JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

TRAVELING THROUGH THE SETTLEMENTS—THE NECESSITY OF THE SETTLEMENTS BEING VISITED—REVELATION—BOGUS AUTHORITY OF SECTARIAN PREACHERS—THE CLAIM THAT THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE IS FULL—THE CAUSE OF THERE BEING NO COMMUNICATION WITH GOD—VISITATION OF THE FATHER AND SON AND HOLY ANGELS TO JOSEPH SMITH—MAHOMED—THE WORLD HAVE NO IDEA OF THE CHARACTER OF GOD—RESTORATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD—ANGELS NOT FEATHERED BEINGS—NO WONDER THE WORLD HAS GONE ASTRAY—SPACE BETWEEN DEATH AND THE RESURRECTION—THE REIGN OF SATAN—JOSEPH SMITH ACCOMPLISHED HIS MISSION—PERSECUTION—THIS NATION MAKING JOSEPH SMITH A PROPHET—NO SURRENDERING THE KINGDOM OF GOD—GOD WILL DELIVER HIS PEOPLE—TEMPLES—SHALL THOSE WHO HAVE OBEYED THE LAW OF GOD BE LOOKED DOWN UPON BY THOSE WHO HAVE NOT?—CONCLUSION.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE MEETINGHOUSE, PROVO,SUNDAY MORNING,SEPTEMBER 2, 1883.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

(CONCLUDED FROM VOLUME desires them to attain. We are building XXIV, PAGE 376, JOURNAL OF DIS- Temples. Who shall enter these Tem- COURSES) ples when completed? Shall the adul- All that is necessary on our part is to terer? Shall the whoremonger? Shall fear God and keep his commandments— the thief? Shall the drunkard? Shall the to be brave and loyal and true to the blasphemer? Shall the Sabbath breaker? cause that He has established upon the Shall the men who defile themselves earth—to live such lives of purity as by the sins of the world enter therein shall enlist heaven in our behalf. That and receive all those precious blessings is all that is necessary for us as in- that God has to bestow? Ask your- dividuals, or as a people, to do. God selves who shall enter therein. I tell you, is doing a great work among us, much my brethren and sisters, that God de- greater than many of us imagine. We mands of us a holiness of life that we do not see Him, but He is nevertheless cannot conceive of at the present time; in our midst. We do not see Jesus, but but there are duties we can conceive of, He is nevertheless in our midst. We do that we should attend to. We should not see angels, but they are neverthe- less in our midst. God is working to get this people to the perfection that He 2 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. put away sin far from us. We should me—though I was not mentioned live so that our God will be very near to personally—and I accepted it as such. us. And we should encourage faith in our I have obeyed it as such, believing in hearts. my heart that God will save and exalt There is a class of people who have all those who perfectly carry it out. It been disfranchised because they have is the hatred of that principle among chosen to obey the word of God; they others, that creates excitement. Yet, have been excluded from the polls, ex- by that principle, God has designed to cluded from office, and another class of accomplish His purposes on the earth, Latter-day Saints are now in possession and to redeem His people from the evils of the offices. Shall those who have not which afflict mankind at the present obeyed the law of God as perfectly as day. The other agencies that are at their brethren and sisters—shall they work among men today, are complete look down upon those who have obeyed failures. What has all Christendom that law and say: "You have been put done towards stopping or arresting the out of office; we have chosen the better progress of prostitution? All the preach- part; we have done that which has re- ers combined have no more effect upon sulted in the most good; and if it had not it than the whistling of the wind. It in- been that we were reluctant to obey that creases and spreads. And who shall de- law, this Territory today would not be liver mankind from that sin and dread- in the hands of the Latter-day Saints?" ful train of evils? There is nothing that Shall that be the expression of feeling on can do so but the power of God, the com- the part of those who have been, for vari- mandments of God, and the revelations ous reasons, prevented from obeying the of God. God has revealed the law by fullness of the law of God? Woe! to this which it shall be accomplished, and we people if that were to be the feeling. I have seen the effects of it to a certain bear my testimony this day that God has extent. We see a generation growing commanded us, His servants, to obey His up here, young men and young women, law, and I would not, for all this world, who are the admiration of all who behold for all its honors, and for everything that them—fine physical specimens of man- is within the power of man to bestow—I hood and womanhood—pleasant faces would not be in any other condition than and lovely countenances and forms— the one I am in, so far as that law is showing that the blessings of God have concerned. I dare not risk my salvation evidently rested upon the parents. I outside of obedience to that law. There thought of Brother Smoot's case. I re- may be men who will get into the celes- marked but for plurality, he would today tial kingdom who have not obeyed that have been without a child of his own. law—God will be their judge—but I dare But see what a number of children he not put myself in that position; I dare not has, and what beautiful children they risk my eternal salvation and exaltation are. It is so everywhere throughout these on any such contingency as that. The mountains. The blessing of God has law has been revealed. The moment the rested down upon His servants. Their revelation was published and it came to houses are filled with beautiful chil- my knowledge, it became a command to dren. The blessing of God has attended UNSEEN AGENCIES AT WORK. 3 the men who have obeyed His law, and There are unseen and invisible agen- the women also. They have had their tri- cies that God our Heavenly Father has als; but these have had the effect of pu- brought to bear upon this work to aid us, rifying them. They have gained strength and there are on the other side those un- and power with God, and with man also, seen agencies of evil. We can tell them and the day will come when they will be by their fruits and by the results of their honored men and honored women on the actions upon the children of men. Let face of the earth. That day will come. It us remember that it is not that which may be distant yet for a little while, but is before us alone that we have to con- it will come most assuredly. tend with, but that there are powers be- I pray God my Heavenly Father, to fill hind those that we see in the flesh, and you with the Holy Ghost, that you may those powers are determined to destroy be enlightened thereby, and that you this work. It is a contest between Satan may be led to see and comprehend the and God, and there can be no doubt as greatness of the work in which we are to the result; and if we cling to the truth engaged, and the character of those in- we shall take part in all the glorious tri- fluences we have to contend with. There umphs of this work, which I pray for in are unseen influences on both sides. the name of Jesus. Amen. 4 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

"TRUTH IS MIGHTY AND WILL PREVAIL"—INTRODUCTION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF ETERNAL TRUTH—FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY IN OUR OWN TIME—PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION—THEIR UNPOPULARITY—PECULIAR POSITION OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS—THE KINGDOM OF GOD PREDICTED BY THE PROPHETS—JOSEPH SMITH—NO POWER CAN STAY THE HAND OF ALMIGHTY—THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS THE LAW OF SALVATION—PERSECUTION—POLYGAMY—TREAT OUR FELLOW MEN ARIGHT—COMMENCEMENT OF THE MILLENNIUM—WARFARE BETWEEN GOD AND THE DEVIL—FAITH—THE SECRET OF THE STRENGTH OF THE SAINTS—RESPONSIBILITY OF RULERS, ETC.—RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SAINTS.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL, SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JANUARY 6, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

There is a proverb or saying which I whereby to receive assistance sufficient have heard a good many times in my life, to carry out his wishes. But in the end and which I think bears a great deal of he prevailed. He found a new world, as weight, and that is, "truth is mighty and it were, which today contains a popula- will prevail." I think this has been man- tion of the Anglo-Saxon race, numbering ifested in every capacity in which truth fifty millions of people. The commence- has been used, whether applied tempo- ment of Columbus' project was certainly rally or spiritually; whether applied in unpopular, but the result has proved it the capacity of nations, or families, or in- true. And so in all cases, whenever dividuals; whether applied to the world men have been inspired to receive truth, or to the kingdom of God. I think that or to promulgate any principle, which in every age of the world, truth, whether would be a benefit to the human fam- it has been popular or unpopular, has ily, they have generally been unpopu- proved itself, in the end of its labor, to lar. When Robert Fulton undertook to prevail in all cases. When Columbus demonstrate the power of steam in a was moved upon by the Spirit of God, steamboat, the crowd which gathered to to cross the ocean to find a new conti- behold the event, did not gather to see nent, his object and desires were unpop- success; they gathered there to ridicule, ular with those by whom he was sur- to see a man fail in performing a work rounded, and it was only after a good which they considered impossible. But deal of labor that he gained favor in the when the steam was applied to the ves- eyes of any of the rulers of the nations sel it moved. The invention was certainly INVENTIONS OPPOSED BY PUBLIC OPINION. 5 very crude, but there was truth in it, and particularly the inhabitants of it has prevailed to a great extent; for Jerusalem. His history is before the steam is the great motive power of all world. He died an ignominious death the machinery in the world, in a great upon the cross, and those of His own Fa- measure. And so with a Scottish Earl ther's house, the High Priests, and the when he announced that there was a leading men of Jerusalem, were all in man going to try and light the City of favor of His death. Yet the Savior pos- Edinburgh with smoke. The man was sessed truth. He offered truth to the looked upon as crazy. But there was world; He offered life and salvation to truth in that smoke, and it lit the city, the world. But the principles He taught and it has given light to a good many were unpopular in His day. He gath- other cities since. The principle pre- ered around Him a few followers; but the vailed, and is now adopted throughout acceptance of His principles cost them the world. So with Mr. Morse, the elec- their lives, as it did the life of the Savior trician. He unsuccessfully in the first in- Himself. I do not know of a man—except stance [in 1837-8], sought aid both from it was John the Revelator—who escaped. the American Congress and the English They all died violent deaths. They had government to enable him to carry out to seal their testimony with their blood. his ideas; but, ultimately [in 1843] he Some were crucified; others were sawn gained assistance from Congress, and asunder, beheaded, or in some way put his invention of telegraphy was demon- to death for the word of God, and the strated a success, and is now made use testimony of Jesus Christ. They were of throughout the civilized world. And so put to death for their religion. How is we might go on to show that in almost ev- it today? What name has been more ery instance when men have undertaken honored, or more held up as an ensam- to introduce new principles—principles ple to the world than the name of Jesus of truth—principles that would benefit Christ? The Catholic world, the Protes- the human family—they have generally tant world, in fact the whole Christian been very unpopular, until the truth was world are professing to honor the name made manifest to the world. of Jesus Christ. The Savior had truth, but it was not received in His day and The same thing may be applied to the time. introduction of the principles of eternal With regard to our own time my truth pertaining to the salvation of the mind is often led to reflect upon it. human family in a spiritual point of view. Half a century has past and gone be- When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, fore the eyes of this generation, since stepped forth into the world to occupy the God of heaven commenced, as in the position to which He had been or- former ages of the world, the fulfill- dained of God, there were but few indi- ment of prophecy and revelation con- viduals who had faith in Him, or who tained in the Bible—this good old book were looking for the coming of the Son that the Christian world profess to be- of Man in fulfillment of prophecy. Je- lieve in so much. The Lord has set sus, all His life, it may be said, from the His hand to bring to pass some of these manger to the cross, was very unpopular prophecies and principles which He had with the mass of the human family, more foreordained before the world was, and 6 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. which He has left on record through high and low, rich and poor, Zion and the medium of holy men who wrote and Babylon. It will involve the destiny of spoke as they were moved upon by the the whole world—of the fourteen hun- Holy Ghost from generation to genera- dred millions of people who breathe the tion. Those prophecies are with us today. breath of life in it. And I bear record and They are contained in the Bible, a book testimony, as a servant of God, that the that is published by millions through- God of heaven has set His hand to carry out the Christian world. The Chris- out those great and eternal principles tian world profess to honor the Bible, which He decreed before the world was and to honor the prophecies and say- made and which He has left on record ings of Christ and the Apostles. But do through the mouths of His prophets, to they believe in the fulfillment of these be fulfilled in the last dispensation and things? Do they believe in the fulfillment fullness of times. Are these principles of these principles and truths which popular today? They are not. Why not? are today being fulfilled in the eyes of Because the world is not governed by heaven and earth? No. Those prophecies the spirit of inspiration; because its peo- and those principles—which the God of ple do not seek the Lord; because they heaven has set His hand to carry out— do not honor His name; but they are are as unpopular today throughout the governed and controlled by other princi- Christian world as they were when Jesus ples. But the Lord will rule over His own of Nazareth stood in the flesh and pro- Kingdom, notwithstanding the Devil has claimed the same to the Jewish nation. great dominion today as he has had in We occupy the same position that they almost every age of the world. The in- did in that day and generation with re- habitants of the earth have their agency. gard to these truths. Now, as I have said, They must use that agency according to truth is mighty. It always has prevailed the desires of their own hearts, whether in every age of the world. It will prevail they be for good, or whether they be for in this dispensation as it has done in oth- evil. But the day is at hand when the ers. The God of Israel will no more fail Lord will show the children of this gen- today to carry out the principles which eration that there is a God in Israel, as He has stretched forth His hand to es- He has done in other dispensations when tablish, than he did in the days of either He has reigned. In all the history of the Adam, Enoch, Noah, or Jesus, or in the dealings of God with man this one prin- days of any other dispensation. ciple, sooner or later, has manifested it- self: that virtue exalteth a nation, while The principles to which I allude— sin is a reproach to any people. You will the principles of the Gospel—are wor- see that this has been manifested in the thy the attention and comprehension of history of all nations under heaven—in at least the Latter-day Saints, and it their rise and progress and prosperity, would be well for the Christian world and in their fall and decline and in their to take them into consideration also; for final overthrow and destruction. You will if truth is going to prevail in the earth find in every instance that sin, error, it certainly will involve the destiny of darkness, falsehood, wrongdoing, have this whole generation, Jew and Gentile, laid the foundation of the overthrow INVENTIONS OPPOSED BY PUBLIC OPINION. 7 of every nation and city under heaven Patmos—John the Revelator—and in from the foundation of the world until connection with the great events of the the present time. What men sow they last dispensation and fullness of times will reap, and what measure they mea- he saw, in vision, an "angel fly in the sure to others will be measured unto midst of heaven, having the everlasting them. gospel to preach unto them that dwell Today we occupy a peculiar position on the earth, and to every nation, and as a people—as Latter-day Saints here in kindred, and tongue, and people, Say- these mountains. Here is a people grow- ing with a loud voice, Fear God, and give ing up in the earth who are organized glory to him; for the hour of his judgment into a Church, called the Church of Jesus is come." Now I want this congregation; Christ of Latter-day Saints. How did the I want the world; I want the Christian organization of that Church come about? world; I want the priests of the day who Why, the God of heaven has proclaimed cry aloud for the blood of innocence to be through His prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, shed to carry out their desires—I want Ezekiel, and others, whose writings are these priests and all who are laboring to contained within the lids of the Bible, overthrow "Mormonism," to carefully in- that in the latter days He would set His quire, whether those prophets were in- hand to call forth His Church out of the spired of God. And if they were in- wilderness and out of darkness and er- spired of God, whether it is right for ror, and establish it upon the founda- them to make war against the work of tion of truth, Christ Jesus being the chief God in the earth? Whether it would cornerstone. The God of heaven also not be better to let these things alone— proclaimed through Daniel, 4,000 years to leave them in the hands of the Lord, ago, that in the latter days he would and allow Him to govern and control set up a kingdom which should never as He sees fit? And if these men were be destroyed; and the kingdom should inspired of the Lord and made those not be left to other people, but it should proclamations—with thousands of oth- break in pieces and consume all these ers in the Bible and in the revelations of kingdoms, and it should stand forever. God—the question is, whether this war- That prophet also declared that a little fare against God and against His work is stone should be cut out of the mountain going to prevail? The wicked will have without hands; that the stone should be- no such power; for the Lord has set His come a great mountain and fill the whole hand to fulfill these things which have earth; and that it should break in pieces been predicted by His Prophets—to es- all other kingdoms. Was that Prophet in- tablish His Church and Kingdom upon spired by the Spirit and power of God? I the earth. He has called Prophets, and say in the name of Israel's God he was, they were inspired of God. Joseph Smith and so was Isaiah when he spoke of the was a Prophet of God. He was a man gathering of the people unto the moun- raised up by the power of God. He re- tains of Israel to establish the Zion of ceived the testimony of the Gospel of Je- God in its beauty, strength, power and sus Christ by visions and revelation as glory. The God of heaven also inspired did John the Revelator. Angels appeared a prophet as he stood upon the Isle of unto him and taught him the ways of life. 8 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Those men who held the Priesthood— The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the who were put to death in the flesh for law of salvation. No man can be saved the word of God, and the testimony of Je- without it. The Gospel is the power sus Christ—visited Joseph Smith. John of God unto salvation to every one that the Baptist conferred upon him the Aa- believeth—to Jew or Greek, Catholic, ronic Priesthood; Peter, James and John, Methodist, Baptist, or any other sect or the Apostleship and Melchizedek Priest- party on the face of the earth. hood; and all the Prophets who held any We, as Latter-day Saints, are called keys and powers belonging to the Gospel upon to build up Zion. We have been these also visited Joseph Smith, and con- gathered to be instructed by inspiration ferred upon him those keys and powers and through the medium of the Holy and authority to administer them on the Priesthood, in the principles of eternal earth. These are eternal truths, as the truth. This is our condition today. Fifty- God of heaven lives, and they will pre- three years have passed since this work vail whether men believe them or not, or commenced. Joseph Smith dwelt in the whether the wicked war against them or flesh some fourteen years after he orga- not. These truths belong to God Himself. nized this Church. He holds the keys He is the author of them. He has given of this dispensation on both sides of the forth certain decrees, and they will have veil, and will hold them forever. God or- their fulfillment in the earth. dained him to perform a certain work. He performed it. He stayed on earth until his work was finished. All the Now, as far as the Latter-day Saints keys, powers and principles which God are concerned, I will say to my brethren gave unto him he left with his brethren; and sisters, we ought to contemplate although whatsoever he left with his these principles. There is no power or- brethren did not take from him; for as ganized beneath the heavens that can Jesus says in a revelation given in regard stay the hand of Almighty God. He to the Priesthood: has set His hand to carry out His pur- "Whoso is faithful unto the obtaining poses. The world hate this people, be- these two priesthoods of which I have cause the Lord has called them forth spoken, and the magnifying their calling, out of the world, the same as He called are sanctified by the Spirit unto the re- His disciples of old. This is the po- newing of their bodies. sition we occupy today, as His people. "And he that receiveth my Father re- Though our numbers are small, yet "a ceiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore little one shall become a thousand, and all that my Father hath shall be given a small one a strong nation:" and the unto him. Lord will hasten it in His time. A lit- "And this is according to the oath tle one has already become more than a and the covenant which belongeth to the thousand, or a hundred thousand, and priesthood. in spite of all opposition this small one "But whoso breaketh this covenant will become a great nation, and God after he hath received it, and al- will hasten it in His time, because God together turneth therefrom, shall is our friend. Now, these are truths. not have forgiveness of sins in They have emanated from God Himself. this world nor in the world INVENTIONS OPPOSED BY PUBLIC OPINION. 9 to come."—Doc. and Cov., Sec. 84. individual; I speak for myself—if this Thus, although the Lord bestows work is of God; if the Gospel of Jesus upon His servants the same powers and Christ, as revealed to Joseph Smith, is blessings that He Himself holds, it does true, then God will take care of it; if the not take away these powers and bless- patriarchal law of marriage comes from ings from the Father. The Father pos- the God of Israel, He will take care of sesses all He had before. The Son pos- it; He will protect and defend it, and sesses all that he hath given unto him. He will uphold the people that carry it So do the sons of the living God. When out. I say this is in the name of Israel's a man bestows those gifts and blessings God, And if it is not of God, who wants and powers upon others, he does not lose it? I don't, neither do this people. I them himself. The Lord raised up Joseph speak of this principle because I want my Smith. He organized this Church. It brethren and sisters to understand the has been organized for 54 years next views I have upon it. April. And what has been the conse- I know we are engaged in the work of quence? Have we had opposition? Yes. the Lord. I know this is His Church. He Have we had persecution? Yes. Is not has organized it with Prophets and Apos- the desire of a great many millions of tles in fulfillment of predictions made people for our overthrow? Yes; and a thousands of years ago. This is a work great many wish us put to death. Some which was ordained before the world men go so far as to be willing to slay, was. The Lord Almighty never created a utterly, men, women and children, be- world like this and peopled it for 6,000 cause they believe what is termed "Mor- years, as he has done, without having monism," but which is really the Gospel some motive in view. That motive was, of Jesus Christ. These things are pro- that we might come here and exercise claimed to the world today. What is our agency. The probation we are called the matter? Mormonism is unpopular. upon to pass through, is intended to ele- Why is it unpopular? "Because," say the vate us so that we can dwell in the pres- priests of the day, "it interferes with our ence of God our Father. And that eter- rights. We preach for hire and divine for nal variety of character which existed money, and if the Mormons were to pre- in the heavens among the spirits—from vail in the earth, we should lose our busi- God upon his throne down to Lucifer the ness, and we cannot endure it." "Why," son of the morning—exists here upon the says the world, "you profess to believe earth. That variety will remain upon in polygamy, and that is why you are the earth in the creations of God, and persecuted." No, you are mistaken about for what I know, throughout the end- that. The worst persecution this Church less ages of eternity. Men will occupy ever endured was before polygamy was different glories and positions according revealed to the Church. We have had to their lives—according to the law they more prosperity since we carried out that keep in the flesh. law, and endeavored to fulfill it accord- But I want the Latter-day Saints ing to the command of God, than we to understand their position. Our ever had as a people before. And here trust is in God. With regard to is the principle with me—I speak as an men, it is our duty to treat our fel- 10 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. lowmen aright, to leave them in the Christ of Latter-day Saints. This war- hands of God if they persecute us. The fare is between God and the devil, be- Lord has a controversy with this genera- tween light and darkness, truth and er- tion. This Bible, the Old and New Testa- ror, between the heavens and the earth; ment, contains a vast amount of, I will and that God who has supported His say, tremendous revelations, tremen- work from the creation of the world, is dous events, which hang over the heads bound to do it unto the end. Where have of the people of this dispensation. Are you ever read that the Kingdom of God these events going to fall unfulfilled? would be overthrown in the last days? No; no more than they did in the days You cannot find it anywhere on the pages of the fall of Babylon, of Nineveh, of of the records of divine truth. No; the Jerusalem, and of other cities in the na- revelations of God will be fulfilled. And tions of the earth. When the inhabi- we must exercise faith in that direction. tants of Jerusalem became ripe in in- As the ancients had faith; as the world iquity; though Jerusalem was the royal was created by faith; as Noah built an city, in which was the Urim and Thum- ark and preached the Gospel of repen- mim, and in which sacrifices were made tance for 120 years by faith; as Abraham unto the Lord, yet the city was laid low, went out not knowing where he was go- and the Jews have been trampled under ing by faith; as the ancients performed the feet of the Gentiles for 1,800 years. many mighty works, such as the sub- We are living at the commencement of duing of cities and kingdoms by faith; the Millennium, and near the close of therefore I say to the Latter-day Saints, the 6,000th year of the world's history. you are required by the God of Israel, Tremendous events await this genera- your Heavenly Father, by his Son Jesus tion. You can read an account of them Christ, by the holy angels, and by ev- in the revelations of St. John; the open- ery principle of eternal truth, to exercise ing of the seals; the blowing of the trum- faith in the revelations of God, for they pets; the pouring out of the plagues; the will be fulfilled as the Lord lives. God is judgments of God which will overtake with this people. But we are required to the wicked when Great Babylon comes hearken to his voice, obey his command- in remembrance before God, and when ments, and humble ourselves before him. the sword that is bathed in heaven shall And I thank the Lord that I have lived fall on Idumea, or the world, who shall to see the time when I believe there is be able to abide these things? Here we a great improvement among the Latter- are living in the midst of these tremen- day Saints. I believe they are exercising dous events. greater faith in God. And there is a calm- We are in the hands of God; our ness prevailing among the Mormons— nation is, and so are the nations so called—that is a marvel and a won- of the earth; and when they un- der to the world. The world wonder dertake to overthrow the Kingdom of why we are not excited over the oppo- God, which is decreed shall be estab- sition that is brought to bear upon us lished, they have somebody to fight by the millions of people who inhabit against besides Joseph Smith, Brigham this continent, as well as by the peo- Young, or John Taylor, or any other ple of the nations of the earth. The of the leaders of the Church of Jesus INVENTIONS OPPOSED BY PUBLIC OPINION. 11 reason of our calmness is—God is our Congress of the United States, the friend, our lawgiver, our deliverer. If the Supreme Court of the United States— Lord cannot sustain His work, we cer- would learn the responsibility the God of tainly cannot. But He can. He has al- heaven will hold them to in the admin- ways done it, and will do it to the end. istration of those glorious principles laid Therefore I say to the Saints, fear not. down in the Constitution of the govern- Trust in God. Let not your hearts be ment of this country. The God of heaven faint. Let your prayers ascend to the will hold this nation, as well as all other ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, day and nations, responsible for the manner in night. Ask what you want. When you do which these principles are used. If they that, the Lord will answer your prayers, misuse them, it will be their loss. If they if you ask what is right. There is where trample the Constitution under foot; if our our strength lies. It is in God. I they undertake to deprive any portion have no hope in anything else. But I do of citizens of the rights the Constitu- look upon the Latter-day Saints as occu- tion guarantees unto them, they will be pying a most glorious position in this day held responsible, and will have to pay and age of the world. This is the first the bill. When innocent blood is shed, it time since God created the world that costs something; and I would to God that he has ever established a dispensation to our nation could understand the bless- remain on the earth until the coming of ings they enjoy. There is no nation on the Son of Man—to remain in power and the face of the earth that has the same strength and glory, until the Millennium, liberty that is guaranteed to us by the until He reigns whose right it is to reign. Constitution of our country. Behold what lies before you! Behold the Have we any warfare with our Gov- power of God! Behold the prosperity of ernment? Have we any reproach to of- Zion! Behold the blessings which have fer them? Not at all. I feel sorry that rested upon your houses, your lands, this nation should sow seeds which when your flocks and herds, your children— ripe will bring destruction; for I know as the blessings of the earth as well as God lives that if this or any other gov- of the heavens—in this mighty barren ernment departs from the principles of desert! Then should we have any doubts truth, becomes ripened in iniquity, for- or fears with regard to the Kingdom of sakes the Lord, forsakes the principles God? No! As a people we should rise of life and liberty, the God of heaven will up in faith and power before God, and hold it responsible. Judgments will come make our wants known, and leave our upon the wicked. When men depart from destiny in His hands. It is there anyhow. the principles of truth and cleave unto It will remain there. And with regard to darkness and wickedness, they reap the our nation, I leave them in the hands of whirlwind; they lay the foundation for God; but I would to God their eyes were desolation. open to see and understand the respon- I pray God my heavenly Father, sibilities that rest upon them. I would that his blessing may rest upon us to God that the rulers of our land— as Latter-day Saints; that we may the President of the United States, the comprehend and understand our po- sition, our duties and our respon- sibilities to God. When I look, 12 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. brethren and sisters, upon this hand- descended, I believe, lower than any ful of men and women here in these other man will be called to descend. Are mountains of Israel, say 150,000, out we greater than Jesus? If we are called of the fourteen hundred million people upon today to lay down our lives, what of that dwell on the earth; when I real- it? Is it not as well to die for the Gospel's ize the responsibility that God has laid sake as to die for anything else? A mil- upon the Latter-day Saints, the respon- lion of men, a few years ago, sacrificed sibility of building up this great kingdom their lives for the honor of this nation. of our God, of proclaiming the princi- No matter what we may be called to pass ples of eternal life, light and truth to the through, let us maintain our integrity world; when I reflect upon these things I to God. Where is the man whose mind ask myself the question, What manner has been lit up by the inspiration of God of men ought we to be? Our numbers to comprehend the celestial kingdom, or are small compared even with the inhab- the celestial law, or the Gospel of Jesus itants of this nation, not to speak of the Christ, who can bear the idea of pursu- inhabitants of the world; yet, as I said ing a course whereby he will be cut off before I say again, the God of heaven from inheriting the blessings for which looks to the Latter-day Saints to carry on he has hoped in the future? No, I would His work. rather die a thousand deaths than be de- Then let us be careful. Let us realize prived of these blessings. We have a long our condition. Let us realize we are here time to live when we get through here. upon a mission. Let us realize that we There is all eternity before us. It will will be held responsible for the manner pay you, it will pay me—no matter what in which we fill it. We should be willing comes, no matter what this nation may to sacrifice everything for the upbuild- do to oppress us—to be true and faithful ing of the Kingdom of God. Any man to our covenants, to our wives and chil- who will seek to save his life and desert dren, to our God and to our country; it the principles of the Gospel, is not wor- will pay us to be faithful to the end. thy of eternal life. How many have laid I pray God that this may be our lot, down their lives since the creation of the that we may be true and faithful unto world for the sake of the truth? Jesus death, and inherit eternal life, for Jesus' Himself descended below all things. He sake. Amen. TESTIMONIES NOT PROVEN FALSE. 13

JOSEPH SMITH'S TESTIMONY NEVER PROVEN FALSE—PRIMITIVE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH—WORK OF CHRIST NOT COMPLETED WHEN HE SAID, "IT IS FINISHED"—WHY SHOULD SO MUCH FAULT BE FOUND WITH THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS?—THE WORLD'S OBJECTION TO "MORMONISM"—HISTORY OF THE APOSTLES—AUTHORITY TO PREACH THE GOSPEL RESTORED—TEMPLES—BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD—BOOK OF MORMON—RESTORATION OF THE PRIESTHOOD—CAUSE OF PERSECUTION—NO SURRENDER—PLURAL MARRIAGE.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE GEORGE TEASDALE, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JANUARY 13, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I likewise can bear my testimony to subject; a great deal of derision has been the truth of this work that the world made of it; but the testimony of the please to call Mormonism. The "Mor- Latter-day Saints has never been proven mon problem" is very easily defined if to be false. we consider the pretensions of the people We have declared to the world that called "Mormons." From the time that God has spoken from the heavens; that Joseph Smith first declared that he had angels have appeared to the children of had a vision of the Father and the Son— men; and that the keys of the Priest- from that time to the present, I know hood and intelligence have been restored that the world have never been able to to the earth—and we know it. We have prove that his testimony was false. I invited the people to search the Scrip- know that they have never been able to tures to see if these things were not prove that Moroni did not give to him predicted—to find out if it had not been the plates of gold, or that the transla- declared therein that it should come to tion called the Book of Mormon is false. pass in the last days that the God of I know that they have never been able heaven would establish His Kingdom to prove that John the Baptist did not upon the earth. There had to be a com- visit Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, mencement. We read in the Bible that and confer upon them the Holy Priest- God set in the Church firstly Apostles, hood, even the Aaronic Priesthood; nei- then Prophets, then Evangelists, and ther have I ever heard that it has been Teachers, for the work of the ministry proved that the Melchizedek Priesthood and for the edifying of the body of Christ. and Apostleship were not restored by Pe- Paul declared that the Saints were the ter, James and John. There has been a body of Christ, members in particular, great deal said about Mormonism; quite and he bore the same testimony to the a number of books written upon the Corinthians that he bore to the Eph- esians, concerning the fact that God had 14 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. set in the Church firstly Apostles, then given to understand by the historians, Prophets, etc. Might I ask where the was the manner in which the Kingdom revelation is that at any time set in of God was established in the days of the the Church firstly Popes, then Cardi- Savior, and if it had remained upon the nals, Archbishops, and Right Reverend earth there would have been a continua- Fathers in God? Might I ask where the tion of the Apostleship. revelation is authorizing the establish- When Jesus said, "It is finished," He ment of the Episcopal Church? Might did not give us to understand that the I ask where the revelation is authoriz- whole work was finished so far as we ing the alteration of the order of govern- were concerned as individuals; because ment which God had set in the Church? the last instructions that He gave to His We are calmly told that these things are Apostles, as recorded by the historian done away with. Who says so? Men Mark, and which were given after His whose business it is to try and prevent crucifixion and resurrection were: "Go ye people from thinking for themselves, and into all the world, and preach the gospel to do the thinking for them. But as a re- to every creature. He that believeth and sponsible being I am bound to do my own is baptized shall be saved; but he that be- thinking; and when it comes to a ques- lieveth not shall be damned. And these tion of my eternal welfare, I take the lib- signs shall follow them that believe; In erty to think for myself. I am told that my name they shall cast out devils; they holy men of old wrote and spoke as they shall speak with new tongues; They shall were moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and take up serpents; and if they drink any that the Scriptures were not to be un- deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they derstood by private interpretation. I be- shall lay hands on the sick, and they lieve as a child of God, that I have a shall recover." And we are told that the right to receive intelligence, for it was Apostles went and preached this doc- predicted ages ago that God would give trine; called upon men everywhere to re- to those who loved Him line upon line, pent of their sins, called upon them to precept upon precept, here a little and repent of their false modes and manner there a little, until they were perfected. of worship. They preached exclusive sal- The object of the Apostleship was the ed- vation. They had the only way to be ification of the Saints. Now, I can un- saved. This was what rendered them so derstand the value of this Apostleship. unpopular. This is what renders us so Those who hold it are to be taught by the unpopular today. But if we preach the revelations of God, and have authority same doctrine, if we have similar power, to call upon men everywhere to repent, if God has spoken from the heavens and to believe in the living and true God, to has declared to His children the neces- cease from their heresies, to cease from sity of their repentance, and has chosen their wickedness and abominations, to men to hold the Priesthood, and go forth lead perfect and pure lives, and to give to the nations of the earth; if this is the them the privilege of being baptized by case, where will the wicked and ungodly immersion for the remission of sins, and be? I think, myself, it should be a mat- to have hands laid upon them, that they ter of interest to all classes of people, may receive the Holy Ghost. This, we are especially rulers, to make themselves TESTIMONIES NOT PROVEN FALSE. 15 acquainted with the doctrines of the was that which was taught anciently; Latter-day Saints, with the principles they discovered by the revelations of the which they teach, so that they may act Lord Jesus Christ, that in the last days in wisdom. They have to give an ac- the Kingdom of God was to be estab- count of the deeds done in the body; they lished upon the earth; and in their sim- will have to stand before the bar of God; plicity they believed that it had to be their record will be there; and I say it is commenced with a few; and that it had to the individual interest of every man, to commence wherever the Great Eter- whether he is a king or a beggar, to make nal determined that it should commence. his record of such a character that he He revealed Himself that He might have will dare to meet it; because as sure as a testator on the earth who knew that we live today, we shall have to face the He lived, who knew that Jesus was the record we make upon earth. Christ. He revealed Himself to the boy Now, why should so much fault be Joseph Smith, who had sought Him in found with the Latter-day Saints? Right perfect faith. And, then, in order that here, I would ask, why should so much the world might be left without excuse, fault have been found with the Lord Je- when He sent the angel Moroni to reveal sus Christ? Why should so much fault the history of the house of Jacob on this have been found with the Apostles and continent, He did not have the fact of their followers? Why did they not, when his visit dependent upon the testimony they found it was distasteful to the ma- of one man. Others were privileged to jority of the people, give up their be- receive the visits of heavenly messen- lief and become one with them, as we gers, that in the mouth of two or three are kindly invited to do? Why did they witnesses, every word should be estab- not, in the midst of their persecutions— lished. When did the three witnesses— when they were being torn to pieces Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and by wild beasts, etc.—rise up and say: Martin Harris—ever declare otherwise "Will it not be better, seeing our reli- than that they saw an angel, and that gion is so distasteful to mankind, to stop they heard the voice of God declare that our mode of worship, and worship with the book called the Book of Mormon, had the majority?" Why, they never dreamed been translated by the power of God? of such a thing. I have never heard They were never known—though they of a faithful man that ever lived who left the Church—to have flinched from dreamed of such a thing as giving up that testimony, and their testimony is that which he believed to be true for as good as the testimony of anybody the sake of the approbation even of mil- else. It never has been impeached. And lions. Joseph Smith, the Prophet, Seer then again: Oliver Cowdery and Joseph and Revelator, stood alone and declared Smith both declared that John the Bap- that God had spoken from the heav- tist came and laid his hands upon their ens, and when people believed his testi- heads and ordained them to the Aaronic mony, when they accepted the doctrines Priesthood. Who had any idea that there he taught, God bore witness to them that was any necessity for John the Baptist he was a true Prophet. They discov- to come? Where were there any records ered that the doctrine which he taught to that effect? And yet we are told 16 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. emphatically that John the Baptist was that killest the prophets, and stonest the forerunner of Christ. But the world them which are sent unto thee, how of- contend that he filled his mission as the ten would I have gathered thy children forerunner of Christ in His first coming. together, even as a hen gathereth her I will take the privilege of questioning chickens under her wings, and ye would that, if you please, and will tell you why I not! Behold, your house is left unto you do so. By referring to the 40th chapter of desolate." Were these comforting words Isaiah, we there find these words: "Com- to Jerusalem? I think not. It is very fort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your evident that John the Baptist was not God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, only the forerunner of His first coming, and cry unto her, that her warfare is but also of His second advent. The Scrip- accomplished, that her iniquity is par- tures are plain on this matter. doned: for she hath received of the Lord's But let us follow the history of the hand double for all her sins." It then goes Apostles, and what do we find? Mar- on to say: "The voice of him that crieth tyrdom for every one of them, John the in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of Revelator alone excepted. What do we the Lord, make straight in the desert a find concerning the Saints? Cruel perse- highway for our God. Every valley shall cution and death, until, in consequence be exalted, and every mountain and hill of the awful crime of the shedding of shall be made low." Now, when John the innocent blood, God in His displeasure Baptist came, did he speak comforting withdrew the Priesthood from the earth, words to Jerusalem? When the Priests and left it as it was before the coming and Pharisees—those professedly holy of the Messiah, without divine authority. men—came to him to be baptized in Jor- Was this statement of things predicted? dan, what did he say to them? "O gener- Most assuredly it was predicted by the ation of vipers, who hath warned you to Prophets of old. It was foretold by Paul, flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth who declared that after his departure fruits meet for repentance, etc." He was grievous wolves would enter in among the forerunner of Christ. He declared so the flocks and destroy them. He also be- himself. The Lord Jesus bore testimony seeches the Thessalonians not to be soon of him. He said: "This is he, of whom shaken, or troubled, in regard to the day it is written, Behold, I send my messen- of Christ being at hand. He told them not ger before thy face, which shall prepare to be deceived by any means: "for that the way before thee." Now, it is true that day shall not come, except there come John the Baptist came as the forerun- a falling away first." Has there been a ner of Jesus; it is true that he filled his falling away? Why, the prediction is ver- mission so far; but we know very well ified by every sect in Christendom, when that the people generally did not receive they calmly tell us that the spiritual him, and ultimately they beheaded him. gifts of the Gospel have been done away We know that they did not receive Jesus. with, and that they are no longer needed. They crucified Him. Instead of speaking I argue that it is just as necessary comforting words to Jerusalem, He ex- today—if God is an unchangeable God, claimed: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou if He is the same yesterday, today and TESTIMONIES NOT PROVEN FALSE. 17 forever—that we should enjoy the spir- how could the Gospel of the Kingdom itual gifts of the Gospel as in former be preached in all the world for a wit- days, above all the fellowship of the Holy ness before the second advent of the Lord Ghost, the spirit of truth by which I Jesus Christ? For Christ Himself de- may comprehend the relationship that clared: "This gospel of the kingdom shall exists between me as an individual here be preached in all the world for a witness upon the earth and my Father who is in unto all nations; and then shall the end heaven. By carefully reading the revela- come." tions of St. John, you will find the apos- Now, is it not tidings of great joy tasy foretold. You will find the Church to learn that God has spoken from the represented as a woman surrounded by heavens; to know that there are men twelve stars. You will also find the his- upon the earth who have authority to tory of the bringing forth of the Priest- preach the Gospel; to know that we can hood, and of the woman going into the receive a remission of our sins, that we wilderness for a season. You will also can be made clean, and that we can be find the history of the establishment of taught the ways of the Lord, that we may the church of Satan—which is likewise walk in His paths? Is not this tidings represented by a woman sitting upon a of great joy when we think of the con- scarlet colored beast; she was proclaimed fusion and ignorance that exists in the the Mother of Harlots—a church that world today? To all reasoning men it was to hold dominion over all the na- must be a source of great consolation. I tions of the earth. John also saw the know it is a cause of great joy to me to restoration of the everlasting Gospel, as know that the Apostleship has been re- proclaimed in Revelation, 14th chapter stored, to know that these principles are and 6th verse: "And I saw another an- true and faithful; that God is the same gel fly in the midst of heaven, having the yesterday, today and forever, when faith everlasting gospel to preach unto them is manifested; that the signs follow the that dwell on the earth, and to every na- believer according to his faith; and that tion, and kindred, and tongue, and peo- all who do the will of the Father are most ple, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, assuredly put in the possession of the and give glory to him; for the hour of knowledge that the principles that were his judgment is come: and worship him taught by the Messiah and by His Apos- that made heaven, and earth, and the tles are true. sea, and the fountains of waters." Now, Since I last had the privilege of bear- if the Gospel was upon the earth, there ing my testimony from this stand, I have certainly would be no necessity of an an- visited the temple of God at St. George, gel bringing the Gospel; there would be and spent a season there, and I want to no necessity for the restoration of any bear my testimony to the truth of the thing that had not been lost. But see- doctrine of baptism for the dead. When ing that this order of government had Paul was arguing with the Corinthians, been lost—this order of Priesthood—this some of them were foolish enough to con- authority which was given unto the an- tend that there was no resurrection; they cient Apostles—it was absolutely essen- had believed, had been baptized, and tial that it should be restored, otherwise, they had been a certain portion of time 18 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. in the Church; but their traditions and and I have seen the effects of the work- their lack of understanding caused them ings of what is termed high Christian to believe that there was no such thing civilization. as the resurrection. Paul, in his ar- But before referring to this allow me gument, made use of the following lan- to go back a little with regard to the pre- guage: "Else what shall they do which tensions of Joseph Smith because this is are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise the "Mormon" problem; "it lies in a nut- not at all? why are they then baptized for shell." Joseph Smith was a true Prophet the dead?" Do you know why the ancient sent of God, or he was not. He held the Saints were baptized for the dead, and do keys and powers of the Priesthood, or he you know why Paul used this argument did not. These he conferred upon other when they were disputing this principle men in the Church of Jesus Christ of of the resurrection? We do, for God has Latter-day Saints before his death. Now, revealed it. He says: "Why stand we in those upon whom he conferred these jeopardy every hour? If after the man- keys have the Apostleship, or they have ner of men I have fought with beasts at not; they have the authority of God, or Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the they have not; they hold the keys of the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for Priesthood, or they do not; God our Eter- tomorrow we die." Now, don't you think nal Father, reveals His mind and will it would have been wise in Paul to have from the heavens to His children in these taken the advice that some of our friends valleys of the Rocky Mountains, or He pretend to give us? Don't you think it does not. We testify He does. would have been wise in Paul, when he Without quoting any more Scripture, stood in jeopardy every day, to give up let us reason together a little while. Who those principles which rendered him so knew of the necessity of the Aaronic and unpopular among the people? The same Melchizedek Priesthood? Joseph Smith question is propounded to us today. Peo- had a vision of the Father and the Son. ple say, "Give up your religion; it is un- Who ever conceived of the necessity of popular; we don't like it, and we are fifty such a vision? There was an absence millions strong. We want you to please of the knowledge of God. The world do as we do, say as we say, and be as we by wisdom know not God. The being are." But in order to make the thing not that is worshipped by so-called Chris- quite so glaring—not quite so gross an tianity, is a being without a body, parts injustice—they say, "Will you please give or passions. In order that He might up your plural marriage and do as we do? have a testator upon the earth, God re- If you must have a plurality of women, vealed Himself, so that we might under- marry one and keep the others and raise stand a little concerning the personality illegitimate children as we do." That is of God; as it is written, we are created the English of it. It may be distasteful in His image. Then the Book of Mor- to tell so much truth in one afternoon; mon was brought forth. Jesus Christ de- but that is the English of it. I have trav- clared, "other sheep I have, which are eled in a few of the nations of the earth; not of this fold." Those "other sheep" I have seen some of their finest cities; had to be visited; and the Book of Mor- mon gives us a history of Christ's visit TESTIMONIES NOT PROVEN FALSE. 19 to them—the aborigines of this conti- their organization? Who taught him nent, called the American Indians, but the necessity of the Elders' Quorum, the really the descendants of Jacob. We have Priests' Quorum, the Teachers' Quorum, given unto us within the lids of this book and the Deacons' Quorum? Who taught (Book of Mormon) the fullness of the ev- him the organization of the Stakes of erlasting Gospel. We have the princi- Zion with their presidency, their High ples of the Gospel laid down in their Council, their Bishops, Teachers, etc? simplicity—plainer by far than in the Who taught him the necessity of bap- Bible, though agreeing with that sacred tism by immersion for the remission of record. It is in reality the stick of Judah sins, and the laying on of hands for that is contained in the Bible; the stick the reception of the Holy Ghost? Who of Ephraim is contained in the Book of taught him the necessity of holding keys Mormon. Isaiah prophesied concerning of Priesthood, and that God would reveal the coming forth of this book. In fact principles through this channel that had the writings of the Prophets are preg- been hidden from before the foundation nant with predictions concerning the es- of the world? Who taught him of the tablishment of the Kingdom of God in pre-existence of the spirit of man? Who the latter days. taught him the philosophy of our proba- tion upon the earth, and the results that Joseph Smith declared that John would flow from a faithful observance the Baptist came and restored the Aa- of the principles of righteousness? He ronic Priesthood, and also that Peter, declared that Jesus Christ taught him; James and John restored the Apostle- he declared that all these things were ship, and the keys and powers thereof. received through the revelations of the Please tell me who it was that put it Lord Jesus Christ to him. When people into the heart of this so called impos- say that Joseph Smith was an impostor, tor (Joseph Smith) regarding the com- they make him one of the greatest men ing forth of this book? Will you please that ever lived in view of the religion he tell me where he acquired the wis- founded. Again, who taught him the ne- dom to concoct such a record? Who cessity of marriage for eternity? Who taught Joseph Smith the necessity of the taught him the doctrine of baptism for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods? the dead? Who taught him the princi- Who taught Joseph Smith the perfect ples of the resurrection and eternal judg- system of the organization of the Church ment, as described in this Book of Doc- of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? trine and Covenants? I answer, God the Who taught him the necessity of three Eternal Father. High Priests presiding over the Church Now, will you please tell me why of Christ like unto Peter, James and the world are so embittered against John? Who taught him the necessity us as a people? I will tell you. It of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is upon the same principle that they and of their powers and duties and were embittered against the Messiah. the presidency thereof? Who taught The Messiah came with His bowels him the necessity of the High Priest- filled with compassion and love for hood in their presidings? Who taught the human family. He taught them him the necessity of the Seventies and how to be saved to the uttermost. 20 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

He taught them exclusive salvation. We should sanctify ourselves before, the Joseph Smith was a servant of the Lord Lord, and live holy and pure lives. We Jesus Christ, and acted under His in- are living in the last days. We have no structions. His life and works boldly time to trifle. We are in the midst of the tell that he was no impostor. He was, judgments of Almighty God. He has de- indeed and of a truth, a true Prophet clared that desolation should cover the of God. He declared the principles of earth, and that He would waste the in- eternal life, and those principles have habitants away who would not listen to been carried to the nations of the earth. His voice. How can the Latter-day Saints What has followed the preaching of the escape if they neglect so great a salva- Gospel? Judgment, calamity and desola- tion? We are called upon to be min- tion have come, in many instances, upon isters of righteousness. We are build- those who have rejected it; upon those ing temples. We have no right in those who have cast us out and spurned the temples unless we can go in as saviors message of life and salvation: for it has upon Mount Zion. We never can be been decreed by the Almighty. The hour upon Mount Zion unless we save our- of His judgment has come. You take this selves from this untoward generation. large congregation. If they had the op- We must practice the principles of righ- portunity of testifying, they would de- teousness. We must give up our fol- clare in words of soberness that God had lies, our light speeches, our loud laugh- revealed to them the principles of the ter and our inhuman feeling with regard Gospel, and that it was for that reason to our children placing them in a posi- that they left the States, the islands of tion where they are under the domin- the sea, the nations of Europe, and came ion of Belial, and under that influence to this country; it was because they re- that would wean them from the princi- ceived a knowledge that these principles ples of righteousness. We must repent were true. They had been impressed by of our sins. We must listen to the voice His Spirit to gather here; it is the gather- of God through His servants. We must ing of Israel. In doing this they were told sanctify ourselves before Him or we can- by their friends that they were deceived; not assist Him in the establishment of but I ask any man who has accepted His righteousness upon the earth. You these principles, who has practiced them know this as well as I do. What right in solid faith, if he has ever been de- have I to require of anybody what I will ceived? Never, no never. God has been not do myself? What right have I to ex- true to His word. He has done His part. pect of anybody what I do not do my- He has placed us in the possession of self? No, we must save ourselves. We a knowledge of these principles, He has must make our calling and election sure. brought us home to Zion from the vari- Who is afraid to die but the sinner? Who ous nations where we were scattered. He is afraid of death but those who have has taught us the principles of righteous- sinned and who dread to meet the con- ness through His appointed channel, by sequence of those sins behind the veil? His Holy Spirit, and woe be unto us if But those who love the principles of righ- we harden our hearts and close our ears teousness and who practice them know against the pleadings of the Holy Ghost. that they have passed from death unto TESTIMONIES NOT PROVEN FALSE. 21 life. They know that they are redeemed not the backbone to stand by the prin- through the precious blood of the Re- ciples of righteousness for fear of my deemer. When they pass into the spirit life; or for fear of some calamity that world it is not in blindness. They know might come upon me. How would they that they are going into the presence of look upon me? How we would be con- the Lamb, and the Church of the First- demned if we dared suggest such a thing born. They know that they belong to that as to say that we would give up the Church, and they also know whether first principle of eternal truth! I bear they have kept their garments clean or my solemn testimony that plural mar- not. Have we any occasion to fear the riage is as true as any principle that people? Have we any occasion to fear has been revealed from the heavens. I nations? Do we fear when we go forth bear my testimony that it is a necessity, in their midst, traveling one or two at and that the Church of Christ in its full- a time in the midst of our enemies with ness never existed without it. Where you threatenings on every hand? Do we fear have the eternity of marriage you are under those circumstances? No; and if bound to have plural marriage; bound we can trust ourselves in the hands of to; and it is one of the marks of the God, under those conditions, I think we Church of Jesus Christ in its sealing or- can trust Him today. And as far as I dinances. "Whatever you bind on earth am concerned as an individual, not one is bound in heaven." We know how sen- principle that God has revealed from the sitive the Prophet Joseph was to intro- heavens do I dare to go back on—not one duce this principle. He knew the feeling principle. I believe in the fullness of the that was against it. It had been taught everlasting Gospel. I believe in plural from the days of heathen Rome down to marriage as a part of the Gospel, just the present time that a man should have as much as I believe in baptism by im- but one wife, which has resulted in the mersion for the remission of sins. The prostitution of many of the fair daugh- same Being who taught me baptism for ters of Eve as mistresses. Here we have the remission of sins, taught me plural too much love for women to see them marriage, and its necessity and glory. trampled in the dust. Here we have too Can I afford to give up a single princi- much respect for unborn spirits to have ple? I cannot. If I had to give up one them come into the world branded as principle I would have to give up my re- bastards, illegitimate, in shame, without ligion. If I gave up the first principle knowing their fathers. The children we of the revelations of the Lord, I would have are legitimate. They are our own. prove before my brethren, before the an- We honor them and our wives. Our chil- gels, before God the Eternal Father, that dren are given unto us of God, for our I was unworthy the exaltation that He wives are given to us of God. We never has promised me. I do not know how should have thought of practicing this you feel; but I do not fear the face of principle if God had not revealed it from man as I fear the face of God. I fear lest the heavens and commanded it, and we when I go behind the veil and have to must stand by it and by every principle meet my progenitors, that I should meet that He has revealed. It is more than I them as a traitor, as a man who had dare, to go back on that principle or any 22 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. other principle; and I have besought the and my love for the principles of righ- Lord with all my heart that He would teousness are as deep and earnest as my give me strength according to my day first love, and more so; for I have wit- that I might never fail in my integrity, nessed His loving kindness in the seal- but that I might stand firm as the pil- ing powers and bonds of the everlast- lars of heaven to the truths that He ing covenant; I have been privileged to has revealed for the redemption of the see the magnificent manner in which He human family. I understand my own has provided for His children, in placing weaknesses; I understand my own in- them in a position that they may become sufficiency; but my trust is in the liv- like unto Him—eternal, without end of ing and true God. And I have a tes- years. timony that for over thirty years He has sustained me through some very That God may give us grace to stand crooked and tight places by His Almighty true and faithful to our covenants, and power. He has stood by me, been endure to the end, is my prayer in the my friend; and so far my testimony name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

TESTIMONIES OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD—ILLOGICAL MANNER IN WHICH THEY ARE MET—ONLY TRUE WAY TO OBTAIN A KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL—SECRET OF THE STRENGTH OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST—WORK TO BE ACCOMPLISHED—STRUGGLE BETWEEN SATAN AND GOD—INFLUENCE BROUGHT TO BEAR AGAINST THE SAINTS.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL, SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JANUARY 6, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

The testimonies of the servants of know that which they testify is true; and God, which we hear so frequently when a man, or any number of men, from this stand, ought to make an arise in the presence of their fellow men, impression upon the minds of those and declare in words of truth and sober- who hear them—they ought to have ness, that certain things are true, that weight, for the reason that those they know them to be true, that they who bear them declare in solemnity, are willing to bear testimony of them be- in the presence of God, that they TESTIMONIES NOT TO BE REJECTED WITHOUT PROOF. 23 fore God and the people, and to suffer all method of dealing with affairs of this things for their truth, even to death it- character; because if there is a God, and self, it should make an impression upon one man says he has had communica- the human mind, and inspire those who tion with Him, and another, who believes hear these testimonies with a disposi- also, or professes to believe in God, de- tion to at least investigate and withhold nies that the first has had any such com- their condemnation. Because, unless a munication, and yet does not pretend man knows something to the contrary, that God told him any such thing, does unless he has had a testimony that these not pretend to have had any communica- things are false, he is not justified in con- tion from God—the contradiction of the demning them. There is only one way one is not equal to the affirmation of the in which they can be fairly condemned, other. It is the height of presumption for and that is by proving their falsity, by a man who professes to believe in God, obtaining knowledge that is directly in to rise up and at his own instance and of contradiction to that which is borne tes- his own will, because he chooses to take timony to. In this consists the condem- that view of God, and of God's method of nation of the inhabitants of the earth at dealing with man, and declare that the the present time, as it has consisted in testimony of the man who says he has every age when God has had a work to had revelation from God is false. Why, do upon the earth. Certain men have anyone at a glance can see that it is an gone forward in the midst of their fellow improper way to deal with the subject. men, and in solemnity and in truth have If he does not have revelation himself testified that God has spoken, that God from God, he should, at least, be mod- has given revelations, that God is doing est in contradicting the testimony of oth- a certain work in the earth of which they ers who declare that they have had rev- are the witnesses. They know this, they elation from Him. The whole religious say, for themselves and bear testimony of world in Christendom profess to believe it, and exhort their fellow men to seek for in God. They declare that God lives and knowledge in the same manner in which are continually preaching to the people they have sought for it, with an assur- a belief in Him, a belief in Jesus, say- ance that if they do so they will obtain ing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He knowledge. Now, notwithstanding men lived upon the earth in the flesh, that He have done this, the world, without pre- has gone to the Father, and that they are tending to have any counter demonstra- His ministers, having power to do cer- tion or testimony, without being able to tain things in His name, and to teach disprove by the same sort of evidence, His doctrines. They say to the people condemn wholesale, without discrimina- who do not listen to them: "You will be tion or hesitation those testimonies and visited with the most terrible judgments declare them to be false, and assert that if you do not believe what we say; you the men who bear them are either de- will go to hell, and you will burn there ceived themselves or are striving to de- throughout the countless ages of eter- ceive somebody else. nity, if you do not believe what we tell I do not think this is fair. It you." Now, when men go to their fel- never was fair. It is not a proper low men and make such statements as 24 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. these, and assume such prerogatives and that it would be justifiable for you to be powers as these, and say that their fel- killed as a lot of impostors and danger- low men will be condemned by whole- ous men, and you ought to be broken sale to eternal hell for not listening to up. If it should be necessary to do this, them, they certainly ought to have some and it cannot be done any other way, we method of communicating with the Be- would be willing to have armies resort ing they represent, and whose ministers to violence and have bloodshed, rather they profess to be, and they ought to than such a dreadful heresy and such a know more than other men—more than wicked system should be perpetuated on common men at least—about the Being the earth." who, they say, sends them as His min- You turn to them—to these men who isters. But what are the facts? Here profess to have the fate of their fellow is Brother Woodruff, who for the last beings in their hands, whose efforts, as half century has been testifying, as he they state, will send millions to heaven has this afternoon in your hearing, with and millions to hell—you ask these men all the energy of his soul—for he has who profess to have such awful powers been a very zealous man all his days— as this—"By what authority do you make he has been testifying to all people to these statements? Has God given you whom he could get access, that God has any testimony that the Church of Jesus spoken from the heavens and restored Christ of Latter-day Saints is not the the plan of salvation in its ancient pu- true Church? Has God told you anything rity, and the Church as it was organized about it?" upon the earth in the days of Jesus, with "Oh, no," they will say, "God has not the plenitude of its gifts and powers and spoken to us. We do not believe He talks graces, and that this condition of things to anybody. We believe he has stopped all now exists upon the earth, and that he communication with man; that no living is a living witness of it; that God has man has heard His voice, or knows any- really revealed this to him, so that he thing about His mind and will." has become a witness through revelation Now, this is their testimony. You can- from God, of its truth. He has declared not get any of them—at least I have this. Hundreds have made a similar dec- not, and I speak so far as my own per- laration, and hundreds are still testify- sonal knowledge goes to declare that God ing concerning these things to the inhab- has revealed to them either by the spirit itants of the earth. But Christendom of prophecy or by the manifestations through some of its principal represen- of the Holy Ghost, that the doctrines tatives says: "We don't believe a word taught by the "Mormon" people are false, you say. We don't believe God has spo- or that the Church of Jesus Christ of ken to you. We don't believe God has Latter-day Saints is not of God, and given you any authority. We don't believe yet, notwithstanding this, they take the your doctrine to be from God. We don't course that I now describe. Here on one believe that the church you have orga- side is knowledge—at least it purports to nized, and that you declare is the Church be knowledge. Here are men who say of Christ, is the Church of Christ; and so they have actually received revelations confident are we of this that we believe from God; that God has poured out the Holy Ghost upon men and women; that TESTIMONIES NOT TO BE REJECTED WITHOUT PROOF. 25

Jesus has actually visited the earth in the result is that legions of witnesses person, and been seen by living men; have been raised up. It is not confined and that angels have been seen and con- to one; it is not confined to the original versed with by living men. They state few; but this testimony has extended it- this in all solemnity and in all truth, and self, until it has brought within its fold as a test of the sincerity of their state- men and women of almost every race; ments, they say to their fellow men: "If for it is not confined, happily, to sex no you will take a certain course that God more than it is to nationality, but it is has pointed out, and that we are autho- extended unto men of every race, and rized to designate; if you will take this unto women of every race, and all these certain course, you shall know also of rise up as an army of witnesses, unan- the truth of our testimony. We do not imously bearing testimony of the same make these statements expecting you to great truths, declaring that it is not from receive them simply because we make their fathers, it is not from tradition, them; but we say to you, if you will take it is not from their teachers, it is not this course, if you will accept the condi- from any human source that they have tions which God has prescribed and com- derived their knowledge; but that God ply with them in sincerity and humility, Himself, by His invisible power, by His you shall receive these blessings and this superhuman power, by the outpouring of testimony for yourselves, and you then the Holy Ghost upon them, has borne will be numbered as witnesses with us." testimony to them, so that they are thor- What can be fairer than this? And oughly convinced and have a knowledge this is the course that the servants of as strong as the knowledge that they God have always taken with mankind, themselves live, that this is the work of and hence, as I have said, the condem- God, that He has established it, and that nation of the inhabitants of the earth, He will roll it forth and cause it to ac- because they will not receive that testi- complish all that He has said it would. mony. They abuse the Church of Christ It is in this peculiarity that the strength without having reason or foundation for of the people consists. If it was not for doing so; they abuse it without having this we should be as weak as a rope of any evidence that is at all tangible or sand; there would be no cohesiveness or that can be relied upon; they have noth- strength about us. But with this there ing more than their personal feelings, is a power that makes hell tremble. It personal prejudice, and their personal makes the Devil mad. It makes every tradition—that which they have inher- man that is afraid of the truth angry in ited from their fathers—upon which to his spirit because of that which he sees. base their opposition. If men were not afraid of truth there Now, the Church of Jesus Christ would be no fear connected with this of Latter-day Saints has been built work. What is there about it to create up in this manner. Its strength fear? What is there in its manifestations, consists in this peculiarity: that in its fruits, and in its operations upon those who have embraced it as a the minds of the children of men to cause rule—there may be exceptions—have any man who loves truth to have any taken the course which has been dread concerning it? Nothing whatever. taught by the servants of God, and 26 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

It is beneficent in its operations. It el- plished, and it seems an herculean, an evates men and women; it makes them impossible labor to the natural vision. It better, purer, more Godlike, more or- seems as if no human beings could ac- derly. It bestows blessings—this system complish it. But God has spoken con- does—upon all who espouse it, and all cerning this work. His word has gone who come within the range of its influ- forth, and it cannot fail. This work will ence. And this has been its characteris- be accomplished, and it will be accom- tic ever since its organization until today. plished by the operation of truth. As You know it, each of you who have es- Brother Woodruff has said, there is a poused it. You know its effects upon you. power connected with truth, that when You know it has made you better men. brought to bear upon human beings, has You know it has made you men of purer the effect that he has described, and has lives, of loftier desires, of more Godlike the effect that the Prophets have pre- aspirations. You all know this. Every dicted concerning the last days. There man, every woman, and every child con- will be a power exercised in our behalf, nected with this work is a witness of increasing as we are prepared to receive the truth of this. If it has this effect it; for this people with all their weak- upon you, will it not have the same ef- nesses, and they are many, are neverthe- fect upon every human being who comes less drawing nearer and nearer to God within the range of its influence and who every day, and faith is increasing in their bows in submission to its requirements? midst. A generation of boys and girls are Certainly it will. There is no human be- growing up who will have greater faith ing, however low, that it will not elevate, than their predecessors, their parents, if he will obey it. It is the power and have had, and the work will continue to lever, so to speak, by which humanity grow and spread. And there is this to will be elevated to the presence of God be taken into consideration, God having our Eternal Father, for the very reason predicted the ushering in of the last dis- that the exaltation which God has at- pensation, knowing the odds that would tained to, has been through obedience to have to be contended with in establish- these selfsame laws that are now taught ing it: God knowing this has reserved in to us. That which obeyeth law is pre- the heavens to come forth at this time served and sanctified by law. The people the noblest of His spirits, the men and who obey law will be exalted by law; they women most capable of carrying out this will be preserved by it, they will be sanc- work, and achieving the grand results tified by it; and that is the effect of the the Prophets have predicted should be teaching of the Gospel upon the Latter- accomplished in the day and generation, day Saints. preparatory to the coming of the Son of While Brother Woodruff was talking, Man. God knowing this, in His wisdom I thought what an immense labor it is and foreknowledge has prepared the way to endeavor to accomplish that which the beforehand, and there will be men and Prophets have told us will be brought to women brought forth who will carry off pass in the last days. I look at this people this work in the way He designs. Step by so comparatively few in numbers, and at step, the adversary of God, that is the ad- the immense work that is to be accom- versary of all truth, will have to recede. TESTIMONIES NOT TO BE REJECTED WITHOUT PROOF. 27

The struggle is between Satan and God. test? We have been gathering the people The struggle is for the supremacy of this from Babylon through the power of God earth, and you may depend upon it, it to build up a Zion here. But see the re- will not be given up without a mighty sults that attend our labors in this city wrestle. The adversary has wielded this and in this Territory. It seems as though power now for nearly 2,000 years—1,400 all hell is endeavoring to defeat our ob- years and upwards on this continent. ject, and to defeat the cause of God in For this period he has held undisturbed gathering the people out from the na- sway, it may be said—that is, if not en- tions of the earth. The adversary has tirely true it is nearly true in saying it said: has been undisturbed. There have occa- "You shall not have a pure people; you sionally some persons arisen who have shall not build up Zion; I will bring all endeavored to stem the tide of wicked- my forces to bear against this; I will de- ness that the devil has caused to flow stroy the work of God; I will not allow over the earth; but there has been no the Priesthood of God to remain on the Priesthood on the earth, no organized earth; I will kill them off, or I will do ev- church, no organized power, through erything in my power to cripple them." whom God could operate, and you may Thus he brings every kind of influ- depend upon it, now that there is one, ence to bear against this people. We there will be a mighty struggle. It will would have a pure people here; we would cost the best efforts of which we are capa- have a Zion such as the Bible describes, ble, to lay the foundation so successfully if we were allowed; we would have a city that it shall not be overturned, to pre- in which angels might walk in the streets pare the way for the coming of the Lord all day, if we could have our way; but Sa- Jesus Christ. Every kind of opposition tan says: "You shall not. I will bring ev- will be brought against this work. There ery power and influence to bear against is nothing that you can conceive of that you. I will besmear you in every way I will be kept back, and it will come upon can, and will make you so hateful in the us as fast as we are able to bear it. It eyes of all people, that they will come up is only the power of God that restrains against and destroy you. You shall not our enemies from overwhelming us. If it build up Zion, if I can prevent it." were not that God has said this shall not And you see the result. Every power be, and has told us that He will estab- that is conceivable is brought to bear lish this work never more to be thrown against us. We are maligned. We are down, we would not be able to stand. But represented as everything that is vile. victory will perch upon our banners, and Men think that in killing us they will will do so until the end. But it will not be doing God service; not because of be without a mighty warfare, the hostil- our wickedness, but because they be- ity against this work will be continuous. lieve we are wicked, because the ad- No man need calculate on anything else. versary has had such power through Why, just think of the results that are to falsehood and misrepresentation, that be wrought out. Just think of what de- men believe that they will be doing pends upon our labors and upon this con- God service in exterminating us from the face of the earth. And what 28 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. is it that restrains the efforts of our en- times that are past and in our own age. emies? It is the power of God only. We God will bless us if we seek to do His should be overwhelmed if it were not will. Remember, my brethren and sis- for this invisible agency—invisible to us. ters, that that which obeys law is pre- There are legions of angels around us. served and sanctified by law. If you want Their power is exerted in our behalf, and to escape evils, obey the law that God the results we can see in the deliver- has revealed. Keep His commandments. ances which are wrought out so mirac- There is safety in this. It is a great work ulously for our good. It is a cause of we are engaged in. The desire I have amazement how we are delivered from for every man and woman of this Church time to time, so few in numbers, and so is, that they may be true, and that their hated as we are. Our friends are filled children may live to be true to God in with astonishment. Every few days, ev- days to come; for we are laying the foun- ery few weeks, or every few months, they dation of a work that shall stand undis- think that something is going to occur, turbed for one thousand years. Then, in that will cause our destruction—I mean the purposes of God, Satan will be loosed friends who have not the faith and the again for a little season, but it will only knowledge that we have. But this work be for a little while. We are engaged of our God will go forth, despite all the in laying the foundations of that work. opposition that will be brought against It is the most glorious work that could it. It will win, because it is true. As be committed to man. Angels delight in we have been told by Brother Woodruff, it, and we have the precious privilege of the eternal principles of truth are on taking part in it. We have difficulties to the earth now in an organized form, and contend with, but let them come. We will you cannot kill them unless you kill the meet them, and what is better still, we people themselves. There is no way to will overcome them through God's help, stop this work, except by the extirpation and our children will enjoy the blessings of the "Mormons," or Latter-day Saints, of liberty. I trust and pray that of this root and branch! No other method can people who have fought so valiantly, and destroy them but that, and God will not whose desires for the success of God's permit it. His Priesthood is on the earth, Kingdom are so pure, there will be found and it will remain on the earth. You men and women of their descent, who so may kill off a few, still the Priesthood long as time shall last, shall stand up will remain, and it will exercise power possessed of the Holy Priesthood in the in the earth. It will unite the people, presence of God, to magnify it. This is and the power of God will attend its ad- my desire for myself, it is my desire for ministration in the midst of the people. my family, it is my desire for my brethren The honest will receive the Holy Ghost, and sisters throughout the Kingdom of they will have a knowledge of this work God; and that God may grant that we for themselves, and they will be ready may be exalted in His presence when our to endure all the consequences that work is done, is my prayer in the name of may attend the espousal of the truth, Jesus. Amen. just as their predecessors have done in CHRIST'S COMING. 29

NEAR COMING OF CHRIST—WORK TO BE ACCOMPLISHED—TEMPLES ALREADY BUILT, AND MANY MORE YET TO BE BUILT—REDEMPTION OF THE DEAD—EZEKIEL'S VISION—HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO WARN THE WORLD?—WILL THE LORD DELAY HIS COMING UNTIL ALL THIS WORK IS ACCOMPLISHED?—JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION ON EARTH AND BEHIND THE VEIL—ANOTHER MISSION TO BE UNDERTAKEN—THE RESURRECTION OF JOSEPH SMITH NEAR—THE MEANING OF THE EXPRESSION, "THE MORNING OF THE FIRST RESURRECTION."

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE ERASTUS SNOW, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,LOGAN, SATURDAY AFTERNOON,FEBRUARY 2, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am asked to speak, but I feel in at- to roll on, as generations have come tempting to do so that my speech will be and generations have gone, so will it barren unless the Lord is pleased to in- be with us and our children. I say it spire my mind by the Holy Spirit. I know does not become us to give way to these there is faith in the hearts of the peo- sentiments and feelings which are com- ple and the Lord is able to give words of mon with unbelievers, with the world, edification and comfort. I am not, how- or with the unenlightened, who have ever, impressed with anything in partic- not a knowledge of God, who have not ular, in the way of doctrine, to speak to been favored with the light of revela- my brethren and sisters; I have only a tion, who have not discerned the signs feeling to exhort in general terms. of the times; for we are not the children The Latter-day Saints realize as I of darkness, but the children of light. do that every year brings us nearer Light has come unto us. We have been to the coming of our Lord; that every called out of darkness unto light. We month and week and day that passes have been translated from the kingdom over our heads, brings us nearer to the of darkness unto the kingdom of God's great and important events that must dear Son, and therefore it may and ought transpire, and that it does not become to be said of us as Saint Paul said con- us to give way to a feeling of apa- cerning the Saints: "Ye, brethren, are thy and indifference, and to say in our not in darkness, that that day should hearts, "The Lord delayeth his com- overtake you as a thief." It is written ing," and that tomorrow will be as this and we expect it to be fulfilled upon the day and much more abundant, and that heads of the unbelieving and the wicked, the next generation will be like the that the Lord will overtake them as a present, and as the world has continued thief in the night. "In such an hour," 30 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. said the Savior, "as ye think not the Son been conferred upon us. of man cometh. Who then is a faithful The work before us is a great one, and and wise servant, whom his lord hath very much remaineth to be accomplished made ruler over his household, to give according to the prophecies—Israel is them meat in due season? Blessed is to be gathered, Jerusalem rebuilt, Zion that servant, whom his lord when he established, the vineyard of the Lord cometh shall find so doing. Verily I pruned and the corrupt branches cut off say unto you, That he shall make him and cast into the fire, while the good ruler over all his goods. But and if that branches shall be grafted in and par- evil servant shall say in his heart, My take of the root and fatness of the tame lord delayeth his coming; And shall be- olive tree. There is a great work to gin to smite his fellowservants, and to be accomplished in the earth. But the eat and drink with the drunken; The Lord has said by the mouth of His ser- lord of that servant shall come in a day vants that He will cut His work short in when he looketh not for him, and in an righteousness in building up His King- hour that he is not aware of, And shall dom in the latter days. True, when the cut him asunder, and appoint him his Lord speaketh He does not reckon time portion with the hypocrites." Now, it is as we do. The time was, in the in- not impossible, nor yet improbable, that fancy of this Church, when our minds there will be some among the Latter-day were so narrow compared to what they Saints who are called of God and ap- are now, that we looked for the speedy pointed to this work, and who are set coming of our Lord, and the accomplish- over their fellowservants to give them ment of His great work before this time. meat in due season, who will be found But as our minds grew, and our ideas negligent, who will have forgotten their enlarged, we began to perceive that we high and holy calling, who will have laid were only children in our views and feel- off their armor of righteousness, who ings, our ideas and expectations. We had will have become slothful and weary in the views, ideas and expectations of chil- well doing, and who will have taken to dren; and we see how the Lord has en- eating and drinking with the drunken larged Israel and expanded His work; and smiting their fellowservants; but as and now we behold so much more to surely as any such are found among the be accomplished than what has been ac- servants of God, they will be overtaken complished, that we are apt in our minds when the day of the Lord cometh, and to put off the day of the Lord a great way. their portion will be appointed with hyp- The time was that we looked for one tem- ocrites and unbelievers. But we hope ple. The early revelations given to the better things of the Elders of Israel, Latter-day Saints predicted a temple in of Presidents of Stakes, of Bishops, of Zion, and Zion in our minds at that time High Councilors, of High Priests, of Sev- was a little place on the Missouri River enties, of Priests, Teachers and Dea- in Jackson County, Western Missouri— cons, and of all the Latter-day Saints; a town and a few surrounding villages, for we have all been made partakers or a country, peradventure it may be as of this Priesthood, and the blessings large as a county. When we first heard of the Lord, directly or indirectly, have the fullness of the Gospel preached by CHRIST'S COMING. 31 the first Elders, and read the revela- knowingly in regard to them, says, that tions given through the Prophet Joseph we may put it down as a certainty, that Smith, our ideas of Zion were very lim- by and by, there will be hundreds of these ited. But as our minds began to grow temples throughout the land. Our minds and expand, why we began to look upon are beginning to comprehend the object Zion as a great people, and the Stakes and purpose of the temples of our God. of Zion as numerous, and the area of We realize that they are places where the the country to be inhabited by the peo- Lord bestows the keys of life and salva- ple of Zion as this great American con- tion pertaining to the everlasting Priest- tinent, or at least such portions of it as hood, and opens the door of redemption the Lord should consecrate for the gath- and salvation unto our dead. We begin to ering of His people. We ceased to set comprehend a little of the vision shown bounds to Zion and her Stakes. We be- to Ezekiel, as recorded in the 37th chap- gan also to cease to think about a sin- ter of his book. Ezekiel, while under gle temple in one certain place. Seeing the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, the different Stakes of Zion that were was set down in the midst of the val- being organized we perceived the idea, ley which was full of bones. He explored possibly, of as many temples. Having the valley, saw there were very many had one spot pointed out in the revela- bones, and, lo, they were very dry. The tions for the temple in Jackson County, Lord commanded him to prophesy con- our minds expanded so that in a short cerning them, and he prophesied, say- time we were building another temple ing: "O ye dry bones, hear the word in a Stake of Zion in Kirtland, Ohio. of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God A little while afterwards we were lay- unto these bones; Behold, I will cause ing the foundation of a temple in Far breath to enter into you, and ye shall West, Missouri, and driven before our live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and enemies; from that place we next laid the will bring up flesh upon you, and cover foundation and built up a temple unto you with skin, and put breath in you, the Lord in Nauvoo. When we located and ye shall live; and ye shall know that in the mountains and laid the founda- I am the Lord. * * * And the breath tion of a temple in Salt Lake City, who came into them, and they lived, and of us had an idea that before it should stood up upon their feet, an exceeding be completed we would be administer- great army. Then he said unto me, Son ing in a temple in St. George, and an- of man, these bones are the whole house other in Logan, and another in Manti, of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are and who conceives the idea today, that dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off by the time these are completed and for our parts." Now, these were not the the Saints have officiated in them, we prophets and saints and righteous dead will be scattered over the American con- who had been partakers of the bless- tinent, building temples in a hundred ings of the Gospel and of the Priest- other places? All this comes within the hood, while in the flesh, but were those range of possibility, nay, probability, al- who had passed off in a day of darkness, most amounting to certainty. One of my and in their lost condition said to one brethren behind me here, who under- another, and said in their hearts, "Our stands these things, and who can speak 32 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. bones are dried, and our hope is lost: turned the key and opened the door; that we are cut off for our parts." But lo! it is an effectual door which no man the plan of salvation for the dead is re- can shut—the door of life and salvation. vealed. The scheme which the Father Hence it is our duty to step forward and had provided for the redemption of those magnify the calling whereunto God has whose hope was lost, and who were cut called us. Send out the young men of off is revealed unto their children, unto Israel; send out the middle aged; send those who have been gathered from their out those who have not as yet cleared long dispersion, and who have received their garments of the blood of this gen- the keys of the Holy Priesthood, which eration to call the children of men to re- bringeth life and salvation to the dead pentance, and to see how many will en- as well as to the living. Having these gage with us in this great work of sal- keys committed unto us, we proceed to vation, and become saviors upon Mount establish Zion; to build up her Stakes; Zion. But this preaching the Gospel to to build her temples; to gather together the outside world is a small part of the those who purify themselves before the work. It is but the ABC of the lesson Lord, and qualify and fit themselves to to be learned and the work to be accom- become saviors upon Mount Zion, by en- plished. How long, I ask, shall we be in tering into holy places and officiating for accomplishing this work? It is not, as themselves and their dead, thus laying I have said, given to me to know; but I the foundation for the redemption of the can tell you in general terms. As long dead in being baptized for them, in being as there is one soul (of all the sons and ordained for them, in being blessed and daughters of Adam that have been born endowed for them, in receiving the keys on this earth) that has not had an op- and the key words for them, that in the portunity of receiving and obeying the day when the Elders who have passed Gospel; as long as there is one soul that behind the veil shall preach to them the is in a condition to be saved and that Gospel of glad tidings of great joy, lo and can be reached by this plan of salva- behold! they will receive it and will be tion, so long will the Latter-day Saints put in possession of those keys, endow- be engaged in this work. But what I ments and blessings, whereby they may was going to bring before your minds was be freed from their prison houses, and this: Shall we expect that the Lord Je- be raised from the dead, and stand upon sus is going to delay His coming in the their feet an exceeding great army, and midst of His people, until all this great be restored to the blessings which God work shall have been accomplished? By promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, no means. I do not understand that and their seed after them. He has ever intimated anything of this Now, this is the work before us, and kind. Nor need we wait in our faith I want to ask my brethren, the Elders and in our expectations till all these of Israel, how long shall we be in accom- great and glorious things shall have been plishing this work? Can I tell you? No, accomplished on the earth before the it is not given me to know. It is sufficient Prophet Joseph Smith shall come unto for us to know that the time has come for us again. He has merely taken another the work to be done: that the Lord has mission in advance of us. He fulfilled the CHRIST'S COMING. 33 mission given unto him on earth. The who have passed away—Brother David Lord was satisfied with his labors here. Patten (the first of the Apostles who was He lived long enough to endow his slain), Parley P. Pratt, Heber C. Kim- brethren with full authority to carry on ball, Orson Hyde, Brigham Young, Or- the work that he had begun on the earth. son Pratt, Charles C. Rich, and others He took his departure behind the veil. of the Apostles; also Patriarchs Father The Lord suffered his enemies to de- Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith; Elders stroy him in the flesh, to take away his Samuel H. Smith, Don Carlos Smith— life, and he was made an offering—what all the first Elders of this Church and shall I say? an offering for sin. Not the Presidents of all the early quorums, in the sense in which the Savior was and a vast company of the members of offered, but he was made a martyr for their quorums. All these and many more the truth and his blood was shed to at- are laboring in the spirit world prepar- test the testimony that he bore to the ing the spirits thereof to receive the ben- world. He entered upon another short efits and blessings which are now about mission. Where? Why, unto his brethren to be offered to them in the temples of of the house of Israel, and as many of God. In other words, "a ticket of leave" the Gentiles as will receive his testi- is about to be sent to them to the ef- mony, behind the veil. The mission of fect that their friends on the earth have our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, be- officiated in their behalf, have complied tween his death and resurrection was a with the ordinances which are appointed similar mission, but a very short one. It for their redemption, which will enable lasted only three days. While his body them to advance into a higher sphere, lay in the tomb his spirit visited the spir- to walk upon a higher plane, to enter a its in prison, turned the key and opened higher class where they can be further the door of their prison house, and of- instructed and prepared for a glorious fered unto them the Gospel of salvation. resurrection. And as fast as this work How many of them were prepared to is accomplished—and it is nigh at hand, avail themselves of it at that time? Com- it is now even at our doors—there will paratively few. But he opened the door be another step made in advance; there and offered the message of life and sal- will be another mission undertaken. The vation, and having done this, His fellow next mission will be to come and prepare laborers—the Seventies, Elders and oth- the way in Zion, and in her Stakes, and ers whom He ordained to the ministry— in the temples of our God for turning the as fast as they finished their ministry in key of the resurrection of the dead, to the flesh—continued their work among bring forth those that are asleep, and to the spirits in prison. So is the Prophet exalt them among the Gods. And who Joseph Smith officiating and minister- will be first and foremost? Why, he whom ing to those spirits, and so are all His God has chosen and placed first and fore- brethren, the Apostles, who have gone in most to hold the keys of this last dispen- his wake, who have followed, as it were, sation. How long will it be? It is not in his track. They have just gone be- given to me to say the month, the day, hind the veil. Who shall we say? Let or the hour; but it is given unto me to us call to mind a few of the brethren say that that time is nigh at hand. The 34 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. time is drawing near (much nearer than the morning lasts from the first hour of scarcely any of us can now comprehend) the day until midday, and the day lasts when Joseph will be clothed upon with till night; and the rest of the dead—those immortality, when his brother Hyrum who are not prepared or counted worthy will be clothed upon with immortality, to have part in the first resurrection— when the martyrs will be raised from shall not live again until the thousand the dead, together with their faithful years are ended. In other words, the brethren who have performed a good first resurrection will have been ended, mission in the spirit world—they, too, and another period appointed for the res- will be called to assist in the work of urrection of the rest of the dead. But the glorious resurrection. The Lord Je- this "morning of the first resurrection" sus, who was the firstfruits of the dead, is nigh at hand, and blessed are those the firstfruit of them that sleep, and who, through their faithfulness, shall be who holds the keys of the resurrection, counted worthy to have part in it; for will bring to pass the resurrection of the they shall be crowned kings and priests Prophet Joseph and his brethren, and with God and the Lamb—they shall will set them to work in bringing about reign with Christ and in the midst of His the resurrection of their brethren as He people, and carry on the work of the re- has set them to work in all the other demption and resurrection of the Saints branches of the labor from the beginning. of God. And while in some parts of the And the Lord Jesus will appear and show world the Elders of Israel are preaching Himself unto His servants in His tem- the Gospel unto the heathen nations who ple in holy places, to counsel and instruct have not been ripened for destruction, and direct. He will appear in the glory but whose kings and mighty men have of His Father, in His resurrected body, perished, and whose governments have among those who can endure His pres- been broken in pieces and wasted away, ence and glory. And all this I expect long and the government of the Kingdom of before He will waste away and destroy God has been extended over them; while the wicked from off the face of the earth. this is going on in some portions of the True, we have, in our limited under- world, in other places, even in Zion and standings, perhaps imagined, many of in her Stakes and in Jerusalem, the chil- us, that this glorious resurrection was to dren of God will be engaged in the re- come upon us, and upon the whole world demption of their dead in the temples of suddenly, like the rising of the sun. But our God, and in the resurrection of those you must remember the sun does not rise that are counted worthy of so great a sal- the same hour and the same moment vation. upon all the earth. It is twenty-four Then, I say, we need not put off the hours in rising and twenty-four hours in day of the Lord so far from us. Rather setting. So with the resurrection. There let us prepare ourselves for it; for lo and is a day appointed for the resurrection of behold! He cometh quickly, and blessed the righteous. And it is sealed upon the are they who are prepared to receive heads of many that if they are faithful Him; for they shall enter into His rest and true, they shall come forth "in the and be crowned with glory, and shall morning of the first resurrection;" but labor with Him and with the Prophet PRESENT REVELATION. 35

Joseph and his brethren in bring- May God help us to continue faithful, ing to pass this great salva- in the name of Jesus. Amen. tion and redemption of our God.

PRESENT REVELATION—WORK REQUIRED OF THE PRIESTHOOD—IMPROVEMENT AMONG THE PEOPLE—MORE IMPROVEMENT NECESSARY—FAITH IN THE ORDINANCES REQUIRED—DESIGN OF GOD IN RELATION TO THE CHILDREN OF THE SAINTS.

REMARKSBY ELDER ERASTUS SNOW, DELIVEREDATTHE GENERAL CONFERENCE, FRIDAY AFTERNOON,OCTOBER 5, 1883.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am grateful for the opportunity of ments fully organized, and everything meeting in Conference once more with set in order according to the word and the Latter-day Saints, and for the health mind of the Lord; that every quorum of and strength given me to continue my the Priesthood, general and local, might labors among the people, and for this be in good working order. For it devolves same blessing of health which is en- upon the quorums of the Melchizedek joyed by my brethren. I am thank- Priesthood to carry the Gospel to the ful, too, that the Lord has raised up nations, and to gather those that ac- young men to bear off the Kingdom and cept it. This work is great, the field is help carry the burdens of the people. white, and the word of the Lord unto us, It is also a source of satisfaction that His servants, is to thrust in our sick- He has spoken and given instructions les and reap, and gather the harvest of through His servant pertaining to the the earth. And here let me say, the Seventies, to more fully organize and Lord has sent His angels to superintend set in order the quorums of the Priest- the work. The angel spoken of by John hood, the Seventies being more espe- the Revelator, has flown with the ever- cially called as assistants to the Twelve lasting Gospel to preach to those that Apostles, in the work of the ministry. dwell upon the earth; and it is given unto And it is desirable that the revelation us that we should proclaim it to all na- upon the subject should be fully carried tions, to every people under heaven, the out, the Priesthood in its various depart- 36 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. decree having gone forth that this Gospel indulge in such remarks as this, "I won- of the Kingdom should be preached to all der what he has been doing that he nations, and then the end should come. should be sent upon a mission." Such a Many years have elapsed since this spirit should not exist in the minds of message began to be communicated to Latter-day Saints, as it is entirely for- the sons of men; and we have become, eign to those who call men to the min- comparatively speaking, a great people. istry. Such a feeling is not worthy a man A little one has indeed become a thou- called to preach the Gospel of the Son of sand. We, who a few years ago were God. The qualifications of Elders that only numbered by units and tens, now are sought after, and that should recom- are numbered by thousands and tens of mend a minister of the Gospel, should thousands, yea hundreds of thousands. be an earnest desire to do good, a will- And the Priesthood is correspondingly ingness to serve, a desire to know what increasing in numbers and in ability to the Lord has for him to do, and a readi- labor, and acquiring means to carry on ness to at once engage in the under- the work of preaching the Gospel and taking, using himself and his means, if of gathering Israel. The labor before blessed with means, his talents or gifts us is not diminishing; it is extending bestowed upon him by the Lord, with an on every hand, and the Lord desires to eye single to His honor and glory. And see the Elders of Israel in their various men who are at home, ought to show quorums and organizations interested, forth these qualities in their daily lives earnest and alive to their calling, anx- and conduct, by attending their quorum ious to perform well and faithfully the meetings and their ward meetings, and duties assigned them. their general Priesthood meetings, and The Spirit of the Lord prompts from by improving every opportunity to learn time to time the calling and setting their duty, and to improve themselves apart of men to the work of the min- in their daily lives; by being prompt istry, and sending them to different por- in paying their tithing and in bring- tions of the globe. And inasmuch as ing forth their offerings for the poor, people feel earnest and anxious to do and their contributions for the build- good, to use the means that God blesses ing of Temples. It may not be those them with in doing good, in sending the who are loudest in their professions, but Gospel to the nations, and in gather- those actually pursuing this course of ing the elect of God—and as this feel- life. These are the men that will be use- ing prevails and increases among the ful on the earth, and whom the Lord will people generally—the Seventies and El- delight to own and bless in their labors ders, when they feel this spirit moving in the ministry. And it is desirable, upon them, should not wait, supinely that in the various Stakes of Zion, where rest upon their oars, but be ready to quorums are organized, that the Presi- act. And here permit me to say that dents of Stakes should encourage those that feeling which has to some extent quorums, and the presiding officers of prevailed with some in time past, that the various quorums should endeavor to when men are named, either in Confer- gather together all who have received ence, or otherwise called on missions, to the Priesthood, and see that they are PRESENT REVELATION. 37 enrolled in their respective quorums, their reports from time to time, that and encourage them to attend their quo- there is a steady improvement in the rum meetings, and there seek for the feelings of the people. This was the counsels of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit testimony of Brother David P. Kimball, that should rest upon the presiding of- this morning, when he said, that he ficers of quorums to teach the members could perceive a decided improvement in of the quorums all things pertaining to the faith of the Latter-day Saints dur- their duties, and how to become fitted ing the six years of his absence. I think for the labors whereunto God has called this is especially visible to all those who them. For all these quorums and orga- are moving and acting among the peo- nizations are so many classes for mu- ple, they being the best able to judge of tual improvement, edification and in- their true condition. This is a source struction; and the Presidents thereof of gratitude and thanksgiving to our are appointed and ordained to instruct Heavenly Father. I will not say of self- the members of their quorums in all congratulation; for although we have things in the line of their duty. And reason for thanksgiving for the mercies they should be encouraged by the Pres- and the blessings we have received, yet idents of Stakes in their Quarterly Con- there are many things still to be done, ferences to report progress and atten- very many improvements to be made, dance of members, and the progress they many weaknesses to be overcome, and are making in their qualifications. The very much yet to be done to instruct the Elders should thus be sought after; and people that they may be sanctified and according to the spirit they manifest in prepared to endure the presence of the attending to their duties and qualify- Lord, when he shall come; and to enable ing themselves for the work of the min- them to withstand the shocks of the en- istry, they should be called into the field, emy that will be directed against them. whether from the Seventies or the Elders Much remains to be done by the people or the High Priests, the High Priests, in putting away evils that still exist in however, being more especially expected our midst; and very much needs to be to take the responsibility of presiding in done in the various Wards and Stakes Branches, in Stakes, in Wards, as Pres- throughout all the settlements of the idents of Stakes, as High Councilors, as Saints by the local Priesthood. I don't Bishops, or Bishop's Counselors, as Pre- merely mean the Presidents of Stakes, siding Elders in the Conferences of the the Bishops, the High Councilors, and churches abroad. And the time is not the lesser Priesthood appointed to assist far distant when the Elders of Israel the Bishops—however important their will be required to turn their attention labors may be and however necessary it and labors among the branches of the may be that they should be alive and house of Israel; and especially among the active; but they should also have the remnants of Joseph, upon this American support of all High Priests, Seventies Continent. and Elders in their Wards. And ev- I am pleased to be able to tes- ery officer of the Priesthood should be tify, from my travels among the peo- alive and awake to see what good he ple, in attending Stake Conferences might do, wherever and whenever the and Priesthood meetings, and hearing 38 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. opportunity exists of doing good—in his Almighty God. And if our faith is so own home and family first, watching weak that we have to resort to medi- over his own children, laboring to unite cal aid, let us do it trusting and rely- the hearts and feelings of his wife or ing upon God, seeking unto those who wives and children, that peace may dwell have faith, and who have confidence in in his own habitation, and the wisdom God, and who do what they do unto the and knowledge of God grow and increase Lord, righteously, justly and honorably, among his own household; and to see seeking for the light of the Holy Ghost that his children do not grow up idlers, to help them in their profession. These but are trained to be industrious, and will be far more likely to succeed and taught to reach out after truth, that their do good; but the other class are not to spirits may not be unfruitful, and that be relied upon, for all doctors have not they may be taught in the fear of the faith any more than all lawyers or other Lord, and to worship Him, and to call men. But the sound, intelligent philoso- upon Him, and to have faith in Him, pher or Surgeon has respect for God and so that when sickness assails them that His works, which are made manifest in they may not first resort to the doctor, all nature and in nothing more than the or desire to put their trust in medical human frame, which is after the image men to heal them, for the Lord has com- of God himself—fearfully and wonder- manded His people that when any are fully made—and those who understand sick among them, they shall call for the it best, respect, as a rule, the Maker, and Elders of the Church, who shall pray acknowledge His wisdom as being supe- over them, and lay their hands upon rior to that of man, for there is noth- them, and anoint them with oil in the ing ever devised by man that is equal name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith to his own organization in perfection and shall save the sick. This was the ex- beauty, or in strength and durability. hortation of the Apostle James to the Let us remember and ponder upon former-day Saints, and it has been re- these counsels, and cleave to the Priest- peated to the Latter-day Saints. The hood and have confidence in it; and let revelations given unto us on this sub- the Elders administer to the sick in faith, ject are to the effect that "they who have and let them rebuke disease when the faith to be healed, shall be healed; the Spirit prompts them, and it will be re- deaf who have faith to hear shall hear; buked, and the sick will be healed by the lame who have faith to walk shall the power of God. Every Elder in Is- walk, etc. And they who have not faith rael should so live before the Lord as to do these things, but believe in me, to have confidence in Him to do this. I will have compassion upon them, and And let the Presidents of Stakes and the bear their infirmities, and they shall be Bishops and the leading influential men nursed with herbs and mild food, and encourage faith among the people, de- that not by the hand of an enemy." pending upon God and the ordinances These things are for you, my of His house rather than trusting in brethren and sisters, and for your man. And while they seek for wisdom families, and all who are willing to nurse the sick in a manner calcu- to receive the word and counsels of lated to do them good, let them learn too, SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OF THE WORLD. 39 that herb medicine, unless administered His paths, and of eschewing those per- in wisdom and intelligence, is liable to nicious habits which are wasting away injure the patient instead of benefit- the life of our nation, and that are gradu- ing him. And let the Elders lay aside ally undermining society and destroying strong drinks and tobacco, and discon- the human race. It is the design of the tinue the practice of everything having Almighty to raise up in these mountains a tendency to injure the system, and a hardy and a healthy people, a people set examples before our sons and daugh- who shall live according to the laws of ters that is worthy of imitation. If par- heaven that govern them, in whom shall ents will pursue this course they will be found the elements of faith and power; command the respect of their children; and it becomes our duty to shape our and when the time comes for them to lives accordingly. And that God may help go down to their graves, their children us to do so, and to accomplish all that is will point to them in affection and pride required of us, is my earnest desire and as being the chief means, under God, of prayer. Amen. their learning His ways and walking in

SINCERITY ALONE NOT SUFFICIENT—THE GATHERING FORETOLD—INSPIRED WRITINGS NOT ALL CONTAINED IN THE BIBLE—PROVINCE OF THE HOLY GHOST—THE REFORMERS—CONFUSION OF SECTS—APOSTATE CONDITION OF THE WORLD FORETOLD—HOW THE APOSTLES WERE SENT OUT—AUTHORITY REQUIRED—WHAT THE SAINTS SHOULD DO—OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL, ANCIENT AND MODERN—TESTIMONY.

DISCOURSEBY ELDER CHARLES W. PENROSE, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,MAY 20, 1883.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am called upon this afternoon Tabernacle, that I may be inspired to quite unexpectedly to me, to address say something which will be profitable to this congregation, and I earnestly hear, and that all who listen to my words pray that the spirit of the living may be able to understand them in the God may rest down upon me and spirit by which they are spoken. upon all who are gathered in this 40 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

We have assembled here today to by men who lived in ancient times, and worship God our Heavenly Father, in the who were inspired of God. Those books name of Jesus Christ His Son, under the do not contain all that was written by influence and power of the Holy Spirit. the servants of God in ancient times, but In order that our worship may be ac- only a few of the writings given to the ceptable to God, it must be done in the children of men by inspiration. This book name of Jesus, and it must be done un- contains a great deal of truth and some der the influence of His Spirit; for "God few errors, but the errors are the inter- is a Spirit, and they that worship him polations or the mistranslations of men. must worship him in spirit and in truth." The doctrines which the Bible contains We must be sincere in our worship; we are true, and they are in sufficient plain- must be sincere in all that we do in order ness to be correctly understood, if the that it may be acceptable to God. But people who read what it contains are in- sincerity alone is not sufficient. We have fluenced by the same spirit or inspired to worship Him in truth as well as in by the same spirit as the men who wrote spirit, and we must worship Him also in those things. But without that spirit the the way that He has appointed, not in people of the earth are not able fully to our way. God does not accept the ways of comprehend that which is written. We man unless those ways are in accordance read in that book that "the letter killeth." with His ways. And we have come here It is the spirit that giveth life, and it is that we may learn the ways of God, and also the spirit that giveth light. With- then walk in His path. This is in accor- out the Spirit of God as the revealing in- dance with the ancient prophets. They fluence from on high, mankind are un- declared that in the last days, people able to comprehend the things of God. should come from all nations unto "the As we are unable this afternoon to see tops of the mountains" for this very pur- anything of a physical nature without pose, that they might learn of His ways that natural light which comes from the and walk in His paths. The reason why sun, so without the light that comes from we have had to do this is because the the Son of Righteousness, we are unable ways of our fathers, in their worship and to see the things of God. The prophets in their service towards God, have been who wrote the things contained in the only in accordance with their private no- Old Testament, and the Apostles of Je- tions, their ideas of what is right. sus Christ, who wrote the epistles, and There has been no voice from heaven other writings contained in the New Tes- heard among the children of men on tament, were blessed with the gift that this earth for a great many centuries. is called in the Scriptures the gift of the People have not been guided by the Holy Ghost. This was not merely an in- revelations of the Almighty, but by fluence which made them feel good; that the wisdom of man, or, as we think, exalted their spiritual natures so as to the folly of man. It is true that make them happy, contented and peace- the people called "Christians," have ful; but it was a manifestation of the had the book called the Bible. The power that comes from God. As the light Old Testament and the New Testa- that comes from the sun reveals through ment contain books which were written our natural eyes those objects which SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OF THE WORLD. 41 we see around us, so the Holy Ghost com- of God, who were inspired by Him in an- ing from God opens up and makes clear cient times; but they have had no rev- and plain the things of eternity, those elation for themselves. They can read things that are called spiritual, although what Isaiah said, or Jeremiah, or Pe- they are all spiritual to our Heavenly ter, or Paul, or Luke, or other writ- Father. The things which we call nat- ers of the Old or New Testament; but ural and temporal are spiritual to Him, they have had no personal revelation. because He sees the essence of things, The light which they have obtained is He comprehends them in their internal a borrowed light, like the light of the nature. All the elements of all things moon. They have been in a sort of moon- that exist are eternal, and "the things light or twinkling starlight. There have that are spiritual are eternal," and there- been a great many preachers who have fore it is all spiritual to God. We at the claimed to be the servants of God, min- present time are creatures of time, and istering among the people in Christen- we see things that change. We do not dom; some in the ancient church called comprehend their eternal nature. We do the Church of Rome, some in the Epis- not comprehend their essence. We only copal Church, some in the Methodist see that which is on the surface, on the Church, others in the Baptist Church, outside. But God looks into the inter- and so on through all the various denom- nal nature of things as well as of men, inations that compose modern Christen- and comprehends them. And the ele- dom. No doubt many of them were good ments, both of that which is called nat- men, men who strove to the best of their ural and that which is spiritual, are all ability, and the best of their knowledge eternal, without beginning and without to enlighten the minds of their fellow end. They are manipulated and changed men. Some of them, perhaps, were mere and worked over, but they have no be- hirelings, "preaching for hire, and di- ginning in their essence, and they can- vining for money;" but others were sin- not have. No atom in nature can be de- cere in their hearts, sincere in their wor- stroyed. It never commenced to be; it will ship, sincere in the religion which they never cease to be. God looks upon things taught to others. But they had not a as they are, in their eternal nature, and knowledge of the truth. They had a faith therefore they are all eternal or spiritual of some kind. They believed in certain to Him. But speaking after the manner principles. They believed in the things of men we call things temporal and spiri- which they read in the Bible so far as tual, natural and supernatural; yet after they could comprehend them, but they all when we come to comprehend them had no positive knowledge in regard to as they are, they are all material and all the things which they believed in and spiritual. which they taught. The men who were The inhabitants of the earth, as called the Reformers, who came out from I have remarked, have been without the Church of Rome, and introduced a any direct communication from God, little more truth than the people previ- and therefore they have been mea- ously had, and reformed several errors surably in the dark. They have that were existing—were, some of them, been able to read some of the books most excellent men, and they performed which were written by the servants 42 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. a great and a good work in the earth. over the minds of the children of men. But they were not called of God in the Though many have worshipped in sin- way that His servants were called in an- cerity, they have not worshipped in cient times who wrote the things con- truth, because they did not fully com- tained in the Bible, neither were they en- prehend the way of truth. When they dowed with the Holy Ghost, which those read the Scriptures, they only partially men enjoyed. They nevertheless did a comprehended them, and they differed grand work in the earth, and for that among themselves as to the meaning they will receive their reward, no doubt; of those things which they read. Thus for no man who ever lived on the earth sect has multiplied upon sect, denomina- whether in a Christian nation or among tion upon denomination. And in what is the heathen or pagan world, ever did a called Christendom, people are in confu- good thing but he was the better for it, sion, not comprehending alike, not see- and will receive his reward for it, and ing the truth as it is; for if they could no man ever did willfully a wicked thing, all see the truth properly, they would see that which he knew and felt to be wrong, alike; if they all comprehended the truth without being the worse for it, and for correctly, they would be of one heart and that he must give an account in the great one mind so far as they comprehended. day when the secrets of the hearts of all But the very fact that those divisions mankind shall be made manifest, Chris- exist, proves that there is darkness in tian and heathen, those in the ancient the world. If the light of God was re- times and those in the latter times. All vealed to six men in the same degree, who ever dwelt in the earth in the flesh they would comprehend the principles must appear before the bar of God, and presented before them, the principles of be judged for the deeds done in the body, the Gospel, exactly in the same way; and whether they be good or evil, and they if six men can be united in comprehend- will receive a reward for the good that ing truth exactly alike, six millions or they did, and a punishment for the evil any number of men can be united so as that they did, especially and particularly to see and comprehend the truth exactly if they did evil knowingly, if they sinned in the same way, and this was the ef- willfully, sinned against light and knowl- fect of the Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, edge. the Comforter, the Revealer, the spirit A great many of those persons that of life and light, which God gave to His I have referred to among those reform- people in the ancient Christian Church ers and others who worked on the earth, when the Gospel came to them. They as they sought for righteousness and were all divided when Jesus Christ came for the Lord, have labored in sincer- into the world. There was a similar di- ity, but not always in truth. A great versity of opinions and faith in regard many errors have prevailed in the world to God and His ways, to what there is since the time when the Apostles were now, only not to so great an extent. Je- put to death, when the lights that God sus came and showed the right way. He placed in the world were put out by was "the way, the truth, and the life." the hand of wickedness; since the ser- He came to reveal His Father's will. He vants of God were destroyed in the made plain the way of life and truth, flesh, a great many errors have crept into the world, and darkness has spread SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OF THE WORLD. 43 that all who desired might be able to know whether there is a God or not; they walk therein—in the same way and un- are not satisfied in their minds. "I do not der the same light, that they might see know," seems to be the sentiment of the eye to eye and be no more divided. It great bulk of intelligent people nowadays was thus with the people called Phar- in regard to divine things. isees or Sadducees, or with those who belonged to any sect that existed among Well, as I said in the beginning of my the Jews, or with those who lived among remarks, we have met here today to wor- the Greeks, and had adopted the Gre- ship God in His way—not our way, that cian system of philosophy, or with peo- is, not the way we have made, not the ple who lived in any other part of the way that any man has made, but accord- world, and believed in any other kind ing to the plan and pattern revealed from of religion—when they came into the heaven by Almighty God, in our day and Christian church they were no longer time. If God manifested himself in an- divided in their opinions and in their cient times, why should He not manifest faith, but they were all brought to see Himself in latter times? If God spoke alike; they were "all baptized by one to the world by the power of the Holy Spirit, into one body, whether Jew or Ghost, through chosen men in former Gentile, bond or free." They no longer ages of the world, why not in this age? If worshipped different Gods, or the same angels came down from heaven and min- God in different ways, but they wor- istered to persons upon the earth in any shipped alike. They had "One Lord, one period of this world's history, why not in faith, one baptism, and one hope of their the latter times? Are God's lips closed calling." But when darkness came into that He cannot speak? Are the heav- the world again; when the guides that ens sealed up and become like brass, God had placed among humanity were that no man can break through, and no rejected and thrust out, and the Holy heavenly being come to this little world Ghost was withdrawn, and men were left and make manifest the things of eter- to themselves, then they began to divide nity? Has the Holy Ghost changed in its up, each man going his own way, accord- power and influence and revealing qual- ing to his notion. Preachers have mul- ities? Or are the children of men in tiplied, sects have multiplied, and doc- such a condition that they are not will- trines have multiplied. And here we are ing to receive the Lord and His ways and in the latter times, in the nineteenth His works and His light? Has God pur- century, when the people boast so much posely departed from the earth, or have about Gospel light as well as scientific the people of the earth departed from light, here we are in the nineteenth cen- God? We read here in the book of Isa- tury, and the people are groping like iah about a time that should come when blind men for the wall. They do not know "darkness would cover the earth, and God, and some do not care anything gross darkness the people." We read of about Him. Some deny His existence, a time when God would come out from and a great many more stand in a posi- His hiding place in judgment upon the tion of doubt and uncertainty. Very few inhabitants of the earth in the latter squarely deny the existence of a God; but days, and it should be "as with the people there are a great many people who do not so with the priest; as with the servant, 44 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. so with the master; as with the maid, and sages and poets and preachers and so with her mistress; as with the buyer, mighty men of intellect are all wrong; so with the seller; as with the lender, that is all right; you can say that. Many so with the borrower; as with the taker Christian people do say this, and are not of usury, so with the giver of usury to shocked in their feelings a bit; but to him. The land shall be utterly emp- say that the Christians of this genera- tied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord tion are out of the way sounds terrible has spoken this word." What for? "Be- in their ears. Nevertheless I will make cause they have transgressed the laws, bold to say that this is the fact; that the changed the ordinance, broken the ev- whole earth has gone astray. I will go no erlasting covenant. Therefore hath the further than they say themselves: "We curse devoured the earth, and they that have left undone those things that we dwell therein are desolate." Now, it looks ought to have done, and have done those to me a great deal more reasonable things that we ought not to have done, to think that the people of the earth and there is no help in us. O Lord have have departed from God, and gone out mercy upon us, miserable sinners." Well, of His way, and made ways of their that is just exactly what they are. Now, I own; that they have "heaped to them- do not boast that we are any better than selves teachers, having itching ears; And they are. I am merely taking them as have turned away their ears from the the Lord will take a great many of them: truth, and have turned unto fables;" "Out of thine own mouth will I judge that they have become "lovers of plea- thee." They tell the Lord, "All we like sure more than lovers of God;" and sheep have gone astray; we have turned that they have a form of godliness, but every one to his own way." That is what lack the power thereof, than that God is the matter with the Christian world. has forsaken them, without any acts They are not walking in the Lord's way. of their own. Now, I know that this They are walking in the ways that men sounds very harsh in Christian ears. have invented. It sounds very disagreeable to the peo- ple who compose Christendom, to say Any student of the Scriptures who is that they have gone out of the way— willing to receive truth when it is pre- those good, pious-appearing people, who sented before him, can see by perus- express such beautiful sentiments, and ing the sacred books of the Old and the have such religious emotions and such New Testaments, that the condition of lofty feelings, and many of whom are sin- the world at the present time was an- cere in their hearts—to say that they ticipated by the ancient prophets and have gone out of the way and that they apostles. They all saw that the time are in the dark. It is all right to say that would come when the people would turn millions upon millions of the heathen na- away from the truth; when they would tions for hundreds and hundreds of years walk in their own ways; when they have been in the dark, and that they are would build up churches to themselves; in the dark today, that they are away when they would hire men to preach to from God, that the light of the glorious them things which were wise and good Gospel of Jesus Christ does not shine in their own eyes; they would not be into their souls, that their philosophers very anxious to find out the will of God, SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OF THE WORLD. 45 or that He might declare it to them, but but they were to go forth with the living would have preachers to teach them doc- word of God, they were to go and teach trines which seemed good to their "itch- that which Christ had taught them, and ing ears." which He did not teach of Himself. And A student of the Scriptures will also even then He told them to tarry in find that in every age of the world when Jerusalem until they were endowed with there was a people dwelling on the earth power from on high. They waited. And whom God acknowledged as His people, on the day of Pentecost, we read, they He required them to do all things as came together "with one accord in one He commanded them; not as they might place." They were of one heart, of one choose, but as He commanded. When mind, and of one spirit, and then the Jesus Christ came He did not come to Holy Ghost was manifested to them, in do His own will, or to preach His own visible form, in cloven tongues as of fire. doctrine. Said He: "My doctrine is not They were all filled with that spirit, and mine, but his that sent me. If any man they spoke with other tongues as the will do his will, he shall know of the doc- Spirit gave them utterance, and from trine, whether it be of God, or whether I that time, having been ordained by Je- speak of myself." Jesus did nothing and sus Christ, when He was upon the earth, said nothing but that which He had been they were able to go out and preach commanded to do and say. He taught the Gospel to the nations of the earth. no doctrine of Himself. And He declared On that day (Pentecost) Peter preached that when He should go away, the Com- that great gospel sermon which we read forter would come in His place. What about in the second chapter of the Acts would He do? "He will guide you into all of the Apostles. He did not teach the truth: for he shall not speak of himself; people anything in regard to his opin- but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall ion. He told the people that which he he speak: and he will shew you things knew, that which had been made man- to come." When the Apostles who were ifest to him, that which he understood, called of Jesus Christ, went out to preach and he did it under the influence and the Gospel in His name, they did not power of the Holy Ghost, the same spirit go to preach their own views and opin- which rested upon the ancient prophets, ions and notions, nor to administer or- the same spirit by which Jesus spoke, dinances that they thought were proper which was given to him not by measure, and adapted to the people in different but in a fullness. nations, but they went out with the word No man has a right to preach in of the Lord; they went out to teach that the name of the Lord, unless he is en- which had been commanded. Said Je- dowed as were those Apostles, unless sus Christ: "Go ye therefore, and teach the Lord has committed to him a dis- all nations, baptizing them in the name pensation of the Gospel; and if any of the Father, and of the Son, and of man does so he does it upon his own the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to ob- responsibility. Unless he is so-called serve all things whatsoever I have com- and endowed, all his administrations, manded you." They were not to preach whether it be baptism, confirmation, or with the enticing words of man's wisdom, any other rite which he may adminis- nor proclaim their notions about things, ter in the name of deity, are null and 46 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. void and of non-effect in the heavens. the opinions of others, or what other peo- When God calls men to officiate, what ple may do or try to do. The business of they do on earth in His name in the way our lives is to try and find out the will He has appointed, by His authority, is as of our Heavenly Father and perform it. valid as if He performed it himself in per- This we can do. There is no need to be son; what they "seal on earth is sealed in doubt as to what it is. There is no in the heavens;" and what they "loose on need to depend upon any man—Joseph earth is loosed in the heavens." But when Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Pe- men administer the ordinances without ter, Paul, Isaiah, or anybody else. Every authority, without inspiration, without man that lives, and every woman that being called and appointed and ordained breathes the breath of life has a right to specially for that work, all their minis- know in his or her own heart, whether a trations are vain and valueless. If they thing is right and true or not, and those baptize a person that baptism is void. who do not strive to obtain this knowl- The baptism of infants is void. It never edge are derelict. "He that doeth the will was ordained of God, it never was au- of the Father shall know of the doctrine." thorized of Him, but is one of the va- Our business is then to find out what the garies of men, one of man's inventions. Lord's will is, to guide us in our every- But even baptism administered as the day life, not only to make us feel good, to ancient Apostles administered it, and as exalt our spiritual nature, our emotions, Jesus Christ taught it, and according to our sentiments, our thoughts, not only the pattern which He Himself set in His that, but to guide us in our daily lives, own baptism, if administered by men so that all our acts may be squared ac- who have not been called and ordained cording to the rule of right, that we may and endowed with the power and right to do that which is pleasing to our Heav- do it, is utterly void, and is of no more ac- enly Father, that we may learn to live count than a bath. And it is the absence so as not merely to do our own will, but of this authority and the absence of this to do the will of Him that has sent us endowment, the absence of this divine here on the earth, and who has enlight- spirit which reveals the things of God, ened our minds in regard to the truth. and makes them plain to the children of We need not walk in the dark. It is our men, which have caused all this confu- privilege to walk in the light. We have sion that exists in the Christian world, come out from the darkness, we have as well as in the heathen world. come out from confusion, we have come out from Babylon into the light and the Well, we have met here this after- liberty and the certainty of the everlast- noon, and we have gathered here in ing Gospel. We have come out from the these mountain valleys that we might creeds of men; we have come out from learn God's ways, and then carry them the ways of men; we have come out from out in our lives, for ours is a practical re- the nations and kingdoms of the earth; ligion. We not only learn but we practice. we have come up into these mountain If we are Latter-day Saints, we come to valleys, that we may find out truth day learn what is right and then do it with by day and year by year, that we may all our might, fearless and regardless of get closer and closer to our God, that SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OF THE WORLD. 47 we may learn the ways of truth, and to that which God reveals. The very walk in them more perfectly, until the essence of "Mormonism" is to find out veil shall be entirely taken away, and we what the Lord wants, and then to do it, shall see and comprehend the things of and to do it regardless of anybody living eternity as plainly as with our natural upon the face of the earth, regardless of eyes as we can behold each other and what the world may do to try and pre- the things of time. It is our privilege vent us. And the people here are most to come near unto our Father, to drink of them of the same mind. They have of those streams that flow from the eter- come out from the various sects and have nal fountain, to have the Holy Ghost in all been baptized into one spirit, into one our hearts every day, springing up "like body. The same Holy Ghost has rested a well of water unto everlasting life." It is down upon them as rested down upon our privilege to walk in the light contin- the Saints in ancient times, and has pro- ually, and have the Holy Ghost to be our duced the very same results. For the constant companion, directing our ways, Holy Ghost has not changed, God has not not only our actions and our doings, but changed, the truth has not changed, and our feelings and our thoughts and our the Lord is just as willing today as He sentiments, that we may become purer was in the first years of the Christian and holier, day by day, until we are sanc- era to reveal himself to those who desire tified and made clean and white and fit to learn of Him, and the Holy Ghost is to go back into the presence of our Heav- just as much a revealer today as it was enly Father. in the olden times when the Prophets This is our business here in Utah— wrote and spoke under its influence. The to learn the Lord's ways, to walk in truth is just the same, but the people the Lord's paths, to be devoted to Him; have gone astray from the Lord's ways, not only to be baptized by water into corrupted themselves before Him, filled His Church, but baptized by the Holy the earth with abominations and iniq- Ghost, that we may be brought into a uity, and their eyes are so closed to that oneness with our Father, brought into which is true and pure, that when the communion with Him, that the voice of truth is revealed from heaven, it is ac- the eternal Spirit may whisper peace counted a strange thing, and they not to our souls, and point out the way only turn away from it, but they are filled that we shall go, and enable us to bear with hatred towards those who have re- testimony of the truths made manifest ceived the truth and desire to walk in it. from the Lord through His inspired ser- vants as He reveals His will. Some people think that we have come here It always was so from the beginning. to gratify every lust and every passion When Abel would worship God in the and every base desire that is common way appointed, Cain, who wanted to go to poor fallen humanity. Never was his own way, offered what he pleased, a greater mistake made. This is not what he thought would do, and he was how I have learned what is commonly filled with anger towards Abel, because called "Mormonism." I have learned that his offering was accepted. Abel offered it is a holy thing, a sacred thing; what God commanded, the firstlings that it requires self-abnegation, not to of the flock. Cain offered the fruits men, but to truth, to righteousness, of the ground. God had commanded 48 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. a lamb without blemish and without generation, some of the learned divines. spot, to be offered as an emblem of the But the idea of God's speaking to this coming Redeemer, who, in the merid- youth!" And they were filled with anger. ian of time should come as "the Lamb The preachers and ministers of the day slain from before the foundation of the were filled with hatred and wrath to- world," and offer his life and pour out his wards him, and towards all those who blood for the remission of sins. Cain of- received his testimony, and the Saints fered what he pleased, and when Abel's were driven from place to place, from offering was accepted, Cain was filled city to city, from State to State, un- with anger. The spirit of Satan en- til finally his blood was shed. What tered into him—which is the spirit of de- for? Because he committed crime? No; struction, the spirit of murder—and he their own confession proved to the con- arose and slew his brother. Now, though trary, for they said, "the law cannot persecutors in these times do not real- touch him, but powder and ball shall." ize it themselves, they are filled with The same spirit that put Jesus Christ the same spirit towards the servants of to death; the same spirit that put those God. When Joseph Smith, called of God holy men to death about whom I have to be a prophet in this latter time, to spoken, who had "the burden of the usher in the great last dispensation of word of the Lord," and came not to de- God's mercy to man, to bring forth the clare their own opinions, but the word ancient Gospel as taught by Jesus and of God Almighty to the inhabitants of His Apostles, to reveal again the ancient the earth; the spirit that put them to Priesthood and authority thereof, to lay death, put Joseph Smith to death, and the foundation of the Latter-day king- that is the spirit that burns in the hearts dom, to prepare the way for the com- of the so-called pious "Christian" minis- ing of the Son of Man; when he came ters against the Latter-day Saints. They as a boy, an unlettered youth, bearing meet together in their convocations and the glad tidings of great joy that com- conferences and assemblies, and pass munication between the heavens and the resolutions about a people of whose doc- earth so long lost, had been restored, trines and practices and lives they are that the light from the eternal Sun of in perfect ignorance. They do not know Righteousness had again streamed down the motives which prompt us. They do to lighten up and dispel the darkness of not know the principles which actuate the world—how was he received? Why, us. They know nothing about the work men would not listen to his teaching. God Almighty has called us to do, for They would not compare the doctrines which we have left our homes in distant he taught with the scriptures which they lands, and come to these valleys. But professed to believe. They hooted at the they are inspired by the same spirit of very idea of present revelation from God. wickedness and destruction which filled They said: "Even supposing it possible the hearts of men who slew the servants that in this enlightened age one could re- of God in former times. They do not ceive revelation, was God going to speak want to try and convert these Latter-day to an illiterate boy? Would He not choose Saints. Oh, no. What do they want to do? some of the great and wise men of this One enlightened minister of the Gospel SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OF THE WORLD. 49 who came out here and stayed about desire the destruction, not the conver- twenty-four hours, and like a great many sion, of the Latter-day Saints. other people went back professing to Well, my brethren and sisters and know all about "Mormonism;" although friends, I take great pleasure in bear- perhaps he never spoke to a "Mormon" ing testimony this afternoon in this pub- while here—got up in the pulpit and lic congregation before the heavens, be- preached the gospel of the bayonet and fore Almighty God, who shall judge the cannon as a means of solving the "Mor- world, before Jesus Christ, the Media- mon problem!" He said he would solve tor of the new covenant, before the an- the problem in a short time. He would gels of heaven who can hear and wit- gather all the Latter-day Saints into this ness my words, that in these last days great Tabernacle, and then turn the ar- our Heavenly Father has revealed the tillery of the United States upon them! ancient Gospel anew, by His own voice That was a minister of the orthodox from heaven and by heavenly messen- gospel. I do not say they are all like him; gers sent down from on high; that the au- God forbid that I should. But the same thority which the ancient prophets and spirit is working in their hearts and in apostles held in ancient times has been the hearts of a great many men, and they restored, and men hold it now; that the do not know it. same Holy Ghost by which the ancient prophets spoke and wrote the word of the Lord is given to the people called It may be said of them as Jesus said Latter-day Saints—not only to the lead- in regard to His disciples on a certain ers of the Church who are placed in au- occasion. Because some people did not thority to direct and manage and gov- do exactly as they wanted, they asked: ern the affairs of the Church of Christ "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire upon the earth, but the body of the peo- to come down from heaven, and consume ple. The spirit that is in the head of the them, even as Elias did?" The Savior, we Church is in the body, and runs to ev- are told, rebuked them and said: "Ye ery extremity, enlightening it, filling it know not what manner of spirit ye are with life and with vigor. And it brings of. For the Son of man is not come to de- forth the same fruits, which are love, joy, stroy men's lives, but to save them." That peace, patience, long-suffering, brotherly is the spirit of the Gospel, the spirit of kindness and charity, and the light of salvation. Well, those people who seek God bears witness to these things. And the destruction of the Latter-day Saints not only have we these gifts, but there do not know what spirit they are of. They are other gifts in our midst, the same are in the dark in regard to the things of as were manifested in olden times, such God. They have not been guided by the as the gift of tongues, interpretation of gift and power of the Holy Ghost. Many tongues, visions and dreams, the gift of of them have administered in the name prophecy, the discerning of spirits, the of the Father and of the Son and of the healing of the sick—those who have faith Holy Ghost, without the slightest ves- to be healed—and every gift and every tige of authority. They have done it upon power and every blessing which were the their own authority; and they are filled result of the reception of the Holy Ghost with the spirit of the evil one, and they in ancient times, are enjoyed in the 50 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day them and administer in behalf of the liv- Saints. I bear this testimony with words ing and the dead, and God will commune of truth and soberness, before God and with His servants therein. They will all men. I know this is God's work, and learn more of His ways and walk in His I know it will prevail. I know it will not paths; they will purge out all iniquity in be left to another people. I know it will their midst; they will cut off the evil doer remain, and every power and every in- by severing him or her from the Church; fluence that rises against it, to destroy the spirit of judgment will come to Zion, it, will itself perish and be destroyed, and the wicked and ungodly and the hyp- and every arm that is lifted against this ocrite will flee away; and God will break work will, in the due time of the Lord, every yoke, and remove every bond, and be palsied and withered, for it is the Israel shall be free. And the Zion of our work of the great God, and it will stand God shall arise and shine, and the glory forever. The servants of the Lord in thereof shall stream forth to the utter- this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- most parts of the earth, and God will day Saints, in spite of all attacks and break down every nation, kingdom and schemes and efforts to stop them, will government of the earth which refuses to go out to every nation, kindred, tongue hearken to his voice, until the kingdoms and people, and preach the Gospel of of this world shall become the kingdom the kingdom as a witness before the end of our God and His Christ, and He shall shall come, and they will gather the reign from pole to pole and from shore to elect of God from the four winds and shore. bring them to Zion. And these Tem- ples which we are laboring upon will be May God add His blessing to this tes- erected, and the people of God will enter timony, through Jesus Christ. Amen. ANCIENT PROPHETS YOUNG MEN. 51

