought to be thoroughly well been made but they were not carried patronized by all the people. out. I remember in two or three in- God bless you my brethren and sis- stances during my last visit in the ters. Workers in the Sunday schools, South, that a thorough program, very do not weary, but live to win the same neatly laid out, was presented to me, kind of crown which President Cannon but when it came to its execution says shall be placed upon the brow of there was nobody to respond. The su- Elder Goddard and if you desire such perintendent was full of excuses. This a name, win it for yourself by follow- is not a pattern or model. There Is ing the footsteps of that great man in sufficient time given to all the super- the Sunday school cause. Amen. intendents to have the necessary ar- rangements made previous to the Sun- day school conferences; so that when SECOND ASSISTANT KARL G. the teachers, superintendents and rep- MAESER resentatives of the various Sunday said. It will be scarcely necessary on my schools gather together they may see part to say with how much of my something that serves them as a guide whole heart I rejoice in what we have in their labors. Every Sunday school witnessed in honor of our fellow-labor- conference should be a stepping stone er, Brother Goddard. And I add my and an improvement upon the one that prayer and blessing to what has been has been held the year before; so that said and done in his behalf on the pres- when the members of the Sunday ent occasion. School Union Board come around they The subject that has been assigned can notice the progress, not only by the me to speak on for a few minutes Is reports that are made by the superin- —

DESEkEl SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 97 tendents, but also by the various exer- ing taught and made acquainted with cises that constitute the program of the these noble principles, not only of the conference during the Saturday's and Lord's prayer, but of living its pre- Sunday's exercises. The Sunday School cepts and the wonderful example that Union Board desire that the superin- is contained within its tones and utter- tendents and officers of the Sunday ances. schools will act on this matter, that In relation to our friend, Brother from now on we shall notice in our vari- George Goddard, I will quote: "If I ous visits a marked improvement in should die tonight you would drop a this direction. tear on my pale, cold brow and say good things about me. O, do not wait ELDER SEYMOUR B. YOUNG. till I am dead, let me hear those good things now, and let me feel, while the I am reminded of a circumstance heart's warm blood is coursing through that I wish to relate. A large court my veins, that I have gained love and room was filled with judge, jury and esteem from those I love best." I am spectators. An interesting trial was on, glad that we did not wait until Brother a woman being accused of un-Chris- Goddard was dead before we showed tian-like conduct by a drunken hus- him our love and something of our ap- band. In the accusation it was said that preciation for his noble life work. she was not a proper person to rear her children. When the accusation was read by the clerk, the judge turned to ELDER GEORGE REYNOLDS" the accused and said to her, "Madam, said. As treasurer of the Sunday what have you to say to the charges?" School Union Board I wish to report She said in reply, "May it please your that I have received from the various honor, I have taught my children to Stakes on Nickel Fund account for the best of my ability to be honest, 1897, $2,860. God-fearing and sober, good children." This is in excess of the collections There was one of her little girls, four of previous years. But I will say that years of age, sitting upon one of the during the same period the Union haa high stools in the court room at the distributed in literature charts, leaf- mother's side. The judge said, "Madam, — lets, and books, to the different Stakes I will prove you " and so said to the and to the various missions of the little girl, "What is your name?" She Church more than this amount by sev- said, "My name is Mary." "Mary," said the judge, "Can you pray?" With- eral hundred dollars. And I would ask if the Stake treasurers have out any answer, the little child climbed any means on hand that they will from the high stool, knelt down upon kindly it to as soon as the floor of the dirty court room and send me possible so that I may close this account on lifted her little eyes to heaven and my clasping her hands repeated, without books. I will read the one stop or break, the i-iord's prayer. now suggested dates When she had closed the prayer and Saturdays and Sundays—on which the said amen, every heart in that room forthcoming annual Stake Sunday, was melted and every eye filled with school cnferences will be held: tears. "Gentlemen of the jury," said April 30th and May 1st, Sanpete the judge, "I instruct you to give your (Manti); May 7th and 8th, St. verdict in favor of this woman, for a George; 14th and 15th, Parowan; 21st mother who can so teach her children and 22nd, Millard; 28th and 29th, Juab; in the way of true Christianity is in- June 11th and 12th, Utah; 18th and 19th, deed a proper person to rear those Wasatch; 25th and 26th, Malad; July children, and they should be left in her 2nd and 3rd, Wayne; 9th and 10th, charge." Sevier—Bear Lake; 16th and 17th, I relate this, my brethren and sis- Morgan—Star Valley; 23rd and 24th, ters, to impress upon your minds the Bingham; 30th and 31st, Bannock; wonderful power for good that can August 6th and 7th, Alberta; 13th and be made and impressed forever upon 14th, Boxelder—Cassia; 20th and 21st, the hearts of our little children in Cache—San Juan; 27th and 28th, these wonderful Sunday schools of the Tooele; September 10th and 11th, Sum-