DESIRABLE CONDITION OF THE SAINTS—CHARACTERISTICS OF PROPHETS—THE GOVERNING POWER OF GOD IN HUMAN AFFAIRS—MAN'S INGRATITUDE TOWARD GOD—THE ENLIGHTENING POWER OF GOD'S SPIRIT—MAN'S ORIGIN, PROBATION AND DESTINY—A BASE CONCEPTION OF THE OBJECT OF LIFE—THE SAVIOR'S NOBLE EXAMPLE—THE SOURCE OF TRUE HAPPINESS—GREAT TRUTHS REVEALED THROUGH JOSEPH SMITH—ETERNAL ASSOCIATIONS AND DESTINY OF THE SAINTS—HOW TO ATTAIN TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE THINGS OF ETERNITY.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,FEBRUARY 17, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I trust that the Spirit of the Lord was similar to that entertained by most may direct what I may say. It is some- of the civilized world today, and yet I time since I stood before a congregation do not think that there is any ground in this building; my labors have been di- or reason for such opinions respecting rected in a great measure in other set- the character of men who have been in- tlements where I have enjoyed seasons spired of God. While he was speak- of pleasure and profit, witnessing a good ing upon this subject, my mind reverted spirit and a lively feeling among the to some of the ancient Prophets whose Latter-day Saints wherever it has been words have been handed down to us as my privilege to meet with them. I be- words of inspiration, and so far as my lieve that the same good spirit prevails mind can recall, all those eminent men of among the Latter-day Saints in this City ancient days were, I believe, young men and throughout this Stake of Zion, and when they were called to their respec- that there is generally a feeling of con- tive positions. From the first man Adam, fidence and faith in the hearts of the down to the latest inspired man of God of Saints in the work of the Lord, and in which we have any account in the Scrip- His servants. This is gratifying, when tures, they were all chosen, so far as my we realize the importance of our being knowledge goes, when they were in their united, and of our faith being centered youth. Abraham became an inspired in the Lord, and in the great work God man when very young. He was called has begun in the earth in these last days. to be a Prophet and Patriarch in his Without unity and confidence no faithful youth. His sons Isaac and Jacob, were Latter-day Saint can be truly happy. not at all old men when the prophetic Brother Abraham Hatch has dwelt inspiration fell upon them. And when upon the idea he had when a boy, we come down to later times we find in relation to the characteristics of a that the Prophet Samuel was chosen and Prophet. I presume that his idea 52 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. dedicated unto the Lord in his child- all ages of the world to perform certain hood. He was a Prophet from his youth works, or accomplish certain missions; up. David was a youth, Daniel was a they having been inspired for that work youth, Isaiah was a youth, and so far and mission from their infancy, and it as I recall to mind, the Prophets were may be even before they were born into all young men when they were called to the world. No doubt all the prominent the work that they had to perform. Je- men who have figured in any dispensa- sus himself, the greatest of all Prophets, tion of the Gospel since the days of our only attained His thirty-third year when father, Adam, until the present, were in- He was offered as a sacrifice upon the spired of the Almighty from their child- cross. Most of the Apostles who were hood, and were chosen and selected even chosen by our Savior were young men, from or before their birth. God has His and those who have been chosen in this eye upon the world; He overrules and dispensation were all of them, in the be- controls all things, notwithstanding He ginning, young men, some of them al- is shut out from the councils of men by most beardless, much less having flow- their unbelief. His authority is not ad- ing beards, grey and bald, wrinkled and mitted by the world. The children of men old, as we see the prophets and patri- ignore His right to govern and control, to archs pictured by modern artists, repre- dictate or to counsel in the earth. Never- senting the modern conception of them. theless, He governs and controls the na- President Taylor himself, when he was tions of the earth and individuals, and called to the apostleship—which is a all things are subject to His power. I do prophetic calling—was only a young man not mean that all mankind are obedient about thirty years of age, and there were to His will; I do not mean that they are many younger than he, and all the way willing to acknowledge Him, or that they down to the present time nearly every know Him. I am rather inclined to the man called to the prophetic calling has opinion that they are ignorant entirely been called in his youth, grown up un- of Him and of His power, and that they der the inspiration of the Almighty, and do not conceive it possible that He gov- has developed under the influence and erns and controls the affairs of the na- power of the Spirit of the living God. tions of the earth. Nevertheless, He does There is, I think, good reason for this. so, and while "man proposes, God dis- The young mind is much more plastic, poses;" while the leaders of the nations much more susceptible of impressions of the earth plan and scheme, and seek to and of influence than the older mind. govern according to their ideas, yet God A youth can be conformed, so to speak, Almighty overrules their acts and brings in his ideas, thoughts and feelings, to forth results which, in accordance with the will and requirements of heaven, His wisdom, are designed to hasten and much easier than in old age. Neverthe- ultimately consummate His grand and less, I believe that God is able to in- glorious purposes in the earth. And I spire any man who is good, faithful, pure believe that one of the greatest sins of and righteous in his desires; God de- which the inhabitants of the earth are lights in the willing mind and in those guilty today, is the sin of ingratitude, who keep His laws and commandments. the want of acknowledgment, on their Men have been raised up in almost ANCIENT PROPHETS YOUNG MEN. 53 part, of God, and His right to govern and nacles. We live and move and have our control. We see a man raised up with being in God our Heavenly Father. And extraordinary gifts, or with great intel- having sprung from Him with our tal- ligence, and he is instrumental in devel- ents, our ability, our wisdom, we should oping some great principle. He and the at least be willing to acknowledge His world ascribe his great genius and wis- hand in all the prosperity that may at- dom to himself. He attributes his suc- tend us in life, and give to Him the cess to his own energies, labor and men- honor and glory of all we accomplish in tal capacity. He does not acknowledge the flesh. We are particularly depen- the hand of God in anything connected dent upon the Almighty for everything with his success, but ignores Him alto- we possess of a worldly character. There gether, and takes the honor to himself; is not a man on the earth possessed of this will apply to almost all the world. the wisdom or power of himself to cause In all the great modern discoveries in even a spear of grass to grow, or to pro- science, in the arts, in mechanism, and duce a kernel of wheat or of corn, or any in all the material advancement of the fruit, vegetable, or any material what- age, the world say: "We have done it." ever which is essential for the suste- The individual says, "I have done it," nance, the happiness and the well-being and he gives no honor or credit to God. of a human creature in the world. It is Now, I read in the revelations through true we can go to the earth, we find it Joseph Smith, the Prophet, that because prepared to a certain extent, and we cul- of this, God is not pleased with the in- tivate, plow and plant, and we reap the habitants of the earth, but is angry with harvest; but God has ordained that the them because they will not acknowledge fruits of our labor shall be in subjection His hand in all things. I am inclined and in obedience to certain laws which to acknowledge the hand of God in all He Himself controls, and which He has things. If I see a man inspired with intel- kept out of the power of man. Man may ligence, with extraordinary ability and boast of having a great deal of wisdom; of wisdom, I say to myself he is indebted having accomplished a great deal in this to God for that wisdom and ability, and 19th century; but, if he did but know it, that without the providence or interposi- he derives the ability by which he accom- tion of the Almighty, he would not have plishes these things from God his Father, been what he is. He is indebted to the who is in heaven. He does not possess Lord Almighty for his intelligence, and the power in and of himself. for all that he has; for the earth is the I read a Scripture something like Lord's and the fullness thereof. God orig- this: that "there is a spirit in man." inated and designed all things, and all Now, if that should stop here, there are His children. We are born into the would not be perhaps anything very re- world as His offspring; endowed with the markable about man; for the spirit of same attributes. The children of men man knoweth only the things of man, have sprung from the Almighty, whether and the things of God are discerned the world are willing to acknowledge it by the Spirit of God. But while there or not. He is the Father of our spirits. is a spirit in man, it is further stated He is the originator of our earthly taber- that "the inspiration of the Almighty 54 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. giveth it understanding." There is not a by this very intelligent person who is man born into the world but has a por- going about the country doing so much tion of the Spirit of God, and it is that good. I do not doubt that individuals may Spirit of God which gives to his spirit go about doing good, relieving present understanding. Without this, he would necessities, throwing out practical ideas be but an animal like the rest of the and suggestions, as to temporal concerns brute creation, without understanding, and administering reproof that will be without judgment, without skill, without greatly beneficial to very many in their ability, except to eat and to drink like the present worldly condition. But in view brute beast. But inasmuch as the Spirit of the possibilities of the great and eter- of God giveth all men understanding, he nal hereafter, and the important contin- is enlightened above the brute beast. He gencies of the past, involving our ori- is made in the image of God Himself, gin and our destiny, some of us are so so that he can reason, reflect, pray, ex- constituted that we cannot content our- ercise faith; he can use his energies for selves to rest such vital matters here, the accomplishment of the desires of his in the midst of so much ignorance, un- heart, and inasmuch as he puts forth his certainty and doubt. We desire to know efforts in the proper direction, then he something about the future and the past, is entitled to an increased portion of the as well as of the present. What is the Spirit of the Almighty to inspire him to object of our being? Whence have we increased intelligence, to increased pros- come? Whither are we going? What perity and happiness in the world; but in consequences are dependent upon this proportion as he prostitutes his energies life? What is to be gained or lost? To for evil, the inspiration of the Almighty whom are we responsible, seeing we do is withdrawn from him, until he becomes not owe our existence to our earthly par- so dark and so benighted, that so far as ents alone, nor to chance or hazard? Is his knowledge of God is concerned, so far there any reward or punishment here- as the future or hopes of eternal life are after for good or evil committed in the concerned, he is quite as ignorant as a flesh? We desire to know something dumb brute. about these things, if it is possible to I was remarkably struck upon this know anything about them. What is the point only a short time ago by the ex- standard of right and truth, and who is pressed opinion of an individual who the great example? Those who say in is considered to be very intelligent—a their hearts that it is impossible to learn philanthropist, going about the country, anything about these things; that it is and said to be doing a great deal of sufficient to content ourselves with that good, who remarked in my hearing that which we can see and hear and handle, the future was a blank; that we knew and with that which only materially af- nothing about it; that we knew noth- fects our present existence; that that is ing as to the condition of the spirit af- all we have to concern ourselves about, ter death; nor as to the pre-existence of can be but little removed beyond the spirits; and that all these things must brutes, or the animal creation. Such may be left without consideration as mat- be classed with those whom the Savior ters wholly beyond our reach. This, referred to in the parable of the rich man in substance, was the opinion expressed ANCIENT PROPHETS YOUNG MEN. 55 who said, "Take thine ease, eat, drink, rience and knowledge to a youth with and be merry." In other words, "Let us a view to misleading him, is infamous. have pleasure in that which we possess Following this theory, we observe a or enjoy today." man wallowing in the gutter, bloodshot, This reminds me of a remark that bloated, ragged, hideous and filthy, his I was told a certain man—said to be family neglected at home and destitute, learned in the law—had made in ref- his children barefoot, naked or bundled erence to the religion of the Latter-day in rags—and starving for food—objects Saints. He remarked something like of pity and disgust—without the shadow this: "You believe in having joy; you of a chance for mental improvement— claim that your religion is for the pur- with only the blighting, withering exam- pose of securing to you the greatest ple of a besotted husband and father for amount of joy. Now, on the back of their guiding star. And why all this? this you deny yourselves of this, that Because this misguided, fallen human and the other. Your people are called creature is seeking joy in the gratifica- upon to deny their appetites, to control tion of his appetite! This theory may their passions, and to crucify the flesh, be followed in all its leadings, to similar etc. My enjoyment consists in whatever and equally appalling results. No man is I can get that is good to eat, to drink safe unless he is master of himself; and or wear; whatever ministers to my bod- there is no tyrant so merciless or more ily ease, or comfort, to the gratification to be dreaded than an uncontrollable ap- of my tastes and appetites. I deny my- petite or passion. We will find that if self nothing that I like or desire. Hence, we give way to the groveling appetites I drink, I smoke, I chew, and I do as of the flesh and follow them up, that I please." He might have added, per- the end will be invariably bitter, injuri- haps, "I curse and swear, I gamble, I ous and sorrowful, both to the individual commit whoredoms and take advantage and society. It is hurtful in example as of every circumstance I can to augment well as in its individual effects; danger- my pleasure and gratify my lust and ous and hurtful to the unwary; while the my ambition, all these contribute plea- denial of these appetites—the crucifixion sure to me and constitute my greatest of the flesh, so to speak—and an aspira- joy and happiness." Such was the con- tion for something noble; whenever pos- fessed moral status of this legal individ- sible, doing good to our fellow creatures, ual to whom I refer. But I consider (and hoping for the future, laying up trea- I believe that every right-minded per- sures in heaven where moth and rust son will heartily agree with me), that cannot corrupt, and where thieves can- such a conception of the object of hu- not break through and steal—all these man existence is groveling, vile and con- things will bring everlasting happiness; temptible. No pure-minded person can happiness for this world and the world perceive anything noble, exalted, pure or to come. If there is no pleasure in praiseworthy in a life so selfish, narrow the world except that which we expe- and gross. There is nothing liberal or rience in the gratification of our phys- manly in such avowals, much less in the ical desires—eating, drinking, gay as- practical results of such a life, and com- sociations, and the pleasures of the ing from a man of years, of legal expe- 56 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. world—then the enjoyments of the world have cherished will have to be left be- are bubbles; there is nothing in them, hind. They cannot take their gold with there is no lasting benefit or happiness them, because it belongs to the world. to be derived from them. When they get behind the veil, that which served to make them happy will be It seems to me that the example gone beyond their reach. The source of which was set to us by our Savior is the their pleasure will have fled. There will example we should seek to follow. Did He be nothing left for them to enjoy in that prostitute His intelligence for the grat- other sphere. They had their enjoyment ification of the lusts of the flesh? Or in this. They did not frame their minds did He go about doing good—healing the for other enjoyments. They served their sick, opening the eyes of the blind, giv- bodies, their fleshly desires, and the re- ing speech to the dumb, hearing to the sult is they have served the devil, they deaf, cleansing the lepers, forgiving sin, are, therefore, his children, and they relieving the distressed? Was not that have no pleasure in God, nor He in them. the example He set before the world? What is there in this world that can give Was not that the course He commanded so much joy or so much pleasure as to His disciples to pursue? I think it was. know that our sins are forgiven; that we There is something in such a course that stand acceptable to God our Heavenly is praiseworthy and noble. It will bring Father; that we have not injured any of true and lasting pleasure; while the plea- our fellow creatures; that we are free sures of the world are only temporary from any indebtedness or encumbrance; and fleeting. The Spirit of God brings un- that we are not in bondage to the world, speakable pleasure to all who enjoy it—it nor to our fellow creatures? This gives leads men to do good, to deny themselves one far greater pleasure than anything some things that they may the better be the world can give. Money cannot give enabled to do good. It certainly affords it. The wealth of the world cannot be- more pleasure to give than to receive. It stow this enjoyment upon man. The hon- is so said in the Scriptures. It is more ors of men do not affect this question at blessed to administer comfort and joy to all. If we can only realize before God our fellow creatures than to have them our Father, that our sins are forgiven, administer to ourselves. But under the that we are free from transgression, and spirit and influence that the world is un- that our spirit is right and pure in the der at present, this is not the view that sight of God—this should be a greater is generally taken. Men of the world are source of happiness than anything the rushing headlong after that which will world can give. To know that we possess as they suppose contribute to their own the gift of the Holy Spirit—that is, the pleasure. They don't care how they get right to claim the aid and assistance of pleasure so that they get it. As a general the Spirit of God to direct us in our labors thing gold or money is the thing which and course in life, is far greater than the administers most to their pleasure and wealth and the honors of this world. To joy. In a few years, however, they will know that we enjoy a portion of those be called away from this world, when rights and privileges which belong to their wealth and everything else they the Priesthood, which is after the order ANCIENT PROPHETS YOUNG MEN. 57 of the Son of God, is a source of greater Jesus said, "Father, thy will be done, and joy and pleasure to righteous men than the glory be thine forever." Wherefore, all that the world can give. To know that because Satan rebelled against God, and we are in fellowship with the Saints; to sought to destroy the agency of man, know we are held in confidence by them; the Father rejected him and he was cast to know that we have their faith and out, but Jesus was accepted. We were, prayers, is worth more to the honest-in- no doubt, there, and took a part in all heart than all that the pleasures of the those scenes; we were vitally concerned world can bestow. To know that we have in the carrying out of these great plans enjoyed privileges by which we have se- and purposes; we understood them, and cured to ourselves peculiar blessings for it was for our sakes they were decreed time and eternity is beyond all compar- and are to be consummated. These spir- ison with earthly things. We would not its have been coming to this earth to exchange the least of the gifts that have take upon them tabernacles, that they been bestowed upon us by and through might become like unto Jesus Christ— the authority of the Holy Priesthood for being "formed in his likeness and image," all the world can produce; because that from the morn of creation until now, and which cometh from God is eternal and will continue until the winding-up scene, will not perish. If I were to be deprived until the spirits who were destined to of the privileges I have referred to, all come to this world shall have come and else of an earthly character would be accomplished their mission in the flesh. worthless, senseless and evanescent to me. We want something that reaches out This we have learned. How have into eternity. We want to know where we found it out? I answer, through the we came from, and where we are go- prophet Joseph Smith, by revelation and ing. Where did we come from? From the inspiration of the Almighty upon our God. Our spirits existed before they own minds, by which we are able to as- came to this world. They were in the certain the truth respecting the predic- councils of the heavens before the foun- tions of the Prophet Joseph Smith, re- dations of the earth were laid. We were specting the truth of the sayings of the there. We sang together with the heav- ancient Prophets, respecting the truth enly hosts for joy, when the foundations of the Scriptures, respecting the valid- of the earth were laid, and when the plan ity of the promises that God has made of our existence upon this earth and re- to the children of men; for every man demption were mapped out. We were has the privilege of obtaining the in- there; we were interested, and we took a spiration of the Almighty—or the gift part in this great preparation. We were of the Holy Ghost—to know for himself unquestionably present in those coun- and need not depend upon Joseph Smith, cils, when that wonderful circumstance nor upon Brigham Young, nor upon John occurred to which President Taylor has Taylor, nor upon any of the prophets who so often referred of late, when Satan of- wrote and spoke as the Spirit of God fered himself as a savior of the world, if gave them utterance, upon these prin- he could but receive the honor and the ciples. We have learned these things. glory of the Father for doing it. But We have learned whence we came, why 58 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. we came, and whither we are going. We being? If we had an existence before we are not here to seek the joys of the flesh, came here, we certainly shall continue and yet the Lord does not design that that existence when we leave here. The we should go about sorrowful, or that we spirit will continue to exist as it did be- should deny ourselves of any legitimate fore, with the additional advantages de- pleasure. The Lord never intended that rived from having passed through this we should go around fasting, mourning, probation. It is absolutely necessary grieving, weeping and wailing, while we that we should come to the earth and sojourn in mortality. Jesus said, "When take upon us tabernacles; because if we ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad did not have tabernacles we could not countenance. * * But appear not unto be like God, or like Jesus Christ. God men to fast, but unto thy Father which is has a tabernacle of flesh and bone. He in secret." In other words, appear to the is an organized being just as we are, world to be happy. This is the privilege who are now in the flesh. Jesus Christ of every Latter-day Saint, and indeed the was born of His mother Mary. He had privilege of every soul that lives. There a fleshly tabernacle; He was crucified is abundance of joy to be obtained aside on the cross; and his body was raised from the joy which ends in suffering and from the dead. He burst the bonds of sorrow. Seek those joys that bring no al- the grave and came forth to newness loy with them, those joys which are un- of life, a living soul, a living being, a remitting, eternal in their nature. Do man with a body, with parts and with good. spirit—the spirit and the body becoming a living and immortal soul. You and I Again, where are we going? We come have to do the same thing. We must go here and sojourn in the flesh a little sea- through the same ordeal in order to at- son, and then we pass away. Every soul tain to the glory and exaltation which that is born into the world will die. There God designed we should enjoy with him is not a soul that has escaped death, ex- in the eternal worlds. In other words, cept those upon whom God has passed, we must become like Him; peradventure by the power of His Spirit, that they to sit upon thrones, to have dominion, should live in the flesh until the second power, and eternal increase. God de- coming of the Son of Man: but they will signed this in the beginning. We are eventually have to pass through the or- the children of God. He is an eternal deal called death; it may be in the twin- being, without beginning of days or end kling of an eye, and without pain or suf- of years. He always was, He is, He al- fering; but they will pass through the ways will be. We are precisely in the change, because it is an irrevocable edict same condition and under the same cir- of the Almighty. "In the day that thou cumstances that God our Heavenly Fa- eatest thou shalt surely die." This was ther was when He was passing through the edict of the Almighty, and it per- this or a similar ordeal. We are des- tains to Adam—that is, all the human tined to come forth out of the grave as race; for Adam is many, and it means Jesus did, and to obtain immortal bodies you and me and every soul that lives and as He did—that is, that our tabernacles that bears the image of the Father. We are to become immortal as His became shall all die. But is that the end of our immortal, that the spirit and the body ANCIENT PROPHETS YOUNG MEN. 59 may be joined together and become one expect to have our wives and husbands living being, indivisible, inseparable, in eternity. We expect our children eternal. This is the object of our exis- will acknowledge us as their fathers and tence in the world; and we can only at- mothers in eternity. I expect this; I look tain to these things through obedience for nothing else. Without it I could not to certain principles, through walking be happy. The thought or belief that I in certain channels, through obtaining should be denied this privilege hereafter certain information, certain intelligence would make me miserable from this mo- from God, without which no man can ment. I never could be happy again with- accomplish this work or fulfill the mis- out the hope that I shall enjoy the society sion he has come upon the earth to ful- of my wives and children in eternity. If I fill. These principles are the principles had not this hope, I should be of all men of the Gospel of eternal truth, the prin- most unhappy; "for if in this life only we ciples of faith, repentance, and baptism have hope in Christ, we are of all men for the remission of sins, the principle most miserable." All who have tasted of of obedience to God the Eternal Father; the influence of the Spirit of God, and for obedience is one of the first principles have had awakened within them a hope or laws of heaven. Without obedience, of eternal life, cannot be happy unless there can be no order, no government, they continue to drink of that fountain no union, no plan or purpose carried out. until they are satisfied, and it is the only And that obedience must be voluntary; fountain at which they can drink and be it must not be forced; there must be no satisfied. coercion. Men must not be constrained Now, we desire to know something against their will to obey the will of God; about this, and in the name of Israel's they must obey it because they know it God, I say we do know something about to be right, because they desire to do it, it. How do you know I know it, be- and because it is their pleasure to do it. cause God has revealed it, through His God delights in the willing heart. ancient and modern Prophets. I know it, because it has been testified of, by I am looking forward to the time all the ancient worthies of God, from the when I shall have passed away from foundation of the world to the present. this stage of existence, that I shall be I know it, because it is the theory of permitted to enjoy more fully every gift God's plan of salvation. I know it, be- and blessing that has contributed to my cause it has been expounded and made happiness in this world; everything. I plain, not only by the Prophets, but by do not believe that there is one thing the Savior Himself. I know it, because that was designed or intended to give the Spirit of the living God testifies of me joy or make me happy, that I shall it in my heart, and tells me it is true. be denied hereafter, provided I continue I know it is true by all the senses by faithful; otherwise my joy cannot be full. which I can determine the most simple I am not now speaking of that happi- fact. I see it with my eyes, I hear it ness or pleasure that is derived from with my ears, I understand it with my sin; I refer to the happiness experi- heart, I comprehend it in part accord- enced in seeking to do the will of God ing to the intelligence with which God on earth as it is done in heaven. We has endowed me. I am convinced of it 60 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. and hence I am happy; for I know that may God help us to live for these things; I am in the discharge of my duty. This may He give us a knowledge of them, is the happiness I am after. Is it not the that we may comprehend them as He happiness we all desire? I think it is. comprehends, that we may take the May God bless this congregation, course that He has marked out for us and all the household of faith, and to pursue, in order that we may secure help us to live for the future, for eter- unto ourselves the riches of eternal life, nal pleasures, exaltations, thrones, is my humble prayer, in the name of Je- principalities, dominion and power; sus. Amen.

NECESSITY OF FAITH—THE HOLY GHOST—IMPORTANCE OF THE SACRAMENT—WARFARE BETWEEN GOD AND THE POWER OF EVIL—A TRUE LATTER-DAY SAINT CANNOT BE CONVERTED—KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH CAN ONLY BE RECEIVED FROM GOD—NONE WILL SUFFER AS CHRIST SUFFERED—GOD OVERRULES ALL THINGS FOR THE GOOD OF HIS PEOPLE—THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD IS PERFECT—PROPER TRAINING OF THE CHILDREN OF THE SAINTS.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE FRANCIS M.LYMAN, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,FEB. 24, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

While I attempt to speak to you, I realize the blessings to be received by my brethren and sisters, this afternoon, us in partaking thereof. We should re- I desire an interest in your faith and member that it is not pleasing in the prayers, that I may speak that which sight of the Lord to partake of this the Lord would have me say, that we ordinance or sacrament in a thought- may be edified, strengthened and en- less manner, but that we should come couraged to go forward in the discharge here for the purpose of renewing our of our duties as Saints of the living God. covenants and of pledging ourselves once And as I speak during the passing of more to remember the Savior, to take the sacrament, I would not take your upon us His name, and to keep His minds from this sacred ordinance, as commandments—that is, to keep all of HOW TO ENJOY THE HOLY GHOST. 61 them that have been revealed to us, to live, as to the labors we should perform, live lives of purity, and to be devoted and as to the lives we should lead in or- and obedient to the principles He has re- der that we may enjoy the Holy Ghost. vealed for the salvation of man. Among other things the sacrament was It is said, and truly, that without faith established by the Savior, when He was it is impossible to please God. It may here in person. He established it again be as truthfully said that without obedi- when He visited this continent and set ence it is impossible to please God; that up His Church among the Nephites. He without virtue, without truthfulness, it has again established it in the Church of is impossible to please God. It is not pos- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it sible for us to perform the labors that seems to be very important that this sa- are required of us as Latter-day Saints— cred ordinance of the Gospel should be to preach the Gospel among the nations, attended to frequently, that by partak- to gather together the people, to build ing of it we may witness to the Lord that temples, and to perform in those tem- we are willing to take upon us His name, ples the labors that are necessary for the that we have not forgotten Him, that salvation of the living and the dead— we do keep His commandments, and are except we are aided by the Holy Ghost, still willing to keep them, and to walk ac- the Comforter. It is not possible for men cording to His counsel. Hence it is impor- who stand at the head of this Church to tant that all Saints, not only presiding direct, or to give counsel in regard to the officers, but all Saints who have named building up of the Kingdom of God, in re- the name of Jesus Christ and entered gard to the location of new settlements, into covenant with God, should meet to- in regard to organizing branches, wards, gether often and partake of the sacra- and stakes, and the opening of missions, ment and renew their covenants, in or- except they enjoy the Holy Ghost. It is der that they may have the Spirit of the not possible for us as Apostles, as Presi- Lord. It is not pleasing in the sight of the dents of stakes, as Bishops of wards, as Lord, for us to partake of the sacrament Presidents of quorums, as Presidents of if there be hard feelings in our hearts, associations, to preside with dignity and if there be jealousness, if there be en- in a manner pleasing to God, unless we mity or strife, if we are not in fellow- enjoy the Holy Ghost. It is not possible ship with one another, if we are not in for us as parents, to preside in our fam- fellowship with the Church, if we are ilies, to set good examples before them, not keeping the commandments of the to set and keep our houses in order— Lord, if we are not living in peace, if as it is necessary they should be kept, we are not obedient to the counsels of that we may have salvation—unless we heaven; I say that it is not pleasing in the enjoy the Holy Ghost. It is not possible sight of the Lord to partake of the sacra- for us as individuals to be Saints, un- ment under such circumstances. This less we enjoy the Holy Ghost. It was is an ordinance that should be partaken conferred upon every one of us when we of properly, understandingly, thought- were baptized, when we first embraced fully, and with faith that we will re- the Gospel, and the Lord has given us ceive an increased portion of the Holy ample instructions as to how we should Spirit. If we were not in a world of sin; 62 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. if we were not in a world of trial and every man and every woman has a place temptation; if evil was not in the world and a position. They act as helpers, ex- as well as good; if there were not evil in- horters, encouragers, and all these are fluences; if the spirit and power of dark- necessary for the salvation of the peo- ness was chained and there was nothing ple; for we find, as we become attached in this life but good; if there was no evil to the Gospel of Christ, the evils of the inspiration, no evil insinuations—if none world come in upon us, and they come of these things existed, then we might with greater strength and power to over- possibly manage to go through this world come and destroy us. without committing sin. But we find that There is a warfare in the earth be- as good is in the world so there is evil. tween God and the power of evil. The As there is light in the world, so there Lord has established this Church. The is darkness. We are subject to the influ- Father Himself in person, accompanied ences of evil—to the powers of darkness. by His Son Jesus Christ, came and laid We are liable to temptation. God has the foundation of this work. They com- given us our agency; and it is found nec- menced it. They established it. They essary that we should have very particu- have sustained and supported it. It lar instructions, very complete organiza- has not been sustained and supported tion and perfect care thrown around us, by the power of man. Those who have as the Saints of God, under those circum- stood faithful to this day—whether they stances, in order that we may obtain sal- be many or few—among the Latter-day vation. It is not enough that we be bap- Saints, have stood by the blessing and tized for the remission of sins. We need power of God. No one that was living organization. We need the Priesthood. in the days of Nauvoo, or in the days We need authority. We need power. We of Kirtland, or that joined the Church need the blessing and help of God from during the lifetime of President Young, the beginning. When the Elders go out and has faithfully endured to the present into the world, and baptize for the remis- time, can arrogate to himself that he has sion of sins, they do not there leave the so endured in his own strength. God people. They are taught the necessity of has sustained him. The Lord has given other ordinances, the necessity of gather- him a testimony, and established in his ing together, the principle of tithing, the heart a knowledge of the truth. And words of wisdom, the necessity of prayer; the reason that this Church is so much all these doctrines are laid before them. more stable and solid—cannot be over- Then organization is given them, not in thrown, cannot be broken in upon by perfection, but in a primitive form. They those from the outside—is that in each have branches, and presiding authori- individual heart is established a knowl- ties, Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, edge that comes by the gift of God—the etc., to teach and care for them while Holy Ghost. The religious world, so far they are in the world, and when they as they have endeavored to convert the gather to Zion they have a more com- Latter-day Saints—to reform them and plete organization of stakes, wards, quo- turn them from their faith—have failed. rums, associations and the like; so that They know not the reason of their fail- ure. They cannot understand why it is HOW TO ENJOY THE HOLY GHOST. 63 that the Latter-day Saints are not easily Jesus Himself—if I read the Scriptures converted. You cannot convert a Latter- correctly—had not the power to estab- day Saint. You cannot change a Latter- lish in the hearts of His own Apostles a day Saint into a Methodist, a Presbyte- knowledge of the truth, or even a knowl- rian, or a Roman Catholic, or cause him edge of his own character. For when He to join any other denomination upon the enquired of Peter and the disciples as face of the earth. There is not wisdom to who the world said He was, they an- nor power enough in the world to turn swered Him that some said that He was one Latter-day Saint from the truth; for Elias, some that He was John the Bap- every man, woman and child that is a tist arisen from the dead, etc. "But," said Latter-day Saint has established in his He, "whom say ye that I am?" Peter an- or her heart a knowledge of the truth. swered and said, "Thou art the Christ, They have a testimony of the truth from the Son of the living God." Whereupon God. The father does not have this tes- the Savior informed him that flesh and timony for the son, or the mother for the blood had not revealed that unto him, daughter, or the priest for the people; but but His Father which is in heaven. Now, every individual member of the Church if there was a man at that time who has a knowledge of the truth for him- could possibly obtain, in any other way, self. An honest man cannot turn from a knowledge as to who Jesus was and that which he knows to be true. An hon- as to the truth of the work He estab- est, virtuous, good man is willing to lay lished, that man was Peter. Such men down his life for the truth. Indeed, men as President Taylor, and the first Apos- devoted to error are found willing to lay tles of the Church, would have, if it were down their lives (and have so done in possible, obtained that knowledge from many instances), for it. How much more, the Prophet Joseph. But none of these then, will men be willing to lay down men obtained their knowledge in regard their lives for that which they know to be to these things in that way. And you may truth—for the Gospel of Christ. Have we ask the Saints by the tens of thousands a knowledge of the principles of truth? in the land of Zion today, as to how they Yes. Do the Apostles depend upon Pres- learned Joseph Smith was a Prophet of ident Taylor, who was so closely associ- God—although a great many of them ated with the Prophet Joseph in his life- never saw him, and yet there are many time and at the time of his death, for a of them who knew him personally—and testimony of the truth? No. Is there any they will tell you that their knowledge man dependent upon President Taylor of his character, mission and power, was for a knowledge of the truth? No. There given to them of the Lord. We have is not a member of the Church dependent had this knowledge established in our upon any man for a knowledge of the hearts and we cannot fly it. We can- truth of this work. The early members of not close our eyes upon it. When we the Church never depended upon Joseph know what the truth is, we cannot fail Smith for their testimony in regard to to tell it; and there are people in the these things. It was not in the power world today, that look upon us, perhaps, of the Prophet to give that knowledge. with no degree of allowance and con- sider us a very wicked people, that, if 64 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. they had the same testimony that we tinuous; but we will not be called to suf- have, would be as valiant in defense of fer as much as He suffered. Yet, we may the truth as we are. There are many look for persecution. But the Lord will such people in the world today—good, overrule all things for our good. He will honest people. Are they Methodists? sustain this Kingdom, and He will build I presume so. Are they Presbyterians it up in spite of all other kingdoms in and Catholics and people belonging to the earth; for it is His right to do so. many other denominations? Yes; and The earth is the Lord's, and the full- there are honest men, perhaps, who do ness thereof, and the peoples, the na- not profess Christ at all—who claim to tions, and the kingdoms that are upon be infidels and close their eyes to the the earth, all belong to the Lord. We mission of Christ—that if they had the are His children, and He has the right knowledge we have, they would be just to control and dictate in all the affairs of as valiant as we are today. They could men. He has the right to overrule the not help it; for that testimony would conduct of men to serve his purposes; to make them valiant, and they would be overrule the wars between the nations as difficult to turn from the truth as the of the earth. He has the right to break Latter-day Saints. The world have dis- down nations, to change the form of gov- covered that the Latter-day Saints can- ernment, to cause revolutions, and in all not be turned from their purpose, can- things to do that which seemeth Him not be converted, and having failed to good. He has the right to do all this— attain their object in that way, many just as He broke off the colonies from advocate strong measures being enacted the mother country, and established reli- against us. Some go so far as to think gious liberty, thus making it possible for we should be exterminated; others that His Kingdom to be established upon this we should be placed under political dis- land. abilities, or hampered in some way, in or- Now, as we discover the world op- der that our religious faith may be crip- posed to us—feeling, no doubt, in a pled. Will they accomplish their object great many instances that they are do- by these means? No. Such treatment did ing God's service in bringing everything not accomplish anything with the Son of to bear against what they consider a very God, nor with His Apostles, and it did wicked people—what is the proper thing not accomplish anything with Daniel, or for the Saints to do for their protection? with his brethren, who were cast into the This is an important matter. When sur- fiery furnace. It did not change their rounded by enemies, a wise man would sentiments and their faith, and it will take the precaution to protect himself not change ours. We cannot deny the from destruction. What, then, shall we truth. We may have troubles in this do that we may not be trodden down, life; many of us may see sorrow in this broken to pieces and scattered or de- life; but none of us will ever see what stroyed; that we may remain in this the Savior saw in that regard. None of land; that we may not be removed as us will suffer as He suffered, although we were from Missouri, from Illinois, His mission was but a short one. Our and from Ohio? What shall we do that mission may be long, and our suffering we may not be brought into bondage, may possibly, in some instances, be con- but may remain a free people?— HOW TO ENJOY THE HOLY GHOST. 65 that is, free to do the will of God, and The water supplies are not very great, to build up His Kingdom upon the earth, and as we have multiplied the water the mission we are called upon to per- sources have been almost all utilized. form. The most important matter that Yet the fountains of water have in- I know of is, not to prepare our arms, creased in many parts of the country, not to prepare for war, but to prepare for and where but a few families, a few peace; to keep the commandments of the years ago, could be accommodated on a Lord; to discharge with fidelity to God stream—say a half a dozen families or every obligation we are under to Him; to the like—today we have fifty to a hun- keep sacredly His laws, and to be found dred families on that same stream, with in the discharge of our duty; preaching a constant and abundant supply of wa- the Gospel; gathering the poor; building ter. And the Lord has changed the sea- temples; establishing home industries; sons. Fruits are hardier, and some that becoming a self-sustaining people; pro- are not so hardy are doing and thriving viding for our necessities; providing em- well in our land. The blessing of the Lord ployment that none may need; provid- has been over the land, and peace has ing for the poor; nursing the sick; car- reigned in it, and it will continue to reign ing for those who need comfort; seeking if we but do the will of the Lord. He to do the will of God in all things; ab- will overrule and control all those agen- staining from intemperance, from pro- cies that may be brought against us from fanity, from corruptions of every name the outside, if we will but listen to the and nature; seeking to be, not as the voice of counsel here at home. That voice world, but to be indeed the Saints of God; of counsel is within the reach of every striving to be united; listening to coun- family in every neighborhood. He has sel; seeking to live so that the Spirit of given to this people the Priesthood. He the Lord may inspire our hearts and pre- has placed it upon almost every man in pare us for the responsibilities that are Zion. Almost every man bears a por- upon us, let our positions be what they tion of the Holy Priesthood, Aaronic or may—home missionaries, foreign mis- Melchizedek. We are almost a nation sionaries, men presiding in the Church, of Priests—of High Priests, Seventies, in the Stakes, in the Quorums, in the Elders—men bearing the Priesthood and Associations, in the institutions of learn- authority of God. We have each of us the ing, each and all standing in their proper right to approach the throne of grace, to place, doing the will of God. For we hear from the Father, to receive counsel, have no battles to fight if we be the to receive inspiration in regard to the du- Saints of our God. He will fight our ties which devolve upon us, that we may battles if battles are to be fought. The not go astray. Every man who is called wicked will slay the wicked and the righ- to preside as a Bishop in a ward is enti- teous will be left free. The Lord has tled to the Holy Spirit to guide him in his been very good to us in giving us this labors; so is every man who presides over land, and in enabling us to maintain a family, or in a quorum, or who is placed peace therein, up to the present time. It in a position to lead and instruct the peo- is a land that is admirably adapted to ple. That is the reason that the Lord the necessities of this growing kingdom. has given us such a host of ministers; for 66 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. every man who holds the Priesthood is dren enough in the world requiring their a minister of righteousness and is ex- attention. They might leave us to man- pected to administer in his calling in the age our own children. But they think midst of the people in the world, wher- they stand a better show to convert chil- ever he is located, at home or abroad. We dren than grown people. If the truth have thousands of such men. Our settle- were not grounded in our hearts, we ments are full of them. They are the men would be liable to conversion. But inas- who build the houses and decorate them, much as we keep the commandments of and they do the business that is done in the Lord, and enjoy the Holy Ghost, we Zion among our people. They are min- cannot be turned. isters of righteousness; and if the peo- We have no fears in regard to the ple will keep the commandments of God, work of the Lord; because it is just as His hand will be stretched out in their plain to us as the sun at noonday, that behalf, to save and protect them from the Kingdom of God will endure and will harm. not be given to another people. If the Saints will be faithful, the Church and Now, when I assert that the Latter- Kingdom of God will be safe; God will be day Saints cannot be converted or turned honored, and His purposes accomplished from the truth, I do not mean to say that in the earth; and a pure people will grow there are none who turn away from the up here such as the Lord will delight to Gospel. There are many who lose their come and dwell among. faith, many who go into sin, many who The organization of the Church of apostatize. But are they Saints of God? God is perfect. We find at the head of No. Do those that apostatize live the every Quorum of Deacons three are ap- lives of Saints? No. If they were Saints, pointed to preside; the same with the enjoying the Spirit of the Lord, it would Teachers, Priests and Elders; the Sev- be impossible for them to apostatize. A enties have seven men to preside over man cannot deny the truth which the each Quorum; and all these various Quo- Spirit of God is burning in His bosom; rums are expected to hold meetings and but by transgressing the laws of God, by classes, so that they may be instructed neglect and sin, men lose their testimony in their various duties, that men may be and are taken up by the "Josephites," or prepared to preach the Gospel in the na- by some other class of people, and per- tions of the earth. Then, we have orga- haps "improved." I trust they are. But nizations of the young people—the Mu- when it comes to converting a Latter-day tual Improvement Associations—which Saint, a man who keeps the command- are intended to embrace all the young ments of God, and lives according to the people of Zion. But we find in our visits principles of the Gospel, as laid down by through the country, that complaints are the Prophet Joseph Smith, it cannot be made that the young people are not all done. They may labor here as mission- enrolled. Many have not been brought aries from now to doomsday, they never to see the importance of joining these as- can get one Latter-day Saint to join any sociations. Well, now, if it were left to of their religious denominations. Strenu- the children entirely, how many of them ous efforts are being made to capture our would go to school at the age of eight, children as though there were not chil- ten or twelve years? Not many. But HOW TO ENJOY THE HOLY GHOST. 67 there is a proper influence brought to brought into the Mutual Improvement bear upon children by their parents. Associations and classes, that they may Schoolhouses and teachers are provided, have the advantage of a religious train- and then the children are sent to school. ing in the Church. There is nothing on After a while, as the children grow older, earth of greater value to your children they begin to see the importance of than a knowledge of the truth. I know knowledge, and then it does not take of no gift that could be given to my chil- very much exertion on the part of par- dren from among men that would com- ents to get the children to attend school. pensate for their being deprived of the In the same way, those who have iden- knowledge that God has established His tified themselves with these associations Church and Kingdom upon the earth; begin to see the importance of their con- that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; nection therewith. But those who are on that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; and the outside need to be instructed in re- that God lives. To deprive them of this gard to the importance of these things, knowledge, nothing could compensate and an influence should be brought to for its loss. Then, if we so consider these bear upon them in that direction. They things; if we are so firmly established in should be taken early in life. Many the truth and value it so much, let us see of them have been left alone until it is to it that our children are not neglected. too late, or later than it ought to have At eight years of age they should be bap- been. At the age of twelve or fourteen tized for remission of their sins, and be- years they should be introduced into the come members of the Church. And as lesser Priesthood, and thus learn some- they get older, see that they are brought thing of the authority of the Lord. They into the schools, associations and classes. should be educated in the principles of See, too, that they are taught at home the Gospel, and have faith established in regard to prayer, family worship, etc. in their hearts. This should be done by Let them not be neglected; for if they experienced people. But they have been are neglected and go astray, your hearts more or less neglected until we have will be barren and sorrowful. You may hundreds today that are twenty years be very firm and solid yourselves; but in of age, that bear no Priesthood at all. the loss of a son or daughter, through When they get to that age they become neglect, your hearts will be made sor- more or less set in their ways; they de- rowful. The Catholics are very careful sire to be free; they don't care to be in regard to their children, and I re- hampered with religion or anything of spect them for it. They are very care- that kind. Now, my brethren and sis- ful to educate their children in regard ters, parents in Zion, Bishops, leading to the Catholic faith. Not that I would men in the Wards and Stakes, see to it have my children become Catholics; but that the young people receive proper in- I would have the same care that they struction; see to it that they are not ne- display in this matter displayed in the glected as those of whom I have been care of the children of the Latter-day speaking have been neglected in the Saints. Early life is the time when they past. Let fathers and mothers be anx- should be trained. Then indelible im- ious in regard to their sons and daugh- pressions can be made in their minds ters. Let those who are yet young be 68 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

How difficult it is when men have grown Have we not been careless in this re- up in the world with ideas that are gard? Let every father and every mother prevalent in the world in regard to God, question their own hearts on this matter, the Savior, religion, etc.—how difficult it and if they have been negligent, let them is to bring them into the Church, and get reform and see that they be more care- those ideas eradicated from their minds. ful in the future than they have been in I have heard elderly brethren who were the past. Indeed, let me exhort you, my brought up as Methodists say, that it brethren and sisters, you who stand at was almost impossible for them to rid the heads of families, Wards, and quo- themselves of Methodism. One of the rums, to be of a truth educators of the earliest revelations given to the Church people, teaching them not only in theory, charges all parents having children in but in practice, in your lives; walking so Zion to teach them faith in God, faith in that you may be the light of a sun instead Jesus Christ, and that when they arrive of a moon; and that great improvement at the age of eight years they should be may be found all around. baptized for remission of their sins. This And that God may sustain us, inspire is a law that has been before us since our hearts and help us to discharge with 1831, many years before I was born. fidelity every duty; that the testimony Now, I wonder if this law has not been God has given us may grow and increase neglected by the Latter-day Saints— in our hearts, is my prayer in the name generally forgotten or overlooked. of Jesus. Amen.

WORK OF GOD THE SAME IN ALL AGES—THE MILLENNIUM—CHRIST THE PROPHET OF WHOM MOSES SPAKE—WHAT MAKES THE SAINTS STEADFAST—CAUSE OF APOSTASY—DUTY OF THE SAINTS.

REMARKSBY APOSTLE ERASTUS SNOW, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,FEB. 24, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

It is allotted to me to occupy a the truth which we have embraced; few minutes, and it is a privilege the truth as it is revealed in Christ, which I ought to esteem, and which the truth that is confirmed in the I do esteem, to stand before my hearts of the Saints of the Holy brethren and sisters as a witness of Ghost, the truth as testified by ancient THE MILLENNIUM. 69

Prophets, Patriarchs and Apostles, and neither had received his mark upon their by our Savior Himself when upon the foreheads, or in their hands; and they earth among the Jews, and among the lived and reigned with Christ a thousand Nephites on the continent of America. years. The work in which the Latter-day "But the rest of the dead lived not Saints are engaged, the work where- again until the thousand years were fin- unto God has called His people in this ished. This is the first resurrection. day, is the work which has engaged the attention of the Prophets and Saints "Blessed and holy is he that hath part from the beginning of the world till the in the first resurrection: on such the sec- present time. That portion of the world ond death hath no power, but they shall of mankind who have been inspired from be priests of God and of Christ, and shall above to look forward through the vista reign with him a thousand years." of opening years and contemplate the fu- Now, this thousand years is spoken ture history of mankind, have had their of among modern Christians as the mil- eyes directed to the great and last dis- lennium, signifying a thousand years. pensation of the fullness of times, in That period of all other periods will, as which the Lord would perfect His work we speak of the Sabbath, be a day of on the earth, and bring in everlasting rest. On the Sabbath, the seventh day, righteousness; when He would establish the Lord rested from his labors, and He a reign of peace, when wickedness would has commanded His people to rest from be subdued, when Satan would be cur- their labors on that day; to meet to- tailed in his power and influence among gether and worship Him; to offer up their the children of men—the time repre- sacraments and their oblations; to con- sented in the vision of St. John, when fess their sins unto one and another and he declared: before the Lord. And as they ask to "I saw an angel come down from be forgiven, and feel to forgive one an- heaven, having the key of the bottomless other, so God forgives them. Our Sav- pit and a great chain in his hand. ior gave us clearly to understand this "And he laid hold on the dragon, that when He taught His disciples to pray old serpent, which is the Devil, and Sa- and to say, "Forgive us our debts, as we tan, and bound him a thousand years, forgive our debtors;" for, said he, "If ye And cast him into the bottomless pit, forgive not men their trespasses, neither and shut him up, and set a seal upon will your Father forgive your trespasses." him, that he should deceive the nations This day of rest is a day to forgive and no more, till the thousand years should to be forgiven, and to make peace with be fulfilled: and after that he must be one another and with our God, and is a loosed a little season. type of the millennium, or the seventh "And I saw thrones, and they sat thousandth year, in the which univer- upon them, and judgment was given sal peace will be established upon the unto them: and I saw the souls earth, and the Kingdom of our God pre- of them that were beheaded for the vail in all lands—a day when the ser- witness of Jesus, and for the word vants of God may bear the glad tidings to of God, and which had not wor- all people, nations, kindreds and tongues shipped the beast, neither his image, upon all the face of the earth, and 70 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. there shall be none to molest them, and people receive it? Not at all. It or make them afraid. The truth will has not been so written. But it is writ- abound and light and understanding ten that the time cometh when all who come to the people. It will be a day of will not hear that Prophet whom Moses great light in every corner of the land— said God would raise up unto the peo- the day spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah, ple should be cut off from among his wherein he says the knowledge of the people. This Prophet was Jesus Christ, Lord shall cover the earth as the waters the Savior of the world, raised up in the cover the sea—the day when they shall meridian of time and in the midst of the teach no more every man his neighbor, house of Israel, from the seed of Abra- and every man his brother, saying, know ham, that seed which God said would be the Lord; for they shall all know Him a blessing unto all nations. When Je- from the least of them to the greatest sus showed himself unto the Nephites of them—a day when "every man shall on the American continent, He quoted see eye to eye." Prophets and Saints have this Scripture—this prophecy of Moses— looked for such a period, have longed for and said to them, "I am that prophet of it, have prayed for it, have sung about whom Moses spake." Now, we have this it, have prophesied of it, and they have assurance, that the time will come when spoken of the work that should bring it all those who will not hear that Prophet about. Are all these prophecies falla- shall be cut off from among the people. It cious? Are all these hopes vain? Will is grievous to reflect upon the darkness all these expectations come to naught? that enshrouds the minds of the people; Or are they to be fulfilled? With the upon the unbelief which prevails among Latter-day Saints there is but one an- mankind at the present time; upon the swer to this question. The Lord has infidelity which stalks abroad, that is opened their understanding, has touched manifested in church and state, with their eyes, has pricked them in the ear, high and low. It is grievous to contem- has comforted them, and has given to plate how statesmen and the would-be them the Holy Ghost. They have been wise men of our age despise God, or ig- enabled to see and to discern the signs of nore His counsels, ignore His word, His the times, and to understand in a mea- right to rule, His ability to counsel, to sure the age in which we live. It is a teach, and to regulate the affairs of men; source of unbounded joy unto those who how little they acknowledge His hand, possess this testimony, and are living how unwilling they are to allow Him to for the blessings promised to the faith- have any voice in the affairs of state. ful. These events are dawning upon And it is equally sorrowful to contem- us. A preparatory work has been be- plate how little are Christian sects will- gun in the earth. As foretold in the ing to acknowledge Him, or allow Him Scriptures, an angel has flown in the to interfere in their affairs, or acknowl- midst of heaven having the everlasting edge Him in any way, further than in Gospel to deliver to them that dwell on a sort of—what shall I say?—a sort of the earth, and which shall be preached mystical way. True, there are many unto every nation, kindred, tongue and who affect to believe that they must be people before the end cometh. But will born again, and teach the doctrine of the every nation and kindred and tongue THE MILLENNIUM. 71 new birth, the spiritual birth. But how their holy covenants, if they grieve the little they seem to comprehend what is Holy Spirit from them, then they are left meant by that birth, and the effects that in great darkness. As the Savior said follow it; yet there are some, yea, there to His disciples: "The light of the body are many in the Christian world who is the eye: if therefore thine eye be sin- profess to believe what Jesus said to gle, thy whole body shall be full of light. Nicodemus in the third chapter of John's But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body Gospel, that a man must be born of the shall be full of darkness. If therefore that water and of the Spirit in order to en- which is in thee be darkness, how great ter into the kingdom of heaven, and that is that darkness!" It may seem to some that which is born of the flesh is flesh, a wonder how it is, that any man or set and that which is born of the spirit is of men, after having once tasted of the spirit. Yet when we come to read the good word of God, of the heavenly gifts, New Testament and learn of the fruits, and the powers of the world to come, and the influence and effects of that Spirit having been made to know and under- upon those who possess it, how won- stand the things of God, and been able to derful, how strange it appears to those bear witness of them, should afterwards Christians! The Latter-day Saints strive fall away, lose their testimony and the to bring home to the minds of those light of the truth, fall into darkness and modern Christians, that the Holy Spirit, apostatize. It is a marvel and a won- when overshadowing the people born of der unto many how this can be, and to the water and of the Spirit produces cer- some portion of the Christian world it tain fruits, certain effects, that are the has seemed impossible, and they have af- same today as anciently, and will be the fected to espouse the dogma and to make same among all people in all ages and it a part of their religious creed, that times when people receive that Spirit. once in grace always in grace, and that if But most of the Christian sects of our they are the elect of God, they cannot fall time ignore those fruits of the Spirit, the away. This is a doctrine of men: it is not spiritual gifts and blessings which fol- a doctrine of Christ, and it is not true. lowed the outpouring of that Spirit upon The Savior constantly exhorted His dis- the Saints of God in all former ages. ciples to watch and pray, lest they should Brother Lyman has well said that fall into temptation, and cautioned them it is this Spirit shed abroad upon the that they who once put their hands to the Latter-day Saints, bearing witness unto plow and looked back, or turned away, them of the truth—which is the wit- were not fit for the kingdom of heaven, ness of the Holy Ghost of the Father but that they who endured unto the end, and of the Son—that makes them stead- the same should have eternal life. He fast and immovable. They cannot be warned them against falling into dark- turned away so long as they enjoy this ness, and, as I have already quoted. He Spirit; they cannot be turned away from assured them that the light that was in the light of the Gospel and the liber- them might become darkness, and if it ties they enjoy in Christ Jesus; they did, how great should be that darkness. cannot be converted to Catholicism, nor Methodism, nor any other ism; but if they fall into sin, if they violate Brother Lyman has well said, also, 72 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. that when men apostatize from the well. The safety and protection of the truths of heaven, and become infidel to Latter-day Saints lie in their preparing the things of God, it is because of sin and for peace. In other words, it is to make transgression; it is because they have peace with their God, and with one an- given way to evil; it is because they other, and to proclaim peace unto all have corrupted their ways, defiled their mankind, and so live and deport them- tabernacles, defiled their spirits, violated selves, that they will encourage, extend their own consciences, or given them- and maintain peace to the utmost of selves up to work sin and wickedness. their ability. But, and if the wicked All this they may have done in the dark, continue to oppress, to war against and or in secret, and not upon the housetops: annoy the people of God, and to de- but the time cometh when the secrets of prive them of social, religious and polit- all hearts shall be revealed, and every ical privileges, and other rights that be- secret thing shall be made known upon long to them as the children of God, as the housetops. Then it shall be known human beings, as citizens of the com- and read of men the causes that oper- monwealth, those unalienable rights of ated to take away the light and the truth life and liberty and the pursuit of hap- from the hearts of men and left them to piness; if, I say, the wicked combine to go into outer and utter darkness. None abridge these immunities, privileges and are proof against the attacks of the en- rights, and trample them under foot, and emy, against the powers of evil, against to wage war against the Saints for the the evil devices of the wicked one; none purpose of destroying them, what may are proof against or safe from the influ- we do to avert it? It has been well an- ence and power thereof, without watch- swered: Do the will of the Lord; keep fulness and prayer, without so living that His commandments; do good to one an- the Spirit will have pleasure to abide other; forgive one another, and ask to be with them, to be their monitor and pro- forgiven of each other and of our God; tector. That Spirit will not dwell in un- walk humbly before Him day and night; holy temples, it will not continue to dwell trust in Him, believe in Him, and go with those who violate their own con- forward in the discharge of every duty, sciences, corrupt their ways, defile their fearing only God. "Fear not them," says spirits and tabernacles, and defile them- the Savior, "which kill the body, but are selves with their fellow creatures; for not able to kill the soul: but rather God will have a pure people. His King- fear him which is able to destroy both dom is holy; His dominions are pure; and soul and body in hell." Let our fear cen- no impure thing can inherit the Kingdom ter upon Him; let our trust and our of God. "And without are dogs, and sor- faith center upon Him; let us maintain cerers, and whoremongers, and murder- our confidence in Him, that He rules in ers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth the heavens and among the armies of and maketh a lie." men, and that He turns the hearts of Brother Lyman asked the question the children of men as the rivers of wa- (and answered it beautifully) pertain- ter are turned; and if at one time their ing to the preservation of the Latter- hearts are softened, as was Pharaoh's day Saints, from the combined ef- of old, and then, again, their hearts forts of their enemies. He answered are hardened, as was Pharaoh's, we THE MILLENNIUM. 73 may bear in mind that all these things confidence in God, to know that He will are necessary in the accomplishment of make the wrath of the wicked to praise the divine purposes of our Father and Him, and the residue of wrath He will Creator. For the wicked have their restrain; and that neither Congress, nor agency as well as the righteous, and Presidents, nor Senators, nor Judges, God will not deprive them of it. He nor Governors, nor armies, nor Generals, wills not that any be deprived of their nor any other human being have or can agency. If people will work wickedness; exercise any power in the earth, except if they will violate their covenants; if that which is given them of our Father they will foreswear themselves; if they in the heavens, and that He can restrain will trample under foot the constitution when it seemeth Him good, and within and institutions of our common coun- such limits as seemeth Him good. And try, (which they are sworn to defend this He does without interfering with and maintain) in their overzeal to de- their personal agency; for man may pro- stroy the Saints, they must have their pose, but God only disposes the affairs of agency so to do. They must have the men. privilege of working out their own sal- vation, or their own damnation. They May God help us to be in deed and must fill up the cup of their iniquity; in truth what we have been called to otherwise, how will the Lord be justi- be—Saints of the last days, and then, fied in wasting them away and destroy- whether in life or death, we shall be ing them out of the earth, except they His, we shall enter into His glory and be first fill up the cup of their iniquity. But, numbered with His jewels; for the Lord says one, what and if He shall permit cometh to make up His jewels, and it will them to overrun and lay waste and scat- be those who have met together often ter and destroy the Latter-day Saints? and have spoken often one to another, Such questions have been asked a great that will be numbered therein; while all many times in years that have gone by, the proud and they that do wickedly, by those that were fearful, or doubtful, will become as stubble; and the day that or unbelieving; but questions of this kind cometh shall burn them up, that it shall need not arise in the breasts of those leave them neither root nor branch. who are living as Saints ought to live, and have the testimony of Jesus dwelling May the grace of God be sufficient for in them. We ought to know, yea, it is us under all circumstances, through Je- our duty to feel that abiding trust and sus Christ our Lord. Amen. 74 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

SELF-EXISTENT TRUTHS—"THE POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM"—REPENTANCE—FAITH—"THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS"—THE "LAYING ON OF HANDS"—TOO STRONG A DOCTRINE TO BE ENDURED—THE CONFLICT IN WHICH THE SAINTS ARE ENGAGED—TEMPLES AND THEIR USES—SALVATION FOR THE DEAD.

DISCOURSEBY ELDER JOHN MORGAN, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,JANUARY 20, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

"Therefore leaving the principles of to accomplish this object, it is necessary the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to per- that we draw in our minds from the fection; not laying again the foundation things by which we are surrounded, and of repentance from dead works, and of endeavor to concentrate our faith upon faith toward God, the duties which devolve upon us in reli- "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of gious worship. And it is no meaningless laying on of hands, and of resurrection of phrase when an Elder of Israel asks the the dead, and of eternal judgment." faith and prayers of Israel in his behalf, that he may be clothed upon by the in- I have read the first and second spiration of the Holy Spirit to say those verses of the 6th chapter of Paul's epis- things that will be for the good of the peo- tle to the Hebrews. ple. Having been requested to occupy a We have laid down here certain prin- portion of the time allotted to our after- ciples of the Gospel that Paul taught noon service, I desire an interest in your to the Hebrews nearly 2,000 years ago, faith and prayers and confidence, that I but principles that were not new even may be enabled to say those things which in that day; on the contrary, principles will be acceptable to our common Father of eternal truth which have always ex- and God in the heavens, and will be for isted, that always will exist, which can- our good. not be changed in their form, cannot be The Latter-day Saints who have con- annihilated through the unbelief of the gregated together this afternoon for re- human family; for they are self-existent ligious worship, come for a particu- and do not depend upon the belief or un- lar specified object, having in view the belief of men for their sustenance or for strengthening of their spiritual natures, their destruction. In this consists their the receiving of light, intelligence and greatness, that they are not dependent knowledge from on high on matters that upon the arm of flesh for their existence; pertain unto eternal life. To enable us for they were just as true when rejected "THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST." 75 by the Hebrews in days of old as they willing to forsake kindred and home, the were in times before that, as they are graves of our ancestors, and those as- today—accepted by a few of the human sociations that bind themselves round family, but rejected by the great mass. the heart—coming here for the sole pur- The Latter-day Saints, then, feel to con- pose of being instrumental in the hands gratulate themselves upon this point— of God in establishing His Kingdom, in that they have built their faith upon a bringing to pass His purposes, in pro- rock which cannot be destroyed, and that claiming the glad tidings of the Gospel— will exist not only through the ages of tidings that were proclaimed to the shep- time, but throughout all the endless ages herds upon the plains of Bethlehem of eternity. Having existed in eternity in 1,800 years ago, "On earth peace, good the past, it exists today, and will exist in will toward men;" bringing with us a the eternities to come. broad charity and philanthropy for the These principles are plain and sim- world, desiring to better the human ple, so plain and so simple that a way- family, and allowing our charity to go faring man though a fool need not err out broader than that even—reaching therein; on the contrary they are suited behind the veil, taking hold upon the to the capacity of the whole human fam- things pertaining not only to this life, but ily, the unlearned as well as the learned. redeeming those who have preceded us There was this peculiar feature about into the spirit world—allowing our char- these principles when they were pro- ity to go out so broad that we give a pos- mulgated in the days of Jesus: as a sible salvation to every son and daughter rule it was the unlearned of the human of Adam that ever came upon the face of family that were willing to yield obedi- the earth, or that shall come. ence to them; it was the common peo- ple who heard him gladly. The teach- Paul calls those principles that I have ers of the Jews, they who had control of read over, "the doctrine of Christ." He the synagogues, who stood in the fore- calls one of those principles the doctrine most places in the nation, rejected the of repentance. The Latter-day Saints lowly Nazarene and His teachings, while who have gathered from the nations of fishermen from the shores of the Sea of the earth will bear me out when I say Galilee heard and received Him gladly. that the doctrine of repentance as be- That peculiar feature to a greater or less lieved in by them is different in many extent adheres to those principles to- respects to the doctrine of repentance as day. Gathered from the middle walks it existed in the lands from whence they of life, from the various nations of the came. As the Latter-day Saints under- earth, coming from the east and from stand the doctrine of repentance, it is to the west, from the north and from the turn from that which is wrong; to forsake south, for the Gospel's sake; gathered to- evil and cleave unto that which is good. gether in these valleys of the mountains, If a man has been a wrongdoer, let him the Latter-day Saints are willing to sac- be a wrongdoer no longer; let him con- rifice the good opinion of the world; will- form his life to the principles of integrity ing to sacrifice all that man holds near and righteousness and honor; let him and dear to him for the sake of the truth; keep the commandments of God in their 76 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. letter and in their spirit. I care not what has become a household word in the the professions of a man may be; I care midst of the Saints?" Why, when the not with what air of sanctity he may be powers and influences of the world are clothed; without the observance of this brought to bear upon the Latter-day law in its true sense, it is not repentance. Saints, whether collectively or in an indi- Paul speaks of another principle vidual capacity, they cling to this princi- which he calls faith; and in the 11th ple of faith; they believe in the promises chapter of his epistle to the Hebrews, of the God of Israel; they believe that he gives some information in regard God will not falsify His word; they be- to its nature and character. He lieve that God will establish His King- says: "Who through faith subdued king- dom, and bring to pass His purposes in doms, wrought righteousness, obtained the earth. The faith of the Latter-day promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Saints is a living principle. A Latter- Quenched the violence of fire, escaped day Saint devoid of the principle of faith, the edge of the sword, out of weak- would be an anomaly—in fact such an ness were made strong, waxed valiant one could not be a Latter-day Saint; for in fight. Women received their dead it requires faith in the God of Israel to raised to life again," etc. Faith cer- stand the tests that they are called upon tainly is a most important principle, and to pass through. Yet calmly and quietly, without it, I ask the Latter-day Saints deliberately, with full confidence in Jeho- how long could we exist as a body? vah, they can go forth in the discharge I have often heard the remark made of their duties as they understand them, by those unacquainted with the Gospel, believing that in the outcome God will those who knew not the truth, but yet be their friend and protector in the fu- who were willing to look dispassionately, ture as He has been in the past; as He yea, even kindly upon the errors and has brought them through the trials and fallacies as they termed them and be- tribulations of days gone by, so will he lieved them to be that we are indulging do in the future. This principle of faith, in—the question has been asked by this therefore, that Paul taught to the He- class of persons: "How does it come, by brews, was certainly a most important what process is it that the Latter-day one, and it is one without which it would Saints, surrounded as they have been, be impossible for the Latter-day Saints surrounded as they are today, environed to have succeeded. around about upon every side by diffi- Paul also speaks of the doctrine of culties that seem insurmountable, diffi- baptisms; not in the singular, but in culties and obstacles that might cause, the plural, apparently, as though there apparently, the stoutest heart to quake were two baptisms. "The doctrine of and the firmest knees to tremble—that baptisms," he says. We find, following in their hour of trial and tribulation they after the principles of faith and repen- always had confidence that in the out- tance, the doctrine of baptism for the come, it would all be well with Israel, remission of sins, as John the forerun- that no matter what might be done, it ner of Jesus taught, as Paul taught, would in the end prove for the good of the and as Jesus himself taught. It is Kingdom of God, until, the motto, 'They upon record here that they taught bap- can do nothing against, but only for us,' tism for the remission of sins, of those "THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST." 77 who would submit to the ordinance of Paul speaks of another ordinance baptism. Or, in other words, to more that he terms the "laying on of hands." clearly explain what I wish to, the sins I have found in traveling in the midst of human beings up till the age at which of the Christian world, that very often they are baptized are recorded against Christian people would agree with me in them. If they are willing to submit to relation to the principles of which I have the ordinance of baptism by immersion, spoken. They would say: "Yes, we believe having faith in God, repenting of their that idea of faith is correct; we believe sins, by one having authority, God gives that idea of repentance is correct; we be- them His promise that He will remit lieve that idea of baptism even is cor- their sins; that all that have been com- rect;" but they were not strong enough mitted in the past shall be blotted out apparently to believe in this principle from the book of His remembrance, and called the "laying on of hands," which from that day forth they are free from Paul terms one of the doctrines of Christ. the sins of the past. The ordinance of We find that this principle is practiced baptism, then, is not an ordinance to us in the midst of the Latter-day Saints as of mere form, or something that is sub- also an essential ordinance—that except mitted to simply because it is an ordi- a man be baptized in water and born nance of the Church. On the contrary, of the Spirit, by the laying on of hands, it is positively essential to the salva- he can in no wise enter the Kingdom of tion of the human family. Nicodemus, God. This is the light, we are told, that is in times of old, came to Jesus upon this given to every soul that comes upon the subject, and apparently asked Him the earth; not to the Latter-day Saints alone, question, If there was some other pos- not to the former-day Saints alone, not sibly better method whereby man could to those alone who were baptized, but to enter the Kingdom of God, and he was every soul that cometh upon the earth. told by the Redeemer, that "no man could The ordinance of baptism for the remis- enter the kingdom of God, except he had sion of sins being essential, so is the or- been born of the water and of the Spirit." dinance of the laying on of hands, that This is the law as it is laid down. If men may receive the Holy Spirit; or, in there is any difference of opinion upon other words, the laying on of hands is the part of any single individual on this the medium that God has instituted for subject, it is not with me, but it is with His children to be placed in communica- the word of God, as given through His tion with Himself, that they may receive Son Jesus Christ—that except a man the Spirit that leads and guides and di- be born of the water and of the Spirit rects unto all truth, that brings things he can in no wise enter the Kingdom past to our remembrance, that shows us of God. The Latter-day Saints believe things to come, that opens up the vi- this, and act accordingly—that except a sions of heaven and makes known unto man be born again he could not even us the mind and will of God. I remem- see the Kingdom of God, let alone enter ber one minister with whom I had the therein. The ordinance of baptism for privilege of conversing upon this princi- the remission of sins is, then, to Latter- ple. He stated that it looked reasonable; day Saints a very important ordinance. that he did not know really but what 78 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. it was correct, and doubtless had been these things? How can we unknow them neglected in times gone by. Well, he got at the dictation of the world. Will fines to thinking over the matter, and he read, and imprisonment take this knowledge "He will show you things to come." He away from us? Will disfranchisement came to me with some questions. One take this knowledge away from us? Will was, "Do you mean to say the Holy Spirit death itself take this knowledge away will show a man things to come?" "Yes." from us? No, verily, I say to you, it will "Well, of course if it shewed me things not. It is with us here today; it will be to come I could tell of it?" "Yes." "Would and abide with us when we go hence. not that constitute me a prophet?" "It The knowledge I have in relation to this would." "Well," said he, "this genera- principle—of which I bear my testimony tion will not endure this thing; it is too to you this day—that I received through strong doctrine." I replied that no gen- the laying of hands, I expect to retain eration that I had ever read or heard of with me so long as I live in accordance had endured it; but that in all the ages with the laws and principles of truth and gone by when God had placed men here righteousness. When I turn away from upon the earth with authority to con- these, there may be a veil of darkness fer this gift, they had invariably been drawn over my mind; but I can never free rejected of men. This principle is be- myself from the fact that I had once a lieved in and practiced by the Latter- knowledge of the things of God. day Saints. We read in one instance, These four principles are termed the that is doubtless fresh in the minds of first principles of the Gospel of the Son many of the Latter-day Saints—as con- of God. These principles the Latter-day tained in the 8th Chapter of the Acts Saints believe in. These were the prin- of the Apostles—where certain men had ciples that were enunciated by Joseph been baptized; but they had to send for Smith, 50 years ago. These were the the Apostles to go into the portion of principles, and about the only princi- country where those baptisms had oc- ples at that time—very nearly the only curred, and we read: "Then laid they principles—in the original organization their hands on them, and they received of the Church—that were taught to the the Holy Ghost." The Latter-day Saints world. believe that not only was that princi- But let us reflect in relation to the ple efficacious in that direction in that record and history of that day. Men day, but that it is true today as then. tell us that a certain doctrine we be- The Latter-day Saints bear testimony of lieve in today—a doctrine that has its truth; that having repented of their been taught and revealed at more re- sins, having faith in God, having been cent date—is the cause of our diffi- baptized, having received the laying on culty. But I ask you, were not diffi- of hands, they have received the Holy culties met by the Latter-day Saints, in Spirit, they have received knowledge, the early history of the Church, such as light and intelligence from on high, that we meet today? Were they not driven God has revealed to them certain princi- and tossed to and fro? Were they not ples of truth and righteousness. If this subject to persecution and death, to is the case, I ask, how can we unlearn fines and imprisonment? Were they not "THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST." 79 cast out from the Christian world in that Saints, my friends, but, on the contrary, day before this obnoxious—as they term to the good, to the salvation and to the it—principle was revealed? Were they redemption of the whole human family— not cast out for the doctrine of faith in broader in its scope, mightier in its influ- the God of Israel, for the doctrine of re- ence than it is generally acknowledged pentance, turning from wrongdoing, for to be. Then, can this conflict cease at the doctrine of baptism for the remis- the command of men? Can laws be sion of sins, for the doctrine of the gift passed to stop this struggle? Is it in of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the power of kingdoms and principali- hands? Were the Saints persecuted for- ties and governments to stay the onward merly? So they are today; and doubtless march and progress of the principles of this will continue until one or the other truth? No more than it was in times power is vanquished; for it is not a strug- gone by when the march of thought in gle between a few people, citizens of the its onward progress was sought to be United States, who live here in the Ter- stayed by the hand of the mother church ritory of Utah, and in the surrounding from Rome. No more today than it could States and Territories, to the number of in the days when the Puritans in Eng- 150,000 or 200,000 people, and the peo- land, when the Huguenots in France, ple of the world. It is not a contest be- asked the privilege of worshiping God ac- tween these two parties, by any means, cording to the dictates of their own con- no more than it was a contest between science; and almost as a parody on hu- Luther, when, at the Diet at Worms, he man nature, when these very same Pu- exclaimed: "Here I take my stand. I ritans came to the land of America, they can do no more and no less." It was not in turn could turn upon the Quakers and a contest between him individually and persecute them for religion's sake, bore the priests, but it was a contest between holes through the tongues of the peo- truth and error, right and wrong. It was ple that did not agree with them in re- a contest between the advancement of ligious matters. But what did all this the human family and their retrogres- accomplish? The world looks back—the sion. This conflict today cannot be nar- Christian world looks back with shame rowed down to the few people who live upon this record of their ancestors, and in the Territory of Utah. But running yet in turn they do the very same thing out from here as veins and arteries from today, to be followed in a generation or the human heart, it penetrates and per- two by people whose faces will mantle meates the whole universe, going from with the blush of shame, that in this the rivers to the ends thereof, and to all free land of America, under a govern- the nations of the human family. This ment established for the freedom of the struggle which we are engaged in today, human family, where the religious ex- the struggle that Joseph Smith was en- ile, the exile for thought and ideas, from gaged in 50 years ago, in the infancy the nations of the earth could come to of this work; the clash of opinion and for protection; that in this land ded- the conflict of ideas that existed in the icated to freedom and equality to all days of Nauvoo, that exists today; all this men there should have found footing the does not pertain alone to the Latter-day idea that men must be persecuted for religion's sake, for belief's sake. Let 80 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. the Latter-day Saints then, under- with the words of our lips; we assert stand and comprehend that this strug- this not simply in editorials and pam- gle which we are engaged in, broadens phlets written; but we prove our faith out and extends itself not to us alone, by our works. Almost within the sound but to the nations of the earth, to the of my voice here, there is a magnificent whole human family. I imagine I hear temple being erected at the expense of someone say, "But is not that a contradic- many hundreds of thousands of dollars. tion?" You asserted a few moments ago In the town of St. George in the south, that baptism was essential to the salva- at the expense of nearly half a million; tion of the human family, and as there at Manti, in Sanpete County; at Logan, has been but a very few of the human in Cache; we have four temples either family baptized, how is it with the rest completed or nearly so. At Nauvoo, when who have not had the privilege of this the Saints were storm-tossed with perse- ordinance? Paul very correctly wrote, cution, surrounded about by mobs, and and the translators very correctly trans- every influence that fiendish vindictive- lated this passage that I read, wherein ness could think of, was brought to bear he refers to the doctrine of baptisms, for upon them, they built themselves a mag- there is more than one baptism. We read nificent temple there. At Kirtland, in of the baptism of water for the remission the days of their infancy, when the labors of sin. We read of another baptism; for which they performed were very arduous as I have already quoted, except a man in comparison with the labors the Latter- be born of the water and of the Spirit, he day Saints have to perform today in the can in no wise enter into the Kingdom of building of these temples, they built an- God. Then we ask ourselves the ques- other temple. What are these temples tion, What shall become of the untold for? There is an object in their being millions of the human family who have built. We prove our faith in these things not heard the sound of the Gospel? What by our works, seeking not only to redeem shall we do with those who have not even ourselves, seeking not only salvation for heard anything relative to the plan of our own household, but extending its in- salvation? Our Christian friends, for in- fluence beyond and reaching out to those stance, devote many thousands of dollars of our progenitors who have gone before and pounds sterling to the conversion of us into the spirit world and are there, be- the heathen as they are pleased to call coming acquainted with the principles of them, and to carry the Bible to those who eternal life; for as recorded in the 3rd are unacquainted with it. This is cer- Chapter of the Epistle of Peter, "Christ tainly very commendable; this certainly also hath once suffered for sins, the just shows a most philanthropic spirit upon for the unjust, that he might bring us their part; this is an evidence of goodwill to God, being put to death in the flesh, to the human family, and it is to be com- but quickened by the Spirit: By which mended. But inasmuch as they reach but also he went and preached unto the spir- a very few, we ask ourselves the ques- its in prison; Which sometime were dis- tion, What shall become of the rest? To obedient, when once the longsuffering the Latter-day Saints this is a solved of God waited in the days of Noah." problem. We assert this not simply Or as we find it still further recorded "THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST." 81 in the 4th chapter of the same epistle: bonds of the prisoners; it was to open "For this cause was the gospel preached the prison door. Men who had lived in also to them that are dead, that they days gone by, who had failed to obey might be judged according to men in the the commandments of God, who had flesh, but live according to God in the passed into the spirit world, accord- spirit." We also find a question asked of ing to the accepted idea of a few years our Savior, as recorded in the account ago—Christian ideas change about these of His crucifixion in the book of Saint things, you know—these people were Luke. One of the thieves who was cruci- eternally lost. There was no possible fied alongside of our Savior, said to Him: chance for their redemption; but having "Lord, remember me when thou comest closed their eyes in death as sinners in into thy kingdom." Jesus could not con- the sight of God, they were under con- sistently do this; for He had told Nicode- demnation to all eternity. A strange par- mus previous to that, that except a man ody indeed upon the idea of God's love be born of the water and of the Spirit he and mercy for His children! God is love, could not enter into His Kingdom; and we are told, and yet in the short space this thief, acknowledging that he was of one man's life, that man's sins and worthy of death, was, consequently, an errors—nay, more than that, he might unrepentant, unbaptized sinner. Jesus, have lived honorably and honestly; he however, turned to him and said: "To- might have sought to do as best he knew day thou shalt be with me in paradise." how; he might have been a good citi- The Christian world have made the mis- zen, a good father, a good husband; he take of imagining, believing and teach- might have filled all these duties ac- ing that Jesus and the thief on the cross ceptably, yet if he is outside the pale of went back to the bosom of our Father the Church and death overtakes him in and God in heaven. But we find, after that condition, he was eternally lost ac- the resurrection of our Savior, when He cording to the Christian idea of a few stood by the open door of the sepulchre, years ago. Leading thinkers of today, in Mary came, and recognizing Him, put the Christian world are changing their out her hands to touch Him. But Jesus views very materially in relation to this said: "Touch me not; for I am not yet matter, as within the past few years I ascended to my Father in heaven: but heard the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher de- go to my brethren, and say unto them, clare, that, if his God reigned in the next I ascend unto my Father, and your Fa- world, every man and woman who did ther; and to my God, and your God." not learn the truth here, should have the During the three days that the body privilege there. Then we find also Dr. of Jesus lay in the tomb, then, where Thomas, of Chicago, a leading light in was the spirit that formerly inhabited the religious world, and very many who the body? According to the testimony are distinguished in the religious world, of Peter, as recorded in the 3rd Chap- are today changing their ideas and the- ter of the first epistle of Peter, it was ories in relation to this matter. One of preaching to the spirits in prison; and the peculiar features connected with the Isaiah tells us that it was for this that Gospel in days gone by is often presented Jesus was to come; it was to loose the to my mind in this wise: Jesus taught 82 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. some of His doctrines in the midst of the prophet before the coming of the the Pharisees and Scribes. They found great and dreadful day of the Lord: And that certain of His doctrines were popu- he shall turn the heart of the fathers to lar; they found that certain of His doc- the children, and the heart of the chil- trines were very pleasant; they found dren to their fathers, lest I come and that certain of His doctrines were very smite the earth with a curse." So today agreeable. And so they did what He the Latter-day Saints testify that God told them they were doing. They poured having sent the Prophet Elijah to the new wine into their old Pharisee bot- earth to reveal this principle, or rather tles; they endeavored to patch their Sad- to give the key for the administration of ducee coat with a new piece of cloth; this principle, the hearts of the children but they were told that they would burst here upon the earth are being turned their bottles, and make a larger rent in to the fathers behind the veil, and the their coat than there was. So it is to- hearts of the fathers behind the veil are day. When Mr. Beecher introduces to being turned to their children here upon the Christian world the idea that there the earth, the one feeling after the other is a redemption beyond the grave, he for their redemption; for without them shakes the pillars of so called Chris- we cannot be perfect, neither can they tianity; he gives them a mightier blow without us. This plan of salvation that than could be given by an Elder advo- the Latter-day Saints believe in is broad, cating the same doctrine; and when Dr. indeed it reaches out to the whole hu- Thomas, of Chicago, advanced that idea man family, present, past and future. We to his intelligent audience, it went like read in the 15th Chapter of 1st Corinthi- wild fire over the land that so distin- ans, an explanation of this expression guished a theologian as Dr. Thomas, had of Paul's in regard to the two baptisms. declared that there was a chance for re- In the 29th verse of that Chapter he demption after the grave. This new wine, says: "Else what shall they do which revealed from heaven in this day and age are baptized for the dead, if the dead of the world, through the instrumental- rise not at all? why are they then bap- ity of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a man tized for the dead?" Or as Paul expresses who was despised by the world, is being it in the 19th verse of the same chap- taken by the wise men and poured into ter: "If in this life only we have hope their sectarian bottles, and in the end in Christ, we are of all men most miser- the result will be as it was with the Phar- able." Paul in preaching to the Corinthi- isees in times gone by. ans said that very few of them took hold But this doctrine has more of a mean- of the Gospel. The great mass rejected ing to the Latter-day Saints than sim- Paul. Paul, however, with that broad ply preaching to the spirits in prison. philanthropy of heart, lit up by the light We read here in the old Bible where that first came to him on his way to God, speaking through the mouth of Damascus, would have been miserable one of His Prophets, said certain things indeed had he not learned of this great should transpire in the last days. principle that in the spirit world these "Behold," says the Lord through His Corinthians would be preached to and Prophet Malachi, "I will send you Elijah taught. So the Latter-day Saints today "THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST." 83 would be of all men the most miserable that is reaching out for the salvation if they did not recognize this principle of of the untold myriads of the human preaching to spirits in prison and bap- family—the very possibility of it should tism for the dead. The Latter-day Saints cause the hearts of the whole human are fulfilling the Scripture, which says family to rejoice, should cause them to that there shall be gathered home to think, to feel and to act kindly towards Zion, "one of a city, and two of a family." a people who are seeking to carry out In many instances one person of an en- this principle. But human nature is tire lineage is all there is in the Church very strong in relation to these matters, and Kingdom of God. That being the and as it has been in the past doubt- case, what of the fathers and the moth- less it will be in the future—that through ers, the brothers and the sisters, the rel- much tribulation shall they come up who atives near and dear, who have not had shall be clothed in robes of white, and the opportunity of accepting the Gospel? that it is through trial and tribulation How glorious, how grand a work it is that God shall have a tried people. The swells the hearts of Israel to know that Latter-day Saints do not lay to them- we can enter into the temples of the liv- selves the flattering unction that there ing God and redeem our dead and be- shall be peace, peace, peace, to us just come in truth and in deed saviors upon yet; but that on the contrary this work Mount Zion! Certainly no nobler, no and this struggle will continue; the na- grander, no mightier principle has ever tions of the earth will be brought to the been revealed to the human family than knowledge of the truth; the honest of the this. And though we may have doc- blood of Israel will be gathered home; trines that are obnoxious to the world; the kingdom of God will be built up; though we may have principles that in- temples will be erected and the Saints novate upon established ideas; though will enter into them and redeem their we may have ideas that conflict with dead, and cause the hearts of our fathers those of the honest and the good, and and our mothers who have gone before those who love the principles of integrity us into the spirit world to rejoice; and and righteousness; though we may have we shall join hands with the Prophets all these, yet when we come to reflect in and Apostles of days gone by, with those regard to this one principle, that of it- of today who have preceded us behind self alone should be sufficient to recom- the veil; with the good and the true of mend the Latter-day Saints to the whole all ages; with our Elder Brother, Jesus civilized world; that of itself should blot Christ, and with God our Eternal Fa- out from their remembrance those other ther in the heavens—all linked together matters that seem to disagree with and in one mighty phalanx in this great and are unpleasant to them. That principle glorious work of the latter days. May God bless you. Amen. 84 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

OBJECT OF ASSEMBLING—A PECULIAR PEOPLE—SAINTS MISREPRESENTED IN ALL AGES—STATISTICS—OPPOSITION EXPECTED—PLURAL MARRIAGE—EARLY PERSECUTION—"TWIN RELICS"—WHY THE SAINTS GATHER TO ZION.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,FEB. 10, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

We meet together from time to time a very singular aspect, and occupy a very to speak, to sing, to pray, and, accord- peculiar position in the history of the day ing to an institution which has been pro- and age wherein we live. Our religion vided, to partake of the sacrament of the differs very widely from that which ex- Lord's supper, and also to perform those ists in the world. Our ideas of God, of various duties devolving upon us as ser- futurity, of heaven and of hell, and of vants of the living God. It is pleasant the future destiny of the human family, for the Saints to meet together to com- not only of ourselves, but of all nations, mune with each other, to listen to the differ very materially from that of oth- words of life, to reflect also upon their ers. Our social ideas, too, are very dis- position and relationship to God, to His similar from those entertained by others. Church and Kingdom, as well as to ex- And, again, our political ideas are not amine into their own feelings, and, un- in accord in many respects with those der the guidance of the Lord and of His of others, and thus we find ourselves Holy Spirit, try to find out what relation- in a very anomalous position, gathered ship they sustain to their Heavenly Fa- together here in these valleys of the ther, and whether they are performing mountains, separated to a great extent the various duties devolving upon them, from the rest of mankind. We were a and are seeking to carry out the word, few years ago very decidedly separated. the will, and the law of God. Now, this portion of the continent has We are certainly a very peculiar peo- become almost the highway of the na- ple gathered together in these valleys of tions. I frequently meet with persons the mountains; we are assembled here from France, England, Ireland, Scotland from many nations; it would be diffi- and Wales, from the various Principal- cult to say at present how many; but ities of Germany; from Russia, Italy, I think on some public occasion awhile Spain, Portugal; from Australia, and the ago, there were twenty-five nationalities Islands of the sea, and from almost all represented. In this respect, we present the nations of the earth. They pass by THE SAINTS MISREPRESENTED. 85 here, and hearing that we are a strange The North American Review told me he sort of a people, they are desirous to came here from New York, expressly for know something about us as they pass the purpose of getting me to write an ar- through. ticle on our present status, thus again It frequently becomes a question in exhibiting the strange attitude which we the minds of many—How and in what occupy before this nation and the world, manner did these things originate, and and demonstrating that in consequence what is the object of our being thus gath- of such a flood of falsehood, vitupera- ered together as a separate and distinct tion and abuse which is constantly cir- people? By what motives are we actu- culated against us, that it is almost im- ated? The world of mankind, whether possible, as before referred to, to ob- in this nation, or in any other nation, tain any correct information concerning form very strange notions in regard to us. Some of the literary men who come our reasons for thus gathering together. along here, express to me the opinion Although we have been striving for a that we have been maligned and misrep- great many years to enlighten the world resented a good deal. I tell them that in relation to this and other matters, in an age like this people ought to know still they seem very much at sea in re- better; that they ought to be better in- gard to the position which we occupy, formed; that they ought to make them- and to our moral, social, religious and selves acquainted with facts within the political status. So that it becomes al- reach of everybody; and that there is no most impossible for people at a distance excuse for ignorance in relation to these from here, notwithstanding we profess matters. Still this ignorance continues. to live in an age of light and intelli- There is an undercurrent that men gen- gence, in an age of railroads, telegraphs, erally are not acquainted with, which op- and telephones, in an age when rapid erates in the minds of men and produces communication can be had, say from all these results of which I speak at the parts of the earth in one day, in an age present time. To the Latter-day Saints of professed knowledge of science, liter- there is nothing very mysterious about ature and art, and of everything that this. We have passed through this state is calculated—or ought to be if properly of things in embryo, years and years ago. conducted—to promote the welfare of the Many of you thought, when you heard human family; I say that, notwithstand- the Gospel, and your hearts had been ing all these things, if there is one sub- made glad by obedience thereunto, that ject about which the human family today all you would have to do would be to is grossly ignorant, it is on the subject of tell your particular friends and relatives the principles of the Latter-day Saints. A of these things, and that it would cause short time ago a very distinguished Eu- their hearts to rejoice as it did yours. You ropean gentleman, after eulogizing the felt interested in their welfare and had a appearance of our city, the quiet and or- desire to promote their happiness, that der that prevail, etc., said to me, "Pres- they might rejoice with you in the bless- ident Taylor you can scarcely conceive ings which you experienced through obe- how impossible it is, outside of your Ter- dience to the Gospel. But lo and behold! ritory, to obtain correct information re- The moment you opened your mouth garding you as a people;" and an editor of 86 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. on this subject, you were set down as peace. It was said of them that they were impostors. You were probably before stirrers up of sedition—that they were this a decent man or a decent woman; impure, ungodly men. The idea of their but now you became ostracized and cut being persecuted, as we read of, for their off in many instances from association religion, would have been altogether pre- even with members of your own fam- posterous in that day. They would ily. Was it because you had become cor- tell you they were prosecuted for their rupt? No. Was it because you had be- crimes and their iniquities. They were come unsocial? No. Was it because you brought before rulers, kings and judges, possessed principles that were at vari- and they had to depend upon the Lord ance with the principles of truth, virtue, and His Holy Spirit, to sustain them un- honor, and the word of God? No. And der those circumstances. Jesus emphati- if you had asked them what the rea- cally told them to expect these things. "If son was, for their coolness and the feel- the world hate you," said He, "ye know ing of ostracism that they manifested, that it hated me before it hated you. * they could not tell, only that you were * * If they have persecuted me, they will a "Mormon." You have all of you experi- also persecute you. * * * For if they do enced this. If this is the case, then, with these things in a green tree, what shall your most intimate friends—with your be done in the dry?" It is singular, yet relatives, with your fathers and mothers, it is a fact that these things did exist. sons and daughters, uncles and aunts, While the crowds were ready sometimes with whom you had been on the most to cover his path with olive branches friendly terms heretofore—how can you and with their garments, and to shout expect the world to look at things in any "Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh different manner. I reflect sometimes in the name of the Lord," yet with the upon the position occupied by the an- very next breath they were ready to cry, cient Christians, and upon the charac- "Crucify Him! Crucify Him! It is not ter, position and standing of Jesus, the fit that He should live." And when He Son of God. We all profess to reverence was hounded and hunted, persecuted Him. All Christendom bows in rever- and proscribed, at the very last, even ence at the mention of His name; they when a Roman judge said, "What evil feel there is something hallowed about hath he done?" and washed his hands of it. They look upon Him as being the Son the blood of this just person, they still of God, and they look upon His Apos- continued to cry, "Let him be crucified," tles as men of unblemished reputation, and Barabbas, a noted thief, and a mur- of pure lives, holy, virtuous and upright. derer, was released in preference to Je- You cannot travel anywhere in Chris- sus. This was the kind of feeling mani- tendom but you find churches erected to fested toward the Savior. Were they an St. Paul, St. Peter, to St. John, to St. ignorant people that thus treated Him? Matthew, to St. Luke, and to all the dif- No. They were what were called the ferent saints as they are now called by elite of the day, the educated; men of the people. But how was it with these position, the High Priests, the scribes, saints when they lived here upon the the Pharisees, the doctors, the law- earth? They were called disturbers of the THE SAINTS MISREPRESENTED. 87 yers, the leading men of the nation; all foot the women who come and associate of them engaged in this thing, and all of with us, and to destroy their virtue; them partook of the same spirit. What whereas you know there is not a place was the cause of this? It was because in the world where women are better He was not of the world. "If ye were of protected and their virtue more sacredly the world," said the Savior to His disci- guarded than in Utah. They compare ples, "the world would love his own: but plural marriage to their whoredom, se- because ye are not of the world, there- ductions, their social evils, and the many fore the world hateth you." That is the kinds of iniquity, corruption and rot- cause. The world loveth its own. And tenness that prevail among themselves. the world is today, was then, and al- Reasoning from their own standpoint, ways will be, until it shall be regener- they consider that we are a very wicked, ated, opposed to God, opposed to righ- corrupt and licentious people. But ac- teousness and opposed to the principle of cording to the statistics that we have truth. Paul makes the following state- pertaining to these matters, our im- ment: "For to be carnally minded is morality is twenty to forty times less death; but to be spiritually minded is life than theirs here in our midst, without and peace. Because the carnal mind is at going any further. The crimes, iniqui- enmity against God: for it is not subject ties and corruptions committed by the to the law of God, neither indeed can be." small minority of outsiders in our midst There is nothing new, therefore, in any very far exceed, perhaps by twenty to of these matters that we hear bruited thirty times, the crimes of the Latter-day around from place to place—from the Saints. This excess of crime on the part east to the west, from the north to the of outsiders is what might be reasonably south, and spreading abroad among the expected; for we profess to be a better nations of the earth; nothing new, noth- people, and we ought to be a better peo- ing strange, nothing very remarkable in ple than those who make no pretensions any of these things. The carnal mind to be guided by divine revelation. Exam- knows not the things of God, and is not ine the records of our city jail, of the Pen- subject to the law of God, neither can itentiary, of the county prisons, which it be. They form all kinds of opinions, have been published and are being pub- even, with regard to our gathering. "Why lished, and you will find a full statement don't you stop at home as other folks do?" in relation to these matters and the per- Some say that it is an emigration scheme cent of crime that exists between one and gotten up to make money, and that mis- the other. Mr. Barclay, a member of the sionaries are sent out by us to deceive British Parliament, who lately visited the weak and the ignorant, and to gather us, writes in "The Nineteenth Century," a them together that they may be made monthly review published in London: "In merchandise of. That is one idea. You the winter of 1881, a census was taken all know how far that is true, and how of the prisons in Utah, with the fol- far it is false. Others say that we are lowing results—In the City Prison were gathered here for licentious purposes— twenty-nine convicts, and in the county to carry out polygamic ideas, to cor- prison six convicts, all non-Mormons. rupt, demoralize, and trample under In the Penitentiary, out of fifty-one prisoners only five were Mormons, 88 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. two of whom were there for polygamy. remaining 6, nominally Mormons, were * * Of the population of Salt Lake City, not entitled to participate in the sacra- about 75 percent is Mormon, and 25 ments of the Church by reason of their percent non-Mormon." He further says: calling. The 15 billiard rooms and bowl- "These figures conclusively prove that ing alleys, and the 7 gambling houses the Mormons are a sober, law-abiding were all kept by non-Mormons. The people, and singularly free from the 6 brothels had non-Mormon proprietors, grosser forms of vice; whatever may be and they were filled by 31 non-Mormon alleged by ignorant or prejudiced en- inmates." There is nothing in this to be emies. Of the two hundred saloons, proud of; for it would be a pity if we billiard, bowling alley, and pool table could not live better than they do. We keepers, not a dozen even profess Mor- have gathered here, not for speculative monism." And since these figures were purposes, as is sometimes charged, but published, others in relation to 1882 to worship God, to keep His command- have been made public. One gentleman, ments, and to be instructed in the laws of who has spent a considerable length of life. There is no cause for boasting on our time investigating these matters, writes: part in regard to these things; but I re- "The statistics at hand for 1882 * * * fer to them to show how fallacious their cover a wide field, taking in all the pop- ideas are in regard to these matters. ulous districts of the Territory. The to- Then, is it strange that we should be tal number of all arrests for crimes and placed in the position that we are? Yes, misdemeanors in these localities during it is very strange, but it is nevertheless 1882, was 2,198—of which the 78 per- true, and the same condition of things cent of the Mormon population furnished has existed in the different ages. 300, and the 22 percent of the non- We profess to be the followers of the Mormons 1,898, * * So that the Mor- Lord Jesus Christ; we profess to be in mons comprising 78 percent of the pop- possession of the everlasting Gospel; we ulation of the Territory contributed one- profess to have gathered here to observe eighth of the arrests made during 1882 the laws and keep the commandments of and the non-Mormons, having only 22 God, and that we might assist in build- percent contributed seven-eighths. The ing up the Church of God, the Kingdom number of brothels throughout the Ter- of God, and the Zion of God. These are ritory was 12, all kept by non-Mormons." really the facts of the case. True, we Regarding Salt Lake City, where he do not do as well as we might. We are resided for some time, he states: "The not as pure as we might be, nor as good, criminal record of Salt Lake City, for nor as virtuous, nor as upright, nor do 1882, shows that in a population of we possess the amount of integrity that about 25,000, divided between Mormons we ought; but, then, we don't propose to and non-Mormons as 19 to 6, the to- place ourselves on a level with the out- tal number of arrests was 1,561, of side world; we have not dropped to their which 188 were Mormons and 1,373 non- standard by a very long way: and many Mormons. Of the 66 houses, where beer of us are striving to live our religion, to and liquor were retailed by the glass, observe the laws of God, and to keep His 60 were kept by non-Mormons, and the commandments. THE SAINTS MISREPRESENTED. 89

In regard to the spirit and genius of His servants the Holy Ghost, and the the age in which we live, there is noth- light of revelation, and made them ac- ing, as I have said, strange about that. quainted with the same sacred princi- The powers of darkness have always ples. They were all baptized unto one been in antagonism to the light, truth baptism, and all partook of the same and intelligence that proceeds from God, spirit. How is it now? Many Lords, many and till Satan is bound, and his power faiths, many baptisms. is curtailed by a superior power, that Speaking of the doctrine of the plu- state of things will continue, and instead rality of wives, I remember talking with of getting better and better, we are told one of our Presidents—I mean one of in the Scriptures, that the wicked shall the Presidents of the United States—on grow worse and worse, deceiving and be- this subject in Washington, a number of ing deceived. Do you imagine that they years ago, as I have with others since on will grow better? I do not. the same subject; but I remember some Do not let us be mistaken in rela- of the remarks made on that occasion. tion to all these things—that is as the "Well," said he, after talking some lit- world are mistaken. We complain some- tle on politics, and one thing and an- times about the injustice of men. I ex- other, "what about your polygamy?" "Mr. pect to find unjust men, many of them. Pierce," said I—I can mention his name We refer to certain laws that are being now as it is a thing of the past—"it may enacted by our Congress as unconstitu- be possible that some of us may have tional, etc. Why, we expect they will wrong ideas in regard to these things. yet pass many laws of that kind. We We read about such a man as Abraham, don't expect them to be our friends, or who is described as 'the friend of God;' the friends of God. They don't profess we read about such a man as David, it. We have a right to expect, of course, who is described as 'a man after God's that they would abide by the Constitu- own heart:' we read about Jacob, who tion, because that is an instrument got- had twelve sons, whose names are to ten up by themselves, and that they pro- be written upon the twelve gates of the fess to be governed by, and that men in holy city. Who was Jacob? He was a authority swear to uphold. We have a man who had several wives, by whom right to expect that. But, then, does he had these twelve sons. Then we not all Christendom profess to believe in read of Moses—a man of God, a leader the Bible? Yes. And do the ministers of Israel, and a lawgiver. He told the of the various denominations? Yes. Do people how they should treat their chil- they practice its teachings? Do they fol- dren whether by the first wife or by low its doctrines? Or are there any two the second, and how all these matters of their doctrines alike? They have all were to be arranged." "Mr. Pierce," said kinds of theories, notions and ideas; yet I, "It is possible that we of the nine- still they tell you that the Bible contains teenth century, have not been able to in- the word of God. But are they governed struct the Lord very much in regard to by it? No. God placed in the Church these matters. Probably He knew just Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers as much about them then as we do now, and Evangelists, and He gave unto and that in regard to our marital laws, 90 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. we may have made some mistakes." my feelings when I first came into this "Well," said Mr. Pierce, "I cannot say." Church. It is a long while ago. When I Of course he could not. first heard the Gospel I was compelled Now, then, men assume to judge the to admit there was something reason- acts of others, but they don't judge their able about it. I almost hoped it was not own acts, and they strive to falsify us, true. "If it is true," said I, "as an hon- and to make evils of those things that est man I shall be obliged to obey it, or God has ordained according to His econ- else I cannot have any confidence in my- omy, and that men of old, who were con- self." When I had investigated the sub- sidered men of God, and the friends of ject, and become convinced that it was God, practiced under His direction. It true, I said, "I am in for it; I must em- is not uncommon for men to talk about brace it; I cannot reject the principles of Abraham. They would like to get into eternal truth;" and I will say, moreover, Abraham's bosom—that is most of the I don't know of a time in my life when if Christians of the present day would like anybody presented a truth that could not to have a place in Abraham's bosom. be controverted, but I was ready to obey Would you? Would you really? Are there it; and I am today. If any person in the any of that class here that would like to religious world, or the political world, or go unto Abraham's bosom? Why, should the scientific world, will present to me you have your wish, when you woke up a principle that is true, I am prepared you would find you were in the bosom to receive it, no matter where it comes of a polygamist, and would not that be from. Well, says one, you believe the very horrible? But that would be the Bible? Yes. You believe in the Book of fact. Jesus Himself, was a descendant Mormon? Yes. You believe the Book of of that class of people who had prac- Doctrine and Covenants? Yes. I believe ticed the things that we today believe in. all that God has ever written or spoken, But they didn't persecute Him because everything that we have on record, and He was a polygamist. They persecuted I am prepared to believe everything that Him because He was a friend of publi- He will communicate to the human fam- cans and sinners. They accused Him of ily. We profess to believe in all truth, and being a blasphemer, of casting out dev- to be governed by all truth. ils through the power of Beelzebub, the Then, in regard to our position— prince of devils. If He did any good act referring to that again—we are gath- at all, they were ready to cry out, "Give ered here from the different nations God the praise: we know that this man of the earth, from England and else- is a sinner." where. I remember the time very well These things are facts that we can- when the Gospel was not preached in not ignore. They stand out before us in England. I remember when Brothers living characters, and to use a very trite Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Wilford saying, "history repeats itself" in regard Woodruff, myself and others took our to these things. The same causes in one first mission to England. Many of you age generally produce the same results that are here, whose heads are white in another age. like mine, will remember the circum- I will now tell you about some of stances. We took our departure after THE SAINTS MISREPRESENTED. 91 laying the cornerstone of the Temple in into an adjoining county where our peo- Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri. ple lived, stole a lot of hogs from them, The people were much excited about the and then turned in those hogs to make Mormons at that time, just as they are up the appropriation made by the legis- now, and every once in awhile. They lature of Missouri! They were so liberal had gotten up a furor against us; and in their operations! They stole the hogs Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Bishop from one portion of our people, and then McRae, and others, were seized by a gave them to another. I saw the hogs mob and imprisoned; and many of you come in, and they were butchered and di- may have read the remarks made by vided among the Mormons. a certain General Clark—the famous, These are some of the things that I or rather infamous General Clark. He am acquainted with. Was I surprised told the people—the same as they tell when I saw such operations? No. I ex- us now—that it was wrong to gather as pected when I came into this Church, they were then doing, and as we are now that I should be persecuted and pro- doing, and place ourselves under Bish- scribed. I expected that the people would ops, etc. And said he—I heard him— be persecuted. But I believed that God "Oh, that I could invoke the spirit of had spoken, that the eternal principles the unknown God to rest upon you, that of truth had been revealed, and that God you may be delivered from the delusions had a work to accomplish which was in with which you are encompassed." But opposition to the ideas, views and no- his "unknown God" didn't hear him, and tions of men, and I did not know but the "delusions" have still gone on. We it would cost me my life before I got had been driven out of Missouri. They through. It came pretty near it at one were so good a people and so virtuous, time; yes, at many times. I have had to and we were so bad. But we were not "stand the racket" in a way that many of polygamists then; we had not entered you folks don't know much about. More into the awful crime of polygamy; but than once I have had to face large crowds we dared to worship God according to of people in the shape of armies, expect- the dictates of our own conscience. They ing to come into contact every moment— drove us out, took possession of our prop- no farther off, perhaps, than the length erty, and robbed and pillaged everyone of this hall. That is not a very pleas- they could. After doing this they did not ant position to be in. But I was in like that their action should go out to the a worse scrape in Carthage jail, when world; so the legislature actually made Joseph and Hyrum were killed—penned an appropriation for us—that is, for the up in a room and attacked by a black- poor "Mormons"—of $2,000, if my mem- ened mob. I had to stand at the door ory serves me aright. They had killed and ward off the guns while they were and destroyed any amount of our cat- trying to shoot us, and we without arms, tle and hogs, and anything and every- and under the protection of the Governor thing of that kind that they came across. of the State. Dr. Bernhisel and myself Still they pretended to be very sorry for were sent by Joseph Smith to wait upon us, and solicitous for our welfare. In or- the Governor, and lay before him the der that we might not suffer, they went facts of the case. We told him we were 92 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. competent to take care of ourselves, and us a pardon for that which we had never did not require any of his aid, for we had done. We did not appreciate it very an organized body of militia that were much. With the exception of that little quite competent to protect us from their episode, we have not had much trouble. I mobs, and asked his advice. He there- have heard people complain of our judges upon stated it would be better for us not and our governors, and this, that and the to bring an armed force, and pledged his other. Why, bless your soul, how can they faith and the faith of the State, as Gov- send better men than they have? We ernor, for our protection. We consented. need not expect good men, virtuous men, This he said to Dr. Bernhisel and my- honorable men; they can only send such self; and that pledge was violated by the as they have, consequently, we need not murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in look for any better. Carthage jail, and I myself received five balls in my person; but then I am here Well, what are we to do? They are yet. talking all kinds of loud things about us Was there anything surprising in all now. They keep on talking. Sometimes this? No. If they killed Jesus in former they do a little; sometimes they don't do times, would not the same feeling and in- much; sometimes they are very angry fluence bring about the same results in with us, and get up quite a furor. A Pres- these times? I had counted the cost when idential election is coming on, you know, I first started out, and stood prepared to and they are preparing things for that, meet it. and the "Mormon question" is as good a We afterwards came to these val- thing as they can have on both sides of leys of the mountains. We people have the House—on the republican side, and been gathered here and are gathering; on the democratic, too. "Well," the ques- but we have had to encounter very lit- tion is asked, "What are they going to tle of such things as I have referred do with you?" It don't make much dif- to. It is true, we had what was called ference. They hardly know themselves. the Buchanan war, when we paraded They think they are going to do a great up and down, and when we went to deal. They will do just what the Lord Echo, etc. But there was not much harm will let them, and no more. But we done. It cost the government some forty understand their ideas, I presume, as million dollars, from what I learn; but well as they do. Here are two politi- there was no one killed. Two news- cal parties. The republicans long ago paper reporters who had been sent out put into their platform that there were here to report the war, got to fighting be- two twin relics that had to be moved tween themselves, and I remember be- out of the way—the one was slavery, and ing called upon by one of them to as- the other polygamy. They have removed sist him in his trouble in Provo. That slavery out of the way, but polygamy is all that occurred. We had to go seems to be rather a hard nut for them out and meet the army. We marched to crack. It seems to bother them. They and countermarched—the same as we do are in a good deal of trouble about it, in our dances, you know; one of those and the religious people are very much grand marches, marching in and march- exercised over it. Their pure souls ing out; and finally the President sent are very much agonized about things THE SAINTS MISREPRESENTED. 93 of that sort, and about impurities which e-a-s-y." I feel just as easy as the boy did exist among the Mormons. They cannot about knowing his daddy. see or say anything about the licentious- We are engaged in a work of impor- ness, the corruption, the feticide, the tance. We are immortal beings. We infanticide, the rottenness, hypocrisy, are dual beings associated with time and lying, fraud and deception that exists eternity; I might say associated with the among themselves; but they think we past, the present, and the future. We are a very bad people, and in order to have a work to perform here upon the purge the nation of so foul a blot, they earth, and with the help of Israel's God must all unite to put us down. They will we expect to do that work. just do what the Lord will let them, and no more. I do not wish to defame anybody. But Now, neither of these political par- the things I have talked of are true. It ties are our friends. Neither of them are is a pity they are true, but then they the friends of God. They think that we are. What are we going to do? Do right. are democratic. We are to a certain ex- We are called of God to be an upright tent, and then we are republicans to a people, a virtuous people, an honorable certain extent. But the republicans are people. We are called upon to maintain afraid that the democrats are going to correct principles, and to introduce them make use of us in some way or other, among the peoples of the earth, and es- and they are determined to crowd the pecially among the people of this nation. Mormons down their throats, and the Jesus told His disciples to pray in His democrats gulp at it; they don't like to day, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be swallow it. It is worse than the apple done on earth, as it is in heaven." Did He that stuck in Adam's throat. They don't understand what He was saying. I think want to shoulder the responsibility, and He did. so the democrats will join with the re- The Lord has gathered us together publicans on a question of this kind, just in these valleys of the mountains, that the same as the Scribes and Pharisees, He might have a people who would be the Herodians and Sadducees, did when prepared to receive the eternal truths of Jesus was to be crucified. Pilate and heaven, and be governed by them. In- Herod could then be made friends, and stead of your being deceived to get you they were hail fellows, well met. So it to come here, you had the pure prin- is now, and as the Church of England ciples of the Gospel of the Son of God chant says: "As it was in the beginning, preached unto you, in the various na- is now, and ever shall be, worlds without tions from which you have come. You end, amen," it may continue—at least for were called upon to repent of your sins, a certain length of time. and to be baptized in the name of Je- What are we to do under those cir- sus, for the remission of sins, and to have cumstances? Shall we be very an- hands laid upon you for the reception gry? No. I feel just as easy about of the Holy Ghost. And when you re- it as the boy did about his father. ceived that Holy Ghost, it took of the Says Tommy, to his companion: "Do things of God, and showed them unto you know my daddy?" "No, I don't." you. Among other things it showed you "Why," said Tommy, "I know him just as that it was proper for you to gather to the 94 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. land of Zion, and you came here. It and persecute you; That ye may be was under this influence you came. You the children of your Father which is came to learn more fully the law of in heaven." What was the blessing pro- God, and to be instructed in the princi- nounced upon Abraham? "In thy seed ples of eternal life. The Lord has said shall all the nations of the earth be through the Prophet Jeremiah: "I will blessed;" not cursed. Did they carry this take you one of a city, and two of a fam- out? Yes. Witness the preaching of the ily, and I will bring you to Zion: And I Apostles in former times in the land of will give you pastors according to mine Asia, and the disciples on this continent. heart, which shall feed you with knowl- Who were they? Descendants of Abra- edge and understanding." This is what ham. Whom did they preach to? A good we are gathered here for—to build up the people, a virtuous people, a holy people? Zion of our God, to establish the King- No, if they had been good, virtuous and dom of God, and to purify and exalt the holy, there would have been no need of Church of the living God; that His peo- a message of that kind being taken to ple may be presented without spot or them. But God felt merciful towards all wrinkle, as spoken of in the Scriptures; the human family; for they are all His that they may be prepared to have an children, and His design was to benefit inheritance among those that are sanc- and bless them, so far as they would let tified; and that the principles of eternal Him, and sometimes He has had to deal truth may go forth from the land of Zion, with them very severely. On one occasion and extend to the ends of the earth, that He had to cut them off by a flood, because the honest in heart may be gathered to- they had corrupted themselves. Every gether to help establish the principles of imagination of their hearts was evil, and truth upon this land of Zion. that continually. They were raising up a corrupt progeny, and it was an injus- Shall we accomplish this? I think we tice to the spirits that dwelt in the heav- shall. But people are opposed to you. ens that wished and desired and had a What difference does that make to you right to have tabernacles here upon the or to me? We are here, as Jesus was, to earth. Those corrupt men and women do the will of God. "I seek not mine own were not fit to be the producers of those will," said the Savior, "but the will of the tabernacles, and they had to be cut off. Father which hath sent me." We are here But God knew how to manipulate these today to do the same thing. matters. He prepared a prison house Now, do you feel angry at our ene- for them, and when Jesus came He went mies? No. They don't know any bet- and preached to the spirits in prison that ter, and if they did many of them would sometime were disobedient in the days of not like to act differently. If they are Noah. not capable of comprehending and re- God has always felt interested in ceiving the truths of God, we cannot help the welfare of the human family; it. But shall we be their enemies be- but there are certain eternal laws cause of this? No. Shall we return evil associated with His economy that for evil? No. What shall we return? have to be carried out, whether in Good for evil, blessing for cursing. "Pray His Church or out of His Church. for them which despitefully use you, From the members of His Church THE SAINTS MISREPRESENTED. 95

He expects a higher state of morality them, and we shall know them if we only than He does from those that are out- humble ourselves, and ask according to side. All men will be judged according to the light of the Spirit of the living God, the deeds done in the body, whether they even the gift of the Holy Ghost. be good or evil. The Gospel has been sent Now, what are we doing? We are to them from time to time. The old disci- sending the Gospel to the nations of the ples were told to go to every nation, kin- earth. Why? Because God has com- dred, tongue and people, and proclaim manded it. What are the Seventies for? its glad things, and the people on this For this purpose. What are the Twelve continent had the same testimony deliv- for? For this purpose. What are the ered among them. In the last days there Elders for? When there is a deficiency was another angel to fly in the midst of among the Seventies they are chosen for heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to this purpose, and the High Priests have preach to them that dwell on the earth. to assist in the same way. What to do? To What Gospel? The same Gospel that teach, to instruct, to enlighten, to bless, Adam had, the same Gospel that Enoch and to lead the people of the world in had, the same Gospel that Seth and Ma- the ways of life. This may be consid- halaleel and Noah had, the same Gospel ered criminal by some, but we consider that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had, and we have a duty to perform, God has laid that Moses and the Prophets had, the that duty upon us and, in the name of same Gospel that Jesus had, the same Israel's God, we will try and do it. Gospel that was taught on the Asiatic continent and on the American conti- We are building temples. What for? nent, and proclaimed to the various peo- To carry out other purposes that have ples of the earth. been spoken of. Shall we carry them out? As Latter-day Saints we believe this If the Lord permits we will. We will go Gospel has been restored, and further, on laboring and working in the interest we know that we are in possession of of humanity. "Well," says one, "don't you it. I do for one, and so do you; and feel angry sometimes?" Well, sometimes through obedience to its principles, and I feel almost as Jesus did when he went the reception of the Holy Ghost, you into the Temple and found a lot of money Latter-day Saints do know that this changers, and took a whip of small cords is the work of God, and if you don't and chased them out, saying unto them, know it, it is because you are not liv- "It is written, My house shall be called ing your religion, and keeping the com- a house of prayer; but ye have made it a mandments of God; "for if any man will den of thieves." We are not all of us what do his will," says Christ, "he shall know we ought to be, we ought to be more hum- of the doctrine, whether it be of God, ble and more faithful, more diligent and or whether I speak of myself." And the more self-denying. We ought to assist in Spirit taketh of the things of God, and building up the Kingdom of God, and in shows them unto us, and if we will fol- doing the will of God, and seek to pro- low its teaching, it searcheth all things, mote those principles, which He has in- yea, the deep things of God. If we do troduced for the salvation and exaltation not know these things, we ought to know of the human family. And what about 96 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. this nation? We will do them all the good God, and if wicked and corrupt men do we can, and I will say, gentlemen, pur- wrong, and administer improperly and sue your course, persecute, proscribe, so unrighteously, God will deal with them. far as God will let you. We can stand We need not rail and rant and get up a these things if you can, but woe to those commotion about them. We do not cher- who fight against Zion; I say that in the ish any ill-will or ill-feelings, but they name of Israel's God. If they can stand would not like it to be said that they are these things we can. We are here to do doing the works of their father, the devil: the will of God. Shall we persecute in re- but that is what Jesus said about people turn? No. We will do good for evil, and of the same kind in His day. We need not pray for those who despitefully use us, be angry with them. Jesus, at the very and evil entreat us that we may be the last, even when hanging on the cross and children of our Heavenly Father. This expiring, said, as it were with His last is the spirit of the Gospel of the Son of breath, "Father, forgive them; for they God, and it is for us to carry it out. What know not what they do." Neither do they shall we do, then? Do right; be honest in this day. But we are the children of with ourselves; be honest with our neigh- the light. Let us walk in the light, and bors; honest with the good; honest with be governed by the principles of truth the bad; honest, I was going to say, with and righteousness, virtue and honor, and the devil; honest with everybody. We can seek to cleave to God in our bodies and in afford to do right, whether others can or our spirits, which are His. If the Latter- not. We can afford to maintain the Con- day Saints throughout the land of Zion, stitution and institutions of the United would only fear God and work righteous- States, and all laws, as it is said in the ness, there is not a power on this side of Doctrine and Covenants, that are con- hell, or the other side either, that could stitutional. It is the will of God that harm them; for God will carry out His we should obey them, and sometimes we work and His purposes, and if He suffers obey laws that we think are not constitu- us, at any time to be chastened, it will tional. I expect, like the Catholics in this be for our good; but Zion will triumph, respect, we shall have to do some works and the Kingdom of God will roll forth, of supererogation. However, let us do and no man shall stop its progress from right. Let us maintain the Constitution this time, henceforth and forever, in the of this government. It was ordained of name of Jesus. Amen. PREDICTIONS FULFILLED. 97

DIVINE MISSION OF JOSEPH SMITH—PREDICTION AND PROMISE FULFILLED—MANY OTHERS WILL YET BE VERIFIED—THE WORLD'S HATRED OF THE SAINTS—INDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE OF THE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH—NO POWER CAN DESTROY IT—MISSIONARIES SHOULD GO TO THE FIELDS TO WHICH THEY ARE CALLED—THE EFFECTS OF OBEDIENCE AND ITS OPPOSITE.

REMARKSBY PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH, DELIVEREDATTHE GENERAL CONFERENCE, ON SUNDAY MORNING,APRIL 6, 1884.

REPORTEDBY GEO. F. GIBBS.

As the time remaining is so short, I rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be think I could not do better than devote it assembled together unto the place which to continuing the subject dwelt upon by I have appointed." Brother Cannon. Who, let me ask, unless he was in- spired of the Lord, speaking by the gift The Doctrine and Covenants, as well and power of God, at that remote period as the Book of Mormon, contains indis- of the Church's history, when our num- putable evidence of the divine calling bers were few, when we had no influence, and mission of Joseph Smith. For in- name or standing in the world—who, I stance, I will refer the congregation to would ask, under the circumstances in the revelation given Dec. 25th, 1832, in which we were placed when this predic- relation to the great war of the Rebellion, tion was made, could have uttered such with which all are more or less familiar. words unless God inspired him? Zion A portion of that revelation has been lit- is, indeed, flourishing on the hills, and erally fulfilled, even to the very place in- is rejoicing on the mountains, and we dicated in the prediction where the war who compose it are gathering and assem- should commence: which, as was therein bling together unto the place appointed. stated, was to terminate in the death and I now ask this congregation if they can- misery of many souls. Again, in the rev- not see that this prediction (which was elation given in March, 1831, to Parley made many years before the idea pre- P. Pratt and Lemon Copley, the following vailed at all among this people that we remarkable prediction is found: should ever migrate and gather out to "But before the great day of the these mountain valleys), has been and is Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish being literally fulfilled? If there were no in the wilderness, and the Laman- other prophecy uttered by Joseph Smith, ites shall blossom as the rose. Zion fulfillment of which could be pointed shall flourish upon the hills and to, this alone would be sufficient to 98 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. entitle him to the claim of being a true demption and salvation in which we are Prophet. engaged, is moving forward and is des- Again, in the revelation given Feb. tined to continue in its onward march 24th, 1834, this remarkable promise and until the kingdoms of the world shall be prophecy is found: subdued and brought under the law of "But verily I say unto you, I have Almighty God. And that this will come decreed a decree which my people shall to pass, I can assure you, the enemy of realize, inasmuch as they hearken from all righteousness comprehends as well this very hour unto the counsel which I, as we do. Yes, he knows that this will the Lord their God, shall give unto them. eventually be the case, better than many Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, who profess to have received the Holy begin to prevail against mine enemies Spirit in their hearts; and, therefore, he from this very hour. And by hearken- is diligently seeking to stir up the hearts ing to observe all the words which I, the of the wicked to fight against the Saints Lord their God, shall speak unto them, of God, until they are discomfited, and they shall never cease to prevail until Zion is free. the kingdoms of the world are subdued These predictions concerning the tri- under my feet, and the earth is given umph of the cause of God over wicked- unto the saints, to possess it forever and ness, and the triumph of the Saints ever." of God over the wicked who contend Is there a person within the sound against them, were uttered by Joseph of my voice, or anywhere else upon the Smith in his youth, in the early rise of face of the wide earth, who can say that the Church when, to all human appear- this promise has failed, that this predic- ance, their fulfillment was absolutely im- tion is not founded in truth, that so far possible. At that time there were but it has not been fulfilled? I stand before few who could believe, that dared to be- this vast congregation, and am at the de- lieve the truth of these predictions. The fiance of any human being to say, that few, comparatively, that did believe when this was not pronounced by the spirit of they heard, were those whose minds had truth, by the inspiration of the Almighty, been enlightened by the Holy Spirit of for it has been fulfilled, and is being ful- promise and who, therefore, were pre- filled, and that, too, in the face of opposi- pared to receive them. As these predic- tion of the most deadly character: and tions have been fulfilled, so those not yet what remains will be fulfilled literally fulfilled will come to pass in the due time and completely. And it is the fear in of the Lord; and as this latter-day work the heart of Satan that this will be the has so far grown and assumed force and case, that causes him to stir up his emis- power in the earth, so it will continue to saries to oppose the Kingdom of God and do, and there is no power beneath the seek, if possible, to destroy this great and Celestial Kingdom that can prevent its glorious work. For it is a living fact, a growth, or the consummation of all that fact that fills the hearts of the righteous has been predicted concerning it. and Godfearing with unspeakable joy and the hearts of the wicked and ungodly I do not wonder that the enemies with consternation and jealous fear, that of righteousness are stirred up about this work of God, this work of re- this matter. I am not surprised PREDICTIONS FULFILLED. 99 that the wicked rage and the heathen laying on of hands, it is your privilege imagine a vain thing. I am not aston- to receive the witness of the Spirit for ished when certain men get mad, or that yourselves; it is your privilege to dis- their souls are vexed within them, that cern the mind and will of the Father re- their minds are perplexed, and that they specting your own welfare, and respect- feel wrought up with anger against a ing the final triumph of the work of God. people who have never injured them or Why, then, should we be told that "Mor- theirs. One thing I am surprised about in monism" is true? Why should we need relation to this matter is, that the Latter- any further proof that Joseph Smith was day Saints themselves should not be as a true Prophet, or that his predictions strongly aroused in the interest of the are being fulfilled? Why should it be nec- Kingdom of God, as the enemies of truth essary to prove that the word of God has are against it. When I contemplate the come to the world through him, and that situation as it is presented to my mind, that word is indisputable, that the world I am astonished that so many of the cannot gainsay it? The doctrines and Latter-day Saints should be so indiffer- revelations believed in by the Latter-day ent and neglectful of duty that they can- Saints have now been before the world not, apparently, appreciate the impor- for 54 years, and during that time what tance of living their religion. I am sur- the world has been pleased to call "Mor- prised that there should be any neces- monism" has been to them an unsolved sity for reformation among the Latter- problem. The sound of the Book of Mor- day Saints, that is, if I should be sur- mon has rung in the ears of the civi- prised at all; though surprised is not lized world since the year 1830, when it the appropriate word to use, the word was published, and the report of it had grieved, perhaps, might be used with gone forth and was being agitated some greater propriety in this sense. If I would time before that; and during the 54 years allow myself to indulge in a feeling of that that book has been made public to sorrow, I might indeed feel grieved that the world, there has been no stone un- any of us should find ourselves in a con- turned by the most learned men of the dition to require reform in our lives. It age to disprove it, and make it appear certainly cannot be in consequence of a delusion and imposition. In this, how- the lack of evidences of the divinity of ever, they have signally failed, not being the work in which we are engaged, as able to produce a single argument that there are so many such evidences tran- cannot be successfully met by even the spiring every day in our experience; in boys of this community. This may seem fact the whole spectacle of this latter- a broad assertion, but it is nevertheless day work is overwhelming in undeniable true. Our Elders have been sent out as proof to the people of God, at least, that missionaries to the different nations now it is His work; while the whole world, for the last 50 years, during which time on the contrary, are arrayed against it, they have testified to the truth of the because they cannot see the light. You Book of Mormon, and have invited in- who have obeyed the requirements of the vestigation of its pages. And although everlasting Gospel, and have been cho- many in their day and time have arisen sen out of the world, having received either to ridicule or disprove the truths it the gift of the Holy Ghost, through the 100 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. contains, their efforts have been futile, would lift up my voice in testimony of resulting only in their own dismay. It this fact to every nation, tongue and peo- cannot be disproved, for it is true. There ple, for I know that it is true. is not a word or doctrine, of admonition, Before I close I want to say a word to of instruction within its lids, but what our young men who are called as mis- agrees in sentiment and veracity with sionaries. When a man is called to go those of Christ and His Apostles, as con- on a mission, and a field of labor is tained in the Bible. Neither is there a assigned him, he should, I think, say word of counsel, of admonition or reproof in his heart, not my will be done, but within its lids, but what is calculated to thine, O Lord. We find it a little dif- make a bad man a good man, and a good ficult sometimes to get the right men man a better man, if he will hearken to to go to certain distant lands to preach it. It bears the mark of inspiration from the Gospel. It is sometimes thought, es- beginning to end, and carries convic- pecially among our young Elders, that tion to every honest-hearted soul. And Great Britain is the finest field of la- because the Book of Mormon is a true bor in the world; and, consequently, they and authentic record of a people who want to go there. They do not like to once lived and flourished on this Ameri- go to the Southern States; they do not can continent—and because God Himself much fancy the Northern States; they has undertaken, through us, His weak do not care to go to New Zealand, or and erring children, to establish His rule to the Sandwich Islands. When we call and government on the earth in answer men to go to Great Britain, it is grati- to the prayers of His Saints, ancient and fying for them to respond cheerfully to modern, and according to the counsels the call; and when we call others to go to of His own will—because it is verily so, the Northern States, to New Zealand, or devils rage and the willfully wicked are to the Sandwich Islands, we do not want angered and seek the life and liberties any to come and say, they want their field of the Saints, and the destruction of the of labor changed to England. We expect work of the Lord; but in the name of Is- every man to be on hand to go wherever rael's God, they never will be able to ac- he may be called, and then he may ex- complish their purposes against us. As pect the blessing of the Lord to attend I have often said, so I repeat, the best him in his labors. I have been thankful time the world ever saw, or ever will see, only once since I went to the Sandwich to destroy "Mormonism," was on the 6th Islands on my first mission, and that has day of April, 1830. But they did not been ever since. do it then, and so they let the oppor- Soon after I was sent, there was a tunity slip: and have ever since been very bright, intelligent man called to blindly struggling in the hope of doing go to the Islands, and it was one of something towards it. But the more they the causes of his apostasy. "What," struggle, the wider of the mark their ef- said he, "send me, a linguist, a man forts will be. This is my testimony. If I well read, an educated man, and an had the power, and was called upon to do Englishman at that, to preach to hea- it, I would go to the ends of the earth and thens?" He felt that he was not looked upon with that consideration and re- spect that his scholarly attainments HISTORY NEEDED. 101 commanded; he felt that he was slighted; Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, and lead- and apostatized, and returned to his na- ing men, than can be found in the same tive land, where he wrote a book against number that have gone to any other us, and has since died. When Brother country. Why is this? Perhaps it is be- George Q. Cannon was called to go to cause they manifested their willingness the Islands, he had no such feelings. He to descend below all things, that they learned the language, and translated the might rise above all things. If a man Book of Mormon into the Hawaiian lan- in this Church would be exalted, let him guage. He performed a glorious mission, humble himself; and he that would exalt and is now one of the First Presidency himself, God will abase. of the Church. And singular as it may God bless Israel, and pour out His appear, out of the number of Elders that Spirit upon the household of faith, and have been on missions to the Sandwich strengthen us to do the labors required Islands, I can count more Apostles, more of us, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

CONSPICUOUS POSITION OF THE SAINTS—EARLY PERSECUTIONS—HISTORICAL FACTS THAT OUGHT TO BE PUBLISHED IN BOOK FORM—ANOMALOUS TREATMENT OF UTAH—GOVERNOR YOUNG'S POLICY AND THAT OF HIS SUCCESSORS DIFFERENT—ISAIAH'S PROPHECY FULFILLED—THE EDMUNDS LAW—THE SAINTS WILL YET CONQUER—THE REAL OBJECT OF ATTACK—THE RESULT PREDICTED.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE ERASTUS SNOW, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,MARCH 9, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

In rising before you, brethren and In the providence of God His peo- sisters, this afternoon, I desire to com- ple are located in the valleys of the mit myself unto the Lord, invoking His Rocky Mountains, midway between the blessing upon the congregation, and oceans, occupying the position of a city that the Holy Spirit may dictate that set upon a hill which cannot be hid. which may be spoken to our edifica- It was the providences of God around tion and encouragement in welldoing. about His people which brought them to 102 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. this land, which led them out of—what phrase was used; speaking of the Mor- shall I say? out of bondage?—perhaps mon people it said: "They must be ex- that is not quite the phrase to use—but terminated or driven from the State." which led them out of the older States Strange that in a republic like ours, a of America, where persecution had fol- country of law and government, such lowed the Saints from their earliest his- an executive order should appear. But tory, across the great plains, guided by it is beyond dispute; it has passed into the prayer of faith and the inspiration of history; the annals of the State attest the Almighty, manifested through Pres- it; and the result of such an order is ident Brigham Young and his brethren, well known in the history of this peo- who counseled and guided the people ple. They were not exterminated, but hitherward, and planted their feet in the they were driven from the State. Time valleys of the Rocky Mountains. It was would fail me to tell of the tears, the sor- not our seeking. As President George row of women and children, when hus- A. Smith once quaintly remarked: "We bands and fathers and brothers were came to this country willingly, because dragged to prison, or compelled to flee we were obliged to." and to make their escape in various When persecuted in the State of New ways, through the wilderness of the York, the early churches fled to Ohio— Great West, through the then unsettled established themselves on the "western regions of northern Missouri and Iowa, reserve"—the northern part of Ohio— until they found a stopping place on ei- located a Stake of Zion—built a temple ther side of the Mississippi, in Hancock unto the Lord in Kirtland, from which County, Illinois, and in Lee County, Iowa; Elders were sent out into all parts of these places becoming rallying places, America, and into Europe. Persecuted temporarily, for the Latter-day Saints, in those regions, most of them emigrated where the banner of truth was again un- westward and located in Missouri, where furled, and the Saints began to estab- several Stakes of Zion were organized, lish themselves in those, at that time, al- and again foundations were laid for a most entirely unsettled regions. In the temple, and the Twelve, with others of short space of seven years they had in- the Priesthood, were commanded of the creased to tens of thousands, and es- Lord to take their departure to the na- tablished several Stakes of Zion on both tions of Europe and other parts of the sides of the Mississippi, with the beauti- globe, to preach the Gospel. Persecutions ful city of Nauvoo as the center of their arose in that land, and became more gen- operations and the site of the new tem- eral than any persecutions that had pre- ple. It was here that the ire of the people ceded them, until the State became em- both of Illinois and Missouri was aroused broiled, and an executive order was is- against the Saints—especially the ire of sued by the then Governor Lilburn W. the surrounding counties, both in Illi- Boggs, who directed his principal gen- nois and Iowa—until it became evident erals and aides-de-camp to gather to- that the Saints must again take up the gether the militia of the State, and ex- line of march to some other unsettled re- pel the Saints from the State. And gion. Of the history of the persecutions in this executive order this remarkable that followed in 1845-6; the martyrdom HISTORY NEEDED. 103 of the Prophets Joseph and Hyrum, as the privations of the early years in the also the slaughter of many other indi- settlement of the Saints in these Rocky viduals; the burning of houses, of gra- Mountains, are also matters of history. naries, of haystacks, of grain stacks, the I would that they were compiled in a property of the Saints from outside set- succinct and lucid history, that our chil- tlements near Nauvoo, and of the con- dren might peruse the same and not for- sequent combination of nine counties to get the scenes through which their fa- make a descent upon Nauvoo, and the thers have passed; for they are wonder- expulsion of the Saints from the city— ful. There are many now living who all these things, I say, are matters of his- passed through these events; they were tory. And while the people of the State in personal sharers in them; but the great their organized capacity sought to screen mass of the present generation know themselves from the direct responsibility nothing of them, only as they are occa- of those events under various pretenses, sionally referred to by their fathers. yet the covering was "too thin" from the It is therefore quite true what Pres- fact that the then Governor Ford, of Illi- ident George A. Smith said, "that we nois, was really aiding and abetting all came to this country willingly because those movements; he did nothing to re- we were obliged to." It seemed to have strain them, but everything to encour- been the course marked out before us, age them, and in this way the stain of and circumstances so surrounded and these things—the death of the Prophets pressed upon us, that we were not able and the expulsion of the Saints—was fas- to avoid it, although we fain would have tened upon the government of the State. avoided it, if we could. However much some honorable persons in the State may have opposed these Prior to the full determination upon things, yet there was not influence and moving westward, President Brigham power enough in the State to intervene Young and the Twelve joined in com- for the protection of the Saints in the munications to all the Governors of the enjoyment of their civil and religious several States east of the Rocky Moun- rights. Thus they were compelled to re- tains, imploring them and their Legisla- tire, and their march was westward into tures for some word of comfort, of conso- these mountains. lation, of tacit permission for the Saints All this had been predicted by the to find shelter and protection at the Prophet Joseph. The Saints had been hands of their respective governments. looking forward to the accomplishment These official communications, made to of those events. They were not al- every State and State legislature in the together unlooked for, however much land, received but very slight considera- the necessity was deplored and however tion. From a portion of them no answers great were the sufferings of individuals were received at all, and those who did and families, and the community as a deign to answer those communications whole, in their travels for a distance of answered them evasively, without any nearly 1,500 miles across the then bar- hearty expressions of welcome, or any in- ren trackless desert. timation that they would use their influ- The history of the pioneers and ence to maintain the rights, privileges the many people that followed, and and immunities of citizens. In short, 104 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. the cold shoulder was turned towards desert. In regard to the terrible suf- the Saints from every quarter, and im- ferings that followed—the terrible snow mediately in front was the combined mob storms and rains that continued from of nine counties, waging war against February until May, causing such floods them, backed up secretly by the pow- and mire, distress and suffering and con- ers of the State—or at least there was sequent sickness, as perhaps has never no effort on the part of the State to re- before been known to the lot of man un- strain the actions of the mob. President der similar circumstances—they were at Young and other Elders and the peo- least such as none can properly depict ple were harassed continually by vexa- or comprehend, but those who passed tious law suits. They were pressed on through them. Of the many that were every hand. Their enemies desired to laid by the wayside before reaching these involve them in trouble. They sought valleys of the mountains, those fami- to imprison our leading men. And lies who were decimated must be left though, at a council held in October, to tell the tale. The history of those 1845, between the Twelve and the lead- early days of persecution and suffer- ers of the opposition, including represen- ing will never be fully known. But tatives of the State—the principal gen- in the midst of it all a goodly num- eral of that district, the circuit judge ber of the people of God were sustained of that district—Stephen A. Douglas, by their faith and the overruling prov- subsequently a Senator of the United idence of Jehovah, and were brought States, and presidential aspirant—I say, safely through; while the weaker and notwithstanding that it was stipulated more doubtful, the fearful and unbeliev- at that council, that if we would in ing, scattered into the surrounding coun- good faith go to and make the nec- try, left the body of the Saints, drifted essary preparations for our departure up and down the Mississippi into the westward, as soon as the grass grew in various towns of Illinois, Iowa and Mis- the spring, to enable our teams to live, souri, and back into the Eastern States, we should be protected and the mobo- while others of the poor and less able, cratic spirit restrained until we could though earnest in the faith and abiding take our departure—our agreement and in the truth, were left by the wayside, at pledge to accept these conditions only the way stations that were planted be- seemed to embolden the more rabid of tween the Mississippi and the Missouri our enemies in the counties round about, Rivers, where farms were opened, grain and instead of respecting these condi- and vegetables planted for the poor, un- tions, agreed to by the dignitaries of til they reached a general place of ren- the State for our protection during win- dezvous on the Missouri River, at Coun- ter, they commenced to oppress and ha- cil Bluffs, where the Mormon Battalion rass and war against us to such an ex- enlisted for the Mexican War, and in tent, that we were compelled to take up the midst of which the emigrating camps our march in the dead of winter. Early were obliged to halt until the following in February, multitudes of the people spring, when they started for the west- commenced to cross the Mississippi, and ern wilds of this great interior country. form their encampments in the forests of I said these things had been directed Iowa, preparatory to starting out upon by the overruling providence of God. their long and dreary march across the HISTORY NEEDED. 105

The combined force of the unbelieving trappers who had mingled with the In- and the wicked was brought to bear dians of this great interior country for to expel the Saints, and compel their twenty years were of the opinion that it journey westward to the Rocky Moun- was utterly impossible to raise grain in tains. It was permitted by Him who any part of this region. Captain James overrules all things for the good of His Bridger, the noted hunter and trapper, people; and the trials of the people and who had intermarried and established a the afflictions of individuals and individ- trading post among the Shoshones, met ual families were eventually lost, as it the pioneers on the Big Sandy, and gave were, and buried in the universal good it as the opinion of himself, and of the which Providence had provided for His early trappers who had gone through people as a whole. The school of ex- this country, that it would be impossi- perience through which the early lead- ble to raise grain here. He told us of ers and families of Israel had passed the valley of the Great Salt Lake, and for a period of sixteen years had fitted pointed out especially the valley, which them for those trying scenes and for the he termed the valley of the Utah outlet— work which they were destined to per- the valley that spread between the fresh form in these mountains, in grappling water lake of Utah and the Great Salt with the difficulties of a new country, of Lake—as the most probable place in all a barren waste, of an untried region, a of this great interior country to raise region supposed to be utterly uninhab- grain, at the same time supplementing itable. The great arid belt bordering his account of the land with the opin- on the Rocky Mountains, extending for ion that it was impossible to raise grain, some hundreds of miles eastward of the and as a clincher to his opinion offered Rocky Mountains, and across the great $1,000 as a premium for the first ear of basin of the American desert, was sup- corn that should be raised in this valley. posed to be absolutely unproductive— But the faith which sustained the Saints, incapable of producing cereals, vegeta- and which led them, responded through bles and fruits necessary to civilization. President Brigham Young to Captain The school boys of my age will remember Bridger like this: "Wait a little season to have looked on their maps and seen all and we will show you." this country marked as the Great Amer- We have shown to the world what ican Desert. It was supposed that a could be done, or, I will say, rather, the strip bordering on the Pacific, was com- Lord our God—the God of the Latter-day posed of fine fertile land, and adapted to Saints—has shown to us and to all the European settlements. But that coun- world what could be done in this hitherto try on the Pacific, was, at that time, in barren region when His blessing rested the possession of the Mexicans, with a upon it. few Catholic missions established along The first important movement of the coast, where they had raised a few the pioneer company on setting foot beans and cabbages and red peppers, upon this ground near City Creek, and where they had sustained them- was to call the camp together, and selves mostly by raising stock. This bow down under the sun at high was all there was to show for their noon, and dedicate themselves unto presence in that region. And the few God, and this land for the habitation 106 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. of His Saints, imploring His blessing respect. But the Lord has blessed the upon it, that its barrenness might be labors of the people of Utah in divert- turned into fruitfulness, and that the ing the mountain streams over the arid rewards of His people might be sure. plains, and opening farms, orchards and And whithersoever their footsteps were vineyards, and building villages, towns turned, to the north or the south, to the and cities, organizing governments, and east or the west, the prayer and faith of establishing a commonwealth. That the an afflicted and devoted people ascended early history of the Latter-day Saints fit- up to heaven for the God of the land to ted its leaders for governing, for organiz- sanctify it, and hallow the elements and ing and controlling society, and molding make the country fruitful. it for the best interest of the whole, will The art of irrigation was unknown be admitted by the impartial historian on the North American continent at that of future ages, when the religious big- time—at least among European settlers otry of the hour shall have spent its fury, in the United States. There was no part and the stupid, blind ignorance of dema- of the United States which at that time gogues shall have been lost and drowned relied upon artificial irrigation in all the in the common sense of the people. Yet, arid regions of America. The system of our eastern neighbors in Missouri, Illi- irrigation adopted in Utah has measur- nois, Iowa, and the Atlantic States, sanc- ably been copied by California, Colorado, tioned in their inmost hearts the murder Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, of the Prophets, and the persecution and although some of the best features of expulsion of the Saints, though some of our system of irrigation have been ne- them lifted up their voices against it, but glected in these surrounding States and the voices so lifted were "like angels' vis- Territories; canal and irrigation compa- its, few and far between," and powerless nies have there been allowed to organize to turn the popular current or stem the and monopolize the streams and make tide that flowed, like the waters which the farmers tributary to them, taxpay- the serpent cast out of his mouth after ers for use of the fluid which God sends the apocalyptic woman that fled from the down from heaven—that is, they have face of the serpent into the wilderness. not united the interest of the farmer, the The Lord had a place prepared for His land owner, with the canal owners as Church in the wilderness, in the Great we have done in Utah, but they have American Desert, where she would be made the water rather personal prop- preserved from the face of the serpent for erty than an attach of the realty, com- a season. pelling the farmer to rent or buy wa- ter for their lands. Herein Utah sets I well remember those early years, as an example in this arid region to the do many who are here before me today, rest of the world, and the future his- though their numbers are fast becoming tory of this great interior country will very visibly less. We remember the time award all due honor to the wise legisla- when the first State government was or- tion of Utah, and the wise counsels of ganized in these mountains. It was si- her leaders, and deprecate the folly of multaneous with the organization of a the surrounding States and Territories State government on the Pacific coast in not following their example in this under the title of the State of Califor- HISTORY NEEDED. 107 nia. Delegates were appointed by the government, it seemed good to the provisional government of the State Congress of the United States to make of Deseret, to visit Washington and the Governor of Utah an integral part present their application for admission of its local legislature, empowered to ap- into the Union at the same Congress prove its laws or to exercise an unqual- at which California's representatives ap- ified and absolute veto in all matters of peared and knocked for admission. Both legislation, a feature, so unrepublican acted in their sovereign capacity in or- and unusual, that it could scarcely be en- ganizing their State government and dured by any other people for a period adopting their State constitution. It did of 35 years, except the Latter-day Saints, not need any special act of Congress ex- and in this instance we are an exception. tending liberty to them so to do; for in Two-thirds of the Senate and two-thirds both instances the people of California of the House of Representatives can pass and Utah acted in virtue of their inalien- any measure over the veto of the Presi- able rights as free men entitled to the dent of the United States. The same may enjoyment of free government, and un- be said of all the legislatures in every der the general institutions of our coun- State in the Union; a two-thirds vote of try, that recognize the right of the peo- the Legislature suffices to pass any mea- ple to local self-government. Each State sure over the veto of the governor, and organized a State government, adopted this is the rule obtaining in the territo- a State constitution; they were equally ries, as well as the States, with the ex- republican in form and liberal in spirit, ception of Utah and New Mexico. and made a simultaneous application I only refer to this as an instance of to Congress for admission. The an- the marked jealousy that has prevailed swer of the general government to Cal- toward this people—the unwillingness to ifornia, was favorable; to that of De- concede to them the common right of lo- seret unfavorable; in other words they cal self-government. recognized in the one the rights of lo- cal self-government, admitted their sen- Under the administration of Gover- ators and representatives to Congress, nor Young, his efforts were ever directed and the State into the Union, on an equal with the Legislative Assembly to en- footing with the original States; while large and extend the area of freedom and to Deseret they handed back a Territo- the liberty of the voter, and the rights rial form of government, adopted the Or- of the common people, never attempt- ganic Act, and appointed their territo- ing to exercise the veto power, much rial officers. Thanks to the advice of our less to enlarge and extend, the exec- never deviating friend, General Thomas utive prerogatives; and under his ad- L. Kane, President Fillmore, who suc- ministration, laws were enacted to pro- ceeded General Taylor in the Presidency, vide for various offices necessary to ad- nominated President Brigham Young as minister the affairs of the Territorial the first Governor of Utah. Thankful government, as well as those of coun- were we even for this partial recogni- ties and municipalities, making them tion of the rights of the people to lo- all elective by the people, or by their cal self-government, but strange to say, chosen representatives in Legislative that in the organization of our Territorial Assembly united. It seems to have 108 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. been reserved to one or two of our late and have invariably administered to the Governors—notably our present one— office seekers this quiet rebuke, a ticket- to labor assiduously, tenaciously, blindly, of-leave to stay at home. The good sense and, as we think, foolishly, to abridge of the people has led them to seek out the popular suffrage, the rights of the honorable and non-aspiring men and call mass of the people in the management of them to duty, to fill the offices in the their own local affairs, and the election interests of the people, not for plunder of their own officers, or for the handling and pelf, but for the reward of a good of their own finances; I say it seems to conscience and the approbation of an be left to our late governors to earnestly honest, discerning and approving peo- struggle to enlarge the executive prerog- ple. And this unity of the people has ative. Not content with the veto power not been solely a matter of our own seek- reserved in the Organic Act by Congress ing, however desirable it is, but mea- to annul any act of the Legislative As- surably the result of outward pressure. sembly of Utah, nor yet with the second If left to ourselves, unbelied, unscoffed veto vested absolutely in the Governor at; if treated with any degree of fairness by simply withholding his approval of and liberality, and freedom to enjoy the any measure; the present Governor has rights and immunities of citizenship, un- sought in various ways to extend and en- molested, unpersecuted, I fear that we large this executive prerogative. should soon begin to learn the ways of I refer to these things only as items the wicked around us, or of the foolish of history which we are making for our- of other countries, and the heedless, the selves, and which our Federal govern- thoughtless, and the ignorant among us ment and its representatives in Utah are would soon be following political dema- making for themselves, and which the gogues. But it seems to be one of the historian will point to as the evidence providences of God, that there should of a continual desire for aggression upon be sufficient opposition from without— the liberties of the people. that is, from those who are not of us— I am well aware that the excuse for to bind us together and enable us to see all this is the unity of our people—the our only true interest in seeking to be- fact that they are not so greatly dis- come one. And that oneness has not tracted by the efforts of aspiring dema- been the oneness of blindness, a blind gogues and political satraps—and that following of the blind, but has been the their own common sense teaches them result of Seers and Prophets and wise the necessity, under existing circum- men and sages and fathers of the peo- stances, to consider well and ponder the ple foreseeing the evil and pointing it paths of their feet, and unite in the out in that way and manner that all wisest and best measures, and in the have been able to view and see it for choice of reliable honorable men to fill themselves. They have followed with the various offices within the gift of the their eyes open the Seers and Prophets people, rather than divide and admit who are not walking in darkness, and into power aspiring demagogues. We, the result has been that we have not as a people, have adopted the motto, fallen into the ditch together, but we that the office should seek the man, have continued to prosper and go on in instead of the man seeking the office, the path which heaven has marked out HISTORY NEEDED. 109 for us, and the enemies of this peo- viewer, or a school director, or a public ple, who have resorted to every measure surveyor, or a supervisor of streets. Have which their cunning and ingenuity could the men who made this country, who or- devise to hamper them and lessen their ganized government therein, who estab- liberties—it is these which have fallen lished order, preserved peace, and tamed into the ditch, that have been trapped in the savage—who were the mountain po- their own measures, that have been en- lice for all this great interior country for snared with their own snares, and their 30 years—have these tamely submitted folly has been made manifest, and the to these arbitrary rulings and decisions prediction of the Prophet Isaiah has hap- without protest, and because there was pened unto them: The wisdom of their no power to withstand? I will only say wise men has perished, and the under- they have done it from the same inspira- standing of their prudent men has been tion and feeling that has governed them hid. No more in any former examples from the beginning in all their wander- than in their last effort—the Edmunds ings. They have stooped to conquer! Will law, so called—which is the result of the they conquer? Yes, God will conquer, and combined efforts and labors of a nation, with Him they will rise and prevail. Let begotten by the hireling priests, a con- no one attempt to seize upon this expres- clave that met in Ogden, the representa- sion as one of treason, of disloyalty to tives of all the sectarians in Utah. Then government, of defiance of the power of a nation groaned, and "the mountain la- this great country. It is not spoken in bored," and brought forth a mouse, the that spirit, nor with any such intent; but Edmunds law! Its main object was to it is the outspoken declaration of that be effected through a Commission, cho- faith which underlies the movements of sen expressly, not to administer that law this people, and which has led them on according to the letter of it, but cho- to victory from the beginning. You may sen with a secret understanding and write it down as a prophecy, but not as a tacit obligations to enforce it with the threat, not as a defiance, not as a trea- spirit of despotism in which it had been sonable utterance. We recognize our al- conceived; and by establishing rules— legiance to the general government: we irresponsible rules—rules of their own— recognize that it is our duty to sustain absolute and appealable to nobody—and constitutional law and the institutions of enforcing them in their own way they our common country, and if men in power have succeeded in disfranchising not overstep their legitimate bounds, and ex- only actual polygamists, but all those ercise power that is not vested in them who have been in any way associated or under the constitution, and violate its connected with polygamist families—not sacred provisions in their zeal to tram- only plural wives, but first wives, and ple upon the liberties of the Saints, or men and women who long years ago have hedge up their ways, it is our duty to been freed—to use a common phrase— bear and forbear, until the Lord says— from polygamy; all who have from any "Tis enough," and until He shall open the cause ceased to be polygamists. All way, in His own wonderful manner, to these have been disfranchised—excluded bring about a change and our release. from political privileges—forbidden to be officeholders, even to be a fence 110 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

I well recollect the speeches that were not been in the marriage relation! But uttered in some of the great cities of the the honorable men and the honorable west and of the eastern States, when the women who had entered into sacred whole people were aroused and urged vows with each other, and had sacredly to bring their influence to bear upon observed these vows, and were rearing Congress to pass the Edmunds law. I their families to honor and respect their well remember that numbers of their parents and to be good citizens in so- most noted orators uttered the declara- ciety, teaching them to fear God, and tion that polygamy was the least part of honor the Patriarchs of old, and flee for- the evil they warred against in Utah. I nication, and look upon whoredom and have always been aware of this. Only adultery as the greatest of all crimes, a few, comparatively speaking, of their next to the shedding of innocent blood— leading orators had the temerity—or all these fathers and mothers must be perhaps the lack of policy—to give utter- disfranchised! And an attempt made to ance, in a public manner, to this view dishonor them in the eyes of their sons of the case. But those who gave such and daughters! They appealed to their utterance said that the unity exhibited sons and daughters to rise up in their by the people of Utah—the united, solid majesty and throw their fathers and vote of the Latter-day Saints—was far their mothers overboard, and elect them more to be dreaded than their polygamy. to power. And when the people nomi- This was recognized and made clearly nated Hon. John T. Caine as their Del- manifest by the action of the present egate to Congress, to supply the vacancy Executive of Utah, when he first intro- made by the illiberal and unrepublican duced as a prerequisite to commission- action of the so-called Republican party ing Notaries Public, an oath of his own in the expulsion of their Delegate, Hon. providing, unlawful in every way, un- George Q. Cannon, from Congress; the der pain of refusing their commissions, opposing candidate, Judge P. T. Van Zile, viz., that they were not polygamists or went through this Territory, delivering bigamists, and had not cohabited with his political speech, calling to his aid his more than one woman in the marriage retainers, in every place where he could relation! And when the Utah Com- get an audience, telling the masses of the missioners arrived in Utah and entered people: My election means the continua- upon their labors, in one of the schemes tion of your liberties; the election of my devised for carrying into effect the Ed- opponent means your disfranchisement munds law, they adopted the same mea- as a whole people, the abolishment of sure that had been introduced by His your Legislative Assembly, the reducing Excellency, Governor Murray, and in- of you to a colony governed, absolutely, corporated the same provision in their as a conquered race. Suiting the action test oath—thrust in the mouths or in to the word, those who sustained him the face of every individual voter, male have labored to bring about his prophe- and female, this test oath, leaving ev- cies, and they are still laboring to bring ery libertine in the land, and every lewd them about. We know full well, that woman, every secret whoremonger and the devil, as well as the Lord, can utter adulterer at liberty to register, vote, and some truths, and sometimes is allowed hold office, provided their liaisons have to fulfill his predictions. Wicked men HISTORY NEEDED. 111 do this as well as righteous men. But upon, and for the children that may, per- there is one decree that has gone out adventure, be spared of these ignoble from days of old, that whatever may be sires to gaze upon with unutterable dis- the result of a few skirmishes here and gust. The one-man power exercised by there, and now and then, through the a stranger appointed to Federal office, generations of men, the great and last and sent among the people as a Gover- battle shall result in the utter overthrow nor; the one-man power that puts forth of his Satanic Majesty; he will be bound his ipse dixit to nullify the acts of a great in everlasting chains and thrust into the people through their representatives in bottomless pit, his followers being cast the Legislative Assembly, and to dictate down with him. It is this assurance un- to the people, or their representatives, derlying the faith of the Saints, that en- what they may do with their taxes, or ables them to go forward, onward and what they must not do with them—all upward, relying upon the arm of Jeho- these things, I say, will be referred to by vah, and the ultimate triumph of truth the future historian as very, very black and righteousness in the earth. That marks upon their history; and also their those men who have laid these schemes blind zeal and efforts—to what? To pre- to abridge our liberties and immunities vent the growth, enlargement and ex- as citizens; and forged fetters for our tension of the Latter-day Saints in the hands and feet, have not done so in the land. This is the real object underlying interests of morality, is made painfully all their efforts. The Latter-day Saints apparent in the test oath framed by Gov- do not imitate the examples of the East- ernor Murray, adopted by the Commis- ern cities and the old commonwealths of sioners, and sustained—so far as any the Atlantic seaboard in destroying their outward manifestation is concerned—by offspring. They do not patronize the Congress and the people of the nation, vendor of noxious, poisonous, destructive in that they continue to uphold this Fed- medicines to procure abortion, infanti- eral Governor and these Commission- cide, child murder, and other wicked de- ers, and to sustain them in their rul- vices, whereby to check the multiplica- ings and in the results thereof. Had tion of their species, in order to facili- they been honestly working in the inter- tate the gratification of fleshly lust. We est of morality, would they merely have are not disposed to imitate these exam- made the effort to exclude those that ples, nor to drink in the pernicious doc- were in plural marriage, and embrace in trine once uttered in Plymouth Church their arms the libertine, the adulterer, by the noted Henry Ward Beecher—that the whoremonger, the fornicator, and ev- it was a positive evil to increase families ery lewd person of every class in the land in the land beyond a limited extent, and outside of the marriage relation? This the ability of the parents to properly ed- shows it was the patriarchal order of ucate and maintain them, sustaining the marriage that they warred against, and idea of small families; in effect, justifying not against illicit intercourse and the de- the mothers—the unnatural mothers— filement of the sexes and degeneracy of of New England, and their partners the race. All these things are held up who sanction their efforts in destroy- before high heaven, for angels to look ing their own offspring, and in prevent- upon, for future historians to descant 112 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. ing the fecundity of the race. Fancy such will as signally fail, and the failure will a doctrine justified by the noted orator be on as natural principles as it was an- of the nineteenth century, and reechoed ciently in the days of Moses. For the by the smaller fry throughout the coun- Lord has decreed it. He has decreed that try! The Latter-day Saints are taught Zion shall prosper, and that in the latter to reverence the words of the God of days righteousness and truth shall pre- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, concerning vail. Blessed are all they that will lis- the multiplication of their species, and ten to truth and walk righteously, and are called as His children to multiply woe! be unto those who fight against and replenish the earth. If the trav- Zion. For the time cometh saith the Lord eler who visits Utah, will deign to visit of Hosts, when all they that fight against our congregations, our schools and our Zion shall be as a dream of a night vision. Improvement Associations, he can view "It shall even be as when an hungry man hosts of children growing up on every dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he hand, all of whom are taught to read awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as and write, and in the common branches when a thirsty man dreameth, and, be- of an English education beyond that hold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, which is found to exist in any other behold, he is faint, and his soul hath ap- part of the land under similar circum- petite: so shall the multitude of all the stances. But notwithstanding all this, nations be, that fight against Zion." This they say secretly among themselves, and work is not of man but of God, who has in the national and state councils: "This set His hand the second time to bring will never do. A people multiplying again Zion. And He has said: "Gather and increasing like this will overrun the my saints unto me; those that have made land." They say, as did Pharaoh of old, a covenant with me by sacrifice." His "We must do something to stop this in- arm is stretched out to accomplish the crease." Pharaoh devised means of se- purposes which He has predicted by His cretly checking it, by charging his mid- Prophets from the beginning of the world wives, and making a decree, that ev- until the present time, and it will not be ery male child born in Israel should be turned back until it has accomplished all put to death. We read that when Moses things. was born and his mother found him a May the grace of God be and abide goodly child she disregarded the decree with us individually and collectively: of the king, and God overruled in her may it assist us to remember these favor, in pursuance of her faith, and things; may we not forget the high call- protected her movements, and Moses ing whereunto we are called; may we was spared and brought into the king's abide in the truth; may we stand stead- house, and unwittingly educated under fast to our work; may we go forward in his tuition to become the future deliv- our labors, yielding not unto the tempter; erer of Israel, and the lawgiver of na- for if we are faithful our triumph is sure tions. History but repeats itself. The ef- and our reward cometh not from be- forts of the wicked to stop the growth and neath, but from above, through our Lord enlargement of the Latter-day Saints and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. THE SAINTS NOT HATED FOR THEIR VICES. 113

HATRED TOWARDS SAINTS—ITS CAUSE—HOPE OF THE SAINTS—CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS—LOYAL INTENTIONS.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE MOSES THATCHER, DELIVEREDATTHE GENERAL CONFERENCE, FRIDAY AFTERNOON,APRIL 4, 1884.

REPORTEDBY GEO. F. GIBBS.

I rejoice in the remarks that were lar subject, which has weighed heav- made this morning by the brethren, and ily upon my mind by reason of the en- feel that they were prompted by the Holy mity, the malice and hatred which I have Ghost. It was truly remarked by our seen manifested towards the Latter-day aged and venerated President, that un- Saints. And I have been led to be- less sustained by the Lord, we cannot, lieve that they are hated more for their as a people, accomplish His work; and virtues than for their supposed vices. In it certainly must be apparent to every connection with this subject, I have been thoughtful mind, that man in and of led to believe that many among this peo- himself is very weak, that he is unable, ple are apt to have compassion for the alone and unaided, to accomplish that guilty. And I must confess myself that which will result in his own salvation. It I have never heard judgment passed on is not difficult to understand or to com- any man by the authorities of the Church prehend the power of God, as it is man- without more or less pity in my heart for ifested in the affairs of nations; but we that man. We are generally apt to be cannot always see how He manages and too lenient to the falsifier, who becomes controls individuals. And yet no human the accuser of his brethren. We are too being without His permission breathes apt to look with pity upon one who may the breath of life, for He is the giver of have fallen from the path of chastity, and life; and when we, as a community or as forsaken the ways of the Lord. There individuals, sense this, manifesting by is something in the human heart that is our works a goodly degree of faith and drawn out in sympathy and compassion humility before God, then we are in the for the erring. I will not attempt this af- light. But people, on the other hand, who ternoon to show whether this is a correct undertake to exhibit their own wisdom, or an incorrect sentiment; whether it is or to depend upon the knowledge of man a failing or a virtue; but I have noticed will, if they continue in that spirit, be led on the other hand, when hatred prompts into darkness, and their life will result in action, there is but little if any mercy failure. shown. The shafts intended for the inno- During the past few months, I cent are often dipped in doubly distilled have thought much upon a particu- 114 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. poison, before they are sped from the heaped upon him until those that were bow of envy by the hand of malice. It prompted by it, succeeded at last in slay- was so in the days of the Savior. Thrice ing him. They perpetrated this deed tried and thrice condemned, followed to without mercy, without pity, innocent the cross with but little human sympa- and guiltless as he was. thy, he endured the agonies of a cruel, How is it today? Converse with cer- lingering death. How much sympathy tain people in Salt Lake City, those who do you suppose Cain had when he slew have made it their business to hate, to lie his brother Abel? Did Cain hate Abel be- about, and to do all in their power to per- cause he was innocent, or because he was secute and despoil the Latter-day Saints, guilty? His hand would have paused; and you will find lurking in their breasts he would have reflected had Abel been exactly the same spirit manifested by the as guilty before God as he was. But be- wicked towards the Saints of God in all cause he was pure, and because God rec- ages of the world; divest them of their ognized his purity by accepting his of- malice and hatred and there would be lit- fering, there arose in Cain's heart envy, tle left. malice and hatred, that could only be ap- peased with blood. It has been so in ev- We hear a great deal about the im- ery age of the world. You may trace hu- morality of this people; but allow me man persecution; you may trace the his- to say, if we permitted ourselves to be tory of those who invented the rack, the led into wickedness; if we would adopt thumbscrew and the wheel, and you will the ways of the Christian age; if we find they have always been moved by one would cast our children into reservoirs spirit, that same spirit which raised the and ash pits, on vacant lots and dung rebellion in heaven, and that sought the heaps, or throw them on to the railroad glory and power of God the Father, and track; if we would transmit to our sons that found its culmination in sending to and daughters disease, and encourage perdition Lucifer and those that were them in ways that lead to death, hell and cast out with him. And Milton, inter- the grave; we should then have assim- preting the spirit that prompted Lucifer ilated, as some of our would-be Chris- in the course he pursues, makes him say, tianizers have expressed it, with "Ameri- "It is better to reign in hell than serve can institutions;" in other words, then we in heaven." And wherever we find that should be hail fellows well met with the spirit, we find a spirit of envy, a spirit office seekers, with adventurers, with of malice, a spirit that desires to destroy libertines and other destroyers of other that which is more excellent and wor- people's peace and happiness. It is be- thy than itself. In this way, after a just cause we cannot do this; because we comparison between our persecutors and refuse to "assimilate;" because we pre- ourselves, we can account for the perse- fer to row against the current of corrup- cution to which we have been made sub- tion; because the fruits of our labors, ject. political, financial and social are good, Let the youth of Zion contem- and bespeak a higher and better civiliza- plate the character of the Prophet tion, that we are hated and ostracized, Joseph Smith, and see how evidences and not because of any immorality that of prejudice, hatred and malice were may exist in our midst. We are sensible THE SAINTS NOT HATED FOR THEIR VICES. 115 of the fact that we are not of the world; it?" says one. I do not pretend to know that if we were, the world would love us what others will do, neither do I pre- as its own. We are sensible of the fact tend to give advice in the premises; but that we have come out from the world, I do say this: that no nation or govern- and that, too, for a wise purpose in the ment has ever been able to crush the re- wisdom of God. In these mountains we ligious sentiment of any people unless it expect to establish the foundation of a crushed the whole people. The nearest civilization that will yet be the admira- approach to success in this direction that tion of the world. We expect to bequeath I can find in history, was that of Charles to our children the blessings of physical IX, advised by his wicked mother, when and mental strength such as will enable he slew the Huguenots in the streets of them to stand the test that will be re- Paris. But even this kind of treatment quired of them; and the very principle did not succeed, and never can succeed. and tenet of our religion, against which For a persecuted religion will be an in- the Christian feeling of the age appears vestigated religion; and in my opinion it to be so much shocked, will be the chief is truth that receives the thrust of the cornerstone in the hands of the builder of enemy far more frequently than evil. rearing the structure that will be differ- I wish to bear my testimony in rela- ent from anything else in the world. Be- tion to the Latter-day Saints and their cause we practice celestial or plural mar- position. We will abide in these moun- riage, we are branded as lawbreakers; tains, and we will plead with our gov- we are told that we seek to violate consti- ernment; we will continue to petition tutional law, and the enactments of the Congress and submit our memorials to Congress of the United States. Upon this the President of the United States; and point I desire to make a few remarks. we will continue to love our country, de- I was born in this country. I can fend its interests, and be free men in trace my lineage to the revolutionary fa- these mountains. If we were aught else, thers. I love the institutions of my coun- if we could be bound hand and foot as try; I love and venerate the Constitu- abject slaves, we should be unworthy to tion. But I am not so ignorant, I am not be citizens of so great a Republic as is so blind that I cannot see that anything ours. It cannot be done, and for this rea- which you or I may do may be made son: We have come from the nations of contrary to law, and may be called un- the civilized world of our own free will constitutional; but I hold that the Con- and choice, expecting to enjoy and to be- stitution was made broad enough, high queath to our children the freedom guar- enough and deep enough to enable us to anteed by the laws and institutions of practice our religion and be free before our country; we came as intelligent, in- God and man. I hold that if Congress dependent men and women, and a peo- has a right to enact a law in relation to ple who are intelligent and independent marriage, it might just as consistently cannot be made slaves. The result will make a law affecting baptism, or pre- doubtless be this: We shall be crowded scribing the manner, if at all, the sacra- upon from time to time—but no more, I ment of the Lord's supper should be ad- apprehend, than God in His wisdom will ministered. "What will you do about permit—and the very acts of persecu- 116 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. tion and unfairness that will be directed would defend our rights to the utter- against us, will bring out and develop most of their power. But they have been the elements of excellency that will make hedged about; and reports misrepresent- our young men statesmen, and that will ing and belying our true character have make them lovers and defenders of right been so widely circulated, that they have and liberty, until, in the due time of been led to believe them; but as we are the Lord, there will grow up in these becoming better known we may expect mountains a race of people that will not to find men and women with a high de- only defend the Constitution, but defend gree of moral courage, here and there, the flag of the nation, and at the same defending us, and speaking favorably of time be willing to extend the principles us. There is no such feeling exhibited of freedom to all who desire to receive in our nation towards us today as two them. It is a great mistake to imagine years ago; and even that, hostile as it that the "Mormons" are opposed to the was, did good. The evil that the minis- government. They are not opposed to the ters and priests and politicians together, government; there is not a feeling of se- sought to bring upon us was, through cession about them, and they do not pro- the wisdom of God, overruled for our pose to be forced on the other side of the good. And so it will continue to be, what- fence by any alliance formed either in ever the enemies of truth do for the pur- Utah or outside of Utah. We expect to pose of crushing it, will eventually be stand upon the platform laid broad and found to be the very means used to es- deep by the fathers. We expect to defend tablish it. We have confidence in the wis- our rights as American citizens, and to dom and power of God, and are abun- do less than this would be unworthy a dantly able to wait and labor, to work on free people. in the path marked out for us to walk Before closing I wish to bear my in, fully believing that in His own due testimony in regard to the people in time He will accomplish His "marvelous the world. I am perfectly satisfied work and a wonder," and bring about there are thousands of good and hon- those happy results foreshadowed in the est men and women in our nation promises made to His people, both an- who, if they knew our true status, cient and modern. Amen. and understood the facts as they are, UNITING OF TEMPORAL INTERESTS. 117

UNITING OF TEMPORAL INTERESTS—NOT AN OBSOLETE PRINCIPLE—IMPROVEMENT AMONG THE SAINTS—NEED OF BEING MORE SELF-SUSTAINING—WORKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED.

REMARKSBY APOSTLE BRIGHAM YOUNG, DELIVEREDATTHE GENERAL CONFERENCE, ON SATURDAY MORNING,APRIL 5, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

It has been said, that words fitly spo- is stamped in our every act, and in time ken are like apples of gold in pictures we pass away like the dream of the night of silver. This is especially true when vision. I do not desire at this time to they are accompanied by the Spirit of the treat upon the subject of the United Or- Lord, carrying with them life and sal- der, but I would like to ask if the Latter- vation to the people. There are many day Saints think for a moment that that subjects that might be dwelt upon which principle is done away, or that it may are familiar to the Latter-day Saints, be considered a failure never again to and which would doubtless yet be ap- be brought to our notice? If such has propriate to speak upon in our general been the conclusion of any part of this assemblies. I look back upon the past assembly, I have no hesitancy in stating few years and recall principles that have for their information that such is not the been taught to the people, but which the case; it cannot be so if we are ever to an- Spirit no longer seems to inspire the El- swer the design of the Almighty respect- ders to dwell upon. And the question ing the future of His Kingdom upon the arises in the mind: Have such princi- earth. I would say further, the time is ap- ples become obsolete? Are they done proaching, if I am a judge of the Spirit as away? I look forward to the time when witnessed among the people throughout we shall be able to speak upon the prin- our settlements from the extreme north ciples of uniting this people together in to the extreme south, when the princi- their temporal as well as their spiritual ple will again be sounded in our ears; interests far more effectually than we and the Spirit of God as I read it in its have ever done heretofore. United we workings among the people, and as I feel stand; our interests are identified; the its operations in my own breast, testifies welfare of the one affects the other; and to me that when it comes again the peo- our influence socially, financially and po- ple will be prepared to receive it, and act litically is powerful for good, and is a upon it, as they have never done before. lever for our own prosperity as well as It is, perhaps, necessary, in our present our own protection. Disunited we ac- state, that we should have a certain knowledge our own weakness; infirmity 118 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. amount of experience; the experience we vincing proof that the Lord is working have had will doubtless be of value to us, among the people by His Spirit, and it in the future, when the people will again bids us all in its silent and suggestive be called upon to practice this principle; way, to prepare ourselves for events that and when this time comes, in my opin- must come, and that are even nigh at our ion, we will commence at the root of the doors. matter, accepting in the spirit and mean- In witnessing the operations of the ing thereof, that principle which has Spirit in the midst of the people in such been disregarded and shunned by us for a remarkable manner I was strongly im- many years, the principle that lies at the pressed with the idea that we, as a peo- foundation of the greatness and power to ple, ought to be turning our attention in which we are destined to attain. I am directions looking to our becoming self- happy to say that the people are being sustaining. We are paying out very much led to examine their own hearts, and to more than we produce. Where does the ask themselves what they are doing in- money come from? How is it that the dividually towards building up the Zion families of our working men are able to of God, and towards influencing others purchase for their use imported articles? to do likewise. The spirit that is work- How long can this people prosper by pur- ing among the people is having the ef- suing such a course? The danger of this fect of reform, as I have never before wit- course has long been pointed out by our nessed it. The reformation of 1856 ran leading men; and sooner or later, un- through the people like wild fire; they less all turn a short corner, the condi- received it under the impulse of the mo- tion that we shall place ourselves in, will ment when the spirit of enthusiasm ran be of such a convincing character, that high; but now there appears to be but lit- all will readily concede the correctness tle effort to move the people in this di- of the position taken by our leaders in rection, at the same time a determined urging the people to become producers feeling exists among the Saints to right and patrons of home productions. This themselves, and that too by commencing doctrine was taught by President Young, at the bottom round of the ladder, and during much of his lifetime, but espe- then gradually ascending. The hearts of cially during his later years; and it does the people are being turned to the Lord. appear to me that we are hastening on The men who have of late been addicted to the point that President Young said to drinking, using tobacco, swearing, and we should reach, unless we became self- other loose habits, are, of their own free sustaining, namely, financial embarrass- will, discarding their bad habits, and ment. In fact his doctrine on this subject thus righting themselves, and setting a was, that we could not stand financially, better example to their children and as- unless we became self-sustaining. It is sociates. This silent but potent influence doctrine that comes home to the heart of that is fruitful of such good results is every Latter-day Saint; it is doctrine that significant to the man or woman that is all must accept and reduce to practice, alive in this work, and that is watching if we would attain to power and influ- with interest its onward progress; and ence in the land. We must become finan- it comes home to our hearts with con- cially strong. Wealth in and of itself, is a lever of power; and wealth in the hands INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF DIVINE ORIGIN. 119 of a righteous people must necessarily can the better hasten the work of God command an influence for good. We must in the earth; such as building temples, first learn to make a wise use of the establishing settlements, civilizing the means that we possess, however little Lamanites, carrying the Gospel to the that may be; and by continuing to do Jews, and building up the Zion of God in this, we prepare ourselves to make a these mountains. We shall be the bet- right and proper use of the power that ter able to extend a helping hand to the wealth brings. But in order to attain the needy poor, to the oppressed and down- position that we are bound to occupy in trodden among the nations, as well as the land, we must learn to combine our to protect ourselves from the inroads of interests in such a manner that it will be wicked and designing men. The few min- to the advantage of the whole community utes allotted to me have expired. to consume and wear that which is pro- duced and manufactured at home. It will be by cooperative action that we shall That God may inspire our hearts to be tied together in temporal matters as do His will, and that all may be willing we are now bound together in spiritual in the day of His power, is my prayer, in things. As a thoroughly united people we the name of Jesus. Amen.

PREDICTIONS IN THE BOOK OF MORMON—EVIDENCE OF ITS DIVINITY—PROOF THAT JOSEPH SMITH WAS INSPIRED—PREDICTIONS CONCERNING THE INDIANS FULFILLED—COMING FORTH OF THE BOOK OF MORMON FORETOLD—PLAINNESS OF ITS TEACHINGS—PREDICTION RELATING TO SIDNEY RIGDON—ONLY TWO CHURCHES—OTHER PROPHECIES BEING FULFILLED.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY (TOTHE GENERAL CONFERENCE ASSEMBLY),SUNDAY MORNING,APRIL 6, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I will read a portion of the 29th chap- many—at that day when I shall pro- ter of the second book of Nephi, from the ceed to do a marvelous work among last edition of the Book of Mormon. them, that I may remember my covenants which I have made unto 1. "But behold, there shall be the children of men, that I may set 120 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. my hand again the second time to re- ens above and in the earth beneath; and cover my people, which are of the house I bring forth my word unto the children of Israel; of men, yea, even upon all the nations of 2. "And also, that I may remember the earth? the promises which I have made unto 8. "Wherefore murmur ye, because thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that ye shall receive more of my word? that I would remember your seed; and Know ye not that the testimony of two that the words of your seed should pro- nations is a witness unto you that I am ceed forth out of my mouth unto your God, that I remember one nation like seed; and my words shall hiss forth unto unto another? Wherefore, I speak the the ends of the earth, for a standard unto same words unto one nation like unto an- my people, which are of the house of Is- other. And when the two nations shall rael; run together the testimony of the two na- 3. "And because my words shall hiss tions shall run together also. forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A 9. "And I do this that I may prove Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and unto many that I am the same yester- there cannot be any more Bible. day, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own 4. "But thus saith the Lord God: O pleasure. And because that I have spo- fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall ken one word ye need not suppose that proceed forth from the Jews, mine an- I cannot speak another; for my work is cient covenant people. And what thank not yet finished; neither shall it be until they the Jews for the Bible which they the end of man, neither from that time receive from them? Yea, what do the henceforth and forever. Gentiles mean? Do they remember the 10. "Wherefore, because that ye have travails, and the labors, and the pains a Bible ye need not suppose that it con- of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, tains all my words; neither need ye sup- in bringing forth salvation unto the Gen- pose that I have not caused more to be tiles? written. 5. "O ye Gentiles, have ye remem- 11. "For I command all men, both bered the Jews, mine ancient covenant in the east and in the west, and in the people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, north, and in the south, and in the is- and have hated them, and have not lands of the sea, that they shall write the sought to recover them. But behold, I words which I speak unto them; for out will return all these things upon your of the books which shall be written I will own heads; for I the Lord hath not for- judge the world, every man according to gotten my people. their works, according to that which is 6. "Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, written." we have got a Bible, and we need no more There is much more of the next chap- Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it ter and of the preceding chapter that per- were by the Jews? tains to our time, to the day and age in 7. "Know ye not that there are which we live, and these chapters, with more nations than one? Know ye many more, are full of predictions by not that I, the Lord your God, have the Prophet Nephi, concerning the days created all men, and that I remem- when the Book of Mormon should come ber those who are upon the isles of forth. the sea; and that I rule in the heav- I want this morning, if I can have INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF DIVINE ORIGIN. 121 the Spirit of God to lead and to assist ment, and in concealing it in the earth, me, to speak somewhat upon the predic- and they performed the labor connected tions contained in the Book of Mormon— with this under the direct command and the predictions which had to be fulfilled inspiration of the Almighty, to come forth after the publication of the book. It is in the latter times, and to accomplish a alleged, as you know, that the Book of great work. I wish to allude to some of Mormon is not an inspired record, but the predictions—not those that are con- that Joseph Smith, if he was the author tained in other books, but those that are of it, copied a great deal of it from the original with the Book of Mormon itself, Old and New Testament. Now, there is and that could not have been made, un- scarcely any need to say to those who less the man who wrote them was in- have studied the Book of Mormon, who spired of God. have read it prayerfully and carefully— The words which I have read were there is scarcely any need to say to them written by Nephi, one of the first that it contains the internal evidence prophets of the Nephite nation, and he of its own divinity, that God wrote it describes, at great length, and with won- through inspired men, and that no one derful plainness and minuteness, the but an inspired man or men could have condition of the inhabitants of the earth written the book. There is no book in the at the time that this work should go English language that compares with it, forth. Much of this, the caviller may unless it be books which contain the pure say, could have been written by a man word of God. It has the advantage of of these days. But there are some things the Bible in this: that it was translated which Nephi wrote, that could not have by the power of God, not by the learn- been written by a modern man who did ing of man, and not selected from hun- not have the spirit of prophecy, and that dreds and thousands of versions as the which I have read in your hearing is Bible has been; for there is no end to the a part that could not have been writ- versions which exist, of the books con- ten by any human being, unless he had tained in the Bible. Of course we have been inspired of God, and was a prophet our version translated by learned men; of God. If Joseph Smith—if the divin- but there is scarcely a passage of any im- ity of his mission—his claims to be a portance in the Bible concerning which Prophet rested upon this chapter alone, there is not some dispute among learned or this portion of the chapter that I have commentators. But with the Book of read in your hearing, according to my Mormon it is different. God preserved view his claims would be fully and in- those records for a purpose in Himself. disputably established, for the reason They were hidden up. This book, called that at the time that he translated this the Book of Mormon, is an abridgment chapter he had no conception, neither prepared by one of the last prophets could any human being have any concep- of the Nephites, under the command of tion, unless inspired of God, as to the ef- God, that it might come forth in the last fect the publication of the Book of Mor- days. God revealed in part to him, and mon would have upon the Gentile world. to his son Moroni, the purpose which But Joseph, inspired of God, trans- He had in view, in making this abridg- lated the prediction of Nephi, which pre- 122 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. diction states that when the Book of Mor- and all the circumstances connected mon should be published, it should be re- with them. ceived by the Gentiles with this expres- In his next chapter, he makes further sion: "A Bible! A Bible! We have got remarks concerning this work, and the a Bible, and there cannot be any more effect it should have. He says: Bible." How many times has this expres- 3. "And now, I would prophesy some- sion been made by clergymen, by profes- what more concerning the Jews and the sors of religion, and by Christendom gen- Gentiles. For after the book of which erally, since the publication of the Book I have spoken shall come forth, and be of Mormon? Ye Elders who have tra- written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up versed sea and land, who have gone from again unto the Lord, there shall be many continent to continent, who have visited which shall believe the words which are the isles of the ocean, who have lifted up written; and they shall carry them forth your voices in the cities of the Gentiles, unto the remnant of our seed. and in their congregations; ye Elders, 4. "And then shall the remnant of our who have thus labored, know full well, seed know concerning us, how that we that in every land, and among every peo- came out from Jerusalem, and that they ple where you have labored, when you are descendants of the Jews. have spoken about God having restored 5. "And the gospel of Jesus Christ another record, the Book of Mormon— shall be declared among them; where- you know that you have been met with fore, they shall be restored unto the these expressions, the literal words that knowledge of their fathers, and also to Nephi said, would be used in the last the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which days by the Gentiles, in regard to this was had among their fathers. work. You Latter-day Saints, who have 6. "And then shall they rejoice; for endeavored to teach your friends the doc- they shall know that it is a blessing unto trines that God had revealed, and en- them from the hand of God; and their deavored to show them that God had scales of darkness shall begin to fall from restored this ancient record—you know their eyes; and many generations shall how your testimonies have been received not pass away among them, save they concerning the Book of Mormon. These shall be a white and delightsome people." remarkable expressions have come from Now, that is one prediction. These thousands of lips in many, many lands, are the words of Nephi. I will now and in many, many languages, confirma- read the words of Jesus, recorded in the tory of the Book itself, and of its divine 16th chapter of the third Book of Nephi, origin, and of its inspired translation. where He, in speaking about the last You read all the words of Nephi in this days, and the coming forth of this work, 29th chapter, and you will find that he says: describes with wonderful, and, I might "And thus commandeth the Fa- say, photographic accuracy and minute- ther that I should say unto you: ness, the condition of the so-called Chris- At that day when the Gentiles shall tian world—the spirit that they pos- sin against my gospel, and shall be sess, the crimes of which they are guilty, lifted up in the pride of their hearts the condition in which they are placed, above all nations, and above all the INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF DIVINE ORIGIN. 123 people of the whole earth, and shall be about. No man or woman had received filled with all manner of lyings, and the Gospel; no church had been orga- of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all nized; no Priesthood from the eternal manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and worlds had been bestowed; not a man priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of se- among all the children of men had been cret abominations; and if they shall do clothed with the power of the eternal all those things, and shall reject the ful- Priesthood of the Son of God to admin- ness of my gospel, behold, saith the Fa- ister the ordinances of life and salva- ther, I will bring the fulness of my gospel tion unto the children of men. Yet the from among them. Prophet Joseph Smith in this transla- "And then I will remember my tion, showed forth with great clearness, covenant which I have made unto my that the Gospel would be revealed, and people, O house of Israel, and I will bring that it should be received by some of my gospel unto them. the Gentiles; that when it should be "And I will show unto thee, O house received by the Gentiles, it should be of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have carried by them to the descendants of power over you; but I will remember my Nephi and his brethren, who by that covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and time should have become a filthy and a ye shall come unto the knowledge of the loathsome people. The Indians of our fulness of my gospel." continent should receive the message of These predictions are parallel; they life and salvation. The Gospel should point to the same period; they describe be carried to them. They would receive the same events, the same condition of it with gladness. They would come to affairs—one uttered 600 years or there- a knowledge of their Redeemer, as well abouts, before the other, and yet they as to a knowledge of the principles and are precisely similar in their tenor, de- doctrines and covenants which their fa- scribing that which should be done with thers understood, and which their fa- the Gospel among the Gentiles. I wish thers had received. Wonderful predic- you all to remember—you Latter-day tion! And most wonderfully has it been Saints, you young men and you young fulfilled. At the time that the Prophet women, you little children who are ca- Joseph Smith translated this Book of pable of understanding my words—I Mormon, I suppose the impression was wish you all to remember that at the general, as it is today, that the Indi- time this was written, or rather at the ans were a perishing race, that they time this was translated into the En- would soon disappear from the face of glish language—say somewhere about the land. But before Joseph had trans- the year 1828—Joseph Smith himself, lated this, he had found in previous had not received, or at least obeyed, the predictions that the Gentiles—that is, Gospel. He had derived some knowl- our nation—that we as a race and the edge of it through the ministration of an- nation to which we belong, should not gels, and from that portion of the record have power to destroy the Indians. This that he had translated; but there was was a most remarkable statement to not a Latter-day Saint upon the face make when we consider where Joseph of the whole earth that we know any- was brought up, and the circumstances thing about, or that he knew anything 124 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. surrounding him. If he had not been in- Nephi, that I have read in your hear- spired of God, he would not have dared, ing. The Gentiles did receive the Gospel in my opinion, and no man would have of the Son of God, when it was re- dared to have made such a prediction. vealed. Burning with zeal to carry this But what does Nephi say concerning this Gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue matter as translated by the Prophet? He and people; inspired by the Holy Ghost, says: they went out among the Indian races "Nevertheless, thou beholdest that as well as others, and fulfilled the pre- the Gentiles who have gone forth out dictions of the Book of Mormon in this of captivity, and have been lifted up by respect. And strange to say—if any- the power of God above all other na- thing can be said to be strange connected tions, upon the face of the land which with the work of God—the descendants is choice above all other lands, which is of those ancient covenant people of the the land the Lord God hath covenanted Lord, have gladly received the testimony with thy father that his seed should have of the servants of God. Wherever we for the land of their inheritance; where- have gone and mingled with those peo- fore, thou seest that the Lord God will ple, with those Red Men, and been able not suffer that the Gentiles will utterly to communicate to them the truths of destroy the mixture of thy seed, which which we are in possession, which God are among thy brethren. has revealed to us, they have received "Neither will he suffer that the the same gladly; not only upon this con- Gentiles shall destroy the seed of thy tinent, but upon the islands of the sea, brethren. throughout Polynesia, the Sandwich, the "Neither will he suffer that the Marquesas, the Society and the Naviga- Gentiles shall destroy the seed of tor Islands—yes, and everywhere where thy brethren"—that is, the Lamanites those men with red skins dwell, they proper. They were not to be permit- have gladly received the testimony of ted to destroy Nephi's seed that should God's servants concerning the Gospel, be mingled among the Lamanites, nor and they rejoice in its fullness and in the should they be permitted to destroy the knowledge that their fathers once pos- Lamanites—that is, the descendants of sessed, and of the redemption that Jesus Laman and Lemuel. Nephi predicted Christ has wrought out for them. Most this. Today it is said that the Indi- wonderful has this prediction been ful- ans will perish, and that it is impossi- filled in this respect! And God has done ble to save them. Here is the word of and is doing a great and a mighty work God recorded in this sacred book. We among the people, fulfilling the words have the words of God, the testimony of the ancient prophets and of Jesus. of Jesus Christ arrayed against all, or When the Gentiles do reject the Gospel— nearly all, the conclusions of the Gen- as I fear they will from their con- tiles. I look around and I see here on this duct in the past—that is, as a nation— stand today, representatives of strange although I trust there will yet be many tribes of Indians who have come here to hundreds and thousands—yea, I would visit, thus being in part a fulfillment of that I could say millions—of Gentiles the prediction of the Son of God, and gathered in by this Gospel; I trust also the fulfillment of that prediction of INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF DIVINE ORIGIN. 125 that this will be the case, though establish peace; and they should be the the prospects are not very hopeful at means of bringing the people to the present. It seems at present that as a na- knowledge of the covenants of God with tion, the Gentiles will reject the Gospel. those ancient Prophets, with His an- When they do reject it, as they have in cient servants and people. Now, all part, then God will commence, as the those who know anything about the ef- Savior said, to do a great work among fect of the Book of Mormon—of the the house of Israel. He will carry his preaching of the Elders with the aid of Gospel there, and the work will com- the Book of Mormon—know that these mence then among all the scattered rem- words have been fulfilled to the very let- nants of the house of Israel, over the ter. False doctrines have been put down. whole earth. Contentions have ceased. Peace has I wish to read another prophecy con- been established, and the people have nected with the coming forth of this been brought to the knowledge of the Book, and the results that should attend covenants which God made with His an- it, namely: cient servants. Those who have read this "Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall Book know how precious are the words write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah of God, contained in it—how plain the shall write;" [the Prophet here is speak- doctrine of Jesus Christ is set forth in ing of the fruit of the loins of the Patri- it. There are no mistranslations; there arch Joseph, who was sold into Egypt by is no mysticism infused into it by men his brethren]; "and that which shall be who have had their own peculiar views written by the fruit of thy loins" [that is, of the doctrine of Christ; for in conse- of Joseph's loins], "and also that which quence of the taking out from the an- shall be written by the fruit of the loins cient records (the Bible) of many plain of Judah, shall grow together, unto the and precious parts of the Gospel of Je- confounding of false doctrines and lay- sus Christ, the whole religious world is ing down of contentions, and establish- in confusion as to the meaning of cer- ing peace among the fruit of thy loins, tain texts. So far as baptism itself is con- and bringing them to the knowledge of cerned there is no end to contention. The their fathers in the latter days, and also Baptists say that immersion is necessary to the knowledge of my covenants, saith and is right. Others say that it is wrong, the Lord." and that sprinkling is right. Others con- Now, here is a very remarkable pre- tend for infant baptism, while others say diction connected with the coming forth it is not of God. Many claim that infant of this Book. It should have the ef- baptism is necessary, and that if a child fect, when united with the Bible—for it is not baptized, it is in danger of being was the Bible that the Prophet was re- consigned to the regions of the damned. ferring to as being the writings of the While others, again, contend for the fruit of the loins of Judah; when these pouring of water; and still others who two Books should be united, it should permit the candidate to elect which mode have a remarkable effect—that is, their of baptism he will have, whether sprin- union should. They should confound kling, immersion or pouring; while men false doctrine; they should lay down are thus divided upon this subject, Paul contentions, put an end to them and 126 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. says there is but one baptism. After the church had been organized Now, the Book of Mormon comes some months, Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. forth, and it speaks in exceeding great Pratt, Peter Whitmer, and Ziba Petersen plainness upon this point. It not only were appointed by the prophet of God to gives the mode of baptism which Jesus visit the western boundaries of Missouri. gave to His ancient disciples on this con- On their journey westward, they passed tinent; but the very words to be used. It through the western part of Ohio, where says that they shall immerse candidates Parley had formerly lived and labored in in the water; and it gives particular di- connection with the Reformed Baptists. rections about the laying on of hands, They called upon one of the founders of and about all the doctrines of the church that sect, Sidney Rigdon. They found of Christ, or of the Gospel. No man who him in the town of Kirtland, gave him reads the Book of Mormon, need be at a a Book of Mormon, and bore their tes- loss to know the doctrine of Christ. It timony to him of the restoration of the is as plain as it is possible for the En- Gospel. Sidney Rigdon said to them: glish language to make it, and every- "You tell me a strange tale. I will ex- body can see it. Therefore, most wonder- amine this book;" and he commenced to fully, when united with the Bible, has it do so. They were all young men, Sid- fulfilled this prediction—the writings of ney Rigdon was many years their senior. the descendants of Joseph, of which this Rigdon examined the book, and became Book is the record. convinced that it was the word of God. Another most remarkable prediction He was baptized in the town of Kirtland, is given in this same chapter; showing and the foundation of a great work was how plainly the Lord revealed to His an- laid there. God afterwards revealed that cient servants who wrote this Book, that this man was to be a spokesman, and which should take place in the last times. he became the spokesman to this people Lehi in speaking about Moses, said, that and to the world for the prophet Joseph. the Lord had revealed to Joseph the Those who knew Sidney Rigdon, know Patriarch, that He would raise up a how wonderfully God inspired him, and mighty prophet named Moses, and that with what wonderful eloquence he de- He should raise up for him a spokesman; clared the word of God to the people. He that Moses would not be mighty in word, was a mighty man in the hands of God, but in deed. Here is what the Lord said as a spokesman, as long as the prophet unto Joseph the Patriarch, as quoted by lived, or up to a short time before his Lehi: death. Thus you see that even this which "And the Lord said unto me also:" many might look upon as a small matter, [that is, Joseph the Patriarch], "I will was predicted about 1,700 years before raise up unto the fruit of thy loins; and the birth of the Savior, and was quoted I will make for him a spokesman. And by Lehi 600 years before the same event, I, behold, I will give unto him that he and about 2,400 years before its fulfill- shall write the writing of the fruit of thy ment, and was translated by the power loins, unto the fruit of thy loins; and the of God, through his servant Joseph, spokesman of thy loins shall declare it." as was predicted should be the case, INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF DIVINE ORIGIN. 127 and at a time, as I have said, when there wickedness and abominations of the was not a man upon the earth who was whore who sat upon many waters; nev- a member of the Church of Jesus Christ ertheless, I beheld that the church of of Latter-day Saints. The church had not the Lamb, who were the saints of God, yet been organized, and Joseph did not were also upon all the face of the earth; know, unless he knew by the spirit of rev- and their dominions upon the face of the elation, whether any man would receive earth were small, because of the wicked- the Gospel. I doubt whether he knew as ness of the great whore whom I saw. to how the church would be organized. "And it came to pass that I beheld He had some idea, doubtless; but there that the great mother of abominations were many things which he himself did did gather together multitudes upon the not know, till he wrote this translation. face of all the earth, among all the na- Time will not permit me to proceed tions of the Gentiles, to fight against the much further with this subject; I wish I Lamb of God." had a day to speak upon it; but I am now At the time this was written, a man trespassing on Brother Joseph F. Smith's would have been a bold man who would time. have said—that is, unless he was in- There is one prediction, however, I spired of God—that anything of this kind wish, before I sit down, to allude to, be- could happen in these United States. cause I think it is most signally fulfilled, One of the chief foundation stones of namely: the great fabric of Government in this land, upon this continent, is religious "And he said unto me: Behold there liberty—liberty for every creed. Persecu- are save two churches only;" [this was tion of people for religion was unknown the angel speaking to Nephi in the vi- at the time this was written, and no sion,] "the one is the church of the Lamb man, unless he had been inspired of God, of God, and the other is the church of the could have contemplated such a possibil- devil;" ity as that any church would be perse- This is a new thing. It is supposed cuted for religion's sake. Yet here was there are a great many churches. The a prediction made by Nephi, 2,400 years Lord here says there is but one church before it took place, in which he fore- outside of his own church. told the condition of things in this land, "Wherefore, whoso belongeth not to and upon all lands where the church of the church of the Lamb of God belongeth Christ should exist. There should be to that great church, which is the mother combinations and peoples gathered to- of abominations; and she is the whore of gether, by religious influences, against all the earth. the church of God. Now, what are the "And it came to pass that I looked and facts? Among the first persecutors of beheld the whore of all the earth, and this church, when its members were few, she sat upon many waters; and she had were those who were themselves reli- dominion over all the earth, among all gious teachers. The earliest persecutors nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. of Joseph Smith were religious teachers, "And it came to pass that I beheld and the mobs in Missouri, and the mobs the church of the Lamb of God, and in Illinois, were led by religious teachers. its numbers were few, because of the Even the mob that murdered our beloved 128 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Prophet and Patriarch, and wounded our ance of this people, about the dangers revered President—that mob was led by they run when here in this country, when a local Baptist preacher, and our peo- they know, as we all know who are here ple were driven from Nauvoo, as Brother today, that they have never been mo- Wells well knows, by a mob headed by lested, and that we have never injured a preacher. And today, those who are them, nor interfered with them in any inciting mobs against this people; those form, but that we have always treated who go to Congress, and incite persecu- them with that respect and kindness tions against us; those who fulminate with which we desire to be treated our- threats and frame petitions; those who selves. meet together in conventions; those who In this way, this word of God, through gather together in conferences, are those his servant Nephi, uttered 2,400 years who belong to this "mother of abomi- ago, has been and is being fulfilled to nations," this "whore of all the earth," the very letter. Thus God is bringing to and it is through the influence of that pass in the most wonderful manner the accursed whore, that they gather to- words of this Book. It is going forth, as gether and marshal their forces in every He said it should, to all the nations of the land against the Latter-day Saints, the earth. It is accomplishing that which He Church of the living God. The blood that designed it should, and it will go forth has stained Georgia, and that cries from and accomplish its mission. There is no the ground for vengeance upon those power upon the earth that can stop it, who shed it—that blood was shed by because it is the word of God, and the mobs who were banded together, headed doctrines of Jesus Christ, and it will be and aided and egged on by religious men; the means, as has been said, of gath- and if it were not for this "mother of ering out the honest from every nation, abominations," and those who are con- causing them to dwell in peace, uniting nected with her, we could dwell in peace them in doctrine, and putting an end to and in safety in the valleys of these all controversy and contention concern- mountains. Here in this city, who has ing points of doctrine, because it reveals done as much or more than anyone else? the Gospel with great plainness unto all The religious teachers, men who came those who will receive it. here to preach what they call the Gospel. Now, I want to read one more predic- They are stirring up strife continually, tion and then stop. It is contained in instead of making peace; going back to the last words of Moroni, concerning this other religious associations in the east, work, namely: and telling the most abominable false- "When ye shall receive these things" hoods about us, exciting the public mind, says Moroni (standing alone on the con- in order that they may get money with tinent, the last one of his race who which to come here and accomplish their had been true to God, not knowing wicked designs. They tell lies with- what his own fate would be; he leaves out number about us. Our newspapers on record for us Gentiles, the word of have exposed such people time and time God, as he was inspired to give it, and again, and yet they shamelessly go forth thus he writes), "I would exhort you and repeat those lies about the wicked- that ye would ask God, the Eternal Fa- ness of this people, about the intoler- ther, in the name of Christ, if these INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF DIVINE ORIGIN. 129 things are not true; and if ye shall ask You men and women and children, with a sincere heart, with real intent, who have sought unto God, in the name having faith in Christ, he will manifest of Jesus, as he commanded you, have you the truth of it unto you, by the power of not received, by the power of the Holy the Holy Ghost. Ghost, a testimony for yourselves, that these things are true, that this is the "And by the power of the Holy Ghost word of God, divinely inspired, written ye may know the truth of all things." by the finger of inspiration, and trans- These are the words of a prophet of lated by the power of God? [Yes]. I know God, standing in the face of eternity, that if I were to call for a response it not knowing what his own fate would would be universal in this congregation, be. He leaves this, his dying declara- and not only in this congregation, but tion, on record, at the close of this glo- in every congregation of the Latter-day rious book, which he was the instrument Saints throughout all these mountains, in the hands of God, of hiding up to be and scattered abroad among all the na- brought forth in the latter times. He tes- tions of the earth. I ask you, at the re- tifies that if we will ask God concern- quest of my brethren, if this is not true? ing these things, in the name of Jesus All who know it is, and have received Christ, we shall know concerning the this testimony by the power of the Holy truth of them by the power of the Holy Ghost, say yes—[the vast congregation Ghost. Let me ask this vast congrega- responded "YES" as by one voice.] tion: Has not this word of God, through God bless you in the name of Jesus his inspired prophet, been fulfilled? Christ, Amen. 130 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION—NECESSITY FOR SUCH A MISSION—EVIDENCES OF APOSTASY—RESTORATION OF THE GOSPEL AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD—HATRED AND PERSECUTION ACCORDED TO JOSEPH SMITH, AN EVIDENCE OF HIS DIVINE CALLING—FURTHER PROOF OF INSPIRATION.

LECTUREBY ELDER BRIGHAM H.ROBERTS, OF CENTERVILLE,DELIVERED UNDERTHE AUSPICESOFTHE MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INTHE FOURTEENTH WARD ASSEMBLY ROOMS,SALT LAKE CITY,MONDAY EVENING,JANUARY 28, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JAMES D.STIRLING.

At the request of the Presidency of question: "Is there any necessity for such Davis Stake of Zion, I have delivered a work as is ascribed to Joseph Smith two lectures in each of the Wards of that being performed?" The Christian world county. Being a young man, I have ad- believe that when Christ was upon the dressed myself to the young people, with earth in the flesh, that he then estab- a view to strengthen their faith in the lished his Church and Kingdom, and Gospel of Jesus Christ, which has been that it has continued among men from revealed anew to the earth in this age of that time until the present. And al- the world. And in considering the sub- though many changes have taken place ject before us tonight—"Joseph Smith's in regard to principles and doctrines, Mission"—I desire to show to my young and divisions and subdivisions have dis- brethren and sisters that our fathers tracted the religious world—yet they have not been following cunningly de- claim that those things which are essen- vised fables, but that they have, and so tial to the existence of Christ's Church have we, good and sufficient reasons for and Kingdom have remained among believing in the mission of Joseph Smith men. This is their theory. We have a the- as a divine one. ory which is opposite to theirs. In considering the subject of our lec- The first revelation that Joseph ture, the question naturally arises; What Smith received from the Lord, was that was Joseph Smith's mission? It was the men were teaching for doctrine the com- mission of Joseph Smith, under God's di- mandments and precepts of men, and rection, to establish the Church of Christ that He [the Lord] did not acknowledge and the Kingdom of God upon the earth; their institutions as His Church or King- and to the accomplishment of this work dom, and told Joseph to join none of he devoted the whole energy of his life, them. and was faithful unto death. Here then you see, we have two But this statement of what his propositions presented to us; if one mission was, gives birth to another is true the other must be false; JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 131 both cannot be correct. If the theory "Therefore hath the curse devoured held by the Christian world be true, then the earth, and they that dwell therein there appears no necessity for such a are desolate: therefore the inhabitants work as we ascribe to Joseph Smith be- of the earth are burned, and few men are ing performed; for if the Kingdom of God left." has continued upon the earth from the I have had men in the world try to days of Jesus until the present, then reason away the force of this prophecy, there would be no need of anyone be- in the following manner: They reminded ing raised up to establish that which us that Isaiah lived in the Mosaic dis- was already here; and proving that there pensation, when the law of carnal com- was no necessity for such a work as mandments was in force; and claim that that ascribed to Joseph Smith would be it was of this carnal law of which Isa- a big stride towards proving that he iah spake—it was the law of Moses that was an impostor. But if we can show was to be transgressed; the Mosaic or- that the theory held by the Christian dinances which were to be changed; the world is incorrect—if we can prove that Mosaic covenant which was to be bro- there has been an apostasy—that men ken. These assertions, however, are have been following for doctrine the com- incorrect—from the fact that the Mosaic mandments of men; if we can prove law never was considered, by those who that Christ's Church and Kingdom were understood it, "an everlasting covenant." not upon the earth at the time Joseph It was given for a special purpose, and Smith's Mission commenced—then the when it had accomplished that purpose, necessity of such a work as we claim it was laid aside. he performed, becomes apparent; and if We read from Galatians, 3rd chapter there is a necessity for such a work as the and 8th verse: restoration of the Kingdom of God to the "And the scripture, foreseeing that Earth, may not Joseph Smith have been God would justify the heathen through the instrument in the hands of God, in faith, preached before the gospel unto performing that work? Abraham, saying, In thee shall all na- tions be blessed." Let us consider the question then— From this it appears that the Gospel Has there been an apostasy? We can- was preached unto Abraham. In the 4th not examine this subject in detail. All chapter of Hebrews and 2nd verse, Paul we shall be able to do, is to briefly re- in speaking of ancient Israel, says: fer to some of those prophecies which re- "For unto us was the gospel preached, late to the subject. We begin by call- as well as unto them: but the word ing your attention to the 24th chapter of preached did not profit them, not being Isaiah, commencing with the 4th verse: mixed with faith in them that heard it." "The earth mourneth and fadeth away, Not only then was the Gospel preached the world languisheth and fadeth away, unto Abraham, but also unto the chil- the haughty people of the earth do lan- dren of Israel. Now, let us go back to the guish. 3rd chapter of Galatians, for Paul hav- ing stated that the Gospel was preached "The earth also is defiled under the unto Abraham, asks this question (19th inhabitants thereof; because they have verse): transgressed the laws, changed the ordi- "Wherefore then serveth the law? nance, broken the everlasting covenant. It was added because of transgres- 132 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. sions, till the seed should come to whom of Isaiah was concerning an everlasting the promise was made." covenant. Added to what? Added to the We find in Hebrews xiii, 20, the fol- Gospel, which before that time had been lowing: "Now the God of peace, that preached unto Abraham, and also to brought again from the dead our Lord ancient Israel. But the Israelites un- Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, der Moses, were unable to live the per- through the blood of the everlasting fect law of the Gospel, were not strong covenant, Make you perfect," etc. enough to overcome evil with good, as From this we learn that Christ's the Gospel requires, so a law of car- blood is called the blood of the ever- nal commandments was "added" to the lasting covenant. Paul in writing to Gospel—a law which included the prin- Titus, gives us to understand that he ciple of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a lived "In hope of eternal life, which tooth"—a law which was suited to their God, who cannot lie, promised before capacity. Paul still speaking of this sub- the world began," and this immortal ject in the same chapter of Galatians, al- life which God had promised—this ev- ready quoted (23rd verse), says: erlasting covenant which God had made "Before faith came, we were kept un- with man before the world began, was der the law, shut up unto the faith which sealed by the blood of Christ, and this should afterwards be revealed. life and immortality were brought to light through the Gospel—and is called "Wherefore the law was our school- in the Scripture, the everlasting Gospel master to bring us unto Christ, that we or covenant; and Isaiah says that the might be justified by faith. laws of the everlasting covenant, or the "But after that faith has come, we are Gospel laws, shall be transgressed, the no longer under a schoolmaster." Gospel ordinances shall be changed: and From these passages of Scripture, we in consequence of these serious trans- learn this: The Gospel was preached gressions, the earth is to be burned, to Abraham, and also to ancient Is- and few men left; which judgment still rael. The Israelites were unable to is hanging over the inhabitants of the live the law of the Gospel—so a law earth. Having proven then that this of carnal commandments, known as the prophecy of Isaiah's refers to the Gospel, law of Moses, was given as a school- and not to the law of Moses, let us master to bring them up to the higher remember that Jesus said, "Though law: Christ came and introduced that heaven and earth pass away, not one jot higher law—the Gospel, explained its or tittle of my word shall fail, but all precepts, and pointed out the difference shall be fulfilled." Either Isaiah was mis- between it and the law of Moses. The taken when he spake as moved upon by Gospel took the place of the law of Moses, the Holy Ghost, in relation to the world which was laid aside, having fulfilled departing from that order of things inau- the object for which it was added to the gurated by the Savior, or else the Chris- Gospel. If then the law of Moses was not tian world is incorrect in maintaining an everlasting covenant, this prophecy that the Gospel in all that is essential, of Isaiah's, which we are considering, has continued from the days of Jesus to does not relate to it, as the prophecy the present time. JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 133

Some few noted Christian writers has been an apostasy, and it must needs more candid than their fellows, have be that God set up His Kingdom again freely admitted the apostasy of Christen- upon the earth. dom. We will introduce their testimony. By examination, we shall find that John Wesley in his 94th sermon, says: the Scriptures predict the restoration of The reason why the extraordinary the Gospel. It pleased the Almighty, gifts of the Holy Ghost are no longer while His servant John was on the Isle in the church, "is because the love of of Patmos, to show him many things that many waxed cold, and the Christians would transpire in the future. While had turned heathens again, and had only wrapped in heavenly vision, he saw, a dead form left." among other things, "Another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the ev- The following quotation is taken from erlasting gospel to preach to them that page 163, of Smith's Dictionary of the dwell upon the earth, and to every na- Bible. This work is endorsed by the tion, kindred, tongue, and people, Say- names of 63 divines of both Europe and ing with a loud voice, Fear God, and give America, all noted for their scholarship. glory to him; for the hour of his judgment They say: is come." It appears from this passage "We must not expect to see the of Scripture, which you will find in the Church of Holy Scripture actually exist- 14th chapter of Revelation, that the an- ing in its perfection upon the earth. It gel who is to come with the Gospel, will is not to be found thus perfect, either make his appearance just prior to the in the collected fragments of Christen- judgments of God being poured out upon dom, or still less in any one of those the children of men in the last days— fragments." This is a frank acknowledg- "in the hour of God's judgment." This ment of all that we claim as to the apos- Gospel was not to be preached merely to tasy of the primitive Church. Christ one nation or people, but to EVERY na- and his Apostles established the Church tion, every kindred, every tongue, and upon the earth, in the days of their min- every people. It is evident to my mind, istry, and now we are told that it is that all nations, tongues and peoples not to be found even in the collected must have been without the Gospel, or fragments of Christendom—that is, take why would it be necessary for the Lord the principles of truth which each sect to restore it by the ministry of an an- possesses, and put them all together, gel to all peoples and tongues, if any and yet from this collection of truths of them possessed it? There is another we would not find the Gospel of Christ. prophet who has predicted the setting up Let us then take them at their word: of God's Kingdom upon the earth in the they have but a dead form left—"The last days. I refer to Daniel, the Hebrew Church of Christ is not to be found on prophet, who was among the captive the earth." These admissions on the part Jews, who were taken from Jerusalem of the prominent writers of Christendom, to Babylon, by King Nebuchadnezzar, coupled with the sure prophecy of Isa- about six hundred years B.C. The Lord iah, forces us to the conclusion that men gave unto this same king of Babylon a have corrupted the Gospel, as taught wonderful dream, but he had forgotten by Christ and the Apostles—that there it. He assembled all his wise men and 134 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. magicians, and demanded that they tell bear rule over all the earth." (Verse 39.) him his dream, and the interpretation The Macedonian Empire succeeded the thereof. If they failed to do so, death was Medo-Persian, being founded by Alexan- to be the penalty. This produced great der the Great, and did "bear rule" over consternation among the wise men, but the then known world, continuing until the Lord revealed the thing to Daniel, 161, B.C. who came before the king, with the "And the fourth kingdom," says dream, and the interpretation of it. Daniel, "shall be strong as iron: foras- The king saw a great image, the head much as iron breaketh in pieces and sub- of which was gold; the arms and chest dueth all things: and as iron breaketh all of silver; the trunk of brass; the legs these things, shall it," the fourth king- of iron; the feet and toes, part of iron dom, "break in pieces and bruise." (Verse and part of potter's clay. He also saw 40.) The Macedonian Empire, founded a little stone, cut out of the mountains by Alexander the Great, was pushed out without hands, which smote the image of existence by the Roman Empire, which on the feet and toes, and broke them entirely supplanted it in 161, B.C. The in pieces; then was the iron, the clay, Roman nation is the fourth great nation the brass, the silver and the gold bro- seen by Nebuchadnezzar in the image, ken to pieces, and became as the chaff and is represented by the legs of iron; of the summer's threshingfloor, and the and as iron breaketh in pieces all other wind carried them away, but the lit- metals, so the Roman nation broke in tle stone became a great mountain and pieces the other kingdoms of the earth. filled the whole earth. Such was the We still have left the feet and toes of dream. Daniel in giving the interpre- the image, which are part of iron and tation thereof, said unto Nebuchadnez- part of clay. What kingdom or kingdoms zar, "Thou, O king, art a king of kings: do they represent? for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and In the year 364 A.D., the Roman Em- glory. * * * Thou art this head of pire was divided between Valentinian gold." (Daniel 2, verses 37 and 38.) The and Valens. The western part of the em- head of this great image, therefore, was pire was assailed by the Goths, Vandals, the Babylonian kingdom, which flour- Huns, and other tribes inhabiting the ished in the sixth and seventh centuries, north part of Europe, until it was utterly B.C., but in 538 B.C., it was destroyed. destroyed 483 A.D. From its ruins arose Daniel continues: "And after thee"— those kingdoms and empires, which, to- Nebuchadnezzar—"shall arise another day, occupy the western part of Europe. kingdom inferior to thee." (Verse 39.) The eastern part of the Roman Em- The Medo-Persian Empire succeeded pire was destroyed by the invasions of the Babylonian kingdom, and continued the Saracens, and out of this part of from 538 to 331, B.C., and is represented ancient Rome has sprung the kingdoms by the chest and arms of silver in the which now occupy the east of Europe, great image. and the west of Asia. Again we quote: "And another The old Roman Empire, then, rep- third kingdom of brass, which shall resented in the image by the legs JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 135 of iron, was divided and subdivided, un- people. Whatever may be our fate as in- til the kingdoms represented by the feet dividuals, we may rest assured the King- and toes of this image are in existence. dom of God has come to stay. Concerning these feet and toes, Daniel Having shown from the Scriptures says, "And whereas thou sawest iron not only that there would be a univer- mixed with miry clay. THEY" Who? Why sal apostasy, but also a restoration of the those nations which sprung up out of Gospel, and the setting up of the King- the ruins of the Roman Empire—"they dom of God in the last days, we are now shall mingle themselves with the seed at liberty to inquire what the reasons of of men: but they shall not cleave one men are for rejecting Joseph Smith as to another, even as iron is not mixed God's instrument in accomplishing this with clay." The nations now in existence work. marry and intermarry—"mingle them- selves with the seed of men," striving Is the fact that Joseph Smith was in this manner to unite their interest, rejected by the world, hated and per- and avert calamity, but all in vain; they secuted by thousands, any evidence do not cleave together any more than against his being the chosen servant of hard pieces of iron will dissolve and be- God, to accomplish the mighty work of come one substance with clay. We have setting up the Kingdom of God upon the now traced this prophecy down to our earth in the last days? Let history an- own times—to the kingdoms that exist swer that question. How have the ser- in our own days. What comes next? vants of God been received in all ages Why, says Daniel, "In the days of these of the world? Much in the same way kings," represented by the feet and toes that Joseph Smith was. Paul, in speak- of the image, "shall the God of heaven ing of the Prophets, tells us, "They were set up a kingdom, which shall never be stoned, they were sawn asunder, were destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be tempted, were slain with the sword: left to other people, but it shall break in they wandered about in sheepskins and pieces and consume all these kingdoms, goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tor- and it shall stand forever." mented" (Heb. xi, 37). Jesus was hated Not only, then, does John tell us that and despised by the world, and finally the Gospel, in the hour of God's judg- put to death by the wicked. His Apos- ment, shall be restored to the earth tles and disciples fared but little bet- by the ministry of an angel, but the ter. Concerning the Apostles, Paul says: Prophet Daniel has proclaimed to us, "We are fools for Christ's sake, * * Even that in the last days (for he says—2nd unto this present time we both hunger, chapter, 28th verse—"There is a God and thirst, and are naked, and are buf- who maketh known unto the king, what feted, and have no certain dwellingplace; shall be in the latter days"), the God And labor, working with our own hands: of heaven would set up His kingdom, being reviled, we bless; being perse- and has given us the assurance that cuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we it would stand forever. No handwrit- intreat: we are made as the filth of ing will ever appear upon the walls of the world, and are the offscouring of the temples of that kingdom, saying the all things unto this day." (1 Cor. iv.) kingdom is divided and given to another Was Joseph Smith despised any more 136 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. than these ancient servants of God were? learned—uneducated in the wisdom of But Jesus says: "Blessed are ye, when the world—and this was true. That is, men shall hate you, and when they shall in his youth he was unlettered, and his separate you from their company, and scholastic attainments were limited, but shall reproach you, and cast out your as he grew to manhood, his lack of ed- name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. ucation could scarcely be complained of, Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for as he proved himself able to cope with all joy: for, behold, your reward is great the scholars of the age. in heaven: for in like manner did their It is also alleged that both he and fathers unto the prophets. Woe unto his followers were men that came from you, when all men shall speak well of the humble walks of life, and were not you! for so did their fathers to the false among the lawyers, the rulers, and the prophets." (Luke vi, 22, 26). professors. The same objections were urged against Jesus and His followers— On another occasion the same Great His Apostles. But what does such an Teacher said to His disciples: "If the objection amount to? Are not these the world hate you, ye know that it hated class of men that God has almost in- me before it hated you. If ye were of variably called to perform His work? I the world, the world would love his own: read the following passage from the first but because ye are not of the world, but I Chapter of I. Corinthians: have chosen you out of the world, there- "For ye see your calling, brethren, fore the world hateth you." And does how that not many wise men after the not the same principle hold good today? flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, And if Joseph Smith was indeed God's are called: servant, would not the world hate him? "But God hath chosen the foolish This principle also holds good when ap- things of the world to confound the wise; plied to the people of God as a whole. If and God hath chosen the weak things of the Latter-day Saints were as vile and the world to confound the things that are corrupt, or as ungodly as they are rep- mighty; resented to be by their enemies, if they "And base things of the world, and were as licentious as they are said to things which are despised, hath God cho- be—then as God lives they would be of sen, yea, and the things which are not, to the world: and if of the world, and the bring to nought things that are: That no principle which Jesus laid down be true, flesh should glory in his presence." then the world would love them: but To say, then, that Joseph Smith's es- from the fact that this people are hated tate was lowly, and that he was un- of the world, we have an assurance that learned when called to the work of God, they are not of the world: but God hath instead of being a valid objection against chosen them out of the world, and the him, is, to the contrary, an evidence in world hate them. his favor. That Joseph Smith was despised, re- Having thus disposed of the objec- jected, and persecuted by men, is no tions made against his being a good valid objection to his being the hon- man and a servant of God, let us ored servant of God. I have heard next inquire into the evidence of his other objections urged against Joseph being an instrument in the hands of Smith: such as that he was un- God, in restoring the Gospel, and JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 137 setting up the Kingdom of God upon the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with earth. What evidences have the Latter- that institution described in the New day Saints to offer to the world that Testament, you will find they correspond he accomplished this important work? with each other, as face answers to face First, the work itself: the institution in the mirror. This feat of organizing which he organized—it is an exact fac- a Church which should in every respect simile of that which Christ instituted resemble that of Christ's, has been the when He ministered upon the earth. Did ambition of the learned and pious re- the ancient Apostles teach faith in the formers for centuries past; but they have Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of the failed. The world, however, are now com- world—did they teach salvation in His pelled to admit one or the other of the name? Yes, and so do we! Did they teach two following conclusions: Either Joseph repentance, which includes the forsaking Smith, unlettered youth though he was, of sin? Yes, and so do we! Did they teach has so far outstripped the learning and baptism by immersion for the remission wisdom of ages, and by the power of his of sin? And the laying on of hands for the own genius accomplished that which ge- reception of the Holy Ghost? The resur- nius aided by scholarship could not do rection of the dead and future rewards in previous centuries; or else they must and punishments? Yes, and so do we! conclude that God has in very deed again Did they have in the Church Apos- spoken from heaven, and revealed the tles, Prophets, Seventies, Elders, Bish- Gospel and the organization of His King- ops, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, and dom, through Joseph Smith. The first Deacons—together with other helps and conclusion is absurd; the second is the governments in the Church organiza- true solution of the mystery, and thou- tion? Yes, and the same are in the sands testify of it. Church of Christ today, which Joseph Another reason I would offer to sus- Smith, under God, has organized on the tain his being called of God, is—he earth. started right. I have seen a motto some- Did the ancient Saints enjoy the spir- where, which reads: "Well begun, is half itual gifts and blessings of the Gospel— done." the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, faith, healing, tongues, interpretations, dis- Jesus, when among His disciples on cerning of spirits, revelation, prophecy, one occasion, appeared curious to know visitation of angels, etc.? Yes: and do what people thought of Him; so He said the Latter-day Saints enjoy these things? to His Apostles, "Whom do men say that You know they do, for you are wit- I the Son of man am?" He was answered, nesses of these things—then this insti- that some said He was John the Bap- tution exactly resembles that which Je- tist, others Elias, or one of the prophets. sus established upon the earth when He "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter an- was here. It is the same in its princi- swered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of ples and ordinances; its officers and or- the living God." "Blessed art thou, Simon ganization; and the same results—the Bar-jona," said Jesus, "for flesh and blood same gifts and graces grow out of obedi- hath not revealed this unto thee, but my ence to its requirements. If you compare Father which is in heaven * * * and upon the institution known as the Church of this rock will I build my church; and the 138 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. gates of hell shall not prevail against it" contained the "fulness of the everlasting (Matt. xvi.). What was that "rock" upon gospel." Thus was the Gospel restored to which the Church was to be built? It the earth, according to the prediction of was upon the principle of God revealing the Scripture. John made the prediction; unto men that Jesus was the Christ—the Joseph Smith declares its fulfillment. principle of revelation. Furthermore, he received the author- In the Spring of 1820, Joseph Smith, ity to administer in the ordinances of in obedience to the instruction given in this Gospel as the Scriptures direct. He James—"If any of you lack wisdom, let did not take the honor upon himself, for him ask of God, who giveth to all men the Scriptures forbid that. I will read liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall from the 5th chapter of Hebrews, 4th be given him"—was praying in the woods verse. Paul, speaking of those who min- to the Father, when he was suddenly en- ister in the things pertaining to God, wrapped in a glorious vision. He saw a says: pillar of light descending from heaven— "And no man taketh this honor unto it rested upon him—its brightness ex- himself, but he that is called of God, as ceeded the brightness of the sun at noon- was Aaron." day. In the midst of this glorious light The question now for our consider- stood two personages: each resembling ation is, how was Aaron called? For the other. One standing a little above if we can find out how he was called, the other, pointing to the one below him we shall then know how all other men said: "This is My Beloved Son. Hear ye must be called before they have author- Him!"—"Blessed art thou, Peter, for flesh ity to administer in the Gospel. Suppose and blood hath not revealed this unto that on the Statute books of Utah Ter- thee, but my Father which is in heaven." ritory, we should find a law which said, The same could be said to Joseph Smith "No man shall be governor of Utah, ex- now, for the Father had revealed the cept he be appointed as was Governor Son to him. "And upon this rock will I Young." If that law was in force, what build my church." Hence we say Joseph would we do if we were without a gov- Smith started upon the very principle ernor, and wanted one? We would turn upon which Jesus said He would build back in the history of Utah, and find His Church. how Governor Young was appointed, and Not only did Joseph start right, but then appoint one the same way; very he continued right. John, the Revela- well, let us do the same thing in the tor, said that an angel would bring the case before us, as they are parallel cases. everlasting Gospel to the earth in the How was Aaron called? We read in the hour of God's judgment; Joseph Smith 4th chapter of Exodus, that the Lord declares that the angel Moroni, who called Moses to go and deliver Israel had been one of the ancient Prophets out of Egypt. Moses excused himself, upon this American continent, came and desired the Lord to send someone to him, and taught him many prin- else, as he was not eloquent, but slow ciples of the Gospel, and also deliv- of speech. This angered the Lord, and ered to him the metallic plates contain- He said, "Who hath made man's mouth?" ing the Book of Mormon, in which is And the Lord promised to be with JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 139 him, and teach him what he should say. Joseph Smith: "Therefore, as I said unto Still Moses shrank; so the Lord says, "Is mine apostles I say unto you again, that not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know every soul that believeth on your words, that he can speak well. * * And he shall and is baptized by water for the re- be thy spokesman to the people: and he mission of sins, shall receive the Holy shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and Ghost." thou shalt be to him instead of a God." Here, now, is a promise that an im- On another occasion, when further au- postor dare not make. It is placed within thority was granted to Aaron, the word the reach of all men to test the truth of the Lord came through Moses, saying, whether Joseph Smith was authorized "Take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, to make such a promise or not. It is and his sons with him, from among the just as much a test as that which Je- children of Israel, that he may admin- sus gave to the people in His day, when ister unto me in the priest's office," etc. He taught them in their temples, say- (Exodus, 28th chapter.) From this, then, ing, "If any man will do the will of my we learn that Aaron was called by the Father in Heaven, he shall know of the word of God coming to a Prophet of God, doctrine, whether I speak of myself or of calling him to administer in things per- him who sent me." So now we are told by taining to God; and Paul states the law— this modern teacher, that if we believe no man taketh this honor unto himself, on his words, and are baptized, we shall except he be called in the same way that receive the Holy Ghost. If this promise Aaron was. Joseph Smith was called is not fulfilled, then it proves beyond all according to this law. John the Bap- controversy that the person making it tist, a Prophet of God, who had held the is an impostor. But seeing it is some- Priesthood of Aaron when on the earth, thing that man cannot bestow upon an- came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cow- other by his own power, if the promise dery, and placing his hands upon their is fulfilled, and men do receive the Holy heads, ordained them to the Aaronic Ghost, then it is positive evidence that Priesthood, which gave them authority Joseph was authorized of God to make to preach repentance, and baptize for the that promise. Thousands can testify that remission of sins. Subsequently, Peter, this promise has been fulfilled. Most of James and John came, and conferred the you in this hall, if called upon, would apostleship upon them, which gave them doubtless testify that you have received the authority to build up the Kingdom the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. of God in all the world. Thus he re- For one I can bear testimony that I have ceived his authority of God according to received the Holy Ghost, through obe- the Gospel law relating to this matter. dience to the Gospel. It has expanded my mind, and enabled me to understand But let us come to more positive proof many of the principles connected with than we have yet considered. the Church and Kingdom of God. I have I read from the 84th section of frequently felt it thrill from the crown the Doctrine and Covenants, 64th of my head to the soles of my feet. I verse, the Lord in speaking to the could as soon doubt the existence of the first Elders of the Church, makes sunlight, as doubt the existence of the this promise unto them through Holy Ghost within me, and which I have 140 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. received in fulfillment of this promise in their being fulfilled, is an evidence that the Doctrine and Covenants. he was called of God. But I read further, in the same sec- The Lord gave unto ancient Israel a tion, "And these signs shall follow them rule by which they might prove the men that believe—In my name they shall do who spake to them in the name of the many wonderful works; In my name they Lord, that they might know whether God shall cast out devils; In my name they had sent them or not; you will find it in shall heal the sick; In my name they the 18th chapter of Deuteronomy, 22nd shall open the eyes of the blind, and un- verse. stop the ears of the deaf; And the tongue of the dumb shall speak; And if any man "When a prophet speaketh in the shall minister poison unto them it shall name of the Lord, if the thing follow not hurt them; And the poison of a ser- not, nor come to pass, that is the thing pent shall not have power to harm them. which the Lord hath not spoken, but the But a commandment I give unto them, prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: that they shall not boast themselves of thou shalt not be afraid of him." these things, neither speak them before This, then, was the test made; if the world." That is, we shall not boast be- their prophecies failed to come to pass fore the world that God has promised to when the wheel of time brought them deliver us of these things. We may learn due, the Lord had not sent them. If a lesson from Jesus on this subject—The their prophecies were fulfilled, then Is- devil took Him to the pinnacle of the rael might know that the Lord had sent temple, and now, said he, if thou art the them. Since it is claimed that Joseph Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is Smith is a Prophet of God, let us try him written, I will give mine angels charge by this rule. Many of his predictions are concerning thee, and in their hands shall on record, let us examine them. We must they bear thee up, lest at any time thou confine ourselves to a few, however, for dash thy foot against a stone. "It is also lack of time prevents us from making a written," replied Jesus, "thou shalt not very extensive examination. tempt the Lord thy God." So today, we shall not boast ourselves of these things, I call your attention to a prediction and tempt the Lord. recorded in section 103, of the Doctrine But are these signs and blessings and Covenants, verses 5, 6 and 7. in the Church which Joseph Smith "But verily I say unto you, that I have established? You, my brethren and decreed a decree which my people shall sisters, know they are: you know realize, inasmuch as they hearken from that it is a common thing to send this very hour unto the counsel which I, for the Elders to administer to the the Lord their God, shall give unto them. sick, and they are healed, and thou- Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, sands in Utah, and hundreds through- begin to prevail against mine enemies out the world, can testify that they have from this very hour. And by hearken- seen the power of God manifest in the ing to observe all the words which I, the Church. If these promises made through Lord their God, shall speak unto them, Joseph Smith, had not been realized, they shall never cease to prevail until it would have proven him an impostor; the kingdoms of the world are subdued JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 141 under my feet, and the earth is given In 1846, they drove our parents from unto the saints, to possess it forever and a single city and its surroundings; they ever." came to the wilderness, and founded This prophecy was given in Febru- a Territory which we possess; and we ary, 1834—a few months after the Saints are spreading over into the surround- were driven from Jackson County, Mis- ing States and Territories, and today the souri. Now, take the history of the Saints cry of Zion's children is—"Give us room from that time until the present, and to that we may dwell!" We have prevailed my mind, it appears to be one contin- against every obstacle—the prophecy so ual series of triumphs. The Saints being far has been fulfilled; and if we will but driven from Jackson County, did not stop hearken to the counsels of God, we shall the progress of the Kingdom of God. The never cease to triumph, until the king- Gospel was preached more extensively, doms of this world are the kingdoms of and the fruits of the Elders' labors were our God and His Christ. more abundant; and when five years In Sec. 87 of the Doctrine and later the Saints were expelled from the Covenants, is the remarkable prophecy State of Missouri, 12,000 were driven in- of Joseph Smith's, relating to the great stead of 1,200 as in the drivings in Jack- rebellion of the Southern States. Before son County. The only visible effect of I read that part of the prophecy of which their expulsion from Missouri, was to I wish more particularly to speak, I will give the work fresh impetus. The exiled pave the way for it. When reasoning Saints settled in Illinois, started to build with infidels on the truth of the Jewish a great city, and began the erection of Scriptures, I have often alluded to the a noble temple, at the same time send- many prophecies in the Bible, and then ing the Gospel to the European nations. have shown from history that these pre- Eight years after, when they were again dictions have been verified—hence they obliged to move, instead of 12,000 go- were inspired. They would generally ing, there were 20,000 that began their try to destroy the force of my argument march for the West. They settled in these by claiming that the predictions were mountains, and although great difficul- made after the events had transpired; ties have had to be surmounted, still the that is, they were not predictions in fact, work of God has been growing; and if but were written by fanatics to deceive the Saints had to move again, 150,000 mankind. But I wish to show my young would leave their homes—so persecution brethren this prophecy on the war of the has not stayed the work of God. rebellion cannot be overthrown by such assumptions as these, to which I have Again; when the Saints were in Mis- just alluded. souri, they had but one temple; today This revelation and prophecy on war, we have one temple completed and sev- was given December 25, 1832; the eral more in course of erection—some of events it predicts did not commence un- which will soon be finished. til 1861—29 years after the prophecy In 1833, they drove our fathers was made. I have heard several of the from a single county in Missouri; five leading Elders of the Church say, they years later it was found that they carried with them manuscript copies of had possession of several counties. that prophecy in their preaching tours 142 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. throughout the States, and occasionally It was to "end in the death and mis- would read it to the people: better still— ery of many souls." This, however, was in the year 1851, Elder F. D. Richards contrary to the expectations both of the published in England a book called, "The North and the South. The South claimed Pearl of Great Price;" among other in- that in a short time they would be able to teresting matter it contained, was this compel the North to acknowledge them prophecy on war. This was nine years be- as an independent nation. While Abra- fore the war it predicted began. As this ham Lincoln was equally confident in his book was widely circulated both in Eu- ability to put his foot upon the neck of rope and America, no one can ever use the Rebellion and crush out its life; his the old infidel argument against it—that first levy for troops was only for 90,000 is, that the prediction was made after the men, for 90 days. But whatever the ex- event had occurred. pectations of men might be, the Lord had I read from the Book of Covenants: said the war should "end in the death "Verily, thus saith the Lord concern- and misery of many souls." All who are ing the wars that shall shortly come to acquainted with the history of the Rebel- pass, beginning at the rebellion of South lion know that it thus ended. Carolina, which shall eventually termi- I, myself, have visited many of the nate in the death and misery of many battlegrounds in the Southern States. souls; And the time will come that war Not long ago I was on the battle- will be poured out on all nations, begin- field of Shiloh, on the Tennessee River, ning at this place. where 20,000 men were killed in two "For behold, the Southern States days: I have also passed over the shall be divided against the Northern battlefields around Nashville, Franklin, States, and the Southern States will and Murfreesboro; also over Missionary call on other nations, even the nation of Ridge, Chiamaugel, and Mount Look- Great Britain, as it is called, and they out. Last summer I visited Richmond, shall also call upon other nations, in or- and passed over that part of country der to defend themselves against other where the Battles of the Wilderness were nations; and then war shall be poured fought, where over three hundred thou- out upon all nations." sand men laid down their lives in their We have already shown that this pre- respective causes; and as I called to mind diction was made a number of years be- the thousands who had been slain on fore it began to be fulfilled. It now re- these battlefields I have mentioned, and mains for us to prove that the events spo- many others—said: The fact that Joseph ken of, actually occurred. Smith was a Prophet of God, is written It is a matter of history that in characters of blood to this generation, the first gun fired "in the late un- and yet they regard it not. pleasantness," was fired upon Fort But this war was to end in the "mis- Sumpter, from a rebel battery in South ery of many souls," and when I called to Carolina, and from there the war mind the sorrow of the sister who looked spread to other States. The trou- in vain for the return of the brother— ble started, then, where Joseph Smith the companion of her childhood— said it would begin—South Carolina. when I thought of the tears that had JOSEPH SMITH'S MISSION NECESSARY. 143 fretted channels in the pale cheek of the bring the events due; and the fulfillment mother who looked in vain for the re- of these prophecies prove beyond contro- turn of her son, who in the buoyancy versy, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of youth had gone to do battle in his of God, and "spake as he was moved upon country's cause—when I thought of the by the Holy Ghost." wife, who still watched and waited for There is just one more item I will re- the return of him whose strong arm was fer to, and then close. to be her support through life's dreary It was always a strange thing to me, march—when I called to mind all the that Joseph Smith should have to lay anguish these hearts felt, I exclaimed— down his life, until I found the following That Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, passage of Scripture: it is contained in is witnessed by the tears and heartrend- the 9th chapter of Hebrews, 16 and 17 ing sobs of these multitudes who have verses: looked and waited in vain for the return of their loved ones. "For where a testament is, there must The Southern States were to call on also of necessity be the death of the tes- Great Britain to assist them. Did they tator. do it? Yes. The Southern States Con- "For a testament is of force after men federacy sent two men, Messrs. Ma- are dead: otherwise it is of no strength son and Slidell, to negotiate with the at all while the testator liveth." English government, with the view of Joseph was the instrument through getting assistance; but they were cap- which God ushered in the dispensation tured and brought back to the United of the fullness of times—the greatest States. This is a familiar matter of his- of all dispensations—in which God will tory. England, too, was to call upon other complete His work, pertaining to the sal- nations to protect themselves against vation of men on the earth; it was a great other nations. Has this been done? work—Joseph was to testify of it—and To answer that question we have but "where a testament is there must needs to allude to the treaties now existing be," says Paul, "the death of the testa- between Great Britain and other Eu- tor." So when Joseph Smith fell by the ropean nations. Thus you see this old well-curb at Carthage jail, pierced prophecy, so far as we have read it, has by the bullets of assassins, he placed been minutely fulfilled—fulfilled in ev- the capstone upon his mission by seal- ery particular, and the rest of it will ing it with his blood—and from that time be, so fast as the wheels of time shall henceforth it is in force on all the world. 144 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

A CHURCH OF ORDER—THE LORD'S PROMISES SURE—PEOPLE PREPARED BY DREAMS AND VISIONS TO RECEIVE THE ELDERS—GIFTS RECEIVED AND OTHERS YET TO BE RECEIVED—BLESSINGS TO BE OBTAINED BY FAITH—GREAT PROMISES.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE ORSON PRATT, DELIVEREDATA CONFERENCEIN PARIS,BEAR LAKE,MAY 11, 1878.