Latter-day Saints, where they are be- mit—Beaver(Adamsville) ; 17th and 18th;. 98 DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

Oneida—Kanab; 24th and 25th, Weber I wish, before making any further —Panguitch. remarks, to propose that President Should a Stake superintendency wish Joseph F. Smith be a member of the to change its dates, they may submit Deseret Sunday School Union Board. their wishes to the General Board and The business of choosing members of if possible they will be complied with. this board I have done but little about; We have Just received from the but it struck me this evening that publisheres No. 4 of our Bible Charts. President Smith's name should be It is a very admirable collection, among the members of this board. All treating on incidents connected with who are in favor of this will manifest the life of our Savior and His Apos- it by raising the right hand. (Vote tles. These charts are now on sale unanimous). I am sure he will accept at the office of the Sunday School of it Union in the Templeton building. I see I am put down for some re- I wish now to draw the attention of marks. I want to speak in the first those superintendents and teachers place upon the "Nickel fund." For who use the leaflets that this month many years I was opposed, very stren- uously a change is made from the Bible to the opposed, to take up subscrip- Book ofMormon. For many months past tions from the Sunday schools. I felt our leaflets have been devoted to Bible we should manage our affairs without subjects, and having considered the imposing the least burden upon the ten commandments it was thought a children or parents; that there should good place to turn from the Bible for be nothing in the shape of assessments, a time and resume Book of Mormon if you call it such, collected from the history, which has been taken up at Sunday schools. As the general super- the point wliere the last leaflet on that intendent, I, for one, did not want any- subject closed. Studies from the Book thing of this kind that would be the of Mormon will probably be continued least unpleasant, and for a great many •during the whole of the present year. years this has been carried out. My On the back of miniature card No. views upon this point prevailed; 12, accompanying No. 2 Book of Mor- though there were many times mon Chart is what appears to be an it seemed as though some- error in the lesson statement and in the thing of this kind should questions and answers. The picture be done, because of the necessities of on the card represents the baptism of the Union. But we were able to get King Limhi by the Prophet Alma. In along and keep out of debt. We this lesson it Is stated that Alma and managed our affairs so that there was his people reached the land of Zara- no debt, and we have since managed hemla from the land of Lehi-Nephi be- them so that there is no debt. But fore Limhi and his people did. Though it was thought necessary, eventually, to establish no exact statement is made in the Book what is called the "Nickel of Mormon in regard to this, yet the fund," a contribution of five cents from presumption, from the historical nar- each child, once a year; and as we have told rative, is very strong that Limhi and been tonight by our treasurer, his people reached there before Alma that more than the value of these and his people. Therefore those who are contributions have been returned to •teaching from this chart, when they the schools, the purpose being not to reach this point, will please draw at- burden the people, not to burden the tention to this apparent error. children, not to burden their parents, A quartette was sung by Brother and not to have anything of this kind Thomas Ashworth and assocates. associated with the Sunday school movement. But I have learned of late iGENERAL SUPERINTENDENT that there is a disposition in some of GEORGE Q. CANNON the Stakes to take up local subscrip- said. I will tell you heaven is not far tions for the "Nickel fund," that is for off; it seems as though it had come purposes connected with the local down here close to us. That is the feeling organizations. as though there were heavenly beings Now, I wish to express myself on here, and a very sweet spirit. I am this point before this conference or cure you all feel it. gathering of Sunday school workers. DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 99

I want to say that I am not in favor plenty of time. One hundred and sixty- of anything of this kind. Let us not six and a half hours are left to them permit ourselves to be drawn into to sleep and perform their various measures of this kind. Let us conduct labors and to study. That gives them this movement without resorting to ample opportunity to acquire a knowl- taxation of this character, and bring- edge of that which they may desire ing ourselves into disrepute. I feel to obtain in connection with their that this is very important, and feel Sunday school studies. I think you impressed upon this, for I heard lately will all see the propriety of this. of several collections of this kind being Let us give our children a thorough taken up in the various Stakes or knowledge of our Scriptures, of the wards. Let us get along with good word of God, the Bible, that is, the management without doing this. Do Old and New Testaments, the Book of not burden the people, and do not bring Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price; our annual nickel fund into disrepute. the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, is I trust that our superintendents and too advanced for our young children,

those in charge of our Sunday schools but the older ones can read it. I de- will avoid everything of this kind. Do sire to impress upon you the necessity it in some other way. It can be done of making our children thoroughly with good management. Do not make familiar wth the contents and teach- our Sunday schools collecting agencies. ings of these books. I know "We have now for twenty-six years had the children would be more benefited this organization and it has not been by them, by reading and paying at- burdensome, it has not been oppressive, tention to them, than anything that or become odious through taxation, we can do or say for them in the shape and let us avoid it. of lessons or giving them other sub- Another point that I have felt very jects or books to read. I trust that much impressed upon of late, it is in all will see the propriety of this. relation to the character of our litera- I have been led in visiting the con- ture. There is a disposition to intro- ferences and in talking to the Sunday duce different kinds of studies in the school children, to dwell upon the im- Sunday schools. I have written some portance of the Word of Wisdom. I on this point in the Juvenile Instruc- have also written upon the same sub- tor. There are 168 hours in our week. ject. I know it is thought by some to Out of those 16S hours we devote one be a thread-bare subject; but I have hour and a half to the instruction of felt impressed to talk to the children our children. We have about one and to cease talking to the parents in hour and a half out of the 168. Now the Church upon that subject. The* shall we introduce other studies in have had instruction enough. I have the schools to occupy the attention felt to leave this with themselves. But and engage the minds of our children? I have desired, and have so expressed I think it wrong; and I wish to say myself, that our children should be this to those assembled, it is wrong. brought up to be a new generation, so Let us devote the one and a half hours to speak, that there will not be a tea that the school occupies to the study drinker, a coffee drinker, a tobacco of the word of God, where the children user, a liquor or beer drinker in the are old enough to read and understand whole generation; that we may have it. And our theological classes, in- a generation that can say "I never stead of having different works in the tasted tea and coffee, I never tasted classes, let us confine the study to the tobacco, I never use any of these in- Scriptures—the word of God. The ob- toxicants;" that a whole generation ject of our Sunday schools is to make shall grow up in that way. It can Latter-day Saints of our children, be done through the agencies of the that was the object in view when the Sunday schools; for every child can Sunday schools were organized. Let be so taught. But if parents use us use this time for this purpose and these articles, the children can say, for no other. If our children, young "Well, my parents grew up under men or others, wish to study other different circumstances to those that works, let them take the time outside surround me; but I am not going to of the Sunday schools. They hav<= taste these articles; I am not going to IOO / > ESKRE T SI NDA Y SCHOOL UNION acquire the least desire for them, and PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH: know anything about their influence upon my body." I feel also very grateful for the recognition that given I have taken the liberty of urging has been me this this course upon the children, and have evening by President Cannon and this of of said If you will do this you will have body teachers Sunday schools, and satisfaction during your life, and we I hope to be able to labor in connection will raise up a generation of this kind, with my brethren in the Sunday school very diefferent to the generation to cause, as I always have done, and whom the Word of Wisdom has been more faithfully, if possible, in the preached now for over sixty years. future, and as opportunity may pre- sent. I have always had a lively in- So much on that point. i interest in the youth of Zion in I do not want to trespass upon your and the time; we have had so many meetings. children of Zion, and I have always felt But there is one point I would like that nothing I could do would be to mention, and that is that the too much, if it could be directed in Mutual Improvement Associations the interset and welfare of the children should endeavor, we wish to say that of the people of God. I feel very grate- ful for recognition of calling to the brethren in charge, as much as the and the possible, to refrain from taking the to which I have been called this even- superintendents of the Sunday schools ing. I feel very grateful to the brethren as missionaries, or to act in other in my spirit for the kindness and for capacities. the high appreciation which they have My brethren and sisters, let us manifested toward Brother George glorify God with all our hearts for Goddard for his faithful and efficient what He is doing for our children. 1 labors in the Sunday school cause. I feel as though we were going to raise feel that they have done honor to a mighty generation. Every heart themselves in thus recognizing the should be encouraged for that which faithful and valient services of this our God has done and is doing for us. The veteran brother in this cause. And may future before us is of the grandest de- God bless Brother Goddard and con- scription. If we will open our eyes tinue his health and strength many to see and look with the eye of faith, years to come, that he may pursue his we will see how rapidly God is ful- labors as heretofore in the interest of filling His promises, and how glorious the young people of Zion. May the is the prospect of the fulfillment, the Lord bless those who contributed this future fulfillment of those that are beautiful medal and purse of money yet unfulfilled. God bless you all, in for his benefit, and I feel that the the name of Jesus. Amen. Lord will bless them therefor. Amen. FIRST ASSISTANT SUPERINTEND- Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah was ENT GEORGE GODDARD sung. said. I thank Heavenly Father for my Benediction by Elder George Teas- what my eyes have seen and what my dale. hands have received from Thy servants LEO HUNSAKER, and Thine hand-maidens. I ask Thee to accept my thanks and gratitude, in the Secretary pro tem. Deseret Sunday name of Jesus Christ. Amen. School Union.