REPORTEDBY JAMES H.HART.

I am pleased to have the opportu- The Prophets, Patriarchs and Saints nity and privilege of speaking to you this in olden times received great and glori- morning, and I hope to have your atten- ous blessings, and why should we not be tion while I endeavor to lay before you blessed, the same as they were blessed? principles pertaining to salvation and But some will begin to doubt, and say, eternal life, and set forth those charac- such and such blessings were truly given teristics that mark the people of God to persons many years ago, but perhaps in contradistinction to the people of the they are not promised to me. Do we not world. I hope to be so explicit that you worship the same God, that they wor- may all understand, and that you may shipped? Have we not obeyed the same each receive your portion of the Bread of Gospel and received of the same spirit? Life in due season. When you Elders have gone forth on mis- The Church of Jesus Christ is a sions, have not the promises of the Lord Church of order, in which it is nec- been fulfilled in your behalf? It depends essary that some persons have au- on ourselves whether we will receive the thority to teach and counsel and pre- glorious blessings of the Gospel or not. side. The authority of the church in If we are faithful and diligent in serving this Stake, is held by President Wm. the Lord, His promises are sure, and His Budge, who represents the leaders of blessings will certainly be poured out on the church, and is expected to reflect the humble and obedient. their feelings and spirit upon the peo- ple under his presidency. And I must Those who have been sent on mis- say I feel pleased with the spirit that sions to the nations of the earth have had seems to prevail in this Stake of Zion, abundant proof that the Lord is ready which is an evidence that you have and willing to pour out His blessings been blessed of the Lord, through the upon them. You were promised that ministrations of His servants. And the angels should go before you, and there are still greater blessings offered open the hearts of the people to receive those who will seek after them with all you; and when you have gone among their heart; some of which can only be a strange people, some of them have received by earnest faith and prayer. recognized you through the dreams and ALL MAY ENJOY THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. 145 visions given them from the Almighty, our faith. Brother Charles C. Rich has and they have said: "I know you are a had visions from the Lord, and revela- servant of the Lord, for you were shown tions through which he has been fore- to me in the night vision." These and warned of dangers that threatened him; other blessings are given to us on condi- by which means his life has been pre- tion that we are diligent and faithful. If served from time to time. And these we fail to receive them, the failure is not are some of the gifts of God, and should on the part of the Lord, nor in His ser- be cultivated in our feelings and in our vants who preside over us, but the fault faith, for God is no respecter of persons, lies in ourselves alone. but is willing to give to all men liberally, This failure to realize all the bless- and upbraid not. But all cannot be Apos- ings and powers of the Priesthood does tles. Some have to take the presidency in not apply to the elders and lesser Priest- different ages. Enoch was chosen in his hood only; but it applies to the higher day, and Abraham and Moses in theirs, quorums, and comes home to ourselves, and Joseph in our day, and unto him was who are Apostles of Jesus Christ. We given the power to translate the ancient are presented before the Church, and records, and to bring forth abundance of sustained as prophets, seers and reve- revelations. And those who are called to lators, and we have received oftentimes perform special missions in opening up the gift of prophecy and revelation, and dispensations of the Gospel to the chil- have received many great and glorious dren of men, as Joseph and others were gifts. But have we received the fullness called of the Lord, He endows more fully of the blessings to which we are entitled? with these gifts; but this does not hinder No, we have not. Who, among the Apos- others from enjoying similar gifts accord- tles have become seers, and enjoy all the ing to His promises, and according to our gifts and powers pertaining to that call- faithfulness. And I have thought the rea- ing? Still it is our privilege to become son why we have not enjoyed these gifts prophets, seers and revelators, for these more fully is, because we have not sought blessings were promised us through the for them as diligently as we ought. I Prophet Joseph, in the year 1836. Now speak for one, I have not sought as dili- I don't think many of us have attained gently as I might have done. More than to these gifts, but it is not the fault of forty years have passed away since these the Almighty, but the fault is in our- promises were made. I have been blessed selves. And can they be realized by us? with some revelations and prophecies, Certainly they can, if we are faithful in and with dreams of things that have seeking for them. The Prophet Joseph come to pass; but as to seeing things would not have attained to these glori- as a seer, and beholding heavenly things ous gifts if he had not lived for them, in open vision, I have not attained to and he would not have held out these in- these things. And who is to blame for ducements to us, unless they could have this? Not the Lord; not brother Joseph— been obtained. These things were re- they are not to blame. And so it is newed at our last fall Conference, and with the promises made to you in your they are brought home to us, and it is confirmations and endowments, and our privilege to live for them and en- by the patriarchs, in your patriarchal joy them in their fullness, according to 146 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. blessings; we do not live up to our priv- of eternity, and saw the time when the ileges as saints of God and elders of Is- wicked would be destroyed from the face rael; for though we receive many bless- of the earth; and like Enoch, Abraham, ings that are promised to us, we do not Moses and others, saw all things that receive them in their fullness, because were to take place upon the earth to we do not seek for them as diligently and the end of time. This latter-day work faithfully as we should. which occupies our attention, was shown The work in which we are en- to the prophets thousands of years be- gaged has occupied the attention of the fore we were born. Don't you suppose Prophets in all ages, and they have they prayed for it, and sought unto the prophesied concerning it, and have re- Lord to know when these things should joiced in contemplating the day and age come to pass, and what should be the in which we live. The Prophet Isaiah sign of His coming, and the end of the says: "How beautiful upon the moun- world? Through faith covenants were tains are the feet of them that bringeth made with the Nephite prophets, that good tidings, that saith unto Zion, Thy the sacred records should be preserved God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift and should come forth in the last days for up the voice; with the voice together the blessing and salvation of their pos- shall they sing: for they shall see eye terity, and all others who would receive to eye, when the Lord shall bring again them. It has been our privilege to receive Zion." these sacred things, and have withal the It is through faith we are made par- fullness of the Everlasting Gospel, and takers of these glorious blessings, for by if we have the faith that was in them, faith all the blessings promised are to and live as Saints of God, we shall not be obtained; by faith the holy men of be careless and indifferent, but our souls old obtained promises pertaining to fu- will be filled with joy and gladness, be- ture generations, and by faith the Gospel cause of the many mercies and blessings has been restored to the earth, with the that are promised to us, in our calling gifts and powers of the holy Priesthood, as elders and priests, and as seers and with the promise that it shall never be revelators. If we lived fully up to our taken from the earth. Joseph, who was privileges, and attained to all the bless- sold into Egypt, through his righteous- ings and powers that are promised, and ness and faith obtained great promises were filled with the spirit of the Lord, concerning his seed who should dwell we should have more influence, and our upon this land. And through faith a ministrations would be of more benefit to portion of his seed was brought from the people of God. Jerusalem and led by the Almighty on I am glad the Lord has spared my the borders of the Red Sea, and brought life to behold this day, and that I am over the great deep unto a land that numbered among His people, a people is choice above all other lands. By who have been acknowledged of the Lord faith the Nephites received the ministra- as His chosen people. We should all tions of the Savior after His resurrection feel thankful for living prophets and from the dead, through the covenants apostles, who have been given for the made with their fathers. By faith work of the ministry, and for the perfect- the brother of Jared saw the wonders ing of the Saints. I rejoice, moreover, ALL MAY ENJOY THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. 147 that the First Presidency of the Church ness of the people, that while the glory has again been organized, for by the of the Lord was resting on the moun- more perfect organization we receive tain, and Moses was holding communion greater strength and wisdom, and more with Jehovah in the interests of the peo- abundant blessings from the Lord, and ple, they had induced Aaron to make a I think this increase in faith and union, golden calf for them to worship, in place and other manifestations of the spirit of the true and living God. And the con- are felt in this Conference. Every man sequence was, they were deprived of the and woman can feel a renewed influence presence of the Lord in their journeyings, and power, and it is felt in all the quo- for He made a decree that He would not rums of the Priesthood. And it is our go before the camp, "but mine angel shall privilege to so live that we may come go before them, lest I consume them in into possession of all the promised bless- the land." ings. Among the blessings promised by our Lord Jesus Christ, unto those who The Lord has been very kind and humble themselves, and seek unto him, merciful unto His people in these last is that "You shall see my face and know days. He has known the hearts of this that I am." This does not mean the Apos- people, and that we are willing to serve tles only, but the promise is to every Him. He saw that we were willing to Latter-day Saint who will comply with suffer persecution for His sake, and the the conditions, that such person "shall Gospel's sake, and for this cause He see my face and know that I am." These has poured out His blessings upon us in are some of the promises that have been great abundance, and I hope when these made to the Latter-day Saints through Temples shall be built, and we minis- the Prophet Joseph Smith. The same ter therein, and receive the blessings promise was made to ancient Israel, promised us for ourselves and for our through Moses, the great lawgiver and dead, that we shall be more united, and Prophet who promised that they should that we shall receive more fully the gifts all hear his voice, and see his face, if they and endowments that pertain to the sons would hearken to his counsels, and obey and daughters of God. And then per- all His commandments. The promise adventure He will condescend to bless was not to the Priesthood only, but ev- us with His presence, as He blessed His ery son and daughter of God had the Saints in the Temple at Kirtland, and same promise, because all are destined the presence and glory of His holy an- to come into the presence of God, and gels. It has been promised to Israel in behold the glory of His countenance. If these latter days, that the Lord Himself we would attain to these blessings, and will go before them, and lead and guide enjoy the fullness of the promises made them, and fight their battles and deliver unto the people of God, we must cleanse them from all their enemies. What a glo- ourselves from all unrighteousness, that rious promise! And we may be assured we may endure His presence in the world that there will be nothing lacking on the of glory. part of our Eternal Father, nor in Jesus For this reason it was ordered Christ, His Son, and the holy angels, for that a tabernacle be built in the all are interested with us in the progress wilderness; but such was the wicked- and consummation of this great and 148 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. glorious latter-day work, for it is the dis- and participate with the sanctified in the pensation of the fullness of times. powers of the world to come, for being heirs of God we shall be joint heirs with How great will be our joy when we at- our Lord Jesus Christ, and having suf- tain to these blessings, and realize these fered with Him for righteousness' sake, promises that have been made to us. we shall also reign with Him in glory. The Lord will dwell in the midst of His In conclusion, let me exhort you to people, and the angels will be with us, turn to the Lord, and serve Him with full with the ministrations of our Father in purpose of heart, and be willing to con- heaven; these are privileges and bless- secrate yourselves and all you have unto ings indeed, that eye hath not seen, nor His service, and so live that you can per- ear heard, and the glory thereof hath not fect the bond of union that will secure entered in the heart of man to conceive, unto you eternal life, and bring honor but the Lord hath revealed them unto and glory to Him that sitteth upon the us by His spirit. Then we shall hear throne forever and ever. That this may His voice, and see His face, and know be your happy lot, is my prayer, in the that He exists, for we shall see His glory name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

KIND OF GOD THE SAINTS BELIEVE IN—SKEPTICISM IN THE WORLD—MIRACLES NOT DUE TO A SUSPENSION OF LAW—RESULTS OF FAITH EXERCISED BY THE SAINTS—PROVIDENCE IN THEIR FAVOR—IDEAS AS TO THE FORM AND ATTRIBUTES OF HEAVENLY BEINGS—HOW JOSEPH SMITH OBTAINED HIS KNOWLEDGE—WHAT OUR FAITH HAS COST.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY EVENING (QUARTERLY CONFERENCE,SALT LAKE STAKE),MAY 4, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

In arising to address you, my wants and to the circumstances which brethren and sisters, this evening, I surround us. desire an interest in your faith and It is a great responsibility to arise prayers, that I may be led to speak as a teacher to a great people like upon those points of doctrine or of those who have assembled within principles, that are adapted to our this house this evening, especially to FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD EXCEPTIONAL. 149 speak in the name of the Lord, and I do tian world, that God does not interfere not believe that any man should do this by any special providence in behalf of unless he can have the assistance of that any people or of any individual; that spirit which God has promised to bestow He governs the universe and the earth upon His servants. upon which we stand, and the inhabi- tants of which we form a part, by grand We who belong to the Church of Jesus and universal laws, and that those laws Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe in are never overruled. In other words, that God; not a God who lived a few thousand there is no special interposition of provi- years ago, but a God who lives today; a dence in behalf of individuals or of peo- God who has a voice with which to speak ples, but that the Lord rules by those today, and who has arms and a head, and grand laws which are applicable to all, bodily as well as spiritual powers, who and which all have to submit to, and can communicate His mind and His will that He does not concern Himself to lis- unto His children, with the same facility ten unto the appeals of individuals in be- in the days in which we live as He did in half of themselves, or of those in whom the days of the Savior and His disciples, they are interested, or to have any spe- or in the days of the prophets. If there is cial providence extended unto nations; any feature characteristic of the present and it is this feature of belief that causes age that is more notable than another, it mankind who are familiar with us, to is the decay of faith in God. It is a char- entertain such ideas respecting our fu- acteristic of our age and time, and it is ture as they frequently indulge in. You one that is increasingly manifesting it- will often hear it said—I have heard it self among what are termed the Chris- stated I may say hundreds of times when tian nations. I have myself frequently— I have spoken to friends who are not of especially of late years—been struck our faith, concerning the interposition of with the contrast between the present providence in our behalf; and the faith unbelief and the faith concerning God, that we had respecting the deliverances which existed in the days when I first that would be wrought out for us—I have went out to preach the Gospel, or in been told that God is on the side of the the days of my youth. Skepticism is in- strongest battalions, that God is on the creasing on every hand, and if it were side of the heaviest artillery; that God not for this Church, and the faith that is on the side of the greatest numbers; is cherished by the Latter-day Saints, and I have often provoked smiles of in- and which they are endeavoring to in- credulity by the simple statement of our still into the minds of their children, and faith in God, and our hopes and antici- of all unto whom they have access, there pations concerning the care that He had would be no Church of which I have any had over us, the deliverances which He knowledge that, as a church, believes has wrought out for us, and the promises in God our Eternal Father, as he is de- that He had made unto us concerning scribed in the Scriptures—a God who the future. can hear and answer—literally answer— Upon this point and in this re- the prayers of those who address Him in spect we differ, as I have remarked, faith. The idea has become very preva- from every people with whom I am lent of late years, in the so-called Chris- acquainted—in this feature of our 150 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. religion, this implicit trust in a God who Him to open the eyes of the blind, or can hear and who can answer prayer, in to cause the sick to be healed. It was a God who is not on the side of the great- no suspension of law that caused Him est numbers, unless the greatest num- to ascend in the sight of His disciples bers are in the right; in a God whose after His resurrection when He visited power is not exerted in behalf of the them. I know that miracles are said strongest battalions, nor of the heavi- to be a suspension of law; but instead est artillery, unless the strongest battal- of their being a suspension of law, they ions and the heaviest artillery are in the are due to a knowledge of a higher law, right. We believe, as it has sometimes to a comprehension of greater laws, by been stated, that God and one man are the knowledge of which, what are called a great majority, and that when He pur- miracles are wrought. To a person who poses to accomplish a certain work, all never saw the effect of electricity, if he the powers of earth and the powers of were in this Tabernacle and were to see hell combined cannot prevent the accom- these lights kindled instantaneously by plishment of that work; that there is no the touch of electricity—a person who power that can by any possibility defeat did not understand the laws of electric- His purposes; and that He will interpose ity, would say, "Why this is miraculous." by the exercise of His Almighty power Or to an ignorant person, a person who in behalf of the individual, in behalf of knew nothing of the law of electricity, it the community, or in behalf of the nation would seem marvelous that one stand- concerning whom He has spoken, and ing at the end of a wire, stretched un- who are seeking to do his will. We have der the ocean could, by touching that proved this, at least to our own satisfac- wire, communicate a distance of nearly tion. The history of the people is full of il- 3,000 miles, and could talk to a person lustrations of the most remarkable char- at the other end of the wire. Had this acter establishing this truth, so far as we been mentioned in the days of our fore- are concerned, beyond all controversy; fathers, they would have declared it was and I am happy to say that this faith is an impossibility. Such power would have increasing instead of decreasing among been miraculous in their eyes, and they the Latter-day Saints. I am happy in this would have said that such a thing was knowledge. In my associations with our contrary to all known laws concerning people in various places, I find that there the transmission of sound and thought; is a steady growth of faith in that God but to us who understand this law— whom we worship, and in His power to or if we do not understand it, who see save and to deliver us, and in his power the operations of electricity; who know to bless us and to grant unto us the righ- that we can go to the telegraph office teous desires of our hearts. This does not and send a message to Europe from this necessarily require a suspension of law. city, and get a reply within a few hours; It was no suspension of law on the part in fact, receive it here at a time of the of our Savior, that caused Him to gather day earlier than it was transmitted from from the elements the bread and the there, which is frequently done. We, fishes necessary to feed the multitude. who witness this, no longer look upon It was no suspension of law that caused it as a miracle, or as a suspension of law, or a violation of the laws which FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD EXCEPTIONAL. 151 govern the transmission of sound or when they left Egypt, had a more def- thought. We accept it because we have inite idea of their destination than the become familiar with it. And so, if we Latter-day Saints had, when they left understood the law by which Jesus oper- Illinois; because the children of Israel ated when He fed the multitude, it would knew that the promises which had been be as simple to us as the law of elec- made to their father Abraham, concern- tricity is today. If we understood the ing Canaan, (and which was the resi- law by which the sick were healed, and dence of the heads of their tribes) must sight restored to the blind, or by which be fulfilled. The traditions of the peo- He counteracted the laws of gravitation, ple led them to look back to Canaan, as and ascended in the sight of His disci- the land which they would eventually ples into heaven—if we understood these inherit. But there were no such tradi- laws, they would be simple to us, as all tions for us to lean upon. Before the peo- laws are when they are understood. ple stretched an uninhabited wilderness, There is no suspension of law on the two thousand miles in extent, concerning part of our Father when He interposes in which but little was known, but the peo- behalf of His children. He has minister- ple had no hesitation. God had spoken by ing spirits who minister unto those, as the mouth of His servant Joseph Smith, the Apostle tells us, who shall be heirs the Prophet, concerning the Latter-day of salvation. Jesus conveys the idea very Saints, that they should be in the Rocky beautifully, when He says, that not one Mountains, and should become a nu- hair of our heads falls to the ground un- merous people, a great people. The noticed. This was the kind of faith which Twelve Apostles who then presided over He taught His disciples, and it is the the Church, were led by the Spirit of kind of faith that was believed in by the God to organize the people into compa- ancients, by those who wrote the Bible, nies, and to encourage them to look for- by those who wrote the Book of Mormon, ward to a journey in the wilderness to and it is the faith that is transmitted to a land to which God would lead us, and us, which God is endeavoring to estab- that when we should find it, we should lish in the hearts of the children of men, know it was the land that He designed to bring them nearer to Him, and enable for us. There were inviting places in them to partake of that power which He Iowa, for Iowa was then comparatively is willing to bestow upon men, if they uninhabited. We followed Indian trails will follow after Him. with our wagons, for there was no regu- As I have said, the history of this lar wagon road. We built bridges across Church is full of instances of this char- the streams of Iowa—that is, streams acter. When we started out from the that were not fordable—over which to State of Illinois, and crossed the Mis- take our wagons and cattle. The whole sissippi when it was frozen over, the country was a waste. The Latter-day leading men of this Church, sending Saints might, had they chosen, have set- their wagons on with the few goods they tled there, but the voice of the Spirit was had, they launched forth into a wilder- not to settle there. We crossed the Mis- ness, not knowing where they were go- souri River, remained during the winter ing. Moses and the children of Israel, upon its banks, and then in the spring 152 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. the pioneers launched out through what from the mountains can be used for the is now the State of Nebraska, which irrigating of these lands, and used suc- was then Indian Territory. The fertil- cessfully. But there was a time when ity of those plains did not tempt them there was a doubt concerning this. When to make that their abiding place, but the pioneers reached this valley, there they pressed on, not a man in the com- was no doubt in the mind of the man who pany knowing where they were going, led the people, whatever there might be not a man in the company who had ever in the minds of others. His mind was trod the ground before, or who knew clear, and the whole people felt that he anything, by practical experience, of the had the right from God, as His servant, character of the region upon which they to designate the spot. They had faith were entering. to believe that God would sustain them Now, this was faith in God. It is in doing what they were told, and they easy to say, after it has been demon- planted themselves on this spot, having strated that settlements could be made faith in God, believing that He would in these mountains—that crops could be hear them, believing that He had heard raised—it is easy to say that this was them, believing that he would still con- not much of an undertaking. I am re- tinue to protect them, and fulfill all His minded of a story told of Columbus. Af- promises which He had made, and they ter he had made the discovery of Amer- proved then, if they had not proved be- ica, and returned to Spain, upon one oc- fore, that God the Eternal Father is a casion, while at a banquet with a num- God nigh at hand and not afar off. And ber of Spanish grandees, someone made when the crickets came down, as they light of the discovery he had made, of did in 1848, in myriads from the moun- the voyage that he had undertaken, and tains, blackening the whole face of the the result of it. He picked up an egg valley, sweeping off during one night that was lying near, and asked which of fields of grain that were as promising them could make that egg stand on end. as fields could be, and leaving them as They all tried it, but failed; they could bare as the palm of a man's hand, even not make the egg stand on end. He there- then their faith did not fail: they still upon took the egg, knocked it on the ta- had confidence that that God who had ble, and flattened it, and made the egg led them thus far would still continue to stand. "Gentlemen," said he, "it is easy preserve them, and would supply their to make an egg stand on end when you wants; and when it seemed as though know how to do it." It is easy to dis- their faith had been tried to the very ut- cover a land after it has been discov- termost, when the last point had been ered. It is easy to talk about the set- reached, God interposed by a very nat- tlement of these valleys, and that which ural means. He did not come down Him- has been done here; after the work has self, that is in our sight, for us to see Him been accomplished and the problem has visibly; His angels did not come for us to been solved; after it has been demon- see them visibly; but He sent the gulls strated beyond all possible doubt that who came by thousands, and devoured this country is habitable, that these val- those crickets, leaving them in heaps leys will produce crops to sustain human along the edges of the water ditches. life, and that these streams that flow Having eaten their fill, they then FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD EXCEPTIONAL. 153 vomited, and having eaten again, vom- these valleys, in the breasts, in the ited again, and thus continued the work houses, in the family circles, of all the of devouring, until every field was clear Latter-day Saints from one end of this of those destructive insects. Now, an un- land to the other. A grander exhibition of believer might not have seen the hand of faith, a more sublime exhibition of confi- God in this, but the hearts of the Latter- dence in God cannot be witnessed any- day Saints did see His hand, and pro- where upon the face of the earth, than found gratitude was aroused. Prayers of is afforded by the example of the Latter- thanksgiving ascended unto the God of day Saints. They do bear witness unto heaven for His interposition in our be- the heavens, unto God the Eternal Fa- half. The people felt that their God was ther, unto holy angels, and unto all men, still near to them, that He still heard that whatever unbelief may prevail else- and answered their prayers, and granted where, whatever the feelings of skepti- unto them the desires of their hearts. cism may be in other lands, and among And thus it has been from that day other peoples, they at least have, unwa- until the present time. Notwithstand- veringly and undoubtingly, relied upon ing the many measures that have been His glorious promises, and are willing taken against us as a people, the many to trust him to the very uttermost, be- plots that have seemed so promising lieving that He is indeed a God who is, to those who framed them concerning as I have said, near at hand and not the destruction of the Latter-day Saints; afar off. In fact, outside of this people when it has seemed that destruction you can scarcely find a man or a woman was inevitable, that no power could save who has any clear conception concern- us, God has interposed by His wonder- ing God Himself. You ask members of ful power and we have escaped, and churches, "What is your God like? Who today, notwithstanding these many ef- is the Being whom you worship?"—and forts, we are a free people in the moun- the reply, doubtless, of many, would be, tains, having the privilege, that God said "great is the mystery of godliness. That we should have, of worshipping Him, is something we do not comprehend." It and enjoying peace and prosperity, if is a forbidden topic, almost. You ask min- we would but continue to put our trust isters of religion concerning the charac- in him and keep His commandments; ter and form of God, and how few there so that today, throughout all these val- are who will attempt to make any sort leys, from one end to the other, there of a reasonable answer. They have no is a people found who, notwithstanding idea, scarcely. Do they believe Him to be all the threats that are fulminated, all a personal being? I have scarcely ever the projects that are started, all the ef- found a professing Christian who did be- forts that are made to destroy us as lieve this. They say God is a spirit. True a religious organization, to break down enough. But has God no powers? Is our liberties, to rob us of those rights God a diffused substance, filling all cre- which are dear to every man who has ation? That is the idea that many have. been born free—notwithstanding these And you get the professed Christian threats, a reign of peace and undis- and the professed infidel, and let each turbed quiet prevails throughout all of them talk about God, and they are 154 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. as near together as it is possible to be. when three personages came down and The infidel who has no faith in God, be- visited Abraham. Abraham it is said, lieves in nature. The Christian, who pro- talked with the Lord, and plead with fesses to believe in God, if he attempts to Him concerning the destruction which define his God, will describe him some- was about to come upon Sodom. He thing as an infidel would the creative plead that if there should be fifty righ- power. teous men found in Sodom, would He But what is the truth concerning spare the city? He plead that if there God? Let us hear what Moses says— should be but forty-five, or forty, or "And God said, Let us make man in thirty, or twenty, and finally he came our image, after our likeness: and let down to ten—that if ten righteous men them have dominion over the fish of the were found, would He spare the city? sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over and He promised He would. He talked the cattle, and over all the earth, and with Him as one man talketh with an- every creeping thing that creepeth upon other. Again, we have the record of the earth. Moses in Exodus, where he tells us that "So God created man in his own im- the seventy Elders of Israel ate and age, in the image of God created he him; drank in the presence of the God of Is- male and female created he them." rael. We have the statement also that What could be plainer than this! the two tables of stones which contained "God created man in his own image, the law and the testimony, were written in the image of God created he him; by the finger of God, by his own finger. male and female created he them." Again And when Moses plead with Him that Moses says: He might see His person, He told him "This is the book of the generations of that he should see His back parts; but Adam. In the day that God created man, His face should not be seen. He gave in the likeness of God made he him; that promise to Moses, and Moses saw "Male and female created he them; His person. and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were cre- Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, ated." whom we worship as God, was a man Yet with this Bible in their hands, you like unto us, so much so that his divin- will scarcely find a professed Christian ity was not recognized through any ex- who believes this statement of Moses, ternal signs by the Jews. There was that God created man in his own im- nothing about his person that they could age, notwithstanding the fact that Paul discover that would make Him a God, in two or three places in his epis- the creator of the heavens and the earth, tles, actually says that Jesus is the ex- any more than the Sandwich Islanders press image of his Father's person. He could discover in the person of Cap- wrote so to the Galatians. He wrote tain Cook, who discovered their Islands. so to the Hebrews. He told them They believed him to be a god when he that Jesus Christ was the express im- first came in their midst; but he showed age of God his Father. And we have signs of mortal fear, by which they the fact recorded, that Abraham talked knew he was not a god, and they slew with God, and that Abraham plead him. The Jews tested, as they thought with God. You remember the occasion most thoroughly, the divinity of Jesus. FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD EXCEPTIONAL. 155

When they hung Him upon the cross, dren of God, that we are his literal they said mockingly, "If thou be the Son descendants, as Jesus was literally de- of God, come down from the cross." They scended from Him, and that He is our assumed that they would believe and ac- Father as much as our earthly parent is cept Him as the Son of God, if He would our father, and we can go to Him with a come down from the cross. He was in feeling of nearness, knowing this, under- all respects a man, so far as the out- standing it by the revelations which God ward appearance was concerned; His ex- has given to us. terior was that of a man; but, neverthe- I would like to read to you a lit- less, He was a God. He was the first tle to refresh your minds and to show begotten Son of the Eternal Father, who you how this faith which had been so sits enthroned in glory and majesty, sur- long lost to the earth was restored; for rounded by burning fire. He was the Son the memory of it—the memory of what of that Being, and was the express image God was like, had died out of the hu- of His person, like Him, having a head, man mind. Hundreds of years had having the senses that men have, having elapsed since any man had seen God. all the bodily features that we have, and All that was known, therefore, respect- His Father was precisely like Him, or He, ing Him, His personality and His at- in other words, was precisely like His Fa- tributes, was that which was written in ther. There is nothing more plainly con- the Bible; but through the spiritualiz- veyed and taught than this in the Scrip- ing that had taken place, through the tures of divine truth, the Bible, and yet attachment of double meanings to the men professing to teach godliness and to plain word of God, it caused the truth teach God, endeavor to destroy that feel- to fade away from men's minds. There ing and that faith in the minds of the was no man upon the earth of whom we people. have any knowledge, who could tell any thing about God, or about an angel. As When such misconceptions as these I remarked here a few Sundays ago, the exist in the minds of the children of men, general idea that prevailed in regard to of course there cannot be correct faith ex- angels was, that they were half fowl, that ercised; men who do not know to whom they were men or women with feathered to go, on whom to call, or to whom to wings growing out of their backs. I know pray. "This is eternal life," says Jesus, that there are creatures referred to in "that they might know thee the only true the Scriptures, who have wings, but they God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has are not men, they are not angels, such sent." That was eternal life—to know as come and minister unto the human Him, to comprehend Him, to understand family. Yet you will see in all the pic- the Being that gave us life, that created torial representations of angels in our us. Therefore, when a man understands family Bibles beings dressed somewhat this he goes to God with perfect confi- like a woman, with features resembling dence. He asks God as he would his those of a woman, and with feathered earthly father for that which he desires. wings growing out on their backs. These My brethren and sisters, it is a ideas became common, and still prevail glorious truth that has been taught throughout Christian nations. to us, that we are literally the chil- Now, as I have said, the true con- 156 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. ception of God, like the true conception of morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in angels, had vanished from the minds of the spring of 1820. It was the first time the children of men. But Joseph Smith, in my life that I had made such an at- prompted by the Spirit of God, chosen, as tempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had I fully believe, as the old prophets were, never as yet made the attempt to pray from before the beginning of the world, vocally. to lay the foundation of this great latter- "After I had retired into the place day work, was moved upon to inquire of where I had previously designed to go, God. I will read a little of what is said having looked around me, and finding concerning this: myself alone, I kneeled down and be- gan to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when "While I was laboring under the ex- immediately I was seized upon by some treme difficulties caused by the contests power which entirely overcame me, and of these parties of religionists, I was one had such astonishing influence over me day reading the Epistle of James, first as to bind my tongue so that I could not chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If speak. Thick darkness gathered around any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of me, and it seemed to me for a time as God, that giveth unto men liberally, and if I were doomed to sudden destruction. upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But, exerting all my powers to call upon Never did any passage of scripture come God to deliver me out of the power of this with more power to the heart of man enemy which had seized upon me, and than this did at this time to mine. It at the very moment when I was ready seemed to enter with great force into ev- to sink into despair and abandon my- ery feeling of my heart. I reflected on self to destruction—not to an imaginary it again and again, knowing that if any ruin, but to the power of some actual be- person needed wisdom from God, I did; ing from the unseen world, who had such for how to act I did not know, and unless marvelous power as I had never before I could get more wisdom than I then had, felt in any being—just at this moment I would never know; for the teachers of of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light religion of the different sects understood exactly over my head, above the bright- the same passage so differently as to de- ness of the sun, which descended grad- stroy all confidence in settling the ques- ually until it fell upon me. It no sooner tion by an appeal to the Bible. At length appeared than I found myself delivered I came to the conclusion that I must ei- from the enemy which held me bound. ther remain in darkness and confusion, When the light rested upon me I saw two or else I must do as James directs, that Personages, whose brightness and glory is, ask of God. I at length came to the defy all description, standing above me determination to "ask of God," conclud- in the air. One of them spake unto me, ing that if he gave wisdom to them that calling me by name and said, pointing to lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear and not upbraid, I might venture. So, Him! in accordance with this, my determina- "My object in going to inquire of tion to ask of God, I retired to the woods the Lord was to know which of all to make the attempt. It was on the the sects was right, that I might FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD EXCEPTIONAL. 157 know which to join. No sooner, there- brethren and sisters, what is said re- fore, did I get possession of myself, so specting this in the vision that has come as to be able to speak, than I asked the to us. It was a vision that was seen by Personages who stood above me in the Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. To light, which of all the sects was right them was revealed the eventual fate of (for at this time it had never entered the various inhabitants of the earth, the into my heart that all were wrong)—and various glories and kingdoms which our which I should join. I was answered Father and God has in reserve for His that I must join none of them, for they children. Now, say they: were all wrong; and the Personage who "And while we meditated upon these addressed me said that all their creeds things, the Lord touched the eyes of our were an abomination in his sight; that understandings and they were opened, those professors were all corrupt; that: and the glory of the Lord shone round "they draw near to me with their lips, but about. their hearts are far from me, they teach "And we beheld the glory of the Son, for doctrines the commandments of men, on the right hand of the Father, and re- having a form of godliness, but they deny ceived of his fulness; the power thereof." "And saw the holy angels, and them "He again forbade me to join with any who are sanctified before his throne, wor- of them; and many other things did he shiping God, and the Lamb, who worship say unto me, which I cannot write at this him forever and ever. time. When I came to myself again, I "And now, after the many testimonies found myself lying on my back, looking which have been given of him, this is the up into heaven." testimony, last of all, which we give of Here is the testimony of one who him: That He lives! actually saw the Father and the Son. "For we saw him, even on the right They were as described by all who have hand of God; and we heard the voice seen them—literal personages, person- bearing record that he is the Only Begot- ages with tabernacles, the Son being the ten of the Father— express image of the Father. John the "That by him, and through him, and Revelator, also saw one that was like of him, the worlds are and were created, unto the Son of Man. He describes his and the inhabitants thereof are begotten person. You remember that he fell down sons and daughters unto God." and worshipped an angel upon one oc- These two men of our day (fifty- casion, thinking it was the Lord, and two years ago last February) beheld the the angel forbade him doing so, telling Son of God—Jesus, the Only Begotten— him that he must not worship him, that and they saw Him at the right hand he was one of his fellowservants, the of the Father, occupying the position prophets. John, however, had a correct that has always been assigned to Him, conception of the great truth that the and in the express image of His Fa- Son was in the exact image of His Father. ther's person, as He is described by Now, not only have we this tes- all who have seen Him. After this, timony, but we have the testimony Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery both of others concerning this matter. saw the Savior, and both testified as Doubtless you will remember, my to His person. This was on April 3rd, 158 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

1836, after the completion of the Kirt- cerning the truth. This was the crime, land Temple. the great sin, at least, of the Jewish na- "The veil was taken from our minds," tion. Light came into the world, but men say they, "and the eyes of our under- chose darkness rather than light; there- standing were opened. fore the light that was in them became "We saw the Lord standing upon the darkness. The Jewish nation became breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and abandoned to hardness of heart and un- under his feet was a paved work of pure belief. They were left to be a prey to gold, in color like amber. that spirit of unbelief which they encour- aged, until they rejected God, until they "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the rejected the Son of God, with all His di- hair of his head was white like the pure vinity, with His great miracles, with His snow; his countenance shone above the mighty power, with His pure and spot- brightness of the sun; and his voice was less life—they rejected Him, they slew as the sound of the rushing of great wa- Him, and the light that was in them be- ters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: came darkness. He bestowed remark- "I am the first and the last; I am he able power upon those who received His who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am word and they increased in faith; but your advocate with the Father." those unto whom they preached, those Oliver Cowdery, as well as Joseph who heard their testimony and rejected Smith, saw this vision; they beheld this it, became a prey to that other influence, glorious personage, even the Son of God, the power of darkness, the power of Sa- when He accepted the Kirtland Temple tan, and they shed the blood of inno- after its dedication. These witnesses are cence, and I am sorry to say that this also supplemented by hundreds of oth- is the case at the present time with our ers who have beheld in vision and oth- own nation. The blood of righteous men erwise, glorious personages in these last has been cruelly, inhumanly shed upon days. There are men alive who have be- this free soil. This man who beheld these held the Son of God, who have heard visions; this man, the first for hundreds His voice, and who have been minis- of years who described, who could de- tered unto by Him in this our day and scribe the personage of God, who could generation. In the face of these testi- say that he beheld Him, who arose as monies, which cannot be impeached suc- a mighty witness in the midst of this cessfully, is it any wonder that faith generation to say of a truth that God grows in the hearts of the people of God, lived, that Jesus lived; this man was cru- the Latter-day Saints? That notwith- elly, treacherously and inhumanly mur- standing the growth of skepticism out- dered; and murdered, too, under the side of this Church, faith continues to pledged honor of one of the sovereign manifest itself and find lodgment in the States of this our nation; the Governor hearts of the Latter-day Saints? But of the State himself, pledging his own just as faith grows among the Latter- honor and the honor of the State that day Saints, as a natural consequence he (Joseph Smith) should be protected, faith will decrease in the hearts of but he was cruelly slain like the prophets those who reject this testimony con- who had gone before, who had borne FAITH IN THE TRUE GOD EXCEPTIONAL. 159 a similar testimony. He sealed his tes- one of His apostles that he could, un- timony with his blood, declaring to the til throughout the wide earth there was very last that that which he had testi- no man who could stand up and say to fied of was the truth, willing to die if the people, "Thus saith the Lord," or who it were necessary, to seal his testimony could stand up in the authority of the and render it so unimpeachable that it Priesthood of the Son of God and say, never could be questioned from that time "I am God's servant, and this is God's forward. This man was thus slain, and will, God having revealed it to me." They who is there that has been punished for stopped the mouths of all such. They it? No more than the murderers of the closed them in death. No one was left Prophets were punished in ancient days, that they could reach. Then, when the no more than the murderers of our Lord heavens became as brass over the heads and Savior Jesus Christ were punished, of the children of men, a church arose no more has it been the case in this in- having a form of godliness, but denying stance. No, his blood still stains the soil, the power thereof, until today, through- still cries, with the blood of all the mar- out Christendom, men who profess to be tyrs, unto God in heaven for vengeance ministers of Jesus Christ, do not know on his guilty murderers. And the tes- anything about Him, have no communi- timony that he bore has been borne by cation with Him. A king with ambas- others, and in like manner others have sadors here, and these ambassadors re- shared that fate. Our reverend Presi- ceive no communication from the court dent, who sits tonight in this place, his which authorizes them. What nonsense! blood stains the same soil. He himself Whoever heard of such a thing? Is there narrowly escaped the same fate. In the anything in this book (the Bible) which providence of God he was spared for a hints at such a thing? Who ever heard wise purpose, and has lived among us of a servant of God having no knowledge until this day—a living martyr, a living of him, no revelation from him? There is witness of the cruelty of man towards no such thing in this book. It is reserved those who testify that God lives. for men in the nineteenth century, and My brethren and sisters, the faith preceding centuries, to arise and make that we have received has cost the best such claims as these, and who can be- blood of this century. The faith that we lieve them? have received cost the blood of the Son of Now, God has restored the everlast- God when He taught it to men upon the ing Gospel to the earth. He has told earth. The faith that we have received the children of men that if they will cost the blood of Isaiah, of Jeremiah, come unto Him and obey His command- and of others of the prophets who were ments, they shall receive a testimony slain for the truths that they declared. of the truth of this work, as in times It has always been a costly sacrifice, this of old, through the gift and power of teaching of the truth unto the human the Holy Ghost. They do not need family. The adversary has been deter- to depend on Joseph Smith if he were mined that a knowledge of God shall not here, or Oliver Cowdery, or Sidney Rig- spread among the people if he can pre- don. Others have been administered to. vent it. He killed Jesus, he killed every Others have received the Holy Ghost. 160 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

This is the privilege of every human be- Let men do as they please concerning ing who will keep the commandments of this work of our God, God has made the Almighty. It is not the privilege of all promises concerning it. His word cannot to see the Father at present, or to see the fail. He hears and answers the prayers Son. Our faith is not strong enough, but of His children. He is near at hand and it is growing. But it is the privilege of not far off, and He will interpose by His every human being to receive the gift of wonderful providence, invisible to those the Holy Ghost, if he or she will obey the who do not see His hand and do not have commandments of God. This is a privi- His Spirit, but visible to those who are lege that is universal. It is like the air enlightened by his Spirit, so that they that we breathe. It is like the light that can see and acknowledge the manifesta- illumines our eyes. So with the gift of tions of God in their behalf. And thus are the Holy Ghost. It is given to every soul we led, and thus we shall be led until, that will bow in submission to the will emerging from this darkness, emerging of God, keep his commandments, and from this unbelief, we shall be ushered have the ordinances administered by one into the fullness of the glory of our God, whom God recognizes as his servant. It and dwell with him eternally, if we are is this, my brethren and sisters, that is faithful to the covenants which we have the glorious feature of the work in which made, which I ask may be the case in the we are engaged. It is this that should name of Jesus, Amen. stimulate us, and fill us with faith.

TEMPLES—REQUIREMENTS MADE OF THOSE WHO SEEK TO ENTER TEMPLES—A WOMAN STATES HER CASE TO PRESIDENT TAYLOR, IN WHICH ARISES SOME SINGULAR AND SERIOUS QUESTIONS—THE SAINTS OUGHT TO BE PROGRESSING—THEY SHOULD SEEK TO DO THE WILL OF GOD—DUTIES OF PRESIDING OFFICERS—EVILDOERS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO ACCOUNT AND DEALT WITH—GOD IS MERCIFUL—THE CELESTIAL KINGDOM.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,CACHE COUNTY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JUNE 15, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I have been very much interested by the brethren who have addressed while listening to the remarks made us, and certain thoughts have passed RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED. 161 through my mind associated therewith, who have been careless of their duties, which it may not be amiss, in part at who have departed from the laws of God, least, to make known. and who have tampered with, or vio- There are certain circumstances lated the ordinances of the Gospel—to which take place in our associations with such people it is a critical time. How- the things of God that tend to lead our ever, there is something far more dif- minds to reflection and thought. We ficult than that yet to come. That is have been building a temple here. We only a starting point in these matters. have exerted ourselves for a number of The things that are ahead are a great years for the accomplishment of that ob- deal more difficult to accomplish. What ject. We have completed it, it has been are they? The time will come when we accepted by the Lord, and we are now shall not only have to pass by those of- administering therein. In these admin- ficers whom I have referred to—say, to istrations there are many things that have the sanction and approval of our tend to lead men to thought and reflec- Bishop, of the President of the Stake and tion. We meet in our congregations as of the President of the Church—but we we are doing here today, and in thus are told in this book [the Book of Doc- meeting we pass along through the com- trine and Covenants] that we shall have mon routine of religious duties which to pass by the angels and the Gods. We devolve upon us; but when we go into may have squeezed through the other; those sacred places there are certain re- we may have got along tolerably well, quirements made of us, that, whether and been passed and acted upon, and we may have thought about these things sometimes a "tight squeak" at that; but before or not, are then brought to our how will it be when we get on the other remembrance. In the first place peo- side, and we have the angels and the ple desirous to go and attend to ordi- Gods to pass by before we can enter into nances in these houses, must have a rec- our exaltation? If we cannot pass, what ommendation from their Bishop. That then? Well, we cannot, that is all. And if is one of those—I was going to say— we cannot, shall we be able to enter into ugly facts. That is, ugly to those who our exaltation? I think not. What do you are not prepared to pass through that think about it? ordeal, whose lives have been careless, whose actions have been improper, and A great many things of this kind are whose standing perhaps is precarious— continually presenting themselves be- that is one of those facts that must be fore me. All kinds of cases are brought faced. Then when they have obtained to my attention, and some of them are of this recommendation from the Bishop, a very serious nature. I had a case only it must be endorsed by the President of this morning. I am not going to men- the Stake, and after that have the sanc- tion names, nor to expose persons; but tion of the President of the Church. This it was a case of a sister who had been is quite an ordeal for many men to go married to a man, actually sealed to him, through. For men and women who are in the Endowment House. The man, upright, virtuous and honorable, it is a from what I was given to understand—of very simple matter; there is no difficulty course I do not know all the details of the in their way at any time; but to those case, it will have to be inquired into by 162 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. myself and others in authority—the man what shall be done? The woman felt had frequently one leg in the Church, unsafe with such a man. But is it not and the other out; sometimes doing well, said, says one that all manner of sins and sometimes not doing well; some- and blasphemy shall be forgiven (except times in good fellowship, making ac- the sin against the Holy Ghost, which is knowledgements, etc., and sometimes the shedding of innocent blood), and that not in good fellowship. The woman had they shall come forth, if they have had quite a large family by this man, and fi- certain blessings sealed upon them "in nally, a little before his death, the man the first resurrection; and if it be after became very careless; very indifferent, the first resurrection, in the next resur- and very negligent pertaining to his du- rection." But the question is: If a woman ties, and he died in that condition. Now is expecting a man to exalt her, and to this woman comes along and says, "What lead her forth to thrones and principal- am I to do? I have borne quite a large ities, powers and dominions, is she safe family to this man. He was a tolera- in that expectation? She may have been ble good man in some things, but he did sealed to him, and he have had these not magnify his calling nor honor his things pronounced upon him, but he may God. Now, what shall I do?" Here are have been destroyed in the flesh, be- some very singular questions, and they cause of his iniquities, which very many will come to all of us in some shape or have been, although we could not always another, and we might as well begin to tell the reason why. There are certain look at them now as at any other time, things that men may commit according for it is written: "Some men's sins are to the Scriptures, and to that which has open beforehand, going before to judg- been revealed in our day, which render ment; and some men they follow after;" them subject to be turned over to the buf- hence the reason I mention this matter. fetings of Satan, "for the destruction of It is a sample of a great many others, the flesh, that the spirit may be saved sometimes with the man and sometimes in the day of the Lord Jesus." (See 1st with the woman, and the question is: Corinthians, verse 5; also Doctrine and How far are we prepared to say to such Covenants, Section cxxxii, 26.) There a woman, "You are not safe for eternity are other sins that they may commit, with the husband that you have been whereof it says they shall be destroyed, associated with in time." These are se- whether men or women, that do these rious questions. That man was dream- things. Now, it may be well enough to ing, perhaps, for a long while that he fix up our own affairs as we think they was on his way to heaven and that all ought to be fixed, to make our own calcu- was right; that he had been baptized and lations, and to settle our own accounts; been received into the Church, and at- but these accounts have yet to be super- tended to some of the ordinances thereof, vised and settled before those that have but he was negligent, careless and indif- the right to do it before we get through, ferent about the fulfillment of his duties, and we must not only pass by, as I have neglected his children, did not act right said, our Bishops, and our Presidents of towards his wife, and did many things Stakes, and the President of the Church, that were wrong and improper. Now, but we must pass by the angels and the Gods also. RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED. 163

Some of the brethren mentioned that never die." Certain ones will come forth we are now on a more elevated plane in the first resurrection, and others will than we were a while ago. We ought not come forth until the second. For the to be. We do not expect to remain in path of the just is upward and onward all the position that we were. We ought the time, while the path of the unjust is to be increasing in intelligence and in downward. knowledge, and be preparing ourselves These are questions, I say, for us to for those things that are to come. Yet reflect upon. If we are the Saints of God, we find men that are careless, such as it is necessary we should begin to learn the person I have referred to. By and by to do the will of God on the earth as death comes along, they pass out of ex- it is done in the heavens: for it is not istence; and while it is the feeling and every one that saith, Lord, Lord, that desire to do the dead man justice, and all shall enter into Christ's kingdom, but he men justice, and to act upon correct prin- that doeth the will of the Father who ciples in regard to all, it would scarcely is in heaven. We think sometimes we seem just under some of those circum- can do as we please. We may do as stances to carry our charity so far that we please, and then God will do as He we would unite a woman with a man, pleases; and for every word and for ev- who, when he came forward and wanted ery secret thought we shall be brought to pass by the angels and the Gods, they to judgment, we are told. said to him, "Stop! and take another Some of these things when we reflect course. You have not yet paid the penalty upon them are matters of very great im- of your wickedness, and the contempt portance. We are not here to do our of God's laws and His kindness. You own will, but the will of our heavenly cannot come forth in this first thousand Father. Some men who think they are years; you must wait for the second." doing pretty well, and doing, according Then what of the children, and what of to their own expression, "as they darned the wife who perhaps has been faithful, please," will wake up to find they have and might have been in very different not been doing the will of God. They circumstances, if she had not attached may have thought that they had wives herself to a man of that description? and children, but they will wake up to These are things for us to reflect find that they have not got them, and upon. We shall not have everything our that they are deprived of many of those own way about these matters. When we great blessings they anticipated enjoy- pass out of this world we are left at the ing. With all of our mercy, kindness and mercy of somebody else. If we are res- tender feeling towards our brethren and urrected it will be because Jesus is the sisters, and towards all people, we can- resurrection, and there are eternal laws not violate the law of God, nor transgress and principles that will have to be met those principles which He has laid down by us all, and that cannot be avoided. Je- with impunity. He expects us to do those sus says: "I am the resurrection and the things that are acceptable before Him, life: he that believeth in me, though he and if we don't we must pay the penalty were dead, yet shall he live: And whoso- of our departure from correct principle. ever liveth and believeth in me shall These are things that are of very 164 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. great moment, and this building on the laws and His Priesthood. He expects us hill [the Temple] is one of those things to live our religion, to obey His laws and which brings us face to face with many keep His commandments. very important facts associated with the present, with the past and with the fu- ture. Whatever we may think about it, This Temple, as I have already said, all things are open and naked before is a place where among other things, Him with whom we have to do. As it is eternal covenants and obligations are written: "Hell is naked before him, and entered into, and the question is, How destruction hath no covering," and how and in what manner shall they be per- much more the hearts of the children of formed, and who are worthy and who are men? unworthy. There are some things that We are here to accomplish the pur- we find it exceedingly difficult to decide poses of God, to build up His Zion, and to upon. Why? Because the parties that establish His Kingdom upon the earth, are dead are not here to speak for them- and He expects us to do it. He expects selves, and we cannot have them misrep- that we will begin to do His will upon the resented or robbed of their rights in any earth as it is done in the heavens—here shape. But if they have violated the laws in this land of Zion among the Latter-day of God, what then? Now, here comes a Saints. If we do not do it we shall, as question to which I desire to draw the at- has been remarked by Brother Cannon, tention of the authorities of this Stake. dishonor ourselves. It is proper, there- There are many of those men (if what we fore, for us to consider well and ponder hear about them is correct) who ought to the path of our feet. It is well for us have been cut off from the Church. But to find out the standing we occupy in they have not been; the Bishops have the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day been negligent, the Teachers have been Saints. It is well for us to realize how negligent, and perhaps the President of we stand, first, with our God, secondly the Stake has been negligent. I am not with the Holy Priesthood, thirdly, with speaking particularly of this Stake; I am our families, with our wives and chil- speaking in general terms. I speak of dren, or with our husbands and children, it to draw the attention of Presidents of as the case may be, and furthermore that Stakes, Bishops, Elders, Priests, Teach- we deal justly and righteously with all ers and Deacons, and those who officiate men. We cannot run our own way and in the Church of God, and all men who have the blessing of God. Everyone who are set to watch over the fold of Christ. If attempts it, will find he is mistaken. God some of these men, that I have referred will withdraw His Spirit from such, and to, had been brought up on certain occa- they will be left to themselves to wan- sions, they might have repented of their der in the dark, and go down to perdi- sins and placed themselves right; but be- tion. It is expected of us that we shall cause these officers did not do their duty move on a higher plane, that we shall themselves, and did not see that other feel that we are the children of God, men did theirs, things have passed along that God is our Father, and that He will out of order, and the parties in ques- not be dishonored by disobedient chil- tion have gone behind the veil. What ac- dren, or by those who fight against His count can we give of ourselves if we are RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED. 165 found thus negligent? If people do our offspring with us, not in name or in wrong let them be brought up, and let theory, but in deed and in truth, and ac- the Teachers, Priests, and Bishops clear cording to the laws of life, and the spirit their garments of them, and feel that that dwells in Jesus Christ, our Sav- they have done their duty and puri- ior, which every one of us ought to have fied the Church so far as they could. dwelling in us and dwelling and abiding The Presidents of Stakes should see that in our habitations, that we may feel that these things are carried out according to we are devoted to our God, blameless the laws of God. This is a standard we before the Lord, and keeping His com- must attain to, so that when people say, mandments. "Can we go into the Temple of the Lord?" These are things that it is proper we may know exactly their status, what for us to reflect upon. We enter into position they occupy, and what to do with obligations here as young men or young them, without having to take up the women, or as old men or old women, as records of the dead. These are respon- the case may be, no matter what or how sibilities devolving upon us. Our Elders we enter into covenants before God, holy go abroad to preach the Gospel and to angels and witnesses, and pledge our- gather in the people. When they are thus selves in the most solemn manner to be gathered the Presidents of Stakes, the true to these covenants, and if we vio- Bishops, Priests, Teachers and Deacons late these covenants, and trample under are expected to watch over them, and see foot the ordinances of God, we ought to that they are fulfilling their obligations, be dealt with by the Church, and either or that they are not fulfilling them. If repent of our sins or be cut off from the they fail to do their duty, let them be Church, so that by purging the Church brought to account; let them be dealt from iniquity, we may be acceptable be- with according to the laws of God. If they fore God. For the Gods spoken of, are not repent, forgive them; but it is expected going to associate with every scalawag in that all who have taken upon them the existence; scalawags are not going where name of Christ will obey the laws of God, they are; and if men do not live accord- and walk in obedience to His commands. ing to the laws of a Celestial kingdom, These are some things that we all of us they are not going into a Celestial glory; have to be responsible for, and therefore they cannot pass by the angels and the I, occupying the position that I do, feel Gods, who are set to guard the way of it my duty to lay these things before you life. Straight is the gate and narrow is and to require them at your hands—that the way that leads to life, and few there is at the hands of the President of the be that find it. Stake and his Counselors, at the hands Is God merciful? Yes. Will He treat of the Bishops and their Counselors, at His children well? Yes. He will do the the hands of the High Council, and at very best He can for all. But there are the hands of the Priests, Teachers, and certain eternal laws by which the Gods Deacons; for I don't want to carry myself in the eternal worlds are governed and the sins of the people. God expects us which they cannot violate, and do not to purge ourselves from iniquity, that we want to violate. These eternal princi- may become the chosen of the Lord, and ples must be kept, and one principle is, that no unclean thing can enter into 166 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. the Kingdom of God. What, then, will ders of Israel who are desirous to do be the result? Why, the people I have the will of God, and keep His command- referred to—people who do not keep the ments, to put themselves in the way of Celestial law—will have to go into a doing so, to seek to the Lord for His lesser kingdom, into a Terrestrial, or per- guidance and direction, to repent of their haps a Telestial, as the case may be. Is follies, their nonsense and wickedness that according to the law of God? Yes. of every kind, and to come out for God For if they are not prepared for the Ce- and His kingdom, and to seek to build lestial kingdom, they must go to such a up the Zion of God and the kingdom of one as they are prepared to endure. Cer- God upon the earth, and if we do this, tain principles have been developed, and God will bless us and exalt us in time a great many have not. But we are here and throughout the eternities that are to in a school to learn, and it is for the El- come. Amen.

THE LOGAN TEMPLE—CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE NAUVOO TEMPLE WAS BUILT—FAITH REQUIRED FOR SUCH A WORK—RETROSPECTIVE VIEW—ADMISSION OF A CONGRESSMAN—COMPLETENESS OF THE GOSPEL NOT DUE TO MAN'S WISDOM—REMARKABLE CHARACTERISTIC OF MANY EARLY MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH—SALVATION FOR THE DEAD.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,MAY 25, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

President Cannon commenced by your circumstances, and as shall prove a reading the 4th chapter of Malachi, after benefit to us all. which he said: In rising to address you this af- As you know, we have just returned ternoon, my brethren and sisters, I from dedicating the Temple that has do so relying upon the assistance of been completed at Logan. We have had your faith and prayers, that the re- during our absence and our meetings marks which I may be led to make there a most delightful time. I think that may be such as shall be adapted to everyone who was present felt it to be DIFFICULTIES LABORED UNDER. 167 such, and that we have been greatly fa- tions for our destruction. Had we been vored of God in being permitted to fin- prompted by the ordinary faith of man, ish one more temple in which the ordi- the hands of the people would have been nances of life and salvation can be at- weakened in this great work, and they tended to. There has been great rejoicing would have hesitated in its performance. over its completion, and those who have But no such feeling has been manifested been engaged in it have labored very as- or expressed. Undismayed and undis- siduously. They have been untiring in couraged by all the surrounding circum- their efforts and exceedingly liberal in stances, the people have pressed forward furnishing the necessary means to ac- the work, and have now the joy and sat- complish the great work. isfaction of witnessing its completion. It It is very encouraging to think that, seems as though in the performance of in the midst of the assaults which are such labor there is a degree of faith re- being made upon the Church of Jesus quired, an unusual degree; for if our Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the views be correct, it is an important work, threats that are in circulation concern- an important part of the work of the ing us and our future fate, there is faith great God, the building of temples by enough found in the midst of the people His direct command. And this being the to pursue, without discouragement and case, undoubtedly such work will be met without cessation, the great work which by opposition on the part of him who is we feel that our Father has laid upon determined to do everything in his power us. We have not been situated as we to retard the work of God. By the rev- were in Nauvoo, when we finished our elation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, temple there, for then the workmen who the two forces which have been arrayed labored upon it, were like the Jews in against each other since the beginning of the days of Nehemiah, when they under- the earth have been brought out unto, it took to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, may be said, extraordinary prominence. and had to labor a portion of the time at No sooner did the sound go forth that least, and a great portion of it too, with God had again spoken from the heavens their instruments of labor in one hand, than an antagonism and an opposition and weapons to defend themselves in the was aroused, such as the world for a long other. We were surrounded by mobs, and period had seemed to know nothing of. living in a constant state, it may be said The power of evil was brought to light, of fear, because of the threats which were brought into active exercise, and the say- made and the combinations which were ing of the Savior was exemplified where formed, and the attacks upon our outly- He said: "Think not that I am come to ing settlements in the burning of houses, send peace on earth: I come not to send in the destruction of grain, in the shoot- peace, but a sword. For I am come to set ing down of cattle, and in the driving a man at variance against his father, and out of the people from their homes. But the daughter against her mother, and while we have not been in this condition the daughter in law against her mother through the years that we have been en- in law. And a man's foes shall be they gaged in the erection of the Logan Tem- of his own household." And that has con- ple, we have not been free from attacks and from threats and from combina- 168 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. tinued from that day until the present work, concerning its growth and fu- time, gathering strength, increasing in ture, every word of which has been ful- volume and intensity against the work filled. The evidences are before the of God, and to those who have had no world. When the Prophet Joseph first re- faith, it has seemed as though it would ceived his manifestations concerning the take but a short period for the waves of coming forth of this work, he was but a opposition to overwhelm and completely boy of fourteen years of age. When he submerge this work that our God has received the plates containing the Book founded in the earth. But this work of Mormon, he was but twenty-one years being of God, the promises which He of age. When this Church was organized made concerning it, have not failed. Ev- he was but twenty-four years of age. The ery word thus far has been fulfilled. It revelations which were then given, and seemed like a feeble light in the begin- which are embodied in the Book of Doc- ning. It seemed as though a small puff of trine and Covenants concerning the or- wind would extinguish it; but it has con- ganization of the Church are such that if tinued to enlarge, it has continued to in- I were not a Latter-day Saint, and were crease, until its blaze illumines the hori- to read them and know as I do know zon, and is watched with interest from concerning the man through whom these afar. revelations came, and through whom When we look back at the inception this organization was effected, I would of this work, at the promises that were be compelled to admit that there was a made concerning it, and the labors of power connected with the organization those who were engaged in founding it, of this Church, that there was a light it is most interesting in this day to mark and an intelligence connected with the and ponder upon that which was then revelations that were then given, that done, and that which was then promised could not have emanated from any other unto us. Men wonder why it is that the source but God. It would be harder for Latter-day Saints believe in this work, me to reject this idea and this view, than why it is that they believe in the claims it would be to entertain it. The weight of Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God. and preponderance of argument would Wonder is expressed because we enter- be more in favor of that view than of any tain faith in the doctrines which form other. Let any man read the revelations our religion; but to me it is most ex- which Joseph received prior to the sixth traordinary that men, possessed of the of April, 1830. Let him read the revela- powers of reason, of the faculty of judg- tion that was given on that day concern- ing between truth and error, should with ing the organization of this Church, and the light there is upon this subject, with if he can do so without being impressed the extraordinary evidence in favor of that God is in this, then he must indeed the divinity of this work, doubt its truth, be an extraordinary specimen of unbe- or that they should hesitate to accept lief, and of hardness of heart. A church it. It has always seemed from my boy- organized precisely upon the pattern hood, since I was old enough to com- of the ancient church, with doctrines prehend these principles, extraordinary precisely similar, varying in no sin- that such should be the case. God gle particular from the doctrines of the made promises in the beginning of this DIFFICULTIES LABORED UNDER. 169 ancient church, and these revealed in course he was not willing to give God any extraordinary plainness and power by credit for it. I give Him all credit, and not an unlettered youth who had had no Joseph Smith, nor Brigham Young, nor chance of education save that which the any other man who has been identified common schools of the country afforded. with this Church of Christ. There has never been a day since this But there are other points to which Church was organized until this day of my mind is led this afternoon, in connec- our Lord, 54 years and upwards, that tion with this subject. Joseph Smith re- an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ ceived the ministration of angels; so he of Latter-day Saints ever failed to main- testified. He testified that an angel came tain the divine authenticity of the doc- to him and taught him the doctrines that trines which he had been sent out to he afterwards taught to the people. If I preach when brought in contact with can find the place I will read a little: the most learned men of the day, the most skilled theologians. At no period "While I was thus in the act of calling in our history has this not been the case. upon God, I discovered a light appear- Sending out unlettered men, sending out ing in the room, which continued to in- men not taught in the schools of the- crease until the room was lighter than at ology, sending out men from the fields, noonday, when immediately a personage the bench and workshops, as the Sav- appeared at my bedside, standing in the ior sent out His disciples from the low- air, for his feet did not touch the floor. est walks of life, with the Bible in their He had on a loose robe of most exquisite hands, to preach the Gospel as God has whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond restored it; and wherever they have been anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do brought in contact with the clergy of the I believe that any earthly thing could be day, in controversy or otherwise, they made to appear so exceedingly white and have always been successful in main- brilliant. His hands were naked, and his taining their doctrines from the Scrip- arms also, a little above the wrist; so, tures. Let any man examine the system also, were his feet naked, as were his that Joseph taught, the organization of legs, a little above the ankles. His head the Church itself, with all its officers, the and neck were also bare. I could discover ordinances and the doctrines, and he will that he had no other clothing on but this be compelled to admit as was admitted to robe, as it was open, so that I could see me by a prominent Member of Congress, into his bosom. who was one of our bitter enemies, that "Not only was his robe exceedingly it is the greatest organization on earth. white, but his whole person was glori- Said this gentleman: "Mr. Cannon, I ous beyond description, and his counte- have examined the organization of your nance truly like lightning. The room Church: I am familiar with the Catholic was exceedingly light, but not so very organization; but your organization is bright as immediately around his per- the most magnificent of anything I have son. When I first looked upon him, I ever had my attention directed to. It is was afraid; but the fear soon left me. He superior to every other organization on called me by name, and said unto me the earth. Where did you get it?" Of that he was a messenger sent from the 170 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. presence of God to me, and that his name should be both good and evil spoken of was Moroni; that God had a work for among all people." me to do; and that my name should Certainly no truer words could be be had for good and evil among all na- spoken than these; for everywhere tions, kindreds, and tongues, or that throughout the civilized world, already it should be both good and evil spo- has the name of Joseph Smith been ken of among all people. He said there known for good or evil. No name, prob- was a book deposited, written upon gold ably, next to that of the Son of God, plates, giving an account of the former our Redeemer, is held in such venera- inhabitants of this continent, and the tion by the thousands and hundreds of source from whence they sprang. He thousands who believe in the Gospel of also said that the fulness of the ever- the Son of God; next to that name in lasting Gospel was contained in it, as which we approach the Father, the name delivered by the Savior to the ancient of Jesus—next to that in the minds of inhabitants; Also, that there were two all who have received the Gospel stands stones in silver bows—and these stones, pre-eminently the name of the Prophet fastened to a breastplate, constituted Joseph Smith. But with an intensity of what is called the Urim and Thummim— hatred equal to that of the love borne deposited with the plates; and the pos- by the Latter-day Saints to that name, session and use of these stones was what is the feeling entertained towards it by constituted "seers" in ancient or former those who have rejected the Gospel as times; and that God had prepared them taught by him. A more complete fulfill- for the purpose of translating the book." ment of a prediction is not to be found anywhere throughout the earth in an- I will not read the remainder. Three cient days, or at any time when God times during that night, was this youth had Prophets upon the earth. And so visited by this angelic messenger, and it has been with many other predictions at each interview the same things were which were made at that time. Joseph repeated to him. Numerous passages Smith foresaw with certainty and pre- of Scripture were quoted to him, and dicted with accuracy the growth of this the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus work; that the Elders of this Church Christ unfolded to him. The next day he should carry the Gospel to the nations of was again visited, and again instructed: the earth; that they would be successful so that it appeared to be the mind of to the extent they have been successful the Lord that he should be deeply im- and no more. No man was led to expect pressed, so deeply impressed that he there would be any great conversions of would never forget that which was then the people by the Elders of this Church. told to him. There is this remark- Joseph Smith, enlightened by the Spirit able statement made, a statement which of God, made no such prediction, and led was published in the early days of the no one associated with him to anticipate Church, long before its fulfillment: such results. On the contrary, he endeav- "That God had a work for me to ored to the extent of his ability to pre- do; and that my name should be pare the people for such persecution as had for good and evil among all na- had never been witnessed upon the face tions, kindreds, and tongues, or that it of the earth since the days of the Son DIFFICULTIES LABORED UNDER. 171 of God. He never taught the people Fifty-four years experience in preach- that their lives would be easy and pleas- ing this Gospel among the various na- ant, that they would have smooth sail- tions of Christendom has proved to us ing, that they would have no interrup- how correctly the man of God foresaw the tion, or that they would become popular character of this work. We have gathered with the world at large. On the contrary, the people, through the blessing of God, he constantly enjoined upon those whom from the various nations of the earth; he sent out, to bear it in mind that they but we have gathered them by small would have persecution as an inevitable handfuls, as it were. There has been no consequence of the proclamation of the great influx into the Church from these Gospel. He sent them forth, and they nations; but, as I have said, it has been in their turn, whenever they went and exactly like a gleaning of grapes after the bore testimony to the restoration of the vintage is over. And it is a remarkable Gospel, warned those who embraced it fact that the great bulk of the people who that they might expect to lose everything form this Church—that is, those who they had, their good name, their prop- were adults when they became members erty, their friends, and perhaps life it- of this Church—were anxiously waiting self, before they got through. He foresaw the arrival of some such message as the plainly that this would be the character Elders brought. Our venerated Presi- of the opposition they would have to con- dent, who sits on the stand, was one tend with. God had revealed it to him of a company of men—himself a Wes- in the beginning. The very first night leyan Methodist preacher—awaiting the that this angel visited him he told him time when God would reveal something that his name should be had for good and from the heavens, or would send some for evil among all people, and he knew message that would be more in accor- full well that it would be the case. And dance with the ancient Gospel than that when the Elders went forth, they went as which they had. A company of them gleaners of grapes after the vintage was were earnestly praying to God to send over. They were not told that they would more light and more power; that power find people by hundreds or by thousands, which was manifested in the days of the ready to espouse the truth. No; but they Apostles. At the time when Elder Par- were told that they would find a few here ley P. Pratt carried the Gospel to the and there, a few honest-hearted people city of Toronto he fell in with this com- ready to receive the truth, a few wait- pany. And here sits Brother Wilford ing for the Gospel to come to them; but Woodruff. I have heard him relate that they would not effect any great conver- in his early days he has gone out in sions among the Gentile nations. But secret and besought God to restore the they were told, as it was predicted in ancient Gospel, to restore the ancient the Book of Mormon, that among the gifts, to restore the ancient power, and Lamanites, as they are termed in that he received a promise from God before book, that is, among the descendants of he ever heard of the Latter-day Saints, the house of Israel, as the Indians are, or ever heard of the organization of this their success would be exceedingly great. Church, that the time would come when This has been fulfilled to the very letter. the true Gospel would be restored, and that he should have the privilege of being 172 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. identified with it. And the thousands portion of the house of Israel. There that compose this Church today, who was no trouble in baptizing them, and joined it when they were adults were, there is no trouble in baptizing any of the most of them, in a similar condi- the Polynesian races. They are ready tion, a similar state of mind. Dissatis- to receive the Gospel, ready to be bap- fied with existing creeds, members, in tized; very different in this respect from many instances, of existing Churches, us Gentiles; for there is a spirit of un- but conscious that there was an ab- belief among the Gentile race; there is sence of that divine power and of those a hardness of heart; there is a want of heavenly gifts which characterized the faith that prevents the blessings of God Church in ancient days; dissatisfied with from descending as they did in ancient this condition of things, they besought days upon His covenant people. Gentiles God earnestly, fervently, and anxiously, are naturally unbelievers. It is difficult to restore His Gospel to the earth, or to to convert them, difficult to control them, send some message of life and salvation difficult for them to receive the truth in unto them. They were thus prepared for plainness and simplicity. the Gospel when it came, and received it gladly, because their hearts were pre- Now God has said in this chapter, pared, and it is those few who have been that He would send Elijah, the Prophet, gathered from the nations of the earth, before the coming of the great and dread- with others who are also open, because ful day of the Lord. A very singular of the honesty of their hearts, to receive prediction, a remarkable prediction es- the truth. Joseph Smith said that this pecially when we consider that in this should be the character of this work. But day and age, men do not believe in the it is a remarkable fact—and I wish be- ministration of angels; and the office fore leaving this point to call your atten- of that Prophet should be "to turn the tion to it, that, wherever we have gone heart of the fathers to the children, and among those people whom the Book of the heart of the children to their fa- Mormon tells us are the descendants of thers, lest I come and smite the earth the house of Israel, we have had no trou- with a curse." Elijah was to come for ble in converting them by hundreds, and a specific purpose. I do not know how it may be said by thousands, to the truth. Christendom is going to arrange to have They were ready to receive it without this angel come. If he came, I do not any difficulty whatever. It seemed as suppose Christendom would believe he though their hearts had been prepared came. But it is on record in our sacred by the God of heaven, and all that has books that the Prophet Elijah has come. been necessary has been to tell them the Permit me, in connection with this sub- truth, and they were natural Latter-day ject, to read a little upon this point. After Saints, natural believers in the Gospel of the completion of the Kirtland Temple, the Son of God. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery testi- I myself went as a missionary, as fied that they beheld the Son of God. It many of you know, to the Sandwich is a most remarkable testimony in this Islands, the natives of which I be- age of unbelief; but they solemnly tes- lieve to be either a branch of the Indi- tify that they beheld the Son of God, ans of this continent, or of some other and that after beholding Him, they were DIFFICULTIES LABORED UNDER. 173 visited by three glorious personages, dence of it. There never was a greater among whom was the Prophet Elijah. proof of the truth of any statement than These are the words that they have left that which is furnished in the acts of on record: the Latter-day Saints upon this point. "After this vision had closed, another The people that comprise this church, great and glorious vision burst upon us; before joining it, knew nothing about for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to the plan of salvation, except that which heaven without tasting death, stood be- they had derived from their teachers, fore us, and said: who themselves were very ignorant; but "Behold, the time has fully come, God in His mercy has restored to us which was spoken of by the mouth certain principles and knowledge con- of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] cerning the dead. He has informed us should be sent, before the great and that during the time the body of Jesus dreadful day of the Lord come— slept in the tomb, that the Savior went "To turn the hearts of the fathers to and preached to the spirits that were in the children, and the children to the fa- prison. I refer now to what Peter says, thers, lest the whole earth be smitten that while His body lay in the tomb, "He with a curse— went and preached unto the spirits in "Therefore, the keys of this dispensa- prison; Which sometime were disobedi- tion are committed into your hands; and ent, when once the longsuffering of God by this ye may know that the great and waited in the days of Noah." He preached dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the Gospel to them. Isaiah says that one the doors." of the objects of his mission should be to Now, I can imagine how those who unlock the doors of the prison to them are opposed to this work might say, that were bound, and He undoubtedly "Why, it is a very easy thing for Joseph did so on this occasion. I believe the Smith and Oliver Cowdery to make such Episcopalian catechism admits that Je- a statement as that, because it seems sus descended into hell. He certainly to correspond with what Malachi has did, and visited those spirits that were said, and their making the statement is in prison. After His resurrection, when merely in anticipation of that which the Mary came forward to salute her Lord, Bible has said would be the case." and to embrace Him, He said: "Touch But there is this that is remarkable me not; for I am not yet ascended to in connection with this statement: the my Father: but go to my brethren, and coming of the prophet Elijah was to be say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, attended with certain results—it was to and your Father; and to my God, and turn the heart of the fathers to the chil- your God." During the interval between dren, and the heart of the children to His death and resurrection He had been their fathers, lest the Lord should come engaged in preaching to the spirits in and smite the earth with a curse. prison. He had unlocked the prison doors The question arises, after the vis- to them that were bound; thus show- itation of Elijah to those two men, ing that though the punishment of the were the hearts of the fathers turned wicked may be eternal punishment— to the children, and the hearts of God's punishment being eternal the children to their fathers? The punishment—the Lord does not subject very fact that we are building tem- ples to the Most High God, is evi- 174 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

His fallen creatures to suffer that pun- ilar doctrine respecting the heathen na- ishment throughout the endless ages of tions. The Christian world have believed eternity, as has been falsely taught by so- that all these nations would be sent to a called Christian ministers. There comes place of endless torment, that they go to a day of release. Jesus preached redemp- hell and can never be redeemed. Most tion to those spirits who were disobedi- abhorrent doctrine! So inconceivably ent in the days of Noah. They had lain in cruel that it is enough to make men re- torment from the days of Noah—upward ject God and everything connected with of 2,000 years—until the Son of Man Him, if it is supposed that He could be turned the keys of their prison house, the author of such teaching as this; as and preached to them the Gospel of re- though God would consign men to hell pentance, that they might repent of their for ignorance—conceal from them the sins, though in the spirit, and be judged, Gospel, and then damn them through as Peter says, according to men in the all eternity, because they had not known flesh. God has revealed this doctrine to that which might have been revealed to the Latter-day Saints, and it is for the them. No, there is no such doctrine in purpose of carrying it out that we build the Book. There is no such doctrine in these temples, that you may go in and of- the Gospel of salvation. Those heathen ficiate vicariously for those who have not nations, like our ancestors, who died in had that privilege in the flesh. ignorance of the Gospel of Christ, will yet hear the voice of salvation. Jesus It has been a question that has ag- and those associated with Him will min- itated many minds, when they have ister to them; for we are all the sons been told that the name of Jesus is the and daughters of God. What shall we only name given under heaven whereby do throughout the ages yet to come, the man can be saved—"What, then, has eternities lying before us? Shall there become of the millions of Pagans who be no salvation extended to the ignorant, never heard the sound of the name of Je- and to the erring, and to those who would sus?" They are dying by thousands to- have done better could they have known day. Nations are perishing who have the plan of life and salvation? Why, cer- never heard the name of the Son of God. tainly. The little space of time we live This question has been asked of us many here upon the earth, important as it is to times when we have been preaching the us, compared with the eternities of our Gospel of salvation that God has re- God, is only like one grain of sand out of stored. People have said: "Is it possible the immensities of grains that are upon that those who do not believe your doc- the seashore. Our God is endless and trine will be damned? If so, what is to eternal. His Gospel is endless and eter- become of our ancestors? I had Chris- nal, and as long as there is a soul to be tian parents who loved the Lord, and you saved, He, and Jesus, who died for all, say that those who are not baptized ac- and all associated with them who have cording to your method and by one hav- the same Priesthood, will labor anx- ing authority, cannot enter into the King- iously until every soul will be brought dom of Heaven." Many people have been back who can be brought back, who tempted to reject the testimony of the has not committed the unpardonable servants of God, because of this, forget- sin by sinning against light and knowl- ting that Christendom has taught a sim- edge, as Judas did in betraying the Lord DIFFICULTIES LABORED UNDER. 175 of life and glory; every soul other than their fathers, and the hearts of their fa- these will be felt after throughout the thers have without doubt been turned eternities of our God. Hell itself will be to them. And it is a strange fact con- sought; every crevice of it, every part nected with the Gospel, that contempo- of it will be penetrated by Jesus, and raneously with the revelation of the doc- by the Saints of God, in search of the trine to Joseph Smith a spirit seemed to souls of the children of men, until from take possession of the people in Eastern every crevice and from every recess in lands to hunt up their genealogies, and the regions of the damned they will be Genealogical Societies have been formed brought forth to light and glory, if they in many places, for what purpose no one will obey the glorious Gospel of the Son can exactly tell, unless it be a Latter-day of God, if they will bow in submission to Saint. Genealogies have been hunted the scepter of King Immanuel. That is up with wonderful industry, saving us all they have to do—to repent of their a great amount of labor in these mat- sins, repent of them whether in this life ters. It was a strange spirit that took or in the life to come, and put them away hold of the American people, especially far from them. This is the Gospel of glad the people of New England, about that tidings. It is not a Gospel that consigns time. It was a common thing in the West- the majority of the human family to an ern States when I was a boy, for men endless condition of torment. That is not not to know the names of their grand- the Gospel of Christ. fathers; and I have known many intel- Now, as I have said, the Lord ligent men who could not tell the names promised that Elijah should come be- of their uncles and aunts, their fathers, fore the great and dreadful day. He and mothers, brothers and sisters. This has sent him, and the hearts of the arose from the fact that in moving West, Latter-day Saints have been turned to emigrants had left their kindred behind, their fathers who have died in igno- and had not kept up in their children's rance of the Gospel of the Son of God, minds the recollection of their names. and we have the warrant of Scripture But within the last 40 years a different to believe that the hearts of the fa- spirit has taken possession of the people, thers in the eternal worlds, those who and many are industriously engaged in have lived upon the earth, are turned searching out the names of their ances- to their children who now live here, tors. Many volumes have been published and who can officiate vicariously for in connection with this subject, and in them, and answer the purpose that God the Historian's Office are to be found has designed in attending to those or- many books containing the genealogies dinances which they themselves have of the families of many whose members not the power to attend to. Certainly are in this Territory. Such books have this has been fulfilled. It is not the been invaluable to us, in carrying out testimony of Joseph Smith and Oliver this work. Thus, these societies and Cowdery alone; but this whole people. people have unwittingly helped to fulfill These Latter-day Saints throughout all the words of the Lord, through Malachi, these mountains, can bear testimony and to strengthen the evidence that that this spirit has rested upon them, Joseph Smith was indeed an inspired and their hearts have been turned to Prophet of God. In the persecution 176 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. that this Church has received; in be- it, and know that it is true. We know ing driven from their homes: in every- whereof we speak. Joseph Smith, years thing that is now being done by the and years before the breaking out of the Congress of the United States against war in South Carolina, predicted that the Latter-day Saints, and in this ge- such a war should take place, and he nealogical work that I have just alluded designated the spot where it should com- to, men outside of this Church have mence. And the wicked by their own acts contributed to prove that Joseph Smith proved to the world, to God, and to an- was indeed an inspired Prophet of God; gels, that Joseph Smith was an inspired for there has been no action taken by Prophet of God, and that He foretold that Congress, nothing has been done to us which should take place. by mobs, or by any combination, that has not been predicted by Joseph Smith God bless you, in the name of Jesus. the Prophet, and we have the record of Amen.

MANIFESTATIONS TO BE LOOKED FOR—SOME ALREADY RECEIVED—MANY THINGS KNOWN WHICH CAN NOT BE TOLD YET—THE WORK REQUIRED OF THE SAINTS—OTHER AND MORE SPLENDID TEMPLES TO BE BUILT—PERSONS REQUIRED TO LABOR IN THE TEMPLES—KIND OF MEN WANTED TO GO UPON MISSIONS—SELF-DENIAL REQUIRED—BLESSINGS IN STORE FOR THE FAITHFUL.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDATTHETIMEOFTHE DEDICATION OFTHE TEMPLE, INTHE TABERNACLE,LOGAN,CACHE COUNTY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 18, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

Since we assembled in this place we Stakes, because we have felt that it is have had a very interesting time. It due to those who have assisted so liber- has been our desire that all who could ally in building the Temple in this place, be properly recommended by their Bish- that they should have a full and fair op- ops should have an opportunity to visit portunity of seeing it. For that purpose the Temple, whether it be the residents we have already had two dedication ser- of this Stake, and the Stakes of this vices, and we intend to have another in Temple district, or the residents of other the Temple, commencing at half-past ten AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED. 177 o'clock tomorrow morning, tickets for the express image of His person), and which can be obtained from President said: "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Geo. Q. Cannon, at the close of this meet- Him!" So that there was an evidence ing. manifested through His servant to the We are living in a very important day world, that God lived, that the Re- and age of the world, in a time which is deemer, who was crucified and put to pregnant with greater events than any death to atone for the sins of the world, other period that we know of, or any also lived, and that there was a mes- other dispensation that has existed upon sage which had to be communicated to the earth. It is called "the dispensa- the human family, and that the Son was tion of the fulness of times," when God the personage through which it should "will gather together in one all things in be communicated. The key thus being Christ, both which are in heaven, and turned, authority given by the highest which are on earth;" for the heavens, source in the heavens in relation to the the Gods in the eternal worlds, the Holy purposes of God on the earth, the Holy Priesthood that have existed upon the Priesthood began to be developed. Why? earth, the living that live upon the face Because there was no Priesthood on the of the earth, and the dead that have de- earth; there was nobody who was autho- parted this life, are all interested in the rized to operate and officiate in the name work in which we are engaged. Conse- of the Lord, therefore John the Baptist quently, it is of the greatest importance came as the representative of the Aa- that everything we do, that every ordi- ronic Priesthood, having held the keys nance we administer, that every princi- thereof in his day; and he placed his ple we believe in, should be strictly in hands upon the heads of Joseph Smith accordance with the mind and word, the and Oliver Cowdery, and said: "Upon you will and law of God. my fellow servants, in the name of Mes- I have heard some remarks in the siah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, Temple pertaining to these matters, and which holds the keys of the minister- also here, and it has been thought, as ing of angels, and of the gospel of re- has been expressed by some, that we pentance, and of baptism by immersion ought to look for some peculiar manifes- for the remission of sins; and this shall tations. The question is, What do we never be taken again from the earth, want to see? Some peculiar power, some until the sons of Levi do offer again remarkable manifestations? All these an offering unto the Lord in righteous- things are very proper in their place; all ness." John the Baptist having thus come these things we have a right to look for; and imparted the Aaronic Priesthood, but we must only look for such manifes- which like the Melchizedek Priesthood is tations as are requisite for our circum- an eternal Priesthood—it being already stances, and as God shall see fit to im- conferred it is not now necessary that part them. Certain manifestations have John the Baptist should return for the already occurred. When our Heavenly accomplishment of that purpose. He had Father appeared unto Joseph Smith, the delivered his testimony, he had turned Prophet, He pointed to the Savior who the key, he had introduced the power was with him (and who, it is said, is and authority to administration in that the brightness of the Father's glory and Priesthood, so that those upon whom it 178 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. was conferred were able to perform the our privileges as we might, nor lived up several duties associated therewith. to those principles which God has re- vealed unto us, and because we are not Then Peter, James and John ap- yet prepared for further advancement. peared and conferred upon Joseph Smith Jesus in His day, said to His disciples: and Oliver Cowdery the Melchizedek "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give Priesthood, which, as you all know, dif- unto you: not as the world giveth, give fers from that of the Aaronic. The I unto you. Let not your heart be trou- Melchizedek Priesthood, according to the bled, neither let it be afraid. * * * * Let Scriptures, is after the order of the Son not your heart be troubled: ye believe in of God, and after the power of an end- God, believe also in me. In my Father's less life. It places men in communication house are many mansions: if it were not with God our Heavenly Father, whereby so, I would have told you. I go to pre- through its influence, ordinances, pow- pare a place for you. I will come again, ers and blessings, they can approach the and receive you unto myself; that where presence of God, the Eternal Father, and I am, there ye may be also." What did come, as it was said by one of old, "To He mean? Just what he said, precisely. the general assembly and church of the If He went away He would send them firstborn, which are written in heaven, another Comforter, the Spirit of truth, and to God the Judge of all, and to which should abide with them forever, the spirits of just men made perfect, and teach them all things, and bring all And to Jesus the mediator of the new things pertaining to the past to their re- covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, membrance; the Comforter was also to that speaketh better things than that of lead them into all truth, and show them Abel." It is that Priesthood through the things to come. Gospel, that brings life and immortality This same Comforter has been given, to light, that places man in a position in connection with the Gospel in these whereby he can obtain, through faithful- days, for our enlightenment, for our ness and adherence to the laws of God, instruction, for our guidance, that we all the rich blessings associated with the may have a knowledge of things that eternal worlds, of which we are allowed are past, of the dealings of God with to partake while we dwell here upon the the human family, of the principles of earth, or hereafter in the heavens. It truth that have been developed in the is not necessary that Peter, James and different ages, of the position of the John should come again to do the thing world and its relationship to God in that is already done. The Priesthood those different ages, of its position in has been restored, with which is con- years that are past and gone, and of nected all the blessings that ever were its present status. It is also given for associated with any people upon the face our enlightenment, that we may be en- of the earth; and if we know today so abled to conduct all things according little in regard to the things of God, to the mind and will of God, and in and the principles associated with eter- accordance with His eternal laws and nity, with the heavens and with the an- those principles which exist in the heav- gels, it is because we have not improved ens, and which have been provided by AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED. 179

God for the salvation and exaltation of a Egypt, in a former dispensation, so he fallen world; also for the manifestation was now sent to confer these said keys of principles which have been and will upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. be developed in the interest of man, not It is said, that after this vision closed— only pertaining to this world, but also that is the vision of the Savior mani- to that which is to come; through which fested to Joseph and Oliver in the Kirt- medium the Lord will make known His land Temple—that: plans and designs to His Priesthood and "The heavens were again opened unto His people in His own due time. us; and Moses appeared before us, and After these things had been intro- committed unto us the keys of the gath- duced, the people in Kirtland, Ohio, by ering of Israel from the four parts of the the command of God, through Joseph earth, and the leading of the ten tribes Smith, the Prophet, some 49 years ago from the land of the north." (without being particular as to dates), Here then were the keys committed commenced to build a house unto the associated with the gathering. Why is Lord wherein certain preliminary ordi- it that you are here today? And what nances were introduced, and that house brought you here? Because the keys was built under very trying circum- of the gathering of Israel from the four stances to the Saints, but they accom- quarters of the earth have been commit- plished it. Most of the Saints then ted to Joseph Smith, and he has con- devoted all the time they could pos- ferred those keys upon others that the sibly spare for the accomplishment of gathering of Israel may be accomplished, that object; it was not in little dona- and in due time the same thing will tions, but they had to exert their un- be performed to the tribes in the land divided energies and means to its ac- of the north. It is on this account, complishment. When they had finished and through the unlocking of this prin- it, it was dedicated to the Lord, God ciple, and through those means, that accepted their sacrifice, and Jesus ap- you are brought together as you are to- peared in that Temple, of which appear- day. I have heretofore mentioned a cir- ance you will find a description in the cumstance, and I will mention it again Book of Doctrine and Covenants (Sec- here, as there are so many present tion 110). Before this they had had to show you how those things oper- the Aaronic and the Melchizedek Priest- ate. What I refer to is this: Soon af- hoods presented to them, and Moroni, ter we were driven from Missouri, the and other personages had appeared unto Twelve were sent to England. There was Joseph Smith. When this Temple was no place then for the Saints to gather erected for preparatory ordinances—for to; the Prophet therefore said to the it was not like the Temples we now have, Twelve: "When you go to England, un- nor like the Temple that was in Nau- til you get further information, do not voo, the Lord appeared, and then Moses say anything about the gathering." Con- appeared. They had already the keys sequently we did not; but we could not of the Aaronic Priesthood, and of the keep the spirit of it from the people. Melchizedek; and as Moses had held the Why? Because we had the Gospel, and keys and authority of the gathering of the Gospel brings life and immortality to the children of Israel, from the land of light, and those that receive the Gospel 180 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. receive the Holy Ghost, and a knowledge reveal it, and a great many, as well as the of the things associated with the Gospel. sister referred to, had a knowledge of it. And hence I remember a sister coming That is the principle which brought to me in Liverpool, England, where I you here. If that key had not been had raised up a church, and says she, turned; if Moses had not come to intro- "Brother Taylor, I had a very remarkable duce it, you would not have been here, dream or vision, I don't know which, and and Joseph Smith would not have known it was something like this: I thought that anything about it, nor anybody else un- the Saints were gathered together on the til God revealed it in His own appointed Pier Head [that is the place where the way. vessels then used to sail from], and there But as I stated before, the Father was a ship about to sail. The people said, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear said they were going to Zion, and they Him!" He manipulates the Priesthood in were singing what they called the songs the heavens and on the earth. He man- of Zion, and rejoicing exceedingly; you ages the affairs associated with the re- were among them, and you were going demption of the human family. "Hear also. Now I want to know if you can tell Him!" And when He was prepared to me what it means." "Yes," said I, "I know send forth these messengers, as we send what it means, and I will tell you when forth messengers to accomplish certain the time comes"—just the same as I have purposes—when He saw that the time to say today that there are many things had come, He said, "Go Moses, and at- that I know of which I can only tell you tend to this matter. They have built when the time comes. a Temple; from now they will begin to gather the Saints, and it is necessary that they should have proper instruc- tions and information relating to these By and by, Joseph Smith sent word matters." And Moses came. that the Saints were to gather to Nau- Now, that was one thing. Then we voo; that they had a gathering place read that: there, and the Saints were to be directed "After this, Elias appeared, and com- to that land. I then went and told this mitted the dispensation of the gospel sister the interpretation of her dream or of Abraham, saying that in us and our vision. I mention this to show that you seed all generations after us should be cannot prevent these manifestations: blessed." they are associated with the Gospel. If That was the promise made to Abra- men and women receive the Spirit of God ham some 3,500 years ago. It was not and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it reveals a promise made to Abraham alone, but those things unto them. It was said by through him to others. He and his seed one of old, that through its influence, were to be the instrumentality, the me- "your sons and your daughters shall dia through which mankind should be prophesy, and your young men shall see blessed; they were to be the special in- visions, and your old men shall dream struments in the hands of God for the ac- dreams;" and although Joseph had told complishment of these purposes. Hence us not to say anything about the gath- the Priesthood began to be organized— ering, yet he could not prevent the Lord the Bishopric and all pertaining from revealing it to the people. He did to the Aaronic Priesthood including AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED. 181

Priests, Teachers and Deacons; and as- which was spoken of by the mouth sociated with the Melchizedek Priest- of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] hood, the First Presidency, the Twelve, should be sent, before the great and the High Council, High Priests, Seven- dreadful day of the Lord come— ties and Elders, and all those occupy- "To turn the hearts of the fathers to ing their own particular place; and hence the children, and the children to the fa- in that small Temple, as we should now thers, lest the whole earth be smitten call it, that was erected in Kirtland, they with a curse— had the same organization of the Priest- "Therefore, the keys of this dispensa- hood, and the same arrangements of the tion are committed into your hands; and stands for the seating of the Priesthood by this ye may know that the great and as we have here. Why? Because the dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at Priesthood had been introduced after the the doors." order of Aaron, and after the order of What means this? What means this Melchizedek, which is after the order of Temple that you have built here on the the Son of God, and after the power of hill? Why have you built it? Why have an endless life, and that officiates and you expressed such anxiety in the erec- operates in time and in eternity, and by tion of that Temple? Why have such which Priesthood and through which au- crowds of our brethren and sisters from thority the worlds were framed by the distant places come here to the dedica- power of God. Things as they existed tion of this Temple? Why is it? It is be- in the heavens again began to be intro- cause those keys were turned of which I duced upon the earth. Hence, that His have just read in your hearing. servants might be properly instructed "Behold, the time has fully come * * and comprehend correctly the great prin- * To turn the hearts of the fathers to the ciples which He designed to unfold to children, and the children to the fathers, the human family, He sent those sev- lest the whole earth be smitten with a eral messengers holding those various curse— keys that they might unlock the doors "Therefore, the keys of this dispensa- and place His servants in communica- tion are committed into your hands; and tion with the heavenly Priesthood in the by this ye may know that the great and eternal worlds. dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at Do you want anything more than the doors." this, you Latter-day Saints? This was What does this mean? It means the position in which they were placed, that there was a great and comprehen- and the position in which we find our- sive plan designed by the Almighty in selves today. his economy connected with the salva- Then we are told that another person- tion of the human family who are His age appeared, as stated: children; for He is the God and the Fa- "After this vision had closed, another ther of the spirits of all flesh. It means great and glorious vision burst upon us; that He is interested in their welfare, for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to in their prosperity, in their happiness, heaven without tasting death, stood be- and in all that pertains to their exalta- fore us, and said: tion in time and throughout the eterni- "Behold, the time has fully come, ties that are to come. Being thus in- 182 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. terested, and so little of the Gospel hav- acceptable hour of the Lord, etc. This ing been revealed in the different ages, was a work connected with the people and so much of the power of darkness who lived at the time of the flood, and and iniquity having prevailed among were destroyed and kept in prison un- men, it was necessary that something til the Lord should see proper to extend should be done for the dead as well as manifestations of His mercy to them. the living. God is interested in the dead Hence, as we read, "Christ hath once suf- as well as the living. Adam, who is fered for sins, the just for the unjust, the Ancient of Days and the father of that he might bring us to God, being put the human family; Seth, Enos, Enoch, to death in the flesh, but quickened by Mahalaleel, Methuselah, Noah, and all the Spirit: By which also he went and the prominent leading men of God, as preached to the spirits in prison; Which well as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, sometime were disobedient, when once the Prophets, Jesus and His Apostles, the longsuffering of God waited in the together with the Prophets and Apos- days of Noah." He having finished His tles who lived on this continent, and work upon earth for the living, went and who stood at the various times or epochs performed a work for the dead; as we as the representatives of the nations, are informed, "He went and preached to and as thousands of these peoples have spirits in prison; that had sometime been passed away having held and now hold- disobedient in the days of Noah." ing the Priesthood; all these ancient fa- thers feel interested in this great work, It is reserved for us to do a work and their hearts are turned toward the for those who have passed away, who children, being interested in their wel- have not obeyed or had the Gospel in fare, happiness and exaltation; and their their lifetime. We are here to do a work children who now have received the connected with the redemption of the Gospel have their hearts, through this dead. When the Temple was commanded instrumentality, and the keys and prin- to be built in Nauvoo, after the Temple ciples which were introduced by Elijah, had been built in Kirtland, and after so turned towards the fathers through the many keys had been turned, and after so inspiration of the same Gospel, which many manifestations, visions and min- Gospel as spoken of in the Scriptures, istrations had been had, yet it was said is an everlasting Gospel, being asso- then that there was not a place upon the ciated with the everlasting covenant, earth in which to perform the ordinance which principle wherever it has existed, of baptism for the dead, and Joseph was brought life and immortality to light. commanded to build a house for that pur- When Jesus came, He came to do pose. But who knew anything about a work in many particulars similar to these things until God revealed them? that in which we are engaged, and when Nobody. Men talk and boast of their He got through with His work here, He intelligence and their knowledge—why, stood as the Savior of the world, and of there is not a man breathing on the the human family. He came to preach earth, outside of this Church, who has the Gospel to the poor, to open the prison any knowledge of those things to which I doors to those that were imprisoned, have referred, and nobody in this Church to set at liberty, and to proclaim the either, only as God has revealed it. AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED. 183

We are all of us indebted to the reve- istered then, and are administered now. lations of God, through the medium of I now come to another subject that the Holy Priesthood, for these things. opens a wide and expansive field, broad Joseph Smith, before his death, was as the world in which we live, and ex- much exercised about the completion of pansive as the universe, and which af- the Temple in Nauvoo, and the admin- fects all the inhabitants of the earth liv- istering of ordinances therein. In his ing or dead. Why is it that there is anxiety and for fear he should not live such a feeling, as I have said, concern- to see the Temple completed, he pre- ing your Temple and other Temples? It pared a place over what was known as is because those keys have been turned, the brick store—which many of you who and you have received, like the woman lived in Nauvoo will recollect—where to I spake of, a knowledge of the gathering a chosen few he administered those or- dispensation. You have laid out a great dinances that we now have today asso- amount of means, done a large amount ciated with endowments, so that if any- of labor, and you have built a house that thing should happen to him—which he is creditable to you, and which God will evidently contemplated—he would feel sanction and approve and does sanction that he had then fulfilled his mission, and approve. You have made it very that he had conferred upon others all the nice, pleasant and beautiful. We ought keys given to him by the manifestations to build Temples to the Lord, for we are of the power of God. His offspring and He is our Father, and At first these things were only par- He has revealed unto us those things tially made known to him, and as they and implanted those principles in our were partially developed he called upon bosoms. They are developed within us, the Twelve that were then living—many and this Temple is a proof of it, just of you greyheaded people will remember the same as we are a living proof of it—to commence and be baptized for the the gathering dispensation. We have re- dead, and they were baptized in the Mis- ceived the gift of the Holy Ghost, and sissippi River. Immediately after these a knowledge, so far as we have pro- baptisms, the Prophet had a revelation gressed, of the things of God. You have which more clearly developed the order been baptized, you have had hands laid in relation to such baptisms. Accord- upon you for the reception of the Holy ing to that revelation it appeared that, Ghost, and you that have lived your reli- notwithstanding all the visions, revela- gion have received this Holy Ghost, and tions, keys, etc., that had heretofore been I want, as an evidence before God and given, there was not a place, not even this people—I want to see how many of in the Kirtland Temple, wherein those you can bear testimony to that. All who things could be carried out, and hence a can, hold up their right hands. [A per- font, such as we have in this Temple, was fect forest of hands was held up.] We built in the temple at Nauvoo, and it was know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, there, under proper circumstances and and by obedience to His law, so far as proper administration, and according to we have obeyed it, that God lives. But the principles that he had laid down, then, we have been poor, weak, erring that those ordinances were admin- creatures, surrounded by infirmities. 184 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Yet God has conferred upon us great, ing to the heavens and the earth, all inestimable and eternal treasures, even things pertaining to the peoples who the gift of eternal lives, and upon many have existed, who now exist or will exist, of us are conferred these promises of that we may be instructed and taught in thrones, principalities, powers and do- every principle of intelligence associated minion in the eternal worlds. God has with the world in which we live, or with conferred those rich and precious trea- the Gods in the eternal worlds. sures upon us, but we have them in Having said so much on some of these earthen vessels. We have to wrestle subjects, let me now talk a little upon against flesh and blood, against the pow- some other things. ers of darkness, the Adversary, who rules We have finished our Temple. What in the hearts of the children of disobedi- is it for? Not a building to look at; not ence, and leads them captive at his will, a house to brag about; for before we get and against the power of wickedness in through we shall have built some Tem- high places. We have not all of us learned ples so much better, that you will not to obey those principles that God has re- feel to boast about this Temple. The vealed. We have not all of us learned to Temple that the people built in Kirt- say in our hearts, "Thy will be done on land, was only a small building com- earth, as it is done in heaven." We have pared with this one, and they were a not all of us learned to submit our will very small and poor people who built it, to the law and word of God, yet God is yet it was built in accordance with the introducing Temples and ordinances and commands of God. In Nauvoo, also, the blessings, and light, revelations and in- people were very poor. They had just telligence, to lift us up, to exalt us, that been driven from the land of Missouri, we may be a city set upon a hill that can- yet they were commanded of God to build not be hid; that we may progress from it. What was obtained in these Tem- intelligence to intelligence, from knowl- ples? In the Kirtland Temple Jesus ap- edge to knowledge, until we shall see as peared, and Moses, Elias and Elijah ap- we are seen and know as we are known. peared also, and all these things that I have read to you and spoken about, We are living, as I have said, in an transpired on that occasion. Communi- important day and age of the world. We cation was opened between the heavens have gathered to this land because God and the earth, between the Priesthood has decreed it. He has reserved us for in the heavens and the Priesthood on the latter days, that we may perform the earth, and the Keys of that Priest- that work which He decreed from before hood imparted to Joseph and others on the foundation of the world. If there have the earth. It was left to those in this been any blessings enjoyed by men in world to keep open those communica- former dispensations of the world, they tions, to see that the road was clear, and will also be given to you, ye Latter-day that there was no barrier interposed be- Saints, if you will live your religion and tween earth and the heavens, and to lead be obedient to the laws of God. There forward and progress in other principles is nothing hidden but what shall be re- yet to be developed; we operating, in our vealed, says the Lord. He is prepared part here in their behalf, and in behalf of to unfold all things; all things pertain- their children who are our fathers; while AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED. 185 they, in their exalted position, are op- That we may thus be acquainted with erating for them and us in the heav- earthly and heavenly things, in accor- ens; thus forming a connecting link be- dance with everlasting laws that have tween the Priesthood on the earth and existed in the heavens and on the earth the Priesthood in the heavens. from the beginning; and that all those We have now finished this Temple, great and eternal principles by which and some people inquire, what is it for? the worlds are governed may be compre- For many things: that our sealings and hended by us. ordinances may be performed in a man- ner that will be acceptable before God This is a great work. Well might it and the holy angels; that whatsoever is be said to Joseph Smith, "You are laying bound on the earth according to the laws the foundation of a great work"—so vast of the eternal Priesthood shall be bound that very few can begin to comprehend in the heavens; that there may be a con- it. We read sometimes about the millen- necting link between the living and the nium. But what do we know about it? It dead, between those who have lived, all is a time when this work will be going on, those ancient fathers of which I have and Temples, thousands of them, will be spoken who are interested in the wel- reared for the accomplishment of the ob- fare of their posterity; that there may jects designed, in which communications be a royal Priesthood, a holy people, a from the heavens will be received in re- pure people, a virtuous people on the gard to our labors, how we may perform earth to officiate and operate in the in- them, and for whom. This is the work terests of the living and the dead; not devolving upon us. We have to build up looking so much after themselves, but af- here a Zion unto God. Who are Zion? The ter God, after the work of God, and af- pure in heart, and the pure in life. And ter the accomplishment of those things be it remembered that it is not every one which God has designed to be carried that saith, "Lord, Lord," that shall en- out in "the dispensation of the fulness of ter the Kingdom of heaven, but it is he times" when all things are to be united that doeth the will of the Father who is in one, and that they may be prepared in heaven. We must be faithful to our to operate with the Priesthood in the calling, for there is a great work for all heavens in the redemption of the inhabi- of us to perform. Some men who have tants of this world from the days of Adam been ordained to the Priesthood have re- unto the present time. It is also in- marked that they have nothing to do. I tended to introduce the higher branches have heard some foolish remarks of that of education—literary, scientific, linguis- kind. They will find plenty to do before tic, philosophical and theological; for they get through. They need not be trou- we are told to obtain a knowledge of bled on that score. There will be plenty laws, languages, governments, justice, for them to do if they are only prepared equity, rule, authority, dominion, and all to do it. There is a great work to perform those great cosmopolitan principles ex- in preaching the Gospel to the nations of hibited in the laws of nature and among the earth. Then as we build our Tem- the peoples, by the wisdom, prescience, ples we shall want a great many people power and intelligence of "nature's God." to administer in them, and I have seen 186 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. some people quite pleased at the idea. then go and teach these laws to others. Some Elders, Seventies, and High Our Elders go out to preach the Gospel Priests have said—"What can I do? I without purse or scrip, and when they re- am getting old and greyheaded. Still I turn we help them back. But we should would like to do something." We shall re- see when they are gone that their fam- quire quite a number to administer in ilies are taken care of, and everything the Temples as we get them built. I made pleasant and comfortable for them. am informed there are over forty persons This is quite a little thing that some of employed in the Temple in St. George, you can turn your hands to. You can as- about the same number, I presume, will sist on the missionary farms, and in this be required in the Temple here, and then way help to take care of the families of forty in the one at Manti, forty or more those who are absent on missions. This in the one at Salt Lake, and then forty in is a principle we want to see extended all each of the others we are going to build. over the land of Zion. How are you go- Hence, we shall find places for some of ing to be paid for this? You will just get you folks after a while. You need not the same pay which I used to have when be concerned about having nothing to do. I went out to preach; you will have just We will find plenty for the Seventies to the same source to go to, only you will do. You need not think there are any too have a little more time, I expect, than many of them. The nations of the earth some of us had. We used to go without have yet to be preached to. The work purse or scrip. We went along trusting is not all through. It is hardly begun. in God. We are now in a different posi- We are just getting ready for the labor, tion, perhaps, and can put a few dollars and so you may prepare yourselves, you into the bag to help us along; but I will Seventies, you High Priests, and you El- tell you when I was away I would rather ders, for missions to the nations of the trust in the living God than in any other earth. [Here President Taylor inquired power on earth, for I learned that I could of Bishop Preston how they were pro- go to God and He always relieved me. gressing with the missionary farms, and He always supplied my wants. I always was answered that they were progress- had plenty to eat, drink and wear, and ing satisfactorily.] We don't want the could ride on steam boats or railroads, or aged and infirm to go out to the world. anywhere I thought proper: God always For that labor it requires strong, able- opened my way, and so He will that of bodied men, men that are able to cope every man who will put his trust in Him. with the world, the flesh and the devil, I would rather have God for my friend as they say. We want men who are full of than all other influences and powers out- vigor, life and vitality. We want men to side; for in God we live, in God we move, cleave unto God, and seek for more of His and from God we derive our being and Spirit, that they may go to the nations of our existence. the earth to proclaim the glad tidings of Then what about the payment of salvation to a fallen world. That is what those men who are to be employed we are gathered together for, that we in Temples? There are three or four may be instructed in the laws of life, and men that will have to be provided for, and others will have to take care of themselves, find their own bread AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED. 187 and dinner, and think it a privilege to Now, a man is not a savior, nor a woman work for God, for the interests of His either, unless they save somebody. Well, Kingdom, and to act as saviors upon we want men and women who are ready Mount Zion. Supposing there are forty to officiate in this place. And when you required to labor in this Temple. Many get there, surrounded by the heavenly of you are pretty well off. You have influence of the house of God, the gift of got fat, and have almost kicked, some the Holy Ghost will rest upon you, which of you (laughter). Some of you have got will bring joy and consolation to your more means than you know what to do hearts. When you have labored there for with, and it is a bother to you. We a while, you will desire to labor there will have to fix upon the number of men again. You will carry this heavenly influ- and women—for the sisters will be re- ence among your friends and throughout quired as well as the brethren—that will your neighborhood, and this we want to be needed. These can go along, leaving extend throughout all the land of Zion. their farms and their merchandising, or We shall have, I presume, regular Tem- whatever they may have in hand, and go ple organizations. Something of this into the Temple of the Lord, on a mis- kind may be organized among the High sion for six months, or twelve months, Priests who will look after the Temple or two or three years as the case may districts. In this way we will find some- be, the same as others who go out into thing for the High Priests to do. Some the world. If I today were not engaged of them have been very much afraid that as I am I should say, "Won't you be kind there would be nothing for them to do. enough to give me and one of my wives, And thus we will go on, and God will or more, as the case might be, an oppor- assist us in the work in which we are tunity to officiate in the Temple?" and I engaged. He will yet make us the rich- should feel it an honor to be privileged est of all people. He will pour wealth to work in the house of God. Would you into our laps, inasmuch as we keep want pay for it? No, I would bring my His commandments. And what else is own bread and dinner, and I have no said? "Sons of strangers shall build up doubt there are many of you who would thy walls, and their kings shall minis- like to do the same. I guess we could pick ter unto thee." Men shall call you the out the forty people thus required right ministers of our God. And we want to in this house today, without any trou- minister for God in time and through- ble. All you who are in favor of carrying out the eternities that are to come. We out this idea hold up your right hands. have started in, and we will try by the (All hands went up.) I knew there were help of God and the light of His Holy more than forty right here (laughter). As Spirit, and the revelations that he will to the three or four whose whole time give to us from time to time—we will will be engaged in this labor, these will try and operate and cooperate with the have to be provided for. In this way we Priesthood in the eternal worlds, either shall become saviors upon Mount Zion. on this earth or in the heavens. We It is written in the Scriptures, that "sav- shall operate until the work that God iors shall come up on mount Zion * * has designed pertaining to this earth and the kingdom shall be the Lord's." shall be accomplished, and the living 188 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. and the dead saved so far as they are ca- O God, preserve me from all error; O pable of being saved according to eternal God, I am a poor, feeble, weak, erring laws that exist in the heavens, and ac- human creature, surrounded with infir- cording to the decrees of the Almighty. mities. I need Thy help all the day Don't you think we have something to long. O God, help me." That is my feel- do? I remember when I was first called ing, and the feeling of my brethren of to the Apostleship some 46 years ago. the First Presidency, and of the Twelve I looked at the calling square in the and others. We feel that we need the face, and said, "Well, this is a life work: help of the Almighty. We will try and this is an operation that will last a life- be humble, and be faithful and true to time." I have got other ideas since then, our covenants. And if we listen to coun- namely, that when I get through in this sel, and obey the laws of God, and do the world I expect to officiate in the other. things that He requires at our hands, He Hence it is an eternal operation, and that will help us and bless us, and He will is the difference between what I then bless Zion and preserve Israel, and woe thought and what I now think. God to them that fight against Zion, for God has revealed unto us great and glori- will fight against them. But He will pre- ous truths, and He is prepared to reveal serve us if we are faithful and true to our more if we will only place ourselves un- integrity. We will be blessed in time, we der His guidance and His direction. Let will be brought nearer to the heavens. us seek to follow the principle that Je- The light of revelation will burst upon sus inculcated—to do the will of our Fa- our heads, and the glories of the eternal ther who is in heaven, who said, "I seek worlds will be made manifest. We will not mine own will, but the will of the Fa- rejoice together in the fullness of bless- ther which hath sent me." We are here ings of the Gospel of peace, and by and as much as He was here, and under obli- by we will be crowned with glory, honor, gations as He was to do the will of our immortality and eternal life in the celes- Heavenly Father. We should subject our- tial kingdom of our God. selves to the law of God, the word of God, and the will of God. I say contin- God bless you and lead you in the ually, "O God, lead me in the right path: paths of life, in the name of Jesus. Amen. VISIT TO ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO. 189

VISIT TO ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO—CONDITION OF THE SETTLEMENTS—OUR ENEMIES—THE "OBNOXIOUS DOCTRINE"—THINGS PERTAINING TO CONSCIENCE—THE SAINTS STRIVING TO LIVE THEIR RELIGION—PROSPERITY ON EVERY HAND—PERSECUTION—TEMPLES—THE LOAD THE SAINTS ARE CARRYING—CONCLUSION.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE BRIGHAM YOUNG, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JUNE 22, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am thankful for the opportunity af- time, constant persecution has followed forded me of meeting with the Latter- this people. I do not feel like persecuting. day Saints in this Tabernacle. Though I have felt sometimes that I would like I have been absent but a short time, yet to stand up for my rights and tell men, it has been a long journey in one sense of "Thus far can you go, and no further;" the word. Brother F. M. Lyman and my- but I have come to the conclusion that self left this place on the 3rd of May, for I have no desire to take that little busi- the purpose of visiting our settlements ness out of the hands of God Almighty. in the northern part of Arizona and New He has managed it excellently well thus Mexico. We have accomplished the ob- far in behalf of this people, far better and ject of our mission and are thankful to more gloriously than any human being be at home again. We have met many could have managed it; for if we had had friends in these distant settlements, and our desires sometimes, we might have I might say some enemies; but we have injured the cause of God. While for a lit- been particularly favored in all of our tle season we have suffered, in the end meetings, and where we found enemies we have been made whole and have been in some instances we left them friends; greatly extended, greatly blessed, and for as I understand the mission of the God continues to be our friend. Elders of this Church, it is a mission of In the settlements we have visited, peace, to extend the olive branch to all we found our enemies in the same con- people upon the face of the earth. I do dition that enemies have shown them- not consider it my duty nor my privilege selves to be in this Territory—fighting, to make war upon individuals, or upon beating the empty air, thinking that sects or parties in the Territories of Ari- they had a foe before them, thinking zona or New Mexico, not even in the Ter- that they had somebody that they could ritory of Utah. From my earliest rec- persecute; but their anger has been ollections, pretty nearly, to the present turned towards each other, and God has 190 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. overruled for the good of those that serve good education and to bring them up in Him. the way that they should go. I can see We have visited most of our set- no objection to this myself, others may; tlements in the Territories I have but God is good to this people; and we mentioned—Arizona and New Mexico— find peace and harmony and prosperity and while one would suppose from the as a general thing among the Latter-day vituperations of the wicked that all was Saints in the eastern Arizona, and also excitement, and that our people were in the Little Colorado Stakes of Zion. I frightened and about to be swallowed up, was thankful to see all this; for it was I can say that we found the Saints peace- a testimony that God is mindful of His fully enjoying their homes. They were people. ploughing the ground, planting the corn, It is true that some people whom we sowing the wheat, planting out orchards, met in the capital of Arizona Territory, vineyards, putting up fences, erecting urged upon us the necessity of not in- new buildings, making reservoirs to re- troducing what they believe to be our tain the water, that they might have favorite doctrine into the Territory of wherewith to irrigate their crops, open- Arizona—plural marriage. Those who ing up farms, clearing away the tim- were inclined to be friendly to us said: ber where they could have other farms, "Gentlemen, make your fight in Utah. etc. We found all this work going on; You are in the majority there. Don't in- found the people going to meeting on troduce this practice into Arizona. You the Sabbath day; preaching and teach- are few in number here, and your en- ing the peaceful things of the Kingdom emies are numerous and perfectly re- of God, the children attending their Sab- lentless. They don't care to what trou- bath schools; also their day schools, as ble or inconvenience you are put: and we term them, in need of teachers in while your settlements are struggling some places, but any number of pupils; in their infancy eliminate this doctrine and wherever we have attended confer- from your creed, that which is obnox- ence among the Latter-day Saints, the ious to the people, and introduce only rule has held good that one-third of the that which can be tolerated, at least un- population of these settlements were un- til you gain strength to walk alone." To der eight years of age. It is a remark- the gentlemen who said this to me in able thing, very strange indeed; but we all sincerity, in all good feeling, I made find that in our settlements in the south, this answer: "So far as our doctrines our people are greatly blessed, as else- are concerned we know them to be from where, with children, and this valuable God." Yes, they are the revelations of immigration from above is extending. I the mind and will of God to us, and do not know how long it will be be- the "obnoxious doctrine" (so called) to fore Congress will legislate against hav- this nation, and I might say the civi- ing babies; but it don't look much like lized world, we know to be a revelation this immigration could be stopped now. from Almighty God to us. If you would These children are swelling the ranks have us eliminate from this book [the of the Latter-day Saints, and the Saints Book of Doctrine and Covenants], one are struggling, with what power God revelation that God has given us sim- has given them, to provide the means of ply because the people at large, and the VISIT TO ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO. 191 majority of the people of this nation, breaking the laws? I think someone has have decided that it is untrue, which written, and it used to be taken for sound next in the category of the revelations doctrine, that a bad law is no law at all. which God has revealed must we elim- But it is not so now. A bad law must pass inate from this book? Must we give current for a little season, and it may up principle and doctrine simply to suit last a good while if the wicked rule; but, a majority of people? In one sense of thank God, there are honest men to be the word our Republican institutions are raised up to rule the country who will ad- supposed to place the power of success in minister justice and equity in the midst the hands of the majority: but we have of the people. never found it so—our experience differs In our settlements in Arizona, and on this point. We have been in the mi- New Mexico, we found the same feel- nority for upwards of 50 years, and we ings predominating that we find here in have been crowded and apparently over- Salt Lake and in the settlements in this whelmed. Thousands of wealthy people Territory. We find the good are grow- sought to crush us when we were but ing better, their faith is increasing, they small, but a child, as it were. But the are laboring more assiduously to pro- majority did not succeed. Why? Because mote the interests of Zion; while those the infant struggling for bare existence that are weak are growing weaker, those has been led and preserved by the hand that are bad are growing worse; and of God. They were led into a land which I have always believed that the King- seemed a desert, but now flowing with all dom of God could never be strength- that could strengthen that child, bring it ened by numbers when those numbers forward, and make it a full-grown man were of a mixed character, the good with as we see the people today. I am willing, the bad. If, as we believe and testify, in political matters, to take that stand this is the Church and Kingdom of God, in the midst of this people under present the wheat and the tares will grow to- circumstances, at least, to let the major- gether for a little season, until those ity rule, and if one side is the weaker, that are, or may be termed, the wheat, which necessarily is the case, let it say may be strengthened, and the tares may amen in a political sense to what the be plucked up and bound in bundles, stronger party may do for the govern- ready for the burning. I was thank- ment of this Territory. But in the things ful, however, to witness the fact that pertaining to conscience, no man, no set the Latter-day Saints, at least the ma- of men, no Governor, no President, can jority of them, are growing better, be- control me before my God. I must control coming firmer in the principles of the ev- my own heart, my own feelings. I am a erlasting Gospel. They strive to prac- free man in relation to these matters, not tice what they preach, and the Saints in bowing to any majority nor to any party. the South are no exception to this rule. So are all the Latter-day Saints. We are They are seeking to live their religion, to free to worship God according to the dic- serve God, to perfect themselves in the tates of our own conscience. knowledge of the truth, and to build up a Zion here in this Territory. The golden But, says one, you are breaking rule which has been laid down, and this the laws. How do you know we are people have adopted it, "Do unto others, 192 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. as you would have others do unto you," that under the present pressure the has been changed a little in some dis- Latter-day Saints would begin to weaken tricts which we have visited, not among in their faith, and in laboring to estab- our people, but among those of the world. lish such unpopular doctrines and prin- They have changed it, and say, "Do unto ciples as they are undertaking to es- others as others would have you do unto tablish, but all this seems to make the them." It is a brass rule, a counterfeit, Saints more zealous in their labors. it is not the golden rule; but the Latter- Persecution has done us no harm. In day Saints in all of their troubles and fact it seems to me that we need about trials in these extended regions which so much persecution—that we need to we have visited, have adopted the golden carry great loads to make us remember rule, and are seeking to put it into prac- our God. If all was prosperity and peace, tice, not only towards each other, but to- I presume we would lose our faith, just wards those who are inimical to their in- as the ancient Christians did when they terests. became popular. But I pray that the time As I have said, the settlements are may never come that we may be popu- in a prosperous condition. Some of lar with a people who foster such institu- them have even profited greatly by cer- tions as are found in Christendom today. tain laws which have been enacted, in With all this persecution upon us, the the Territory of Arizona, particularly. I Latter-day Saints are doing what may found in one settlement that the people be rightfully termed a stupendous la- were receiving school tax money to ex- bor. Look abroad upon what the peo- ceed all of their other taxes put together. ple are doing. Go to the settlements; There was refunded to them from the see the improvements they are making Territorial school tax, more money than upon their farms, in their dwellings, in they paid out for all their taxes. I was everything. Behold these temples that surprised at this: but it simply proved are being reared, costing millions of dol- this fact: that the Latter-day Saints had lars! Who is doing this labor? Is it any children in excess of other settlements in rich man worth millions of dollars? No. the Territory. I thought Zion is growing. It is a few poor people, comparatively If those who desire can succeed in plac- speaking, who are rearing these tem- ing us at the mercy of our enemies, I pre- ples at such an immense cost. What are sume these things will be changed; but they doing it for? The question may well at present Zion is growing. I have never be asked, What are we expending these seen among the people of the Latter-day immense sums of money for? We are Saints greater progress both in secular preparing for the second coming of the and spiritual matters than I witnessed Lord Jesus Christ, just as truly as the in the settlements we have visited in world is ripening in iniquity and prepar- the last two months. One would sup- ing to receive His judgments when He pose from what is said in the papers, does come. That is a pretty bold say- and the coldness that is exhibited by ing, but it is true. We are doing this even fair-minded men in relation to the labor, and we have got all Christendom cause of this people—one would suppose to carry on our shoulders with their spe- that it would at least check our progress; cial legislation, with their persecution, VISIT TO ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO. 193 and with their antagonism, all aiming are doing. I as an individual cannot to destroy us. Hence, with all this, we shirk it. I have my part to perform. have our hands as full as any other peo- So have these men and these women ple upon the face of the earth. Our la- throughout the length and breadth of bor for the dead alone, which is occu- the Territories and States we occupy. I pying so much of our attention, is more wish Christendom knew what we are do- than all Christendom ever dreamed of— ing. I wish they knew what God has for the amelioration of the condition of commanded us to do. They would take their progenitors. They don't know any- the yoke from our necks so far as they thing about it, though their own Bible are concerned. And still what would we speaks of this principle. Who are we la- amount to without opposition? Noth- boring for? Ourselves alone? No. We ing. We must have the opposition of the are laboring for the sires of those men world. If we were of the world the world who are persecuting us today, for the would love us: but we have come out of men who would trample us in the dust the world, therefore the world hate us. and destroy the institution which God That is true in every sense of the word. has revealed. We are laboring to carry the Gospel to those that are in prison God help us to carry our load faith- to whom Jesus preached, and to those fully, earnestly, sincerely, with the in- that have died without a knowledge of tegrity which God alone can give, being the Gospel. We are struggling, I say, kind to all men, and seeking with every with superhuman effort to erect tem- effort and every energy of our natures to ples wherein this work may be done. It follow the example that Jesus gave, that is for their fathers and their mothers we may attain to salvation in the King- that we are laboring. We are striving dom of God, is my prayer, in the name of to tell the people of the world what we Jesus. Amen. 194 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

HOW JUDGMENT SHOULD BE FORMED—EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL—WHEREIN IS THE EFFICACY OF BAPTISM—WHO ARE BENEFITED BY IT—PERSECUTIONS ENDURED BY THE SAINTS—EFFECTS OF PERSECUTION.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE ERASTUS SNOW, DELIVEREDINTHE STAKE MEETINGHOUSE, EPHRAIM,SATURDAY AFTERNOON (QUARTERLY CONFERENCE),MAY 31, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

Truly we are a blessed people. Of all Out of the stock of Jesse came the royal people upon the face of the earth we have house that not only ruled in Israel an- most reason to be thankful that the Lord ciently, but the Savior, who is appointed our God has been mindful of us, and has of His Father to be King of Kings and set His hand the second time to recover Lord of Lords, because He is anointed to Israel. be the Savior of mankind, and when He The prophet Isaiah in the 11th chap- comes the second time, according to the ter of his book says: revelations of St. John, He will have the "And there shall come forth a rod out name I have mentioned. of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall "And he shall not judge after the grow out of his roots:" sight of his eyes, neither reprove after "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest the hearing of his ears:" upon him, the spirit of wisdom and un- derstanding, the spirit of counsel and "But with righteousness shall he might, the spirit of knowledge and of the judge the poor, and reprove with equity fear of the Lord;" for the meek of the earth." "And shall make him of quick under- This, too, is a lesson for all his standing in the fear of the Lord: and he people—for His Servants who minister shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, on the earth, for the judges in Israel, neither reprove after the hearing of his the Bishops, High Councils—not always ears:" to judge after the sight of the eye nor "But with righteousness shall he to "reprove after the hearing of the ear: judge the poor, and reprove with eq- But with righteousness shall he judge uity for the meek of the earth: and he the poor." Sometimes we find the poor shall smite the earth with the rod of his oppressed, though this is not common mouth, and with the breath of his lips among the Latter-day Saints, who are in- shall he slay the wicked." fluenced, generally, by a spirit of charity I understand this to have refer- and love; but sometimes in our midst, ence to our Savior who, after the as in the world, people are accused flesh, was a descendant of Jesse, wrongfully, things are misrepresented, Jesse being the father of King David. and for this reason the prophet speaks HOW WE SHOULD JUDGE. 195 of the Savior as he does. We are not uninformed, and the Lord does not lay always able to determine with certainty it to our charge until we are better in- the character of any transaction—that is structed and our defects pointed out to to say, of the spirit and motive that influ- us. Then if we neglect them He holds ence and promote action—merely from us responsible for that neglect. So also what we see, nor yet from what some- we may do things that in themselves are body may tell us. It is necessary that we not right, not strictly correct, and yet if become enlightened by the Holy Spirit, we are not posted and are ignorant of the to enable us to see as God sees, and to evil of the transaction, it is not imputed understand the motives, purposes and to us as evil. This is the doctrine that designs of the hearts of our fellow men. Jesus laid down. "That servant, which God judges us all according to the mo- knew his Lord's will, and prepared not tives and designs of the heart. If our himself, neither did according to his will, purpose is to do good, and that which is shall be beaten with many stripes. But right in His sight, he judges us accord- he that knew not, and did commit things ingly, though we may, through our weak- worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with ness, or through circumstances that we few stripes." That is, a few stripes shall are not always able to control, do things be meted out to him merely to vindicate that are not strictly in their outward ap- the law, and to make an impression upon pearance right and correct, or we may him that what he had done was wrong, neglect to do that which we should do. though he was ignorant of it before; but The Lord judges all men according to the a little punishment is meted out, just motives that prompt the action, rather enough to satisfy and vindicate the law, than from the action itself. It is not mur- and to correct the impression upon the der in the sight of heaven always, when individual, to show him that he must be a man is killed, for sometimes he brings careful, for he had trodden upon forbid- his blood upon his own head by thrust- den ground. This is a rule that our Fa- ing himself upon some other one to de- ther is governed by in judging His chil- stroy him and is himself slain in the at- dren, and it is a rule that we should tack, and his blood is therefore upon his strive also to be governed by in regard own head, and it is not counted mur- to one another, and especially those who der to the man that slew him. The one are called to be judges in Israel, or whose who only saw a part of the transaction calling and duty it is to settle difficul- might accuse the other of murder; but ties and assist in adjusting differences when it comes to be sifted to the foun- among their brethren and sisters. dation, and both hearts can be scanned, "And he shall smite the earth with and the cause that resulted in the con- the rod of his mouth, and with the breath flict discovered, it is found that the man of his lips shall he slay the wicked." that slew is innocent, and the man that I understand this to be a figura- was slain is the guilty one. I refer to this tive expression of the Prophet Isaiah: as a sample. So with many of the trans- the rod of His mouth by which He actions of life. So also we may neglect du- should smite the earth. I understand ties that we should attend to, but we ne- that to be the word that proceeded glect them in our ignorance, when we are out of His mouth, the words given 196 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. of His Father; for His word was that "With the breath of his lips shall he which He received from the Father, and slay the wicked." that which goeth forth among the chil- And this is equally true of his fel- dren of men, conquering and to conquer. low laborers and servants who have the It is that word that has made impres- word of God in faith, and speak in the sions upon the Latter-day Saints in other name of the Lord, and by the power of lands and countries where they were the Holy Ghost, and have authority so born, and brought them to believe and to speak and act. Their testimony, their obey the Gospel, and gathered them to words, and the counsels of God that go this land. And it is that word also which unto the people through them, are a sa- condemns the wicked, and therefore the vor of life unto life, or of death unto prophet says: death. The Gospel exalts those who re- "With the breath of his lips shall he ceive it, and brings condemnation and slay the wicked." destruction upon those who refuse to obey it. But without the Gospel being For the Gospel of life and salvation sent out by authority and power from is a savor of death unto death, or of life God, the inhabitants of the earth could unto life. So says the Apostle Paul. It not be ripened for destruction. We read was so in his days, in the days when in many places in the Scriptures con- Jesus and His Apostles first proclaimed cerning the destruction of the wicked in this Gospel to the Jews in Palestine; the last days. But we read also in other when they went among the Gentiles it Scriptures, that the Lord destroys them was the same. It is the same today. It has only when they are ripe in their iniquity. been the same in all ages of the world. Jesus, in prophesying of His second com- When the Gospel is sent forth, the word ing, and the destruction that shall fall of God among the people, it is a savor upon the wicked, speaks in this wise— of death unto death, or of life unto life. that they shall fill up the cup of their Therefore while the righteous are gov- iniquity. This principle we see referred erned and exalted and blessed through to and illustrated in the days of Abra- the word, the wicked perish. This is il- ham. The Lord promised unto him the lustrated in another form of expression land of Canaan for an everlasting pos- by the Apostle Paul, when he says that session. Nevertheless, his seed must be he was slain through the law. Says he: brought into bondage in Egypt, and re- "For I was alive without the law once: main there until those who dwelt in the but when the commandment came, sin land of Canaan had filled up the cup of revived, and I died." their iniquity. The people were not yet He is using this illustration to the ripe for destruction, and therefore the Jews—"Sin revived, and I died"—that Lord could not displace them and put is, when the law was made known— Abraham and his seed in possession of when the will and commandments of his land. God were revealed and made known, So the Lord has dealt with na- woe! be unto those who should hear tions and generations from the be- and disobey, for if they disobeyed con- ginning, and so will He in the lat- demnation would follow. This il- ter times. We need not marvel be- lustrates the principle contained in cause the Latter-day Saints are every- this verse I have read from Isaiah: where spoken against, and the wicked HOW WE SHOULD JUDGE. 197 conspire to overthrow them. We need "And a man's foes shall be they of his not marvel that even in this boasted land own household." of freedom and liberty, statesmen, rulers At first thought it would seem a and judges should place the iron heel of strange idea that the Prince of Peace, oppression upon the Latter-day Saints, whose birth was announced by angels to and seek by every way in their power the shepherds saying, "Glory to God in to bring evil upon them, to discourage the highest, and on earth peace, good them, to hedge up their way, and to de- will toward men"—I say, at first thought stroy them. They must needs do these it would seem strange that the Prince of things. They must needs harden their Peace so announced should say: hearts against the Lord and against His "I come not to send peace, but a sword commandments. They must needs do * * * I am come to set a man at variance many things that are wicked in His sight against his father, etc. And a man's foes and oppressive to His people, in order shall be they of his own household." that God may judge them, and that they But it is all easily explained by our fill up the cup of their iniquity. And experience and observation, and by con- it must needs be that the Saints, too, sidering His teachings and the effects should be tried in all things even as thereof and the words of the Apostle con- Abraham was tried when he was com- cerning the preaching of the Gospel be- manded to offer up his only son. It must ing a savor of life unto life, or of death needs be that when the Gospel found us unto death. We go out into the Gen- in our scattered condition mid the na- tile world, and we find a great variety tions of the earth, and we yielded obedi- of religious opinions and many differ- ence to it, that we should be despised of ent religious sects. We find Catholics, our fellow creatures, that we should be Protestants, and various denominations reviled, so that we should feel it a plea- and sects of Protestantism. They are sure to leave our fatherland, the graves all laboring together in the same field, of our ancestors, the home of our youth preaching different doctrines and items and childhood, and gather to Zion. Were of faith, and all professing to be the re- it not for these two things that are work- ligion of Christ. All their teachers pro- ing in the earth we should not be gath- fess to be preachers of the Gospel, and ered together; we should not be willing their followers all profess to be Chris- to do it; we should love the home of our tians, and yet there is not power enough ancestors and the country that gave us in all the doctrines and systems that birth. But because of the persecutions they are teaching and establishing to and hatred of the wicked we are weaned produce a separation between the righ- from them. As the Savior said on a cer- teous and the wicked. They all con- tain occasion: tinue to harmonize together—at least so far that they all count each other "Think not that I am come to send Christians, and it is very difficult to dis- peace on earth: I come not to send peace, tinguish the Christian from the infidel, but a sword. unless it be that the Christian is the "For I am come to set a man at vari- worst. But not so when the fullness of ance against his father, and the daugh- the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached. ter against her mother, and the daugh- It always did produce a separation be- ter in law against her mother in law. tween the righteous and the wicked. 198 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

It drew the line of distinction. It was al- as the firstfruits of repentance—that is, ways like putting yeast into a beer bar- baptism in water for the remission of rel. It sets it to working, and whoever sins. He did not appoint Presbyterian has examined a beer barrel while the baptisms and Roman Catholic baptisms, beer is working in it under a microscope, sprinkling a little water on the forehead will see the way that the beer works it- and calling that baptism. God never ap- self clear. It is by the different proper- pointed these. There is no place in the ties it contains running in different di- Bible to indicate that He ever sanctioned rections. You will see the liquid full of such a thing. The Savior set the exam- little animals running in different direc- ple to the human family himself, in go- tions, and it continues to work in this ing down into the water and being im- sort of a way until it becomes clear. Well, mersed in the river Jordan by John the the working of beer in a barrel reminds Baptist. But this same order of bap- me of the preaching of the Gospel in the tism had been revealed before this: but earth. It sets Saints to running together. that there needs be no mistake the Sav- It works out apostates from among us, ior set the example before all the peo- and they take the opposite direction. It ple, and then continued himself to bap- draws the line of distinction between the tize for a season in the same manner righteous and the wicked, and that work and ordained His Apostles to continue begins from the moment the Gospel is the work. And He has appointed that sounded among the people. The Spirit of all those who receive this ordinance in truth operates upon the hearts of those His name may receive also the resurrec- who are open to receive it. It draws them tion of their bodies, and baptism, or im- to the fountain of life and light. It draws mersion in water, is in the likeness of them into the water and then to Zion, the death and burial and resurrection of and then keeps drawing them nearer our Savior. By this ordinance we show and nearer to God; while with those that forth unto the Lord that we lay off and reject the Gospel, they keep going fur- bury the old man of sin in the waters of ther and further from the Lord and His baptism, and by rising out of the waters people. They harden their hearts more of baptism we show forth unto the Lord and more against them, and give way that we put on the new man after Christ to wickedness and all manner of corrup- Jesus, and walk henceforth in newness tion. But while the wicked on the one of life. All those, therefore, who believe hand are thus filling up their cup of in- the Gospel, and yield obedience to its iquity, the righteous, on the other hand requirements, and are baptized in wa- are called to sanctify themselves and be ter for the remission of their sins, upon prepared for the glorious coming of the this act, if they continue to maintain this Savior. It is for this cause that we build faith, they are entitled to be raised in the temples, and that God reveals to us the likeness of the glorious resurrected body ordinances for the sanctification of His of Christ. And yet, to consider this ordi- people and further glory and exaltation. nance in the abstract, or as the unbeliev- ing world look at it, we might ask what The ordinance of baptism, simple virtue there is in this ordinance of bap- as it is, is appointed by the Father tism? We might say, as did Naaman, the HOW WE SHOULD JUDGE. 199

Syrian, to Elisha, when he came to be it. Herein is the hiding of the Lord's healed of his leprosy. The Prophet told power. It is this that the Prophet him to go and wash himself seven times Habakkuk refers to when he speaks of in Jordan. But Naaman rose up in a the Lord coming in glory, and says: "He rage and said, in substance, "Have I had horns coming out of his hand: and not washed myself many a time in my there was the hiding of his power." Horns rivers at home, and did it ever do me we know in the Scriptures are often used any good? Is there any more virtue as figures to represent power. Horns in the waters of Jordan than the wa- in the Apocalypse and in the prophe- ters of my native place?" He did not be- cies of Daniel represent kingdoms and lieve the Prophet, and he turned to go dynasties, and when one horn fell, an- away with a sorrowful heart. But his other came up in its place, thus repre- servant followed him and said: "My fa- senting the fall of one dynasty and the ther, if the prophet had bid thee do some rising of another. And so on. And the great thing, wouldst thou not have done same may be said of the Priesthood: the it? how much rather then, when he ruling power that God bestows for the saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?" This salvation of the human family, is that caused Naaman to reflect; and he went which is given by the laying on of hands. and dipped himself seven times in Jor- But does this apply to the wicked, to dan. He was not healed when he dipped the disobedient, or to the unbelieving? himself once, nor twice, nor thrice; but No, not at all; nor does remission of sins when he had dipped himself seven times come to the wicked and unbelieving by he was cleansed of his leprosy. Was it merely being baptized. We have an ex- the waters of Jordan that healed him, ample of this kind in the New Testa- or is it the waters of the brook that we ment when Philip baptized the people of are immersed in that cleanses us from Samaria, and Simon the sorcerer, was our sins? Not at all. It is the blood of baptized also; but he was a hypocrite and Christ that was shed for the sins of the a corrupt man, and he only sought to world that cleanseth us from our sins; gain power whereby he might hoodwink but the water is the emblem and the and deceive the people and filch money means by which we comply with the com- from them. And when Peter and John mandment of God. came down and prayed with the people, And so with every other ordinance of and laid their hands upon them, they the Gospel. So with the laying on of the received the Holy Ghost. When Simon hands of the Elders of Israel. The wicked saw this, he offered them money saying, will ask what virtue there is in the impo- "Give me also this power, that on whom- sition of the hands of the Elders? Why, soever I lay hands, he may receive the the virtue consists in obeying the com- Holy Ghost." This he sought, as I have mandments of heaven. For through the said, that he might obtain power to carry laying on of hands the sick are healed. on his craft and to make money; but Pe- Through the laying on of hands the Holy ter answered him saying, "Thy money Ghost is given. Through the laying on of perish with thee, because thou hast hands the Priesthood is conferred upon thought that the gift of God may be pur- those who are counted worthy to receive chased with money. * * * I perceive that 200 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. thou art in the gall of bitterness, and Missouri. Here opposition became still in the bond of iniquity." There are other more extensive until the whole State similar instances. But remission of sins rose up against them—rose up and be- cometh by baptism to those who believe came a mob, even Governor Lilburn W. and repent of their sins with all their Boggs, of Missouri, became a sort of hearts; the Holy Ghost is received by Solicitor General for the mob, and is- the laying on of the hands of the El- sued an exterminating order against the ders; and the powers of the Priesthood Saints, as utterly illegal as the decree of are conferred in the same manner. Sim- any tyrant that ever lived. In that or- ple as the ordinances are, simple to look der he called upon his aids and princi- upon and to think upon, there is power in pal generals to rally the militia of the them, power accompanies them, power is State to execute the order of extermi- made manifest among the people. The nation that he issued. They despoiled people are gathered together; the people us of our goods. They compelled us to are made one; the differences that ex- sign a deed of trust of lands, houses isted among us depart. The traditions and possessions to defray the expenses of the fathers are cast away. We are of the "war," as they termed it. That united in receiving the light and truth is, they robbed us, and drove us out of from above. Our hearts are made as one, the State, and then compelled us to give no matter where we were born, or what them what we had, to pay them for do- race of people we have sprung from. This ing it. Persecution still followed us in spirit working among the people, and go- the States of Illinois, Iowa, and Mis- ing abroad in the earth is accomplish- souri, and finally the Saints fled to these ing what the Lord and His servants have Rocky Mountains where there was no- predicted. It is preparing a people for the body to oppose us, save the savages who coming of the Savior. roamed throughout the country. Here Persecution begins, as I said, when the Lord has planted our feet and made the Gospel is sounded in our ears in vari- us strong. But it was predicted in early ous lands and countries of our home and times that we should not only be perse- birth. It follows us up. When we were cuted by townships and counties, but by a small people organized resistance and and by States should rise against us, and persecution commenced by townships in at last the whole United States would the United States. As we grew and be- rise up against us. But in the midst of came a stronger people, more extensive it all we have continued to grow, we have organizations were arrayed against us waxed strong. It is the power of God and by counties or larger communities. At not of man. It is by the word of God that first the Latter-day Saints were driven we thrive. It is by the word of God that from their homes in the State of New we are multiplying and increasing in the York, and they fled to Kirtland, Ohio, land; and the same God who commands where persecution was again waged the Elders of Israel to take the daugh- against them, until by and by the oppo- ters of Israel to wife and who says "multi- sition was combined to such an extent ply and replenish the earth"—that same in all the surrounding country, that they God sends the fruit and multiplies the were obliged to flee from that region to sons and daughters of Israel in the land; HOW WE SHOULD JUDGE. 201 as, when you sow the seed in the soil will assist the work of God. "Mor- He sends the rains and gives a bounti- monism" is like the mustard plant whose ful crop in your fields. It is the bless- seed is ripe: when shaken it spreads the ing of God that is resting upon the peo- faster; or like the man I read of when I ple. His people are multiplying in the was a boy. When Canada thistles began land, and they are spreading abroad to spread in the eastern States, this man and possessing it in Idaho and Mon- was determined that he would put an tana in the north, and Arizona and New end to them so far as his farm was con- Mexico in the South. The wicked are cerned. So when the first thistle made determined to persecute and drive us. its appearance he built a log heap over Where will they drive us to? They it and burned the pile. He thought he say the "Mormons" must go. Where had squelched the thing; but to his hor- shall we go to? We have become like a ror and dismay the whole heap, the next city that is set on a hill, we cannot be year, was a dense mass of Canada this- hid. We have become a strong people, tles. So with "Mormonism," the more and they do not know what to do with they "squelch" it, the faster it grows. us. Every drop of innocent blood which they shed, will spread the Gospel the God bless you in the name of Jesus. faster. Every time they persecute us they Amen. 202 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

MISSIONARY LABORS REVIEWED—TESTIMONY GAINED—PREDICTIONS FULFILLED—CONDITION OF THE WORLD—PROSPECTS OF THE SWISS AND GERMAN MISSION—CLASS OF MEN SELECTED BY THE LORD FOR HIS WORK—RESTORATION OF THE GOSPEL—THE PRIESTHOOD NECESSARY—HOW IT WAS RESTORED—ANCIENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE LATTER-DAY WORK—WHY THE SAINTS ARE HATED—PERSECUTION PREDICTED—POLITICAL ASPECT—REVELATION NECESSARY—DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE HOLY GHOST AND THE SPIRIT GIVEN TO EVERY MAN—TRUE EDUCATION—HOW JOSEPH SMITH AND ORSON PRATT OBTAINED THEIRS—HOW ABRAHAM AND MOSES WERE TAUGHT—ACTION OF CONGRESS CONSIDERED.

DISCOURSESBY ELDER JOHN Q.CANNON,PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF AND PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JUNE 29, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

Elder John Q. Cannon said: My we, this afternoon have assembled our- brethren and sisters and friends, it is selves in the name of the Lord, and I with feelings which I am utterly unable am consequently satisfied that His Spirit to express that I stand before you this will be with us inasmuch as we seek for afternoon—feelings on the one hand of the same, inasmuch as we rid ourselves gratitude to my Heavenly Father, that of every feeling of worldliness and come after an absence of nearly three years together with pure hearts to partake of from this city I am again permitted to the emblems of the death and suffering meet with my brethren and sisters in of our Lord, and to become instructed in this place, and with feelings on the other the plan which He has laid down for our hand of intense timidity in standing be- salvation. fore so large an audience. But I rely, my It has been four days since I returned brethren and sisters, upon your faith and from a mission, and in six weeks it will prayers during the few moments that I have been three years since I left this may stand before you, and I rely, fur- city, in obedience to a call made upon thermore, upon the promise which our me by the authorities of the Church. Lord gave, when He said, "Where two On the 9th of August, 1881, I left this or three have gathered together in my city on a mission to Great Britain, in name, there I am in the midst of them." company with eleven other missionaries, I am satisfied, on my own part, that who were destined for Scandinavia. We TESTIMONY GAINED. 203 reached Liverpool in due time, and I was a direct and firm and steadfast testi- assigned, shortly after my arrival there, mony of the truth of the Gospel I had to the London Conference, where I la- not received, and it was to obtain this bored with great pleasure until the 17th testimony, more than for anything else, of March, 1882. Early in the month that I obeyed the call that was made of the then President of the European me. I had heard, as you had, that ev- Mission—Apostle Albert Carrington— ery man who returned from a mission notified me that I should proceed to the and rose up in this stand or elsewhere to German Mission, and within a few days proclaim his testimony and to report his after receiving this notice I joined my labors—I had heard every man say: "I brother in North Germany. Of course in know this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ." going to Germany I had to learn the lan- And I felt within myself, if I can acquire guage; I was utterly ignorant of it when a knowledge of the truth of the Gospel I started and when I landed there; but through going on a mission, I am willing the Lord strengthened my memory, and to go. I valued my salvation and a knowl- in a short time I was able to make myself edge of the truth of the Gospel just that understood, and pursue the real object of much. Well, I went, and I labored with my mission. I labored—it is not for me great weakness, I have no doubt. But to say with how much success—until re- the Lord heard my prayers. He granted lieved a short time ago to return home. unto me a testimony of the truth of the Gospel, and from the time that I received I can say, my brethren and sisters, the first one until this moment, one testi- that I have enjoyed my mission greatly. mony has followed another in rapid suc- The blessing of the Lord has been with cession. I am therefore able to proclaim me. The promises that were sealed upon before you, as I have done with much my head by the Presidency before I went pleasure before the world, that I do know have been literally fulfilled, and, to my that God has spoken in these our days, mind, in a most remarkable manner. that He has revealed Himself and re- Above all things I prize my mis- stored his Priesthood by means of which sion for the testimony it has given me the human family—those of them who of the truth of this Gospel. It may are willing to be saved and to obey the seem strange to you that I make this requirements which He has given—may assertion; because one would naturally be saved. think that I had a testimony before It was told me before I started away— I went. I, however, confess this was the remark was made to me by my fa- not the case. I had heard what the ther: "My son, you will find in the world calls Mormonism—from my child- world that the nations are about in the hood up I had heard nothing else. I be- same condition as the Athenians were lieved as much as it was possible that when Paul went to preach to them. this, the Gospel as preached by the El- They have temples and they have al- ders of the Church of Jesus Christ of tars built, but these are dedicated to the Latter-day Saints, was the true religion, 'Unknown God.'" I found this to be the and was the path of redemption as pro- truth. I found the word, the written claimed by Jesus Christ and His Apos- word of God was read in every church tles. This was my firm belief. But in every land, and that every family 204 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. had it; but I was surprised to find that dreds very few who were willing to obey but few of them were willing to receive those principles. I am happy to say, how- the truths which are therein contained. ever, that some few have obeyed them— They were content with the dead let- that I have been the means, in the hands ter of the law; and when I undertook of God, of bringing some to a knowledge or attempted to explain the principles of of the truth, and I am very thankful for life and salvation, the principles which this privilege. Jesus Christ taught His disciples, and It may, perhaps, interest you to know which they taught all those who would something of the present prospects of listen to their testimony, I found there the Swiss and German mission, where I was a great coolness. People would not have labored for upwards of two years. listen. They were content with what they We have some seventeen Elders in the had received. This was my general ex- field. Some of these have been labor- perience. On the other hand I found ing in Austria, one is in Italy, all the very many who acknowledged to me the others are in Switzerland and Germany. truth of that which I had said. When I In certain parts of Germany the laws said unto them, "faith in the Lord Jesus are very strict. Public meetings of any Christ is insufficient to save you in His kind are forbidden. We are, therefore, Kingdom;" when I said that something not allowed to preach. This has been more was necessary than a simple faith brought about by the action of the So- in the Lord Jesus Christ, and attempted cialists, with whom we are confounded. to prove my position by Scripture, I They have held meetings, as you who found many who said, "You are right; read the papers know, and passed reso- something more is necessary according lutions to upset governments and king- to the Scriptures; faith alone cannot doms, and reduce everything to chaos, save us." But when I went on to ex- if possible. In the kingdom of Prussia, plain the other principles of the Gospel— however, we are at present in the enjoy- repentance, baptism for the remission of ment of liberty to a great extent. We sins by one who has authority to baptize, have the permission of the authorities and the laying on of hands for the gift of the city of Berlin to hold our regu- of the Holy Ghost, I discovered that they lar meetings, and we can announce these said, "That may be all true, it is true, meetings in the papers if we desire. Of we believe, but we don't want it." That course our meetings are visited by detec- has been my experience and the experi- tives and policemen occasionally, to see ence of others in a great many instances. that nothing contrary to the laws of the There are thousands in the world—I land is promulgated, which action, is, of have spoken with hundreds I believe— course, quite agreeable to us. This is who have made a similar confession— the case, however, only as regards the that faith, repentance, baptism, and kingdom of Prussia. In the kingdom the laying on of hands for the recep- of Bavaria, which is strongly Catholic, tion of the Holy Ghost, were Scriptural we have been unable, up to the present principles, that they could not be de- time, to obtain any rights whatever. nied, that the same Gospel was preached We have been threatened and in some by Jesus Christ and His Apostles— cases expelled for having attempted to but I have found among those hun- preach the Gospel. We have been TESTIMONY GAINED. 205 forbidden to hold meetings of any kind. he called himself a "Mormon," would be It has even been declared to us that punished according to the regulations where seven persons assemble together, which some of the States have made. I that number would be considered a do not believe that the king of Bavaria, meeting, and if the participants were and the rulers of the kingdoms are as strangers they would be expelled, while bitter as some of the subordinate offi- natives would be heavily fined. In the cials. The strongest persecution we have Grand Duchy of Baden the same rule met with has been in the city of Nuren- holds. In the kingdom of Wurtemberg, burg, and that has been on the part of it has never been forbidden that we hold the circuit judge, a man who in other re- meetings, but we have as yet no official spects is very liberal, but whose mind be- permission to do so. Of course in Switzer- came prejudiced through some false re- land we have full permission. We can ports which came into the country, and hold our meetings in any house. It is were scattered by the press just as we not yet allowed us, or in fact anyone, to made a beginning. I nevertheless hope— hold open air meetings. The prospects and I believe it is the general feeling— of the mission, as I look at it, are very that the day is not far distant when free- good, and I think the day is soon coming dom of worship will be allowed—when when these rigorous laws will be broken, the Elders can go through the country when all those who desire to serve God and proclaim the Gospel without fear or in the way that He has commanded, al- molestation. We pray for that day, and though it may not be in accordance with have great hopes that there are many the desires of the rulers, may have the thousands in those countries who will re- privilege. The laws of Bavaria pretend ceive the Gospel. to give full freedom of worship; but the The Elders are laboring energetically. actual fact is, every person is prohib- They have spared themselves no pains ited, through pressure which is brought to discover those who are willing to re- to bear upon him, from attending any- ceive their testimony. They are labor- thing but the established church, which ing faithfully and with good results. The is Catholic, or the Lutheran. People emigration has been quite extensive, as are expected to attend or at least be you know; but the number of those bap- members of one of these churches; and tized exceeds by a considerable amount they are compelled to make an official the number that have emigrated. Our acknowledgment of their belief in their branches are therefore growing continu- work books, which are a sort of creden- ally. tial, containing the name, age, business, My brethren and sisters: I am thank- and place of residence, of every workman ful to be able to testify to the truth in the country. In this book each man of this Gospel, which is being preached must announce his religion, and if this in these days. I do know that Joseph happens to be anything but Lutheran or Smith was a Prophet of God, and this Catholic, he is put to great trouble and is a testimony which I have received for inconvenience, would perhaps find diffi- myself. It is not because my parents culty in obtaining work at all; and in case taught me this, or because I have heard it from others; that has given me courage to bear this testimony before others. 206 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

But I have felt free in saying to all men, nations of the earth of the Gospel of the "Repent, and be baptized and you shall Son of God. And the Lord has manifested receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and His power, and His mercy to all who have that will give you a testimony as it has been called to go forth and bear record of given it to me." That is the testimony, my His name; and Brother Cannon (John Q.) brethren and sisters, that I feel to bear who has addressed us, like tens of thou- before you this afternoon. sands of others, can bear record before I am glad to be once more in these God, angels and men, before the heav- mountains, to breathe this air, to see ens and the earth, to the truths of the those with whom I have grown up, and to Gospel of Jesus Christ, which have been feel once more at home. During the three revealed unto us in the day and genera- years that I have been absent, many tion in which we live. It is a marvelous changes have taken place, some of them work and a wonder in the earth, and it is very mournful to me; but I am thankful attracting the attention of the whole hu- to be back once more. And now that I am man family. The inhabitants of the earth home, I hope to be able to work stead- marvel and wonder, and many times de- fastly in the cause of God, and to do my sire to know what the end of these things part in helping to build up His kingdom will be. The Lord called upon Joseph upon the earth. This is my desire, and I Smith, as a literal descendant of Joseph, pray that the Lord will help all of us to who was sold into Egypt, to lay the foun- remain true to the end, in the name of dation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ. Amen. Latter-day Saints. The Church had been President Wilford Woodruff then ad- in the wilderness for nearly 1,800 years. dressed the congregation. He said: We The Church and Kingdom of God had have been listening to the testimony of fallen away. The Gentiles had followed one of our Mormon mountain boys, who the same example of unbelief as did has been called in his youth to go forth the Jews when they departed from the to the nations of the earth to declare Gospel of Christ and put to death almost the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the in- every man who bore the Holy Priesthood habitants thereof. This is an example on the earth, or who preached the Gospel of this whole Mormon work in the day of the Son of God to the world. The Jews and generation in which we live. Joseph rejected the Messiah; they put Him to Smith himself was but a boy, an unlet- death; and they labored to overthrow the tered youth, when God called him over Church, although it went to them in all half a century ago, to listen to the voice the power and glory, and with all the of the Lord, and be an instrument in keys, principles, ordinances and priest- His hands to lay the foundation of His hood, that it did to the patriarchs and Church and Kingdom on the earth in prophets in former generations. For this the last dispensation of the fullness of the Jews were overthrown. They had to times; and from that day to this, men pay the bill for shedding the blood of the have been called—some from the plow, Lord's anointed; and the Lord rent the the plane, the hammer, and from the var- Kingdom out of their hands, and gave it ious occupations of life—to go forth and into the hands of the Gentiles; and Paul lift up their voices and bear record to the TESTIMONY GAINED. 207 the Apostle to the Gentiles, warned them without effect, and in consequence of strongly and faithfully to take heed and this, the whole world has been filled be cautious lest they should fall through with sects and parties, with false reli- the same example of unbelief. "For if gions, and principles, until it would al- God spare not the natural branches, take most appear that there are the six hun- heed lest he also spare not thee." But all dred, three-score and six, which John the Prophets and Apostles understood the Revelator saw in his vision. And by vision and revelation that there was this has been the condition of the whole to be a falling away. There has been Christian world from the days of Jesus a falling away. I can say of a truth— Christ and His Apostles until the Lord whether the world believe it or not— raised up Joseph Smith, and commanded that from the day the apostles and disci- him to organize this Church and King- ples and those holding the Priesthood of dom. Did he attempt to do this un- the Lord Jesus Christ were put to death, til he received the Priesthood? He did there has not been a man on the face of not. He did not attempt to administer God's footstool who has had the power to any one of the ordinances until he re- administer the ordinances of the Gospel ceived the Holy Priesthood from under so as to have power after death. I un- the hands of the holy men who were sent derstand perfectly well the world does unto him from God out of heaven. The not believe this, nevertheless it is true. first man that ordained Joseph Smith There never was a man breathed the and Oliver Cowdery to the Priesthood breath of life in any age of the world, who was John the Baptist, who was beheaded had power to go forth and administer for the word of God and testimony of Je- the ordinances of the Gospel of Christ, sus. Thus they were ordained to the Aa- only by the power of that eternal and ev- ronic Priesthood. Joseph afterwards re- erlasting Priesthood which Melchizedek ceived the Apostleship under the hands held, which Adam, Abraham, Moses, and of Peter, James and John, who held the Elias, and all the ancient Patriarchs and keys of the Apostleship. God Almighty Prophets held. Jesus Christ held it. could not establish His Kingdom, His He was a High Priest after the order Church, His Zion—which the Holy Bible of Melchizedek, and has entered into declares from Genesis almost to Revela- the presence of God to plead for His tion should be established in the latter brethren. The Apostles held it. No man days—without men bearing that Priest- in any age of the world had power to hood. God had to raise up such a man as administer the ordinances of the Gospel Joseph Smith, and establish His Church, without it. God himself, who has created by which to prepare a people for the worlds upon worlds, has created all these coming of the Son of Man. To this end worlds and all those that have been Joseph was brought forth. He received saved have been redeemed by the power these oracles from God. He laid the of that eternal and everlasting Priest- foundation of this Church and Kingdom hood. But as I said before, when the in his boyhood, and he, like the Sav- Prophets and Apostles and all men who ior, and many of God's other servants, held the Priesthood were put to death, spent but a short time in the flesh after the ordinances of the Gospel became he commenced his ministry. The Savior 208 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. lived but three and a half years after days; concerning a kingdom which He entered upon His ministry. Joseph shall become an everlasting kingdom, Smith labored in the flesh some 14 years of whose dominion there shall be no after the organization of the Church be- end. God showed this to Daniel and fore he sealed his testimony with his to Nebuchadnezzar, as also to Isaiah, blood, as did other Prophets and Patri- Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The Prophet Isa- archs before him. I say, from that day iah has portrayed the whole history of until this, the Lord has called men to go the Latter-day Saints who occupy these forth and declare the Gospel of Christ. mountains of Israel. He described our And Brother John Q. Cannon has tes- travels here, and our labors since we tified, he knows for himself. Yes, he came here. These Prophets saw our day, knows. There is no doubt of that. There and they spake as they were moved upon are tens of thousands of this people who by the Holy Ghost; and the prophecies can bear the same testimony. It is true are of no private interpretation. Their there is a difference with men with re- words are words of truth. Their words gard to the amount of testimony they have had their fulfillment and will have have received to satisfy them of the truth to the end. The travels of this Church of this work. Many men believe, but have been through deep waters, and this many say they require a certain amount should not be a strange thing to the in- of testimony before they know. I will habitants of the earth. I will say here, say for myself: the greatest testimony I without fear of contradiction, that no have ever received in this Church (and man, no set of men, no people, no church, I have spent over 50 years of my life no portion of the Kingdom of God can in it), has been the testimony of the live godly in Christ Jesus without suf- Holy Ghost, has been the inspiration of fering persecution. You show me a Pa- Almighty God, has been the spirit of life triarch or Prophet that ever lived who and salvation, that still small voice that taught the words of life and salvation has rested upon me and rested upon my without incurring the hatred, the wrath brethren from the time we were bap- and the indignation of the surrounding tized into this Church until the present nations, and you will show me something day. We lay hands upon the sick and that I have not been able to find on the they are healed by the power of God. earth. But without dwelling upon this We lay hands upon our brethren, and point, allow me to say that this is what set them apart for missions. The Spirit ails the Mormons. This is the cause of of God rests upon us and inspires us in the warfare made upon us by our na- our words and thoughts what we should tion today. God Almighty has set His seal upon their heads. These words are hand to establish His Church and King- fulfilled, and thousands upon thousands dom on the earth. He has set His hand can testify of the truth thereof. to gather His people to the mountains of The Bible contains a vast amount Israel to build up a Zion. That Zion is of prophecy concerning the last here. We have made a beginning. We dispensation and the fullness of came here, on the 24th of July, 1847, a times; concerning the building up little handful of pioneers. We found a of the Kingdom of God in the last barren desert. It did not look as if any TESTIMONY GAINED. 209 white men could live here. We found We are in the hands of God. God a few poor, miserable, degraded Indi- has called us to this labor. He has com- ans. They would eat a pint of crick- manded us to preach the Gospel to the ets for breakfast and supper, and this, nations of the earth. This we have done with a few roots, was all the food they so far as the doors have been opened had. Today, here is a tabernacle. To- to us. It seems strange to reflect upon day, you can travel one thousand miles the fact that such nations as Germany, throughout these valleys, from north to Austria and Prussia, should put up bars south, and you will find them filled with as strong as iron, so to speak, against towns, villages and cities, and you will the preaching of the Gospel of Christ in see temples, tabernacles, etc. What does their midst. Still the Lord, as we have it mean? It means that the God of heard from Brother John Q. Cannon, is Heaven is a God of truth. He decreed opening up the way. There are a great certain things, and these things are now many of the house of Israel in Germany; coming to pass in spite of all earth and there are a great many of the honest hell. That is what it means. Had it not in heart throughout the nations of the been for this, Utah would have been a earth, and they must hear the Gospel. desert today as it was when we found it. We have been preaching it for over fifty The testimony of the Elders of Israel years. The world in a great measure is true. This is the Gospel of Christ. It is has rejected it. I heard Joseph Smith the only Gospel the Lord ever revealed say a great deal in regard to the atti- to man. And Paul the Apostle says: tude this generation would assume in "Though we, or an angel from heaven, regard to the Gospel. He saw the sit- preach any other gospel unto you than uation. Said he: "The world will fight that which we have preached unto you, you. The world will war against you. let him be accursed." The children of men Towns will arise and mob you, coun- do not believe the Gospel. They will have ties will oppose you, cities will oppose everything else on the face of the earth you, and the United States will com- except the Gospel. The Lord has set His bine against you. The world is full of hand to fulfill His words and promises, darkness. Sin and wickedness is over- and we are here to help Him in that busi- whelming the world as the waters cover ness. We came here to these mountains the great deep. The devil rules over the by revelation, by inspiration. We were world in a great measure. The world led here by Prophets, Apostles and in- will war against you; the devil will, earth spired men; and this Church and King- will, and hell will. But you must bear dom has continued to grow from the day testimony of me. You must preach the it was organized until the present time. Gospel, do your duty, and the Lord will It will continue to grow. The Gospel stand by you. Earth and hell shall of Christ is the truth. "Am I there- not prevail against you." "Fear not them fore become your enemy, because I tell which kill the body, but are not able to you the truth," said Paul to the Gala- kill the soul: but rather fear him which tians, in teaching them this principle. is able to destroy both body and soul in But the truth is unpopular. The world hell." And I would say to our friends, is full of error and falsehood. It will that is the spirit that vibrates in the bo- not accept the plan of life and salvation. soms of tens of thousands of Latter-day 210 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Saints in these mountains. We stand are looking towards us. But I will say upon this pedestal. This is our platform. this: it is a pitiful sight—it is a thing What fear have we with regard to our en- sorrowful to contemplate upon, that our emies? Why should we fear? We are in wise Senators, yes, our wise Senators the hands of God. We have come to this have to take falsehood into the halls of earth in this time upon a mission. We Congress to work upon to overthrow this have been born on purpose in this gen- Church and Kingdom: so with the pul- eration to take part in this work. The pit, so with the press. Who tells the truth Lord required an element to labor with. about Utah? Not one man in a thousand He will build up Zion. And I bear my that attempts to represent this case. We testimony here to all men, and would to have not a boy in Utah in our common all the world if I had the power, that the schools, over twelve years of age, but work in which this people are engaged, knows, when he reads the statements of small and insignificant as it may appear, some of those Senators, that they are ar- is the work of God. It will roll forth. guing on a false basis. They understand It will become a mountain. It will fill that perfectly. I am at the defiance of the the whole earth. It will break in pieces world to prove that we use in our com- all other kingdoms, and it will stand for- mon schools anything but the textbooks ever; for God Almighty has decreed it. of the world. We don't even use the Bible Write it down. Watch the signs of the in our common schools. To do so would times. See if these things are not true. almost be treason in the eyes of our ene- We are living in an important day. We mies. Yet these venerable Senators rep- are called to do a work for the Lord, and resent us as doing this. Why do Sena- we are going to do it as far as we have tors argue upon false premises to over- time and opportunity. It has cost many throw this people? If people would tell men their lives; but men's lives are of the truth about us, we should be per- little consequence compared with eternal fectly satisfied. We have to be satisfied life. Give me eternal life. As for this life, anyhow. what does it amount to. Why should we Well, this is the state of the world to- fear death? Why, bless your souls, a few day. We are called to preach the Gospel. years ago this nation sacrificed a million We preach it. There is but one Gospel. of lives in defense of the country. That What is it? Faith in the Lord Jesus may be all right. I have no fault to find. Christ; repentance of sin; baptism for But is it any worse to die for the King- the remission of sins; and the reception dom of God than it is to die for the honor of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of of the country? Not much. Then let us hands. These are the doctrines Jesus be faithful. Let us trust in God. Leave taught, and that His Apostles taught. all things in His hands, and all will be I feel to bear my testimony to right. these things. They are true. God is with this people. And we say Now I would like to say a few to our nation—maintain the Constitu- words before I close, with regard to tion and we are satisfied. Give us our present condition. Of course our the rights of that Constitution and we affairs have become a national ques- are satisfied. It is an instrument in- tion. The eyes of all the world spired by the power of God. Our TESTIMONY GAINED. 211 forefathers were inspired when they will judge all the children of men and framed it. Yet it is marvelous to reflect He will judge righteous judgment. What upon some principles that have been men sow they will reap. What measure laid down—perhaps I ought not to al- they mete, it shall be measured to them lude to these things, but I am only ex- again. pressing my own reflections—even by the Supreme Court of the United States. I pray God to bless this nation. I pray In effect it has said that we may think God to give our legislators wisdom, that as we please, but must not act. I would they may maintain the Constitutional ask, in the name of the Lord, was that principles of the government, the only all Thomas Jefferson, and others had in government on the face of God's earth their minds when they framed the clause where the Lord could have established in reference to religious liberty? What His Church and Kingdom. That we may about men acting? If it was only in- be prepared to inherit eternal life is my tended that men should think and not prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. act, why not say so in the instrument? President John Taylor next addressed Why should it be stated that "Congress the congregation. He said: It is some shall make no law respecting an estab- time since I have taken the privilege to lishment of religion, or prohibiting the speak to the Latter-day Saints in this free exercise thereof," if men were not place. I have been visiting our settle- to be allowed to act? Why, in the ex- ments in different parts of our Territory. ercise of their religion, men must act: There I frequently talk to the people. You and it is straining points, it is overstep- have a great many here who are capable ping the bounds of the Constitution to of teaching and instructing you, hence it pass laws taking away the rights and is very seldom that I intrude myself upon privileges of any people because of their you in this capacity. But I always feel religion—because they happen to differ pleasure in meeting with the Saints, in from their neighbors. Where will such hearing my brethren unfold the princi- a course land our government? I will ples of eternal truth, and in listening to tell you what it will do. It will rend the testimonies which they have to give the government in twain like unto a pot- concerning the Gospel of the Son of God. ter's vessel. It will lay the nation in the dust. It will overthrow the government. God has revealed unto us the prin- When they get through with the Mor- ciples of the Everlasting Gospel, and mons there will be somebody else to deal that Gospel brings life and immortal- with. The Constitution is good enough ity to light. Life and immortality can for anybody. It is good enough for the only be made known by the revela- Latter-day Saints. We have no princi- tions of God, and people who do not ples but what are in accord with the believe in revelation cannot have any Constitution of the United States and knowledge of life and immortality. It the laws of God. We are perfectly will- is through that principle alone that ing to trust ourselves and our interests these things are or have been developed. in the hands of God, and to leave our We ourselves could have known noth- nation in His hands also; for God will ing of God, from the world in which we judge our nation; He will judge us; He live, nor from the teachers thereof, be- 212 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. cause they do not even profess to be Ghost. Where good men have followed placed in communion with God, nor to the influence of that Spirit, it has led have revelation from Him, and how could them to do good acts, to be charitable, they speak of that they did not know to be kind, to be benevolent, to culti- or comprehend, or that which had not vate good morals and correct principles, been communicated to them? It was im- to be governed by the principles of honor, possible for them to do it. There have truth, integrity and virtue, and these been many, very many good men in the principles prevail to a greater or less world in the different ages when the extent among the nations of the earth Gospel has not existed, that have sought and in this nation. This is the portion to do good to their fellow men, and to of the Spirit of God, as I said before, promote their welfare and happiness in which was given to every man to profit a social, political and religious capac- withal. Why, those people that we talk ity, and have sought to introduce princi- about so much sometimes, the infidels, ples that would be calculated to elevate they have a portion of this Spirit, and and exalt mankind in the scale of being. many of them do many good acts. This That is one thing, but the inspiration may sound strange, I have no doubt, to of the Almighty is another thing. Let many of you, but it is a fact nevertheless. me here mention a principle associated He that doeth righteousness anywhere with these ideas that will explain some- is righteous, and he that doeth evil is what the remarks and position of our wicked. brother, John Q. Cannon, who has ad- Now, what is the difference between dressed us this afternoon. He said he be- that and the other principle? Jesus said lieved in the principles of the Gospel, but when He was upon the earth: "It is ex- he did not have a testimony thereof— pedient for you that I go away: for if I did not comprehend the thing, until he go not away, the Comforter will not come had obtained some further manifesta- unto you; but if I depart, I will send him tion. That might be attributed to his unto you." What was the Comforter to youth and inexperience in the things of do? "He shall teach you all things, and God; when he was brought face to face bring all things to your remembrance, with the actualities of life, and came whatsoever I have said unto you." Now, in conflict with the world he was under the portion of the Spirit of God which is the necessity of applying to His Heav- given to all men does not do this thing. enly Father, who imparted unto him, It does not lead them unto all truth, through the Holy Ghost, that knowl- for there is a great diversity of opinion edge of which he speaks. I will men- among them. One may be a Methodist, tion a principle here. Outside of the another a Presbyterian, one a Quaker, Gospel, among all classes of men, among another a Dunker, one a Catholic, an- all nations, kindreds and peoples, of ev- other a Protestant, one a Christian, an- ery color and clime everywhere, they other a Muhammadan, one a Pagan, have had given unto them a portion of and another an infidel, and some one the Spirit of God to profit withal. We thing and some another. If men were are told this in the Scriptures, that God in the possession of the gift of the Holy has given to every man a portion of His Ghost, it would lead them into all truth, Spirit; but that is not the gift of the Holy and there would be one Lord, as the TESTIMONY GAINED. 213

Scriptures say, and one faith and one singular notions of education, and some baptism. Hence one of the old Prophets, people will say—and I have often said clothed upon by the Spirit of the Liv- it myself—that Joseph Smith was quite ing God, looked through the vista of fu- an uneducated man. He was uneducated ture ages and contemplated events that when he was a boy. He was brought should transpire in the latter days, and up in the Green Mountains of Vermont, said: "When the Lord shall bring again and he did not have any of the advan- Zion, her watchmen shall see eye to eye." tages of what we call an education. The There will be no confusion there, no dif- Lord took him into His school, and He ference of sentiment there. They will taught him things that I have seen puz- place themselves under the guidance of zle many of the wisest scientists, pro- the Great Eloheim, and under His inspi- foundest thinkers, and the most learned ration they will be enabled to speak as men that I have met with in this world. they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost; Why? Because he was taught of God. and the Spirit of God, as it did formerly, What did those principles refer to? To will take of the things of God and shew the earth on which we live; to the el- them unto them. There is the distinction ements of which it is composed; to the between the two principles. heavens above us; to the Gods that ex- ist in the eternal worlds; to the princi- How can we expect that people will ples by which the earth was organized, comprehend the things of God without sustained, upheld and governed, and its the gift of the Holy Ghost? The El- relationship to other planets and sys- ders when they are sent forth to preach tems; and speaking of governments, laws are instructed to preach nothing but the and principles, he possessed more intel- first principles of the Gospel—to preach ligence than ninety-nine hundredths of nothing but repentance to this genera- the people of today. And he sought to tion. Why? Because the people can- teach others, and these things were in- not comprehend further advanced prin- troduced into the Temple of the Lord in ciples. I remember talking with an emi- Kirtland. nent clergyman some few years ago. He I have heard the Prophet Joseph was a very gentlemanly person, well dis- quote from the German Bible in sup- posed, intelligent, learned, etc. I talked port of our method of baptism by immer- the Gospel a little to him, but I found sion, showing that the German Trans- he could not comprehend it. Hence I lation of the New Testament favored commenced talking politics, history, ge- this idea, and that the word "Taufen" in ography, and some little principles of sci- that language means "to dip;" the same ence. He understood these things per- as our term immersion does; and that fectly, and we had no difficulty in com- when John the Baptist was spoken of as prehending each other; but he could not John the Baptist, it was "Johannes der comprehend the Gospel. Was he a min- Taufer," or John the Dipper, which is cor- ister? Yes; but he had not the gift of the rect. Holy Ghost, and it was useless for me to I have heard him quote from the attempt to teach him. This is the way Hebrew Bible in support of a plural- that I understand these things. ity of Gods, showing that the suffix Speaking of education, we have "heim" in the word Eloheim or God, 214 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. ought to be rendered in the plural and little about Mr. Newman. But I know to read if literally translated, "and the where Orson Pratt got his information. Gods said let us, etc." Certain it is that And during this discussion some Hebrew in our present translation the word "us" points were debated, and the original or "let us" indicates that idea; for "us" Hebrew had to be referred to. Orson is certainly in the plural and means Pratt was quite as well acquainted with more than one; and while our translation Hebrew as Mr. Newman was. Where did makes it say: "In the beginning God cre- he get his knowledge? He received it in ated the heaven and the earth," we are the Temple at Kirtland, Ohio. In speak- also told that, "In the beginning was the ing of that principle, the principle of ed- Word, and the Word was with God, and ucation, to several leading men only yes- the Word was God. The same was in the terday, I think, I mentioned to them, in beginning with God. * * * And the Word alluding to languages, that I was a lit- was made flesh, and dwelt among us," tle astonished to find that an old gentle- and further, that "All things were made man, about 80 years of age, whom I met by him," visible and invisible. We are fur- a short time ago, was thoroughly conver- ther told that "There be that are called sant with the Hebrew language. "Where gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as did you learn it?" said I. "Why," said he, there be gods many, and lords many,) But "I learned it in the Temple at Kirtland;" to us there is but one God, the Father, of and he informed me that he was now whom are all things." studying Arabic. I was rather amused at If, as stated, Jesus was with the Fa- the idea of an old man 80 years of age ther in the beginning, there certainly commencing to study Arabic. But to re- was more than one God—God the Fa- turn. I have seldom met with a man that ther, and God the Son. Joseph Smith was was more intelligent in the science of as- reasoning upon this doctrine at the time tronomy than Orson Pratt. Where did that he made this quotation from the He- he get his information? From the same brew Bible. source. He studied mathematics all his We had a discussion in this Taber- days, and has written works that it is nacle some years ago between Apostle very difficult for some men to compre- Orson Pratt and Dr. Newman—the lat- hend. Yet his works are on record. ter a very prominent religionist from the The religion of God is not a religion east—a Methodist I think he was—what of ignorance. To whom are we indebted they call a doctor of divinity. The sub- for the first principles contained in this ject of discussion was—"Does the Bible book [the Bible]? To Moses. Who was sanction polygamy?" Mr. Newman was a he? A man of God. Who taught him well-educated man. So was Orson Pratt. those things? The Lord. By what prin- Mr. Newman received his education ciple? The principle of revelation; for in the schools of the day—somewhere he could not know them without. But in the United States, perhaps in the had he not been taught in the schools of Methodist order; but I am not suffi- Egypt? Yes. And had he not obtained a ciently acquainted with his history to knowledge of astronomy in those schools, say anything about this; I know very too? Probably he had in part; but God TESTIMONY GAINED. 215 taught him the leading, prominent Eloheim, they will know more in a very points pertaining thereto. And who short time than all this world together taught the Egyptians? Abraham taught know in all their lives and more than all them the science of astronomy, so we the combined intelligence of the world, are informed, by late Egyptologists, and for God is the foundation of all wisdom, revealed unto them the principle con- and the source of all intelligence and cerning the motions of the heavenly bod- knowledge. We are told that Solomon ies. Where did Abraham get his infor- was a wise man. Where did he get his mation from? In reading the history per- wisdom? From God. He prayed to the taining to this matter we are told that Lord to give him wisdom, and the Lord he says of himself that he was a fol- told him that because he had sought wis- lower of righteousness; that he sought dom he should have it, and He would after more righteousness; that he ex- also add unto him the rich treasures of amined the history of his fathers and the earth. traced back his genealogy to the com- I speak of these things for the infor- mencement of the world, and from be- mation of the Latter-day Saints, and to fore the commencement. Afterwards we disabuse your minds in regard to some are told in the same history that the of those principles that men sometimes Lord gave unto him a Urim and Thum- talk about. The world possesses a cer- mim by which he was able to compre- tain amount of knowledge and intelli- hend many things that others did not gence, and it has progressed very rapidly understand, and by which he obtained of late years. We have had many dis- a knowledge of the heavenly bodies and coveries in the arts and sciences and of their motions. Moses was one of the in the researches pertaining to geology, first to illustrate this principle; but Abra- chemistry, etc., but many of their ideas ham, who was before Moses, as also and deductions are perfectly foolish and Joseph, understood it more clearly than ridiculous. We have had the introduction Moses. And in those things wherein of railroads, gas, steamboats, manifesta- the world today are puzzled in regard tions of the power and use of electricity, to the Scriptures, and the six days that etc. Nevertheless, these principles al- are there spoken of, Abraham speaks of ways existed; it needed a development those days as times, epochs, or ages, dif- of them only to bring them into practi- ferent and distinct from the days spo- cal use; and there are thousands of other ken of by Moses, and his record agrees things not yet made known, yet to be de- precisely with many geological facts that veloped, similar to those that have been have puzzled so many of this genera- discovered. In regard to these things, tion. Where did he obtain his knowl- some of them are important, some of edge? From God. Who controls the heav- them are not very important. The intel- ens and the earth? The Gods in the ligence that the world boasts so much of, eternal worlds. Who has implanted cer- is not very profound when you come to tain principles in matter and in all cre- test it by the principles of eternal truth. ation? God has done it. All things are In regard to the action of the subject to these laws; and if men can Congress of the United States, which place themselves under His guidance has been referred to, I want to say and find the way to approach the great to you Saints, you need not trou- 216 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. ble yourselves about it—you need not be and constitutional method to maintain the least concerned about any of these and sustain the principles of human affairs. But they are acting unlawfully. rights in behalf of ourselves, in behalf of That is the worse for them. When the our children, and in behalf of thousands Government begins to break down the and tens of thousands of honorable men safeguards of society, tear in pieces the that live in these United States. We can Constitution of the United States, and very well afford to abide by the Consti- trample under foot the liberties of man, tution of the United States, and to sus- they are only preparing the nation for tain it, and we can afford to believe in an utter overthrow. There are plenty the Bible and to obey its ordinances, and of elements of discord and disintegra- practice them, which they cannot do, and tion all around. Congress should not do not do. As I have said, we can af- be the first to exhibit examples of law- ford to treat all men well, and to pray lessness and the violation of Constitu- for those which despitefully use us and tional rights. However, if they can stand persecute us. Those who are trying to it we can. We need not trouble our despoil us are objects more of sympathy heads about any of these matters; there in my feelings than anything else. I feel is an overruling Providence that controls sorry when I see misrule abound any- the affairs of men and nations. So you where, let it be in this nation or other can rest perfectly easy, you Latter-day nations. God would like to see peace, Saints. We shall continue to do right. union and harmony. For that reason He We will continue to sustain good princi- has introduced the Gospel, and the prin- ple. And what will you do? Just what Je- ciples of intelligence associated with it. sus said. We will do good for evil. What Man is a dual being, he possesses a body else? We will pray for them that despite- and a spirit, and is connected with time fully use us and evilly treat us. Why? and will exist in eternity, and it is for That we may be the children of our Heav- him to understand the nature of his or- enly Father, and act on the same prin- ganism, and his relation to the world in ciple that He does towards the human which he lives, and to God our Heavenly family. Does He act in that way? Yes. Father. What, then, will we do? Why, For he maketh His sun to rise on the evil we will try and live for one another; we and on the good, and sendeth His rain will try and be honest, honorable and vir- on the just and on the unjust. He has in- tuous, no matter what people can say troduced certain laws into the system of about us. Concerning the lying about His government that regulates all things us, we need not trouble our heads. I pertaining to these matters. He does do not think we are much better than not make those little divisions that the Jesus was. The people in His day said United States are trying to make today. He was possessed of devils, and worse He is more philanthropic. He treats all than that, that He cast out devils by the alike, and places all on the same basis. power of Beelzebub, the prince of dev- Then, we will try and operate with Him ils, and they killed Him saying He was and for Him, and in the interests of hu- an impostor and a deceiver, and because manity, and in the protection of human He said He was the Son of God, when rights, and we will try by every legal they knew He was not. And His theology TESTIMONY GAINED. 217 was altogether at fault with the learned claim the truth in these valleys and Rabbis of that day, as ours is with the mountains, and Zion will spread, grow learned Rabbis of this. We cannot help and increase. God will be for Israel, and that. What we know, as Brother John we will sing, Hallelujah! the Lord God Q. Cannon has said, we know for our- Omnipotent reigneth, and He will reign selves. We do not ask any odds of man. I until He has put all enemies under His don't. I know that God lives; I know that feet. Let this people fear God and work He has revealed the truth; I know this righteousness, and I ask no odds of earth is the everlasting Gospel. I know that or hell. God is at the helm. He will man- you Saints, if you are faithful, will se- age things according to the counsels of cure to yourselves an inheritance in the His will. He will say to this nation and celestial kingdom of God; but if you are to other nations, as He did to the proud not true to God and your religion you waves of the ocean, "Hitherto shall thou will not. If you go after the things of come, but no further: and here shall thy the world and depart from the principles proud waves be stayed?" Our safety and of righteousness and trample upon the our defense is in the Lord of Hosts. Let principles of honor, virtue, truth, or in- us put our trust in Him and obey His tegrity, you will not enter that kingdom. laws, and He will bless and sustain us in It is not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, time and throughout the eternities that that shall enter the kingdom of heaven. are to come; and we will try and benefit What shall we do then? We will fear this nation all that we can, and all that and love God and work righteousness, they will let us, and if they will not let and send the Gospel to the nations of the us, we cannot help it. earth, despite the follies, the wickedness God bless you and lead you in the and corruption of men; and we will pro- paths of life. Amen. 218 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY GUARANTEED BY THE CONSTITUTION—NOT MERE FREEDOM OF BELIEF—WHERE THE LINE SHOULD BE DRAWN—NATURAL RIGHTS MUST BE PROTECTED—DANGER OF SPECIAL LEGISLATION—OBJECT OF THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS—ESTABLISHMENT OF GOD'S KINGDOM—LITERAL FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY—RESTORATION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH—AUTHORITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD—LACK OF DIVINE AUTHORITY—PROOFS OF THE DIVINE MISSION OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS—PLURAL MARRIAGE A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION—A BIBLE DOCTRINE—CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO PRACTICE IT.

REMARKSBY ELDER CHARLES W. PENROSE, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JULY 26, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I have been pleased in listening to The first amendment to the Constitu- the remarks of Brother Caine, who has tion of the United States says: "Congress just returned from Washington; glad to shall pass no law respecting an estab- hear that his heart with ours is turned lishment of religion, or prohibiting the toward the truth, and that his desire, free exercise thereof." We understand in common with ours, is to build up the that amendment as it is written. We Kingdom of God in the earth, and to do not wish to interpret it, or to give contend for the rights which belong to to it any meaning other than the plain us as American citizens. Some people language conveys. The language is, seem to imagine because we have em- "That Congress shall pass no law re- braced a doctrine which is not popular in specting an establishment of religion." the world, because we have embraced a With the establishment of religion, then, faith which is contrary to the generally Congress has nothing to do. Congress received notions in regard to religion, cannot set up a religion, nor can it that we ought to have no rights what- pass any law respecting an establish- ever as citizens of our common coun- ment of religion—that is, to prevent its try. We do not look upon the matter in free exercise. There are some people that light. We consider that we have in these latter times who interpret that the right under the Constitution of the amendment to mean that people may United States to believe anything which believe what they please, but it carries seems right to us, and not only to be- with it no freedom of practice. Peo- lieve it, but to carry it out in our prac- ple may believe what seems right to tice, so far as we can do so without in- them, but they must not carry it out if terfering with the rights of other people. it happens to be contrary to the views WHAT THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. 219 of the great majority. Now, it appears to belief in religion? Why, it is certain acts me that that is a very narrow interpreta- men perform prompted by their belief, tion of the meaning of that Amendment prompted by their religion. Suppose a to the Constitution. It appears to us, as man believes it is right to be baptized in it must to the great bulk of the people of water—buried in water for the remission the country—the sovereign people—that of sins—how can he evidence his belief without any constitutional amendment, in that principle? He can only do it in or the passage of any law, people every- the way specified by the Apostle James. where are of themselves free to believe. He says: "Show me thy faith without thy We do not think a law can interfere with works, and I will show thee my faith by belief, even if one were passed for the my works." "But wilt thou know, O vain purpose of interfering with it. A man's man, that faith without works is dead?" belief cannot be controlled by any Act of That is the only way in which faith can Congress or of Parliament. No edict of be truly shown—by works. If I believe a government or any other lawmaking that baptism is right I evidence my be- body can interfere with my freedom of lief by being baptized, and if I am not belief. When a proposition is placed be- baptized it either shows that my faith is fore my mind, and I reflect upon it, and it very weak or that it does not exist: that I appears to be correct, my mind receives have not the courage of my faith, or else it and I believe it. Sometimes persons be- that I do not believe at all. lieve in spite of themselves. Sometimes a Now, we consider that we have a per- man will believe a thing in spite of his fect right under the Constitution of our own desires not to believe. Then this country to believe what seems right to faith cannot be controlled by any person us, and then to carry it out. "Well," outside of the man himself, and some- someone may say, "do you think there times he cannot control it himself. No should be no restriction to this? Are peo- edict or law, or any power of man on the ple to be protected in any kind of reli- earth can alter a man's belief, or pre- gion they may have? Suppose a man vent him from believing. A law can be were to come here from India who be- enacted to prevent the carrying of that lieved it a religious duty, under some cir- belief into practice; but it cannot inter- cumstances, to strangle a man, would fere with belief, and it needs no amend- he have the right under the Constitu- ment to the Constitution, no enactment tion of the United States, to strangle? of Congress or of any lawmaking body on Again, there are people who believe it earth, to protect a man in mere belief. is right, in India, to burn a widow on Then it is clear to us that the intention the funeral pile, that her spirit may be was, that a man should have not only sent to keep company with her husband the right to believe, but that he should be in the other world. Would that person, protected in the free exercise of that be- or those persons have the right, under lief. As the language states, Congress is the Constitution of the United States, to not to pass any law respecting an estab- carry out their belief in this country?" We lishment of religion, nor prohibit the free say no. We say that the Thug has no exercise thereof. What is the exercise of right here to practice his faith. We say the Suttee could not be established in 220 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. this country. "Why not? You believe it as the Gentile—all people alike in this is right under some circumstances for great country must be protected equally a man to have more wives than one, in these natural rights which belong to and that those who thus believe are pro- them. tected by the Constitution in the prac- Here, then, is where the line must tice of their religion. Why should not be drawn. Anything that persons pro- those who believe it right to strangle, or fess to do under the name of religion, to burn widows, have the right to prac- which interferes with the rights of oth- tice their religion under the Constitu- ers is wrong, and the secular law may tion of the United States?" The dividing step in and protect the citizens and re- line is very simple, as truth generally strain or punish those people who at- is. It is very easy to be drawn. It is to tempt to do this under the plea of reli- be drawn in consonance with the spirit gion. If I do anything which interferes of the Declaration of Independence, and with the life, the liberty, the happiness, with the principles that underlie our gov- or the property of my neighbor, the law ernment. In the Declaration of Indepen- has a right to step in and protect my dence it is laid down that there are cer- neighbor and restrain me. But if my tain rights that cannot be alienated, that religion—that which I believe to be true, are natural, that are inherent, that are and which I try to carry out as a part of not imparted by governments: they do my faith—does not interfere with human not belong to politics, but they are inher- rights, does not infringe in any degree ent in the individual—the right to life, upon the rights of my fellow man, nei- the right to liberty, the right to property, ther Congress, nor any other lawmaking and the right to the pursuit of happiness. power on the face of the earth, has the These rights are inalienable. They be- right to interfere with me under the Con- long to every individual. They are not stitution of the country. I have a right to conferred by law. They belong to us. the exercise of my religion so long as it They are born in us. They belong to does not infringe upon the rights of other every person who breathes the breath people. There is where we draw the line, of life. Then, an act of any individ- and we think it is the right place. And ual or any government which infringes we are standing up, not only for our own upon these natural rights is wrong in rights in this respect, but for the rights and of itself. If any individual inter- of all people upon the face of this land. feres with the rights of his fellow men As has been said by Brother Caine, this he may be restrained by the secular afternoon, in passing certain enactments law. The right to life, and to liberty, which infringe upon our religious liber- and to the pursuit of happiness, and to ties, the Congress of the United States property belong to all individuals alike. is doing something that will come back One body of people professing one faith upon the very individuals who have been must not interfere with the rights of any trying to establish this principle or to other body of people professing another enact these laws. Because, we may be faith. The Latter-day Saints, as well the society or body aimed at today, and as the Latter-day sinners, the Methodist tomorrow another sect or party or body as well as the Catholic, the Jew as well may be aimed at by the same enact- ments which are passed against us, and WHAT THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. 221 perhaps will hold good in both directions. but it has been revealed to us in our own It is a poor rule that only works one way. day and time. God has broken the si- It may be found convenient today to sin- lence of ages. That same God that spoke gle out the "Mormons," because they are to the prophets of old, whose record we unpopular, for special legislation; but in have in the Old Testament, and who sent a little time some other religious body in His Son Jesus Christ in the meridian of this country may have the same inimical time to die for the sins of the world— legislation applied to them, to bear down that same God that inspired the Apos- upon them with greater weight than it tles of Jesus Christ in their great works does upon us. You cannot violate a prin- has Himself spoken from heaven in our ciple of truth without receiving very bad own day, and angels have come down consequences. Those who attempt to do from the courts of glory with a message that will be sure to reap the fruit of of life and salvation for the inhabitants their labors at some time or other. And of the earth. This Church, this sys- when the Congress of the United States tem, this organization to which we be- commences to move away the foundation long has not been set up by the wis- stones of the system that the fathers of dom of man, but has been set up by this nation built up, they are working on the power of God, by the command of very dangerous ground, and the conse- the Almighty, and has been sustained by quences thereof will not be confined to him up to the present time. All the ef- the few people against whom these mea- forts which are made to break it down sures are made. It is the duty of ev- will only tend to build it up. Every ery patriot, of every man who loves his law the United States may pass with country, and of every woman who loves the intent to disintegrate this work, to her country, to do their part in prevent- divide the people, to crush the power ing the passage of such enactments as that exists in the midst of the Latter- these, and in vindicating the principles day Saints, will only tend to consoli- and doctrines which enter into the Con- date the people, to bind them closer to- stitution of our beloved country. So we gether, to make their faith more intense, are standing up not only for our own their convictions more certain, and to rights, but for the rights of others, and make their determination more persis- this is one of the duties enjoined upon us tent. That will be the effect. God is work- by our Heavenly Father. ing with this people, and has worked with them from the beginning. And this, We have been brought from the vari- as we have heard this afternoon, is not ous parts of the earth into these moun- a mere matter of faith. We have seen so tain valleys that we may establish a sys- many proofs of an overruling power, and tem of religion which has been revealed manifestations of special providence, as from heaven, which our Heavenly Fa- a people and as individuals, in answer ther has committed to us. We have to our prayers, that we know that God not taken this religion from any of the lives, that God answers prayer, that God sacred books that are in existence; we Almighty is with the Latter-day Saints have not concocted this system from the while they keep His commandments and Bible, or from any other religious work; do His will, and that He will overrule 222 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. for good all the evil which is intended sit upon the throne of His Father David against us. and reign and rule from the rivers to This work is established for the pur- the end of the earth, so that all nations, pose of bringing about His designs in re- kindreds, tongues and people shall serve gard to this earth upon which we live. and obey Him. Now, we look for the com- The earth is the Lord's and the fullness ing of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we ex- thereof. The cattle on a thousand hills pect it just as much as when the sun goes are His. The silver and the gold be- down we expect it to rise above the hill- long to Him, and the life of all mankind tops in the morning. And when He comes is in His hands. He is Lord over all, we expect it will be Himself—Jesus of blessed forever, and it is His right to rule Nazareth, our Elder Brother, the first- and regulate and control all things on born of God in the spirit world, the Only the face of this globe. Jesus Christ His Begotten of God in the flesh. We ex- beloved Son has been here. He dwelt pect that He will come and reign over the on the earth for a time and performed earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the work allotted to Him, by which he and we expect that all kingdoms, all gov- obtained all power and sits at the right ernments, and all institutions that men hand of the Father; and the time is com- have set up will be broken down, and as ing when He will stand on the earth, es- Nebuchadnezzar saw them in the vision tablish His government and dominion, which Daniel interpreted, they will be- extending it from pole to pole and from come as the chaff of the summer thresh- shore to shore, and the kingdoms of this ingfloor, and be swept away, and no place world will become the kingdom of our found for them upon the face of the whole God and His Christ; not in some figu- earth; because the Kingdom of God and rative, mystical, spiritual sense, but re- of His Christ will prevail everywhere, ally and truly as a matter of fact. The and it will cover the earth. For it is Savior, as foretold by the prophets, came the kingdom that was spoken of by the upon the earth literally and truly. He Prophets, and we are told that "the king- was hung upon the cross, and His spirit dom and the dominion, and the great- left His body. He was laid in the tomb, ness of the kingdom under the whole but He was raised again from the dead, heavens"—that is over all the earth, is not in a spiritual sense, or some mythi- it not?—shall be His kingdom and shall cal sense, but really and truly His body "be given into the hands of the peo- was raised from the dead. In that body ple of the saints of the most High, and He appeared to His disciples, and went their kingdom shall be an everlasting up from their gaze, saying that in like kingdom." Now, we expect the fulfill- manner he would descend again. And ment of all these things, and when they His promises are that when he shall come to pass they will occur just as they come the second time, it shall not be as are written, like other prophecies have the babe of Bethlehem, despised and re- been accomplished. When Isaiah proph- jected, a man of sorrows and acquainted esied that "a virgin should conceive, and with grief; nor to be persecuted by His bear a son" and that they should "call own, but that He shall come in the clouds his name Immanuel," the prophet meant of heaven in power and great glory to what he said, and it came to pass; WHAT THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. 223 and all the predictions in regard to the literally and truly, and ordained men second coming, as it is called, the second to the same authority and apostleship advent of the Messiah, and the establish- which they held while living in the flesh. ment of God's Kingdom and government That is how the apostleship has been on the earth, will be fulfilled exactly as restored. That authority exists in this the prophets have predicted. There is no Church, and it will never be taken away need to mystify, nor to spiritualize, nor again. That which is called by the to explain them, they will come to pass Latter-day Saints the Priesthood, is the word for word; for "Heaven and earth authority given of God to men to act may pass away, but not one jot or tittle of in His name, so that what they do by the word of God shall pass away; it shall His authority and in the way that He all be fulfilled." has appointed on the earth shall be ac- knowledged in heaven—that which they Now, this Church of Jesus Christ of seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven Latter-day Saints to which we belong is and that which they loose on earth shall established by the Almighty for the ex- be loosed in heaven. It must be done press purpose of opening up the way for as God directs, according to the reve- the accomplishment of this great work. lations of His will. But this authority, In this Church is the germ of that king- this right, this power from God exists in dom that Daniel saw. The Church of Je- this Church, as it existed in the ancient sus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set up Church, because it has been actually re- by the power of God, by the authority stored by the very men who held the keys of the Most High, is exactly the same of it. And really, after all, it is that that Church that Jesus Christ built up—that the world is fighting. All these plans and is, the same in all its essential princi- schemes, all that legislation and these ples; the same organization, the same influences that are brought to bear on kind of officers, the same doctrines, the this Church, upon this system called by same in its spirit, the same in its ordi- the world "Mormonism," is brought to nances, the same in the power that at- bear in consequence of the restoration of tends those ordinances, doctrines, prin- that power and that authority. It is the ciples and commandments as were re- authority of the kingdom. It is here to vealed to the ancient Church. It is gov- stay. It is here to prevail. First it will erned just exactly in the same way that preach the Gospel of the kingdom as a the church which Jesus Christ estab- witness to all nations; it will then gather lished when he was upon the earth was together the elect of God from the four governed. Every principle which was quarters of the earth; it will build tem- taught by the ancient Apostles in their ples to the name of the Most High God in time is taught by the latter-day Apos- which men can administer in ordinances tles in their time. And the Apostles that pertain to the salvation of the living in our day have the same authority or and the redemption of the dead. It will Priesthood, as it is called, that the Apos- accomplish all that has been predicted tles had in their time whom Jesus or- by the prophets concerning the Latter- dained; because those that held the keys day Kingdom. of that apostleship in the earth in for- Now, this is the kind of work in mer times have come down to the earth, which we are engaged. It has been 224 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. introduced by the Almighty to bring authorized of God. You can trace them about all those grand events that we all to their origin, and find that that ori- read about in the writings of the old gin is human in its nature. They have prophets that have not yet been fulfilled; not come from God, they have come from there are a great many things contained men, some of them good men, perhaps. in the Old Testament that people pay lit- Men have met together and formulated tle attention to nowadays. They have an creeds and organized societies, and these idea of things coming to pass in some societies have grown and spread abroad, spiritual fashion, or some mythical, mys- and after a while have become orthodox tical kind of way; they don't know exactly in the earth. At first they were perse- how; and it is the business of certain cuted and opposed, but as they grew in men who are hired to preach the Gospel, wealth as well as in numbers they made to make mysterious explanations of pas- a name and a noise and became a power sages of Scripture, which they manage to in the earth, and are recognized and un- cover up, and succeed in confusing the derstood as orthodox sects. But there is people more than before the expounding not one of them ordained of God. They was attempted. Nevertheless, all those are not set up by divine command, and predictions that refer to events that are their ministers have not been divinely to take place in the earth in the latter authorized to preach the Gospel, nor to days will all come to pass as they are administer in the things of the Kingdom. written, and this work, this Church of There may be and no doubt are men Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this among them preaching that which they thing called "Mormonism" has been in- believe to be true. But a man's belief is troduced by the Almighty for the express not authority. A man may believe a thing purpose of bringing these things about; to be right, but that does not give him au- that is why it is universally opposed. All thority to represent God in that matter. these different sects of modern Chris- A man may believe it is right to sprin- tendom are like the sects of heathen- kle a babe and call that baptism. But dom, without communication from the even supposing it is right—though it is eternal world. They receive no revela- not—the fact that he believes it is right tion from God. Their ministers have no would not give him the authority to ad- authority except that which they obtain minister, because he does it "in the name from their congregations. Many of them of the Father and of the Son and of the do not pretend to have any other, when Holy Ghost," and he has no right to take you press them closely. They preach these names upon his lips in vain, and he those tenets which the people believe does take them upon his lips in vain un- and which are acceptable to the people— less he has been authorized to use these each minister of each sect preaching that names. No man has any more right to which the members desire to hear. All use the name of Deity in the adminis- these different sects contain many good tration of an ordinance, without author- people who are trying to do right, try- ity, than a common citizen, without au- ing to serve God, and a great many oth- thority, has the right to use the name ers that are hypocrites. But as sects, and pretend to be the representative of as societies, as churches, they are not the Government of the United States, WHAT THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. 225 or of Great Britain, or of Germany; not a tions, in its power, that the Apostles bit. But men seem to think because God conferred upon the people by the lay- does not interfere, that they have a right ing on of hands in the early Christian to do a great many things that he never Church, and that rested down upon the commanded, and do them in the name old prophets by which they wrote the of the Father, and of the Son, and of the things called scripture: the same spirit Holy Ghost. that Jesus Christ had without measure; Now, as I said just now, the author- that spirit that He gave to His Apos- ity to administer in the things of God's tles when He breathed upon them and Church has been restored in the way said: "Peace be unto you: as my Father that I have told you. That is why we hath sent me, even so send I you * * claim the right in this Church to admin- Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" that same ister these ordinances, and that is why spirit that was upon them on the day of we lay down the broad assertion that Pentecost; that spirit which manifested outside of this Church there is no au- itself to the Church in Corinth by the thority in the world to administer in the gift of tongues, interpretations, visions, name of the Lord. If there is such author- dreams, healings and miracles, and all ity, let those who claim to have it, show those signs which Jesus Christ promised their credentials and prove where they to them that believed. These are mani- obtained their authority from. Now, in fest in the midst of the Latter-day Saints; this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day this spirit, this power, is revealed to Saints not only is this authority restored, them and communicated to them. Not and those same doctrines, principles and merely to the Presidency and the Twelve ordinances which were had in the early Apostles, and other leading Elders, but Christian Church also restored, but ac- to each individual, to every person who companying these are the same spirit believes and repents and is baptized, and and gifts and manifestations and power upon whom the hands are laid of those that existed in the ancient Church. And having authority from God to adminis- here is one of the great proofs of the truth ter in His name. Now, these men might of that which I have advanced to you: claim this authority and be impostors; Wherever the servants of God connected for the world has been full of impostors, with this Church and holding this au- and there are plenty of them nowadays— thority go into the world—and they go religious impostors; these men might out without purse or scrip and adminis- claim to have this authority, but they ter: there are no salaried preachers in could not communicate this power, the this Church—wherever they go and pro- Holy Ghost. But wherever people receive claim this Gospel they tell the people this doctrine, and obey it in the spirit of that if they will believe on the Lord Jesus it, their testimony is, in every land, in ev- Christ, and repent of their sins, and be ery corner of the earth, wherever the ser- baptized for the remission of sins, they vants of God have penetrated, that they shall receive the Holy Ghost, through have received for themselves by revela- the laying on of hands; and that this tion, by the Holy Ghost from on high, a Holy Ghost that shall be given to them is testimony that this work is the work of the same spirit exactly in its manifesta- 226 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

God, and that these men are His ser- Of course there are exceptions to this. vants. That is why they are here. That There are men and women among us, is why they are gathered in these val- like there are in all denominations, who leys of the mountains. They are here will not hearken to good advice and because they have received the truth, do right. Notwithstanding the promise and a knowledge of it, because they have made by every man and woman that received the ordinances of the Church comes into this Church to be holy and and obtained the power that accompa- righteous, true and faithful, and to avoid nies them; because God has witnessed sin, there are some who will not be bound to them individually, that He has spoken by their solemn obligations, nor abide from the heavens, that He has reestab- their covenants with one another. And lished His Church, and that the time has those who will break promises with each come for the building up of the latter- other are very likely to break promises day Kingdom and the establishment of made with God Almighty. But as a body God's dominion in all the earth, and they we are a united, thrifty, temperate and are called to help in the work; not only sober people, and we try to do that which the Apostles and Priesthood, but all the we consider to be right. We may make members of the Church are called to take mistakes like other people: but as a body a part in the work. And here we are, in of people we are on the straight and nar- these mountain valleys, bound together row way, the one path to the celestial city, as a band of brethren—not by the power and we desire to turn neither to the right of man, not by the coercion of man, not hand nor to the left. Those who walked by oppression, not by arbitrary rules, but in that path in ancient times were told by the spirit and power of the Eternal by Jesus Christ that they would be op- God, sent down from on high, which has posed by the world, that the world would been shed abroad universally upon the hate them. "If ye were of the world, the members of the Church. This is our tes- world would love his own: but because timony to the world. ye are not of the world, but I have cho- We know that God lives. We know sen you out of the world, therefore the that there are "special providences" of world hateth you." We have been called God. We know that this work will pre- out of the world in the same way. We vail. We know that all these adverse are called with a special calling, and plans and schemes of men, either from we have a special mission to perform. individuals or from nations, will only There is not a soul in this Church but tend to roll on this work, and bring has a mission. We are called out of the about the purposes of the Almighty in world to be the people of the Lord, to the midst of the children of men. That be Saints of the Most High, to conse- is why we have so much confidence. crate and dedicate ourselves body and It is not because we think so much of soul, with all that we have—the fruits ourselves. We do not profess to be a of the labors of our hands, the fruits of great people, except in our unity—in the efforts of our minds—to the work that we are great—except in our indus- in which we are engaged, the work of try, temperance and sobriety, for we are the Great God in the earth, He using a temperate, sober and thrifty people. us as instruments. This is the kind of WHAT THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. 227 people we are. This is the kind of people And it is stated that the iniquity of man the world are opposed to. was great, and God brought a flood on Now, in regard to that feature of the earth. Now, to understand that cor- our faith that they make so much rectly we have to know what kind of posi- fuss about—a right we claim under the tion those persons were in, and why they Constitution of the United States, and were called the "sons of God." Those men against which laws have been passed in were in the same position as the Latter- Congress, framed to prevent our carry- day Saints. They were heirs to the ing out the commandments of God in re- Priesthood. They were the sons of God. gard to our family relations—that fea- They had obeyed the holy covenants. ture seems to upset the equilibrium of They had received the word of the Lord. our "Christian" friends. What is the mat- They were consecrated to the Almighty. ter? "Why, you believe in men having But they went outside of their covenants more wives than one." Yes, some men, and their engagement with the Lord, good men. We don't believe that a bad and took wives of the daughters of men man should have a wife at all. None but that were not in the covenant, and thus the good deserve the fair. And we be- transgressed the law of God. The law lieve that righteous men, virtuous men, of God in relation to this has been the men that would not improperly use any same in all ages, and has been given power or faculty of their nature, ought to this people—that the sons of Israel to be permitted to have wives and raise shall wed the daughters of Israel, and up a holy posterity and train their chil- shall not go out to wed with the stranger. dren in the ways of virtue, honesty and These men did that, and God was dis- uprightness. We do not believe it is right pleased, as He is today with Latter-day for men to give way to their animal pas- Saints, who are called out of the world sions. We do not believe it is right to to be His servants, to be holy unto the do so either in plural or single marriage Lord, to be clean because they bear the or outside of it. We believe marriage vessels of the Lord, when they go out- to be an holy estate, ordained of God, side and wed with the stranger. The law with which Congress has not the right to is that they shall not do this, but shall interfere. It is a religious matter with wed under the everlasting covenant and us. It is a holy ordinance established by have their wives given them of the Lord the Eternal Father. We claim that the and sealed to them by an holy ordi- women of the Church are the daughters nance revealed from heaven, in a holy of God, and God has some right as to place prepared for the purpose—sealed their disposition. We do not believe it is for time and all eternity, so that death right for a man to pick and choose where shall not be able to break the bond of he likes, and do as he pleases indepen- union; that though death may separate dent of God Almighty. We read in the them for a little season when they come Old Testament that, "When men began up in the resurrection, there will be no to multiply on the face of the earth, and need to marry or give in marriage, be- daughters were born unto them, That cause they were married on the earth the sons of God saw the daughters of by authority of God Almighty for time men that they were fair; and they took and all eternity, just like Adam and them wives of all which they chose." Eve were, for God gave Eve to Adam 228 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. before death came into the world. We would put him in jail! Well, this is the believe that good men, who have demon- consistency of some people who profess strated their fitness for the responsibili- to believe in the Bible. Men come here ties of holy wedlock, may, under the di- to try and sell the Latter-day Saints the rection of the Lord, obtain more wives Bible. Why, bless your souls, there are than one, may have them sealed to them no people on the earth who believe as by the same covenant and by the same much in the Bible as the "Mormons." We bond, to be their wives in the eternal believe in the Old and New Testament, world; and they expect when they de- King James' translation. It was through part hence to go where Abraham is—to our belief in that record that most of us that place that is called Abraham's bo- became Latter-day Saints; for, being fa- som. There they will be in congenial miliar with the Bible, when the servants company. They will verify the words of of God came with the Gospel we found it Jesus, who said, "Many shall come from was the same as laid down in that sacred the east and from the west, and from record, and that induced us to embrace the north and from the south, and shall the faith that is commonly called "Mor- sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Ja- monism." cob in the kingdom of God;" while oth- Well, now, this feature of our faith ers who supposed themselves to be "the to which I have alluded—I have not the children of the kingdom" will be "thrust time to comment upon it in all its bear- out." And I am afraid that a great many ings, and a great many people would not of our good Christian friends who are so understand it if I did—is a divine insti- terribly shocked about this feature of our tution. Let me bear my testimony to this faith, when they get to the door and look congregation, as I would like to bear it in and see Abraham and Sarah and Ha- to all the world, that it is a pure and gar and Keturah, and those concubines holy institution; not to bring women into given of the Lord to Abraham—when bondage, but to place them in that posi- they see them in the eternal kingdom tion for which they were created—to give they will want to turn away and go to them the opportunity to become hon- more congenial company, which they are ored wives and mothers, so that there at perfect liberty to do. If Abraham was might be "no margin left for lust to prey on the earth today, these same good peo- upon," no field for the tricks of the se- ple would put him in the penitentiary, ducer and the adulterer, the corrupt and and yet they call Abraham "the father the ungodly. God Almighty has estab- of the faithful, the Friend of God," and lished this system. It is a religious or- want to go to his bosom when they die! dinance established by authority from If Jacob were here with his four wives, God, by revelation from on high and ad- through whom he "did build the house of ministered by religious ceremonies. It Israel," the names of whose twelve sons belongs to this Priesthood and to none are to be inscribed upon the gates of the other. We are not seeking to extend it holy city, the New Jerusalem, that is to to the world nor to introduce it to other come down from God out of heaven like people. It is confined to the Priesthood. a bride adorned for her husband—I say It is "a law unto my Holy Priesthood," if Jacob were on the earth today, they saith the Lord, and there are bounds, WHAT THE CONSTITUTION GUARANTEES. 229 limitations and regulations over which of the Lord. The Constitution of our we cannot pass. And it is not for the country was revealed of God. God has wicked. made known to us that He inspired the Now, then, in this sense, looking upon framers of the Constitution, and caused this as a religious institution, as a sacra- that instrument to be brought forth, so ment, as an ordinance of our faith, as a that all people might be protected in part of our creed, as an establishment their rights. We claim the same rights of our religion, we claim the right to the as other folks, and no more. We have re- free exercise thereof before God and be- ceived this principle of our faith in con- fore man. If anybody can prove to us nection with many more, and we claim that it is wrong, that it is impure, that that if we do not infringe upon the rights its effects are bad for this world or the of others we should have liberty in the world to come, that would be another exercise thereof. If a man was per- thing altogether, and would have its ef- mitted to force some woman to be his fect with us, because as members of this wife, or to interfere with his neighbor's Church we are in for truth, for salvation, wife, or infringe upon the rights of an- for the glory of our God. We want to at- other man, then the secular law might tain to the celestial kingdom. We want step in and interfere. But while the to fit ourselves for the society of the holy woman is free—no woman among us is ones, the society of the best that ever coerced, no woman is placed in bondage, lived upon the face of the earth, and for every woman is at liberty to marry or that we are Latter-day Saints. If men not marry—while that is the case we could prove to us that we are wrong, then do not think that the law has any right they might have some chance of convert- to interfere; and we intend to contend ing us. But when they trample upon for our rights inch by inch, lawfully, re- our inalienable rights, upon our constitu- spectfully; but in this we are as firm as tional privileges, upon our religious lib- these everlasting mountains that are not erty, why, then, we feel like resisting. moved by the blasts of winter or the heat But we are not going to fight. We nat- of summer. This is the work of God, and urally repel the assaults against us, but woe! be unto us if we do not preach it is in the way of defense. Our motto, the Gospel! Woe! be unto us if we re- like that of the volunteers in London, is, linquish or attempt to sell or barter or "Defense, not Defiance." We defend our compromise one of the eternal principles rights and privileges against all attacks, that have been sent down from the heav- and in doing so we are standing up for ens and which we have to carry to the the rights of all the people of this great ends of the earth! But if we are faithful country. For if you tear away the under- to our mission and calling, if we stand pinning from the structure the fathers firm and true, and regard God rather established, the whole institution may than man, God shall fight our battles. come down with a crash. I tell you we Everything that seems to be against us have got to watch for these things, and will be turned for our good. The clouds this is part of our mission. We must that overshadow us from time to time preach the Gospel and build up the King- will part and roll away, and the glorious dom of God, and contend for our consti- sun of prosperity will shine upon us. If tutional rights, because they are given 230 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. we are true and faithful God Almighty established this work, and He will cause will overrule all things for our good, it to prevail. I bear my testimony that I and bring us off more than conquerors. know this to be true. And every nation and people and in- stitution and society that fight against Zion shall become like the dream of May God bless the Latter-day Saints a night vision—it will pass away; and and unite their hearts that they may be those men that fight against this work one. May they be able to keep those pre- will be, as the prophet said, "Even as cious things in earthen vessels that God when a hungry man dreameth, and, be- Almighty has committed to them. If they hold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and have found the Pearl of Great Price may his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty they value it above all earthly things, man dreameth, and, behold, he drin- and endure every opposition and every keth; but he awaketh, and, behold, he influence brought to bear against them is faint, and his soul hath appetite." So and come off triumphant; and may God it will be with all who fight against this bless those who have gathered with us work and try to overthrow it. Not be- this afternoon, and give them a knowl- cause we are mightier than anybody else, edge of the truth of this work, that they not because we are so numerous, not be- may enjoy its blessings with us and be cause we are learned, not because we are saved in the Kingdom of God, for Christ's wealthy, but because God Almighty has sake. Amen.

TEMPLES THE GATES OF HEAVEN—FEELINGS AND REFLECTIONS—AROUND IN THE TEMPLE—THE WORK BEFORE THE SAINTS—SAYINGS OF THE SAVIOR AS TO MARRIAGE IN THE RESURRECTION EXPLAINED—GLORIOUS HOPES INSPIRED BY THE GOSPEL—ENOCH AND HIS CITY—THE THREE NEPHITES AND JOHN.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE FRANKLIN D.RICHARDS, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE, LOGAN,CACHE COUNTY,SATURDAY AFTERNOON (QUARTERLY CONFERENCE),MAY 17, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I scarcely know how to find words of those extraordinary occasions on to express the feelings which occupy which the Priesthood of the Church my bosom at this time. This is one of the last dispensation are gathered THE OBJECT OF TEMPLES. 231 together; a great thanksgiving day for becomes like the opening up of the gate God's people. It is an assemblage of of heaven unto us, that we may view by the authorities of the Church from the the eye of faith, and by the light of the Stakes of Zion. They have come together Holy Spirit, that portion of the family to rejoice, to give God thanks, to praise of God with whom we have before asso- and to magnify His name because an- ciated, and with whom we expect to be other great and peculiar blessing is be- hereafter associated in greater and more stowed upon His people—that of erect- glorious labors in His eternal kingdom ing, completing and furnishing another here upon the earth; when sickness, sor- house unto the Lord, and of dedicating it row, sin and death shall be cleansed from unto Him. the face of it, and when life, salvation, The Temples, the houses of our God, peace and faith shall, as the fruits of the when acceptably dedicated, become to Spirit, be poured out upon all flesh. us the gates of heaven. They are es- While in the Temple with the chief teemed most holy unto the Lord of all authorities of the Church and Kingdom places upon the earth; therein the faith- of God—which has now extended its op- ful approach nearest unto God, and ob- erations and its labors to every conti- tain the greatest fellowship and inspi- nent, almost every mainland, and many ration of His Holy Spirit. There the islands of the sea—the reflection came righteous perform ordinances that reach forcibly to my mind that there are repre- into the heavens and take effect upon sented in our midst this day people from their dead whom they love, whom they either Indies, from the Antipodes, and have loved, and who have gone before— from the various nations of the earth; not to whom they owe a debt of gratitude, for less than twenty-five or thirty nation- their parentage—the authors of their be- alities, languages, tongues and peoples ing and education in the flesh; who have are represented among us. The impres- gone unto that other state of spiritual ex- sion was irresistible that the fellowship istence. It is fitting on such occasions of the heavens was near us, that our Sav- that the Presidents and Bishops, with ior the Lord Jesus Christ was near, and their Counselors, should come from the that His Spirit was largely in the midst four quarters of the earth, if the knowl- of the congregation; that the spirit of our edge of the Gospel and the organization ancient fathers, Adam, Noah and Abra- of the Stakes of Zion had extended so far. ham, the father of the faithful, who the The dedication of the Temple this Revelations inform us has entered into morning awakens anew in our souls a his exaltation and sits upon his throne, heavenly, family feeling. It arouses in were all earnestly interested in our of- us an interest that reaches not only fering and dedication of this Temple to over the extent of the work here upon the Most High God. The impression the earth, but into the regions of eter- was constantly with me that we were nal life in the spirit world. It in- in the presence of the Prophet Joseph, spires a feeling that we are part of them his brother Hyrum, and others who and that they are part of us, knowing had gone before, such as Brother David that we cannot be made perfect with- W. Patten, as well as Brigham, Heber, out them, nor they without us. And it Willard, and others of the Apostles and 232 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. worthies—that their spirits must have sweet fellowship of the Spirit, the glori- been present with us hallowing our re- ous promises and prospects for the fu- flections, imparting their peaceful in- ture, all draw from the fountain of our fluence and truthful inspiration to our souls our best emotions, our strongest souls. Our spirits were awakened to a faith, our brightest hopes, our most glo- profound sense of thankfulness that we rious anticipations. had been enabled to take another so im- I have reflected upon the days of an- portant a step of advancement in the tri- cient Israel, and wondered at their deca- umphant progress of the great Latter- dence, when they had arrived at the day work. height of glory and eminence. Solomon, their king, stood vastly above all the We are sensible that the heavenly kings of the surrounding nations; he sat powers are moved on these occasions, safely on his throne, for God sustained and we know that the Saints on earth him there, until he departed from His are. Indeed there is no theme that en- counsels and commandments. Oh, what gages the human mind, and that reaches a terrible thing to happen to God's peo- into the innermost recesses thereof as ple, or to any of His servants! What does Temple building, and the ideas as- was it that turned the scale and started sociated with that work and the pur- the decay of that nation? It was sim- poses for which they are used. It is ply because their ruler put forth his this that animates the bosoms of the hand and took to himself wives of other righteous and brings forth sentiments nations, that God had commanded him and emotions from the fountains of their not to. This was the beginning of souls, inspiring them with fresh resolu- the great mischief that came upon Is- tions to faith and good works. I thank rael, and one mischief led to another; the living God and praise His holy name they persuaded him to attend the sac- that I have lived to see His work progress rifices and worship of their idolatrous thus far upon the earth. I am thankful gods, as the Lord told him they would for the privilege of meeting with so many do, until the family of Israel had come of my brethren in the Priesthood. to follow the example of their king— It is a pleasing thought, a glorious marrying strange women and worship- truth, that while we are here together ping strange gods, which brought them in our persons, we are also united in down to that terrible degradation that spirit, we are firmly united, so far as we their temple, which was built in wis- know, in our belief in the principles of the dom, strength and beauty most glori- Gospel, and in all the labors assigned to ous, and which was acknowledged at us severally to perform. I do not recollect its dedication by the presence and glory to have ever read in the Bible history of of God, had become polluted and de- God's people on the earth, when His ser- graded to a den of thieves. The Lord vants and His people wrought together, told them that their doom was sealed, with greater unanimity of faith or with and that in regard to the Temple, there a more generous use of their means than should not be left one stone upon an- now in all the labors and duties that de- other to tell where it stood. O, what terri- volve upon them. The favorable condi- ble consequences have followed through tions attending us as a people, the peace the ages until today! Even un- and plenty there is in the land—the til now, that nation is afflicted and THE OBJECT OF TEMPLES. 233 distressed. While it is well with us here, their dead, as well as for themselves; and we are enjoying all these blessings, but it remains for those recent men and it is but right, I think, that we should women now upon the earth and that ask our Father in heaven that the day shall come upon the earth to perform of their affliction and sorrow may soon this labor. come to an end, and that they may come, My brethren and sisters, there is be- as we have come, with obedient hearts to fore us that which draws upon our faith help build up Zion and Jerusalem. and upon our prospective ambition and Our work is at present but small. knowledge of Gospel labor clear back It is but the beginning, the germina- to the days of the ancients. The Lord tion of the wonderfully strange work has given us intimations in regard to that is to affect the whole habitable all these things, and He will continue to globe, and not only those that are on reveal all things necessary to be made the earth now, but all that have dwelt known by which His great purposes shall here or that shall come to dwell upon be brought about. Great and glorious is it, until the earth shall be made anew, His work! The work of the resurrection and all things thereon pronounced new is not far off. I am fully persuaded of this, again from God. Although Israel had at- and have reflected sometimes concerning tained to great eminence and glory in it, with an earnest desire. Never in all the earth, yet they were brought into my ministry have I talked much about subjection to other nations because of the resurrection; but the Lord has man- their transgressions, and though Christ ifested some things concerning it, and I came to be their deliverer, they received would like to allude to them. Him not—and their Temple was not re- It is a popular sentiment among pro- stored to those glorious and exalted pur- fessing Christians generally, and it is poses and uses for which it was intended; believed also by many of the Saints— then what have been the consequences? because of a certain saying the Savior The Savior told them what would come made use of to the Sadducees on a par- to pass. "Behold," said he, "I send ticular occasion—that, in neither of the unto you prophets, and wise men and resurrections is there to be any marrying scribes: and some of them ye shall kill or giving in marriage. This is a mistaken and crucify; and some of them shall ye idea. We are nowhere informed that the scourge in your synagogues: That upon Savior ever said any such thing or enter- you may come all the righteous blood tained any such doctrine. He taught the shed upon the earth, etc." What a ter- doctrine of the resurrection, saying that rible consequence! If they could have He was the resurrection and the life, and but hearkened to His word, walked in that the day will come when all they that the way of the Lord, continued in its are in their graves shall hear His voice holy course, and believed in the Savior and shall come forth. It was because He when He came, then they might have taught this doctrine that the Sadducees been engaged in this work of redeem- sought to entangle and confuse Him con- ing their dead back to the beginning of cerning this principle by bringing up the world, and there would have been a the case of the woman who married a mighty work done by that generation for man and he died without any children, 234 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. then because he died childless she mar- ing, "For in the resurrection they neither ried his brother, which was according to marry, nor are given in marriage, but are the law of Moses, he also died without as the angels of God in heaven." Luke children, and so on, each of the brothers the Evangelist, stating this case in his marrying her, until the seven brothers 20th chapter, says: "The children of this had her to wife, and last of all the woman world marry, and are given in marriage: died also. But they which shall be accounted wor- These Sadducees did not believe in thy to obtain that world, and the resur- any resurrection, and they thought to be rection from the dead, neither marry, nor very crafty with the Savior, so they put are given in marriage: Neither can they the question squarely to Him: "Therefore die any more: for they are equal unto in the resurrection whose wife shall she the angels; and are the children of God, be of the seven? for they all had her." being the children of the resurrection." They evidently thought they had caught If we refer to the glorious vision which the Savior then; but He replied to them was shown to Joseph and Sidney on the saying: "Ye do err, not knowing the scrip- 16th of February, 1832, as recorded in tures, nor the power of God." Now, who the 76th section of the Doctrine and was He talking to? He was speaking to Covenants, last edition, we shall find the those Sadducees who denied there being promised condition of these people, that any resurrection; who lived contempo- the glory of the telestial is one, even as raneously with the seven men and this the glory of the stars is one, for as one woman who had lived and died among star differs from another star in glory, them. He was talking to a race of peo- even so differs one from another in the ple to whom John the Baptist had come, telestial world; for these are they who and many had received his testimony; are of Paul, Apollos and Cephas, some but these had not. He was talking to a of Christ—Moses, Elias and others—but people who claimed to be of the House of received not the Gospel, the testimony of Israel, to whom He (Jesus) had come in Jesus, neither the prophets nor the ev- fulfillment of the testimony of John the erlasting covenant, but are liars, sorcer- Baptist. ers, adulterers and whoremongers, who There had been sent among this shall not be redeemed from the devil un- people, whom he was now talking to, til the last resurrection, when Christ the prophets who had foretold His coming Lamb shall have finished His work, hav- and the coming of John the Baptist. He ing subdued all unto Him. These receive had sent His Twelve Apostles among all not of His fullness, but of the Holy Spirit their cities, all of whom had testified to through the ministration of angels ap- the coming of the Just One unto all that pointed to administer for them. Had they people, but they had rejected those testi- hearkened to the Prophets, the Apostles, monies, had killed the Prophets, stoned the words of the Savior, and received those who had been sent unto them, and the everlasting covenant, they would were now ready to slay Him. have been made heirs of God and joint It was to this class of people, heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ, and who were living under these circum- would have been made heirs of the celes- stances, that He makes the answer say- tial world, with power to increase eter- THE OBJECT OF TEMPLES. 235 nally, being Gods, even the sons of God, told, in the streets of the holy city. That but now that they would not receive the was the first resurrection. The second Gospel, the Prophets, nor the everlast- resurrection is the resurrection of the ing covenant which they might have re- just, when Jesus shall come again in ceived, they can only become as the an- the clouds of heaven with power and gels in heaven, who in that world neither great glory, when they who sleep in Je- marry, nor are given in marriage, but are sus will come with Him. Then will He equal to the angels in heaven. bring the City of Enoch that has gone away in Terrestrial glory ever since it These are not they who inherit the ce- went to the heavens. Then will those lestial world, nor those who attain to the children who have died in Christ—for terrestrial, but they who suffer the judg- they are redeemed in Christ from before ment of God in the flesh. These are they the foundation of the world—come forth. who come forth in the last resurrection; Then, in the next resurrection, we are they who attain to the resurrection in told, will come forth the honorable men that world, and are neither married nor of the earth who have lived according are given in marriage, just as the revela- to the light they had. In this next res- tions of God prescribe and show forth. urrection will come forth the multitudes There is nothing in all this which of the nations that have never had the says or intimates that those who come Gospel—the heathen nations. They are forth in either of the other resurrections candidates for the next resurrection, and shall not have the blessing in their resur- when they come forth upon the earth, rection and in their world, whether Ce- those of them who prove themselves wor- lestial or Terrestrial, of being married thy will they not have the opportunity and given in marriage. Let me ask what to attain to all the blessings of the new is to become of that portion of the hu- and everlasting covenant? If they are not man family that have gone down into to be married and given in marriage the their graves in past ages without hav- Lord has not been pleased to tell us so. I ing arrived at the age of puberty, or anticipate that in that glorious day the without having lived to years of account- work of performing all the ordinances ability? What is to become of them? and endowments for those who have not Are they not to be given the blessings attained unto these privileges and bless- of the New and Everlasting Covenant, ings in the flesh, either by themselves to increase, multiply and attain to end- or by proxy, will have that privilege, and less lives, and eternal increase in the the work will be carried on. That blessed covenant of Abraham? Undoubtedly, in epoch seems to dawn upon our view— the resurrection when they shall have that glorious period when the righteous regained their tabernacles, if they ren- will come forth, and while the wicked der the required obedience to the holy will sleep on another thousand years. law of God. And who are the others Let me remind you of another in- that come forth in the second resurrec- teresting feature in this allegory, and tion? Stop. Let me distinguish. The that is this: The Savior tells us first resurrection was in the days of Je- that the terrestrial glory, or king- sus. Those who were resurrected with dom, is likened unto the glory of the Him appeared many of them, we are moon, which is not of the brightness 236 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. of the sun, neither of the smallness nor married while they were immortal? And dimness of the stars. But those others if they could be married as immortal be- who have no part in marrying or giving ings, why cannot their children just as of marriage in the last resurrection, they well be? It will doubtless occupy the become as stars, and even differ from whole of that sabbath of rest the whole each other in glory; but those in the ter- thousand years, and perhaps a period af- restrial kingdom are those who will come ter, to do the work necessary for all the forth at the time when Enoch comes vast myriads of Adam's children, so that back, when the Savior comes again to they may be placed in a position to be dwell upon the earth; when Father Abra- judged according to men in the flesh, or ham will be there with the Urim and according to the deeds done in the body. Thummim to look after every son and Brethren and sisters, I rejoice exceed- daughter of his race; to make known all ingly with you in this glorious Gospel. If things that are needed to be known, and there is anything on the earth that can with them enter into their promised in- satisfy the human soul in its desires for heritance. Thus the people of God will excellence, virtue, exaltation and great- go forward. They will go forward, like ness, it certainly is this Gospel of the unto the new moon, increasing in knowl- kingdom. If there is anything in the edge and brightness and glory, until they world that can satisfy the hungry soul come to a fullness of celestial glory. Dur- for knowledge, it is the revelations of ing the Millennium multitudes of people the Lord Jesus Christ, which open up who have not heard the Gospel will hear continually line upon line, and precept and receive it and go forward into this upon precept; here a little and there a glory, while those who will not go for- little; indeed there is nothing else can ward to a fullness will go back to that satisfy the longing of the human soul. lesser glory which is likened unto the This will lead to the same blessing and stars of heaven, for as the Prophet Isa- glory which the Prophet Joseph told us iah says, "There shall be no more thence Enoch had attained unto. He taught us an infant of days, nor an old man that that he and his city had attained in his hath not filled his days: for the child day to a terrestrial glory, that they were shall die an hundred years old; but the enjoying that glory still. They attained sinner being an hundred years old shall unto the power of translation, that they be accursed." might take their bodies and their city I did not think when I arose that I with them. The resurrection was not should be led to speak in this strain; until Christ came and became the first- but the fact is, upon these occasions the fruits of them that slept. glories of the other worlds open up be- This view of the subject brings fore us, and we cannot help thinking of me to think and to speak a word them, and dwelling upon them unless we in reference to the three Nephites. quench the Spirit. They wanted to tarry until Jesus But says one, I thought that all came, and that they might He took marriages were to be performed in them into the heavens and endowed mortality? In reply to that sugges- them with the power of translation, tion I would ask, How was it that probably in one of Enoch's temples, Father Adam and Mother Eve were and brought them back to the earth. THE OBJECT OF TEMPLES. 237

Thus they received power to live until time coming." Behold! That time has the coming of the Son of Man. I be- come. This is one of those good times lieve He took them to Enoch's city and that we are celebrating today. Let us re- gave them their endowments there. I joice in the Lord our God. I think that expect that in the city of Enoch there every honest soul that is pure before the are temples; and when Enoch and his Lord can lift up his heart, and praise His people come back, they will come back holy name, that he has lived to see this with their city, their temples, blessings day. The Lord help us that we may give and powers. The north country will yield to Him our best efforts in forwarding His up its multitude, with the Apostle John, work here on earth. I rejoice with all my who is looking after them. They also will soul and ask the blessing of the Lord to come to Zion and receive their crowns at rest upon the Presidency of the Church, the hands of their brethren of Ephraim. upon the Apostles, upon the Seventies, There will also be nations here on the High Priests and all the quorums; also, earth that have not received the Gospel, that the Bishops may be filled with the but who will receive it, and thus the spirit of justice, equity and truth. I also work of God will go on in all its phases, feel to bless you, my brethren and sis- for the living and for the dead. ters, that the favor of God may be mul- It is a good thing to take a glimpse tiplied upon your persons, your fami- once in a while into, and contem- lies, your homes, your flocks and your plate the glories of the future. A herds, your possessions and your hopes. few years ago, when the wolf stood That we may prove faithful and attain at our doors, when we had hardly to heaven's proffered blessings is my de- enough of the necessaries of life to sire, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. keep body and spirit together, we used to sing the song—"There's a good 238 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

THE SAINTS WILL TRIUMPH THROUGH FAITHFULNESS—WARFARE OF SATAN TO CONTINUE—JOSEPH'S PREDICTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE ARRAYED AGAINST THE SAINTS, FULFILLED—INTERNAL STRIFE TO DISMEMBER THE GOVERNMENT—GOD THE FRIEND OF HIS PEOPLE.

REMARKSBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,JUNE 22, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I have listened with much interest— selves respecting their truth, and that by as no doubt all of you have—to the re- means of that testimony they would be marks which have been made by Brother enabled to stand and bear up against all Young. It is very interesting to hear pressure and all assaults that might be respecting the people in distant settle- made or brought to bear upon them. ments, their faith, their growth, and their development in things spiritual Mormonism, as it is termed, has been and temporal. It is very encouraging to upon its trial from the beginning. The hear that the Latter-day Saints in dis- inhabitants of the earth are testing it, tant places, far removed from this city, and we who are connected with it are ob- are alive to their duties, and to the per- taining knowledge concerning its adapt- formance of those obligations which rest ability to meet all the wants and require- upon them. I well remember the time— ments of all circumstances in which we and doubtless very many of you here may be placed. today also remember it—when it was thought that if we increased to any ex- The great duty that devolves upon us, tent, and the people got beyond the in- my brethren and sisters, is to live that fluence of their leaders, who are sup- religion which we profess. I confess to posed to be so astute and cunning as you today that if I am ever assailed with to manage them and all their affairs, fears or with doubts respecting the re- that what is called Mormonism would sult of the machinations of the wicked soon dissolve, and either fall a prey to against us, and of legislation hostile to internal dissensions or break to pieces us; if I am ever troubled, I say, with any through some other cause. The El- doubts or fears, they have their origin in ders of this Church from the beginning myself, my own inability, or, perhaps, the have testified unto the world that if inability of my brethren and sisters, and men and women would receive the doc- their carelessness in carrying out the trines of which they were the bearers, commands of God. For no other reason, in the spirit in which they were taught, am I ever troubled with fear respecting they should have a testimony for them- us as a people, or the results of the plots EXHORTATION TO FAITHFULNESS. 239 that are devised against us. I know, tions and adulteries are not permitted, as well as I know I stand here, that and that those who are guilty of any the Latter-day Saints will emerge tri- of these offenses are strictly dealt with, umphant from every difficulty in which that there shall be no causes of this char- they may be involved, from every trial to acter existing among us as a people to which they may be subjected, if they will bring forth the displeasure of our God. I only live the religion they profess, and feel myself that this is the time for us to carry out its principles strictly in their be alive to our duties. We have no other lives. I know this, I say, as well as I know defense than this. Our numbers are in- that I am here today, and am speaking sufficient: our wealth, and our strength, to you. If we should be unfaithful, if and our worldly influence are entirely in- we should neglect to serve our God with sufficient to give us victory. We can only that faithfulness and zeal which He re- hope to prevail by reason of the strength quires of us, then we may expect to be which our God will give unto us, by rea- scourged, we may expect to have diffi- son of the protection which He will ex- culty and trouble, we may expect that tend unto us, and we cannot hope to suc- those who oppose us will gain, as they ceed upon any other principle or by any at least think, victories over us. God will other means. It is this that has given us use them to whip us into line, to bring victory in the past; it is this that will give us to a sense of our duties, to stir us up us the victory in the future; it is this that to diligence and faithfulness in keeping will make us strong and mighty in the His commandments. He will use them earth. in this direction and for these purposes. We are working out a great revolu- It, therefore, is a matter of great im- tion, it may be said. Today we are portance to us that we should be atten- disproving most effectually that remark tive to our duties; that every man in this that has become so trite among men, Church who has a family should put his that God, or Providence, is on the side family into such a condition, as far as he of the strongest artillery, and upon the can, that God will approve of them; that side of the greatest numbers. We are every Teacher in this Church whose duty disproving this. Our case illustrates it is to visit the houses of the Latter-day most perfectly that when God is upon Saints and give them instructions con- the side of a people—they may be feeble, cerning their duties, to see that there is they may be poor, they may be despised no difficulty existing, no dissensions, no and be exceedingly unpopular—they will quarrelling—that these men should at- most assuredly gain triumphs and vic- tend strictly to their duties; and that ev- tories over all who oppose them. And I ery officer in the Church in his place and am thankful this day, in the presence of station should be prompt and zealous in our God, I am thankful this day in your looking after the affairs of the Latter- presence, my brethren and sisters, that day Saints; that no drunkenness is per- God has, in His infinite mercy and kind- mitted, that no blasphemies are permit- ness, spoken once more from the heav- ted, that no Sabbath breaking is permit- ens and revealed Himself to men. Per- ted, that no speaking evil and bearing secution! Who cares for it? Who fears false witness are permitted, that fornica- it? What is there connected with it to 240 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. make us tremble or to weaken us in must, in the very nature of things, if they the least degree if we are possessed of are true to themselves and to their re- the knowledge which God has restored, ligion, achieve distinction in the earth, that He lives, that He is the same to- and God designs it for us. But we must day that He was 1,800 years ago, that put ourselves in a way to be taught of He was in the days of the Prophets Him. We must put away evil far from us. and Patriarchs—the same kind, benefi- We must cleanse ourselves from every- cent, merciful, all-powerful Being? This thing that is offensive in His sight. We knowledge God has restored, and we re- must live the religion that we profess— joice in its possession. We would that make it practically a part of our every all men would listen unto His voice and day lives. This is incumbent upon us in- be entreated of Him. We would that dividually as well as collectively. A re- all men would seek unto Him and ob- ligion of profession amounts to nothing. tain for themselves this knowledge He A religion to be used only on Sundays is so willing to bestow. Our persecu- is valueless. We want a religion that tions would be joyous to us—if they may will go with us into our fields, into our be called persecutions—if such results as workshops, into our habitations, and into these could be wrought out, or would be our everyday dealings one with another. the results that would attend these per- This is the kind of religion we want, and secutions. While Brother Brigham was this, I am happy to say, is the kind of re- speaking about persecution, the thought ligion we have got. If we will live it as passed through my mind that that which we should do, we shall witness these re- we term persecution is only the dis- sults to a greater extent than we have cipline necessary for our development. yet witnessed them. God has tried us in There is a great destiny in store for this many respects in the past. There are ad- people, and they never can attain unto ditional ordeals yet before us. We have it unless they pass through just such been told from the beginning that the scenes as they have passed through in time would come when not only would the past, and such scenes as they doubt- the people of a county be opposed to less will have to pass through of a more us, but the people of a state would op- trying character in the future. This is pose us; and as we increased opposition the discipline that is necessary to purify would increase, until the Government us, to prepare us in every respect for the of the United States would pronounce fulfilling of that high destiny that awaits against us. It is a remarkable fact— us. For just as sure as God lives, so sure not known, probably, or if known not will the people called Latter-day Saints believed by the Congress of the United become a great and mighty power in the States, or by the members of Congress, earth. A people possessed of their quali- who pass inimical measures against us— ties must, in the very nature of things, that Joseph Smith predicted years and accomplish mighty results. A people years ago, when it was as improba- united, a people believing in one doc- ble as anything that is yet unfulfilled, trine, a people temperate and frugal, vir- that the time would come when our na- tuous, industrious and enterprising, pos- tion through its Congress, would do the sessing every quality of greatness, they very thing that is now being done, that EXHORTATION TO FAITHFULNESS. 241 we have witnessed this last week for in- harmless at our feet. There is no law stance, in the passage by the Senate of that can be devised by human wisdom the Edmunds-Hoar bill. Little do they that can reach this case—that is, as think that by such actions as these they those who devise such measures desire. are strengthening the faith of the Latter- It is an impossibility. No mobocratic day Saints, because they see in these ac- scheme ever injured us. When the Gov- tions that they are fulfilling the words of ernor of the State of Missouri issued his a man whom they believe to be a Prophet exterminating order against the Latter- of God. And not only were we told that day Saints, declaring that if they did not this would be the case, but that the time leave the State they should be extermi- would come when the fear of the King- nated, he thought, doubtless, that he dom of God would be so great that other was dealing this system a deadly blow. nations would array themselves in like We were broken up into fragments, it manner against the Latter-day Saints. might be said, in the depths of inclement weather. The people were compelled to So, Latter-day Saints, if any of you flee for their lives. What was the re- think that we will immediately have a sult? Why, in a short time the system time when persecution, trial and diffi- became a greater power than before. culty will cease, and we will have smooth When we were driven out by violence, sailing, you had better be undeceived, for by bloodshed, from the State of Illinois, that is not in the program; it is not de- and compelled to launch forth into the signed of God that we should have any wilderness, for a while it was thought such future before us. The time will that we were certainly placed in a posi- come, but it will be when Satan is bound, tion where we should be ruined. What when the Kingdom of God will prevail on has been the result? It has had the effect the earth, and peace, righteousness and of causing us to spread until throughout truth will have sway; but until that time these mountain valleys the Latter-day we may expect to have troubled seas, Saints are numbered by thousands. Ev- tempests, times of trial and difficulty, to ery measure that has been taken against test us and train us, and to fit and pre- us since then, designed for our over- pare the earth, as we have been told this throw, has only taught us our strength. afternoon for the coming of our Lord and It has compelled us to go to the fountain Savior Jesus Christ. We are only test- of all strength, to God our Eternal Fa- ing our strength in these things. The ther. Feeling our own inability, our own Edmunds law became a law upwards of incapacity, our own weakness, we have two years ago. What has it amounted been compelled to go to a higher power. to? Why, we have had an opportunity of We have invoked the heavens. From showing our strength, our union. Now, the habitations of the Saints through- this bill that has been passed by the out these valleys the prayer of faith has Senate—suppose it should become a law. ascended unto the God of heaven implor- What then? Will it have the effect that ing Him to protect and preserve the peo- is expected of those who have framed it? ple in their innocence—notwithstanding If we do our duty, certainly not. If we the malignant falsehoods that have live our religion, certainly not. It will fall been circulated against them—im- 242 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. ploring Him to defend them, and to development. But let us have ease, let save them from the hands of those who us prosper in worldly things, let the would destroy them. And abundantly world smile upon us and bid us wel- have these prayers been answered. We come and treat us as they treat those have had deliverances wrought out that whom they love; let the world do this, have been most extraordinary. Men have and how long should we be united? Why, looked upon this system and said, "What the influence would be towards disinte- crafty leaders, what astute leadership; gration. Worldly influence would creep you have got a very cunning lot of men in. That is more to be dreaded than as Mormon leaders"—giving the glory to persecution. Prosperity is far more to men, as though men could preserve the be dreaded under circumstances such people in this matter, ignoring the God of as we are placed in—what I mean by heaven, denying His power, and assert- prosperity, I mean worldly prosperity, ing that God had done nothing, but that worldly sympathy, worldly favor; these it is all attributable to the management are more to be dreaded than the disfavor of the leaders in holding the people to- of the world and the tyranny that may be gether, as though it had all been done by brought to bear upon us because of our the strength of their impostures. being obnoxious to them. Therefore, I look upon these mea- sures and other measures that are pro- Now, these deliverances which have posed as only a part of the program. been wrought out in the past will be re- Shall we have measures that will be hos- peated. These trials are necessary. It tile to us? Yes. We may make up our is just as necessary that we should have minds for this; but we may also rest as- these things to contend with as that we sured that that God who has delivered live. I do not dread their effects nearly as us so frequently in the past will still con- much as I do something else. Hostile leg- tinue to deliver us, and we shall not fall islation and opposition of this character a prey, if we do our duty, to our enemies. have but one tendency as a rule, that is, He will preserve us. He will make our to drive us closer together, to make the feet fast in these mountains. He will cause a common one, to cause us to feel throw around us His arm of power, and united. You have seen a cooper putting when the worst comes to the worst He hoops on a barrel; driving them down will interpose in our behalf in a mirac- has the effect of tightening the staves ulous manner to free us and place us and making the barrel strong. So it is upon a sure foundation. In fact, it is all with these measures. The more they miraculous. The existence of this people are driven the tighter it brings the peo- is a miracle. The growth of this people ple together, solidifies them, makes them is a miracle. The attitude of this people one, and it gives them a consciousness is a miracle. It is all contrary to what of strength; because when they emerge are called natural causes, and therefore from these trials victorious they feel bet- miraculous, contrary to the laws that ter able to cope with greater difficulties pass current among men respecting peo- and greater oppression when they are ples, communities and individuals, such brought to bear upon them. And they as we are, and such as all are. are necessary, as I have said, for our My brethren and sisters: We EXHORTATION TO FAITHFULNESS. 243 have every reason to rejoice so long as ing to the dictates of our conscience, and we are doing right. It is this that we according to the revelations that He has have to console us. If we were vicious given us. the world would not war against us. It The warfare will go on as it has done is not against vice that the war is being in the past, only with this difference: made. Man may say so, but God knows that in our age and to us God has made it is not so. Our enemies know that it is promises, that this kingdom, that is, the not so. They know that it is not vice in Holy Priesthood that He has restored to us that provokes this warfare. Where is the earth and the authority that He once vice to be found in our cities? Nowhere. had among men; the promise is to us It finds no favor with us. We cherish that it shall not be taken from the earth virtue, the virtues of humanity, every- again; but that this kingdom shall roll thing that is Godlike, and we frown down forth, continue to grow and increase, un- everything that is vicious and unholy. If til it will encircle within its pale all the we had our way there would not be an virtuous and honest of the nations of the adulterer in these mountains. If we had earth. This is the destiny of this work; our way there would not be a seducer in not to exclude anyone, but to include ev- these mountains. Every woman would eryone; and as it gains strength, influ- either be a virtuous maiden or a married ence and power, it will continue to aggre- woman, or a widow. We would take care gate to itself all that is good in mankind. of family virtue, preserve it as we would The day will come when our own nation life; for it is more precious than life itself, will be convulsed with intestine strife. and should be valued as such, and every The civil war that is past is not the only man that would do anything to degrade a war that will take place in this land. It woman ought to be and will be damned. is a matter of regret to think it should be If we had our way there would be no otherwise. But God has spoken. There drunkenness in all these mountains, no will be intestine strife in our own na- lying in these mountains; the name of tion. Already we can see, as it were, God would not be taken in vain, no pro- the seeds of this germinating and sprout- fane words would be heard. We would ing in the midst of neighborhoods and of suppress these things, and in their place communities, and it will break out af- cherish virtue, industry, integrity, hon- ter a while, and men will flee to Zion. esty and every virtue that men love and The prediction was made 52 years ago by that God loves. No, it is not because we Joseph Smith, that the time would come are vicious; it is not because we love vice; when those that would not take up their it is not because we are the most corrupt sword to fight against their neighbor in and depraved of mankind that we have this blessed land (the most favored of enemies. Why, the drunkard, the gam- any land under the heavens, so favored bler, the whoremonger, the villains of in government, so favored in climate, various dyes, who fight against us, would so favored in every element of wealth, welcome us if we were like them. But we and in all its surroundings), they would are not. We have come out of the world be compelled to come here for protec- and are determined to serve God accord- tion, for we will be the only people that will be at peace on the continent. That 244 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. prediction was made 52 years ago. It will has shown we are undisturbed, that we be fulfilled just as sure as God has spo- are conscious of the fact that God is with ken it. us. Continue to cherish this spirit, let it My brethren and sisters, I am happy rest upon you, impart it to your children, in this reflection: that notwithstand- extend it as far as you can; and may the ing the threatening aspect of affairs— blessing of our Father and God rest down I speak now in relation to legislation— abundantly upon you and upon all the there is a spirit of peace, calmness and honest everywhere throughout the wide serenity, prevailing throughout our set- earth, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus tlements and throughout our families, so Christ. Amen. far as I have been able to discern, that

THE OBJECT OF COOPERATION—IT IS RIGHT TO SUSTAIN ONE'S FRIEND—ECONOMY SHOULD BE OBSERVED BY ALL—OUR FRIENDS ARE THEY WHO AID US IN TIME OF NEED—KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY.

DISCOURSEBY JOSEPH F. SMITH, DELIVEREDINTHE OGDEN TABERNACLE,SATURDAY AFTERNOON,JULY 18, 1884, BEINGTHE QUARTERLY CONFERENCEOFTHE WEBER STAKEOF ZION.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am pleased to see so many of the Saints, on the Sabbath day, and at other Saints assembled here on this the open- times appointed for the gathering of the ing day of conference, and I certainly Saints. We should come together for hope that those who have taken the trou- the purpose of being spiritually strength- ble to come to conference on the first day ened and encouraged, that our faith may may be amply repaid for so doing. be increased, and that we may learn the We ought, I think, to be very duties devolving upon us as members of willing to perform any duty that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day may be required of us as Latter-day Saints. TEMPORAL UNION URGED. 245

We are not nearly as united as we dividuality when united in regard to the ought to be. If the people of Huntsville, purposes and designs of the Almighty, as whose Bishop has been reporting them, we can possibly be when in opposition to had been united as Saints should be, these purposes and designs, and to our and as I trust they will be some day, brethren who are united in regard to the the probability is that they would have things of God. Indeed I think it evinces been much better off financially than a stronger characteristic of individuality they now are. for men and women to bring themselves into harmony and union with the pur- Cooperation is a principle that Pres- poses of the Almighty than to be divided ident Young was very much concerned against them or separate from them. Of about, and that he endeavored, with his one thing I am certain, and that is, that brethren, to impress upon the minds of we ought to seek to become acquainted the people throughout the land. Under with the principles of economy. We ought his administration our cooperative insti- to use the best wisdom, judgment and tutions were established, and by his ef- understanding we can obtain in our tem- forts, many of the people, especially in poral as well as in our spiritual affairs the southern part of Utah and in Ari- and concerns. You take a community zona, became united together in organi- like the community of Huntsville, or any zations that were called "the United Or- community of Saints in a Ward, isolated, der." The object was cooperation, that the perhaps, in a little valley, and if there principles of union in labor as well as in is union and cooperation in their midst, faith might be developed to its fullest ex- thousands and tens of thousands of dol- tent in the midst of the Saints. We all be- lars can be saved in their own pockets; lieve in being united in faith. We all pro- while, on the other hand, if individuals fess to believe that there is one God, one are left to do as they please, thousands faith, one baptism, and that we should of dollars will go out of their pockets into be one people; but notwithstanding we the pockets of speculators and others. I profess this, our individuality stands out know that to be true. As Bishop Ham- very prominent. Many of us cannot see mond has very truly said, there is in just the same as our brethren see, and Huntsville from half a dozen to a dozen we cannot possibly be wholly united with mowing machines, when two or three them. We do not expect—I do not expect would be ample to do all the work which at all events—that the people will come is required to be done in that place with to see eye to eye all at once. I believe this these machines. This being the case, to be a work of great importance, and one as stated by the Bishop, then all the that will not be accomplished without thousands of dollars which have been ex- years of experience, and perhaps we will pended upon these superabundant ma- have to suffer many chastisements and chines and other implements, have gone reproofs before we are brought to a unity out of the possession of the people into of the faith. Yet we ought to try to see the pockets of outsiders and strangers; eye to eye as far as possible. Our being whereas if they had been contented united does not destroy our individuality with having just enough, they could at all. We can be just as strong in our in- have devoted the balance of their means 246 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. in other directions, or have placed it in it in this way until it is ruined and such a position as that it would bring worthless. The same with valuable agri- them interest, instead of being operated cultural machinery; too much of it is and used by their enemies, perhaps, for bought and used for two or three days, their political or religious destruction. or two or three weeks in a season, or for There is no reason why the principle of a whole month in a year—say a reaper, unity should not operate in the midst of or a mower, and where is it the rest of the Latter-day Saints, except that we are the year? Outdoors, in the sun and rain, too selfish. It should not be "every man and before it can be used next season, for himself;" but we are many of us cov- it must be taken to a blacksmith's shop etous. We desire in our hearts to have for repairs; for through exposure it has everything our neighbor has, whether we become rusty, the wood season checked, need it or not. In order to be like our every joint loosened. This is the way neighbor; in order that we may asso- some people use their agricultural imple- ciate with him, and that our daughters ments whereas with very little trouble may associate with his daughters, and they might be stored away in the shed, our sons with his sons, we must have kept dry and secure, and ready for ser- as fine a house, as costly furniture, as vice when the next season came round. many horses, as many plows, reaping But the better way of all is—in a small and mowing machines, and headers, as community where every man knows his many cows, as many sheep, and as many neighbor, and where all are on neigh- luxuries, whether we can afford it as well borly terms, to consult together, and to as our neighbor can or not. Now, all form into cooperative bodies for the pur- this is extremely foolish. It is wrong. pose of transacting the business neces- We see a vehicle which costs $200, more sary to be transacted outside of their lit- or less, and we do not absolutely need tle community. By thus consulting to- it—only we must have it to be like our gether, and using the combined wisdom neighbor—would it not be better to put of the community as to the number of that money in the bank, or lend it to reapers, mowers, etc., they will need to somebody in business, and thus while do the work of the community, a great benefiting others with our capital, secure deal might be saved. One man need interest upon it for ourselves. Certainly not own the machinery. They could all it would. In that way the money would join together, each contributing a certain be a help to you; whereas if you pur- sum towards its purchase, which they chase the wagon you do not require, in could use to mutual advantage, and see addition to paying an exorbitant price that it is well housed and taken care of in the purchase which is generally the when out of use. In this way a commu- case, the wagon will very likely be left nity could save thousands of dollars year exposed to the sun and wet—as wagons after year, and I know the principle is a too frequently are left by a great many correct one for the people of Zion. It is of the people—and soon becomes use- a principle of economy. Money is some- less. Some men think nothing of buy- thing which a man ought to be able to ing a very nice carriage, spring wagon, or take care of, and use wisely if he has it; if other wagon of some kind, and treating he does not know how to take care of it, it TEMPORAL UNION URGED. 247 will escape from his pockets, it will take it that buys the wagons, the plows, the the wings of the morning and flee away. harrows, the reapers, the mowers, etc., I think we ought to be united in all in Utah Territory? Is it the Gentiles? these things, in the purchase of ma- No, it is the Latter-day Saints. Those chinery and of the vast amount of mer- who are not Latter-day Saints are not en- chandise that we consume, that we do gaged in agriculture as a rule. If there not manufacture or produce among our- are any of them tilling the ground they selves. The very foundation of all real are exceptions to the rule and they are prosperity is home industry and home very few and far between. They are not manufacture. This lies at the founda- the people who use the wagons. They tion of the prosperity of every perma- may it is true, use some of them at the nently prosperous community. It is the mines in hauling, etc., etc. The vast source of wealth. I think, therefore, bulk of this class of merchandise is con- we ought to encourage home industry. sumed by the Latter-day Saints. The We ought to cooperate together, if there result is that the Latter-day Saints put is any kind of business in which there that $30,000 into the pocket of the man is a profit, let us operate together and I allude to. That same man sat on a have the benefit of that profit among our- Grand Jury and helped to indict a man selves, instead of giving it to strangers. for marrying, acknowledging and main- Why should we encourage the stranger taining his wives. That same man stands to come here and import wagons to sell to head and shoulders above many of his us when we have got the brains and the fellows in opposition to the Latter-day money to sustain that business among Saints, and in using his power abroad as ourselves? Why should we not rather do well as in Utah against the interests of such things ourselves, and supply busi- the people from whom he gets his money. ness and employment for our own peo- I do not feel that the Latter-day ple, many of whom are idle, and be in- Saints are using their best wisdom, or dependent of the world, and if there acting upon the principle of the highest is a profit in it, put that profit in our intelligence, when they sustain and pa- own pockets, and use it for the com- tronize such men, especially when they fort and happiness of our wives and have got the skill, the intelligence and children? It is a fact—at least it was the means to do all such business inde- reported to me as a fact by a person pendent of all strangers or foreigners. I who is supposed to be acquainted with know they can do it if they will only co- the business—that one man who deals operate together and do business upon in wagons and agricultural implements business principles. Our honesty with in Utah Territory, put $30,000 into his the world is proverbial. It is the uni- pocket in one year, and he is only an versal testimony of outsiders that trade agent for the company he deals with. I with us here, that the Latter-day Saints presume that the company put an equal are the most honest and best paying peo- amount into their pockets as the result ple they ever did business with. I believe of his labors; but the agent, as I was in- this is true. If a Latter-day Saint owes formed, put $30,000 in his own pocket a Gentile and also a brother, it is said, as the result of his business. Who is he will pay the Gentile every time in 248 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. preference to his brother. Well, I do not a little better for their being in it, if they know that this is right. I think if he possibly can. We all ought to try to do cannot pay the full amount to both, it some good. If we will do that, then there would be proper to pay each a propor- is some necessity for our living. God will tion. Would not this be just as honest— bless us in our labors and efforts; and if instead of paying all to the Gentile and we will cooperate together in our tempo- leaving your brother without anything? ral affairs and conduct our business on I think so. I do not know that we do this correct principles, the world will be bet- sort of thing to any extent; but I have ter for us, and we will be better off in the sometimes heard of people that were world. We will have more means to build thought to be very good payers to the out- up the kingdom of God; we will have siders, but were not so prompt in paying more to use for the gathering of the poor, their brethren. I do not think that is ex- for the building up of Zion, for the ben- actly right. I think we ought not to go efit of the Saints, and for our own ben- in debt at all beyond what we can pay. efit, and we will have much more power The Lord commands this. We ought to in the world. Money is a powerful agent live within our means if possible, and if in this degenerated age. It is said that it is not possible and we keep living be- knowledge is power. Knowledge should yond our means, it is only a question of stand above money or wealth. But in time when we won't even have credit, our the present condition of the world money friends won't trust us, and we will have takes the lead. to live within our means or die, or steal, This ought not to be the case with us. as someone has added. When it comes The Lord says in the scriptures, "make to that kind of thing I feel as Dr. John- to yourselves friends of the mammon of son did when the beggar accosted him, unrighteousness." What for? Obviously "Why don't you go to work?" said the Doc- that you may have power and influence tor. "I cannot get any work, I cannot with the unrighteous. get anything to do, and you know, Doc- Now, if we had wealth—and we are tor, I must live." "Well," said the Doctor, bound to have it by and by—those who "I don't see the least necessity for it." worship wealth would either covet it and (Laughter.) When a man won't pay his hate us and try to destroy us to get it, debts, or will not live within his means, as some are doing, or else they would when he knows what his income is: when be bound to acknowledge the power we a man will continue to get in debt to could wield through the possession of his neighbors as long as he has got any wealth. Well, now, we need not be at credit, knowing all the time that he can- all afraid of the former. They cannot not pay his way—well, I do not know that destroy us; for the Lord is our friend, there is much necessity for that man to and we are His friends. He will not live. Perhaps the world would be as well suffer them to rob and plunder us; and off if he should pass away quietly some- take away from us our possessions; or where. Every Latter-day Saint ought if He does, he will give us more abun- to learn—and especially every youth in dantly; because if we possess riches Israel ought to learn—that everyone of they will be the Lord's. We will ded- them should try to make the world icate them to Him, if we do our duty, TEMPORAL UNION URGED. 249 and they will belong to Him, and surely ought to be united in everything. We the Lord will protect His own. We should should cheerfully extend a helping hand not despise these things, but should en- to our neighbors from time to time. If deavor to use them for the accomplish- our neighbor is oppressed, if he lacks ment of the all-wise purposes of the knowledge or understanding or skill in Almighty. The Lord has said, Zion shall the management of his affairs, you that become the richest of all people. The have skill and experience and know how earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of to husband your strength and means, the earth is His. The cattle upon a thou- ought to take pains to instruct your sand hills are His. The gold and the sil- neighbor or brother who is not as thor- ver and all the mineral wealth of these oughly posted as you are. The instruc- vast mountains belong to the Lord. And tions he receives in this way will ben- although the wicked may get possession efit him and will not injure or impov- of them for a little while, yet they will erish you. We ought not to be miserly perish by and by, and leave all their in regard to anything we possess, that wealth behind. They cannot take it be- is good. We can freely impart to oth- yond the grave. By and by the Lord ers and not diminish our own store. We will overrule these matters in such a can impart our experience for the bene- way, that the righteous, those who love fit of others. If our brother is about to God more than they love the world, and buy something that is apparently not re- will use their means to the honor and quired, it would be a benefit to the poor glory of God, shall be made possessors man, who lacks judgment, for the Bishop of the earth and the fullness of it. It or his counselors, or for his Teacher to will be theirs to use for every purpose go to him and endeavor to show him that is right and legitimate—to manipu- the mistake he is about to make. I late armies if necessary—to manipulate think we ought to cooperate together in nations, or the world if necessary, to the all these matters, be one in all respects, carrying out of the purposes of Almighty and not be like the world, "everyone for God. We do not want to lavish it upon the himself and the devil for all." The Lord lusts of the flesh. We should not desire it has told us in a revelation through the for that purpose. Prophet Joseph Smith, that except we If we do, God will withhold it from us, are one, we are not His. He has said I hope; for no man should have wealth to that we must be united. We must be gratify the lusts and desires of the flesh. one. We should see eye to eye. We We should use it to the honor and glory should help each other; help our neigh- of God's name, and to the building up of bor and our brother. The Savior very His Kingdom. beautifully describes who is our neigh- We ought; therefore, to cooperate to- bor in the example of the good Samari- gether in our mercantile institutions. It tan. Who is your neighbor? Who is your is as much a duty to sustain these as brother? Why, the man that ministers any other duty devolving upon us, or now to you in the time of need; the man that as at any former time. We should pa- is your friend in the time of adversity; tronize our brethren. We ought to see the man that extends a helping hand and eye to eye in regard to these things. We saves you from error; the man that gives 250 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. you the benefit of his experience and It is lifeless clay. What is it that affects of his superior intelligence—he is your this lifeless clay? It is the spirit, it is the neighbor, your friend and your brother. immortal part, the eternal being, that Those who have embraced the Gospel— existed before it came here, that exists and especially those who are endowed within us, and that will continue to ex- with the authority of the Holy Priest- ist, and that by and by will redeem these hood, and are called to be saviors upon tabernacles and bring them forth out of Mount Zion—ought to be the first and the graves. This whole mission of ours is foremost in this good work of being sav- spiritual. The work we have to do here, iors of their neighbors, and of their fel- although we call it temporal, pertains low creatures on the earth. It is our alike to our spiritual and our temporal duty to teach correct principles, to in- salvation. And the Lord has just as much still them into the hearts of our chil- right to dictate, to counsel, to direct and dren, and into the hearts of our neigh- guide us in the manipulation and man- bors, and to see that these principles are agement of our temporal affairs, as we grounded in our own hearts; for except call them, as He has to say one word in a man has been converted himself, and relation to our spiritual affairs. So far as has a knowledge of the truth, it is folly He is concerned there is no difference in for him to undertake to teach others the this regard. He looks upon us as immor- right way. But when the principles of tal beings. Our bodies are designed to be- the Gospel are thoroughly established in come eternal and spiritual. God is spir- our own hearts, we can then go in the itual Himself, although He has a body midst of our fellow creatures and say, of flesh and bone as Christ has. Yet He "Come, and follow me." We can do this is spiritual, and those who worship Him consistently. We are called to be teach- must do so in spirit and in truth. And ers of these principles to the inhabitants when you come to separate the spiritual of the earth. We are called to be God's from the temporal, see that you do not people, not a people of the world, for we make a mistake. Some are inclined to have come out of the world. We ought say, "the Lord has a right to manage my to be united in all things temporal as spiritual affairs, but I will not allow Him well as spiritual. With God all things to interfere with my temporal affairs." are spiritual. There is nothing tempo- Why, bless your soul, temporal things ral with Him at all, and there ought to pertain to spiritual things. They min- be no distinction with us in regard to ister to the spiritual man though they these things. Our earthly or temporal may be clothed with a tabernacle of flesh. existence is merely a continuance of that The Bishop has as good a right to coun- which is spiritual. Every step we take in sel the members of his Ward in relation the great journey of life, the great jour- to the purchase of merchandise or ma- ney of eternity, is a step in advance or chinery, where and when he can do so in retrogression. We are here in mortal- wisely, as he has to counsel them in re- ity, it is true; but we are ahead of that gard to spiritual matters. He has just as condition we occupied before we came good a right to do the one as the other. here and took upon us mortality. We are He is a father to the people of the Ward. a step in advance of our former state. What is the body without the spirit? TEMPORAL UNION URGED. 251

He is placed over the people for the pur- dren of the world are wiser in their pose of leading them in the way of truth generation than the children of light. and righteousness, and it is his busi- What does that mean? Why as I see it, ness to look after the temporal—if you when you go into Catholic communities, chose to make any distinction between you will find that Catholics send their the temporal and spiritual—as well as children to Catholic schools, and not to the spiritual things. And President Tay- Protestant schools. You will find them lor has as much right to direct the peo- patronizing Catholic merchants. They ple in temporal things as he has in spir- do not patronize Protestants. If there itual things. We ought to acknowledge is anybody to put up for office they will that right, and ought to do it freely and put up their friends and vote for them. cheerfully, because we should see that it If you travel as missionaries through- is right. We are under no compulsion to out the world you will find this to be do so if we do not see that it is right; true. I have seen it in San Francisco, but at the same time it is a correct prin- in New York, and in Great Britain, and ciple, and every Latter-day Saint ought upon the Continent, and wherever I have to have intelligence enough to know that been, and yet it is accounted criminal this is the best thing for him to do—to be for Latter-day Saints to follow this rule. united, to be one with his brethren. We might commit treason against the United States if we did not send our chil- Now, you are going to have an elec- dren to Gentile schools, or if we did not tion of county officers by and by. What patronize Gentile merchants. If a Gen- are you going to do about it? Are you tile wanted to run for an office, and we going to split tickets? Are you going to did not vote for him, why, we are in the polls to scratch off names, and put rebellion against the government of the on the name of somebody else? I should United States. I am going to tell you in a hope not. I do not care who is put in of- few words, what I think about these mat- fice, only so far as we must obey the com- ters. I think the Latter-day Saints ought mandments of the Lord in these things. to send their children to be educated by We must choose righteous men, good those who are their friends, and not by men to fill these positions. Hence if you their enemies. I think the Latter-day will only get good men to fill these offices Saints ought to patronize their brethren no one should care who they are, so that and sustain them, in preference to their you have agreed upon them, and were enemies. I believe that the Latter-day one. We want you to be one both in tem- Saints ought to cooperate together and poral, political and religious things, in do their own business instead of asking fact, in everything you put your hands to the Gentiles to do it for them. I believe in righteousness. We want you to be one, the Latter-day Saints ought to unite to- one as God and Christ are one, seeing gether in regard to all these things, and eye to eye. Do not try to crush anybody, do their business upon the most wise and or build yourselves up at the expense of economical principles, instead of every your neighbor. Do not do it; it is a custom individual doing it himself, wasting his of the world, and it is a wrong principle. means, sustaining his enemies, and get- It is said in the Scriptures that the chil- ting materials he has no use for. That 252 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. is what I believe in regard to these mat- and the mind. We should worship the ters. Lord upon that day. Man was not made Today is Saturday, I am glad of it; for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was for somebody would say I was break- made for man. ing the Sabbath if I were to preach to It is for us to do our duty and live you in this way on the Sabbath. But our religion on one day the same as any this is Saturday. It is the Jewish Sab- other. Let us serve the Lord in righ- bath. It is only unto man that there teousness all the day long, and He will be is a Sabbath. The Lord has set apart our Father and Friend, and our enemies one day in seven upon which man should shall have no power over us. This is my rest, because it is needful for the body testimony in the name of Jesus, Amen.

BUT ONE CHURCH OF GOD—WHEREIN THE SAINTS ARE A PECULIAR PEOPLE—CHURCH AND STATE RULE—RELIGION SHOULD BE NO BAR TO POLITICAL OFFICE—POLITICAL DOINGS ELSEWHERE—POVERTY IN THE EAST—FEAR OF RIOTS—LABOR QUESTION—TRADES, ETC., FOR YOUNG PEOPLE—STORING OF GRAIN—TROUBLES COMING—FORTUNATE SITUATION OF THE SAINTS—EXHORTATION.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDAT OGDEN, ON SUNDAY MORNING,JULY 21, 1878.

REPORTEDBY GEO. F. GIBBS.

I am very pleased this morning so—and I suppose you as Latter-day at having the opportunity of meet- Saints who are present today, can bear ing with the Latter-day Saints in Og- testimony that this is the case—then den, and I trust that while I shall at- we ought to be a people entirely dif- tempt to address you, I shall be as- ferent from every other people upon sisted by the Spirit of God, in mak- the face of the earth; because there ing such remarks as shall be appropri- can be but one people of God, or one ate to your circumstances and condi- Church of God, or one Kingdom of God; tion. Brother Hardy, in his remarks, there cannot be two, nor three, nor said we were the people of God, and more, one opposed to the other. Every- that we were engaged in establishing thing that has been revealed concerning His Kingdom on the earth. If this is RIGHTS OF THE SAINTS. 253

God, concerning His Church, and con- I please, and talk as I please. This is a cerning the principles of salvation, leads right that I claim as a Latter-day Saint. us to the conclusion that there is a one- If I choose to believe that God has estab- ness, that there is union, and that divi- lished upon the earth His Church, at the sions and opposition cannot exist among head of which He has placed a Prophet, the people of God; it would be entirely in- and I choose to believe in that Prophet, consistent with every idea of the eternal to listen to his teachings, to be guided Creator to suppose anything else than by his counsels, I claim that so long as I this. Hence, no matter where you find do this and do not interfere with my fel- those who are truthfully the people of low citizens in the exercise of their priv- God, you will find them under all circum- ileges, it is my right to do so. If I choose stances united, thinking alike, believing to believe that the Lord has placed in alike, and acting alike. That is, hav- His Church Twelve Apostles, to whom ing the same objects in view, the same He has given the keys of the Apostleship aims to reach, and being prompted by and authority, and to whom He has com- one common motive or impulse. There- mitted the last dispensation, requiring fore, having this view, I differ, upon some of them to go to all nations as messen- points, from some who are called Latter- gers of life and salvation, or see that the day Saints, who seem to entertain the Gospel is carried to all the nations of the idea that because we are in the world we earth, and I choose to listen to their in- must necessarily be of the world, a part structions and counsels and be governed of them; and that the standard which is by them, choosing to acknowledge them looked up to and recognized in the world as channels through which life and sal- as correct, is one to which we should vation shall flow unto me, and that ev- conform. Now, in this respect I differ ery administration of the laws and or- from those of my brethren who entertain dinances of God's House is sacred and these ideas. I think it is our duty, mak- holy; if I choose to do this, I think it ing the professions we do and occupying is my right to do it, so long as in do- the position we do, to be so far as nec- ing so I interfere with no other man's essary entirely original, or to use a word rights and privileges. So in relation to that is commonly used to describe us, a gathering together. If, as a Latter-day peculiar people. Because the world have Saint, I choose to leave other societies a certain way to accomplish certain ob- and communities and separate myself jects, I do not recognize it as at all nec- from them, to cast my lot in the midst essary for us to do the same as they do. of a people with a faith similar to my And I am quite willing that it should be own, to choose them as my associates known and understood, so far as I am and mingle with them, and to patronize individually concerned, that in many re- them and uphold them in all their labors spects I differ from the world by which and undertakings, who is there that has I am surrounded: and that in being a the right to question me in so doing, so Latter-day Saint I claim the right, so long as I do not interfere with the rights long as I act in accordance with the rules of my fellow citizens? In speaking thus of good order and do not violate any rules of myself, the same applies to this en- of decorum, to do as I please, to think as tire people; for that which is right in 254 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. individual cases, is right in cases of an shall. To do this, I am too conscious entire community, whether they be num- of the fact that the Latter-day Saints bered by thousands or millions. A great have been led to these mountains by deal of fault has been found with us, the Almighty, through His servants, and as a community, because of these pecu- that He has given unto us rights as cit- liarities, because we choose to believe izens of the land, and being in the ma- that God our Eternal Father has estab- jority, it is our right to govern this land, lished His Church and placed at the head to govern it in such a manner as shall thereof a Prophet; because He has es- secure to all men who enter its borders tablished His Church and placed therein their rights, whether they be Latter-day Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teach- Saints, Methodists, Presbyterians, Infi- ers and other helps: because He has re- dels, or anybody else, either "heathen stored the everlasting Gospel in its sim- Chinese" or civilized American. The plicity and power; and also the gifts Lord has given us ability thus far to gov- thereof, so that men can enjoy them ern the land; and it affords me no little again; because, I say, we believe in this pleasure to be able to say that there is and claim this, a great many are dis- no part of this nation so well governed posed to find fault with us. Now, I claim as this Territory, which has since the that it is nobody's business but our own day we came here been governed by the what we believe, as to how we live, as "Mormon" people; and there is no part of to how we do or how we organize our- these United States that compares with selves, so long as we do not violate law this Territory for prosperity, for good or- and do not trample upon the rights of der, for good government, and for free- those by whom we may be surrounded dom from taxation and everything else who are our fellow citizens. I speak that is burdensome. And to whom is the thus because of some things which I no- credit due? It is due to the Lord; and tice in our midst. Now, I am away con- next to Him it is due to His servants and siderably, and when I get back I sup- people. pose I look upon the condition of af- There have been attempts, and there fairs here with a little more scrutiny will be continued attempts made to than if I were here altogether. And I wrest the control of this land from us. notice this, that there is a disposition We are engaged in a warfare; we have among some who belong to the Church been told from the beginning that it is to truckle, a tendency to bow, a tendency a warfare that will not cease until righ- to drift in the direction of society as it teousness prevails on the earth. Ev- exists elsewhere, and I have noticed that ery man that enters into this Church, if some people are dreadfully afraid of the he understands the nature of his call- association of church and state, dread- ing, understands that he enters into fully afraid that somebody will be min- a warfare to contend for the triumph gling politics and religion, that someone of truth. Do not those who are op- who holds office in the Church among posed to the Latter-day Saints recognize us may hold some political office. I this? Certainly they do; and their ef- do not share in that fear in the least. forts have been, and are so directed to- I have never shared in it, I hope I day, and will continue to be, to wrest that never shall, and have no idea I ever power from us which the Lord has given RIGHTS OF THE SAINTS. 255 unto us. They would throw dust in the from participating in them. This would eyes of the Latter-day Saints, if possible, be the result if those who are active, and try to foster in the minds of the peo- as Latter-day Saints, were to withdraw ple that there is something very incon- from participation in these matters. But sistent with the Constitution and genius is this the design of the Lord? No, it is of our institutions for men who are reli- not; He never did design that this should gious to have anything to do with poli- be the case, and it would be a want of tics. It is considered all very well for a wisdom on our part, as a people, to al- wicked man to hold office; he can mingle low any such a condition of affairs to ex- in politics and help to frame the govern- ist. I maintain that Latter-day Saints ment of the country; but the man who have a perfect right to hold office, and makes any profession of religion, espe- they should not be excluded from office; cially if he be an official in the church to that whenever the people choose to elect which he belongs, has no right to med- one of them, it would not be considered dle in politics, or interfere in any way improper in the least degree, no mat- with the government of society. This is ter what his standing, he has a perfect all wrong from beginning to end. Admit- right to hold that office; and if he be a ting what I said in the beginning, that righteous man, the better it will be for we are the people of God, I would ask, the people, if he will condescend to take what better people can be found, and upon him the duties of the office. In- what more suitable people to take charge stead of excluding such a person I would of the affairs of mankind in the earth and feel thankful to him to fill it, feeling as- establish righteous principles and main- sured that such men would give satisfac- tain laws under which all men can dwell tion, and that while they were in power in peace and be entirely free from op- good government would be preserved in pression and everything of this charac- the land. Some of our enemies have come ter? Who, I would ask, are better qual- to Congress, and have complained about ified to do this than the men who un- "Mormons" holding office. I have said, derstand the principles of truth? Sup- gentlemen, if you would exclude a "Mor- pose, for instance, that today and from mon" from holding office, because of his this day forward, the Latter-day Saints, ecclesiastical authority, you will have to those who are active in their religion and exclude every man of worth in the Terri- in the performance of the duties of their tory, for there is not a man of worth in religion, were to withdraw from politics the Territory who does not hold some of- and leave the government of this land fice in our Church. The shoemaker who to others, what would be the result? It works at his trade for a living, may be would not be but a little while before called upon on the Sabbath to preach the scenes we see in other places, and to the people; the carpenter, the black- that are deplored by every lover of lib- smith, the mason, the man who works erty in the country, would be enacted from Monday morning to Saturday night in this part of the land; you would see may be called upon to preach the Gospel a condition of affairs that would cause of salvation; and such men are all the you to mourn, and you would be will- time being called to go to the nations ing to flee to any place almost to be free of the earth as ministers of the Gos- 256 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. pel; and if it be a crime for a man to hold to have a little caucus do it. I have seen a political office who is a minister in our these caucuses outside of this Territory Church, then you will have to exclude ev- and among non-Mormons. A few men ery man of worth in our Territory, for our get together and caucus, and plan and Bishops are our most prominent and ac- arrange, and they get up a ticket, and tive business men; and there is this fea- lay their wires so that others will sus- ture with those who act in this Territory, tain it, and the Convention will sustain they act without pay; and the men who it, and by this means get their favorites distinguish themselves in the manipula- into power. This is a common practice tion of their own affairs are generally se- all over the United States. I would de- lected to manage the affairs of the pub- plore it as one of the greatest evils that lic, and they are men most suitable to could occur to us, that there should be a attend to business affairs, to act as Pro- scramble for office among the Latter-day bate Judges, or in any other office. When Saints. When two or three brethren, who this is explained, it is very rarely you aspire for office, try to divide the peo- will hear a man find fault. But there are ple, this is something to be deplored. I some who complain about the "Mormon" therefore have always advocated keeping hierarchy, who do not seem to know that down our salaries, that offices may not it consists of the entire people, and that be very desirable, so that men shall not every man of worth, professing the faith desire to get possession of office to use it, and religion of the Latter-day Saints, be- or feel that because they are elected once longs to that hierarchy. to office they ought to always have it. I trust none of the Latter-day Saints We should always be ready and willing are tender on this point. I would pro- to serve when called upon, and just as claim it to the world that we have such willing to decline when required, having confidence in our leading men, the men at heart the good of the community. A who have made this country, and who great many of the Members of Congress have planted our feet in these moun- during the last session were exceedingly tains, the men who have all the day anxious for an early adjournment. Why? long urged the people to habits of in- That they might return home in time, dustry, and to become self-sustaining, to manage the primary meetings, be- the men who framed our governments— cause if they did not, there was ev- our city government, or county govern- ery probability that they would be de- ment, our Territorial government, such feated. It has been noticed, for in- as we have today, and who organized stance, that Oregon has never elected us as we are organized here; I say, I the same man twice. Why? Because am not ashamed to acknowledge that when the convention met to nominate I am willing to be led and governed a candidate the member would be in by the counsels of men who have done Washington, and somebody else would such wonders, as we witness on every be nominated, and he would be left out hand. Call them Apostles, call them in the cold. It is a remarkable fact Prophets, call them Bishops, call them that from that State up to the present Elders, call them anything you please date a Member of Congress and a Sen- that is honorable, I am not ashamed of ator has never been elected twice for the it. I would just as soon they dictate as same term. And there are other places RIGHTS OF THE SAINTS. 257 similarly situated, where men have to be democratic caucus; let them get together home to superintend the nominations, or and talk about any principle or upon any they would lose the election. I cannot tell nomination. They set us an example how many times I have been congratu- in some respects, which we might imi- lated on the ease with which I have been tate with a good deal of profit. I have elected. Members ask me if I have to seen and known of them quarrelling, and spend much money and time to secure have heard strong arguments—the most my election. I tell them it has never bitter arguments; but after the vote has cost me any trouble in the least; that been taken, after the will of the major- I have been elected because the people ity has been announced by vote, then want me; and when they do not want the minority submit and cast their votes me I should stop at home. There are with the majority. It is so in nominating some districts in the United States in the Speaker of the House. The Demo- the same condition, where men are so cratic speaker of the House is not the strong in their districts that it is not choice of the entire Democratic party, but necessary that they should return to ar- he is the choice of the majority. So with range for their election. But in the the doorkeeper, sergeant at arms and the most of cases this is what they have to various officers selected, and the minor- do; they have to watch very carefully, ity submits to the majority. So with the and have their friends on the watch for Republicans in the Senate. It should be them, and lay their plans so that they so with us, as a community; we should be may not have their primary meetings willing to submit to the will of the major- and conventions captured by their ene- ity upon these points. mies. I would indeed deplore the exis- tence of this condition of affairs among I am thankful, brethren and sis- us. If there should be any division of ters, in coming back to find so much sentiment among us at any time, let us prosperity in our Territory. You may do as brethren and sisters should do— think you have had hard times, as I for the sisters have a voice in this mat- have no doubt you have, there is a ter as well as the men, and their voice scarcity of money, and in some instances should have weight; there should be rep- a scarcity of labor. But compared with resentatives of both sexes—and arrange the condition of the East, you can well our differences in the beginning, in our say you have a good deal of prosper- first meetings and there settle them; and ity. It is a most painful thing to then let us go to the polls united, as witness the amount of destitution and one body, sinking any differences of opin- poverty found in many of the eastern ion we may have, being determined to cities, and through the land generally. carry out that which the majority de- You can scarcely walk from the Capitol cides upon, because the majority should down Pennsylvania Avenue to the ho- rule, and this is a principle that should tel, without being solicited as many as be recognized. The voice of the ma- half a dozen times for charity, colored jority should be potent, and have influ- people and white people soliciting alms. ence with the minority, and the minor- And this is the case in most cities. It ity should not rebel against the major- is most painful to see respectable peo- ity. You take a republican caucus or a ple, people whom you would not suspect 258 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. were in want, from the appearance of be one principle, I think, observed by us, their clothes, ask for alms. And this is and that is, that every father and ev- the case almost universally throughout ery man who has influence in our vari- the east. One of the most grave fears I ous localities should endeavor to the ex- noticed in the minds of members during tent of his ability and opportunity to be- this and the summer previous to the ad- stow upon our young men a knowledge journment was, that the difficulty aris- of the various branches of business. It is ing from the hard times, the want of la- a matter pressing itself upon our atten- bor, etc., would give rise to destructive tion, and it should receive attention from riots. It is true that men's hearts are us; that every boy and every girl in our failing them in looking forward for the community should be taught something, things that are coming to pass. some branch of skilled industry by which In this respect we are not without our they can sustain themselves. If our boys difficulties. We have trouble about wa- wish to become farmers, make them the ter. That is one of the weighty ques- best of farmers, endeavor to teach them tions that is looming up in our midst— some knowledge concerning agricultural how to divide our water equitably and chemistry, so that they will be the bet- justly, and will have to receive atten- ter qualified to make our land as produc- tion. Another question is, how to em- tive as it can be made. Let our girls be ploy our poor people; how shall we put taught branches adapted to their sex, by an end to idleness in our midst? How which they can sustain themselves. Let shall we furnish employment to our nu- our great desire in this direction be to be- merous children, our young men and come a nation of producers, that idleness women growing up? What shall we do may not be known in our land. This is to furnish an abundance of employment a matter that must receive attention; it for everyone who desires labor? These has received some, but it must receive two questions require attention. But more. If some of our boys evince a de- notwithstanding the existence of these sire to become herdsmen, efforts should difficulties, our condition in many re- be made to put them in possession of spects is a most enviable one. We have books on stock-raising. The very best a healthy country; we have a country sources of information respecting this where we can live in peace and quiet- business should be placed within their ness. The rights of society have been reach to enable them to raise the very respected thus far in our midst; secret best animals; and this desire to make the combinations do not exist among us hav- best use of the blessings of God, should ing for their object the overthrow of ex- be encouraged and entertained by all. isting institutions or the destruction of Do not forget, my brethren and sisters, society and property, or the reducing of the teachings you have heard and which property to one common level. There have been repeated in our hearing for so are no evils of this kind menacing us to- many years; I refer to the saving and day. We have an abundance of land. It storing of grain; for the day will come is true our land is dry land: but still when you will see the wisdom of doing there is plenty of room for our young so, and when many of you will doubtless people to spread out. And there should wish you had profited by it. For I tell you RIGHTS OF THE SAINTS. 259 that wars and desolation will cover the of these mountains from the east; it land, just as prophets have declared they seems that every trip increases my would; and these are coming, coming, thankfulness, to see the homes and coming, as plainly and as surely as the places which God has given unto us, to light comes in the morning before the which He has led us and which He has sun rises above the summit of yonder made so blessed in our dwelling here. We mountains, and before we see his rays. are blessed with pure healthy water; and We see the light approaching from the the sun, although its rays are fierce, does east, which gives us notice that the sun not have the effect upon us as upon the is upon us, and that we will soon feel people in the east. If the thermometer his rays. So with the signs of the times were to rise 10 degrees higher, I would at the present. We have only to read rather endure the heat here, say at 100 the newspapers, and look abroad and degrees, than at 90 degrees in the east. see confusion, and see difficulties, and I feel more vigorous, which is doubtless see war, and see pestilence foreshad- in consequence of the cool and refreshing owing themselves over the land. And canyon breezes which blow down upon these things will come to pass as sure us evenings and nights, which enable us as the Lord has spoken it, and as sure to recuperate from the wastes of the day. as His servants have testified to these This is only one thing, but it shows how words. I say you should be thankful ev- good the Lord has been in leading us ery morning, noon and night, and all day out to this land; and the time will yet long, that you are in these mountains, come when we will appreciate our posi- and that your families are so comfort- tion, geographically, still more, when the ably taken care of in these secluded val- calamities which have been spoken of by leys. You may have difficulties to con- ancient and modern prophets overtake tend with, we may have many things the inhabitants of the earth as well as that render our position unpleasant; but those of our own nation. Look at our nevertheless our position is the most en- nation for instance; it is asserted by a viable of any community or any people majority of the people that the President within the confines of the United States, has been put in his position by fraud. Al- from Canada in the north to Mexico in though it has not been proven that Presi- the south. There are no people who en- dent Hayes has been a party to the fraud, joy a more enviable position. Men have and indeed, I believe him to be free from already begun to accord this to us, and accusations of this kind, yet this does say our location is exceedingly desirable. not change the fact that a majority of And the fact is being understood and the nation believe that he occupies the recognized, that there has been what presidential chair through fraud. And they call a series of fortunate circum- of course if this is the case his Cabinet stances, but which we call the provi- is not legally chosen. But it shows the dences of God, around this people, that condition we are coming to; those of you have placed us in a most wonderful posi- who are posted in the results of what tion to exercise power and do great good. is called the Potter investigating com- Every time I come home I have these mittee are acquainted with the irregu- feelings deepened in my heart. I feel larities that have been brought to light, more thankful every time I come in sight 260 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. which alone give an idea of the state of ples of Constitutional government, and society. honor the office to which they are Shall we, brethren and sisters, al- elected. Let us never feel to oppress any low ourselves to drift into this channel? man because of his religious views, or be- When men come to us saying that it is cause of his poverty or because of his po- not right that we should manage our litical views; but to the contrary, feel that election affairs as we do, shall we hear- it is a sacred duty imposed upon us to ken to them when there are such exam- tolerate freedom and preserve good or- ples before us all through the east? I der, and see that integrity and honesty say it would be placing ourselves in a prevail in the land. And you will see most undesirable and critical position; the day, and it is not far distant, when it would be throwing away the bless- these mountains will be the stronghold ings God has given us, and which He of a free people, and when men will come wishes us to magnify and appreciate. I here because the principles of the Consti- hope to see the day when through all tution will be maintained here; and they of these mountains, from Idaho in the will be protected in their political and re- north to Mexico in the south, there shall ligious rights. And this is the mission be a free people dwelling at peace, en- which God has given unto us. We should joying the blessings of liberty, enjoying stand shoulder to shoulder, and let no the blessings of a Constitutional form man divide us, no matter who he may of government, electing their own of- be. It is our duty to bind these people to- ficers by their own free and unbiased gether in the strongest possible manner choice, and upholding them; and these by the bonds of righteousness, not in in- officers executing justice and righteous- iquity, not by secret combinations, but by ness in the midst of the people. I do the bonds of righteousness; because we already see it in part, for all through are few in number, and it is only by our these valleys we have a system of gov- unity that we can be made strong. Let us ernment which is the purest Consti- maintain unity, brethren and sisters; let tutional republican-democratic form of us maintain it in the Gospel, maintain it government that can be found anywhere in the ordinances that God requires us to over the United States. I prize it, I know submit to; maintain it in all our political its cost; and we should maintain it, ev- affairs, from north to south, and be one, ery man and woman should maintain it bearing in our minds that a poor nomina- by standing up for their rights, for they tion well sustained is better than a good have a right to vote, and vote for any nomination not sustained. man they may choose, no matter who he may be. When you decide that he is the man to fill the office, then elect him, and if you find that such a man That God may bless you, and fill you does not suit you, when the time comes, with His Holy Spirit, and preserve you in change him, and uphold such men only the liberty of the Gospel, is my prayer, in as will maintain the laws and the princi- the name of Jesus. Amen. WHY THE SAINTS GATHER. 261

WHY WE GATHER—DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS AND THE WORLD—ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH IN FORMER DAYS—CONDITION OF THE WORLD PREVIOUS TO THE RESTORATION OF THE GOSPEL—THE REFORMERS AND THE WORK THEY PERFORMED—ALL MEN ENJOY A PORTION OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD—THE JEWS—THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED—ORGANIZATION OF NEW STAKES—MISSIONARIES' FAMILIES TO BE PROVIDED FOR—BUILDING HOMES AND BEAUTIFYING THEM—THE DESTINY OF ZION.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDINTHE BOWERYAT REXBURG, BANNOCK STAKE,IDAHO,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,AUG. 17, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am pleased to have the opportunity at the foundation of all our movements, of meeting with you in this place, of vis- of all our acts. We occupy a very pecu- iting your homes in these new settle- liar position in the midst of these United ments, and of striking hands and con- States, and also in the world. We dif- versing with many of our old friends with fer from others in a great many re- whom we have been associated quite a spects, in our ideas of God, in our re- distance from here, and some a very long ligious sentiments, in our social views, distance indeed. and in our relationship with each other, As Latter-day Saints we have gath- and in many respects in all the leading ered to these valleys of the mountains. characteristics of human life and exis- We are assembled together for certain tence pertaining either to this world or purposes associated with our own indi- to the world that is to come. We as- vidual interests; in other respects for semble here as Latter-day Saints—for purposes connected with the welfare of it is to these that I am speaking—and our families, of our wives, our children, I understand the term Latter-day Saint our husbands, etc. And then, further, we is used in contradistinction to former- have gathered together as we have done day Saints. The Church of Christ ex- in these mountains to comply with cer- isted some 1,800 years ago, when Christ tain requisitions made by the Almighty himself was its teacher. He came down upon His people in these latter days. from the heavens to teach and instruct We have come here in accordance with the people in the ways of life. Those a message that he has communicated who believed in Him were baptized in from the heavens to the inhabitants of His name for the remission of sins, and the earth. These ideas and feelings are they had hands laid upon them for the 262 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. reception of the Holy Ghost. They were men properly qualified and endowed of born of the water and of the Spirit, and God, by His Holy Spirit, and ordained were made new creatures in Christ Je- and set apart by Him, might go forth sus. They were instructed in the princi- as messengers of life and salvation to ples of the Gospel, and they had placed the nations of the earth. Hence they among them Prophets, Apostles, Pas- had their Twelve, their Seventies, their tors, Teachers, Evangelists. We are told Bishops, and the various officers of the that these men were authorized by Je- Church. This organization to which I sus to preach the Gospel to all the na- now refer, existed 1,800 years ago, on tions of the earth. We are told that the continent of Asia, and according to they were to tarry at Jerusalem, until accounts given in the Book of Mormon, they had received power from on high, a similar organization existed on this notwithstanding all the teachings they continent. Here they had their Twelve, had had from the Savior. What was and these Twelve were commissioned to that power? It was the gift of the Holy preach the Gospel as the others were on Ghost. Had they not received it? Not the continent of Asia. Jesus visited them in the sense here implied. What, not here as He visited the others in Asia, those that had been with Jesus? No, I and they were placed under His guid- repeat, not in the sense here implied. Je- ance and direction. sus emphatically told them that it was necessary He should go away; for if Now, what condition was the world in He went not away the Comforter would before the Gospel we now preach was in- not come. He instructed His Apostles troduced? Many of you older men here— to teach certain principles that should there are not so many old men here as exist and that ought to prevail among we find in some places—lived when the all the human family. But the people Gospel was not upon the earth. I did have departed from these things. The and many others did. Where could we Gospel put them in possession of the find anything resembling that which was Holy Ghost, which brought things past taught by Jesus? Nowhere on the face of to their remembrance, led them into all the wide earth. Apostles, Prophets, Pas- truth, and showed them of things to tors, Teachers, etc., were nowhere to be come. The Savior explained the office of found. Do I know this? I do know it, the Holy Ghost. It would enable those for I lived in the world at that time. I who received it to comprehend the past, knew what was going on. I was mixed the present and the future. It would up with their teachers, and was well ac- draw aside the curtain of the invisible quainted with the different societies and world, and they would be enabled to gaze organizations. Did they have the Gospel through the dark vista of future ages as laid down in the Scriptures? No. I and comprehend the purposes of God, remember reading with very great inter- as they rolled forth in all their majesty, est the remarks of one of the Wesleys— glory and power. And then in the I do not remember now whether it was church, as I have said, there were placed Charles or John—in some poetry of his: Prophets, Apostles, Pastors, Teachers, "From chosen Abraham's seed the new etc., for the perfecting of the Saints, Apostles choose O'er isles and continents and for the work of the ministry; that to spread the soul reviving news." WHY THE SAINTS GATHER. 263

He knew very well that they did not ditions of men, religious and irreligious, have Apostles, nor those officers that professors and non-professors, Chris- used to exist in the Church, and he felt tians and Jews, Gentiles and all classes it keenly, as did many others. I, my- of people—"if you can find," said he, "a self, mixed up with a society of gentle- people anywhere having the doctrines of men before I heard the fullness of the Christ, you need not baptize them." But I Gospel, who were searching the Scrip- never found anywhere, wherever I went, tures to find out the true way; for we any persons holding the doctrines of did not find any men who professed to be Christ as taught by Him, with Apostles inspired. We were told that all inspira- and Prophets and inspired men under tion had ceased, and yet there were men the influence of the Holy Ghost, and with professing to be called of God to preach an organization similar to that which the Gospel. Now, that is a very singu- was introduced by our Lord and Savior lar thing. How can a man be called of Jesus Christ. Therefore I had to call God, if God has ceased to speak? If a upon all men everywhere to repent, for man is called of God, he must be called I could not find the kind of people Joseph either by the voice or Spirit of God, or by said I need not baptize. Wesley and somebody who is authorized of God, and Whitfield, and going back still further, knows something about His ways. If he Luther, Melancthon, Knox, Zwingli, and does not receive his calling in this way, many other reformers, started what are how is he going to get it? There is one termed reformations. But what did they other way—that is, if God has had a reg- do in those reformations? Did they bring ular Priesthood upon the earth, unbro- back the pure Gospel of Christ? No, they ken, uncorrupted and uncontaminated, did not, and they did not profess to do then it might come down from one to an- it. It is left for some of their admirers to other through the different ages. The do that for them which they in their day Church of Rome professes to trace its au- never professed to do. What did they do? thority down from the days of the Apos- They tried to reform abuses that were tles until the present. But unfortunately in the church. Well, what was done by there is a Scripture that rather inter- these people? What influence were they feres with them and with others, namely: under? They were under the influence, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth more or less, of the Spirit of the living not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. But they didn't have the Gospel, God. He that abideth in the doctrine you say? No; but they were not deprived of Christ, he hath both the Father and of a portion of the Spirit of the living God the Son." I will tell you what Joseph on that account. It is a very great er- Smith told me personally. Said he: "You ror for us to suppose that men through- are going out to preach the Gospel, and out the whole world have not been un- if you can find a people anywhere as der an influence of that kind more or you wander through the world"—which less. We are told in the Scriptures that I have done a great deal, traveled thou- God has given unto all men a portion sands, and I do not know but hun- of His Spirit to profit withal, and many dreds of thousands of miles, and min- men who have followed that Spirit ac- gled with all classes and creeds and con- cording to the light they have had, have 264 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. done a great deal of good among This will be the case when all the peo- men, among whom were Luther, Calvin, ple of Zion live their religion, and comply Melancthon, Wesley, Fletcher, and oth- with the requirements of the Lord. ers in the various churches. Fletcher, I think, was a Church of England Speaking of good men, I had sev- minister; so was John Wesley, and eral gentlemen call upon me just before many others; then there were others I left the city. They were Jews. They among the Presbyterians, Methodists, came from London, or somewhere in that Catholics, etc. They were good men. neighborhood. One of them professed They sought to do good, and did do good; to be a lineal descendant of the tribe of for he that doeth righteousness is righ- Levi, and of the house of Aaron, and I teous. They followed the leadings of was told by part of the company that he that portion of the Spirit of God which is held the legitimate right to the Aaronic given to all men to profit withal. They Priesthood, and his name agreed with operated in the interests of humanity; the records we have pertaining to these introduced many charitable institutions; things. Well, these men were engaged made provision for the poor and out- in a very charitable enterprise. They cast, the lame, and the blind; acted in had heard that we had some sympathies a very liberal, kind and generous man- with the Jews, and desired to see me ner. I have known, in my travels, many and have a talk with me on the subject. ladies and gentlemen possessing large They told me about the terrible scenes fortunes, who spent their time and their that had transpired in Russia lately, and means in trying to promote the welfare the heavy persecutions that their peo- of humanity. But was that the fullness of ple had endured in that country. They the Gospel of the Son of God? No, it was and their friends had subscribed some not. Was it right for them to do these 80,000 pounds (about $400,000) to as- things? Yes; for it is always right for sist their persecuted brethren in Russia, all men to do good to their fellow men; and had formed a number of colonies in to be moral, virtuous, honorable and up- the United States, and thus delivered a right; and notwithstanding the wicked- great many from their oppressors. They ness and crime that exist in these United have purchased large tracts of land, and States, yet there are thousands and mil- established their brethren upon them. I lions of good honorable men who desire told them they had rather missed the to do right; but they do not know the place—that they should have taken up truth, and are led astray by men who Palestine. That, they said, would be all know not what they say nor what they right in its time; they could easily go affirm. If these men had the Gospel from this country to Palestine when the with which is associated the gift of the time came. I talked with them about Holy Ghost, it would lead them into all a good many principles. I talked about truth as it did in former days. And our temples, and said that they would what is said of circumstances and events have to build one at Jerusalem, and I that shall transpire in the last days? told them that I had spoken to Baron We are told that it shall come to pass, Rothschild on this same subject some when the Lord shall bring again Zion, few years ago, and that he would assist that her watchmen shall see eye to eye. in gathering the people. They said that WHY THE SAINTS GATHER. 265 he had given them some help in connec- pel to every creature, and we propose to tion with the enterprise they now had in carry out these things as the Apostles hand, and they supposed he would assist did in former times. Lives may be sac- in the future. rificed for the truth's sake; but it makes I speak of these things to show the no difference where we are if we are only good feelings that exist among men in engaged in the work of God. Jesus said: many instances. That was certainly a "Fear not them which kill the body, but very charitable act for these men to be are not able to kill the soul: but rather engaged in. They were Jews and not fear him which is able to destroy both Christians, neither were they Latter-day soul and body in hell." I fear God, and Saints. Why, it would be a good work for know no other fear, and do not want an infidel to be engaged in—to do good to to; and when men talk sometimes about his fellow men and relieve the oppressed. what they will do and what they are go- That is what we believe in—to do good ing to do with the Mormons—"Wondrous to all men, especially to the household of works in the land of Ham, and terrible faith. things by the Red sea"—it does not make It is well for us to remember that we our knees shake nor our heart palsy. We are not the only people God has on the feel that we are here to do the will of earth. We are told that He is the God God, and in the name of Israel's God we and Father of the spirits of all flesh. He will do it; we will, God being our helper. is therefore interested in the whole of the These are my feelings, these are the human family. The Savior commanded feelings of my brethren around me, and His Apostles to preach the Gospel to ev- these are the feelings of all good Latter- ery creature. Why? Because the whole day Saints who comprehend themselves of the human family are the sons and and intelligently know the principles by daughters of God, and it was proper that which they are governed. they should have the principles of life and salvation presented to them. He We have embraced the Gospel of the has told us to do the same thing—to Son of God, and God has taught us how carry the Gospel to every nation, kin- to organize His Church. Had He not dred, tongue and people—and our Elders taught us we should not have known go forth, as they did in former times, anything about its organization. Joseph without purse or scrip, trusting in God. Smith knew nothing about it; Brigham And some of them get killed. We have Young knew nothing about it; I could not heard of two being slain quite recently in have known anything about it, nor any these United States, where we boast so of the Twelve, nor any man living on the much of freedom, human rights, liberty earth, until God introduced it and taught of conscience, etc. Right in the State of us in all these things. In addition to es- Tennessee, this atrocious deed has taken tablishing His Church, He has told us place, and it is not long since one of our to build up a Zion to His name, and we brethren was murdered in Georgia. We are gathering the materials together for feel sorry for these things; but, then, we that purpose. We have got our Stakes cannot help it. We cannot relinquish our organized, and we have come here to labors in relation to these matters. It help organize your Stake. Yesterday the is enjoined upon us to preach the Gos- High Council was organized. This is a 266 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. body of men that exists in the Church have a number of most beautiful cities in and Kingdom of God. All Stakes must this portion of country. The land is quite have such a Council that they may productive, as was evidenced by the sam- have a perfect organization among them- ples of oats, wheat, corn, turnips, etc., selves. Then you have Bishops, Teach- exhibited here yesterday. These things ers, etc., whose duties you are famil- show you have got into a tolerably good iar with, the same being laid down in country; and you have almost more wa- the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. ter than you know what to do with; but Brother Ricks here is your President, when the time comes when all the land and with one or two exceptions, Bish- is taken up between these mountains, ops have been appointed in all the these streams will not be quite so big as Wards, that everybody in the various set- they are now; you will be able to man- tlements may be placed under proper age them a little better, for the earth government, and under the guidance will drink up a good deal of water. It and direction of the Almighty, accord- seems to me your lines have fallen in ing to the laws that He has introduced pleasant places. Don't be discouraged in His Church. For this purpose you about anything. Everything is moving have been taught to gather together in along all right. The great thing is to your towns and villages, and certain in- conform yourselves to the circumstances structions have been given in regard to in which you are placed. There is one these matters. Before these instruc- thing I have been very much pleased to tions were given, Brother Preston and learn. I requested Brother Preston, in Brother Ricks were directed to come out talking about these things, to see that and examine this land, and they found in the neighborhood of every town there it was suitable for the settlements of should be a piece of ground set apart for the Saints. They were then requested the benefit of missionaries' families; be- by me to furnish a plan of the country, cause we shall be calling upon the El- and also select places for cities and have ders here to go forth and preach the them surveyed, to provide lots for meet- Gospel, the same as we are doing in inghouses, schoolhouses, Relief Societies other parts of the land of Zion. I asked and Mutual Improvement Associations. Brother Preston to set a pattern here in All of which they promptly attended to. this respect to the balance of the land of Zion, and then report to me, and I The Stake of Bannock was afterwards would call upon all other peoples in the organized, as also a Presidency for the land of Zion to do the same, that the Stake. Town sites were selected and sur- families of the missionaries may have veyed, and then the instructions which bread and other supplies, and thus be you have heard read were given by the sustained and looked after, and not feel First Presidency. We find you have a very in any kind of bondage. Most of the good country, and are pleased to see you missionaries, perhaps, would not be in as comfortably situated as you are. It is needy circumstances, but if they should hard struggling always to start new set- there will be something for their families tlements. I am pleased, however, to find and they will have no excuse to back out so many of our young men embarking in under these circumstances. And then this enterprise; and by and by you will we call upon the older men among the WHY THE SAINTS GATHER. 267

Seventies and High Priests and upon lots beautiful houses and pleasant homes, of the young men to attend to these mat- and everything around you calculated to ters, and thus promote the welfare of all. promote your happiness and well being. And now we want to see you as And then we want to see you oper- Latter-day Saints, as quickly as circum- ate as one in all things. You fathers of stances will permit, get on to your city families and you mothers, see to it that lots, and don't be scattered abroad like you dedicate yourselves and your habi- so many stray calves. We want you to lo- tation and everything you have to God, cate on your city lots, and in the mean and that you live pure, virtuous, and time be preparing to build on them; for holy and upright lives. See to it that you we must have beautiful cities and splen- are men and women of God—children of did habitations in the land of Zion. Many the Most High God, and your offspring people begin to admire Salt Lake City; with you. And I tell you that the time but we have done nothing there to what is rolling on when Zion will become the we intend doing. I have talked with praise and the glory of the whole earth. Brother Ricks on the subject of building The time is coming and hastening on nice homes, and have suggested that you when, as one of the prophets predicts, get some architect to furnish the plans of people will say such and such a man was some pleasant cottages, and some more born in Zion—that is, the people of Zion pretentious, according to the means and will be so honorable, so upright, so vir- circumstances of the people. You may tuous, and so blessed of God, under the be able to purchase architectural books auspices of the Almighty, and the gov- that will answer the purpose; but let us ernment which He will introduce, that build beautiful homes. It is nearly as they will think it an honor to have been cheap to put up a good looking house, born in Zion. We will fear God, and and one properly constructed, as it is one work righteousness on earth, and when of those ill-favored affairs. Build your we get through here be transplanted to temporary homes well back in the lot, so the heavens until this earth shall be that when you build again these will an- redeemed; for we shall again possess swer for kitchens, or it may be some of the earth when it shall be celestialized. your boys or girls, till they can do bet- God bless you all, in the name of Jesus. ter. But we want to see beautiful cities, Amen. 268 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

A PECULIAR WORK—TRUTH OPPOSED IN ALL AGES—TRUE RELIGION NEVER PERSECUTES ITS OPPONENTS—WHAT THE TRUTH HAS COST—WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE VICTORY IS SURE—SAINTS OBLIGATED TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL—FORBEARANCE COMMANDED—A TEMPLE-BUILDING PEOPLE—FEELING MANIFESTED TOWARDS THE SAINTS—CIVIL STRIFE COMING.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,AUGUST 31, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

The work of God in all ages has been has been established has been revered, a peculiar work, coming in contact with or men have thought that they revered popular ideas and with men's precon- it, and in looking back to the acts of ceived notions, and meeting with opposi- their ancestors, or of other people, they tion frequently of the most deadly char- have said to themselves: "If we had lived acter. In every age when truth has been in the days of our fathers, we should revealed, it has had hostility to con- not have killed the prophets and those tend with. No great principle has ever that were sent unto us." They said this been established among the children of at the time of the Son of God, and He men without costly sacrifices. The re- reproached them for these expressions, ligion of our Lord and Savior was es- and charged them with being the sons of tablished at the cost of precious and it murderers, and they themselves willing may be said inestimable blood and lives, to do the very acts that they reprehended and it has been the characteristic of and condemned in their fathers. truth in every age to be hated and to It would be an incredible thing if be opposed. If, therefore, we as Latter- we had not seen it and known it, that day Saints are exposed to opposition and men and women are persecuted in our hostility—having our names cast out as day and in our time and in our na- evil, and men thinking that they are do- tion for religion's sake. To make such a ing God's service in killing us—it is no statement a few years ago—half a cen- more than men have endured in past tury ago or a little over—would have generations for the truth, for that which been to have raised incredulity; men is now recognized as the purest and most could not have conceived of the possi- heavenly truth. It is with our gener- bility of a church, however ignorant, ation as it was with the generation in however misinformed, however untrue which the Savior lived, and as it has its doctrines might be, being perse- been with all generations. Truth that cuted and its votaries slain because PERSECUTION TO BE LOOKED FOR. 269 it taught false doctrines. It has not been held dear upon the earth, and thus far the case in the history of our race that in the progress of the Church of Jesus true religion has sought to destroy false Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have not religions, and the advocate of false doc- been disappointed. The espousal and trines, by the shedding of blood. That propagation of the truth has cost pre- has never been the practice of true reli- cious blood, and it is not being estab- gion, or of those who believed in true re- lished in the earth now any more than ligion. How preposterous it would be for at any previous time, without great sac- us to imagine the Savior and the Apos- rifices on the part of those who are its tles killing those who differed with them devotees. God will test us as a people. in their views about religion! The mere He will prove us, He will give us the thought is abhorrent to all our ideas of most ample opportunity of showing our the religion of Jesus. It would be incon- faith in Him, and our confidence in the ceivable for the Son of God, or for His truth that He has revealed. It should be Apostles, or for any of His disciples, to go worth everything that we have. We can- forth with the sword, or with any other not make too great sacrifices for it. If weapon of destruction, destroying those we look at the example which has been who did not believe as they believed. In given unto us by our Savior, we will see fact, such has never been the case. It is the path that He walked in and that not the method that true men take. which He endured. When we think of His origin, His glorious origin, the Cre- Ah! but it is said of us—we are such ator of heaven and earth, a Being that a wicked people, we are so law-defying, had reigned in glory and power, com- we are so bigoted and fanatical, that it is ing down here and being clothed with justifiable to kill us. It is a terrible con- mortality, and suffering as He suffered, fession to make—that in a land of law, a enduring that which He endured, and land of constitutional principles, a land dying the ignominious death which he where men can be dealt with who violate did—when we think of Him and His life, the law, that there should be no resource we should be reconciled to pass through for the checking of false religion except and submit patiently to every trial that violence and the shedding of blood. It the Lord our God may see fit to call us is a terrible confession to make in our to meet. We should be willing to do time—that this is the only way in which this if it costs us our homes, as it has to meet false doctrines, or to quiet or put done, if it costs us our friends and our an end to or overcome those who propa- good name, and even life itself. It is gate them. not more than it has cost others; and if we would enter into the glory which Now, my brethren and sisters, in God has attained unto, if we would sit espousing the Gospel of Jesus Christ down with Him and His Apostles, and the Latter-day Saints were taught—and with the faithful of all ages, we should be those of us who were too young to un- willing to endure that which they have derstand it at the time we entered the endured. God calls us to pass through Church were taught when we were old these things, and to endure them for enough to comprehend the principle— the sake of the truth. There is this that its espousal might cost us our lives, consolation, however connected with the that it might cost us everything we work with which we are identified—that 270 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

God has made promises unto us that it not the Latter-day Saints alone who feel shall never be given into the hands of the effects of truth; other people feel its another people. The Apostles looked for- effects who may not espouse it openly. ward to the time when there would be a The proclamation of the principles of life great falling away, and the man of sin be and salvation by the Latter-day Saints revealed, and they warned the church in has caused thousands of persons to rec- their day of that falling away. But God ognize error, many errors that they for- has given unto us the assurance that merly believed in, and to take different this Church, this work that He has es- and higher views, and this will continue tablished, shall never be given into the to be the case. hands of another people, but that it shall But the duty which devolves upon us stand forever, and it shall go forward ac- as a people is to patiently labor in dis- complishing His designs, until it shall seminating the Gospel of Jesus Christ fill the whole earth. This is a glorious throughout the nations of the earth. It promise given unto us, and to our chil- is our duty to carry these principles to dren, and we can rely upon it. Men every nation, to every kindred, to every may be slain, as they have been; peo- tongue, to every people upon the face ple may be driven, as they have been; of the whole earth; not to the United efforts of the most herculean character States alone, not to Europe alone, but to may be made to extirpate this work from Asia, Africa, and the islands of the sea, the earth, but we have the promise of throughout our own continent, through our God that it shall stand and that it these Southern nations, and everywhere, shall not be overthrown. And this is very in fact, where the children of men reside; consolatory in the midst of the afflictions and to lift up a warning voice and de- and trials which we will be called upon clare to the inhabitants of the earth that from time to time to submit to. Looking the time is near when the judgments and at affairs naturally, however, it would calamities of which the Prophets and the seem as though it was presumptuous in Apostles have spoken are about to be a people like us to entertain such hopes. poured out upon the ungodly. This is our How often have we been told that in a duty; and this Gospel of the Kingdom, as very little while the opposition to this we have been told, must be preached as work would be of such a character that a witness unto all nations before the end it would completely overwhelm it, and comes. It is a labor devolving upon us as that it was useless for us to attempt a people: and though it may cost many to stem the tide of opposition or outlive precious lives to do this, the obligation the storm of persecution that has been rests upon us nevertheless, and we can- raised against us. not be freed from it only by the discharge But there is a wonderful power in of the duty. truth, wonderful power in the principles My mind, while Brother Teas- of life and salvation, and when God is on dale has been speaking, has rested the side of a people, no matter how fee- upon a revelation which God gave ble they may be, they are bound in the through Joseph Smith, in the early course of time, to be victorious. Already days of this Church, in which He de- great results have been accomplished scribed to the Church the spirit which by the preaching of the truth. It is they should have concerning offenses PERSECUTION TO BE LOOKED FOR. 271 that should be extended to them, or unto death. Says the revelation: wrongs that should be perpetrated upon "For if ye will not abide in my them as a people. We are called to oc- covenant ye are not worthy of me. cupy a very different position from that "Therefore, renounce war and pro- of any other people. We must be lovers of claim peace, and seek diligently to turn peace. We must be men who shall seek the hearts of their children to their fa- to establish the pure principles of righ- thers, and the hearts of the fathers to the teousness in the earth, and to continu- children; ally cultivate and carry out practically "And again, the hearts of the Jews the spirit that Jesus endeavored to in- unto the prophets, and the prophets unto culcate. You know how He felt when He the Jews; lest I come and smite the whole was upon the cross. He said; "Father, for- earth with a curse, and all flesh be con- give them; for they know not what they sumed before me." do." We also must have that same spirit. "Now, I speak unto you concerning We have been accused, I know, and very your families—if men will smite you, or freely accused, of indulging in a differ- your families, once, and ye bear it pa- ent feeling, and having sentiments of re- tiently and revile not against them, nei- venge and a disposition, if we had the ther seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; power, to wreak vengeance upon those "But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall who are opposed to us. But if we did so be accounted unto you as being meted we should falsify ourselves and the doc- out a just measure unto you. trines that we teach. We should deprive "And again, if your enemy shall smite ourselves of the Spirit and blessings of you the second time, and you revile not God. We should occupy a position antag- against your enemy, and bear it pa- onistic to that which He has commanded tiently, your reward shall be an hundred- us to occupy. The Lord says in this reve- fold. lation: "And again, if he shall smite you the "And whoso layeth down his life in my third time, and ye bear it patiently, your cause, for my name's sake, shall find it reward shall be doubled unto you four- again, even life eternal. fold; "Therefore, be not afraid of your en- "And these three testimonies shall emies, for I have decreed in my heart, stand against your enemy if he repent saith the Lord, that I will prove you in not, and shall not be blotted out. all things, whether you will abide in my "And now, verily I say unto you, if covenant, even unto death, that you may that enemy shall escape my vengeance, be found worthy." that he be not brought into judgment be- It would seem strange that such lan- fore me, then ye shall see to it that ye guage should be used in the United warn him in my name, that he come no States in the year 1833 concerning this more upon you, neither upon your family, Church. The Lord knew, however, the even your children's children unto the spirit with which this people and the third and fourth generation. proclamation of this truth would be "And then, if he shall come upon met, and He forewarned His people you or your children, or your chil- that they should be found worthy, or dren's children until the third and rather that they should be true even fourth generation, I have delivered 272 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. thine enemy into thine hands; attention, especially at the present time. "And then if thou wilt spare him, thou It shows unto us most clearly, my shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness; brethren and sisters, that there is no and also thy children and thy children's room for revenge in the heart of a true children unto the third and fourth gener- Latter-day Saint. God designs that we ation. shall be a peaceful people, a people who "Nevertheless, thine enemy is in shall love and cultivate peace, a people thine hands; and if thou rewardest him who shall seek by every means in their according to his works thou art justified; power to avert war and to avert blood- if he has sought thy life, and thy life is shed, to proclaim peace, and to entreat endangered by him, thine enemy is in people for peace; and God has said to us thine hands and thou art justified. most emphatically that He would fight "Behold, this is the law I gave unto our battles, that He would defend us my servant Nephi, and thy fathers, against our enemies. He does not in- Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abra- tend that the Latter-day Saints shall be ham, and all mine ancient prophets and a people shedding blood. God did not per- apostles. mit David, a man after His own heart, "And again, this is the law that I gave to build the temple at Jerusalem, be- unto mine ancients, that they should not cause he was a man of war, but He gave go out unto battle against any nation, unto his peaceful son Solomon, who was kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the a peaceful ruler and had no occasion to Lord, commanded them. fight—He gave unto him the privilege "And if any nation, tongue, or people of building His holy temple. We are a should proclaim war against them, they temple-building people. God has given should first lift a standard of peace unto unto us a mission of this kind, to build that people, nation, or tongue; temples in which we shall perform the "And if that people did not accept the ordinances of life and salvation, and it offering of peace, neither the second nor seems to be meet in His providence that the third time, they should bring these we should refrain from everything that testimonies before the Lord; would unfit us for the discharge of this "Then I, the Lord, would give unto high and holy calling. Therefore, I re- them a commandment, and justify them peat, that of all people now living upon in going out to battle against that nation, the face of the earth we are most ur- tongue, or people. gently required by our God to be lovers "And I, the Lord, would fight their and cultivators of peace, and to seek not battles, and their children's battles, and for that revenge which gratifies human their children's children's, until they had passion, which is not of God, and which avenged themselves on all their enemies, is opposed to the Gospel of Jesus, and to to the third and fourth generation. the sentiments that Jesus invariably in- "Behold, this is an ensample unto all culcated and endeavored to enforce upon people, saith the Lord your God, for jus- His disciples. We have shown this re- tification before me." peatedly. How many times would we This revelation continues in this have been stirred up to indignation, if strain, and it is well worthy of our we had allowed human feelings to pre- PERSECUTION TO BE LOOKED FOR. 273 vail, at the abominable falsehoods which must be sustained by the overruling have been circulated in our midst, fab- providence and power of God our Eter- ricated by men whose only object has nal Father, and not by any earthly power. been to bring down vengeance upon Therefore our path of safety is the path this people, to excite the ruling powers which God has pointed out for us; not against us; to stir up congressional ac- to be a revengeful people, not to be a tion against us, to create a public opinion recriminating people, not to be an abu- against us, to make it justifiable to slay sive people, but to be a meek people, us, to deprive us of every right? How of- a forbearing people, bearing patiently, ten has this been the case? How easy it but of course not sitting down idly and would have been for us if we had followed supinely, and permitting contumely to the influences that seem natural to hu- be heaped upon us without exerting the man beings under such circumstances, to powers God has given us to dissipate have avenged ourselves upon them. But falsehoods. But this can be done in the had we done so we should have forfeited spirit of meekness, not in the spirit of re- the protecting care of our Father and our venge, not in the spirit of reviling, not in God. When we attempt to do this, we put the spirit of hostility and hatred. This ourselves outside of the pale of His pro- spirit is antagonistic to the spirit that tection. We could not ask of Him (as we Jesus possesses, and which we all ought could do if we were to observe His com- to possess to be like Him—to be filled as mandments) that protection and that de- He was with those desirable attributes liverance which is necessary at times to which were so acceptable to the Father. extricate us from the imminent perils I wished to say this much to you; for with which we are threatened. And it I feel that the present time is a fit occa- is by this principle, following this policy, sion for us to bear these things in mind. adopting this peaceful, godlike course, There are many occurrences which are that this people have been preserved and of a character to goad us to do and blessed up to the present time. It is a say things that would be unworthy of spirit which we should cultivate, culti- us. The whole earth seems to be full vate it in all our associations, in our in- of falsehood; and as I have said many tercourse with one another, in our in- people think they are doing God service tercourse with the world, and even with in killing us. Already a great many those who are most embittered against public papers—editors speaking through us. It is not for us to revile against the the columns of their papers—have jus- reviler; it is not for us to bandy vul- tified assassination and said that those gar epithets with those who indulge in who had committed it were not par- this mode of warfare; but it is for us ticularly guilty. This spirit is abroad, to put our trust in God, to leave our and it would, if it had the power, de- cause with Him. For we cannot defend stroy this whole people: it would de- ourselves by earthly weapons. We are populate these valleys, it would spill too feeble. We are not strong in num- our blood just as freely as blood ever bers. We are not strong in wealth. We was shed under the most cruel and in- are not strong in worldly things. We human circumstances. Yes, it would have not these advantages to aid and flow in streams throughout these val- sustain us. If we are sustained we leys, if some men had their way. Men, 274 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. woman and children would be visited day will come, and it is not far dis- by indiscriminate slaughter, because in tant, when in our own nation, there their opinion we believe in a false reli- will be civil strife, there will be domes- gion. God in his mercy, however, is ex- tic broils, there will be a withdrawal of ercising power in our behalf. If He does peace, and men will yet have to come to not, what then shall be our fate? Could the Latter-day Saints for that peace and man befriend us? Could man deliver us? that freedom from civil strife that cannot Can we ourselves by any exertion, how- be found elsewhere. God revealed this ever great or superhuman—can we de- and predicted it, upwards of fifty years liver ourselves? No, we cannot. Let me ago, and it will, just as sure as He pre- repeat: Our only hope is our God; our dicted it, be fulfilled to the letter. All only strength is in Him and in His prov- we have to do is to take the course that idence, and He will deliver us. Let me He has pointed out to us, to keep His say to you, that he has never yet failed to commandments, leaving the results with deliver us; and His promises are as firm Him, and He will control all things for and immovable as His eternal throne. the glory of His name. We have been We can rely upon Him with the utmost taught to believe that the time will come assurance that we shall not be deceived; when constitutional government will be but that in the direst extremity, in the overthrown upon this land, and that it darkest hour, in the midst of the deep- will be the province of the Latter-day est trials and afflictions, His arm will be Saints to uphold those principles which extended in our behalf, and His provi- God inspired the founders of this govern- dence be exerted to save and to deliver ment to embody in the Constitution; and us. We can rest assured of this. There- it seems to be fast approaching. When fore, however dark the prospects may be, assassination can be justified, assassina- however gloomy, let us remember that tion of men peaceably worshipping their He who sits on high knows our condition, God, offending no one, committing no vi- and that He can deliver us. He will in- olation of law or of good order; when terpose at the very moment when it is they can be shot down cruelly and in- needed and rescue us from every evil, humanly, and their murderers be jus- and He will defeat and bring to naught tified for the deed, it seems as though every plan and device which is concocted the time when constitutional principles against the peace and prosperity of those would fail, is near at hand. But this is who put their trust in Him and in the not all. When we who have built up this great work which He has established in country, and made it that which it is by the earth. This I can bear testimony the sacrifices we have made—living here to. I know whereof I speak. I know in peace, men and women industriously just as well as I know that I stand here, pursuing their various avocations, mo- and that I am speaking to you, that the lesting no one, observing every law that Latter-day Saints, this Church, or what promotes good order—when such a peo- we call the Zion of our God, will be de- ple as we, I say, are legislated against livered, and it will roll forth in mighty and considered unworthy of the rights power, and it will accomplish all that has of citizenship, almost every right being been predicted concerning it. For the taken from us, that free men value, and for which the fathers of many of this MEMORIAL SERVICES. 275 people have suffered and died—when I pray God the Eternal Father, my we see these acts justified and the men brethren and sisters, to fill you with that who do them think they are commit- peace which cometh from above, to fill ting acts which will be applauded by you with that courage which every true their constituents, what are we to con- servant and handmaiden of God should clude? Shall we not say, Surely the possess. I pray that He will preserve predictions are coming to pass, and the you and keep you so that in the midst time is drawing near when constitu- of every trial and affliction you may be tional government will have to be main- unswerving in the cause of our God, tained by some other hands than those which I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, who now profess to be its upholders? Amen.

RESPECT TO THE DEAD—CONSOLATION TO THE BEREAVED—INSTRUCTION TO THE SAINTS—RESIGNATION TO THE WILL OF THE ALMIGHTY—PITY FOR THE MURDERERS—CONDEMNATION AWAITING THEM AT THE HANDS OF A JUST GOD—RETRIBUTION TO BE LEFT FOR HIM TO METE OUT.

REMARKSBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON,APOSTLE MOSES THATCHER,ELDER GEORGE F. GIBBS, AND PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDATTHE FUNERAL SERVICESOVERTHEREMAINSOF ELDER JOHN H.GIBBS, HELDINTHE BOWERY ATTACHEDTOTHE MEETINGHOUSE,PARADISE,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,AUGUST 24, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

President Geo. Q. Cannon was the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls first speaker. He said: of them that were slain for the testimony I will read from the 6th chapter of the which they held: Revelation of St. John, commencing at "And they cried with a loud the 9th verse: voice, saying, How long, O Lord, "And when he had opened the holy and true, dost thou not judge 276 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. and avenge our blood on them that dwell to the feelings which I have had since on the earth? coming into this shade. But we have as- "And white robes were given unto ev- sembled together today, to pay our last ery one of them; and it was said unto tribute of respect and honor to the mar- them, that they should rest yet for a lit- tyred dead, and it is meet and proper tle season, until their fellowservants also that we should control our feelings and and their brethren, that should be killed endeavor to say something that shall be as they were, should be fulfilled." consolatory to the living, and that shall In the next chapter we find the fol- have the effect to make this lesson an im- lowing: pressive one to all of us, and especially "And all the angels stood round about to the young men and young women, the the throne, and about the elders and the rising generation of this people. four beasts, and fell before the throne on It is not a new thing in the history of their faces, and worshipped God, the work of the last days for the blood of "Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, innocence to be shed; but the frequency and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and of these occurrences does not take away honor, and power, and might, be unto our from the anguish and the sorrow, and God forever and ever. Amen. those poignant feelings that are created by such atrocious acts. We cannot be- "And one of the elders answered, say- come reconciled to these things suffi- ing unto me, What are these which are ciently, fortify ourselves as we may, to es- arrayed in white robes? and whence cape feeling upon occasions of this char- came they? acter that we are all liable at any time "And I said unto him, Sir, thou know- to be called to lay down our lives for the est. And he said to me, These are they truth's sake. Whenever our brethren are which came out of great tribulation, and thus called as sacrifices for the truth, have washed their robes, and have made it requires the comforting influence and them white in the blood of the Lamb. strength which God alone can give to rec- "Therefore they are before the throne oncile us, so that we can bear these blows of God, and serve him day and night in with equanimity and with the resigna- his temple: and he that sitteth on the tion which should characterize people of throne shall dwell among them. our profession. "They shall hunger no more, neither When the Gospel was revealed from thirst any more; neither shall the sun heaven in these latter times, it was told light on them, nor any heat. to those who received it—not only to "For the Lamb which is in the midst Joseph the Seer, but to others who re- of the throne shall feed them, and shall ceived it from him—that the espousal lead them unto living fountains of wa- and advocacy of these principles might ters: and God shall wipe away all tears cost them their lives, and there is a from their eyes." plain intimation in one of the early rev- If I were to consult my feelings on elations to Joseph, that his life might the present occasion, I would much be required. During his lifetime he rather sit still and listen, than to at- lived under perpetual attacks from his tempt to speak or to give utterance enemies; not that he lived in dread, MEMORIAL SERVICES. 277 but there was constant reason to fear, suffering, and in many instances with however, all the days of his life, through blood; the sacrifice of earthly ties, the the revelation of the truth to him, and sacrifice of homes, of friends, of old as- the bestowal of the holy Priesthood upon sociations, of kindred, of native land— him, that at any moment he might fall these sacrifices have been made by all a victim to the rage of those who hated who have connected themselves and re- the truth. He never at any time led mained connected with the Zion of our those who received the Gospel to antic- God. And besides these, not infrequently ipate that their fate would be any better has it been the case that bodily tor- than his, for every man and woman was ture has been inflicted through the at- taught that if the principles were what tacks and the malicious spirit of those we believed them to be, that which he who have hated the truth, and not in- testified they were, it was worthy of their frequently life itself has been given for lives, and of every other sacrifice they the cause of God, or as a testimony to might be called to make. Men, there- the truth of that cause which He has es- fore, in espousing the Gospel of Jesus tablished. Since our arrival, however, Christ in these last days, espouse it, as in these valleys, it has been hoped that a general rule, with a full knowledge of we would escape the fierce intolerance the consequences involved therein. They of the wicked. Years elapsed after our have not been told that their pathway reaching here during which we dwelt in would be strewn with flowers, that they peace and free from annoyance and from would be surrounded with ease and com- the attacks of the wicked. Our Elders fort, and that they would have friends on have traveled through various nations every hand and be popular; but where of Europe, and though persecuted and faithful Elders have gone out preach- treated with contumely at times, still ing the Gospel, they have gone declaring blood has not been shed. No men have unto the inhabitants of the earth that been destroyed among the nations of Eu- the same sacrifice which had been called rope who have gone forth bearing the for in ancient days, when Jesus commu- message of life and salvation. nicated His Gospel unto men—that the The Lord in His mercy of late years same sacrifices might still, in all prob- has moved upon His servants to send ability, be demanded of them, and they the messengers of life and salvation to have been told not to hold their lives our own nation, and they have gone ac- dear unto them, but for the sake of the cording to God's command, to warn the great riches which God had bestowed, people of the impending judgments and and the great and glorious reward that calamities that are about to be poured He had promised, they should be will- out upon this nation in common with ing, if it were necessary, and God should other nations. The Elders have labored require such sacrifice at their hands, with great zeal, and in many instances to lay down their lives for the truth. with great success, and have been the And it was well that these teachings means of carrying the glad tidings of sal- were given to the people; for the early vation to very many souls, and this suc- history of our Church, and every step cess has seemed to arouse the powers of of its progress, has been marked with darkness. Embittered by the falsehoods that have been circulated concerning 278 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. us, men have sought to stop the onward with the rest of our brethren and sisters progress of the work by seeking to de- who are assembled in the various places stroy those who were its messengers and of worship at this present time—that we ministers. We have heard frequently of have been and still are preserved. A feel- mobs, especially in the Southern States, ing has gone abroad, in consequence of where the Elders have labored for some the lies that the father of lies has prop- years past. Occasionally they have re- agated, which causes thousands of peo- sorted to violence, and in several in- ple to think that if the Latter-Saints, stances have made attempts at taking or Mormons, could be blotted out, it life, and before this recent massacre, suc- would be a most praiseworthy and jus- ceeded, at least, in killing one Elder— tifiable act, and it is that spirit, en- Joseph Standing, in the State of Georgia. gendered by that being, emanating from It seems as though the adversary has that source, which has caused the death been determined that if he could not stop of these our beloved brethren for whom the progress of this work in any other we mourn today. That spirit of murder- way he would drown it in blood. It is due ous hate, unmerciful, cruel, brutal, when to the providence of God, and to His won- it takes possession of the heart of man, derful and preserving care that we who leaves no room for a gleam of compas- live in these valleys have been preserved sion to enter. It was that spirit which in peace. The credit of our preservation caused the crucifixion of the most glori- from blood—that is, from war and con- ous Being, the holiest, the purest, and sequent bloodshed—is due to our Great the best that ever trod the earth, that Creator; for if the adversary, who is the gentle Being, the Son of God—it was great antagonist of our God and of His that spirit which crucified Him in the work, could have had his way, our peace- most ignominious manner; that spirit ful valleys would have been drenched in brought Him to that cruel death, as it the blood of innocence. He who opposes had done the prophets that had preceded this work does not hesitate at any means Him. Pitiless as the grave is that spirit, to stop its progress. He was a murderer the spirit of the evil one, when it takes from the beginning, and he has sought by possession of man, transforming those every means in his power, by the circu- who naturally might be compassionate, lation of wicked, abominable falsehoods who naturally might have hearts open against the Latter-day Saints, to stir up to the appeals of mercy—transforming men to bloodshed and to cause them to them into demons of hate, filled with look upon us as a people whose death an unquenchable desire for the blood of would be well merited and against whom their fellow men. It is that spirit which acts of violence of the most terrible char- has caused murders in every age from acter could be committed and be entirely the day that the blood of Abel stained the justifiable. It is not due to Satan, it is soil of the virgin earth until this brutal not due to his mercy nor his forbearance, massacre through which the soil of the that we have thus escaped, but it is due State of Tennessee has been drenched to the mercy and the overruling provi- and stained with innocent blood. We dence and the fatherly care of our Great need not wonder at these occurrences Creator, that we who are here today when we read the history of the past and MEMORIAL SERVICES. 279 that which was done to the Son of God found, is inexpressible. Is not this Himself; and to the Prophets and Apos- strange that I should have feelings of tles, and in our own day, to the mar- this kind for the murderers? tyred Joseph, the Prophet of God, and When I think of their future; of the his brother Hyrum. We do not depend penalty they have brought upon them- upon tradition for our ideas respecting selves; when I think how blindly they Joseph and Hyrum. They were known have been led by the adversary of their to us. Their actions are familiar, their souls, who was a murderer from the be- efforts and all their labors we know and ginning, who rebelled against our Father understand, and we know how innocent in Heaven, and is the great enemy of they were. We know that every pulsation the human race, and who seeks to de- of their hearts beat with love for human- stroy the children of our God—when I ity, and for the salvation of their race, as think of them I am filled with pity for did the heart of this our beloved brother, their fate. As for these victims—this our John H. Gibbs, when it was living. Every beloved brother Gibbs, and our beloved pulsation was filled with love for God, Brother Berry—we know what is in store and a desire for the salvation of God's for them. They have received, or rather children upon the earth. But towards will receive crowns of glory, immortal such as these, the spirit of the evil one glory. They will be the companions of has no mercy. Nothing less than blood the Gods. They will sit down with Jesus, will satisfy, and it has been so from the the Mediator of the new covenant. By very beginning. their deaths they will secure an entrance Whom shall we pity today? This mur- into the society of the Prophets and the dered victim and the other murdered vic- Apostles, and the martyrs, the noblest, tim whose body has gone to his home? the holiest, the best, the most exalted of For whom shall we shed tears and our our race. There is no glory that God can hearts swell with pity? Shall it be give to man, there is no exaltation which for these our murdered brethren, these God can bestow upon man that these our beloved ones, these sainted martyrs, who martyred brethren will not receive. Un- died in the discharge of duty, serving trammeled now, having passed the gates their God, and seeking earnestly for the of death, their tabernacles having been salvation of their fellow men? Shall our destroyed, their spirits have gone to the hearts swell with pity for them and their paradise of God. There awaits them con- fate? No. There is no room for pity in tinual progress. They have entered upon my heart for them. I feel thankful to a career of never ending glory, a career God, not that they were slain, but that which will never terminate throughout they were courageous enough to die for the endless ages of eternity; for they the truth which the Savior died for, for have done all that mortal men could do, which the blood of Joseph and for which they have been willing to lay down their the blood of all the martyrs from the days lives for the truth, and greater love no of righteous Abel until today has been man can exhibit than this. Therefore, so shed. For whom, then, does my pity go far as they are concerned, aside from the out? For the murderers of these holy atrocity of the deed which brought them men. For them my pity is deep, is pro- to so untimely a death, aside from the 280 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. poignant sorrow that must fill the hearts to be one of them, when silence would of the widows, the orphan children, seem even more impressive than words; the parents and brothers and sisters there are times when it is difficult to and friends—aside from these there is express the thoughts we have in our no cause for grief today, not for these hearts. Yet I know by the words which brethren at least; but as I have said, Woe have been expressed by President Can- to the men! Woe to the men! who have non, that when the Spirit of God dic- committed this ghastly crime. I can- tates, much can be said to comfort the not contemplate their future without my living. As for the dead all is well with blood being chilled, and being appalled them—that is, with the brethren who at the damnation that awaiteth all such have sealed their testimony with their individuals. blood. You have heard what will be their My brethren and sisters, I pray God glory, and to that testimony I will add to make this an example for all of us. I mine. When we clearly understand, by say to the young men of Israel—Here be- the light of the Spirit of God, what mar- fore you is an example worthy of your tyrs for the truth will receive, death fails imitation. What is death? Shall it be to create fear in our minds. It is at other feared? Death comes to all, the coward times, when surrounded with the trials as well as the brave man. The coward and temptations of life, when yielding to has to meet his fate, and why should weaknesses and sin, that we become dis- we shrink from it? A few days or a few qualified for that high glory about which weeks or months or years, at the most President Cannon has been speaking. To will only elapse until death will overtake my mind there is nothing here to be sorry all. Let us seek as a people to be pre- about, save to mourn with the relatives pared to meet death, to flinch not from and friends of the martyred ones. Their the path of duty, from the path of honor, calling and election has been made sure, from the path that God has marked out and it will be said unto them—"enter for us to walk in; let us tread it unfal- thou into my rest: having been faithful teringly, and trust to God to preserve in a few things thou shalt be made ruler and deliver us, or if it be His wisdom over many." Our brethren were faith- to permit our blood to be mingled with ful unto the end, faithful unto death, to the blood of other martyrs in testimony such, therefore, will be given a crown of of the truth, may we be prepared there- life. Having been slain for the testimony for. of Jesus, they will be able to pass by the God bless you all, my brethren and angels and the Gods to their inheritance sisters, and fill you with the Holy Spirit. of heights and depths, powers and prin- God bless and comfort the hearts of these cipalities and endless lives. They have mourners, and fill them with the conso- been valiant and true unto the end of lation of the everlasting Gospel, is my their days. Stricken down by the hand prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. of the assassin, yet courageously meet- Apostle Moses Thatcher was the ing their fate. What can be a more glo- next speaker. He said: I hope, rious death? When we come to look at my brethren and sisters, to have the works of God, and witness the mani- your faith and prayers to assist me festation of His power, we see that every- in the few remarks I may make. There are occasions, and this seems MEMORIAL SERVICES. 281 thing that is excellent, everything that is made upon the minds of some of our peo- desirable, comes forth from the midst of ple when they first learned of the orga- much tribulation. Even the jewels of the nization of certain secret societies in the earth, and the riches thereof—the min- east, organized with the intention, no erals, the gold and silver for which men doubt, of taking life; and it is my strong thirst, and for which they have been will- belief and my firm opinion that the body ing to sacrifice life—are brought forth which lies before us today, lifeless, is the out of what seems to us the agonies result of the operations of the secret so- of nature. And so in regard to violent cieties which, we have been forewarned, deaths such as our brethren have suf- would be organized in the latter times. fered. In passing through such a trial It may be that others will be called to bravely, faithfully, and truly, they have wear the crowns of martyrs. Certainly become jewels in the hands of God, and that passage of Scripture which was read will continue to progress throughout the in our hearing today, would lead us so endless ages of eternity. It was not that to think. But what matters it to us? they had violated the laws of the land; We have received the testimony of Je- it was not that they had broken any law sus. We have received the light of the of the State in which they were when everlasting Gospel. We have received their lives were taken by the enemies that which will give us influence and of righteousness, by ungodly, wicked and power and dominion and glory and end- murderous men: but as President Can- less happiness. Why, then, should we non has truly observed, it was because care for the lengthening or shortening of they were pure, it was because they were our days here in this mortal condition. righteous, it was because they were the If we are faithful and true to God, and servants of God, that they were despised can die with the harness on as Brother and killed. There is no hatred so in- John H. Gibbs did, it will be well with tense as that which springs from and is us. If we can meet death as he met it, begotten of envy and malice. The hu- while in the line of his duty, and in the man heart readily forgives and extenu- full love of God, our salvation will be ates the crimes of the wicked. Men have sure. Had he not been successful as a compassion for the ungodly; but there preacher of righteousness, there would was no pity in the hearts of those who have been no disposition to take his life; took away the life of Jesus, of Joseph the but the fact that he had brought forty- Prophet, and of Hyrum his brother, who one souls to baptism, through which they planted their feet on the rock of eternal were made citizens of the Kingdom of truth, and stood firm while the waves of God, created the malice that could only prejudice, hatred and malice, inspired by be satisfied or checked by the shedding the adversary, who was a murderer from of precious blood. It is not for us to the beginning, continued to advance un- mourn over things ordained as a wit- til their blood saturated the soil. The ness that God is with us. The cords of same spirit is in the midst of the earth Zion are being lengthened, her stakes today. It has caused the taking away of are being strengthened, and the King- the lives of these brethren. I remem- dom of God is gaining day by day, and ber distinctly the impressions that were year by year in the midst of the world. 282 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Satan will contest the ground inch by have died martyrs to the cause of truth. inch. We may expect to meet him in May the peace of God rest down upon all every form, at home as well as abroad. the people throughout Zion. I pray that We should, therefore, be diligent and we may be more faithful, more devoted faithful, prudent, humble and wise. We to the cause of truth in the future than should in all things be faithful to God, we have been in the past. I can say that our heavenly Father. We should con- I am satisfied that in no sense will the secrate ourselves, our time, and all we taking away of these brethren retard the have unto Him, holding ourselves ready progress of the work in the world. Our to fulfill missions in every part of the young Elders will not be less willing to habitable globe. If the world imagine go and preach the Gospel in the future that the killing of our brethren will have than they have been in the past. They a tendency to stop the progress of the will be willing to go to the State of Ten- everlasting Gospel, they are much mis- nessee if they are called to go there, or taken. They have tried that before. to any state in the Union; for they fear When Cain lifted up his hand and slew not those who can kill the body, but him his brother, he thought, no doubt, that only who can destroy both body and soul it would stop the progress of righteous- in hell. This is the feeling of every true ness. And so with those who slew Joseph Latter-day Saint. We have no disposi- the Prophet; so with those who crucified tion to rail against those who did this the Savior. It has always been the tac- bloody deed, for they are in the hands of tics of the adversary of righteousness, he God. Where He dwells they never can has always sought to destroy life; but come, worlds without end. They will be instead of this having a tendency to re- numbered among the murderers, liars, tard the progress of righteousness and etc., outside the gates of the holy city. truth, as the wicked expect, according Let peace rest upon the people. May the to the testimony of those who labor at blessing of the Almighty abide with the home and abroad, it has a contrary ef- wives and children of the departed. Let fect. And I am well satisfied that the our hearts mourn with them as far as it blood of these brethren will have in its is consistent with the lives of Latter-day effect the same result as that produced Saints. Let us in the future bestow upon by the blood of Brother Standing, who them, in memory of the departed, that was slain in the State of Georgia. Many attention which is due to them by rea- people will be led to inquire about a reli- son of the departure of their husbands gion the advocacy of which costs life, and and fathers, and thus show by our works thus through their death many may be that we are the friends of the widow and brought to a knowledge of the truth, and orphan. obey the Gospel, that otherwise might not. And I feel without lengthening Elder George F. Gibbs next addressed my remarks to say, God bless the wife the congregation. He said: I have de- and children, relatives and friends of sired, my brethren and sisters, to offer a the departed. It is well with him. We very few remarks to endeavor to express have here but the casket. The jewel, some feelings that have crowded them- the spirit, is in the paradise of God, selves upon my mind since the arrival of associating with those who, like him, the body of my brother. I will here re- MEMORIAL SERVICES. 283 mark that from the first news we re- assisted him, and we gratefully acknowl- ceived that he was among those who edge the services done us in this re- were slain, nothing but a peaceful feel- spect. We thank President Taylor, as ing has animated the breasts of his fam- the representative of the Church, for ily and immediate friends. So in this using his influence, and the means of respect I am thankful to say, I am in the Church, to have this done. In con- perfect accord with the remarks which clusion, I thank God my Heavenly Fa- President Cannon has offered. There is ther, that my brother is only one among one thing, however, which has touched hundreds and thousands of others, who me very keenly, and that is the honor are ready to go forth and represent the which has been shown to my brother in truths of heaven amidst danger and at connection with those who fell with him. the sacrifice of life. It was soon after the And here I would say that we are not Anti-Mormon league in Cleveland was unmindful of the fact that it is not be- formed, that my brother wrote and told cause it was the body of John H. Gibbs, me that the influence of that league had or "Johnny" Gibbs as he was familiarly reached the Southern States. He stated called, but because he was among oth- that he had met that influence in con- ers who represented the cause of God versation with and in the presence of in the earth. All along the line until mobocratic men, and I have no doubt our arrival here great honor and respect whatever as to the correctness of Brother have been done him. Flowers have been Thatcher's remarks in this respect. I put upon the casket by hands unknown pray God to bless the faithful; I pray to us. Today, a decoration in the shape God our Heavenly Father to bless and of a crown, was placed on the casket. sustain His Holy Priesthood and direct I was impressed with a peculiar feeling them, and that we, my brethren and sis- when that particular decoration was pre- ters, may know enough to follow and do sented, a feeling that led to the inquiry, as we are bid. This is my humble prayer Is my brother really worthy to receive in the name of Jesus, Amen. this token of honor conferred on the Holy President John Taylor was the next Priesthood? To do justice to the feeling speaker. He said: It makes me feel sor- that prompts this inquiry, I would say rowful to see a gathering similar to that that from intimate conversations I have which we now witness, and to know that had with him I am gratified to say that good men's lives are not safe from the I do firmly believe that in his simple attacks of religious bigots and men who and humble way he does merit the honor are governed by wrong influence. I and a thus conferred upon him. And I would number of my brethren have been trav- also say I am satisfied with my brother's eling quite extensively through some of life, and am honored in his death. We our Northern Stakes. We arrived last are not unmindful of the fact that it night in Logan a good deal fatigued with has cost money to bring the remains of our labors, for we have visited, I think, my brother here. We are not unmind- if not every settlement, nearly every set- ful of the fact either that it required tlement in the northern Stakes since courage on the part of our brethren, we left home, and we had planned to Brother Roberts and others who have the various settlements in this end 284 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. of the Stake of Cache visited today. I had influences, and quench that better feel- proposed myself to take a little rest; but ing which God has planted in the bo- on hearing of this event I felt a strong de- som of all men, they by and by become sire to unite my sympathies with those prepared for any and every spirit that of the bereaved, for there were several may present itself to their minds; es- emotions that agitated my mind; first, to pecially do they follow a spirit of an- express my feelings of grief for the per- tagonism to God our Heavenly Father, petration of such terrible acts, then to and to those who espouse His cause, and condole with the family in their poignant who are really the best and most philan- grief; mingled with this was a feeling thropic people that dwell upon the face of joy and satisfaction pertaining to the of the earth—a people who go forward destiny and to the present position of the with less selfishness, and with a more deceased. All things are not as they ap- single eye to the glory of God, and to the pear to us. God has certain inscrutable benefit of mankind, than any other peo- designs and purposes to bring to pass in ple who tread the footstool of our Heav- the earth. He has set His hand to accom- enly Father today. It is, as Brother Gibbs plish these things, and many of you that has remarked, an honor to be engaged are here and now hear my voice, have in a work of this kind; and despite the become the honored instruments in the powers of darkness, despite the enmity hands of the Lord, of proclaiming those of man, despite the schemes of oppres- principles which God has revealed in the sion that are set on foot by men who interests of our common humanity in the ought to know better, despite the var- world in which we live. Those princi- ious evils that exist in the world, we ples though fraught with the truths of still possess the same sentiment that eternal intelligence, eternal life, and all was enunciated by Jesus, and would like the blessings associated therewith, are to proclaim it to all nations, "Peace on not comprehended by the human family. earth, and good will to men." But men But that makes no difference to us. We can only obtain permanent peace by fol- have our labors to perform, and we pro- lowing after righteousness, by being gov- pose to accomplish that which God has erned by the principles of truth, by asso- designed in relation thereto, in the in- ciating themselves with God our Heav- terests of our fellow men, who are the enly Father, by acknowledging His hand, children, all of them, of our Heavenly and by submitting to His law, to His Father, for He is the God and the Fa- rule, to His dominion, and to His author- ther of the spirits of all flesh. Further- ity. Hence Jesus taught His disciples to more, He has given to every man of ev- pray—"Thy kingdom come." Why? "That ery color, of every nation, and of ev- Thy will may be done on earth, as it is ery creed, and to people of no creed— in heaven." And these are the principles He has given to them all a portion of which we as a people are trying to pro- His Spirit to profit withal. But many of mulgate among the nations of the earth them give way to other influences and under the command of the Great Elo- yield obedience to the powers of dark- heim, who has told us, as He told His dis- ness, as you have heard stated, and ciples in former years, to proclaim this when men give themselves up to these Gospel unto every creature, and it was in obedience to that command that this MEMORIAL SERVICES. 285 our beloved brother met his fate. That and intelligence of heaven, could gaze is all right—all right so far as he is con- upon the position of things in the eter- cerned. As has been said, it is of very nal worlds, and saw the souls of those little account to many of us whether our who had been slain for the testimony of lives be long or short on this earth, but Jesus, and the word of God, etc. They it is a very grave consideration whether were told that they should rest yet for a these lives are spent in the service of God little season, until their fellowservants or not. Those who have done like Brother also and their brethren that should be Gibbs and Brother Berry, his fellow mar- killed as they were, should be fulfilled. tyr, brought many to a knowledge of God is manipulating things in His own the truth, shall shine like the sun in way. His purposes are rolling forth. He the kingdom of their Father. Therefore, is moving in a mysterious way His won- being the friends of God, God is their ders to perform. His servants who have friend. Paul, in reflecting upon these been called to lay down their lives, will principles said: "I have fought a good come forth with crowns upon their heads fight, I have finished my course, I have and reign upon the earth. Jesus said, kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid "Blessed are the meek: for they shall in- up for me a crown of righteousness." And herit the earth." When the wickedness who else? "Not to me only, but unto all and corruptions of men shall have pro- them also that love" the appearing of our voked the anger of the Almighty in these Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Brothers latter days as they did in the days be- Gibbs and Berry have gone to those souls fore the flood, the Lord will come out of that Brother Cannon read about in your His hiding place to vex the nations of the hearing—souls that are beneath the al- earth, and then there will be a time of tar. They cried out, "How long, O Lord, trouble, a time of sorrow such as has not holy and true, dost thou not judge and been from the beginning of the world, avenge our blood on them that dwell on and we are told, never shall be again. the earth?" That was uttered years and Men may think they can trample upon years ago, when John the Revelator was human rights and upon correct princi- banished as a slave to the Isle of Patmos ples, and do things which are contrary for the testimony of Jesus and the word to the law and order of God, and to the of God, the same testimony that has principles of truth, integrity, equity, jus- been delivered by these our brethren, tice, and righteousness; but they cannot and for which they have suffered. It was do this with impunity, for the Lord has said of John, that he was dipped into a said that He will smite the wicked, and caldron of boiling oil, but they did not with the breath of His nostrils He will take his life, for God was with him, and slay them. The earth shall be emptied of God sustained him, as He did the three the wicked, and a place prepared, in the Hebrew children when they were cast due time of the Lord, for those who fear into the fiery furnace, and the lambent Him, as He has designed from before the flames that played around them ceased foundation of the world. to have power to burn. So John was pre- And in regard to these matters, I served. But he, under the inspiration of feel sorry for this sister, the wife of the Almighty, and filled with the light the deceased. I feel sorry for her. 286 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

I feel sorry for her little family and for reigns in this nation and among the na- the family of his fellow sufferer. What tions of the earth, and that He will di- shall we do? We will help take care of rect all things, according to the coun- them, will we not? I think we will. And sels of His will. I know that the work we will talk more about some of these which God has commenced in these last matters at another time. We sometimes days will continue to go forth despite the pray for the Lord to bless the widow and powers of darkness and all the fiends of the fatherless. Now there is an idea hell. Though they are arrayed against which I have always entertained, and it, God and the hosts of Heaven are on that is, I never would ask God to do a the side of Israel, and Israel will prevail. thing that I would not do myself; and This work will continue to spread and in- we shall have to contrive in some way crease until the kingdoms of this world for the accomplishment of this object. shall become the kingdom of our God and About Brother Gibbs who lies there— His Christ, and He will reign forever. It that is all right: I might have lain in is for us as Latter-day Saints, to live our the same position a good many years religion, to observe the laws of God, to ago, if it had been the will of God, but be humble, faithful and diligent; to be it seems it was not. I was shot at, and men of honor, truth and integrity; to seek hit oftener than Brother Gibbs; but my to glorify God in our bodies and in our life was preserved; God protected me. I spirits, which are His, and to perform was with Joseph and Hyrum when they any labor that He may require at our were murdered in Carthage jail, and I hands, that when we shall get through never was sorry that I was there. I with the scenes of time and sense, we would not have been absent from a scene may inherit a crown which is incorrupt- of that kind. I would not want to for- ible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, sake my Brother or Brethren in diffi- reserved in the heavens for us. So we culty; never. Well, what of it? Sup- will not mourn like those who have no pose I had been killed as Joseph and hope, but we will put our trust in the liv- Hyrum were, why, I was in very good ing God. And I say unto the widow of the company. Joseph and Hyrum were ser- deceased, God bless you, and God bless vants of the living God, and I was try- your children, and God bless all the hon- ing to serve Him in my humble way. est in heart who are trying to fear God And if we had all been killed it would and work righteousness; and instead of not have made much difference: would feeling enmity in our hearts towards our it? I suppose it was necessary for me to persecutors and those who seek our lives, stay a little while longer; all right; and we will try to entertain the feeling that I am willing to stay as long as the Lord burned in the bosom of Jesus, who, when wants me, and to go whenever He wants expiring upon the cross, cried out, "Fa- me. But I, in common with Joseph and ther, forgive them; for they know not Hyrum and Brother Gibbs and others, what they do." But God will not forgive have within me the principles of eternal all these men who permit and perpetrate life. I know that my Redeemer liveth, these wicked and atrocious acts. They and that He shall stand in the latter will have to pay the debt which they have days on the earth, and these eyes shall contracted. It is for us to go on, and behold Him. I know that God rules and MEMORIAL SERVICES. 287 perform the various labors and duties been made; with which I heartily coin- that devolve upon us. God has blessed us cide. That is a matter of duty always to with many blessings. He has blessed us look after the living and after the dead, with the rich blessings of eternal life. He to look after the widow and fatherless, has brought us into covenant with Him- and to fulfill all the duties and responsi- self. He has taught us how to save our- bilities devolving upon us. God bless you selves, our wives, our children, our pos- and lead you in the paths of life; and I terity and our progenitors, and He will pray God the Eternal Father that when teach us many more great and precious we shall all of us have passed away from principles associated with the Gospel of this earth, and when the resurrection the Son of God. trump shall sound, and the dead shall After what has been so well said by be raised incorruptible, and we shall be others, time will not permit me to pro- changed, that we may so have lived, that tract my remarks. like our Brother, we will come forth, in I am happy that it has fallen to my the first resurrection, and participate in lot to join with you in these funeral ser- the reward of the just in the Celestial vices, and I am much pleased to see so Kingdom of our God, in the name of Je- large a gathering to pay respect to the sus Christ, Amen. memory of the honored dead. I am also very much pleased at the action which has been taken by Brother Joseph F. President George Q. Cannon again Smith and his brethren who have recom- arose and said: Before closing our memo- mended that memorial services be held rial services, I think it but proper, and today in all the different Stakes of Zion; indeed I intended, if my mind had not so that while we are meeting here, the been led off in another direction—that tens of thousands of Israel are meet- is if I spoke at all—to have alluded ing all through the land, and thus we to the young men Martin Condor and are showing, as Brother Gibbs has re- J. Reilly Hudson, who were killed at marked, respect for the memory of the the same time that our brethren were dead. killed, and also to Sister Condor, who I also most heartily sympathize with was wounded. These young men, so far the Condor family who have suffered as I can learn, have behaved heroically, such a heavy bereavement in Tennessee. throughout all the persecutions to which And I should have been pleased to have the Elders have been exposed in that made some further remarks upon this region. I am told they have accompa- subject, had time permitted; suffice it nied the Elders upon a number of occa- now to say that they have mingled their sions ready to defend them to the best blood with those honorable men who of their ability, and have been willing, have died for the testimony of Jesus and apparently, to risk their lives in defense the word of God. of the Elders, who have brought them Brother Gibbs has referred to the the truth. They have also fallen victims means furnished to bring the bodies of the hellish hate of the adversaries of home. That is all right. I was truth, both of them being shot and killed, out of reach at the time—that is out and I feel that their names should be had of the road of the telegraphic lines— in honorable remembrance in Zion, as but I was very much pleased when I well as the name of their mother and of learned of the arrangement that had their family, for their kindness and their 288 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. bravery, in the cause of truth, and their had lived for years in the Church. One of names should not perish nor be forgot- them, I think, is said to have been only ten; and in days to come, when opportu- 19 years of age—Martin Condor—and I nity offers, services should be rendered pray God to bless that family, bless those for them, that they cannot render for who survive, and have them in remem- themselves; those ordinances which God brance today; that as we remember our has provided for the salvation of His brethren who went forth from our midst, children, they should be attended to in as bearers of life and salvation, so may their behalf. I trust their memories will we remember the others in common with live, and their names be handed down in them. Also Mr. Garrett, who lived on honorable remembrance with the names the same creek, and in the same neigh- of our brethren who left here as mis- borhood, where Brother Jones, I believe, sionaries. Though they were new con- was stopping at the time of this dread- verts, comparatively speaking, yet they ful occurrence. He also should have our have shown all the zeal, all the devo- blessings and be had in kindly remem- tion, and all the courage for the truth brance in our midst. that could be expected of those who

THE PRIESTHOOD—THE FUTURE GLORY IN STORE FOR ALL THOSE WHO RECEIVE AND MAGNIFY THE PRIESTHOOD—WITHOUT THE PRIESTHOOD "NO MAN CAN SEE THE FACE OF GOD, EVEN THE FATHER AND LIVE"—MOSES AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.

REMARKSON VARIOUS SUBJECTSBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDIN PARIS,BEAR LAKE COUNTY,IDAHO,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,AUGUST 10, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I will read a portion of the "Which Abraham received the 84th Section of the Book of priesthood from Melchizedek, who Doctrine and Covenants, com- received it through the lineage mencing at the 14th paragraph: of his fathers, even till Noah; REVELATION ON THE PRIESTHOOD. 289

"And from Noah till Enoch, through the "And the lesser priesthood continued, lineage of their fathers; which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the prepara- "And from Enoch to Abel, who was tory gospel; slain by the conspiracy of his brother, "Which gospel is the gospel of repen- who received the priesthood by the com- tance and of baptism, and the remis- mandments of God, by the hand of his sion of sins, and the law of carnal com- father Adam, who was the first man— mandments, which the Lord in his wrath "Which priesthood continueth in the caused to continue with the house of church of God in all generations, and Aaron among the children of Israel until is without beginning of days or end of John, whom God raised up, being filled years. with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. "And the Lord confirmed a priesthood "For he was baptized while he was also upon Aaron and his seed, through- yet in his childhood, and was ordained out all their generations, which priest- by the angel of God at the time he was hood also continueth and abideth forever eight days old unto this power, to over- with the priesthood which is after the throw the kingdom of the Jews, and to holiest order of God. make straight the way of the Lord before "And this greater priesthood admin- the face of his people, to prepare them for istereth the gospel and holdeth the key the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the given all power. key of the knowledge of God. "And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belong- "Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, ing unto the high priesthood. the power of godliness is manifest. "And again, the offices of teacher and "And without the ordinances thereof, deacon are necessary appendages be- and the authority of the priesthood, the longing to the lesser priesthood, which power of godliness is not manifest unto priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron men in the flesh; and his sons. "Therefore, as I said concerning the "For without this no man can see the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses face of God, even the Father, and live. and also the sons of Aaron shall offer "Now this Moses plainly taught to the an acceptable offering and sacrifice in children of Israel in the wilderness, and the house of the Lord, which house shall sought diligently to sanctify his people be built unto the Lord in this genera- that they might behold the face of God; tion, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed— "But they hardened their hearts and "And the sons of Moses and of Aaron could not endure his presence; therefore, shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house, kindled against them, swore that they whose sons are ye; and also many whom should not enter into his rest while in the I have called and sent forth to build up wilderness, which rest is the fulness of my church. his glory. "For whoso is faithful unto the "Therefore, he took Moses out of their obtaining these two priesthoods of midst, and the Holy Priesthood also; which I have spoken, and the magni- 290 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. fying their calling, are sanctified by the designs to bestow upon them. He Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies. also gives unto us in plainness, the "They become the sons of Moses and penalty which will rest down upon those of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and who, after receiving this covenant, break the church and kingdom, and the elect of the covenant and turn away altogether God. therefrom. Therefore to the Latter-day "And also all they who receive this Saints this Gospel and this Priesthood priesthood receive me, saith the Lord; come on the one hand, accompanied by "For he that receiveth my servants re- great blessings and promises, and great ceiveth me; power and exaltation, and, on the other hand, they come accompanied by dread- "And he that receiveth me receiveth ful penalties, by degradation and con- my Father; demnation, greater than it would be pos- "And he that receiveth my Father re- sible for any being to reach unless he had ceiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore had the opportunities which the Gospel all that my Father hath shall be given and the Priesthood bring and afford. On unto him. the one hand we are promised in the "And this is according to the oath and plainest of all language that those who covenant which belongeth to the priest- receive this Priesthood receive the Lord. hood. For it is said: "Therefore, all those who receive "They who receive this priesthood re- the priesthood, receive this oath and ceiveth me, saith the Lord; covenant of my Father, which he cannot "For he that receiveth my servants re- break, neither can it be moved. ceiveth me; "But whoso breaketh this covenant "And he that receiveth me receiveth after he hath received it, and altogether my Father; turneth therefrom, shall not have for- "And he that receiveth my Father re- giveness of sins in this world nor in the ceiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore world to come." all that my Father hath shall be given These words that I have read in your unto him. hearing are found, as I have said, in "And this is according to the oath and the 84th section of the Book of Doctrine covenant which belongeth to the priest- and Covenants. They contain truths hood." which are of great importance to us as Here is plainly pointed out to us a people, and truths which should be im- as a people the future glory that God pressed upon our minds, and should not has in store for all those who receive be forgotten by us. For in these words and magnify the Priesthood. They are which the Lord has given unto us He has to receive the Father's Kingdom, and plainly foreshadowed the design that He if they receive the Father's Kingdom, has in view respecting this Church which they are to receive all that the Fa- He has raised up in the last days and ther hath, for all that He hath will be this people unto whom He has given the given unto them. Can you conceive of everlasting Priesthood. In these words this? Can any human being conceive we are told the future of those who re- of the immeasurable extent of the glory ceive these two Priesthoods and mag- here promised—the immeasurable ex- nify the same, and the glory which God tent of exaltation here offered unto all REVELATION ON THE PRIESTHOOD. 291 those who receive the Priesthood of the But they could not understand the doc- Son of God, and who magnify it? It is trine which God has revealed—the eter- impossible for mortal man to have the nal truth that He has communicated to least conception even when his mind is us in the Gospel. But God designed when enlightened by the Spirit of God—that is, He led Israel out of Egypt to make of that the least conception compared with the people a royal Priesthood—a kingdom of immeasurable extent of the glory that Kings and Priests. He designed to lead is here promised. We can have some them forward under the guidance of the conception of it, we can have some fore- everlasting Priesthood, the Priesthood taste of it, when we receive the Spirit after the holy order of the Son of God—to of God, when it rests down upon us in lead them forward until they should be- power; but to conceive of the fullness hold the face of their God and see Him for of this glory is impossible for any be- themselves. But they would not. They ing in this mortal condition of existence. hardened their hearts. They could not When we understand these words and endure His presence. Moses, despite all comprehend their full import we can un- the power which God gave him, and the derstand how it was that Jesus when revelations which He poured out upon He was upon the earth sought to teach him—Moses could not succeed in leading the people the greatest privileges which that people forward. They were a stiff- they had in connection with the Gospel necked race; they were a rebellious race; which he bore unto them. The com- they were an idolatrous race; they were plaint of the Jews about the Son of God, hard in their hearts; and they would not was, that He being man made Himself have God to be their King. They wanted equal with God. They had the same a lower order of affairs; they wanted ideas, doubtless, in those days concern- lower laws, laws that were more in ac- ing God and man, that the sectarians of cordance with their fallen and carnal the world now have. God was a remote natures. Therefore according to those being, a being beyond their reach, far revelations which God has given unto beyond their ken, and far beyond com- us, He took Moses out of their midst, munication with them; therefore, they and the Holy Priesthood also, and the were ready to kill the Son of God be- lesser Priesthood continued, the Priest- cause He enunciated the great truth that hood of Aaron, a Priesthood that held the it was possible for man to attain unto keys of the ministering of angels and the God, and become like Him. Referring preparatory gospel, the gospel of repen- to the words of the Psalmist, where he tance and baptism for the remission of said: "Ye are gods; and all of you are sins. He left that with them, and the children of the most High," he said, "Is law of carnal commandments which the it not written in your law, I said, Ye are Lord in His wrath caused to continue gods? If he called them gods, unto whom with the house of Aaron among the chil- the word of God came, and the scrip- dren of Israel until John. They were un- ture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, der this law during this long period. God whom the Father hath sanctified, and raised up John as a forerunner to pre- sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; pare the way for the fullness of the ever- because I said, I am the Son of God?" 292 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. lasting Gospel and the restoration of bounds beyond which they cannot pass. the Priesthood in its fullness, that They cannot attain to the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood which Moses glory of God the Eternal Father, without held, and through which he exercised the presence of the Melchizedek Priest- such mighty power among the children hood; for as I have read in your hearing, of Israel. And it was God's design—if the "This greater priesthood administereth people would have submitted to it, if they the gospel and holdeth the key of the would have received the message that mysteries of the kingdom, even the key He sent unto them through John and of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in afterwards through His beloved Son—to the ordinances thereof," [that is, in the have restored the Kingdom even to Is- ordinances of the higher or Melchizedek rael, and to have built up the Kingdom Priesthood] "the power of godliness is in great power and glory upon the earth. manifest." This cannot be manifest with- But instead of receiving the Gospel and out that higher Priesthood, without the the Melchizedek Priesthood, they actu- power which accompanies it. "And with- ally destroyed the Son of God. But be- out the ordinances thereof," the revela- fore they destroyed Him, they destroyed tion continues, "and the authority of the the heir of the Priesthood of Aaron, John priesthood, the power of godliness is not the Baptist, who was a direct descen- manifest unto men in the flesh; For with- dant of Aaron, and by virtue of this de- out this no man can see the face of God, scent held the keys of that Priesthood, even the Father, and live." and exercised the authority and power Without this Priesthood, without its thereof among the Jews. Not content ordinances, without its powers, without with rejecting the Son of God, they re- its gifts, "no man can see the face of God, jected even John, and the Aaronic Priest- even the Father, and live." Therefore it hood as well as the Melchizedek Priest- is essential that, if a people should be hood was taken from the midst of the exalted unto the presence of God, they Jews, and they have remained with- should have this Melchizedek or greater out Priesthood from that day until the Priesthood, and the ordinances thereof, present time, even the Aaronic Priest- by the means of which they are to be pre- hood having been withdrawn from their pared, or they shall be prepared to enter midst—the authority to officiate in the into the presence of God the Father, and ordinances pertaining thereunto. endure His presence. Now, this Priesthood which God has restored in these last days through Pe- Now, Moses taught this plainly to ter, James and John, is the Priesthood the children of Israel in the wilder- that continueth in the Church of God ness. He endeavored to impress upon in all generations. The Church of God them the importance of so living as to cannot be without it; for without it the retain this Melchizedek Priesthood in power of Godliness is not made man- their midst—to so live as to conform ifest to men in the flesh. A people to the law, or laws, and requirements can progress to a certain extent with of this Melchizedek Priesthood. Says the Aaronic Priesthood, but there is the revelations, He "sought diligently a limit to their progress. There are to sanctify his people that they might REVELATION ON THE PRIESTHOOD. 293 see the face of God." He wanted them upon them throughout all the camp of Is- to behold the face of God. You remem- rael." ber the expression he gave utterance But they hardened their hearts and to, when the Spirit of God rested upon could not endure the presence of the the seventy Elders, and they prophesied. Lord. "Go thou, Moses, and speak to There were two of them that were not God," said the children of Israel, "and with the rest. They were in the camp and then tell us what God has to say: be not in the tabernacle, yet they prophe- thou mouthpiece, be thou God to us; sied also. And Joshua, jealous for the we will be content with this, the face honor of Moses, jealous because Moses of God is too terrible for us. We de- was a Prophet of God, and doubtless sire not to enter into His presence. We afraid that these men were transcend- shall be content to have thee give to ing their authority, asked Moses to for- us the word of God." These were, in ef- bid them. And Moses gave utterance fect, their words, and their actions cor- to that memorable, that glorious expres- responded to these words. As Paul says, sion: "Enviest thou for my sake? would "Which voice (the voice of God) they that to God that all the Lord's people were heard intreated that the word should not prophets, and that the Lord would put be spoken to them any more: (For they his spirit upon them!" There was no jeal- could not endure that which was com- ousy in the mind of this man of God con- manded.)" Moses stood between them cerning his brethren having the spirit and God. They could not endure the of prophecy, it excited no feeling in his presence of God. They hardened their heart to reprove them, or to check them, hearts against it. Therefore the Lord or to say to them that they were usurp- in His wrath—for his anger was kindled ing some authority which belonged to against them, because of their hardness him; no, there was no such feeling in of heart, because of their rebellion— his heart; for had he not sought to lead swore that they should not enter into the people forward to enjoy that privi- His rest, that they should not attain lege? Had he not sought diligently to unto the fullness of the glory that He sanctify the people that they might be- had in store for them—that is, He swore hold the face of God? "Therefore," said that they should not enter into this rest he, "would to God that all the Lord's while in the wilderness; which rest is people were prophets." Would to God the fullness of His glory. So He took that not only the seventy Elders had Moses from their midst, and took with the spirit of prophecy resting down upon him the Melchizedek Priesthood; and them, but that every man in the whole thus terminated, so far as Israel was hosts of Israel had that spirit in its full- concerned, the reign of the Melchizedek ness and in its power resting down upon Priesthood among them. Occasionally him. "How easy it would be for me," Prophets were raised up who did hold Moses could have said, "to lead this peo- the Melchizedek Priesthood, ordained by ple if all were prophets! How easy it God for special purposes; but the people would be for me to guide these hosts, were under the dominion of the rule of and to lead them into the presence of the Aaronic Priesthood from that time God, if the spirit of prophecy rested down forward until the days of John. 294 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Now, my brethren and sisters, it is of Let us purify ourselves with all our the utmost importance that we who live might, mind and strength. Let every in this generation should comprehend man in his place and station seek to that which God is doing for and designs magnify that Priesthood that he may for us. He has precisely the same future through magnifying it, attain unto those in store for us that He intended for our glorious blessings and privileges which fathers in the wilderness. God designs God has promised. to have us led in that path which will God designs that this people called bring us into His presence. He designs Latter-day Saints shall be a kingdom of that this whole people called Latter-day priests and kings. He intends that the Saints shall have the laws of his celestial Melchizedek Priesthood shall be held by kingdom revealed unto them line upon this people. He intends to preserve it on line, precept upon precept, here a little the earth, and those who attain unto this and there a little, until they are brought Priesthood, and magnify it to the renew- into His presence, until every man and ing of their bodies, and to the receiving woman and child who belongs to this of the promises of God, will receive the Church shall be able to endure the pres- blessings which God has promised—that ence of God and live, until by means of is, they will receive all that God has to this Priesthood, this higher Priesthood, bestow, they will be joint heirs with Je- every man will be prepared to receive the sus and inherit with Jesus the glory of fullness of the celestial glory, and this the Father, and there is nothing that the by obedience to law, not by hardness of Father has that He will not give unto us, heart, not by rebellion, not by rejecting for all will be ours, everything we can the counsel of God through His servants, conceive of—glory, immortality and end- not by taking our own way; for notwith- less lives—if we are faithful to the main- standing all that is said by those who op- taining of our integrity and the keeping pose us, and by the entire Gentile world of our covenants, and the doing of the in regard to the Priesthood of the Son will of God in the flesh. of God in their opposition to it, these How important it is, then, brethren Latter-day Saints must obey the Priest- and sisters, that we should all be faith- hood of the Son of God, and be led by ful during this probation; that we should it in all things, or they never will enter walk humbly before our God; that we into the presence of God our Eternal Fa- should obey every law and submit to ther, never, worlds without end. God has every ordinance and apply everything placed this Priesthood in the Church for that is taught to us to ourselves, and the express purpose of leading His peo- embody every principle in our lives as ple forward, just as Moses endeavored fast as it is taught to us, beginning to lead the children of Israel forward by with faith in the name of the Lord Je- giving unto them His law, by revealing sus, and progressing from that prin- unto them His will, by instructing them ciple forward by repentance, by bap- in the things of righteousness, and lead- tism, by the laying on of hands, and ing them forward until they should at- by obeying the other laws and ordi- tain unto the fullness of His glory. nances as fast as they are revealed, un- Let us take these things to heart. til we shall be prepared through obedi- Let us ponder upon them as a people. ence to law, and through the redemption RULE OF THE PRIESTHOOD NOT BURDENSOME. 295 which obedience always brings, to go there is no blessing we shall not at- back into the presence of God and the tain unto if we continue faithful to the Lamb. We have entered upon an up- Gospel, and to the covenants of the Holy ward career. Let us press forward in that Priesthood which we have received. direction, adding faith to faith, adding That God may help us to be faithful knowledge to knowledge, adding gift to and lead us forward until we are brought gift, adding power to power, until we back into His presence, is my prayer in shall behold the face of our Father and the name of Jesus. Amen. our God; and that will be granted unto us. It will be granted unto us to behold The foregoing was delivered in Paris, the face of Jesus; it will be granted unto Bear Lake County, Idaho, Sunday after- us to have angels minister to us, and noon, August 10, 1884.

ATTITUDE OF OUR ENEMIES TOWARDS THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS—THEIR HATRED OF THE PRIESTHOOD—THE BLESSINGS RECEIVED THROUGH THE PRIESTHOOD.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDIN HYDE PARK,SATURDAY AFTERNOON,AUGUST 23, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

Every means that it has been possible ban, and judging by the effect that it to use to prevent the Latter-day Saints would have by the operations of such having peace, and to prevent them en- plans among themselves, they fondly joying in peace and gladness their re- hoped that success would attend their ef- ligion and the blessings thereof, have forts, and that the influence of the men, been used by our enemies with the ut- whose fault in their eyes is that they most care and the utmost determination bear the Priesthood, would immediately from the beginning it may be said, but begin to wane and eventually be bro- especially during the last 25 years. If ken. This is the disposition of our en- our enemies could have their way, those emies, who have placed all who have who bear the Priesthood would have no been most forward, as I have said, in voice in the instruction or direction of the keeping the commandments of God in people. Already, as you know, a deter- a position where they could not vote, mined effort has been made to strip us and where they could not hold office, who bear the Priesthood, and who have and in this manner making them a been forward in keeping the command- proscribed class. They supposed that ments of God, of influence, the influ- the young men of the community would ence which has been justly earned dur- rise up and take possession of the of- ing long and faithful service for the ben- fices, throw aside the influence of the efit of the people, and that attends the older and more experienced people, and exercise of civil and political power. Our inaugurate a new policy in the midst enemies thought that this would be a of the Saints. In this manner they most excellent way of putting us under hoped that they would redeem, to use their own phraseology—Utah, and that a 296 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. new order of things would be instituted however, to accomplish the ends which in the land. This was a very cunningly our enemies seek for. There is a great devised plan, and among other people hatred among the children of men—and might have been successful, but among they do not themselves know why they the Saints of God, so far, it has proved have this hatred, but there is a great utterly futile, and in fact has disap- and undying hatred among the children pointed and it may be said disgusted the of men against the Priesthood of the authors of the plan themselves. They Son of God, a jealousy of the power have felt disgusted with their own ef- that Priesthood wields, and in our Terri- forts. There have not been wanting, how- tory they are constantly seeking by every ever, some few persons who would have means within their reach to weaken the liked to join hands with our enemies influence of the Priesthood, especially in this plan. Such persons would not among the rising generation. It has been have been averse to having the men who expressed—and frequently expressed— founded this commonwealth, and who that they would rather see our young principally helped to make it that which men drink, chew and smoke tobacco, it is today—the admiration of all unprej- gamble and commit whoredoms, and do udiced people—relegated to the back- everything of this kind, in preference to ground, and a younger class, who would seeing them obedient to the counsels of affiliate with our declared enemies, take God, through those whom He has chosen possession of the reins of government in to lead the people. They would rather this Territory, and manage affairs, so see this, because, as I have said, they that they would be more in accord with do not know the spirit which animates the general sentiments, as it is said, of them. They are not conscious that they the nation. This feeling has been con- are more or less the instruments of a se- fined to very few, and has not exhibited cret and invisible power which operates itself to any extent. upon them; that there are influences at Notwithstanding every effort which work in their minds and around about has been made, I am happy to say that them which they cannot see, but of which we today are still the free people we they are the mere tools, so to speak. This were. The leading men of the community power—the power of darkness—is invis- have not lost their influence among the ible to them. They do not understand Latter-day Saints. The Saints as a body this, but, they blindly fight against the have stood firm in their determination power of God, and seek in every way to to be guided by the counsel which God undermine the influence of the Priest- has had to give, and it is very delightful hood of the Son of God. If they could to see the feeling which there is among get you to rebel against the Priesthood the Latter-day Saints in all the settle- they would be suited. It would please ments that we visit, to see the union and them immensely if the Latter-day Saints the love that prevail, and the disposi- would rise in rebellion against the God of tion to hearken unto the will of God as Israel and against the authority that He it is manifested by His Holy Spirit from has placed in His Church. time to time, through those whom He has chosen to lead and guide His people. The struggle that is now going on, There will be wanting no end of effort, so far as this class is concerned, is RULE OF THE PRIESTHOOD NOT BURDENSOME. 297 to destroy the influence of the Priest- from that day to the present to the faith- hood. Our effort is to have the Latter- ful Latter-day Saint? Has not the Gospel day Saints throughout all these valleys come laden with benefits, laden with listen to the counsels of the Priesthood, blessings, fraught with everything that to be obedient to the Priesthood. The is- would make men and women happy? sue is a plain one between us and them. Has it not brought peace to us, and joy to They say they wish you to throw off our souls? Has it not opened up the fu- what they call the yoke of the Priest- ture in a light that we never beheld until hood. We say on the contrary it is not a the Gospel revealed it? yoke, it is not burdensome, it is a benef- Mankind, at the reestablishment of icent rule, it is a rule that is pregnant the Church of Christ, knew nothing with blessings to the people, and that about the future. All was dark and will bring great rewards to them if they gloomy. Death was indeed a leap in the will be obedient to it. This is our state- dark to the great majority of mankind. ment, and we appeal to the Latter-day But when the Gospel came it revealed Saints as witnesses in our behalf to sus- the future. It revealed to us why we were tain it. We know, and you know, ev- here, and the design God had in view ery Latter-day Saint knows, that God concerning us. Men and women look in restoring the everlasting Gospel and forward to it, or contemplate it, when the everlasting Priesthood to the earth brought face to face with it, with resig- has brought with them every blessing nation and with a degree of joy, because which man can in reason desire. We have they know they are going to a reward been pleased from the beginning to lis- that is assured to them. And so with ev- ten to the Priesthood. Who that is old erything connected with the future. The enough, that can recollect his baptism prospects of the future are made bright or her baptism, or their first association and glorious through the revelations of with the Church, and their first enjoy- the Gospel, and it has brought, as I have ment of the truth, whose hearts do not said, peace to our hearts, peace to our burn today at the recollection of the feel- habitations, it has made life enjoyable to ing they had of the sweet and heavenly us. It is most delightful to contemplate influence that came to them when they existence in the light of the Gospel, and first became acquainted with the ever- the associations that we have here now lasting Gospel as preached by the Elders. through the Gospel, and through the ex- There was, as it were, a new life opened ercise of the power and authority of the before them, even the gates of heaven Priesthood. seemed to be opened to them, and they So it is with everything connected saw the Kingdom of God as they never with our lives. Let us glance at had seen it, and never had understood our temporal prosperity. Our ene- it. Truths that they had read care- mies talk about what others would do lessly and indifferently, without com- for us, if they had the opportunity. prehending them, came to their minds But what have they done? Look at with an assurance, and with a strength our cities, towns and villages; exam- and force and power that they never ine the manner in which the local gov- had comprehended previously. And ernment of this Territory has been con- has it not been a source of blessing ducted, the light taxation and every- 298 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. thing in fact connected with our material influx of poor people. I remember when progress, and to whom is the credit due I was in Europe, the four years I was for the blessings we enjoy? Is this credit there, upwards of 13,000 Saints were due to those who are seeking to destroy emigrated, the most of them coming di- the influence and power of the Priest- rectly to Utah. At present we have an hood? Certainly not. This settlement emigration of 2,000 to 2,500 per annum, of Hyde Park, the settlement of Smith- coming into this Territory from abroad— field, every settlement in fact in this val- poor people. Why, there is not another ley has been founded under the auspices population in the country of our num- or direction of men of experience, whom bers that could absorb so many people our enemies denounce, because they hold as our community does, without there the Holy Priesthood of the Son of God. being pauperism all over the land. But If we are lightly taxed, if we are out of there is no pauperism. God has blessed debt, if our country is prosperous, it is the people in their fields, in their flocks, due directly to the counsels of these men, and in all their labors. They have been whose chief offense in the eyes of our en- greatly prospered, and they will continue emies is that they are God's servants, to prosper if they continue to listen to the whom He has chosen, and to whom He voice of inspiration and hearken to the has given wisdom, to direct and manage counsels of the Priesthood of the Son of affairs. God. The prosperity which has attended [The above was delivered in Hyde our people is remarkable, more es- Park, Saturday afternoon, August 23, pecially when we consider the yearly 1884.]

THE POWER OF GOD MANIFESTED IN THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS—PURPOSES OF THE GATHERING—SATAN'S ANTAGONISM TO THE WORK OF GOD.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDIN SMITHFIELD,CACHE COUNTY,SATURDAY MORNING,AUGUST 23, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

We are in a very peculiar position as money and bettering our condition, but a people. Our position is unlike that of for the purpose of keeping the command- any other people upon the face of the ments of God and walking in accordance earth that we have any knowledge of. with the revelations that He has given God has communicated His mind and unto us. We have been gathered together will unto the children of men, and it has by extraordinary displays of power. The been made known unto us. Others have world has not seen and cannot see these heard it as well as we; but we are dis- manifestations, for the reason that their tinguished from them by our reception of eyes are closed by unbelief, and their this word, our willingness to obey it, and hearts hardened from the same cause. hence we are gathered together as we God's providences are not perceived by are in this place and in other settlements them. They do not distinguish the hand which the Saints have formed, not for and the power of God in the events the purpose, in the first place, of making that are taking place. Nevertheless, EFFECT OF THE GOSPEL. 299 we have been gathered together. Every- impelling them in every land where they one who is here that has been brought have received the everlasting Gospel, to from the nations has been brought by the gather to a strange land as the Latter- manifestations, it may be said, of mirac- day Saints are being gathered to this ulous power. He has accomplished in our land? No magnet ever drew or attracted case or cases, that which has been fore- to itself that to which it has affinity, with seen by the holy prophets from the be- greater power than has the Gospel of the ginning. It is a most wonderful work, the Lord Jesus Christ drawn to it from the gathering of this people together, as they midst of the various nations those who are here this day in these mountains. have an affinity for the truth. It has been The manner in which the spirit of God irresistible in its effects. No sooner has has been poured out upon the people who the sound saluted the ears of the elect of have received the Gospel, and the man- God throughout all these United States, ner in which they have been moved upon throughout Canada, throughout the var- to forsake their old homes and their old ious islands of the sea, upon the conti- associations, and part with their friends nent of Europe, and in far-off Asia, Africa and relatives, and move among a peo- and Australia—no sooner have the glad ple with whom they were not acquainted, tidings of salvation been proclaimed by and to a land of which they had but a lit- the servants of God, under the auspices tle knowledge—this is the wonder that of the Almighty, than there has sprung is being wrought in the midst of the na- up in the hearts of those who have thus tions of the earth. Many people ask for heard the truth an irrepressible and irre- miracles, and they plead with the El- sistible desire to leave their native lands, ders when they go out to show them and to identify themselves with the peo- a sign to prove to them that they are ple of God in these remote regions, in indeed the authorized servants of God. these Rocky Mountains. To me, when I That which we behold in these moun- look at it, this seems the most wonderful tains today is one of the greatest signs, work that has been accomplished among is one of the greatest miracles which has the children of men from the beginning. ever been seen or exhibited among the There is nothing that we can read of children of men. You may read all the in God's dealings with the children of records that we have, either sacred or men that compares in magnitude and in profane, and there is nothing that ap- its wondrous effects with this work with proaches this work in which we are en- which we are identified. And yet men gaged, and that which has been accom- ask for an evidence respecting the truth plished by the outpouring of the Spirit of this work! They ask for signs and of God upon the people among the var- miracles, as though there is any miracle ious nations. Where in the history of which could be wrought in our sight that our race has there been such a thing would compare in the very least degree taken place as that which we witness? with this great and miraculous work Where from the beginning has a peo- that is being wrought under our very ple been gathered out from all the na- eyes, and which we ourselves are help- tions of the earth—moved upon by one ing to bring to pass. It is not as though common impulse, a simultaneous im- the people of one nation were gath- pulse, an impulse of the same character, 300 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. ered out, or the people of one locality who have been willing to receive the were moved upon; but in every land, in truth for naught. There is a purpose every language among every race and that is as old as man himself, and as the in every nationality throughout the en- earth itself, in thus bringing us together tire earth, from pole to pole, from east in this capacity in these valleys, and that to west, from north to south, wherever purpose has not been that we should the Elders of the Church have carried break the laws of God, or that we should this Gospel in the last days, and the become identified again with the world sound thereof has saluted the ears of the from whence we have been gathered. children of men, they have been moved That certainly has not been the object upon in this most extraordinary manner, that God has had in view in accomplish- and have traversed sea and land, with- ing these great works; but it has been out hesitation, without faltering, with- that we should become a distinct peo- out doubt, and have come and associ- ple, a peculiar people, a people whom He ated themselves together in the place could use according to His mind and will, that God has designated as the place of and through whom He could accomplish gathering. Most wonderfully has God His mighty, His marvelous, and His won- fulfilled the promises which He made in drous purposes. That is the object He ancient days to His servants concerning has had in view in bringing us together— this latter-day dispensation, and most to separate us from Babylon. It is for wonderfully has He poured out His spirit that purpose that the spirit has rested and His power upon the inhabitants of upon the people, under the influence of the earth to cause them to contribute which they have gathered out to these by their actions to the fulfillment of valleys, so admirably adapted as a home these remarkable predictions that were for the Latter-day Saints, so secluded uttered thousands of years ago. There is from the rest of the world that they have not a Latter-day Saint within the sound been reserved until this late day for us of my voice this morning who has been as a people to inhabit. If God had de- thus moved upon but is a witness for God signed otherwise He would have let us in this matter, and is a living evidence of remain scattered among the nations of what God has done and is doing, because the earth; He would never have gath- each one knows the character of the in- ered us out; we would never have had fluence that has operated upon his or her that spirit resting so powerfully, and, as mind to bring to pass this action which I have said, so irresistibly upon us; we has resulted in the gathering of them- would have remained in the lands where selves and the rest of the people together. the Gospel found us and our fathers; we would still be connected with the people Now, my brethren and sisters, there from which we have been gathered. But has been a purpose in this. God has not this was not the design. Plainly writ- come Himself from heaven and revealed ten, as plainly written as the sunlight Himself with His Son Jesus Christ for which we behold, has been the design naught. God has not sent angels from of our God in connection with the gath- heaven for naught. God has not poured ering of this people, a people separate out this Spirit to which I have referred from every other people on the face of upon all the inhabitants of the earth the earth—a God-chosen people, bearing EFFECT OF THE GOSPEL. 301

His name, having within us the Holy that is the most unscrupulous, that can Ghost that He has poured out to make be imagined, and that foe is one who us His people—distinct from every other was once a great angel holding author- people and nation—composed of people ity in the presence of God. He was our of every nationality, yet blended together brother, sitting side by side with our Re- by the power of the Holy Ghost, and deemer, having equal opportunities with made one people with a oneness that is Him. But he rebelled. He turned against not known among peoples or nations of the Father, because he could not have his one common origin. own way. He determined that he would Ought we not, in view of these facts overthrow the throne of his Father, and which are so well known to us, with engaged in a rebellion to destroy his which we are so familiar—ought we not plans, and because he was not success- to place ourselves in the position and ful he has sought from that day until continue to operate in the position in this day to destroy the work of the Fa- which God designs? Shall we resist these ther, and not only to destroy the work of wonders that are wrought in our behalf? the Father, but to destroy every-one who Shall we, having been thus elevated and would listen to the counsel of the Father. gathered together, be intractable and re- Over this earth he has wielded for gen- sist the purposes of God which are so def- erations great sway: his dominion has initely and so wonderfully made mani- been almost unquestioned, and he has fest in our own experience? If we do, imagined that he would gain supremacy then condemnation of the most dread- in the earth, and be successful in pre- ful character will rest down upon us; be- venting the Father from fulfilling his de- cause we cannot say that we have been signs concerning the earth. Therefore, ignorant of what God has done. As I have he has sought by every means within said, each Latter-day Saint who has been his power to destroy the work of the Fa- thus gathered, has a testimony within ther. He has shed the most precious himself and herself, that this work is blood which has coursed in the veins of from God; that man did not create this mortal man to accomplish his purposes. desire within us to gather together and He has filled the earth with lies. He has to become identified with the people of circulated every abominable thing. He God. It is not a spirit that came from has stirred up the children of God one man; it is not a spirit that diffuses itself against the other, and has inspired them throughout the earth at the command of with the most deadly and hostile sen- man; but it has come from God Himself; timents against everything that is holy it has descended from Him and rested and pure and godlike. It is only a few through His power upon all who have days since, inspired by his wicked spirit, received it, and each one who has been innocent brethren of ours were cruelly thus gathered is a witness of this. We slain, and if he had the power he would should, then, place ourselves continually sweep this entire people from the face of in the position that God designs we shall the earth. If he could, he would destroy act in, and be submissive to His will. us all, as those Elders were destroyed We have a foe opposed to us that two weeks ago in Tennessee. It is be- is the most wily, that is the most cause he has not the power that he does cunning, that is the most determined, 302 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. not do it; it is because our Father and scattered among the nations of the earth. God checkmates him, and restrains him, Our influence would be unfelt, it would and overrules his acts that he does not be lost, it would have no effect. It is only do this. The disposition is there, the will- by concentration, it is only by gathering ingness is there, the murderous spirit is together, that we can accomplish the de- there, everything is there that is neces- signs of our Father and God. Look at us sary to accomplish this except the power today. We do not number 250,000 people to do it, which God in His providence in these mountains, and yet where is the withholds or controls, so as to prevent people whose influence compares with its exercise. We know this. The experi- ours? Where is the people whose acts ence of 54 years has taught this to us. and whose movements attract the atten- We have this kind of a foe to contend tion that do ours? But scatter us among against. In view of this, what should the nations and what would our influ- be our course? Perfect, implicit, un- ence amount to? It would be unfelt and questioned obedience to our Father and lost. But God has gathered us together, God. What should be the course of ev- and He aims to make us a great people. ery Latter-day Saint? We should not by He will preserve His Priesthood in the thought, by word, by action, by any ex- earth, and we shall be victorious over ample, by any influence, lend any as- our enemies, and our children after us sistance to this being that is opposed will inherit the land and the earth. We to our God, and who is our deadly en- are laying the foundation of that king- emy, and the deadly enemy of every dom that shall never be destroyed, and son and daughter of God. It is for the Lord will at last reign undisturbed this purpose that we are gathered to- and unquestioned for 1,000 years. That gether. It is that we may be with- is the promise of our God to us, and we drawn from the influence of Satan. It are engaged in that work today. is that our influence may be on the side of our God in establishing righ- teousness that we are gathered together. [The above was delivered in Smith- We could not operate in this direction field, Cache County, Saturday morning, with any degree of success if we were August 23, 1884.] PURPOSES OF GOD. 303

DESIGN OF GOD IN RELATION TO THE EARTH AND ITS INHABITANTS—POWER OF SATAN—THE TWO ZIONS—WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THE SAINTS—A PRIESTHOOD IN THE HEAVENS, AS WELL AS ON THE EARTH—DUTIES OF THE PRIESTHOOD—WOULD-BE ADVISERS—CELESTIAL MARRIAGE—DISTINCTION BETWEEN POLYGAMY AND PROSTITUTION—GOVERNMENT OFFICERS DISCRIMINATING IN FAVOR OF THE LATTER—UNCHASTITY NOT TO BE TOLERATED IN THE CHURCH—CHARITY ADVISED—CLASS OF PEOPLE WHO ACCUSE THE SAINTS OF CRIME—CRIMINAL STATISTICS—HORRIFYING STATEMENTS OF CRIME IN THE EASTERN STATES—WARNING TO THE SAINTS.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE),OCTOBER 6 AND 7, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

If the congregation will endeavor to should be instructed in the great prin- preserve as much order as possible, and ciples which God has revealed for the prevent the crying and disturbance of guidance, salvation and exaltation of the children, I will try and address you for a Saints of God, and also for the bene- short time. Last evening I made quite a fit of the world wherein we live. There lengthy address in this hall; but we had were very many promises made to emi- very good order. There was no whisper- nent men in generations long since past; ing, no talking, nor disturbance of any but these generally had reference more kind. It requires, in a large congregation particularly to the benefit of the world of like this, quite an exertion to speak so as mankind than to individuals. to make the people hear. I am told that There were certain great principles the people could not hear half of what involved in the organization of this was said by several of the brethren yes- earth, and one was that there might terday. It is wrong for us to have disor- be a place provided whereon the chil- der in the house of God, a place where we dren of our Heavenly Father could live meet for instruction. and propagate their species, and have bodies formed for the spirits to inhabit Last evening I talked of some matters who were the children of God; for we of considerable importance to the Priest- are told that He is the God and Fa- hood, of which there was an immense ther of the spirits of all flesh. It number present; they nearly filled this was requisite, therefore, that an earth hall. I wish to continue some of these re- should be organized; it was requisite marks; for it is necessary that all of us that man should be placed upon it; it 304 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. was requisite that bodies should be pre- God, and keep his commandments, and pared for those spirits to inhabit, in or- certain punishments inflicted upon those der that the purposes of God pertaining who would not. Satan has made very to His progeny might be accomplished, great ravages among the human fam- and that those spirits might be enabled, ily in trying to accomplish his purposes; through the medium of the everlasting for he has been the enemy of God, and Gospel, to return unto the presence of the enemy of man, and in ages past their Heavenly Father, as Gods among he wrought upon mankind until after a the Gods. certain period he had contrived to get the great majority of them on his side. Nevertheless, they had the Priesthood There have been different agencies among them in those early days as we at work throughout this world's history. have among us today. After Adam there Lucifer has been and is one of these were Seth, Enos, Mahalaleel, Methuse- agencies. There was a garden planted, lah, Lamech, and a great many oth- and Adam and Eve were placed in it, and ers until we arrive at Enoch and Noah, there they had communion with God. who operated especially in behalf of the There was another being whose name interest of the human family. They was Lucifer, who is called in some places, preached the Gospel as we preach it, "the son of the morning." Job speaks of a and taught the same principles that we time at the creation of this earth when teach. They gathered the people to a "the morning stars sang together, and Zion as we gather them, and when they all the sons of God shouted for joy," (Job had been gathered together, they had en- xxxviii, 7). As it was necessary that emies as we have, who arrayed them- there should be a God, a man, an earth selves against them. But Enoch was and a heaven, it was also necessary that clothed upon with the power of God. He there should be a devil, that man might walked with God for 365 years, and we be tried, and by trial be instructed. In- are told, "he was not; for God took him." deed, in the economy of God, it was not That is about all that is said about him in only necessary that man, but the Sav- the Bible; but we have other information. ior also should be perfected by suffering. Many others walked with God, and there It is written: "For it became him, for was a city that the people were gathered whom are all things, and by whom are to—a Zion. They walked with God and all things, in bringing many sons unto they were instructed of the Lord; but it glory, to make the captain of their sal- took at any rate, 365 years to accomplish vation perfect through sufferings." (He- this object. brews ii, 10.) It was further necessary Furthermore, in the latter days there that there should be a Redeemer accord- is to be a Zion built up: but in ing to the plan which was devised from these days we are told that the Lord before the foundation of the world, and will cut His work short in righteous- also that man might be a free agent to ness. Enoch, in his day, had his act and operate for himself, to receive messengers go forth among the peo- the good and reject the evil, or reject the ple, and when they gathered, it in- good and be governed by the evil. And duced the rage of man, and great there were certain rewards promised armies assembled against the Saints, to those who would obey the laws of but Enoch prophesied by the power PURPOSES OF GOD. 305 of God, and the earth shook and the may devour, seeking whom he may lead mountains trembled, and the enemies of down to death. And in these latter days the Saints in fear fled afar off. By and by God has introduced these same princi- when the time came for the accomplish- ples with the same object in view. He has ment of the purposes of God, and before revealed the same principles of heaven, the destruction of the wicked, Enoch was and as heretofore, in the interest of hu- caught up to heaven and his Zion with manity. Who was Enoch? Was he a man him. And we are told in latter revelation of God? Yes. Who were the Elders with in relation to these matters that a Zion him, were they men of God? Yes; and will be built up in our day; that great they received their instructions in that trouble will overtake the inhabitants of Zion that was then built up, and more or the earth; and that when the time ar- less directly from God; for Enoch walked rives, the Zion that was caught up will with God. Whom was Enoch operating descend, and the Zion that will be orga- for? For God his heavenly Father. He nized here will ascend, both possessed was there, as Jesus was on the earth in of the same spirit, their peoples having his time, as he said, not to do His own been preserved by the power of God ac- will, but the will of his Father who sent cording to His purposes and as His chil- him. And whom did those people op- dren, to take part in the events of the lat- erate for? They operated for the wel- ter days. We are told that when the peo- fare of the human family who would re- ple of these two Zions meet, they will fall ceive the truth and be governed by it. on each others' necks, and embrace and And whom did Jesus and His Apostles in kiss each other. their day operate for? For the benefit of As they in that day were placed un- all the world. Jesus Himself appeared der the guidance of the Almighty, so are as the Redeemer of the world, and He we. As they had a work to perform as- commissioned His Apostles to preach the sociated with the welfare of the human Gospel to every creature, saying: "He family, so have we. As they had the that believeth and is baptized shall be Gospel to preach, so have we. As they saved; and he that believeth not shall be had a Zion to build up, so have we. As damned." What is this salvation and con- they needed the support of the Great Je- demnation? That would take a long time hovah, so do we. As they were depen- to tell. Suffice it to say that there are dent upon Him in all their movements, bodies celestial, bodies terrestrial, and whether in relation to earth or heaven, bodies telestial; one glory of the sun, an- so are we. The work in which we are other of the moon, and another of the engaged is one that has been introduced stars; but strait was the gate and nar- by the Great Eloheim, the God and Fa- row was the way that led unto the lives, ther of the human family, in the inter- and few there were at that time and few ests of His children. And wherever and there have always been who have gone whenever these principles have existed, in thereat. And what was it that they this same being that was in the garden sought? It was the Celestial Kingdom with our first parents still goes forth and of our God, that they might come forth has gone forth as a raging lion, seeking in the first resurrection and be one with whom he may deceive, seeking whom he the Father and one with Jesus, and be- 306 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. long to the Church of the Firstborn destroyed because of their wickedness, whose names are written in heaven, and were shut up in prison and they re- become Gods among the Gods, and par- mained there for a long, long time. How ticipate in all the glory of the Celestial long? We read that Jesus, who was put to Kingdom. But few there were who found death in the flesh, but quickened by the the narrow path. It is so today. Were the Spirit, went and preached to the spirits Apostles of Jesus commanded to preach in prison which were sometime disobedi- the Gospel? Yes. Are we commanded ent when once the longsuffering of God as they were? Yes. What was the po- waited in the days of Noah. How long sition of the Apostles? They were sim- had these people been there? At a rough ply messengers of life and salvation to a guess about 2,400 years. It was quite a fallen world. What are the First Presi- painful ordeal to go through. It is one dency, the Twelve, the High Priests, the that none of us would like very much. It Seventies, and the Elders today? What is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of are they? Bearers of life and salvation the living God—a fearful thing to violate to a fallen world, the messengers of God His laws. We have gathered here that we to men, the legates of the skies commis- may learn those laws, the laws of God, sioned by the Great Jehovah to introduce the laws of life, and prepare ourselves the principles of eternal life, and gather under His guidance for an inheritance in in his elect from the four quarters of the the Celestial Kingdom of God. But are earth, and to prepare them for an exal- all the Latter-day Saints going into that tation in the celestial kingdom of God. kingdom? No. How is that? It is just as And what becomes of those who choose Jesus declared. "It is not every one that the other path? They are still God's chil- saith, Lord, Lord, that will enter into dren, and He feels interested in them. the kingdom of God; but he that doeth What will He do with them? They will the will of the Father who is in heaven." be judged according to the deeds done in Did Jesus come to do the will of His Fa- the body, and according to the light and ther in heaven? He did, and He expects intelligence which God communicates to all who aim at Celestial glory to do the them. Then there is another glory, a same, and if they do not they will not get telestial glory. Those who enter into there. He says, "Many will say to me in that glory will also be judged according that day, Lord, Lord, have we not proph- to their deeds and be rewarded accord- esied in thy name? and in thy name have ing to their acts. We are told of others cast out devils? and in thy name done who will suffer the wrath of God, and many wonderful works?" And He will say in the revelations given to us we learn unto them, "Depart from me, ye work- that eternal punishment is God's pun- ers of iniquity, I know you not, you have ishment, that everlasting punishment not lived as becometh Saints." Oh, say is God's punishment, for He is eternal, some, that don't mean the Saints. No, and He is everlasting. We are informed it don't, but it means many who profess the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah suf- to be Saints. Do the world profess to fered the vengeance of eternal fire. cast out devils, to heal the sick and to We are told, too, that the inhabitants do many mighty works? They do not. Do of the antediluvian world, who were PURPOSES OF GOD. 307 the world prophesy in His name? No. pensation of the fullness of times spo- Do the world preach in the name of God? ken of by all the holy prophets since the They preach in His name, many of them, world was. It relates to the interests of without having the authority, as we have men that now live: it relates to the in- heard at this conference; but they do terests of men who have lived, and it not propose to do many mighty works in relates to things that are yet in the fu- His name, but many of our Elders do— ture. It is a thing in which the Gods Elders who magnify their calling and in the eternal worlds are interested, and honor their God. On the other hand all the ancient Patriarchs and Prophets there are Elders who are careless, way- that have lived upon the earth are all ward and rebellious against God and His interested in the work in which we are laws—who seek to trample under foot engaged. There is a Priesthood in the the principles that He has revealed— heavens, and we have the same Priest- who seek to set themselves up to guide, hood on the earth, but there should be direct, and manipulate the affairs of the a closer communion between the Priest- Church and Kingdom of God, and yet hood on the earth and the Priesthood these same persons know nothing but in the heavens; it is desirable that we what they know naturally, as do the should be brought into closer proximity, brute beasts, made to be taken and de- we want to be advancing as Enoch ad- stroyed; and we none of us know any- vanced. After the appearance of Jesus thing only as God instructs us. We are upon the earth, there was to be a certain indebted to Him for the introduction of power who would make war with the this work, and for all the information Saints and prevail against them; and it pertaining thereto. It has been from no is said, "they shall be given into his hand man nor set of men, nor organizations of until a time and times and the dividing a professed spiritual or temporal nature, of time," (Daniel vii, 25) but in this day that we have received intelligence per- we are told that "the saints of the most taining to the things of God, the Church High shall take the kingdom, and pos- of God, or the Kingdom of God. It has sess the kingdom for ever, even for ever come directly from the Lord, through the and ever," (verse 18). You and I may vio- Gospel of the Son of God, which brings late our covenants; you and I may tram- life and immortality to light; and if men ple upon the principles of the Gospel, think—and we every once in a while and violate the order of the Priesthood meet with such characters—they know and the commands of God; but among better than the Lord how to manipulate the hosts of Israel there will be thou- affairs they will find out their mistake. sands and tens of thousands who will be The Lord will say to them, "Depart from true to the principles of truth, and God in me, I never knew you: for it is not every the heavens, the holy angels and the an- one that saith, Lord, Lord, that shall en- cient Priesthood that now live where God ter into the kingdom of God; but he that lives are all united together, for the ac- doeth the will of our Father in Heaven." complishment of this purpose. The Lord Hence there is a great work for us will roll forth His purposes in His own to do. There is something compre- way and is His own time. And having hensive in it. It is indeed the dis- thus organized, as I before stated, it is 308 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. not for us to act as we may think indi- ren, trample them under foot, and act as vidually, but as God shall dictate. We tyrants? No. Have the Apostles, or High have a regular order in the Church. You Priests, or Seventies, or Elders, any such brethren, who hold the holy Priesthood, right? No. Brother Cannon will read understand these things. Has God not an extract from the Book of Doctrine and given to every man a portion of His Spirit Covenants, on this question. to profit withal? Yes. Has He not done President George Q. Cannon then more than this to the saints who are read as follows from Section 121, of the true and faithful? Has He not given to Book of Doctrine and Covenants— them the gift of the Holy Ghost? He "Behold, there are many called, but has, and they know it and realize it. few are chosen. And why are they not They are brought into communion with chosen? each other, and into communion with "Because their hearts are set so much God and the heavenly hosts. But hav- upon the things of this world, and aspire ing this Spirit do we need others to guide to the honors of men, that they do not us? Yes, all the time. Why? Because of learn this one lesson— the powers of darkness, the influence of "That the rights of the priesthood are Satan and the weakness of human na- inseparably connected with the powers ture. We need watchmen upon the tow- of heaven, and that the powers of heaven ers of Zion, who are on the alert to look cannot be controlled nor handled only after the interests of Israel, and see that upon the principle of righteousness. God's people do not go astray. Hence "That they may be conferred upon us, it becomes the duty of the Teachers to it is true; but when we undertake to look after the people, to see that there cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our is no hard feeling, no covetousness, no vain ambition, or to exercise control or fraud, no adultery, no iniquity of any dominion or compulsion upon the souls kind; but that purity, holiness and righ- of the children of men, in any degree teousness prevail among those that they of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens preside over. And how far does this ex- withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the tend? To every place where there is a Lord is grieved; and when it is with- ward or a portion of a ward—to the ut- drawn, Amen to the priesthood or the au- most extremity. It may be compared unto thority of that man. the body—from the head to the feet, from "Behold, ere he is aware, he is left the toes to the fingers, and to every other unto himself, to kick against the pricks, part. All the officers necessary for the to persecute the saints, and to fight work of the ministry are to be found in against God. the Church, and everything has been or- "We have learned by sad experience ganized according to the order of God. that it is the nature and disposition of al- Are any of these men who are called most all men, as soon as they get a little to presiding positions autocrats—men authority, as they suppose, they will im- who exercise undue authority over the mediately begin to exercise unrighteous feelings and associations of their fellow dominion. man? No. Have any of them the right "Hence many are called, but few are to disregard the feelings of their breth- chosen. PURPOSES OF GOD. 309

"No power or influence can or ought good many begin to think that we are to be maintained by virtue of the priest- very much persecuted and proscribed in hood, only by persuasion, by long- our marital relations, according to the suffering, by gentleness and meekness, revelations which God has given us, and and by love unfeigned; there is sometimes a little trembling in "By kindness, and pure knowledge, the knees. I am pleased there is not which shall greatly enlarge the soul much of it, but there is a little once in without hypocrisy, and without guile— a while. Sometimes I get advice from "Reproving betimes with sharpness, outsiders, from the newspapers, etc., and when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; sometimes from some of our brethren and then showing forth afterwards an (but from very few of our brethren), in increase of love toward him whom thou relation to these matters. hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be God has given us a revelation in re- his enemy; gard to celestial marriage. I did not "That he may know that thy faithful- make it. He has told us certain things ness is stronger than the cords of death. pertaining to this matter, and they would "Let thy bowels also be full of charity like us to tone that principle down and towards all men, and to the household of change it and make it applicable to the faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts views of the day. This we cannot do; nor unceasingly; then shall thy confidence can we interfere with any of the com- wax strong in the presence of God; and mands of God to meet the persuasions or the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil behests of men. I cannot do it, and will upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. not do it. "The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant I find some men try to twist round companion, and thy scepter an unchang- the principle in any way and every way ing scepter of righteousness and truth; they can. They want to sneak out of it in and thy dominion shall be an everlast- some way. Now God don't want any kind ing dominion, and without compulsory of sycophancy like that. He expects that means it shall flow unto thee forever and we will be true to Him, and to the princi- ever." ples He has developed, and to feel as Job President Taylor continuing his re- did—"Though he slay me, yet will I trust marks said: We have many specimens in him." Though other folks would slay of the characters referred to in this rev- us, yet we will trust in the living God and elation read by Brother Cannon. These be true to our covenants and to our God. things continue to exist more or less. These are my feelings in relation to that Some people are very desirous some- matter. We have also been told that, "it is times to instruct me about how I ought to not mete that men who will not abide my manipulate and manage affairs. Well, if law shall preside over my Priesthood," they were set as my instructors I should and yet some people would like very be much pleased to get all the informa- much to do it. Well, they cannot do it; be- tion I could from them, and I would be cause if we are here, as I said before, to pleased to get information from the hum- do the will of our Father who sent us, and blest person in existence—if it was infor- He has told us what to do, we will do it, mation. Among other things I find that a in the name of Israel's God—and all who 310 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. sanction it say Amen—[the vast congre- steady the ark (God save the mark!)— gation responded with a loud "Amen."]— (Laughter.)—to help to save us, and that and those that don't may say what they we need such men in the Legislature, please. [Laughter.] If God has intro- etc., and to fill our various offices. Well, duced something for our glory and ex- I won't tell you all I think about some of altation, we are not going to have that these things, but I do think we are all kicked over by any improper influence, of us dependent upon God our Heavenly either inside or outside of the Church Father, and if He don't take care of us we of the living God. We will stand by the shall not be taken care of; if His arm is principles of eternal truth; living we will not extended in our behalf we shall have proclaim them, and dying we will be true a poor showing; but if God is with us, we to them, and after death will live again ask no odds of the world, for He governs in their enjoyment in the eternal worlds. the destinies of the human family. He That is my feeling; so I don't feel very puts down one man and exalts another. trembly in the knees, and I do not think He dethrones one king or president as you do, generally. I see sometimes a dis- the case may be, and sets up another, position to try to ignore some of the laws and He rules as He pleases among the which God has introduced, and this is nations of the earth and all the children one of them. People want to slip round a of men, although they don't know it. We corner, or creep out in some way. There live in Him, we move in Him, we have is something very creepy about it. There our being from Him. We are not depen- was a man in former times we are told, dent very much upon the monogamists came to Jesus by night. His name was about any of these things. You need Nicodemus. He was one of those persons not plume yourselves very much in these who did not like the daylight. I have matters; and I will tell you, if you want known some people who would want to to get along smoothly, you had better find be baptized in the evening, or get into among your various neighbors, when you some corner that they might not be seen. have some matter of difficulty to settle, Well, there is not much to such folks. some of these polygamists and ask a lit- Jesus was very unpopular, quite as un- tle counsel at their hands. They will be popular as we are, in His day. Nicode- able to advise you about many things, mus was a prominent man among the especially if they are men of God, hum- Jews, and he thought it might injure his ble men, living their religion and keep- reputation if he was seen visiting that ing the commandments of God. Nazarene, to get instruction from Him, There are some few things I have so he crawled in at night. Jesus talked been reflecting about, and have noted quite plainly to him, as you can read them down, and I think I shall read them for yourselves; but we find some folks now. of a similar kind now creeping around. They have not the manhood to stand The distinction being made between true to their colors and to their God. Polygamy and Prostitution: Some folks think that we polygamists 1st. Congress made a law which are very much indebted to our brethren would affect both; and cohabitation who are monogamists to help to with more than one woman was PURPOSES OF GOD. 311 made a crime whether in polygamy or officiating in this Territory, to back up out of polygamy. this political intrigue in the interest of 2nd. The Governor turned legisla- party, and at the sacrifice of law, equity, tor, added to this law, and inserted in jurisprudence and all the safeguards a test oath to officials, the following that are provided by the Constitution for words regarding cohabitation, "in the the protection of human rights. marriage relation;" thus plainly and def- These (continued President Taylor) initely sanctioning prostitution, without are some points that are of considerable any law of the United States, or any au- importance. Similar things have been thority. exhibited in former times—an animus, 3rd. The United States Commission- a united operation against justice, eq- ers, also, without legislation, adopted uity and law, and, in our case, against the action of the Governor, and still in- the Constitution of the United States, sisted on this interpolation, in the test and the rights and privileges and immu- oath in election matters, and placed all nities of the Latter-day Saints. A law polygamists under this unconstitutional was framed professedly in the interest of oath, and released prostitutes and their purity and virtue. When it got here it paramours from the obligations placed was perverted and made to subserve the upon others. interest of prostitution and prostitutes; and the lowest class of men, who violate 4th. The Prosecuting Attorney has their marital relations, and trample un- sanctioned these things, and pursued a der foot all principles of virtue and in- similar course; and while he has asked tegrity, can go on our juries, can vote at all the "Mormon" jurors certain ques- the polls, through the intrigues of cor- tions pertaining to their religious faith rupt men; and they thus try to shackle in the doctrines of the "Mormon" Church, a free people, bring them into bondage, and challenged them if they answered af- and make slaves of them, unless they firmatively as to their belief in polygamy, will bow to their infernal behests, and he has declined to ask other jurors in the name of Israel's God we will not whether they believed in prostitution, or do it. [The congregation responded with whether they believed in cohabiting with a loud "Amen."] We are not going to el- more than one woman or not. evate prostitutes and men who violate 5th. Chief Justice Zane when ap- their marital relations above men and pealed to on this question refused to in- women who are virtuous, honorable and terfere, or give any other ruling, and upright. These are my feelings, and I am thus aided in packing the jury. not afraid to proclaim them to the world. Thus a law was first passed by So much for these things. Congress, which has been perverted by Do we want a class of men along the administration, by all its officers with us that will submit to these who have officiated in this Territory, kind of things, and are we to share and made to subserve the interests of in this hypocrisy, this infamy and a party who have placed in their po- degradation? What mean these dens litical platform an Anti-Mormon plank; in our city that are introduced by and have clearly proven that there is a our Christian friends—dens of in- combination in all the officers of State, famy, dens of prostitution, gam- 312 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. bling holes, houses of assignation, stuck before our noses here in the City dramshops, etc.? They are to cater to the of Salt Lake by the officials sent among virtuous (?) feelings of these honorable, us, and who are instructed particularly high-minded, pure reformers that have to look after our morals. come among us—(Laughter)—or what are they for? They are sanctioned, I am So much, then, for such affairs. Now, ashamed to say by the officers of gov- do we want affiliation or association with ernment, and protected in their libidi- such practices and principles as these? nous and degrading pursuits. How was God forbid. And we want no falterers in it some time ago when the Edmunds law our ranks. What shall we do? Live our was first introduced? A son of Mayor religion, be true to our covenants, and Little was one of the election registrars. keep the commandments of God. His father some years ago had had two What shall the Presidents of Stakes wives—I am sorry to say he has not got do? Look after our Stakes, and if you find them now, they are dead—and because adulterers or adulteresses among you, some years before any law of this kind don't permit them to go into the tem- was in operation in the United States he ples of God; for we won't have such peo- had practiced plural marriage, his son ple; they cannot be sanctioned by us, nor was obliged to tell his father that he have our fellowship. We will not have could not register. Shortly afterwards them; the world may take the strum- a notorious courtesan known as Kate pets; they may wallow in their filth, but Flint, with some of the inmates of her we will not have our holy places polluted bagnio, drove up and requested to be by people calling themselves Latter-day registered. "Why, of course." And this Saints, who indulge in these abominable same gentleman that could not regis- practices; we will not have them; and ter his honorable father, who had never anybody who permits them to go into violated any law of the United States, these holy places will have to be respon- had to endure the mortification of tak- sible for it. Many Bishops do it, they ing the names of these others and plac- will be held responsible. Therefore, be ing them on the list as respectable vot- careful, you Presidents of Stakes and you ers in our midst! About this time an- Bishops, how you act, and look well af- other non-Mormon came along to one of ter your people, for be it understood that the other registration officers, and on before our Lord Jesus Christ shall come, partly reading the oath—this test oath "Righteousness shall go before him; and that had been prescribed—said, "I am shall set us in the way of his steps." afraid I can't take that!" "Why can't you (Psalms lxxxv, 13.) We are preparing take it?" Well, he was an honest man ourselves to build up a Zion of God, and among the Gentiles; he did not like to these people, whoremasters and whores, foreswear himself; so he said, "I have a liars and hypocrites, will never get into wife, and then I keep a mistress." "Oh, the city of the living God, they will be well," says the man, "read on a little found outside the gates. further." He read on until he came to the words, "in the marriage relation." Now, have I any ill feelings to- "Oh, well, yes, I can take that," he said, wards these people that persecute and and registered. These are facts that are proscribe us? No. I would do PURPOSES OF GOD. 313 them good for evil, give blessings for pass through here, men of note, of posi- curses; I would treat them well, treat tion in society from the United States, them honorably. Let us be men of truth, and from the different nations who call honor and integrity; men that will swear upon me from time to time, and express to our own hurt and change not; men their sentiments pertaining to these whose word will be our everlasting bond. matters. In order to sustain what I say, If you see men hungry, feed them, no I will have Brother Cannon read over matter who they are: white, black, or some statistics in regard to crime. We red, Jew, Gentile or Mormon, or anybody are, as I have said, represented as a very else—feed them. If you see men naked, bad people, and I want to show a com- clothe them. If you see men sick, admin- parison between us and our reformers, or ister to them, and learn to be kind to all those that profess to be our reformers in men; but partake not of their evil prac- relation to these matters. tices. "O my soul, come not thou into President Cannon then read the fol- their secret; unto their assembly, mine lowing, being the criminal statistics for honor, be not thou united." We are trying the year 1883. to raise up a people that shall be men of "The population of Utah may be esti- God, men of truth, men of integrity, men mated at 160,000 in 1883. of virtue, men who will be fit to associate "Of these say 130,000 were Mormons, with the Gods in the eternal worlds. and 30,000 Gentiles, a very liberal esti- mate of the latter. We are accused of being corrupt, de- "In this year there were 46 persons graded, low and debauched. Who by? sent to the Penitentiary convicted of By people, as I will show who are ten crime. Of these 33 were non-Mormons, times as degraded, ten times as de- and 13 reputed Mormons. bauched, ten times as low and guilty "At the above estimate of population of ten-fold more crime than we are. the ratio or percentage would be one These are our professed reformers. I prisoner to every 10,000 Mormons, or speak of these things therefore in our one hundredth of one per cent, and of defense, and were we not accused by the Gentiles one convict in every 909, men void of honor and principle, I never or about one ninth of one percent. So would broach such a subject; for, I do that the actual proportion of criminals is not delight to dwell on the infamies, more than ten times greater among the the corruptions and abominations of the Gentiles of Utah, with the above very lib- world. I would rather speak of their eral estimate, than among the Mormons. good qualities and honorable principles, "It is urged that these non-Mormon and I am thankful to say that there are prisoners are not a fair representation thousands and tens of thousands and of the average of crime throughout the millions in these United States and in country, but are the result of the flow other nations who look with contempt of the desperate classes westward to upon all the chicanery, deception and the borders of civilization; with greater fraud, whether of a moral, social, po- truth we reply that the Mormon pris- litical, legislative, or judicial character; oners are not representatives of Mor- thousands and millions of men; I see monism, nor the results of Mormonism, many of them, very many of them, who but of the consequences of a departure 314 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. from Mormon principles; and of the that our people must be tried by men 13 prisoners classed as "Mormons," the whose average record shows them to be greater portion were only so by family ten times their inferiors as law abiding connection or association: citizens; but not having enough men to Arrests in Salt Lake City, 1883: Mor- pack this "impartial grand jury" accord- mons, 150 Non-Mormons, 1,559 or more ing to the provisions of law, under the than ten times the number of Mormon guise of virtue, and in the name of moral- arrests. ity and justice, edicts are issued to the officers to go into the purlieus of the city "Again, it is estimated that there are and gather up ad libitum from among 6,000 non-Mormons, and 19,000 Mor- the guttersnipes creatures to form "a mons in Salt Lake City, which shows of jury of the peers" of the accused with Mormons one arrest in 126 2/3. which to persecute and prosecute honor- "Non-Mormons one arrest in a frac- able men and women. tion less than every four, or rather more These are things we object to, and than twenty-five percent." I wish our brethren and sisters to be As I have said before (continued Pres- informed in regard to these matters, ident Taylor), if we were not on the de- that they may have a correct estimate fensive in this case, I would say noth- of the position that we occupy pertain- ing about these things; but it ill be- ing thereto. We cannot respect and comes men who have got ten criminals esteem such operations, and while we to our one to come here as our reform- are desirous to place ourselves in con- ers, and try to disfranchise men who are formity with all law, all order and all ten times as good as they are. These are correct principle, yet we despise in our facts that are not of my getting up. hearts this chicanery, hypocrisy, fraud and deception. But do we expect to They come from the public records see such things? Yes. Are we sur- and can be verified by the prison and prised at it? No. Why? Because we other statistics. And the question is, how have been told over and over again, and much of that rule do we want here? the Elders have preached over and over The questionable honor is reserved to again, and the Prophets have prophe- these advocates of "advanced high moral sied of it over and over again, that the ideas" to trample upon all judicial prece- world will grow worse and worse, deceiv- dents. It was not enough that an in- ing and being deceived. Who is it that significant minority should have more embarks in these things? It is the cor- than an equal showing with the major- rupt, the ungodly, the debauchee, the ity, being equal in numbers in the draw- adulterer, the liar, the men who violate ing to make up a venire. It was not every principle of honor, truth and in- enough that every Mormon was ques- tegrity, and who are enemies to this na- tioned as to his religious faith, and that tion, and the same class of people are no Gentile was. It was not enough enemies to any nation. They are lay- that all "Mormons" were excluded from ing the axe at the root of the tree of lib- this so-called "impartial grand jury," erty, and trying to overturn the freedom and that their avowed enemies were of man, and to place free men in bondage, to be their judges. It is not enough a thing no honorable man would con- PURPOSES OF GOD. 315 descend to for a moment. And there President Cannon again read as fol- are many in this city who despise these lows: things as they do the gates of hell, who Dr. Nathan Allen, of Lowell, has de- are not associated with us in a religious clared in a paper read before a late meet- capacity, many honorable men who have ing of the American Social Science Asso- feelings of this kind, and then there ciation, that "nowhere in the history of are tens of thousands in the United the world was the practice of abortion so States who possess the same feelings common as in this country; and he gave and the same abhorrence of this cor- expression to the opinion that, in New ruption, degradation and infamy that is England alone, many thousands of abor- sought to be palmed upon us. But while tions are procured annually." we can estimate these things at their Dr. Reamy, of the Ohio State Medi- worth, we can also estimate the actions cal Society, says: "From a very large ver- of honorable men who are not of us at bal and written correspondence in this their true worth. Because a man is not and other States, together with personal a believer in our doctrines, that is no investigation and facts accumulated * * reason why he should not be an honor- that we have become a nation of murder- able man, for there are thousands and ers." millions of them: it would be a pity if The Rev. Dr. Eddy writes to the they were in the same condition as the Christian Advocate regarding one little others. But we as a people have to de- village of 1,000 inhabitants: "Yet here, fend ourselves against the aggressions and elsewhere, 15 per cent of wives have of an unscrupulous enemy who is insti- the criminal hardihood to practice this gated by the power of the adversary to black art, there is a still large and ad- overturn and destroy the truth today as ditional percent who endorse and defend he has done in other ages, in other na- it. * * Among married persons, so exten- tions and among other peoples. There- sive has this practice become, that peo- fore it becomes us to look well after our ple of high repute not only commit this affairs, and protect ourselves as best we crime, but do not shun to speak boast- may from the calumnies, the reproach, ingly among their intimates of the deed and the infamies that are sought to be and the means of accomplishing it." foisted upon us by an ungodly, hypocriti- Dr. Allen further states: "Examin- cal and corrupt people. ing the number of deaths, we find that Now, having got through with this, there are absolutely more deaths than I want to refer to something else. births among the strictly American chil- It has been stated that the reason dren, so that aside from immigration why we have so many of these crimi- and births of children of foreign parent- nals is because that the scum of soci- age, the population of Massachusetts is ety from the eastern States floats out rapidly decreasing. * * The birth rate in here, and that therefore a rough, un- the State of New York, shows the same couth, lawless class finds its way into fact, that American families do not in- this community. Now, I want some- crease at all, and inspection of the reg- thing read to you about some of these istration in other States shows the same so called virtuous people in the east. remark applies to all." 316 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Bishop Coxe, of the Protestant Epis- and the covering is too narrow and too copal Church of New York, in a pas- contracted, it will not cover them, and toral letter to his people, writes: "I have their evils and abominations crop out on heretofore warned my flock against the every side, and they become their own blood guiltiness of antenatal infanticide. accusers. If any doubts existed heretofore as to the It is their own statements that I have propriety of my warnings on this sub- had read to you this morning. I am sorry ject, they must now disappear before the to know that these things are as they fact that the world itself is beginning to are; but these are facts, and we do not be horrified by the practical results of feel very much honored with the asso- the sacrifices to Moloch which defile our ciation of such people. We do feel hon- land. Again I warn you that they who do ored always to associate with honorable such things cannot inherit eternal life. If men and women; but with the seducer, there be a special damnation for those with harlots, with thieves, with murder- who shed innocent blood, what must be ers of the innocents, no! never! no never! the portion of those who have no mercy We want no association with them. As upon their own flesh." it is stated here by one of these reverend gentlemen in the East, speaking of these Dr. Cowan, M.D., writing on what he things, no murderer hath eternal life in styles "the Murder of the Unborn," says: him, nor no murderesses have eternal "That this crime is not only widespread life in them. on this great continent, but is rapidly I have had these things read to you on the increase, we have the testimony for two reasons: First, to show the of physicians, whose investigations have corruption that exists among these so- been thorough, and whose social stand- called virtuous people, honorable peo- ing and sincerity cannot be questioned." ple, pure people, who are so shocked at President Taylor continuing said: the atrocities that take place in Utah. These are the people that are coming Another reason is that I want to warn here to reform us, and are so disgusted our brethren and sisters against these with our corruptions. Yet I am pleased to infamies, and against permitting these find that there are, once in a while, men filthy wretches to come into their houses. who have the courage to speak against They are too low, too debased, too cor- these damning evils. Bishop Coxe, of rupt; and I speak of it because I know the Episcopal Church, is one of these what I am talking about; there are men, and I honor such men whenever some of these people crawling around I hear of them, and should be glad at us like so many vipers, and insinuat- all times to extend to them all courte- ing their hellish, murderous practices sies possible. Dr. Allen and Dr. Reamy into the families of some who call them- are inspired, it seems, by the same de- selves Latter-day Saints. Woe! to testation of these hellish, these fiendish, such Saints. You cannot have a place these outrageous acts. Yet from these among us. No woman murderer, no people come our reformers, who are so man murderer can have a place among horrified at the evils they see in Utah. the Latter-day Saints, and I speak of But fortunately, the bed is too short, it that the Presidents of Stakes and they cannot stretch themselves on it; the Bishops may be apprised of these PURPOSES OF GOD. 317 things. And some of these people would mit and will not admit them to any of try to pass by the Bishops, and then by these holy places unless they are worthy. the Presidents of Stakes, and then by the I call upon you if you know of adulterers President of the Church, and crawl with or adulteresses, or people that practice all their slime and damnable hypocrisy these unnatural infamies, to sever them into the Temples of the living God. They from the Church; they shall not have a may pass by these, but they will have place in the Church and Kingdom of God. to pass by the angels and the Gods, Mr. Murray here, and others, may make before they get through, and they will laws and test oaths, with provisions in never inherit the Kingdom of God. Hear them to screen the adulterer, the whore- it you sisters! Hear it you brethren! monger, and the seducer; but we will tear Hear it you Bishops, and you Presidents that away from our people, and all such of Stakes! Watch well and know well shall have no place with Israel, and all what you are doing, when you sign rec- who are in favor of it, signify it by saying, ommends for doubtful characters to go "Aye." [The congregation responded with into these holy places. We do not want a loud "Aye."] These are our feelings, and them there. It is not their place, and it is some of these things which has led you will have to account for your acts if me to talk as plainly as I have done in you permit these things knowingly. It regard to some of these other matters. I is necessary that you should be partic- wanted to present the contrast so plainly ular about these matters, for you will before you that he that runneth might have to answer for your doings as I have read. Enough of this, however, for the for mine. We cannot, because of rela- present: Handle it carefully. Deal with it tionship, because somebody is a cousin, gently, Speak of it tenderly, Poor Justice or an uncle, or an aunt, or a brother, is blind. or a sister, or a son or a daughter, or a father or a mother—we cannot ad- 318 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

THE FULFILLMENT OF ANCIENT AND MODERN PROPHECY—GOD THE FRIEND OF THE SAINTS—PERSONS GUILTY OF ADULTERY HAVING HAD THEIR ENDOWMENTS CANNOT AGAIN BE BAPTIZED.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY MORNING,OCTOBER 5 (SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE), 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I will read a portion of the 29th chap- "And the book is delivered to him that ter of the Book of Isaiah, commencing at is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray the 7th verse: thee: and he saith, I am not learned. "And the multitude of all the nations "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch that fight against Ariel, even all that as this people draw near me with their fight against her and her munition, and mouth, and with their lips do honor me, that distress her, shall be as a dream of but have removed their heart far from a night vision. me, and their fear toward me is taught "It shall even be as when an hungry by the precept of men: man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: do a marvelous work among this people, or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, the wisdom of their wise men shall per- and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath ish, and the understanding of their pru- appetite: so shall the multitude of all dent men shall be hid." the nations be, that fight against mount Zion. There is much more in this chapter "Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye which I will not read, but which all can out, and cry: they are drunken, but not read at their leisure. In sitting and look- with wine; they stagger, but not with ing at the congregation these words have strong drink. come to my mind: "For the Lord hath poured out upon "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath do a marvelous work among this people, closed your eyes: the prophets and your even a marvelous work and a wonder: for rulers, the seers hath he covered. the wisdom of their wise men shall per- "And the vision of all is become unto ish, and the understanding of their pru- you as the words of a book that is dent men shall be hid." sealed, which men deliver to one that is Truly have these words been ful- learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: filled in our eyes and in our hear- and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: ing. God our Eternal Father predicted MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM. 319 by the mouth of His Prophet Isaiah, con- with its birth. It was born according to cerning the coming forth of the Book of the will of God. The Church started out Mormon, and the manner in which it a good deal like we have started out— should be received; and we today are liv- helpless. What is there more helpless, ing witnesses of the fulfillment of these weak, puny, insignificant, it may be said, things. God our Eternal Father has done in many respects, than a human being and is doing a marvelous work and a when it is born into the world. Yet that wonder in the midst of the inhabitants being if nurtured properly, if trained as of the earth. He is causing the wisdom of it should be, has before it a career of the wise to perish—He has caused it— never-ending glory. That little puling in- and He is bringing to naught the under- fant may become, in the eternity of our standing of the prudent, especially those God, a God, to sway power and domin- who fight against Mount Zion, or against ion in the eternal worlds, to be the fa- the covenant people of God. The man- ther of unnumbered millions. Yet at its ner in which our Father and our God has birth who would anticipate such a future spoken concerning the great work of the for it. So it was with the Church of our last days with which we are identified, God. Born in weakness, cradled in obscu- is very remarkable. When we examine rity, it came forth according to the com- the prediction of the holy prophets, it is mand of God; not attended, as I have wonderful how plainly everything con- said, by any great demonstration that nected with this work, so far, has been the world could gaze and wonder at, but fulfilled; and as we have been told this attended by the blessing, the power and morning—and we are told whenever the the promises of our Eternal Father con- Spirit of God rests down upon the Elders cerning its future. It required faith on of this Church to speak concerning the the part of those who then received it to future—we have the strongest assurance believe that such a glorious career as was that can be given by God to any people predicted concerning it, awaited it. No that as that which has been predicted in human being unenlightened and unin- the past has been completely fulfilled up spired by the Spirit of God, could have to the present time, so all the predictions anticipated such a future for this great which have been made connected with work; and yet in these early days, when this work, or concerning it, will also be it was in this condition which I have at- fulfilled to the very letter; not one word tempted to describe, the Prophet Joseph will fail, not one iota of the word of God and those who received revelations with concerning Zion will fall to the ground him, looked forward to its future, and unfulfilled. saw that which we behold today in actual This work commenced, as we reality; they saw in vision that which know, in obscurity, in weakness, we participate in today, and far more with no particular demonstration in than anything that we have yet seen. I the sight of the world. A few in- have often been struck with the remark- dividuals only knew concerning it. able character of the predictions which There were no remarkable manifes- Joseph, inspired of God, gave utterance tations for the world to gaze upon, to concerning this work. As I have for the world to wonder at, connected 320 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. said, scarcely a step in its advancement become so strong in the inception of the was hidden from him; scarcely a step but work, in the days of its weakness, that what was foreshadowed by him through it could be overwhelmed. He restrained the Spirit of God, which rested down the power of the wicked, so that the upon him. Men doubt the divinity of growth and strength of the work would this work. Men question the spirit of be commensurate with the opposition it prophecy, or the divine mission of Joseph had to contend with. As its circle en- Smith. His life is maligned and misrep- larged, as its influence extended, oppo- resented; his character derided and held sition grew proportionately. From town- up to contempt and scorn; yet it is not ships it extended to cities. As the work much to say, it is not much to anticipate, grew and outspread these limits, it ex- that before many years pass away, he cited the opposition of counties. As its will be recognized by the children of men influence continued to grow, from one as one of the mightiest Prophets that county it extended to adjacent counties ever trod the footstool of God our Eter- all the time growing, all the time in- nal Father. It is because his life has not creasing, all the time meeting with as been understood; it is because the work much opposition as it could well bear which he was the means in the hands of up under. Wonderfully has the provi- God of founding, is not comprehended; dence of our God been exhibited in the it is because his life has not been un- care exercised over His growing Church derstood; it is because the work which and His increasing people! Had it not he was the means in the hands of God been for this care, my brethren and sis- of founding is not comprehended; it is ters, we should not have the happy priv- because everything connected with this ilege that we enjoy this day of meet- Church is beclouded by misrepresenta- ing together in peace in this Tabernacle. tion and falsehood that men assume the Had Satan been permitted to wreak his attitude they do towards this the great vengeance upon the Church in the com- work of our God. In the very begin- mencement, it could easily have been ex- ning of this work Joseph told the Saints, tinguished in blood. Had the same power left on record the statement, as to how that was exercised against the Church it would be received by the children of in the days of Nauvoo, when the blood men—the hatred with which it would be of our Prophet and Patriarch, and our met, the violence that would be mani- present President, drenched the soil of fested towards it, the various troubles Illinois—had that same spirit been per- through which it would have to pass. All mitted to have wreaked its vengeance these things he told, by his prophetic upon the Church in the early days, it voice, as though their history had been could, with no more excitement than was written, as though they had taken place. then raised, have completely extirpated Most graphically he has described to the the Priesthood from the face of the earth. Saints the results that should attend the But God, as I have said, in His wonderful increase of the work. At the first he said providence, restrained the wrath of the it should excite the animosity and ha- wicked in the early days of the Church. tred of a township. It did this. God in Brother Franklin D. Richards has told his mercy did not permit persecution to us this morning, that for eight years MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM. 321 after the birth of a child it is free from Kingdom has grown and spread, so have the power of temptation and Satan. God the words of our beloved Prophet been restrains the power of Satan—forbids literally fulfilled. Men say, "Oh, if you him to exercise it over the tender child. will only get a revelation concerning And so in like manner did He restrain polygamy, if you will only lay polygamy the power of Satan in the early days of aside, you will no longer have any op- this Church, so that there was a limit to position to contend with; if you will its exercise over the Church in its weak only conform to modern ideas concerning condition. But as power increased, as the your domestic institutions, we shall have gifts of God were manifested, as the keys nothing to say against you. The opposi- of the Priesthood were revealed unto the tion that finds now such strong support children of men, so did the wrath of the will be deprived of its war-cry and of the wicked, so did the violence of mobs, so sympathy of thousands which sustain it did the combinations that were formed at the present time—they will be de- with the object of destroying the work prived of this and you will go along like of God increase in their strength and in the rest of the churches, without hav- their numbers. As the work progressed, ing to suffer from the opposition and the so did the spirit of opposition progress, hatred that are now manifested against one keeping pace, apparently, with the you." other, and there is a wise purpose in this Vain thought!—a thought that is only when we contemplate the great destiny expressed by those who know nothing that awaits this people. We can see the of the character of this work, who are wisdom and the purpose of our God in not familiar with the history of this permitting persecution to keep pace with dispensation, and who judge of the ef- the growth and the advancement of the fects of such movements by their human work. It is just as necessary that we knowledge and the experience that they should be developed in our strength; it have with other systems. This system is just as necessary that we should be which God has established, this great developed in our faith, as anything else work of our God, cannot be measured connected with the work of our God. If by human thoughts; the effects of this it were not for this, we could not be- work and that which it is accomplish- come the people that God designs; we ing on the earth, that which it will ac- could not fulfill the destiny that He has complish on the earth, cannot be esti- in store for us if it were not for these ter- mated by anything that is known among rible ordeals to which this Church and men. It is entirely unique, unlike any- this people have been subjected in the thing else that has ever been upon the past, and to which they are now exposed, earth since our Savior laid the foun- and which, doubtless, will continue to in- dation of that dispensation—there has crease as the Church increases, until the never been anything like it among men, day comes when the Kingdom of God will and therefore every calculation concern- triumph over every obstacle and be fully ing it, every prognostication and every established upon the earth. suggestion is at fault in regard to this work of our God. For, be it understood, But as I have remarked, as the as we well understand it as a people, 322 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. that before the public revelation of plural of the flag, or any weakening of the flag, marriage the opposition to this work was or any weakening of the knees, or any stronger, according to the strength of the trembling of the heart, in view of all that people, than it has been since. There- presents itself before us, however ap- fore, those who understand this work, palling the vision may be to mortal sight. know very well that anything of this God forbid that there should be anything kind—unless indeed the people should of this kind in the hearts or in the actions apostatize—would have no such effect as of any man or woman who calls him- our friends in many instances think it self or herself a Latter-day Saint. For would have. be it known unto you, my brethren and As I have remarked opposition has sisters, be it known unto all the earth continued to grow and increase until to- everywhere, that God, years and years day, as we have been told and led to ago, told us by the mouth of His inspired expect, upwards of half a century ago. Prophet, that these things, the fulfill- Not only has it been a township, not ment of which we now behold, would ac- only has it been a county, not only has tually take place, and that we should it been a state that has arrayed itself have these things to meet and to contend against the work of God, and instituted with and to overcome. measures for its overthrow and entire What shall be the future result? Is destruction, but today this great fact this to be the termination, is this to be stares us in the face, it presses itself the end? No. As the Church increases, upon our attention, we cannot shut our so will the opposition to it increase, until eyes to it—this great fact, that today the it will extend itself beyond the confines United States in its governmental capac- of our own nation to other lands and to ity, has pitted itself against the work of other nations, until, in fact, the whole our God, and has passed measures for earth that has not received, or will not its complete overthrow and destruction. receive the Gospel of the Son of God, the Most wonderfully has God thus far ful- message of salvation, of which we are the filled every word that has been spoken unworthy bearers, until, I say, all the na- by the mouth of His inspired Prophet! tions of the earth will array themselves And shall we who witness the remark- against the work of our God, and exert able fulfillment of this prophecy—shall their power to destroy it, as a township we today shrink from the issue that is did, as a county did, as a state did, or presented to us? Shall we in view of as the United States are now doing, and all that God has said to us concerning then the work of our God will rise in its the past, and all which he has predicted sublimity, in its strength, in its Godlike concerning the future? Shall we falter? power and assume its place, its rightful Shall we tremble or grow weak in our position among the nations of the earth. knees? Shall we become palsied in our The puny infant, born on the 6th day efforts and let go of that great work of of April, 1830, will become a stalwart our God which is entrusted to us? God man, full of power, full of the gifts of God, forbid that there should be any weak- full of the excellencies that belong to per- ening, that there should be any falter- fect manhood in the sight of God, and ing, that there should be any lowering will assume its fit and proper place de- MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM. 323 signed by God for it among the nations ing of the prudent been brought to of the earth. This we may look forward nought? Has it not baffled all the to, this we may expect, and if we do not calculations of human wisdom? Has make calculations on these things we fail it not overcome all the obstacles that to comprehend the character of the work have been put in its pathway by human which He, our God, has established on strength and by all the ingenuity which the earth. Men wonder at our temerity— human beings have been able to devise men wonder at the hardihood we have. or employ or command? Certainly it has; They are surprised that we should dare and today human wisdom and human think as we do. Only a few days ago we prudence are as much at fault as they saw the statement of a friend in the De- ever were, and it will continue to be the seret News, appealing to us to get a reve- case until all that God has predicted con- lation to do away with plural marriage; cerning this work will be literally ful- because if we did not, war and blood- filled. shed would be the result. Have we not My brethren and sisters, when we been threatened with this from the be- look at this work by the light of the ginning? Yes, we have. We have had this Holy Spirit, when God enables us to com- ordeal to meet; we have had war threat- prehend some of His designs and pur- ened; we have suffered from bloodshed; poses, we can see how wonderfully He but the burden of the Lord has been has wrought in our behalf, how wonder- upon us, the hand of God has been over fully he has preserved this people. We us. Though our pathway has been beset today are a great people, it may be said. by all these difficulties, nevertheless the In some respects we are. We are few burden of the Lord has been upon us to in numbers, it is true; but God in His carry forward this Gospel and to estab- wonderful providence has prepared this lish this work, let the consequences be land, this glorious land, this mountain what they may to us individually. We region, it seems as though He had pre- have the promise of God, that so far as pared it beforehand for the ingathering the work is concerned it will stand, it will of His people, and as a dwelling place for increase, until it fills the whole earth. them. A better habitat cannot be found We know not what the consequences may on the face of the earth, for the Latter- be to us individually. Each man must day Saints than this mountain region. A do his duty, and do his part faithfully, better or more admirably adapted peo- courageously, manfully, in the sight of ple for these mountains cannot be found. God, being willing to endure all the con- The training we have had in the past ad- sequences, with a full knowledge that mirably fits us for the labor of establish- God will save, redeem and exalt him if ing cities, towns, villages and hamlets, he will only be true to the holy Priest- opening farms, and developing all the re- hood which he has revealed. sources of these mountain valleys. No other people are so well qualified for this Then is not this a marvelous work labor as we are. No other land is so well and a wonder? Has not the wis- adapted for such a people as this land dom of the wise in connection with it, that we now inhabit. The people and the perished? Has not the understand- land have been found. The people and 324 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. the land have come together. The land Father, that it does not depend upon this. is here. The people have found the land It depends—I affirm it, and I am will- which is so surprisingly fitted for their ing to stake my reputation upon it as habitation. And there is no people that I a servant of God—it depends entirely, know anything of, who can compete with without question, without qualification; us in these mountain valleys. They are upon the Latter-day Saints themselves, ours by right of possession to begin with, whether they will continue to live in this by right of settlement, and they are ours land and to occupy it, and to enjoy the by right of our capacity to inhabit and valleys and the peace which God has hold them, and they are ours by right vouchsafed unto all who dwell here. I of the blessing and the favor of God our know that looking at matters naturally, Eternal Father, bestowed upon us and we are in danger of being overwhelmed, upon the land itself. And, as President extinguished. A people feeble as we Taylor suggests, they are ours by pur- are, a people possessing no greater re- chase as well as by those other rights. sources than we have; a people of no greater numbers, of no greater wealth, of Shall we be uprooted from this land? no greater influence in the earth—why, Shall we be extirpated? This is a it would seem a bold and rash thing to question that presents itself very often, say that we can withstand all opposition doubtless, to our mind. In the providence that may be brought against us. If God of our God, will we be permitted to main- were to permit the world to launch its tain our foothold here, and to continue to thunderbolts against this work; if God increase and to spread? We have the an- were to permit the world to unite against swer to these questions in our own pos- this work, to combine and to put in op- session. It depends upon ourselves. eration its forces against this work, I "Oh," says one, "It don't depend upon am willing to admit that there would you, it depends upon another power. be great danger of our complete over- It depends upon this: whether you throw and destruction, in fact it might will abandon your peculiar practices; be said there would be scarcely a ques- whether you will lay aside your peculiar- tion concerning it. But remember, my ities of doctrine and of religion, and con- brethren and sisters, that this is the form to the views, to the institutions, and work of God. This is not the work of the practices that prevail in the nation of man. It has not been the wisdom of man which you form a part." that has guided this work. It has not been the wisdom of man that has sus- These are the comments of those who tained it. It has not been the wisdom are not of us respecting this question of man which has defeated the plans of or questions, which I have asked. They our enemies. It has been the wisdom think it depends upon our abandonment and power of the Great God, our Eternal of those peculiar features which make Father. He has chosen his instruments. us a distinct people from the rest of But, then, how weak they are! How fee- the nation. On the other hand I state ble they are! How insufficient their ef- here in the presence of heaven, in the forts and their words would be if He did presence of the Great God, our Eternal not supplement them by the bestowal MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM. 325 of His power, and by that overruling there is no power upon earth nor in hell providence which controls all the affairs that can disturb this people, that can of the children of men, controls all the uproot us, that can unsettle us in these results according to His own good plea- valleys and in these mountains; for God sure. But God our Eternal Father, will has given unto us this land, and from not forget His people. He will not for- this time forward, we will go on increas- get the promises which He has made, ing and spreading and enlarging until all and it is upon these that we must rely. that God has said shall be literally ful- It is for these that we must live. We filled concerning this work that He has must live—live, brethren and sisters— established upon the earth. He will do a let it sink deep into your hearts. We marvelous work and a wonder. He will must live ourselves so that we shall have cause the wisdom of the wise to perish; the fulfillment of the promises of God He will bring the understanding of the granted unto us. If we so live, there is prudent to naught in all their calcula- no power on earth that will be permit- tions against this work which He is es- ted to combine itself, or to array itself, or tablishing on the earth, and with which to exert its force against this work to its we are connected. Glory to God in the injury, or to retard its onward progress. highest for the privilege He has granted Hear it all ye Latter-day Saints! Hear unto us, poor, weak mortal creatures, to it! If I could speak so that the whole be identified with His great work and world would hear the utterance I would have such glorious immutable promises like to sound it in the ears of all mor- given unto us! Oh! How our hearts tal men—that there is no power that will should swell with gratitude to our God! ever be permitted to array itself, or to How profoundly grateful we should be combine itself against this work of our and how thanksgiving and joy should God, to retard its onward progress from well up in our hearts unto our God for this time forward until the full consum- having given unto us the privilege of be- mation will be achieved—that is, if the ing connected with this great work. Latter-day Saints themselves are faith- Now, will those connected with it not ful to God, if they will keep the com- have their trials? Oh yes. Those who mandments of God, if they will sanctify would reign with Christ must suffer with themselves and cleanse themselves from Him. Those who would reign with the sin, and live pure and holy lives. If they Prophets; those who would gain the glory will do this, then the success and the tri- that God has in store for the righteous umph and the continued growth and ad- must suffer with the Prophets and Apos- vancement of this kingdom and the con- tles. tinued maintenance of these valleys and I have spoken in my remarks con- these mountains are assured unto us as cerning the great work of our God. a people. There is no doubt of it. I I have not yet alluded to individual say in the name of Jesus Christ, that cases connected with it. What will be it will be so. I promise it in His name, the fate of individual members of the and in the authority which I have re- Church of God? That depends upon our- ceived from Him—that if we will comply selves. But whether we remain con- with these requirements and conditions, nected with the work or not, this I know: 326 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

I know that this work will roll forth in of our God has increased we have also in- the manner in which I have, in my hum- creased in the power of the Priesthood. ble and weak way, attempted to describe When Joseph Smith committed the keys to you. I know that. But whether I will of the Priesthood unto his brethren, and be faithful depends upon myself. I be- rolled the burden upon their shoulders seech Him in the name of Jesus, that I of carrying forward this work—in his ur- may be faithful; that whatever may come gent haste to build the Temple of Nau- in my pathway I may never, no never voo, in his urgent haste to commit to his flinch, never weaken in my fidelity, in my fellow servants all that God had commit- courage and in my zeal for this glorious ted to him—from that day the Kingdom work of our God. I would rather die this of our God has grown in majesty and instant in your presence, than ever fal- in strength, and at the same time has ter in regard to this work. I love it. It called forth opposition such as it never is God's work. I dedicated myself in my met with before. Every Temple that childhood to the cause of God, and I have we build excites additional hatred, in- endeavored through my life to be faith- creases the volume of opposition, the vol- ful to Him. If we will be faithful to our ume of hostility, and the threatenings of God He will redeem us, no matter what the wicked. Every Temple that we have the circumstances may be through which thus far completed—and every Temple of we may be called to pass. We may wade which we lay the foundation—has been through sorrow. We may have to endure another testimony in favor of God, and persecution. We may have to meet with has brought strength to the people of death. We may have to endure impris- God, in enlisting the hosts in the eter- onment and many other things that our nal world upon our side; but at the same predecessors had to endure. God may time there has been stirred up, from the test us in this manner. Every human be- very depths of hell, all the damned, Sa- ing that is connected with this work will tan and his legions, to unite with their have to be tested before he can enter into agents upon the earth in an endeavor to the Celestial Kingdom of our God. He destroy this work, and to do everything will try us to the uttermost. If we have in their power to obliterate it from the any spot more tender than another, He face of the earth: for hell is engaged at will feel after it. He will test all in some the work we are doing: hell is stirred way or other. But like the promises that up at that which we are accomplishing. have been made in regard to the work Satan sees that which he dreads. He as a work, so are the promises made to sees a people guided by the holy Priest- us as individual members of the Church. hood. He sees a people gathered together We have had certain promises made according to the promise of God, filled to us. We have had blessings sealed with the power of God, led by His ever- upon us. God has acknowledged them lasting Priesthood, and seeing this, he in the heavens when they have been is determined to exert every power, ev- sealed upon our heads by the authority ery influence that he can muster for the of the Priesthood which He has restored. purpose of preventing the spread and And you may notice it that as the work growth of this work. He is determined to do this, and we can see it. But his MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM. 327 power and influence are restrained; be- has come when a higher standard of pu- cause, were it not so, the strength of rity must be observed by us as a peo- the people of the Church of God is not ple than has been in the past. We must such as to withstand the power of the live worthy of these blessings which God evil one without succumbing to it. God, has bestowed upon us. If we do not therefore, permits the opposition power God will withdraw His Spirit; God would to grow in proportion to the strength of condemn His servant who stands at the the Saints, and if the contest be a sharp head of this Church, were he to per- one, a keen one, a violent one, the sooner mit wickedness to enter into these holy it will be ended. Because there is a ter- places. Therefore, the servants of God mination to all this. There is a time com- are strictly charged concerning these ing when this opposition must cease and things. O, you adulterers! O, you whore- when God will stretch forth His arm, as mongers! O, you drunkards! O you He has already done, to accomplish His Sabbath-breakers! O you dishonest men, great work on the earth. As the nations and you hypocrites who have a place and of the earth reject the Gospel, He will a name among the Latter-day Saints! I pour out the judgments that are set to say, woe! unto you unless you repent of follow the preaching of the Gospel. God your sins, unless you forsake everything will fight for Zion. God will remember that is evil and humble yourselves be- Zion. Her name is written on the palms fore God, and ask forgiveness from Him; of His hands. He never can forget Zion. for I tell you the Spirit of God will be A woman may forget her nursing child— withdrawn from you, and you will be left and that is a very difficult thing to do— to yourselves and become as withered but our God will never forget Zion, never branches only fit for burning, unless you forget the promises made to His people. heartily, sincerely, profoundly, from the He looks down from His holy habitation, bottom of your hearts, repent of all your and sees the humble efforts of His peo- sins and put them far from you. God will ple. He sees their devotion to His cause. not bear with you any longer. The sin- He sees their willingness to lay down ner in Zion will tremble. That day will their lives for the truth. Our God is come. Fear will come upon the hypocrite. not ignorant of this. His eye is upon Therefore, repent of your sins before it this people, and His blessing will be with is too late. And if you do you may enter us. There is no power that can prevent into the holy places which God has pro- the outpouring of His Spirit upon us; no vided. But O ye Presidents of Stakes and power whatever. ye Bishops, you must be on the watch- We are rearing, as I have said, tem- tower about these things, for God will ples. And who shall enter into the tem- hold you accountable. The sins of the ples of our God? Shall the drunkard, people will be found upon your garments the whoremonger, the blasphemer, the in the day of the Lord Jesus, if you do not Sabbath-breaker? Shall the man who cleanse impurity from the midst of your does not train his family as he should wards. If you recommend men who are do, who is not living a godly life? I tell unworthy, through tenderness of heart you, my brethren and sisters, the time and through sympathy, when they are 328 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. wicked, I say to you, in the name of Je- a woman, that they will pause in view sus Christ, that the condemnation of God of the terrible consequences which await will rest upon you, and He will hold you its commission—that they will pause to a strict accountability. For God has and ask themselves the question—can not chosen men to preside without lay- I do this at the expense of my salva- ing upon them responsibility of a very tion and my exaltation in the presence of grave and weighty character. He holds God? God has labored with us for fifty- us accountable for these things. When four years and six months. He has re- a man has a relative and he condones vealed unto us His laws in plainness and the offense of that relative, through sym- power, so that all can understand, and pathy, he will not be free from responsi- if there be any now that do not under- bility. Now let it be known throughout stand, it is because they have not availed all Israel, as the word of the Lord to us themselves of their privileges and oppor- for the present, through His servant who tunities. My brethren and sisters, this stands at the head, that a man who com- land must be a land of Zion to us. It mits adultery, a man who has had his en- will be a land of Zion to all who keep dowments, cannot be baptized again into the commandments of God. It will not the Church. Let it be known through- be a land of Zion to the adulterer, the out all Israel, as the word of God through seducer, the blasphemer, the Sabbath- His servant, who stands at the head, breaker, the man who does not pay his that a man who has had his endowments tithing, to any who do not keep the com- and commits whoredom, cannot now be mandments of God; but to those who received into the Church again. These do keep the commandments of God, and must be cut off; because the law that was who keep themselves pure, it will be a given in the early days of the Church land of peace, a land wherein they and concerning a man committing adultery their children after them can dwell in once and being received back into the peace and righteousness. But let us be Church does not apply today. There has warned in this the day of our probation. been a higher law since then, namely, Let us walk humbly before our God. Let the endowments, and men have taken us live so as to have his revelations con- upon themselves, and women also, sa- stantly within us; let us live so that His cred obligations in holy places. There- Spirit shall burn in our hearts and in our fore, hear it and understand it. Let it bosoms and in our bones like a very fire, be given out in all the congregations of that in the end we may be saved and ex- the Saints; let it be known everywhere alted in His Celestial Kingdom, which I throughout the land of Zion, so that if ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. a man is tempted to do that deed, or PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD. 329

A PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD—THIS CHURCH ORDAINED OF GOD—ALL OTHER CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES THE WORK OF MAN—HUMAN INSTITUTIONS OF EVERY KIND WILL PASS AWAY—ONLY THAT WHICH GOD SETS UP WILL ENDURE—THE ANCIENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH—THE APOSTATE CHURCH OF ROME—THE VARIOUS MAN-MADE CREEDS—LACK OF DIVINE AUTHORITY—THE TRUE CHURCH RESTORED—RELIGION IN POLITICS—GOD'S RIGHT TO CONTROL IN ALL THINGS—THE AGENCY OF MAN AND THE AUTHORITY OF GOD—ABIDING IN THE LORD'S COVENANT EVEN UNTO DEATH—NO COMPROMISE WITH THE WICKED—THE SPIRIT OF ABEL AND THAT OF CAIN—THE BLESSINGS THAT COME THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND FIDELITY.

DISCOURSEBY ELDER CHARLES W. PENROSE, DELIVEREDINTHE ASSEMBLY HALL,SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY AFTERNOON,NOVEMBER 4, 1882.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

The testimony which has been borne To stand up before a congregation of peo- to us this afternoon by Brother Abra- ple acquainted with the Gospel, its prin- ham H. Cannon is true and faithful. I ciples, its ordinances, and its spirit and presume there is not an Elder in Is- power, is indeed a task, and it is only rael, no matter how much experience he in the strength of the Lord, it is only may have had in public speaking, who because of faith in His promises and does not feel in his heart to shrink when of experience in receiving a fulfillment called upon to stand before the people thereof, that the Elders are emboldened and speak to them upon the things of the to stand up before the people to address kingdom of God; for if he can properly them, trusting to the inspiration of the realize his position he feels his inabil- moment, trusting that God will pour out ity, his weakness; he feels that of him- His Spirit upon them and upon the con- self he is unable to instruct the Saints; gregation whom they address. he knows that they are familiar with the general principles of the Gospel, I feel this afternoon that it is a very and with almost every truth which has great privilege to be numbered among been made manifest by the power of the Latter-day Saints, to be permitted to God in these last days, many of them meet in this house and worship God our are also familiar with the teachings of heavenly Father in the way that He has the servants of God in former times, appointed, to partake of the emblems which they have been able to gather of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, from the Scriptures of divine truth. our Redeemer, and to spend a little time 330 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. together reflecting upon those things ples are incorporated; there is some that pertain to our eternal welfare. In truth in every religion, in every sect, in this I feel that we are blessed of the every creed, in every society, and in ev- Lord, and my heart is full of gratitude ery political form of government. But for this great privilege. For, when we those institutions, civil, political and ec- meet to worship, we do not assemble to clesiastical, have been set up by man. offer up our prayers and to attend to the They have been founded on the knowl- ordinances or to perform any ceremony edge and wisdom of man; they have not that we have invented, but we meet to- been established by authority from our gether to attend to things which have heavenly Father, but men have set them been pointed out to us by the finger of up according to circumstances, and ac- divine providence. Every principle we cording to their desires and their designs have received has come from God. Ev- and their notions. Yet, at the same time, ery ordinance which we administer, or over all, above all sits our heavenly Fa- of which we receive the administration, ther, watching the affairs of men and na- has come to us by divine revelation in tions, shaping and controlling and over- our own day. The manner of adminis- ruling all things to bring about eventu- tering the sacrament of the Lord's sup- ally His own divine purposes in regard per which we partake of every Sabbath, to the earth and the inhabitants thereof. when we meet together, has been pointed But so far as these organizations are con- out to us by the Lord. We have not cerned, these various institutions which learned this merely by reading the Scrip- have been set up, they are the works of tures, written by holy men of God in an- men. They have not been authorized by cient times, but the Lord has pointed out our heavenly Father, although they con- in what way it shall be administered, tain within themselves many things that and has given us the words to be used in are right and true. the blessing of the bread and of the wa- Now, will all these various institu- ter, the emblems of the body and blood tions endure? Can they stand the test of Jesus Christ. And so with everything of time? Will they pass away at some pe- we have in the Church; it is pointed out riod? Institutions like these have been by the Lord. The Church itself was not set up in former times, and after awhile organized by man, nor by the wisdom they have perished and passed away just of man, but according to a divine pat- like all things earthly, just like all things tern revealed directly from the heavens; with which men have to do; they are all and in this respect our Church, our re- of a temporary character, and they con- ligion, the ordinances which we receive, tain within themselves the elements of and all things pertaining to the work in their own dissolution and final destruc- which we are engaged, are different to tion. Now the Lord has told us a little anything else upon the face of the earth. concerning this in a revelation He gave For all the churches and societies and through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and institutions and governments which ex- I will read a portion thereof. It will be ist upon the face of the earth, outside of found on the 465th page of the Book of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Doctrine and Covenants: Saints, are the work of man. It is true that in each of them some divine princi- "Behold, mine house is a house PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD. 331 of order, saith the Lord God, and not a Church on the face of the earth, the house of confusion. Church of God, whom He represented; "Will I accept of an offering, saith the for the Father was represented in Him, Lord, that is not made in my name? He being in the express image of the "Or will I receive at your hands that Father's person. He received the spirit which I have not appointed? of the Father, not by measure, but in "And will I appoint unto you, saith its fullness. He came here not only to the Lord, except it be by law, even as I represent the Lord upon the earth that and my Father ordained unto you, before man might understand the Father, and the world was? to show a pattern to them that they might follow in his footsteps, and to "I am the Lord thy God; and I give lay down His life for their sins and for unto you this commandment—that no the sake of the whole world, but that man shall come unto the Father but by He might establish the Church of God; me or by my word, which is my law, saith and He called certain disciples and or- the Lord. dained them to the same calling and au- "And everything that is in the world, thority which He had received from the whether it be ordained of men, by Father. He called twelve men and or- thrones, or principalities, or powers, or dained them Apostles. He called sev- things of name, whatsoever they may be, enty men and ordained them unto a po- that are not by me or by my word, saith sition which was an appendage to that the Lord, shall be thrown down, and Apostleship, that they might work in the shall not remain after men are dead, nei- same ministry and go where the Twelve ther in nor after the resurrection, saith could not go; in other words, to be as- the Lord your God. sistants to them. He revealed to those "For whatsoever things remain are by Twelve Apostles sufficient to begin the me; and whatsoever things are not by me establishment of His Church, and He shall be shaken and destroyed." also taught them line upon line, precept There are a great many religions in upon precept, and principle upon princi- the world, and the people who compose ple, to qualify them after His departure these various religious societies, meet to continue the work which He had be- together in their chapels and churches gun. And after He left them, after He and halls of worship to perform religious was by wicked hands taken and cruci- ceremonies; to partake of religious ordi- fied and slain, and had risen from the nances; but we find when we come to ex- dead, and had met with them and talked amine them, that each one of them has with them and explained further to them been set up by man, and they have not in relation to their duties and in rela- been authorized by the Lord our God. tion to the Church which was to be es- A little over 1,800 years ago a Church tablished upon the earth, He poured out was established upon the earth by our upon them His Holy Spirit, the Com- heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, forter, that it might be in His stead; His Son. Jesus Christ not only came that His word might be spoken to them; to set a pattern to mankind in His and that the things of the Father and earthly acts, and to die for the sins of the Son might be revealed to them; of the world, but also to establish His that they might comprehend all things 332 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. needful to establish the Church; that For a time the Church of Jesus Christ they might do the work of the ministry; as it was organized, remained upon the that they might edify the body of Christ; earth. The power of God was in the midst that they might lead the saints and the of the Saints. They were united together, Church to perfection. And we know Jews and Gentiles, some bondsmen and the Church was fully established under some freemen; some had belonged to one this divine direction, under the gift and sect, some to another, and some to no power of the Holy Ghost and the per- sect at all. When they were baptized sonal teaching of our Lord and Savior into Christ's Church they were all bap- Jesus Christ. It was established with tized by one spirit into one body, they Apostles and Prophets, evangelists, pas- became united, they were organized af- tors and teachers, with helps and gov- ter the pattern of heaven, and the Holy ernments, with gifts, powers, and privi- Spirit ran through the whole body. The leges and blessings and ordinances, that same spirit was in the feet as in the head the people who believed in Jesus Christ and in the hands. Every part of the body might not be left in a scattered condition, of the Church was actuated by the same but that they might assemble together spirit and the same influence, and that and be organized after the pattern of was the power in their midst that made heaven, that the beginning of the heav- them one and different from all other enly kingdom and heavenly government people on the face of the earth. But af- might be in their midst. For the work ter a time errors crept in among them. that Jesus came to establish was indeed Wickedness and corruption also were in- the kingdom of heaven so far as He could troduced. They began to depart from the establish it at that time. And the word of ways of the Lord. The persecution that the man who came to prepare the way was heaped upon them made the hearts before Him was: "Repent, for the king- of some fail, and after a time the Church dom of heaven is at hand." The disciples began to go into darkness and to lose the of Jesus Christ, all who believed on Him, characteristics which it showed forth in were organized in the various branches the time when it was first established. of that Church, and all the branches Heresy after heresy crept in, and after a were joined together in one, with Jesus while the things that the Apostles pre- for their living head, with a representa- dicted came to pass. Wicked and cor- tive upon the earth in the person of the rupt men arose in the midst of the peo- Apostle Peter, who, assisted by his coun- ple, and "made merchandise of the souls selors, James and John, presided over of men." They turned away their ears the Church, and "these men were looked from the truth and gave heed unto fa- upon as pillars of the Church." We find bles. And after a few years had passed by looking through the New Testament, away, the Church went into darkness, the nature of the Church, the power and God withdrew His Holy Spirit and within it, and the blessings enjoyed; and the power and authority of the Apostle- the promise that Christ made was that ship. The Apostles were slain. The lights if His servants observed to do all things that were placed in the Church were put whatsoever He commanded, the gates out by the hand of wickedness. Dark- of hell should not prevail against them. PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD. 333 ness covered the whole earth and gross are two entirety distinct and separate or- darkness the minds of the people. ganizations, having nothing whatever in A church arose different from the common with each other, except perhaps Church which Christ established; it is that in a few particulars they have some today called the Church of Rome, or Ro- resemblance. man Catholic Church, which professes to Now, all the other forms of the Chris- be the ancient Christian church contin- tian religion which exist upon the face of ued upon the earth down to the present the earth have sprung from that church, time, and the Pope of Rome, who pre- either directly or indirectly, and if the sides over it, claims to be a descendant Church of Rome is wrong, all the orga- in authority of St. Peter. But when we nizations that have sprung from it must come to look into the claims of the church be wrong also, unless some of these peo- to succession, we find that they will not ple who have seceded from that church stand the test of investigation. When we have been authorized by God Almighty, compare the Church of Rome with the have been authorized by the Lord Jesus Church that Christ established, we find Christ, to establish a new church. But that it is altogether different. Its organi- there is not one of them that claims any zation, its ordinances, its teachings, its such thing. Not one of the various sects doctrines are at variance with the orga- that I am referring to, claims to have nization, teachings and doctrines of the been authorized by divine revelation to Church of Christ. Instead of Apostles set up a new church. No, they have come over the church, there are Pope and Car- out from some other church, and upon dinals. Instead of baptism by immersion their own authority, they have started for the remission of sins, the sprinkling to reform errors which they believed ex- of infants that know no sin. Instead of isted in the body from which they had se- the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, ceded. That is the position which they darkness. Instead of charity which cov- occupy. The Church of England—or the ereth a multitude of sins, persecution Episcopal Church, as it is called—is an and a desire to coerce man into certain offshoot of the Roman Catholic Church, forms of religion. Instead of the ordi- and all the authority its Bishops and nances instituted in the ancient Church Priests and Deacons have was obtained in behalf of the dead, prayers for the from the Church of Rome. But that souls in purgatory. I might go on at great church cut them off, and whether the length and show the difference between Church of Rome was right or wrong, the that church and the Church that Christ Episcopal Church must be wrong so far established. But, that is not my purpose as a claim of authority goes: for if the this afternoon. Anyone who will take up Church of Rome had not any authority, the New Testament and read the account then the Episcopal Church cannot have given there of the acts of the Apostles, any; and if the Church of Rome had au- of the doctrines taught in the epistles, of thority, then it used that authority in the ordinances, of the spirit and power cutting the other church off. Other sects in the Church of Christ, and then com- which have dissented from the Church of pare that Church with the church called England are all in the same condition, the Church of Rome, will see that they so far as their authority is concerned, 334 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. and although each one has some truth, did not ordain them. God did not au- and each one has tried to correct some thorize their establishment. Maybe they error, yet so far as their organization is accomplished some good purpose, and concerned, they are entirely destitute of yet after all they are the churches of divine authority. God never told them to men. Now, the Lord through the Prophet set up their churches. Jesus Christ never Joseph Smith, has declared that whatso- spoke to them. No angel has descended ever things are not by Him shall at some from the courts of glory with a message time be cast down and destroyed, and from the Father and the Son to tell them this includes not only the churches that to do thus and so. In fact they all claim I have referred to this afternoon which that the day of revelation is gone by, that have been built up by men, whether "the awful voice of prophecy is closed for- among Christian or pagan nations, but ever," that there will be no more revela- it refers to other things which men have tion from God to the sons of men. This set up. It refers to the governments of being the case they are and can only be, the world. If anyone likes to call this the institutions of men. "treason," it will not make any differ- ence to me. Men can take the Bible and Now, I do not desire to speak against indict that for treason, if they choose, any of the individuals who compose for it says the time will come when "the those various denominations. I do kingdoms of this world shall become the not wish to say anything against their kingdom of our God, and of his Christ; preachers. That is not my design or my and he shall reign forever and ever." We desire. What I wish to point out this read of the image which Nebuchadnez- afternoon is the fact that they have not zar saw, the meaning of which Daniel been set up by the Lord. That being the interpreted. That image was broken case—and I presume there can be no dis- in pieces by a stone cut of the moun- pute about it, for they do not pretend to tain without hands, and the particles have received any communication from which once formed the image—the gold, heaven—they are only the churches of the silver, the iron, the brass and the men, they are called after the names of clay—were blown away and no place was men, a great many of them, and in that found for them. And the stone that they are consistent. One church is called smote the image—the Kingdom of God— after John Wesley. In that they are con- became a great mountain and filled the sistent. It is not the Church of Christ, it whole earth, after breaking in pieces and is not God's Church, it is the church of consuming all the kingdoms of the earth. Wesley, and I believe he was a very good Perhaps people will say that is "treason." man and accomplished a great deal of If so, they had better indict the Bible for good. All the good that men and women such utterances, as I am only repeating do in every sect, in every nation and what the Bible says, and what there is in among every race, will be accounted for the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the good when they stand before the Great sayings in the latter book being, in some Judge to be judged for the deeds done instances; a repetition of things God in the body. But these churches are the spoke in ancient times. But these say- churches of men. That is the idea. Christ ings are from a divine source, and I bear PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD. 335 my testimony today of their truth; for divine power. And it will accomplish the I know the time will come that "every- work it was intended to accomplish. And thing that is in the world, whether it be there is this consolation in it to us. Not ordained of men, by thrones, or princi- only is this organization set up as the palities, or powers, or things of name, Almighty ordained, but it is placed here whatsoever they may be, that are not of to remain. It shall never be destroyed. God, shall be thrown down, and shall not The Kingdom shall not be left to another remain." people. It shall never decay. It shall Now, my brethren and sisters, you abide and stand forever. It shall regen- and I belong to a Church which has been erate the earth. It shall prepare the way set up and ordained and is conducted for the coming of the Son of Man. It shall and carried on under the immediate di- establish the power of God in the midst rection of the Lord Jesus Christ, who of the earth. It shall utterly conquer the represents the Father. Thus the Church power of Satan and his hosts, and the of Jesus Christ, the Church of God, has organizations to which they belong. It been established by His authority and by shall prevail among all the nations of the His power. It was not set up by the wis- earth. And whereas in former times the dom of Joseph Smith, who was at first kingdoms of this world have prevailed but a poor ignorant lad. He was not ca- against the Saints and against the insti- pable of inventing a church so beauti- tutions to which they were attached, the fully organized as the one to which you tide will be turned in the latter days, and and I belong. When we look at the or- the kingdom, or institution, or church, der of this Church, as detailed here in whatever you please to call the organi- the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the zation to which we belong, shall prevail order of the Holy Priesthood as revealed over all its enemies and endure forever. by the Almighty to Joseph Smith—it It shall regenerate the earth, and estab- appears a marvel and there is noth- lish the kingdom and power and might ing so beautiful on the earth. There and Spirit of God upon the earth and is no government, no society, no church drive out the institutions of man and the which has an existence that can be com- power of darkness, and fill the earth with pared with it. It is a perfect orga- the glory and the power of our Redeemer, nization. It could not have emanated who shall come and reign in the midst of from the brains of a man like Joseph His people as King of Kings and Lord of Smith, neither could it have emanated Lords, and all nations and kingdoms and from the brains of any set of men un- peoples shall serve and bow the knee to less they had been divinely inspired. It Him. is perfect when every officer occupies his I think about that time there will right position; when every quorum occu- be some talk concerning the union of pies its proper place; when every man Church and State. It is very certain stands in his own order, no one infring- that about that time there will be a good ing upon the rights or duties of another, deal of religion in politics. There is a but every man in his place; all mov- great outcry about that now. That is ing as designed by the Almighty, there one of the objections made to the Church is a perfect organization, established by to which you and I belong, which our 336 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

Father has set up; for it is just as true I shall do that I may please, serve and that it contains within it the germs of obey Him, and He has a right to tell me the Kingdom of God as that it is set up what to do in every position in which I by the power of God. This Church to am called to act, civil and religious alike. which you and I belong is not the King- The ancients used to look to the Lord dom in its fullness, but it contains within for instruction in everything, even when it the germ of that kingdom which it they went out to battle against their ene- has been predicted shall be established mies. In all their movements they looked upon the earth—the mightiest govern- to the Lord for counsel, and when they ment that the world ever saw. The gov- did thus they were blessed and pros- ernment of God as it exists in the eter- pered, and when they turned away from nal worlds shall be established among the Lord they went into darkness. men on the earth, and the will of the Lord shall be done here as it is done in Now the Lord has set up this heaven. Our kind, "Christian" friends Church—the Church of Jesus Christ of have been praying for that event. They Latter-day Saints—upon the old pattern, say, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be the same pattern exactly as Jesus Christ done on earth, as it is done in heaven." revealed to His Apostles. The same or- This Church that God has estab- dinances exist, the same gifts and bless- lished takes hold of us just as we are, ings are enjoyed according to the faith as men and women, as members of so- of the people, and according to the man- ciety, as members of any political form ner in which they are sought after. If of government we may exist under, and people are careless and indifferent, and teaches us our duties in every phase of do not seek for those blessings, the Lord life, in every position we occupy as mem- will not force them upon them. But bers of the Church, as fathers and moth- these blessings exist in the Church to- ers, as neighbors, as friends, as mem- day as in ancient times. The author- bers of the same body politic, as mem- ity that Peter, James, John, and the bers of the same county or territory or rest held exists in this Church today, re- state or government. It comes to us in vealed direct from on high—not handed the name of the Lord, and teaches us down through a succession of doubtful our duty in every capacity. Is there any- popes, but revealed direct from heaven thing wrong in that? It does not so ap- in our own day. And let me say that this pear to me. It seems to me that God divine communication has not ceased. who is my creator, who owns me, who It was not merely renewed to Joseph owns the breath that goes in at my nos- Smith and then taken away again. The trils and which I breathe out again, who spirit of revelation now rests down upon owns the life blood that courses through the leaders of the people. That spirit my veins, who owns all the elements by which Moses led the children of Is- that sustain me and keep me in mor- rael in the wilderness, by which they tal life, who owns the earth I stand passed through the Red Sea dry-shod, upon, and all the particles which com- the same spirit, the same authority, the pose it, and all things that move upon same power, are here in the midst of the it, it seems to me, in view of all this, Latter-day Saints. I know it, and ev- that God has a right to tell me what eryone else can know that if they will PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD. 337 walk in the light of God, and seek for the will be shaken and destroyed. Our only testimony of His Spirit. safety is within the portals of the Church of Christ, in its ordinances, its spirit, This Church that the Lord has estab- its power and its Priesthood. The Lord lished upon the earth has been estab- has promised that if we are faithful He lished to grow and increase and spread will fight our battles. On page 342, of forth. Of course it will attract the atten- the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the tion of the world, and will excite hostility. Lord says: That is to be expected, it is reasonable "And I give unto you a command- that it should, for this Church is differ- ment, that ye shall forsake all evil and ent from anything else in the world. It cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by has a different spirit, a different aim, a every word which proceedeth forth out of different design, a different destiny from the mouth of God. any other Church upon the earth. It is "For he will give unto the faithful line the Kingdom of God in embryo. It is the upon line, precept upon precept; and I power of God in earthen vessels. It is will try you and prove you herewith. the light of God sent down to dispel the "And whoso layeth down his life in my darkness that is upon the earth. It is cause, for my name's sake, shall find it the authority of God placed upon mortal again, even life eternal. man, and it will continue until the earth "Therefore, be not afraid of your en- is redeemed, until the kingdoms of this emies, for I have decreed in my heart, world shall become the kingdoms of our saith the Lord, that I will prove you in God and His Christ. No wonder it incites all things, whether you will abide in my hostility and antagonism. It is natural it covenant, even unto death, that you may should do so. be found worthy. But the question is whether you and I "For if ye will not abide in my are going to be able to endure to the end. covenant ye are not worthy of me." The Kingdom will stand. That is just Now, then, what we should study is as sure as God lives, as sure as the sun the word of the Lord. Never mind about shines, as sure as you are in this house the word of man. Never mind about the this afternoon. The Church will remain, abuse of man. Never mind about the for it has been set up by the Lord, who threats of man. Never mind about the has said: "Whatsoever things remain are governments of man, and what they will by me; and whatsoever things are not by do. Of course they are mighty and we me shall be shaken and destroyed." Now, are a little handful. This nation of fifty shall we be able to stand individually? millions is a tremendous host when com- That is the question for you and me to pared with the people of these moun- consider. How shall we be able to retain tains. The kingdoms of this world are our standing and the spirit of this work? great and powerful. They have their If we will be taught of the Lord, and armies and navies. They are organized put our trust in Him, and will keep His after the fashion of man to plunder and commandments, He has promised that lay waste. But all the nations of the we shall come off more than conquerors; earth are in the hands of the Great Eter- but if we abide not in the Lord, we nal. He setteth up and casteth down at 338 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. will. He watches over the affairs of na- Lord, all will be well with us. If we do tions as well as individuals. And in His not—well, I have nothing to say about it; hand they are like the drop in the bucket. that is in the hands of the Lord. The They are as nothing before His eyes. He Lord says that some may be called to can speak and they will be destroyed. In lay down their lives for the truth's sake. a moment He could withdraw the breath It is very easy to die when our time of life from among them, and they would comes, but it is mighty hard to die when perish: and when people imagine that it has not. I have heard of people be- by putting their heads together and con- ing weary of life and trying to die, but cocting some scheme for the destruction they could not do it. To live and endure of the Lord's people, the Lord's anointed, in the covenant of the Gospel is where they can overthrow them, "He that sit- the trial comes in. That is what the Lord teth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord calls upon us to do, and if necessary to shall have them in derision." lay down our lives for the Gospel's sake. Now, will we keep sacred our covenants, As Brother Abraham Cannon has and not deny them to please the world? told us this afternoon, the hand of God I rather think we will. That is the dispo- is in all these things. It must not be un- sition of the Latter-day Saints. There is derstood, however, that God is inciting a disposition about a few to compromise men to work against this people. No, He a little, to give the world a little leeway, leaves them to their own agency. They and to seem to be yielding. Well, that is will go ahead and carry out their designs not my disposition. It may be all right as far as the Lord pleases to allow them for some, but I do not feel that way. I feel and no further. "Hitherto shalt thou that God lives and that He has the right come, and no further: and here shall thy to direct in all things. "What? Does the proud waves be stayed?" He that spoke to Lord direct in secular and political mat- the wind and the waves can speak to the ters?" He did in ancient times, and He blast of human passion and the breakers has the right to do so in modern times. of human wrath, bid them go no further, The Lord will direct us in all things to and say, when He pleases; "Peace, be His praise, and the time will come when still." These things will all work together His power and dominion will be fully es- for the good of the people of God, and in tablished in the earth, and when all na- them the Lord has a design to prove His tions will serve and obey Him. Saints. "It must needs be that offenses I feel in my heart to hearken to come; but woe unto them by whom they the voice of God, to do as we are come!" Offenses must come that we may told in this revelation—to live by ev- be tried and proven, and that the Lord ery word that comes from the mouth of may see whether or not we will abide in God. It will not do to say when one His covenant. word of the Lord comes, "Yes, I can ac- The revelation from which I read cept that," and then when another word just now was given as early as comes, say, "No, I cannot take hold of 1833. It is the word of the Lord, that, for our enemies are opposed to and is true and faithful. Now, if it." We must live by every word that we abide in the covenant of the proceedeth from the Lord. I feel that PRIVILEGE TO MEET TO WORSHIP GOD. 339

God lives, that this is His work, and that Some of those sectarian churches think every principle and ordinance and insti- that God ought to accept all their offer- tution within the pale of this Church is ings, just because they choose to make from on high. This Church has been es- them, in their own way. This is as it tablished by the power of God, and God was with ancient Cain. Abel brought is able to sustain it; if He cannot, it is a that which the Lord commanded—the mighty poor thing. But I know the Lord firstlings of his flock, typical of the Sav- will sustain us if we will do our part, ior that was to come, and his offering and live and proclaim our religion. I do was accepted. Cain brought of the fruit not think it is our duty to dilate upon of the ground, and his offering was not it on every occasion, or to try and cram accepted. Why? Because he made his down men's throats what we believe; but offering as he chose, which was not ac- I mean that in our hearts, in our homes, ceptable unto the Lord, while Abel made and in all that we do, we will try and his offering as commanded, which was live according to the covenants we have acceptable to the Lord. Because of this, made, and not go back upon them for any Cain became angry and slew his brother. power that exists upon the earth. That same spirit is manifested today in That which is ordained of God will the world against the Latter-day Saints. stand, and that which is not ordained The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day of Him will be destroyed. Ordinances Saints seeks to make an acceptable of- administered by men unauthorized of fering to the Lord and to worship Him God—whether it be the sacrament, or in the way He has commanded. The or- pertaining to marriage—will have an dinances of this Church are those which end when men are dead; they will not God Himself has established: but men pass beyond the grave. Every bap- have established their own institutions tism of the Catholic Church, and of the and their own mode of worship, which is Episcopal Church, and of the Baptist not acceptable to the Lord, and because Church, or any other church, if God of this the world is filled with bitterness Almighty did not ordain and authorize and frequently with the same spirit that the man who performed the ordinance Cain manifested towards Abel, and de- even though he performed it in the right sire to persecute the Saints even to the way and used the right words, is null shedding of their blood. and void and as though it had never Well, what shall we do? We will been performed, with the exception that go along the road that God has marked God will judge him who in administer- out for us; we will not go our own way ing it without authority took His holy unless it is the way of the Lord. If name in vain. And so with the mar- we will make the will of the Lord our riages that men administer. They may will, then it is right for us to have our be all very well for time; but after death will; but it is His right to rule and the contract will not exist. "Will I ac- reign. He is our Father, He has there- cept of an offering," saith the Lord, "that fore the right to dictate to us His chil- is not made in my name? Or will dren, and we should obey His dictates. I receive at your hands that which I If we do we shall find pleasure therein. have not appointed?" Why should He? He that keeps the commandments of 340 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

God, carries with him an imperishable we know it is the word of the Lord. Let treasure that is better than gold or than us live so that the still small voice shall fine rubies—the testimony of the Holy whisper peace in our hearts continually; Spirit, the peace of God, that passeth all that the light of God may shine in our understanding, the light and the life of path; that we may be the children not God—a spirit by which he can penetrate of the night, but the children of the day. the heavens, and gaze upon the glories And though the world seek to destroy us, of God, and comprehend somewhat of his yet God shall bring us off more than con- Maker and His designs, and peer into the querors, for in Him is all power, and the future and comprehend something of his kingdoms of this world are as nothing in own eternal destiny. He has the friend- His eyes. ship of God and the holy ones. He is not May the blessing and peace of God be only a member of the visible Church in upon Israel. May we be willing to hear- this life, but he is connected by this di- ken to the voice of God, and may His vine spirit with the Church of the First- Spirit continue to rest upon our labors born behind the veil. The spirit that in preparing the way for the coming of emanates from the throne of God, and the Son of Man; so that, when He whose burns in the hearts of the Saints in the right it is to reign shall come, and this heavenly Jerusalem—that spirit illumi- earth shall be subdued to Him, and the nates his mind and he is filled with peace kingdoms of this world shall become the continually. This is the privilege of the kingdoms of our God and His Christ, and Saints of God. Let us try and walk in this wickedness shall flee away, and peace way. Let us be indifferent as to what the shall prevail in all the land, and the lion world may think or say or threaten con- and the lamb shall lie down together, cerning us. Let us put our trust in God, and the child shall play with the animals the Holy One of Israel. Let us hearken that were once filled with fierceness and to His voice. Let us desire to receive it, terror—in that great day when God shall and when it comes through the man that rule and reign, may we be prepared to God has appointed to speak to Israel, let enter into His rest and into the fullness us be in a condition to bear record that of His glory, for Christ's sake. Amen. THE GATHERING. 341

THE GATHERING—THE LORD WILL PUNISH THE WICKED—POLYGAMY AND PROSTITUTION—STATISTICS OF CRIME COMMITTED BY MORMONS AND NON-MORMONS—THE WICKEDNESS OF THE NEW ENGLAND STATES—THE DEBASED POSITION OF U. S. OFFICIALS AS EXHIBITED IN THE COURTS OF UTAH.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR, DELIVEREDAT OGDEN,SUNDAY,OCTOBER 19, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I am pleased to have the opportunity of his vision, had seen an angel who of meeting with you in Conference here, would precede this other. He says: and to talk with you a little on some of "And I saw another angel fly in the the principles associated with our duties midst of heaven, having the everlasting in our connection with the Church and gospel to preach unto them that dwell on Kingdom of God. the earth, and to every nation, and kin- The Latter-day Saints occupy a very dred, and tongue, and people, peculiar position in the world, but I do not know that we have any thing very "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, particular to say on that question. It is and give glory to him; for the hour of his true, we have used our own agency in judgment is come: and worship him that coming here, but there are certain pur- made heaven, and earth, and the sea, poses of the Almighty, associated with and the fountains of waters." our gathering together, over which we As Latter-day Saints we have lis- had very little control. There is a re- tened to these things from time to time. markable saying in the revelation of St. We have talked about the opening of the John, in reference to a certain Babylon, heavens, the manifestations of God our which reads as follows: heavenly Father, and Jesus the Mediator "And I heard another voice from of the New Covenant, about the restora- heaven, saying, Come out of her, my peo- tion of the Gospel, and the organization ple, that ye be not partakers of her sins, of the Church and Kingdom of God. We and that ye receive not of her plagues. have talked a good deal about the Holy "For her sins have reached unto Priesthood, and the authority of God heaven, and God hath remembered her having been conferred upon man from iniquities." the heavens, which places us in commu- There is something very significant nication with our heavenly Father; and in the text here quoted. It would also of the organization of His Church seem that John, in a previous part in a manner that is in accordance 342 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. with His will and under His inspiration. will may "be done on earth, as it is in We have heard quoted from time to time, heaven." We are here for the purpose passages like this: of becoming acquainted with the will of "Gather my saints together unto me; God, with the law of God, with the or- those that have made a covenant with der of God, with the dominion of God; me by sacrifice." and we are here to establish the king- Again: dom of God. We are here to be taught "And I will take you one of a city, and in things pertaining to the Church of two of a family, and I will bring you to God, and its purification. We are here Zion: to build up a Zion of God, which im- "And I will give you pastors according plies the pure in heart. Then we are to mine heart, which shall feed you with here to send forth the Gospel to every knowledge and understanding." nation, kindred, tongue and people. We Many other passages of a similar na- are here to build Temples to the name of ture are contained in the Bible, which we the Lord, and to administer therein. We all of us at least, profess to believe in; are here to represent God upon the earth and by the manifestations of the power of as His Priesthood, and we are gathered God, and the light of revelation, we have in the different Stakes as you are gath- been instructed in the things of eternity, ered here today, to attend to various du- and the organization of the Church of ties associated with that Priesthood, and God has been effected. It commenced up- to become acquainted with all the princi- wards of 54 years ago, and the work has pal features associated with the Church been progressing from that time unto and Kingdom of God upon the earth. It the present; and all the organizations is for us as Stakes, as peoples, and as that have been effected pertaining to the Saints of God, to learn to comprehend Priesthood have been made under the the relationship that we sustain to God immediate direction of the Spirit of the our heavenly Father, and to His Church living God, and have been given unto and Kingdom here upon the earth, to Je- us by direct revelation in order that we sus the Mediator of the New Covenant, might be instructed in the laws of life and to the Priesthood that is behind the and be enabled to accomplish the things veil; and also to become acquainted with that God had designed from before the things upon the earth connected with the foundation of the world pertaining to welfare of humanity, whether in the land these last days; and with these things we of Zion or in any other land. And we are are generally familiar. gathered together for the express pur- When Jesus was upon the earth, and pose of being taught and instructed in all His disciples asked Him to teach them these principles. We are not here, as Je- how to pray, He said: sus was not here, to condemn the world; "When ye pray, say, Our Father which as He says: art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on "For God sent not his Son into the earth, as it is in heaven." world to condemn the world; but that the In this He had direct reference world through him might be saved." to the events which are now taking place among us as a people. "Thy kingdom come." Why? That Thy This was the prominent object of THE GATHERING. 343

His mission to the earth, "That the His offspring, and He feels interested in world through him might be saved;" and the welfare of humanity, generally. He we are here to carry out His purposes. expects that we shall do the same. We We have certain relationships with the are building Temples, and we are ad- world while we are in it, that cannot ministering in those Temples. What are be ignored, and we have certain du- we doing that for? There is something ties to perform associated therewith that very peculiar about this matter. Well, should be respected. As it is, we are here we may be doing it in part for ourselves, as an integral part of the United States, in part for our wives and our children, and we have duties to perform as citizens in part for our fathers and our moth- thereof, and it is expected that we shall ers, and uncles and aunts, and many fulfill every proper requirement, observe of our friends and progenitors that we every correct law, and govern ourselves have been acquainted with, and in part with propriety and uprightness, honor, for many others with whom we are not truth, and integrity, and be good citi- acquainted; that we may be united to- zens thereof; these are things that are gether, and stand as saviors upon Mount expected of all honorable people. And it Zion. You heard Brother Cannon tell you is proper for us to meet the obligations today, that there was a company of about and duties devolving upon us pertain- 40 going to Logan this morning, with ing to the nation with which we are as- one Bishop to fulfill some of these duties, sociated. We have another duty to per- and these things are beginning to be gen- form to the nations of the earth. It is erally understood among the Latter-day to send forth the Gospel thereunto; and Saints. for this the Twelve are organized and All of these duties and responsibili- Seventies, and the Elders are sent forth ties devolve upon us. All these things as the messengers of God, that mankind are within our reach. As a people, if may embrace the eternal truths of the we live our religion and prove ourselves Gospel, by which life and immortality worthy, we are privileged to enjoy all are brought to light; that they, with us, the blessings and mercies which God may have the privilege of partaking of our heavenly Father has conferred upon the rich blessings of eternal life; that us through the medium of the Gospel they, with us, may have the opportunity and our obedience thereunto; and we of being instructed in the laws of life, wish to perform our duty to everybody— and that they, with us, may be made par- to perform, as they say in the Church takers of all things associated with the of England, our "duty in that state Church and Kingdom of God. These are of life unto which it has pleased God their privileges, inasmuch as they will to call us." It has pleased God to call be obedient to the laws and ordinances us to these lands and to make use of pertaining thereunto, and live according us for certain purposes in the interest to the requirements of heaven. Until of humanity and for the welfare of a these things are done, other things will fallen world. This is the object of our not be accomplished which God has de- being gathered together, and that we signed in relation to the nations of the might build up a Zion unto the Lord, earth; for the people of the earth are all and be instructed in all the principles of righteousness, truth, integrity, and 344 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. everything associated with our present about these matters that men do not un- and future happiness, and thus become derstand. They think that men manipu- the blessed of the Lord, and our offspring late the affairs of men. They do in part, with us. and they are used ofttimes as instru- These are some of the things devolv- ments by the Almighty, and sometimes ing upon us. Hence Zion is beginning by another power that is called Lucifer, to lengthen her cords and increase her just as circumstances may be. But in re- Stakes, and we are spreading out in the gard to the nations of the earth, God sets north, in the south, and in various dif- up one nation and pulls down another, ferent directions. We are seeking to look according to the counsels of His own will. after the welfare of the Saints of God, in And we read of nations that years ago their various settlements wherever they flourished and were great, prosperous may be, and to protect them in every way and powerful, of which we now know that it is possible for us to extend pro- nothing only as we learn it from a few tection, on the principle of union, har- pages of history; they are obliterated and mony and brotherhood, inspired by the blotted out as nations, and do not exist Spirit of the living God. Hence it be- today. Nations and empires have risen comes the duty of the First Presidency and fallen; they have grown, increased, to look after all these things, and some- and prospered, and then decayed, crum- times, under peculiar circumstances, we bled, and died. The Lord manipulates are obliged to send a few Saints from one all these things according to the coun- Stake to strengthen other Stakes of Zion, sels of His own will. But men generally that the people may be preserved in their understand very little of these matters; rights and their liberties from the ag- for there has been very little communi- gressions of unscrupulous people, who cation with God for ages, until He was are seeking to take advantage of the cir- prepared to reveal His will in these last cumstances with which our people may days. Yet men profess to fear God, and be surrounded. a great many of them seek to worship We complain sometimes about our Him. There is something very remark- trials: we need not do that. These are able said by the Prophet Isaiah, when he things that are necessary for our perfec- had his vision opened in regard to the tion. We think sometimes that we are events that should transpire in the lat- not rightly treated, and I think we think ter days. He says: correctly about some of these things. We "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth think there are plots set on foot to en- empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth trap us; and I think we think so very it upside down, and scattereth abroad correctly. At the same time we need the inhabitants thereof. not be astonished at these things. We need not be amazed at a feeling of ha- "And it shall be, as with the peo- tred and animosity. Why? Because we ple, so with the priest; as with the are living in a peculiar day and age of servant, so with his master; as with the world, which is distinctively called the maid, so with her mistress; as the latter days, wherein it is said that with the buyer, so with the seller; God will have a controversy with the na- as with the lender, so with the bor- tions of the earth. There are some things rower; as with the taker of usury, THE GATHERING. 345 so with the giver of usury to him. having obeyed the Gospel and having re- "The land shall be utterly emptied, ceived the gift of the Holy Ghost. There and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath has been a feeling and spirit operating spoken this word. upon us that has enlightened our minds "The earth mourneth and fadeth and propelled us forward. Our great aim away, the world languisheth and fadeth was, when we were in other lands dis- away, the haughty people of the earth do tant from this, to make every effort we languish. could to come to the land of Zion. Did we "The earth also is defiled under the understand what it was for? In part we inhabitants thereof; because they have did, in part we did not. We came to it be- transgressed the laws, changed the ordi- cause we thought it was the land of Zion. nance, broken the everlasting covenant. We came to it, if we comprehend our- selves, that we might not partake of the "Therefore hath the curse devoured sins nor receive of the plagues of Baby- the earth, and they that dwell therein lon; and that we and our wives, and our are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of children and our associations, might be the earth are burned, and few men left." free from the corruptions, abominations There are many statements made and evils that exist and prevail through- by the Prophets in relation to these out the world; and that we might come to things—that the Lord would pour out a place where we could learn the laws of His judgments upon the earth. Jesus life, where our children could be brought speaks of the destruction that should up in the fear of God, and where we come upon the people, that should befall had hoped to be able to worship God ac- Jerusalem, that should encompass na- cording to the dictates of our own con- tions, and of scenes that should transpire sciences. Sometimes we think we have in the latter days—that the sun should made a little mistake in this. I guess not; be turned into darkness and the moon for we shall yet understand one thing, into blood, before the great and terrible and so will the nations of the earth— day of the Lord should come. Associated that "The Lord reigneth; let the earth re- with this is a part of the work in which joice: let the multitude of isles be glad we are engaged. A voice was to be heard, thereof." Yes, we shall all learn that "the as I said before, saying: Lord reigneth." "Come out of her, my people, that ye Associated with these principles are be not partakers of her sins, and that ye all the common affairs of life—that is, receive not of her plagues. we have bodies like other people; we "For her sins have reached unto need food, we need raiment, we need heaven, and God hath remembered her habitations to live in, we need land iniquities." to cultivate, fields, gardens and or- In accordance with this declaration, chards; our children are born as oth- which is a part of the great program that ers are, and we live and exist pretty we Latter-day Saints believe in, we have much as other human beings. They been gathered unto this land, which we are the children of our heavenly Fa- denominate the land of Zion. We have ther, and so are we. But the Lord has come out from the world, and some of seen fit to gather us together, and has us hardly know why; yet we have come, opened our way, and our lines have fallen 346 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. unto us in pleasant places. Yet every very particular about them. By and by, time the Saints have been gathered to- we built up the beautiful city of Nau- gether there has been manifested on the voo. We also built a temple there and part of the wicked a spirit of oppression, officiated in it, and received many pre- a spirit of persecution, a bloodthirsty cious blessings from the hands of God, spirit, a spirit which would seek to rob us that the world know nothing about, and of our rights, to despoil us of our homes never will know until they embrace the and inheritances. This we have expected Gospel of the Son of God. But we were among other things. We have never driven again, and we are here today. Did dreamed of anything else than that such we leave our property? Yes, I did, quite a state of things would exist. I remember an amount, and so did many others. We when I had the Gospel first preached to had a city there, and we left it. What me before I was baptized, I heard a lec- was done to us before this! We were ture something like this: "Now, we have mobbed, plundered; we were brought be- nothing particular to promise you, only fore courts; we were persecuted and pro- the favor of God, if you will live righ- scribed; that was done to us when we teously and keep His commandments. were there, and in many instances we You may be persecuted, afflicted, impris- had to defend ourselves by our own right oned, or put to death for the testimony arms, or suffer from crawling assassins you may have to bear for the religion who were seeking our lives. I had to you are called upon to obey; but we can do it time and time again, right in that promise to you that inasmuch as this is land. I have had to have guards in the case you will have eternal life." Well, my house, so had President Young, for we have had a little of the other mixed nearly two years, to keep from being as- up with it. And I have seen mobs gather sassinated. I was in prison with Joseph from time to time, in different parts of and Hyrum, when they were shot down these United States, and I have had to in cold blood. We were there placed un- meet them time and again. For instance, der the protection, or professed protec- I was driven from Missouri years ago, to- tion, of the Governor, who told Dr. Bern- gether with the whole people. We were hisel and myself that we had better not robbed and pillaged, and we had to take bring any arms with us to defend our- and throw in what little we had to help selves, and who pledged his faith and each other. Everybody that had a team the faith of the State for our protection. turned it in to help his brethren away I saw that faith violated and trampled from whom? From their Christian per- in the dust. I saw these men, to whom secutors, that is, so-called Christians. I protection was promised, shot down in wish we had another name for them. cold blood by assassins gathered for the (Laughter.) We helped one another out purpose. These are things that I have until we reached Illinois. I was there, witnessed in the few years that I have and I know what I am talking about. Did lived upon the earth. When I left Nau- I feel very unhappy? Not at all. I en- voo, I left a very good house, very well joyed myself just as well as I do today. I furnished. I left carpets on the floors, felt quite easy. I have been accustomed stoves in the rooms, crockery ware in the to these things, and there is nothing cupboards, and I got into my carriage, THE GATHERING. 347 with my family, and left it to seek that go out yonder." "Oh, yes, grandfather," protection among the Red Indians, that said he, "I will sing that then." Finally, we could not find among the people who we got outside. By and by his grandfa- lived in this boasted land of the free and ther came along, and he ran out to meet home of the brave, this vaunted asylum him. We were then camped out in about of the oppressed. We were protected here a foot of snow. He ran towards his grand- among the Indians, and I felt perfectly father and began to sing: safe among them. I would as soon go "On the way to California," etc. among the Red men today who traverse "There," said he, "grandfather, I can these mountains, as I would anywhere sing that now." Well, I speak of these else, and feel myself just as safe. things to show some of the incidents I have passed through. We came out here I speak of these things to show some and we found this country a desert, cov- of the feelings that have been exhibited. ered generally with sagebrush, and a few Well, says one, didn't you feel angry? scattered Indians straggling around. We Oh, no, not particularly so. I felt it had to commence to build our houses, for was all right. It was a part of the pro- there were none here when we came; and gram. I needed education and other peo- since then the wilderness and the soli- ple needed it, and it was necessary we tary places have blossomed as the rose, should be placed in a position that we and the desert has been made glad, as could have it. We did not feel very un- foretold in the Scriptures. We feel that happy. We felt quite comfortable. What! we are kind of half comfortable in these When you left your homes? Yes. I felt as valleys of the mountains, but the devil easy as I ever felt in my life. I felt at least is not dead yet. (Laughter.) We did not that I should be safe from the hands think he would be; we have a work to of bloodthirsty men and mobocrats, and perform; and we purpose, by the help of that I should be put in a position that I the Almighty, to accomplish that work. could protect myself better than I could We don't expect to be disappointed in it there, and others felt a good deal the either, and we don't anticipate that it same way. I remember we used to sing will be overturned. We believe that God a song something like this: "On the way lives in the heavens and manipulates the to California, In the spring we'll take nations of the earth, and woe to them our journey, Far above Arkansas foun- that fight against Zion! I tell them in the tains, Pass between the Rocky Moun- name of God that He will fight against tains." (Laughter.) them. (Amen.) That is the way we used to sing. I This is my testimony in relation to remember a little boy of mine—he was these matters. People may think they then, though he is not a little boy now, are very smart in persecuting the Saints, for it is about 39 years ago, used to but by and by they will find they are on sing this, and all the boys around. He the wrong side of the question, and many met his grandfather one day, who calling of them will find it out when it is too late. him by name, said: "Joseph, you won't They will find it out when the harvest is sing that when you leave your home and past and the summer is ended, and they 348 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. will say, "My soul is not saved." You says shall not be permitted. Are we Latter-day Saints that begin sometimes American citizens here? I think so. Have to be trembly at the knees, and afraid of we any rights? I think we ought to certain circumstances, had better trust have. Are they being trampled upon? to the living God than give way to fear- Yes, they are; and these things are be- ful forebodings in these matters; for Zion ing done with impunity. How is it? Why, is onward and upward, and God is on her the Constitution is treated by the politi- side, and He will protect His Israel if we cians of today as the Bible is treated will only be true to Him. We are here by professors of religion. You talk with for that purpose. God will sustain Israel "Christians" upon the Bible, and you will and stand by His people. (Amen.) There find that they believe it when it is shut. is one thing very certain, very certain They will spend hundreds of thousands indeed, and that is, whatever men may of dollars to send it to the heathen, but think, and however they may plot and when you come to open it, they them- contrive, that this Kingdom will never be selves don't believe in it. Ask them about given into the hands of another people. Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors, It will grow and spread and increase, Teachers, and Deacons. Have they them? and no man living can stop its progress. No, they do not even profess to have Hence I feel quite easy, as I said before, them. Ask them about being baptized for the Lord reigns, and let the people re- in the name of Jesus, for the remission joice. of sins by men having authority, and the From time to time we have certain laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy raids made upon us. Something of that Ghost, and you will find that they don't sort seems to be afloat today, and I want to hear anything about these prin- wish—I was going to say I wish I could ciples. They do not believe them. Why talk about something better—but these they object even to people being married matters are as proper as anything else, for eternity! They believe in men and as far as I know, for they are things we women being married only until death have to meet face to face. We Latter- doth them part. That is a very cold af- day Saints—what are we? Professors fair. We do not believe in being mar- of religion. Are we? Yes. There are ried for time only. We believe in making laws being enacted in order to deprive covenants for eternity, and being associ- us of our religious rights, whereas the ated with our wives and children behind Constitution of the United States says the veil. We have received instructions that Congress shall make no law re- from the Lord in regard to these things, specting an establishment of religion, and we are desirous to carry them out. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. As I have said, the Constitution provides Is that true? Read it for yourselves that Congress shall make no law respect- in the Constitution. This is what we ing an establishment of religion, or pro- profess as Americans. We have men hibiting the free exercise thereof. Yet in our midst who have introduced test men are asked what their religious faith oaths, whereas the Constitution says, is; right here in our courts today. These that "no religious test shall ever be re- are things that we as American citizens quired;" yet they have introduced test oaths, and people are obliged to swear certain things that the Constitution THE GATHERING. 349 have a right to look into; to look well af- It was expected by many of those cor- ter our liberties, and to watch well our rupt men—I do not say in speaking of enemies. For these are not only our en- these that all are corrupt—that when emies but they are the enemies of hu- these laws were passed we should turn man liberty, the enemies of the rights of our wives out and deal with them man and the enemies of God. It is for as they do with their women under us to look well after these things, and in such circumstances—make strumpets of our elections and in all like matters, to them. There is no such feeling as that see that we are very particular about the in my bosom, nor in the bosoms of this management of these affairs, and that people. We have made eternal covenants we are not overrun and cheated out of with our wives, and we will abide by our our liberties by unscrupulous men. I wives, and God will sustain us in pro- speak of these things at this your Confer- tecting the rights of innocence, and in ence, for your information and for your fulfilling those eternal obligations which warning; and would say, be united, dili- we have entered into. But we can once gent and energetic, and stand for your in a while yield a little to the follies and rights as men. weaknesses of men, when no principle of I remember some little time ago a truth is involved. Under these circum- gentleman named Mr. Pierpont (who stances I had a sister of mine who was was Attorney-General under President keeping house for me when Mr. Pier- Grant) called upon me. I was pleased pont came there to dine with me. I said: to see him, and am pleased to see all "Mr. Pierpont, permit me to introduce honorable gentlemen. I invited him to you to my sister. It is not lawful for us dinner, and we had quite a chat. But to have wives here." (Laughter.) After here let me introduce another affair. At talking further with him upon the sub- the time when the Edmunds law was ject I said, "Now, Mr. Pierpont, you are passed I was living in what is known well acquainted with all these legal af- as the Gardo House. I had most of my fairs. Although I have yielded in this wives living with me there, and after matter in order that I might not be an looking carefully over the Edmunds law I obstructionist, and do not wish to act as thought to myself, why Congress is grow- a Fenian, or a Nihilist, or a Communist, ing very wild; this Government is get- or a Kuklux, or a Regulator, or a Plug ting very, very foolish; they are tram- Ugly, or a Molly Maguire, yet, sir, we pling upon Constitutional rights. No shall stand up for our rights and protect matter, I said, I will obey this law. I ourselves in every proper way, legally had comfortable places for my family and constitutionally, and dispute inch by elsewhere, and I requested my wives to inch every step that is taken to deprive go to their own homes, and live there, us of our rights and liberties." And we and they did so in order that I at least will do this in the way that I speak of. might fulfill that part of the law; for We are doing it today; and as you have foolish or not foolish, my idea was to heard it expressed on other occasions, fulfill as far as practicable the require- it looks very much like as though the ments of the law and not place myself time was drawing near when this coun- and my family or my friends in jeop- try will tumble to pieces; for if the peo- ardy, through any foolishness of mine. ple of this nation are so blind and in- 350 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. fatuated as to trample under foot the tween Polygamy and Prostitution: Constitution and other safeguards pro- 1st. Congress made a law which vided for the liberties of man, we do not would affect both; and cohabitation with propose to assist them in their suicidal more than one woman was made a crime and traitorous enterprises; for we have whether in polygamy or out of polygamy. been told by Joseph Smith that when 2nd. The Governor turned legisla- the people of this nation would tram- tor, added to this law, and inserted in ple upon the Constitution, the Elders of a test oath to officials, the following this Church would rally round the flag words regarding cohabitation, "in the and defend it. And it may come to that; marriage relation;" thus plainly and def- we may be nearer to it than some of us initely sanctioning prostitution, without think, for the people are not very zealous any law of the United States, or any au- in the protection of human rights. And thority. when legislators, governors and judges 3rd. The United States Commis- unite in seeking to tear down the tem- sioners, also without legislation, adopted ple of liberty and destroy the bulwarks the action of the Governor, and still in- of human freedom, it will be seen by all sisted on this interpolation, in the test lovers of liberty, that they are playing oath in election matters, and placed all a hazardous game and endangering the polygamists under this unconstitutional perpetuity of human rights. For it will oath, and released prostitutes and their not take long for the unthinking to fol- paramours from the obligations placed low their lead, and they may let loose an upon others. element that they never can bind again. 4th. The Prosecuting Attorney has We seem to be standing on a precipice sanctioned these things, and pursued a and the tumultuous passions of men are similar course: and while he has asked agitated by political and party strife; the all the "Mormon" grand jurors certain elements of discord are seething and rag- questions pertaining to their religious ing as if portending a coming storm; and faith in the doctrines of the "Mormon" no man seems competent to take the Church, and challenged them if they an- helm and guide the ship of State through swered affirmatively as to their belief in the fearful breakers that threaten on ev- polygamy, he has declined to ask other ery hand. These are dangerous things, jurors whether they believed in prostitu- but it becomes our duty as good citizens tion, or whether they believed in cohab- to obey the law as far as practicable, and iting with more than one woman or not. be governed by correct principles. 5th. Chief Justice Zane when ap- I had some papers read over at the pealed to on this question, refused to in- General Conference, giving my views in terfere, or give any other ruling. relation to some of these matters. They Thus a law was first passed by have been published, but I will have one Congress, which has been perverted or two extracts read for your informa- by the administration, by all its offi- tion. cers, who have officiated in this Ter- President Cannon then read as fol- ritory, and made to subserve the in- lows: terests of a party who have placed The distinction being made be- in their political platform an Anti- THE GATHERING. 351

Mormon plank; and have clearly proven tion can go scot free, without interroga- that there is a combination entered into tion or questioning, and when attention by all the officers of state officiating in is drawn to this perversion of the law, this Territory, to back up this political he asserts that he has the right to pro- intrigue in the interest of party, and at pound what questions he chooses, and the sacrifice of law, equity, jurisprudence, decline to ask those he has no mind to; and all the safeguards that are provided in fact that the whole proceeding was a by the Constitution for the protection of purely optional matter with him. Thus human rights. the whole weight of the law is unjustly Congress cannot be condemned for and unrighteously thrown on the shoul- these proceedings. The law as it stands ders of those who believe and act in the on the nation's Statute Books makes no marriage relation, and entirely removed such distinction, so far as the qualifi- from the others, who develop into the ju- cation of jurors are concerned, between rors, who are to indict, try and condemn those who cohabit with more than one the other and far more honorable class. woman in the marriage relation, and I will have something further read. those who do so outside of that rela- It is alleged that we are a very cor- tion. All the rest has been aided by of- rupt people, that we are a very lawless ficials here. The law reads: "Section people; that we are a very wicked peo- 5: That in any prosecution for bigamy, ple; that we are a very lascivious peo- polygamy, or unlawful cohabitation, un- ple; and therefore it becomes necessary der any Statute of the United States, for them to pass and execute certain laws it shall be sufficient cause of challenge in order that we may be placed under to any person drawn or summoned as the guardianship of people who are more a juryman or a talesman, first, that he pure and more virtuous. That is why I is or has been living in the practice of want some statistics read in relation to bigamy, polygamy, or unlawful cohabi- that matter, and I would not have had tation with more than one woman, * * them read, nor have dwelt upon these or second, that he believes it right for matters, only on the principle of self- a man to have more than one living defense. and undivorced wife at the same time, President Cannon then read as fol- or to live in the practice of cohabiting lows: with more than one woman." It will thus "The population of Utah may be esti- be seen that the same questions can be mated at 160,000 in 1883. properly put to both classes; and such "Of these say 130,000 were Mormons was the evident, unmistakable intention and 30,000 Gentiles, a very liberal esti- of Congress. But the Prosecuting Attor- mate of the latter. ney with red-hot zeal changes all this, in "In this year there were 46 persons his religio-political crusade against the sent to the Penitentiary, convicted of faith of the Latter-day Saints he insists crime. Of these, 33 were non-Mormons upon his right to propound the ques- and 13 reputed Mormons. tion with the Governor's interpolation "At the above estimate of popu- super-added, whilst he entirely ignores lation the ratio or percentage would the other side of the case; hence those be one prisoner to every 10,000 who cohabit outside of the marriage rela- Mormons, or one-hundredth of one 352 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. percent, and of the Gentiles one convict are ten times lower and more depraved in every 909, or about one-ninth of one than we are. Yes, but then we have ten percent. So that the actual proportion of times too many crimes; and it is sor- criminals is more than ten times greater rowful to see it, and we can only ac- among the Gentiles of Utah, with the count for it on this principle, that the above very liberal estimate, than among wheat and tares must grow together un- the Mormons. til the harvest. The Gospel net gathers "It is urged that those non-Mormon of every kind, good and bad, sheep and prisoners are not a fair representation goats. Again, it is but just to those who of the average of crime throughout the oppose us, to say that they have their country, but are the result of the flow ministers, their Sunday schools, their of the desperate classes westward to the churches, their hospitals, etc., and many, borders of civilization; with greater truth very many good and honorable men and we reply that the Mormon prisoners are women. But with all these agencies the not representatives of Mormonism, nor record shows them to be, as a whole, ten the results of Mormonism, but of the times as corrupt as we are. Before they consequences of a departure from Mor- came, we were comparatively free from mon principles: and of the 13 prisoners their gross immoralities. But what of to- classed as "Mormons," the greater por- day? The record shows that theirs are tion were only so by family connection or the gambling dens, the houses of assig- association. nation, theirs the brothels and drinking Arrests in Salt Lake City, 1883— saloons, etc., and if, which God forbid, Mormons 150 Non-Mormons 1,550 or we have feticide and infanticide, it be- more than ten times the number of Mor- longs to them—these are their institu- mon arrests. tions, they do not belong to us. Is it then, any wonder that they have ten times the "Again, it is estimated that there amount of crime? This is a terrible show- are 6,000 non-Mormons and 19,000 Mor- ing, and yet these are our reformers, our mons in Salt Lake City, which shows of accusers; from these proceed our courts, Mormons one arrest in 126 and 2/3. our juries, etc., they assume to be our re- "Non-Mormons one arrest in a frac- generators, and are trying to make us as tion less than every four, or rather more good as they. than twenty-five percent." President Cannon again read: President Taylor continued: Dr. Nathan Allen, of Lowell, has de- Make the best of this we may, it is clared in a paper read before a late meet- a bad showing, and ought not to exist ing of the American Social Science Asso- among the dwelling places of the Saints. ciation, that "nowhere in the history of What of our drunken Saints? Our vi- the world was the practice of abortion so olators of the Sabbath day? Our Sun- common as in this country; and he gave day bathing trains? Whereon many of expression to the opinion that, in New our youth mix up with the ungodly, and England alone, many thousands of abor- what of many other evils which exist tions are procured annually." among us? It is a shame that these Dr. Reamy, of the Ohio State things should exist in Zion in the cities Medical Society, says: "From a very of the Saints; but our would-be reformers large verbal and written corres- THE GATHERING. 353 pondence in this and other States, to- things, cannot inherit eternal life. If gether with personal investigation and there be a special damnation for those facts accumulated * * that we have be- who shed innocent blood, what must be come a nation of murders." the portion of those who have no mercy The Rev. Dr. Eddy writes to the upon their own flesh." Christian Advocate regarding one lit- Dr. Cowan, M.D., writing on what he tle village of 1,000 inhabitants: "Yet styles "The Murder of the Unborn," says: here, and elsewhere, where 15 percent "That this crime is not only widespread of wives have the criminal hardihood to on this great continent, but is rapidly practice this black art, there is a still on the increase, we have the testimony large and additional percent who en- of physicians, whose investigations have dorse and defend it. * * Among mar- been thorough, and whose social stand- ried persons, so extensive has this prac- ing and integrity cannot be questioned." tice become, that people of high repute not only commit this crime, but do not President Taylor continued: shun to speak boastingly among their in- In pondering over the above sicken- timates of the deed, and the means of ac- ing details, and carefully examining the complishing it." irrefutable records of prison statistics, Dr. Allen further states: "Examin- I note deliberately the weight of testi- ing the number of deaths, we find that mony furnished by a host of their most there are absolutely more deaths than honorable and reliable men in the East, births among the strictly American chil- to whom I give all honor, who calmly dren, so that aside from immigration and deliberately pronounce them "a na- and births of children of foreign parent- tion of murderers," "the slayers of the age, the population of Massachusetts is innocent," the consumers of their own rapidly decreasing. * * The birth rate in flesh, in connection with this terrible the State of New York, shows the same record we have in our prominent cities, fact, that American families do not in- flaunted before our eyes, their dens of crease at all, and inspection of the reg- infamy and crime, impudently and un- istration in other States shows the same blushingly paraded before us, and stuck remark applies to all." under our very noses. In looking at these Bishop Coxe, of the Protestant Epis- things I ask myself can human deprav- copal Church, of New York, in a pas- ity descend any lower, and the humili- toral letter to his people writes: "I ating answer comes, yes! yes!! yes!!! have heretofore warned my flock against The question arises wherein? The most the blood-guiltiness of antenatal infan- damning nature of this record is that ticide. If any doubts existed hereto- these crimes are sought to be palliated fore as to the propriety of my warn- by unjust law, made ostensibly to pun- ings on this subject, they must now dis- ish crime, but really to pervert justice appear before the fact that the world and protect falsehood, chicanery and in- itself is beginning to be horrified by trigue. We have a local administra- the practical results of the sacrifices to tion which provides test oaths to try to Moloch, which defile our land. Again cover up the crimes of their friends, and I warn you that they who do such to protect prostitutes, whoremongers 354 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. and adulterers, and to make that a crime to guard our brethren and sisters against which is nowhere proclaimed a crime the encroachments of such fiends in hu- by the Almighty. And then we have man form as those persons here referred these whited walls and painted sepul- to. We cannot have, and won't have adul- chres under the guise of the protectors terers and adulteresses among us, much of virtue and the defenders and advo- less will we have those who, by murder, cates of purity and moral reform, bring stain their consciences and damn them- all the weight of their influence and po- selves forever. You sisters, guard your- sition to bear upon innocence, virtue selves against these infamies, or you will and integrity. Surely, as it is said, jus- sink yourselves down, down, down to tice is fallen in the street, righteousness pits of infamy and ruin, that you never standeth afar off, and judgment cannot dreamed of. I do not wonder that the enter. But what of our people? With all Prophets have expressed themselves as of their weaknesses, follies and imperfec- strongly as they have in relation to the tions, of which we as a people have very events that shall overtake the world. I many in the sight of God, they are yet remember that some 30 years ago, there in the balances of unbiased equity be- was one of our brethren in an eastern fore the law, as per record ten times the city, I heard a report about his wife be- superiors of our accusers, but with the ing engaged in something of that sort. points of prostitution, harlotry, gambling I asked him if it were true. He said it and other vices, not to mention the terri- was. I don't know when I felt such a ble crimes of feticide and infanticide, we loathing for a human being in my life as have nothing to do; these are their insti- I felt toward her. I would sooner have tutions only, and do not belong to us. touched a rattlesnake than touched her But it may be argued, are not the ex- hand. And I feel so today. We cannot de- ecutive and judiciary expected to admin- grade ourselves with these fiendish prac- ister the law as they find it? Certainly; tices. All are not guilty; for as I have and if they would confine themselves to frequently said there are thousands and this, all honorable men would sustain millions of honorable men and women them. But governors are nowhere autho- throughout the land. But these evils rized to introduce test oaths, in violation which exist in this and other nations of law, to protect the spoliators of virtue, are too terrible almost to be spoken of; the brothel and the adulterer; nor is the yet it is requisite they should be pre- judiciary required in the execution of its sented before you Latter-day Saints, that legal function to ignore the precedents of you may remember the pit from whence courts, nor to sanction the empanelment you were dug, and the rock from whence of packed juries. you were hewn; that you may appreci- I have had these things read for ate in some measure the blessings you more reasons than one. First, to enjoy, and your freedom from these in- show the hypocrisy of those who come famies in this land of Zion. And I would here to teach us morality, and who say to you Bishops—if you find adulter- proscribe the acts of a pure and in- ers and adulteresses in the Church, cut dustrious people who dwell in these them off, they cannot be associated with mountains. And for another purpose, the Latter-day Saints. THE GATHERING. 355

Another thing: I was lately called tell it to anyone; I don't think I would, upon as a witness—perhaps you may not unless He told me. Then, I do not have seen some account of it in the want to know your secrets. I was asked papers—and I want to make some ex- if certain ordinances could be performed planation in relation to the matters that in different places. I told them, yes, un- I then presented, because they are not der certain circumstances. "Where," I generally understood: I was required to was asked—"Anywhere besides in tem- divulge certain things. I did not know ples?" Yes. Anywhere besides the En- them to divulge. Perhaps some of you dowment House? Yes. "Where, in some have had people come to you with their other house?" In another house or out confidences. I have. But I don't want of doors, as the circumstances might be. to be confidant. Why? Because if they Why did I say that? Is not a temple the made a confidant of me and I was called proper place? Yes; but it is said in our before a tribunal, I could not, as an hon- revelations pertaining to these matters: orable man, reveal their confidences, yet "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that it would be said I was a transgressor of when I give a commandment to any of law; but no honorable man can reveal the sons of men to do a work unto my confidences that are committed to him. name, and those sons of men go with all Therefore I tell them to keep their own their might and with all they have to secrets, and remember what is called perform that work, and cease not their the Mormon creed, "Mind your own busi- diligence, and their enemies come upon ness," I don't want to know the secrets them and hinder them from performing of people, those that I cannot tell. And I that work, behold, it behooveth me to re- could not tell very much to that court; for quire that work no more at the hands of I have studiously avoided knowing any those sons of men, but to accept of their more than I could possibly help about offerings." such matters. I was asked questions about our temple, which of course I could Thus under such circumstances we not divulge. I was asked questions about perceive that our operations elsewhere records which I could not tell them, be- will be all correct; it makes no differ- cause I did not know. I have studiously ence. It is the authority of the Priest- avoided entering into a knowledge of hood, not the place, that validates and these matters. They did not build our sanctifies the ordinance. I was asked if temples. We have never had any rev- people could be sealed outside. Yes. I elations from God, through them! We could have told them I was sealed out- may have had from the devil (laughter), side, and lots of others. but never have had revelations from God I want to show you a principle here, through them. And I think there are you Latter-day Saints. When Jesus was some things we have a right to guard sa- asked if He thought it was proper for credly in our own bosoms. We are told, His disciples to pluck ears of corn on "The secret of the Lord is with them that the Sabbath day, He told them "The sab- fear him; and he will show them his bath was made for man, and not man covenant." Now, if the Lord shall com- for the sabbath." What else? I will say mit a secret to me I don't think I should that man was not made for temples, 356 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. but temples were made for man, un- the midst of the unbelieving the doc- der the direction of the Priesthood, and trines of a most unpopular faith. And, without the Priesthood temples would as I reach this point in my reflections, amount to nothing. my mind instinctively wanders to a mon- I speak of these things for your infor- ument I gazed at in the Salt Lake City mation: but men are not authorized to cemetery but a few days ago. That mon- act foolishly about these matters. The ument records in fitting words of re- temples are places that are appropriated spect and admiration the devotion of two for a great many ordinances, and among young missionaries in a far-off Southern these ordinances that of marriage; but, State, one of whom had fallen a victim to then, if we are interrupted by men who mob violence, had sealed with his blood do not know about our principles, that the testimony which he bore, the other is all right, it will not impede the work had stood by him in this hour of sore of God, or stop the performance of ordi- need, and rescued his mangled body and nances. Let them do their work, and we brought it safely for thousands of miles will try and do ours. to the home of his bereaved parents and While I was in court a few days ago, sorrowing co-religionists. This heroic and gazing upon the assembly of judges, young man is the one now arraigned be- lawyers, marshals, witnesses, specta- fore the courts of his country, for an al- tors, etc., many reflections of a very pecu- leged offense against the morality of the liar character passed through my mind, age. Assuming that the reports pertain- some of which I will here rehearse. ing to him should prove to be correct, I could not help thinking as I looked and he really has a plural wife, what upon the scene, that there was no neces- then would be the position? He, from his sity for all this; these parties need not earliest recollection, had been taught to have placed themselves in this peculiar reverence the Bible as the word of God, dilemma. Here was a young man blessed to revere the lives and examples of the with more than ordinary intelligence, ancient worthies whom Jehovah honored bearing amongst all who know him a by making them His confidants, and re- most enviable reputation for virtue, hon- vealing unto them the secrets of His di- esty, sobriety, and all other desirable vine purposes; he had read of one who characteristics that we are in the habit was called "the friend of God, and the fa- of supposing go to make a man respected ther of the faithful," of another who was and beloved, the civilized world over. He said to be "a man after God's own heart;" had been trained from early childhood of a third who in all things is said to in the nurture and admonition of the have done the will of Heaven, and so on Lord, had been an attendant at Sab- till they could be numbered by the score; bath schools and Young Men's Improve- yet all these men, the friends, associates ment Societies, where his course was of and confidants of the great Creator of the most pleasing kind; more than this, heaven and earth, were men with more some years ago, when quite a youth, he than one wife, some with many wives, had shown his devotion to the faith in yet they still possessed and rejoiced in which he had been reared, by going forth the love and honor of the great Judge of without purse and scrip, to preach in all the world, whose judgments are all THE GATHERING. 357 just, and whose words are all righteous- answer all the necessary questions; and ness. This young man is charged with be admitted as a grand juror without be- following these worthy examples; it is ing brought in as a guttersnipe on an asserted that he has taken to wife a open venire, but as a respectable cit- beautiful and virtuous young lady, be- izen on the regular panel. Or again, longing, like him, to one of our most re- these two, in the event of a child be- spected families, and who also believes ing born, might consign it to the care of in the Bible, and the example set her by some degraded hag, some baby farmer, those holy women of old, such as Rachel, where gradually and quietly its inno- Ruth, Hannah, and others, who honored cent life would ebb out, and by and God's law, and became the mothers of by the grief-stricken parents would re- Prophets, Priests and Kings. And as my ceive the anticipated notice that their cogitations ran I thought what need had dear little offspring, notwithstanding ev- these two to follow such examples of a ery care, was dead and buried. This bygone age; why not walk in the way is a respectable crime, a crime commit- of the world today; unite with our mod- ted principally by those who go to high- ern Christian civilization, and if passion toned churches and fashionable meet- guided their actions, why call each other inghouses in velvets and feathers, in husband and wife, why hallow their as- silks and satins, and who with up- sociations by any sacred ceremony; was turned eyes and hypocritical voices, in- there any need of such? Why not do as sult the majesty of Heaven by drawling tens of thousands of others do, live in out, "Lord have mercy upon us, miser- the condition of illicit love? And then if able sinners." Yet they are murderers— any child should be feared from this un- murderers of the worst kind, shedders sanctified union, why not still follow our of innocent blood, consumers of their Christian exemplars, remove the fetal own flesh, whom the vengeance of God encumbrance, call in some of the copy- awaits. Yet this young man and woman ists of Madame Restell, the abortionists, could have done all this and no mar- male and female, that pollute our land, shals with ready feet would have dogged that would have been sub-rosa, genteel, their steps, no packed grand juries with fashionable, respectable, Christianlike, unanimous alacrity would do the bidding as Christianity goes in this generation. of overzealous prosecuting attorneys; no And if this did not succeed, the young Federal judge would overturn precedent, man might have turned his victim into ignore law, disregard justice on purpose the street to perish, or die of pollution to convict. No, they might then have as is done in tens of thousands of in- been the friends, associates, compan- stances, in the most sanctified manner ions of judge and prosecutor, governor by the hypocrites of the day. Then, in and commissioner: but now, as they either of these cases, the young gentle- would neither associate unrighteously, man could have been received into good nor take means to destroy the results society, be petted and applauded; could of their union, but honestly and virtu- hold a position under our government, ously live, as is claimed, as husband be even a deputy-marshal, registrar or and wife, he stands in the felon's dock what not, and still further, be able to charged with an offense against the dig- nity of the United States, and to convict 358 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. him, oppressive laws, more oppressively the wrath of an offended God, or in administered, are brought to bear with Pompeii or Herculaneum, who, in their all the ingenuity that malice can devise turn, for their libidinous and unrigh- and hatred adopt. And there, in this ig- teous practices, as Sodom and Gomor- nominious position, he stands, with ev- rah, suffered the vengeance of eternal ery person who might possibly be his fire? No. Was it in the Saturnalia of the friend, excluded from the jury, with- Bacchanals of ancient Greece and Rome? out the possibility of a fair trial by his No. Those nations have been long over- peers, not one of the panel being in the thrown, and are now only known to a few least sympathy with himself: and by readers of ancient history. Was it dur- such people this unfortunate young gen- ing the reign of the first French republic, tleman has to be tried, judged, prose- when they elevated a prostitute as the cuted, proscribed, and condemned, be- goddess of reason? No. Was it in the cause of his firm and unswerving faith days of the inquisition, when the rack, in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Ja- the gibbet, the faggot and the flames cob, of David, Solomon, and numerous were brought into requisition to force un- other Godfearing and honorable men, willing victims to testify of things which who, like him, have despised the cant their consciences forbade, and who per- and hypocrisy of an ungodly world, and ished by thousands for daring to think dared to obey the behests of Jehovah. and act, and believe in and worship God Of these things he had learned from the according to the dictates of their con- Bible, in the Sunday school; no won- sciences? No. Was it under the influ- der then that our would-be reformers ence of Bacchus, or in the midnight rev- are so anxious to exclude the Bible from ellings as exhibited in Rome under Nero? our district schools, as its teachings and No. This scene was enacted in midday, examples so emphatically condemn the in the 19th century, in the year of our theories on which the acts and legisla- Lord, 1884, in the Federal Court House, tion of Congress are based, as well as the in Salt Lake City, at a court presided course pursued by those who seek to aid over by Judge Zane, Chief Justice for the in the regeneration of Utah by adding to United States in the Territory of Utah, or taking from the law as is best suited to assisted by Prosecuting Attorney Dick- shield their own corrupt practices, or, on son, and the other adjuncts of the law, the other hand, by extra judicial proceed- and in the presence of several hundred ings, under cover of the law, they pervert, American citizens. Towards these gen- to prosecute and persecute the Mormons. tlemen personally I have no feelings, no And where was this scene enacted? complaints to make. I understand them In the gorgeous palaces of Belshaz- to bear the reputation of being learned zar, surrounded by his wives, concu- and honorable men in all other matters. bines, and nobles, and where was seen But they stand in an unfortunate posi- written on the walls, "MENE, MENE, tion; they represent a cause so low, that TEKEL, UPHARSIN?" No. Was it at it is impossible to look upon it without the destruction of the cities of Sodom loathing and commiseration; they repre- and Gomorrah, when ten righteous sent a political exigency, a party neces- persons could not be found to avert sity, capital has to be made by the perse- THE GATHERING. 359 cution and prosecution of American cit- us to treat honorably, rightly, and prop- izens who have embraced an unpopular erly all honorable men and women. Al- faith, and they are the tools with which though thousands are engaged in com- the unclean, despicable and barbarous mitting these crimes which are too work has to be done. I envy not their dreadful to reflect upon: yet at the same calling. I have no desire to stand in their time there are thousands and millions of shoes. Let my work be to do the will of honorable men and women throughout God, to build up truth, virtue, righteous- the nations, and many of them among ness, honor and peace upon the earth, us. We don't class them with the cor- and they may, if they so prefer, continue rupt, the libidinous and the murderers; in the unfortunate work that their party although for our part we must be very has assigned to them. careful of our associations, and know the Before I close I will say that I have character of those whom we receive into not spoken on this subject with any feel- our houses, or allow our children to asso- ing of acrimony in my heart towards ciate with. the parties engaged in these proceed- ings. Some of the gentlemen engaged God bless you and lead you in the therein, in other respects, bear an excel- paths of life; and while others are trying lent reputation. I will further say that to exalt crime and murder into a fine art, we as Latter-day Saints have often heard and extol these libidinous practices; and it reported and reiterated in our ears, while we have test oaths framed on pur- that the world was growing worse and pose to screen the adulterer and adulter- worse, deceiving and being deceived, and ess; and while honorable men are pre- that it would grow worse and worse. So vented or voluntarily abstain from vot- we need not be surprised to see the ful- ing, and harlots and whoremongers, and fillment of these things. Furthermore, I men who betray their wives and asso- wish specifically to state that while these ciate with other women are considered abominations exist and these acts of in- honorable men and protected by the au- justice, we leave it with the perpetra- thorities of this Territory, it is for us to tors of these acts to pursue their own guard ourselves against everything that vain course. But it is for us to guard is improper, and to be pure, especially well against the innovations of the cor- you who bear the vessels of the Lord. rupt and the designing; it is for us to God bless you, and lead you in the paths guard well our liberties; and then it is for of life, in the name of Jesus, Amen. 360 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

THE LAW OF MARRIAGE IN ANCIENT ISRAEL—ITS APPLICATION TO US—THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS DISTINCT FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD—EVILS RESULTING FROM MARRIAGES BETWEEN THE SAINTS AND THOSE NOT OF OUR FAITH.

DISCOURSEBY PRESIDENT GEORGE Q.CANNON, DELIVEREDINTHE STAKE MEETINGHOUSE,EPHRAIM,SANPETE COUNTY,NOVEMBER 16, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I will read a portion of the 7th chap- bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king ter of Deuteronomy: of Egypt. "Neither shalt thou make marriages "Know therefore that the Lord thy with them; thy daughter thou shalt not God, he is God, the faithful God, which give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt keepeth covenant and mercy with them thou take unto thy son. that love him and keep his command- "For they will turn away thy son from ments to a thousand generations; following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kin- "And repayeth them that hate him to dled against you, and destroy thee sud- their face, to destroy them: he will not denly. be slack to him that hateth him, he will "But thus shall ye deal with them; repay him to his face. ye shall destroy their altars, and break "Thou shalt therefore keep the com- down their images, and cut down their mandments, and the statutes, and the groves, and burn their graven images judgments, which I command thee this with fire. day, to do them. "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath "Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye chosen thee to be a special people unto hearken to these judgments, and keep, himself, above all people that are upon and do them, that the Lord thy God shall the face of the earth. keep unto thee the covenant and the "The Lord did not set his love upon mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: you, nor choose you, because ye were "And he will love thee, and bless thee, more in number than any people; for ye and multiply thee: he will also bless the were the fewest of all people: fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy "But because the Lord loved you, land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine and because he would keep the oath oil, the increase of thy kine, and the which he had sworn unto your fa- flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he thers, hath the Lord brought you sware unto thy fathers to give thee. out with a mighty hand, and re- deemed you out of the house of "Thou shalt be blessed above all THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS A PECULIAR AND DISTINCT PEOPLE. 361 people: there shall not be male nor fe- righteousness, and they received them male barren among you, or among your gladly, and were gathered out by the cattle. wonderful power of God to this land, and are numbered now among His Saints. "And the Lord will take away from The covenants that our Father made thee all sickness, and will put none of the with his ancient chosen people have been evil diseases of Egypt, which thou know- renewed in our day and unto us, and est, upon thee; but will lay them upon all there is no promise that was made in an- them that hate thee." cient days unto the house of Israel, that These words that I have read in your has not been renewed unto the Latter- hearing are found in the 7th chapter of day Israel. Every blessing that God Deuteronomy. In many respects these promised and that I have read in your are most applicable to us as a people; for hearing, besides many others that are the same covenant which the Lord made contained in the Scriptures—all these with the children of Israel, and which are have been fully renewed unto the Latter- contained in part in this chapter, have day Saints, and they are accompanied by been renewed unto us. We are their de- blessings as we see them around us to- scendants; God has revealed this, and it day, and as has been related by Brother is manifest that we are the descendants Woodruff, in regard to our settlement of the house of Israel, by the operations of these valleys. God intended—and I of the Gospel among us. No doubt many wish that we all could realize it as it re- of you have been led to wonder in your ally is—God intended when He preached experience how it was that you should unto the people the Gospel, and gath- receive the Gospel, and that others who ered them out from the various lands had equal opportunities with you, proba- where they lived, to make of them a bly belonging to the same household, and peculiar and a distinct people upon the numbered among your friends and ac- face of the earth. Nothing is plainer quaintances; that when you received the than this to those who will open their Gospel, they could see nothing desirable eyes to see, and their hearts to under- or attractive about it, while your hearts stand the providences of our God. As were kindled into a glow, and felt like soon as the Latter-day Saints join the fire within you when you heard the testi- Church, they become a distinct people. mony of the servants of God concerning All of you, those of you, at least, who em- the Gospel that He had revealed. Noth- braced this Gospel before you gathered, ing that I know of more plainly demon- know this. You know that no sooner were strates the fact that this is the blood of you baptized into the Church, than you Israel, that has been gathered out: that were distinguished from all those who we are of the chosen seed, though we surrounded you. If you had brothers, if have been mixed, or our fathers have you had sisters, if you had parents, if been mixed, among the Gentiles. God you had friends, who did not receive the has saved to himself a seed among all Gospel, did not enter into the Church, nations; and when the Gospel came to you became distinct from them, they felt the lands where this seed dwelt, there that you were different from them, and was, on their part, a natural affinity, you felt that they were different from a natural attraction to the principles of you. The love that your kindred had for 362 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. you, previous to your espousal of the Saints, while they remain such, to min- Gospel, in many instances turned to ha- gle with the world and be one with them, tred. The friendships that had existed than you can cause oil and water to min- between you before you embraced the gle. There is no affinity between the Gospel, turned into enmity, and they two. You may shake oil and water to- with whom you were most closely asso- gether in a battle, and while you are ciated and towards whom you felt the shaking it, you imagine that the water strongest ties of friendship, became your and the oil have mingled; but the mo- open and avowed enemies. There are in- ment you let the bottle stand, the water stances even where your own parents, sinks to the bottom and the oil rises to your own brothers and your own sis- the top. The two elements do not comin- ters rejected the claims of kindred, and gle, they are entirely distinct, and you turned their backs upon you, and treated may shake them, and boil them, or do you as though you were aliens to them, anything of that character, and you can- and had no claim upon their affection, not cause them to become one fluid. So and that they had no desire to min- it is with this people called the Latter- gle with you, or to be any longer con- day Saints and the world. There is a dif- nected with you. This has been the case ference. God has created the difference. in almost every instance where people God has called us out from the world for have joined this Church and their kin- the express purpose of making us His dred have not joined it. And that distinc- people, and placing upon us His name, tion has not been confined to the homes that we may be known as His peculiar where the Saints embraced the Gospel; people in the midst of the nations of the but it has continued here and until the earth. present day. A Latter-day Saint may be Now, when I say this I do not say descended from the oldest families that that, because of this, we are the ene- have peopled this continent, his ances- mies of mankind; I do not say this be- tors may have fought the battles that cause I think there is no opportunity for freed this land from oppression; he may them and us to unite, that there is no be entitled to all the rights and privi- platform upon which we can stand and leges that belong to a native of this coun- become united; I do not say this; be- try, and yet if he be a Mormon not a sin- cause there is a platform upon which gle claim of that character is recognized. we can all stand and be a united peo- He is looked upon as a stranger and an ple; but until we do stand upon that alien. He is looked upon as a man not platform, this division and this distinc- having the rights of full citizenship that tion of which I speak will exist. We be- others who are not of his faith are enti- long, because of our obedience, to the tled to and enjoy. When we travel among Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to what the people as Latter-day Saints, we are is known as the Church of Christ, while conscious ourselves that there is a dis- those who have not embraced this Gospel tinction between us and them; they are and entered into covenant with God, be- also conscious that there is this distinc- long to the other church—that is the tion, and that we are a different people. church which is called in the revelations You can no more cause these Latter-day of God, the whore of all the earth, or the mother of abominations. That is the THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS A PECULIAR AND DISTINCT PEOPLE. 363 distinction which exists between the and he went feeling that God had given Latter-day Saints and the rest of unto him a mission and that he would mankind. be prospered in obtaining a wife for the My brethren and sisters, there are son of his master. He prayed unto the some principles which it seems to me we God of his master to give him success, should comprehend clearly in connection and give him a sign by which he might with our position as Latter-day Saints; know the girl that the Lord designed for and one is that which is alluded to in this his master's son. And according to his chapter that I have read in your hearing, faith so it was done. Rebekah came to namely: the well, and as he had prayed so she did, "Neither shalt thou make marriages and she proved to be the very girl that with them; thy daughter thou shalt not God had designed for Isaac, and the very give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt girl that Abraham in his heart desired thou take unto thy son. that his son should have. She was Abra- "For they will turn away thy son from ham's grand niece, and his wife Sarah's following me, that they may serve other grand niece, a double cousin of Isaac's, gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kin- her grandmother, Milcah, being Isaac's dled against you, and destroy thee sud- mother's sister, and her grandfather, Na- denly." hor, being Abraham's father's brother. This was a command that was given You know it is said in the Bible, that unto Israel with great force and empha- Abraham married his sister. But though sis. They were commanded from the called his sister, she was not his sister, beginning that they were not to marry in our sense of the relationship. She was with those who did not belong to their the daughter of his brother Haran; but at family, or did not belong to the Israel Haran's death, Terah—Haran and Abra- of God, or were not the covenant people ham's father—brought up Haran's chil- of God. And it was not a new law; it dren as his own. Two of these children was not a law that was given to Moses, were girls. One of them married Nahor, and through him to the children of Is- a brother of Abraham's, and the other rael for the first time. If you will read married Abraham, both of them sisters back to the days of Abraham, you will of Lot. They were, therefore, nearly re- find that the same sentiment filled the lated. heart of Abraham, the patriarch, con- cerning his posterity. When he wanted So you see that in those early days a wife for his son Isaac, he took his el- the same sentiment pervaded the minds dest servant of his house and made him of the servants of God, respecting the swear by the God of Heaven that he families with whom they should inter- would not take a wife unto his son of marry. You will remember also that this the daughters of the Canaanites, a race same Rebekah afterwards, when fear with which he did not want his son to was begotten in her heart respecting her intermarry. And he sent his servant son Jacob, and the enmity of his brother back to Mesopotamia, to his old coun- Esau, said to Isaac in substance: "I do try and his kindred, it being where his not want Jacob to marry the daughters of brother Nahor had lived, to find there for this land, I want him to marry the right his son Isaac a wife that should be suit- blood, to marry into the right families." able to him. The servant took this oath, Isaac sent Jacob back to his mother's 364 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. people, and commanded him not to take of God, judgment and calamity always a wife of the daughters of Caanan; but followed. It was so in the case of Samson. to marry into his mother's family. He You remember Samson, a mighty man in did so; he married his two cousins, Leah some respects, a man whom God raised and Rachel, the daughters of Laban, up to redeem His people, but he married his mother's brother. And from these strange women. He married a woman of families and from that blood sprang the Philistines, and the result was that the promised seed. It was the lineage it brought about his destruction. And through which the Priesthood ran; it we need only refer to the great king who was the lineage that was entitled to the sat upon the throne during the golden blessings of the father, and on this ac- days of Israel, a man who was considered count they were very particular as to the wisest man that ever lived—King whom they should marry. Isaac was Solomon. His heart, we are told in the the promised seed, and his father and Scriptures, was turned aside from the mother were exceedingly desirous that Lord our God, because he took to him- he should marry in the right direction, self strange wives, women of the nations and if you will notice that this is the with whom God had commanded Israel same sentiment that God inspired His not to marry, and because of this he was servant Moses to speak unto the chil- led as he grew in years into idolatry. He dren of Israel. They were commanded built in the groves where the strange to marry among themselves, and not to nations performed their idolatrous rites, marry among the outside nations that places of worship, and to gratify these had not the faith that the children of Is- wives he went and worshipped with rael had. Because, as it is said here: them; and God in His anger, because "Thy daughter thou shalt not give of this, said that the nation should be unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou rent asunder; and in fulfillment of this take unto thy son. word the greater portion of the kingdom "For they will turn away thy son from was taken from the house of David, and following me, that they may serve other given to another. Ten tribes rebelled, gods." and there was left to Rehoboam, the son And this was the case with Esau. He of Solomon, only the tribe of Judah for was not a man of faith, he was not a his inheritance, this kindness to the dy- man unto whose seed the promises were nasty in leaving to it the tribe of Judah given as they were to Jacob; because as an inheritance, was not because of fa- he married the daughters of the land in vors to Solomon, but because his father which they lived, that is the daughters had served God all his days with a per- of the Hittites, one of the Canaanite na- fect heart, except in the case of Uriah tions, a race not entitled to the blessings the Hittite. God raised up enemies to and promises which God had given unto Solomon, and at his death as I have those of the family of Abraham, and the said, rent the ten tribes from his son families connected with him. Rehoboam, and gave them to Jeroboam. And in every instance that is on This was in consequence of the viola- record in the Bible where the chil- tion of this command of God respect- dren of Israel disobeyed this command ing the intermarriage of His people with THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS A PECULIAR AND DISTINCT PEOPLE. 365 strange women. In every instance on our daughters, our sisters or our female record in the Bible, it will be found relatives have formed of this character that the violation of this law resulted have been attended with the worst re- in destruction, not only to those who sults, and it is a matter that should re- made these marriages, but to their pos- ceive attention from us as a people; our terity after them. The history of the minds should be directed to this. It kings of Israel and Judah illustrates should be the aim of every father in Is- this. The kings who married strange rael to have his daughters married to women, women of those nations that those who are of the right lineage, who God had forbidden Israel to marry, were have a claim upon the blessings of God, never prospered; misfortune to them- through their descent, added to their selves and the nation always followed own faithfulness in keeping the com- these alliances. One of the most wicked mandments of God. I deem it of great kings that ever sat upon the throne of importance to us as a people, that we Israel married a woman of this descrip- should look to this. When I hear of tion. Her name was Jezebel. She was girls in our Church marrying those who a king's daughter too, a woman of no- are not of us, who have not our faith, ble birth, but one of the most wicked I have said to myself—and my experi- women that ever lived. To gratify her ence in watching these matches has war- desire she incited her husband to mur- ranted me in the thought—that such a der, and to almost every other crime that proceeding was sure to be attended with could be committed. She was an idola- trouble to those who entered upon it. trous woman and she brought number- The offspring of such marriages do not less miseries and condemnation from the bring satisfaction or happiness to the Lord upon not only her husband's house, hearts of their relatives who are faith- but upon the whole house of Israel be- ful to the truth, and in many instances cause of her wickedness. they bring trouble and sorrow to their In looking around and traveling hearts. The mother's head is bowed with among our people, I have been deeply sorrow, if she retains her faith in the impressed with the consequences that Gospel of Jesus Christ, because of the follow these improper marriages among acts of her children. There are some us. My attention has been called many, men who have so much Gentile blood in many times to circumstances of this them, that their offspring partake of it, character that have taken place among and of the unbelief of the father, and in us. Not infrequently there is some case such cases it is impossible for a mother that comes up to us for counsel where who has such a husband and children, women have made alliances of this char- with all her faith, with all her zeal, acter; and women among us have been with all the pains that she takes, to in- more apt to do it than men. There still into the minds of her children faith have been a few instances of men marry- in the God of Israel, and faith in the ing strange women, losing the faith and covenant that He has restored. They becoming alienated from the Church of seem to belong to another flock. It seems God, but it has not been of such frequent as though they have no susceptibility occurrence among us with men as it has for the truth. There is no good soil in been with women. The alliances which their hearts to receive the seeds of truth, 366 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. the Gospel of the Son of God. It is just God, of the Church of which the mother like this: my family, who live on the is a faithful member. Several of the chil- banks of the Jordan River, have occasion- dren seem to partake of that unbelief, ally secured some wild duck eggs, and that inclination to apostatize, which they put them under some tame ducks, and seem to have inherited from their father. hatched them. But the wild duck as soon But it illustrates that which I have en- as he grew large enough to fly, generally deavored to impress upon your minds, took his flight and left the home nest. that when women make alliances of this It was not natural to be tame. And so kind, they are not sure, in the least de- it is frequently with marriages. A girl gree, as to the character of their poster- of our faith may marry a Gentile, and ity. They may have faithful children, but he may be a pretty good man as far as as likely as not, like the wild ducks I his conduct is concerned, he may be a spoke of, they will go back to their old el- good citizen, a truthful man, but there ement, and to their old associations, and will be a lack of susceptibility to the it seems impossible to prevent them from truth about his offspring. There will be doing so. a lack of faith there. Some of the chil- I have no doubt all of you have dren may have a little faith in the truth, had some experience of a similar char- but many of them, probably, will have no acter here in your midst. Have you faith whatever, and will give the mother ever seen a marriage on the part of uneasiness and trouble and sorrow, and a faithful member of this Church, ei- she will have no satisfaction whatever ther man or woman, with one that is in her children. I have in my mind to- not faithful, that has resulted happily day, an instance where a man joined the for all concerned? Can you not call to Church, in the very early days of the mind instance after instance where it Church, one of the oldest families in the has been attended with the worst re- Church, but he had not much faith. He sults? Where the woman after awhile, married one of the most faithful women tired of living in that condition, has I have ever known in my experience in been compelled, if she did not wish to the Church. She has raised a large fam- lose all hope of salvation here and here- ily, and by dint of faith and persever- after, to break the tie and to sever her- ance, finally succeeded in bringing the self from the man with whom she had family to the valley. But the husband lived in early life, into whose hands was always in the background. It re- she had committed herself as a maiden, quired all her faith, and all her exertions and by whom she had raised children— to keep him from breaking out against compelled to sever herself from him, if the Church, and from losing even a nom- she expected to obtain eternal life in inal membership in it. She has had a the Kingdom of God. I know many, large family of children. One of her sons, many such instances as these, and I whom she has brought up with all the think that as a people we should be care possible, teaching him constantly exceedingly careful about these mat- the principles of the Gospel, and endeav- ters. I would rather my daughters— oring to foster faith in his heart, is to- speaking about them—I would rather day an avowed enemy of the work of they would be the fiftieth wife to a good, faithful man, who had kept the commandments of God, and unto whom THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS A PECULIAR AND DISTINCT PEOPLE. 367 promises had been made—I would a soul descended from him personally, in rather they would occupy that relation- this Church. There is not a man bear- ship, and raise children by him, than ing the Holy Priesthood, to stand be- that they should be allied to a man unto fore our God in the Church that Joseph whom the promises of God had not been was the means in the hands of God, of made. But, says one, good men's sons founding—not a man today of his own are not always good. I know that, we all blood—that is, by descent—to stand be- know it. Adam, our Father, had Cain; he fore the Lord, and represent him among was a wicked man; but that does not al- these Latter-day Saints. But will this ter the principle, it does not affect that always be the case? No. Just as sure which I am speaking of. Adam's poster- as God lives, just as sure as God has ity had blessings sealed upon them that made promises, so sure will someone of cannot be taken from them. There was Joseph Smith's posterity rise up and be no reason why Cain should not have in- numbered with this Church and bear the herited all the blessings that Abel did, everlasting Priesthood that Joseph him- and that afterwards Seth possessed, if self held. It may be delayed in the wise he had been disposed to avail himself providence of our God. There are many of them; and it may be that where men things that we cannot understand, can- have the Priesthood, the power and au- not see the reason why they should be so; thority of it, and the blessings that per- but these promises are unalterable; God tain to it, sealed upon their heads—it made them to Joseph during his lifetime; may be that like it was in the cases and they will be fulfilled just as sure as of Terah and Abraham, if they belong God made them. He (Joseph) will have to the rightful lineage there will some among this people, someone descended one of that seed arise and be a faithful from his own loins, who will bear the ev- man, and attain unto all the blessings erlasting Priesthood, and who will honor that God has promised unto such faith- and magnify that Priesthood among the ful persons. You remember very well how Latter-day Saints. Therefore it is a bless- it was with Terah, the father of Abra- ing from God, for a woman to bear chil- ham. He was of the chosen seed, but he dren to such a man, or to any man who was an idolater. Yet he was heir to the bears or holds the everlasting Priesthood promises, and because of that Abraham, of the Son of God, and who magnifies through that heirship, and through de- his calling, and through magnifying it, scent, or the blessing that came through receives promises from God to himself, that descent, was able to go unto God and his posterity after him. Hence it is, and to plead for and receive the bless- my brothers and sisters, that remarks ings that God had promised through the are made from time to time about plu- fathers unto him and unto all who be- ral marriage, patriarchal marriage. It longed to that chosen seed. And so it is designed of God, that it should be may be with us. There may be faith- so. There are but comparatively few ful men who will have unfaithful sons, men among the family of mankind, who who may not be as faithful as they might are capable of leading the daughters of be; but faithful posterity will come, just Zion into the Celestial Kingdom of our as I believe it will be the case with the Prophet Joseph's seed. Today he has not 368 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

God—comparatively few—for the Lord he is not in a fit condition to save him- says: "Strait is the gate, and narrow is self, much less to lead his wife aright. the way, which leadeth unto life, and He cannot lead her in the path of exal- few there be that find it." Out of all tation, because he has turned aside from the sons of God, there are comparatively that path; he has gone into another path. few, I say, who are capable through their If she follow him, she will follow him to faith and faithfulness, and through their destruction; she will take the downward keeping the commandments of God, of road. She will never find, while follow- leading the daughters of Zion in the path ing him, and he in that condition, the of exaltation, and leading them into the path of salvation. Therefore, how care- Celestial Kingdom of our God; and there- ful men should be, that in marrying they fore it is of the utmost importance that in should marry into good families, and not these matters we should be exceedingly marry into apostate families. Did you careful. We should seek by revelation, if ever see any good result from a man tak- we can obtain it—and it is the privilege ing the daughter of an apostate, that has of all to obtain revelation, that is, all who been brought up an apostate? I never live as they should do—we should seek have. That woman and her companions, by revelation to obtain a knowledge for if there is not great exertions made, will ourselves, respecting these matters. Our lead that man's heart away after other daughters should be taught to control gods, away from the God of Israel, away their feelings and affections, and not let from the covenant, away from everything them go out without any regard to these that is holy and true. She will con- circumstances to which I have alluded. stantly fight him unless she is an ex- A woman should be exceedingly careful, ception to the general rule. There are a girl should be exceedingly careful, and instances where girls come out of such parents should be exceedingly careful in families, and are good, faithful women; instilling into her mind the principles but speaking of this as a rule it is not that must be observed by her and by her a safe proceeding. How can fathers and husband to obtain exaltation in the Ce- mothers of the Saints who marry into lestial Kingdom of God. How often is families that are not in the Church, or it the case among us, that women de- that are apostates—how can they min- sirous of salvation are compelled to leave gle together upon terms of equality? The their husbands that become drunken, grandchildren, having in them the blood that become apostates, that become care- of the apostate, and the blood of the less and indifferent, that do something faithful man, can they come together on or other that forfeits their standing in the same platform and be united with the Church of Christ? And then what each other, part of them being out of the is to become of such women? Accord- Church and part of them in the Church? ing to our faith no woman should be No, they cannot. There is a distinc- connected with a man who cannot save tion there, and there must be a letting her in the Celestial Kingdom of God. down of the bars on the part of those What I mean by this is: if a man apos- in the Church to associate with others tatizes and breaks covenants and loses out of the Church, on terms of equal- his standing in the Church of Christ, ity, or else there must be a rising up of THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS A PECULIAR AND DISTINCT PEOPLE. 369 those who are not in the Church to the covenant, and to seal upon them and platform of those who are in the Church, their posterity the blessings that pertain in order that they may be on anything to that new and everlasting covenant; like terms of equality. There must be and any man who desires to be a happy some breaking down in some direction. husband and to have a happy home, and The apostate must sink his difference any woman who desires to be a happy and try and feel like the Latter-day wife and a happy mother, and to have Saint, or else the faithful family must joy in their associations, will never per- yield a little in their feelings in order mit themselves to be drawn aside to be to mingle upon anything like terms of married by any authority except that friendship or equality with those who are which God has instituted, namely, the not in the Church. authority of the Holy Priesthood. Our My brethren and sisters: I consider daughters should seek, by all the faith that these are very important princi- that they can exercise before God, to ob- ples, and should be seriously considered. tain good husbands—husbands who will There is too much laxity among us in build them up instead of holding them Salt Lake City, and elsewhere, upon this down; who will strengthen their hands point. There are young men and young in the work of God, who will make them women, one or the other frequently be- mothers of a righteous seed and poster- longing to good families, who are mar- ity, with whom they can rejoice in the ried not by the Priesthood, but by some eternal mansions of our Father and our civil authority, in order to accommodate God; and no woman who has the faith the feelings of the girl, or of the young of the Gospel within her, will want to man, or of the families of one or the bear a child to a man of whom she will other. Can such marriages result in hap- be ashamed, and who cannot lead her piness? No, they cannot; they cannot re- into the presence of the Lamb. She will sult in happiness on the part of a man rather exercise faith before the Lord that who claims to be a Latter-day Saint, or God will give unto her a husband in on the part of a girl who claims to be a whom she can trust, in whom she can Latter-day Saint. It cannot be a happy have confidence, whose word will be as marriage. The fruits of such unions can- the word of God to her. And in the midst not be satisfactory, that is, to the faith- of the troubles, afflictions and trials that ful Saint, at least, and it is contrary to belong to this mortal existence, she will the mind and will of God. Our people feel comforted by the knowledge that her are commanded to marry in their own husband is indeed a man of God, a man Church. We are commanded to marry who will be true and faithful to her un- those of our own faith, and not to go der all circumstances. This is a constant outside of our Church for partners. In- cause of strength and comfort to every stead of being married by Justices of the woman, to know that she has wedded Peace, or by other civil authorities, God a man whom she can trust, upon whom has placed in His Church a Priesthood she can rely, who will never fail her, that and one of the offices and functions of is, as far as human nature will permit a that Priesthood is to marry the sons and man to be free from infallibility. This is daughters of God—to marry them one the course we should all take. to another in the new and everlasting 370 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES.

But, says one, what shall be done There are millions of them in the world. with those who are not of this class. There is no need for them to take our daughters, nor to marry our sons. The I do not have a word to say against apostates also can find plenty of their them. I do not want to say one word own kind. Let them marry them. I would against this class. Let them marry. Let not throw a straw in their way, I would the Gentile marry with the Gentile. That do nothing to interfere with them; but is right. I have no objection to this. I do let the faithful Latter-day Saints marry not want to say one word against their faithful Latter-day Saints. Let them men or against their women. Let them seek unto God in the name of Jesus, that marry among themselves. But I say to they may obtain women of virtue, women the Latter-day Saints, marry in your own of probity, women of faith, women of Church. Let the Latter-day Saints marry steadfastness, women that will be a glory faithful men, let them marry faithful to the men throughout time and eter- women, and let them raise up a pos- nity, and who will raise them children terity which God will bless, and upon in whom they can rejoice; and let the whom they can ask the blessing of our women seek in like manner to obtain Father; and when they pass away, they men upon whom they can look with re- can leave their blessing to be perpetu- spect and love in the midst of every trial, ated upon them and their posterity as in the midst of every affliction, no mat- long as the earth itself shall last. That ter what the circumstances may be; that is what I say to the Latter-day Saints. their faith may be unmoved in all the tri- At the same time I would not preclude als, difficulties and afflictions that per- any "non-Mormon," or Gentile as they tain to this mortal life; that they may are called, from marrying; but let such tread the straight and narrow path as marry their own class and among their long as mortality lasts, and then enter own people. I say we have no right to into the celestial kingdom of our God, allow them to marry our daughters, and when they obtain their resurrected bod- we should use every influence against ies, united as husband and wife, for time it. It is not right to allow apostates to and for all eternity. marry our daughters, nor for our sons Now, this is a privilege that God has to marry apostates. This is all wrong, given unto us His children, and I trust and we should guard against it, and use that as His children we will exercise all the influence in our power to prevent it. Remember, my brethren and sis- it. And those who are weak in the faith ters, that as wise a king as Solomon, and want to be married by officers of a man unto whom God appeared and the law, let them choose those who have unto whom God spake, was led away the same faith and feeling as they have; by strange women and lost his power, but let no faithful daughter or faithful became an idolater, and God scourged son of faithful parents be influenced to him and his posterity for his wicked- marry such persons, and marry in that ness in this respect. I have in my kind of a way. This is what I say to you mind today a man among us who in this morning, and the counsel I would like manner allowed his affections to give to all my brethren and sisters. go after a strange woman, and took Let the apostates marry the apostates. her to wife, and when I think about Let the Gentiles marry the Gentiles. his circumstances, it reminds me in a CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT THE GOSPEL. 371 small degree of the fate of Solomon; the I pray God the Eternal Father, to same result is in his case, and it will bless us as a people; to bless you, my be in every case. I do not care how brethren and sisters, and to give you strong the man may be, he may have strength and wisdom and grace to gov- strength enough to hold the woman, ern your families and yourselves, so that to overpower her influence, but it is you will always be found in the path a risk that should not be taken; for of righteousness, the path that leadeth if a man does he will almost be sure unto the Lord, which I ask in the name to be overcome, and fall into trouble. of Jesus. Amen.

REMARKS.

DISCOURSEBY APOSTLE FRANKLIN D.RICHARDS, DELIVEREDINTHE TABERNACLE, SALT LAKE CITY,SUNDAY MORNING,OCTOBER 5, 1884.

REPORTEDBY JOHN IRVINE.

I will read a few verses contained shall also observe the Sabbath day to in the 68th section of the Book of Doc- keep it holy. trine and Covenants, a book of revelation "And the inhabitants of Zion also and commandment, which the Lord has shall remember their labors, inasmuch given unto us in this last dispensation, as they are appointed to labor, in all for our guidance: faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in "And again, inasmuch as parents remembrance before the Lord. have children in Zion, or in any of her "Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased stakes which are organized, that teach with the inhabitants of Zion, for there them not to understand the doctrine of are idlers among them; and their chil- repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the dren are also growing up in wickedness; living God, and of baptism and the gift of they also seek not earnestly the riches of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the eternity, but their eyes are full of greedi- hands, when eight years old, the sin be ness." upon the heads of the parents. I will also read from the 29th section "For this shall be a law unto the in- of the same book: habitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes "But behold, I say unto you, that lit- which are organized. tle children are redeemed from the foun- "And their children shall be baptized dation of the world through mine Only for the remission of their sins when eight Begotten; years old, and receive the laying on of "Wherefore, they cannot sin, for hands. power is not given unto Satan to tempt "And they shall also teach their chil- little children, until they begin to be ac- dren to pray, and to walk uprightly be- countable before me; fore the Lord. "For it is given unto them even "And the inhabitants of Zion as I will, according to mine own 372 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. pleasure, that great things may be re- Many of this people, who have lived quired at the hand of their fathers." faithful to their professions, know more today of God and His purposes, than they did fifty years ago. We learn by expe- Referring to our little children, who rience as well as by precept, from the are becoming, numerically, a mighty host Lord, and as in the light of our experi- among us, I wish to make a few remarks ence we have obtained observation and this morning, the subject seeming to im- got knowledge, we should not only profit press itself on my mind somewhat. A by it ourselves, but as Elders in Israel we consideration of the associations of our should endeavor to benefit and improve young men and young women, reminds each other by our experiences, so that us that before they become young men we may increase in understanding before and young women, in the common ac- the Lord in all our relations to Him and ception of the term, they are younger to each other. men and younger women; and while in- Now, concerning little children, there fant children are in a dependent and is too much of an inclination with somewhat helpless condition. As the many—particularly in the world, but tall oaks from little acorns grow, and as this feeling is growing much less among mighty rivers are made up from small the Saints—to treat their children with streamlets and springs that come from indifference, to put them off, and to think hidden sources in the mountains, so is that a very little of anything will do them the increase of God's people by reason of very well. Children are apt to be waited their little children that are growing— on even at the table after the feasted and increasing in number and multiplying friends are all served. continually in the land. In early days I will not stop to dilate upon this our increase used to be made up, in a particular feature of my subject, but great measure, by emigrants from for- will turn to a more pleasing one. Our eign nations. The past few years our em- Savior while here in the flesh, perceiv- igration has attained to some three or ing the people thought that children four thousand, annually, from the vari- were of less importance than grown per- ous countries in which missions are es- sons, was much displeased and said: tablished, while it has increased many "Suffer the little children to come unto times that number from the great and me, and forbid them not: for of such glorious presence of God our Father, who is the kingdom of God." Who, I ask, sends the spirits to this world to dwell. among my hearers this morning has Hence it becomes the great source of been attending the Sunday School and our supply, of our increase, and I am listened to their recitations that has not sure you will join with me, many of you, felt their hearts warmed within them this morning in realizing that we have at hearing the early germinations of not, in many instances, given a sufficient intelligence made manifest and appar- and proper consideration for our little ent while they have been reciting the children that have been committed unto Scriptures, the revelations and max- us, when we realize the importance, the ims from the cards that are now in eternal consequences that are made to use in the Sabbath Schools? Who has flow from the beginning of their tuition listened to their songs, so sweet and and education here in this mortal life. melodious, without feeling that the very CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT THE GOSPEL. 373 blessing of the Lord was there, that it own pleasure, that great things may be was delightful and lovely to be in their required at the hand of their fathers." midst? Who has gone into the little as- When He was here upon this con- sociations of the Primaries, now held so tinent, our risen Redeemer taught the regularly, among us, and heard them an- Nephites, and blessed their children in swer their questions, from perhaps the multitudes. youngest that were able to speak dis- So powerfully was the Holy Ghost tinctly and articulate so as to be heard— poured out upon them that they spake heard them answer the questions put with tongues. Infants that had no learn- by their teachers concerning the kind ing at all, declared forth His praise in of knowledge they are expected to ob- such glorious, exalted terms, that the tain and are obtaining—who among us brethren present could not write them. have attended these associations and lis- Such was the blessing and favor of tened to those little ones, without feel- heaven, through our Lord and Savior Je- ing the fragrance of heaven shed abroad sus Christ, shed abroad upon the inno- upon their souls and being sensible that cent portion of humanity that was per- there is to be found in them a beauty mitted to stand in His presence. of innocence, of sweetness and purity Then, seeing that the heavens are that we cannot expect in the hearts of a so pleased with them, ought not we to concourse of grown people? Jesus said understand and entertain a higher es- of them: "Suffer the little children to timate of their value, of their heavenly come unto me, and forbid them not: for worth, and of their eternal importance, of such is the kingdom of heaven." He especially when we consider that from might also have said, "their angels, their these small children that mothers are spirits had always dwelt in the pres- nursing upon their laps will by and by ence of God, or before the face of my have grown up Prophets, Seers and Rev- Father which is in heaven." Learn this, elators, Judges in Israel, men of God mothers, when you sorrowfully lay away standing forth upon the earth declaring your little ones—learn this: their spirits His counsels, building up His Kingdom do always dwell before the face of their in all righteousness, and in the power of Father who is in heaven, and let your God. Remember then, that as the twig is hearts be comforted, no sin has contam- bent the tree will be inclined. inated their souls, no spot of contamina- Let me call your attention to a par- tion has tarnished their young and ten- ticular feature in the matter of chil- der consciences. There is purity, the pu- dren and their early condition. In the rity of the pure here on earth. What revelation which I have read to you, has the Lord said, "That little children the Lord says: "Power is not given are redeemed from the foundation of unto Satan to tempt little children, un- the world through mine Only Begotten; til they begin to become accountable be- Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power fore me." Did you notice this when I is not given unto Satan to tempt little read it? Let me ask how many of those children, until they begin to become ac- present have taken this great truth countable before me; For it is given unto into serious consideration, to consciously them even as I will, according to mine sense this great heavenly indemnity of a few years' growth to each of our 374 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. infant children in which Satan has no to tempt our children who have been power to tempt their innocent souls; that born under the covenant—let us see that whatsoever the examples placed before we attend to them, and let us give an as- them, whatsoever their early inclina- siduity to the business of teaching and tions by reason of erroneous teachings, preparing their young and tender minds, yet until they are made accountable Sa- that we have never given before. tan has no power to tempt them, and What is the great object and pur- they are still innocent before the Lord, pose of this life while we are here upon until they come to the years of account- the earth? What one thing, if possi- ability when they should be instructed ble, is more important than another? It and prepared to be baptized into the is this: that as our children come to Church, and become members of it. us innocent—for the revelation tells us People of other religious denomina- that all men are innocent when they are tions tell us that if we will give them born into the world, and have these early the education of our children for a cer- years of indemnity from the power of tain number of years, they will wrest the tempter to tempt them to sin—let them from us, turn them loose upon the us go to and make a better use than world, cause them to depart from the we have done of the opportunities we faith of their fathers and despise their enjoy. Let us instill faith into the ten- parentage, seeing this is the design of der hearts of our children, faith towards our enemies, and they are conscious of God, obedience to their parents, obedi- being able and are endeavoring to do ence to the authorities of the Church, this with our children, ought we not to that when they come to years of account- sense more deeply the value of that same ability, they may take hold for them- consideration—yes, but in a thousand- selves, with a hearty, strong and loving fold greater degree—we ought to see to relish for the principles of the Gospel of it that the faith of our children is pre- divine truth. Let us endeavor to real- served sound, healthy, and kept growing ize the importance of this matter. And in their bosoms. How important, then, what is that other thing we want to pre- that we teach and educate our children serve to them? It is this: as they come during the first eight years of their lives, to this life innocent, if men and women so that when they attain to that age they can be taken through this life innocent, may be admitted into the Church by bap- and sin not before the Lord, and receive tism, and receive the laying on of the of His Spirit and walk in the light of hands of the Elders for the reception of it, so that while passing through this the Holy Ghost, then they will have the state of probation they shall have main- aid of that heavenly monitor that will as- tained a condition of innocence through sist the formation of their growing judg- the blessing of the everlasting Gospel, ments. they will have accomplished a wonderful Let us consider this matter more thing—the great object and purpose of carefully than we have done. Let their mortal lives. This is the great thing us see that while there is a sus- to be sought for—to preserve that inno- pension of the wrath—if we may so cence with which our children are born, say—of Satan, that he has not power and in which they are permitted to live CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT THE GOSPEL. 375 a few years, at any rate, free from the such things and be justified in the sight power of Satan. It seems to me that if of God? It seems to me they must be con- we contemplate this matter in the light summately ignorant or consummately of revelation, we ought to see its impor- wicked to do such a thing. I should think tance. The Lord has given to us the priv- it right that such be refused certain priv- ilege of being united in the holy mar- ileges of the Gospel, until they had a riage covenant for time and eternity. We better idea in regard to these things. I look forward to inheriting the blessings do not see how they can themselves feel of the kingdom of God with our children, that they have a right to open up to and that to their increase there shall further intelligence, or to have further be no end. This was the Gospel that blessings bestowed upon them. If peo- was preached to Father Abraham—that ple are so insensible to and so ungrate- he and his children and his generation ful for blessings already conferred, how should become as the stars in the heav- can they expect more? Oh, that such ens for multitude, and like the sands on people would turn round and understand the seashore that cannot be counted. We the foolishness and sinfulness of their look for blessing, dominion, exaltation course, for if they do not repent, their ac- and glory in the eternal worlds, through tion will bring sorrow and affliction, un- similar means. til their gray hairs will come with sorrow Now, then, my brethren and sisters, to their graves. I wish to ask a question at this stage of my discourse. Realizing something of It appears in contemplating this the value which the heavens set upon the subject—more especially since the great children; remembering that the Prophet work of the Sunday schools has been go- Joseph Smith himself taught and left on ing on in our midst, since the vast labor record in his history that little children of the mutual improvement associations who depart this life before they come to has been inaugurated among our young the years of accountability go back to men and young women—that there is the presence of God; that many children a stupendous work before us, that our were of so excellent a spirit that God, children, while they are on our laps, in His grace and mercy, took them away and while prattling in and about our from the adverse conditions of this life, homes, developing the first germinations that they might not be required to suf- of intelligence—that then is the time to fer as many others had to; this being instill the first ideas of faith towards God their position before the heavens, what and His work, into their young and ten- are we to think of parents, who, hav- der minds. The wicked world are en- ing these principles before them, turn deavoring to wean away our children by their children over to our avowed ene- their arts, their publications, and by the mies to be educated, knowing that their blandishments of falsely so-called "su- policy is to break down "Mormonism," perior civilization." They would like to especially the authority of the Priest- draw away the young and rising genera- hood to counsel, direct and govern the tion of Israel. They have learned that we, people. I say, what are we to think of their parents, have the principles of the such parents? How can those people do Gospel established in us, and that we are 376 JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES. not easily moved, unless we fall into early shall find Him, and from such He transgression. They find that their pur- will not turn away. It was anciently pose of building up their churches by a divine injunction with promise to the conversions from amongst our people is youth of Israel, that they were to rev- futile and hopeless. They find that the erence and obey their fathers and their Gospel of eternal truth is established in mothers, that their days might be long in the hearts of this people; that we have the land which the Lord their God gave received something which satisfies the to them; and this promise—renewed to human mind, a something which they our children with the same conditions have not got to offer. They find that now—should be esteemed and regarded they cannot furnish the human mind with equal or greater deference to that with the satisfying influence and effects anciently bestowed. * * * * which are afforded by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Great and abundant are the bless- Praying always that the understand- ings that are promised unto those who ing of the Lord may be given unto us that seek unto the Lord in the days of we may know and do His Holy will, in the their youth. They who seek Him name of Christ our Lord, Amen.